So what exactly is the problem with the issue of same-sex marriages? Why is the Catholic Church against it?
First, let us define "marriage." Marriage is a sacrament of the Church, and is solely defined as the union of one man and one woman. Bearing children is also a part of marriage, as defined in Genesis 2:28 "God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply." Same-sex couples are neither, and since the Church is pro-creation, it is unable to support same-sex marriage.
However, people will inevitably choose to live that lifestyle. Who are we to deny them the same benefits that heterosexual couples enjoy? I mean, something as basic as sharing a health insurance plan or claiming social security is important in their life. But, either way, Marriage is a sacrament and must be protected. What advocates for same-sex marriages are looking for is a Civil Union with the same federal benefits as traditional Marriage. The problem is that we use the two terms Civil Union and Marriage interchangeably, when they are completely different.
30 March 2013
29 March 2013
Good Friday
Hello all! Today is Good Friday. Most of us are off from school and are just relaxing in the comfort of our own homes. I myself am spending the day playing Halo 4 and Wizard101. But, I ask, is it even possible to be holy by spending your entire day playing games?
Most of us would probably think being holy involves dramatic acts of goodness, such as pushing someone out of the way of a speeding car, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. However, it is possible to be holy by spending your day in front of a computer screen. But how, you may ask. The answer lies with how you play your game.
For example, lets say I'm playing Halo 4 multiplayer and an opponent I'm facing continually kills me every time I get near him. What do I do? Do I go into a rage and threaten to report him if he doesn't let me win? Or rather, happily congratulate him on his skill with the game? If I had chosen the first option, what would I have to gain? I would most likely interact with my opponent in only this scenario, and yet I have given him the impression that I am an immature, spoiled brat. And as for reporting him, I could possibly have sanctions issued against me for a false report. Now, if I had chosen the latter, what do I have to lose? Most likely my opponent would thank me for the complement. Perhaps he would have shared a tip or two to improve for the next match. But what if he insults me and calls me a "newbie" or "noob"? Let us recall the words of Jesus Christ in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me," (Mt 5:11). In other words, should he insult me for my compliment, then it will be on him to make reparations. Christ calls us to show love and mercy in all circumstances, and here is yet another example of when we are summoned to do so.
Most of us would probably think being holy involves dramatic acts of goodness, such as pushing someone out of the way of a speeding car, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. However, it is possible to be holy by spending your day in front of a computer screen. But how, you may ask. The answer lies with how you play your game.
For example, lets say I'm playing Halo 4 multiplayer and an opponent I'm facing continually kills me every time I get near him. What do I do? Do I go into a rage and threaten to report him if he doesn't let me win? Or rather, happily congratulate him on his skill with the game? If I had chosen the first option, what would I have to gain? I would most likely interact with my opponent in only this scenario, and yet I have given him the impression that I am an immature, spoiled brat. And as for reporting him, I could possibly have sanctions issued against me for a false report. Now, if I had chosen the latter, what do I have to lose? Most likely my opponent would thank me for the complement. Perhaps he would have shared a tip or two to improve for the next match. But what if he insults me and calls me a "newbie" or "noob"? Let us recall the words of Jesus Christ in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me," (Mt 5:11). In other words, should he insult me for my compliment, then it will be on him to make reparations. Christ calls us to show love and mercy in all circumstances, and here is yet another example of when we are summoned to do so.
28 March 2013
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday. How can one truly make it holy? After all, isn't it just another day here on planet Earth?
The answer is no. This week is the end of the season of Lent, which is a time of fasting for the Catholic Church. Lent lasts forty days, and is a time of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice in the desert. During those 40 days, one typically gives up an aspect of his or her life that is valuable (i.e. dessert, candy). Also, meat cannot be consumed on Wednesdays and Fridays, although an exception is made for fish.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, where a special mass is celebrated in which a cross is marked on the forehead with ashes. The mass typically ends in silence. The ending week of Lent is referred to as "Holy Week."Good Friday, Good Saturday, and Easter Sunday mark "Easter weekend," or the Triduum. According to the precepts of the Catholic Church, one is especially called to receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. Easter weekend is also in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Good Friday is held as the day He was crucified, and Easter Sunday is held as the day He rose from the dead.
Now, back to the first question. How can one truly make Holy Thursday holy? There are many ways to do so, of course, but in my opinion, one of the best ways to end Lent would be to hold out on your commitment for at least these last few days. Several of us probably have broken their lenten commitment a few times, I mean I definitely have. But, try to hold out at least the last three days, as they are specifically dedicated in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.
Also, along with your Lenten observance, remember to attend Mass throughout the weekend! Lets welcome all those newly Baptized Catholics into the Church!
The answer is no. This week is the end of the season of Lent, which is a time of fasting for the Catholic Church. Lent lasts forty days, and is a time of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice in the desert. During those 40 days, one typically gives up an aspect of his or her life that is valuable (i.e. dessert, candy). Also, meat cannot be consumed on Wednesdays and Fridays, although an exception is made for fish.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, where a special mass is celebrated in which a cross is marked on the forehead with ashes. The mass typically ends in silence. The ending week of Lent is referred to as "Holy Week."Good Friday, Good Saturday, and Easter Sunday mark "Easter weekend," or the Triduum. According to the precepts of the Catholic Church, one is especially called to receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. Easter weekend is also in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Good Friday is held as the day He was crucified, and Easter Sunday is held as the day He rose from the dead.
Now, back to the first question. How can one truly make Holy Thursday holy? There are many ways to do so, of course, but in my opinion, one of the best ways to end Lent would be to hold out on your commitment for at least these last few days. Several of us probably have broken their lenten commitment a few times, I mean I definitely have. But, try to hold out at least the last three days, as they are specifically dedicated in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.
Also, along with your Lenten observance, remember to attend Mass throughout the weekend! Lets welcome all those newly Baptized Catholics into the Church!
27 March 2013
The Glory of God...
...is man fully alive. The words of St. Irenaeus himself, and also heavily emphasized on by my theology teacher. We are all called to be holy. But how can this be accomplished? How can one become man fully alive? The Summons aims to answer these questions, by looking at everyday situations and delving deeper within them. Let us see, just how and where God calls each and every one of us.
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