New Beginnings

Spring. When we are witness to natures annual rebirth. The cycle of life is shown to continue as evidenced by new buds of grass and flower, along with new young of animals large and small. It is also, if you are adherent to any of the Christian faiths, a time of spiritual rebirth as well.

Easter signifies, not only an ending (of sorts), a ransom paid to insure mans passage into a heavenly afterlife, but a new beginning as well. The law of the old testament has been superseded by that of the new.

It is considered a time of spiritual renewal/beginnings as well. This being exemplified by the recent activities of his holiness Pope Benedict XVI, baptizing into the faith Magdi Allam, deputy director of Italy's largest newspaper,who just happens to have been Muslim. It will be interesting to see what repercussions will result from this newest planting in the garden of the faithful. That both converted and converter have displayed admirable amounts of courage in so public an act, speaks highly of both.

And not being totally without reflection, I got to thinking about what caused me to come back to the Christian faith. Though past failings, prevent me from returning “completely” to the faith of my birth, accepting there is a God, and as it follows, a son who was ransomed for us all, is not . Fact is, there were many questions I had, most beginning with “WHY”, which turned me from my faith. But some things kept calling me back. I believe in there being a reason for everything and only with the passage of time, have I begun to accept, that though this is true, I am not entitled to know what these reasons are. As is so often said to the “under 21 crowd” living under this roof, “I need to stay in my own pay-grade”.

However, once in awhile, I am privileged in gaining some bit of understanding. Something which after hearing and or reading, makes too much sense not to be of value. So in keeping with this (if somewhat belated) Easter theme, I ask you to read this. (And note, even though both the late Dr. Scott and his wife grace the top of the page, the transcript itself is in his own words, and is what he spoke about on numerous occasions during his telecasts.)

I may not have agreed with everything Dr. Scott ever said. But this has the ring of truth. Its logic is sound. Even if you don't believe for what ever reason, perhaps if nothing else it will get you thinking. And if perchance, a seed planted, takes root and sprouts ... isn't this the time of year for that after all?

Let There Be Peace On Earth ...

... And let it begin (as it was and ever shall be) with this:

And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.

And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:

For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying:

Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.

And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2 verses 1-20 Douay-Rheims American Edition Bible (1899)

From all of us here at "The Harbor", A Very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!!

Tis The Season Part 2

Once again the holiday season is upon us.

A time for some, of stress ... of heightened hustle and bustle. A hectic time of crowded airports/bus depots/train stations. Of malls and shopping centers fulled to overflowing. A kneeling of many at the alter of the almighty dollar, and what it can buy. A seemingly endless string of parties, starting around Halloween culminating on New Years Eve. Others are found exclusively glued to their televisions (the larger and higher def picture the better) watching the procession of gladiators at both the college and professional levels peeking at nearly the same time as the New Years bacchanal.

As it so happens, we have other distractions to fill in the empty spots in all the above. Lo, there is positioning going on in both major political spheres. Bloodletting of another kind, though not altogether different, from the bread and circuses listed above. At least the followers of the gridiron share an overall love of the sport, with the majority able to appreciate individual high achievers regardless of team or league. Not so with the politics of the land. The polarization of the voting populi appears to increase with each passing election cycle. Spurred on by politicians on both sides and media outlets of all stripes.

Then there is the specter of war. Of haves and have nots (and at first blush not quite in the way you would expect). Of philosophies and cultures diametrically apposed ... each wanting to see the other exist no more. For God Is On OUR SIDE!!! Evil runs rampant world wide ... and with few exceptions, too many who claim to be good men, do little or nothing.

Once again the holiday season is upon us

And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David. To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people:

For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will.

And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Book of Luke , The Douay-Rheims Bible

Most would post the above quote on Christmas (and that may happen here as well). But perhaps if the above was remembered as "the real reason for the season" not only on the High Holy Day itself, at the very least, the time from All Souls Day forward (the day after Halloween, for those who don't follow the Catholic catechism). Who knows, maybe a trend would develop and the rest of the year would be covered as well. For if those who believed in God were in the habit of at least acknowledging him daily, and being civil towards their fellow men, there would be a lot less pettiness, and strife. As to those of a more humanistic nature ... would it not make sense to reach for and develop the more positive aspects of human nature (if that is your "god")? rather then the base animal instincts we all have in common?

What about letting the other guy have that parking space you were both hell bent on getting to? If nothing else, wouldn't the extra walk (hopefully hand in hand with your significant other ... or perhaps your genetic hostages ... be of greater value then that parking space? Making an effort to see the other fella's point of view ... and debating in a calm civilized manner ... wouldn't that add validity to your character if not garner more people to your cause? Watch that sporting event ... perhaps doing it with your dad (if you are lucky enough to still have him around) or a son or a father in law? (bonding is a good thing) By all means (if it is possible to do so with out going into debt up to your wazoo) get something of worth for those who are special in your life. But don't put the gift buying above the idea behind it all. That the greatest gift of all was given to mankind, just a few short weeks away.

And finally, that there will always be conflict ... and at times the embers of mans darker nature will burst into the firestorm of war. Even in the time of year when "Peace on Earth goodwill towards men" should be the byword. Perhaps if those whose malignant philosophies and or governments seek to rise against us, can see our respective cultures and nations making an honest effort to live as men and women of faith. Maybe, just maybe it will give some of them pause... and wouldn't that bring the chance for real Peace that much closer?

Tis The Season

"It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping GOD in the manner most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship."

-- John Adams (Thoughts on Government, 1776)

This quote, courtesy of The Patriot Post, along with the fast approach of the holidays, got me to wondering ... wondering what was said word for word in the Constitution regarding "religion". So to refresh my five active brain cells, I looked it up. Couldn't have been easier, the first line of the first amendment and all.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

- First Amendment to the United States Constitution

So, in plain English, it states the legislative branch can't make any laws in respect to ANY religion, in placing it above (or by my reckoning, below) any other, in the eyes of "the State". They also cannot prohibit anyone from practicing their faith ... the exception to this being when the practice of same places another's life/liberty/property in jeopardy.

Indeed, even the ersatz religion of submission, otherwise known as Islam, by the first amendment, is allowable. However, (and this will cause the progressives to get their knickers in a knot for sure) being we are "at war" with (at the very least) the more extreme practitioners of said "faith", perhaps it is time to take some much needed and stronger measures regarding Islam.

Can we do this? Yes, we have the technology. Should we do it? Sure! Precedence has been established regarding groups who have posed as potential threats, while still affording them the right to peaceful assembly, (assuming they haven't broken existing laws) and freedom of speech. As has been done to various Communist, neo-nazi, and supremacist groups, perhaps monitoring of Mosques and other meeting places of said Islamists, would not be beyond the pale. (If, upon further review, said Mosque and attendees were found to be free of ties to terrorists/terrorism, and or were morphing into something more benign then any of the current forms of Islam, they would be left alone.)

Practice/follow what you will, but allow me the same opportunity. This is what Adams was saying above, and what the first amendment seeks to grant. So why do the atheists take offense to the majority of this country seeking to follow their respective flavors of Judaism/Christianity? Most people in any given town accept Christ as their savior and seek to celebrate his birth in late December. This used to result in there being decorations of the season (of both a secular and sacred nature) placed through out said town, usually with a nativity scene placed in the town square. It was a nod to the majority ofcitizens of said town ... of their shared commonality in faith. It was NOT meant to be a statement of "Our faith is better then yours" (or better then your desire to involve yourself in no faith at all). A good case in point? Well, a number of years back, I happened to the good people of Skokie, IL. had a large menorah, off the main drag in town, lit up during the Season of Hanukkah. Being there is a large (if not majority) in town that are of either Jewish lineage and or practice said faith, it shouldn't be surprising. And it is as it should be. (Nor can I ever remember a group of Christians massing around the Skokie city hall demanding the removal of same.)

The followers/practitioners of those religions/faiths/philosophies which are in the minority have the right to practice same (as stated above). What they don't have (although it has been accorded to them because of progressives agendas) is the right to restrict the majorities acknowledging what part their respective faiths have played in the development, and implementation of, the foundation of this great nation.

Crossposted at Cigar Intelligence Agency

The Real Easter, Rebirth-not Bunnies

Matthew Chapter 28, New American Standard

May you all be able to celebrate the day with all who matter most to you.
Happy Easter!

Good Friday

This will be the only post for today and tomorrow.

From the Gospel according to Luke (23:33-23:53)

Paths

I remember the changes brought about by Vatican II. Specifically, the changing of the liturgy from Latin to English. At the time I was far too young to fully appreciate what it meant, but I did feel (and still do but for different reasons) a sense of loss. Even at (or especially at) the young age of 8-10, when one is beginning to grasp the Church is a bedrock, a true sanctuary in ones life, yet they are changing things which at that age took some effort to understand, to bring on board (a whole different language used to converse with God).

My (very limited) understanding of Vatican II is that it was brought about to "modernize" the Church. To do some "house cleaning" and re evaluate the mission of the Church in light of the "modern world".

The Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, was an ecclesial, theological, and ecumenical congress convened in the autumns of the four years from 1962 through 1965. Pope John XXIII convoked the Council on October 11, 1962, and with bishops from all over the world, sought to define the nature, scope, and mission of the Church. Of the 2,908 clergy entitled to attend the Council, 2,450 did so. The Council closed December 8, 1965.

The Council produced 16 documents some of which are described as the greatest expressions of Catholic social teaching in church history.

Vatican II marked a fundamental shift towards the modern Church. The decisions of the Council, especially those regarding the liturgy, affected the lives of Catholics around the world. After Vatican II the use of the vernacular language was permitted in the celebration of the Mass and in 1970 the new Sacramentary and Novus Ordo (New Order of Mass) were established. Increased participation by the laity distinguishes Catholic life after the Second Vatican Council. Bible study groups, Marriage Encounter, social action organizations, and the charismatic renewal movement are all fruits of the Council. Vatican II made possible the many post-conciliar official Church documents on Catholic social teaching.

"The Second Vatican Council Resource Guide
Nostra Aetate, Forty Years and into the Future : 1965-2005", Introduction,
http://www.seattleu.edu/lemlib/web_archives/vaticanII/vaticanII.htm

And being a youngster at that time, I didn't grasp all the implications of what was being changed/allowed. All I saw was "my religion-my special club", if you will, was changing. It seems trivial looking back. Perhaps it is. But to a youngster just beginning to grasp what his faith was all about, the repetition, the sameness, the consistency was a very important thing. Here was something which was supposed to be (as my parents and great Uncle - a Priest - had told me) constant.

I was at the age where I was beginning to see the Church as bedrock. That there was comfort to be taken in the sameness of it all. As a child I thought when reciting the Latin, I was speaking in the same language as the Apostles, not realizing it was not really the case. But it provided a link (in my mind) to the very beginnings of my Church.

In other ways things changed as well. Used to be Fridays was meatless ... period. Fish, grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna casserole, cheese (or veggie) pizza, were standard fare Friday nights. In a small way it set *us* apart from others, made a unique statement, a reminder to my young mind, that we had rules to follow different from some of my friends and neighbors. And as a child it did not seem to be a sacrifice at all (though my parents food budget may have felt otherwise). It was also considered a "sin" if you knowingly ate meat on Friday, it was considered that important. As a child, the fact it was a sin not to follow this, was a big deal - all sins were "a big deal" and had equal weight. Now, with the advent of Vatican II, it was a sin no longer (other then on various holy days, and the season of lent).

In short, my bedrock was being chipped away. If these things could be changed , what was going to be changed in the future? Was anything important enough to not be modified or removed by some future Pope? Or public acclamation? Understand this, in a world that was going through some major changes; the war, the assassination of a president-not too many years earlier, the space race, the threat of nuclear war (Yeah, on a simple level, even at that age, I grocked we could all be blown to atoms), my youthful budding faith, my Church, was security. As an adult perhaps I would have had the intellectual ability to gain a better understanding of all that Vatican II was trying to bring about. As a child this was not the case, and looking back, was where the seeds of doubt and discontent were planted.

The years have gone by. There have been many more changes within the Church. There have been many changes within me as well. But as I grow older, I often times long for the simple honest faith I had as a child. And I read (C. S. Lewis is a bright light indeed). I think. I wonder. Even imperfect as it is implemented by mortal man, perhaps the bedrock of old needs to be revisited ... for the core values (the teachings of Christ) are as they ever were, whether in English, Latin, or Aramaic, a gift freely given.

In this time of world wide upheaval. A time which allows for a cancer to masquerade as a faith, the lines are clearly being drawn. One one side is western civilization, and by extension, an aligning with those who believe in (the Judao-Christian) God and all that entails. The other side of the line is darkness. Which side of the fight are you on? I prefer to be on the side of the light. And as imperfect a man as ever there was, the light still calls to me. It can not be ignored or pushed aside. That there are others whose writings promote thinking, and resurrect memories of a youngster (from so long ago) help more then they know, in my finding the path. Thank you Francis, Og, and others. By not hiding your lights under a bushel, you give light to where my path may be (or has been all along).