Modern-day martyr

People are born and die every day, but every so often, we hear about one who has changed the lives of others in dramatic ways.  Today, news was published about the death of a Chinese bishop who did just that.  You have to understand that to be a Roman Catholic in China these days is not something easy, since the government controls much about how religion is observed and lived in that country.

What's more, to be a leader in the Church in China means that you have to be sanctioned by the Government.  To do others means almost certain condemnation to much ostracism if not persecution.  Those who bravely walk this road are to be admired by those of us who enjoy the liberty of practicing our religion without having to be constantly on the lookout.

Throughout the history of the Church, those who have suffered the most for their faith have planted seeds with their own blood which have borne much fruit.  Even today, lives of faith are led in this and in many other countries throughout the world.  Their witness continues to speak eloquently about the power of faith.

A fourth for February

We're still a little more than a week away from the beginning of Lent, and yet the scriptures are already inviting us to start thinking differently.  Well, to be honest, they challenge us to think differently every day, but the passages this week have a particular ring that reminds me of some of the central Lenten themes.  More specifics on that topic in future missives.  For the moment, here's the text of this week's reflection, and of course the listen-in version too:

Built on trust

The Standard and Poors TSX Composite Index closed up yesterday by just over 184 points.  The Venture Composite Index and the New York Stock Exchange also closed in positive territory.  Some of us here today may have slept better last night, knowing this news, but some if not many of us don't even understand what this news means.  You see, in the business world, the pursuit of wealth drives the ups and downs of our economy.  Stock Market speculation, which drives the numbers up and down on a minute to minute basis has the power to affect the price of oil, the value of our dollar on the International Exchanges and even the rates of interest we pay on loans and mortgages.  Even the slightest change up or down in the Stock Market means big money, won by some and lost by others.  It's a very competitive business.
 
Even if we're not too well versed in the finer points of Market fluctuations, many of us do understand how to use a credit card, and some of us know only too well that credit cards are great to have but can also be dangerous because no matter how much we have, there is always the temptation to want more, and a buy now, pay later society makes it that much easier for us to fool ourselves into thinking that we can have everything our hearts desire, because we don't have to pay for it immediately.
 
Today's scripture readings challenge this narrow view of existence, and encourage us to see that life is much more than the possessions we count as our own.  Jesus tells his disciples not to be concerned about earthly measures of wealth because nature’s abundance clearly demonstrates how much God loves us.  Have you ever taken Jesus' advice literally, stopped to consider the flowers that grow wild in our fields, or taken a moment to marvel at some of the species that we happily display in planters and pots?  There are two Christmas cactus plants blooming in the rectory right now.  I noticed them this week, and stopped just for a moment to examine the detail of each flower.  God designed these flowers, their curves, their colour, each petal, and everything in such perfect symmetry and beauty, all for us to enjoy, and there's no monetary cost involved either.  If He put such care into the design of one flower, how much care and love does he lavish on us, each one of us, every day?
 
The prophet Isaiah reminds us today that God pays such close attention to us that even when we might be tempted to think that he has forgotten about us, he is still gazing upon us and listening for us with the attentiveness of a parent who knows the cry of a new-born child.
 
The competitive world of high finance and a culture that tries to convince us that it's ok to live on speculation will never be able to respond adequately to our search for happiness.  The answers they provide are all too often shallow and fleeting.  However, Isaiah's image makes God very personal, and brings Him up close to each of us, and the teaching of Jesus reminds us that Christians are all called to a different way of life.  Ours is an invitation to trust in God who knows what we need and to believe that God will give us everything that is for our good.  The challenge is to put our faith into this reality, to replace competitiveness, greed and false hopes with trust in a sure thing.
 
Right here, right now, in this Eucharist, let's express gratitude for God's amazing love, and allow God to be our source of nourishment, security and hope.

Met Opera in Sudbury

I was at the Opera today.  On offer this afternoon, a Met Opera performance of Christof Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride which was being simulcast from New York to theatres all over the world.

This was my first exposure to Opera by Gluck.  I've heard of many other works by many other composers, but although I've heard of Gluck, I've not heard (until today) of an opera which he composed.  In general, this one falls in the category of tragedies, and the musical score is relatively simple (purposely done I think, in order to emphasize the dark character of the play).

The second half was more musically sophisticated than the first, but the drama was dark right from the get go.  It's not often that exposure to the Opera is afforded those of us who live in this part of the world, so we'll find it and celebrate it whenever it is available.  Thankfully, there are many other opportunities for arts and culture though, including live theatre, symphony concerts, and even smaller more intimate affairs such as chamber recitals and choral music performances, to say nothing of the various concerts of other genres.

Arts and culture are alive and well!

Leaving no trace

The janitor came by today to empty my trash can ... but he only found a small scrap of paper (one) in the can.  Whereas some days I spend the entire day sitting at the desk and doing paperwork, today was a different day. 

Today I spent the morning with a family who is mourning ... celebrating the Funeral Mass for their mother.  Once that was done, and the crowd had disbursed, I then spent another half hour with those who came to celebrate the noon eucharist, and to pray before the exposed Blessed Sacrament: a moment of rest and reflection in the midst of a sometimes hectic day.

Once the liturgical life was celebrated, I accepted the invitation of the grieving family to share lunch with them, and then returned just in time to prepare for two more meetings in the afternoon.

Jesus didn't spend any time sitting at a desk, and I doubt whether he ever wrote much with ink.  Instead, he spent the vast majority of his public life (and probably a good bit of his private life too) with other people.  He listened to them, he told stories, he helped them to appreciate and to experience the Father's love.  Isn't that what all of us are supposed to do?

Some days there's not much trash in the garbage can, but there are lots of other things going on.

Remembering the lessons

Lent is a time for learning lessons, and some lessons should never be forgotten.  It seems that just when we need to remember some of the never-to-be-forgotten lessons, they are given to us in ways we have never seen before.  Thus, today I was sent a link to the Auschwitz Album, and as I took the 10 minutes required to view the on-line presentation, memories of the visit to that place last year came flooding back.

There is not much there to remind visitors about the atrocities that took place.  No doubt that's the intention, and yet, there is no way to deny that the suffering that took place there, and that still continues today, is something that should never be forgotten.  Sometimes it takes exact opposites to reinforce the hope of a lesson that holds deep meaning.  If this is true, then Auschwitz and the other death camps should always teach us to cherish the gift of life.

Official teachings

Just recently, the people who are in charge of the Vatican's website have posted the Holy Father's annual message for Lent.  This season of preparation for Easter will begin on March 9, but already it is good for us to be thinking about preparing our hearts for the 40-day period.

For some years now, copies of the Holy Father's reflections, spoken at the celebration of Sunday Mass, or after the recitation of the Angelus at noon on Sunday, or of special messages issued for specific times of the year like Lent, are all available on the Vatican's website for the faithful to find.  This is one way that the Holy Father fulfills his task as teacher.

I couldn't help thinking that this author too has adopted the practice of pubishing the words that are spoken on a weekly basis, although I'm not sure that I would see them as the continuing work of official teachings.  Yet, they are a reflection of the events that charaterize our daily lives, and the ways in which the scriptures challenge us to live our faith in the midst of the ebb and flow of life.

Other messages for Lent are surely coming. I'll try to keep an eye out and to point them out as they surface, all the better to allow us to prepare for a faith-filled celebration of the Easter Season.

Good news from afar

It was three years ago that I last visited in New Zealand.  On that occasion, a friend and I explored the South Island, including a stop in the Capital city, Christchurch.  While there, we were graciously welcomed by a couple who offered us a place to lay our heads, and food to keep us going.  We also took advantage of our stay to travel by rail from Christchurch to Hokitika, located on the West coast of the South Island, en route to the Fox Glacier.

News this week of the earthquake that is still ravaging the city of Christchurch reached us, and since that time, we have watched in shock as iimages of some of the landmark buildings we toured, now left in rubble, tell the tale of destruction that is still being uncovered.

Last night, I sent a brief email to our friends, asking if they are ok, and after many hours of wondering, I received the reply tonight.  Good news: they are well, aside from some minor damage, but no injuries to them or to any of their family.  This indeed is good news.  The same cannot be said for many more people, some of whom have still not been heard from, and others of whom are feared still trapped in the rubble.

For good news received from afar, we give thanks, even as we join in prayer for those who have perished in the earthquake ... a tragedy that is still marking the country because of aftershocks, and hampering the rescue and relief efforts.

Lost, or not

Someone asked tonight, "whatever happened to 'General Absolution'".  I couldn't help thinking that I'd had this very discussion just a few days ago.

Many people in this part of the world were well acquainted with the Third Form of the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (the one that became known as General Absolution), so much so that they thought that the other forms were passé.  Then there was a clarification from the powers that be, and the 'frequent' use of the Third Form of Reconciliation became less and less 'frequent'.

In fact, the First Form of the Sacrament, the one that is preferred as the norm should be private confession in the presence of a priest.  This is the form that we have returned to over the past couple of years, but there are two other Forms that are also accepted.  Form II involves the celebration of a Penitential Service, usually in the form of a Liturgy of the Word which precedes the invitation to celebrate one-on-one confessions with a priest, and Form III is the one that has been known as General Absolution.

Form III is still permitted in some circumstances, as it has always been permitted, mostly in cases where it would be impossible for a priest (or a group of priests) to hear the confessions of the gathered faithful in a reasonable length of time.  As such, it is still permissible to 'invoke' the use of Form III if we unexpectedly find ourselves in such a situation, as in the case of a Penitential Liturgy where some of the invited priests are not able to attend, due to inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.  In this case, it is enough for the Presider to explain to the gathered community that he is 'invoking' the Third Form of Reconciliation. 

As a ritual, Form III is exactly the same as Form II; there are introductory rites (song, greeting and opening prayer), a Liturgy of the Word with homily and an examination of conscience, the Rite of Reconciliation with a general confession, for example, the Confiteor, a litany or appropriate song, the Lord’s Prayer, followed by individual confession and absolution. If you are one of the few to have stayed in church after confession, the rite concludes with a proclamation of praise for God’s mercy, a concluding prayer of thanksgiving and a blessing and dismissal. The differences between Form II and Form III are: the inclusion of an instruction about the ritual, a questioning of intent and symbolic gesture, and the proclamation of the general absolution. The instruction for Form III reads thus:
After the homily or as part of the homily, the priest explains to the faithful who wish to receive general absolution that they should be properly disposed. Each one should repent of his sins and resolve to turn away from these sins, to make up for any scandal and harm he may have caused, and to confess individually at the proper time each of the serious sins which cannot now be confessed. Some form of satisfaction should be proposed to all, and each individual may add something if he desires (Rite of Penance 60).
 
The introduction to Form III contains two reasons why general confession and absolution may be used instead of the other two forms: 1) danger of death with insufficient time for individual confession, and 2) a serious need is present, for example, if there are not enough confessors for the number of penitents.
 
Regarding the second condition comes a horde of “howevers.” The first “however”: This form can be used only if, through no fault of their own, the penitents cannot receive the sacrament anywhere else for a long time and cannot receive communion (which forgives sins also). The second “however”: This rite cannot be used just when there is a question of numbers of penitents, for example, at a great festival or pilgrimage like World Youth Day. The third “however”: The bishop must make the decision, in consultation with the other members of his “episcopal conference”, if and when it is acceptable to celebrate this form. The fourth “however”: The penitents must be instructed that Form III is not the proper norm for confession. The fifth (and probably most important) “however”: Those receiving general absolution must make an individual confession within one year for any serious sins.
 
More info about the Sacrament of Reconciliation to help with continued research.

Living up to it

 Today, we celebrated baptism for two little ones who are now part of God's family. This initiation for them prompted me to reflect on the invitation that was given to each of us on the day of our own baptism.  It's good news ... with a twist.  Read on, or listen in if you'd rather:

Strive for perfection
It's that time of the month.  On one weekend every month, we welcome children who have been brought to the community by their parents, and we celebrate God's love in the Sacrament of Baptism.  This is the weekend, and so we (will) welcome two families who have asked to have their children baptised.  Like birth, baptism is a new beginning.  Like birth, baptism comes with both rights and responsibilities.  From the day of our baptism, we are all called 'Children of God ... for so indeed we are' (Introduction to the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, Rite of Baptism for Children), but from the day of a child's baptism, parents and godparents also accept a responsibility to be the primary teachers of their children in the ways of faith.  It is their responsibility then to teach by word and example, the faith that is professed: to teach their children to keep the commandments, to love God in return for the love He shows us every day, and to love our neighbour.

Parents are indeed primarily responsible for the education of their children, but they are not the only ones who play a part in teaching the lessons of faith, just as parents are not the only ones who play a part in teaching their children how to read, write, and do arithmetic.  Each one of us has been given the great privilege of being called a child of God, so each one of us also has been entrusted with the responsibility to share this good news, as well as its consequent responsibility with those who God calls to join us on the road of discipleship.

Jesus spent a number of years proclaiming the good news, telling all those who would listen that we are all children of God.  Some of those who heard his words found in them a fresh new truth, the truth that comes when words speak to the heart, a truth that enlightens and enlivens the listener.  In time, Jesus also called some of his listeners to be apostles, those who would be sent out with the special task of proclaiming this good news to the whole world.  For a time, while these new apostles were in training, Jesus was not only their teacher, but more importantly their mentor.  Teachers and mentors have a special responsibility to recognize in their pupils, both strengths and weaknesses.  Good teachers and mentors also know how to accentuate a pupil's strengths, allowing that student to believe in his or her own abilities, while at the same time encouraging them to identify their weaknesses and to work at transforming these into strengths as well.

Jesus was the best of teachers, and the best of mentors because he challenged his apostles, to believe that they could always improve.  He is still the best of teachers because he challenges each one of us, his modern-day disciples, to believe that we can always aim higher.  The society around us still encourages us, sometimes with an ever-growing pressure to believe that we should retaliate when we have been wronged, yet Jesus tells us that we should respond in love, even if to do so means that we ourselves must suffer.  Actions speak louder than words.  So it is that this response, which has been perceived at times as passivity, has spoken eloquently throughout the generations that have already passed.  People who see only with the eyes of this world cannot understand the motivation for turning the other cheek, for sharing the things we have received with others so that we can respond to their needs and not our own.

Even from the time of Moses, God's people have been called to be holy.  In this sense, holiness means that we are called to live lives that exemplify virtue.  By doing so, we also challenge others to do the same, to pull up their socks, to be all that they can be.  I suppose the concept of doing our best depends on which standards we set for ourselves.  It seems to me that the bar can be set pretty high in a society that is increasingly competitive, but no level of perfection judged by human standards seems to be as demanding, or as attainable as the one that has been set by our God, because his wisdom is far beyond the wisdom of this world, his love is more powerful than any challenge the world can put before us, his ability to believe in us bears the possibility of making us proud to be called his children, and him proud to be known as our Heavenly Father.

Preparing for a Beatification

Just a few weeks ago, the Vatican announced that the Servant of God, John Paul II would be beatified in the coming months.  As we wait for this great and glorious day, another step along the path toward the sainthood he so longed for while he was here on earth, there will no doubt be a boundless supply of memorabilia, books written about him, or reprints of his voluminous library of published work.

So it happens that the online 'zine ZENIT has recently published an article about what they are penning as the Wojtyla Shock.  It's true that when he was elected as Roman Pontiff, no one on the outside world expected it.  Perhaps very few of the Cardinal electors themselves began the conclave thinking that anyone but an Italian would advance, but then again, that was part of the magic that made him so well loved by so many.

In total, some 2 million pilgrims are expected to attend the Beatification Mass which will be held in Saint Peter's Square on May 1, the Second Sunday of Easter, and Divine Mercy Sunday.  As of this week, the official announcement came from HQ that there will not be any tickets printed or required in order to attend the Beatification.  I think it's more a matter of knowing that the crowds will be enormous, and any attempt to control the crowd with tickets will only add to the confusion.  Besides, JPII himself would welcome all those who will be there.

A preliminary list of the various celebrations which are being planned for the Beatification was also released this week.  The liturgies will include:

• A vigil of preparation on Saturday evening, April 30 in the Circus Maximus from 8:30pm to 10:30pm;
• The Beatification Mass on Sunday, May 1 in Saint Peter's Square beginning at 10:00am; and
• A Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday, May 2 in Saint Peter's Square beginning at 10:30am.

The earthly remains of the new Blessed will be exposed for veneration before the Altar of the Confession (behind the main altar inside the Basilica) and all pilgrims will be invited to venerate.  Following the completion of the Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday, the mortal remains of JPII will be transferred to the Chapel of Saint Sebastian inside the Basilica, where they will remain.

Celebrating special people

Do you know someone who is inspiring?  Do you wonder about how you might be able to say thank you to such a person, or how you may continue the legacy they leave with you?  Inspiring people should be recognized, sometimes in word and other times in action.



Take for instance the tribute that was paid by Kim MacGregor to her friend Erika Heller, who had battled colon cancer.  Learning lessons about love, compassion and forgiveness allows us to pass them on to others, changing our world one act at a time ... and we never know who will benefit from our generosity.

When unctions are extreme

While on the subject of the rituals proper to the celebration of Sacraments, I had a conversation this week with a group of adults who are currently preparing for baptism and-or for reception into full communion with the Church.  We were focused on the Sacrament of Confirmation (room for another post here), and the subject of the oils for anointing at various moments in the life of the Church came up.

One of the people asked about the Anointing of the Sick.  We celebrate this Sacrament in this parish once a month, on the first Friday, but apparently this person wasn't convinced that the anointing that happens after the noon Mass on those First Fridays is actually the Sacrament of the Sick.  'Yes', I was quick to explain, 'we are celebrating the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick' ... but then again maybe we need to provide some more catechesis because if the person asking the questions thought that we were doing something otherwise, I wonder how many others are thinking the same thing.

Back to my copy of The Rites of the Catholic Church (which happens to be an American publication, but I like the explanatory notes) for more clarification.  The notes accompanying the chapters on the Anointing of the Sick explain: The sacrament of anointing is the proper sacrament for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.  It may be celebrated in the home, in a hospital or institution, or in church ... (there are) three rites for use in these varying circumstances: anointing outside Mass (which is the ritual most often used when we anoint following the completion of the daily liturgy on the First Fridays), anointing within Mass and anointing in a hospital or institution.

Regardless of the location where the anointing of the sick takes place, there are always two complementary aspects to this sacrament: through the sacrament of anointing, the Church supports the sick in their struggle against illness and continues Christ's messianic work of healing ... When the priest anoints the sick, he is anointing in the name and with the power of Christ himself (Mk 6:13).  On behalf of the whole community, he is ministering to those members who are suffering.  This message of hope and comfort is also needed by those who care for the sick, especially those who are closely bound in love to them.

ANOINTING OUTSIDE MASS

GREETING
The priest greets the sick person and the others present using a customary liturgical greeting such as The peace of the Lord be with you always.  If communion is to be distributed during the celebration of the rite, the priest places the blessed sacrament on the table, and all join in a moment of adoration.

SPRINKLING WITH HOLY WATER
If it seems desirable, the priest may sprinkle the sick person(s) and those present with holy water while reciting an antiphon such as Like a stream in parched land, may the grace of the Lord refresh our lives.

INSTRUCTION
Then he addresses those present in these or similar words: My dear friends, we are gathered here in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who is present among us.  As the gospels relate, the sick came to him for healing; moreover, he loves us so much that he died for our sake.  Through the apostle James, he has commanded us, 'Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them'.

Let us therefore commend our sick brother(s)/sister(s) to the grace and power of Christ, that He may save him/her/them and raise him/her/them up.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation can be celebrated individually with the person(s) who is/are to be anointed, else a penitential rite can be used.  Then the priest lays his hands on the head(s) of those who are to be anointed in silence, and prays for God's healing in their lives.

PRAYER OVER THE OIL
The priest says a prayer of thanksgiving over the blessed oil, or he may bless the oil himself if necessary using a suitable blessing.  There are a number of suggested formularies outlined in the ritual.

ANOINTING
The priest anoints the sick person with the blessed oil.  First he anoints the forehead, saying Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. The persons gathered respond Amen.  Then the priest anoints the palms of the hands, saying May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up, and the people respond Amen.  These words, known as the sacramental Form, are said only once, for the anointing of the forehead and hands, and is not repeated for each.

Depending on the culture and tradition of the place, as well as the condition of the sick person(s), the priest may also anoint additional parts of the body (ie the area of pain or injury).  He does not repeat the sacramental Form.

I frequently have the assistance of an elderly priest for the celebration of the anointing of the sick here in the parish, and he has explained that the practice for the celebration of this sacrament when a priest is to be anointed involves the anointing of his forehead and the backs of his hands, not the palms, since the palms of a priest have been anointed with Chrism on the day of his Ordination.

PRAYER AFTER ANOINTING
The priest then recites one of a number of suggested prayers, asking God to grant comfort to the sick, courage to the afflicted and hope in time of need.

RITE OF COMMUNION
If the sick person does not receive communion, the rite concludes with a blessing.  If Communion is to be distributed to the sick person, the gathered persons recite the Lord's Prayer together, then the priest shows the consecrated host to those present as he says This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you, or some similar invocation.

After communion has been received by the sick person, there is a moment of silent prayer, and the priest concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving before imparting a blessing on those who are gathered.

Admittedly, we do not observe all parts of this ritual as they are described below because the Sacrament of the Sick is offered following the completion of the daily Mass, which itself takes place during the mid-day lunch break.  For the sake of pastoral concern, the actual anointing of the sick takes place immediately following the completion of the Mass, allowing the 'well' to continue in their daily routine, while allowing time for those who are in need of this sacrament to approach and ask to be anointed.

If the Sacrament of Anointing is administered in a hospital or institution, there is a GREETING, an INSTRUCTION, a provision for the celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation, the LAYING ON OF HANDS, the ANOINTING of the sick person, the LORD'S PRAYER and a CONCLUDING BLESSING.

According to the established local tradition, the Sacrament of Anointing can also take place within the celebration of the Mass.  In this case, there can be specific prayers used throughout the celebration, and as a rule, the Liturgy of Anointing takes place after the homily, including the LAYING ON OF HANDS, a PRAYER OVER THE OIL, the ANOINTING and a PRAYER AFTER ANOINTING.  The Liturgy of the Eucharist continues afterward according to the established customs.

The Church also provides a Liturgy of Viaticum, which is similar in its structure to that of the Anointing of the Sick.  However, a full exposé of this liturgy merits its own post.

Something not so new

The ritual for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation was rewritten in the mid-1970s, however in many places, this forumla has not been used (yet).  It takes some effort to even remember that the outline of the Sacramental celebration of forgiveness was modified, since it is not widely practiced in some parts.

That having been said, I did a bit of research today and remembered the 'revised ritual' which is in effect for the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church.  Here it is, for the sake of those whose interest may now be peaked:

RITE FOR RECONCILIATION OF INDIVIDUAL PENITENTS

RECEPTION OF THE PENITENT
When the penitent comes to confess his sins, the priest welcomes him warmly and greets him with kindness. Then the penitent makes the sign of the cross which the priest may make also. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The priest invites the penitent to have trust in God, in these or similar words: May God, who has enlightened every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy. The penitent answers Amen.

READING OF THE WORD OF GOD (Optional)
The priest may read or say from memory a text of Scripture which proclaims God's mercy and calls us to conversion. A reading may also be chosen for the reconciliation of several penitents. The priest and penitent may choose other readings from scripture.

CONFESSION OF SINS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SATISFACTION
Where it is the custom, the penitent says a general formula for confession (ie I confess to Almighty God ...) before the confession of sins. If necessary, the priest helps the penitent to make an integral confession and gives suitable counsel. He urges the penitent to be sorry for faults, reminding him that through the sacrament of penance the Christian dies and rises with Christ and is thus renewed in the paschal mystery. The priest proposes an act of penance which the penitent accepts to make satisfaction for sin and to amend his life. The priest should make sure that he adapts his counsel to the penitent's circumstances.

PRAYER OF THE PENITENT AND ABSOLUTION
The priest then asks the penitent to express sorrow, which the penitent may do in these or similar words:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.  Other suitable prayers may also be chosen, or the penitent can say Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

The priest then extends his hands over the penitent's head and says, God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The penitent answers Amen.

PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE OF GOD AND DISMISSAL
After the absolution, the priest continues Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. The penitent concludes His mercy endures for ever. Then the priest dismisses the penitent who has been reconciled, saying The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace. or The Lord has freed you from sin. May he bring you safely to his kingdom in heaven. Glory to him forever. Amen. or May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the saints, whatever good you do and suffering you endure, heal your sins, help you to grow in holiness, and reward you with eternal life. Go in peace. or Blessed are those whose sins have been forgiven, whose evil deeds have been forgotten. Rejoice in the Lord, and go in peace. or Go in peace, and proclaim to the world the wonderful works of God who has brought you salvation.

How long will it take, I wonder, before this actually becomes the ritual of choice, with which we are all familiar?

The word's out

I received a surprise visit yesterday afternoon, from a student at the local University.  She's finishing her final year of the Bacheloriate in Communications and has to work on her thesis.  She explained that in order to gather the data for her final work, she needed to interview some of the local (clergy I think) and to determine how we are using communication tools in our work.  We agreed to meet this afternoon, and she departed.

Just after lunch today, she was back to conduct the interview.  After just a few moments of initial nerves, we settled into an exchange of reflections and ideas.  Questions included (among others):

• How are you using new technology (internet, podcasting, blogging etc)?
• How have you used mass media (print media, other traditional communication tools)?
• Has your use of new technology been effective?
• Is the use of new technology essential to your work?

There were lots of other questions, and the interview actually went on for the better part of an hour.  It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, and what conclusions will be drawn: useful reflections for communications students and those of us in the field alike.

Arrived .... and departed

The flight has arrived (as of earlier today), which means that the travellers from Tokyo are back.  It was a week of adventure that I'm itching to hear about.  I'm sure that there were more than a few experiences worth recounting.

Once the travellers have had a chance to rest and recoup from the jetlag, the tales will be told.

**
In the meanwhile, the ship has sailed as of just a few hours ago, and as it happens, we can follow the progress of the ship thanks to onboard cameras mounted on the bridge.  Lucky us ... even though we may not be onboard ourselves, we can follow every dip and rise of the Emerald Princess as she makes her way through the outer islands of the Caribbean.

Bon voyage!

A second installment

OK gang.  Here it is, this week's installment in the series of reflections.  During a week that has seen some pretty dramatic happenings in Egypt, the scriptures call us to reflect on the justice of having rules by which to abide.  When all is said and done, rules are good things, if they are applied justly and if they are obeyed out of knowledge and trust that they are established out of love and concern.  Choose the auditory version or just keep reading:

Choose good ... choose virtue

The children of our parish are learning some very valuable lessons this weekend. So are the adults, if we have ears to hear the words that are spoken, and wisdom to apply them to our lives. Sirach, the sage, Paul the apostle and Jesus, the teacher all recognized that their listeners must make choices in this life, and they all encourage us even today to make these choices wisely. The secret to making wise choices is learning how to filter out the temptation to decide based on what will bring us immediate but fleeting pleasure and to replace it with choices based on sound judgment. This is a lesson that we often learn over and over throughout our lives, but it begins with the first choices we make, even in the earliest years of our lives.

Many if not most of us were blessed with wise parents who mentored us, who showed us how to make choices for good, not just once in a while, but habitually, because good choices breed good habits, and good habits allow us to make wise decisions. Thankfully, all of us who have come here today can look to our Father for guidance, and the guidance God shares with us was first written down in the form of the Ten Commandments. These words of wisdom were not just chiseled into stone so that they would look good; they were shared so that we could use them as guideposts for our lives, but sometimes I worry that we human beings are far too cunning for our own good: we know only too well how to rationalize what we do and when we do it, how to apply the rules when they suit us, and to ignore them when they don't. Sometimes, when rules and laws are unjust, it is right that they should be challenged, but when laws that are set out for our own good are ignored, they often lead to consequences. Oh, and we are really good at ignoring consequences sometimes too.

Luckily for us, God loves us so much that he waits for us to catch up with his wisdom, to learn the lessons he has been trying to teach us all along. Even if it takes our entire earthly lives, He still waits for us, always hoping that we will one day discover Him, and welcome the gift of his love, his forgiveness, his guidance, his virtue ... and make it our own. When we do, the goodness to which Jesus calls his disciples becomes routine. Righteous living becomes an 'of course' rather than a dream or an ideal, and the true dimensions of this awesome relationship begin to be known. Like a human relationship of love, words used in our relationship with God can no longer be employed flippantly, but must be chosen to reflect respect for Him, even honor for the One who is loved.

If we truly love God, and recognize his love for us, others in our world will notice the difference because where there is a vibrant relationship between us and God, there is also boundless capacity for relationships with other human beings. Virtuous choices in our faith allow us to develop compassion for the plight of others who encounter struggles in this life, and enable us to 'suffer with' those who are still searching. The news stories that have been filtering out of Egypt in these past weeks have been taking place at some distance from us, but who of us here has not had at least the smallest amount of compassion for the plight of those who have had to suffer in silence for so long. Even as they have spoken out over these past weeks, the search goes on for the eloquence of compassion for all those caught in the struggle, for these are not just unknown individuals who live half a world away. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The ageless wisdom spoken of in the second reading today calls us also to recognize that God's love challenges each one of us to believe that we ourselves have dignity, for a man or woman who does not believe in him- or herself has no self worth, but the wisdom of God shows us that we are infinitely loved. When we become convinced of this, we begin to appreciate true beauty, not as something to be sought after like a possession, but rather as something to be appreciated as a gift from God.

Children of all ages learn lessons from our Divine parent, to make wise choices in life, choices that will bring us life. Having learned these lessons, and applied them to our lives, we discover an ever-deepening relationship of love and respect between us and our God, and we are drawn ever more profoundly into the virtue of true love for God, for neighbour and for ourselves.

Blessings while you sleep

There's one of the psalms that speaks about the fact that the Lord gives blessings while we sleep.

Have you ever noticed how at least some of us spend countless hours trying to live life in a fashion that is pleasing to others, God included.  At the end of the day, we may indeed reflect on the reasons for gratitude, but sometimes we find ourselves stymied because we can only think of the experiences we have been conscious about, the things we have done (or not done).

What about the things we have no awareness about at all?  What about the moments when we are deep in sleep (assuming that we can sleep)?  Is it possible (answer yes) that God is watching over us? ... that the angels are standing guard? ... that good things are happening even while we slumber?  Perhaps parents who have stood watch over a sleeping child could speak more eloquently about the joy that is theirs when they look on the face of their sleeping little one, and tell of the grace that is that moment.  Maybe, just maybe these too are moments for which we can be thankful.

They have arrived

As it turns out, there were family members travelling this week ... to various locations.  Late last night, I received confirmation that some had arrived safely in Florida, on the first leg of their long-awaited vacation, and very early this morning, I also received confirmation that others had arrived in Tokyo.

The tourists in the Far East are settled in and touring at their own speed, even though they are encountering some interesting gastronomic adventures as they discover as much of the city as possible in the short period that still remains before they wing their way back home.  Soon, they'll be back and we'll get all the details.

In the meanwhile, the rest of us will just continue situation normal and await the time when it will be out turn to travel to exotic destinations.

A flying visit

Lots of us get to visit with family and friends on a regular basis.  In most cases, this involves a phone call or arrangements for Sunday dinner, but what happens when family lives far away?  These encounters happen less often.

Then there's the issue of culture.  In some cases, not only blood relations are included in the realm of 'family' but also good friends who are affectionately or respectfully referred to as aunt and uncle (and I suppose cousin) even though they have no traceable relationship at all.

Yesterday I received an email informing me that a good friend of the family was due to visit in the city just for a day.  She was arriving this morning for a series of meetings and visits (business related) and would be leaving again on an afternoon flight, but not before finding just a few moments for a quick hello.

There's great excitement in anticipation of any visit, and sometimes these encounters pass only too quickly, but every one of them, no matter how fleeting, is appreciated because they are moments of joy and blessing, because they are occasions to renew relationships, because they are opportunities to show those from afar even just a glimpse of home.

Before we knew it, she breezed out the door.  Before long she'll be winging her way home too.  Thanks for the visit.  Come again ... you're always welcome.

Multiple blessings

There was a conference this week.  Participants had been invited from near and far to spend a day together, learning, questioning, discussing, contributing.  The organizers were members of the Ontario State Council of the Knights of Columbus, and the invitees were Chaplains, priests from various locales within Ontario.

The dust still hasn't settled, but already we know that these few hours have been richly rewarding.  Where once some of us did not quite understand our roles, we now have a new appreciation for the expectations that are placed upon us.  Armed with this knowledge, we must now inform others who need to know this info, so that we can be of better service to those we are called to serve.

As is often the case with these gatherings, some of the participants are contemporaries or collegues who don't get too many occasions to visit or to catch up with one another, so an integral part of the proceedings is a social dimension that allows for relaxed chatting, visiting and just getting caught up with one another.

Thanks for a wonderful day of blessings that will bear fruit in ways that we have not yet discovered.

My first word

The little one is just beginning to walk on her own.  Just in the past couple of weeks, we have watched in wonder and joy as she stands up from a sitting position, and then gingerly makes her way around the room, holding on to anything that's stable enough to provide guidance.

She loves to 'go shopping' with the miniature cart, and all of her environment is now a place of discovery.  Even as the big people in her world must now change their way of seeing things, including clearing tables of anything that might be the fragile, or anything that's small enough to find its way into her mouth, perhaps the greatest pleasure happens when the telephone conversation is complete, and her one word is spoken:

'Bye'.

If you're in the same room, you might even catch a glmpse of her hand waving.  I can't wait to see what's possible when she gets more familiar with modern technology and can chat by video conference.

Is this a foreign land?

Went to China (town) last night.  The sun hadn't yet set but already it didn't take long to know that there was something different. The street light posts were all decorated with red lanterns, symbols of the Chinese New Year celebrations that have been going on for the past couple of days.

All around the streets, there are vendors offering their wares: vegetables and fruit at unbelievably affordable prices, and restaurants galore, each beckoning with the possibility of a sumptuous meal, and not for all the coin in one's pocket either.

At the doorway to the restaurant is a small bowl filled with fruit of varying kinds: an offering in thanksgiving for prosperity and a sign to the visitors that there are good times ahead.

Newcomers, friends and even strangers greet each other with the familiar greeting :恭賀新禧 (which is the traditional Chinese script for the greeting gōng hè xīn xǐ (Happy New Year).

Westerners could learn a thing or two from the Chinese and their International neighbours about how to celebrate the Spring Festival.  They often take at least one week, if not two to mark this annual celebration.  Feasts with family and friends abound, visits to honour the ancestors are common, and in general there is a celebratory tone as all else in life often comes to a standstill (even for just a day or two) while this reverie takes place.

What to wear

Could you survive with just five pieces of clothing for a month?  Someone tried, and succeeded.

On this morning's episode of Canada AM, during one of the final segments, an interview with one lady who wanted to see if she could do it.  She chose five pieces of clothing (not including underwear, pajamas and swimsuits) and managed to live for thirty days wearing only these plus accessories.

Lessons learned included:

• We only wear a very limited amount of our wardrobes, so identify the things you wear and then share the wealth of other things with friends or give them away;
• Be selective about how we spend money.  For some, it's almost automatic that we shell out money for 'things' and then what happens to them?
• Textiles can be durable but there's a reason why we don't wear them over and over (unless we have to).  Less can be more.

And the list goes on.

I wonder what other such lessons we could learn if we took the challenge.

What are you reading?

I've heard that there are applications for bloggers (perhaps even for this one) that allow us to display the books we're currently reading.  If I ever find time to explore all the treasures that are available, who knows what other applications I might find.  In the meanwhile, here's a list of some of the books I currently have my bookmarks in:

Spirituality
In the realm of reflection, I recently got my hands on a copy of Pope Benedict XVI's catechetical sessions on the Fathers of the Church.  He pronounced them during his Wednesday Audiences beginning March 7, 2007.  The first 36 of these catecheses have been translated into English and are published in this volume.  Each chapter of the book focuses on a different Father of the Church, from St. Clement of Rome to St. Augustine of Hippo.  Imagine spending some time each morning with one of the Fathers!

Besides St. Clement himself, I've also managed to get through the chapter on St. Ignatius of Antioch.  Maybe tomorrow I'll check out another of these ancient sages.

Biography
Just this past year, Ignatius Press published a book-length interview that was granted by the Holy Father to Peter Seewald.  The book that resulted is entitled Light of the World.  A cursory glance at the first chapter or so shows that it's written in interview form: questions and answers.  It appears to be an easily flowing conversation ... and promises to be a good read.

Just because
Everyone has to have a book to distract the imagination.  Usually these are the ones that lie beside my bed, and often they are the ones that I leaf through last thing at night, even as I fall deeper and deeper into the hold of slumber.  The books that are there now are Wilbur Smith's The Seventh Scoll and Linden Macntyre's The Bishop's Man.  Wish me luck.

On the merry go round

As of the beginning of this year, four of our parishes have been fused into two.  There are still four places of worship but they have been combined into two parishes.

One of the things we are trying to do is celebrate with our various communities at least from time to time.  So it is that today was the first day since this particular adventure began that the three priests involved played swap with the congregations with which we usually live and pray.

As I arrived for the first liturgy this morning, the parishioners greeted warmly but I could see on their faces that they were all wondering where the normal priest was.  Some of the people in each worship site did knwo that the priests were spelling each other off today, but obviously not everyone did, so at the beginning of the liturgy, I took a few seconds to explain that all three priests in question were in various locations, neither of us in our 'home' places until the end of the morning's celebrations.

This is a new experience for some of us, and for some of those who came to pray this morning.  In the end, everyone was fed with words and with holy food.  The presiders have all returned to their habitual abodes.  Now on to the business of proclaiming the good news in other places and circumstances.

First one for February

This week, the call to discipleship continues, and Jesus tries his best to explain that being a disciple calls for great courage and conviction.  Dare to make a difference!  Here then is my reflection, as it was delivered today to the gathered crowds.  I can only hope that it will make a difference in someone's life.  Listen in or read on:

Against the tide

Believe it or not, most weeks when I first sit to prepare my reflection, I'm anxious. What do the readings say this week? How will they challenge me? How can I explain this challenge to others? Sometimes, even after seeing the readings, these questions still persist ... and then I think of some of the individuals who have been examples of faith for me. They're the ones who have often challenged me to grow because when they speak about faith, about God, about their reason for doing what they do in life, it's evident that they're swimming against the tide. Let me explain.

There's a part of my brain that gets stuck sometimes thinking only about earthly things. Most of the time these things have to do with me and how I'm getting along: how much money do I have in the bank? Is it enough? What tasks do I have to accomplish today? Then every so often I meet someone who appears at least to have little if any concern at all for these concerns of mine. Instead, they seem to have an ability to persuade me to see things another way, to do things that make little or no sense at all by human reasoning ... but that's what makes these people so intriguing. Some examples of such people might include Jean Vanier, Mother Theresa, and Pope John Paul but there are others like Craig Kielburger, who as a young boy himself began to speak up for children in third world countries who are forced to provide child labour. Because of his conviction, there are now more than one million children helping children in 45 countries.

Craig's story is compelling because he has dared to speak out against the establishment, and to point out an injustice that must be corrected. Isn't this what the gospel tells us we should all do? In today's gospel, Jesus presents this call in a most vivid fashion, but in order for us to understand it, we need a bit of background. In the ancient biblical world, salt was a most precious commodity, associated with longevity and permanence. In a time long before the marvels of refrigeration had been invented, salt was the principal fashion of preserving food. Loyalty and friendship were sealed with salt because its essence does not change. In both Islam and Judaism, salt seals a bargain because it is immutable. In Christianity, salt is associated not only with longevity and permanence but also with truth and wisdom. Our Church dispenses not only holy water, but also holy salt, the Salt of Wisdom.

Salt gives flavor and zest to food. It also makes people thirst for more. Jesus wanted his disciples to give flavor and zest to the world through his teaching. He still asks us to do the same: to preserve the truth as he proclaimed it and to make the world thirst for more. Salt is an appropriate metaphor for discipleship because like salt, discipleship can seal the deal, but only if we're willing to work at it, to commit ourselves every day. Otherwise, we can and will quickly loose interest. Like the apostle Paul, we are not required to use lofty words or wisdom to speak the message. In fact, it is more often the case that when we recognize our own weakness, we can begin to rejoice because God uses our weakness to demonstrate His strength, and when God's strength takes over, his light can shine brightly.

Jesus came into the world to bring us the light of faith, but this light is only recognized when we first are made aware of the flavor of the gospel, and the injustices that exist all around us. Further, our faith compels us to speak out on behalf of those who are imprisoned by these injustices, and to keep doing so until the injustice is corrected. Against the lights of the big city, it's not easy to let Christ's light shine. The only way to do it is to swim against the tide.

... and a few more

Day 7 of the tour began with a stop in the town of Bethany, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, particularly at the House of Mary and Martha where we celebrated Mass in a little chapel which provided its own sense of warmth and welcome.

After the relative tranquility of Bethany, we moved onto the heat of the desert, specifically the hilltop fortress of Masada where there is lots of sun and lots of heat but very little shade.  In fact, one of my favorite pictures has been nicknamed 'Goat shade' because it depicts our tour guide in the smallest amount of shade possible, somehow trying to recover from the ravages of the sun:

To cool off from the scorching heat, we stopped for a dip into the Dead Sea.  Actually it's physically impossible to 'dip' into the Dead Sea.  Rather, one must float in the Sea because the salt level is 10 times that of the ocean.  Honestly, there are even directions to tell swimmers how to 'swim' in this Sea. (Read the post for Day 7)

The adventure continued on the other side of the border: the Israel-Jordan border.  Crossing this border was a very different experience from crossing the Canada-US border, but then again, we in Canada don't have the same appreciation for borders as the Israelis do.  Having accomplished this crossing, we continued our journey to the fabled spot from which Moses saw the promised land.  Millenia later, Pope John Paul II also stood here and prayed, even though the desert he (and we) see today was once a lush land of green and promise. (Read the post for Day 8)

The next day took us south to the ancient city of Petra.  From far and wide, people come today to visit this UNESCO site.  The pink rocks and towering cliffs make the pedestrian pilgrims dwarf in our sense of importance. (Read the post for Day 9)

Back in the Northern part of Jordan, we were told that we could not return to Israel by the same route by which we had arrived.  Instead, we needed to travel a bit more to the North of Aman before crossing the border once again.  On the way, we had a chance to visit the ancient Roman city of Jerash.  Although it now lies in relative tatters, it was once the site of great power exerted from afar on the people of this land.  (Read the post for Day 10)

It's truly a rare occurrence but as it turns out, this pilgrimage was prolonged by a day, thanks to the fact that the airline had re-scheduled our flight home.  The result, we got 24 extra hours to tour in Jerusalem on our own.  Many of us began the day together, but before long, some went one way while others went another, but then that's what happens when 22 tourists are set free in Jerusalem and told that they have a day to see all they can.

From the Wailing Wall to the Shrine of the Book, and even (I believe) to Yad Vashem, Canadian tourists were to be found on this day. (Read the post for Day 11)

The last day of our tour was a very long day indeed, but before we bid farewell to the biblical land, we had one more stop to make, in the town of Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist.  This was indeed a very hurried visit, for we had been warned severely that we could not be late arriving at the airport, but we did manage to recite Morning Prayer in the Church of the Baptist:

Finally, we did arrive at the airport in Tel Aviv, and yes, we did make it within the three-hour time limit prior to take off.  Good thing!  It took all three hours, minus about 15 minutes to get from the first lineup to the boarding gate, where we even managed to entice an innocent passerby to snap a picture of the group before they welcomed us aboard.

Eleven hours and some minutes later, we arrived in Toronto, and the voyage came to its close.  Now we must wait for the next adventure. (Read the post for Day 12)

A few views

Over the past number of months, some have been asking about the pictures that we took while on tour in the Holy Land.  The blog posts are still here, even though in the distant past, but only in the past couple of weeks were we able to complete the compilation of photos.  Many of those who were with us on the pilgrimage sent in their contributions, and in the end, a copy of the complete show was shared with all the participants who requested a copy.

Here then are a few of the photos.  See what you think.

Even through the fog of jetlag, day one was marked by a stop at the Jordan River.  Whether or not this was truly the site of the baptism is unsure.  Some say that the actual site is currently located within the territory belonging to Jordan, and is inaccessible to tourists. (Read the post for Day 1)

Day two included visits to various places all around the Sea of Galilee, beginning on the top of the Mount of the Transfiguration where the church (of the same name) is located.  Of course we had to have a group shot. (Read the post for Day 2)

Day three began with a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes.  Here we celebrated Mass outdoors because there was another group already celebrating Mass in the church.  It was a wonderful experience, with the wind gently blowing and the sun burning away the fog that had gathered over the Sea. (Read the post for Day 3)

Travelling south from the Sea of Galilee to the city of Jerusalem, tourists must stop at Haifa, and in particular at the Baha'i gardens which provide a stunning overview of the city surrounding the immaculately manicured gardens (Read the post for Day 4)

From our base camp in Jerusalem, the tour continued, including a stop in Bethlehem, which is actually located within the Palestinian Territory.  This means that tourists (and anyone else for that matter) who want to visit Bethlehem must first pass through a border check point, which itself is an experience to behold.  Seeing the town of Bethlehem, and the fields nearby where the shepherds were keeping their sheep allowed us a new appreciation for how these outcasts found shelter from the scorching sun. (Read the post for Day 5)

The half-way point of our pilgrimage found us within the walls of Old Jerusalem, where we walked the Stations of the Cross.  We were not however the only ones at prayer.  The Old City is home to people from all over the world, all of whom come to pray in the quiet of a private moment.  (Read the post for Day 6)

Stirrings in the heart

Yet another story of gratitude.

One of the elderly recipients of the gifts from this community turned out to be a woman who is blind and confined to the room she calls home, as well as the immediate surroundings of the dining area and common rooms.  She doesn't venture out because there is no other family to take her beyond the doors.

When her gift was presented, and she was told that this was provided by someone from her parish, she was perplexed: my parish has sent me a gift?  You see, she hasn't been here in years, ever since her vision challenge made it almost impossible for her to navigate on her own.  She proceeded to unwrap the gift, and was very peasantly surprised to find within a plush scarf, hat and mittens, which she was told were a rich blue colour.

For her, the colour is not as important as the texture of the material.  On more than one occasion, she has asked the staff to let her hold the textiles, just so she can revel in their luxury, even as she continues to wonder about her worthiness to be the recipient of such a wonderful gift.  She will never wear these things if she never sets foot outside the doors of the establishment where she lives, and yet they have already brought her such joy!

When a door opens

You never know what word uttered will cause people to think.  You never know what action undertaken will bring about a question of faith in the heart of its recipient.

As some of you may know, the parish where I am assigned undertook a new project at Christmas this past year.  We invited parishioners to provide gifts for the elderly in our community.  The response to this invitation was overwhelmingly positive.  More than 45 individuals from our parish and community benefitted, and the stories of gratitude are still flowing in.

Evidence a converstaion that I had this week.  In one case, a gift was delivered to an elderly gentleman who, as it turns out, was on his way Home.  His family was gathered in his room when the person bearing the gift arrived.  Because the intended recipient was too weak to actually open the gift, someone else in the room unpacked it but their wonder and perplexity grew even more when they discovered that the gift inside the bag was Thomas the tank engine.

Had there been some mistake?  Was this toy, usually intended for a child really meant for an elderly gentleman?  As it turned out, the man's grandson (or perhaps it was his great-grandson) was also present in the room along with his family, and since he was very young, was enamored with this new arrival.  As the rest of his family stood around the bed, praying the elderly gentleman Home, the little boy sat contentedly off to the side playing with his new toy.

A gift intended for his grandfather had thus been bequeathed to his grandson, and at that moment, it's exactly what he needed.

On New Year's day

Number one rule in blogging ... once the post is done, don't go back and try to add something else.  Instead, just add a new post with the additional information.  Having said this, I've just recently received a few pictures from last night's extravaganza.  Here are two for your perusal. 

I know I'm breaking the rules about pictures in this blog stream, but there's always got to be a first, and what better time than this to start.  Here's the second one (so that all the faces can actually appear on film).  Wait, if these pictures were taken with digital cameras, does the expression 'on film' still apply?

One should note the collection of articles on the table.  It is customary in the Vietnamese household at New Year's to always have a basket of fruit, with at least four different varieties included.  In addition, other items from the feast demonstrate the profusion of food, a sign of good times being celebrated and a wish for continued prosperity in the coming years.

Happy New Year

Now, before you think that I've lost it, think again.  In many parts of the Orient, today is New Year's Day, and New Year is perhaps the celebration that outshines all others.

In Vietnam, this entire week is devoted to celebrations with family.  In China there are up to two weeks of holidays because people have to travel (in some cases for miles) in order to get home for the joyous celebrations.

There are various customs depending on the country, but in general, this is a time of great joy.  Families gather like we in the Western Christian world do at Christmas and Easter.  There is lots of food because if ever a guest should come knocking at this time of year, the host must have at least a cup of tea and something sweet to share.  Often, this is a time for banquets with family and friends, for visits to the graves of ancestors, for giving 'lucky money' to children, and for rest and recreation.

Last night was New Year's Eve.  In Vietnam and in China, there were fireworks at midnight, but in this city, there was a banquet hosted by our friends.  Last year at this time, they didn't know us as well, so they didn't issue the invitation, and admittedly last New Year was not a happy one, but this year, everything has changed.  Their joy is contagious, and they choose to share it with us: their adopted family away from home.

This New Year's Day will be spent talking with their families back home.  Some will attend Mass today, and others will observe their own religious customs.  Unfortunately there won't be fireworks in the local town square, but there is reason to celebrate and for that we join our voices with those of our friends to wish all and every one Happy New Year!

Something to think about

I am sometimes the first that should listen to this advise:

In the search for widgets: the things and services that we love to consume so well, we're always on the lookout for cheaper prices ... more bang for our bucks, 'cause the 'bang' needs to get more intense and the 'bucks' are getting more and more scarce.

Enter the now more than familiar box stores: you know the ones that come into town with their splashy advertisements and promises of low prices just so they can get the customers in the door (smart advertising always does), where the unsuspecting bearers of cash and credit cards are enticed oh so often to dream big for affordable prices.  Do we truly understand the real price?

Enter a very cleverly composed ode which has appeared on the web.  It might just get us thinking about the true cost of the widgets we consume, and that includes much more than how much of the green stuff it takes to get anywhere these days.

And then there was sound

They're almost done.

There's nothing more frustrating than trying to speak to a crowd when the public address system isn't working.  The result can be shouting and sore throats, or worse, people who just can't hear the message that needs to be shared.  This has been an issue in this place for a number of years now.  In fact, even getting the right people to check it out was somewhat of a challenge but finally I managed a bit of persuasion.

Over the past few weeks, they discovered a few things:

• there are a series of cat walks in the attic of this building (that's a good thing, because it means that it's relatively easy to get to the wires that soar to the ceiling and then criss cross over the barel vault);
• some of the wiring that's here has been in place for more years than this author has been alive (that's not necessarily a bad thing, except in some cases where the ends of wire were left exposed and needed to be properly encased);
• four of the six speakers that were in place on the pillars were connected in series (the fact that two of the pairs were sharing a connection to the amplifier meant that the resistence was altered, resulting in less sound being created through the speakers);
• the two monitors which had been relatively recently installed had actually not lasted even two years (one of them had a blown woofer, and the other a blown tweeter, resulting in even less efficient speakers).

Over the past couple of weeks, bit by bit, all these challenges have been addressed.  All the wiring has been secured and is much more safe than it has been in quite some time.  As of today, the four larger speakers are hooked up and working and the two monitors that were *ehem* less than up to par, have been replaced with new speakers which are balanced and equalized with the other speakers.  All that's left is to install two more monitors and the job will be complete.

It's already immensely better than it has been in years, and the best part is that the message can now be proclaimed!