Don Bosco: Prophet of the Young

Today is the feast of St. John Bosco (a Solemnity for members of the Salesian Family).  We had a parish celebration last Sunday, as is our privilege, but you know us Salesians - one party is never enough.  So tonight we will have another.

I bring up this past Sunday because I committed a bit of a liturgical no-no.  We kept the first two readings for the Sunday, but proclaimed the Gospel for the feast, from Matthew.  It was the first reading though, from Isaiah, that hit me more than the reading about Jesus proclaiming that when we welcome a child in His name we are welcoming Him.

Isaiah is proclaiming that God's promise was meant for all the nations not just for Israel.   Israel's mission was to be a light for the world, dispelling the darkness of sin and despair.  That prophesy was fulfilled in Jesus, and is continued by the Church today.

Don Bosco was called to be a light to dispel the darkness from the life of the young people of his time.  Many lived in poverty, both economic and spiritual.  With the onset of the Industrial Revolution in Italy in the 1800's young people left the farms for the cities, like Turin, that promised jobs in factories and construction.  We're not talking about eighteen or nineteen year olds; these were children of middle school or high school age working long hours in dangerous conditions for pennies a day.  Those that couldn't find work (which were many) often pursued a life of crime and vice.  The next step for too many of them was prison, and for the truly desperate, the gallows.  They saw no future in this life or the next.  Don Bosco brought them the Gospel message of love and educational opportunities that they may see that there is a future now and life eternal for those who have faith.

We often talk of Don Bosco as a prophet because he had visionary dreams and at times was given insights into future events.  But this is not what really makes him a prophet.  He was obedient to the impulses of the Spirit and proclaimed with actions, as well as words, that God is near and has a plan for each and every one of us.  He was often misunderstood; by the government, by benefactors and even by his brother priests and his bishop, even by members of his own family.  They tried to dissuade him from this mission that took a hard toll on is health.  But Don Bosco firm belief was that this was not his mission, but God's.  God speaks to us through our desires, but these are not the sole measuring stick of a vocation's validity.  So yes, Don Bosco was attracted to this ministry, but simply liking it wouldn't have sustained him through the trials and tribulations he encountered.  He once said that if he had known how difficult it would be to found the Salesian Congregation he wouldn't have begun.  It was his firm faith in Christ, that He is the light of the world, especially for the young and poor, and that he, Don Bosco, was given the mission to lead them into that light, that sustained him.  This is what made him a prophet in the tradition of Isaiah.

Don Bosco died 126 years ago today.  Yes, his spirit lives on, but not in an abstract way, sentimental way.  His prophetic message that young people are close to the heart of the Savior is lived out in every Salesian work that is faithful to the charism (gift of the Spirit) that he received.  When the various branched of the Salesian Family work together, or even separately, to bring the Good News to the young, Don Bosco the prophet lives.  When we work to educate young people, forming them to develop the Culture of Life, Don Bosco the Prophet lives.  When we open young people's eyes to the reality of an eternal destiny in Heaven, Don Bosco the Prophet lives.

Here are videos put together by the Salesian's Western U.S. Provence about the Don Bosco Relic Tour.  They gave some great insights into the Salesian Family and our mission and spirit.

Aquinas' Five Proofs from Colombia Catholic Ministry

All Is As Straw...On St. Thomas Aquinas from AOP

I know that I'm going a little St. Thomas Aquinas crazy here today, but it's not just because this Doctor of the Church and I share a first name (which is about the only thing we have in common).  He really is one of the giants, and is important today because his writings in philosophy and theology show the link between faith and reason.  There are many today who try to say that science and religion are incompatible.  While the so called "new atheists" say this in a derisive manner, claiming that the scientific method is the sole measure of reality, many believers buy into this secular dogma in a more subtle way.  We will often talk about having to make a "leap of faith" when confronted with an apparent contradiction between what Divine Revelation tells us and what scientific reason points out.  We will throw up our hands and say, "Well, I believe what the Bible tells me in spite of the evidence. That's the price of faith, I guess."

This is completely wrong.

We don't make a "leap," but do need to accept the mystery of God and reality in humility, and then continue to ponder, reflect and throw into the deep waters the nets of our honest curiosity.  As Fr. Barron points out in the video I posted previously, if there seems to be a contradiction between faith and science we are either dealing with bad science or faulty theology.  Which ever it is we are called to use our minds to unlock the mysteries of God manifested in nature and revelation.   But always in a spirit of humility, knowing that pious faith trumps great learning, and all the philosophies and sciences of the world are as straw compared to the glory that is God, and the eternal gifts he has in store for us.

DON BOSCO SONG WITH PICTURES

A Commentary on Thomas Aquinas by Fr. Robert Barron

A Brief Life of Don Bosco, with Song

Friday is the feast of St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Congregation, of which I'm a member, as well as an entire Family dedicated to the evangelization of young people.  I'll have more to say about the apostle to the young on the 31st, but during the week I'll be posting different clips from the web featuring songs and hymns.  For a now a quick biography of the Saint. 

St. Marianne Cope from the Apostleship of Prayer

This is a short piece on a remarkable Saint that I knew little about.  St. Marianne Cope cared for St. Damien of Molokai in his illness and carried on his work, caring for the victims of Hanson's Disease, more commonly known as leprosy.  She is the 11th American citizen to be canonized, and holds the distinction of being in he first set of beatifications of Pope Benedict's pontificate and also among his last group of canonizations. 

Sacred and Inviolable from AOP

Movie Reviews: "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" // "American Hustle"

The Academy Award nominations came out last week, and it reminded me that I haven't seen too many movies this "Oscar Season" when compared to years past.  But Since December I did check out a couple of the big pictures; one that picked up only a few nominations among the technical awards, and the other which is featured prominently throughout the prestige categories.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

I didn't bother to review this movie when I saw it around Christmas time because, in spite of the intellectual pedigree of its source material, it didn't seem to have much to say.  There's been much made about the stretching out of the material into three movies where one would have sufficed (maybe two) and of the whole 48 frames per second projection rate versus the standard 24 fps controversy.  The second controversy is a bit pointless I think, except for hard core movie geeks like me.  I didn't have a problem with the sharper image, though I understand the detractors' point of view.  But the first point, that a second and third installment to the Hobbit is overkill, is proven by this film's very existence.

This is where I usually give you all a spoiler free summery of the film that I'm reviewing, but truth be told, I can't.  I saw this about six weeks ago probably, nonetheless I have a good mind for remembering movies, especially when I sit down and reflect on it.  In the case of Smaug, I really can't remember much of the story itself.  We get action sequence after actions sequence, all very well done.  There is some back story filled in about the last time Smaug the dragon attacked a village near his mountain fortress, and the failed attempt to kill him that leaves one man searching for redemption, and vindication.  We get to the mountain and the dragon is fully realized as a CGI monster for the ages.

I never read the book, but am familiar with the animated version of the adventure from the '70's, which memory tells me was pretty good (at least I remember being really into it as a 10 year old).  Memory also tells me that where Smaug ends doesn't leave much of the story left for the third installment to finish off.  So, I will be going back next Holiday Season if for no other reason to see exactly how they stretch the climactic battle, which shouldn't take all that long, out into a three hour movie.

I'm not going to pretend; I did have fun, and the action sequences are great.  There are some real frightening moments; let's just say that that big spider from The Return of the King has relatives.  I wouldn't have wanted to miss The Desolation of Smaug, especially not on the big screen.  I just wish they had taken a little out of the first movie, and little out of this one allowing time to finished it here.  But as more than one critic has observed, the dragon isn't the only one hungry for gold in Middle-Earth.

American Hustle

When it comes to reviewing David O. Russell directed movies I fear I'm getting somewhat repetitive.  The last three movies of his that I've seen all seem to have the same strengths; a great cast giving great performances, keen use of period popular music in the sound track, with his song choices getting stronger each time out, and individual scenes that run the gamut from laugh out loud funny to riveting and tense.  But there is also an over all weakness that mars The Fighter (2011), Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and his latest, American Hustle (2013); Russell wants to tell gritty, hard edged stories in the tradition of Martin Scorsese, but can't seem to be able go the whole way with it.   We are left with improbable happy endings, and in the case of American Hustle, a convoluted moral message that left me baffled.

Christian Bale and Amy Adams play scam artists selling forged art and making phony loans.  It's the late 1970's, the prime interest rate is hovering around 18%, people either can't get or afford loans from banks, and the duo claim they can get clients a $50,000 return on a $5,000 non-refundable investment, no guarantees of course.  They pull one scam too many and get busted by FBI agent Bradley Cooper in a sting operation.  But our ambitious agent has big plans, and sees his two grifters as keys to a bigger operation; one that will let him make a real name for himself.  Cooper puts pressure on them to help him bust crooked politicians (the story is very loosely based on the Abscam scandal); they help him with four busts, they go free.  Thrown into this mix of colorful characters is Jeniffer Lawrence as Bale's sometimes estranged wife; the hottest mess this side of Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine. The first target is a New Jersey Mayor played by Jeremy Renner who refuses the bribe at first but is unknowingly drawn into the plot as a recruiter of other marks.  Comedian Louis C.K. has a small roll as a straight laced FBI supervisor from the Midwest who struggles futilely to play things by the book amidst all the New York-New Jersey wheeler-dealers.  There's an uncredited appearance by a big name that I'll treat as a spoiler, and only say that he's in a very key scene, and is chilling in it.

So, much like last year's Silver Linings Playbook I walk away with mixed feelings.  Individual parts of American Hustle are brilliant and, to repeat my self from the last review, I wouldn't have wanted to miss it.  But it ends with this heavy handed speech from Bale about how the politicians they busted weren't really that bad.  It's the bankers (not a one we see depicted in the film) who are the real bad guys; what with their high interest rates (set by the Fed, but why let the facts get in the way) that keeps people from getting loans to start businesses.  They're the ones who should go to jail, or so the argument goes.  Even the mob comes off looking like decent folk.  And yes, just about everyone gets their silver lining.  If they had kept this more like The Sting, and simply allowed us to enjoy the interplay of the characters and get caught up into the fun of trying to figure out who's playing who without the fuzzy moralizing I would have liked this more.

So a recommendation, with some reservations.  And a note that this is not for kids.  One area that Russell was really determined to imitate Scorsese here is in the use of the f-word.  He doesn't break any records like The Wolf of Wall Street reputedly does, but if you're sensitive to that, be warned. 

More in Heaven and Earth: A Warning to Avoid Anything Occult

While it's a matter I've long had an interest in, I've been very hesitant to write on the topic of the occult and possession up to now for many reasons.  First of all, I learned a long time ago that an inordinate fascination with the subject is dangerous.   Many begin what is intended to be a purely intellectual investigation into the subject of the devil and the occult that turns unintentionally real.  Secondly the subject lends itself to sensationalism and curiosity that obscures the truth and can also serve as a doorway for unintended consequences.   Lastly I do not want to sell myself as some kind of expert.  I had about forty-five minutes of instruction on possession and things demonic in four years of seminary study.  I have read a few books; books that anyone could pick up at Barnes & Nobel or order from Amazon.  But I feel now is the time to address this issue.  I am reticent to go into the reasons why this is the moment to tackle the subject, beyond the fact that there has been an increase in occult activity around the parish, and a general warning against getting involved in such things, even in a remote way, is in order.

First, and this is terribly important; Jesus has won the victory already.  Satan is active because he knows his time is limited.  He can not see the future, but he understands what Christ's death and Resurrection means better than we do, and that the Second Coming is inevitable.  It's just a matter of when, so he wants to destroy as many souls as he can.  Possession is real, but rare.  He works more through temptation to sin, and leading us way from God through living an immoral life.  A consistent message I've heard and read from various sources is that a good confession is more powerful than exorcism. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist unite us with Christ and do not give the enemy an opening to enter into our lives.  Plus, we are not dealing with two equal forces.  It's not a yin and yang situation.  As long as we cleave to Christ Satan doesn't stand a chance.  The sacraments close off what ever openings the devil may try to exploit.  But sin opens up the doors, doors better left shut.  What also does is when people who, sometimes unknowingly, make an opening through dabbling with the occult and the "New Age."

Beyond living a good, moral, sacramental (in the case of non-Catholics a prayerful) life we should avoid anything that even remotely smacks of the occult.  I mean tarot cards, astrology, ouija boards, fortune telling, any type of faith healing that involves magic or spells (spells of any kind), seances, and I would even include horoscopes.  These are doorways for evil.  Do I believe that spells work or that ouija boards can really reveal hidden truth to us?  No, not in the way we think they do. These are portals exploited by evil to get in and wreak havoc.  People really do go to fortune tellers or seek out people who claim to be able to cast spells.  Sometimes nothing happens.  Sometimes evil is visited on both the giver and receiver of the spell.  Sometimes we're talking about love spells, sometimes about curses, and in the end no one gets what they want but a great deal of heartache and pain.

I mentioned horoscopes; are they really that bad?  Like most people I've peaked a look at them in the paper once in a while out of curiosity or as a joke.  I've always chalked up any similarities between the predictions made and reality as either coincidence or as the result of the inherent vagueness of such readings.  And I agree that most people look at it as entertainment.  But in the end, I look at it like playing with matches in your kitchen sink; the chances of burning your house down are remote, but why take the chance.  More serious things like consulting with mediums, card readings and other such attempts to know the future through magic are grave sins to be avoided.

God calls us to faith in Him.  Jesus never promised us a smooth journey, but to have confidence that if we persevere by His grace there is nothing to fear.

The occult is about power; either gaining power over nature, over others or over knowledge.  It is an attempt to be a god, thinking we can control reality to achieve our own ends.  It is an expression of Lucifer's defining phrase, "I will not serve."  Christianity is about surrender to the will of God.  It is understanding that as marvelously created as we are, we are limited.  If we are truly to be free we have to come to an understanding of God's will and cooperate with His grace in following it.  The occult promises a short cut past the perceived obstacles of life to reach self fulfillment.  In reality it is a dead end.  Discipleship in Christ makes us face who we really are, accept the challenges of life without avoidance and understand that it is only the power of Christ that can overcome them.  When we try to control the invisible powers we are fooling ourselves, because they will ultimately control us.  It is only through surrender to Christ that true power is realized.  We will serve, don't be deceived.  As a wise man once sang, it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you're gonna have to serve somebody.

Second point: sacramentals are powerful, and should not be underestimated as weapons against evil.   I've already written about the Sacraments, which give us the grace they represent while uniting us to Christ.  Sacramentals don't give us grace, but as the Catechism puts it, prepare us to be more receptive to the graces of the Sacraments.  Rosaries, crucifixes, holy images, holy water, blessed salt and oil are all great weapons we've been given in the spiritual combat.  God created the physical world and works through it.  Sacraments are the great sign of this.  But blessed objects, while not Sacraments, have been claimed in special way by God.  Once blessed they belong to Him to be used for his purposes.  This is a reason why a religious article, once blessed, should not be sold.  I was visiting a parish that had a small shop off of the vestibule.  After Mass people were asking me to bless their newly purchased rosaries and metals.  One lady, seeing how I was being swamped, jokingly said, "Father, wouldn't it be easier to just bless the whole store!"  "No," I said, "Then they'd have to give it all away and go out of business!"

No, these are not Sacraments, but sacramentals, when we have faith in God's power, repel evil.  It's not that the thing itself has any power, but that God uses it as a reminder to us of his love and power, and actually works through it for those with faith.  Think of the bronze serpent made by Moses that cured the people of their snake bites.  God cured them, not the image, but in His plan God wanted that external sign to be a channel of his healing grace.  A priest's stole is a piece of decorated cloth that represents his priestly office, but it causes great pain to demons when the possessed person is touched by one.  We don't always appreciate the power of both the Sacraments and sacramentals, but the evil one does.

So, hang a crucifix in your home, along with images of the Blessed Mother and the saints.  Keep holy water around.  Have a Bible in the house (display it, and better yet, read it).  Have your house or apartment blessed.  These are not just decorative objects or nice traditions.  They have the power of God backing them up to protect us from evil.

I leave you with the reminder that the power of Christ is greater than any evil.  We should not be afraid.  If we are living the right way, in a state of Grace, no evil can harm us.  It may try to molest us, tempt us, lead us off the path, but it really can't hurt us if we are united with Jesus Christ.  Be aware, be vigilant and most of all trust in the Lord.

The Baptism of the Lord From the Apostleship of Prayer

The Baptism of the Lord and Our Baptism from AOP

Closed for Vacation

I'm away for a week visiting my parents.  As Providence would have it they just happen to be in South Florida, far from the blizzards and single digit temperatures effecting my friends in Chicago and the North East.  So it's safe to say that I won't be writing anything for a few days.

I just want to take this oppertunity to wish everyone a blessed New Year, and to thank you all for making December 2013 the busiest traffic month in the Ax's history.   For those of you in the heavy snow and cold zones; keep warm and safe.  I'll be joining you again in 7 days.

You are all in my prayers.

ANDREA BOCELLI SINGS THE AVE MARIA: Happy Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God