Catholic Kermit

MASS – (Fr Vallee) — In the darkest times, the Lord is with us.  [Guardian angel Rosary assistance].

AQUINAS – (Fr Vallee) — reviewed a general timeline after the death of Thomas Aquinas in 1250.  William of Ockham gave rise to Nominalism (minimized metaphysics, which is the link between philosophy and theology).  The movie “Name of the Rose” reflected his nominalist attitude.  In the 19th century, debates in the Church led to extreme responses like Rationalism (sola ratio) and Fideism (sola fide).  As opposed to Protestant extremism (sola scriptura & sola fide), the Catholic Church maintains balance between “faith & reason” as well as “Scripture & Tradition.”

CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — reviewed characteristics of Modern Philosophy:

1)  Turn towards the “self” (anthropos becomes conscious)
2)  Turn toward “subjectivity” (reality + truth = function of the subjective)
3)  Renewed emphasis on the object (Scientism) (person = reduced to his material reality)
4)  “Fragmentation” of reality (cosmos = science, theos = theology, anthropos = philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc.)

An aside on Scientism brought discussion about genetically engineered mice that had their fear of cats removed via DNA.  A current example of how modernity influences our approach to solving life’s “problems.”  Scientific research + ethics + faith.

19th Century Philosophy … brought Hegelianism / Romantic Idealism that REJECTED the Kantian dichotomy between the noumenon & phenomenon … also brought a greater Kantian dichotomy in philosophy with (Marx) Dialectical Materialism, (Comte) Positivism, (Nietzsche) Nihilism.

MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Vallee) — our final essay questions will deal with 4 areas for each philosopher … (1) Aporia (1st question & basic theme) … (2) Metaphysics (“What is?”) … (3) Epistemology (study of knowledge) … (4) Ethics.

WORKLIST (1:30-3pm) — starting next week, we’ll have new Wednesday worklist jobs and new house jobs.

HOLY HOUR (4:30-5:30pm) — intention for the seminarians at St Vincent’s (major seminary) on 5-day retreat as well as the Southeast Bishops on retreat.  Found a prayer for meditation … Invocations to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament:

Lord Jesus, through Your infant cries when You were born for me in the manger; through Your tears when You died for me on the Cross; through Your love as You live for me in the tabernacle, have mercy on me and save me.