THE HEART OF A SEMINARIAN

A Roman Catholic Seminarian opens up his Heart and shares the Faith he Loves.

SEMIMARIAN PROFESSOR ON TERRI SCHIAVO   

The professor of Moral Theology and Medical Ethics at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary wrote an article on the tragedy of Terri Schiavo.  This is a few excerpts from the article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If you want to read the whole article, then click here.

The tragic saga of Terri Schiavo - allegedly in a persistent vegetative state - marks the current level of confusion arising from a loss of the sense of the meaning of the human person, a unity of body and soul, the basis of many age-old laws relating to social order, including the prohibition against euthanasia. 

  Terri's story gained national attention because many concerned people believe that dying with dignity does not mean that Terri should die due to a court-ordered insult to her person through deprivation of food and water. For these, many Christians among them, Terri is a living, breathing human person whose life is of unimaginable value and is worthy of protection and basic care.

The troubling thing with the slogan "death with dignity" is that it has no clear meaning or limits. Quite rightly, no one should have to accept becoming a victim of therapeutic tyranny or overzealous treatment beyond reason. Terri's alleged condition, the so-called persistent vegetative state, is one most people know very little about. Even for the expert, it is only a hypothesis. Most people do not realize that misdiagnosis and varying degrees of recovery are common to this category of medical cases. One study reported that 40 percent of these cases are misdiagnosed. In Terri's case, there is wide disagreement among the experts. But, all agree, Terri is alive.

Moreover, the term "vegetative" applied to any living woman offends human dignity. Living human beings are never forms of plant life. In practice, the vegetative description has become a self-fulfilling prophecy for the victims, since very little attention is given to adequate means of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of these persons in the United States . It is far more common for them to be abandoned to death than it is for attempts to be made to help the patient improve with even simple therapies. The excuse for this is always the same: We cannot guarantee recovery.
 
Many people die from disease because no treatment exists to stop the progression of the disease toward inevitable death. Terri's condition is similar to those only insofar as the competence of current medical practice is surpassed by the enormous challenge of the affliction. Unlike cases such as terminal cancer, Terri is not dying. Nothing about Terri's condition makes her "terminal." In this case, Terri will die because she will not receive food and water in the way that is appropriate for her condition.

Terri and others like her are at risk because they have disabilities that are not terminal but are difficult for the current state of medicine and because they have insufficient legal protection. The law has abandoned doctrines which afford protection to human beings in significant cases where life is most vulnerable.
 
In Terri's case, a number of Americans have seen what law and medicine could not. Terri's humanity and its dignity mean that she should be guaranteed basic care including food and water. It is now time to begin asking how medicine and law can legitimately serve to bolster respect for and improve the lives of persons with disabilities like Terri's, not sanction their deaths. Unfortunately for Terri, needed improvements in the law will probably be too late.

The Rev. Edward J. Richard is an attorney, a Roman Catholic priest, vice-rector and associate professor of medical ethics at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and a member of the board of directors of the Center for Bioethics and Culture.

posted by: muniz at 13:02 | link | comments |

NEWS AND NOTES 

·        When I came back to the seminary after Holy Week, I checked our new liturgy schedule for the rest of the semester to see when I am reading and serving at Mass.   To my surprise, I am scheduled as the reader for the Mass celebrated by Cardinal Arinze, who is the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments.  I would like to think that I was chosen for this Mass because they only want the best for the Cardinal who many think might be the next pope, but actually I was chosen because the schedule is made alphabetically.  How about that for some good luck?

·        Over Holy Week, I went home to help at my home parish with the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter).  My role in the Masses and service was as a MC.  This is different from being an MC at the variety show.  This kind of MC helps direct and organize the servers.  I never thought too much about this, because I just viewed myself as serving with a bunch of 10 year olds.  This past weekend, a friend of mine asked me “What exactly do you do?”  So I gave him an example.  Usually for the opening prayer at Mass, the server would stand next to the book until the server hears Father say “Let us pray”.  After hearing this, the server picks up the book and walks to Father who then opens the book up to the page and says the prayer.  When I am there, I set the book up on the server and lead the server in front of Father at the exact time when he says “Let us pray”.  I never thought that this role was a big deal, but my friend’s eyes got big.  After explaining what I did, he replied “So you are telling me that you probably cut about 5 minutes out of Mass?  That is awesome!”  Now if anyone asks what my role is at Mass, I will just tell them that I am simply there to make Mass go faster.

·        This Thursday, Mary Kate Muniz, who is the daughter of my cousin, is getting baptized.  This will be my first time seeing her.  It is going to be a great night.

·        The link button to the Saints is now fixed.  Sorry for the inconvience.

·        Anything I should know from you? 

posted by: muniz at 12:34 | link | comments |

DEATH PENALTY GIVEN AFTER BIBLE STUDY

 This is an article that I read on the FoxNews website.  To read the whole article, click here.

 DENVER — The Colorado Supreme Court  on Monday threw out the death penalty in a rape-and-murder case because jurors had studied Bible verses such as "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" during deliberations.

 Some people are upset that the courts overturned the death penalty sentence because 5 of the jurors referred to the Bible, but I am upset that these Bible thumpin’ Christians have no clue what the Bible actually says. What does Jesus say about ‘eye for eye’ or even a situation in which death is the required penalty. 

 Matthew 5:38-41   ³⁸ "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'  ³⁹ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.  ⁴⁰ If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.  ⁴¹ Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.

 John 8:1-11  while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives .  ² But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them.  ³ Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle.  ⁴ They said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.  ⁵ Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?"  ⁶ They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.  ⁷ But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."  ⁸ Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.  ⁹ And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him.  ¹⁰ Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"  ¹¹ She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more."

 What is your thoughts on this?

posted by: muniz at 09:53 | link | comments |

CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME - March 23

ST. TURIBIUS DE MONGROVEJO - Commemoration 

Saint Turibius was born in Spain around the year 1538.  He taught law at the University of Salamanca , and in 1580 he was chosen as bishop of Lima and journeyed to America .  Burning with apostolic zeal, he called together many councils and synods which successfully promoted the reform of religion throughout the whole region.  He vigorously defended the laws of the Church and earnestly looked after the people committed to his care by visiting them frequently.  He devoted much of his time and attention to the care of the native Indian population.  He died in 1606.

posted by: muniz at 23:54 | link | comments |
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CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME 

ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY - solemnity  

Saint Joseph is the foster father of Jesus, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit without a human father.  According to the Gospels, Joseph, the husband of Mary, was a carpenter; people occasionally called Jesus “the carpenter’s son.” Jesus apparently learned that trade at Joseph’s side. 

posted by: muniz at 23:51 | link | comments (1) |
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CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME 

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM - commemoration

Saint Cyril was born of Christian parents in 315.  He succeed Maximus as bishop of Jerusalem in 348.  He was involved in the dispute over Arianism and was more than once punished with exile.  His Catecheses, in which he explained to the people the true teachings of the faith and of Scripture and also the traditions of the Church, reveal his pastoral zeal.  He died in 386. (LOH 1713)

posted by: muniz at 13:57 | link | comments |
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CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME 

ST. PATRICK - commemoration 

Saint Patrick was born in Great Britain about the year 385. As a young man he was captured and sold as a slave in Ireland where he had to tend sheep.  Having escaped from slavery, he chose to enter the priesthood, and later, as a bishop, he tirelessly preached the Gospel to the people of Ireland where he converted many to the faith and established the Church.  He died at Down in 461. (LOH 1710)

         

posted by: muniz at 11:03 | link | comments |
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LENTEN SACRIFICES (RESPONSE TO A COMMENT) II 

LIFE’S MISSION :  As a Christian, we are called to transform our lives (cf. Rm 8:13).  We are called to “put to death the deeds of the body” that contradict the deeds of Christ.  The more that we imitate Christ, the more our lives will reach the potential for happiness and the more that we will have hope for salvation.  If we don’t eliminate these acts, then we will die without Heaven.   

           In regards to salvation, this is the Truth.  We must constantly strain to be like Christ (cf. Ph 3:13-14).  I believe that you would agree to my challenge for people to live their lives in pursuit of being Christ like by your statement: “I am sure you will agree with me when I say people should always be trying to improve themselves whether spirituality, physically, or mentally.”    

 Romans 8:13: For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  

 Philippians 3:13-14:   ¹³ Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead,  ¹⁴ I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.  

 LENT:  Lent is a small model for our entire life.  It is a time that highly emphasizes conversion and repentance.  It is a time to seriously examine our lives and turn back to God in the areas of weakness in our lives (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1438). 

            Again in regards to the season of Lent, this is the Truth.  Do you have a different definition or view of the Lenten season?  As a time of awaiting the anniversary of the sacrifice of Christ, do you feel that this is a time to seriously examine our lives?

CCC 1438: The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. ³⁶ These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works).

LENTEN SACRIFICES:  In Lent, we address these areas of weakness in our lives by different actions which I define as Lenten sacrifices.  These actions have different objectives (synonyms: goals or purposes).  Some address a specific habit either it be physical or spiritual such as giving up desert or praying the rosary.  Some want to work on keeping the sacrifice of Christ on their mind more by sacrificing a pleasure.  There is nothing wrong with any of these reasons.  Personally, my wish is that everyone would continue in some way to address their areas of weakness in their lives after Lent ends. 

           This is a new addition to my view of the Lenten sacrifice.  Some make sacrifices not to address habits, but sacrifice as an act of penance.  They sacrifice in Lent as a penance to purify themselves of sins in their past.  This is also a good reason to sacrifice.  Again, I just wish that everyone would continue to do different acts of penances beyond Lent.  

 

 

            For a sacrifice to be a good Lenten sacrifice, my only requirement is that it must be Christ-centered.  If a person gives up deserts only to lose weight, then it is wrong.  If a person gives up desert to be healthier because they view their body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 6:19-20).  If they view improving their body as giving glory to God, then it is good.  If a person gives up smoking, because they want eliminate their dependence on it so to strive for sole dependence on God, then it is also good.  

            Do you agree that the requirement on the sacrifice must center on Christ?  Did I forget a reason one might make a sacrifice?  Do you believe that I am wrong for wishing that everyone continue their pursuit of their goals beyond Lent?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20   ¹⁹ Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  ²⁰ For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.

RETRACTION: In regards to my statement about my friends who had a party with a lot of candy and movies after they gave up candy and movies for Lent, I apologetically take it back.  My statement “I wonder what the point of the sacrifice was if your just going to indulge afterwards” was rooted in my desire for them to continue past Lent.  This retraction is due to my understanding that a Lenten sacrifice is not always needed to be directed at habitual self-improvement (i.e. act of penance). 

            Finally, thank you for pushing me to a better and deeper understanding of the Lenten season and sacrifices.  I hope this is an adequate answer.  Do we have any disagreements on this matter?  Everyone please share your thoughts.  

 

PREVIOUS COMMENT II

Reading your entry, one question kept popping into my mind. Why do we need an objective for our Lenten Sacrifice? I believe the sole purpose of the Lenten sacrifice is to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. As I said earlier, if you give up anything that is a pleasure, you are accomplishing the goal. I would assume that you don’t intend for it to sound like this, but when I read what you wrote, it sounded like since we are going to have to make a sacrifice, we might as well get some benefit out of it. I believe a sacrifice is greater when you are not receiving a benefit from it. Here is an example. Two guys give up candy for Lent, one guy is doing it because he wants to lose weight and the other guy has no intention of wanting to lose weight, but he is giving it up because he truly loves candy. In your mind, who is making the bigger sacrifice? Now granted, I too believe there is no such thing as a bad sacrifice, but guy number one has two motives, while guy number two only has the pure motive of wanting to give up a pleasure because that is what Jesus did for us. I truly believe that people who use the Lenten sacrifice with different motives than remembering Jesus sacrifice, are missing the point of the Lenten Sacrifice.

Another thought that I have, is that it almost sounds like you are saying we need to have a Lenten Resolution and not a Lenten Sacrifice. What you are calling for is more of doing better things, which is my definition of a resolution. When I see the word Sacrifice, I think of giving something up. I know that this is taking thing really in context, but this is what I believe. 

posted by: muniz at 01:40 | link | comments |

 THE MEANING OF LENT

“On Ash Wednesday, we Christians are traditionally reminded of our own mortality in a very vivid way, as the ashes are marked on our foreheads in the sign of the cross. In the sign of the cross we hear the words spoken over us, "You are dust and to dust you will return." This is a reminder not just of our physical mortality, but of the very path of Lent itself. We begin this season of Lent not only reminded of our death but marked for death, and that path of death is about our transformation. 

 

The journey of Lent is about being born again by participating in the death and resurrection of Jesus, about that journey from Galilee to Jerusalem . The journey of Lent with its climax in Good Friday and Easter, is about embarking on the way of Jesus on that path of mortality and transformation that is at the very center of the Christian life. When you think of it, who of us does not yearn for this? Who of us does not yearn for a fuller connection to life? Who does not yearn for an identity that releases us from anxiety and self-preoccupation? To be born again, it seems to me, corresponds to our deepest yearning. May we this Lent experience that internal transformation that is at the center of the Christian life. May we experience being born again.” – Marcus J. Borg (Lutheran)

Even though he is not Catholic, his explanation is correct.  As Christians, what does it mean to be “born again”(Jn 3:4)? We are to die to the flesh so we may live in the spirit.  Christ lived a life in the spirit while resisting temptation and sin which lead to his resurrection.  By his example, we must too transform our lives to resist temptation and sin, so we may be resurrected.  Lent is a mini version of our entire life.  Just as we in Lent spend time in some sort of restraint, so we can experience the joy of the resurrection of Christ at Easter.  Our entire lives must be spent in transformation, so we can experience the resurrection of our own bodies.

posted by: muniz at 12:49 | link | comments |

CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME  

ST. FRANCES OF ROME - commemoration  

Saint Frances was born at Rome in 1384.  While still young she married and had three sons.  Though living at a calamitous time, she gave her goods to the poor and looked after the needs of the sick.  She was remarkable in this active work for the destitute and also in cultivating the virtues of humility and patience.  In 1425 she founded the Congregation of Oblates under the rule of Saint Benedict.  Saint Frances died in 1440. (LOH 1706)

posted by: muniz at 09:28 | link | comments |
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CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME 

ST. JOHN OF GOD - commemoration 

Saint John of God was born in Portugal in 1495.  After a hazardous period in the military service, he chose the better way of life and devoted himself entirely to the care of the sick.  Founding a hospital in Granada, Spain, he selected assistants who later formed the Order of Hospitallers of Saint John of God.  He was most distinguished for his charity to the needy and the sick.  Saint John died in Granada in 1550.(LOH 1704)

posted by: muniz at 10:33 | link | comments |
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NEWS AND NOTES

·        By the way, the seminarian variety show was a huge success.  I was co-MC of the show.  In the picture, I am the one on the left. Can you believe that this picture is the only one of me in the show?  Aren’t you thankful!!!  The picture is from a seminarian from St. Louis, Jeff Geerling.

·        I started the Christian Hall of Fame, which are the Saints that the Church honors for the day.  It is good to learn more about Saints, because they can inspire us to grow closer to Christ by the amazingly dedicated and holy lives they lead.  Just click on the name to read more about them.

·        What is up with only one comment being made the whole week?  I guess we are even, since I did not post earlier for a whole week.  I was looking forward to reading some comments on my response to the comment on Lenten sacrifices.  It is like what my Mom said when I was born “Oh Well, life is full of disappointments.”

·        In the future, I want to put up links to other blogs by seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.  Maybe, I will put up links to other bloggers that frequently comment on my blog.  It is an idea.

·        Anything I should know from you? 

posted by: muniz at 20:14 | link | comments (5) |

CHRISTIAN HALL OF FAME 

ST. PERPETUA and FELICITY - commemoration 

Saints Perpetua and Felicity suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Septimus Severus at Carthage in 203.  A most accurate account of their death still exists, derived partly from their own testimonies and partly from a writer of the period. (LOH 1700)

posted by: muniz at 09:29 | link | comments |
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SUNDAY’S READINGS FOR MASS

March 6, 2005 – 4th Sunday of Lent

1 Samuel 16: 1b, 6 – 7, 10 – 13a

Psalm 23: 1 – 6

Ephesians 5: 8 – 14  

John 9: 1 – 41  

Explanation

At the beginning of Ordinary time, we noticed that the 1^st Reading, Psalm, and Gospel were intertwined with a common theme, while the 2^nd Reading went through 1 Corinthians.  Now in Lent, the Psalm, 2^nd Reading, and Gospel are intertwined with a common theme, while the Church uses the 1^st Readings to teach us the history (1-4), hope (5), and encouragement (6) of Christ and salvation. Quickly I will go through all six 1^st Readings in Lent.  Also, try to read the references made I made connecting the 1st Readings to Christ.

Week 1: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 – The first sin of Adam and Eve.  This caused sin to enter into the world and the world to need Christ. (Rom 5:12,17,19)

Week 2: Genesis 12:1-4 – The call of Abraham, the father of God’s people.  God promised that through him all nations (not just Israel) will be blest, which was carried out by Christ. (Gal 3:8)

Week 3: Exodus 17:3-7 – God gives Moses and the Israelites water from a rock.  This rock was Christ according to St. Paul. (1 Cor 10:4)

Week 4: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 – David is anointed king of Israel. Through his line, God promised to establish his kingdom. (Lk 1:32)

Week 5: Ezekiel 37:12-14 – God promises to raise people from the grave. This is fulfilled in all those in Christ. (1 Thes 4:16)

Week 6 (Palm Sunday): Isaiah 50: 4-7 – Isaiah will not hide from tribulations, because God will be with him.  This is for us to persevere with Christ as his time of persecution approaches. (Mt 26:42)

            The Psalm is a famous psalm, which is used in reference to David as a shepherd and his anointing as king. (1Sam16:11,13)  This also connects with the 2^nd Reading and Gospel with walking in the dark valley.  The main message this week is that Christ is the light in the world of darkness.  This light will produce all kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth.  The question for us is how much do we live as light to the world?  Are we aware and try to produce a life of light?  The challenge for this week is how can we be light to others this week.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16: 1b, 6 – 7, 10 – 13a, Psalm 23: 1 – 6, Ephesians 5: 8 – 14, John 9: 1 – 41

posted by: muniz at 22:48 | link | comments |

CATHOLIC HALL OF FAME 

ST. CASIMIR - commemoration 

Saint Casimir, son of the king of Poland, was born in 1458.  He practiced the Christian virtues with special regard to the poor and was zealous in the faith, particularly in his devotion to the holy Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.  Casimir died of consumption in 1484. (LOH 1698) 

posted by: muniz at 10:28 | link | comments |
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HOW TO ADVANCE IN FAITH

Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, made this comment on Vatican Radio:

"It would be lovely if, before going to Mass on Sunday, the texts could be read at home, especially the readings and prayers and then, once back home, be reviewed. In this way we would really advance in the faith."

This is a good habit to start and reason why I try to provide a review of Sunday’s readings every week.  

posted by: muniz at 17:20 | link | comments |

LENTEN SACRIFICES (RESPONSE TO A COMMENT)

As baptized Christians, we enter into a new life with the gift of grace.  Before the sacrifice of Christ, all of humanity fell short of the perfection needed to reach eternal life.  By the sacrifice of Christ, we now have the ability to overcome sin by the grace given by God.  Only Christ has been found worthy to enter Heaven on his own, the rest of humanity needs the help of grace to be an imitation of Christ in order to be found worthy of eternal life.  If you want to reach eternal life, then you must discipline yourself and allow God to mold you into Christ.  Your life’s pursuit (if you wish to go to Heaven) should be to imitate Christ (to have a perfect soul).  Discipline and sacrifices are a lifelong endeavor, which is not solely for Lent.  But in Lent, we challenge ourselves even more on top of our normal challenges to more fully unite ourselves to the sacrifice of Christ.  

When I was a sophomore in high school, I was moved up to the varsity baseball team, but I just sat the bench.  After each game, I had to sweep out the dugouts because I was the low man on the totem pole.  One day a person took a picture of me sweeping and later gave me the picture.  After the baseball season was over, I put that picture on my mirror, because I used it as motivation to never become a bench warmer again.  Every time I was tired or did not want to workout, I look at that picture for motivation.  If that picture was only used to remind me that I sat the bench, then it would have been useless.  But if you use it to remind and motivate, then it becomes fruitful. 

The sacrifices that we choose in Lent or in our lives must also be used to motivate and not just remind us of the sacrifice of Christ.  As I said before “any sacrifice is a good sacrifice”, but make sure it leads you to an imitation of Christ.  Giving up candy and movies are fine, but what is the objective?  Is it to become healthier or to be more grateful for the gifts that God has given you?   Either way, indulging afterwards doesn’t show a healthy lifestyle or gratitude.  It just shows relief that he does not have to do that anymore, which makes me question whether he did this just as a Lent thing or as motivation to imitate Christ in his life.

In regards to Catholics not eating meat on Friday, this does not make any sense, if one does know the objective of the practice.  Before the practice was not to eat meat on Fridays all year long, but the Church later changed this discipline and made this only obligatory on Fridays in Lent.  The Church offers this discipline to all to remind them that Christ died on this day.  Just as we go to Church on Sundays to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays to keep in mind the sacrifice that Christ has made. 

How does this differ from the candy and movies?  Good question.  There is good in both, because it reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ.  But again, what is the point if it stops at the end of Lent.  The Church encourages the practice all year long, but many people are minimalist and only do what they have to do.  Personally, for the purpose of being mindful of the sacrifice of Christ, I abstain from meat on all Fridays.  I think it would have been great if my friend took his sacrifice of candy in Lent and carried it to every Friday of the year to continue to remind him of the sacrifice of Christ.  That is the challenge I hope for everyone that people start making a small sacrifice every Friday of the year.  Every Friday, are you aware that Christ died for you or even are you aware that you have hope for eternal life due to the resurrection of Christ on Sunday?  Th