Virtus In Medio Stat

The power of understanding compels me Laurence Gonzaga Very rarely do I have conversations on a truly theological or philosophical nature. I think in the last several years I can probably count on one hand how many times I have found myself in an intensely challenging discussion on some of the most troubling beliefs that I hold dear to my heart. One was with an agnostic, the other was with a former Protestant convert to Catholicism, and the third was just a few hours ago with an old friend whom I seldom converse with anymore. The predominant topics which I have engaged with them on are predictable, the existence of God and its implications, the theologically compelling superiority of the Catholic tradition over and above the Protestant tradition, and lastly how God accomplishes his plan throughout history. For my agnostic friend, and even though we have really only had a handful of real conversations, I consider him a true friend. He was in fact the first person to con...

Crossing the Christian’s Boundaries By Laurence Gonzaga Hi Laurence - Had a question for you--- I have been reading a book on dealing with a loved with a mental health condition, and one of the things it talks about is the importance of boundaries -- to my uneducated mind on matters of psychology, i see there being a conflict with setting boundaries and that of basically Christ's all and totally giving example -- giving to the point of death. Do you have insights on how one may and must set appropriate boundaries on their relationships with people that does not necessarily set aside the example of Christ, or efforts to say, heroic virtue of serving another. [My only guess is that, when dealing with some people, by giving so much of oneself that it enables a person, and in no way helps them with their redemption or self improvement, etc...]. Appreciate if you can offer a few words of insight, I know you've studied psychology and theology so you could help me understand how t...

The idolatry of worshiping God Laurence Gonzaga A few weeks ago I had pulled into a local parking lot during my lunch break from work and a song came on the local Christian radio station. It was by no means appropriate for any kind of liturgical service, but one thing I will credit the Protestants for is that they know how to make music that touches the heart, not because of its technical or aesthetic beauty, but because it resonates with the challenges that modern Christians may face today. In that sense, it may only have transitory value, as opposed to a Mozart or Palestrina piece, but it serves a purpose. Considering the personal challenges I have been facing as of late, listening to the song and its lyrics drove me to tears; in fact, it was even a full blown sob, begging God for direction and clarity for my life. The lyrics for this song can be read here . This evening I had a wonderful conversation with a friend. We spoke about many things, not the least of which has be...

  Alios salvos fecit, seipsum non potest salvum facere. – St. Mark 15:31 This year will mark the ninth year since I had come back from my short time in atheism and agnosticism, back to belief, to Christianity, in its most ancient form (arguably), Catholic-Christianity. In my years as an atheist I had put out much effort to attack the treasured beliefs of the church, visiting campus Bible studies, wearing offensive anti-Christian t-shirts, and attacking the Bible in a debate against capital punishment. As a non-denominational Christian I vehemently opposed the pagan accretions which infected the Roman Church throughout the centuries. I tried to convert friends and family out of the Popish Church . Coming back home to that very Church, I attacked the atheists, agnostics, Protestants, Orthodox, the defenders of same-sex marriage, etc. Many folks who have since become my good friends were attracted to this passionate defense of the Church and Her teachings and vehement offense ag...

The best way of living charity lies in generously outstripping the demands made on us by justice. Such charity will generally go unnoticed, but it is very fruitful in heaven and indeed also on earth. It would be a mistake to think that when expressions such as 'the happy mean' or 'a just mean' are used regarding the moral virtues, they imply mediocrity, or somehow aiming at doing half of what we could do. The mean we are asked to aim at lies midway between excess and defect, and is in fact a summit, a peak: the best course of action, as indicated to us by prudence. Though when it comes to the theological virtues, there is no middle course. We cannot believe, or hope, or love too much. We are called to love God without limit, with a love that overflows to those around us in an abundance of generosity, understanding and charity.    ~ Josemaria Escriva, Friends of God, #83 Years ago when I was a catechist and fresh from my reversion back to the faith at the ripe ...

The other day I was sitting on a friend’s porch. I had left my watch there when we went running some weeks ago. I wanted to go pick it up before he pawned it for beer money. I had shared with him my recent sense that life seems so mundane as of late. I have a feeling I know what this is, but as of late it just seems like life is just boring or dull. I don’t know, maybe I have just fell into routine. My friend would respond with lofty theological truths. I thought it was amusing. Now I know what it feels like to hear it. I quickly joked, “Wow, you’re just full of life lessons and clichés, aren’t you?” I think he is right, however. We get bored sometimes with life, because it is a hint that there is more, beyond this life. He quoted Fulton Sheen on this. Of course this is true. But in further reflection, I would add to it, that there is more to life than what has already happened, and what is happening presently. I would say the danger of just accepting the hum drum norm, is that we ma...

One of the issues that I think young adults face is a problem with being able to prioritize certain aspects of their lives. Often times we want to be involved in so many things, which seem to only be natural, but the reality of it is we can't be a part of everything. We are finite creatures and our time and our energy is limited. We sign up for everything that comes our way, either out of genuine enthusiasm for the activity or perhaps it is due to cultural predispositions to always be willing to say "Yes". Remember that movie "Yes Man"? I don't recommend it, by the way. As young adults, there are probably certain things which will undoubtedly be part of your lives: faith, family, friends, education, work, organizations, affiliations, leisure, and rest. Did I get everything? I already placed them in a certain order; it is my order of importance. Your order may be different. The question is for you, do you recognize a certain order in your priorities? If so, a...