Homily in Havana

From Pope Benedict XVI's homily in Havana on March 28th:

The truth is a desire of the human person, the search for which always supposes the exercise of authentic freedom. Many, without a doubt, would prefer to take the easy way out, trying to avoid this task. Some, like Pontius Pilate, ironically question the possibility of even knowing what truth is (cf. Jn 18:38), claiming is incapable of knowing it or denying that there exists a truth valid for all. This attitude, as in the case of scepticism and relativism, changes hearts, making them cold, wavering, distant from others and closed. There are too many who, like the Roman governor, wash their hands and let the water of history drain away without taking a stand.

On the other hand, there are those who wrongly interpret this search for the truth, leading them to irrationality and fanaticism; they close themselves up in “their truth”, and try to impose it on others. These are like the blind scribes who, upon seeing Jesus beaten and bloody, cry out furiously, “Crucify him!” (cf. Jn 19:6). Anyone who acts irrationally cannot become a disciple of Jesus. Faith and reason are necessary and complementary in the pursuit of truth. God created man with an innate vocation to the truth and he gave him reason for this purpose. Certainly, it is not irrationality but rather the yearning for truth which the Christian faith promotes. Each man and woman has to seek the truth and to choose it when he or she finds it, even at the risk of embracing sacrifices.

The complete text of the homily is at the Vatican website.

Prayer Vigil Celebration

There will be a wrap-up celebration, for the Salt Lake City 40 Days for Life prayer vigil, at St Ambrose this Saturday at 6:30 pm (following the 5pm Vigil Mass).

A main dish will be provided and folks are encouraged to bring a side dish/dessert/beverage. Please come to encourage one another. We will also watch "A Voice for Life", Melissa Ohden's real life story that is the same topic as the recently released movie "October Baby."

There are still a few days left for the prayer vigil (St Ambrose parish is focusing on Wednesday afternoon) and volunteers can sign up at: http://www.40daysforlife.com/saltlakecity/  where there is also more information.

Praying the Psalms

In the Liturgy of the Hours, in addition to Morning Prayer (Lauds), Evening Prayer (Vespers), etc, which focus on praying the Psalms, there is also the Office of Readings which includes both a Scripture reading and a reading from non-Biblical sources. In the course of the year, these non-Biblical readings include: 93 by Saint Augustine, 43 from Vatican II, 31 by Saint Chrysostom, 39 by Pope Leo the Great, as well as less frequent samplings from many other saints.

For example, the second reading in the Office of Readings for this 5^th Wednesday of Lent is a homily about praying the Psalms, by Saint Augustine:

Jesus Christ prays for us and in us and is the object of our prayers

God could give no greater gift to men than to make his Word, through whom he created all things, their head and to join them to him as his members, so that the Word might be both Son of God and son of man, one God with the Father, and one man with all men. The result is that when we speak with God in prayer we do not separate the Son from him, and when the body of the Son prays it does not separate its head from itself: it is the one Saviour of his body, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who prays for us and in us and is himself the object of our prayers.

Troublesome Intercession

The intercessions, in the Liturgy of the Hours, for the 4th Monday of Lent are particularly challenging, don't you think?

God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer 

and repentance, 
  - with burning love for you and for all mankind. 
Help us to work with you in making all things new in Christ,
  - and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world.
Teach us the meaning and value of creation,
  - so that we may join its voice to ours as we sing your praise.
Forgive us for failing to see Christ in the poor,
the distressed and the troublesome.
  - and for our failure to reverence your Son in their persons.