I have heard many people complaining about how the pope did not celebrate his first mass ad orientem but towards the people. Let me explain something people. Good liturgy is a luxury. The pope can do whatever he wants in his own chapel. Facing the people is just as valid as facing east. When Pope Francis goes before the judgement seat of God, do you think he'll ask: Did you love and serve my church? Or will he ask: Did you say mass ad orientem? I think we need to get our priorities straight. Worship is just one of the many issues facing the church today. It is however, not a top priority.
To offer another argument: The pope maybe does celebrate mass ad orientem whenever he is able to. He maybe wanted to reach out to his brother cardinals, clergy and the world. If he appeared super traditional, then how can he appeal to those who have issues with the church or have fallen away? I am sure there are some cardinals who do not like him and did not want him as pope. They need to be reached out to.
People also say that worship is the main way to evangelize. This I'm afraid, is not always the case. A person converts or is inspired by being shown the love of Christ. Good example is true evangelism. As St. Francis of Assisi said: "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." The point being, example is truly preaching the gospel.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Movies and Entertainment: A Moral Crisis
Movies have been a huge part of our society ever since they were invented. The developing technology has advanced movie making and special effects to a whole new level. At the same time however, the morality contained in movies has declined over the past several decades. This decline in moral principle is due to the society being so influenced by greed, fame, sex and drugs. These highly immoral things have overtaken the youth. This problem is a vicious cycle. People were taught all the above things were good and natural. They then taught their kids and those around them the same. And on and on it went.
Some people watch movies for the wrong reasons. Some people will watch a movie because an actress with strong sex appeal is the main star. Others will watch it for that and or the violence therein. Some people will watch a sinful movie to see if the movie is morally permissible but end up not condemning it. Others watch sinful movies because it is a "family favorite" and it somehow justifies the reason for watching it or my best friend Billy Bob recommended it so it must be moral. I'm sorry people, but these are pretty lame reasons. Your best friend may be of high moral standards and have many of the same opinions as you on this subject. I hate to break it to you but, your friend ain't infallible!
There should only be three reasons to watch movies. (Note that these are not what the church says but are my humble opinion about what the purpose of watching a movie is). They are the following:
To be cleanly and harmlessly entertained
To be uplifted
To learn some history
Sometimes a movie can be a good combination of two or all of them. Many people do not agree that movies should inspire or be clean.
Then comes the subject of movie genres. I myself have never liked comedies. I cannot think of a single comedy movie I have seen which is neither sleazy nor vulgar. Action movies tend to be better but may still contain vulgarity or sleaze. Drama movies are similar in this regard but may include many sensual references and may have the focus of the movie on a controversial or maybe even sinful subject.
Do not think that by reading this I am condemning movies. On the contrary, I love movies and we can use them to bring the gospel to people! God has admitted for advances in technology and the media for the furthering of his kingdom! Let's not miss the opportunity!
Some people watch movies for the wrong reasons. Some people will watch a movie because an actress with strong sex appeal is the main star. Others will watch it for that and or the violence therein. Some people will watch a sinful movie to see if the movie is morally permissible but end up not condemning it. Others watch sinful movies because it is a "family favorite" and it somehow justifies the reason for watching it or my best friend Billy Bob recommended it so it must be moral. I'm sorry people, but these are pretty lame reasons. Your best friend may be of high moral standards and have many of the same opinions as you on this subject. I hate to break it to you but, your friend ain't infallible!
There should only be three reasons to watch movies. (Note that these are not what the church says but are my humble opinion about what the purpose of watching a movie is). They are the following:
To be cleanly and harmlessly entertained
To be uplifted
To learn some history
Sometimes a movie can be a good combination of two or all of them. Many people do not agree that movies should inspire or be clean.
Then comes the subject of movie genres. I myself have never liked comedies. I cannot think of a single comedy movie I have seen which is neither sleazy nor vulgar. Action movies tend to be better but may still contain vulgarity or sleaze. Drama movies are similar in this regard but may include many sensual references and may have the focus of the movie on a controversial or maybe even sinful subject.
Do not think that by reading this I am condemning movies. On the contrary, I love movies and we can use them to bring the gospel to people! God has admitted for advances in technology and the media for the furthering of his kingdom! Let's not miss the opportunity!
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