Chapel Veil: Thinking about it...

I stumbled upon this article and found it really an eye opener. I used to think that some things in the bible was cultural and was only applicable in the past, therefore not relevant to us now. The chapel veil was one of the things. The reason of wearing the veil is explained through the incarnation of Christ and His real presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

As explained in the article, Saint Paul outlined a deep theological purpose for keeping the custom that transcends all local and cultural reasons. Therefore all Christian women are Scripturally encouraged, by Saint Paul himself, to keep the custom.

But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. - 1 Corinthians 11:3-5

Am still pondering about this new found understanding...

The perpetual virginity of Mother Mary

What to wear for mass?

One of the lessons God taught me through serving Him through mass is the importance of dressing appropriately for mass.

Our generation is one that focus on what we feel rather than outward appeareances. So when we tell a youngster not to wear slippers or shorts to church, we'll probably hear an answer that goes like, "Ah, what does it matter what I wear. What matters is my sincerity of heart when I come for mass. Nothing else matters!"

Again, this brings us back to the dictatorship of relativism which defines nothing as definitive.

Dressing up for mass is a sign of reverence before the sacrament that we receive during mass. Just like how the church sacraments are outward sign of inward faith, so is our attire when attending mass.

Lord, you sons of God,

Give to the Lord glory and praise,

Give to the Lord the glory due to His name;

Adore the Lord in holy attire.

Psalm 29:1-2 

I do believe, help my unbelief!

And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." 

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said,

"I do believe, help my unbelief!"

Mark 9:23-24

The last line above in today's gospel reading is totally something I would love to tell God and I just did.

So often we say 'I believe in You, Lord.' But really, it isn't easy at all. Faith is something that needs to be cultivated and put into action.

Do we make full use of the protection and help he offers to those who seek him with faith and trust in his mercy?

Moving toward a dictatorship of relativism

"We are moving toward a dictatorship of relativism which does not recognize anything as definitive and has as its highest value one's own ego and one's own desires... The church needs to withstand the tides of trends and the latest novelties.... We must become mature in this adult faith, we must guide the flock of Christ to this faith." - Pope Benedict XVI

Read more... 

This is the one of toughest issue to deal with. People who do not understand and realize the importance, beauty and sacredness of the Holy Mass define it as meaningless.Because they think that it does not benefit them, therefore there's really no point in attending church.Thus, the diminishing number of Christians especially in the developed countries.