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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 04:40 pm |
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One big change in my personal religious practice is that I often keep my eyes open and my head unbowed during public prayer now. Still, there are times, especially after receiving the Lord, when my head is bowed and my eyes are closed.
Last week I heard a priest complain that the Protestant custom of bowing the head during prayer has increasingly been adopted by Catholics. Another lady present asked him why, then, the priest says, "Bow your heads and ask for God's . . .?" He replied that he wished that statement had not been placed in the liturgy and that it was the only time when one should be bowing the head.
The cradle Catholics seemed as surprised as I was.
What are the guidelines for bowing or not bowing the head during prayer?
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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kimdyuma
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:04 pm |
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That brings up another question on body language/church- as an Anglican we were taught to bow our heads as the Crucifix was processed down the aisle, also were were taught that you don't cross the Altar with out stopping and bowing ( obviously not the priests( altar servers etc except for the first time they crossed). We were also taught to bow our heads when saying Jesus' name in the creeds and actually bow deeply or bend the knee to the kneelers while the phrase " by the power of the Holy Spirit.....until became man" Also we were taught to be on our knees after the peace during the breaking of the bread until you actually stood up to get into line and after until the host was off the altar and back in the Monstrance or i forget what is called but a locked safe for consecrated hosts that were to be used later for the sick etc. I see people plop back into their seats as soon as the first rows stand up for communion and people plopping back after they have received and return to their pews- is that just an example of poor catechesis or is an Anglican thing not a Catholic thing? ( Even if we weren't going to be partaking of communion we were to be on our knees) unless of course one is physically unable.
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:22 pm |
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| I have noticed that a lot of catholics at our mass don't bow their heads, but many do, so I have assumed it's optional. I always bow my head during prayer, and until all of communion is finished. To me it wouldn't be reverent not to. Why on earth would a priest object to someone bowing their head during prayer?
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CajunRick
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:44 pm |
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I think bowing during a prayer is quite appropriate. I also make a slight bow (per St. Paul) at the mention of Jesus' name.
It's different if I am part of a group praying aloud, or if I am leading prayer. I will not bow during the Our Father or the recitation of the rosary.
I'm not aware of any particular restrictions or recommendations as to when to bow your head and when not to bow, except during the prayer over the people before the final blessing (Bow your head and pray for God's blessing...) and the profound bow during the Creed (as Kim mentioned).
If I am in the congregation, I remain on my knees whenever the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, which means from the time the Eucharist is consecrated until the Tabernacle door is closed after communion, except during those times we're supposed to stand., or if I'm having a bad knee day and I can't kneel that long. When I'm on the altar I will generally sit because we don't have room for kneelers, and kneeling on the floor (except for the consecration) is a little more than my knees can handle.
As for bowing when the crucifix passes, many people do that, and some genuflect. It's generally the older people, or the children of those who still do it. Immigrants, especially from Hispanic countries or Filipinos tend to focus more on personal pious practices. From my experience, most Americans barely genuflect, make some kind of unrecognizable motion when they should be making the Sign of the Cross, and seldom kneel without resting their rear ends on the seat. I fuss when kids do it, but they're only emulating their parents.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
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JasPax
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 06:15 pm |
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This brings up that stand/kneel controversy. I know of priests who insist that everyone should stand for the rest of the Mass after the Great Amen, The end result is that some (very few) return to kneeling after the Agnus Dei and (a few more) upon returning to their seats after receiving.
It seems to be done in different ways at different parishes in the same diocese.
I looked at the GIRM but could find nothing that seemed to cover this. Did I miss something?
I only wish the U.S. Bishops would make up their minds and make this uniform.
As a former Episcopalin, I bow as the crucifix passes during the procession. I notice that I'm the only one.
Rick or others; anything definitive on this? Like everyone else, I have my own opinion, but I'd rather everyone be in sync.
God's Blessings,
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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japhy
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 07:27 pm |
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The GIRM prescribes bows and genuflections (nn. 274-275).
One bows the head -- a simple bow -- at the name of Jesus, the name of Mary, the name of the saint of the day, and at the names of the Holy Trinity mentioned together. If one is paying attention to the prayers and readings at Mass, one ends up bowing the head rather frequently: at the sign of the cross, once in the Confiteor, twice in the Gloria, probably during the Collect, a couple times during the readings (most likely), once during the Credo, and a fair amount during the Liturgy of the Eucharist! Of course, you also bow the head when the priest tells you to during the solemn blessing!
One bows the body (not necessarily a 90-degree bow from the waist, but at least a good 45-degrees!) -- a profound bow -- to the altar when passing before it (unless holding something or in procession -- not including the entrance and exit processions), and during the Credo at the mention of the incarnation of the Lord. We kneel during that time, by the way, on Christmas and the Annunciation.
One genuflects to the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle or exposed (as well as the cross during its veneration on Good Friday) unless in procession. If you're holding something, a bow of the head is appropriate.
Bowing the head, bowing the body, and genuflecting are genuinely Catholic -- and are derived at least in part from our Jewish heritage.
____________________
[Mary said,] "Do whatever he tells you." - John 2:5
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japhy
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 07:29 pm |
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JasPax wrote: As a former Episcopalin, I bow as the crucifix passes during the procession. I notice that I'm the only one.
It was customary in the TLM (the Extraordinary Form) to bow the head (or even the body) as the crucifix and priest passed by during the entrance and exit processions. It is not required by the Ordinary Form, but I would not discourage anyone from doing so... there's a Baptist who is considering entering RCIA this Fall who comes to Mass practically every week, and I see him bowing to the processional crucifix!
____________________
[Mary said,] "Do whatever he tells you." - John 2:5
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:15 pm |
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Credo Catholic wrote:
I have noticed that a lot of catholics at our mass don't bow their heads, but many do, so I have assumed it's optional. I always bow my head during prayer, and until all of communion is finished. To me it wouldn't be reverent not to. Why on earth would a priest object to someone bowing their head during prayer?
His concern was that folks are failing to realize that, for Catholics, much of the public prayer is a prayer offered in community as members of one body, not personal, private prayer. He mentioned that when he looks out and sees individuals with bowed heads and closed eyes he fears they see the prayers as something only between themselves and God.
Becky
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:27 pm |
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CajunRick wrote:
From my experience, most Americans barely genuflect, make some kind of unrecognizable motion when they should be making the Sign of the Cross, and seldom kneel without resting their rear ends on the seat. I fuss when kids do it, but they're only emulating their parents.
I am fortunate enough to attend Mass with people who are very reverent.
Right now we are in a room with a concrete floor, covered with a thin indoor/outdoor type carpet, no kneelers, no pads. Yet the daily communicants, most of whom are fifty-five to sixty-two (bad knees aplenty) kneel appropriately, except, sometimes, when we near the end of the Mass. Some days one just can't do it all the way to the very end of the Mass, but they certainly try. My heart is always touched because I know what concrete floors do to bad knees.
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:30 pm |
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kimdyuma wrote:
That brings up another question on body language/church- as an Anglican we were taught to bow our heads as the Crucifix was processed down the aisle, also were were taught that you don't cross the Altar with out stopping and bowing ( obviously not the priests( altar servers etc except for the first time they crossed). We were also taught to bow our heads when saying Jesus' name in the creeds and actually bow deeply or bend the knee to the kneelers while the phrase " by the power of the Holy Spirit.....until became man" Also we were taught to be on our knees after the peace during the breaking of the bread until you actually stood up to get into line and after until the host was off the altar and back in the Monstrance or i forget what is called but a locked safe for consecrated hosts that were to be used later for the sick etc. I see people plop back into their seats as soon as the first rows stand up for communion and people plopping back after they have received and return to their pews- is that just an example of poor catechesis or is an Anglican thing not a Catholic thing? ( Even if we weren't going to be partaking of communion we were to be on our knees) unless of course one is physically unable.
Kim, it would be nice to have a little booklet offering guidance, wouldn't it? Maybe Jeff will produce and publish one for us! 
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:37 pm |
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japhy wrote:
The GIRM prescribes bows and genuflections (nn. 274-275).
One bows the head -- a simple bow -- at the name of Jesus, the name of Mary, the name of the saint of the day, and at the names of the Holy Trinity mentioned together. If one is paying attention to the prayers and readings at Mass, one ends up bowing the head rather frequently: at the sign of the cross, once in the Confiteor, twice in the Gloria, probably during the Collect, a couple times during the readings (most likely), once during the Credo, and a fair amount during the Liturgy of the Eucharist! Of course, you also bow the head when the priest tells you to during the solemn blessing!
One bows the body (not necessarily a 90-degree bow from the waist, but at least a good 45-degrees!) -- a profound bow -- to the altar when passing before it (unless holding something or in procession -- not including the entrance and exit processions), and during the Credo at the mention of the incarnation of the Lord. We kneel during that time, by the way, on Christmas and the Annunciation.
One genuflects to the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle or exposed (as well as the cross during its veneration on Good Friday) unless in procession. If you're holding something, a bow of the head is appropriate.
Bowing the head, bowing the body, and genuflecting are genuinely Catholic -- and are derived at least in part from our Jewish heritage.
Jeff, I wish I could have sat next to you during the Mass for about the first fifty Masses I attended! 
Sometimes I am amazed by what I have "missed." Only about a month ago, after hundreds of Masses, did I realize the priests were bowing to the names of Jesus, Mary, the Holy Trinity, and the saint of the day. Something like that makes me uneasy. I begin wondering what else I still have failed to notice! 
I'm not sure whether others present haven't noticed it either or whether they believe only the priests are to make those bows.
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:44 pm |
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JasPax wrote:
This brings up that stand/kneel controversy. I know of priests who insist that everyone should stand for the rest of the Mass after the Great Amen, The end result is that some (very few) return to kneeling after the Agnus Dei and (a few more) upon returning to their seats after receiving.
It seems to be done in different ways at different parishes in the same diocese.
I looked at the GIRM but could find nothing that seemed to cover this. Did I miss something?
I only wish the U.S. Bishops would make up their minds and make this uniform.
As a former Episcopalin, I bow as the crucifix passes during the procession. I notice that I'm the only one.
Rick or others; anything definitive on this? Like everyone else, I have my own opinion, but I'd rather everyone be in sync.
God's Blessings,
James, looks more and more as if Jeff needs to publish a booklet for us.
about the bowing as the crucifix passes-- I see some people doing that here who are cradle Catholics.
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:48 pm |
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Intercessor wrote: Credo Catholic wrote:
Why on earth would a priest object to someone bowing their head during prayer?
[size=His concern was that folks are failing to realize that, for Catholics, much of the public prayer is a prayer offered in community as members of one body, not personal, private prayer. He mentioned that when he looks out and sees individuals with bowed heads and closed eyes he fears they see the prayers as something only between themselves and God.
Becky]
That's another good reason for him to be facing the altar and not me. He needs to focus on the prayer and not whether my eyes are open or not! I bow my head and close my eyes but I am praying the prayer along with everyone else, as one of the faithful. That should be alright don't you think?
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 09:21 pm |
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Credo Catholic wrote:
Intercessor wrote: Credo Catholic wrote:
Why on earth would a priest object to someone bowing their head during prayer?
[His concern was that folks are failing to realize that, for Catholics, much of the public prayer is a prayer offered in community as members of one body, not personal, private prayer. He mentioned that when he looks out and sees individuals with bowed heads and closed eyes he fears they see the prayers as something only between themselves and God.
Becky]
That's another good reason for him to be facing the altar and not me. He needs to focus on the prayer and not whether my eyes are open or not! I bow my head and close my eyes but I am praying the prayer along with everyone else, as one of the faithful. That should be alright don't you think?
Oh, Marsha, how I love you! 
You are so funny, but I "hear" the firmness in your "voice."
Well, Miss Marsha, all I can say is I won't be peeking at you anytime soon to see whether your liddle eyes is shut. 
Hugs,
BeckyLast edited on Mon Apr 14th, 2008 09:30 pm by Intercessor
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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kimdyuma
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 09:26 pm |
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Oh my I do like you and your posts Ms. Marsha
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JasPax
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 10:52 pm |
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JasPax wrote: This brings up that stand/kneel controversy. I know of priests who insist that everyone should stand for the rest of the Mass after the Great Amen, The end result is that some (very few) return to kneeling after the Agnus Dei and (a few more) upon returning to their seats after receiving.
It seems to be done in different ways at different parishes in the same diocese.
I looked at the GIRM but could find nothing that seemed to cover this. Did I miss something?
Rick or others; anything definitive on this? Like everyone else, I have my own opinion, but I'd rather everyone be in sync.
Jeff: My question was about the kneeling/standing issue. GIRM 274/275 doesn't address this. The confusion must stem from the fact that it is not addressed at all. Why not?
When one kneels after receiving the Eucharist, as I do, it is a bit disconcerting when there's a standing person in front of you. I try to keep my eyes closed in prayer (as I should), 'cause some of those rear ends ain't pretty !
What to do? What to do?
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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kimdyuma
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 11:38 pm |
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When one kneels after receiving the Eucharist, as I do, it is a bit disconcerting when there's a standing person in front of you. I try to keep my eyes closed in prayer (as I should), 'cause some of those rear ends ain't pretty
Ha ha
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Intercessor
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 11:41 pm |
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JasPax wrote:
JasPax wrote: This brings up that stand/kneel controversy. I know of priests who insist that everyone should stand for the rest of the Mass after the Great Amen, The end result is that some (very few) return to kneeling after the Agnus Dei and (a few more) upon returning to their seats after receiving.
It seems to be done in different ways at different parishes in the same diocese.
I looked at the GIRM but could find nothing that seemed to cover this. Did I miss something?
Rick or others; anything definitive on this? Like everyone else, I have my own opinion, but I'd rather everyone be in sync.
Jeff: My question was about the kneeling/standing issue. GIRM 274/275 doesn't address this. The confusion must stem from the fact that it is not addressed at all. Why not?
When one kneels after receiving the Eucharist, as I do, it is a bit disconcerting when there's a standing person in front of you. I try to keep my eyes closed in prayer (as I should), 'cause some of those rear ends ain't pretty!
What to do? What to do?
Is this one of those decisions bishops and priests are allowed to make for themselves? James, I have never been present at a Mass in which persons failed to kneel after receiving the Lord. What has troubled me at some places is the custom of immediately beginning a hymn upon returning to the seat. The silence and reverence were important factors in my being drawn into the Catholic Church. If there is ever a time for silence and reverence, it is just after receiving the Lord.
I have pondered what to do in these situations. Sometimes I try to ignore the singing done by others and try to focus on prayer and intimacy with the Lord (as best I can with the distraction of singing), and sometimes I feel guilty about being out of step with the rest of the community and sing with them. (But I don't like it.) Why in the world would a priest fail to provide silence for persons just having received the Lord? I don't get it.
Maybe he's going by Scripture alone-- something about "and when they had sung a hymn, they departed." I'm fine with singing; just please give me my five minutes of silence, bowing, closed eyes, private prayer immediately after receiving the Lord.
Becky
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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japhy
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Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 01:50 am |
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JasPax wrote: Jeff: My question was about the kneeling/standing issue. GIRM 274/275 doesn't address this. The confusion must stem from the fact that it is not addressed at all. Why not? When one kneels after receiving the Eucharist, as I do, it is a bit disconcerting when there's a standing person in front of you. I try to keep my eyes closed in prayer (as I should), 'cause some of those rear ends ain't pretty ! The question of posture after receiving Communion is tough one. For example, GIRM 42 says "A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the Sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude of the participants."
So some might say "well then, if I'm standing after Communion, everyone should stand after Communion." The pro-standing argument is also based on the idea that, since the people in procession are standing, the people not in procession should also be standing. I think that's a bit tenuous, really.
GIRM 43 says when we stand, when we sit, and when we kneel; it mentions that "as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed". Now, if there is a Communion song, that's not the "period of sacred silence". So what does the GIRM says about the posture during the Communion song? In the US, unless the diocesan bishop says otherwise, we kneel after the Lamb of God (as per GIRM 43). So it seems that kneeling is the appropriate posture to assume (or rather, resume) after receiving Communion. But what if your bishop says you remain standing after the Lamb of God... should you remain standing after receiving Communion? Here it is ambiguous.
GIRM 43 also says "With a view to a uniformity in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to whatever is indicated in the Missal." In other words, the faithful should follow the directions given to them, insofar as they are what is found in the Roman Missal itself. For example, the Missal and the GIRM say nothing about the position of the hands of the laity during the Our Father. Some people prefer to hold hands, or to raise their hands... me, I prefer to keep them folded in front of me (which is the normal position for my hands during Mass). The priest, however, cannot tell the faithful to hold hands or raise their hands here, and he certainly can't force you to, because that is not "according to whatever is indicated in the Missal".
So we turn to a higher authority than the diocesan bishop. First, see a report about the discussion the US Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy had about this very issue of regulating the posture of the faithful during Communion. The result of their discussion was a dubium (a question asking for clarification about a "doubt") sent to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; the prefect of the CCDDS is Francis Cardinal Arinze. Here was the question:Dubium: In many places, the faithful are accustomed to kneeling or sitting in personal prayer upon returning to their places after having individually received Holy Communion during Mass. Is it the intention of the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia, to forbid this practice?
His response was:Responsum: Negative, et ad mensum [No, for this reason]. The mens [reasoning] is that the prescription of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, no. 43, is intended, on the one hand, to ensure within broad limits a certain uniformity of posture within the congregation for the various parts of the celebration of Holy Mass, and on the other, to not regulate posture rigidly in such a way that those who wish to kneel or sit would no longer be free.
So you can kneel or sit after receiving Communion. You can also, as far as I can tell, remain standing. But this posture cannot be rigidly regulated (although the traditional posture is to kneel or sit).
Finally, GIRM 390 says that it "is up to the Conferences of Bishops to decide on the adaptations indicated in this General Instruction and in the Order of Mass and, once their decisions have been accorded the recognitio of the Apostolic See, to introduce them into the Missal itself." One of these adaptions is the "gestures and posture of the faithful (cf. no. 43 above)". But it's important to realize that a) this is speaking of the Conference of Bishops and not an individual diocesan bishop, and b) it states that the adaptions they come up with appear in the GIRM and Missal itself. In other words, the diocesan bishop doesn't have complete power to adapt the liturgy as he sees fit; there are some decisions he can make (such as whether to kneel after the Lamb of God as in GIRM 43 -- other instances are GIRM 48, 61, 87, 107, 202-203, 283, 373-374, 387, 394), but there are others that are not his to make.
I hope that answers your question. The CCDDS has said that posture after Communion is not to be rigidly regulated, and the GIRM itself does not give the diocesan bishop privilege to regulate the posture of the faithful at that time either.
May the Lord Jesus Christ reinstill and strengthen the sense of the sacred in every bishop, priest, deacon, and lay faithful. May the Holy Spirit grant us the humility to obey the liturgical law of the Church and the courage to do so in the face of opposition. May all be done to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Last edited on Tue Apr 15th, 2008 01:52 am by japhy
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[Mary said,] "Do whatever he tells you." - John 2:5
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beachmoss
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Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 02:18 am |
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Intercessor wrote:
[size=Is this one of those decisions bishops and priests are allowed to make for themselves? James, I have never been present at a Mass in which persons failed to kneel after receiving the Lord. What has troubled me at some places is the custom of immediately beginning a hymn upon returning to the seat. The silence and reverence were important factors in my being drawn into the Catholic Church. If there is ever a time for silence and reverence, it is just after receiving the Lord.
I have pondered what to do in these situations. Sometimes I try to ignore the singing done by others and try to focus on prayer and intimacy with the Lord (as best I can with the distraction of singing), and sometimes I feel guilty about being out of step with the rest of the community and sing with them. (But I don't like it.) Why in the world would a priest fail to provide silence for persons just having received the Lord? I don't get it.
Maybe he's going by Scripture alone-- something about "and when they had sung a hymn, they departed." I'm fine with singing; just please give me my five minutes of silence, bowing, closed eyes, private prayer immediately after receiving the Lord.
Becky]
Becky,
I agree. After being in a parish that had absolute silence during communion, it was quite jarring to come to a parish that the choir receives first then hurries back to begin singing.
I have overcome this by sitting near the front so I can have a moment of silence after receiving before I begin singing. It also gives time for the Precious Body to disolve on my tongue, rather than having to chomp down in order to sing.
It just irritates me when the person in front of me sits back and crashes into my hymnal. And when the second collection is taken up while we are still supposed to be kneeling, and everyone, me included, is scrabbling for their envelopes.
Beth
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Intercessor
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Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 02:55 am |
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japhy wrote:
GIRM 43 . . . it mentions that "as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed". Now, if there is a Communion song, that's not the "period of sacred silence". . . .
Normally I am able to attend Sunday Mass with a religious community. I'm spoiled. We are given the gift of silence (while everyone kneels) immediately after receiving the Lord. The Mass is concluded. We then sit or kneel in silence for an additional five minutes or so until one of the priests dismisses us with a prayer and a blessing. It is sad to learn that in area parishes, there is no "sacred silence after Communion."
May the Lord Jesus Christ reinstill and strengthen the sense of the sacred in every bishop, priest, deacon, and lay faithful. May the Holy Spirit grant us the humility to obey the liturgical law of the Church and the courage to do so in the face of opposition. May all be done to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Amen, Jeff.
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"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 03:09 am | | |
