I just finished the Exhortation and while it is long at 208 pages, it is well worth the effort. We are incredibly blessed to have a Holy Father who has so obviously been profoundly touched and transformed by Jesus Christ. The Holy Father - as one Cardinal recently explained why he voted for him in the conclave of 2005 - has the mind of twelve professors to be sure, but more importantly, he has the heart of a first communicant.
I was fortunate to be at the Vatican Press Conference which announced the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation this Thursday at noon in Rome. Cardinal Quellet gave a beautiful summary of the Holy Father’s writing and made clear that the Holy Father is allowing the controversy surrounding Dei Verbum, 11 time to mature as the Pontifical Biblical Commission is presently studying the question. Second, he reported that the Holy Father “has taken into consideration the question of admitting women to the ministry of lector and is attentively studying the question.”
Below are what I found to be the five most interesting points of the Post-Synodal Apostoloic Exhortation; certainly others could add to this list or come up with different ones.
1. The Ecclesial Hermeneutic of Sacred Scripture
Cardinal Ratzinger was always deeply formed by and concerned with the reality of biblical exegesis and has always supported the place of Historical Critical Exegesis in the interpretation of Scripture. At the same time, he never failed to reveal its weaknesses and to point out a way towards purifying the method.
In this way the Church will always be protected against the twin shipwreck of fundamentalistic biblical reading and rationalism applied to exegesis. The former literalistically interprets passages without regard to the time, place, language and culture of the passage and the latter assumes a priori the impossibility of God’s real engagement with history; this is typified by denial of miracles such as the virginal birth, the Eucharistic institution and the reality of Christ’s bodily resurrection.
In light of this, numbers 29-49 of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation are devoted to the correct integration of Ecclesial, historical critical, theological, pastoral and spiritual aspects of biblical interpretation and thereby creating an impressive mosaic which shows the integrity and essential compatibility of history and faith. His recommendation to apply the notion of the purification of reason to the contemporary world of historical biblical exegesis is enlightening and in a typically Benedictine style, synthetic.
2. The Bible and the Liturgy
The Holy Father shows how the Bible is the Church’s book and that it must be experienced within the community of the Church if it is ever to be understood correctly; especially in the Holy Eucharist, the Sacraments and the Liturgy of the Hours.
3. Lectio Divina in the Life of the Church
The Holy Father explains, step by step, what Lectio Divina is and how one can do it. This is essential in the Holy Father’s vision of the Church’s renewal.
4. The Bible, Mary and Devotion
The Virgin of Nazareth, Mary, is the key to reading Sacred Scripture. By the silence and recollection of her heart she is the hearer of God’s word par excellence and after she has heard, she keeps all in her heart. The word of God is not a dead word to Mary, for she is the Queen of Charity in her constant movement from herself toward her neighbor in charity.
The Holy Father also invites Catholics to pray the Angelus at sunrise, mid-day and sunset. He further encourages praying the Rosary as a powerful means of meditating on Scripture and placing the book of the Bible in a place of honor within the family home.
The Holy Father also invites Catholics to pray the Angelus at sunrise, mid-day and sunset. He further encourages praying the Rosary as a powerful means of meditating on Scripture and placing the book of the Bible in a place of honor within the family home.
5. Homilies
It is no secret that the Holy Father wants the quality of homilies to improve. Homilies are, in-fact, a trademark of his own pontificate. When he was a Cardinal he said it was miracle people still go to Church on Sunday with the millions of bad homilies they endure week after week.
The Holy Father tells priests that they must make preaching a priority and prepare for their Sunday homilies by prayer and meditation. They are to avoid all useless digressions and be centered on Jesus Christ. The life and holiness of the priest is essential to the homily if it is going to bring the hearers into contact with God. Finally, the Holy Father says that all overly general and abstract homilies should be avoided as they detract from the directness of God’s word. In this way the word of God will be relevant for people in their daily lives and not a dead letter condemned to the chains of the past.
Read the Holy Father’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini; he is a master teacher and a holy disciple of Jesus Christ.
29 comments:
Yea! Campion is back!!!
Peace to you, holy deacon of God!
The "surprising hush" about this recent document could be because of its length...I know I haven't even found the time to print it out yet, let alone dig into it.
I really don't think there's a "surprising hush". In fact, it's being tweeted, Facebooked, etc, all over the place.
I recently completed a Masters in Theological Studies and in our classes we spoke of the Synod, greatly looking forward to this very document. Although I'm only partially through the second part, I have not been disappointed!
Perhaps that "hush" you are noting is actually that hush one hears in the library when people take time to truly study a great work! I know that between work and life, I have little time to really focus on it, so it's going ot take me a bit to really say anything on my own blog. That's probably the case for other bloggers as well.
I have to say though, several passages have stood out and I may post them little by little - profound insights, quotes from St. Jerome, etc.
@Denys,
While I definitely agree with you that there hasn't been much time for bloggers to write articles on the Exhortation (and thus, I myself don't have much criticism for this "surprising hush"), I do think that Campion (and others) have made a good point regarding the misplaced focus of so many conservative Catholic blogs.
So many of these blogs have almost no real theological interest...they are either gossip circles (e.g. Lispers in the Woggia) or liturgical fashion shows (e.g. WDTPRS or NLM), but very very few indeed have a spiritual/theological/scriptural focus.
By the way, I think Catholic Phoenix (of which you are a contributor) is a great example of what a Catholic blog should look like.
I hope that New Theological Movement is also bringing the Gospel to the world through the new media.
Peace to you!
Thanks for the comments. I mention the "surprising hush" admittedly with a satirical intent.
I must agree with Reginaldus that there seems to be a fixation with the fringe elements of liturgical aesthetics while theological discussion on a more substantial level often seems lacking. My point is, had the Holy Father written a 200 page letter on the Sacred Liturgy, it would be everywhere. I grant that some may be taking time to make there way through the Apostolic Exhortation, but there is a rather conspicuous lull.
Anyway, that is just my two cents.
Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a look at a great article on the same topic: http://www.thesacredpage.com/2010/11/catholic-bloggers-ignoring-popes.html
I dont think there has been a big hush, I recently wrote about it on my blog too.
www.loyaltothemagisterium.wordpress.com
Pax
Stephen
@Reginaldus ~ I have to say, I am gratified to see someone else voicing my very sentiments on the overt focus on the "liturgical fashion show" we see via Catholic blogs.
Although I am, too, highly sensitive to liturgy, I get a bit irritated by the over-emphasis on this aspect to the detriment of the actual formation of the soul. Certainly good liturgy is necessary in that formation, but it is a PART, not the be-all-and-end-all! (There are those who would disagree with me and call me a heretic for saying this).
Yes, we do need to focus more on scripture, on contemplation of scripture, etc.
I know I read a comment of yours earlier that stated more and I apologize I'm responding to a little of that here, but I can't remember where I was when I read your previous observation.
I also agree with you with regard to the "gossip circles". Locally, a few of we local Catholic bloggers met a few years ago and one used the term "Echo Chamber". Honestly, if I wanted to be a Catholic-newsie-gossip blog, I'd call myself "Echo Chamber". Most of what I see in the cyber-Catholic world is, unfortunately, everyone posting the same headlines and commenting about them, and most of them without any real theology to support their opinions. It seems to be fun knowledge for the sake of knowledge itself.
After that blogger used the term, I resolved never to be lost within that echo chamber, but rather, to just be who I am, whether I have an audience of 0 or thousands.
Sorry to go on, just really wanted to express you are aren't alone in your sentiments, Father, and I'm grateful not to be alone in mine. Thank you.
I'll shut up now.
I wish to offer a suggestion, for your consideration.
Father Z, Rocco et all each has his own charism. Not all are called to quote the Summa, and similarly, not all are called to discourse on orthopraxis and litorugia.
It seems to me rather than sniping at one another about one's failing to be more like X charism and less like Y charism we have a collective Catholic responsibility to cultivate our charisms together in love.
Another way to put it is ... "I'm astonished all those carpenters are not blogging more about electricity. We're all supposed to be contractors here!"
Let us celebrate and cultivate our charisms and spend less time sniping at each other. And when I am done with my reading, I shall blog about it too (it touches on the main theme I explore on my little blog).
If you pay me no heed because of my spelling deficiencies, I won't take it personally. ;)
@Adoro, Thank you for sharing, it is comforting to know that we are not alone... I agree with your sentiment: we simply need to do the best we can, whether our blog is popular or not.
@Ogden Chichester,
Please understand that I am not trying to limit the very necessary and legitimate diversity among Catholic blogs...I am, however, attempting to consider what are the parameters and what is inappropriate.
What seems to me to be completely inappropriate is a gossip circle where the president elect of the USCCB is addressed not even by his first name, but by a shortened form of his first name ("Tim"). Trash like that belongs on the walls of a public bathroom, not a Catholic blog.
What seems to be to be borderline inappropriate is a liturgical fashion show where the liturgy is spoken of -- but the concern is more on the difference between a Philip Neri chasuble and a Spanish fiddle back, than on the theology or spirituality of the Liturgy.
Mind you, I AM NOT saying that every blog needs to be academic or scholastic, I do not expect all bloggers (nor even all priest bloggers) to write regularly about the Summa or medieval biblical commentary.
I AM SAYING, however, that Catholic blogs should constantly deal with matters of doctrine, spirituality, and/or morals. Each and every post on a Catholic blog should be evangelical.
Though Christ did talk about the relative value of sparrows, I don't see how birdwatching in itself qualifies as a regular theme of a Catholic blog...
I am not trying to limit Catholic diversity or stifle the Spirit, I wish there were more blogs devoted to the various charisms present in the Church.
Nevertheless, I am saying that certain "Catholic" blogs are not of the Spirit but are filled with the spirit of the world.
Second, he reported that the Holy Father “has taken into consideration the question of admitting women to the ministry of lector and is attentively studying the question.”
I've been trying to track this quote down - perhaps it simply hasn't been covered elsewhere on the blogosphere? Do any of you know of anyone else that has discussed this online? I'm also curious as to other folks' take on the meaning of the quoted phrase, as, to me at any rate, it is far from clear. Do any of you have any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any interaction on this topic...
Pax Christi,
Jeff Holston
"Inoltre la Proposizione N. 17 sul Ministero della Parola e donna viene sviluppata nei NN. 58 e 85. Al riguardo, si afferma: "Come è noto, mentre il Vangelo è proclamato dal sacerdote o dal diacono, la prima e la seconda lettura nella tradizione latina vengono proclamate dal lettore incaricato, uomo e donna. Vorrei qui farmi voce dei Padri sinodali che anche in questa circostanza hanno sottolineato la necessità di curare con una formazione adeguata l’esercizio del munus di lettore nella celebrazione liturgica ed in modo particolare il ministero del lettorato, che, come tale, nel rito latino, è ministero laicale"23. L’auspicio dei Padri sinodali che "il ministero del lettorato sia aperto anche alle donne" è stato quindi preso in considerazione e il Santo Padre sta studiando attentamente la questione."
http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/26387.php?index=26387&po_date=11.11.2010&lang=en
My quote about the question of "female lectors" is taken from the Vatican Bulletin which has the intervention of Cardinal Quellet.
I hope that helps.
God bless,
Campion
@Reginaldus,
I understand your point, and broadly agree that everything we all do should be, as it were, of the Spirit. And I don't post as a means of slighting you or trying to engage in any sort of fight. I respect your view.
I will say that certain of the sites you identify are not as reprehensible as all that. I find NLM quite educational. In fact, in my dialogues with my former co-religionists (Confessional Lutherans) much of the historical (e.g. development of the Psalters) and liturgical development information has been tremendous in those dialogue encounters. The encounters were of the Spirit, and I feel strongly the Spirit "gave me the words to say" by way of that information. The value it has in the Work being done may not be readily obvious or even directly so, but fruit is being born.
Now, I do take a certain point that certain blogs, like Diogenes' offering can sometimes stray right off the path and well beyond the pale. And that it is perfectly legitimate to call people back from that and towards agape. Arguments are better won by reason and love anyway, as I am sure you agree.
I just worry that calling certain things "liturgical fashion shows" and "bird-watching" may be going in the direction of being as guilty of the sin we seek to abhor ... Just something to keep in mind, and who am I that you should even listen to me at all? If you do not, no hard feelings. I shall still link the blog from mine, for example. (Not that my readership is very great.)
Ogden,
Thanks for your comment. I do agree that the New Liturgical Movement often has some very informative posts on the Sacred Liturgy, especially from a historical perspective.
My encouragement to them would be to engage many of the important developments in liturgical theology as witnessed to in the Catechism of the Catholic Church's trinitarian approach to Liturgy which seems to be taken from Corbon's "The Wellspring of Worship." The other great fonts of the Liturgy are - according to Cardinal Ratzinger in his conference at Fontgambault - St. Thomas and the Council of Trent.
All that said, I think it would be helpful to see "The New Liturgical Movement" retrieve the deeply theological and spiritual work of the Tradition and the first liturgical movement.
As to the "bird-watching" comment, I think Reginaldus is attacking a certain frivolity in blogs that frequently have pictures of birds, trips, sumptuous meals, etc... to draw out their misplaced frequency. It would be one thing for a priest to post a picture of him with some friends at a restaurant, but to regularly put up birds with text bubbles and expensive meals with individual pictures of each plate is a bit odd.
Campion,
I understand that. Although, bird watching is one of Father Z's hobbies. I know the sacramental character involves an ontological change; one hopes that doesn't preclude outside interests. I take your point: less frivolity, more theology.
Still, if some of these blogs are able to weave the theology into it, that might be something in what you consider the right direction. "I sat down to a dinner of chicken parm with my Baptist and Lutheran friends. We discussed X, which you'll find in the following paragraphs in the CCC." More about the discussion than the food, and if the food is brought up how it played a role in furthering the discussion.
Ogden,
I agree that human hobbies and enjoyments should be a part of being holy and I don't want to say that a priest ought never to engage in a hobby or recreation.
Perhaps, more simply put, the frequency these hobbies and luxurious amusements (nice food, trips, etc...) is what concerns me. Also, it would be one thing if these blogs were personal with regard to somebody's life but when they - by their title - are specifically focused on a Catholic topic, then I wonder.
Your point is well taken though, thanks for your input.
Ogden,
I agree that human hobbies and enjoyments should be a part of being holy and I don't want to say that a priest ought never to engage in a hobby or recreation.
Perhaps, more simply put, the frequency these hobbies and luxurious amusements (nice food, trips, etc...) is what concerns me. Also, it would be one thing if these blogs were personal with regard to somebody's life but when they - by their title - are specifically focused on a Catholic topic, then I wonder.
Your point is well taken though, thanks for your input.
And thank you for the discussion. I found it rewarding. :)
@Ogden Chichester,
Your comments here have proven the high quality of your character. I am very willing to concede that I am, perhaps, a bit harsh in my comments regarding other blogs -- know that it is out of charity and not simple meanness (St. Jerome is a close patron of mine!).
Also, thank you for addressing the concern regarding the importance of speaking the truth in love and avoiding uncharitable name-calling...I certainly do hope that nothing I have written here falls into calumny. Be sure, it is only out of a concern for the people of God (and for certain priests) that I would criticize another's blog.
btw, I took a look at your blog...impressive work.
Peace to you, my brother in Christ!
Reginaldus,
You are too kind. I find you all to be very sensible, irenic and of very high character yourselves, certainly much more so than I can ever hope to be (but do hope to be, God willing).
I think you have all been very reasonable, as again irenic, to look at what I have said and thoughtfully consider it. It is no knock against character to, after having done so, then turn around and say, "Oggz, I hear what you say, but in the final analysis I am going to stick to my position." You both have been very impressive. Again, I gained much from this discussion.
And St Jerome is not a bad patron to have. Every time I read Against Helvidius, I am glad I am not against Jerome!
As to my blog, you are far too kind, but I shall thank you for the compliment regardless. :)
Perhaps I'm behind the times, but I do not think a priest's blog should resemble a cross between Audubon, Gourmet, Brides magazine and GQ, the Onion, Conde Nast Traveler, and a retail sales catalog, all the while asking for gifts and donations. And Tweeting and Twittering, Too. Too, too, too!
May I have some Catholic theology please?
I do appreciate the scholarly and gentlemanly tone of this discussion of this blogosphere issue. Here's hoping I don't lower it!
I know that priests are always priests, even when posting on their blogs, and so have some responsibility for its content...
Still, surely a priest from, say, Minnesota, can post on his blog about his trip to London, what birds visit his garden, and what he had for dinner if he wants to? No one's obliged to read it. And it's not like that all he posts about.
@Anonymous no.2 - Sure you can have some theology. That's why you read this blog, isnt' it? Like wise, if I want an orthodox and inspiring reflection on faith and morals, I read Mgr Charles Pope's blog; no 'fashion', no birds, just straight talking from a pastor who's seen it all.
I really don't see it as more complicated than that. Happy to be proved wrong, though, so that I can be right in the future!
Campion,
Thank you for reminding me of Jean Corbon's "Wellspring of Worship". I read that book in college and absolutely loved it, however, I have been meaning to read it again because I can't remember the content anymore. I can't believe I sold my books from college! Thank goodness I married someone who owns a large library with many of those books I sold already in ti, but not all of them. If you haven't posted anything on the theme of the "Wellspring of Worship" I would encourage you to.
@ Chatto,
Certainly priests, like other bloggers, may post about their hobbies and travels on their blogs. I object, though, when a blogger suggests that the readers of the blog should give financial support to his recreational activities. When the blogger is a priest, it is particularly inappropriate for him to make such suggestions.
When Pope Benedict XVI encouraged priests to blog, I don't think he meant for them to derive income from it so perhaps he needs to let them know that, and quickly.
Whatever happened to priests raising money to help the poor?
I would agree with Anonymous up to a point.
It should be considered that many priests are financially responsible for the bandwidth and servers and such whereon their blogs reside. I think it's fair and reasonable, a la St Paul, to ask us to donate to the upkeep of that apostlate. However, they should make it clear what one is contributing to and for what purposes it will be used and such.
Now, I think it is fair to ask the question about whether, say, the bird watching undermines the apostlate such as to withhold one's donation thereto. It's fair to ask. In my case I can easily imagine a wayward, lukewarm but otherwise avid bird-watching soul happen upon a certain blog and become instilled with a renewed zeal for Christ. If that happens, praise be to the Only-Begotten, Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Perhaps it is all the more reason for priests to carefully consider too how much of the content is part of the apostlate and how much personal, and perhaps to separate them into two or more blogs? Or not. Who am I to say?
1. Re: Fr. Z, in the main he doesn't post "expensive food". The point is that fine dining can be pretty darned cheap, if you buy from bargain food like a housewife and then cook it like a chef. Since Fr. Z used to work as a restaurant cook, this isn't vanity but just plain sweat equity.
2. The man has a birdfeeder and a webcam. Do I have a birdfeeder? Do I live out in the country? Do I ever even see birds like that? No. So there's a nice picture section, just as many Catholic magazines used to run a nice art and literature section. Catholics are supposed to be cultured and interested in nature. St. Albert the Great said that to study nature was to study God, so it's not even off-topic!
3. Sheesh. Fr. Z is on a trip and was sick as a dog besides. I'm sorry that in his copious spare time, he didn't read 208 pages and then write a full report on the Latin nuances.
4. This is probably the third busiest time of the year for parishes - the run up to Advent. Advent and Christmas is the second busiest time, only behind Holy Week and Easter in the number of things to do. I'm glad if you're able to tear some time away from Confirmation candidates, RCIA, patronal feasts, midterms at schools, fall sports, long Advent choir practice, flu shots, and the thousand other things that Catholic parents and parish workers have to worry about at this time. This is also the time of the year when seasonal depression sets in, with the usual loss of energy and strength.
5. If you have come up with something to post about Verbum Domini, then post and be happy for the exposure. Don't complain because other people have other priorities or have other problems using them up; don't assume they don't care if they seem tonguetied. The most important things are the hardest to post about fittingly; therefore, they are often dealt with sparingly, with hesitation and the reticence of a bashful lover. If your gifts are different, be glad.
Suburbanbanshee,
Thank you for explaining the manner in which Fr.Z is proclaiming the Gospel and using his website as a means of spiritual and theological renewal in the life of the Church. (?)
I suppose that justifies the Amazon wish list...
I don't think that Campion and I or others here are saying that every Clerical blog needs to be the same...we are only saying that some seem to be far too filled with the spirit of the world.
Well put, Reginaldus.
I'm not sure anything justifies a priest posting the link to his Amazon wish list when said wish list has expensive electronic equipment on it, like a new video cam, as it did the one time I looked at it. (I tried to look at it tonight and it no longer exists. And suburbanbanshee was here today…Hmm…)
Ogden Chichester is right that it's reasonable for a priest to ask for financial support of a blog apostolate, assuming it really is a blog apostolate. Priests who blog, like all bloggers, should make it very clear when they ask for money what they plan to do with the money.
My understanding is that the support/income/benefice Fr. Z receives from his diocese in Italy is not enough for his American maintenance. Also, the volume of visitors to his blog is one of the factors his Ordinary judges in allowing him to live and work in a non-residential, non-pastoral apostolate (blogging in the U.S. rather than doing whatever in his own diocese.)
So, this would explain (though not necessarily justify) his appeals for money and stuff and the broad-appeal subject matter featured on his blog.
Post a Comment
If you want your comment to be published: Use a name or pseudonym, and keep it short (generally, less than 100 words), to the point, and civil.
All comments must be approved by a blog-administrator. If your comment is deleted, please don't take it personally.