Stances of Grace, Living the Faith

I happened across a new book by Michael Novak and William E. Simon entitled Living the Call: An Introduction to Lay Vocation.  After reading an opinion piece on Fox by its author, I was reminded by similar notes I sounded years ago in an essay I penned called "Stances of Grace."  Mr. Simon's new book on living the faith looks to be very timely indeed, and I look forward to reading it.  I hope up you will pick-up a copy (or get it via Kindle, as I did) and share your thoughts!


I hope you enjoy my essay below.  It should be perhaps noted that as a writer sometimes I will "recycle" elements from previously unpublished works within published essays.  Other than very simple references, I don't believe "Stances of Grace" has been used before in this way.  Should I be in error, I hope the publisher will excuse any writer oversight!

"Stances of Grace"

We are often reminded of the need to live each day for Christ—not just during Sunday Mass alone.  The idea being that we too often compartmentalize ourselves; our church and spiritual lives on one side and our secular lives on the other.  As a recent convert to the Catholic Church, the merging of these two distinct halves has been something I have personally struggled with, and I believe that the Eucharist has been instrumental in helping me to slowly, and with faltering steps, become the whole person God intends me to be.  While it’s easy to observe the necessity that we, the Body of Christ, must carry the Church from the inside to the outside of our church walls, it is more challenging to identify how exactly we bring Christ to the world through our daily examples.  

Our attitudes often betray the essence of who we are, or who we are in danger of becoming.  I remember one episode recently when I was driving to an evening Bible study, and I noticed that the car behind me was tailgating.  I tried to ignore the driver until he pulled alongside at a light down the block.  As I glanced over, I was stunned to recognize a friend.  This fine and upstanding gentleman apparently did not think twice of expressing his own frustration at being late for some appointment by behaving in a discourteous way towards a person he mistakenly assumed to be a stranger.  We are all guilty of thoughtless and selfish behavior at times, but how do we take the church outside when we feel frustrated or angry with our fellow man?  We all have pet peeves, and, when those internal buttons are pressed, we feel the need to express our displeasure.  In fact, sometimes a restrained anger can serve a legitimate purpose. 


If we don’t oppose what’s wrong, for instance, we are simply condoning it.  Remember Christ and the temple moneychangers.  Our Lord wasn’t any too pleased, and He expressed himself in a definite and concrete way.  It’s when we feed and nourish those feelings of anger that the likelihood of achieving any lasting good from the situation slips away, and we place our soul in peril.

Sometimes a mnemonic aid can help when trying to learn or apply a difficult concept. My daughter, for example, use to find it helpful to learn her multiplication tables by putting them to music.  The melody helped her to connect the dots and more quickly retrieve the memorized information.  Is there a way to apply something similar to our spiritual lives?  Perhaps one way to do so is to recall the variety of physical stances one takes during Mass: standing, sitting, kneeling, waiting in line to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, and greeting our fellow parishioners. If we think of the church every time we find ourselves in a similar physical position, then we're beginning to take the church from the inside to the outside.  

When I find myself becoming irritated while waiting in line, my mind may recall waiting in line to receive the Eucharist.  Since Christ died for all of us, it’s true that every person we meet within our hectic daily schedules is someone for whom His blood was spilled, and, therefore, a fellow member or potential member, of the Body of Christ.  As C.S. Lewis reminds us in The Weight of Glory, there aren’t “ordinary people”.  We all have everlasting souls.  Cultures and civilizations will vanish, but that grocery clerk you may be inclined to snap at has the profound gift of an eternal soul and may be in heaven with you throughout eternity.  If we can apply a kind of internal reverence to our daily lives, we are offering those routine activities up to Christ, and we infuse them with deep meaning.  In this way, we are also acknowledging that we our identity is greater than what our daily life may trick us to think.  That is, our identity should not be tied too closely to our work or vocation, if our work is secular in nature.  When we understand this, we are transforming the mundane to the eternal and creating stances of grace as we strive to live Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 10:31: “whatever you do, do for the glory of God.”

A second, but related, approach to engaging our culture and society is to use our specific gifts and talents to create a better world, doing works for God.  In this way, we are also being imitators of Christ.  At times, though, there seems to be a puzzling tendency among some Catholics to engage only in the superficial issues.  There is frequently a strong inclination among some well-meaning Catholics, for instance, to take on issues dealing more with environmental stewardship, social justice, or simple political correctness than the pure and simple ministry of Christ--or controversial issues such as abortion.  It sometimes boils down to something akin to a misplacement of cause and effect.  Take, for instance, the issue of environmental stewardship.    

It is certainly a valid concern in this day and age, but how is this issue often handled in our parishes?  Wouldn’t we understand environmental stewardship more clearly if we first examined the life a great saint—such as Saint Francis?  This saint’s love of nature was hinged on the fact that it was (and is) created by God.  In other words, nature points to God.  If we have a solid spiritual foundation, this connection is quickly grasped.  As Saint Augustine wrote in Confessions, “There are many, in fact, who find your creation pleasing, because it is good, but what they find pleasing in it is not you.  They choose to look for happiness, not in you, but in what you have created.”  In a culture where environmentalism might be described as a kind of religion in and of itself—even if it’s a religion purporting to abandon all religions--I think we would be wise to ensure that we are preaching Christ first and foremost. 


There is a possibility that some Catholics view issues such as abortion more along the lines of "fundamentalist" causes instead of Christian causes. I am not saying that we should stop talking about hot topics such as Global Warming, but I suggest that we also stand united with our separated brethren to ensure that our voices are raised in unison against the real evils of our day.  Some of our other causes may simply be clever distractions foisted on us by the enemy.

My wife and I sometimes sit and watch those who receive the Eucharist at Mass and meditate on the mystery of it all.  The believer who approaches the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ is a sinner, but the person returning to his pew becomes a little more like Christ.  If you will permit another quote from Saint Augustine, he wrote the following concerning the Eucharist in Confessions, “I am the food of full-grown men.  Grow and you shall feed on me.  But you shall not change me into your own substance, as you do with the food of your body.  Instead you shall be changed into me."  In our efforts to carry the church to the outside world, we should strive to preach the saving story of Christ daily in our clearly expressed thoughts, words, and deeds.  In this way, we are working and cooperating in the saving work of Christ by being examples of His boundless love to a lost and fallen world.

Lino Rulli ("The Catholic Guy") Interview

I'm excited to share today's blog interview of...  Lino Rulli, Emmy-award winner for "Generation Cross," bestselling author of  Sinner, The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic, not to mention the great host of the "Catholic Guy" on Sirrus/ XM Radio.  Lino is the latest person to graciously answer far too many e-mailed questions from yours truly.  A big thank you to Lino for taking the time from his hectic schedule to provide such thoughtful answers--on far too many questions!


1.  For those who may not be familiar with your new book, Sinner, what made you decide to tell your story?  What do you hope readers take away?   


What made me write the book was...well, the advance! Money makes a person do crazy things: like write a Catholic book. And I really hope readers take away the reminder that we're all sinners. We're all struggling. Hopefully they can have some laughs at my expense and realize they're not the only ones who aren't perfect.


2.  What's its release date, and will it be available in Kindle format?

It was released September 1 and is a paperback, kindle, audio cd, and audiobook. No excuses to not buy it! It's everywhere...


3.  I really enjoyed reading the preview of a portion of the first chapter ("Monkey Boy") on Amazon.  As a guy who played McGruff the Crime Dog as well as Reepicheep in the late 1980s, I think I can sympathize with the costume...  Did the monkey suit work give you an introduction to performing in front of people that appealed to you--or did that really come later?


Yeah, it certainly helped. But more than anything, it gave me an example of the need to be different. My dad took a different path in life, and that encouraged me to try and do the same thing.

4.  When did you decide to pursue a career in 
broadcasting?


I always loved media. Just before graduating college, I decided to get "serious" about Catholicism - and thought that a practicing Catholic shouldn't be involved with trivial media stuff. But a few years later, God literally put me back into the media world. So it seems like He decided for me.


5.  As the Catholic Guy on Sirrus XM Radio, you've had the opportunity to visit many exciting places.  What are a couple of your favorites--Rome?  On the opposite end of the spectrum, any places where you probably would like to avoid a second visit?

Rome is the best. I'm Italian, though, so I might be biased. The show has brought us a lot of cool places, but you can't beat Rome. I can't think of anyplace I wouldn't visit again!


6.  Are you exploring any new directions or format changes to your show in the coming years?

I'm a big believer in the idea that if you're not changing, you're stagnant. So I don't have any specific directions or format changes to announce here :), but I'm always working on it.


7.  Do you plan on writing more books in the future?  Any topics of interest?  Ever considered fiction?

I've gotten a few publishers contacting me to write another book, so with any luck I'll be writing again soon. I don't think I'd do fiction, however, because I think life is stranger than fiction. 

8.  What were some of the highlights that will stay in your memory from World Youth Day Madrid?

The Saturday Night Vigil, nearly 2 million people, the Pope is there, and a rainstorm hits! We had an absolute blast out in the rain. Then, it stops raining, the Pope continues talking, and we're having Eucharistic Adoration. 2 million people praying. Complete silence. Then, after the Pope left, it started raining again. It was great.

9.  What do you see as one of the major challenges facing the Catholic Church in the United States at this time?

Wow, that's a tough one. I think the major challenges facing the Church is credibility and a sense of being relatable. A lot of people are turned off by Catholicism, and we have to try to win 'em back... 


10.  Was there a particular point in your life as a young man where you made a conscious decision for Christ, a "Second Conversion?"  (As converts from the Evangelical tradition, this is an area of interest.  I'm going to try to usually ask this question in the future interviews.)

I've had a few times in my life where I've had a "Second Conversion" like experience, but the truth is I'm a guy who was born and raised Catholic, and I need to be converted every day!

11.  Have you spent much time in western Oregon?  Any upcoming visits to our neck of the woods in the near future?

I've been to 6 of the 7 continents. 48 of the 50 states. And never Oregon! Sorry. Would love to visit sometime.

12.  I remember listening to one of your shows in late June when you were talking about co-ed dormitories at Catholic universities.  We recently visited a school in the Seattle area with our daughter where men and women were rooming right next door to each other.  It seems to run counter to common sense as well as Catholic morality and modesty, creating an environment where the occasion to sin is present unnecessarily.  I just don't see why we have to burden our kids with these temptations.  Do you think more and more Catholic institutions of higher learning are taking a second look at this?

I think the idea of Catholic identity is becoming more and more important at all sorts of Catholic institutions. And that's a good thing. Some things, like co-ed dorms, are just a crazy idea. 

13.  Technology has so changed the face and voice of media over the past decade, or so.  What do you see as some of the challenges for print and broadcast media in the future?

Media is becoming more and more splintered, and it's a challenge to build and maintain an audience with so many options. I think the biggest challenge is having a sizable audience - and making money! Everyone likes making money.


14.  Is there a saint or two for whom you share a special affinity or appreciation?

Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII. JPII because he was a hero for so many of us, and I got a chance to meet him. I was there at his funeral and there at his beatification. And John the 23rd, because he was Italian and had a great sense of humor.


15.  We recently were dealing with a family member battling a serious illness, and I was curious how your faith helps you personally handle those more difficult times in your life?  For instance, what does redemptive suffering mean to you?



I'm sorry to hear that. And as for faith helping during difficult times, I'm not great with redemptive suffering...but when I have nowhere else to turn, God is there. And I find comfort in that.

A Call to Christian Unity

Several years ago, I received a strange envelope from a penitentiary to the east. Enclosed was a long handwritten letter from a man identifying himself as a former priest who was now serving time in prison for an undisclosed crime. He wrote me in response to a religious article of mine which he had come across. One could hardly miss his deep grief as reflected in the furious cursive of his pen. His writing betrayed a longing to be accepted again and to regain that lost connection to the Church. This former priest views himself as an outcast from the Church and the community due to his acts of grave sin. After all, sin, by its nature, separates not only man from God (and man from the Church), but also man from man.

The letter brought home the image of the Christian body as a single family, united in its belief in Christ and yet gravely separated. This separation originated in the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Their choices made sin a reality in the world. Sin, by its very nature, pushes us towards disunity. In Mary, we clearly see Eve’s opposite. Where Eve’s disobedience opened the world to sin, Mary’s obedience and cooperation paved the way to its redemption. Perhaps we should see the history of the Church in the simpler terms of a family in crisis? One of the early examples of the broken unity within this family concerns the actions of Martin Luther. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes in the section entitled “Wounds to Unity”, Martin Luther raised many important concerns that deserved substantive dialogue—from corruption in the sale of indulgences to the allegations of misuse of the church’s mounting wealth.

Many saints of the past have also spent their lives struggling to change attitudes or practices within the Church they loved. Several centuries earlier, Saint Francis worked tirelessly for the poor, and Saint Thomas Aquinas labored to remind us that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. The difference between the endeavors of the saints and those of Martin Luther hinges, in part, on the nature of pride and the sin of separation. The saints paid as little attention as possible to self, or “brother ass”, as Saint Francis called his own body in jest. 


Instead, the saints always worked to place the good of others ahead of themselves and to promote unity at every turn. Martin Luther, on the other hand, concluded that starting anew was better than laboring to correct the problems present within the Catholic Church. When pride creeps into our minds, it transforms otherwise laudable goals into a dishonorable agenda or even a personal crusade. Those demanding reform within the church lost touch with the vital place unity holds within the Christian family and failed to see unity itself as a reflection of God’s loving plan. Martin Luther moved ahead against the Catholic Church, bringing profound separation to bear against the faithful. Turning his back on biblical passages calling us to unity, such as 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 and John 17:11, he pressed harder and harder until the very fabric of the Christian family tore. It continues to tear today.

          

While it is true in a sense that the sin of pride continues to echo afresh with each new denomination, it is also important to keep things in their perspective. It was that initial split from the Catholic Church which Catholics find particularly egregious—after all, it was separation from the one true Church. The new denominations springing up constantly are simply the logical consequence of churches struggling for moral direction. We can’t necessarily fault each Protestant denomination for breaking with its parent church. In fact, we might find their motivations to be nearly above reproach. Take, for instance, the Free Methodist Church. This denomination broke from the Methodist Church over such issues as slavery and the sale and renting of pews. The founders wanted a place that welcomed everyone—poor or rich, slave or free.

When asked to comment on the nature of Christian unity, a Free Methodist pastor from north Seattle, Mark Nordvedt, shared the following. “Jesus called for unity but not at the expense of biblical truth and biblical morality. If one compromises on the authority of the Scriptures, the Bible, you are lost on a sea of subjectivity and relativism and lose any basis of belief or action upon which to be united.”  Whether he realizes it, or not, this pastor’s simple observation highlights our similarities more than it exposes our differences. Despite the doctrinal challenges that keep us apart, the desire to fervently follow Scriptures is shared by Catholics and Protestants alike. If more Catholics could simply articulate the beauty and fullness of our faith and traditions and demonstrate God’s love within their own lives, our churches would be overflowing come each Mass. If we are like members of a broken family, then perhaps what is needed is the calm love of an older brother or sister to convey what the Catholic Church is all about. Our separated brethren already have that passion for Jesus, and He certainly wants them to come into the Catholic Church, to learn to know Him better.

It should come as no surprise that the broken family of Christ often carries over to affect the family life found within many of our homes, sin begetting sin. The separation of family members on the grounds of religious intolerance mirrors the broken unity of the Christian faithful worldwide. If the Christian church is seen as the “Body of Christ” as explained in verses such as 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 1:22-23, then how can this separation be the better choice?  As if there were any doubt as to the answer, we have the beautiful message of John 17:22-23.

22        The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me.

The very triune nature of God points to the fundamental unity of the Trinity. We simply need to offer ourselves humbly before Christ in an effort to discern what we can contribute towards the reconciliation of our spiritual family.  

Though mankind today may view itself as the perfected result of thousands of years of evolution, the sobering reality is that it has been falling towards moral entropy since the Fall of Man. This descent is a frightening thing to witness. Just as the sin of Adam, separated man from God and man from man, the sin of separation, as well as pride, has made the chasm between God and man just that much wider and deeper. Like the profound truth reflected in Michelangelo’s famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, God continues to stretch out His arm across the gulf to reach man below. Sadly, man too often ignores the hand of his savior. Even non-Catholic writers seem to recognize that something is missing. C.S Lewis wrote the following on November 10, 1952, as it appears in Letters to an American Lady.

Though you have taken a way which is not for me I nevertheless can congratulate you -- I suppose because your faith and joy are so obviously increased. Naturally, I do not draw from that the same conclusions as you, but . . . I believe we are very near to one another . . . In the present divided state of Christendom, those who are at the heart of each division are all closer to one another than those who are at the fringes . . . Let us by all means pray for one another: it is perhaps the only form of "work for reunion" which never does anything but good. God bless you. © William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

A good place to begin in the dismantling of the fences between Catholics and Protestants might be avoidance of terms that polarize rather than unite—especially when the terms themselves offer little in the way of illumination. Generalizations and labels are not the way to build dialogue. The key to communication is to build upon our commonalties and not accentuate our differences. If Catholics are properly catechized, they should have no problem explaining how our traditions have grown closer over issues like the profound gift of sanctifying grace. They might also mention how Catholics often work together with Protestants to battle such cultural tragedies as abortion and pornography. It’s also worth noting that some of the present divisive issues were of little or no concern to Martin Luther—for example, infant baptism or Mary’s place of honor within the Catholic Church.

One illustrative example of an area of frequent confusion between Catholics and Protestants  might be the debate concerning faith (or grace) and works. The Protestant is likely to confuse the Catholic position (perhaps on account of never having heard it clearly articulated) and incorrectly assert that the Catholic believes in earning his way to heaven through works. While the Catholic believes no such thing, the Protestant may point to traditions and rituals which, when not understood in their historical and religious context, may confuse non-Catholics. The reason I selected this particular example, however, is because the truth is so easily reached by a careful reading of Scripture as well as an application of both common sense and logic.

As Saint James makes abundantly clear in his second chapter, works are a reflection of the grace within. Many subscribe to a false and misleading dichotomy regarding faith and works; they’re as inseparable as the flame is from the candle. If faith doesn’t have an effect upon works, it’s not a real or substantive faith. Paragraph 2001 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it in the following way.

The preparation of man for the reception of grace is already a work of grace. This latter is needed to arouse and sustain our collaboration in justification through faith, and in sanctification through charity. God brings to completion in us what he has begun, "since he who completes his work by cooperating with our will began by working so that we might will it: 

Indeed we also work, but we are only collaborating with God who works, for his mercy has gone before us. It has gone before us so that we may be healed, and follows us so that once healed, we may be given life; it goes before us so that we may be called, and follows us so that we may be glorified; it goes before us so that we may live devoutly, and follows us so that we may always live with God: for without him we can do nothing.

In the ninth chapter of the Gospel of Mark, there’s an enlightening account of Christ’s miraculous curing of an epileptic boy after His disciples were unable to do so. When privately questioned later, Christ explains to his disciples that their inability to cure the child was because of the need for serious prayer. It’s interesting to note that the King James version refers to “prayer and fasting.”  This is an example of our cooperation with God requiring a commitment of time and energy (works) before the desired result can be achieved through Christ. It doesn’t mean, of course, that the prayer and/or fasting brings about the cause of the change; God remains the mover, but we should understand the critical part that our actions play within our own spiritual and prayer life. Saint Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the Colossians (1:24-27).

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

25 of which I became a minister according to the divine office which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints.

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

As a recent convert from the Evangelical tradition, I urge Catholics to take a fresh look at both evangelization and the studying of their own faith to help them bring Protestants back home. Whether it is explaining the simple differences in vocabulary which often raise barriers to effective communication, or simply taking the time to thoughtfully discuss our positions, this will accomplish much for unity. It was Pope John Paul II’s tireless ecumenical work that first caught our attention years ago. Slowly, it dawned on my Protestant family that the pope was indeed right. In the same loving spirit so evident in this great pope’s book entitled Crossing the Threshold of Hope, we must do everything in our power to encourage our separated brethren to return home, and we should demonstrate that there is less separating us today than they may guess. We need to bring the message to them and pray for Christ to work upon their hearts. In the name of Christ, let us do everything we can to facilitate a reunion of our broken family at Christ’s table. Whether Protestant or Catholic, we all follow the same Good Shepherd, and it’s time this separated family came back to the house of their fathers.

Coming up next...hope to publish Lino Rulli's interview next week, or so.

"Just a Stay-at-Home Mom"

If you want to know how to quickly get on my nerves, try ridiculing the stay at home mom.  That kind of derisive and ignorant comment usually reveals utterly self-absorbed people, caught-up by the lie of materialism.  They're also frequently without a substantive moral compass, since they have so thoroughly embraced the Culture of Death which seeks to undermine the value of new life and the profound role and gift of motherhood.  Unfortunately, though, I seem to hear this sentiment expressed more and more these days by people who really should know better.  

Am I saying that all mothers are worthy of praise?  While, of course, that's not the case, it is indeed a sad and tragic thing that society places so little value on such an important and vital role.  As C.S. Lewis reminded us, "The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only - and that is to support the ultimate career." 

I realize that not all mothers can afford to stay home to raise their children, but I suggest that many times working outside of the home can be avoided or delayed by careful budgeting and simple living.  After all, fifty-years hence, your children won't remember that second car, high definition television, or other luxuries.  No, they will, however, remember the love of their mother and father in the home.  Love and laughter of a Christ-centered family is what it's all about.  Something to think about.  ...Now, husbands, I hope you will go thank your wife--and your mothers, too.

Proverbs 31:10-31

New International Version (NIV)

 ^10 [a]A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

A Short Review of "Heaven is for Real"

If you've noticed, I tend to avoid book reviews.  For one thing, there's the obligatory summary or plot outline which often can evoke a yawn from me about as quickly as if I were cracking open one of my exciting accounting reference books.  Still, something was different about this simple book entitled Heaven is for Real, A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo (and with Lynn Vincent).


I have to admit, though, that my wife actually picked this book up first.  I glanced at it, returned it to its Costco display table, only to retrieve the title again a moment later.  Something piqued my interest after reading just a paragraph, or so.  For one thing, it's written in an unusually simple, unvarnished style that is quickly engaging.  It's not a book you're likely to read for literary value, but, that said, it's much better written than a lot in the "pop" spiritual market--The Shack, par exemple.  In fact, as someone who was raised in the Nazarene denomination before our family of four (as well as my in-laws) crossed the Tiber to the Catholic Church, it reminds me a little of the missionary books that were distributed at church when I was growing up: a very simple, decidedly unselfconscious style.


 So, I can't disappoint my readers with a long summarization of the story (because I don't want to), but I will say that the young boy recounts an out of body experience following a close call on the operating table due to his appendix breaking open.   Colton Burpo shares his experience later with his astonished parents, and the book really focuses on the parents' processing and questioning of their son over the years to come.  The details that Colton conveys are startling and perhaps hard for an adult to accept.  For instance, his insistence of everyone, except Jesus, having angelic wings in heaven was particularly troubling because it seemed to imply that we become angels--which I don't believe is true.  


Still, the angel issue is similar to other details in that I suggest that we're seeing the images of heaven through the lens of a child's mind.  If we accept the account as true, which I do by and large, then we need to recognize that heaven would have probably looked different to an adult on a similar journey.  This is how this child processed the information, which begins to make other small details less troublesome--to me, anyway.  


The most startling passage of the book may be when Colton asks his mother if his sister died in his mother's tummy.  The innocent question reveals that Colton met his unborn sister (of whom his parents had never spoken with him) on his celestial visit: deeply encouraging news for his family.  I was also deeply impressed by the way the little boy describes the nature of time in heaven.  It's been something of an area of interest to me for years, and I think the boy unknowingly described that "eternal present" remarkably well.


I've been reading many reviews of this title over the past few days, and it's interesting how varied the perspectives are.  Atheist writer Susan Jacoby penned a particularly weak attack of the book in her own online review.  It really didn't offer any original or persuasive insights, but just blasted the book as appealing to the "immature American mind."  Since I think it takes more faith to be an atheist than a believer in a higher power, though, I wasn't impressed.  

Some evangelical reviews, such as the one written by Tim Challies, seem really torn as to how to respond to the book.  In the end, it's as if this rather unfriendly reviewer is telling God, that "no, you can't do this."  It's us dictating to the Creator what He may or may not do with regards to His creation; I wasn't persuaded by his arguments opposing the book.  Much closer to the mark, I think, are the more thoughtful reviews--like the one written by Scott Lencke.


I think it's important to approach all accounts of miracles with a healthy degree of skepticism, but this account rings true for me.  (Of course, as C.S. Lewis pointed out, God turns water to wine each year in the vineyard, and we fail to recognize this kind of natural wonder for the miracle that it truly is.)  As an example of personal revelation, we're, of course, not bound to believe, but we do need to realize that God may do whatever He wishes when it comes to His creation.  He's not bound by natural laws.  I would concur with some of the comments by reviewers such as Tim Challies in that we should be careful of our faith being affected too much by sensational accounts--even the true ones.  Our faith should lie deeper and stronger than our passing feelings.


Lastly, some have argued that Colton's experience contradicts their interpretation of the book of Revelation.  I would suggest that Revelation contains multiple levels of meanings--for many generations of believers.  A particularly strong commentary on this book is Revelation, A Divine Message of Hope by Father Bruce Vawter.  


In short, I found this book to be a heartwarming account of a child's journey to God and back again.  As I wrote some years ago in "Mysterious Tools," the heart of God definitely holds a special place for children.  We should all strive for more of a child-like faith in our own spiritual journey.

In Memoriam...September 11th

September 11th, 2001.  The day began bright and clear in western Oregon.  I first learned of the tragedy on the way in to the office, and I was in such a state of shock that I had to come home shortly after I arrived.  I recall a co-worker almost brushing it off and getting back to the office routine, but I just couldn't do it.  It may have been Oregon, but our thoughts and prayers were certainly with the good people of New York City that day--and the dark days that followed.

The attack happened only six-months, or so, after we bought our house in south Salem.  I remember standing on the front steps of our home and looking into the cloudless blue the sky.  Not one aircraft could be seen.  Everything seemed eerily quiet in our neighborhood, as well.  As the footage of the falling towers was played over and over again, I just sat in shock watching the news reports; it seemed to just get worse and worse.  In particular, it was heartbreaking to witness the people leaping to their deaths from the windows of the burning towers.  It wasn't just debris raining on the streets below, but lives.

I was profoundly thankful for the powerful leaders we had at the time in New York and Washington D.C.  Mayor Rudy Giuliani indeed made us all proud, and President Bush gave the steady hand of leadership that we all needed so terribly at that time.  There were innumerable heroes that day, as well.  We should never forget the selflessness of people such as Todd Beamer and those many emergency responders.  The world has certainly changed much since that September day a decade ago, but the heroes' names will be remembered forever, while the terrorists' names are already fading from collective memory.

In memory of the nearly 3,000 murdered that day (more than 10% of them belonging to the FDNY family), I'd like to share the Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero.  The sculptor is my father-in-law, John Carroll Collier.  I hope you will read about the memorial and take a moment to look at the sculptures.  Better yet, hopefully you can make the journey and see it personally at Saint Joseph's Chapel of Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New York City.  Although we witnessed the exhibit before it was transported to New York, I hope to visit Saint Joseph's Chapel in NYC at some point in the future to see the pieces again.  In particular, the sculpture of Saint Michael was deeply inspiring.  


I had the opportunity to spend time with John a few months after the 9-11 tragedy, and I remember him talking to me about his idea for a memorial.  I'm indeed glad that something meaningful like this has been created to honor those killed on that day and remind us all that any permanence or truth is illusory unless firmly anchored in our savior, Jesus Christ.


Sharing a Few Words on Appeasement


There are a couple of misconceptions that arise out of well-meaning people's reflections or search for meaning concerning the 9-11 tragedy.  First, it's important to bear in mind that the admonition to "turn the other cheek" fails to apply to nations; it's directed at individuals. Nowhere in Scripture or sacred writings are nations instructed to leave their citizens without a defense.  (Saint Thomas Aquinas reinforces the right of self-defense as well as just war within his masterpiece Summa Theologica.)  This isn't to say, of course, that we should be quick to war, but it's important that we understand government's moral obligation to defend its citizens.  We may not always agree with our nation's course--especially perhaps with regards to the Bush Doctrine--but we would be wise to grasp its true responsibility before we offer the criticism. 

Second, I don't subscribe to the view that we permit terrorists to (in effect) encourage our own introspection over national policy. Better that this dialogue and introspection be sparked by something other than horrific acts against God and man. While real good may be mysteriously wrought from terrible injustice and evil, whining "Why do they hate us?" comes too close to legitimizing the work of the terrorists--giving them some of what they want. It also bears the dangerous trademarks of appeasement.  Evil should neither be coddled nor appeased, but extinguished with courage and determination.  

Instead, let's focus on prayer for the fallen and prayer for our continued safety. Later, we can take a second look at matters of social justice. I suggest avoiding the connection of the two lest we give the terrorists a voice they should never have.  Lastly, forgiveness is something for which we can continually strive.  Forgiveness in this context does not betray a naivete with regards to national security, but, instead, it focuses upon our personal reaction to tragedies of this nature.  


Perhaps a reasonable argument can be made that I'm splitting hairs here, that its only natural that good--e.g. issues of social justice--flow from the evil of 9-11.  I suggest, however, that we seriously consider the ramifications of giving a voice to the terrorists and indirectly helping their causes.  If we, for example, make a personal decision against further support of Israel (a terrible personal choice, incidentally), it would be foolish to do so because of the terrorists that murdered our brothers and sisters that day.    

PRAYER TO
SAINT MICHAEL
THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..

9-11 Links (in no particular order)

9-11 Memorial 
Flight 93 Memorial
Todd Beamer
9-11 Digital Archive
9-11 Events Timeline
News Archive
911 Photos (Google)
Memorial Commentary
Sept. 14th Memorial Service Recording

Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero Dedication
"Sculpting a Tribute" from EpiscopalLife
USCCB's 9/11 Memorial Page
Pope Benedict's message on 9/11
Blog Touching Upon Catholic Memorial

Wiki Leaks' Pager Data 

Homeland Security
NYPD
FDNY

(As a last aside, if anyone else experienced strange dreams shortly before 9-11, I would be very interested to hear from you.  I've heard bits and pieces of accounts, but I never retained any details of others' dream accounts.  I'd be happy to share more info on my own outside of my blog.) 

Writer's Retreat

The Catholic Writers' Guild asked me to share this press release.  Hope you can make it!  

Press Release

June 9, 2011

Contacts:   

                                                                           Ann Margaret Lewis, 

Catholic Writers Guild President 

317-755-2693                                  annlewis@joesystems.com

     Michael Marshall

517.853.7600     

mmarshall@faithcatholic.com 

For Immediate Release

Catholic Writers to Enjoy Special Spiritual Retreat 

Lansing, MI: In collaboration with FAITH Catholic Publishing and Communications, The Catholic Writers Guild, will sponsor Your Word is My Delight, a Catholic writers' retreat, Oct 5-9, 2011. Come and delight in God's word and sacrament, and pray in a beautiful and serene retreat setting.

The retreat's key presenter is Pat Gohn, Catholic columnist, podcaster and catechist. Other presenters are Father Charles E. Irvin, David Krajewski, Father David Rosenberg and Father Larry Delaney.

Writers will enjoy five spiritually-enriching days of daily Mass, adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and many hours of writing time. Talks will explore how God speaks to and encourages writers through Scripture, papal writings and other topics in order to promote faith-filled writing.

Opportunities for networking also will be offered through an informal "book bash and social hour" Wednesday evening and Faith Catholic's one-on-one "pitch sessions" that give writers the chance to sell their current writing projects.

Cost for the four-day retreat is $450, which includes meals and accommodations. Deadline for registration is Sept 28. A nonrefundable deposit of $45 is required at registration.  

To view a schedule of events, click here.   

 To download a brochure, click here. 

 To register for the retreat click here.