By Paul Dion, STL
The title line of this blog post is the source of the burning question for the week.
This sentence comes from Saint Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 5, verse 17: "Pray without ceasing." The Catechism of the Catholic Church has 350 paragraphs on the topic of prayer.
What does "pray without ceasing" mean to you?
Let us know what you think. Give us your comment. We will meditate on your answers and post your answers to this blog.
(Click here to view the rest of the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine)
Thursday
"Why did the lepers have to follow simple directions before being cured?"
By Paul Dion, STLThis week - the 28th Sunday in ordinary time - we are going to hear two impressive stories about lepers who get cured. One story comes from the Old Testament, the Second Book of Kings and the other is in the Gospel according to Saint Luke. Click here to view the Sunday Readings.
As it turns out, the one in the Old Testament was Persian and of the the ten in the gospel story, the one who came back to express his gratitude was a Samaritan. One of those nasty people from the West Bank.
The Burning Question is not about gratitude and it is not about reaching out to strangers and those who are "different" than we. The Burning question is more demanding than that, this week. I am going to give you the Bible references here so that you can read both stories in their full context.
Naaman the Leper; 2 Kings, Chapter 5, verses 1 to 19.
The Ten Lepers: Luke, chapter 17, verses 11 to 19.
The Ten Lepers: Luke, chapter 17, verses 11 to 19.
Notice that in both stories, both the prophet of the Old Testament and Jesus of the Gospel give the persons about to be healed something to do. In both situations, the action is not difficult, but it has great meaning.
Think about it a while and when the light goes on, send us your opinion about the answer to the question:
"Why did the lepers have to follow simple directions before being cured?"
Yes, there is a reason. Yes, it is connected to a question about Catholics that all of you have heard at least once, if not once a month. Go on, give it a try and we'll swap ideas along the way.
You can leave your comment on the burning question or to see what others are saying below.
CLICK HERE to see the answer to this Burning Question.
Would you leave a job for moral reasons?
By Paul Dion, STL
Most of the adults who read ParishWorld.net have jobs. Most of you pehaps have jobs in companies or enterprises that are generally quite moral. We all have heard of the immoral activities of certain companies and we tell ourselves how happy we are to be working for a "good" company.
Every now and then, though, along our career path we find ourselves working in a company where it rapidly becomes clear that lying, cheating and stealing are the rule of the day. Without painting a detailed picture of what can be immoral, let us just ennumerate a few behaviors that could be practiced in any given enterprise.
One of the most common immoral behaviors is the underpaying of employees, such as cheating on overtime laws, withholding bonuses and other abuses visited upon the lowest tier of employees. Another common practice is to have a middle manager sign contracts or agreements in place of the senior management when the executives have no intention of abiding by the agreement.
The burning question for the week is, Should a person leave this work environment for a more moral one? If leaving would seem to be the worst possible alternative, does the moral person (good Catholic) have an obligation to bring the immoral practices to the attention of upper management?
Would you have the courage of the Syro-Phoenician woman related in the Gospel story of the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)? Click here to read this Gospel passage.
Since there is no black and white answer to this question, give us your answers and we will respond with our opinion. I promise that I will not tell you what I did in circumstances like those described above. I'll leave that up to my wife!!!
Most of the adults who read ParishWorld.net have jobs. Most of you pehaps have jobs in companies or enterprises that are generally quite moral. We all have heard of the immoral activities of certain companies and we tell ourselves how happy we are to be working for a "good" company.
Every now and then, though, along our career path we find ourselves working in a company where it rapidly becomes clear that lying, cheating and stealing are the rule of the day. Without painting a detailed picture of what can be immoral, let us just ennumerate a few behaviors that could be practiced in any given enterprise.
One of the most common immoral behaviors is the underpaying of employees, such as cheating on overtime laws, withholding bonuses and other abuses visited upon the lowest tier of employees. Another common practice is to have a middle manager sign contracts or agreements in place of the senior management when the executives have no intention of abiding by the agreement.
The burning question for the week is, Should a person leave this work environment for a more moral one? If leaving would seem to be the worst possible alternative, does the moral person (good Catholic) have an obligation to bring the immoral practices to the attention of upper management?
Would you have the courage of the Syro-Phoenician woman related in the Gospel story of the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)? Click here to read this Gospel passage.
Since there is no black and white answer to this question, give us your answers and we will respond with our opinion. I promise that I will not tell you what I did in circumstances like those described above. I'll leave that up to my wife!!!
Wednesday
"Is it appropriate to hold hands during the 'Our Father' at Holy Mass?"
By Paul Dion, STL
We received the following "Burning Question" from a regular reader, Laurence Gonzaga. He is someone whom we respect and this question of his is quite challenging. It is therefore good for all of us to toss it around in our minds.
We received the following "Burning Question" from a regular reader, Laurence Gonzaga. He is someone whom we respect and this question of his is quite challenging. It is therefore good for all of us to toss it around in our minds.
Laurence wrote:
"I don't know if this 'burning question' ever crossed your mind, but here goes: "Is it appropriate for the congregation to hold hands during the 'Our Father' at Holy Mass? "When I go to daily Mass, I notice most people do not have this practice. I guess it depends on the place. I try to sit in a pew that is vacant. Ever since I was young, I always hated this part of the Mass. I would always 'go to the bathroom' to avoid it. When I am at Sunday Mass, I do it, because my Dad does it, and the people give you a funny look when you don't want to hold their hand. But when my dad is not with me, I close my eyes and keep my hands to my side. It's not that I am trying to be anti-social, it's just that, I don't want to be forced to do it when it is not really called for in the Mass. It is not even rooted in tradition."
What do you say, Dear Reader? Chime in.
CLICK HERE to view the answer to this Burning Question
"What is Virtue?"
By Paul Dion, STLThis one will take us down a rather interesting theological and philosophical road.
"What is Virtue?"
Tell us what you feel about this question from deep in your heart. Share your thoughts with us. If you feel too shy to post your name, you can sign it Anonymous.
(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in http://www.parishworld.net/, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )
Thursday
"Is Passion Good or Bad"
By Paul Dion, STLI am presenting you with an introductory topic that is directly connected to what is known as moral theology.
What is passion? Is it good or bad?
Tell us what you feel about this question from deep in your heart. Share it with us. If you feel too shy to post your name, you can sign it anonymous.
(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in http://www.parishworld.net/, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )
Wednesday
What are the four essential components of conjugal life in the sacrament of Matrimony?
By Paul Dion, STL
We are going to change the pace here a little bit. We are going to ask a question that comes straight out of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The reason why this is an important question because one of our charter parishes in Southern California was the site of a grand celebration of marriage validations on Saturday, December 29, 2007.
There were fifteen couples who prepared for their church wedding for several months. They attended catechism sessions, sacramental preparation sessions and participated in a one day retreat along the way. This process has cost them a lot of sacrifice. It is our desire to present this event to you all because it is important to the church that the sacrament of Matrimony be prized as an important road to heaven.
It is our desire to present this event to you all because it is important to the church that the sacrament of Matrimony be prized as an important road to heaven. Most of you are aware that the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to be a life-long covenant between two people.
What we are asking today is this:
What are the four essential components of conjugal life in the sacrament of Matrimony?
We are going to change the pace here a little bit. We are going to ask a question that comes straight out of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The reason why this is an important question because one of our charter parishes in Southern California was the site of a grand celebration of marriage validations on Saturday, December 29, 2007.
There were fifteen couples who prepared for their church wedding for several months. They attended catechism sessions, sacramental preparation sessions and participated in a one day retreat along the way. This process has cost them a lot of sacrifice. It is our desire to present this event to you all because it is important to the church that the sacrament of Matrimony be prized as an important road to heaven.
It is our desire to present this event to you all because it is important to the church that the sacrament of Matrimony be prized as an important road to heaven. Most of you are aware that the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to be a life-long covenant between two people.
What we are asking today is this:
What are the four essential components of conjugal life in the sacrament of Matrimony?
Thursday
"What does "Priesthood Sunday" mean to you?
By Paul Dion, STL
You are reading this a day or two before Sunday, so you are being told now that this Sunday, October 26, has been designated "Priesthood Sunday" by the universal Catholic Church. And the "Burning Question" feature of your favorite Catholic magazine is jumping into the fray early.
Rest assured that you are going to hear at least one of the following from the pulpit when you sit back and turn your ears on:
a) It is important that we honor our priests and render homage to them.
b) There are few priests in the active ministry and this is a grave problem for the entire world. c) There will be pleas for prayers and sacrifices for more priests.
All three of these concepts are valid and true. As you read these lines you were nodding your head, "yes." There is more, but the priests themselves will refrain from saying them. Since we are a little removed from them, maybe we can bring up the subject to help one another through the concept of "Priesthood Sunday."
In the form of a question then, let's join together and put some thoughts on the table that reflect our attitude toward our priests.
What is a good priest?
How can we help the Church to maintain good priests?
How can we help the Church to develop more good priests?
Let's work at it together. By answering these questions with our opinions, we will be contributing to the forming of good attitudes in the priests and in the laity with and for whom they work. Let's do it.
We will forward the answers/suggestions to the bishop that you name at the end of your comment.
You are reading this a day or two before Sunday, so you are being told now that this Sunday, October 26, has been designated "Priesthood Sunday" by the universal Catholic Church. And the "Burning Question" feature of your favorite Catholic magazine is jumping into the fray early.
Rest assured that you are going to hear at least one of the following from the pulpit when you sit back and turn your ears on:
a) It is important that we honor our priests and render homage to them.
b) There are few priests in the active ministry and this is a grave problem for the entire world. c) There will be pleas for prayers and sacrifices for more priests.
All three of these concepts are valid and true. As you read these lines you were nodding your head, "yes." There is more, but the priests themselves will refrain from saying them. Since we are a little removed from them, maybe we can bring up the subject to help one another through the concept of "Priesthood Sunday."
In the form of a question then, let's join together and put some thoughts on the table that reflect our attitude toward our priests.
What is a good priest?
How can we help the Church to maintain good priests?
How can we help the Church to develop more good priests?
Let's work at it together. By answering these questions with our opinions, we will be contributing to the forming of good attitudes in the priests and in the laity with and for whom they work. Let's do it.
We will forward the answers/suggestions to the bishop that you name at the end of your comment.
BIBLE SERIES: What are your Personal Bible Habits?
By Paul Dion, STL
Editor's Note: This is Part 1 of our series on the Bible. It is an offshoot of the Bishop's Synod being held at the Vatican from October 5-26. Please follow this blog series and be enlightened on why the Bible needs to be part of our ongoing Christian life and experience.
The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church
"But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy, 14 - 17)
The Bishops of the world are going to Rome to discuss the topic as it appears above. Click here to read about the Bishop's Synod on the Word of God.
As you know, the Word of God is none other than Jesus. He is the one who brings God to us through His humanity. It is Jesus Christ who brings the life and the mission of God to us. It is Jesus who brings the fullness of the meaning of the Old Testament to us.
Jesus assured the continuation of His presence among us through the Church. The Holy Spirit the continuation of Christ's presence among us through the inspired written Word of the New Testament which is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scripture. The Sacred Scripture serves as a source of enlightenment (revelation) concerning what we understand about God through Jesus and His Church. ParishWorld.net is offering its readers the opportunity to state their opinions about their personal Bible reading habits. It is our goal to give you all some insight into the importance of the Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and in our personal lives as well.
The first topic of importance is:
Do you own a Bible? If not, why not?
If you do own a Bible, do you read a part of the Bible on a daily basis? If not, why not?
If you do own a Bible, do you read a part of the Bible on a weekly basis? If not, why not?
Are you familiar with the parts of the Bible that you may hear on a weekly basis? Which are they?
We will stand by and react to your answers as they arrive.
Please post your comments and aanswers below. God bless.
Editor's Note: This is Part 1 of our series on the Bible. It is an offshoot of the Bishop's Synod being held at the Vatican from October 5-26. Please follow this blog series and be enlightened on why the Bible needs to be part of our ongoing Christian life and experience.
The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church
"But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy, 14 - 17)
The Bishops of the world are going to Rome to discuss the topic as it appears above. Click here to read about the Bishop's Synod on the Word of God.
As you know, the Word of God is none other than Jesus. He is the one who brings God to us through His humanity. It is Jesus Christ who brings the life and the mission of God to us. It is Jesus who brings the fullness of the meaning of the Old Testament to us.
Jesus assured the continuation of His presence among us through the Church. The Holy Spirit the continuation of Christ's presence among us through the inspired written Word of the New Testament which is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scripture. The Sacred Scripture serves as a source of enlightenment (revelation) concerning what we understand about God through Jesus and His Church. ParishWorld.net is offering its readers the opportunity to state their opinions about their personal Bible reading habits. It is our goal to give you all some insight into the importance of the Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and in our personal lives as well.
The first topic of importance is:
Do you own a Bible? If not, why not?
If you do own a Bible, do you read a part of the Bible on a daily basis? If not, why not?
If you do own a Bible, do you read a part of the Bible on a weekly basis? If not, why not?
Are you familiar with the parts of the Bible that you may hear on a weekly basis? Which are they?
We will stand by and react to your answers as they arrive.
Please post your comments and aanswers below. God bless.
Friday
HOW MANY TIMES CAN WE RECEIVE COMMUNION IN ONE DAY?
It is not very often that we have the opportunity to receive communion more than once in the same day. Sometimes though, we find ourselves in a situation that looks somewhat like this. We participate at the usual 8:00 AM Mass on Wednesday and then participate at the funeral Mass of a friend at 10:30 AM on he same day.In this discussion we will give ourselves the benefit of the doubt and say that we are free from mortal sin and that we have fasted for an hour before the time of communion in both Masses and are therefore eligible to receive communion both at the 8:00 AM Mass and the 10:30 AM funeral.
Is it permitted to take communion at both Masses?
Let us know what you think. Post a comment below.
Click here to view the answer to this Burning Question,
Wednesday
"Would you attend an Ordination Ceremony? Why?"
By Paul Dion, STLOrdinations to the priesthood are in the news lately. Most of it good. Greater numbers of priests are coming into the community. Greater numbers than before are of the "older" variety, some are in their early 60's and many are in the mid 30's and 40's. Some are widowers, some not. Many have imposing educational backgrounds and carry a solid portfolio of "secular" management experience with them.
It is a happy era for the church and it takes away a lilttle bit of the sting of the misconduct attributed to our clergy that has made the headlines for the greater part of the last decade.
Last Saturday the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the diocese of San Bernardino celebrated the ordinations of record numbers of priests. Both celebrations were marked by the presence of men who came from different corners of the world, all of whom had experience and talent. The hopes of both communities are high for what the future holds for them.
With the talk of human accomplishments pervading the first paragraph of this presentation, I have to say that as important as all of that is, the grace of God and the strength to answer His call are essential elements of the sacerdotal state.
The spirituality of the priest is what attracts us to him, not the fact that he has a law degree, an engineering degree or that he is a master computer technician. The attraction of the priest is his behavior in his relationship with God. The success of the priest is not in his engineering degree, it is in his personal sanctity and how it affects the community of the faithful.
The man who gets to the foot of the altar to present his "I am present" to the community of the faithful presents a complex set of gifts, strength, perserverance, love, faith and hope, to say nothing of kindness, mercy and generosity. Taking all of these things into consideration, would you go out of your way to attend an ordination ceremony? Why?
CLICK HERE to view the answers to this burning question.
Peace and joy.
Paul Dion, STL
ParishWorld Theology Editor
ParishWorld Theology Editor
Thursday
"Are Converts Happier than Cradle Catholics?"
By Paul Dion, STL
There is a question that has been presented on a couple of serious Catholic blogs that the editors of ParishWorld.net fits into the spirit of this week's readings, Acts, chapter 2, verses 14 to 41 and the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verses 1 to 10.
The question addresses the state of mind of people who come to the Catholic Faith from other religions or from no religion at all. It is also related to the saying that we have all heard often, "There's nothing like a convert!"
It is rather true in many ways. It seems that converts are better catechized than cradle Catholics, they appear to know more of the details of our Catholicism than we do and they seem to be better "adjusted" to the ways and dictates of the Church than we are.
So the question is, "Are Converts Happier than Cradle Catholics?" Since there is no "right" answer to this, only conjecture, ParishWorld.net leaves it up to the readers to share and learn from the answers that you may have developed over the years about this question.
If you wish to see what some other Catholics have said about this, you may click here for a few opinions from the Deacon's Blog.
So let us know what you think.
"What is the Church's position on the euthanizing of animals?"
By Paul Dion, STL
BURNING QUESTION FROM MARC DION:
Just before Easter Sunday ParishWorld.net received a telephone call from the elder son of our Theology Editor. As it turns out it was a rather well crafted question about what Catholics believe regarding the life of animals.
This question surprised us somewhat because the questioner, Marc Dion (yes, that's a French "c" to match the "Dion") was not raised in a house where there were animal pets, except for the occasional Beta Blue. But Marc is a thinker and he is now married to a woman who has always been around pets.
What he wanted to know (I suppose that it was he) is what the position of the Catholic Church is regarding the euthanizing of animals. He said that his question was prompted by the readily observable fact that domestic pets have longer lives now because of contemporary technology.
He added that since animal life is a fairly high level of life, should we humans respect it as we do human life and not take it away to save an animal from a horrible "life style." What would be your answer to this question? Let me guide by saying that the Catholic Church, as well as other Christian churches and communities, have an official position in this matter.
So, give the world your response and compare it to the item that you can find by clicking here. Give us your opinion in writing. Then, if you like, you can click here for the answer.
So let us know what you think. Post a thought today.
THE BUS RIDE, etc. MEDITATION AND QUESTION ABOUT BASIC PERSONAL HONESTY
I have a friend whose elder brother is a Lutheran Pastor. He has had large communities in Illinois and in the South. As far as I can tell, he is a holy person. I am quite friendly with his brother and I know that the family has its foundations set firmly on Christian morality. This story may or may not be about Pastor W..., but it could be.
This came to me from Woody, Pastor W...'s brother, my immediate friend. My personal witness appears below the story. You are all invited to share your comments with our ParishWorld.net community.
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would bewrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.' When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.'
The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday. 'When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter. 'Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you, George. I have seen this come true in my life. Marc and Jo-El (my sons) have remarked about how I am serious about equal exchanges at the cash register. I have also had more than one cashier tell me that I was an exception in her experience when I returned a very small amount. One time when I was a cashier at a taco place in the Bay Area of San Francisco, I short-changed a person (a regular customer) without knowing it and she did not notice it.
When I noticed it, I hoped that she would come back. When two weeks passed and she had not returned. I started to ask other regulars if anyone knew her. Finally, one person told me that she was her office mate. I asked her if she would tell the lady that I wanted to return her money. She did tell her and the customer came back. She told me how angry she was at the error because she was thinking that I had slipped one by her. Upon hearing her story, my emotions gathered in my throat. I gave her not only the change but the full amount of the
transaction. She told that it wasn't necessary, but I said that the necessity to make her totally whole came from my conscience, not from her graciousness. I told her that I thought that it was my duty to reward her for her agida.
She laughed at my choice of words (New York, Yiddish). We shook hands and parted on good terms. Whether the rewards are human, or human and spiritual, I believe that the balance of justice hangs from God's hands, so I try to maintain it good in His view, even for picayune amounts. If not for spiritual gain, sometimes those small amounts make for good stories.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When I recounted this little story to George ("Woody"), he told me this in response:
"That's a good story. My wife and I just left the Abelson's (Albertsons) Store a few minutes ago. The person in head of us forgot to take her change from the automatic change machine - it was about 46 cents. I noticed it and told the cashier and bag boy. The cashier told the bag
boy the lady had just left the store - meaning, there was time for the bag boy to run and catch her; but, the bag boy paused for a moment, took the change and put it in his pocket. ' So it is with most people. After we left the store, I told my wife, "The kid was too lazy to run after the customer and of course, he wanted the change for himself."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The three stories above are simple. They carry within them a serious challenge. ParishWorld.net is not just providing you these stories for your email "forwards".
When you get more change than is what is rightfully coming to you, do you give it back?
Do you think that it is a sin to keep it? What if you make the situation worse by doing it in front of your children; is that a worse sin?
Let's talk about this. Share your thoughts about this with your fellow readers. Believe it or not, this is a serious subject. It's not just a quarter or a half-dollar, it is about a way of life. Do you believe that?
Finally,
Do YOU live as though your life is the "only Bible that some people will ever read?" Do you expect others to do the same for you?
This came to me from Woody, Pastor W...'s brother, my immediate friend. My personal witness appears below the story. You are all invited to share your comments with our ParishWorld.net community.
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would bewrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.' When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.'
The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday. 'When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter. 'Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you, George. I have seen this come true in my life. Marc and Jo-El (my sons) have remarked about how I am serious about equal exchanges at the cash register. I have also had more than one cashier tell me that I was an exception in her experience when I returned a very small amount. One time when I was a cashier at a taco place in the Bay Area of San Francisco, I short-changed a person (a regular customer) without knowing it and she did not notice it.
When I noticed it, I hoped that she would come back. When two weeks passed and she had not returned. I started to ask other regulars if anyone knew her. Finally, one person told me that she was her office mate. I asked her if she would tell the lady that I wanted to return her money. She did tell her and the customer came back. She told me how angry she was at the error because she was thinking that I had slipped one by her. Upon hearing her story, my emotions gathered in my throat. I gave her not only the change but the full amount of the
transaction. She told that it wasn't necessary, but I said that the necessity to make her totally whole came from my conscience, not from her graciousness. I told her that I thought that it was my duty to reward her for her agida.
She laughed at my choice of words (New York, Yiddish). We shook hands and parted on good terms. Whether the rewards are human, or human and spiritual, I believe that the balance of justice hangs from God's hands, so I try to maintain it good in His view, even for picayune amounts. If not for spiritual gain, sometimes those small amounts make for good stories.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When I recounted this little story to George ("Woody"), he told me this in response:
"That's a good story. My wife and I just left the Abelson's (Albertsons) Store a few minutes ago. The person in head of us forgot to take her change from the automatic change machine - it was about 46 cents. I noticed it and told the cashier and bag boy. The cashier told the bag
boy the lady had just left the store - meaning, there was time for the bag boy to run and catch her; but, the bag boy paused for a moment, took the change and put it in his pocket. ' So it is with most people. After we left the store, I told my wife, "The kid was too lazy to run after the customer and of course, he wanted the change for himself."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The three stories above are simple. They carry within them a serious challenge. ParishWorld.net is not just providing you these stories for your email "forwards".
When you get more change than is what is rightfully coming to you, do you give it back?
Do you think that it is a sin to keep it? What if you make the situation worse by doing it in front of your children; is that a worse sin?
Let's talk about this. Share your thoughts about this with your fellow readers. Believe it or not, this is a serious subject. It's not just a quarter or a half-dollar, it is about a way of life. Do you believe that?
Finally,
Do YOU live as though your life is the "only Bible that some people will ever read?" Do you expect others to do the same for you?
"Is the peace hand shake at Mass a mandated ritual or just a pious devotion?"
By Paul Dion, STL
January 20, 2008
Last week we asked you if it was appropriate to hold hands during the recitation or the singing of the "Our Father", the "Lord's Prayer" during the Holy Mass. This question was brought to us by one of you and we appreciate it very much. We have to admit that it made us think of a related question that we decided to challenge you with this week.
Close upon the heels of the "Lord's Prayer" is the invitation to share with one another some sign of peace. Some of you more "experienced" Catholics will remember the kiss of peace that took place during a "Solemn High Mass" which had three priests in the sanctuary. The Celebrant, the Deacon and the Sub-Deacon. Remember that?
If you remember that then you remember that after the "Pater Noster" there was a moment when the three of them exchanged gentle hugs. Through the years, this "kiss of peace" migrated to the congregation of the faithful outside the sanctuary. It is expressed as it is these days and as we experience it at every single celebration of the Holy Mass.
Here in the United States there are many ways of expressing this wish for the Lord's Peace to one another. The most common seems to be the hand shake.
The Burning Question is: How do you feel about this ritual? Does this part of the Mass touch you in a special way? Is this a mandated ritual during the Mass or is it, like the hand-holding during the "Our Father" nothing but a pious devotion?
Post your comments below.
Or CLICK HERE to view the answer to this Burning Question.
Wednesday
"When was the last time you experienced your Catholic faith under attack?"
By Paul Dion, STL
"You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed."
(Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, verse18)
This is the story that will be read to us all on Sunday, November 18.
ParishWorld.net is a Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. It is perhaps the only one in the world. It is a place where you can read about what it means to believe in God and to relate to Him by being Catholic. It is also a place where you can read about how other people live out their lives while being Catholic.
So ParishWorld.net is a place that does not only preach Catholicism but teaches it by showing how to live it through the example of other believers. As you all know there are other forces in the world that actually try to make it difficult for us Catholics to stay comfortable in our beliefs and actually attack us through ridicule and disparagement about our beliefs.
They are also sneaky about it sometimes through what they show us on television, in the movies and on the Internet. Sometimes they are so sneaky about it that we don't realize what is happening until a day or two later when we think about it again.
The Burning Question this week addresses our Catholic Lifestyle and the times in the near past when we felt that our religion was being attacked, or laughed at on television, in the movies, on the Internet and even in conversations at school, at work or even just in friendly conversation at a game or in the mall.
"When was the last time you experienced your Catholic faith under attack? How did you react?"
Tell us what happened.
Thursday
"Why do we call it the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?"
By Paul Dion, STL
This morning I started a new curriculum about the relationship between the Bible and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I was quickly surrounded by 15 eager adults, wondering what I was going to say first. I did what I always do, I asked the persons in the group if they had any questions.
The first question was, "What is a sacrifice". We discussed that for about 10 minutes. The definition that were given by the people in the room were very good, exact and correct in fact.
The discussion went over to the next question which was, "Why do we call it the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?" The person who formulated this question is a highly educated daily Mass goer with a high educational achievement and a strong spiritual life.
To this question, no one in the room had a really strongly acceptable answer. So I spent five minutes answering it. After saying all this, I invite you all to share your answer to the question:
"Why do we call it the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?"
Let us know your thoughts. Leave a comment below.
Or if you want to take a peek at the answer, CLICK HERE.
Or if you want to take a peek at the answer, CLICK HERE.
Why is First Communion so Important?
By Paul Dion, STL
This week we move on from the study of the sacrament of Baptism to the study of the sacrament of the Eucharist.For the most part, we move into the knowledge of the Eucharist because we prepare for First Communion.
Truth to tell, this preparation is the opening that we have to the "process" and the "obligation" of the Holy Mass. For the vast majority of us it is the first exposure that we have to the party caused by a spiritual event.
This week we move on from the study of the sacrament of Baptism to the study of the sacrament of the Eucharist.For the most part, we move into the knowledge of the Eucharist because we prepare for First Communion.
Truth to tell, this preparation is the opening that we have to the "process" and the "obligation" of the Holy Mass. For the vast majority of us it is the first exposure that we have to the party caused by a spiritual event.
There are not too many of us who remember the party that followed our infant baptism. If we were first or second born of a fairly large family, we may have vague recollections of what happened on the occasion of the baptism of our younger siblings.
At that time, we had no idea why this was a big deal. But now, at the time of First Communion, we had some kind of an idea. On top of the spiritual happiness, we also had the great feeling that the bucks were rolling in. By the way, this was true in 1943 too. I remember it well. Then my parents took it and bought War Bonds for me. Yuk!
Let me tell you a little story about First Communion.
You all know that there are some sacraments that can be received only once in life. I was preparing some adult people for Baptism one year not too long ago. As a review of some of the topics that we had mentioned and studied in the not too distant past, I asked them what sacraments could be received only once in a lifetime. You guessed it, one "swift-boater" answered, "FIRST Communion". I am still laughing out loud about that one.
So OK, as an aside to the Burning Question, do you know what the "other" three are?
And don't forget to answer the Burning Question: Why is First Communion so Important?
CLICK HERE to view the theological answer to this burning question.
CLICK HERE to view the theological answer to this burning question.
Wednesday
WHO CAN BAPTIZE?
Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the door of the spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. And since through the first man death entered into all, unless we be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, we can not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, as Truth Himself has told us.
Because this is the very most important sacrament in the life of the Church there is a very well developed theology and Catechism to support it.
One of the very first things to know about Baptism is who the eligible "BAPTIZERS" are. The answer to this is one of the first things that Catholics learn when they are admitted to "CCD" or "Faith Formation Programs". The ordinary BAPTIZER, we call him the ordinary minister of baptism is the priest. Most Catholics bring a child to the church, present the infant to the priest who presides and performs the sacrament. But there are extraordinary ministers of Baptism too. Who are they?
Besides the conferring of baptism by a minister, there are other forms of "baptism". These different types of baptism have existed for a long time in the church. Can you name them?
If you care to peek around the corner to get the answers, click here.
Because this is the very most important sacrament in the life of the Church there is a very well developed theology and Catechism to support it.
One of the very first things to know about Baptism is who the eligible "BAPTIZERS" are. The answer to this is one of the first things that Catholics learn when they are admitted to "CCD" or "Faith Formation Programs". The ordinary BAPTIZER, we call him the ordinary minister of baptism is the priest. Most Catholics bring a child to the church, present the infant to the priest who presides and performs the sacrament. But there are extraordinary ministers of Baptism too. Who are they?
Besides the conferring of baptism by a minister, there are other forms of "baptism". These different types of baptism have existed for a long time in the church. Can you name them?
If you care to peek around the corner to get the answers, click here.
Thursday
"What is a Sacrament? How many are there?"
By Paul Dion, STL
Dominus Vobiscum!
Being Catholic is a special calling. It is not easy to be Catholic. There are so many balls that we have to keep in the air at the same time. We have Saints, Martyrs, The Virgin Mary, Mass on every Sunday, Holy Communion, Holy Water, the Rosary, Priests whom we call "Father", House Blessings, a different "Ten Commandments", a different Bible, a Pope and Sacraments. You all know that the list does not stop there, but ParishWorld.net realizes that you do not have all day.
The BURNING QUESTION is going to look a little bit different to you from today forward. It will remain a test of what you know about what it means to be Catholic, but we will give you the opportunity to peek around the corner and get the answer to the question. You won't have to tell anyone that you did not know it. It will be a loving secret between you and God.
If you want to disagree with us, you are welcome to do so. The "comment" button will remain accessible to you. Another feature that will be important to you will be the continuity of the general area of knowledge of the questions. for instance, this week we are starting a series of questions about the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. You will therefore be able to anticipate what the next question will be from week to week.
Finally, we want to encourage you to jump on your computer and ask us to clarify doubts that you may have about the sacraments. There are a lot of questions that are hanging around out there. If you are harboring one of those, let us know and we will address your concerns respectfully and professionally.
Our first in this new series of BURNING QUESTIONS under this new policy is teh following:
WHAT IS A SACRAMENT? HOW MANY ARE THERE?
CLICK HERE to take a peek at the answer to this Burning Question
Or post a comment below.
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