Vatican tribute to U2

I am in love with U2. I listened to them in utero, through childhood and now into adulthood. So you can imagine my happiness upon reading this article found at Catholic Media Review:

"Vatican newspaper pays tribute to U2. "

The writers are recognizing U2's stong Biblical basis for the words in their songs as well as their heavy emphasis on those things spiritual. Even the titles and themes of each of their albums have a spiritual basis from their conception. It is beautiful to think that this bigger than life band has based so much of their music on the main chords of Chrisitianity. Thanks to Catholic Media Review for a great post.
Enjoy!

New Reform for the Liturgy?

Papal Liturgist endorses 'reform of the reform'. Jan. 07, 2010

from the Catholic National Reporter

I came across an article from the Catholic National Reporter. I love reading about Pope Benedicts vision for the future of our Church. Any 'change' that calls the faithful to increase the love and respect for the Eucharist has got my attention and my support. I love being reminded that every part of the Mass should be conducive to Adoration. It only makes sense to remember that the Lord is present with us during that time therefore only the greatest respect should be shown for Him.

Of course after reading the comments left at the bottom of the article I realized that many people are not happy about change. Below are some of the highlights of the article. To read the article in full go here.

What are your feelings on the following?

"The Liturgy cannot and must not be an opportunity for conflict between those who find good only in that which came before us, and those who, on the contrary, almost always find wrong in what came before," said the pope's chief liturgist, Msgr. Guido Marini.

"The way forward for any liturgical renewal is "to regard both the present and the past liturgy of the church as one patrimony in continuous development," he said.

Examples include:

"Hence the reason for the proposal made by then-Cardinal Ratzinger and presently reaffirmed during the course of his pontificate, to place the crucifix on the center of the altar, in order that all, during the celebration of the liturgy, may concretely face and look upon the Lord, in such a way as to orient also their prayer and hearts,"

and

A renewed emphasis on "adoration," explained by Marini as "union with God," also will foster continuity with the past and should be a criterion for future liturgical practices, he said. Everything in the liturgy must be conducive to adoration, Marini said, including the music, the singing, the periods of silence, the way of proclaiming the Scriptures as well as the liturgical vestments and the sacred vessels.

and

He said it was this same desire to renew a sense of adoration that prompted Pope Benedict to make it the norm in papal liturgies for the pope to distribute Communion on the tongue to people kneeling.

The Promise of Today

It's been a whirlwind of a few days. A family friend has finally come to the last of her days with her battle with cancer. (Please pray for Joyce, her husband and children). My deceased dads birthday came and went. And my moms illness (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) has gave us a run for our money as she battles with bronchitis. It has been sobering thinking about death and dying. Unfortunately (or fortunately) these situations really make you stop and think.

What do I know about the promise of Heaven?
What do I believe happens after death?
What is the real point of life on earth.

There was a time when I was angry with death and illness. Angry that our family had to deal with excessive death and dying.... Most people still have their grandparents and not only did we not have our grandparents but we lost our father and have a very ill mother. Then it occurred to me that this, this was the bones of life.

Life and death. Overwhelming to say the least. But it has brought me to a new level spiritually. It has forced me to say, 'Yes, there is loving God. And yes, I desperately want to be there with Him, after death.'

I am confidant that there is a Heaven to aspire towards and a loving Father that wants to embrace us. I want to live this life for our God, doing things on earth that help the world to grow and love. I want to make each day count; truly making a positive difference in my family and friends lives.

Time is not promised. Tomorrow is not ours. Only today, in this moment, can be promised.

Lord, fill us with your Spirit. Inspire us to spread the Gospel, telling those around us about your love. Please give us holy boldness so that we may spread your Word. Thank you for the promise of Heaven. Thank you for today. Amen.

Holy Boldness

Bishop Fulton Sheen once wrote:

"There are not 100 people in the world who hate Catholicism, but there are millions who hate what they mistakenly believe Catholicism to be".

How true are these words! In light of a new year, I have felt that tiny tug on my heart that begs the question, 'Will you tell them who I am?'

For the most part I have lost my fervor, my holy boldness, to evangelize to those in need. There was a time when I felt the conviction to spread the Gospel message independent of my pride. Now my pride envelopes me and I want to shy away from speaking out loud to someone about our Savior. I mean, I might offend them, or bore them, or look strange. And then it hits me.

Its all about Christ! Everything is about our Lord. And what a gift it is to be able to tell the world about the love of Christ. What would be the point of our existence if not to glorify our Creator? I am amazed at how distracted I can become by the world and all the empty promises it has to offer. I pray that I will not worry about feeling embarrassed or looking weird. It is not about me. It's about Him.


Thank you Lord that men like Fulton Sheen can inspire and remind us that it is indeed all about You. May 2010 be a year filled with Holy Boldness and a greater love for You! Teach us how to evangelize Lord so that all Creation may know of your greatness.