The law of the land, the law of love, and the lawbreakers

Gwen had lived a hard life. She was raised by her aunt because of the drug addiction and child abuse that was in her family home. She had brothers and sisters, though she did not even know how many of them she had. Gwen was in touch with a couple of her younger brothers but she kept a healthy distance from them. They became angry quickly, and their hot tempers were matched only by their deceitful ways.

Because of all she had suffered as a child, Gwen was an empathetic woman. She identified with the pain that others experienced. She worked with abused children, teaching them about their human dignity and how to care for themselves. Gwen did not understand how she and her brothers had turned out so differently.

Gwen received a phone call from one of her brothers right after work one day. He had been incarcerated. He told her to get a few things for him and bring them to his new home. Gwen knew this would happen to him some day. The boy just wouldn't learn. He felt no guilt, no shame, no remorse. There he was joking about a serious situation, and what was personally upsetting to Gwen was the way he expected her to put herself in a dangerous position by breaking the law.

Gwen had been in juvenile once. She had served community service. She had learned her lesson. She had reformed her life. Gwen told her brother that he needed to do the same thing. She understood his coded message. She refused to pay him a visit to sneak her urine in for him. "I'm ashamed that you are related to me!" Gwen cried out. She shouted at him to get a life, and then she hung up on him.

The next day at Mass, Gwen heard a homily about the corporal works of mercy. She realized that it was a timely message, and that God wanted people to share the love of Christ with prisoners. Jesus said a profound thing, that visiting the imprisoned is the same as visiting Him. She wished somebody had visited her when she was a wayward teen in juvenile. She found it incredible, though, that anyone could treat unrepentant criminals the way you would treat Jesus. Gwen doubted they could reach her brother, but it was worth a shot.

Right after Mass, Gwen headed over to the table for the prison ministry and put her brother's name and address on the list. The gentleman who watched Gwen filling in the information explained to her that this was a contact sheet for parishioners to sign themselves up to go visit prisoners; so he needed her name, not the prisoner's name. Gwen set the pen down and took a step back. "Oh, never mind then, I wouldn't go see that low-life jailbird even if you paid me to. He can rot in there for all I care."

From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.
V/. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful.
R/. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy Love.

CCC 1970: The entire Law of the Gospel is contained in the "new commandment" of Jesus, to love one another as he has loved us. "Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; this is the law and the prophets."

Oh ye of little faith

Father greeted the college students and motioned for them to take a seat in his office. He was intrigued by his visitors and made time to fit the interview into his busy schedule. It had been explained to him by his secretary that the women were not Catholic, and that having an interview with the pastor of a different Christian sect or denomination was part of their philosophy of religion course assignment.

Father was knowledgeable and gladly answered basic questions about the Catholic faith. He found the conversation with the students invigorating, as he had not been one to evangelize much. He appreciated the respectful interaction on the part of the Evangelical Protestant women. It was such an inspiring experience for Father to be with Christians who had so much zeal and love for Jesus. They scribbled notes as they proceeded along with the interview. Father hoped the students were learning that Catholics Christians are just like they are.

When he was asked questions about Mary, the students maintained a professional tone, that Father very much appreciated. He was pleased to share authentic Marian dogma with them and clear up some misunderstandings that Protestants have about the Catholic Church when it comes to the Mother of God. One of the students took down the dates with the information Father shared, while the other woman looked at him in a hard way that made him feel uncomfortable. He expected the Evangelical in this college student to step forward and begin typical anti-Catholic attacking of the Catholic faith. He believed he would handle things well in politely showing them the door, if such a confrontation should occur.

However, the young woman remained silent, listening intently as he answered the other student's questions about the Holy Eucharist. Father explained the doctrines of the Catholic Church in a concise and clear manner. Father suspected that this young woman already knew something of the teachings of the Church.

Upon concluding the interview, the students thanked the priest for his time, and Father escorted them to the door. The woman who had been obviously studying the man more than the material did not go along with her friend, but paused at the top of the stairs and turned to face Father. Her question caught him off-guard because it was of a personal nature.

"Father do you pray the Rosary?" Father stammered, "Uh, no, not really. Go in peace. Have a good day now." She placed her hand on Father's arm, preventing him from closing the door. She smirked, "Father, you don't really believe that Jesus is present in a piece of bread do you?" Father raised his eyebrows as a sympathetic nervous smile came to his face. His head lightly moved from side to side as he removed the woman's hand, and while closing the door, Father responded reassuringly, "No."

From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts.
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy Love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces.
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation.
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire us in the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.

Answering the recruiter's call

Edeson had just graduated from high school. He would enjoy a couple of months of vacation time and then begin studying at the university where he had been accepted. After four more years of studying, he would be able to walk right into an engineering position in a big corporation. Edeson's parents had their hearts set on their son marrying a certain girl from a good family line, so he began a pleasant courtship with the sweet maiden. It was easy for Edeson to try to please his parents, because cooperation with them never failed to work out best for him.

Secretly, though, Edeson was becoming conflicted within himself. He couldn't put his finger on it to articulate the issue and examine it objectively, but there was a disconcerted feeling that he had about where his life was headed. The practicality of his life plan was as perfect as it could possibly be, but it didn't seem to be one that would affect the lives of the less fortunate in the world. Edeson was sure that he could somehow make a difference by healing some broken hearts and building some bridges between people.

Once a month for over a year, he had been involved in a ministry that fed the homeless in the inner city. There was real satisfaction for the young man in serving the poor and needy. Edeson smiled as he recalled how special last week's outing had been for him. That one precious little girl who he had brought hair ribbons for a couple of times previously came running up to him upon his arrival. Excitedly, she gave him a picture that she had drawn for him of their new apartment. He couldn't think of anything in his life that had ever made him happier than sharing in that wisp of an angel's happiness over finally being able to leave the homeless shelter and move into her own home with her mother.

There it was again, that peculiar feeling. It was as if an invisible presence was standing beside Edeson with a gentle hand of guidance upon his shoulder, as the parting words spoken by that little girl came back to haunt him. Perhaps she said it because he had been wearing black that day. "Thank you for the ribbons. Do you see how pretty they make my hair? I love you, Father Edeson!"

Today's readings: Leviticus 23:1,4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37, Psalm 81:3-6, 10-11, Gospel: John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42

From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, Who governs the Church, have mercy on us.
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us.
Spirit Who fills the universe, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.

Let's cut to the chaste

Dulce, like most people, had a few good friends that she hung out with. They were a lot like her, which is why they got along so well. They enjoyed some of the same activities and they felt a special closeness in discussions because they all had similar views about most topics.

One night the five of them decided to go to the singles group on a college campus and check it out. They teased one another, while they mingled, about liking one of the guys there. Dulce was the lucky one who was asked out by him. She and her friends shared their excitement about this afterwards in the car on their way back to their homes. They praised the teen for catching a fine college man, and joked about her finally losing her virginity and joining the sweetest rank of womanhood.

The last of the girls to be dropped off was Dulce. Her best friend pulled the car up to her home and turned off the engine. She turned toward Dulce to give her some advice about sex. Dulce hadn't known her best friend was so experienced with men. Dulce listened in fascination to her friend's stories filled with details that explained how things that seem unpleasant and gross to a virgin are really just the opposite when you actually enter into the realm of lovemaking. With all that her friend recounted from personal experience, Dulce found it reassuring to know that she could have a lot of fun without ever even losing her virginity if she didn't want to to. Taking her advice, Dulce accepted the condom and placed it in the zip pocket in her purse, just in case she decided to go all the way.

That night as she was lying in her bed, imagining that she was kissing her boyfriend, Dulce remembered the instructions that her friend had given her. She had been informed that the romance builds and the sex is more meaningful when you try to string it out. You don't get it on quick like in the movies. You create and savor the intimacy and tease him for awhile, making your boyfriend fall madly in love with you. You make him want you more than anything, but you don't put out--at first.

Dulce played the first-date scenario out in her mind. She was already starting to feel it, she was already beginning to fall in love. It was so wonderful having a man's attention, being in his strong arms, laughing over silly things together by candlelight.

After a couple of dates, the seemingly innocent imaginary scenes in Dulce's mind had been heated up quite a bit. She easily embellished her memories of the intimacy that the two of them had shared together. She could taste his chocolate kisses. She sensed his desire for her and she felt the same way about him. She felt his tantalizing touch and it thrilled her. She could see reaching a point where she could no longer resist his passionate need for her love. It would be such a sweet surrender.

Dulce didn't think there was any harm in having fantasies. There's a difference between fantasy and reality. If it was all just in your mind, it never really happened. Why would you get the idea that some day it would?

Today's Scripture readings: Exodus 40:16-21,34-38, Psalm 84:3-6,8,11, Matthew 13:47-53

From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us.
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us.
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us.
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us.
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us.
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us.
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us.

Buying he who dies with the most toys wins

Charles is a responsible person, and a dedicated husband and father. He can boast of the success he's had in life. According to this Catholic, he is a self-made man. By being practical and determined, he went from the bottom to the top in the first company he ever worked for. From there, his reputation in the field and his exemplary work ethic had brought him bigger and better opportunities. And he seized every one.

It wasn't too hard for Charles to conclude that he did everything just right. Being hard-working brought him recognition, which brought him wealth. He took pride in the fact that he provided only the best for his family. They never had to do without anything. On top of that, Charles was putting money away for future retirement. Following in his father's footsteps, Charles had married a good Catholic woman who was raising their children to shine in their academic and athletic achievements, he takes his family to Mass every Sunday, and he keeps the family traditions.

Before his father died, Charles made time to spend a few minutes with him at the senior hospice center. He had praised Charles highly for being a good man and raising his children to make a name for themselves. But then, as a tear trickled down one cheek, the frail old man asked him to take him to stay with his family, saying, "let's go home."

Charles was shocked to hear his dad make such an outrageous request. His father had too many medical needs to have to deal with, and he was on the way out. He couldn't put that kind of stress on his wife. It would be a major embarrassment having the old man hacking and wheezing when friends visited. Certainly he didn't expect to die at the house and put everyone through that kind of emotional trauma. That's what insurance is for.

Charles sighed and shook his head, but he reassured his father that he was in good hands there at the facility, and he promised that the two of them would stop by to see him again soon. He reminded his father that the staff at this place had taken excellent care of their mother a few years ago. His father's words came out choked in a tearful whisper. He said hat he was sorry for being away at work all the time instead of being there for him and for his mother while Charles was growing up; and that in the end, things did not matter. Charles looked over at his wife, perplexed, and he could easily read the expression on her face. "The poor old fool, he must be out of his mind."

Today's daily Mass readings: Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99:5-7,9, Matthew 13:44-46

From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us.
Author of all good, have mercy on us.
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us.
Consuming fire, have mercy on us.
Ardent Charity, have mercy on us.
Spiritual unction, have mercy on us.

Doesn't love mean never having to say you're sorry?

Ben can't tell you exactly when it began, but he is aware of the fact that he doesn't respect his mother's authority. Ben finds it infuriating that his mother sees him as disobedient and defiant and unrepentant. Why can't she just shut up and give him a break? She is always thinking the worst about him. Ben rolls his eyes whenever his mother says that she loves him. Some love, huh?

He yells at her when he needs to make his mother understand his hurt feelings, and he still sobs when voicing his objections to his mother's critical corrections. He was not being mean to animals or bothering his sisters! She always thinks that he is a troublemaker and that he needs to go to confession. She always thinks that Ben is the same way he used to be. But Ben knows that if he was really as bad as all that, he would have killed her by now. He hadn't even punched her once for several years now. That shows contrition, but for her, that isn't good enough. (Shrug.)

That would be the day that he went to confession. Ben refused to go to confession way back when he got too big for his mother to force him to. Imagine that; what in the world would he need to talk to a priest about anyway? Maybe one day he'd go talk to somebody about what a lousy life he's had because of his father abandoning him. And how God stuck him with that irritating woman for a mother who never gave him a chance. Those aren't Ben's sins. They are the ones who need to go see a priest. As for Ben, he is just doing his best to get along in the world. He doesn't have anything to be sorry about.

The world is all messed up, Ben could see that. Ben knows that he isn't perfect, but he has more on the ball than just about anybody he knows. He had learned a lot about life and how people operate from school and movies. He prided himself on making a couple of good friends to hang out with and get rides from. And he is cool in their eyes, because when it comes to the ladies, he is a heart breaker.

One important thing that Ben understands about himself and life, is that his mother is the one who is wrong. She even admits it. In the middle of her yakking, she always says that she's sorry. She was sorry for arguing. She was sorry for not understanding him. She was sorry for getting angry with him. She was sorry for not loving him more, and better. Yeah, she is sorry for a lot of things. Just like she should be.

From The Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Father all powerful have mercy on us.
Jesus Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us.
Holy Ghost, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who are equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.

Daily Mass readings:
Exodus 33:7-11, 34:5-9, 28 Psalms 103:6-13 Matthew 13:36-43

My mother is going to kill me!

Amanda found a lot of things funny during Mass, and she shared these things with her friend. The two of them couldn't help themselves, they chuckled and hit one another playfully, oblivious to their own distracting behavior. Amanda liked her church. She was involved in some of the activities available for the young people there, and she enjoyed the Liturgy.

She was uncomfortable, though, whenever the homily went into what she considered the political arena. She wished that Father wouldn't talk about not using birth control, and she really didn't think that pictures of unborn babies near the main door was appropriate. After all, she came to Mass to hear about Jesus, not to worry about anything or to feel guilty about something.

Mass was only about an hour long, and this didn't cut into her day too much, though it was a pain to have to get up in the morning after being out late on Saturday night. Maybe it was time to start going Sunday nights, she thought.

Amanda told her boyfriend that this seemed like a good idea. It would get her mother off her back about staying out late and not being able to get up to get to Mass on time. He agreed that it was a great idea, telling her that sometimes he could pick her up at home and they could spend more time together. Though not at church. But they could go out dancing, eat at her favorite restaurant, or maybe go to his place for an hour. Wouldn't she rather be with somebody who loves her than wasting her time sitting in a pew listening to myths and fables? Her boyfriend was very assuring. Like he said...nobody will ever know...

From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Today's readings: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Psalm 126:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28