The Arrow's Path

We had a question posed in a Facebook converts group I help admin. The question was: How do yall feel and what is your reasoning for the emphasis on using terms like “Catholic life, Catholic faith, as a Catholic, us Catholics, etc” instead of just saying Christian? My Protestant friends have brought it up multiple times about how they don’t use the words Protestant very often, if ever, and that it’s another example of how Catholics are exclusive. Thoughts? I typically use Christian, and Catholic only comes up if someone asks what church I go to. My response was as follows: I understand what you are staying. That occasionally rubs me the wrong way as well, really from both sides. I think it kind of depends on the context. Sometimes it provides clarity and precision, but sometimes it could come off as a bit elitist. Again, I think that is a criticism I level at both sides. I think primarily there is a difference in semantics that both groups are using concurrently. I think for most Cat

If one believes in such stereotypes, I am of the mini-generation that falls smack in the middle of Generation X and the Millenial/Gen Y groups. Usually, Gen X'ers are those born between 1965 and 1980, and the Millenials are those born after 1980. For those of us born in the gap period around 1980, culture does not know exactly which group to shoehorn us into. I call such generational groupings 'stereotypes' because in a grand way, they are the textbook definition of pigeonholing an entire group of people into a " conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image," to cite the dictionary definition of "stereotype." I always find this cultural fixation interesting because most people absolutely buy this idea of set generational patterns without question. This is ironic because 21st century culture generally abhors the idea of stereotyping people. I'd get run out of town if I said something like "because you are Asian (or bl

     This coming Sunday's readings discuss the Old Testament Law by giving us insight into the nature of God's covenant with His people and the call to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Each of today’s Scripture passages contributes to a deeper understanding of the Law's purpose, its fulfillment in Christ, and the essence of true love for God and neighbor.      In Deuteronomy 6:2-6, we encounter the Shema , a central declaration of the Jewish faith that emphasizes the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. This passage underscores the foundational aspect of the Law: it is not merely a set of rules to follow but a call to a relationship with God. The command to love God wholeheartedly reflects the covenantal nature of the Law, which is rooted in love and fidelity. The repetition of these commandments in the daily lives of the Israelites signifies their importance and the necessity of internalizing God's word. This passage invites us

 

Election season is nearing the finishing line here in the US. Thanks be to God. We are less than two weeks away from the election. I do have a degree in political science, so I do keep an eye on such things. In my younger, more idealistic days, I found civic discourse and the pursuance thereof to be noble public virtue. As I have gotten older and more well read, I still follow politics closely. I have ever more increasingly come to believe in my political philosophy that I have held for many years: salvation cometh not from politicians .  I live in a state that has traditionally been what some refer to as a "deep red" state. In American parlance, that generally means more conservative and Republican. More liberal Democrat lead states are referred to a "deep blue." I have never quite been able to track down exactly why American media moved to referring to conservatives as reds and liberals as blues. It was not always that way. If you go back and look at election nigh

     So, the recorded Sunday liturgy of a former parish where I was a newly ordained Anglican clergyman years ago happened to pop up in my Facebook feed this morning. Out of morbid curiosity, I clicked on it and kind of skimmed my way through it for old time's sake. I was truly aghast at what I witnessed.     This parish had been a small but fairly active parish some 18 years ago now with a bustling Sunday church school with several kids and families between two fairly well attended morning Sunday services. The parish supported two full time priests (the rector and myself) and a few part time priests who were either semi-retired or worked at the University near by as professors. While the parish was on the liberal side of things to the point where I referred to this parish as 'my island of misfit toys'-it was generally at least liturgically pretty solid and I thought a good home for people who would otherwise have left organized Christianity altogether. I did not agree with

      Christian discipleship is a profound journey that encompasses the call to follow Christ, embody His teachings, and engage in a transformative relationship with God and others. Today’s Mass readings provide insights into the essence of discipleship, revealing themes of suffering, empathy, service, and the radical redefinition of greatness.       Isaiah 53:10-11 introduces us to the concept of the suffering servant, a figure who bears the sins and iniquities of many. This passage highlights that true discipleship often involves a willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of others. The suffering servant’s anguish leads to justification and healing, illustrating that through suffering, one can participate in God’s redemptive plan. For Christians, this means that discipleship is not merely about personal gain or comfort; it is about entering into the suffering of the world and allowing that experience to transform us. The call to discipleship invites us to recognize that our st