The Family Foundation School Catholic Community Bulletin
Pauca Verba (a few words)
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Jesus said he was the light of the world. No one objected. Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd. No one thought otherwise. Jesus said he was the gate. No one complained. Jesus said he was the living water. No one thought it was a bad idea. But when Jesus told us that the bread and wine were his living Body and Blood and that we must take it – eat and drink it – to eternal life – “all hell” broke lose and people abandoned him. The loss of their discipleship grieved him. They said, “This is too much…” He must have meant it really – different from the other metaphorical claims he made.
The Church uses the term “Transubstantiation” to speak about the change of the substance of the bread and wine into the REAL Body and Blood of Christ – though wearing the outer appearances of bread and wine. Can I get this? Understand this? No. But we believe this unseen thing simply because Jesus has said it; and he is the Truth.
Lots of Christians get a kick out of the term Transubstantiation. They think it smacks of magic. To each his own. But I ask, “What’s to be afraid of – a change of what the thing is?” Do I believe in the miracles of Jesus – especially his Resurrection? If yes, then why can’t the power of God change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – to make good his promise to be with us until the end. Why do we runaway from the most bold claims of religion? In times of great outrage and hyper everything – claim your own boldness and believe deeply in the things Christ reveals! Indeed, if I believe in something so bold as Christ’s REAL PRESENCE in the Eucharist – then I must begin to live with a new boldness: bold justice, bold truth, bold goodness, bold generosity, bold forgiveness. A new bold sense of making my own self-gift. Otherwise, I’m just comforting myself. And comfort isn’t the first movement of Christianity.
*******************************************************************************
With the young men of family 7 recently on retreat we have finished the cycle which introduced us to Nick Vujicic and Life Without Limbs. There’s a new DVD that Nick has produced with the title: VERVE. Here’s the notes from the back of the DVD case.
VERVE is a compelling and exhilarating look at how Nick Vujicic lives his life…one that some said couldn’t possibly have any purpose or hope! Discover the driving factor behind Nick’s passion and what that can mean for your own life!
Here Nick introduces you to four extraordinary friends: Daniel, a toddler born just like him; Jeanette, a young girl prevailing through disease and incredible physical challenges; Bethany, champion surfer, who survived a savage shark attack at age 13; and Joni, a friend and mentor to Nick, paralyzed from the next down, now an author, painter and public speaker.
Also the most powerful segments of Nick’s outreach to Colombia in 2008 as a part of our Life Without Limbs World Outreach Tour!
So watch for when your family goes on retreat next at Christ of the Hills and maybe share something about this remarkable young man’s life with someone here at school. All the more, do you remember how you felt when you first met Nick and has his witness had any lasting impact on your own life?
“For I know the plan I have for you,” declares the LORD, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
*****************************************************************************
Sitting around this past weekend during the barbeque – watching and listening, I thought:
Introduce me to your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.
Let me listen to your relaxed conversation, and I’ll tell you who you are.
Let me look at your photo-album, and I’ll tell you who you are.
Let me follow you for a weekend, and I’ll tell you who you are.
Let me listen to your music, and I’ll tell you who you are.
Tell me your best joke, and I’ll tell you who you are.
*****************************************************************************
Modesty is a virtue (practiced goodness) largely forgotten today, even mocked or ridiculed. Modesty means that not everything has to be seen or heard. Immodesty on the other hand is showing too much, leaving nothing to the imagination, revealing more than is necessary. So there are immodest outfits, immodest music, immodest dancing, immodest looks, immodest conversation.
Some women don’t know how to dress without showing themselves ridiculously squeezed into pants or with bellies bulging out from too short shirts. Sharing tattoos that would be left covered by more discreet persons. A lot of this is vanity – an obsession with how I’m coming across, how are people thinking about me, how am I acceptable and impressive. Modesty: There’s a time to close the “bathroom” door.
*****************************************************************************
Recently in the news: a young man standing for the judge during his courtroom hearing wore jeans so sagged at one point they fell down around his ankles. That his hands were in cuffs prohibited him from rescuing himself from looking like a fool, standing before the crowd and cameras in his underwear. He had to be removed from the room until court officers could pull his pants back up and secure them with a belt. Poor fellow. Stop living as a slave to styles: Men wear their pants right-fitting and secured with a belt. A gentleman shaves for his work/school/business day – and is immaculately clean!
