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Catholic? Bon Jovi concert
Went to the Bon Jovi concert (Circle Tour) at the (Bank Atlantic?) Sunrise Arena. Opened with one of my favorite songs, Blood on Blood. Also closed with an encore of Runaway, Wanted (Dead or Alive) and Livin on a Prayer. Show was great! Our nosebleed seats were eye level with the lighting catwalk, which may be why the audio was vocal audio was so hard to hear, but, otherwise, and great show! I think their show last time in 2008 was better even through we were behind the stage.
Their newer songs seem to be more focused on social justice. I know Bon Jovi is a big campaigner for Democrats (Gore, Kerry and Obama), but I was wondering if he’s still Catholic, especially since he sang Hallelujah solo for 5 minutes.
I found a quote from Parade magazine in 2007:
On his Catholic upbringing:
“I went to Catholic school in and out. I’m what you call a recovering Catholic. I have many major issues with the church.” — Jon Bon Jovi
I know that was 3 years ago, but I hope and pray that his search for truth brings him back home to a faithful Catholic identity. I also noticed Richie Sambora was wearing a St Benedict rosary around his neck. I hope it wasn’t just a fashion statement. I couldn’t find much about his faith background.
Another favorite Bon Jovi song is Keep the Faith.
My favorite part (usually cut off the radio version) is the part after the guitar solo (about 4 minutes) where he says:
I’ve been walking in the footsteps of society’s lies
I don’t like what I see no more
Sometimes I wish that I was blind
Sometimes I wait forever
To stand out in the rain
So no one sees me cryin’
Trying to wash away the painMother father
There’s things I’ve done I can’t erase
Every night we fall from grace
It’s hard with the world in yours face
Trying to hold on, trying to hold on
CCD hs: Faith + Vocations + St Teresa of Avila (day 4)
Opening prayer song reflection, (live crowd) “Amazing Grace” by Paul Oakley
[Book QUIZ] on Chapter 1 (Faith)
St Teresa of Avila – (16th century mystic Carmelite religious sister, feast Oct 15) as a teen she lost interest in her faith, instead falling in love with boys & chivalry, mother died as a teen, placed in monastery, love of God rekindled, suffered repeated serious illnesses, struggled with prayer, experienced mystical visions of Christ, raptures (joyful unions with God), taught on prayer, “doctor of the Church” (influential writings).
VOCATION = “a call” by God to holiness
”Primary” Vocation … “to be a beloved child to our heavenly Father”
“State of Life” Vocation …
- —Single, Consecrated Single
- —Married (husband/father, wife/mother)
- —Religious sister or brother
- —Priesthood (clergy)
“Service” Vocation … career, ministry, etc.
CCD hs: God Positions + St Francis of Assisi (day 3)
Today, in our high school Confirmation class, Jose covered much of Chapter 1: Light of Faith. We discussed a story about Tommy, an “atheist in residence,” who wasn’t sure if he’d ever find God. A priest assured him, “I don’t think you’ll ever find God. But I’m certain that God will find you.” It wasn’t until years later when Tommy developed cancer that his quest for God became more fervent. We realized in times of desperate need, Tommy was looking for a “quick fix” — not for a God to love. Unless he reached out to God in love, his faith would be short-lived and his spiritual growth negligible. God is not a 911 number that you call in emergencies. When we’re lost, how does God find us? God finds us in the sense that God does not give up on us. Rather, God continually graces us to open our hearts to him as Tommy finally did.
We also clarified, with a chalkboard matching activity, the various “God Positions” that people choose:
- Atheist = denies there is a God
- Agnostic = doesn’t deny or affirm God
- Theist = affirms a personal God
- Deist = affirms impersonal God
- Monotheist = affirms only one God
- Polytheist = affirms many gods
We also had a couple guys (Andy & Principe) introduce themselves and their assigned Saint to present. The pair presented St Francis of Assisi on a awesome display board.
ASSIGNMENTS: handout + read Chapters 1 & 2 + be ready for quiz
Antonio Banderas, a Jesuit priest?
Rented a movie called “The Body” (2001) that I don’t remembering hearing about. It has Antonio Banderas playing a Jesuit priest, investigating a crucified body found by an archeologist in Jerusalem. In the spirit of religious conspiracy fiction like The Da Vinci Code (2006), it explores the ramifications of finding the buried body of Jesus for Christianity and Palestinian-Israeli relations.
It could have had a better developed storyline. It ended too suddenly. But I especially like the interaction between the Jesuit priest (Banderas) and the Dominican priest. Personally, I thought the faith of the more mystical Dominican would withstand the challenge.
–– Interesting movie. Banderas was a pretty convincing Jesuit. 🙂
songs for prayer + formal prayers
These links are scattered on by blog, but wanted them easy to access. I added the following to the bottom of my PRAYER page. I hope they help you pray!
FORMAL PRAYERS:
- Prayer for God’s Will — by Thomas Merton
- Prayer for the Grace of Letting Go
- B.A.P.T.i.S.M. = different forms of prayer
- 5 Finger Prayer = a way to pray petitions & intercessions
- Litany of the Blessed Sacrament — full prayer
SONG FOR PRAYER:
- “Pray” by Kendall Payne — soft, Christian contemporary (personal humbling prayer)
- “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe — soft, Christian praise & worship (heaven)
- “This is a Call” by Thousand Foot Krutch — medium, Christian rock (effectiveness of prayer)
- “Gone” by TobyMac — medium, Christian hip-hop (bad dating relationship)
- “Leaving 99” by Audio Adrenaline — soft, Christian rock (parable of Lost Sheep)
- “Replace Me” by Family Force 5 — hard, Christian rock (submitting to God’s Will)
- “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot — medium, Christian rock (sin, shame, forgiveness)
- “Meant to Live” by Switchfoot — medium, Christian rock (finding purpose)
- “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park — hard, (feeling & healing)
- “Rise Today” by Alter Bridge — very hard, (finding purpose)
- “Pjanoo” (Original Mix) by Eric Prydz — instrumental, trance
- “Birth of an Angel” by Armin van Buuren — instrumental, trance
simplicity of life: quid animo satis?
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE — today’s talk was for “returning guys” on the “Simplicity of Life” in more detail than earlier introduced. This is the basic outline of the talk.
I. The Evangelical Counsels
A. Chastity
B. Obedience
C. Simplicity of Life
D. Qualities Beyond Basics (to grow deeper)
E. Posture that creates openness
II. Poverty / Simplicity
A. Pinching limitation …
B. In regards to Present possesions — a lack
C. In regards to Future possessions — insecurity
D. First of the Beatitudes (reminds us God will provide what we need … trust)
E. In Religious Life —> freeing
F. Look at Complications in our lives
G. Look at Identity
III. Poverty Flows out of Hope
A. Faith —> Certainty in Present
B. Hope —> Expanding Certainty of Faith regarding Future
C. Obstacles to Hope: Possessions of the Particular
1. The Attribution of Certainty to Particular Things we already possess.
2. Hope has to do with non-possession, and the Virtue connected to that is Poverty
IV. Deepening Levels of Understanding
A. Eternal Level
B. Next Level: Freedom
C. Deeper Yet: Gladness (= Joy)
D. Deeper Still: Lacking Nothing
V. Detachment / Indifference
A. People live without thinking about this
B. Example of Painting
C. Comparison applied to Everyone
D. Poverty belongs to dynamic of Knowledge: it is Intelligent and full of affection
VI. Lectio: Matthew 6:25-34 …
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, 19 and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. — Matthew 6:25-34
Obama inauguration
We got out of class early in order to watch the historical presidental inauguration of President Obama as our 44th Commander in Chief. Last night’s holy hour was offered up for the country and its near-future during these difficult times of war and economic instability. March for Life is this Thursday … it’ll be interesting to see what President Obama says then … we continue to pray for the Holy Spirit’s divine hand.
tap water + faith
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — today’s homily was a dream about all of us seminarians getting Baptized in our Reflection Pond (it’s pretty cold today) … healing all our vices and imperfections. However, the Archangel Raphael (upper right side of our chapel mural) came to life to say: “with enough faith, even tap water can heal.” — Great message … inspired … Fr Vallee 🙂 … a permanent holy memory!
final exams done!
Medieval Philosophy final exam
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 🙂
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 …
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.
military Catholics
In the July edition of the Knights of Columbus monthy Columbia magazine, I found an article profiling Catholic American soldiers. There are an estimated 300,000 Catholic in the U.S. armed forces, most of them age 18-29. While the number of baptized Catholics in the military (28%) reflects the general population — only about 5% of them are regular churchgoers.
Military life entails peculiar demands. Many are away from home for the first time — preparing for action or stationed in a war zone. They face increased responsibilities and family pressures unlike any in civilian life. Changes in deployment happen at a moment’s notice. Young married couples often face the strain of long-term separations. They often have little contact with chaplains, whose small numbers (only 8% of all chaplains) cannot meet ministerial demands.
In ALL of the U.S., Catholic young adults ages 18-30 attend Mass more — 21% every week, 35% at least once a month, 28% a few times a year, and 15% rarely or never. At first, I thought that during wartime, a soldier seeking a refuge from battle would pursue a hunger for faith & spirituality even more than a civilian. But after considering all the pressures they face, I can understand the difference in the numbers.
In response to these number, the Military Archdiocese of the U.S., led by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, initiated a program called Catholics Seeking Christ (CSC). The 1 year old program, funded by the Knights of Columbus, uses small groups and peer ministers to strengthen the Catholic identity of military personnel. They use extensive resources, including DVDs and CDs. I pray for the success of their efforts and for ALL our troops. — it sounds like a program I’d like to be part of.
Happy is God’s Will?
Continuing the discussion on “following God & seeking His Will” from last Sunday’s readings, I recall an experience. — Last year I was at a men’s study group where everyone was asked “How do you know you are following God’s will in your life?” After we spend some time getting everyone’s opinion (I forgot what I said), the facilitator (a priest) answered simply “When you’re happy.”
WHAT?!?! I hate that answer! (In his defense, we were running out of time and I think he was moving the meeting along) Happiness is relative and can be found in anything. Even doing something bad or sinful can have temporary (or fake longterm) happiness … that’s WHY we do bad things … it fills the “God-size” void we have.
Happiness is a feeling we get … and you can’t always trust feelings. “Joy,” on the other hand, is different. We get “joy” by knowing we have salvation through an active relationship with God. You can always be joyful even though circumstances may make us miserable and very UNhappy.
If a believer is being persecuted for their faith, are they following God’s will? Even though they’re not “happy” at the moment? Do we fast to be “happy”? I hope I misunderstood the answer, because I need some clarification. — Anyone else? Kermit?
“holiness” in Rise … by John Paul II
With a bad rainstorm (drought-relief) today, I started re-reading John Paul II‘s book, “Rise, Let Us be on Our Way.” Although it mainly reflects on his journey to and through becoming a bishop, it is written for everyone. It’s a simple read with great personal insight and advice for all Christians. Here are some points I highlighted from the Ordination Liturgy parts of “Vocation” (section 1):
At a priestly ordination, the hands area anointed; at an episcopal [bishop] ordination the head is anointed. This signifies the call to new responsibilities: the bishop will have the task of guiding the Church, which will palce great demands on him. … The ring on the bishop’s finger signifies that he is married to the Church, the sign of fidelity … to protect the holy Church, bride of Christ. … The Book of Gospels is given to remind of a bishop’s calling, to not only serve, but he must be a teacher. … The miter is a reminder of his commitment to let the “light of holiness shine in him” like a “city on a hill” (Mt 5:14) to be “a living example to the flock” (1 Pet 5:3). … The crosier is a sign of the authority that enables the bishop to fulfill his duty to care for his flock.
Outside of the cool symbols, what really struck me was the personal call to holiness that ALL need to find.
The essential meaning of holiness is that it is always personal, and that each and every man is called to it. All members of the people of God are called, but each is called in a unique and unrepeatable manner. … A shepherd must watch, protect and lead every sheep to discover that holiness is not “some kind of extraordinary existence, possible only for a few ‘uncommon heroes’ of holiness. The ways of holiness are many, according to the vocation of each individual.” What a great potential of grace lies dormant in the vast numbers of the baptized!
— I can say no more.
“follow me” & trust
Today’s readings spoke directly to me. In the first reading (1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21), Elijah (directed by the Lord) called Elisha to follow and succeed him as a prophet to the people. Elisha recognized God’s call and left his life, sacrificed (literally), and did God’s will wholeheartedly, knowing a prophet’s life is miserable (but the retirement benefits are out of this world).
Then, in the Gospel reading (Lk 9:51-62), some disciples tell Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” (–easier said than done) When some start to hesitate, Jesus reminds them, “… go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” They declare they’re willing, but don’t give up their old lives to respond to the call. Jesus sums up with “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
I need some clarification here! The basic message seems to be the first commandment, “trust God wholeheartedly without reservations.” But the fine print seems blurry. How “blindly” are we to follow “God’s will.” It seems to be a extremist’s motto. It’s demanding, unquestionable and instantaneous. Where’s the discernment process?
As we discern God’s will for the “big” things in our lives, like choosing a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, marriage or the single life, hearing the call is difficult. I guess that’s why discernment takes so long. But how do you know when you have an answer or final decision that has God’s hologram stamp? I’ve heard that some who become priests still have doubts, even after a 6-9 year discernment process. Some closure would be the least you could get for a lifelong commitment. — Is it just me?
Evan Almighty
Tonight, I saw the movie, “Evan Almighty.” It was great … better than I thought it would be. I don’t even remember any cheap shots at Christianity. They could have pushed “faith” a little more than “works,” but we need to take what we can get out of these big movie studios like Universal & Sony. I especially liked small details like God’s nametag “Al Mighty” or Evan’s wife named “Joan” (of Arc) and the real estate agent “Eve Adams.” Truly a great film.
strength = weakness
In order to call yourself a true Christian, I think you need to honestly answer the question, “Do I trust God?” Many answer “NO” or avoid the question by hiding behind personal strengths or weaknesses. For example, if someone has great knowledge & intelect to debate various sides of an issue, the “strength” may become a substitute for faith, ultimately becoming a “weakness”. On the other side, the “weakness” of having limited knowledge may encourage more trust in God, resulting in a “strength.”
What brought this on? A teen on the YES Retreat challenged and humbled my lack of knowledge in the area of philosophy. His private school education and “independent” readings of Thomas Aquinas, Neitche and other philosophers got me lost in conversations at times. He even asked, “Can God create a rock that is so heavy that God could not move it?” Uhhhh … yes … no … yes? I don’t know. (if you’re reading this, I’d like an answer) My humility turned into a concern for his young (and growing) dependence on knowledge, that may cripple a faith in God if not balanced right. I know we each have a “void” we fill with our own comfortable “strength,” but some things make us “too smart for our own good” which pridefully answer the ultimate question with “NO.” — This is why I’m afraid of taking 2 years of philosophy.
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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