A young man sat among his friends during their high school graduation ceremony. His parents and family were in the audience with camera's ready to record his graduation. As he rose and made his way to the stage, he saw his friends and classmates receive their graduation diplomas. When his turn came, he received a certificate of participation, not a graduation diploma. His family was shocked, and he was shattered. For four years he'd been promoted to the next grade. For four years he thought everything was on track. No one told him anything was wrong. Now, on what should have been a day of joy and pride, he and his family were filled with sadness and shame. What happened?

    In other places, students are graduating from high school. As they enter college though, they find that they can't understand the text books. Their papers are being torn to pieces over grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and content. Employers are finding it difficult to find employees ready to enter the work place. Even in the military, officers are being given classes on basic English in their basic courses because of the rash of misspelled words, etc. What happened?

    What happened is what has been happening in many parts of the world. Some are not enforcing the standards that do exist, and in other places, others are lowering the standards that do exist. In many parts of the US, educational profiency tests are showing that students are woefully lacking in basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic. For many, this has called for them to call for a change of the tests, not a change in the educational system. If the tests shows that 50% of the kids can't read at the level they should, the problem is not with the kids or the system, but the test.

    For others, the standards remain, but in order not to offend or damage a child's ego, they're allowed to continue as though nothing is wrong, until it's too late. Why? Are we telling our children that they're incapable of attaining a standard and holding to it? We're not only telling our children that in education but in life as well. In many states, the sex education classes are coming under fire. Many want a sex ed class that emphasizes abstinence, not prevention. Many call this absurd and dangerous. That some 60% of teens (according to some polls) are engaging in sex and therefore we need to teach them how to have sex while avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) as well as pregnancy. Are we telling our kids that they're too weak, too animalistic to control their sexual impulses? Many say that it's unrealistic to expect teens to control their sexual tensions until their wedding night. I wonder how they'd feel if their son's and/or daughter's were the object of someone's releasing their 'sexual tensions'?

    But there is a standard that we are called to hold to.

"You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

    Pretty tough to do, especially when we also read that: "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

    We are called to perfection. We are called to live a life in accordance with God's will. But today, we hear of many saying that that's being too hard on ourselves; t hat we are being far too scrupulous. Basically, the term means to imagine that something is a sin, when, in fact, it isn't. Or a sin is venial, while one thinks it's mortal. However, today, many feel that being scrupulous means that we see anything as a sin. Recently, in the "Today" show, an author said that even the Pope said that there was no such thing as hell. (I seriously doubt that he quoted the Pope correctly) And that when we meet God that we'll be surprised that we worried about anything, worried about sin at all!

    "Have fun, do what you like, when you like, how you like. God loves you too much to punish you."

    Now obviously, the opposite can be bad as well. We read how people used to scourge themselves in atonement for sins. Where 'anything' done in pleasure, was a sin.

    Either extreme is a sin of presumption. Presuming in God's mercy to the effect that we can do as we please without consequences, and presuming in God's punishment in condemning ourselves over the smallest of sins? Plain and simple, presumption is a sin.

    I heard a homily where the priest recounted a confession he heard from child. Evidently, the child confesses to adultery. It was obvious that she didn't understand what adultery meant. But she obviously did something that caused her distress and guilt. Something she 'defined' as adultery. Maybe she snuck a cigarette or a sip of Dad's beer. Wrong? Yes. A serious sin? No. Did she get a correct teaching from her confessor? Or did he 'implicitly' ridicule her for her confession?

    Is a "little scrupulosity" a bad thing? I don't think so. Better an error of commission than omission. I'd prefer to hear that I confessed a sin that wasn't a sin, than sin and dismiss it.

    We all sin, we all fall. Some of our falls are minor, some are major. Some are habitual. But isn't it better to shoot for a higher set of standards rather than lower the standards to suit our needs and wants?

    We try, we struggle toward perfection. Very few attain it, if any. In fact, if the lives of the saints are any indication, the closer we come to God, the more 'scrupulous' we become. Saints who we see as living perfect lives, considered themselves the worst sinners.

    But we're telling our children, and ourselves, that this is an unattainable goal, an impossible standard. For us, it is, but not for God. Therefore, we 'work' toward that goal of perfection.

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13).

    "Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

    If we don't try to holds to these standards, are we truly doing as God wants? Or are we doing what we want?

"They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 2:21).

    So, working toward the high standards God has given us, we know our weakness and acknowledge that.

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1: 8-10).

    So, we rely on the Lord to forgive us, strengthen us, and help us attain our goal.

"Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
    Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained" (Philippians 3: 8-16).

    So, with this new year just about three weeks old, let us strive toward perfection. Not relying on ourselves, but God. Not to our interests, but God's. Let us make a resolution to strive to be perfect, as our Father is perfect. Working out our salvation with fear and trembling and hoping in His love and grace to bring us to our goal. Perfect love and peace with God in Heaven.

Pax Christi, Pat

    Today we continue with our new series in the search to uncover the wonderful treasures of the Church contained in the great Deposit of Faith, concentrating on the Books of the New Testament with today presenting the introduction to Paul's Letter to the Thessalonians. For the ninety-second installment, see APPRECIATING THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF OUR FAITH

    Saint Paul founded the Church at Thessalonica, during the early part of his second great missionary journey, i.e. about 51 A.D. Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia, was a large and important city. Its population was predominantly Gentile, but Jews dwelt there in sufficient numbers to have a synagogue. Paul succeeded in converting some of the Jews and a large number of Gentiles. But his success stirred up the envy of the unbelieving Jews, who by calumny and riot compelled him to flee to Beroea. From there he went to Athens and Corinth, and it was in the latter city that this letter was written.

    While at Athens, Paul, fearing lest the persecution which continued against the Church at Thessalonica should cause his new converts to abandon the faith sent Timothy to ascertain conditions in the Church, and to confort and strengthen its members. Timothy reported to Paul at Corinth, bringing the cheering news of their constancy in the face of persecution. He likewise informed Paul that the Thessalonians required further instruction on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and this topic forms the main doctrinal subject of the Epistle, which was written shortly after Timonth's return from Thessalonica. The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians was written soon after the First, and these two Epistles are generally regarded as the earliest of Paul's writings.

The Second Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians     The First Epistle failed to quiet the doubts and fears of the Thessalonians and so Paul hastened to supply them with fuller information on the subject of the "parousia," or Second Coming of Christ. He informed them that the "parousia" was not at hand. It could not take place until a great apostasy occurred and the antichrist appeared. Some of the Thessalonians who were convinced that the Second Coming of Christ was at hand thought it useless to work, and consequently lived irregularly. Paul condemned this practice, and ordered the offenders to be corrected. He urged all to adhere to his teachings, whether these were given orally or in writing.

Tomorrow: Timothy

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Events that happened today in Church History

    On this day six years ago the French Senate opened the floodgates for the culture of death by refusing to acknowledge that an embryo is a human being created by God. Despite vocal pleading by the Bishops of France, the blind legislatures turned their back on the Sanctity of Life and defeated the measure by a count of 294 to 21, thus giving rise to extensive embryionic experimentation and an encouragement of abortions in order to provide more embryos. For other time capsule events that happened in Church history on this date, see MILLENNIUM MILESTONES AND MEMORIES

Historical Events in Church Annals for January 20:

• 250 A.D.
• Death of Pope Saint Fabian, Martyr. For more on this 20th successor of Peter, see DAILY LITURGY.

• 288 A.D.
• Death of Saint Sebastian, Martyr. For more on this extraordinary martyr, see DAILY LITURGY.

• 310 A.D.
• Death of Saint Neophytus, young teenage martyr who was murdered for his faith by the regime of the Roman Emperor Galerius at Niceae.

• 473 A.D.
• Death of Saint Euthymius the Great, Abbot. Every year as a priest, this Armenian-born holy man would retire to a mountain in total solitude to fast and pray from the feast of the Epiphany to Easter Sunday. He died in Palestine at the age of 95.

• 1045 A.D.
• Election of Cardinal Giovanni de Sabina as Pope Sylvester III. His pontificate would last only twenty days. For a time he took the place of his predecessor and successor Pope Benedict IX who was elected Sovereign Pontiff three times. Sylvester was caught in the middle because of the factions known as the pro-papal Guelphs and the pro-monarchy Ghibellines. Even though Benedict would issue an interdict against Sylvester and proclaim the latter an antipope, Benedict did not have the authority at the time and it was never fully recognized by the Church. Therefore, Sylvester III remains a legitimate Pope, the 146th successor of Peter.

• 1458 A.D.
• Death of Saint Eutochium Calafato a Poor Clare nun who envisioned Christ crucified in a mystical vision Who told her she needed to reform the laxity in the convents. She received permission to found a stricter convent and became its abbess. She died at the age of 35 as a victim soul. Two centuries after her death her body was exhumed in Messina and discovered to be incorrupt verifying her sanctity.

• 1994 A.D.
• The death knell rings in France when the French Senate rejects a motion that would have asserted that an embryo is a human being. Because of this rejection it opened the door to extensive embryonic experimentation which the French Bishops lobbied so hard against.

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Give of your wealth now and receive eternal dividends later

    They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen have been known to launch a thousand images in one's mind, one of the ways this late luminary did so much to evangelize the faith. Because of the urgency of the times and because few there are today who possess the wisdom, simplicity and insight than the late Archbishop who touched millions, we are bringing you daily gems from his writings. The good bishop makes it so simple that we have dubbed this daily series: "SIMPLY SHEEN".

"The world thinks that the highest things must be used for the lowest, for example, the intellect to make surplus wealth. The man of God believes that the lowest must be used for the highest, that is, money must be spent to help spread Divine Truth, to solace the afflicted and to cure the sick that their souls may be free to work out their salvation. The truest answer to 'You can't take it with you' is: 'You can, provided you give it away!' Then it is stored up as merit in the next life."

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DAILY LITURGY

    Today is the Second Thursday in Ordinary Time as well as the Feast of the early martyrs Pope Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian while tomorrow we commemorate the Feast of another martyr - Saint Agnes. For the readings, liturgies, meditations, and the profile on these saint, see DAILY LITURGY.

Thursday, January 20, 2000

Thursday January 20:
Second Thursday in Ordinary Time and
Feast of Pope Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian, Martyrs

Green or Red vestments

First Reading: 1 Samuel 18: 6-8; 19: 1-7
Psalms: Psalm 56: 2-3, 9-14
Gospel Reading: Mark 3: 7-12

Feast of Pope Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian, Martyrs

   Both saints lived in the 3rd Century and both were martyred for their faith. St. Fabian was the 21st pope in the succession of Peter, reigning fourteen years. Born in Rome, he was elected on January 10th 236 and died a martyr on January 20th, 250. At the moment of his election a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit was seen alighting on his head. During his pontificate the exodus from Rome to flee the persecution of Decius, and later Diocletian, was such that it gave rise to the hermetical life of the anchorites, including Saint Antony of Egypt whose feast we celebrated on January 17th.

   St. Sebastian was born shortly after Pope Fabian's death. He became a Roman army officer and converted to Christianity, rescuing Christians who had been unjustly accused. He discovered that Christian twin brothers MarcusandMarcellinus, who had been imprisoned and tortured, were close to succumbing to the enticing offers of pagan relatives to give up their faith. Sebastian encouraged them to stand by Christ and die for Him if necessary. This was confirmed by a miraculous light shining about him as he spoke. Sebastian cured countless sick through prayer and, by his example, led many pagans to the true faith. He encouraged all to not be afraid to die for the faith for Heaven would be their reward for their loyalty to the Son of God. Sebastian even experienced a visit from one of his disciples who had been martyred. This disciple came back to tell him about Heaven and that his own time to die was at hand. Betrayed by a false disciple, he was condemned to death by the emperor Diocletian and shot with arrows. Left for dead, he miraculously was healed by Divine intervention and proceeded to go right back into the teeth of the enemy, pleading for Diocletian to stop the senseless slaughter of Christians. But the emperor's soul was already satan's and he sentenced Sebastian to be beaten to death by brutal clubbing. This saint holds the honor of a double martyrdom or "Martyr Extraordinaire."

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Friday, January 21, 2000

Friday January 21:
Feast of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Red vestments

First Reading: 1 Samuel 24: 3-21
Psalms: Psalm 57: 2-4, 6, 11
Gospel Reading: Mark 3: 13-19

Feast of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

    Martyred for her faith at the early age of twelve, Saint Agnes was one of the youngest-known named martyrs in the Communion of Saints. She was born into a wealthy Roman aristocratic family and was remarkable for her beauty as a child. But the true beauty was interior and as a youth she vowed to live a life of purity and chastity, consecrating herself as a virgin. Even though she was not yet a teen, Roman suitors courted her trying to seduce her but she refused all advances. Word reached the Roman Emperor Diocletian who was relentless in his persecution of Christians. Rather than killing her right away, Diocletian's men sought to discredit her by making her a prostitute and that would further discredit Christianity and dissuade others from becoming Christians. Naturally Agnes rejected all advances and refused to give in to the sins of the flesh. This further infuriated Diocletian and his cohorts who dragged her before the governor. He ordered that she be thrown into the fire. God preserved her beauty inside and out by allowing her to emerge unscathed. The governor then ordered that she be beheaded in a public display but even this the executioner botched, stabbing her in the throat where she died professing her undying loyalty to her One, True God in 304. She was buried on the Via Nomentana where a cemetary stands in her name. Over the centuries Agnes, which means "chaste" in Greek, has become the standard for chastity, purity and virginal innocence and she is always depicted with a lamb - the Lamb of God - in Latin: Agnus Dei.

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The DAILY WORD

    "For He healed many, so that as many as had ailments were pressing upon Him to touch Him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they beheld Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, 'Thou art the Son of God.' And He charged them strictly not to make Him known."

Mark 3: 10-12

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December 25th Medjugorje Monthly Message

NOTE: We respectfully recognize and accept the final authority regarding apparitions, locutions and prophecies presently being reported around the world rests with the Holy See of Rome and the Magisterium of Holy Mother Church to whose judjment we humbly and obediently submit.

    Dear children! This is the time of grace. Little children, today in a special way with little Jesus, Whom I hold in my embrace, I am giving you the possibility to decide for peace.Through your 'yes' for peace and your decision for God, a new possibility for peace is opened. Only in this way, little children, this century will be for you a time of peace and well-being. Therefore, put little newborn Jesus in the first place in your life and He will lead you on the way of salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call.

For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

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January 20, 2000     volume 11, no. 14
The DailyCATHOLIC is available Monday thru Friday at www.DailyCatholic.org