Here is this week's installment of "Five Faith Friday" which contains five, faith-based things I found interesting and am sharing on Friday.
What I'm Reflecting On --
The fact that truth isn't hate speech. It is love for another's soul and well being. Case in point? Have you ever heard the below scenario? Feel free to insert "abortion" or "birth control" or "get drunk" or "skip Mass" or "date the same sex" or a whole slew of other things and place it into the sentence in exchange for the "X."
Person: I want to do "X."
Catholic Church: You are free to do it.
Person: "But you think "X" is wrong.
Catholic Church: Yes.
Person: Because you want to control me?
Catholic Church: No. You are free to do what you want.
Person: But you think "X" is wrong.
Catholic Church: Yes. But only because I want your ultimate good.
Person: But I want to do "X."
Catholic Church: You are free to do it.
Person: But I want you to say that "X" is good.
Catholic Church: I cannot say that.
Person: Why do you hate me?
What News Was Sad To Hear --
That Bill and Melinda Gates said, "...we have made the decision to end our marriage." "Divorce that “claims to break the marital contract” (CCC 2384) is never morally allowed. In fact, note that divorce only claims to break marriage but cannot achieve it. Marriage was instituted in the Garden of Eden, and whether a marriage is sacramental (entered into by two baptized Christians and indissoluble) or merely natural (entered into by one or two unbaptized persons and ordinarily indissoluble) it was designed by God for permanence until death. Even if physical separation of spouses may be necessary and licit (canons 1151-1155), the marriage bond is maintained (CCC 2383). So, there is no such thing as a spouse “breaking” the marriage bond or contract. It is immoral to attempt, and a grave sin for the one who has that intent."
What I'm Reflecting On --
What you should do after receiving the Eucharist. If you've ever watched the line at Communion you'll see all sorts of different behaviors after people receive the Blessed Sacrament. So it begs the question - what SHOULD you do after you receive and are making your way back to your pew? Well, good news and bad news - the rubrics of the Church don't specifically state. The best summary is that we should receive the Blessed Sacrament and reverently return to our pews to make an act of thanksgiving. I personally keep my hands folded and return directly to my pew. Making the sign of the cross is certainly an acceptable gesture as it is a sacramental in of itself. Bowing or genuflecting after receiving never made sense to me because I presume those people are directing the action towards the tabernacle but you have Jesus inside of you and you can't get any closer than that (note: you are supposed to bow BEFORE receiving per GIRM 160). Is it wrong to make the sign of the cross or pause for a second? No. But the key is to be as reverent as possible, ensure you aren't diverting attention from God to you, and get back to your pew so you can make a thanksgiving without disrupting others.
What I'm Listening To --
The Poco a Poco Podcast by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. I've been listening since it came out but the most recent episode titled "You'll Be Glad You Prayed" is definitely worth listening/watching. Do you know anybody who wants to work out *every* time? Unlikely. But nobody who gets in that workout says afterwards, “That was a waste of time. Why’d I bother?” Even more with prayer. When you take the time, it’s always, “I’m so glad I did that.” Eternal perspective changes how you use your time. What are we made for? To live forever. Our decisions now have an effect on that. We’re made to be fully alive starting now. When you grow in prayer, your heart grows in capacity. And you take that capacity—an expansive heart with deep desires—with you to heaven. Let God expand your heart."
What I'm Looking Forward To --
Episode 4 of Season 2 of The Chosen which drops Tuesday night (May 11th) at 9pm.
Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and your family!
David Yingling started his weekly “Five Faith Friday” emails when the Coronavirus forced an end to his in-person “Pints & Prayers” gatherings, which he describes as “Men striving to deepen their faith over a cold one.” He’s a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in Easton.
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