J
JReducation
Guest
My prayers are feeble, but my God is powerful.And please don’t forget to pray for mine.
Br. JR, OSF
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Br. JR, OSF
C
centurionguard
Guest
Bother JR. this has to be one of the most excellent post I’ve ever read that should be humble reminder for us all, beginning with myself. Blessed are the Meek for They Shall Inherit the Earth.As I read through many posts, especially in those areas that deal with liturgy, traditional Catholicism, apologetics and the news, which are the ones that I read often, I find that there is frequently a bite to many posts. I am often very saddened by this. I have often asked myself, “Do we have to put a bite into everything that we say? Must we present and defend the truth in a manner that is often hostile?”
I’m reminded of our Holy Father Francis who never failed to teach the truth. He never shied away from the topic of sin, hell and damnation. Yet, his manner of speech and his writing is always so filled with love. When he spoke or wrote he always began with the same affect. He wrote for his brothers and sisters. He treated his audience as brethren, not as antagonists in a tragedy. He often referred to himself as the greatest of sinners. He knew that he was not the greatest of sinners. But he was also aware that we are all sinners and that we are all worthy and deserving of God’s love through the merits of Jesus Christ.
Often, I follow my Franciscan brothers on EWTN, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, Fr. Benedict G, the other Franciscans of the Renewal, the Friars Minor and I notice that I do not see or hear in their voices or in their writings a harsh tone. Their manner of drawing people to Jesus is always gentle and kind.
Then there are those courageous souls like Bl. Mother Teresa, Bl. John XXIII, Archbishop Sheen, Ven. John Paul II, and even our current pope, Benedict XVI. They too have always inspired me to speak to men as if they were the most deserving of my respect and kindness.
These and other great men and women evangelists have always been honest, straightforward, yet respectful. Then I read so many posts on these threads and I wonder, if the truth has to be taught with harshness. Is truth that is delivered with harshness, with challenges to prove this or cite that, is that kind of delivery filled with grace or with personal pride? Is the person really filled with the Holy Spirit or with love for his or her point of view?
I guess the question that I’m asking is, do we have to be unkind? Do we have to set up these little traps for others when we post? Do we have to ambush people to bring them to the faith? Must we sound as if we are authorities over others? St. Dominic once told his friar preachers to make sure that they practice charity and humility when preaching. St. Francis told his brothers to preach with their lives. He had an interesting style of preaching. He would usually preach through poetry, music, symbols, gestures, personal anecdotes and scripture. He rarely used doctrine and dogma. His goal was to bring people into the love of God. His idea was that once they came to know the love of God, though the love of his brothers, they would gradually learn the doctrines of the faith. But we often seem to forget to present the love of God.
Do we have to be rude to preach the Gospel?
Have a blessed Christmas season,
Br. JR, OSF
When teaching the secret of greatness in the Kingdom of God, He said,
And whosoever of you will be the greatest, shall be servant of all.
Brother JR; thank you for the reminder.
Sincerely
Chris
C
CB_Catholic
Guest
JR, I just noted that today it is two years since you joined CAF. The Lord has used you a lot in these past two years to help many of us grow in our faith. Thank you for letting Him, and I will pray for your soul. Please pray for mine.
J
JReducation
Guest
That was so kind and so gentle of you. I had not even noticed my two-year anniversary on CAF. Let us continue to pray for each other.
Have a blessed Christmas season!
Br. JR, OSF
O
odopa
Guest
Oh no my brother, you dont get off so easily, I know how modest you are, but we are talking about 7800+ posts, most of which touched numerous hearts, healed us, reminded us, helped us in our daily walk with God. You have been a therapist to a lot of us, though you may not know. When our faith waned, we only had to come to CAF and search your site for your total posts and select from that wealth some posts and by the time we read to the bottom we are filled with hope once again to face the world. All for free!! you deserve three hips:That was so kind and so gentle of you. I had not even noticed my two-year anniversary on CAF. Let us continue to pray for each other.
Have a blessed Christmas season!
Br. JR, OSF
hip hip hip !!! HURRAY!
hip hip hip !!! HURRAY!
hip hip hip !!! HURRAY!
God bless you my brother, may he continue to sustain you as you reach the 2 year milestone on CAF. May he continue to reach and bless us through you. May he consider this service and be gracious to your soul.
Amen.
Your sister, Odopa.
T
tinalewis
Guest
I’ll second this! Congratulations and many continued blessings! We love you!
J
JRKH
Guest
Thank you for your thoughtful reminder.As I read through many posts, especially in those areas that deal with liturgy, traditional Catholicism, apologetics and the news, which are the ones that I read often, I find that there is frequently a bite to many posts. I am often very saddened by this. I have often asked myself, “Do we have to put a bite into everything that we say? Must we present and defend the truth in a manner that is often hostile?”
I’m reminded of our Holy Father Francis who never failed to teach the truth. He never shied away from the topic of sin, hell and damnation. Yet, his manner of speech and his writing is always so filled with love. When he spoke or wrote he always began with the same affect. He wrote for his brothers and sisters. He treated his audience as brethren, not as antagonists in a tragedy. He often referred to himself as the greatest of sinners. He knew that he was not the greatest of sinners. But he was also aware that we are all sinners and that we are all worthy and deserving of God’s love through the merits of Jesus Christ.
Often, I follow my Franciscan brothers on EWTN, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, Fr. Benedict G, the other Franciscans of the Renewal, the Friars Minor and I notice that I do not see or hear in their voices or in their writings a harsh tone. Their manner of drawing people to Jesus is always gentle and kind.
Then there are those courageous souls like Bl. Mother Teresa, Bl. John XXIII, Archbishop Sheen, Ven. John Paul II, and even our current pope, Benedict XVI. They too have always inspired me to speak to men as if they were the most deserving of my respect and kindness.
These and other great men and women evangelists have always been honest, straightforward, yet respectful. Then I read so many posts on these threads and I wonder, if the truth has to be taught with harshness. Is truth that is delivered with harshness, with challenges to prove this or cite that, is that kind of delivery filled with grace or with personal pride? Is the person really filled with the Holy Spirit or with love for his or her point of view?
I guess the question that I’m asking is, do we have to be unkind? Do we have to set up these little traps for others when we post? Do we have to ambush people to bring them to the faith? Must we sound as if we are authorities over others? St. Dominic once told his friar preachers to make sure that they practice charity and humility when preaching. St. Francis told his brothers to preach with their lives. He had an interesting style of preaching. He would usually preach through poetry, music, symbols, gestures, personal anecdotes and scripture. He rarely used doctrine and dogma. His goal was to bring people into the love of God. His idea was that once they came to know the love of God, though the love of his brothers, they would gradually learn the doctrines of the faith. But we often seem to forget to present the love of God.
Do we have to be rude to preach the Gospel?
Have a blessed Christmas season,
Br. JR, OSF
I have no real answer to your question other than to simply say - No we do not have to be rude.
I can only say that those, on both sides of the various debates, who are rude do so out of vanity. For it is vain indeed to condescend or berate a brother we are trying to win. Such people are invariably immature in their faith and the Love that should be driving and nurturing that faith.
Peace
James
L
lumenorientale
Guest
And I add a third!
Yes, Br JR, you have uplifted us all. God grant you many years, God grant you many years, God grant you many blessed years! In health and happiness, in health and happiness! God grant you many blessed years!
J
JReducation
Guest
First, thank you ALL for your kindness over the past two years.
Second, at the risk of sounding like the God Father, I have a deal you cannot refuse. As many of you know, I had to retire from teaching, which is my passion, because of poor health. I would love nothing more than to return to teaching theology and math, my favorite subjects. Now . . . here’s my offer.
Forget not love when dealing with others and offer your effort for my health.
Have a blessed New Year and may the Holy Mother of God, whose title we remember on Jan 1, pray for all of you and your families, especially the children.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
Second, at the risk of sounding like the God Father, I have a deal you cannot refuse. As many of you know, I had to retire from teaching, which is my passion, because of poor health. I would love nothing more than to return to teaching theology and math, my favorite subjects. Now . . . here’s my offer.
Forget not love when dealing with others and offer your effort for my health.
Have a blessed New Year and may the Holy Mother of God, whose title we remember on Jan 1, pray for all of you and your families, especially the children.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
O
odopa
Guest
I accept the deal. Its the least I can do. Love is the best to give another.First, thank you ALL for your kindness over the past two years.
Second, at the risk of sounding like the God Father, I have a deal you cannot refuse. As many of you know, I had to retire from teaching, which is my passion, because of poor health. I would love nothing more than to return to teaching theology and math, my favorite subjects. Now . . . here’s my offer.
Forget not love when dealing with others and offer your effort for my health.
Have a blessed New Year and may the Holy Mother of God, whose title we remember on Jan 1, pray for all of you and your families, especially the children.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
R
roveau
Guest
I accept the deal too dear brother JR. We continue to pray for you and the Franciscan Brothers of Life. With many thanks.
J
JReducation
Guest
This morning, at mass, the Gospel told us how “Mary contemplated all these things in her heart.” This is a sentence that is often repeated in scripture. About 30 years ago, give or take, a Capuchin Franciscan wrote a little book called The Silence of Mary. His name is Ignacio Larrañaga.
Fra. Ignacio takes up this point, Mary’s silence. I am always reminded how Mary was the greatest mystic and how little attention we pay to that quality in her. We don’t see Mary being confrontational with anyone. Even when Jesus is 12 and lost, when she finds him, what do we see and hear?
We see a typical mother (a typical Jewish mother, like mine) who simply tells her son, “You had me worried sick. What are you trying to do, kill me? Your father and I have been looking all over the place. Now get over here and let’s go home.”
I know that I took some literary liberty here. But that would be the typical conversation between a mother and a son who has been missing. The point here is that she is the perfect example of honesty, firmness and respect. She does not step outside of her role. She is his mother and she acts and talks as his mother.
When they are at the wedding in Cana, Mary approaches Jesus and says, “They ran out of wine.” Jesus answer is simple, “Mom, what do you want me to do?” He is not being confrontational or rude with her. He is actually very respectful. The word “Woman” is a title of honor. It is the same word that Adam used for Eve at creation. She is mother. Jesus responds with respect. He honors Mary with the highest title that he can give her and that she would understand. He refers to her by the same title as the mother of humanity.
He also says, “What is this to me?” There are other translations with a little differen wording; but the message is the same. He’s asking her “How do I come into the picture?” He’s not brushing her off. It’s a legitimate question from a son to a mother. Again, Jesus and Mary model respectful communication between two people.
Having grown up with a Jewish mother, I can imagine Mary looking at Jesus and walking away. Maybe this is why John does not mention her response to him. She knows when to keep silent and let her silence speak for itself. This is a quality that we have not yet learned on these forums. There are times when silence is the loudest sound and it offends no one.
Then we see Mary speak again, “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary does not demand that she be heard. She simply tells the waiters to do what Jesus says. How often do we see people on these forums demanding to be heard and demanding to be obeyed. "Because I say this or that, you have to submit. But Mary models for us how to evangelize with tact and charity.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
PS. I hope everyone is having a great day with their loved ones.
Fra. Ignacio takes up this point, Mary’s silence. I am always reminded how Mary was the greatest mystic and how little attention we pay to that quality in her. We don’t see Mary being confrontational with anyone. Even when Jesus is 12 and lost, when she finds him, what do we see and hear?
We see a typical mother (a typical Jewish mother, like mine) who simply tells her son, “You had me worried sick. What are you trying to do, kill me? Your father and I have been looking all over the place. Now get over here and let’s go home.”
I know that I took some literary liberty here. But that would be the typical conversation between a mother and a son who has been missing. The point here is that she is the perfect example of honesty, firmness and respect. She does not step outside of her role. She is his mother and she acts and talks as his mother.
When they are at the wedding in Cana, Mary approaches Jesus and says, “They ran out of wine.” Jesus answer is simple, “Mom, what do you want me to do?” He is not being confrontational or rude with her. He is actually very respectful. The word “Woman” is a title of honor. It is the same word that Adam used for Eve at creation. She is mother. Jesus responds with respect. He honors Mary with the highest title that he can give her and that she would understand. He refers to her by the same title as the mother of humanity.
He also says, “What is this to me?” There are other translations with a little differen wording; but the message is the same. He’s asking her “How do I come into the picture?” He’s not brushing her off. It’s a legitimate question from a son to a mother. Again, Jesus and Mary model respectful communication between two people.
Having grown up with a Jewish mother, I can imagine Mary looking at Jesus and walking away. Maybe this is why John does not mention her response to him. She knows when to keep silent and let her silence speak for itself. This is a quality that we have not yet learned on these forums. There are times when silence is the loudest sound and it offends no one.
Then we see Mary speak again, “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary does not demand that she be heard. She simply tells the waiters to do what Jesus says. How often do we see people on these forums demanding to be heard and demanding to be obeyed. "Because I say this or that, you have to submit. But Mary models for us how to evangelize with tact and charity.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
PS. I hope everyone is having a great day with their loved ones.
T
tbcrawford
Guest
This thread has given me a wonderful opportunity to air some very grave concerns I have had for some considerable time now.
I spend most of my time on the Prayer Forum.I occasionally get invited to join a thread from friends or I venture over myself.
The worry I have is that of how ‘Catholics’ promote Catholicism by their actions.
Many times I have been dismayed at rudeness and the aloof attitiude of posters who are catholic. I am concerned only with the catholic posters as what they say /how they behave impacts directly as to how others who are not catholic perceive the Catholic Church.
I try to back off when i see arguments starting as this can only cause further problems.I have been very hurt by several posters here.Sadly they have all been catholic!!!
How I wish we were able to show love for one another and really care for one another.I pray for all those who i have forgiven who have hurt me.I pray we can be mindful of the impact our behaviour has on representing the Catholic Church.
ACT OF CHARITY
O MY GOD, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured
Amen
I spend most of my time on the Prayer Forum.I occasionally get invited to join a thread from friends or I venture over myself.
The worry I have is that of how ‘Catholics’ promote Catholicism by their actions.
Many times I have been dismayed at rudeness and the aloof attitiude of posters who are catholic. I am concerned only with the catholic posters as what they say /how they behave impacts directly as to how others who are not catholic perceive the Catholic Church.
I try to back off when i see arguments starting as this can only cause further problems.I have been very hurt by several posters here.Sadly they have all been catholic!!!
How I wish we were able to show love for one another and really care for one another.I pray for all those who i have forgiven who have hurt me.I pray we can be mindful of the impact our behaviour has on representing the Catholic Church.
ACT OF CHARITY
O MY GOD, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured
Amen
J
JReducation
Guest
St. Benedict imposed silence on his monks so they could hear the Word of God. But I am often left wondering if he also had in mind that it was best if some of them just kept their mouths shut. LOL.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
B
blueonblue82
Guest
Wonderful post.
And written in the beautiful, truthful, and simple style you recommend.
Every time I log in, I am reminded why I tend avoid this site’s forum. It’s very difficult to find spiritual nourishment in the rotten words and attitudes that seem to wheedle their way into many threads. However, thank you for providing one of the treats that will keep me checking-in every once in a while.
Bless You!
And written in the beautiful, truthful, and simple style you recommend.
Every time I log in, I am reminded why I tend avoid this site’s forum. It’s very difficult to find spiritual nourishment in the rotten words and attitudes that seem to wheedle their way into many threads. However, thank you for providing one of the treats that will keep me checking-in every once in a while.
Bless You!
S
Sanctifiable
Guest
Rudeness is not only on CAF. Its big in our culture now. My biggest problem with our church is at some parishes you go to if you are new and single too you get the cold shoulder a lot. I moved to a new area almost two years ago and joined the nearest Catholic church in a small town and was there for almost a year and it was just such an unfriendly environment that I was ignored. They didn’t even ask any questions when I left the church. The only greeting I got was from the church secretary (over the phone)and one from a couple who ran the Adoration chapel. Both priests were very indifferent towards me and barely acknowledged my greetings after mass( they were more interested in schmoozing with the parish big shots than even giving a kind greeting). Have you ever been shaking someones hand ( the priest) and they’re looking around you for the “more important people to talk too”. In the church it was like a social for the community. The sanctuary was always noisy with talk even during the rosary. The biggest thing is it just wasn’t friendly at all. I have recently moved on to another parish just down the road a little further but worth the drive that is a total 180 of the first one. The ushers actually shake your hand coming in and talk with you and say good bye when your leaving and a lot of the parishioners are really warm and friendly.
Please don’t get me wrong I don’t want my you know what kissed
I just think a warm friendly greeting goes a long way especially from the priest when they greet you after mass. I guess its just a microcosm of today’s society. People please show compassion towards others even if they don’t fit in. It really means a lot and goes along way. We’ve lost that in todays world and I’m not talking about just at church. I always try to think how would Jesus react in that situation and believe me I’m as guilty as anyone but I’m trying to improve.
Please don’t get me wrong I don’t want my you know what kissed
I just think a warm friendly greeting goes a long way especially from the priest when they greet you after mass. I guess its just a microcosm of today’s society. People please show compassion towards others even if they don’t fit in. It really means a lot and goes along way. We’ve lost that in todays world and I’m not talking about just at church. I always try to think how would Jesus react in that situation and believe me I’m as guilty as anyone but I’m trying to improve.
B
Bailey2
Guest
There is a similar thread on Moral theology section in case someone wants to add something there. It is called Snarkiness and (I forgot the other word).
Blessings
Blessings
L
lumenorientale
Guest
I accept your deal, and I did offer my work for your intentions, Brother. I was imperfect, as admitting so many alcoholics who partied just a little too hard on New Year’s Eve was draining, but I offered that too. And I could only pray that Jesus would take my imperfect offerings and perfect them in Himself. You are a great servant of Him. When I read your posts I feel like I’m in the presence of a saint.First, thank you ALL for your kindness over the past two years.
Second, at the risk of sounding like the God Father, I have a deal you cannot refuse. As many of you know, I had to retire from teaching, which is my passion, because of poor health. I would love nothing more than to return to teaching theology and math, my favorite subjects. Now . . . here’s my offer.
Forget not love when dealing with others and offer your effort for my health.
Have a blessed New Year and may the Holy Mother of God, whose title we remember on Jan 1, pray for all of you and your families, especially the children.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
J
JReducation
Guest
You must be reading someone else’s post or looking at yorself in the mirror.
I’m a pretty ordinary guy. I struggle for virtue like everyone else.That being said, I serve as spiritual assistant to a fraternity of Secular Franciscans. They’re a wonderful group of people. Today was their monthly meeting. Since, in our diocese, it’s the Solemnity of the Epiphany, I decided to speak to the group about the perfection of charity and the universal call to holiness. I was trying to tie in the fact that the Magi were not Jews, but they came and why they came. They came because God calls all men to holiness, not just the Jews. I was also pointing out how Matthew, whose the Evangelists who deals with the Magi’s visit in details, is very kind in speaking about them. He refers to them as Wise Men, not pagans, even though were non believers and Matthew was a Jew writing his Gospel for other Jews.
Today’s Gospel is all about charity. Matthew speaks with great respect toward these strangers who were non believers. He also point out the great kindness that they showed toward Jesus and his parents. Not only does Jesus reveal himself to the Gentiles, as a vulnerable child, but they return God’s charity with their own charity toward the infant.
I told the Secular Franciscans that too often we read this story, once a year, and present it as a nice Christmas story of three men who followed a star, came bearing gifts and outsmarted Herod. He place more emphasis on the gift giving than on the charity of the writer, the Magi and Jesus. Matthew’s rendition of the visit of the Magi is truly a story about great charity, respect and reverence between man and man and God and man.
One thing that I have learned as a Franciscan Brother of Life is to read the scriptures as Francis read them. He always read them looking for hidden messages and he always found great messages of love, hope and peace. If we could only transfer these realities to everyday life, we would not have to worry about converting others. They would be drawn to our faith by our love and the fruits of that love.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
L
Langdell
Guest
Brother JR, thank you for this thread. At almost the same time, I broached this issue in the Moral Theology forum, as Bailey mentions above. How can we expect non-Catholics to take our beliefs seriously when we fail to practice charity and humility among ourselves?
God bless you.
.
God bless you.
.
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