Day Twenty-eight
Part 3 Chapter 7
"The Church"
How contemporary this chapter seems! Of course while Monsignor lived in an age when Catholic women scoffed at the Index of Forbidden books, we live in an age when they vehemently scoff at Church Teaching.
There was so much material in this book that demands further reflection, discerned resolutions and actions that I feel just at the beginning when reading "The End" on the last page.
Several women have suggested getting together one evening to discuss things in person. For those of you who live in my area, would you like to do that? Is there a preferred night of the week?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Fourth Week of Lent - Monday
Day Twenty-seven
Part 3 Chapter 6
"The Eucharistic Education of the Child"
I am accustomed to considering the challenges of parenting in our current age and culture. This chapter reminded me that I should spend at least as much time considering the myriad of ways that Our Lord continues to provide for the needs of his children. In those early years of the twentieth century, with the First World War on the horizon, Communism, the debauchery of the 20's, genocides, the years of deprivation during the thirties, and all the horrors of the culture of death looming; God drew humanity, especially young children, closer to His Eucharistic presence. He provided the strength they would need to hold true to the Faith in the midst of such darkness. Not every parent understood how such a young child could possible understand the great mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist. Wonderful priests and sisters cooperated with the will of God to offer the guidance they needed.
By the time I began raising children, there was a myriad of educational aids that helped me explain the Eucharist to my little ones. I have taken it for granted that a Catholic mother would say to her babe in arms, "Look, sweetie! Look at Jesus there!" (in Father's hands, in the monstrance, in the tabernacle) This chapter reminds me that I have taken this gift for granted. The ways in which my children benefited (and continue to benefit) from Eucharistic adoration, beautiful educational books and videos about the Eucharist, Eucharistic Congresses and processions in our diocese and parish will only be fully revealed at the end of time, but I have already glimpsed some of fruits.
The problem with taking something for granted is that I can easily forget that there are still parents who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and they are not able to offer their children the beauty of Truth on the central mystery of our Faith. Are my blessings in this area provisions?
Part 3 Chapter 6
"The Eucharistic Education of the Child"
I am accustomed to considering the challenges of parenting in our current age and culture. This chapter reminded me that I should spend at least as much time considering the myriad of ways that Our Lord continues to provide for the needs of his children. In those early years of the twentieth century, with the First World War on the horizon, Communism, the debauchery of the 20's, genocides, the years of deprivation during the thirties, and all the horrors of the culture of death looming; God drew humanity, especially young children, closer to His Eucharistic presence. He provided the strength they would need to hold true to the Faith in the midst of such darkness. Not every parent understood how such a young child could possible understand the great mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist. Wonderful priests and sisters cooperated with the will of God to offer the guidance they needed.
By the time I began raising children, there was a myriad of educational aids that helped me explain the Eucharist to my little ones. I have taken it for granted that a Catholic mother would say to her babe in arms, "Look, sweetie! Look at Jesus there!" (in Father's hands, in the monstrance, in the tabernacle) This chapter reminds me that I have taken this gift for granted. The ways in which my children benefited (and continue to benefit) from Eucharistic adoration, beautiful educational books and videos about the Eucharist, Eucharistic Congresses and processions in our diocese and parish will only be fully revealed at the end of time, but I have already glimpsed some of fruits.
The problem with taking something for granted is that I can easily forget that there are still parents who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and they are not able to offer their children the beauty of Truth on the central mystery of our Faith. Are my blessings in this area provisions?
____________________________________
Additional resources:
"The King of the Golden City", study edition, is wonderfully rich and layered so that people of differing ages are able to benefit from reading it and reflecting on it.
"Little Catechism on the Eucharist" by New Hope Publications
Father Antoine, with the Brothers of St. John, has a wonderful program for leading children in Eucharistic Adoration.
When my older children were young, we were a part of an Armata Bianca group in our parish.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Day Twenty-six
Part 3 Chapter 5
"The Communion of Little Children"
In an early post, I treated the historical context of Monsignor's book. In this chapter, he is writing in the years immediately following a papal decree that lowered the age of First Holy Communion from 12 (sometimes 11) to 7, the age of reason. Revealed in this chapter is the challenge that many priests faced when they tried to convince their parishioners of the suitability of such a young child to receive Holy Communion. Removed as we are from this controversy, the chapter may seem to yield little benefit for our present age. Consider, however, his treatment of those who believe their judgments wiser than the Holy Father's on certain issues. The distinction he makes between those who act out of disdain and those who simply require fraternal correction is as relevant today as a century ago. Similarly, all parents can benefit from a reminder of the solemn duty and privilege we've been given, from each child's baptism, to educate him in the Faith and tend to his spiritual obligations.
Part 3 Chapter 5
"The Communion of Little Children"
In an early post, I treated the historical context of Monsignor's book. In this chapter, he is writing in the years immediately following a papal decree that lowered the age of First Holy Communion from 12 (sometimes 11) to 7, the age of reason. Revealed in this chapter is the challenge that many priests faced when they tried to convince their parishioners of the suitability of such a young child to receive Holy Communion. Removed as we are from this controversy, the chapter may seem to yield little benefit for our present age. Consider, however, his treatment of those who believe their judgments wiser than the Holy Father's on certain issues. The distinction he makes between those who act out of disdain and those who simply require fraternal correction is as relevant today as a century ago. Similarly, all parents can benefit from a reminder of the solemn duty and privilege we've been given, from each child's baptism, to educate him in the Faith and tend to his spiritual obligations.
Third Week of Lent-Saturday
Day Twenty-five
Part 3 Chapter 4
"Communion of Children and Young People"
This was both a heartening and convicting chapter for me to read. My oldest son is fifteen and a half years old. I do not need to be convinced that the battle for his purity in this society is fierce . I believe that the Eucharist is Who the Church professes. Monsignor aligned those two truths, side by side; all that remains is the submission of my will to what must be done.
Part 3 Chapter 4
"Communion of Children and Young People"
This was both a heartening and convicting chapter for me to read. My oldest son is fifteen and a half years old. I do not need to be convinced that the battle for his purity in this society is fierce . I believe that the Eucharist is Who the Church professes. Monsignor aligned those two truths, side by side; all that remains is the submission of my will to what must be done.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Friday
Day Twenty-four
Part 3 Chapter 3
"Holy Communion"
This chapter is full of historical references that might warrant further explanation. Monsignor's teaching, however, is timeless--for the soul in a state of grace, frequent reception of Holy Communion is an unfailing aid to growth in perfection.
At the turn of the twentieth century, the prevailing attitude among the lay faithful was that Holy Communion could only be daily received by the holiest members of the Church, usually priests and nuns. This is not to suggest that such an attitude had existed consistently up to that time or that there weren't voices in the Church advocating for more frequent reception of Holy Communion. Monsignor's writing clearly expresses hope and joy in response to Pope Pius X's declaration that frequent reception of Holy Communion was beneficial for souls in a state of grace.
Pope Pius X wrote often on the Eucharist. He lowered the age for reception of Holy Communion from 12 to 7 years in 1910. He was also a champion of orthodoxy against the dangers of modernism. Monsignor wrote in the early years of the twentieth century with words of hope inspired, undoubtedly, by the Holy Father's vision. It was somewhat sad for me to read his words knowing that the First World War was only a few years away, Facism and Communism would soon follow along with a second World War, Holocaust and nuclear weapons before that century came to a close. Monsignor, of course, wouldn't have known what was coming. I cannot help but wonder if the orthodoxy and return to frequent reception of Holy Communion wasn't Providential preparation, designed to strengthen the faithful for the decades to come.
Do I take for granted the privilege of living in a time when I am able to receive Our Eucharistic Lord daily? Will a time come in my lifetime when I will not have access to that daily Eucharistic grace?
Part 3 Chapter 3
"Holy Communion"
This chapter is full of historical references that might warrant further explanation. Monsignor's teaching, however, is timeless--for the soul in a state of grace, frequent reception of Holy Communion is an unfailing aid to growth in perfection.
At the turn of the twentieth century, the prevailing attitude among the lay faithful was that Holy Communion could only be daily received by the holiest members of the Church, usually priests and nuns. This is not to suggest that such an attitude had existed consistently up to that time or that there weren't voices in the Church advocating for more frequent reception of Holy Communion. Monsignor's writing clearly expresses hope and joy in response to Pope Pius X's declaration that frequent reception of Holy Communion was beneficial for souls in a state of grace.
Pope Pius X wrote often on the Eucharist. He lowered the age for reception of Holy Communion from 12 to 7 years in 1910. He was also a champion of orthodoxy against the dangers of modernism. Monsignor wrote in the early years of the twentieth century with words of hope inspired, undoubtedly, by the Holy Father's vision. It was somewhat sad for me to read his words knowing that the First World War was only a few years away, Facism and Communism would soon follow along with a second World War, Holocaust and nuclear weapons before that century came to a close. Monsignor, of course, wouldn't have known what was coming. I cannot help but wonder if the orthodoxy and return to frequent reception of Holy Communion wasn't Providential preparation, designed to strengthen the faithful for the decades to come.
Do I take for granted the privilege of living in a time when I am able to receive Our Eucharistic Lord daily? Will a time come in my lifetime when I will not have access to that daily Eucharistic grace?
____________________________________
Additional notes:
"On Frequent Reception of Holy Communion" Pope Pius X
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Thursday
Day Twenty-three
Part 3 Chapter 2
"Visits to the Blessed Sacrament"
Oh, my poor imagination. When I think of all the trivial purposes, to say nothing of the sinful ones, for which I have employed my ability to imagine and yet never before have I imagined what Our Lord does in the tabernacle. It seemed so natural, once it was read, to consider that the total offering of Self that Jesus made at Calvary continues with His Eucharistic presence in the tabernacle. He does not simply wait, passively, for someone to visit. His Body and Soul are actively offering sacrifice and praise to the Father while humbly contained in the tabernacle. What a privilege that any human person may 'visit' and be a part of such an action!
Part 3 Chapter 2
"Visits to the Blessed Sacrament"
Oh, my poor imagination. When I think of all the trivial purposes, to say nothing of the sinful ones, for which I have employed my ability to imagine and yet never before have I imagined what Our Lord does in the tabernacle. It seemed so natural, once it was read, to consider that the total offering of Self that Jesus made at Calvary continues with His Eucharistic presence in the tabernacle. He does not simply wait, passively, for someone to visit. His Body and Soul are actively offering sacrifice and praise to the Father while humbly contained in the tabernacle. What a privilege that any human person may 'visit' and be a part of such an action!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Wednesday
Day Twenty-two
Part 3 Chapter 1
"The Holy Mass"
"It sometimes happens that you find the Mass too long: you do not know what to say to our Lord while He is on the altar. Let me propose to you an inexhaustible subject for conversation. Expose to Jesus whatever you desire as mothers. Tell Him your trials, yours fears, and your hopes. Ask Him the solution of all those difficulties which so often perplex you. If Jesus reproaches you, it will never be because you have asked too much, but rather because you have failed to be discreet in your petitions. A mass during which you would not cease to cry out your miseries to Jesus, would be a mass well heard, provided that you were not less solicitous for spiritual favors than for those of the temporal order."
For readers who have only experienced the Novus Ordo Mass (New Rite - introduced in the years following the Second Vatican Council), it may seem strange to imagine people reading a book, even a prayer book, during Mass. During the time in which Monsignor Lejeune was writing, however, such a thing was often the participation of a lay person at Mass. He or she desired, to varying degrees then just as now, to pray throughout the Holy Sacrifice. Some would pray a rosary rather than read a prayer book. Rather than those actions, we might be more accustomed today to the sad example of someone completely distracted or simply following the correct postures while the mind is wandering to thoughts of lunch or afternoon activities. Regardless, Monsignor is imploring us to actively participate during the Mass through prayer. There are more than enough moments of silence before, during, and immediately following every Mass to allow for reflection and even meditation. Choosing a subject for reflection ahead of time can be a helpful tool, especially if motherly duties upon arrival at church still involve what you might crisis management. There is no need to wait on the calm feeling to set in before undertaking your reflection; if you have little ones, that feeling might not come for the entire hour. It can be quite fruitful then to choose a topic that brings you great joy to consider so that your joy might radiate outward while putting the shoe back on her little foot for the fourth time.
Lent may be a wonderful time to replace something with a daily Mass. It is worth praying about incorporating a commitment to daily Mass in your rule of life. (Remember what Monsignor counseled though about it being easier to add something; you may want to put only one extra day in your rule to start.)
Part 3 Chapter 1
"The Holy Mass"
"It sometimes happens that you find the Mass too long: you do not know what to say to our Lord while He is on the altar. Let me propose to you an inexhaustible subject for conversation. Expose to Jesus whatever you desire as mothers. Tell Him your trials, yours fears, and your hopes. Ask Him the solution of all those difficulties which so often perplex you. If Jesus reproaches you, it will never be because you have asked too much, but rather because you have failed to be discreet in your petitions. A mass during which you would not cease to cry out your miseries to Jesus, would be a mass well heard, provided that you were not less solicitous for spiritual favors than for those of the temporal order."
For readers who have only experienced the Novus Ordo Mass (New Rite - introduced in the years following the Second Vatican Council), it may seem strange to imagine people reading a book, even a prayer book, during Mass. During the time in which Monsignor Lejeune was writing, however, such a thing was often the participation of a lay person at Mass. He or she desired, to varying degrees then just as now, to pray throughout the Holy Sacrifice. Some would pray a rosary rather than read a prayer book. Rather than those actions, we might be more accustomed today to the sad example of someone completely distracted or simply following the correct postures while the mind is wandering to thoughts of lunch or afternoon activities. Regardless, Monsignor is imploring us to actively participate during the Mass through prayer. There are more than enough moments of silence before, during, and immediately following every Mass to allow for reflection and even meditation. Choosing a subject for reflection ahead of time can be a helpful tool, especially if motherly duties upon arrival at church still involve what you might crisis management. There is no need to wait on the calm feeling to set in before undertaking your reflection; if you have little ones, that feeling might not come for the entire hour. It can be quite fruitful then to choose a topic that brings you great joy to consider so that your joy might radiate outward while putting the shoe back on her little foot for the fourth time.
Lent may be a wonderful time to replace something with a daily Mass. It is worth praying about incorporating a commitment to daily Mass in your rule of life. (Remember what Monsignor counseled though about it being easier to add something; you may want to put only one extra day in your rule to start.)
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