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...

By: Laurence Gonzaga Published on Faithful Answers One of the most relevant and controversial topics among Christians is the issue of salvation. Many theological terms such as justification, salvation, sanctification, soteriology, atonement, propitiation , and expiation can easily confuse the untaught and unlearned. Other Christian communions also use these same terms but mean different things by them. So, I wanted to simply summarize this whole salvation business so you can get the facts down before you venture into a more in depth study of the issues. Salvation is a team effort. It is a work in progress, a joint project between you and God. Because of Adam’s original sin , we have a fallen nature. We have a propensity to sin, always. This attraction to the world, the flesh, and the Devil is called concupiscence . We are not born “basically good” as the humanists believe. Apart from God, we can do no civil or moral good on our own. Grace is the life of God operating in ou...

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...

Our daily bread for our future life By: Laurence Gonzaga This past Thursday was the traditional Corpus Christi Feast, celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday ( New Advent ). It was a beautiful liturgy in the extraordinary form. My friends who have formed a beautiful choir sung the propers and ordinary for the Mass. I even joined in choir for the ordinary chants. Father’s homily was very much the same as today’s sermon for the “Second Sunday After Pentecost”. In summary, Father made the following points: 1)       Communion in the hand is not the universal norm. It was originally granted as an indult in the 70’s. 2)       The majority of bishops in the 70’s said that communion in the hand was not advisable and that it would lead to a loss of faith in the real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. (Father was referring to the document Memoriale Domini , 1969, and can be read here . The bishops never wanted communion ...

I believe By Laurence Gonzaga It has been about eleven years since I took the “leap” back towards the faith of my upbringing, and about ten years since I came back to Catholicism in particular. It has been quite a journey, filled with a few detours, as well as much that was lacking in the way of what can be called “purity of intention”, as a friend recently phrased it. I recently wrote a piece called, “ The idolatry of worshiping God ” , which had mostly good responses, and a few appreciated critiques. I will be more careful moving forward when I disseminate my writing. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish my theological/apologetical pieces versus what can be called “theological reflection”, also known as “opinion”. After all, my undeserved positive reputation from days gone by precedes me. That piece had to do with the same topic as this one, that is, the first words of the first article of the apostle’s creed, “I believe”. It’s amazing how theologically and practically...

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...

  and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works ? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household ." And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.  (Matthew 13:54-58 ESV) Do you ever wonder why your witness tends to be better received among those who know you the least? Of course this is not always the case. Not everyone can be a Scott Hahn right? However, in my observation, of my own life and the lives of others, I have found folks with rather powerful messages. Often times they are very popular figures, champions of truth ev...