SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - GIVE ME SANCTUARY

Continuing our discussion on candles.

The Sanctuary Lamp is found by the tabernacle and indicates whether the Blessed Sacrament is present or not. If the lamp is lit one should genuflect before the presence of Jesus. If the lamp is extinguished and not, presumably, merely burned out, one bows before the altar, which then becomes the primary symbol of Christ in the sanctuary.

This lamp burns perpetually and is ideally fueled by olive oil to adhere to the mandate in Sacred Scripture, “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. In the tabernacle of the congregation without the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel. (KJV)” (Exodus 27, 21-22.) It seems that most parishes however simply burn wax candles. The burning of an electric light or a gas light is expressly forbidden. Usually there is one candle burning (our tradition has it shine through red glass, but that is not mandated) though there may be more candles. They should always be of an odd number however. (1,3,7, etc.) Before the more recent major renovations of the Cathedral of St. John in Cleveland there were seven Sanctuary Lamps around the tabernacle. One remains today. The picture with this article is one of the lamps that used to hang there but now burns before the tabernacle at the Church of Saint Clare.

An “eternal flame” of sorts has always been a sign of vigilance and honor. Just think of the Eternal Flame for a Fallen President at Arlington National Cemetary. Additionally, this flame not only informs us of Christ’s presence but also symbolizes Christ the Light of the World as all candles in the sanctuary do. Or rather - should do.

A BIG PILL TO SWALLOW

MEN:

Suppose your wife came up to you and asked you to take a pill for her. These are the common side effects:

Weight gain
Skin problems
Nausea
Depression
High Blood Pressure
Loss of Libido
Urinary Tract Infection
Gum Inflammation
Can Trigger Asthma
Decrease Your Ability to Ward Off Viral Infection

Here are some less common effects:

Blood Clots
Stroke
Heart Attack

Now suppose you read this on the label on this bottle of pills and also knew that there were as effective alternatives with no side effects. I do not know about you, but I would not then venture to put these chemical poisons in my body.

In marriage Scripture tells us that man and woman become one. They are no longer two flesh therefore but one flesh. To love your wife is also to love yourself. The side effects mentioned above are what can happen to the one you love, the one who with whom you are united in flesh, when she takes the pill. If we are to love her as if she were our own body, if we are to love our wives as Christ loves his spouse the Church, why would we want her to put these poisons in her body even if there have been no apparent side effects with her so far?

Would you risk it?

Let us say no to poisoning our wives.

NO POST THURSDAY

Sorry folks!

The computers were down ALL DAY. I need a computer guardian angel! But as you can see, we are back up now though it does seem a bit late to post so see you tomorrow!

Fr. V.

NEVER ASSUME

I have decided that you would not mind if I brought my dog (my fictional one at the moment) over to your house to do his business on your lawn. I am ever so happy about this. I used to carry around a baggie but that was disgusting and ever so much work. Now, my doggie can do his dodo and it doesn’t matter!

Now, your reaction to this might be, “That’s all find and dandy that you have decided I don’t mind, but you should ask me. I may have a different idea about your doggie’s dodo than you do.” But believing this makes me feel better about myself, releases me of responsibility, and saves me from having to dispose of the stuff.

This scenario makes me wonder if this is how God feels when someone says, “Oh, God forgives me for that,” or “God doesn’t care about that.” Perhaps it is the case that they are not so much saying God is forgiving them but rather that they are forgiving themselves and relinquishing themselves of responsibility. A dangerous game to play.

Sometimes this is countered with, “Well, my God would not care about that.” As Catholics we believe we only have one God and He has told us exactly that about which He cares and exactly what to do about it if we should trample on it.

There is a similar case of when a person announces thier beloved dead ones are in heaven. “We know God was waiting for her! She strolled right into heaven!” That is a very complimentary and beautiful thing to say but it may lead to a person being denied the prayerful support they need in order to make it quickly there.

These seemingly trite sayings if taken too seriously could have consequences with which we would not be comfortable if we truly knew what was going on. I cannot think of a situation in which I would be comfortable saying them without some sort of theological basis on which to base them.

One other line that always perks my ears up comes at the end of a confession. “That is what I want to work on for now.” Or “That is all I want to confess.” Is there more? Is something being willingly retained? Should I probe? Or is this just a way of saying, “I’m finished”?

Perhaps it would be best if all three of these sayings would be wiped off the Catholic paying field as too dangerous to play around with.

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK - LXVI

FINDING TRUTH WHEVER IT MAY BE FOUND - "Religions are always in trouble . . . In adversity they grow honest. It's good for them." From Michner's "The Source"

QUOTE II - "On a long enough timeline the survival rate for everyone drops to 0." Fight Club

IN OTHER NEWS:

In the "Know News That's Good News" department: Yesterday there was announement that this year the newest Catholic high school in Cleveland, St. Matin do Pours, will be graduating their first class! St. Martin's is an inner city school designed to give promising students of modest means a chance at a great Catholic education.

Fr. F. has taken up the mighty pen again! Read his article here from Commonweal Magazine.

Adoro pointed this out to me. I thought it a pretty funny blog.

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP - XLVI

Our computers were down again for most of the weekend. Sorry, no Monday Diary but here is Sunday Video on Tap a day late!

Stolen from Fr. Schnipple. Boobeeyadda. One minute.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Worthwhile event alert: Lifeworks has arranged for Dr David Prentice from the Family Research Council to speak on the ethics of modern science at 7pm on May 28th at the Bop Stop 2920 Detroit Avenue Cleveland 44113. Lifeworks has the details at 216 661 3000 ext.24

Jay says, "Life is good. The sun is shining, God loves you, and Catholic Carnival 172 is up!"

From our correspondant in New York: Don't waste gas driving around to finding the lowest price! Just look here. Thanks Kaz.

Lillian Marie and friend found this site called, "An Interview with God" for those of you who enjoy such things. Thanks L. M.

F. sent this site in. It has all in one place many of places you want to go. Now you can just point a click instead of plugging it in all the time.

SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT

The candle that has come to most readily symbolize Christ our Light is the Paschal candle also known as the Christ candle or the Easter candle.

The Paschal candle is a larger candle usually adorned with a cross, the current year, and an Alpha and Omega; Christ the first and the last. Five grains of incense are held in place, usually at the points and center of the cross, with five wax nails. These represent the wounds of Christ.

After the fire is blessed at the Easter Vigil, the Christ Candle is lit and (usually the deacon) carries Christ into a dark church that represents the world and calls out three times, “Christ our light!” To which the people respond, “Thanks be to God!” From this one flame, divided but undimmed, all people present receive a light for the candles that they are holding. Though the candles are held by individuals, the light emanating from it is still the light of Christ who enlightens us. During the Exsultet (The Easter Proclamation) this is sung, “Accept this Easter candle, a flame divided but undimmed, a pillar of fire that glows to the honor of God. Let it mingle with the lights of heaven and continue bravely burning to dispel the darkness of this night!”

At the blessing of the water the candle is dipped into the water. Can you see the connection between Christ making holy the waters of baptism by being baptized by St. John and the candle the symbolizes Christ being touched to the water during the blessing of the holy water? Is that cool or what?

The Candle is then given a place of honor next to the ambo and burns throughout the Easter season, that time when Christ resurrected from the dead and appeared to his disciples. At Pentecost then it is moved to the baptistery and used for baptisms and funerals.

After the baptism a candle is lit (yet another candle to add to our growing list) from the Paschal candle and presented to the baptized. “Receive the light of Christ. Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He/She is to walk as a child in the light. May he/she keep the flame alive in h/h heart. When the Lord comes, may he/she go out to meet Him with all the saint in the heavenly kingdom.”

And so it happens. When the baptized dies, the Paschal candle is brought to the center isle and to stand at the head of the casket and lit to symbolize Christ indeed leading the faithful to our heavenly homeland.

KNOW NEWS THAT'S GOOD NEWS

News doesn’t seem to be news unless it is scandalous or gossipy. Bucking the trend, here are a couple of stories that you might still find of note.

This past week a number of Ursuline nuns celebrated sixty years of ministry. They were of that hard working, backbone of the diocese stock that taught countless numbers of young people of many generations and began ministries that many of us take for granted today. Some kind soul had, in his will, that when these particular nuns reached their 60th anniversary (can you imagine how many cumulative years of ministry that involves?) they should be treated to dinner from his estate; and not just any dinner, but seriously good and expensive dinner at a fine restaurant.

Each sister was able to ask one companion sister to escort her and off they went to Moxie’s. The restaurant pulled out all of the stops, treating these treasures to the fussing they deserved. A fine time was had by all. God bless the nuns and those who remember the blessings they have been to the life of the Church.

A second story involves a church choir competition in Cleveland sponsored by a local classical radio station (WCLV 104.9) and the United Church of Christ. “The mission of this competition or “challenge” is to remind Cleveland and the surrounding areas of that beautiful and time-honored tradition of choral music in our houses of worship and to further heighten the standard of music in the 21st century.” It was the first for Cleveland and the Cathedral Choir of Saint John the Evangelist was the only Catholic Choir to make it all the way to the final six. Choirs were rated not only their talent, but on the scope of the repertory and their mastery of varying styles.

The final competition was held on our ordination weekend. The choir had to sing at 9:00 on Friday night for they would not be able to be there in the morning. The announcement of the winner of the competition was scheduled during ordination making it impossible for their capable leader Mr. Greg Heislman and many of the singers to attend. One wonders if someone kept a cell phone on vibrate in order to hear if they won or not.

As it turns out the cathedral choir did indeed win this first competition. Congratulations all around! We are fortunate to have such a choir and further blessed to have a bishop who supports having the finest choir in the land as we remember that the Catholic Church has always been patroness of the arts. Praise God.

THANKS MOM(s)

Sorry for the late post today. Our server was down and nobody knows why - or why it is back up!

One of the local Protestant parishes has this posted on their marquee outside, “The man who has a Godly mother is rich indeed!” It may sound trite but it is very true.

So I was having coffee with someone this past week and being that Mothers Day was bearing down on us we told three stories of how our mothers taught us to live in this world.

POVERTY

A number of years ago my once prosperous hometown was hit by hard times as all the industry shut down and moved away. Many families were struggling to put food on the table. My babushka wearing, pocketbook carrying, non-driving mother read about it in the local paper and that the city was asking for volunteers to work for a community food bank. She no sooner read the story that she put her babushka on, tucked her pocketbook under her arm and trudged the twenty-minute walk to the food bank and continued doing so for a number of years from that point. I was so impressed by the gesture that it was partially responsible for my becoming a priest and my promoting the work of CRS. We may not be able to end poverty, but we can do a lot to alleviate it with someone or some small group. When I was hungry you have me to eat.

ABUSE

A story was told of a Mom who lived next door to a family who had a dog tied up on a short leash in the back yard. The dog was virtually forgotten except when someone came out to throw some food at the dog. So the dog cried and barked all day. There are a few routes one might take. You could call the police or an animal protection league or you could yell at the careless people and engender bitter feelings. But this Mom went next door and said, “You know, I love dogs but I cannot have one. Would you mind if I took your dog for walks?” They were very thankful to her. If you are angry, let it be without sin.

VIOLENCE

Two stores were battling in my hometown. One blasted Italian music at the door and across the street, Slovenian. They each kept upping the ante until neither could stop without losing face. Another Mom in a similar situation used this approach. The neighbors across the street played loud music on their porch all day long. She bought a 12 pack of a tasty beverage and went over and introduced herself, gave them refreshments, got to know them, and then kindly asked them to turn down their music which they did with good feelings all around. Blessed are the peacemakers.

IT IS ALSO OKAY TO SAY HELLO AND SORRY

Years ago I used to carry dollar bills in my pocked (usually four or five dollars) whenever I went downtown. I’d give them out to anybody who asked and when I was out I was out. There was also the time that I was invited to see Dolly Parton downtown by a friend. (I know, I know, and I don’t want to hear about it.) The family invited me to share their loge with them and it was PACKED with catered food for three times the amount of people present. They informed me that the food is thrown away afterwards and so they had it all packed up (there was a LOT) and we set about in their car delivering food to those on the streets. The only unfortunate thing about that was that we did not make up good meals. One person got a full box of potatoes, another a full box of beef. We tried to connect them up though. “You might want to go and share with that guy down there, he has coleslaw!”

Now these sign are appearing downtown. There is always some amount of controversy about whether it is a good thing to give to beggars or not and I am torn by the arguments. A man did ask me for money for food while I was downtown on Monday and after reading this I sign declined to do so. But I was solicitous to him and he was very kind in return.

So what is one to do – or to quote that worn and now clichéd phrase, “What would Jesus do?” Who knows? Well. Who knows beyond this: It is not an option be pretend people are not there either physically or in social justice terms. By that I mean as Catholic we have an obligation to recognize the humanness and dignity of others even if that is not entirely reflected back. We should be kind and offer greetings when greeted. And if you are of the mind not to hand money out for whatever reason say so. “I give at such and so place. That is my way of helping.” (This is USUALLY met with kindness in return.) Then the second part of that equation is to actually do that charity because that is who we are. That is one more reason we are proud to call ourselves Catholic.

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK LXV

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND - "When we truly encounter the night in all its beauty and terror, we have no assurance whatsoever that we are going to come out unscathed. If you come out injured it might just be a sign of the blessing that you have received." Rast O.S.B.

QUOTE II - "If it's in the dictionary, it's probably false." Fr. John Loya

IN OTHER NEWS:

Oh! How people agonize over whether they have a vocation or not! Some people discern so long that they discern themselves out of the opportunity. Brothers and Sisters of Perpetual Discernment is a blog on the level of Spirit of Vatican II Blog about such persons. If you think that you would get a kick out of it pop over. Sister Caprice is waiting.

Clevelanders contemplating a vocation: Come join a day-long retreat helping single Catholic men and women, ages 18-40 explore and lean more about the priesthood and consecrated life Saturday June 7th at the Center for Pastoral Leadership (Wickliffe). For more information or to register call 1.800.869.6525 or 216.696.6525 ext. 3490.

Thoughts should be turning to spring but this picture of this little guy was still on my camera. He was snagged for a picture while we were hiking during our third winter storm and I though I'd share him with you.

MONDAY DIARY CHAPTER 9

As you may have caught on Sunday Video on Tap there were five men from the diocese of Cleveland who were ordained to the priesthood this past Saturday, a fine lot of young men and we are very fortunate to have them. Friday night afforded me the opportunity to go to a reception of one of our newly ordained priests for the diocese. It was a nice affair held in the parish hall. Everybody fusses about a newly ordained and so I had just about enough time to shake his hand in congratulations, ask for his blessing, and tell him to journal all of this because it will surprise him how much he will forget.

Participating in ordination weekend is for a priest what it must be like for married persons to go to a wedding. Lots of memories come back.

Okay, that’s a lie. A few memories come back. I had to go back in my journals to really remember the day. It was like a whirlwind and my head was spinning for months after. There are many wonderful and holy moments that took place during those precious days and they are remembered largely because they are written down and there is picture evidence that it actually took place. Perhaps someday I shall talk about that.

I am embarrassed to tell you what my two strongest memories are however.

Okay that was a lie too. I wrote this post to tell you exactly what those two strongest memories are.

The first concerns the Litany of the Saints. While it is sung the priests-to-be lie prostrate on the floor while the saints, that mystical part of the Body of Christ, are called upon pray for those about to be ordained. I’ve heard the Litany and number of hundreds of times before but there was something particularly revelatory about it this time. For the first time I heard these names as true and living members of my family, not just good guys in heaven who might pray for me if I ask. The litany is no longer such an academic thing for me anymore but as real for me as calling out the names of my Mom, Dad, and sisters.

But at the same time, for some unfathomable reason I have an equally deep impression of the floor. I remember thinking, “Wow, this floor is so shiny I can see the chandeliers in the ceiling!” What a terrible thing to remember so clearly during such a solemn occasion.

The other thing remembered is the during the presbyteral laying on of hands. After the bishop laid his hands on our heads, all the present priests are invited to do the same. So we knelt on the marble floor while each of them did so. There were a couple hundred priests so luckily we took the cue from the previous year’s class to wear kneepads. Everything is going along fine when my future pastor, already in his 80s, came and laid his hands on my head and said a prayer. He then leaned over and said, “Looking forward to seeing you at Saint Ambrose,” and then slapped me – HARD – on my cheek like they used to do for confirmation. I heard my family gasp behind me.

I’m glad he did so actually. It stands out in my memory as a happy moment. Perhaps we should bring that back at confirmation. (Maybe not, I could see lawsuits.)

In a similar way I tell brides that it is a good thing that their ceremony was not perfect if something should happen. “That will be something will talk about forever. If it all went well they would say, ‘It was nice’ and that would be the end of it. You’ll appreciate it later.”

I hope that I am right.

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP LXV

HAPPY PENTECOST!

& HAPPY MOTHER' S DAY

IN OTHER NEWS:

Jay is positively giddy over the opening of Catholic Carnival 171!

This is just a nice story about being a good person and how sometimes it comes back as a blessing on you. Cabbies Treated to Classical Violin. Thanks Fr. F.

The Diocese of Cleveland Enewseletter reports five men ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ for the Diocese this past Saturday. God bless you Fathers!

Here is a site for various streaming video presentations from the Diocese of Cleveland. Kind of like a Clevelandtube I suppose.

SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX

Next we will try to enlighten ourselves a bit about candles. I have a burning desire to do so though this topic can’t hold a candle to bell symbolism. I just happen to have a bee in my bonnet to go into it.

The saddest part of this endeavor has been a discovery that I wish I hadn’t made. Everybody knows that liturgical candles must be 51% beeswax. Ask almost any priest (or candle manufacturer.) As it turns out, this is a former requirement that is not mandated any longer.

‘“DOL 208, p. 519, note R47, quoting the newsletter of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Notitiae 10:80 (1974), no. 4: "Query: Must the lighted candles that are to be placed in candlesticks for the celebration of Mass consist in part of beeswax, olive oil, or other vegetable oil? Reply: The GIRM prescribes candles for Mass ‘as a sign of reverence and festiveness' (nos. 79, 269). But it makes no further determination regarding the material of their composition, except in the case of the sanctuary lamp, the fuel for which must be oil or wax (see Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, Introduction no. 11). The faculty that the conferences of bishops possess to choose suitable materials for sacred furnishings applies therefore to the candles for Mass. The faculty is limited only by the condition that in the estimation of the people the materials are valued and worthy and that they are appropriate for sacred use. Candles intended for liturgical use should be made of material that can provide a living flame without being smoky or noxious and that does not stain the altar cloths or coverings. Electric bulbs are banned in the interest of safeguarding authenticity and the full symbolism of light."’

Be (or bee) that as it may, traditionally liturgical candles represent Christ our Light. (Just one more reason why the Unity Candle does not make sense in the Catholic Liturgy, but that is for another day.) The wax is often identified with the flesh of Christ and the wick His soul. (The reason beeswax was prescribed was that it symbolizes purity being made by the virgin male honey bee.) The flame that gives us light sacrifices itself; consumes itself for our benefit as Christ gave Himself for us. “I am the light of the world,” says the Lord, and its light (and natural scent if still made of beeswax) reminds us of His sacred body.

THE DAY CLEVELAND ATE PIZZA

I’m sure you heard about the 23-cent pizza that Papa Johns was selling to Clevelanders yesterday. Everybody else did. I know because most of them were standing in our front lawn and filling our parking places.

I thought it might be fun to pop over the pizza joint and claim our 23-cent pizza for lunch and told the guys I would go over early and beat the crowd. HA! Take a look at this picture. This is the line from the pizza shop taken from my front window. From here it went down to the corner, turned, snaked through their parking lot and finally into the pizzeria.

My life is worth more than a couple of hours waiting for a 23-cent pizza.

But it got me thinking that maybe here is the marketing strategy that the Catholic Church needs to start employing. I mean, here was a large group of people who did not mind giving up an hour or so of their time, parking quite a distance away and walking to their destination on a misty day, and who did not mind standing in procession in an interminable line. It was like watching news reports of Cold War era Russia. And all for a cheap pizza that by today is only a memory save for the heartburn.

It would be easy to be snotty at this point. I am tempted. But the more I think about it the easier it is to think of the millions of faithful Catholics who are loyal to Christ every weekend and do the same. Getting to Mass is a hardship for some and sacrifices are made. This weekend in this parish alone about 1,600 people will stand in line to receive not pizza, but the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The next day the effects of that Eucharist will not just be a memory but an active agent in the life of these faithful people and a down payment on the life to come. There is a lot of hope in that.

My urge to be snotty is a basic human desire for others to share in what I see as important. Yes, 23-cent pizza is fun; eternal life is better.

Come back and park here on Sunday. Find true nourishment.