Abbey-Roads2

On the blog I write at the company I work for, I get tons of direct links to websites that have the hottest porn ever.  I opened one - and quickly closed it - and deleted it.  However, the image emblazoned itself upon my mind.  It is sinister, diabolic, and so gross.  Not to mention demeaning.  I only opened it in the comments section because the title, which I can’t remember, sounded like a joke from a fellow employee.  So now, every day, I get something - I can tell by the title it is porn - I immediately delete the stuff - without opening.

In my life of sin, I never got into porn - it had to be the real thing or nothing - although I was always simply looking for love and intimacy.  (I think most everyone is just looking for love when they commit sexual sin.)  Porn just seemed dumb to me - it always repulsed me.  Nevertheless, it’s a huge problem for many men, it’s addicting, precisely because the images embed in the mind.  Men are easily addicted to the medium, which activates the imagination and stimulates the body, albeit further imprinting upon the memory.  It is everywhere on the internet.

Whatyado?  For one thing, never keep pornography in the house.  Never click on suspicious sites - if you do - you haven’t sinned seriously - yet.  The image viewed is going to come back to you, even if you  have mentally blocked it out and it seems to have immediately left your conscious thought.  The image automatically got filed in your unconscious, whether you wanted it there or not.  Despite this, men also have another problem; they often experience an almost instantaneous physical  reaction when exposed to something salacious.  If it is not willed, it is not a sin, even if it lasts - it is a natural reaction to stimulus.  Move on, and don’t dwell on the subject, or the feelings.

I have always told young guys, when impure thoughts or images assault you, gently try to distract yourself, try to pray or engage in some activity unrelated to the lust.  Flee the temptation.  Yet never think the temptation or the lustful movements of the body are actual sin.  Our physical desires, along with the evil one, want to convince us that we have already gone so far and therefore sinned, telling us to go all the way.  Never fall for that, even if you are lactating.  Move on, and don’t panic - the fear and confusion often trips a guy up.  You need full consent of the will to commit actual sin.

If men were able to objectively analyze pornography, (the heat of passion petrifies rational thought) he would see how utterly ridiculous sexuality is as portrayed in pornography.  The absolute diabolical , and demeaning aspect of the acts portrayed are genuinely evil, exploitive, even enslaving for the objectified persons involved.  Ultimately, it is the most selfish act, and the most voyeuristic indulgence any human being can engage in.  Sadly, it is also the silliest, almost comical, portrayal of sex anyone can be witness to.  And yet there lies the secret.

The evil one mocks the gift of sexuality - in and through the perversion of pornography he subjugates the viewer, the addict, and mocks the dignity of man.  It is anti-life because it entices man to self-pleasure, or compels him towards the exploitation of another, for his own gratification.  In some cases, it leads to crimminal behaviour, discovered or not, that destroys the victim, (as well as the perpetrator) spiritually and psychologically.

Pornography is all around us.  Regular television programing offers what can only be termed as “soft porn” while the internet provides ample opportunity for hard core porn, along with cable access.  Therefore men are surrounded by intense temptation.

I’m so fortunate to have health problems; high blood pressure medication is the best thing that ever happened to me.  But the young guys, you have a struggle.  So here is my advice:

• Don’t dwell on an image you see, move on.
• When it comes back to your imagination, don’t get upset, let it pass through, as leaves blowing around on a fall day; re-focus, and pray, quietly - keep yourself in peace, by whatever means.
• Never believe yourself or the devil, that you already sinned because of  some lustful movements of your body…pray and change your occupation - even if your body hasn’t settled down.  We are body and spirit, we can overcome the inclinations of the flesh by living according to the spirit - empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Pray, pray without ceasing, this is how you will obtain the grace to live chastely.
• If you fall, don’t be discouraged and do not multiply the sins - don’t keep adding links to the devil’s chain - repent, get to confession as soon as possible - and move on.  “It’s difficult for a young man to remain sinless”.   Our Lord knows this - cast yourself into His Sacred Heart, asking for the graces you need, trust in Him and keep on trying.

I’m here to tell you that by the grace and mercy of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, you can indeed overcome any temptation or sin.  

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Pictured,  “The Flagellation Of Christ” - Carravagio

I asked myself this afternoon, “Where have I been?”  (The answer of course; “Somewhere with my head in the sand.”)

I got an email today from Catholic Parent’s Online, a local watchdog group that looks out for dangers affecting the family and our children.  It is an excellent group and they do a fine job.

The email had to do with the ongoing efforts of people associated with the homosexual agenda - you know, the agenda no one wants to admit exists.  Emphasized was a link to an organization called “Soul Force”  which will be hosting The “2007 Soulforce Equality Ride” .   It is a “freedom ride” in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. and the early civil rights movement. 

In this case, gays and lesbians are traveling to Christian colleges and schools to spread the message that gays are people too, and nothing is wrong with the gay lifestyle…here is an excerpt from the Soulforce Website:

“Homophobia is globally pervasive, and no community or school escapes its reach. In 2006, during the inaugural Equality Ride, participants traveled to nineteen schools and engaged students, faculty, and administrators in conversation about the damaging effects of homophobic doctrine, the false notion that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities are sick and sinful. This year, the journey continues with fifty young adults going to thirty-two Christian colleges and universities. Two buses are taking the group on two distinct routes around the country in creative pursuit of social justice. In doing so, they are empowered to change countless lives. Love liberates the oppressed, redeems the lost, and resurrects the spirit.” - Soulforce 

It appears the Soulforce  focus is mainly Protestant Bible Colleges,  although attached to the CPO email, was an announcement from E-Spiritus, the CPCSM newsletter:

“E-SPIRITUS NEWS

February 2007, Special Edition

UP-COMING SPECIAL EVENTS:

2007 SOULFORCE EQUALITY RIDE

SEND OFF Saturday, March 3, 2007

Socialize with riders and Jim McGreevey, former Governor of New Jersey, 5PM Blessing and Sending Service, 7PM (Locations listed below)

This year Minneapolis is where the Equality Ride* will begin and end. Two buses will leave from Minneapolis on March 7th one bus will head East and one will head West. They meet again in Minnesota at the end of April after their two month journey across America. You can be a part of this historic event next Saturday, March 3rd! Hear stories of last year’s Equality Ride from the founder of the Rides, Jake Reitan.Meet the 2007 Equality Riders! All 50 of them! Hear about the colleges and schools they will visit from the 2007 4 co-directors- Haven Herrin, Alexey Bulokhov, Katie Higgins, and Jarrett Lucus.”  - E-Spiritus Newsletter.

I heard of CPCSM before, but never paid any attention to the acronym, or knew what they stood for.  Until today, I had no idea there was a local gay support organization that claims to work closely with the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, it is called “Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities” (CPCSM).  I have of course heard of Dignity, which is not approved by the Church, as well as Courage, which is approved.

Looking at CPCSM’s site, I learned board members of CPCSM include Catholic religious, two sisters from the Congregation of St. Joseph of Corondolet, a religious brother, and one woman who once was on the board for Cretin-Derham Hall, a local Catholic high school which happens to have a GLBT club.

 Of course, there is no gay agenda - it’s just a heterosexist conspiracy to say there is.  Well, that is what they want us to think. 

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Photo credit: CNN

I have friends who sought Cardinal Egan’s help when he was in charge of the Bridgeport diocese.  From what I understand, he wasn’t the most warm and understanding priest they ever dealt with - in fact, he snubbed them. 

“When the Cardinal Archbishop of New York, John O’Connor had been informed of Egan’s nomination by the Pope as Auxiliary Bishop, he wrote  to his priests explaining that he had not personally chosen Monsignor Egan to be his auxiliary. To this day many people wonder at the Pope’s decision to place Egan in New York, after the fact that Egan had been promised he would be named coadjutor to  Cardinal Medeiros of Boston. ( Bernard Law got the position instead.)” - Adapted from Wikipedia

John Paul II, appointed Egan Bishop of Bridgeport.  From there, he took NYC.

Call me cynical, but he seems to be more a career churchman - ambitious and anxious for position, power, and prestige - more a beaureucrat and businessman than priest.  As Cardinal Archbishop of New York, he’s got the power, sans the devotion of his flock.

Yesterday, the Cardinal pulled a fast one, locking a priest out of his parish Church, one constructed through the hard work and sacrifice of Latvian immigrants.  Here is an excerpt from the story:

“February 27, 2007 — Edward Cardinal Egan pulled a fast one on a lower Manhattan parish pastor yesterday, summoning the priest to meet with him - then dispatching security guards to permanently lock the cleric’s church doors.” - read on at the New York Post

As everyone knows, major diocese throughout the country are closing Churches.  (It’s an athiest’s dream in a way.)  Is it because of the priest shortage?  Perhaps the fallen away who no longer attend Church?  Does it have anything to do with the confusion in the liturgy and moral teachings of the Church?  Or could it have more to do with diocese defaulting because of legal costs due to the clergy scandal?  After all, property in Manhattan is at a premium - selling Church property would rake in the cash big time.

Whatever - Cardinal Egan doesn’t seem to be much of a people person unless he’s dealing with the elite.

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Don Marco has a wonderful post on Lectio Divina.  (I try to write about it, but he actually does.)  An excerpt:

Burn and Shine

The glow of holy desire requires a steady commitment to lectio and oratio. Lectio is the hearing of the Word; oratio is the Word turned into prayer. “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). Lectio is completed by meditatio: the Word heard becomes the Word repeated and held in the mind until it begins to glow. Oratio is completed by contemplatio: the Word prayed opens the heart to a mysterious burning, to a fiery presence. Glow, then, with desire for God; burn with the fire of his presence, that the Lord may say of us what He said of John the Baptist: “He was a burning and shining lamp” (John 5:35).  - Vultus Christi: “Lent and Lectio Divina“

Should Don Marco maybe start writing some books?  I think so.
 

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As promised:

My prediction for the release of the motu proprio is this - it will be released on either Good Shepherd Sunday, April 29th, or on the following day, the feast of St. Pius V.

For quite some time I have prayed for the reform of the liturgy.  My experience this past Saturday evening inspired my prayer anew.  I’ve become so accustomed to the Mass at St. Agnes, where Mass is celebrated by the priest facing the altar.  It seems much more conducive to prayerful participation, as opposed to watching the priest while he celebrates facing the people.  At least for me.

When I kneel to receive Communion on the tongue from the priest or deacon, this act of humility and reverence deepens my recollection in the reception of the Sacrament.  I find a deeper appreciation and respect for the priest who acts in persona Christi.  On the other hand, I’m distracted when standing, receiving Communion in the hand, pronouncing my “Amen”, while making eye contact with the extraordinary minister - concerned about particles, moving along so the next person in line may receive.

I’m aware all of these practices are permitted.  My comfort level is no longer there however.

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Why does Elizabeth II seem so odd to our contemporary culture?

I think it is because she has always placed duty first and personal happiness second.  Everything we know about Queen Elizabeth, Helen Mirren’s portrayal notwithstanding, demonstrates this dedication.  Her attitude is the antithesis of our egocentric culture.

When she was only 21 years old, she stated in a radio address, “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”  It seems to have set the tone for her life.

Americans have long made fun of her for her simple taste and lack of concern for fashion, yet she determined never to be treated as a celebrity or fashion plate, consistently representing herself as a serious head of state and monarch, never playing to media or popular cult.

In this, many consider her to be rather remote and cold, simply because we do not understand the concept of decorum and dignity pertaining to her station in life, not to mention her obvious devotion to duty.  Prime Minister Harold Macmillan once wrote of her, “the Queen has been absolutely determined all through. She is impatient of the attitude towards her to treat her as… a film star… She has indeed ‘the heart and stomach of a man’… She loves her duty and means to be a Queen.”

I believe her example is a good one for all of us, no matter our station in life, or nationality.  The fulfillment of one’s duties in one’s state in life is the one penance Our Lord revealed to Sr. Lucia of Fatima that He “exacts and demands”.  Elizabeth Windsor seems to have lived this maxim heroically.

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Photo credit: Hallowed Ground blog.

Lent as a preparation for death.

I’m at an age where some members of my have family died, some much younger than myself, hence my thoughts concerning my own mortality, and preparation for death.  When one is younger it is very difficult to take this notion seriously - it seems always to be far off in a vague and distant future.

Although I think Lent is about this preparation; dying to oneself through mortification, providing for others through alms and good works, concentrating upon the Paschal mystery.  In some sense, it’s all about death, especially if one acts as if it is oneself who is to die on Good Friday - in union with Our Lord.  It may help one to understand the Passover of the Lord more deeply, to actually participate in it.

“Teach me the demands of your precepts

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with all my heart…” - Ps. 119

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” - Ps. 19

The observance of Lent allows us to deal with the minutia of our daily lives.  When I examine my conscience each night and at mid-day, or before confession, I can sometimes excuse myself for little faults and imperfections.  I make excuses.

Today’s first reading from Leviticus lays out for us some of the commands of the law that are often ignored in our day.

“You shall not steal…You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor…”  

Few of us would steal, right?  Yet I think it is pretty common practice for many to spend non-productive hours while at work, either surfing the net, writing emails, visiting with fellow workers.  It is a form of fraud however, to be pretending to work, while doing our own thing.  It is perhaps a small example of sin or imperfection many may be unconscious of.  Although when one ruminates on the Word, as in today’s first reading for example, the unconscious is illuminated by the multi-faceted brilliance of it’s meaning, enlightening the soul, revealing our more or less unconscious infidelities. 

Lenten reading.

Many people visit bookstores looking for Lenten reading.  There are many good books out there to read.  For myself, I can’t get into anything but the daily readings from Mass - especially during Lent.  The readings are so rich and focused, instructing us on our journey.

“I have more understanding than all who teach me, for I meditate upon your law.” -Ps. 119

In the daily readings at Mass we hear the Holy Spirit speaking to the Church, to each soul, instructing us and showing us the way we should go.  Drawing our sins before our eyes, so that we may repent and amend our lives.

Lectio Divina, it’s a good thing.

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Well, I got some picks right - even though I never saw any of the films nominated - just the trailers - I never saw anything on the guy who won Best Actor.  As I watched the clip before he won, I knew he would get the award.  I was very surprised “The Departed” got Best Picture.  In recent years they usually have separated Best Director from Best Picture.

The biggest disapointment of the evening came when I saw Ellen wearing the exact same burgundy velvet suit I was wearing. 

It was a fun show.

(I think Penelope Cruz is the most beautiful woman in the world.)

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Yes, of course, I watch the Academy Awards - I always do.  What is that all about? 

This year Hollywood will be all over the place with sentimental choices, mixed-up as usual with weird political statements and the ultimate affirmation of degenerate morals - and I’m not referring to Ellen.  Here goes - see if I’m correct.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:  Alan Arkin for “Little Miss Sunshine”.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:  Jennifer Hudson for “Dream Girls” - although she may have to share it with Abigail Breslin for “Little Miss Sunshine” - it has happened before. 

Best Documentary:  “An Inconvenient Truth” - Hollywood loves Al Gore, and they know he knows that they know he knows what is going on in the climate.

Best Art Direction:  “Pan’s Labyrinth” -because the film deserves the award.

Best Actor: Peter O’Toole as the voyeuristic dirty old man in “Venus” - just because he’s a pig.  

Best Foreign Language Film:  “Pan’s Labyrinth” - Another effort to rally behind the Spanish Civil War and hatred for the Church.  Considering the film is so strange, the members of the Academy will applaud themselves on their intellectual prowess and taste.   “I’m not stupid am I Ollie!”  - Stan Laurel to Oliver Hardy.

Best Director:  Martin Scorsese for “The Departed” - because it is pathetic he never won the Award before this - and he’s a pig too… 

Best Actress:  Helen Mirren for “The Queen” - who else?  Meryl Streep has a closet full of awards.

Best Picture:  “Letters From Iwo Jima” - hands down.

Next, I’ll predict who the new coadjutor will be to replace Archbishop Flynn.  And be sure to check in for my prediction as to the release dates of the Motu Proprio.

Tomorrow I’ll cover Oscar Fashions and tell you what I wore…

(What if Ellen and her ex-wife Ann Heche got into a cat fight tonight?  I hope something happens.  It’s a long show.  All they really would have to do is televise the above awards - who cares about the other categories.)

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