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Right around Christmas, I made a post about how moved I was seeing everyone get to their knees right before the Consecration. I wrote about how beautiful it is that we kneel to worship Our Lord. Some snark shark showed up with an attempted put down telling me that he thought my worship would actually lead to me saying that I was going out to serve in a soup kitchen. To which I responded back, "I was at Mass worshipping God. Here in this post, I was focused on our worship of God. For me, it's a both/and. I can worship God and serve people." He said, "God doesn't need worship, why do you think he came as bread?" I commented, "God may not need our worship, but we need to worship Him. Are you seriously arguing that we shouldn't worship Our Lord? Your argument doesn't make any sense anyway. He didn't come as bread, He came as a baby--fully human, fully Divine." It is true that God doesn't need our worship, but we were created to worship Him. Not because He is some overbearing, narcissistic tyrant that needs to be adored, but because without right worship of God, we will worship something else--usually ourselves. Never has this played out well for anybody. I read today, "The Magi reveal that our search for truth leads to worship." When we find God and recognize Him as the reason for everything, as the source of all truth, there is only one response--worship. May our search for God lead us to worship Him, as is just. And may that worship lead us to be changed and never go back to our old ways. Have a blessed Epiphany, Catholic Pilgrims. *Painting is Adoration of the Magi by Rubens. 1609-1629
“Bethlehem is the prelude to Calvary. We may not merely stand adoring at the crib; we must also follow Christ to the cross.” Many moons ago, my friend from college who became an atheist was publicly asking questions about Christianity on her Facebook page. They were snarky and rude. Since, I’m not one to let a debate go by, I started answering her questions. You know how it goes: You answer a question, they don’t acknowledge the answer, but instead throw out another red herring. I stuck in there and continued to answer the rather softball questions. Pretty soon, a horde of angry atheists descended on me and attempted to do an online “stoning.” Not a single one could counter my arguments, but the truth of those arguments enraged them. Today, we look at the life of St. Stephen, the first martyr. He was debating people and they couldn’t handle the truth and wisdom of his words given to him by the Holy Spirit. They became “infuriated” and just wanted to silence him through death. As faithful Catholics, we must know that attacks will come our way. People will lash out at us over the truth of the Gospel. We must pray for the grace to take the literal and figurative blows, Catholic Pilgrims. Have a blessed Friday. St. Stephen, pray for us! *St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Istanbul.
When I was working as a counselor for victims of sexual violence (I'm a criminologist that specialized in sexual violence crimes), I got a call one day from a women's detention home. They were wondering if I could come and do a weekly group session with the ladies. The home was just a big place where women who had substance abuse problems or were in s$x work of some kind were held. It wasn't jail, but it wasn't a free house either. Anyway, my first day, I was in a room with about 25 ladies. For nearly all of them, which is extremely common, their path went something like this: Abuse of some kind in childhood, nobody did anything, started drugs and alcohol to numb pain, had absent father, sought love from men through s$x, were in one abusive relationship after another, the spiral of drugs and s$x work took its toll. None of them understood genuine love or could even comprehend what authentic love would look like. Yesterday, I was driving in town and near a old-run down motel, there was a very young woman walking on the side of the street with nothing on but skimpy underwear and a short, grungy fur coat. Her hair was a mess and she was talking on the phone. I knew instantly that the path of her life was just like the ladies I used to counsel--never been loved, always been used. Now offers herself up to be used. As a mother, it just kills me to see such things. All the s$xual perversion--meaning anything outside of a man and woman in a loving, committted marriage-- in our country continually harms people just like this. Men, too, make no mistake. There is no dignity to be found in any of this and it just tanks souls. Oftentimes, people can't find their way to God, even when they want to, because they feel so dirty and worthless. I always get the people who want to tell me certain things are fine and blah, blah, blah, consent, and blah, blah, blah. I will forever push back vehemently because they've never dealt with the fall-out like I have and they just have some s$xual sin they like that they are trying to defend. So many broken souls out there, Catholic Pilgrims. Be sure you show up bringing light and love. It's desperately needed. Mary, Our Immaculate Mother, pray for us!
When I was first on the road to becoming Catholic, I frequently imagined that God would ask me to leave my family and go be a missionary in like the most obscure place. I'd literally see myself all alone trying to evangelize on the tundra of Siberia or the Amazon Rainforest in South America. There was that nagging voice that said, "This is what is looks like to fully give yourself to Christ. Is that really what you want? To leave your family? To go live in utter hardship?" Today, in my Magnificat, I read this, "Often we allow our imagination to conjure up vague, mysterious torments that surely await us if we give ourselves fully. And it's usually this purely imaginary suffering that holds us back." --Sister Mary David Totah After reading that, I laughed a little at how true that was for the way I used to think. This is what a lot of us do; we conjure up these horrible imaginary situations that we think Christ will call us to. Nearly always, we conjure up some situation where we are utterly alone and joyless. This, as Sister Mary David Totah says, causes us to lose heart. So, we play it safe and call ourselves a believer, but never fully give of ourselves to Christ. Consequently, we don't allow any growth in our faith and it becomes stagnant and bland. I had to learn to reject those imaginary scenarios. Are there some missionaries that go into uncharted territory and suffer much? Yes. Could I be called to that? Maybe. But even if I was, I would be on fire to go, as many missionaries are, and I'd be given the grace to live out that life. Christ would never ask me to go forth into something without equipping me with gifts or giving me the graces to handle it. "All this involves a strong conviction and faith in God's handling of our case, even if our life seems not to be what we previously expected." There is no greater life than a life given fully to Christ, Catholic Pilgrims. It won't be without suffering, but it will be full of purpose. No matter what God calls us to, if we trust Him and go willingly, we will find that it's exactly the right thing for us, whether or not we thought it would be. Live the faith boldly and travel well this Tuesday.
Last week, I made a light-hearted reel about the supposed rumor of celebrities' likenesses being used on the faces of Saints at the Cathedral in LA. While the building itself is not architecturally my favorite, the tapestries depicting the Saints are absolutely wonderful. They are all a long the side of the nave and all the Saints are oriented towards the altar. I don't know if the celebrities thing is true. The goal was just to make a fun reel to see if people really thought St. John's face looked like Leonardo DiCaprio. But, I got a scathing comment from a follower on Youtube. He said, "I would never step into that place! Anything out there is tainted with evil!" The most concerning part about his comment is his write off of everything in California, LA specifically, because of politics. He is, in effect, saying that no Catholic Church can even be walked into. Our Lord in any tabernacle in California is "tainted with evil." This is also to write off all devoted Catholics who try really hard to live out their faith well here. Did he think I was tainted with evil because I am stationed here? How could he even watch my channel given that I currently live in California? And what if Christ needed this man to go to California to evangelize or be a missionary, like my daughter was at Berkeley? Would he say no and refuse because everything here is a lost cause? Must we only ever go to places that are already pristine and pure? The other part that bothers me is how so many people lack the ability to laugh and just have a moment of fun. St. Teresa of Avila is quoted as saying, ""God save us from gloomy saints!" Amen, Sister. There are parts of living in California that I don't particularly like, but that's with anywhere. Not only are there beautiful churches to visit where Our Lord is in the tabernacle, but I've also met so many wonderful people who are solid Catholics. We live in a fallen world and it is true that evil can be found, but let's not be irrational and extreme in seeing only the bad. A soul will suffocate that way, Catholic Pilgrims. Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Monday.
One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to read to them. Obviously, I don't read to my adult kids anymore, but all through their growing up years, I did. I still do, today, with my son. All the books they have to read for our homeschool curriculum are read by me. I will miss the day when I don't have one of my children sitting next to me as I read great literature to them. Also, at the end of the day, our family sits and listens to me read a book. While reading, I enjoy giving the characters "voices." From time-to-time, I'll purposely use the wrong voice for a character and it's funny to see how quickly they protest. Or, sometimes I'll pick up the book and start reading not using any voices and they will quickly stop me and tell me to "read it right." Oh, how I love reading to people. It's why I enjoy doing my podcast so much. I truly love reading out loud the writings of the Saints. I attend Daily Mass in this tiny little Blessed Sacrament room you see here in the picture. I'm grateful we have this reserved space here on base. There are just a handful of us that can make it, so I've become the unofficial Daily Mass lector. Most times when I read the first reading, I watch as those in attendance close their eyes and listen to the words. I find it to be a truly humbling experience to read the Word of God out loud to listening ears. Even though I'm reading to just a handful of people, the gravity of it all does hit me. I've been told that I have a good reading voice many times. Maybe it's the fact that I'm a Midwesterner. I used to think, "Well, what a no-big deal talent." But, maybe not. If God gave me such a talent, then it was meant to be used for good. Every time I read at Daily Mass and watch as people take in the words from the Bible, I'm reminded that with God, no gift or talent is menial or insignificant. Whatever your gifts are, Catholic Pilgrims, even if they seem insignificant or trivial, God gave them to you for a great purpose. Use them for His Glory. Have a great Thursday.
"You believe Mary is a goddess." "Stop giving worship to Mary." "She was just a regular sinner like you and me." "Mary was no different than the donkey Christ rode on for Palm Sunday." These are just a small sampling of comments I've heard over the years whenever I've written about Mary. Two things can happen when we look at Mary apart from Christ. The first thing that can happen is actually setting Mary up as an idol. I think it would be naive and disingenuous to pretend that there aren't people that give more attention to Mary than to God. The second thing that can happen is dismissing the Mother of Our Lord and giving her no more significance than apparently a beast of burden. Both are utterly and dangerously wrong. The Catholic Church teaches "What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines, in turn, its faith in Christ." CC 487 Mary is not a goddess and the Church has never taught that. She is, however, the Queen of Heaven. Why? Because Christ is our King and, especially in ancient times, the queen was the king's mother, not his wife. Mary should not be worshipped--worship is for God alone. However, she should be given special veneration and honor. Why? Because she is the Mother of Our Lord. In her womb, the Savior of the world grew. Mary is a human, just like you and me, but she, above all other humans, had the unique role of being the woman through whom the Christ-Child would come into the world. Mary was born and remained her entire life free of sin. She is the Immaculate Conception. Not by her own power was she able to do this, but by the special graces given to her by God. Why? Because it is fitting that the Mother of Our Lord be stainless. She assumed into Heaven not of her own power, but by the power of her Son. Why? Because it is not fitting that the woman who held Christ within her body, who nursed Him, who cradled Him in her arms, stood by Him at the foot of the Cross, should experience bodily decay. Everything we understand about Mary points us to Christ, Catholic Pilgrims. To have a proper relationship with her enhances our relationship with Jesus. Have a blessed Feast of the Immaculate Conception! Get thee to Mass!
On a friend's page a few weeks back, I saw a post that talked about not buying into consumerism during Christmas. (pun intended) Cool, cool. I'm with you. But, then it said, "For Christmas, just have a family meal and call it a day." And with that, my eyebrow raised in annoyance. The post was no longer cool to me. I understand the desire to not do the consumerism thing during Christmas. Too much emphasis is placed on truck-loads of presents, buying this, that, and everything. Christmas is not the Season of Buying. Or rather, I should say, Advent is not the Season of Buying. Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with buying gifts. I love finding meaningful, special gifts for people. The emphasis being on presents and things is the problem. But, nowhere in that post was the name of Christ brought up. Christmas isn't about family meals, presents, cookies, travel, parties or even Santa. My dad wrote me the other day and said, "You know something that drives me nuts? When people start talking about getting together with family and friends, decorations, Christmas trees, and presents and someone will say, 'Well, that's what Christmas is all about.' It's sad that it took Linus from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' to get it right." Jesus. Jesus is Who the Advent and Christmas Seasons are all about. The post could have said, "Don't buy into consumerism this Christmas Season. Get your family and go to Church for Christmas and celebrate Our Savior being born. That's what it's all about." Church is free. Preparing for the coming of Christmas is free. Worshipping Our Savior is free. None of the other stuff is bad, Catholic Pilgrims. But, let's not just refrain from buying stuff, then just have a dinner, and call it a day. Let's lean into our Advent Season as it prepares us for the coming of Christ at Christmas and call it a well-lived season. Live the faith boldly and travel well this Monday.
When I was a kid growing up in the 80s, my dad was a master of filling waiting time. Since my parents only had one car, we would have to go pick my mom up from work once he got out of class at K-State. We'd sit there outside her work waiting on her to come out. It could have been a boring time, but it never was with my dad. We'd make up silly songs, play made-up games, watch the people who were coming out of the building, etc. Those times of waiting with my dad are some of my most memorable. I didn't have a tablet or a phone to occupy me. My dad didn't make me sit there and be quiet, but instead, he showed me what you could do with waiting--you could notice the world around you. Consequently, I took what my dad taught me and did the same things with my kids. Advent is a time of waiting and nearly everyone hates to wait. People rush from one holiday to the next, never waiting or embracing the moment. Our lives feel overly busy because we either try to avoid waiting for anything or we try to numb ourselves during the waiting. But, I think what my dad taught me during those times sitting outside Bluemont Hall on the campus of KSU is the right approach. Look up, take everything in, and enjoy the moment. It's so tempting to just rush to Christmas after Halloween is over. Advent reminds us to slow down, look around, enjoy the moment before the expected day, and soak in the little things. Have a blessed first Sunday of Advent, Catholic Pilgrims.
Back when we were living in Turkey, we discovered that our 15-year old daughter had scoliosis. It needed a corrective operation and, to make a long story short, we found an amazing doctor in Istanbul. The operation was 11-hours long which was utter torture for my husband and me. When it was over, she had a long road to recovery. After 10-days in the hospital, we finally got to bring her home, but she was very uncomfortable--mostly she could only sit. Lying on her side was impossible. Her lungs were weak and everything hurt. At night, she would get tired of lying on her back and would want to move out to the recliner in the living room. She couldn't help herself, and so I told her to call for me in the night and I would come get her and help. Because her lungs were weak and her torso hurt, she couldn't call very loudly, but no matter what, I always heard her weak voice call out, "Momma?" I could be dead asleep and I never failed to hear her and get up. I'd go to her room, help her up, walk her to the living room, and get her settled in the recliner. When her dad would get home from work, he would take her for a walk around the large 6th floor patio area of our apartment building. Slowly, slowly she would walk in circles, hanging onto her dad's arm, getting stronger with each lap. Today, she is wonderfully healed and healthy. I was thinking about this yesterday. My daughter calling out to me in the night reminds me of how we can call out to Our Blessed Mother for help, prayers, and love. She will always hear us no matter how weakly we call out. A mother always hears the voice of her children when they need her. My husband's actions reminds me of the Father's love--there to give strength and encouragement through difficulties. Always knowing that we are capable of more than we think we are. The love of God always heals us if we trust Him with our pain. We are so blessed, so very blessed, Catholic Pilgrims, to be so loved and wanted by God. We are also blessed that He gives us such a beautiful Mother to call on, as well. Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Monday.
Back when my girls were in high school, I was teaching them about what St. Thomas Aquinas had to say about government. Initially, when I was learning this, I was surprised that Thomas believed that a pure monarchy with a just, charitable, and wise king would be optimal. This was surprising to my American eyes. Yet, he knew that humans were prone to tyranny and so, in reality, he knew that a mixed government--a central ruler kept in check by others was probably best. Humans are weak and power is intoxicating. There have been good kings, but too many struggle to not be overwhelmed by the power. Christ, though, is our perfect King. Everything we understand about our Faith is understood through Christ. Mary is only the Queen Mother because Christ is King. We are only heirs to the Kingdom because Christ is King. He is the most beautiful, perfect, excellent, glorious King and I think we forget sometimes that He is King. We try to rule Him by making Him into what we would like, instead of letting Him rule our lives. We run around looking for salvation from worldly powers and always and forever wind up disappointed. The One Who truly saves is Christ. Welcome to the end of the liturgical year, Catholic Pilgrims. May we praise, glorify, and revere our King. Have a blessed Sunday.
You've all heard me talk about my friend from college who became an atheist. After becoming an atheist, she told me stories about what it was like growing up in a Pentecostal church. It did not sound good. She told me that growing up, she and her siblings were not allowed to have toys, because toys were from the devil. "How could simple toys be from the devil?" she asked me. "Well, they aren't. That's just superstitious nonsense." This belief was one of the reasons that she abandoned Christianity. To her, it was fear-mongering, controlling nonsense that had no basis in reality. I can't say that I blame her for feeling that way. It wasn't logical for her to then conclude that God doesn't exist, but when your whole foundation of Christianity is built on weirdness, superstition, and, sometimes, abusive practices, you can see why people give up on it. Lately, I've been seeing more and more people--including many Catholics-declaring that certain toys are diabolical or portals for the demons. Honestly, this has been going on for a long time. Care Bears are evil. He-man is evil. Unicorns are evil. Each decade has "evil" toys. This is superstition and we are forbidden to be superstitious. Inanimate objects do not have power in and of themselves. You may counter with, "Well, what about an Ouija Board?" Yes, an Ouija Board is bad because of the action that is intended to be done with it. The board itself has zero power. Sitting there using it to conjure spirits to gain information is opening yourself up to bad things. That is dangerous. New Agey people assign power to objects--this is superstition. We cannot be like this. Toys are toys. They hold no power in and of themselves. The Church does not condemn toys--except very specific ones like Ouija Boards. If we are unreasonable and nonsensical about this stuff, children will eventually figure out that it's just a bunch of superstitious nonsense and, consequently, this will cause them to question actual truths about the faith. Now, yes, can people become obsessed with toys and idolize collecting them. This is wrong and generally comes from a place of trying to fill your life with stuff in order to satisfy your heart's desires rather than seeking God. Do not be led astray by people, even within the Church, who are setting up their own rules for you to follow. Trust in Christ, trust in your baptismal mark, trust in what the Church teaches. Have a blessed day, Catholic Pilgrims.
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