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pray – volleyball – 1bro
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — today’s Gospel was Jesus calling the 12 Apostles. The point of reflection was that we need to “go off and pray” to spend time with our Lord on a regular basis. [-1 bro C]
OLD TESTAMENT – (Fr Michael) — we covered a general Biblical timeline and geography of the area.
VOLLEYBALL — today, we canceled basketball to play day 2 of volleyball. — great turnout and great time.
3 islanders – disciple + missionary
From Morning Prayer, I took hold of Psalm 84:11, “Better one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” and prayed the song, “Better is One Day,” in my head all day.
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — today’s homily began with a geat story of “The Bishop & 3 islanders.” (My own cliff-note version is🙂 A Bishop gets off his boat and speaks to 3 islanders who don’t know the “Lord’s Prayer,” but instead pray (looking up) “We 3 — you 3 — show us mercy.” The Bishop teaches them the Lord’s Prayer and returns a few month later, but they only remember the first few line, whereupon he tells them to pray their old prayer. — Basically, our faith is simple, yet we try to complicate it — but (I’d like to add) simple does not mean easy.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we started the Meditation of Decartes.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we started “Euthyphro” by Plato.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — we reviewed some more art slides and continued the Greeks handout.
MINISTERIAL METHODS – (Fr Michael) — we reflected on some Scripture passages that ultimately show “Church as Communion.”
II. Jesus + the preaching of the Kingdom
Mt 20:1-16 — Mt 13:38 — Jn 15:5
III. The Priesthood of Jesus Christ
IV. Sending of the Holy Spirit — Jn 7:37-39
V. Disciple + Missionary — Luke 10:38-42
The last section stood out the most for me. We are called to be “disciples” (followers of Christ) in order to properly respond to our “missionary” call to grow the Kindgom. Although we want to “do” (as Martha did), we (as seminarians) should be focused on being “disciples” (as Mary did) at this point in our formation.
REST OF THE DAY — Watched “300” and played some volleyball. — Better is one day …
hate family – apple slicer
MASS – (Fr Santos) — today’s Gospel was about “hating your family” in order to follow Jesus. It always sounded “too shocking” to approach too literally, but a strong point is made. In the Greek, it sound even stronger (hate your own breath).
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” … [then closing with] … “anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”
We are asked (and required) to give up everything (die to self) so God can give us everything (we need). “He doesn’t promise an easy life but, instead, a great life.” Having a philosophy of life is a lot easier than living it. — “Let go & let God” is easier said than done.
FRAGMENTATION — today, I’m complete (maybe). I have the final element to the comforts of home. The third greatest invention of all times (behind the printing press & contact lenses) — the APPLE SLICER. Everytime I use it, I’ll think of Descartes in Modern Philosophy beginning the age of doubt and “fragmentation.” — Fr Santos would be proud.
Nuestra Senora de la Caridad
Today, there was no morning Mass since we went to the University of Miami Convocation Center for a special Mass for the 40th Anniversary of the Shrine to Our Lady of Charity. The seminarians were called upon to assist each priest with distribution of Holy Communion. The responsibility was a bit intimidating at first (with such a big crowd), but everything went smooth, by the grace of God. Here are some pictures:
wineskins + Homer’s crayon
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — homily began and ended with 2 great stories: the “Amazon Explorer” (who can’t fully explain his experience, but encourages others to experience the journey themselves) and the “outstreached arms of Alexander the Great vs Jesus” (Alex conquered all, but died with nothing — while Jesus began with nothing and died to complete everything). Today’s gospel reading was the parable of the “Old & New Wineskins” where Jesus is the wine and we need to become “new” skins to accept him fully — experience him for ourselves “personally.”
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — today surveyed the concepts of the universe from “geocentric” to “heliocentric” challenging in many ways to faith and the Church. Included was another Simpsons illustration using the episode where Homer has a crayon removed from his brain, becomes smart and Flanders surpress Homer’s ideas because they are too challenging to his belief system. — Ignorance is bliss. We also have to learn the Greek alphabet for next Friday.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — more Sophists, their subjectiveness and birth of self-awareness. Also used “Homer’s crayon” and Greek alphabet. — I never really cared for the “Simpsons,” but now I feel like I’m missing out.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — continue with the Greeks. We need to watch the movie 300 be next Friday. — cool … I get to post more stills from the movie in this week’s posts.
EVENING — had a “Spiritual Direction” session, watched “Pursuit of Happyness” & did some studying.
Alka-Seltzer + esterder
MASS – (Fr Alvarez) — today’s Gospel reading of Jesus calling the trusting apostles to be “fishers of men” was well illustrated by an Alka-Seltzer commercial (“Try it, you’ll like it!”). Sometimes we have to venture out of our familiar comfort zone and into the unknown for various reasons (fear, inadequecies, selfishness, etc), but the Lord calls each of us (uniquely) to trust His direction and “learn something new” that should surprise us in the “best way.” — Amen. Easier said than done, but baby-step are still moving.
SPANISH 2 – (Dr Jimenez) — Yo “failo” (I need the past preterite form) the review test (chapters 1-11) with a 48%, but surprisingly (and somewhat relieved) that some did worse. I definitely need to step up my catch up work, or it’s gonna hurt all semester. Learned a new word (that doesn’t exist) — “esterder” — I need to think of a good definition for it. Any ideas anyone? Kermit?
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE – (Fr Michael) — part 3 of a series on “Reason, Formation & Relationship with Christ.” I’ll post some excerpts separately.
Mother Teresa + Sophists
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — at the 10 year anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Fr Vallee noted how newly release letters reveal she experienced long periods of “darkness” when she couldn’t feel God. She would even refer to Jesus as “the absent one” at times. Lately, the media is questioning her canonization with such “revelation,” not realizing all go through such times in the spiritual lives. Even St Augustine, St Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross would echo such experiences. We, just as Mother Teresa, are called to continue through times of spiritual desolation with patience and faithfulness, knowing consolation will come. — even in seminary, I’m anticipating highs and lows.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered the resurgence of math and rise of modern science. Notable line: “Psychology is the questionable child of philosophy.”
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered the Sophists. — The politics of today has only perfected the art of rhetoric from the Greeks.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — we continued with some slides of paintings and began reading his 40+ page handout on the Ancient Philosophy period. — The power went out during class and lasted through worklist.
WED WORKLIST — Some of our worklist jobs were changed, but I remained in “Sacristy,” where I dusted pews, organized songbooks and collected some garbage. It was hot (no A/C) but fruitful.
WED HOLY HOUR — We had benediction and silent prayer time, where I used my new St Joseph’s Prayerbook (that I just realized I left in the cafeteria) and found some great prayers “Before the Blessed Sacrament.”
300 – refuse external trappings
MASS – (Fr Santos) — 
In today’s readings, Jesus speaks with “authority” to both preach and heal. Fr Santos (in his first Mass at SJV) began his homily by using the movie 300 to stand firm in beliefs and not be dependent on outside influences. He used the scene where Xerxes (Persians king) offers Leonidas (Spartans) money and power to surrender. Leonidas stood for principles of country, honor & his people — he refused external trappings. The Greek word for “authority” is “exusia” and means “from within your own being” which Jesus did everything by (as opposed to Rabbis and prophets who prefaced what they said with footnotes). In seminary, we’re call to focus on our own individual call (from within) to preach and heal with the “authority” of the true priesthood found in Christ Jesus. — I pay attention to any point made using a cool movie.
SPANISH 2 – (Dr Jimenez) — If “failo” means “to fail,” then I “failo” the test (needs past PRETERITE form – which I don’t know either) of the first 11 chapters of our spanish book (which was taught in Spanish 1). I over-studied last night to the point it all mixed into zero usability. Of all my classes this semester, I will need to put extra effort into Spanish.
LUNCH — we had tuna burgers. I’ve never heard of one and took a picture. — it was good.
OLD TESTAMENT – (Fr Michael) — we learned methods of studying Scripture — Fundamentalist, Historical-Critical, Human Sciences, and Contextual approaches. Need to read chapters 3 & 4 for next week.
EVENING PRAYER — a major lightning strike (nearest to me nonetheless) in the middle of prayer scared the life out of all of us.
VIRUS ATTACK — as I’m writing this post, my computer got attacked by a virus on my Shared Documents folder. — 2 scares in the same day.
pre-Socratics – Luther – service – Shrine
Monday started out-of-whack without morning Mass (because we’re going to the Shrine tonight). — lots of Laboring done today.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we continued from the Rhineland Mysticism (late Mid-Ages) through Martin Luther (1483-1546). As I start digesting some of this stuff, my thoughts and slow “question-generator” are interupted by others’ quick comments & questions. I know I’m slow with the processing, but at least Wednesday will be a “question-day.” I need to remember to look-up Meister Eckhart and his doctrines. We got back our True/False Quiz from Friday. 10 out of 15 is not good — but some of those were tricky.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered 8 pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales of Miletus, Anaximenez, Anaximander, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Parmenides, Zeno, & The Atomists (Democritus & Leucippus). We got back out Quiz from Friday. 10 out of 10 — I need to enjoy it while I can … they WILL get harder.
ARTS & IDEAS – no Fr Vallee today, still on Labor Day vaction — must be nice.
MINISTERIAL METHODS – (Fr Michael) — we reviewed the definition of “ministry” and discussed the broader call the “service” that all ministers should have. We were given Colossians 3:12-23 to meditate on throughout is week with Lectio Divina. — what is holding me back from having a true heart of service?
LECTURE AUDIOS – I recorded today’s 3 lectures on my mini digital audio recorder. It took a while to figure out how to convert the big WAV format to MP3, but I finally found a way to normalize & convert to MP3 @ 24kps. I also put copies in a Lecture folder on my Shared Docs in case someone else from class wants a copy.
8pm MASS @ Shrine of Our Lady of Charity – we carpooled for a Mass ending the Novena to Our Lady of Charity. A beautiful spanish Mass in a beautiful shrine. We each received a Papal blessing & picture of Pope Benedict XVI. Trying to understand the spanish homily only reminded me to finish studying for an eleven chapter Spanish test in the morning.
audio recorder & wake
Today, after brunch, I headed homeward to spend some time with family and friends. I got a SanDisk mini audio recorder/player so I can record some lectures in class. I stopped by my parish to drop off some CCD resources I had and say hi to Fr Dalton (pastor) — he said looked good in black (in my formal suit). I only dropped by on my way to a wake for a friend’s father who died on Friday (from cancer).
Y.E.S. Retreat video
I can’t seem to install my Pinnacle video editing software on my laptop to finish editing the Y.E.S. Retreat video. I’ll have to finish it on break in October. Sorry for the delay, everyone!
For status of the Y.E.S. Retreat video, the MASTER LIST of YES event links is HERE.
movies – Greeks & 3 Amigos
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — Today’s gospel was the parable of “the ten virgins” with lamps awaiting the bridegroom — 5 were foolish (unprepared) and 5 wise (constantly ready). We are called to constantly be alert, prepared and ready for what the Lord has in store for us.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — Quiz today was 15 true & false question with tricky wording. We reviewed the events of the time that contributed to the Modern Philosophy.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — Quiz today was listing philosophy’s “3 major concerns” and “4 major problems” with short explanations. We discussed “2 ways of understanding” with lots of subcatagories that wrap around my notes.
ARTS & IDEAS – no Fr Vallee today (vacation) — but we watched a 2.5 hour PBS special on “The Greeks, the Cradle of Civilization” in the cinema room. We took a break for lunch and finished in the afternoon.
ACOLYTE TRAINING — the new guys were oriented for serving Mass or reading this afternoon. I’m serving as Acolyte a the end of the month and haven’t served Mass since 6th grade.
EVENING – watched “The 3 Amigos” — remembering the “singing bush,” “the invisible swordsman” and their trademark demonstration (of a hernia exam).
Faculty Lunch – bad cannoli
Today was the first time we got to wear our “formal” black suits (every Sunday) for Mass. Archbishop Favalora came to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit with us. With another engagement shortly afterwards, he couldn’t stay for our “Faculty Luncheon,” but he did take a picture with all the Miami seminarians (I hope I can get a copy to post here).
The “Faculty Luncheon” was very nice — great food, fancy tablewear, and Faculty announcements with presentation of the Dean’s Awards. My only complaint was dessert. I got excited when someone said we’re having cannolis, but after getting one, I noticed it had pieces of citrus fruit in it — that’s a first. The only thing I’ve had in a cannoli is chocolate chips — they’re great. But citrus? — it was ok, but a bit disappointing.
black suit jacket
Since we need to wear our black suits tomorrow for Mass (with Archbishop Favalora), I tried on my suit and realized my jacket is actually a dark grey, not black. So I drove around town to get a “black” jacket to complete my “formal” wear.
Gesu – Bayside – The Invasion
In order to give the returning men room to get settled, the new men took a social trip to downtown Miami via Metro-Rail.
GESU CHURCH — our first stop was 12:05pm Mass at Gesu Church in downtown Miami, the oldest church in the Miami area, established by the Jesuits. It’s a beautiful church and the Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael & Fr Alvarez & (the pastor) Fr Alvarez.
BAYSIDE — afterwards, we walked to Bayside, had lunch and shopped for most of the afternoon. We met at the “big tree,” saw the “One Man Band,” and walked by the “Torch of Friendship” that JFK had made with all the Latin American countries (except Cuba was missing?). — it was hot
EVENING — since the returning men were starting their Day of Recollection retreat tonight, we were kindly asked to “leave the seminary” and not to come back before 11pm — nobody argued with that. Most of us went to the Dolphin Mall to see a movie. Since most of the movies we were interested in were sold out or at late times, I recommended (probably for the last time) “The Invasion,” an aweful movie choice. I don’t expect anyone to take my suggestions after that one. We still had a good time afterwards.
FIU ropes course
Today, we all spent the day at the FIU Ropes Course to build teamwork. I would have tried some of the harder ropes activities, but I’m still sore from yesterday’s volleyball. — It was a great way to affirm our brotherhood.
I’m here without wireless
I’m finally at the seminary, but they haven’t given us access to wireless internet in our rooms yet, so I’m on the library computer. I have some pictures of my new “crib” and some posts I’ve been writing on my computer, and I’ll try to upload (and backdate them) when I get settled in.
Later.
[update: Sept 10, 2007] I’m slowly adding posts from the first 2 weeks of orientation, New Student Experience, as I have some free time. I’ll backdate them so they stay in order.
“the worst temptation”
Before going to be, I read and meditated on the “Catholic One Year Bible” Passage of the day, which is Proverbs 21:2 … “We can justify our every deed but God looks at our motives.”
From a sermon years ago, I remember it said, “the worst temptation in the world is to do the right thing for the wrong reasons.” I’ve always identified with it and believe it to be true, but when I share the thought, it usually fall on deaf ears with, “that doesn’t make any sense.” I’m not very good at illustrating the statement, but I think this 2-week “New Student Experience” will help us newbies focus on the real “personal” discernment journey we are beginning toward the priesthood. Aside from the fellowship, the quiet times help us to focus on the voice that calls our hearts without the distractions of the everyday.
Our true “motives” should either bring more “joy” (as Fr. Michael said, “rest in the comfort of knowing the Lord is happy you’re responding to his call”) or greater frustration, if our reasons for wanting the priesthood are selfish. — I like it here … I feel at home … as the joy grows, I don’t feel worthy (like I’ve stolen someone else’s place).
volunteering @ Convenant House
I went for a volunteer interview at Convenant House (shelter for runaway teens) today. It looks like a great place for kids. They have 100+ bed capacity with kids of all different backgrounds. I noted I was interested in the pastoral ministry they have, but was open to whatever area they could use me for. The big question? My schedule. I know seminary life is primary, but I would like to challenge my ministry experience to try to be “all things to all people,” as the priesthood entails. Covenant House was started by a Catholic priest and I really like the mission statement:
Mission Statement: We who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to His people are dedicated to living out His covenant among ourselves and those children we serve, with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street, and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among His people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that effects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.
The kids really need “regular” pastoral ministry, so creating a fixed schedule will be crucial, even if it is every other week (Sat or Sun). If I do find time to volunteer, I’d probably get to know the kids in some other position, like “activities” or “intake.” — We’ll see.
As I mentioned that I start seminary tomorrow, it’s starting to hit me … I’m not ready (packing)!
survived whitewater rafting
Friday, we did section III of the Chattooga. We ate dinner at the Mongolian BBQ Chinese Restaurant (good food). On Saturday, after section IV, we walked the 550+ stairs in Tallulah Gorge State Park and ate dinner at the Dillard House (awesome food). Our breakfasts were at the legendary Waffle House both days.
We also spend Sunday at “Six Flags Over Georgia” doing almost all the coasters, like Goliath, Batman, Superman, DejaVu, etc. A great trip! I dropped off some film today — hopefully they come out.
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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