Monday, August 10, 2020

 

Day 35-Let Freedom Ring: Freedom from Childishness
ANNOUNCEMENT! We are getting very close to concluding "Let Freedom Ring" and beginning the 54-Day Rosary novena entitled, "Novena for Our Nation" (August 15 - October 7). Both on August 15, the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption. You can find information for "Novena for Our Nation" HERE.

"Let Freedom Ring" has acted as a kind of cleansing/purifying, or exorcism, as "Novena for Our Nation" acts as a call out to God to bless and heal our land. Please join us for "Novena for Our Nation!!"

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
At a word from you the devil and his minions flee in terror.
You are the source of all truth. You are the source of all strength.
By the power of your Cross and Resurrection, we beseech you, O Lord
To extend your saving arm and to send your holy angels
To defend us as we do battle with Satan and his demonic forces.
Exorcise, we pray, that which oppresses your Bride, The Church,
So that within ourselves, our families, our parishes, our dioceses, and our nation
We may turn fully back to you in all fidelity and trust.
Lord, we know if you will it, it will be done.
Give us the perseverance for this mission, we pray.
Amen

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception ... pray for us
St. Joseph ... pray for us
St. Michael the Archangel ... pray for us
(the patron of your parish) ... pray for us
(your confirmation saint) ... pray for us

 
"Freedom from Childishness" by Fr. Rick Heilman

Psychology has always been an area of interest for me. In fact, I graduated from college with a degree in Psychology. Since then, I have become very suspicious of the APA (American Psychological Association) as they have been, quite obviously, infiltrated by so-called "progressives" (See my LFR reflection on "pride" to discover the problem with "progressives") who, among other things, crave notoriety for claiming to have "new knowledge" that, up to now, has not been commonly held.

Consequently, the "behavioral science" coming from the APA has become muddled, mainly by such things as declaring behaviors formerly seen as disorders that now must be seen as normal behavior, according to the "progressive" APA. So, for example, grown men must, now, be allowed to share bathrooms with little girls. And, look out for a new movement to normalize pedophilia ... it's coming fast. I'll get back to the APA, shortly.

In the context of "Let Freedom Ring," we talk about the spiritual deficiencies of values and virtues and morals in our culture. In many ways, these spiritual deficiencies intersect with psychological deficiencies.

When observing the condition of our culture, it is clear that it is showing signs of an alarming growth of "Emotional Childishness," which is not unlike a "lack of spiritual maturity." More and more people have, as renowned Psychologist, Dr. Susan Heitler states, "reached chronological adulthood without having mastered the core elements of adult emotional functioning."

Dr. Heitler points to 10 signs of a childish adult - See how many of these you recognize in the "temper tantrum mob" wreaking havoc in the streets: 1) Emotional escalations, 2) Blaming, 3) Lies, 4) Name-calling, 5) Impulsivity, 6) Need to be the center of attention, 7) Bullying, 8) Budding narcissism ("It's all about me." In the eyes of a narcissist, no one else counts; if they don't get their way, they may result to pouting or bullying in order to do so), 9) Immature defenses (tendency to attack - see "cancel culture" - anyone who expresses a differing viewpoint), 10) No observing ego (inability to see, acknowledge, and learn from their mistakes).

This behavior is not unique to the mob in the streets, as it is replete in the mainstream media and far too many emotionally childish politicians. In today's culture, we are treading in completely new territory. While some may say we have always seen childish adults, the degree to which we are witnessing this today is massive and unprecedented. It is no longer about Right vs. Left, it is about Mature Adults vs. Childish Adults.

It used to be that "adults" could disagree with each other and, maturely, work out their differences, as they listened and took into consideration each other's viewpoint, while maintaining a level of respect for each other. Now, in this new milieu of widespread emotional childishness, we are all made to live in fear of being abused by the "temper tantrums" of those who play by "childish rules" (blaming, lies, name-calling, bullying, attacking...), while the "adults in the room" will not play by such rules.

This is what has happened, just recently, in my neck of the woods, but it is emblematic of what is going on everywhere in America: My friend recently had his car "keyed" because he had a pro-life bumper sticker; another friend had his house damaged for flying the "thin blue line" American flag that honors police; our downtown is boarded up and painted with graffiti as the mob's temper tantrums include violence, looting, tearing down statues and burning down businesses; in this election year, few dare to put a yard sign out or bumper sticker on their car of the candidate the "childish" don't like, for fear of being assaulted; many will not associate themselves with the "wrong" candidate (in the eyes of the childish) for fear of being assaulted, calumniated, or even fired from their job; a friend chose not to run for public office for fear that he and his family would be attacked by the temper-tantrum childish mob; and on and on and on.

How did we get here? The simple answer is poor parenting, or even absent parenting. I recall when the Nouveau Parenting movement began - mostly spurred on by the new "woke" and "progressive" APA. Parents were told to cease disciplining their children, for fear of traumatizing them. Woke and progressive parents should even give "participation trophies" to children who "didn't win." Again, to avoid trauma. What. A. Colossal. Disaster!

Parents who coddle their children are, plain and simple, stunting their emotional maturation. And, it is certainly not how our "perfect parent," God, parents us. Salvation history is replete with examples where God, having first tried to inspire us, resorts to allowing us to go through challenges in order to impel us to "raise our game" ... to mature. Left to our "spiritual immaturity," we are prone to behave as spoiled children do ... we "expect" God to give us everything we want, including heaven, without ever needing to humbly obey, express our gratitude or work hard for it ... we're just "entitled to it." We'd rather not know of such adult concepts as, "Effort brings reward."
"
Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt 16:24). These are not the words of someone who coddles with "participation trophies." This is the Son of God telling us to "GROW UP" and be BE A MAN! (or WOMAN!).

In the military, they put it this way, "It never gets easier, you just get better."

Prayer of Reparation

My Lord and my God,
We have allowed the temptation of the devil to move our hearts toward fearfully allowing the spread of childishness throughout our culture and our Catholic Church.
We have fallen into this widespread childishness when we have not lived up to the call of our Baptism to, day-by-day, deepen our love and faith in You.
We have been too easily swayed by the poor example of childishness, in churches everywhere, and have not encouraged a deeper sense of supernatural faith.
In our weakness, we have allowed the ancient foe to advance.
We turn to You Lord, in our sorrow and guilt, and beg Your forgiveness for any of our own childishness or our lack of resolve to lift souls out of this lack of spiritual maturity.
We beg for the grace of Your goodness to build up within us the strength and endurance be this visible light of fervent faith in You.
We know, Lord, if You will it, it will be done.
Trusting in You, we offer our prayer to You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of Exorcism

Lord God of Heaven and Earth,
In Your power and goodness, You created all things.
You set a path for us to walk on and a way to an eternal relationship.
By the strength of Your arm and Word of Your mouth
Cast from Your Holy Church every fearful deceit of the Devil
Drive from us manifestations of the demonic that oppress us and beckon us to fear and childishness.
Still the lying tongue of the devil and his forces so that we may act freely and faithfully to do Your will.
Send Your holy angels to cast out all influence that the demonic entities in charge of childishness have planted in Your Church.
Free us, our families, our parish, our diocese, and our country from all trickery and deceit perpetrated by the Devil and his hellish legions.
Trusting in Your goodness Lord,
We know if You will it, it will be done in unity with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Litany of Humility

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, etc.
From the desire of being honored,
From the desire of being praised,
From the desire of being preferred to others,
From the desire of being consulted,
From the desire of being approved,
From the fear of being humiliated,
From the fear of being despised,
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
From the fear of being calumniated,
From the fear of being forgotten,
From the fear of being ridiculed,
From the fear of being wronged,
From the fear of being suspected,

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase
and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I,
provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.


To see the Goals, Methods and Levels of "Let Freedom Ring," go HERE.



FEAST OF ST. LAWRENCE

 

Psalm 112, Verse 7-8

7 He shall not fear an ill report; his heart is steadfast, trusting the LORD. 8 His heart is tranquil, without fear, till at last he looks down on his foes.

 

This is the blessed state of the righteous. Yes, we are in a battle and yes in our modern world the news cycles are all in league with the unholy secularized world. Do not fear the ill reporters or the Facebook fanatics. Remember God tests those he loves yet during the trial those that are faithful can still hear the whisper of encouragement.

 

Leaders are not paralyzed by problems[1]

 

Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob’s 12 sons and he was despised by his brothers because of jealousy over Jacobs favor. Yet, in the face of many troubles he accomplished much because he had:

 

1.      Vision because he knew God had something special in mind for him.

2.      Love of God and he walked in the spirit and God was with him.

3.      Strong Character with each trial Joseph grew stronger.

4.      Practical with his abilities and experience in all his trials.

5.      Used his giftedness in interpreting dreams to make a difference in many lives.

6.      Faith in the Blessing of God and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

 

Friendship: key to sharing your spiritual gifts[2]

 

Our triune God shares His truth, beauty and wisdom or personhood with each of us. God’s desire for us is that we thrive, and He takes action to ensure that we do. We can tap into God’s grace and power if we do His will for us and listen to Him. Matthew Kelly in his book “Rediscovering Catholicism” recommends that in order to share our spiritual gifts we need to have a real practical plan. Here is his Plan for evangelization via friendship:

 

1.      It first starts with prayer taking time in the “classroom of silence” and ask God to point out two to five people in your life who would most benefit from a greater knowledge and appreciation of Christ and the church. Write down the names of those people. Mentally attach one of their names to a finger of your right hand and think what life would be like without those fingers.

2.      Pray for those people every day for the next month, by name, every day. Make yourself available to God for them. Tell God that you would like to help them discover the benefits of living a life of virtue and the adventure of walking with Him.

3.      After you have prayed for them for a month, contact each of them and arrange to spend an hour or two with each of them personally. No agenda or preaching; just be present with each other. Take them to lunch, walk, golf, coffee make it fun and enjoy. Talk with them what is going on in their lives-listen.

4.      Do this once a month with each person individually for three to six months; don’t talk about God, religion, or the Church, unless they bring it up.

5.      After six months invite them to a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen or some other good work the Lord leads you to and after having formed a friendship; now would be a good time to discuss the place of God in our lives.

6.      Over time if they seem to have an interest in drawing closer to God; give them a good book on the spiritual life that will challenge them to think, change, grow; become the best version of their self.

7.      When you get together each month talk about the book ideas. What did they like about the book? Or didn’t like. What parts is a challenge? What parts is a comfort? How does it make you want to live differently?

8.      When they are ready invite them to one of your church programs or outreaches. Afterward, invite them for a meal or coffee and talk.

9.      Continue the five friendships and then invite them to do the same with five. Now go back to the Lord and ask for five more. This is how we bring about the new evangelization and build a Kingdom of God.

 

St. Lawrence[3] is the patron of cooks-today, have a BBQ in honor of his death for the faith.


                                            

This young deacon and heroic martyr are numbered among those saints who were most highly venerated by the ancient Roman Church. Even though we have no genuine account of St. Lawrence's martyrdom, we do possess considerable evidence from most ancient times regarding the particulars of his passion. Legendary Acts tell how Lawrence was a disciple of Pope Sixtus II (257-258), who dearly loved him because of his special talents, but principally because of his innocence; in spite of his youth, the Pope numbered him among the seven deacons of Rome and raised him to the position of archdeacon. As such, Lawrence had the immediate care of the altar and was at the side of the saintly Pope whenever he offered the holy Sacrifice; to him also was confided the administration of the goods of the Church and the responsibility of caring for the poor. During the persecution of Emperor Valerian (253-260), Sixtus II and his four deacons were martyred. Lawrence was dispersing items in the house of a certain Narcissus, a blind man named Crescentius asked for healing help by the imposition of hands. The holy deacon made the Sign of the Cross over him and the man began to see. From his relations with Pope Sixtus, it was known that he acted as the steward over the Church's property. He was arrested and while in prison Lawrence cured the blind Lucillus and several other blind persons. Ordered by the authorities to surrender the treasures of the Church, Lawrence asked for two days’ time during which to gather them. The request was granted, and he brought together the poor and the sick that he had supported. These he led to the judge. "Here are the treasures of the Church!" Lawrence was tortured, scourged, and scorched with glowing plates, in other words, Barbequed alive. In the midst of excruciating pain, he prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, God from God, have mercy on Your servant!" And he besought the grace of faith for the bystanders. At a certain point the soldier Romanus exclaimed: "I see before you an incomparably beautiful youth. Hasten and baptize me." He had observed how an angel dried the wounds of Lawrence with a linen cloth during his passion. Again, during the night, he was dragged before the judge and threatened with immediate death. But he replied: "My God I honor and Him alone I serve. Therefore, I do not fear your torments; this night shall become as brightest day and as light without any darkness." When placed upon the glowing gridiron, he jested with his executioners and the cruel tyrant. "Now you may turn me over, my body is roasted enough on this side." Shortly after this had been done, he cried again: "At last I am finished; you may now take from me and eat." Then turning to God in prayer: "I thank You, O Lord, that I am permitted to enter Your portals." To comfort him during his torments God said to him: "My servant, do not be afraid. I am with you." He was put to death upon the Viminal Hill and buried on the Tiburtinian Way.

Total Consecration to St. Joseph-Day 22[4]

On Day 22 Father Calloway confirms Joseph was a man of patience.

Lord, have mercy. 
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us.

Noble offspring of David, Pray for Us.

Light of Patriarchs, Pray for Us.

Spouse of the Mother of God, Pray for Us.

Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, Pray for Us.

Foster Father of the Son of God, Pray for Us.

Zealous Defender of Christ, Pray for Us.

Head of the Holy family, Pray for Us.

Joseph Most Just, Pray for Us.

Joseph Most Chaste, Pray for Us

Joseph Most Prudent, Pray for Us.

Joseph Most Courageous, Pray for Us.

Joseph Most Obedient, Pray for Us.

Joseph Most Faithful, Pray for Us.

 Mirror of Patience, Pray for Us.

 

Joseph shows us patience in the midst of trouble. In the military we would say it was always, “Hurry up and then wait”. Time is a commodity being patient means trusting and being in the present. At Bethlehem Joseph was patient. Being patient is an act of trust in God and Joseph knew that.  Life is never easy, and God asks us to trust and be patient.  Father Calloway conveys that: 

·         Saint Joseph is a model of Patience.

·         Saint Joseph will increase your Patience.

 Being patient during times of trial is a door to strength and holiness. When your heart is filled with anxiety call on Joseph for help. Seek to be always peaceful, kind, calm and never abandon your trust in God. One of the greatest challenges to patience is unpleasant and self-centered people. When dealing with these people remember Gods concern and love for them and ask God to help you deal lovingly with them; seek to be kind, peaceful and merciful.   

The Roman Canon[5]

 

In the Roman Rite Catholic Latin Mass, the center of the Holy Mass is the Canon or Eucharistic Prayer.  In this very sacred part of the Holy Mass, it is introduced by the Preface and Trice prayed ‘Holy Holy Holy’, ‘Sanctus Sanctus Sanctus’. At this point of the Holy Mass, the bells are rung, and everyone falls on their knees in humble preparation and adoration.  Everyone humbly gets down on their knees for what they know will soon to take place; Jesus will truly be made present, by the words of the priest who is in Persona Christi.  He exactly repeats Jesus’ words; “This is My Body”, “This is My Blood”.  At this moment, Jesus, the Lamb of God, offers His eternal Sacrifice of His Body and Blood on the cross, in an un-bloody manner, to Our Father the remission of our sins.

Although different readings and saints’ feasts were added in the Roman Missal, the exact words of the Roman Canon were never changed since the slight change Pope St. Gregory the Great made in 600 AD, when he added a few words to it.  The Roman Canon was unchanged for 1362 years.  It was not altered at all until 1962 when Pope John XXIII permitted the name of St. Joseph to be inserted. Although St. Joseph is such a wonderful powerful saint for the Catholic Church, the Church carefully guarded the integrity of the Roman Canon from any alteration.  In 1815, hundreds of thousands of signatures of clergy and laity were gathered to have his name inserted in the Canon.  But the Church would not dare change it.

What is so very very interesting to me, is that the leverage that finally changed the Roman Canon, after all those years, came from my own pastor, Monsignor Joseph Phelan at St. Joseph’s in Capitola California.  He collected over 150,000 signatures to put St. Joseph in the Canon.   I was baptized by him in the traditional Latin Rite when I was only 2 days old.  We lived closed to Capitola, in Aptos California.  It was not until later that they built Resurrection Parish where I attended for the next 20 years.

From this minute change, this small crack in the Roman Canon, Bugnini and his Concilium were able to dismantle the whole Roman Missal.

The Roman Canon was the only Canon in the Holy Latin Mass for 1369 years. The New Mass of Pope Paul VI has 4 Eucharistic Prayers (Canons) in the main part of the missal and many other optional Eucharistic Prayers in another part of the missal.

We are so blessed to be traditional Catholics and to be able to pray and work for the preservation of the Sanctus Sanctus Sanctus of the Holy Latin Mass.

o   Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Devotions

·         Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels

·         Monday: Litany of Humility

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan

·         Rosary

            
                                                



[1]John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible

[2]Matthew Kelly. Rediscover Catholicism. 2010

[3]http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-08-10

[4]https://catholicexchange.com/now-is-the-time-to-consecrate-yourself-to-saint-joseph

Comments

Popular Posts