Musings of a Catholic Convert

I am a fan of burritos, and I've enjoyed sampling the offerings at several Memphis area establishments.  Now, let me tell you, it's hard to go wrong with a burrito.  It's just not something you can really mess up too badly.  I've had my favorites.  In fact, my favorite burrito USED TO BE the big burritos from Guadalajara near the corner of Mendenhall and Winchester.  Sunday, the title's changed hands.  My new favorite burrito comes from. . .

steady . . .

wait for it, boys . . .

almost there . . .

Burma Shave. . .

Did you even get that?

Okay.  Before I tell you about Burma Shave, let me tell you that my favorite burrito can be purchased at Su Casa in Collierville, TN.  Muy delicioso!  For the same price as my big honkin' burrito at Guadalajara, I can get a bigger burrito with rice and beans on the side.  AND this one has white cheese sauce on it as well.  I had to eat it with a fork, but I did not mind.  Something so delicous was made to savor.  I didn't even finish the whole thing, and was forced (in shame) to take a portion home in a box for later.  

DID I MENTION IT WAS DELICIOUS?  FULL OF PEPPERS, ONIONS, GRILLED STEAK, GRILLED TOMATOES, MAYBE EVEN A PINCH OF CINNAMON. MMMMMMM.

Great place to take the family to eat.  I heartily recommend the place.

Tonight, I'm home working some laundry, and I say to myself, "Self, maybe you can watch a movie.  Let's see what's available on Pay-Per-View."  I had heard about the last Rambo film and had an expectation of explosions and gun battles akin to a John Woo film.  I also had in my mind every "rescue people from jungle captors" film I've ever seen.  I could never have predicted what I would see, nor what would my reaction be.  After what seemed to me like only about 20 minutes, I had turned off the video, fallen to the ground, and sobbed like I have not done in years.   Why? 

If you haven't seen the movie, I first need to tell you that I cannot reccomend it.  Even for a callous and desensitized person such as myself, this movie went beyond even my limits for depictions of violence.  Yet, it was this depiction that caused me to weep.  I need to explain the premise for the movie.  The setting is Burma, home to yet another civil war and mass genocide.  Rambo is supposed to help get some missionaries to a remote village to give aid, only to be involved in a rescue mission after things turn sour.  Not only did the movie discuss the violence and abuse occuring in these lands, it showed it.  I will not tell you of the images I saw, but they are burned into my mind and my heart, not because the images were so dramatically displayed, but because this is what is really happening in nations like this all around the world.  

It was after seeing a village razed, after the missionaries had arrived, that I could not take any more.  I fell to my knees and buried my face in my hands.  I just cried out to God for mercy - mercy for those innocent men, women, and children who are the victims of brutality.  They are not combatants in a military conflict.  They are civilians.  Yet, they are the targets, kept "in check" through fear, death, and torture.  My heart goes out to these places, most of which I can't even show you on a map, and which you won't see on the news.  Sure, there are some "high profile" places that we know about such as Darfur, but the problems are not limited to those persons.

Here in the United States, we are so very very blessed.  Not only do we have great wealth compared to the rest of the world, but we are safe.  We do not have to worry about a military group invading our homes in the middle of the night to take our lives, to imprison us, or to torture us.  We do not have to worry about being singled out as a cultural or religious group to be lined up and exterminated.  And yet, we whine and complain about being misrepresented, about not having an official prayer in schools.  As a descendant of Irish immigrants and as a Catholic, I see how people were mistreated and discriminated against.  I have read in the history books about the ethnic ghettos and the employment postings stating "No Irish.  No Catholics."  But they weren't being dragged from their homes and killed.  They were disliked, maybe even hated, but they weren't murdered.  Not here.  So when I read about the horrible things happening outside these United States, I cry, especially for the children.  I pray for their protection.  I beg for an end to the madness of war and destruction, of torture and abuse, and I ask God to bring it about quickly.

And I want to mention something else while I'm thinking about it.  This sort of persecution and devastation takes place in the Philippines and in the nations of Africa, and Asia, and yet these lands send missionaries to us.  They send missionaries to US.  We who have it so good and so privledged are in such dire need of the Gospel in our lives that other nations, even those marred by war, send men and women to our lands.  What makes it even more sad is that we have a church building on almost every street corner in some towns.  Why is it that Americans just don't get it?  Could it be that we think we do have it?  Could it be that most Americans consider themselves just religious enough to "slip by"?  Slip by what?  Do they even realize the reality of their own sin?  Do they realize their need for a savior?  Do they know how to receive salvation, and what it means to have a relationship with God?  Or have they created a religion to suit their needs, not too intrusive, but just enough to make them think they're where they need to be.  Just enough to give them a warm fuzzy feeling, but not enough to make them want to change their lives, any more than lip service anyway.

So let's pray.  Pray for a lot of things, but let's stop praying for all our petty wants and spend what little time we give to God praying for the salvation of souls, for the changing of hearts, for peace, for love.  Let's pray that our hearts, minds, actions, and wallets would be open to do whatever it takes to help bring about peace and the spread of the gospel.  They need our prayers, they need our support, and, when God calls us, our presence and actions to help in His name.  God grant that we would be obedient children.  God have mercy on us all. 

So, in one sense I can say I wasted five bucks, because I paid for a movie I didn't finish.  But that five bucks also did a lot to remind me of how lucky I am to be where I am and to weep and pray for the men, women and children who face death every hour of every day.

There are many ways to properly celebrate the independence of these United States, but probably the best known, and most fun, is to blow stuff up.

Behold!

 

 4th of July, Southern Style: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Here's hoping for a short week.  Normally, Mondays are the days in which most of my work get's piled on, or when I sort through the pile of work given to me on Friday.  Needless to say, I hate Mondays.  

Had a great time this weekend, spending good time with friends.  The kids and I even had a decent Saturday while the wife was out on business.  Father Parham had a TOTALLY AWESOME homily on Sunday, which made Sunday's Mass that much more amazing.  Small group was excellent, and I'm not just saying that because we grilled burgers.  Things are really clicking along there and I'm glad for it.

But today is not small group.  Today is Monday.  The good news is that it's also payday.  Maybe I'll buy a CD today?  There are a couple that I have my eye on.  One is new and the other is not.  How's that for a vague hint.  Ha!  

Almost time to start work for the day.  Hope you all have a great week, and I hope you all get Friday off!

Nothing philosophical to post.  Just wanted to say that we joined the YMCA last night.  Hooray!  I haven’t stepped foot in a YMCA for years so I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially in our little suburbia we call home.  Most Y’s that I’ve visited have been huge facilities with all sorts of stuff and then some apartments available for rent.  This YMCA didn’t have any apartments, and it’s not huge, but it has plenty of space for recreation and exercise and also provides for safe childcare while adults take a class (tiger style kung fu anyone?).  I’m pretty stoked about the pools as well.  Indoor and outdoor pools for my swimming pleasure.  

Last night we took the tour before we signed up.  I had already researched the facility and was confident we would join, but I still wanted to take the tour.  We had fun.  The kids are already telling us what classes they want to take.  Surprise!  My son wants to take Karate.  Of course that is EXACTLY what a four year old boy needs.  Should be fun to watch.  Then we can match our skills in friendly competition.

You have been studying for some time, young one.  Do you think you are ready to face me?

Venerable father, you will soon see that I have learned much in the art of battle

You would be foolish to think one so young as yourself could best me.  I have great experience and my age has given me wisdom.

Then, father, you would be wise to surrender now before I injure your old bones.

Your speech is brash.  What makes you think your monkey style technique can defeat my tiger style? 

Honorable one, have you not seen the YouTube clip of the chimpanzee tormenting not one but TWO tigers?

Oh.  No, I have not.  It is of little consequence.  Let us battle.  I will teach you a thing or two.

So be it, father.  You will soon see that the student has become a master. 

Or something like that. We’ll see.  I’m just glad to have a place like the YMCA so close to home.

My kids are out of school now, PRE for the year is officially ended, Mystagogy has ended for the RCIA, and I have my Precatechumenate group still going strong. Why? Because we are awesome, that's why. Having a year-round RCIA is a great way to make ourselves available for ministry and to make the Church even more accessible for inquirers. Add to all that my blogs, and somewhere in there there's a family and a job. Whole lot of things going on.

And, yes, I did register to win part of the $1,000,000 prize on WWE's website. 

It's so nice to do things together as a family. I'm blessed to have a job so close to home that I can skip home to have lunch with the fam or run a quick errand for my wife. We like doing most things together as a family, even our Krogering [read: grocery shopping]. Saturday we let the kids spend some gift cards at Toys R Us. And today we will get to play Lego Indiana Jones together. My kids love Lego stuff. Am I random enough yet?

I'm just overwhelmed with the concept of family and community. In a world where many people desire that children be silent, absent, or terminated, it is a great testimony to do things together as a family.

Are you going to have any more?

Why don't you get fixed?

Why don't you get your tubes tied?

I don't see how you do it?

Sometimes these "encouragements" come from the most unexpected sources. I can't let it bother me because I know that none of these people know any better. They have been trained by the culture of death and self that children are a burden. Children get in the way of the things you want to do. Children are a novelty to be taken only in small doses or not at all. This culture hates families. It centers around "me" and not God. There is no faith, no trust, and no hope. Is there any wonder why marriages crumble? Nobody understands sacrifice. Nobody understands love.

That's where our families come in. When we show our trust in God to provide by avoiding the sin of contraception (yes, it is a sin), when we do not tuck our children away from the world, when we do things together, when we stop to pray before we eat, when we give of ourselves simply because we see a need, it is then that people turn their heads. It is then that people are cut to the quick, seeing in a glimpse their own selfishness. Why else would they make the comments? Something has pricked their heart without us uttering a single word.

God help us to trust you, not just for one hour on Sunday, but every day and in every area of our life, especially those most cherished and precious to us. Conform our wills to yours and make us selfless, giving ourselves out of true love for the sake of others. May you be honored. Help us when we fall and when we fail to see rightly your will for us. Please use us as examples of imperfect human beings being changed by your grace day by day. Holy Spirit, continue to convince the world of its sin. Don't let them sleep without considering their relationship with you. Please, God, help us to love as you love.

I love the Smokies. Every time I visit my folks, I try to find a way to visit the mountains. I could spend days there, just enjoying the pristine beauty of God's creation there. My kids? They just like playing in the mountain streams. I enjoy that myself, but let me tell you, that water is C-O-L-D.

This was a very relaxing and long weekend for us. I enjoyed visiting with my family. The holiday also gave us another opportunity to go together to decorate the graves of our departed family. I took the time to talk to my kids about the family members, some of whom my kids never got to meet. It was a sad time because we miss having our family with us, but it is also a good time to remember our time here with them and share our love for them with our kids.

What did we see in the Smokies?

12 Deer, 2 Black Bear, 1 Wild Turkey (the bird, not the bottle)

Lots of fun and lots of rest, even though I spent a goodly amount of time working on a data project. That's what late evenings are for, especially while I'm watching Unbeatable Banzuke. I gotta get G4 for my cable tv. Our Japanese friends have such awesome game shows.

Not convinced?

 

 Awesome Japanese Game Show Clip: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I wanted to take the time to publicly thank everyone who has supported us through our family’s loss.  My wife lost a brother.  My kids lost an uncle.  I lost a brother-in-law.  We all lost a friend.  Everyone in our Church has rallied around my family, and the rest of my in-laws, in this time of grief.  Our shared hope in the resurrection of the body for those who are in Christ gives us strength and eases our pain.  I’m grateful for all the support we have received.  We are so fortunate to be in a Christian community that cares so much.  Seeing the body of Christ in action is an amazing sight to behold, especially when you happen to be the recipient of her actions.  Thank you all.  Your prayers especially have been a great help.  We can see their effect in more ways than one.  In the midst of real pain, we are in awe of the love we are seeing.  Thank you.

That's pretty much how I ended every visit with my brother-in-law. After praying with him at the hospital in the trauma center, I was thinking the same thing. It's true in an eschatological sense, because I know that, even though he has died, Robert's trust was in Jesus Christ. I also know that he was reconciled to God before he died. So my trust is in God that, indeed, I will see him later. That doesn't mean I don't hurt inside. I mean, he's my brother-in-law for pete's sake. Of course I hurt and of course I'm saddened. But I am confident that where he is now is world's better than where the rest of us are. Even in the purification we call Purgatory, Robert is in Heaven. He is preparing to see God face to face for all eternity. So I take heart in knowing that Robert is in good hands and that his eternity with Christ is secure.

Even though he is not with us physically, Robert continues to carry out his desire to help others. The organ and tissue donations he is making right now are not just helping people, they are saving lives, even here in Memphis. I never cease to be amazed at how God can take great tragedy and bring hope and light from the darkest places. Nothing and no one is beyond His saving reach.

That's all I've got for today. On behalf of my family, let me thank everyone for their continuing prayers. They are doing more good than all the well wishes in the world. Thanks.

I hear nightmare stories from friends about struggling parishes.  In some dioceses it seems to be difficult to find a thriving and active community.  A caller asked me about that when I appeared on The Journey Home with Marcus Grodi.  Why aren't Catholics more energized about their faith?  I'm fortunate enough to have a strong group of Über Catholics by my side and in my diocese.  Still, I come to Mass every week and face people who look like they don't want to be there.  They would be more enthusiastic at a ball game.  They would rather be entertained.  They would rather sip coffee and discuss current events.  Anything but humble themselves and worship God in spirit and truth.  Can I see their hearts?  Nope, but I sure as shootin' can see their gestures.  They sigh and grumble when there is an announcement.  They take their purse with them to communion because their plan is to exit before Mass ends.  They fidget in their seats.  They play with their cell phones (silently).  They read the bulletin.  They sleep.  Do I need to point out more evidence?  Is it any wonder, then, why their children don't want to be there?  Is there any wonder why these kids will likely leave the Church when they are out of the house?  They have NO CLUE about what they possess as Catholics?  

Listen, Cradle Catholic, what you take for granted is that your Creator, JESUS CHRIST, is humbling himself to be with you in a way He does NOWHERE ELSE.  He wants to give to you the same resurrection life that raised him from the dead on the 3rd day.  He wants to have intimate union with you at the deepest levels.  And you would rather be somewhere else?  Are you insane?  Ask a Catholic convert if they would leave the Eucharist.  Ask if there is anything out there more exciting than to commune with God.  Ask if they would rather be some place with different music and a coffee bar instead of Mass.  You know what their answer is.  You know that in many cases they have fled these places in order to receive the Eucharist.  You know they have realized that the only true fulfillment in life is communion with God.  The Catholic convert is not perfect, but he or she does know where to go for help.  Christ in the Sacraments make all the difference in the world.  

I know several men and women who left careers, lost friends, lost family, sometimes more, just to be part of the Catholic Faith.  I think of the men who served as ministers in Protestant congregations who left not just a job, but a true ministry as leaders, their entire education and professional training, in order to become Catholic and serve God as laypersons.  Why make that sort of sacrifice unless there was something to make it all worthwhile?   

Being friends with men and women (both Catholic converts and cradle Catholics) who truly love their faith, as evidenced by their 24/7 365 life, is a great blessing.  Serving and worshipping with them in a growing and thriving parish is super.  Stepping back and looking at what God is doing among His faithful followers is nothing short of amazing.  It is truly a work of God's grace the renewal spreading throughout the Church.  If you are in a remote parish that seems to be going nowhere, remember this:  even in the coldest parish, Christ is still present in the Eucharist.  He still wants to communion with you.  He is there for you.  You are not alone.  The same sacramental grace Christ pours out in the "exciting" parishes, He has made available for all.  And when we commune with God, we commune with each other.