Didn’t Jesus say we shouldn’t judge?
The next time you bring up some aspect of morality and someone tries to shut you down by saying “Didn’t you know Jesus told you not to judge?”, I’d invite you to share this video…
Month: September 2018
One Minute Book Review: C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity: A Biography
This last weekend I finished C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity: A Biography. Just to be clear, this isn’t a biography of C.S. Lewis, it’s a biography of a book he wrote.
George Marsden recounts the genesis of what is probably Lewis’ most famous Christian apologetics book, Mere Christianity. He traces how Lewis’ talks to the RAF transitioned into radio addresses on the BBC and these were converted into three separate books which were ultimately collected together under the single title “Mere Christianity”.
It was interesting to hear the criticisms which were offered at the time against both Lewis and his arguments by skeptics, as well as the reception of his work over time among different Christian denominations.
If you like learning about C.S. Lewis, but want to read something a little different from the usual popular biographies, I’d thoroughly recommend this book!
Friday Frivolity: Cheeky Eastern Catholic Kid
One Minute Book Review: CS Lewis & Narnia for Dummies
I’m not very good at keeping track of the books I’ve read, since I typically give the books away when I’m finished unless I’m certain to reread them or use them as a reference. Because of this, I’m planning to start doing one minute reviews as I finish whatever book I’m reading. Today’s book is “C.S. Lewis & Narnia for Dummies”…
I picked up a second-hand copy of C.S. Lewis & Narnia for Dummies. I have long been a fan of the “For Dummies” series and this book has further nurtured my love for them. By the end of this book, the reader will have a good understanding of C.S. Lewis’ life and conversion, as well as broad knowledge of the major works in his corpus and the main themes of each. This is an excellent primer if you are looking to get started with Lewis.
Wise Words on Wednesday: Silent Acquiescence to evil
“The refusal to take sides on great moral issues is itself a decision. It is a silent acquiescence to evil. The Tragedy of our time is that those who still believe in honesty lack fire and conviction, while those who believe in dishonesty are full of passionate conviction.”
Venerable Fulton Sheen
Music Monday: Revelation Song
I’ve shared today’s music, “Revelation Song”, before, but I recently came across it sung by one of my favourite singers, Sarah Kroger:
VERSE 1
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat
CHORUS
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You
VERSE 2
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lighting rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be
To You the only wise King
VERSE 3
Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
The Town Halls
The Diocese of San Diego will be holding several town-hall style listening sessions in October as a response to the recent scandals troubling the Catholic Church around the world. Here is Bishop McElroy’s letter:
My brothers and sisters in Christ:
I am writing to the entire Catholic community of San Diego and Imperial Counties this week to speak about the unspeakable — the sexual abuse of minors by priests which was detailed in the report of the grand jury in Pennsylvania. The individual stories of abuse that robbed the souls and violated the bodies of so many innocent children and young people during the past seventy years are shattering. For me as a bishop there is an additional level of shame, because in many instances, this abuse was magnified by the leadership of the Church that placed fear of scandal and the culture of clericalism ahead of the protection of young people.
The Pennsylvania grand jury report demands action and also points the way toward reform in the life of our Church. That report reveals that the imposition of the zero tolerance policy in 2002 substantially worked. It ushered in a period in which sexual abuse of minors by priests fell dramatically through consistent reporting to civil authorities, the creation of lay boards to evaluate the truth of allegations, and the education of children about abuse.
The additional reforms that we must undertake at this moment must be based on the principles that produced positive change after 2002 — an unswerving focus on protecting minors and vulnerable adults and a binding voice for the laity in determining whether an allegation is true. Any genuine reform must forcefully integrate these principles in a framework of accountability that applies to bishops in their personal lives and administrative actions.
I have already begun a process of consultation with priestly and lay leadership in the diocese of San Diego focusing on the steps we need to take locally and nationally to accomplish genuine reform. During October and early November, I will hold eight listening sessions throughout the diocese. (See schedule below.) These meetings will focus on seeking input from people in the pews on the pathway to such reform, listening to those who have been victimized by clerical sexual abuse either directly or in their families, and praying for God’s grace to be our only guide. I invite you to be part of this effort by your presence or your prayers.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert W. McElroy
Bishop of San Diego
Monday, October 1 (7pm)
Mission Deanery – Our Mother of Confidence Parish
Wednesday, October 3 (7pm)
Cathedral Deanery, St. Joseph Cathedral
Thursday, October 4 (7pm)
El Cajon Deanery, Our Lady of Grace
Moloney Center
Friday, October 5 (7pm)
South Bay Deanery, Saint Charles Parish
Saturday, October 6 (9am)
Imperial Valley Deanery, Saint Mary Parish (El Centro)
Wednesday, October 17 (7pm)
Oceanside Deanery, Church of the Nativity
Thursday, October 18 (7pm)
Escondido Deanery, St. Gabriel Parish
Msgr. Charles Dollen Hall
Monday, November 5th (10am)
USD’s Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.
I’d encourage EVERYONE to attend at least one of these sessions which will be held around the diocese: