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A Recipe for Joy

Hell, it’s been said, is like a big pot of delicious stew. Around this pot are seated people with spoons longer than their arms. Because it was impossible for them to get the spoons into their mouths, the people are starving and angry.

Heaven has an identical pot of stew surrounded by people with equally long spoons. These people, however, are joyful and satisfied, because they have learned to feed one another, instead of trying only to feed themselves.

I’ll concede that this is a somewhat corny inspirational image, but it does remind us of the truth that we are happiest when we make it a priority to love and serve God and others first. Indeed, our Lord command us to do this in today’s gospel. We are to love ourselves, Jesus teaches us. But we are to love God and others first.

Mother Teresa once put it very well. She said that the proper order of priorities in our life is JOY: J-O-Y. J is first, and that’s for Jesus; O is next, and that’s for Others; and Y is last- and that’s for You.

Readings for today’s Mass:http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081911.cfm

Photo Credit: PetLvr via Creative Commons

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Live from WYD – Dziequje by Elizabeth Lent

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Pope Benedict arrived in Madrid today and we got to the streets super early, securing an excellent pope-viewing spot—second row, to be exact.  In ready position at 11am, we had two and a half hours to spare before Papa Ratzi (as the Italians have nicknamed him) was to complete his drive through the streets and finish at his Spanish dwelling, right across the corner from where we stood.  The hours were filled with time for reflection, people watching (my personal favorite), chanting and cheering, and befriending four Polish volunteers!  They taught us how to say “thank you” in Polish—Dziequje, pronounced JenKUya—as we ended up having to say that to them quite a few times…  We also had an opportunity to hear the girls’ studies in Warsaw and of course take pictures together!

Hearing the approaching cheers prompted by the Popemobile, we all then crowed as close to the barricades as possible and readied our cameras.  In front of us were standing three disguised protestors. Right as the Pope was about to pass, they open a large banner and hold it high, blocking everyone’s view behind them.  Understandably frustrated, we all tried to pull it down.  It was then that a policeman made them take the sign down and we were able to see the pilgrims across the street cheering violently at the protestors.  Only then did we realize the whole time these protestors had been under our nose since the beginning.  Eventually the policeman confiscated their banner, thank goodness!

So seeing the Pope in the Popemobile was not as uplifting as I expected, though a group member was able to reach her hand high above the banner and get a perfect video of the whole thing.  Reflecting back on the experience now, however, this is just one example of the persecution most Catholic youth go through daily.  And we stood all together through it all, success indeed.  Additionally, imagine what Christ endured carrying His cross to Calvary, a much stronger pain of persecution, as it puts into perspective just how much Jesus sacrificed to save us, the sinners.  Pope Benedict XI, the Vicar of Christ, does the exact same thing.

Next stop, the English speaking base in Madrid: the Love and Life Center.  Here we waited in line for almost 45 min for pizza and Coke (lunch was much needed) and then heard from panelists speaking on the Theology of the Body.  It was a wonderful experience to see so many other enthused youth and to hear from inspiring speakers such as Jason Everett.  But honestly, the best things about the event were as follows: air conditioning, English speaking people, and bathrooms.

Moving on to the welcoming celebration for the Pope, we had to again endure the absolute craziness of the metro crowds.  Waiting two or three times to get on a train is becoming normal.  The celebration was similar to the Pope’s entrance earlier in the day.  With constant cheering, standing, and another display of the Popemobile, the only difference was the increased mass of crowds.  Oh, and no protestors.  Welcomed and presented with a gift by a youth from each continent, Pope Benedicto, encouraged us to cherish friendships and to always participate in joyful celebration for the glory of God.

With sore feet and exhausted bodies after standing and walking the whole day, we returned home to discover a sudden second wind.  Laughing and taking ridiculous pictures as we reflected on many funny anecdotes from the day, our abs certainly got a workout.  God has showed his love by ending our tiring, up-down day on a good note.  He always figures out something if we just pay attention. Thank You, thank You, thank You!

Eliz.

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Vive la différence – Acknowledging, Accepting and Appreciating that Men and Women are Different

Continuing in the theme of marriage that we had earlier this week, there is a very humorous video at the bottom of this page, one I often use for couples I prepare for marriage.

It centers on the fact that a woman is very  different from a man. The physical differences are obvious but these physical differences arise from important differences in the soul. It is the soul that is the form of the body and the qualities of the male and female soul give rise to physical differences. I know that this is politically incorrect today, but it is true. It is a common modern error to be dismissive of the profound differences between the sexes. No one can deny the physical differences, but too often they are dismissed as surface only, of no real significance. But the truth is that our bodies are expressions of the faculties of our soul and male and female differences are far more than skin deep.

It remains true that these differences often give rise to tensions in the marriage and the overall relationships between men and women. That men and women perceive differently, think differently, and have different emotional experiences is just a fact and it is always healthy to recognize and accept reality. Too often in the modern age there has been a tendency to dismiss these deep differences as just archetypes of bygone “sexist” era. But what ends up happening is that an expectation is created that these differences will just go away when we decide to ignore them or pretend they don’t exist. But guess what , they don’t. And thus resentments and anger follow. Too many marriages end in power struggles because neither spouse can accept that it was not good for them to be alone and that God gave them a spouse who, by design, is very different so that they could be challenged and completed.

Original sin has intensified our pain at the experience of these given differences. The Catechism links the tension surrounding these difference to the Fall of Adam and Eve:

[The] union [of husband and wife] has always been threatened by discord, a spirit of domination, infidelity, jealousy, and conflicts that can escalate into hatred and separation. This disorder can manifest itself more or less acutely, and can be more or less overcome according to the circumstances of cultures, eras, and individuals, but it does seem to have a universal character. According to faith the disorder we notice so painfully does not stem from the nature of man and woman, nor from the nature of their relations, but from sin. As a break with God, the first sin had for its first consequence the rupture of the original communion between man and woman. Their relations were distorted by mutual recriminations; their mutual attraction, the Creator’s own gift, changed into a relationship of domination and lust; and the beautiful vocation of man and woman to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth was burdened by the pain of childbirth and the toil of work. Nevertheless, the order of creation persists, though seriously disturbed. To heal the wounds of sin, man and woman need the help of the grace that God in his infinite mercy never refuses them. Without his help man and woman cannot achieve the union of their lives for which God created them “in the beginning.” (CCC #s 1606-1608)

One important cure for the disorders of marriage is to return to an appreciation of the necessity of our differences. Though our differences can be be intensified by sin, it is a fact that God made us different for a reason. These differences help spouses to complete each other. A husband should say, “My wife has some things important to teach me. I am incomplete without her.” Likewise the wife should be able to say that her husband has important things to teach her and that he somehow completes her. In this way we move beyond power struggles and what is right and wrong in every case and learn to experience that some tension is good. No tension, no change. God intends many of these differences to change and complete spouses. God calls the very difference humans he has made “suitable” partners.

And humor never hurts. Here is a wonderful and funny comedy routine about the differences between a man’s brain and a woman’s brain. Humor is often the best of medicines to defuse some of the tensions that arise from our differences. Vive la difference!

(By the way, as with any humor, stereotypes are used a bit here. But things are usually funny because they ring true. It is also a fact that not every individual man or woman has every trait described here (for example, I don’t have a very big “nothing box”) but enjoy this video for the humorous descriptions of the general situation).

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Come to the Party!

What if you threw a party and nobody came? You’d be heartbroken, of course, as you’d be let down by those you love.

Jesus spoke of a party in today’s gospel- a wedding banquet thrown by a king for his son. Many were invited, but nobody came. The king, we’re meant to understand, is God the Father; Jesus himself is the king’s son.

This parable is about the “kingdom of heaven,” which is a kingdom of love, because God is love. And because God is love, he treasures relationships. That’s why so many are invited to the wedding party! But no one was compelled to come. With love, there’s no such thing as an offer we can’t refuse.

Sadly, in Jesus’ parable many did refuse to come to the party, because they were indifferent, rude, or downright hostile and angry. Will this be our choice as well? Or will we accept Love’s invitation to love like him? After all, this is a party we don’t want to miss! And we wouldn’t want to let down our host.

Readings for today’s Mass: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081811.cfm

Photo Credit: alibree via Creative Commons

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Live from WYD – Following God’s Lead by Elizabeth Lent

Wednesday August 17, 2011

Today started with an 8:45am wake up after a much needed seven hours of sleep and a light Spanish breakfast, before heading to the Viva la Vida! Pro-Life Youth Festival.  Organized by the Irish, the conference showcased many Pro-life Programs throughout the world (England, USA, Poland, Canada, Australia, Austria, New Zealand, and Ireland were all represented).  The speakers’ main theme centered on the importance of using images to proclaim the evil of abortion, as they have proven to be extremely effective.  The goal of each group was to end abortion, totally and completely: First by changing public opinion, and then the law.  Currently, many speakers said, society uses people and loves things.  We are acting completely backwards. Interspersed between the presentations, several bands performed and the crowd got more riled up each time.

Highlights included a talk by Lila Rose, founder of Live Action, who dedicates her life to ending abortion and investigates Planned Parenthood’s facilitation of child abuse through undercover operations (check out her videos on YouTube!)  The band L’Angelus was also a hit! A combination of Cajun fiddle tunes, saxophone pop, and New Orleans R&B, these four siblings put on quite a show that got the audience off their feet to say the least!  It was not long before their younger 9 and 5 year old sisters, 7 year old twin brothers, and mother came on to perform as well—such a powerful expression of family and life.

After the conference, we made our way (extremely slowly due to increasingly massive crowds) to the Parque del Retiro.  The metro was just insane…picture included…but it just goes to show how many youth there are out there living the Catholic Faith.  Ole!

Exiting the metro we immediately come across a church and went inside to take a peak and say a prayer.  The contrast from the crowded and noisy streets to the air conditioned and serene church was significant.  It felt as if God was reminding us to take a hiatus from our busy lives and make that quiet time for Our Lord.  Just so happens the priest needed an English version of the WYD pilgrimage book and we had one.   Mass was starting in 10 minutes.  I bet you can guess what happened.  The mass was beautiful, and in English! The Lord is always leading us to where he wants us to be and He certainly had a plan for us today.

At the park we stopped for ice cream (a necessity of course), stood in the shade from the hot sun while watching a youth pep rally and band (the spirit never dies down, wherever you go), and made friends with some Italians who fervently tried to persuade us to trade our American flag for theirs along with every other patriotic item they had.  After a solid 20 minutes of friendly argumentation, we decided to meet at the same spot at 3pm on Saturday to exchange flags, story to be continued…

After finally making it back through the crowded metro to our host’s home, we quickly changed into a clean and sweat free pair of clothes before heading back to town for dinner.  Exiting the Puerta del Sol metro stop around 8:20pm, we stumbled upon a march of protestors against the pope.  Now this is something I would rather not include but I believe it to be significant to the heart of the youth here today.  Despite lines of police separating the youth from the protestors and blocking two major streets, every country seemed to have a group of youth praying and shouting, “Benedicto, we love you!”  Through the difficult trials, we do not back down.

The night ended with a spectacular performance of Flamenco dancing.  Every step, every facial expression is done with intention.  The little things which these talented dancers do make the show so full of passion.  It is in some way a metaphor for our own lives—we must do what we do with a true passion for the glory of God.

I would like to end with a brief prayer Lila Rose said in her early teens and shared with us.  “Lord, use me. Use me to work for Your glory and to fulfill Your plans for me.”

Good (3am) night!

Eliz.

Written by: Elizabeth Lent, Junior at University of Notre Dame and parishioner at Little Flower in Bethesda

Photos by: Elizabeth Lent

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Great Video Illustrating the Difference Between the Current English Translation and the New Translation of the Roman Misssal

I am very happy about, and look forward to the new English translation of the Roman Missal that will begin use in November. However, I have had challenges in explaining to the faithful what the essential problem with the current translation is. When the distinction between “formal equivalence” and “dynamic equivalence” is mentioned, many eyes glaze over or puzzled looks appear. I have tried to take an example of a prayer and show the difference in three columns: Latin, new translation, and current translation (as I do below). But asking people to compare three different columns, one of them in a language unknown to most of them, presents problems too.

But, at the bottom of this post there is a great video that does a wonderful job explaining the difference between the method of “dynamic equivalence” (translating the gist of a prayer, and capturing its basic thoughts), versus “formal equivalence” (translating a prayer in a more literal, word for word way). The video shows the difference with a basic down to earth example and then explains why the difference is important. While it’s geared to teens, adults can benefit greatly from it as well. See what you think.

Example of difference – As Fr. Z. often does to great effect, the opening prayer (collect) for this coming Sunday shows the different approaches of the current translation and the new translation.

LATIN: Deus, qui fidelium mentes unius efficis voluntatis, da nobis id amare, quod praecipis, id desiderare, quod promittis, ut inter mundanas varietates,  ibi nostra fixa sint corda, ubi vera sunt gaudia.

NEW TRANSLATION (formal (word for word) equivalence) O God, who cause the minds of the faith to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise., that amidst the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed, where true gladness is found.

CURRENT TRANSLATION (dynamic (gist) equivalence). Father, help us to seek the values that will bring us lasting joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart.

As you can see the current translation (lame duck, as Fr. Z calls it), gets the gist of the Latin prayers. But there are important omissions.

  1. First it proposes that lasting joys can be found in this world, rather than in heaven, which the Latin says.
  2. The current translation rather weakly ask that we will be helped to “seek the values” whereas the Latin more vigorously asks that we may “love what you command.”
  3. The Latin speaks of hearts as being “fixed,” whereas the current translation muddles this into our joys (not our hearts) being “lasting.”
  4. Etc.

It will be seen that the current translation is in much need of help and that the new translation fixes the problems of the old by using a formal equivalence (word for word) translation as opposed to the “dynamic equivalence” (a general summation of the idea) translation currently in use (but not for long)!

Clearly we need more than the “gist of a prayer,” to pray with the universal Church. The new translation will be welcomed by this pastor.

Fr. Zuhlsdorf of course is the master of analyzing these collects and you can see his more expansive treat of this prayer here: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Word for Word [Edge] from Life Teen on Vimeo.

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The Duke, the Cowboy, the Playwright, and the President

What do John Wayne, Oscar Wilde, Buffalo Bill, and (possibly) George Washington have in common? They all became Catholic on their deathbeds.

Conversions such as these should cause rejoicing! But that’s not always the case. News that a notorious gangster became Catholic as he died was met with howls or protest by those who thought it unfair that such a person might receive God’s mercy. Much like those in today’s gospel who grumbled when the latecoming workers received the same pay as those who’d worked all day.

From the world’s perspective, the conclusion of Jesus’ parable isn’t fair. After all, longer work should lead to greater pay! But Jesus was speaking of the kingdom of heaven, where different rules apply.

On the job, we can earn a paycheck, and even a bonus. But there’s nothing we can do to earn our way into God’s kingdom. We’re welcomed in, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done. Heaven isn’t a reward for good behavior, it’s a gift from God. There’s no admissions fee, as Jesus already paid the price for us.

Yes, we are accountable for our actions before God, who calls us to lead holy lives. But Jesus’ parable reminds us that those passing through the pearly gates won’t hear, “Congratulations! You’ve earned it!” Jesus will say instead: “Welcome! I love you.”

Readings for today’s Mass: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081711.cfm

Image credit: Wikipedia Commons

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Live from World Youth Day by Elizabeth Lent

Written by Elizabeth Lent

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Wow, what a day.  First thing I learned: do not abandon your group to go join some high school friends you see across the room at the Catedral de la Almudena. Turns out you will most likely not be able to find your group again and become lost in a completely foreign Palacio Real.  Oh yeah, and you don’t realize this until after you’ve already left the high school friends… definitely panicked for a good twenty five minutes before being reunited at last, thank you St. Anthony!

Turned out to be a huge test of faith as well as humility.  But the Cathedral was magnificent and filled to the brim with youth. First thing you would notice? The ceiling.  Arches upon arches with gold trim; the simplicity made the Cathedral seem infinitely high.  Eager crowds which had been rambunctiously waiting outside quickly became a prayerful wave of souls all pouring eyes over saint after saint and then spiraled up a staircase to venerate a pristine statue of the Virgin of Alumdena, displaying their country’s flag on the way for all to see to see.

Next stop, Calle Mayor—a main street which runs right through the center of town.  Walking through many plazas, we were amidst a wave of colors.  Every WYD group was dressed head to toe in patriotic wear and waving flags every which way.  When we eventually reached Plaza Mayor, we were engulfed by singing, yelling, dancing, and chanting—all for the tremendous show of their country’s spirited participation.  The peak of the excitement, or so we thought.  At one point, we turned around to find a group of Italians racing towards us waving flags and yelling, “Italia! Italia!”  The whole experience was really something.

Spending the rest of the afternoon exploring Madrid, we helped ourselves to some Tinto de Verano, or Sangria, and tried our first Spanish tapas.  At 8pm began the opening mass, held at the Plaza de la Cibeles, a massive square…well, more of an odd shaped rectangle.  Now, there were not just huge crowds here, there was a multitude of disciples.  One ten minute stretch to get to the street was the equivalent of a mosh pit—every man for himself.  It was actually insane.  Followed by more singing, yelling, dancing, and chanting (this was the real peak of spirit), the mass began.

I knew to expect tons of countries at WYD, but I never fathomed the spirit and the reality of the faith that these young people literally all over the world are living in their daily lives.  It was comforting and I felt very calm and relaxed for the rest of the evening, knowing that the fight against the secular society will be won.  We are all together in this, we are all member of the One Church and no one can take that away.

Happy trails!

Eliz.

Written by: Elizabeth Lent, Junior at University of Notre Dame and parishioner at Little Flower in Bethesda

Photos by: Elizabeth Lent