Michael G. Martin, M.D.

   “…And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.”  Exodus 12:14

 “And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you…” Joel 2:26.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

  At Mass and at other times in our life we pray.  There are different types of prayer.  The main reason for prayer is petition, or asking God to grant us favor, His grace, His forgiveness, or His bounty.  There is prayer of thanksgiving, wherein we give thanks for blessings already bestowed on us.  Prayer of adoration is when we express our love and devotion to our God.  A blessing can be given to us by our priests, as it is in their power to do so by virtue of their Holy Orders.  Or we can ask for blessings directly, as when we say grace before a meal.  An intercession is when we pray to the saints to ask God’s favor for us.  By the way, we do not pray to the Blessed Mother or the saints in the sense of worship.  Prayers of adoration are reserved for the Holy Trinity.  However, prayers of veneration, by which we affirm our love and respect for all the saints and our desire to emulate them, are appropriate.  All of these types of prayer are included in the Mass.  Listen for them.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

 In the British Isles November 1st is called All Hallows (All Saints), thus the evening before is All Hallows Eve, or evening or “een”.  The ancient Celtic peoples who inhabited England celebrated their New Year's Day on November 1st. Before their conversion to Catholicism, these peoples practiced a pagan religion controlled by a priest class known as Druids. The Druids are most famous for the stone monument at Stonehenge. It was believed that on the last night of the year the souls of the dead returned to their homes. It was also thought that evil spirits, demons, ghosts, witches were also free to roam around this night and play tricks on unsuspecting people. You could prepare them a treat in exchange for your safety.  They would also leave you alone if you dressed like them and thus appeared to be one of them. Families would also extinguish their hearth fires on this evening to be re-lit from a common New Year's bonfire meant to symbolize the driving away of darkness and evil with the coming of the New Year. The jack-o-lantern as a means of scaring away evil and providing is a vestige of this custom.

During the first three centuries of Christianity, the Church frequently had to operate "underground" due to the persecutions of the Roman state against her. During these periods, many martyrs died for their faith in Christ. The most renowned of these were honored locally by the preservation of the relics and by the celebration of the anniversary of their death. As time passed, neighboring dioceses would honor each other's martyrs and even exchange relics for veneration. At the end of the third century and the beginning of the fourth the most vicious of all persecutions occurred, that of the emperor Diocletian (284-305). The martyrs became so many that in some places it was impossible to commemorate even the most significant of them. The need for a common feast of all martyrs was becoming evident. Beginning with Gregory III (731-741) the celebration of a feast of All Saints was commemorated at St. Peters on November 1. Gregory IV (827-844) extended this feast to the entire Church.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

When Alexander the Great invaded Jerusalem, the populace was struck with fear. The high priest and all the clergy, in all their ceremonial vestments, went out to meet with him to beg for mercy.  When Alexander saw the high priest, he bowed down low before him.  Everyone present was astonished.  His generals asked him later why he would humble himself like that.  Alexander replied, “I did no reverence to the man, but to God, whose priest he is. 

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

As we deliberate who we will vote for this election season, the word charisma is frequently bandied about.  Who has it, who doesn’t.  We all have our ideas of who is charismatic.  Perhaps you noticed the similarity between the words charisma and Eucharist, and, in fact, they have the same provenance.  As with many of our ecclesiastical words, they are from the Greek.  The root is charis, meaning love, and from which is derived our word charity.  Charisma means “gift”, charisma, that flows from the love, charis, of God.  Since we are all blessed with gifts from God, we all have charisma.  The word Eucharist, evcharistia, means “true gift”, or thanksgiving.  It implies that when we give thanks, we are truly giving back to God for all His gifts.  Incidentally, the name Christ is from a different word, chrisma, which denoted any oil that was used to anoint.  Hence, Christ means “the Anointed”.   

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Q: “Sometimes when a particular Mass is expected to draw a large crowd, closed circuit TVs are set up in the parish center for the overflow. Are we participating in the Mass if we are in the parish center?

A: YES. One needs to be morally present even if physical presence is a little remote. Overflow rooms or space is considered morally and spiritually connected as long as there is some contiguous or reasonable nearness of distance. This often happens at many Papal Masses and Masses where the Pope canonizes or beatifies someone.  Watching Mass on TV while at home or the radio in the car or at work, obviously, is not the same, but someone who is as close as is physically possible is considered at Mass. And, yes, a person who is home-bound due to age, illness or infirmity and is as close as possible, is at Mass while watching on TV.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Today, August 15, is the feast of the Assumption, wherein Mary’s body was assumed into heaven after her death.  Today’s first reading, an allusion to Mary, is from the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse. From the Greek verb apokalypto meaning to uncover, or reveal, hence, revelation, the Apocalypse reveals John’s vision of the end of the world.

The Gospel today contains one of the best known prayers of all time, the Magnificat of Mary.  Named for the first word of the Latin prayer (“Magnificat anima mea Dominum..”, i.e., “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord”), the Magnificat is also a canticle, or a song of praise which is prayed daily at vespers, or evening prayer.  It is one of the three great New Testament canticles, the “Benedictus” and the “Nunc dimittis” being the other two.  All three of these canticles are to be found in the Gospel according to St. Luke, the Magnificat and the Benedictus in Chapter I, and the Nunc Dimittis in Chapter II.  The Benedictus is recited at Lauds, or morning office, and Nunc dimittis, quite logically, at Compline, or the end of the day office.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

While listening to the radio last week, my wife and I happened upon the Catholic station, 1460AM, on which they were discussing the four marks of the Catholic Church.  We all recite these every week at Mass, and we thought it would be nice to point them out.  The four marks are that the Church is One, Holy, catholic, and Apostolic.  These marks are noted in the Nicene Creed, and date from 381 A.D.  The Council of Nicea from that year addressed matters of faith, especially in response to the heresies that were rampant in those days.  That the Church is one means that there is only one true church instituted by Christ.  It is Holy because it was initiated by Christ himself, and not by any ordinary person.  It is catholic (not capitalized) in the sense that it is universal, open to all. And it is Apostolic.  Apostolic refers to the line of succession, from Peter through Pope John Paul II.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Liturgy (leitourgia) is a Greek composite word originally meaning a public duty, a service to the state undertaken by a citizen. In Christian use liturgy meant the public official service of the Church. We must now distinguish two senses in which the word was and is still commonly used. These two senses often lead to confusion. On the one hand, liturgy often means the whole complex of official services, all the rites, ceremonies, prayers, and sacraments of the Church, as opposed to private devotions. We too may use Liturgy to mean the Holy Eucharist, which is also correct. In both attending the liturgy, and in being sent forth, we do our public duty to God and the Church.  On this 4^th of July, let us also remember those who served our country so well, who did their public duty so that we may live in freedom.  And God bless the United States of America.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is June 29.  As Peter was fleeing Rome during Nero’s persecution, he met Christ on the road, heading to Rome. “Quo vadis?”, Peter asked. (“Where are you going?”).  Christ replied, “I am going to be crucified again.”  Ashamed, Peter returned to Rome, there to be crucified.  He requested to be hung upside down, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. We all know the story of Saul, knocked from his horse by a vision of the crucified Christ, and asked “Why do you persecute me?” He changed his name to Paul, was accepted (with skepticism at first) into the Christian community, and became the author of the many letters that we read at Mass every day. He also was martyred during the reign of Nero, but by decapitation, a more humane and fitting execution for a Roman citizen.   

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

We have been witness to some changes in the Mass over the past few years.  While we are trying to remember to bow before receiving the Eucharist and when to stand or kneel, let’s review some of the more “recent” changes in the Mass

1922- the congregation was permitted to make responses to the prayers at Mass

1953- the fast prior to receiving the Eucharist was shortened from midnight Saturday to three hours before Mass.  Also, afternoon and evening Mass was permitted.

1964- Mass could now be said in the vernacular (that’s English to us).

1970- Saturday evening Mass approved

1977- reception of communion in the hand permitted

1978- introduction of lay Eucharistic ministers

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

This is Pentecost Sunday, and we celebrate the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus. By wearing red today, we commemorate the tongues of fires that appeared over them, but we should recollect the other signs of the Spirit in our Christian life. The first symbol, water, is the symbol of Baptism. It commemorates our natural birth, and signifies our birth into the community of believers. Chrism is the second symbol, that of confirmation, symbolizing our unity with Jesus as "God's anointed One". It gives us membership into the priesthood of the faithful. Fire is the symbol of the Pentecost, which drove fright from the disciples and infused them with the fearlessness to go forth and spread the gospel to all nations. The Dove is the symbol of peace, recalling the dove that brought the olive branch back to Noah after the flood, a gesture of peace, which also descended upon Jesus when he was baptized in the Jordan River. The power of the Holy Spirit is also recalled in today's first reading as a "noise like a strong driving wind." Its power is unavoidable, and penetrates all it touches.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Recently in the news there have been individuals (including some Catholic bishops) who have suggested that Catholic politicians who believe in abortion be refused communion.  Presumably this advice would extend to any of the faithful who do not support fully the Church’s position on abortion.  And despite the fact that Christ ate with sinners and admonished us against casting the first stone, let’s review the purpose of the Eucharist. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists these effects of receiving communion.  1. It cleanses us and separates us from sin.  2. It establishes us as a community.  3. It gives us a taste of the afterlife.  4. It helps us grow in our Christian life.  5. It increases the grace we received in Baptism.  6. It is the source of conversion and penance.  7. It unites us with Christ and one another.  8.  Because Christ has commanded it. 

We are enjoined, however, from receiving communion when we are living in a state of mortal sin.  We are instructed first to have our sins forgiven in the sacrament of Penance.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Let’s continue on the theme of contributions of the Bible, and Church history in everyday speech.  In the 11^th century, the Benedictine monk, Guido d’Arezzo, devised a new musical notation, using letters to indicate the notes.  Because it is not easy to sing single letters, he used individual syllables that one could sing more easily.  Look at the following prayer to St. John the Baptist:

Domine, ut queant laxis resonare fibris
Mira gestorum famuli tuorum
Solve pollutes labiis reatum
Sancte Iohannes

The last above syllable, SI, has become ti, being more forceful.  His letter scale began on the Greek letter gamma, and, combined with the second word in the prayer, ut, formed the word gamut, which we use to describe a range or spectrum of objects.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the source of many phrases that we use in everyday speech.  Today’s readings bear this out.  See if you can match the phrases with the book of the Bible from which they originate.  I won’t ask you to name the chapter and verse.  But if you’re curious they’ll be on the parish website.

Answers                                  Michael G. Martin, M.D.
                           

  While we’re on the subject of the Passion, let’s talk about St. Veronica.  Who was she anyway?  Veronica is the name given to the woman who wiped Jesus’ face as He carried the cross.  Veronica is also the name of the veil used.  The name comes from the two Latin words, vera, and icon, meaning “true image”, referring to the image of Christ’s face.  The name of the woman is no where mentioned in the account of the Passion of Christ, nor is she mentioned in history by name until 450 A.D.  Some say she was the wife of a Roman centurion, some say it was Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, still others that she was the wife of Zacchaeus.  The veil was mentioned last week as the vehicle of a miracle in the lore of the early Church, and is mentioned in legends only less frequently than the Holy Grail and the Shroud of Turin

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

 Pontius Pilate, the infamous Roman procurator who handed Jesus over to be crucified, appears in history and legend many times after his appearance in the Gospels.  Pilate was the governor of Judea from about 26 to 36 A.D., contemporary with the ministry of John The Baptist and Christ. He was a highly political man, and the Jews there seemed to know how their threatened complaints to Pilate's superiors in Rome could get the governor to act in their favor - the release of a convicted murderer in place of Jesus Christ is a blatant example. After learning that Jesus had died, Pilate released His Body to Joseph of Arimathea. Pilate is not mentioned in the Bible again, but his death has passed into legend. The Emperor Tiberius falls gravely ill, and sends Volusanius to Judea to fetch Christ for a cure.  Pilate had been corresponding with Caesar about this itinerant rabbi who worked miracles. But in Judea, Christ had already been crucified. Volusanius encounters Veronica who informs him of this fact but sends him back to Rome with the image of Christ's face on her kerchief, which heals Tiberius anyway. Tiberius summons Pilate to Rome, where Pilate dies, either by execution or his own hand, depending on the version of the legend. His body is thrown into the Tiber River, but a storm arises and ejects it from the river, whereupon Caesar has it sent to Vienna (then in France) and thrown to the Rhone River. That river also rejects it, and the body is taken to a lake near Lucerne at the foot of a mountain now called Mount Pilate where the body rests—but the locals say he rises from his watery grave every Good Friday to sit on the bank and ceaselessly wash his hands in a vain attempt to wash away the Holy Blood and absolve himself of the responsibility for the crucifixion.   

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

  St. Louis, our patron saint, was king of France from 1226 to 1270.  Notice in our main stained glass window in the sacristy, the one behind the crucifix, that the crown of thorns is its most prominent feature. St. Louis came into possession of the Crown of Thorns in 1238. It was then in the hands of the Venetians as security for a heavy loan, but it was redeemed and conveyed to Paris where he built the Sainte-Chapelle Church to house it. There the great relic remained until the French Revolution, when it was taken from the Church and stored for a while in the Bibliothèque Nationale.  After the Revolution, it was eventually restored to the Church and was deposited in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in 1806 where it remains to this day. Ninety years later (in 1896) a magnificent new reliquary was made for it. The Crown thus preserved consists only of a circlet of rushes, without any trace of thorns.  The thorns, which have fallen off one by one, have been the source of many miracles.  Every Friday during Lent, the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ is presented for the veneration of believers.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

I know this is a little early to be thinking about Christmas, being Lent and all, but this week, March 25 we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. And nine months from Thursday is Christmas Day.  As you will recall,  the Annunciation is the first Joyful Mystery.  In a few weeks, we will remember the Sorrowful Mysteries, which begin with the Agony in the Garden, and end with the Crucifixion. See if you can match the mysteries in their proper category, and in their proper order.  I have just given you three. 

Click here to see the match grid and select answers

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland whose feast day we celebrate this Wednesday (and Saturday night at Reddington Hall).  He was not actually Irish: he was Roman. He was born in the year A.D. 385.  At age fourteen, he was captured by pirates, taken to Ireland, and sold as a slave. Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty. He escaped back to Britain, where he reunited with his family, and began his studies for the priesthood. St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre in France, ordained him. Later, as a bishop, Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland. He converted thousands and began building churches throughout the country over 40 years. He died March 17, 461. The traditional icon of the day is the shamrock, which Patrick used to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day. The veneration in which the Irish have held St Patrick is evidenced by the salutation, still common today, "May God, Mary and Patrick bless you".

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Although fasting has long been a common expression of piety, the forty day Lenten fast began with the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.  The Nicean Creed that we recite every Sunday after the homily dates from this council as well.  In those days, the faithful were permitted only one meal a day, except on Sundays.  During the Middle Ages, a second light meal was added, usually a light breakfast.  It was during this time also that the custom of eating fish on Friday began.  The reasoning for this was twofold.  First, fish are cold blooded, and as such were not considered to be meat.  Second, the Greek word for fish, ichthos, was a revered acronym for Jesus, the initials standing for “Jesus Christ, son of God.”  Fasting was considered such an integral part of the observance of Lent, that the penalties for violating the fast were severe.  We are still today called to abstain from eating meat on Fridays in Lent, or, when this is not observed, to perform some act of penance.  By the way, the Law of Abstinence applies to anyone over the age of 14, and the Law of Fasting for those from age 18 until age 60, unless their health precludes it.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, and marks the beginning of Lent.  The ashes we receive on our forehead are a symbol of our own mortality, and a sign to others of our repentance for our sins.  The ashes, you will recall, are from the palm fronds from last Palm Sunday, which are burned unceremoniously.  Lent is forty days long, commemorating the forty days that Christ fasted in the desert.  Fortunately, we are not asked to do that superhuman feat, but we are asked to fast (meaning one normal meal, and two smaller meals not equaling a full size meal), and to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday.  Abstinence from meat is still practiced on all the Fridays of Lent.  The word “Lent” comes from Old English, meaning “spring”.  If you count the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, you will count 47 days.  This is because the Sundays of Lent are not counted in the forty days, nor is Easter.  Sunday is a day of rest, even from the fasting, abstinence, and repentance of Lent.    

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Americans are not used to obedience.  We live in the land of the free.  We make up our own minds, do our own thing.  All too often, liberty becomes license, and freedom becomes irresponsibility.  We enjoy the privileged position we hold, and all too often forget those who don’t enjoy what we take for granted.  However, Catholics have a long tradition of obedience to the Church. We adhere to the teachings of the Church, and following the guidance and leadership of her bishops.  Of course, we have the ultimate expression of obedience in Christ, who lived the obedient life, even to death on the cross.  As Americans, we prize our freedom.  We are a shining light to all those who yearn to live free.  Yet deep down we know that wealth, power, and prestige will not save us.  We understand that it is part of God’s plan to include the outcast, the exploited, and the untouchable.  True disciples of Jesus support the Church’s mission to the least, the last, and the lost.  Please petition, at the request of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and our own shepherd, Bishop Matthew Clark, our legislators for passage of the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003 (S. 1645, H.R. 3142) giving undocumented farm workers an opportunity to legalize their status and the opportunity to assert their rights in the workplace more effectively.  Show your obedience and duty to our bishop and our Church. 

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

For many of us more mature (read “older”) parishioners, the answer to this question probably comes out of our mouths without any delay.  The question and the answer, and hundreds more are from the Baltimore Catechism, first published in 1891, and read, memorized, and remembered by generations of Catholics.  Although the Baltimore Catechism is the best known to the average middle aged Catholic, there have been in fact five catechisms.  First, the Catechetical Instructions of St. Thomas Aquinas, an introductory work the great saint preached during Lent in 1273 (making it the last thing he ever wrote, as he died a few months later).  It is also much simpler to read than his immortal Summa Theologiae. Second, the Catechism of the Council of Trent, first released in 1566 in the wake of the Protestant Reformation. This catechism is also known as the Roman Catechism and the Catechism of St. Pius V, who was pope at the time. Third, the aforementioned Baltimore Catechism. Fourth, the Catechism of St. Pius X , suggested by St. Pius X when he was still archbishop of Mantua. Fifth and finally, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which was released in 1992 and is the current teaching standard of the Church.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

Now that we are through the Christmas season and into Ordinary Time, let’s review the color of the vestments.  The Church prescribes vestment colors for each season and feast. Green is used during Ordinary Time. It symbolizes hope and life, just as the green on trees in arouses the hope of new life. We saw purple during Advent and will be used again in Lent. It is a sign of penance and preparation. At the midpoint of both of Advent and Lent-Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent)-rose vestments may be worn as a sign of joy, because we are half-way through the preparation and anticipate the coming joy of Christmas or Easter. White, a color symbolizing rejoicing and purity, is worn during the seasons of Christmas and Easter. White vestments are also used for feasts of our Lord (except those pertaining to His passion), the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints who were not martyrs. Black may be used for funerals, but white is frequently used to signify the resurrection. Red has a dual imagery: it symbolizes the shedding of blood and is used on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, any other commemoration of the Lord's passion, and masses in honor of the martyrs. Red also signifies God's love and red vestments are worn on Pentecost to commemorate the Holy Spirit’s descent in tongues of fire.  

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

The new General Instruction of the Roman Missal, or G.I.R.M., has emphasized certain procedures in the rite of Mass that are uncomfortable for some of us.  For example, most of us either forget or omit the reverential bow before receiving Communion.  Also specifically prohibited is for the faithful (that’s us) to receive the sacred Host, and dip it into the Precious Blood.  Actually, this process of intinction has never been sanctioned. The theological and canonical reason for this is that at the Last Supper, Christ took the bread, gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples and said “Take this all of you and eat…” After the supper was finished, He took the cup, gave it to His disciples and said, “Take this all of you and drink…” Thus, we receive Communion from the priest, the deacon, or the appointed Eucharistic minister, as opposed to taking it.  It’s a fine point, but an important distinction. 

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

I would like to draw your attention to a book that I bought for my wife this Christmas.  I found it at the Catholic Shop on Ridge Road.  It is Thinking Catholic by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati.  Being Catholic is more than knowing what Christ says or the Church teaches.  It is a mindset, an emotional framework through which we look at the world, life, and each other.  The Catholic heart and mind are truly different.  In a world dedicated to consumption, people confuse forgiveness of sin with tolerance, and look upon immoral behavior as not only acceptable, but a God-given right to be protected by law.  In a world such as this, our Catholic beliefs seem quaint and old-fashioned to much of the world, but it defines who we are, and our place in the world.  All this is nothing new, but it reminds us that when we think as Catholics, we will never be truly alone.  If we are to save ourselves, we need to close our minds, take truth and honor for granted, and escape back to certainty from the world of moral relativism and the atmosphere of eternal questioning and skepticism.

Michael G. Martin, M.D.

I have always pictured the star of Bethlehem in my mind as very bright, visible even during the day.  However, if that were true, Herod would not have had to ask the magi when the star first appeared.  It must have been rather obscure not to have been noticed by the astrologers in Herod’s court.  Astronomers today think it may have been a comet, a supernova, or a great alignment of the planets.  Again, those phenomena would have been noticeable to all.  And who were these magi?  Scholars disagree as to whether they were magicians, astrologers or kings.  We celebrate the feast of the Three Kings, but in the Gospel, they are not mentioned as kings, or even as three.  The allusion to three is from the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  It may also be a reference to the Trinity.

Psalm 72 speaks of how the Gentiles will come to worship the Messiah: "The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts, the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him" Isaiah also prophesied the gifts: "Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedari