The Areopagus 2-12-09
posted by Phil Lawson
2-12-09
If there’s one sentiment I’ve heard countless times since I became a Dad it’s “enjoy it, they grow up so fast.” Whether it’s grandma’s and grandpa’s, or mom’s and dad’s in the parish, all echo the same thought---cherish every moment of your children’s lives—especially when they’re young. I’ve tried to be mindful of that advice.
“In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.” –Antiphon 2, Night Prayer, After Evening Prayer I—Liturgy of the Hours.
Since a full, uninterrupted night of sleep is a rarity with little children, this particular prayer has taken on new meaning. I found myself the other night, at around 430 AM with a wide-awake 2 year old in my lap. Not feeling very well, he just wanted to sit in my lap and be held. Instead of being bothered (at least this time!), it occurred to me that these times are precious—see the advice above! Soon enough he won’t be interested in being held by Daddy (or even fitting on Dad’s lap). For that matter, soon enough his troubles won’t be so easily soothed by a gentle embrace by Dad. So at least this time, I just smiled, held my son and thanked God for this privilege and blessing. Taking this unsought opportunity to “bless the Lord, in the silent hours of night”.
Phil’s Tidbits:
President Obama makes an “appearance” in a pro-life ad. http://www.catholicvote.com/ It really is quite remarkable and was among the most-watched YouTube features. If you haven’t seen it, take a look, it’s short, but worth your time!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
And who said the older generation isn’t computer savvy? Here’s the pope getting his own YouTube channel!
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=93143
----------------------------------------------------------
Over the winter break, the president of Boston College, a Jesuit University, had crucifixes placed in each of the colleges classrooms. No big deal right? After all, it is a Catholic college. Yet some of the professors are claiming offense, even refusing to teach in the classrooms. Amazing and sad. Perhaps this Catholic college would be better off without professors who are happy to draw a salary from this Christian school, but uncomfortable with a simple Crucifix in a classroom—a sign of the very reason the school exists in the first place. Click the link below for the story:
http://www.thebcobserver.com/images/usedImages/professorsProtest.jpg
Last fall, one very courageous local priest challenged the area Catholic teachers to either stand by the faith the school professes or go teach in a public school. Harsh? Perhaps---but it’s simply truth in advertising. What’s the point of being a Catholic school if you’re not Catholic? Otherwise you’re simply reduced to being an exclusive (and expensive) public school.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesus’ final prayer prior to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane was for unity amongst his followers (John 17:19-23). While the Church’s overtures toward the SSPX have gotten most of the press—another union, perhaps even more significant may be in the offing. A group known as the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) has sought to be brought under the umbrella of the Catholic Church. Increasingly discouraged at how far the Anglican Church has moved from traditional Christian morality (homosexual marriage, women clergy, gay clergy, etc)—this group of some 400,000 around the world has petitioned Rome for union. The bishops of this group even took the extraordinary step of signing a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and including it with their letter seeking union. In it they pledged obedience to the Successor of Peter and agreement in the faith. The odds look good for a favorable response from the Pope—and apparently it might happen shortly after Easter. Ut Unum Sint!
For more information check out: http://acahomeorg0.web701.discountasp.net/tac/tac_index.aspx
There is a section labeled as “Appeal for Unity”
Finally, I would be seriously remiss if I didn’t make mention of Fr. Richard John Neuhaus’ passing (1936-2009) last month. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of First Things. www.firstthings.com His regular column “The Public Square” was in some ways an inspiration for The Areopagus. First Things played a part in my own re-discovery and “reversion” to Catholicism. Fr. Neuhaus was an incredible intellect, holy priest, gifted orator, and a champion of truth---active in the Civil Rights Movement (he marched with Martin Luther King Jr and equally active in today’s Pro-Life Movement). His love for Christ and the truth lead him to convert to the Catholic Church from his beloved Lutheranism. He was and will be instrumental for his work ensuring religious belief has a place in the “public square”. As one writer stated, he did for faith and politics on an intellectual level in America what Archbishop Fulton Sheen did on a popular level. May he Rest In Peace.
God Bless you!
Phil Lawson
For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
If there’s one sentiment I’ve heard countless times since I became a Dad it’s “enjoy it, they grow up so fast.” Whether it’s grandma’s and grandpa’s, or mom’s and dad’s in the parish, all echo the same thought---cherish every moment of your children’s lives—especially when they’re young. I’ve tried to be mindful of that advice.
“In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.” –Antiphon 2, Night Prayer, After Evening Prayer I—Liturgy of the Hours.
Since a full, uninterrupted night of sleep is a rarity with little children, this particular prayer has taken on new meaning. I found myself the other night, at around 430 AM with a wide-awake 2 year old in my lap. Not feeling very well, he just wanted to sit in my lap and be held. Instead of being bothered (at least this time!), it occurred to me that these times are precious—see the advice above! Soon enough he won’t be interested in being held by Daddy (or even fitting on Dad’s lap). For that matter, soon enough his troubles won’t be so easily soothed by a gentle embrace by Dad. So at least this time, I just smiled, held my son and thanked God for this privilege and blessing. Taking this unsought opportunity to “bless the Lord, in the silent hours of night”.
Phil’s Tidbits:
President Obama makes an “appearance” in a pro-life ad. http://www.catholicvote.com/ It really is quite remarkable and was among the most-watched YouTube features. If you haven’t seen it, take a look, it’s short, but worth your time!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
And who said the older generation isn’t computer savvy? Here’s the pope getting his own YouTube channel!
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=93143
----------------------------------------------------------
Over the winter break, the president of Boston College, a Jesuit University, had crucifixes placed in each of the colleges classrooms. No big deal right? After all, it is a Catholic college. Yet some of the professors are claiming offense, even refusing to teach in the classrooms. Amazing and sad. Perhaps this Catholic college would be better off without professors who are happy to draw a salary from this Christian school, but uncomfortable with a simple Crucifix in a classroom—a sign of the very reason the school exists in the first place. Click the link below for the story:
http://www.thebcobserver.com/images/usedImages/professorsProtest.jpg
Last fall, one very courageous local priest challenged the area Catholic teachers to either stand by the faith the school professes or go teach in a public school. Harsh? Perhaps---but it’s simply truth in advertising. What’s the point of being a Catholic school if you’re not Catholic? Otherwise you’re simply reduced to being an exclusive (and expensive) public school.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesus’ final prayer prior to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane was for unity amongst his followers (John 17:19-23). While the Church’s overtures toward the SSPX have gotten most of the press—another union, perhaps even more significant may be in the offing. A group known as the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) has sought to be brought under the umbrella of the Catholic Church. Increasingly discouraged at how far the Anglican Church has moved from traditional Christian morality (homosexual marriage, women clergy, gay clergy, etc)—this group of some 400,000 around the world has petitioned Rome for union. The bishops of this group even took the extraordinary step of signing a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and including it with their letter seeking union. In it they pledged obedience to the Successor of Peter and agreement in the faith. The odds look good for a favorable response from the Pope—and apparently it might happen shortly after Easter. Ut Unum Sint!
For more information check out: http://acahomeorg0.web701.discountasp.net/tac/tac_index.aspx
There is a section labeled as “Appeal for Unity”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, I would be seriously remiss if I didn’t make mention of Fr. Richard John Neuhaus’ passing (1936-2009) last month. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of First Things. www.firstthings.com His regular column “The Public Square” was in some ways an inspiration for The Areopagus. First Things played a part in my own re-discovery and “reversion” to Catholicism. Fr. Neuhaus was an incredible intellect, holy priest, gifted orator, and a champion of truth---active in the Civil Rights Movement (he marched with Martin Luther King Jr and equally active in today’s Pro-Life Movement). His love for Christ and the truth lead him to convert to the Catholic Church from his beloved Lutheranism. He was and will be instrumental for his work ensuring religious belief has a place in the “public square”. As one writer stated, he did for faith and politics on an intellectual level in America what Archbishop Fulton Sheen did on a popular level. May he Rest In Peace.
God Bless you!
Phil Lawson
For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
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