November 25, 2011
Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
By Melanie Rigney
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)
Give glory and eternal praise to him! (Daniel 3:75)
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)Piety
Lord, change is difficult, whether I’m trying to effect it or embrace it or challenge it. I pray for Your guidance so that I might be mindful of Your will at all times.
Study
These are times that try Catholics’ souls.
This weekend, we begin using a new missal, which will be disruptive whether or not you like the changes.
Last Sunday, a walk and prayer vigil was held near the Diocese of Arlington offices in support of girl altar servers. By one estimate, 53 percent of the diocese’s parishes have opted to limit this service to boys. People on both sides of this issue get pretty passionate on the topic.
Sister Elizabeth Johnson, a professor at Fordham University, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continue to trade volleys over the theology in her 2007 book titled, of all things, Quest for the Living God.
But then, there have always been times that try Catholics’ souls—the sex abuse scandals. Vatican II, or what some see as a rollback from Vatican II. The Society of Pope Pius X. The Inquisition. The Reformation. Joan of Arc.
We can be a rowdy, disagreeable bunch, we Catholics, whether we’re “conservative” or “liberal.” We lose track of the big-picture things on which we agree, and agree passionately: the resurrection. The Holy Trinity. The awesome power of sacraments. The even more awesome power of God’s love and that nothing we can do can destroy Him or His dominion.
Some of our internal battles will be resolved and pass away during our lifetimes. Others will not. One thing is for certain—His Word will not.
Action
Spend some time with an acquaintance with whom you disagree about the Church’s stand on immigration, female ordination, or another hot-button issue. But spend the time talking about Sacred Tradition and Scripture you both love. Find your common ground.
