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Leeland songs + poverty
I stumbled upon some great videos by a newer Christian group called Leeland. They’re very deep, passionate and “present.” I also saw them in concert last year at an Aquire the Fire youth conference. I fresh and renewing sound to the Christian mainstream.
The first video/song is Leeland’s “Tears of the Saints“ with a collage of today’s poverty [dedicated to Karl Marx, spokesman for the poor, & Contemporary Philosophy class]. The video (and included lyrics) was put together by a Baptist minister. There are others on YouTube, but I like this one.
The second video/song is Leeland’s “Sound of Melodies“ — simply a great sound.
This last video is Leeland in concert with a moment of Scripture & “How Great Thou Art.” — indeed.
Group 1 Crew + Forgive Me (song)
It looks like Thursdays are going to be my YouTube & christian music post day. I’m not a huge Christian hip-hop fan, but when I hear something good, it’s worth noting (especially if it can hold its weight with greats like TobyMac, Grits & KJ-52). I saw newcomer Group 1 Crew perform at the Winter Jam Christian Music Festival at UM last month and I still can’t get 4000 people singing this chorus out of my head. This is “Forgive Me.” [Lyrics at LyricsMode.com]
Behind the Song:
“This song was birthed after a deep time of prayer in which we discovered the need for understanding how God viewed us in the light of his forgiveness. So many times as humans we like to place humanistic qualities on God simply because we can’t comprehend how He can love such unlovable creatures…and yet He still does. This song gives every listener the courage to believe that with God, it’s never too late to be forgiven. When you embrace this grace He’s made available to us, there’s nothing you ever need to fear. No valley in your life is permanent…” – Group 1 Crew
Faith Fest in South Florida
FAITH FEST 2008 — the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami had a celebration of faith, music and community @ St Thomas University (in Miami Gardens) from 6pm til 12 Midnight. It usually focused on young adults, but everyone was welcome and present. Musically, it featured MATT MAHER & TOM BOOTH with Chris Wills from Radio Peace as MC. The evening closed with Mass and Candlelight Eucharistic Procession with Bishop Felipe J Estevez. Individual tickets were $10 and group discounts were available. Official website @ http://www.freewebs.com/southfloridafaithfest/ — hopefully the beginning of more
soldier charity + Catholic teacher + A River Runs Through It
MASS – (Fr Alvarez) — today is the feast day of St Jerome Emiliani. He was a soldier who left the military life to pursue great acts of charity, especially in caring for the sick in hospitals, the poor and children in orphanages. — his life resonates with me, especially with my past interest in the military (in which health concerns removed)
FIELD TRIP — for our Ministerial Practicum class, in the afternoon, we went to a local Catholic school to observe the teaching styles and techniques in order to prepare our own lesson plans. I was in a 7th grade English class at Immaculate Conception Catholic School and, embarassingly, couldn’t answer some of the questions my self. — when do you use who or whom?
MOVIE NIGHT — after dinner, the Humanities Department sponsored a movie night featuring A River Runs Through It with great discussion afterwards. — I didn’t get that deep into the movie, but after discussion, I have a greater appreciation for its subtle lessons and observation on life’s journey.
biggest Catholic secret + Modern Day Moses (song)
In Contemporary Philosophy class, our latest discussions have always come back to the treatment of the poor and ignored people in society. Karl Marx‘s Communist Manifesto seems to over-emphasize the poor in his philosophy while Adam Smith‘s The Wealth of Nations seems to minimize them. Fr Santos constantly compared & contrasted Communism with Captitalism with Catholic Social Teaching. He also reminded us of the Catholic Church’s greatest kept secret, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church that highlights the social teachings of the Church. It’s a great read and good for spiritual reading. [text available on Vatican website here]
As I was seaching YouTube, I also found a video for a song that fits my reflections today. It’s another song by Kendall Payne (one of my favorite Christian vocalist). It’s not that well known, but is probably my favorite of hers to date. It’s off her first album Jordan’s Sister, called “Modern Day Moses.” Here’s the lyrics:
a modern day Moses, waking the streets
with shouts of glory, blistered feet
he’s met the maker, he’s met the reason he’s alive
and he’s on fire inside
a modern day mother, living in the slums
feeding the hungry, making sure the race gets run,
always asking if we fought with steady feet
she fights on her knees
let my people go (4x)
a modern day Martin in a world of civil words exchange
but dreaming bigger, thinks maybe he could make a change
he’s heard the stories, he wants some of his own
and he’s not alone. (no, no, no ...)
[chorus]
(bridge)
the time is not the moments here,
walk in faith or stand in fear
change the course of history,
did you ever think, no one ever though
— who would have believed?
a modern day Me, what have i become, what can i be?
if there is greatness out there to be achieved
i want to be more than someone who just passes through this life
i want to stand up for what is right
[chorus]
The YouTube video (above), featuring Kendall Payne’s song Modern Day Moses, is just a collage of scenes from 7th Heaven of people that the Camden family has helped over the years. I’ve never been a big 7th Heaven fan, but charity is a great running theme for this post, so it’s ok here! 🙂
FF5 + Replace Me (song)
While drivin’ around today in my mobile stereo, I kept replaying a song by the Christian rapcore group Family Force 5 called “Replace Me.” I kept singing/screaming the chorus that echoed what seminary formation feels like, so far … to be formed into what God wants … “crush me, tear me, break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be.” — Here’s the lyrics:
My Batteries died sometime ago (wuh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
I gotta heart-shaped box where they must go (wuh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
Corrosion’s building everyday
My flesh is leading me astray that’s why I started to decay and I will slowly rot away but I can’t feel that anyway
This heart it wants to beat, These lungs they want to breathe
These eyes they want to see, Gotta mouth that wants to sing …
Desperation, Needing You, Every last breath, I scream for You
Shatter me into a million pieces … Make me new
Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me, Make me what You want me to be
I am Yours for You to use, so take and replace me with You
Needing more than just a jump start to get me through
My disconnection is now the issue…..
(rap) I miss my First Love bad and its driving me mad
Just like a mixed up crazy person out of his head
Its been a long long time I’ve been on the decline
I do an a-bout face so I can be replaced, 180
This heart it wants to beat, These lungs they want to breathe
These eyes they wants to see, Gotta mouth that wants to sing
(des, des, des) [chorus]
One for the body, Two for the soul,
Three to get ready, Now go go go
Replace me with You!!!
(replace me with You!)
Desperation, Needing You, Every last breath, I scream…
[chorus]
— I also added the song (on YouTube) above, but BE WARNED … it’s pretty hardcore for all you John Michael Talbot fans 🙂
the NAC seminary in Rome
Tonight, after dinner, we had a presentation about The Pontifical North American College seminary in Rome. A priest (formation leader) from Rome showed a great video and answered questions about “the NAC.” When Bishops in the US see potential charism in mature seminarians & priests, they occasionally send them to continue their formation in Rome, usually studying in specific programs that Bishops see a need for in their diocese.
As a new Pre-Theology seminarian here in little old St John Vianney College minor seminary in Miami, Florida, it was all new to me and very interesting. For the first 2 years, you don’t leave Rome. Many of the classes are in Italian. It sounds like a great opportunity and gift to be chosen, but is a big change and quite intimidating. That’s probably why they select men who are mature and fairly sure of their priestly vocation for such a big step. Their website is @ pnac.org.
Coincidently, a few days ago, I found a blog of Ted Martin, a seminarian of Kalamazoo, Michigan that is currently in his first year of theological studies at the Gregorian University living at the NAC in Rome. He’s got some great pictures of his experience in the Vatican. His blog is @ theodoremartin.blogspot.com — I’ll definitely check it out every now and then.
cute videos + Psalm 23 girl + Mom overture
FUN VIDEOS — I found some cute & funny christian videos from GodTube & YouTube that I have to post.
(video) PSALM 23 GIRL — reciting Psalm 23 as only a child can tell it … adorable!
(video) MOM OVERTURE — “The Mom” song, sung to the William Tell Overture, by Anita Renfroe at a “Women of Faith” Conference. What a mom says in 24 hours, condensed into 3 minutes! Hilarious and talented! Lyrics for “The Mom Song” are on its YouTube page.
prayer + Kendall Payne
A great song by Kendall Payne (one of my favorite Christian vocalist) that focuses on what real prayer is all about, appropriately titled “Pray” from her latest album, “Grown.” Light guitar, soft vocals, profound meaning, worth posting:
I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends,
While the road we walk is difficult indeed.
I couldn’t not ask for more than what you’ve already been,
Only that you would say these prayers for me.
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in,
May your strength all be spent upon the weak.
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head,
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet.
May you find every step to be harder than the last,
So your character grows greater each stride.
May your company be of humble insignificance,
May your weakness be your only source of pride.
What you dooo unto others,
May it all be done to you.
May you meeeet the One who made us,
And see Him smile when life is through.
May your bleeessings be many,
But not what … you hoped they’d be.
And when you looook upon the broken,
May mercy show you what you could not see.
May you never be sure of any plans you desire,
But you’d learn to trust the plan He has for you.
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire,
May you fight with all your life for what is true.
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends,
But what I wish is more than I could ever speak.
As the way wanders on I’ll long to see you once again,
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would praaay for me.
She tell the story of a man asking Mother Teresa to pray for him. Check it out …
surfing + volleyball
MASS – (Fr Michael) — analogy of priestly formation like surfing (paddle out against obstacles, waiting & watching, riding the wave)
VOLLEYBALL — only 3 of us showed up for volleyball, so we didn’t set up the new outdoor volleyball net we had. We bumped the ball around vowing to battle another day.
MOVIE — saw The Bucket List
means well + ethical hero + dualism + Taliban
MASS – (Fr Alvarez) — [an “extremely liturgically strict” priest is a poor example]
AQUINAS – (Fr Vallee) — 3 reasons for studying philosophy: (1) apologetic, (2) dogmatic, and (3) pastoral. Nemo dat quod non habet = no one gives what they don’t have. CCD teacher that only teaches emotion … 8th grader observation: “She means well, but doesn’t mean much.”
CONTEMPORARY PHIL – (Fr Santos) — finished Kierkegaard‘s Either/Or. The “ethical existence” is choosing to be who and what one truly and uniquely is (a subject, a self, unlike any other self, unlike any other thing). Even though we have many potential directions, TO WILL EVERYTHING IS TO ULTIMATELY WILL NOTHING (one’s energy is dissipated). The self willing involves an ongoing task/process, not a finished product. Negative view of the “mystic.” The “ethical hero” is interested in becoming a “genuine human being” and “honesty to oneself” ready to give up the aesthetic if it classes with the ethical or “for the sake of” something higher. The RELIGIOUS STATE is an intensified version of the ethical, making a relationship with God the highest priority. — need to read Karl Marx Communist Manifesto for Friday.
MEDIEVAL PHIL – (Fr Vallee) — elitism (death penalty debate) + virtue (through humility) + dualism (the Forms eternal are a problem to creation) + Justin Martyr (creation, faith & reason) + Philo the Jew (the Forms are ideas in the mind of God)
WORKLIST — with the rain, the “outdoor guys” were reassigned to help other crews, which made our McCarthy House crew finish even faster.
HOLY HOUR – (Fr Alvarez) — Taliban + scandal + “be a man”
DOTS — Next
MLK + 5 Bell Hotel + free day
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — New Wineskins gospel inspired the story of the “5 Star Hotel.” Struggling owner of the “5 Star Hotel” asks for advice about saving the business. Answer: (1) keep a positive attitude, (2) change the name to “5 Bell Hotel”, and (3) hang 6 bells out front by the sign. —Genius!
MOVIE FREE DAY — Since today is Martin Luther King Day, we didn’t have classes, so I went to see some movies with friends. At the theatre, In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale was aweful (King Burt Reynolds should have made that obvious). At home, watched 1408 (confusing end).
PRE-THE COMPLINE & ROSARY — together at 10pm. In Honor of Martin Luther King and in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters who are suffering persecution and oppression around the world.
Winter Jam Christian concert
CONCERT — the WINTER JAM 2008 Christian concert tonight at the University of Miami Convocation Center. It featured MercyMe (praise & worship), BarlowGirl (rock), Skillet (hard rock), and newer groups like NewSong (praise & worship), Group 1 Crew (hip-hop) and Mandisa (vocalist). I met up with the youth group of my home parish who got a bus full of kids.
After Group 1 Crew (hip hop good enough for me to buy their CD). An extreme BMX Skate Team did some stunts (for Jesus, I guess) followed by Mandisa (from American Idol). Then came NewSong, Skillet, BarlowGirl and finally MercyMe.
In between acts were speakers (like Tony Nolan), an altercall, and financial pleas for poverty and supporting more of these events. Hooking people with a $10 ticket price, making the concert into a “ministry,” then suggesting to write a check for $100 or $1000+ (if you’ve been “blessed”) to a crowd 90% children and then praying to respond to what God really wants you to do. We should be encouraging our sacrificial financial gifts to go to our accountable local churches for self-less causes, not independent “ministry” companies that entertain. — shameless, but good performances
beast of burden + men are right + Unknown God + body theology
MASS – (Fr Michael) — today’s Mass intention was for Pope Benedict XVI, very appropriately with the Gospel reading of Jesus telling Peter to “Feed My Sheep.” The story behind the significance of the Corbinian Bear on the Pope’s coat of arms (upper right) was told. According to the background on Saint Corbinian (a Frankish bishop), a bear killed his pack horse on his way to Rome so the saint commanded the bear to carry his load. Pope Benedict XVI first adopted the symbol when, still known as Joseph Ratzinger, he was appointed Archbishop of Freising-Munich in March of 1977. He retained the bear in his revised coat of arms when becoming Cardinal in the same year and when elected to Pope in 2005. In addition to the obvious reference back to St. Corbinian, the founder of the diocese where Benedict was bishop, the bear represents Benedict himself being “tamed by God” as a “beast of burden” to bear the spiritual burdens of Benedict’s own ministries first as bishop, then as cardinal, and now as pope.
AQUINAS – (Fr Vallee) — more on Modernity and the extremes of Rationalism (reason) & Fideism (faith). Nature + supernature. Grace + nature. Samuel Taylor Coleridge quote: “Most men are right in what they affirm, and wrong in what they deny.”
CONTEMPORARY PHIL – (Fr Santos) — opening quiz on reading of Kierkegaard‘s “Equilibrium between the Aesthetic & the Ethical” in his book Either/Or. Introduced “inauthentic existence,” “radical subjectivity,” “disolving into a mutitude,” and self as “task” & “a dynamic process.”
MEDIEVAL PHIL – (Fr Vallee) — reviewed Stoicism and reflected on St Paul in Athens (Acts 17), especially his approach to preaching the gospel message among the Greeks of his time about their statue to the “Unknown God.”
MINISTERIAL METHODS – (Fr Michael) — “Classroom Management.”
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE – (Fr Michael) — usually on Thursday, this was an exceptional day since this Thursday we’re hosting the seminarians from the St Vincent’s Major Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL. Today’s topic was (part 2 of 3) on the Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.
DOTS — night walk — Superman Returns — busy day
perhaps + Spanish Lord’s Prayer + NT culture + Argentinian food night
MASS – (Fr Santos) — [half sandwich Christmas gift] Jesus’ multiplication of 5 loaves & 2 fish. A supernatural miracle by Jesus … or PERHAPS a selfish crowd was moved to give from their personal stash. — Maybe? Just as fantastic of a miracle. Perhaps.
SPANISH 2 – (Dr Jimenez) — this is the second semester (the second part – I didn’t fail!) of Spanish 2. Among other things, we went over the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish (especially since the version in the Spanish Liturgy of the Hours books is completely different): [Lord’s Prayer in various languages]
Padre nuestro, que estás en el cielo
Santificado sea Tu nombre;
Venga a nosotros Tu reino.
Hágase Tu voluntad
En la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.
Perdona nuestras ofensas,
Como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden.
Y no nos dejes caer en la tentación;
líbranos de todo mal.
[Porque Tuyo es el Reino, el Poder y la Gloria por siempre, Señor. Amén.]
NEW TESTAMENT – (Fr Michael) — today, we started the semester with the Cultural Settings of the New Testament.
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — today was Argentinian Food Night for dinner. Great!
DOTS — “rejoice + divine compassion + slavery + freedom + sons of God” — watched Live Free or Die Hard
semester begins + Aquinas + Contemporary Philosophy + Medieval + Ministry + Amber Spyglass
MASS – (Fr Michael) — God is the same yesterday as today, on vacation, on retreat, back in the daily routine. Do you believe in Jesus? How is your life different because of your belief?
AQUINAS in the 20th CENTURY – (Fr Vallee) — this is a senior level course that focuses on the rediscovery of St Thomas Aquinas thought in the 19th & 20th centuries, in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics and anthropology. Readings will be from Gilson, Maritain, Marechal, Rousselot and John Paul II’s Fides et ratio. No term paper. Tests are open notes & open book — (translation: It’s hard!). Large class.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — started reviewing Modern Philosophy era. LOTS of reading. Martin Buber – I and Thou … Hans-Georg Gadamer – Truth and Method … Martin Heidegger – Introduction to Metaphysics … Edmund Husserl – Phenomenology and the Crisis of Philosophy … Soren Kierkegaard – Either/Or (our first reading assignment) … Karl Marx – Communist Manifesto … Friedrich Nietzsche – The Anti-Christ … Paul Ricoeur – Oneself as Another … John Robinson – Honest to God … Adam Smith – The Wealth of Nations … Alfred North Whitehead – Religion in the Making. — I should probably be reading right now!
MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Vallee) — reviewed a timeline of philosphy periods. This class will focus on Augustine (Confessions), Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica, On Being and Essence, The Thought of Thomas Aquinas). Our main test is Frederick Copleston’s A History of Philosophy, vol II. 2 papers. — finally some Augustine & Aquinas!
MINISTERIAL PRACTICUM – (Fr Michael) — reviewed the basic about ministry (from last semester). This course will be about the practical skills need for ministry. Next year, we’ll be assigned Monday night “Apostalic Work” in the areas of CCD catechesis or Homebound Visitation. We’ll be going out to visit other seminarians in their work assignments throughout the semester. Today, we also learned “How to Create a Lesson Plan” for CCD class. — finally some hands-on!
DOTS — “Kr” Lauds blessing — listened to first half of The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials trilogy) on audio
Jesus? + tomacco + retreat starts
MASS – (Fr Michael) — feast of “Most Holy Name of Jesus.” Homily was a reminder of 2 questions that we were asked at the beginning of the school year. Deceptively simple … but not easy to answer (if you’re honest). (1) Do you believe in Jesus? (2) Is your life different because of it? … Yes … ummm … I think so … ummm … retreat time!
DAY DOTS — breakfast Tomacco — newspaper — 11am Rector Orientation — lunch [pan] spill — book sale — TV Hauntings
Lester’s + Legend + seminary return
DOTS — Lester’s Diner — I Am Legend [pf] — Visitation Parish pickup [Md] — COLD night — return to St John Vianney College Seminary (for 2nd semester) — 10pm Compline [Night prayer]
Mother of God feast day
10AM MASS — served at my home parish (St Bernadette) with my Pastor Fr Dalton & Deacon Lou on the feastday of Mary, the Mother of God [more detail info].
EVENING MOVIE — saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets. — What’s on page 47?
Christmas Day
I served with cross at the 10am Christmas Day Mass at my home parish of St Bernadette Catholic Church with my Pastor Father Brendan Dalton and Deacon Lou.
Relaxed with family with great food and some movies (Ratatouille, The Kingdom, The Golden Compass)
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
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