Because Of The Sacraments (A Few Words for Wednesday)

January 28, 2015 By Frank Weathers

Seven Sacraments Altar Piece (1445-1450), Rogier van der Weyden.

I just ran across these thoughts by Reverend Jesse Brett over at my favorite electronic library. Oftentimes on Wednesdays I like to feature a poem. But after reading these few paragraphs on the Sacraments, I realized that I should share them with you.

Brett is a bit of a mystery too, though I found out that he was the chaplain at All Saints Hospital in Eastbourne in the U.K. (in the 1920’s), I haven’t been able to uncover anymore information about him. How was he to know that almost 100 years after he wrote his book, I could share it with you via the interwebs? (more…)

Because Thomas Merton Gave Lectures Like This On Love

January 6, 2015 By Frank Weathers

Of the theological virtues Faith, Hope, and Love, St. Paul writes that the greatest of these is Love. Our Lord also said so when He was being questioned by the scholar of the law and gave us the Two Greatest Commandments, both of which are based on love; the love of God and the love of neighbor.

It sounds pretty easy, and in theory it is. But in practice? (more…)

Because “And You Shall Name Him יהושע”

January 3, 2015 By Frank Weathers

the_annunciation-large — The Annunciation, Domenico Beccafumi

Remember chanting the antiphon “O Adonai” a few weeks ago? We translate Adonai as LORD, which is substituted for YHWH, the unpronounceable name of God.

Well in the case of Our Lord Jesus, there is more, much more, than I ever knew than I did before I became a Catholic. Today, as you can see from the liturgical calendar, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

Now might be a good time to explore the question, What’s in a name? (more…)

Because Joseph of Cupertino Could Fly

September 18, 2014 By Frank Weathers

—Feast of St. Joseph of Cupertino

A few years ago, the world was held in thrall by Stephen Hawking’s declaration that there is no need for a Creator for the universe to have been formed. The giant had spoken, succinctly, and confidently. If you are like me, you haven’t read his new book, but you probably saw the interview with Larry King.

One of my take-away’s from the interview? Stephen Hawking gushing over his experience of being weightless. He got to take a flight on one of those NASA planes that climbs parabolically so at the “top”, for a short while, zero-G is achieved. He evidently was thrilled to be weightless. (more…)

Because Of The Holy See’s Diplomatic Corps

August 13, 2014 By Frank Weathers

It’s been a long time since I titled a post with that starts with the word “because.” But given what is happening on the world stage these days, especially across that swath of territory in the Middle East, where an ersatz caliphate is trying to establish itself, the fact that the Catholic Church has a diplomatic corps sets her apart. (more…)

Because I Don’t Deserve The Graces That Have Been Bestowed Upon Me, Including Folks Reading This Blog

August 4, 2014 By Frank Weathers

You’ll probably want to stop checking in on my blog now, seeing as I don’t have any deep thoughts to offer on whatever the various concerns of the day might be. Yes, you would be justified in removing my blog from your RSS feed, your blogroll, etc.

I really don’t deserve to have folks reading my thoughts at all, when you get right down to it. Joe Six-Pack? Who aspires to such a pedestrian title? (more…)

Because I Can Learn A Lot From Tim Harris

July 12, 2014 By Frank Weathers

If you’re ever in Albuquerque, New Mexico, put this restaurant on top of your “must visit” list. (more…)

Because of the Note Sewn In Blaise Pascal’s Coat

July 12, 2014 By Frank Weathers

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My buddy Blaise Pascal is a lot like me. That is, excepting the obvious fact that he was a mathematical genius, inventor of a calculator, etc., and though I enjoy mathematics, I am a mere admirer of genius in this and many other departments. No, I mean that just like me, he needed something to constantly remind him of why he remains a Christian. (more…)

Because of Divine Frivolity

June 19, 2014 By Frank Weathers

Times are tough all over. First we had the economic meltdown to contend with. Now we Catholics are watching our Church and our Pope get attacked by the same people who were attacking Goldman Sachs a few years ago, and Tiger Woods back in the day. Are the attacks justified? Where you sit is probably where you stand. But the fact of the matter is, the storm has been raging since day one on planet Earth. (more…)

Because the “Little Flower” Enchanted the Chinese “Legal Eagle”

April 24, 2014 By Frank Weathers

I introduced readers to my Catholic friend, John C.H. Wu, a long time ago. What prompted John, a distinguished jurist, and drafter of the democratic constitution of the Republic of China (back when it was mainland China), to swim the Tiber? Truthfully, I should have said “who” prompted him, not “what.” Blame it all on Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, “the Little Flower.” It is all her fault that my new friend John became a Catholic.

Around the year 1917, when he was 18 years old, John had made the first leap towards Rome when he became a Methodist, in Shanghai mind you. (more…)