099: The Place That Shall Not Be Named
In this episode - French Nazis from Canada, the last of the boxes, the “place that shall not be named”, school starts, problems with Luke and Austin, Hannah Superstar, St. Michael Mass, Mail Bag. (Read on …)
Passionate Christianity & Family & More
Recently, I had the honor — the pleasure to again join with Protestant pastors in the area where I live. I joined with them for prayer-before-breakfast, followed by a book-sharing discussion. The book is a provocative one that clergy everywhere would do well to look at — it’s called Un-Christianand written by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. At any rate, we finished our Christian clergy meeting with a business discussion of various pastoral and budget matters for this fellowship group.
These ministers are decidedly Evangelical as to style, including Baptists, Methodists, a Four Square Gospel Church and other faiths. I was the only Catholic representative. Morning prayer with these men is very ‘free-form’ — voicing expression of what is on their minds and hearts. We lifted up all area churches, programs for youth, those who are sick…. we prayed for America, for the elections, for elected officials, etc. There was prayer for our own sinfulness and failures. I find myself quite comfortable in this milieu — although you would guess it to be quite different than our Catholic forms of prayer… different of course than our worship in a liturgical setting.
Have you been around evangelical-oriented believers? I have read recently that the characteristics of these believers include the call for all to come to a conversion in their lives. (Seems to me that’s the way John the Baptist and Jesus started their missions!). Evangelical folks call for a renunciation of a passionless Christianity — do we not recall the words of Jesus about being lukewarm? Of course the Bible means a great deal to these folks — as it does or should to us.
You might ask why I bring this topic up on this Catholic Family Podcast venue? One of the Spirit-filled Protestant Churches in the Midwest would seem to be the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. (Which is not to be confused with the IHOP that many know after weekend Mass attendance!) The K.C. leader is Mike Bickle — and he has written about having a passion for Jesus. Here’s a quote from pastor Mike: “Passionless Christianity, so common today, is no threat to the devil. Focused on concepts and activities to the neglect of heartfelt affection and obedience to God, it brings no pleasure to God’s heart. It doesn’t bring pleasure (even) to the believer. But true Christianity sparks a flame in human spirit. It ignites the heart with holy fervency for Jesus.”
Did you catch those words about people having a ‘focus on concepts and activities?’ Hmmm… I sometimes feel that way about our churches. You know: we must have a women’s group… or we must have a men’s association. We need a director of religious education… Yes — these are important ideas in an organized parish or church. But if I said we had an opening for someone to lead a program called ‘Falling in love with Jesus all over again,’ I wonder who would show up? Who would want to volunteer?
The words from Scripture about being lukewarm come back to me often. It seems to me that many who are in parish organizations enter them because they have somehow become convinced that ‘organization’ is what the church is about. Well… call me evangelical…. or call me Charismatic… or call me anti-organization… what I sometimes wish to see is the spirit and zeal like that we often see in new parents. Brand new parents who are on fire with the potential of a new child God has given them. I’d like to see this in our Catholic worship… I’d like to see it in some of our church organizations.
I just read an article about a Catholic Church that doesn’t have pews or benches in part of the main area of the church. It’s carpeted and people can kneel or sit on their haunches during Mass. Some folks kneel, and during the Consecration, they bend at the waist and put their heads down on the carpet. Yes, I’ll bet it sounds strange to most Catholic folk… but where this action comes from is a passionate demonstration of the reality of Christ-present during the holiest of moments this side of eternity. In another church that I was a part of for awhile, I saw ladies who always… always double-genuflected — meaning they genuflected on both knees when they came into church or were leaving. Why? To honor God and to atone for those who don’t even bother to genuflect as they walk past the tabernacle or on entry or exit from pews. How does this make you feel?
Well — this isn’t a radical or veiled request to rip out the pews in our churches. No such thing! It’s a prayerful hope for some who read this to be inspired. To want to add passionate faith practice to their lives. And if they begin to do that, maybe this ‘exposed’ passion and love for Christ will carry over into passionate parenting and passionate caring for others. May any who heed this call recognize that the rewards for doing this are almost certain not to come in the here-and-now — but will come after the final curtain. That’s okay… it really is. Because passionate worship and the fire of real love is what awaits those who join the eternal kingdom that Jesus promised. (Note: I’ve already asked Jesus if I can be on the praise-team in the next life!)
Pastor Mike Bickle said that God intended our souls to be captured, consumed and enthralled with Jesus. Does your family worship and home life seem passionate and enthralling? How would you like a change? Tell Jesus you’d like to put your head down — maybe starting just a little bit during the consecration. Tipping your body toward his throne… his tabernacle. That might just start something new and passionate in your heart. Can I get an AMEN on that?
Blessings. Deacon Tom
098: Yeast Rolls
David and kids prepare yeast rolls on Sunday afternoon.
097: Squeek! Squeek!
In this episode: getting completely moved out of the old house-YUCK! mouse story, church raffle, review of the Mummy 3, faith and works, Mail Bag: Dee from Arizona, Deacon Tom, Sarah from Ohio, Michael from Minnesota, Final Song: Free Reign: Megastar From the podsafe music network.
(Read on …)
096: CFP Top 10
In this episode: The top 10 things all families should do (or not do), moved-in, David’s iPhone, Deacon Tom’s column on Eating Together, rules for eating before Mass, Mail Bag: Deacon Tom and Mrs. Deacon Tom, Mary, Ruthie, Sean the Duck Tape Guy, Fireproof the Movie. (Read on …)
Deacon Tom: The Importance of Eating Together
(Even With Those We Disagree With)
Hi Catholic Family… Blessings of August and the twilight of the summer of 2008! Can you believe that in the Arizona town where we live, the schools started on July 30th? Holy Moses – I seem to remember that summer vacations were always from Memorial Day till Labor Day plus or minus a few days. What in the world is going on? Which has nothing to do with anything – certainly not the topic of eating together.
Some of you may know of the Catholic columnist (and author I think) named Pat Wargocki. I see her columns in the Tucson Diocese Newsletter (NEW VISION) and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her writings elsewhere. At any rate – she had a column some time ago on The Importance of Eating Together. We could make a complete column and podcast show on just that topic. How often do you get together for a real family meal? Do you pray before you start? Do you hold hands while you pray? Do you give everyone at the table a turn at leading prayer? Do you have the television on during the meal? Do you have any family customs associated with eating your meals? Customs such as someone bringing a topic to the table so that it can be discussed? Things like that.
Pat Wargocki’s column described a scene that might be all too familiar in America. A friend told Pat of a son invited to a friend’s house for dinner. The supper was a buffet setup by the family pool. The mom had to leave to go to a meeting.
The father of the house made up his own food platter and left to go inside to watch football on TV. A young sister in the family fixed her plate and went to her room so she could eat and talk with her girlfriend on the phone. So the boy, the invited guest and his young pal sat by the pool and ate their meal alone. Holy Moses moms and dads – do we need any more examples or indications of what’s going wrong with family life?
Our children are grown and away from under our roof – but even my dear wife Dee and I sometimes get caught up in the ‘you eat when you want and I’ll get something if I’m hungry.’ I hope we didn’t instill or allow much of that when our kids were young. I don’t think so.
You have likely heard this before: We Christians – our faith is grafted on to the Jewish Faith. And Jews knew the importance – the holy relevance of meals shared together. I often think of that wonderful movie Fiddler on the Roof and I remember their meals – sacred experiences and lives shared.
Jesus was a Jew. And we know that fellowship… being at table with his friends… his family… this was so important to Him. Important enough that He left us a memorial to show us what it means to be family and come together. In the Church setting – we call it the Mass and Jesus serves us Himself – completely. Eating together is so important. Giving everyone a voice and a chance to share about their day… about what comes to mind… about plans and dreams for coming times. I’ll bet Jesus and His ‘family’ did this.
These days, parents can and should share about their memories from childhood or their families of origin. Kids love hearing stories about when their parents or the grandparents were growing up. How they got into scrapes or jams… how they were corrected for mistakes. Trips they took. And yes, I may be painting too lovely a picture when some meals involve cranky, fussy babies or spoiled teens – but the goal – the hope is that we send them off with the memory that the family that prayed (and ate) together, stayed together.
Which brings me to a short closing thought. I have recently joined a regional Christian Ministerial Alliance in our community. Clergy from different Christian churches — we are members of a separated – some might say, a broken family – just as brokenness often comes to our human families. But I am so pleased and honored to pray with them and to be with them and give witness to the fact that we are still family. We may, as we pray or we break bread – we may say something that sounds like criticism of another family member. Or maybe it’s just something that ruffles the feathers of areas of disagreement. But like hosting a prodigal child who comes out from the bedroom after a period of separation – let us welcome the other person into our hearts and our circle of love. I don’t mean this to imply that our separated brothers and sisters are like prodigal children – I just mean that there are areas that have caused breech in our unity. Let us love them… let them love us. Let us have meals (not including our Eucharist of course) and common prayer and dialogue. Let us do our best to love as family loves.
Some time ago, Father Thomas Bokenkotter wrote these words:
What Unites Us
Despite the divisions and differences within the Christian family, there are obvious common elements and bonds we should not lose sight of: We all turn to Christ as a source of meaning, value and healing for humankind. We all revere the Gospels and other books of the New Testament, which present a basic vision we can all share. We all turn to Christ through prayer and believe in the importance of prayer. We can focus more on what we have in common, on how we can pray together and join in common projects for building a more just world upon the values of Christ. The Christian family tree has the same roots: Christ and the Old and New Testaments.
I think this applies to our at-home families as well. Let us all gather at the table and refresh and restore our love of family. Would someone pass me the mashed potatoes, please?
Blessings. Deacon Tom
095: Ctrl-X
In this episode: David’s tomato basil soup, congratulations to P. Camarata on his 100th SaintCast, Allyson - subcontractor extraordinaire, bad parents, Allyson’s catechist workshop, challenge, Mail Call: Pat in Michigan.
David’s Tomato Basil Soup:
3 cans diced tomatoes
1 32 oz. can of V8 vegetable juice
12-15 washed fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper
1.5 sticks butter
1 pint heavy cream
Combine tomatoes, juice, basil, salt and pepper in large soup pot and simmer 30 minutes. Remove in small batches and blend until smooth. Return to pot and add butter and cream. Heat through. Serve with basil leaves as a garnish. Serves 8.
Links in this episode:
Pat’s YouTube video link
Testosterhome [On the care and feeding of boys]
Final Song: Free Reign: Sunshine
graphic: Control by renatotarga
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094: The Problem of Evil
In this episode: the house progresses, the O’Brien family, the problem with evil, why do bad things happen to good people? Does God will bad things?, Feature Films for Families, Mail Bag: Jim Beeghley, Mary in Virginia, Mary in Minnesota. (Read on …)
Catholic Family Life: How Bad or Good Can It Be?
Dear friends of the Catholic Family Podcasts:
Blessings of these mid-summer days. May the Lord bless you all… and in a human way of wishing you well – may your air conditioning never fail and may your nights be cool enough to open the windows!
The topic I want to try to work on today and for this month is the topic of family life – generally - and family life among Catholics. To set the tone or stage for this – let me tell you that I have a good friend, a holy man, a husband and father who is ‘totally Catholic’ and is raising a wonderful family. He works in a chancery for a diocese. He is extremely well read and he has good contacts within and outside of the Church. I lead with these thoughts so you and I might try to pay attention to some of what he says about the state of family life in America. I’ll call him ‘A’ – and for the sake of brevity – I’m editing some of his comments.
Deacon Tom (DT): If you were to give a state of the union address on Christian families, what would you say and what would you recommend?
(A): God wants us to have happy fun filled families where time is spent around the breakfast and dinner table telling fun stories and praying together. [So much of family life seems dominated by the world of entertainment. TV’s are on, kids play games during meal or family time, or they do text-messaging, etc.] We should not let the entertainment industry rob us of these [true family] kinds of joys.
So great vigilance is needed if we would have happy families. This means that parents should listen to the little voice inside that warns them when something is not quite right with a school program, or a group of friends, or with the amount of time children spend watching TV or playing video games. Do not be afraid to speak out and protect the innocence of those entrusted to your care while they are young, and to protect their honor when they are older.
This kind of vigilance requires great sacrifices, trials, and even suffering rejection by those we most love. But the happiness of our families and the holiness which God calls us to, requires that we stand firm and do not lose heart. When we protect our families, they become a school of love in which everyone learns to rely on the Lord. Those who know the joy and sense of honor that only such a school provides are the ones who give hope to society, who become a light that shines in the darkness. America needs this light today more than ever.
(DT): Your words and comments suggest a sort of heaviness or darkness regarding [Catholic or general] family life in America. How would you respond?
(A): Catholic families are suffering in the same ways as families in the general population. Contraception, abortion, pornography and divorce have desecrated almost everyone’s extended family if they have not already crept into one’s immediate family situation. Perhaps because of this, parents (and society in general) are not confident in their particular competency in their own children’s lives.
As a result, moms, dads and their children do not have a healthy sense of their dignity and honor, and without a personal sense of honor, it is difficult to offer and cultivate the sacrificial love that family life demands. Families need to rediscover what it means to be “a school of love.”
(DT): I just wrote a column for a Catholic Mom’s site (www.catholicmom.com) and I wrote about Sacrificial Love. It’s a different way of looking at the call to ‘tough love.’
(A): Families a couple generations ago did not suffer the kinds of things that families do today, at least not to the same extent. Furthermore, Catholic families tended to practice more piety within the home. Practices like the family rosary helped parents hold things together even when it seemed impossible. It was also true that parents did not need to compete with an entertainment industry in educating children in family values.
Finally, parents were more confident about their role and their ability to be mom and dad for their children. This is true in general of course. I think there were plenty of families where important values, including the life of faith, were already eroded. Although there were probably more vestiges of a Christian society than we enjoy today, there were already great cultural struggles taking place two and three generations ago that got us to the place where we are today.
(DT): You have studied areas of success in ‘fighting the good fight.’ I’ve seen your words on Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Therese of Lisieux, etc. Can you share any practical words to end this interview?
(A): [Catholic families… Christian families are called] to cultivate reliance on the Lord; families need to spend more time in prayer together. Going to Mass and Confession regularly is important. But on a daily basis praying a family Rosary and spending time in common prayer before bedtime [or in the morning] is vital. At least, this is my experience. This period of prayer allows the Lord to communicate to each member of the family a sense of honor and purpose as well as the other resources needed for sacrificial loving. When families pray together, the entertainment industry cannot compete because children and parents taste something that is more meaningful and fulfilling.
(DT): Thank you dear (A) – your words are at times somber and challenging. Yet they are filled with a hope to return to the values that were so important years ago – and they are still so much more important today.
Blessings. Deacon Tom
093: Hate Mail
In this episode: Happy Birthday, Jennifer, Allyson’s weekend schedule, I hate you, Mom! Grotto Dedication, Catholic New Media Celebration, Mail Bag, Sean the Duck Tape Guy, Martin from Ipswitch, Mary from Minnesota.
