Fissure of Faith: Journey in A Broken World

Dearest of Friends, I dedicate this story to you

2011-02-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Article by Marc Aupiais

I do not care much if any other reads this, dear friend of mine. For the longest time I have been writing for you, and one other perhaps. You asked me to write you a story and thus I shall.

I thought of the caves i created, or of the pristine valley you so loved.

I thought of you lying with my words as your pillow, all printed out. Thinking of me as you sleep, of my words, which adore you, dear friend of mine, my words, which you adore. Which make you cry of sorrow, and of joyous love.

As i write, as is usual in my country, it is raining, I hear a thunder storm, as classical music from the Vatican itself does play, and I think of the water you bought me all that time ago, in a place of honour in my soul and mind.

I can tell so many stories, and I shall but a few.

You see, dear friend of mine. This world we see, isn't really real. No, indeed, it is not.

What we see as insurmountable is indeed not at all.

I shall tell you of a dream I had dear friend, dearest of all mine, and you can say if it compares, with the laboured out works, which usually I pen.

I have always believed I shall die violently, perhaps of a shark attack. It is why I never swim, this superstition of mine. I fear, shall I enter the ocean, I shall be carried up and away. I shall die, this fear of mine, mine heart and soul.

A witch, I call her, in this daylight dream. I stand at the strangest place I know, my University, that of the Witwatersrand, dear friend of mine.

Not by the law building, with men carrying crucifixes, but who are not Christ, and men in hell, or something the like, standing, beckoning us to where law students belong.

Nor by the libraries, stories high, with not a book I have bothered to consult, not to care for. Or for the English classes where I nearly got a first, and would have, perhaps, if I'd bothered to read the labourous works.

No, this occurs, at a favourite spot of mine, near where last I saw a friend who soon would die. It happens by a tall building housing a shop, by stairs in front. In front of the shop- the "Lighthouse" we universally call it. Mysterious not.

None the less, this is where I imagine it happening. five students, innocent, and with a sixth. The sixth is our hero, you see.

And a strange woman, everyone calls a witch. She stands there in the background, invisible, unseen, and she transfers the sixth and then all the others, with him. To another world, this beautiful siren she is.

They stand together on a deserted Island, only sand and one tall coconut tree.

And around them are fins, larger than buildings, of sharp razor teeth, we need not mention.

And while the others argue, as the tide rises, sure to soon cover their Island. The sixth hears the siren in his mind, and swims straight towards a giant shark, which fortunately is distracted, and doesn't bother to attempt top eat him just yet.

Here is where I hault in this story I've held for years.

Does he swim below the shark, avoiding attack and find some system of underwater caves, with air within? Does he meet locals, or get saves in a boat, rickety, or a jet ski. What happens to this man, in the see, 27 miles from the mainland beyond. A black rock coast, deadly to those who approach.

If he is the man I believe him, and the siren who she is, either way, with everything against him. It is sure he must fight for his life as he swims and gets nowhere.

Perhaps he holds the shark's fin, and it doesn't kill him by dunking down, or maybe it takes him further out to see or chomps him right up.

I am not sure how it writes.

It the water beyond him is blood, and fish in a frenzy. Perhaps in the middle is the Siren, whom he must save.

In another story dear friend of mine.

A man is climbing a mountain, tireless, and on instinct. He does not desire glory, or the arcane joy of the achievement. No, he knows there is a timepiece of gold, that he must grab unto. It is the soul of a woman, trapped in time, in the world, which is delusion. He climbs up the black rocks, and leans over the edge, knowing he'll sink forever into the snow, if he isn't careful to balance, and not to lean upon. He grabs and grabs at the timepiece, but cannot reach it. He holds unto a rock ledge, much like a tree, and upon a limb, he holds upon his hand, and leans, his legs holding up. He grabs at the timepiece in an avalanche, and finds he grabs a woman's hand. He pulls her up as she reaches for him. Upon the black rock, looking below at the avalanche, he knows he's found his wife.

He was to save her, as she was only but his own and not never for another to touch or to love. For none but him could be so constant or indeed love as much.

Kill me Lord: Death rather than that

2011-02-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

Article by Marc Aupiais

Death, lord, this I ask. I ask not for loyalty or friendship. Not for a lover or wife. Not for her or her loyalty to me. But if my being is for her, rather give me death than that yet do not deny the choice, do not prevent. Link my life to that choice, my death not hers if her loyalty fall. Do not oblige her to me, do not hold her to me.

I image bowing in a cave before a still lake. In a catacomb. I enter the lake, and it pulls me in. It moves me.

Our loyalty is to life, and to God. We are never never entitled to our own life. Perhaps if God commands, infallibly, then we should take our lives, for not to would be a most egregious, most heinous a sin against God and all men. The Christian has a complete loyalty to life.

We should ask God, if he does not permit us to obey him, rather for death than for that. And rather a life of every insufferable ill. Than death.

We are called to marriage or priesthood, or celibacy. This is our daily preaching of the Gospel. Therefore, to be selfish, to seek our own in dating or marriage is to seek death not life.

I sink into the water, it takes away my breath, and I am at peace. My will is dead, is gone, yet I beg and plead with God. Make me Lord, Make me, my life yours, not wealth, not friendship, not love. Make me utterly in poverty, for all I own is yours. Make me utterly poor, my very blood and veins, and marrow yours, not mine.

Make me poor in spirit. Punish me for the entirety of my life.

"Marc's Good Points" 1998 (that's last century!!!!)

2011-02-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

Article by Marc Aupiais

It was lying around the study, by Mother's computer. She'd scribbled it in grade 2. Before the illness that kept me from school, and which I still have not recovered entirely from- I don't really have allergies, but the chemicals in my body are much more sensitive. Tonsil problems need to be fixed before it gets as far as mine did.

So, before I went through the greatest trauma of my life, these were my traits, as Mother saw them.

They say the personality is set by age 7. Who you are is set.

Does this still apply to me? And if so, what does really matter? Kindness, caring, fighting others' battles? Empathy?

If my personality is set then these mean very little.

But as the bible says- love, hope, faith. Do I have self control, do I act in accordance with God's dear laws? Am I chaste? Christianity is not accidental. Personality is!

I am at a wedding in another world

2011-02-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Article by Marc Aupiais

I am at a wedding, is it not so. There is dancing, there is movement. A twirling, and interplay. People are moving and circling in dance. Man and woman, and a foreign sound plays, a foreign language sings a wedding song. They predict our lives, in this strange ancient tongue. A Song of Songs, and me and her, this strange woman, this foreign woman, we dance.

Is this not life, this image that hit my idle eyes. This author's vision, this thought of dear God?

I am at a wedding in another world?

What world is this, what is a wedding?

Jesus says there is no marriage in heaven, just as there is no confession, baptism of of child. Not, you must surely come to know, because people are not special, more to some. For Mary God says is more special to him than us, and Philomena more care in Mary likewise as well. Some saints are patrons, to a different cause.

They are different.

Marriage is not in heaven, though we are told not to divide what God has made one, and indeed that marriage is permanent even as the law holding one to other ends in their deaths.

But that is just it, there is no need for legal protection of love and sacrifice in heaven.

Marriage exists. A spouse loves their spouse, more than they love others. There is no general communist love... no, in heaven, there is specific love. There are relations.

Heaven is not an ocean, but a city.

A few daily thoughts: what is admiration?

2010-06-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

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Article by Marc Aupiais

“They’re all more shocking that the next, really, all trying to outdo each other in being more the slut!” my friend said: speaking of the new music videos of Lady Gagga, Christina Agulera, and Kylie Minogue.

“I mean, at least Lady Gagga doesn’t pretend to be anything else: Christina Agulera, basically is having sex with another woman in her music video,” I was silent, I expected as much from Britney Spear’s contemporary, who promoted an unjust expansion of gay rights via her song Beautiful and other actions, and promoted female looseness. But I hadn’t seen any of their videos: then again all already had a reputation for dressing like sluts.

Granted, South Africans love to skinder about the immoral Americans, about how bad their country is, how they invade other countries unjustly, about how few clothes they wear, about how fat Americans are, how paranoid, we love to repeat STOMPI’s about their presidents, about their laws, their actors and singers, to skinder about how they cannot spell, and have no manners. I only have about one or two not poverty struck friends who actually like America, and don’t assume the worst about anyone bearing that nationality. Poor people seem to like America.

Granted, I agreed, the same people who had always worn too few clothes were in my opinion going way to far once again. And I wasn’t about to watch their immoral videos, I trusted my friend.

That having been said, there is good gossip and bad gossip, in South Africa we even give these their own names. Eves dropping or bad gossip, is often referred to as picking up STOMPI’s, STOMPI, being a formula to write sentences in Afrikaans, gossip is often also referred to as skinder-ing, again borrowed from multilingual South Africa. Now, speaking of people not there is hardly gossip, we all do that, as with relating another’s bad deeds: also isn’t gossip: the bible does that, all the time in fact. Granted, telling the world of another’s sins with no reason, or finding oneself talking all the time about someone’s house or clothing is certainly sinful if there is no good cause to do so. No, the sin of gossip: lies in passing off untrue or unwarranted information as fact, or passing it around maliciously, with no good purpose, or good achieved. It is not wrong to condemn someone: the saints did this often, as did Saint Peter to those who pretended to give everything to the church, in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, the bible: often condemns, and most of the saints do: even Jesus says: My Words will condemn those who don’t believe.

What is condemned is absolute judgement with relative facts: is judging finally when one only has prima facie: on the face of it evidence. For instance, life in prison versus the death penalty: unless there is a just war or emergency, such as self defence: it is never acceptable to judge and take another life. If God hasn’t taken the life of a so-called vegetable: since when do we have the right: as with a baby whose birth might endanger the life of her mother. I treat people of different races, religions, nationalities and worldviews very differently: it is how the world is: but if I find I have misjudged a person’s culture or their worldview or beliefs, I react accordingly.

Now, many South Africans think America and Americans incapable of good, we, like the French, like to look down on Americans, to whisper behind their back if we see a patriotic tourist. We like to joke about America’s customs, and condemn their wars. We call them shallow: and rightly condemn their need for a pledge of allegiance, and their insane need for flags everywhere. And if I say something good about an American, another South African will almost always give me their predictions on that American’s future, none of them are ever bright futures if South Africans’ guesses are correct. Americans are often seen as incapable of morals: with few if any exceptions; and access to American films and television and music hasn’t helped the perception, of a Nation many in the world see as plainly stupid and without morals or values, or plain and simply stupid sheep.

As I write this, I know that many of my readers are Americans, and they don’t share South Africa’s stereotypes, stereotypes their media has sold about them throughout the world, and ones based on South Africans who become too loud and active after spending time in America, among those overeating monstrosities, not using cups/glasses to drink milk.

Now, I think that is wrong. You see, people are being judged on mere appearances without any real effort to find out the truth of the matter, and isn’t this the same as gossip: where there is not really enough evidence or where no good is achieved by our words, but grave harm is. My sins are no business of the world, only of those they affect. Yes, I may avoid a poor person for fear of armed robbery, but that is judgement with good cause, rational, realistic judgement.

The sin of gossip is a lack of effort to insure one is a person who judges rightly. We condemn judgement and do judge, we thus judge wrongly. When the righteous person condemns wrong judgement and judges more carefully, thus a righteous person may well speak of another behind their back or do similar things.

Granted a lawyer or actor, or actress is likely to be immoral due to stresses, and to go to hell, materially: due to the nature of their industries: but that does not mean it is assured: we are not prescient; I am studying law: will I go to hell?

God is truth, therefore, when dealing with people: we should treat shady information as just that and present it as such, unless otherwise warranted: though one should never lie, and sometimes keep silent, and act on it as what it is: preferably researching the truth of the matter. So often I read untruth in the news media, and hear it everywhere: a magazine or newspaper isn’t God.

That said, if we observe or another observes immoral behaviour for money in the public realm, then it can well be their duty to talk of it as wrong. And if we deal in facts our word is more reliable. Will I search for the reported immoral videos on YouTube: no: I refuse to give them my time of day: it doesn’t do much in any case: if they were good people being talked of I might research it further. They have pasts, and I’d hardly doubt my source.

So, if we are to read of celebrities and claim we admire them: then surely we should devote time to praying for them. You see, gossip comes from jealousy, from envy: from desiring that another lose what they have, while admiration is being glad they have that and wanting to be more like them. My personal celebrity as you already know is Selena Gomez: I pray and self mortify due to her, and I truly love her, as God has commanded me: as a person, not as an actress, singer etc!

If you say you admire someone then aim at their full good: and think also of this: God would have you speak of people as his children: harshly if need be to protect them or others, but with a certain amount of wisdom and the right sprinkling of salt. If you admire those better than you, you cannot be envious. Therefore admire God and the saints first, and anyone who lives a Godly life: especially among the hedonistic heathens! Before I decide I admire a celebrity, I research them mostly, and if I want news, I prefer to check the source, and how accurate it is. What you put in your mind stays there: be careful least you admire for money or for beauty: which both fade: but righteousness lasts forever: love, truth and hope: last forever in Love! Know that all we have can be gone in an instant: and suddenly you will focus on you first. God says: take the pole out of your eye, before attending to the splinter in your neighbour's eye. Thus: focus on being righteous yourself, and thus you will be able to make your neighbour righteous! Judge yourself first, and then you will be better able to judge your fellow man. Save yourself first: then you may save another.

We look down on people who make poor people embarrass themselves before giving them some change: therefore: entertain yourself with more moral television and film and theatre et al: and not that which degrades the divine human form, and thus God, who lifted its value to that of divine, by becoming Human. Notice, God, in lowering himself, and lifting himself does so with a purpose. We must tend our own garden, God will provide, least Jesus be a liar.

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The Good about Good Friday

2010-04-02T05:16:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

|Download audio version of this article|

Article by Marc Aupiais

Last year, when I posted online a possibly slightly edited version of one of my apologies, explaining why Good Friday is good, the article was in my point of view likely well appreciated, or at least, it has been well read. I thought to once again note some important points.

Good Friday is good, because like any martyrdom, in the classical sense, it involves obedience to truth. Jesus did not want to die, as no sane person would, and God is absolutely, verifiably sane. He clearly states his will to live, in the garden, where he cries tears, possibly even of blood.

Good Friday, is good, because Jesus was obedient in love, much as roses, however thorny are good, when given to us from our love.

It is good, because this is how we are saved, it is Christ on the Cross, whom we eat, for the Crucifixion is the source of Eucharistic grace, we drink his blood from his heart, and when we eat his body, we consume his flesh, from his heart. And we eat his soul, his life that is, a perfect, obedient life, of love and empathy and concern.

We may not have sympathy with God, but we always can have empathy, just as he may not have sympathy with us should we sin, but he always has empathy.

It shows us that what hurts now, can aid later, can save later- that Christ dies, for good.

Happy Good Friday, I mean it. Remember to fast from animal meat and fowl and shellfish. Try doing so every Friday, or to do an act of Charity instead, but in Lent, Fast on Fridays, most especially today, from animal meat and fowl and shellfish.

Remember, many dioceses still demand you abstain from these every Friday, while a number, on ordinary Fridays, allow the fasting to be replaced with a deed of charity. Good Friday is not a day of Holy Obligation, thus you need not attend church on this day.

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Addition to our important message

2010-02-17T03:29:00.000-08:00

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The saints Juventius and Maximinus, Martyrs, January 25

2010-01-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

Rosary Mysteries today: Annunciation Of Gabriel unto Mary, Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, Birth of our Lord, Presentation, Finding in the temple.
Saints and feats celebrated today: Apolo; Artemas; The Conversion of Saint Paul; Poppo; Praejectus; Publius; Juventius and Maximinus; According to Butler’s lives of the Saints.

Catholic News Agency on today’s liturgy:

Conversion of St. Paul http://goo.gl/fb/zAFD

Psalm - Ps 117:1bc, 2 http://goo.gl/fb/NTPQ
First Reading - Acts 9:1-22 http://goo.gl/fb/uVjQ

Gospel - Mk 16:15-18 http://goo.gl/fb/dYzp

(Journey in a Broken World)

[I have based my research into Juventius and Maximinus upon the history recorded in the great resource, the Butler’s lives of Saints, a great work, we use even today, after it appeared in the 18th Century. The version I am using is a mid 20th century abridgement with imprimatur. Commentary herein is my own, and holds no imprimatur!]

The saints Juventius and Maximinus, Martyrs, January 25

That is true which testifies in the heart that: it was love of the Christian soul and spirit, and therefore of Christ himself, which caused these two compassionate saints their deaths, who, at the table, while their evil master, Julian the Apostate, was at war against the Persians, these two noted officers in his foot-guards, bemoaned the terrible penalties, and unjust laws the Apostate Julian had put against the Christians, and therefore against Christ himself.

Wishing instead for any punishment, extending even to death, rather than see that which is holy treated with contempt, in the face of the Christian persecuted, who by his life represents Christ, they could see the sanity of their choice, and thus would not withdraw their just criticism of the Emperor, by any means, nor would these just companions of God who watches from heaven worship any created idol of man, by sacrifices asked of them by the maniac emperor.

For their empathy with their brothers, which could have been ignored to their advancement in the eyes of the world, these martyrs were scourged mercilessly, and their estates, were cruelly confiscated by the Christ-persecuting emperor. They were beheaded in prison in Antioch, on this day the 25th of January, in the year 363 AD. Despite the great risk endured for it, the Christians stole the corpses of these Godly martyrs, and after the monstrous evil tyrant Julian was slain in his campaign into Persia, on the 26th of June the following year, their brave heroism was done justice through the construction of what must have been a magnificent tomb. Of the two martyrs, St Chrysostom pronounced boldly, “They support the church as pillars, defend it as towers, and repel all assaults as rocks. Let us visit them frequently, let us touch their shrine, and embrace their relics with confidence, that we may obtain from thence some benediction [blessing]. For as soldiers, showing to the king the wounds which they have received for his battles, speak with confidence, so they, by an humble representation of their past sufferings for Christ, obtain whatever they ask of the king of heaven.”

The man who is prepared to die for his nation, his emperor or his wife or that he loves- must first be prepared to die for them for the sake of Christ whom he really serves, in his love of them, but should it come between service to them and to Christ, likewise the Christian is a soldier, who must willingly accept death rather than deny Christ. Christ too is the Church, Christ too is the Eucharist, Christ too is the Godly life of a saint. Christ must never be denied, neither in private, nor in public, nor even in the heart of man.

It was their empathy with their brothers, whom they recognized as Holy and worthy of dignity and respect, that drove these two great martyrs, to firstly endure physical torture, and the taking of what they owned by a bloodthirsty emperor, and finally, to endure even death. They are justly martyrs, who die for the sake of their Christian brothers, for as another feast of this day reminds us, the man who persecutes Christianity, firstly persecutes Christ. For, as the bible rightly claims, Christ is the head of the church, which is his true body. With Apostles at the top, or today, their successors.

These martyrs are great men, yet the lesson of St Chrysostom must neither be forgotten, for those who are righteous, God hears their prayer, it is why we approach these, allowing God to answer them even after they have been taken into death, and thus preaching the gospel in our very prayers.

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St John the Almoner, Patriarch then of the great see of Alexandria, in Egypt, 22 January

2010-01-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

St John the Almoner, Patriarch then of the great see of Alexandria, in Egypt, 22 January

Becoming bishop, when over fifty years of age, St John immediately separated himself from his predecessor by his actions. He saw himself answerable firstly and with special interest to his masters. When asked whom they were- he referred to the poor. He always had an ear to give justice, and spent Wednesdays and Fridays, traditional days of penance, serving the needs of justice in the community, and always sought, via modesty, but also quite directly to bring his Christian subjects to peace with their fellow Christian and fellow man, and to administer justice.

He is credited with ensuring food and resources got to those in need, even outside his see of authority. He had a special dislike of rash judgment and talebearing- that is, of gossip by which we mean, when we refer to talebearing as a sin. For the bible is very clear that we must reveal the deeds of darkness, in the service of truth. Though it is also clear that doing so without just cause, is sinful even with our own inequities against God and man.

Like a true Bishop, he realized, that all he had done, and his life of self mortification and service, was not adequate for the thanks of his subjects. After all, as a Bishop, he was to even spill his very blood for the sake of the faith of his people, and for their well-being, should he be required. He had yet even to fulfill this task, though none had so persecuted the faith that he should be required to witness to it, so as to risk his very skin for the faith.

That he saw the poor as his great masters, and god as greater is certain, as he snubbed the emperor, whom the governor had taken him to meet, on hearing of his impending death from heaven. He seems to have died of natural causes soon afterwards, in obedience to God.

His warning against gossiping is of great note, his reason, many saints refused to justify their name, even when greatly punished, against many a false accusation.

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Saint Anastasius, martyr January 22

2010-01-21T23:01:00.000-08:00

Liturgy of Today according to Catholic News Agency:

Saint Vincent:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=124 ,

First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=6383

;

Psalm: Psalms 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=6384
;

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=6385
.

Together:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendarday.php?date=2010-01-22

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Saint Anastasius, martyr January 22 (historic events rendered based on facts given in Butler’s Lives of the Saints, which noted him on this day, commentary and rendering of this article is however done by Marc Aupiais, who only took the book as a source, but wrote his own version of these events, excluding some information, and adding some. I have written this from a catholic perspective, and terms hold their Catholic theological and their Catholic moral meanings.)

Prophesying the removal of the king of Persia, and his own martyrdom, Saint Anastasius is referred to by his Christian name.

One may well be given to assume that a saint would be known by the name his or her parents gave them. One may assume their name of honour to be the name they were known by from birth, but this is not always the case, and certainly not with the Persian soldier Magundat, who is now known by a much more beautiful name, that of his baptism- Anastasius, meaning to rise and walk, meaning resurrection. Persia itself, is testimony to the transient nature of man, for it was once a great empire, and is now Iran, which must hide behind threats of death, and fear the wrath of its own people, who we constantly see dying, as one group opposes the other. Should a woman be named Anastasia, as the Eastern Orthodox daughter of the last Russian Tsar was, then they are named by what became the female version of his adopted name. It has since been shortened in these days where names are shortened and often mean less to Stacy/Stacey. The male version of this name, seems unpreserved in the popular culture which besets our modern era.

As a young man he became learned in the ways of the Magian sect, a superstitious and seemingly commonly practiced system on the Persian streets at the time. Yet, when the Persian King robbed the Godly, of the divine trophy of the Cross of Christ, Magundat became curious, and investigated this foreign faith. The Persian soldier, was so affected by the sublime truth of the divine faith, that on a return to his homeland, Persia, from the Roman empire, he and his brother left the Persian forces, and lived in a place called Hierapolis.

It is important, that while staying with a silversmith of the holy Ancient Faith, that he was greatly affected by religious imagery, by pictures which inspired him all the more to investigate faith. Like the divine trophy of the cross of Christ, images also had such an effect on this saint. He prayed daily with the Christian silversmith, but later left Hierapolis which was under the Persians, heading instead for the great city of Christ, Jerusalem. In this Holy City, he was baptized not by the Patriarch Zachery, but by Modestus, who governed in his absence.

In Baptism, he took the Christian name Anastasius, which, in the Greek of the time, had significance for him, once again taking a sign of Christ for what it was. The Sacrament comes from the Roman military pledge- loyalty from the soldier, for protection and caretaking by the commander. The Apostle peter, says as recorded in the Sacred Bible, that baptism saves, not through the water, but the obedience of the sacrament of applying the water, just as the obedience of the Arc saved. Sin is to choose one’s own way in pride, virtue is to abandon the self for Christ, to die in baptism and in daily martyrdom, and thus to have Christ reconstruct one as one was designed to be. Baptism, Anastatius, by his very adopted name, surely realized, saved- and replaced original sin, and the human sin, with divine grace, that through the pledge of obedience, one may be saved through adopting God’s prepared path beyond one’s own.

Anastatius paid wonderful devotion to the sacrament during his necessary preparation, and no less after it, when he continued to be constructed in faith, and to pray, wearing white as was customary.

It was not vanity nor solitude or esteem among men which move Anastatius to take the monk’s vestments, when in 621, but rather what must have been a realization of the ever present distractions and falsehoods of the world at large, which the layman must face with humility should he desire to easily thwart their poison. Rather, the monk Anastatius became so, of the realization that in his case, he could much better fulfill the obligations which come with every baptism, no matter how early or young, or old- through the monastery. Perhaps in imitation of the cross which had saved him, Anastatius took to the monastery in Jerusalem under the abbot Justin, who had him learn the Greek language of the time, and the psalter, so important to many of the saints. Justin also cut off the saint’s hair.

The Butler’s Lives of Saints, seems certain that Anastatius took his name, in honour of his death and new life, yet it was a name in a language he himself did not understand, it would seem he would have had to have asked of the name, or else investigated what he should and would be called in his new life after baptismal rebirth, his life as a slave- more free than the world itself.

This servant of Christ, aspiring to ever greater perfection, after seven years, was granted his prayers to be martyred in more than the daily mortification, which Christ asks of all Christians. Thinking not of his monastic brothers, who would surely be grieved, and would lose out on the company of a saint, nor of the trivialness of what God had granted, he still knew God had taken from his treasure trove the great gift of Martyrdom.

It was private revelation, and not the pride of the Donatists, who evilly sought out death, disguised as martyrdom, which inspired this great saint, before he died, to visit the Holy Sites in what was once known as the Palestinian area, but which is now Palestine and Israel. He visited Diospolis’, Garizim’s sites and the church of our Lady (Mary, Mother of Christ), in Caesara, where he decided to stay for two days.

The Persians, who he had once served as a soldier, occupied Caesara, and Magian Soothsayers, from the Persian Garrison practiced their superstition in the streets. Suspecting he was a spy, for he had boldly confronted the Persian Soothsayers on the streets, the Persian civil servants apprehended the holy saint, who had been promised the honour of obedience until death should he choose it, in a revelation from heaven.

He informed the civil servants, of his prior condition, his learning of the Magian sciences, he humbly informed them of his conversion, his change, that he had chosen to follow the Divine Son of God, Christ.

For three days, his body was denied food and water, as he lay in the dungeon the Persians threw our saint into, not as a spy, but for his confession of Christ, as they awaited the Persian Governor Marzabanes. Marzabanes, as was common with many interrogators of the early saints, offered him great riches, and then great torments, all to gain a denial of Christ, for whom the humble saint was under his grasp. He was even threatened with the great honour of Crucifixion.

The saint was not to yield, having been promised the obedience until death which is martyrdom, should he stand firm. The city governor had him chained to an ordinary criminal, by the foot, and had his neck and foot chained together also. The chain between his neck and foot were heavy, the saint surely would have followed his prior practice, and given his pain and suffering as a gift to Christ, our great heavenly spouse. Further, he was sentenced to “carry stones”. He said that they did not need to chain him for this punishment, he would lie on the ground without moving gladly, for the sake of Christ to whom he was promised in baptism. His humility is clear, as he realizes the honour of the monastic habit he had worn, and that it did not deserve the contempt which his executioners would pay him. He asked that he put it aside first, and did so respectfully. He understood that his body deserved the contempt which he was paid, but that that which represented obedience to Christ did not deserve it. He moved not at all, under the weight of the cruel punishment known as carrying stoned, but remained unmoved prostrate on the floor, as humankind tormented him, as they did Christ his redemption.

Seeing his own power useless, the governor threatened a second time, to acquaint the King of Persia with the saint’s stubbornness. The saint was unaffected, and said that as man was made of nothing by God, that God was the greater, and it is God, whom we as man should most fear, and not man, who was made of nothing by God. He was pressured by the judge to sacrifice to elements of the nature which God created, to sacrifice to the sun, which God made to light the heavens, to the moon, which reflects the light God created, and to fire, which God allows to light man’s way, but the saint refused to honopur that which God made and gave as gifts to man, over the giver of the gifts, whose greatest gift is love itself.

The saint was sent to prison, for refusing to Adore that which is less not only than God, but than man, that made for man’s use. It seems that the abbot of the monastery, Justin then sent two monks to comfort the saint, and visit him in prison. His former abbot ordered prayers for the sake of the saint.

While in prison, the saint impressed a Jew, who at night as the Christian Martyr prayed, saw ‘shining brightness and glory” in the saint, and angels accompanying him in his prayers. The saint “carried stones” all day, and prayed into the night. Even though he was chained to a common criminal, the saint kept his head bowed, least he disturb the criminal’s sleep, knowing the respect and love due every man from conception until death.

Without coming in person, the governor informed the martyr, that the king had been informed of his case, and would be satisfied by a mere private denial of Christ, even a public one would not be necessary. Perhaps the king felt merciful. The saint, like the Jewish Martyr in Maccabees, who refused to eat pork, or even privately to eat something other, refused. Rightly so.

One the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, that was September 14, as though in honour of this saint converted by the Cross, a Christian, who gathered taxes for the king, Anastatius’ oppressor, asked leave to have Anastatius assist at the feast. Here, Anastatius had great effect on the zeal of the Christians, himself becoming much as the cross for them, and he drove them to tears. With joy, not contempt, this saint returned to the mortification of his prison, after dining with the tax-collector of his oppressor.

The monk, who recorded the saint’s martyrdom, was one of the two sent, who followed the saint, and two other Christians, who were taken under heavy guard away from Palestine. The monk who accompanied the saint sent letters to his abbot, begging for prayers for Anastatius, having himself been sent to pray.

The saint was taken by force to Assyria, near the Euphrates river, and was thrown into the dungeon, until the king’s desire was known. The king was present in this area. The death of Anastatius, was nearing.

The saint said that the pomp and riches of a king, himself soon to die meant nothing. Symbols being so important to this saint, he referred to his monk’s habit, which he had spared the fate of “carrying stones” and his clothes, to demonstrate his desire to be content with Christ.

The officer assigned him, came back with threats, where promised had had no effect, and the saint credits this to grace, he had been promised martyrdom in a vision, should he accept it. He was then beaten in the manner of the Persians, and was threatened that he would be severely beaten for the rest of his life, for choosing not to accept the wealth of the king.

After three days of punishment in this manner, the judge ordered a heavy beam pressed on his legs by not one but two men so as to crush his flesh to the bone.

When the officer had gone to speak with the king, the jailer, a Christian, allowed the Christians in, along with any who wanted access to the martyr saint Anastatius. The Christians kissed his feet and chains. They kept relics of whatever had been sanctified by the touch of these. And even ‘overlaid his fetters with wax’, to gain their impression. This was all against the will of the saint who pleaded that they stop these actions.
He was beaten again, but endured seemingly without effort, and was then hung by one hand at the order of the king, being stretched below by a heavy weight as this occurred. Once again, perhaps proving by what agency he was oppressed, he was pestered with threats and promised much. Failing to get a response, the judge approached the king, who ordered the execution of the Christians.

The saint took with humility, his death by strangulation on the banks of the Euphrates. He had wanted more suffering for the sake of Christ, but accepted with joy his lesser answer, as with many other Christians, in addition to his two Christian companions from Palestine, he was callously murdered. The many Christians were all killed before his eyes. Anastatius was still being pressed to return to the then Persian system of beliefs, to spare himself.

All of their bodies were exposed, so that the dogs would eat them, but not a hound touched his body, while the others’ were devoured. This was a gift to the Christians, who took his body to a nearby monastery. The monk, assigned to comfort the saint and pray for him, who had followed him to his place of execution, took his tunic back, seemingly to the monastery in Jerusalem, where the saint had spent seven years in the Monastery. His body was later moved to the great seat of Constantinople, and finally to Rome.

It was partly to his image, kept at Rome, that the seventh of the general councils turned to say that images may be venerated. This is fittingly so, as the saint so loved images and was so affected to Christ in them.

To make an image, is not to worship it. Rather, the saint in his answer to the oppressor, was adequate- the sun, the moon, the fire, these are made for man, for his use. In this he knows that we may use created things, for our salvation both physical and eternal. But One is not to treat as God, any created thing. Indeed, one may pray to a saint or angel, and honour and love them. Worship them as theology teaches us of the command to love. Yet, only God is to be treated as that which made all out of nothing, as that which is supreme above all. To him a special worship is due. Martyrdom is obedience even unto death. It is obedience to Christ, which he who desires martyrdom must truly desire. If he is to live, he must take this as a daily martyrdom, always submitting, and thereby being a witness to Christ, which is the role of the martyr. By humility and selflessness, accompanied with the determination to combat every evil, and not to rest the head but to serve, by this- evil may well be thwarted.

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Saint Agnus, January 21: an early martyr, virgin

2010-01-21T02:06:00.000-08:00

links to liturgy of today January 21: [according to the American calendar]:

Saint Agnus: according to catholic News Agency
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catholicnewsagency/saintoftheday/~3/OxrK_34-d5k/saint.php

First Reading - 1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=6380&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+catholicnewsagency/dailygospel+(CNA+-+Daily+Readings)

Psalm - Ps 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=6381&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+catholicnewsagency/dailygospel+(CNA+-+Daily+Readings)

Gospel - Mk 3:7-12
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=6382&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+catholicnewsagency/dailygospel+(CNA+-+Daily+Readings)

(Journey in a Broken World)

---- Saint Agnus ----

Article by Marc Aupiais

None around, could explain her blessing, her name meaning lamb, her name meaning chastity, a blessing- Agnus, was beautiful , and the aspiration of all true Italian men.

But none love her more than her husband, her heavenly spouse. She served him on earth, her invisible love. The men proposed, and did what they could to outdo. And seeing their every charm disabled, one finally accused her in court.

The judge, not of justice petitioned the saint, the young beauty, so heavenly in stature and name. She was threatened with fire, and torture and death, yet would not deny her spouse, to whom she had wed.

Her chastity important, the judge had an idea. She was sent to the brothel, by order of court. The men of Rome, could do as they pleased. But Agnus was hardly impressed, “My jealous spouse in heaven, will keep me a virgin”, one may paraphrase how she insisted.

At the brothel, a crowd of men gathered, beset by vile lust, they aimed to upset.

Though seeing this saint, many did desist, many not all- one was not shamed. He was determined to take her sanctity away. And driven by the lust of eyes, by lightning God took his sight.

And by prayer, the virgin healed him, by God’s work was God’s curse undone.

Still the judge pleaded, or so it would seem, but the spouse of Christ knew this- what god has made one, man must not divide. She had looked with joy at the instruments of torture, and hope at her reunification with Christ. She would not marry him who took her to court. She was thus beheaded, as those watching were moved to tears. Saint Agnus, of Chastity, Saint Agnus the lamb. Lead to the slaughter, yet also to the feast.

She served God by living, she did not take her own life. The martyr and the suicide are opposites. One destroys all, by taking his life. The other is so loyal to life, that she or he sacrifices it, that it may live as she is made to die.

Saint Agnus, on this day: ora pro nobis.

Factual Information based indirectly on the account rendered in Butler’s Lives of Saints, Edited by Rev. Bernard Kelly, published by Virtue. Saint Agnus is the saint listed by this ancient work, for today!

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May my Lord take my life, may he teach me all shame... !

2010-01-21T01:27:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Poem by Marc Aupiais (Copyright Marc Aupiais. All Rights Reserved!)

May My lord take my life, may he teach me my shame
May I dine with the poor, the rich and sinners, be hated by my very own name,

May my lord take my life, may he make me forget,
May he make me neglect every horror, with which I’m beset.

May he choose my wife, and decide on my offspring,
May he torture or bless me, may I treat it the same:

May my Lord take my hope, and drown it in death,
Death to self, as I should mortify by living, by loving beyond all pain,

May my lord take my life, may he look at my sight,
And make me blind to all He does not accept,

May my Lord take my life, and give me to torture,
May I die of hunger, know every thirst, may I be sent to prison for his dear sake!

May my Lord take my life, take every choice,
And worse, be quiet, and force me to choose.

May he take my noise and make it to silence, and when I’m in need,
May He never aid me, ‘cept to teach and heal, to correct,

May my Lord take my hearing, so I cannot hear man,
May he take my clothing so I know cold and shame,

May my Lord teach me humility, there’s heaven to gain,
May I be tortured, in mind, body, soul.

May every evil be practiced against me.

May My Lord take my life, for whatever he choose,

But as it is, I use my hope, my wealth, and my protection,
That I may give him my life- to do with what He will.

That the lord took my life, this I know for sure,
Yet for every friend lost, a thousand more,

For my imprisonment in hades, shall I not gain heaven?
For my cold, I warm the angels, for my lack- my contentment gives me patience,

If I truly gave God my life, perhaps he’d need less-
Less to try me, less to hurt,

For the righteous can take pain in blessings, and joy in pain,

To truly submit, we must renounce all ungodly shame,

I, to be a true Christian, must be more than His name!

May I share his death and his shame...

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Worship one another as I have Worshiped you!

2010-01-10T23:13:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

What is Worship, what is love,
What would God have it of us,

Whom shall we worship, should it, we be guarded,
Like the dictator's doctor, who only services him?

I saw you among thousands, I saw you by mere chance,
But when I saw you, I worshiped you,

I loved you from the start...

Is this what God says to us?
Or something of the like...

If you worship god, you love him,
For he commands we love with all we are!

Yet, he commands we love one another, as he, with perfect love, loved us,

This is why we worship angels, why we worship one another,
Why we worship man from conception, and his body after death,

God is love, it is his nature,
To worship is to worship others,

Indeed, a special ... Adoration, we reserve for God,
Special honour we pay him, and others less for their dear merit,

But if worship is but true love, we are commanded but to love our fellow man,
The saints indeed worshiped man, they did it by worshiping God, they obeyed!

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The divine, sublime gift of our true suffering

2010-01-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I take great joy in heartbreak,
God's heart is always broken,

I take great joy in humiliation,
It teaches me my position before God, before saints, before my fellow man,

I take great joy in obscurity,
It teaches me that I am obscure,

I have often felt pain,
It humbles me,

It makes me think of heaven,
And of the alternative to heaven

In pain, I feel close to you, in pain I learn to love with you,
To love with the love which Christ loves with,

With suffering, I become a disciple, with pain and longing,
The heart grows fond of heaven,

In suffering, I learn to cry, tears are special,
I will never cry in heaven,

In suffering, I learn to become wise,
Pain either grows us, or we gradually die,

In suffering, I imitate my Lord and my Saviour Jesus,
And the Trinity, in whom my salvation is viable,

Suffering gives the divine gift of sanity,
Of the sublimely present clarity of vision.

Suffering, I write while suffering, suffering, a gift,
of evidence of our love!

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To be truly loyal, to love, to believe!

2010-01-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It is often said that things like murder, like war, the calling of a jihad, the destroying of an iconic pair of buildings, that these are acts of pure hate. I would differ from this view.

One is more likely to be killed out of love than hate, out of real love. For only love can cause one to care enough to want to kill one's ex-wife, for what she no longer is. Only love can make one angry that another lives in sin. Only love can make one concerned that the God of War, who calls himself peace, is rejected by them. And only love can cause a mother to kill her infant child.

The reason I make these insane hypothesis, is simple, beyond the statistics, beyond what you may think.

The suicide victim loves and admires himself to such an extent, that he thinks either that he aids the world, in betraying God and life- who are really one, or that he thinks it unworthy of his high expectations. The thief also loves, he admires what he takes. The rapist, compliments in an extent though he plans to only take- because there is something he thinks he can take.

Hatred, indeed is love. One only hates because they care, one despises because one deeply loves.

The problem with this love, is that it is not full love. It is not only conditional, but further, it is thin, and lacking.

If one cared more, one would not kill. If one cared more, one would put more effort to righteousness. The bible says that he who does not live the lifestyle of love, does not know God, and that love is obeying the law of God.

You see, to truly love, one must be loyal irrespective of any condition. One must love for the sake of love, be loyal for the sake of loyalty. The truest pledge of love, and concern- is that which holds no condition, for it at once hates the faults of another, and will do all to alter them. It is not love to accept the other's faults, rather- it is love to accept them. And at once, this love would defend them from evil, to the depths of the ocean, and the heights of the supposedly infinite skies above.

It was by love the crusades were launched, and by love that the sick are healed.

Love is the hand which yields justice- be it petty, even as hate- the distortion of love, is the hand which holds to petty revenge by blood and death.

This is why it is said that just revenge aims to teach the other, and is really aimed at their upliftment.

Love purely, and you shall not hate- love unconditionally, and you will be motivated to live!

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Some secrets of life and loss, what barbie lost us, an ideal woman?

2010-01-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Her beauty captures one. The light and dark shift, and shadows do her become. Her beauty, it impresses one, and her attitude does so all the more. It captivates one, as a predator, and prey at once might attract one if it were combined and not shunned.

She's hardly perfect, but tries to be good, whatever her career, she will not fall into it. She thinks life through, and wants children one day.

She values herself, and loves herself, so that she'd not easily be deceived in flattery.

She wears her clothes, and is not their coat hanger, her style is her own, not that of another. Her voice gives words meaning, her face expresses them, as she insures we hear her properly, every attention given to details, of the language we all should grow to not loathe.

Though she hides her face in make-up, it expresses who she is- she is not afraid of her flaws, she understands Creator-God.

She is sophisticated, but has time for others. She is wise, and does not hide it, but nor does she overdo wisdom so as to lose its meaning.

Most of all, she bathes in truth, and sustains herself on righteousness, she is modest through it all, and knows when to speak, and when not to, though she is not overly meek, she voices what she must speak. God matters to her, and she is chaste and sleek.

At least here is a picture from me, of a girl I'd like to meet. Barbie, step aside, we need a different type of sleek. But tell me also, what sort of woman would you want to seek?

I personally find innocent assertiveness extremely neat!

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The pain, what it truly is now!

2009-12-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

A change slightly in the room's temperature,sudden, everything changes, and one is left near empty. The feeling, as though one is too long in lukewarm water, as though drained, as though ones essence is sucked away, and one has nothing, because they have not that!

And inside, the heart feels physical pain, a pain as though a spear splintered into it- and the stomach hurts as well. A desire seems to appear, as though to desire blankness, nothingness, though really- one simply desires comfort, one misreads what one really needs.

One may feel sick, not desire to raise out of bed, not want to eat, or sleep- or do anything. One wants to be nowhere, or anywhere but here.

Odd, our mood is determined by so few things in life, so few people hold the key to our hearts and everything. Everything is so close to falling, our journey rests on the edge of a knife-blade. One individual, one things- makes everything noted.

One wants an end to absence of good, not really an end to self. One wants hope, truth, and shall get it again, if one seeks truth.

If one is depressed, it is because they have hope, for one can only be sad of what they have lost, or could have had.

I know God oddly acts, his ways are strange, odd at the least and most. Yet, his wisdom is great- therefore, I follow my intuition and always do I trust. Do you? Even when one or other thing in the day goes wrong. Often, we can offer it up as a sacrifice, our suffering, and try find God's will. I truly have learnt to find joy in my life, even if things are temporarily awry ... because the tides of life are just that- but the tides of eternity last for eternity.

This advent, look forward to Christ. Have joy, and remember- the darkest clouds move on, too heavy, blown in the winds, but the Christian lasts forever, if he seeks to obey truth always!

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Dusk 'til Dawn- our journey with God of truth..

2009-12-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It is odd the effect some people have- just by their presence they change our entire being, by their strength we can move mountains- by their faith we believe.

Though they exhaust us, their energy pushes into us, I almost would say we are inebriated with sanity, with hope, truth, faith, strong faith- and by faith we get strength- and the way to continue through this path- our life.

The dark labyrinth fills vision, as one walks down the tunnel, from darkness to darkness, and into water, a current pulls, a current pushes. And as one flows, they grab onto anything, yet fall, for it is the fate of those with no hope. Yet, this is trust- to lean into the current, deeply, so as to float, though one is pushed. This is faith, to push still in the right direction, with or without the force of water. Catholicism is sanity, and simply in the presence of some, all desire to sin leaves- breaks, dies like a broken flame.

When we are told to live the gospel- this is it:... by changing the world with our presence, choices- works, energy and faith, our hope- by hitting the tennis ball as though into the net, so that it flies over- by doing what some think near suicidal in risk- out of trust of God.

I would rather believe the "impossible" from truth as my source, than any probable thing. God often allows storms in our lives. The lightning flashes, the thunder howls, yet- if we trust, and are shelters- these are beautiful, not deadly. The rain, the Highvelt thunder, itself effects one with energy, and the faith of one makes another dance with joy- by actions and truth.

Often we watch the flashes, but can we feel the magic in the air, the power of raw nature, which accompanies the storm. Are we a storm to watch? I try deeply to be- if anything one gets everyone's attention when they follow the way of God. I have never seen a diluted Catholic change anything- though I often argue from another's perspective, slowly pushing them along.

I walk in dusk, dawn ahead, night behind, somehow fate reversed, in this spiral- my life. I broke the ice, and pushed beyond all snow, and yet I still walk in greyness, and daily I must break the ice, and snow and awake- walk naked into the blizzard, knowing this is not the blizzard I know- that here is infinity minus, that in righteousness, all we thought is oft reversed, and our missteps are clear. Our glasses and every lenses broken.

I know I am weak, though I am told I am strong, I clutch to the wind, like a speck of fluff, and I sink and break, and fall. My strength which has emerged is not my own, but that of God! And perhaps of you- should you perform it for me! We are only real in faith!

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And yet it hurts so much... and yet... it does! Friendship, and truth- interconnected as they are!

2009-10-02T06:52:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I wonder at it, as its happening, as I watch it fall apart, and apart again.

I watch, not comprehending, hardly understanding... why again has it collapsed.

I still remember this emotion now, still feel it from memory, as understanding cradles what so often had occurred in my childhood friendships.

I understand now, that each friendship has its place if any at all, and its time. I understand and it no longer hurts should one end, or rather- it hurts greatly, yet is understood, and the pain is indeed even... comforting in a way- for it says that what I feel is true. The pain is good, in fact, true.

It is foolish to say our friends are our own, in fact we could not own them at all, and in my experience the closest of the "bestest" (those who promise most to remain friends forever) of friends may part for a reason or misunderstanding, or nothing.

Time changes man, and the souls or personalities or beliefs or ways which once fit, no longer do. Ultimately, we change, and change again as man. We do not stay static or the same.

Inside, pain moves, flows slowly or fast. We feel that our chest is tight, we want to cry or sink into oblivion, should a friend have been close. We pray and find no answer, or else simply want to cry.

The lesson I learnt after eventually losing some truly close friends was this- our friendships are governed by God, and are maintained while useful to him, while needed, or while we clasp onto them, as though they could even be eternal.

Once I felt pain as I lost a friend I had had for years, and anger also. Such fiery anger I felt, all that time ago. I wished justice against them, or something to show who they really had become. I prayed, and found I often then needed confession, or that is a sense I have felt of then.

Yet, goodness is fullness, and that which is good, is its fullness. That which is evil is where goodness lacks. Should it have been their goodness which hurt me, I would have been hurt, and yet better off for it. Yet, could I hold their lack to heart and feel pain for it? Surely not. For the person I cared for still was in memory, and indeed was my friend, yet what was before me was no longer them. I could cry for tragedy, but not feel anger now. For it was not their desire what occurred, but rather their misreading of this desire that lost me them to their thought of what was better apart from me, their once friend!

Sometimes, even I have found a person to be good as long as I needed them, to be perfect as a friend, the prayed for effect, as long as was healthy for my soul. I have found before that while a person was righteous as I knew them, they may lose their footing once I left- as though for my sake they had been kept true.

If our friendship does not fulfill God's purposes, we cannot expect him to keep it forever. I understand this now- and make sure I stand firm with friends in honesty, and yet in truth and love, and firm determination to seek what is best for them- which may well not lie with me. Perhaps only they and God may know.

Yes loss, whether in the relationship, or their very life- is hard, but the God of mystery is not a God who acts for no reason. A friendship may be restored, even stronger than before, or a death may save a soul.

Many things have their time and reason, and it is our place to always follow God, who speaks in conscience, logic and intuition- wherever this God of Sanity leads.

We should not fear the loss of friends by whatever means- even as we should pray they be not lost, in greater sense, we should ask this before we ask in lesser.

It is holding my tongue I have regretted most with friends, besides the occasional secret shared. To the true friend, the friend is more important than their relationship with their beloved friend, or friends.

And so, how do I view friendship- but as something as beautiful as snow, or a rainbow. True friends, I see as rare. But friends are human, fallible and breaking- 'cept those which do not break, or do not break any longer.

And so: we must know the truth- it is better to love than to be loved. This is the beauty Petrarch taught the world, even as it is better to love in reality than another kind of love.

A friend: someone entrusted to your love. A true friend, one who is entrusted back with you, and does.

Every temporary thing and way has its place, if at all, and its time- if at all. It is our place to serve, to do what is best despite our misreadings of our wants- which are much more vague than we'd tell the world, or maybe even our selves. Want and manifestation of want both play a role.

In friendship, we mimic God- who laid down his life for truth, and thereby his friends- but while laying it down- did not take his own life as a selfish man might.

May God bless us, as we entwirl in our many hopes and entangle with those friends who do good- yet let us rely first on Him, if not through them at times, and only then on them!

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But worry, it woul' kill me today!

2009-09-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In the middle of the night, you awake screaming. Another nightmare of the subconscious, the same which causes such fear as you feel... often to rush over you, and to sink calmly, maybe foolishly within.

You fear so much in this world, but most of one, can learn to adapt. You learn to read risks, and continue on. Perhaps you learn to trust God, or some special people who will not betray you. You do not give much charity, how could you, and be safe?

You learn not to trust people with certain characteristics, to avoid those without some nuances which speak of one's culture's home. In elections you vote out of fear, not hope, who could blame you? At least you have not given up hope as some do, as they allow apathy to conquer them.

Friends leave the country, and you know you may leave soon also, if it gets any worse. You watch the tides of people, and read politics carefully, cautiously, even dangerously. You listen and are careful. In all, you have become so- cautious, or reckless, either one or other or both.

Such can seem the world to you, can it not, as you drive fearfully from streetlight to streetlight, and rightly look all around when you stop the car.

Yet, while this caution is good, it gives nightmares, or is rationalised away with all you have of basic logic.

You may call it a blessing and a curse, call the rest of the world so very boring, or see it as a game of sorts. You may say- you're safe, or get a false sense of security.

You might work extra hard, to avoid ever losing the protection money brings.

These can be the fears of our people, can they not? a fear so basic, so tribal- that we fear ever losing, or becoming weak. We have heard the stories, and have no reason to doubt them?

Perhaps- but do you not also feel a sense of freedom in the inevitable? While your senses are only made more acute, and while many a person grumbles, or wonders why they stay in this place, this volcano ready to erupt... While we wonder at this, does it not make us, make you more aware of your mortal state of life?

Should you die, you should not be caught unaware... perhaps that part is a blessing, or a curse depending?

Perhaps the solution is simpler, is it not perhaps?

Yes, if God calls you, consider Europe, Australia or Canada, perhaps that is to be to you a home, a safe place to raise the kids?

And a second passport never was a bad idea...

But for all our worries, do we not realize that it is not an indictment on a good driver, should they crash when they did the best they could given the circumstances? Be cautious, but do not stay up through every night in fear, and nerves.

Some worry is good, but too much worry inevitably leads to a shorter life, as adrenalin pulses through the veins. yes, paranoia is good- to an extent, yes- take the other route home, do what needs doing, but do not let fear disrupt your life in entirety, do not let it string you like a puppet, unless there is some direct need of this.

We live our lives and Die at the end. This is near inevitable to most.

There are matters grave to be concerned about, and one should never cease to care, or watch the waves- knowing that the sea can turn at any moment. Yet, one should also try to live- to focus on what God requires, and take pleasure in his moral laws- as a map past fear and anger and so much else.

fear and anger are designed to cause us to act when needed, when thought may not be of benefit. But, irrational fear or anger, or too much or little- these damage love, and hope and so much else.

We do not stop shaking hands with our friends for fear of a very real flu.

Wherever we stand on matters- we should try our very best to be safe, to be aware- to notice all. Yet, once we have done what is reasonable, and should our intuition and logic not demand more- then we should rest, knowing we have done what is needed.

fear or anger is not our master- they are only signals of something we observe. Our emotions are signs of how we react to what we see, and tell us things we might not notice otherwise.

Our fears are oft rational, and good, and this is not the fear I warn about.

Whatever our deep fears, it is good to note them to ourselves, to note where there is wrong in this world, perhaps to write it down. Yet, we then must sit down, and look at these rationally, and determine what is the best course of action.

Should we live a moral life- and fight for life through life, shall we have fear of death? Truly, man always fears death, and rightly- but to truly be an excellent masterpiece, one must look at their fears with intuition and the heart and mind.

One must resolve their fears least these hurt them.

We cannot be governed by fear free from rational thought- no, our fear must not be who we are- only a reminder to always be vigilant and alert, and cautious.

In fact, God wants a fear in us, a fear of displeasing Him, of losing our salvation, of hell and the like. This is a fear which makes us all the more aware as we explore what is right and wrong in our lives.

Sin is always irrational, righteousness is sane. When our fear incapacitates us in finding some way to better the world, in God's fight for justice and goodness, & proportional, strong, true truth in matters- then it is a sinful fear, for it is irrational.

I do not say to risk one's life to give others charity, but rather to look within and ask where one can be a friend to a friend first. I think it best to look beyond our fears to our root emotions, and to ask what one is attempting to achieve by any fear.

I am not fearless, yet I am not governed in fear. My dreams are not often nightmares. I sleep in peace, because I know I take every precaution which is reasonable- in corporeal and spiritual matters, and having taken the precautions- I then leave matters in the realm of God and my protectors, and in the way things seem to be.

We can only do our best, yet once we have done all we can- we must then trust. Trust that though matters may worsen, that if I am obeying God, he has accounted for whatever is to occur. This does not mean I should cease to be cautious, but only that once we have gone that extra mile within reason- then we may rest, knowing we have done all we can. Fear only has a purpose when that which is feared may be combated in some or other way.

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Judiciary and rights- what are they really?

2009-09-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Given my area of study- I must surely have some confidence in the judicial system- granted, but that does not mean I see it as more than it is. Let us not believe that Constitutions are about justice, or democracy is about the will of the people.

Gaius, in his Institutes says that every nation has their own Ius Civilis, and is also bound by the Ius Gentium. here he speaks of Natural law, and its comparison to the purely human law.

Natural law is a vital concept, on this concept any conception of human rights or justification of the justice system rest. It is a debated concept, and sadly- most modern legal systems are too politicized to hope to delve into it.

We are too centered on right and left, liberal and conservative, to ask what life actually is, and what is actually best. Natural law, is ascertainable by natural reason. It is the law governed by logic. I would argue that in fact- Natural law is far too dynamic to be consigned to simple, idealist things like basic rights of men.

Natural law, is the law ascertainable by logic, by which we judge what is best. What is best- is what betters life, and extends it, is what causes it to strain at the ordinary, right into excellence.

Natural law is different than divine law, for divine law is not ascertainable by logic and reason alone. Natural law is different than the laws which nations of adopt, but it resonates in the laws of all nations, and the democracy of international humankind.

As for judiciary, the concept of the modern judge, has its roots, not in the average citizens who were appointed judges in Ancient Rome, but in the role of the Praetor, whose duty it was to ensure fairness, in accordance with the Ius Gentium, in accordance with Natural Law.

Lower judges in our age and nation are bound by the decisions of higher courts. And the courts determine what the laws of the land mean, and when they must be curbed or rewritten subtly by their pen.

In this modern day and age, nations have emerged with constitutions, what some call a nation's pure law. With these have come bills of rights of some or other sorts, or charters on human freedoms.

But, a bill of rights is not a result of delving deep into the pool of natural law. No, a bill of rights is always a political document. With every right it gives an inch of movement to one person, and takes an inch or mile of movement away from another.

Human rights are equally political, and it is hard to find true agreement on what they mean or how they should be interpreted.

Judiciary, seen as so important to protecting the people from themselves, and their leaders- whom the modern democrat hardly trusts, are equally political. The function they surely serve, at least on the highest level- is to govern how the laws of the land are interpreted, and to limit the powers of the ruling party in parliament, or whatever coalition, or movement takes it in a moment.

In truth, are not these judges- political appointments, only ways of taking some power away, their role almost that of a tutor to the new rulers, or an obstruction that the previous hegemony put in place to block the bigger plans of the new rulers of a rotating democratic chair?

These judges, also may be used to change law, in a way a ruling grouping cannot in a parliament- by changing precedent or interpreting statutes differently.

The South African example, where the constitutional drafters purposely went against the will of the people, especially on matters such as the death penalty, and where the judiciary have given interpretations to the constitution, against the moral fabric of the society the Constitution claimed to uplift- is a classic example of a simple fact.

Neither does democracy uplift Natural law- as many would see it, nor for that matter does it comply with morality. Democracy is all about politics, especially in a day and age when emotion rules the roust, as it does today.

A judge is a human being, and as political as any other man. Few judges are appointed in any country- because they are seen as unaffiliated with any ideology.

Simply because a government has a piece of paper which says they can do something, a piece of paper, such a body itself crafted- does not in any manner whatsoever- mean that what they are doing is in any manner right.

Human Rights, and legal rights- while oft used as a weapon to insure the degradation of human dignity, can be used as imperfect tools at times to achieve a purpose, no matter how vague and hard to define they may be.

Law however, should never be confused with morality, and the Ius Gentium, must never be confused with the Ius Civilis. The law is what it is, but man is bound by fuller law, which judges even judges and presidents, and any head of state.

Let us not fool ourselves into believing that this or that charming politician is really doing what he or she does out of care for our means. Rather, let us make it important to them to adhere to what is best.

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Subsidiarity- a Catholic concept

2009-08-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 31 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In Europe, much is made of subsidiarity- it is a concept which keeps the Union together, just as federalism glues America into a powerful union of connected states. Subsidiarity is why so many in Africa oppose many of the intercontinental adoptions occurring. This concept is also vital in Canon law, and Catholic doctrine.

Understanding subsidiarity is understanding half the choices the Vatican makes. Subsidiarity, appears in a way in the bible, further, it is a basis on which the Vatican interacts with the faithful world.

According to this concept, the lowest, most local solution to a problem should be sought first, the lowest adequate solution should be sought, the lowest competent measure. It is why most miracles are social, and why the safest normal salvation is in sacraments.

It is as much logical as when some seek first the least direct solution, and only use a direct one if needed. In subsidiarity, the least powerful body, or tribunal first hears a problem- but more than this, the first solution should be looked into from the ground- where we look for the most local- though not always most simple solution first.

A foreign national should not adopt a child from a country- unless there is a valid reason why this child should not go to local parents. A person of one religion should not be allowed to adopt a child of another religion, unless a local solution within the child's own community is not viable.

On a larger level- the Vatican leaves much of the governance of the hierarchy to bishops, and then parish priests. Catholic doctrine looks for a local solution first: unless something is better sorted at a higher level.

This is why local bishops are those who first oppose evil politicians, and why dissident bishops are often left for the local conference to request back into order. The pope does not speak until the local authority has been given an opportunity to, or the situation warrants this.

In accordance with this- the Vatican oft respects the formal relations between politicians and its representatives in important local bishops- still it has a direct route- separate from their authority- a nuncio which represents it. One need only read the speeches of the papacy to politicians, and the letters from the Vatican- and compare them with important local authorities- to catch the catch phrases.

In the ancient Israeli Sanhedrin, the council which judged criminals and similar matters- the youngest and least experienced of the men spoke first. The most experienced spoke last. This made the least experienced consider what they said, and prevented undue influence over these by the more powerful men.

Subsidiarity is oft applied by the church in advising on politics, and many matters. This same concept is why the church advocates nationalised armies, but not nationalised healthcare nor nation run economies.

If a matter can be sorted out in civil society- it need not be legislated on, unless civil society is found- sufficiently to be lacking.

Subsidiarity is a vital concept in understanding the church. Its primary function is in making local authority useful and using power to do what its proportion can best achieve. It is why Moses in the desert, appointed judges to hear the lesser cases, while the greater came to him. Remember most- if not all: who were appointed- would surely later perish with Moses for his disobedience- and theirs, and yet were permitted to judge Israel... Were they not en masse destroyed, yet would be used to judge?

Subsidiarity serves to protect conscience- the lowest jurisdiction is the first and is protected from interference on a higher level- until there is reason to demand otherwise. This is why Romans chapter 10 in the bible is important- we must evangelise and change and save the world- it is broken deeply in its own lack and in the lack of the church- the salt which is designed for the world- to salt it into a better territory, even as the world is designed for the saints of the church.

Subsidiarity is also why we must pray first to the saints when they can help us. In it, we respect the gifts given... As God also does by Romans 10, and as He does in His use of Gabriel, Raphael, the prophets and apostles. Subsidiarity is vital to Catholic doctrine!

This is also why Saint Paul commands the early Christians, I think it was the Corinthians- as recorded in the bible- that the wives were first to discuss their problems in the household, and ask about the scriptures there. We should first speak with our own family, asking for answers before we approach a priest or theologian. Even before this- we should look ourselves: for an answer- it is us who are condemned to hades or saved from it. By subsidiarity- we have a definite responsibility- even God notes our personal responsibility by allowing choice! The God of order did not create our minds to ignore them!

This said- with the breakdown in many places- of the family church- and in many a local authority- it is often best to discover the truth for yourself from the magisterium- the source, and also by your own resources at seeking truth in grace. You are the most local authority in your own design... This means that even if the family were not oft broken, you should still seek answers in yourself. First one must ask their own intuitive conscience, and then work up within themself, the Christian must become reliably creative to survive, subsidiarity helps here. Where one is competent- one should attempt first to solve an issue, an equation- before one subjects to another's authority- this also helps make their help easier to apply, or reject.

It is wise to learn from the wise, and we should, yet we must not underestimate ourselves. Some things we cannot handle- it is why there are apologists. Some things are near impossible to cure, and require sacraments and the like administered- because we are not (except in some extreme exceptions) competent to save ourselves without assistance of another from this matter.

This is why we must educate ourselves constantly- from observing the world around, by reading what wise people say, and by creatively viewing the entire world. What we can solve, and are adequate to solve- we should first try to solve, but we should certainly make ourselves more competent, and add to our resources to do so!

This is why most of what I write on theology is to apply to your internal being- your personal responsibility. First focus on your own salvation... It will better prepare you to save others. First focus on your own means, they are oft adequate. First pray, prayer and intuition save a lot of thought and work.

It is not unwise to attempt tasks in a wise, even minimalist manner- what effort is saved is used elsewhere- as long as the effort was adequate!

How to start or stop a Genocide- A lesson from the medieval Glossators of Bolonia

2009-08-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 29 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Irony about the South African Common Law, is its basis on the Roman (Roman Dutch) Civil law. The fact that South Africa's common law is based on the same law mostly used in civil law countries- lies in the fragmented times of Rule of Britain and Holland in our nation's territory.

The British have a common law system, even as most of Europe is based on civil law concepts. The British believe in precedent, as does South African legal science- to a degree, though more firmly in lower courts.

The Italian Glossators of Bolonia, Italy- who rediscovered the Corpus Iuris Civilis and Roman law, and much of western legal science, however- teach us another lesson- a lesson about philosophy.

The Secular Natural Lawyers- known as the Humanists- despised the Glossators for allegedly creating false legal security. The Humanists being, to my knowledge: those who justified colonialization and the conquering of Africa- are also more focused on by many: than the Glossators, but the Glossators teach us something- a powerful lesson which emerged with their fallacy.

They divided the concepts of Roman Law into smaller concepts, they defined these until the law became uniform and would not contradict itself. It is how they reintroduced true legal science to Europe. It is also how they allegedly misread the law.

The secret truth the Glossators of Bolonia teach us is that of division. Philosophy is the love of truth- the finding of the source of things, and thus their position. From the source of a thing, what divides it from others may well be discovered truly...

The Glossators misdefined concepts- blinded by ideological beliefs and too much belief in the law of Justinian, they drew the lines between concepts incorrectly- yet in doing so, they teach us a truth.

How one separates one concept from another is often how logic is twisted. To separate a child and an adult in one way is just- a child cannot define their destiny to the same extent- yet to separate two living beings with human DNA into human person and human non-person is fallacy- one which has sadly entered South African legal thought. The problem lies in the division.

To avoid the mistake of the Glossators on everyday matters- one should not simply separate concepts on the surface- based on practicality. One must look to the source of the difference and its cause, in context, with understanding and comprehension. One must further look into the source of the thing which is divided from another... In and on itself, and perhaps the source of the other also.

This said, how the Nazis murdered about ten million people- was by purposely dividing concepts of what human is and is not, without just boundary. The true division was not between human person and non-person, a just judgement would never call a human being a non-person, yet politics and political advancement caused this division- an unjust division to emerge.

It is by false division that abortion flourishes- for the source of man is ignored in dividing his personhood into unjust divisions. It is by this false division that nationalism emerges, and persons of one culture or race kill, murder those of another, with no just cause for killing.

The secret of the Glossators is simple- how one defines the world tells us who and what one truly obeys- and whether one desires truth or mere practicality. The Glossators of Bolonia- these early medieval legal scholars: were not wrong to divide concepts from each other- the Glossators failed Europe by dividing the law out of context. This same misreading of law was used by later lawyers, important members among the Humanists of the later time- if I remember: to justify the bloodshed which conquered Africa and Australia.

How we define the world, our worldview - our "faith" in whatever way of defining the world we have, is what determines our actions. I believe it better to find the source of a division first- to seek the truth, and thus define the difference from its beginning. Or as closely to this source of a thing as is possibly viable.

Targeted, powerful- higher prayer... The properly partaken mass!

2009-08-31T03:37:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 29 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As I stand, my hands in prayer... As I sit, back straightened, palms on knees... As I listen, and as I join... As quiet joy enter, softness gloats.

I recognise church as prayer, and so- when I stand, it is in a prayer I stand, and so my gestures boldly claim. When I take communion, I kneel, I am before a king. Genuflecting, I speak of my Emperor- the Emperor beyond the logical sea.

I do not clap in church- neither for people, nor if people do so when we should be praying by song.

A few hurt feelings are worth the lesson, the gospel I attempt to preach.

Church can be fun if properly done. Fun in a way beyond normal fun. A fun, spiritual felling of waste which enters all and fills the soul deep within all more shallow chasms. A game is not fun if not properly played- how boring is tennis without a net, how impossible if the boundaries are moved...

Church is about prayer first and foremost. The gospel is truth, and the Eucharist unites us with God- but all of these are just some life-giving parts of a high form of prayer.

One does not clap when praying in silence in the bedroom, the door closed. One should not trumpet the fact they are fasting in the streets. Clapping is communication, or a means of artificially creating community.

All those things, designed to spice up the mass- distract. They hide the hidden effect of the spiritual- like a buzzing sound, they move attention from the meaning- the force which plunges the clear of soul into God.

When entering mass, we quiet our souls with the water- and we take up our role. What we receive is the Eucharist, and blessings and the Word, which is read. What we give is to the world, by changing it by focussing on this as prayer, and by the grace given us.

Every Catholic should pray at least about an hour a week- this prayer in body and soul- gesture and word- thought provoked too. By prayer our soul dances joyously with God- by prayer it heals softly. Mass is about prayer- about you praying to God.

The word Worship refers to love, respectful, Godly love- it is why Catholics must not abandon this word in false ecumenism when talking of the saints- the word reveals the truth of the Gospel: that we must Worship one another as God has and does Worship us.

The ultimate form of love is to absolutely adore a person- when we say we only adore God- with utmost adoration- we say that we must think of whom we love most, and willingly love God more while not loving them less as an excuse. By loving others- worshipping them based on more than just our like of the relationship that is, with true Godly worship, by our just treatment of others we adore and worship God.

According to the Holy Scriptures, as seen in one of the Epistles, one of the letters of Saint John the Apostle- "this is love, to obey the commands of God..." Clearly, to love is to be in resonance with God, in sinc with this world we truly live in. The mass transcends this universe we touch, and is a foretaste of heaven. The transcendence is spiritual, and when at mass it is the spiritual we must see and taste.

When at mass I either stand and have my hands up in visible prayer, or else sit as Augustine did as Bishop of Hippo, with my hands respectfully on my knees. Here, I pray by mimicking the saints.

As we say the creed, I put my hand to my heart- it is our anthem- these words, we confess and believe unite us from being apart. As I kneel- it is proper and my hands do not rest on the pew in front- my elbows rest on air as I pray while kneeling and give this up to God.

When I genuflect- my knee touches the ground. Most of communication when in person is body language. I am in the court of the Emperor of my very own being when at church. I must allow others to see this also- least they offend the king.

What a gospel we can spread from the pews, what a truth- by celebrating mass as what it is- a prayer, a high prayer. At mass we are taught the long night of the soul- we must not take shallow joy from triviality, but rejoice for we Pray, for we eat God himself- Jesus: body, blood and soul!

It is the matter of mortal sin to take the Eucharist in mortal sin, and Saint Paul records to the Corinthians in the bible, of why some had died or fallen ill. They had not recognised the body of Christ, and like in the gospel account, where Jesus had chased the crowds from the temple- they had turned God's building into a human thing (eating and drinking normally- to fill their bellies), for the crowds had turned God's temple into a market-place.

Prayer is the power of mass- prayer in thought, perspective adopted, in gesture and in word, in action, and obedience.

Let us not distract from this for the sake of entertaining others. The focus of mass must be on our relations with God, and not triviality, or finding ways to "have fun" despite the Mass, despite God, despite God's asking for our being there to pray!

By prayer and action shall the Universe turn to God. Shall we desecrate one of our most powerful weapons- the mass, by neglecting in whose court we are. The fun we get from games come when we play them in the right structure, the way they are designed to bring fun. Whimsical fun comes and goes, but proper games continue to amuse. The way to have fun in church is to consider it a prayer- while in the presence of God almighty. My greatest joy is respecting God- adoring him. If worship in honour- powerful respectful love, based on their souls- is due the saints, the adoration that God asks of us, is a deep love on our respect- a love that I must yearn in, love which softly permiates our vision, and returns us to closer to where we were ordained to be.

How shall I be saved- if I do not care for the spiritual war of Christ- and all of God- ...a war of Reality against His enemy: illusion. Prayer is a weapon of truth.

The dolphin- it swims, softly sparkles and yet danger dances

2009-08-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 29 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Swish... And the sound sprays into the oceanic netherworld. The sparkling waves spray and leap with their broken surface. Light is caught, and held hostage for a moment, it breaks and shivers- as shadows move below.

Burst... the surface is shattered, and then absorbs the subtle, living dynamism of the creature.

It plays as sun or moon causes it to shine, sparkle in the breaking breeze. The water splatters off, and this, the forceful playmate softly reabsorbs. The playful power catches what left a silver-gray skin. All as it is unknowingly sopping wet... Jumping into the world its ancestors once knew- that of air, my world that it happens- is.

The dolphin plays, and dances- purely in joy, and yet its play is deadly- practice it seems.

When I face hardship- I surely should attempt to learn- to strengthen, to move- yet if I only did this then- I would be weak.

The child, they play to learn. They play to understand. Play is important, it must be more than just a game.

As Christians we must play fully with God. We must play in our understanding- and playfully look into our being. Play is important, and the ultimate game is religion, is just love.

We love that dolphin- because it resonates a part of us. Imagine playing forever- serving God ad infinitum, in joy!

Of course, games take practice- and rules/methods, and comprehension- before we get the fun!

My bible is dynamic truth- unchanging, in a dynamic- moving universe of space and time!

2009-08-31T02:12:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 29 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The true art of poetic work- is not giving many meanings to a work- but giving infinite meaning- limited by truth.

One word, must cancel another's meaning- one stream, an idea- destroy the tangent of another.

The perfect poem speaks deeply and shallowly at once- on deep matters infinite, and practical matters also. The dynamic poet can speak to smart and dumb alike- or protect the foolish while enlightening the wise.

Such a text is hard to create- the larger it is, the more dynamic it must be. With a dynamic text- context matters more- what comes before or later- matters all the more.

The bible is such a work, it speaks solidly and more. It leaves us wanting and quenched of want all at once. It is designed ad infinitum, and speaks of all there is. The problem with a dynamic text- is how much it enforces a mirror effect. A person can easily misread it- or only understand one level of it.

A dynamic text only speaks to us what we are able to hear. Like an ocean shell- lifted to the ear, so are the deeper mysteries- only heard if we seek them wisely and lift them up in faith.

A dynamic text, when translated- loses meaning, loses truth, in the inadequacy of the translator. The influences of the world- its prisms limit the reader, and sometimes combat the perfection of the text.

The bible says- "[... The] Church, which is [the / a] pillar and foundation of truth..." (I Timothy chapter 3, verse 15)

In the language written, there was no definite article used, so I have been told. And we know that the Greek past and present tenses were different than our own. Much of the work, captured was in a different language system. It is perhaps why Jesus so relied on parables. Word for word, the bible loses some meaning- although the meaning is assertainable with honest intent at inner learning of the whole truth. If the Church is a pillar of truth, or the pillar of truth- the words pillar and foundation, still mean the same. A building cannot stand if even one foundation is missing. The text remains valid.

And on other levels- we also forget- our metaphors today- our ways of describing, the concepts many believe, had yet to exist when Jesus spoke.

And yet- while dynamic, the bible is rich. When read with the right lense (really corrective against our localised area)- we are infinitely quenched of thirst and infinitely desire so much more.

Many Catholics have turned to protestant versions of the bible- with the books of the early Canon of the bible, books which Catholics and the rest of mainstream Christianity accept: added in. I think this a mistake. Often protestants have given a more literal interpretation, even as often they have tainted the text- yet the greatest advantage of a bible, is for it to give you the context of the words, to compare them with other texts of the genre and time- to explain how the Christians, and society interpreted the words. I would not advise a Catholic to risk their soul- by reading a bible which is not Catholic.

When I read the bible, my catechism is ready- my mind alert. I attempt to spiritually consume the word- to accept Jesus into me through the words- as though he were a sea creature jumping out of a pond (the page)- and into my being.

I test the words within me, and ponder them. I compare them to what I know- I digest them. I research them as I struggle, and lean on the other two pillars- the tradition and the magisterium of the People of Christ.

I do not determine to act on the words, but to have them clean my soul- I do not intend to rush off in terror into the world, all aghast... I intend to nurture my soul, by pushing God's words through it as though cleansing my system with water.

And so- I meditate on the truth. I ignore the immediate voice, and entangles in the deeper, softer, weaker sound which hovers above the page- and emerges as I continually read.

I used to read oft the bible- but now I read it less. I find that many of the deepest lessons are around us in the constructing of our world. Perhaps if we understood its ways more... We'd better comprehend God.

Much of the bible is practical advise- we must greet people we know- not only friends; we must treat workers justly, and guard what is ours. We must not... We must ... We shall not take care of him who abuses our charity by refusing to work when able... Yet while that which is practical should enter our lives softly- most of all a desire for truth, yet the rest must be pondered. The eternal pond of God, its power must be pondered in the depths. His eternal mysteries- always revealing more ad infinitum, until we burst past the depths and breadth of all things.

It is not unwise to stop, think... Ponder the pond of our world. We have all the time we need! Knowing our real wants- taking our evil desires, and step by step tracing these mis-manifestations of true, just wants- back to our real desires- is how we conquer sin. It is not our deep, actual wants which are evil- the human being was made in proportion- but what we render them as- in our practical pursuit of these, or our thoughts of pursuit, which may be. The righteous- true man- takes his any evil desire back to the proper point, and renders it right. A slight diversion can change the whole path of a stream- can destroy mountains... And lives.

It is always good to look gradually into the depths of our souls. Pushing slowly back- never missing a slight moment until we reach right back deep within- and push into our soul to God ad infinitum. The Soul is the design of a man, the truth God made of Him- which is his life and connector with Man's Original Creator.

Video: Pope's Angelus: ANGELUS 2009-08-23

2009-08-26T04:37:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Official Vatican YouTube Channel 23 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

View this video on YouTube, at the Vatican's Website- Click on this Sentence to do so!

English version- scroll over to 11 minutes, 52 seconds in.

To a crowd, which could easily be compared to a mob, rabble or an exited crowd of sports stadium fans, and greeted by cries of "Viva la Papa" before he finally said only a few words in English, Pope Benedict XVI once again gave his Sunday Angelus, this past Sunday the 23rd of August: to packed crowds of fervent onlookers.

Speaking to applause, on Sunday the 23 of August (the eighth month in the modern calendar), Pope Benedict XVI attempted, somewhat in vain as they applauded him- to quiet the crowd, by signalling with his hands, before giving his weekly Angelus.

The video placed online by the Vatican, is a massive 18 minutes and 17 seconds long, and spans through a crowd- so exited they could be a multicultural rabble. Overall, during the Angelus- this Sunday- the Pope spoke in seven languages- starting with Italian, and then routinely returning to Italian during multiple sections of the speech, fortunately, the English section is only a few seconds long and may be easily watched.

As the crowd quieted slightly, and the Pope decided to start speaking, in Italian: What looks like something containing paper, or else some form of folder- was placed in front of the pope by a Vatican official who came forward to assist him. The pope appeared, from his hand gesture- to bless the crowd, with an excitement and life in his voice and vigor as he spoke. He had a firm strength about his voice as he spoke this Sunday.

The pope preceeded to speak, softly reading as a grandfather may to his children.

In the English part of the audience, which only occurs 11 minutes and 52 seconds in , where the Holy Father gave a simple blessing to the English speaking pilgrims, the pope gave a brief few words to his attentive English speaking listeners.

Here he greeted all the "English speaking pilgrims" gathered at the day's Angelus- to shouts in the crowd, of "Viva La Papa", and excitement among English speakers. He asked that their visit to Castel Gandolfo, Italy and to Rome strengthen their faith in the Lord, the Holy One God and Renew their desire to share the peace of his kingdom with others.

At this point, the Pope's speach becomes hard to hear correctly, he seemed to either ask that God "Renew upon [the pilgrims'] love... to answer with God's blessing of true happiness and joy" or, speaking of the world: "upon who [the pilgrims will] have to answer, [and for God to bless them with] God's blessing of true happiness and joy"

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The morality of what we cannot alter... Cannot Change!..

2009-08-26T02:41:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 25 / 08 | August / 2009)

Title: The morality of what we cannot alter... Cannot Change!..

Apologetical Article by Marc Aupiais

Shadow sprayed across the moon... this night. Night, darkness... Hiding the terror, the horror of the deep black, deathly shadow of lightless fog.

The thick, heavy dark clouds passed across innocently harsh waves of the reflecting moon. The trees splintered shadows, as the light filtered down in airy silver sheets of visible nightmares.

Within this place, horrors happened. Within that place, people were hurt... People- We... We never heard about, never saw... Or knew at all.

Yet, if this airy place exists, if it is as whole nations are at times... Evil, horrendous, murderous and worse. If it is real- do you truly care what occurs there? Do you mind if infants are killed, or children hurt? Do you care if women are abused, men treated as animals? Would you still care if it were done by your government, race, culture, ideology or party, or religion?

What happens out of our control, we are not guilty of. What happens beyond our ability to know... We are not guilty of. These things, we read about afterwards- in articles by media and books by persons, who never encompass the fullness of happenings. And sometimes we learn hate from these, or believe what is not true or really sourced. We find sometimes- we learn the devil's lesson, and unwittingly mimic the faulty beliefs of the oppressors- while holding as martyrs- the oppressed.

We are never guilty of what we had no chance to prevent- or fight against. Yet, there is another dimension at play- another role of the conscience's dice.

The reason the Christian must become part of a creative minority, as the Pope called our modern day mission when still a Cardinal- my reason for this, not his, which I do not remember, my reason which I shall speak of: is simple. The Christian must look sceptical at the news, and statements of officials of so many groupings. He must be suspicious of those tasked with the care of souls, and suspicious of those opposing them. He must attempt to see the truth, to dig deeper and understand the real issues at play.

What we do not know of- we are not guilty of not stopping. What we cannot stop, we are not guilty of not succeeding against... Yet- what if we were able to know and chose not to know ... What if we could have strengthened our cause, and endurance, and have fought against evil... And won?

We are not guilty of what we cannot stop, but we are guilty if our negligence is our own doing- this is why gluttony is a sin, and sloth is evil.

Yet- what of that we cannot stop, it seems, when we come face to face, nose to nose with it- we merely observe its happening and oft forget morality. We look coldly at history, and justify acts of evil, or ignore them, or heartlessly study these... in icy cold. When we cannot act- we turn morality off; we observe?

The truth is- that when we do so, we learn apathy. When we consign ourselves to doing nothing, to neglecting even judgement of evil as what it deeply is and neglect keeping memory... When we turn to holding tight onto justification of evil- we forget the effect that which we cannot halt has... Even... on us.

There are times we tolerate evil, but the righteous must only do so for a time. There are times when doing nothing is right, but inside we must condemn the evil we watch. Inside we must note it, and should we ever be able to combat it justly- we must ensure justice prevails.

I may not be able to prevent abortion, or oppose the killing of other innocents throughout the world- but I can observe it as evil, speak of it as inhumane, note it- and attach the wrong to those guilty of it- and account for this as evil- whatever it is. It must be remembered, whatever the evil- and the one who did it must not be forgotten for what they have done. Forgiveness, as sound theology relays- is not weakness or amnesia. Forgiveness is a state when one analyses a situation and does what is most right, most just and Godly to do.

I may be helpless, but do I pray? And should I be able to act- do I do something... Something solid and powerful, something tactical and worthwhile?

... Shall I choose to do the right thing- or lose my life in refusing to do wrong?

To be a Catholic is to never stand by and do nothing when evil takes action... It is to act or omit action in the way which best benefits good over evil- or less evil over greater evil.

One does not have to be righteous to have God on their side. The world is a system, thereby... Sadly, truthfully... where there is greater evil, all suffer. The smaller evil becomes, the greater the situation is... for all.

We may not be able to stop evil, or even confront it- but we can win the small victories we are able. We can win the victory within, that of Faith- a mind set which attempts to view the world as it really is. Every matter, every issue in the world pertains to proportional truth, and to falsehood- and to their children- life and death...

If all we can do is acknowledge something is evil- at least we may take a step to truth and hope. If we can do more... We should wisely, prudently, cautiously, if not boldly and firmly act! It takes creativity to be good, does it not..?

The logic and illogic of judging-- based of birth and breeding!

2009-08-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 25 / 08 | August / 2009)

Editorial by Marc Aupiais

Hopefully, this article will clear up some of what I see as misperceptions of which sort of judgement based on birth and breeding is illogical and thereby superstitious and evil, and which judgement based on birth and breeding- is just and good.

A lot in society, in morality is based on geneology. Joseph, the step father of Jesus- was descended of Solomon, and Solomon was the son of David. The Jews were the Chosen People, the gentiles were not. Based on genetics, and their results- it is moral to kill a chimpanzee for food, but not to unjustifiably murder a human being. It is moral to easily hunt one form of animal- but not another which is endangered- this too is told us.

In modern times, we have become increasingly acute to the prejudice of racism. Racism is wrong, but so is unpreparedness.

Philosophically- is the treatment of one's own child with more care than another's, or the way in which inheritance is distributed wrong- I would say not so. It is "prejudging" in some perspectives, it is judging based on lineage, based on one's physical makeup- but just judgement, is it not.

If one assumes that a child is good because of the parent- this is not itself illogic- but if, having used prejudice (judging, based- often: not on behaviour of the individual or what may well be seen as apparent fact, but otherwise- often done prior the time- and kept up), we cease to judge- seeing the person act badly, this is illogical, as with sweepingly condemning all people of a race. Prejudice itself can prepare one to avoid danger or embarrassment- if in its right place- as speculation, or preparedness.

In one of my law books, when it was speaking of logic- it mentioned that most criminals in South Africa are black- something oft mentioned by some. I felt offended- I am white, but I hate racist comments. It went on to explain that the majority of South Africans are black. It is only logical that the majority ethnicity in a nation, are the majority of convicts in addition to this. Any percentage increase would also be explained- by poverty and history, and possibly other factors.

The race of a person is incidental to their circumstance.

While racism is illogical, as with bigotry- compensating for race is not, and the same with for instance- compensating for culture, is also certainly not. Not making a meat meal when a Catholic visits you on a Friday- is not bigotry. Knowing the values which are regular in a culture, and vetting what you share is not wrong, but correct.

I would be careful about saying "I love you" to an Afrikaans girl. In my English Speaking etc culture- it oft is an expression of friendship- though one should only say it to girls. For the Afrikaans culture- it means so much more. In my culture- it portrays everything from like, to humour- to undying affection and unending love!

And this does extend further. It is illogical to treat different people like one and the same. They are different- in good and bad ways, and if we judged persons of a different culture as though they belonged to our own- we endanger ourselves and the friendship.

It is wrong to judge on race in isolation, but just as illogical not to take people's race into account as we serve God and our fellow men- including those whose race and nation and culture we must also take into account while serving them, or accounting for them. When one has something firmer than culture to judge on, then the rebuttable presumptions of prejudice seem to fade or solidify.

If I were talking about the Gospel to an ethnic European, I may well compare the sacraments, and grace of God to a sort of Magic, as C.S. Lewis does with grace to magic, acknowledging that magic is evil. Knowing the cultural climate, I would hesitate to use the same example when speaking to some other South Africans- given our history of superstition and "witch" hunts and burnings in South Africa, of whole families. This is not to impart guilt, but to acknowledge a fear which haunts some or their fellows.

When the church therefore considers it an honour for a person of one or other race to be sainted. When a pope says that it is a favour to his country that he is elected and made leader- this is not illogical, "racism" as the slur says, said on these matters.

Race matters, appearances give hints of culture- but it should never blind us. This is why it is evil and superstition to purely judge on race if given more- or to class all of a race as one man, but not evil to assume relatively who a person may well be- based on what can be ascertained from their background.

We all have the same species DNA. We are mankind and one race, yet our differences- while sometimes historic are there for a reason. It is just as evil to be entirely "colour blind" as to be racist. And it is wrong to judge on race- while ignoring the facts. Racism, the vice- is foolishly out of proportion and is thereby evil, yet we need to also guard against those who want a world without culture, religion or race, that idea is dangerous. It is the basis of much of the modern persecution many face.

"He helped others, but couldn't save himself"

2009-08-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 25 / 08 | August / 2009)

Editorial by Marc Aupiais

"He helped others, but couldn't save himself"

Are these not famous words. Words about Jesus, about our beloved words. True words in a sense. I always try to view the gospel via different eyes- and these words, at least in english- are true of Jesus.

He helped many, but he could not save himself. Even his mention of hosts of angels who could save him shows his nature true- he says that it must not be.

God is infinite in all- defined and contained by his nature. It was impossible for Jesus to avoid the cross- impossible because he was and is God.

When he rose again, I would say that again- He made it impossible for Him to save himself. His name was Jesus- Yahweh Saves, and I would say that He was risen from death by the other persons of the Holy Trinity, possibly His own power also- possibly all three acting- but Jesus never once did a miracle on his own power- He said it was faith, or prayer- or the Holy Spirit. I have prayed to God to pray for me, and been scolded by non-Catholics for it, but God does pray to God, and did when on earth.

The priest can hear my sins, and have God heal them- but he cannot hear his own sins. Nor can the saints do miracles apart from Reality- from God, Yahweh.

Jesus could help others, but He was never sent to save Himself from the crucifixion.

This message gives us simple truth. God demands we save ourselves first- by the parable of the splinter and log, but he also makes us to rely on others- and the world, so others rely on us.

We can only save others if we in turn are saved by God- safe I say rather- for salvation can be lost is the cutting in half and splinterring of a moment. Yet, who can save themselves alone?

The Gospel teaches perseverance in salvation as the ultimate virtue... Yet, we save ourselves by being Godly to others.

God the Son does not scratch his own Back- God the Holy Spirit enabled his miracles.

The message which that terrible comment teaches us is simple- God never works alone. Our salvation and that of others are linked. If we pray for others, we are adding good to the world- we are aiding our own salvation. It is why the wisdom of the Old Testament says to throw bread in the river so it will return on one.

Our every breath has changed the world. Our every action is but prayer. Our faith is in our actions- for salvation is In Faith, Within Faith. Our faith is in word, thought- our salvation in perseverance... Within Faith.

We cannot save ourselves, but if we do not play our part in our salvation- we will not be saved! For Jesus was murdered and thrust into Prison, where He preached- yet in this obedience saved all who may be called all. And then- He was raised- himself saved though he was never lost.

We are never alone- we have the saints- living and eternally living. And we have the sacred Mother, and the church, with her doctor's healing sacraments where Christ acts on our Salvation by chosing his way- to enter into his ways!

The God of Love does not save in isolation. My whispered lie, can cause death in you- my hidden truth can save you..!

"He saved others but (by his very Nature) He can't (Now) save Himself (yet, in allowing His loss, His Trust, He enabled our salvation!)"

God bless.

Marc

My many loves and hates

2009-08-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

(Also appeared at : South African Catholic 24 / 08 | August / 2009)

Editorial by Marc Aupiais

I watch as she walks, I smile and breathe in and admire her for her beauty. Then I stop and repeat... But it is not my spouse or potential spouse, it is not even someone I know who I would be fawning over if they were here. I am watching television, watching a leading female character, knowing fully it is an illusion, but freed, knowing she does not seemingly know me, I do not need any affection returned. Granted, I believe we all truly, divinely are connected, in that way I know her, the actress that is. I also know you by that- and you, may realise you know me- and that person you pass on the street.

With my many female friends, it can be similar- I truly love them each, more deeply than a girl I once considered my girlfriend, who once considered me her boyfriend. My love for my friends is deeper and stronger and infinitely more free. I love them and sometimes tell them so. I love my other friends also, but differently than my closest friends, who are often women.

I have many friends, and very little at all in common with some. Some, no, many- I do not even know the names of- but I do care for quite a number of them- to a degree. Yet, the reason I speak of this, why I share how wonderful I find it is... to love my friends is not straight forward simple, but complex.

Jesus commands us to love one another as he loved us. I take this seriously, I greet people I do not know, I discuss, joke, laugh, smile- play socially- I enjoy this, it is as though God commanded us to eat chocolate- I love being social in a good way.

When I have been saddest- helping others was my deepest cure. When I am heartbroken- loving others is a cure, when sad or hurt. When I do not love for a while- I feel stale, repressed, ugly, depressed.

I find now, as I said in the beginning, that I do not need love returned- though it hurts when it isn't. I am not then after romance- but also that to love properly, I must be loved in return. A friend is a person who let's us love them, who we let love ourselves.

So you may well seek attention and love, but I seek to give attention, confidence and love.

You may seek help- I seek to help. You may seek praise- I seek people who deserve my praise.

I take joy in loving, and naturally loving truthfully.

When I learnt to love, I found it was painful- but then, I learnt to love in pain and beyond it- to care should I not be cared for; empathise when painful. It is freeing. I do love deepest those who love me, these I would fight to protect. My affection and loyalty are not one and the same- but I find that the best love can well feel pain and go past it. The best love refuses to be taken advantage of unjustly, refuses to become a tool, or object, or be abused evilly.

I do chose to love, and to manifest love and channel it within, to those I deeply love.

So- in Christ, I have become the opposite of what I once was. I need friends, loyalty, love, hope, kindness- but I seek also to give these first. I want to marry a perfect woman one day- and so I learn perfection for her- what better test of preparedness for the Sacrament than learning to be a perfect, true- genuinely true friend? Oddly, if one seeks to be honest, and if one allows themselves to justly empathise, and see the world rightly- love comes for those we love; and we rejoice at their love. Every relationship is subject to God, and he determines their end. In this I trust others sometimes- but only as much as is wise.

My friends matter to me. I see their fate as intertwined with mine, their web connected to mine. What happens to them- I feel to happen to me. Yet, to my acquaintances I am kind and just if able- or at least just.

I am not as fortunate to have love returned (my deep desire), as I am to love deeply. I may go out of my way naturally- for my friends and my God- but that I may is a gift mostly to me.

I am fortunate to have learnt to love- to change and become someone else- who encompasses my essence. I may be weak, I may not be perfect, but I can love- and love is infinite and eternal. I encourage you, yes- you- to learn the same. To take the risk and care... Hurt, and care all the more: rejoicing for the pain is pleasure in unconditional true love!

Learn to be a good friend! As I hope to one day become!

Holy Water- not fighting the Flu in Japan?

2009-08-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Reuters (Independent; British; Secular)Friday 21 / 08 | August / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to the Reuters news agency, some parishes seemingly belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, in Japan have dried up their Holy Water Basins: so to speak, in order to combat the swine flu / H1N1 2009 strain influenza / Pig Flu.

According to Reuters:

"The Franciscan Chapel Center in Tokyo is one church that has decided to empty the holy water basins, into which parishioners traditionally dip their fingers and bless themselves by making a sign of the cross."
(Reuters (Independent; British; Secular) Friday 21 / 08 | August / 2009)

Holy Water is used as a sacramental when entering a church, though it is technically not designated for use on leaving a parish church. It reminds Catholics of their baptism, and is supposed to symbolize the clearing of the mind of secular ("worldly") matters.

The news agency notes that another parish- St. Ignatius, has also excluded Holy Water from the traditional ritual in order to combat swine flu. Only 0.4 percent of Japan is Catholic, many attending churches are foreign nationals. Parishioners of the first parish mentioned are also encouraged to give a sign of peace, not involving touching- such as bowing to one another.

Circumstances with high densities of people, such as churches during celebrations / liturgy, schools, shopping centres, festivals, and Universities, have been seen as places one is more likely to get swine flu at. The Catholic Church permits persons who are sick or tending to the sick to miss mass, the obligation absolved for these persons. People suffering from flu like symptoms may be well advised to miss Sunday mass for the sake of others.

The Sign of peace, which was once a kiss, is generally now a handshake- health authorities, and some bishops' conferences have advised Catholics to share the sign of peace via a sign which does not involve touching the other individual physically.

As an internationally collaborative: initiative to provide a more transparent, accurate view of the world: This service is brought to you by the Scripturelink Search Engine (quotations, or confers in this service/initiative, are provided to give perspective independently, or reference some external sources: and do not imply collaboration, or any kind of affiliation, or co-operation with other services, or initiatives, which are quoted or noted in articles)

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Sunday's Angelus, by Pope Benedict XVI- focussed on the vital part Mary played in giving the Word Flesh

2009-08-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Notation by Marc Aupiais

It is always good to hear the voice of the pope as he speaks on important matters, as we have in the past, we are making note of a video of the pope released by the Vatican onto the internet, this is of him speaking of Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, during his Sunday Angelus.

From the Vatican's YouTube site:

Video (will be visible on spash page, and article page, will likely not appear via email):

URL of Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUQ8X4g9VsU

Summary by the Vatican: of the video:

"The Blessed Virgin Mary was once again the subject for reflections in Benedict XVIs Angelus address this Sunday, delivered to a packed court yard the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. The Pope spoke of Mary in connection with the passage from the Gospel of John offered by the liturgy of the day. John in fact repeats the words of Christ: "I am the living bread come down from heaven. He who eats of this bread will live forever, the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. The Pope said God needed Mary to take on human form, to enter into our mortal condition, and that He in turn gives us His body in the sacrament of the Eucharist, as an instrument of eternal life. Pope Benedi ..."
(Vatican on YouTube Angelus 2009 - 08 - 16 : The Eucharist, the living bread come down from heaven, from the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Summer residence of the Pope in Italy)

As an internationally collaborative: initiative to provide a more transparent, accurate view of the world: This service is brought to you by the Scripturelink Search Engine (quotations, or confers in this service/initiative, are provided to give perspective independently, or reference some external sources: and do not imply collaboration, or any kind of affiliation, or co-operation with other services, or initiatives, which are quoted or noted in articles)

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The happy story, its bittersweet, the hope of man, it makes me weep

2009-08-14T11:59:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Note: the author compares the world's prima facie situation to the gospel norm, noting the blessing of Lumen Gentium XVI, yet also the deep danger of Christian lackness. He concludes by encouraging use of the sacraments, and careful saturation of the being in works and prayer- in hope of possible salvation.

I used to cry deeply within my depths for my fellow men. I would self mortify in hope of sparing my fellows of hell. I still do self mortify, although as always- in a manner that does not do permanent harm to my physical body.

I cry- in the knowledge, that should I enter, should my humbled, broken self enter heaven- most will not. I cry- seeing, hearing my fellows, and knowing the scale of judgement, and I pray tirelessly until my strength is weak. I feel that many who have aided me, even aided my salvation- shall become dust, and that I shall know of their place.

I once even suggested in prayer- and then after that also- that I take another's punishment upon myself, or that God not save me. Both suggestions did not change fact- although I try to take others' punishment from God.

I cry inside when I hear a happy story, or read of goodness. I seldom have seen any hope in this, my planet.

Should we go with the statistics, and note those who have seemed at hope- we should be lucky if one soul in a million enter heaven, as two souls enter purgatory.

For this reason, Lumen Gentium XVI must not be seen lightly. Catholics themselves would be highly favoured in our world, should they enter heaven or purgatory by anything but God's accounting for the service of honest intent. Jesus himself speaks of the narrow way we stumble through into salvation.

The human soul is made of the most base, indestructible part of the created universe- it is made of truth. It can only be destroyed by falsehood. A part of the path to heaven is the church. It is a part of the truth. Christ says he is its head, it is his body and the foundation of truth (I Timothy chapter 3 verse 15). It is Gospel, and our way to save our beings, or rather- to have our beings enter salvation.

When we say the church is of the fullness of truth, and that the Catholic Gospel is the fullness of truth- we say that they are of Good. Evil is lack of goodness where goodness should be. Simply should a faith teach some truth- any faith but ours is lacking in truth.

It is neglected- the grave duty on every soul- that all are judged in one just environment. Should those who know not be required to seek truth, and obey conscientious truth- shall we be spared, who know the truth?

The Gospel is bittersweet. The wonderment of all goodness is recorded faintly in it- the hope of salvation- worth all we have and our soul and life and more. The suffering end that destroys most. The God- Yahweh - Reality, who will send the many evil men to hell- as Reality does, Reality- God, who can destroy body and soul in torture in hell. It is unwise to see God as soft. It is wiser to hear Augustine who, as I also believe- Called God Reality. Reality is just, and truth.

The heresy that separates body and soul into being and mere possession is wrong and a cause of death. Your body will deteriorate in hell, and your soul will be in eternal pain. A lesser truth- like a body cut open at the heart's hope.

Hell is real- God is not lenient- he is just, omnipotent, omniscient... He is not a fool. Jesus never taught a lesser law- than that for which the Israelis burnt and stoned offenders. His law- demanding utter love with Mind, Body and soul of God- is far harder- and his death increases the wrong of those who continue in sinful lives.

A God who sends His own Son, like a lamb to the slaughter- is not a lenient God. He is fair- not lenient. He is merciful- beyond imagining- to those who turn to him- who determine to obey conscience, intuitive truth, the Gospel and God.

Should one turn to him, he is merciful, should they continue in Him, they shall be saved- yet, in our world, where ideology so diabolical avoids truth and the logical truth of morality and God- the battle is hard.

I used to weep about the truth, weep because of the Gospel. I pray deeply for those I am assigned, but I also have joy in my sadness, or rather- sadness in my joy.

If we do not leave our post- but pursue our destiny (God's plan) in our lives relentlessly, and restlessly in proportion and wisdom- by God and not foolish exploits- we shall save souls.

We as Catholics... Often forget the price should we not persevere. The person who starts a medication, saving them from illness, and stops is worse off than those who did not know of the cure. Should he continue on it for a year- gaining healing, and stop, he is worse than he who took it only six months. Both will die, should the disease be fatal.

The Catholic must persevere. In small, so in great- by this Jesus commands us to inebriate our every breath with sober Godly actions. Should we fail in small social situations, how could we survive the challenges we should have been taking, or the path to heaven. Righteous needs training, by use. Obedience and listening too.

The Catholic who ceases to learn and Grow is in danger of death. The sacramental economy- confession and mass especially- are there as vitally as bread and Water. Man does not live on bread alone- but on the words of truth from God. His sacraments are certainly the food of the soul.

Deeds alone do not bring salvation, but without consistent holy obedience in every moment- can you ever claim you had faith. 90 percent or the like of communication is body language- when in contact with another. The tree which bears fruit is pruned, but without fruit- God may cut it down. God hears our thoughts- how much more the prayers of our actions- which are worship of good or evil.

I take much from the gospel- yet, I never pretend I am safe. My soul is worth more than everything created- to me. Only a fool would believe the gospel as is and then not saturate their life in conscience. God is the absolute of sanity, and his standard is based on how truly we lived. He will judge by actions and honest intent, yet we must not underestimate the deep danger of eternal death.

I hear stories, and I cry because these words would be wonderful- if the story were true. I pray to be a true story, what of you?

Note: Consistent obedience- refers to a determination to continue to seek and obey truth if possible. One may well sin, but should determine to confess their sin... One should attempt to obey God every moment, and always, in a persevering and sustained and sustainable, sustaining manner, with prayer. One may well have had faith, should one have fallen- how else can one fall, least they had been above their position and yet, by writing as I do, I attempt to show that people act according to what they think is wise, we all sin, yet we should try to sin as little as ever possible, as our every thought, or action affects God.

The inherent danger of our death to ideological culture

2009-08-08T02:09:00.000-07:00

(Scripturelink.net news)

Instructive Apologetical work by Marc Aupiais

While I spoke, as though invisibly- it occurred. There was a sudden moment, as the change broke and splintered into them, as the respected person I was conversing with suddenly became a billboard.

The argument used had been classical, and so obviously contained the watch words- which so easily showed up my fellow South African.

It had been a theological discussion, on a matter of doctrine- with a person officially sworn to serve the gospel- a person who suddenly preached something which the gospel of the Catholic Dogma, considers as deathly and dangerous.

I remained silent, and did not correct the person. I went on my way silently, as I often do. It was odd, to me at least- how without once giving their own view- the person went from speaking in doctrinal terms- to adopting the language often used by the dissenters' hedgemony locally.

Often, when speaking, debating in apologetics- I find the strongest opponent to the gospel is not a person's sins, nor many another thing.

That which wrapped around faces, and crumpled the hearts of servant warriors- was and remains a weak manifestion- the same force which usually manages to yank salvation from many a person I speak with.

This force, is so clearly not logical- logic I can fight, conquer, defeat- with fuller, more whole logic, but emotive opinions, do not listen to logic.

The manifestation I speak of is ideological culture. It is amazing how often I find that persons are deeply affected by their national weaknesses and fallacies- or those of their profession, or community.

They are so deeply instilled often- that any questioning of them- causes a broken outburst or collapse of rational conversation. It is noted quite simply in a sudden turn to near identical concepts as others- as excuses and justifications are parroted, and even subconsciously gained by those affected.

The problem with this nationalism, this culture which emerges- is that it is emotional, and with any good it has, it is near guaranteed to contain evil. Without the power of rational thought, of true criticism, and scepticism- those infected can well not even know they are. The true sign being a sudden indignant response, or a feeling of out of control emotion or these sorts of things. Often small arguments- claiming experience, and not in touch with the reality are used- often assumption also plays a part.

I do not deny that I too could be infected by this- this terrible condition, whereby one does not accept facts, but opinion. I do know, that it is so often these local forces which ravish the church locally. I also know that this is often the result of persons claiming intellectual freedom from the church- but neglecting to ask it of themselves elsewhere.

The only answer to this epidemic is so entirely simple. It comes to us via those private revelations Saint Philomena gave a nun all that time ago.

The Catholic cannot be a South African, Australian, American, European first. Their first citizenship must be in heaven- in God, their world view must be shaped of logic and dogma. The emotion of ideology must be abandoned for the logic of dogma.

I do not say that we must cease to be citizens of our country- our Nation can still be the adjective which describes our nuances- and our cultural perceptions- but our first loyalty must be to righteousness- to the Catholic dogma, morality, and Truth.

This we will not get from our local bishop, in most cases. For this we must return to the Catechism, to Vatican II, to the saints, our bibles- and the Councils- for this, we must determine to listen to Pope Benedict XVI, and to make sure we are soundly justified, in what we think of as Catholic. Least we follow what is not true.

The meaning of "life" and "life alike"

2009-07-12T03:10:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Ever tried to find a celebrity on facebook? Odd... Isn't it- how easily one finds a fraud!

It is just as hard to find any genuinely helpful book in the spirituality or religion section of a bookstore, or a genuinely religious bookstore for that manner. I have seen a soul lost due to a book I lent a person, from a trusted Catholic bookstore. A book which should never have been sold or published.

In reality, it is common to find people using another's reputation to profit, which is what those abusing religion, or shouting to the heavens from various valid causes can well do.

Jesus warns against this, in the first commandment, and yet; there is the utmost danger of ignoring the true person, of letting the liars, frauds and enemies prevent one from connecting with a real person. Evil is lack, so that a good man, who is ill equipped, is in a way physically evil. Those who usurp another's assigned place, can also be evil: as the good they do is less that the other is meant to, and would be doing!

This desire to use another's name is common in organizations for the common good: which uplift nobodies, with no intelligence, a rabid desperation and infinite self serving needs: to high rank: simply out of perceptions of need. In fact, such organizations attract these people.

And it is there that good and evil can tear each other apart as beasts do: but only should there be good, only should some individual take a stand.

It is therefore not surprising that the same can happen in the assigned Church.

This sinful reality- It is a just justification, and reason for just celibacy and poverty vows. Priests, Religious; these official servants must live as Christ did, least we see them as liars, as thieves and as Simonry's children.

It is their task to channel Christ; for which they must gradually lose their own need to be important: and in the place of this need, determine to become important: but below Christ as a factor of truth!

So, what is this deceptive vice which causes one to pretend, without true, just justification: to be what they are not? I say ... it is the depth of all evil: the original sin, which happened before pride, or in the pride of the first sinners, and is at the depths of the essence of pride.

We all desire meaning, purpose. It is common to all men, all mankind; to want to be important, even vital.

The sin is abusing that which is important for our own desperate desires and fears, and greed.

Let us not neglect that the situation is always desperate. We will always have the poor, weak, abused; until Christ comes again. The All Encompassing Church too, for thousands of years: has been infiltrated, with weeds among the good crop. Our enemies so often using the same trick as the Snake, that vile Serpent whom we read of in the story of Adam and his wife -Eve.

Evil uses the reputation of Good, the appearance of importance to do what benefits it and no one else; and deep inside, this aids -not even itself.

Should the whole Hierarchy fail, and fall into the depths of the currents of decay, death, sin and ruin: do not forget that the Sacraments and the Tradition of the Rock, and the Magisteriam will not fall.

As with the Old Testament truth bearing devices: or as Saul spoke truth of the Second Israeli human king, so the Magisteriam stays strong, should vile men call it to judge, or should good men invoke the procedures.

But know that to be important, good, vital, or needed; one must stare into the hallowed and fearful depths, to cleanse the soul and conscience with wise, connecting intuition: and become good.

Evil is lack, and disproportion. Good is proportion and fullness. To be good, is to be full, or fuller and seeking more. In our dark times, with bishops, perhaps cardinals, entire nations, and so many turning from their posts: their right level, their right place: to be good is the most important gift you have. Even unseen good affects all, and prayer is only one of the many ways we spiritually affect the world. Our every action is a prayer, a request ... To good or evil.

Even our inners speak, and venerate one or other!

To become good, we must stay in our proper place, we must train the soul, and spread the gospel. We must note how important personal responsibility is to Christ: that he command us to help ourselves before others.

Indeed ...he does not forbid us to take the deathly splinter out of our enemy's eye: rather; he demands that we firstly care for our own soul, before any other; least our judgement be wrong and evil!

It is why he speaks of the log and splinter when speaking of judgement. How can we save, if we are ourselves blinded. No, then we as blind men would lead others into the chasm of hades and hell. We must remove that log from our eye; and then we can remove others' afflictions. To be good is to ...to continuously strive even unto, even past every death to better your connection with the Intuitive Truth, which is, and which leads via the magisteriam, and to and in God! For that truth seeks life, and not death; even if it means dying in the quest!

For we should never perform evil that good may occur. In those times, to do evil is to pray to evil. Good is never wrong nor bad. It is always practical: even if it takes more wisdom or energy or less. To do evil, is to lose sight of the gospel. We all have done evil in small portions, and yet; this was surely of doubt, despair and distrust of God, that we betrayed him!

Let us never move our gaze from Christ... Least the water surround us in a drowing death!

As an internationally collaborative: initiative to provide a more transparent, accurate view of the world: This service is brought to you by the Scripturelink Search Engine (quotations, or confers in this service/initiative, are provided to give perspective independently, or reference some external sources: and do not imply collaboration, or any kind of affiliation, or co-operation with other services, or initiatives, which are quoted or noted in articles)

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God, you pray to through the walls, but he's not deaf, nor are you aiming correct

2009-06-19T02:18:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

You look up as you pray,
It's entirely natural, God-given, you do say,

You feel heart-ache, and even then, do you pray,
Through Windows and walls, you aim into space,

God is up there you say, somewhere in space entirely, you do state

And when hardship comes, should he not answer,
You think it true, that prayers sometimes bounce,
That the walls throw them off,
That windows, Mirrors, and skies reflect them,

That they actually:
...separate you from God.

God is not ...distant... whatever you said
He's there in your thoughts, your too solemn, light prayers,
He's in your atoms, there within the substance of your bed.

As you think, he's the limits of your thoughts,
And as you cry, he's in your tears.

The walls, they cannot reflect your prayers:
Perhaps mimic them, and show them true, or wrong...

No, should God seem distant, should God seem far...

It is either a trial, to teach you to yearn,
Else, in truth, you're ignoring, or preventing his answer, his deified aid, or else, it's coming, and perhaps different in form ...than thought,

You know not yet, but sin blocks prayer,
God isn't just up there, he's here, in your soul.

To know him, is to understand your role
Therefore, fear not, he's there as you roll, and toll

If God hasn't answered, it's because of his reason for you,
That is your blueprint purpose, his plan for you too,

His every moment, secret plan for you too, we call now ...your soul!

It connects you to me, and him as well, see
Don't be silly, God's with you even now,

And as you pray, sending rays into space, he oft joins you, perhaps cause it's done...

And it's him you sent into space,
To rest on the sun, the moon, and green alien suns!

He's with us right now, and men throughout all time,
His is the remains of our greatness,
He's even crying in the ruins!

The God of Logic, the God, who is logic!

2009-06-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I watch the screen, perhaps I could step through, maybe enter their world. I feel the theme, the fantastic plot, partly, I wish it would surround me, whirl and twirl around me. Part of me wants it, for the everyday ordinary to be extraordinarily special.

I cannot step into the screen, the illusion is not for my form, only my eyes.

Yet, it reminds me, of the form of God, of the everyday ordinary, whom we worship as Truth, and all there is to soothe. Truth, is not a metaphor for God, he meant it literally, I have often said!

You see, the truth, is what is, the connecting thing, which is what it appears as, however hidden in the murk.

God is reality, Augustine would agree. He is the "Frame-er" of our universe, said another early witness within those ancient bodies of truth, but what does that mean?

I have often said God is Reality, the fabric on which the universe is based, but what is reality, which we intuitively understand, yet rationally don't know, this is a question. One I have to know.

You see, when we look deeper in, logic becomes the rules which govern the universe. In an infinite space, there is no physical frame. What is the fabric of the universe? ...cause and effect?

You see, God is logic, is order ...that all governing thing. I often compared Reality to our Operating system, where we run on it, like sequences of intuitive code. For reality is the system on which all are based: could God be logic, the basic rules, which encompass all: is God wisdom: quite literally?

Indeed, if God is logic, then he thinks, at least as much as thinking is logic interacting, God is more of a being than us. For, that which we mimic with thought: well, if it does not think, our thoughts are as much of an illusion as Logic's thoughts, and as real as these, or perhaps ...our thoughts are: not so sure?

And, indeed, if Reality, Yahweh: God, is our operating system, the basis of all: then indeed, he made man in his image: our imagination, and rational thoughts: the worlds we ourselves govern.

Is God the logical system, the basic fabric of all interaction? Is he wisdom, truth, and basis? Is God Logic? That which causes the universe to be? Which is the universe's basis, the basis also, and framework of thought, and all things?

For Order, has always been, and though rules may change, even such is predictable, we can predict unpredictability, knowing enough. Perhaps God is Order, that everyday thing, the spiritual, like a poem, yet a dynamic thing? Perhaps our thoughts, mimicking truth, small theaters for logic, and cause and effect: are more real than once thought, a truly real thing?

If God is logic, our souls are our equations: that which caused us to grow, from conception, through birth, through life, that which survives: for eternity, all time! If God is logic, our soul is the connecting thing: that which connects our form, our conscience and thoughts ...with him. For we are our souls: Soul, and Body, one being: like waves and water, inseparable is our soul from us, for our soul and body, both one us: Our soul, ...is the dynamic equation, which is us, and causes our life. Written, though not formed: before eternity: it governs all our true hope.

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A poem about something, if anything were to be: about how man can become truth, but must maintain truth

2009-05-08T11:56:00.001-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Streams of essence, of truth itself,
Death be broken, life now halt.
Truth the basis, the connecting thing,
Truth be justice, reactions form.

Independent, bluish rays, ocean broken, greenish tide,
Truth be broken, truth be gone, I pursue it now, my tears bestowed,
Pinkness slithers, and moves away,
Truth, I cannot tell from truth, essence, from essence,

I break, I wail,

Truth I pursue, just behind, magic it is, below all time.

Truth, I stalk, I hunt it in the dusk of night.

Illusions of sight, I break through these,
And though I feel pressure, and realize more than another?

Truth not mine, not just yet,
Reality's reflecting, incarnate, I seek all truth,
Empty, broken, as the world does sway,

Tears do come, but not yet truth,
Truth I seek, and seek and seek.

Truth I alone seek, I break all hope.
All falls apart, as truth I become.

Truth, that connected with the basis of all things, truth that which lured, truth, that which connections made sought.

Lies surround me, as I burrow deep deep down:

I am truth, for I seek this very thing, I wonder at this, as the green forrest's light does speak.

Humbly, below the surface, wading among poisonous force,

Truth I am, for truth I seek, yet should I halt my search, th's hopeful aspirations' made,
Without the search, as truth I'd cease.

See through the illusion, of truth I speak,
Solve the riddle, be truth's dear peak!

As an internationally collaborative: initiative to provide a more transparent, accurate view of the world: This service is brought to you by the Scripturelink Search Engine (quotations, or confers in this service/initiative, are provided to give perspective independently, or reference some external sources: and do not imply collaboration, or any kind of affiliation, or co-operation with other services, or initiatives, which are quoted or noted in articles)

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The wolf howled at the moon, but shall you ...chase it ..own it ...have it: human soul?

2009-04-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Ice melted, and slowly glittered, then sprinkled, and rippled: then flew from the surface, and as it did: there was ...sound ...noise, symphony of deadly scream.

The wolves howled: ...focussed on the moon.

And as they howled, the dripping blood stood still: the hunt had begun ...when had it ever ceased?

And yet: as we hear the fatal, primitive sound, some part wants to join in: howl at the moon: and shout at "Reality"; our God, that background on which all material exists.

Yet, what makes us diffeent, us few who seek the "Catholic" truth, what makes us unique: utterly different: we seek not only to howl at the "Moon" as most do: but rather: to fly up to be upon it, on our goodness alone, and on the moon's ...effect, and "truth" ...you see

... we who seek the near impossible: become better at all that is normal: ...sounding our reward:
the moon has been to earth: and we howl at him: our moon and sun: and we seek him out:
who died for us:
on a cross!

And yet, what of you: will you do the ...impossible,
... will you claim your reward, and jump, and catch the moon?

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Journey IABW: How to become an apologist!

2009-04-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Recently, I was asked: "how can I defend my faith": to paraphrase the request: ...that is.

Now, as we somersault around apologetics, we must always remember to start at the beginning-

do I really know "my" Faith?

You see, the biggest problem I encountered when I first entered apologetics: is the hegemony of the inaccurate perceptions of "Catholicism". This empire of heresy in everyday life: expands from children: to teenagers: even to religious orders, bishops and possibly cardinals. What one must do, if they want to enter apologetics; the science of giving answers about the faith in a truthful manner: is not learn their faith from others.

You see, we all have to get a "driver's license" to drive: personally, allot of us think that is often not the case in "South Africa"; but really, at least we got our licenses: but imagine learning to drive by watching other drivers?

You would learn to speed, and confuse persons at "circles": you would stop when meant to go, and probably Endanger other drivers.

One cannot learn the faith from those around them: especially in a "Catholic" country: then where can one learn it?

You see: to teach the faith: one must firstly learn the faith: and other than the internet's best: where I learned most of my faith: despite serious problems in "South Africa": there is a cute little book: known as "The Catechism of the Catholic Church": don't get the compendium: it is useless for any deep questions, but the full book is highly specific, highly useful: and extremely Orthodoxly Catholic: the global version of that: that is.

Secondly, get a good bible: with notes: how can you expect to understand a rough English translation: often ignoring tense, and the like: of a 2 000 ("Two Thousand") year old: dead language? More than that: a translation: of just one of the many secondary or tertiary or so-on copies of the original: spelling mistakes, and human error included.

The "New Jerusalem Bible": "Standard Edition" (buy the big one), "Douay Rheims" (get a good version of such), "Navarre Bible", or "Ignatius Bible" may be a "good" selection.

The word of "God": is "Jesus Christ": the bible is just a record of him, and other things useful to get us into heaven. That said: it was compiled by the "Catholic Church": at the "Council of Rome", "Hippo" etc: with the aid of the "Holy Spirit": and it's authors were serving "God" faithfully.

Those with more advanced interests: may be interested in "Ecumenical" (global) Councils: of the "Catholic" church: remembering that the likes of "Vatican II": are only infallible: so far as they relate to stating "Catholic" doctrine, and "Catholic" morals: the language in which the mass is said: generally being neither: such is pastoral.

Having formed your basis: remember: "Catholic Doctrine" and "Morals": will be "protected" by "God" until the times are all past. There is only one church which stands up to decay: and remains +-"2 000" ("Two Thousand") years: still actively teaching the word of "God", still having active structures to "insure" infallibility on certain issues (see acts 5 v 4 and acts 15: on infallibility).

Once you have your basis: start listening to/ reading some good pro-"life", pro-"family", pro-"pope", pro-"tradition", pro-"magisterium", pro-"bible" ("Catholic version) "Catholic" theologians: consider "Chesterton", or "Fulton Sheen": and perhaps discover the internet, and those who are more accurate there.

On this point: you have help: www.catholicculture.com: reviews many of the sites online on orthodoxy: and the "Scripturelink" search engine (our service): can search through all their best rated sites: as well as the best services online, or some better ones: as far as reviews go (we do from time to time exclude part or all of an internet site).

Finding interesting, or beneficial sites: can help in understanding issues one wants to cover: remember: "good" "Catholic" sites are not always excellent: but balance: and a desire for truth over most else: can help one. Much can also be gained: from using "Scripturelink"'s search features: after reading an entry in one of the better "Catholic" sites: to check up what is said. Many of the most popular "Catholic" sites online: are the most horrendous, and not all are noted as such on the likes of "Catholic Culture": or the like.

Once you know your faith: consider both direct, and indirect ways to promote it and its views: justifying views by it on multiple subjects: makes it more accessible: being honest about real faults: within the fallible ordinary church; helps.

Know also: enough history to justify it there, and always remember: you have the option of asking if you can research a topic: before coming back.

Remember: the "Imprimatur": is not the "symbol" of "Catholic" "Orthodoxy" it used to be: you need to find a "Catholic" source: that impresses you, and which genuinely seeks the good of the church: and not other external: corrupting means. Follow your intuition, and always make sure you know what point is being discusses: and be honest, especially if you do not know: but then decide: and inform: that you will find out: and use Scripturelink or the like: to verify claims.

If someone cannot back up their claims: remember: they have no power: any truthful statement for or against the faith: should be backed up in more than rumour, or opinion, or claims: one must be able to prove it. Don't accept anything without evidence: and always remember to follow the truth within you.

Remember: many have entered the "church", as though "Spies": in order to mislead us: stay with what "God" "guarantees": stay with the guidance of the Magisterium, and stay with the "miraculous effect" of the "7" ("Seven") Sacraments ("Pledges"/"Promises"): given us by God. Remember: both "Luther", and "Arius" were priests: don't listen when rank is pulled: listen to the raw truth: to the Magisterium: and remember: such is not what others say it is: read for yourself, know for yourself: we at "Scripturelink" also created a search engine to search the "Vatican II" council: itself, just as we created one to search the "Catechism": which isn't infallible: but extremely useful and generally "orthodox" to the teachings of the "Magisterium" of the "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic" "Roman Catholic" Church.

The likes of "EWTN", or the Vatican itself: also host such documents: but rather get to know the "Catechism" before the councils, and consider interacting on the likes of "Catholic Answer Forums": with others. Remember: your soul is your responsibility: and your conscience is to be guarded and made powerful by none other than you. Trust no-one, but trust "God" to get you through: with the relative trust we must give to others: and with the wise trust we must give to many: therefore: in trusting "God", trust others: in the right degree.

Have comments on our articles, join our online social networks:

at Catholic Answer Forums' : Catholic Social networking

South African Catholic News Service (group)

Or Join us on Facebook

South African Catholic News Service

Or become a fan, or follower of our pages on Facebook:

South African Catholic News Service- Page - the notes that we add: are generally: our articles from this service

Interested in the: Scripturelink Search and Information service- Page, or want to see our google reader: Shared Items: click here

Or Subscribe to our articles via email:

Subscribe to South African Catholic

We also have a site on twitter:

http://twitter.com/sacns

And one on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/SACATHOLICNEWSSERVIC

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Journey: Happy Easter, in our Broken world!

2009-04-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Recently, I was asked: "how can I defend my faith": to paraphrase the request: ...that is.

Now, as we somersault around apologetics, we must always remember to start at the beginning-

...do I really know "my" Faith?

You see, the biggest problem I encountered when I first entered apologetics: is the hegemony of the inaccurate perceptions of "Catholicism". This empire of heresy in everyday life: expands from children: to teenagers: even to religious orders, bishops and possibly cardinals. What one must do, if they want to enter apologetics; the science of giving answers about the faith in a truthful manner: is not learn their faith from others.

You see, we all have to get a "driver's license" to drive: personally, allot of us think that is often not the case in "South Africa"; but really, at least we got our licenses: but imagine learning to drive by watching other drivers?

You would learn to speed, and confuse persons at "circles": you would stop when meant to go, and probably Endanger other drivers.

One cannot learn the faith from those around them: especially in a "Catholic" country: such as "Ireland", or "France"(was): then where can one learn it?

You see: to teach the faith: one must firstly learn the faith: and other than the internet's best: where I learned most of my faith: despite serious problems in "South Africa": there is a cute little book: known as "The Catechism of the Catholic Church": don't get the compendium: it is useless for any deep questions, but the full book is highly specific, highly useful: and extremely "Orthodoxly" "Catholic": the global version of that: that is.

Secondly, get a good bible: with notes: how can you expect to understand a rough English translation: often ignoring tense, and the like: of a +-"2 000" ("Two Thousand") year old: dead language? More than that: a translation: of just one of the many secondary or tertiary or so-on copies of the original: spelling mistakes, and human error included.

The "New Jerusalem Bible": "Standard Edition" (buy the big one), "Douay Rheims" (get a good version of such), "Navarre Bible", or "Ignatius Bible" may be a "good" selection.

The word of "God": is "Jesus Christ": the bible is just a record of him, and other things useful to get us into heaven. That said: it was compiled by the "Catholic Church": at the "Council of Rome", "Hippo" etc: with the aid of the "Holy Spirit": and it's authors were serving "God" faithfully.

Those with more advanced interests: may be interested in "Ecumenical" (global) Councils: of the "Catholic" church: remembering that the likes of "Vatican II": are only infallible: so far as they relate to stating "Catholic" doctrine, and "Catholic" morals: the language in which the mass is said: generally being neither: such is pastoral.

Having formed your basis: remember: "Catholic Doctrine" and "Morals": will be "protected" by "God" until the times are all past. There is only one church which stands up to decay: and remains +-"2 000" ("Two Thousand") years: still actively teaching the word of "God", still having active structures to "insure" infallibility on certain issues (see acts 5 v 4 and acts 15: on infallibility).

Once you have your basis: start listening to/ reading some good pro-"life", pro-"family", pro-"pope", pro-"tradition", pro-"magisterium", pro-"bible" ("Catholic version) "Catholic" theologians: consider "Chesterton", or "Fulton Sheen": and perhaps discover the internet, and those who are more accurate there.

On this point: you have help: www.catholicculture.com: reviews many of the sites online on orthodoxy: and the "Scripturelink" search engine (our service): can search through all their best rated sites: as well as the best services online, or some better ones: as far as reviews go (we do from time to time exclude part or all of an internet site).

Finding interesting, or beneficial sites: can help in understanding issues one wants to cover: remember: "good" "Catholic" sites are not always excellent: but balance: and a desire for truth over most else: can help one. Much can also be gained: from using "Scripturelink"'s search features: after reading an entry in one of the better "Catholic" sites: to check up what is said. Many of the most popular "Catholic" sites online: are the most horrendous, and not all are noted as such on the likes of "Catholic Culture": or the like.

Once you know your faith: consider both direct, and indirect ways to promote it and its views: justifying views by it on multiple subjects: makes it more accessible: being honest about real faults: within the fallible ordinary church; helps.

Know also: enough history to justify it there, and always remember: you have the option of asking if you can research a topic: before coming back.

Remember: the "Imprimatur": is not the "symbol" of "Catholic" "Orthodoxy" it used to be: you need to find a "Catholic" source: that impresses you, and which genuinely seeks the good of the church: and not other external: corrupting means. Follow your intuition, and always make sure you know what point is being discusses: and be honest, especially if you do not know: but then decide: and inform: that you will find out: and use Scripturelink or the like: to verify claims.

If someone cannot back up their claims: remember: they have no power: any truthful statement for or against the faith: should be backed up in more than rumour, or opinion, or claims: one must be able to prove it. Don't accept anything without evidence: and always remember to follow the truth within you.

Remember: many have entered the "church", as though "Spies": in order to mislead us: stay with what "God" "guarantees": stay with the guidance of the Magisterium, and stay with the "miraculous effect" of the "7" ("Seven") Sacraments ("Pledges"/"Promises"): given us by God. Remember: both "Luther", and "Arius" were priests: don't listen when rank is pulled: listen to the raw truth: to the Magisterium: and remember: such is not what others say it is: read for yourself, know for yourself: we at "Scripturelink" also created a search engine to search the "Vatican II" council: itself, just as we created one to search the "Catechism": which isn't infallible: but extremely useful and generally "orthodox" to the teachings of the "Magisterium" of the "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic" "Roman Catholic" Church.

The likes of "EWTN", or the Vatican itself: also host such documents: but rather get to know the "Catechism" before the councils, and consider interacting on the likes of "Catholic Answer Forums": with others. Remember: your soul is your responsibility: and your conscience is to be guarded and made powerful by none other than you. Trust no-one, but trust "God" to get you through: with the relative trust we must give to others: and with the wise trust we must give to many: therefore: in trusting "God", trust others: in the right degree.

Have comments on our articles, join our online social networks:

at Catholic Answer Forums' : Catholic Social networking

South African Catholic News Service (group)

Or Join us on Facebook

South African Catholic News Service

Or become a fan, or follower of our pages on Facebook:

South African Catholic News Service- Page - the notes that we add: are generally: our articles from this service

Interested in the: Scripturelink Search and Information service- Page, or want to see our google reader: Shared Items: click here

Or Subscribe to our articles via email:

Subscribe to South African Catholic

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Check our contents via the search engine: against other Catholic services

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Life: the purpose of it's signs!

2009-04-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The human ingenuity, the lungs, the ligaments, and various members: and organs: including the mind: are not the purpose of our being: but simply methods, hopes: which protect the life: the vibration of our Soul's dance with God: within it's manifestation: our body.

God is reality. For, all relies on Reality. Reality thinks: whether really, or if thinking itself is but illusion: for all exists because of the living, thinking background structure on which all matter exists. All that is: in some way reflects reality: so too must thought.

Now, the mind, the limbs: the lungs that breathe: all these are but protections: that which maintains and protects the life of the being.

This is why: even that cruelly, and inaccurately: which is termed a vegetable: when still human: even that life is worth preserving: even should the harvesting of its organs "save" another. Simply because the protective features that nature has given us: to preserve the life, which evolution has for thousands of years been the guardian of: does not mean the life is gone. Nature designs our bodies to protect our life: what theology calls our soul. that which is reflected through our form: of Reality's true nature.

Simply because one life is weak, and another is stronger: simply because one life needs a machine to be, and another is stronger: does not mean one life is worth more than another. Life is not it's signs: and the reason we used to define it as ending when there was no longer breath: is that at this point: without protection, the vibration of life upon the physical form, the mystical light would cease: but even then: when one stopped breathing: one could still have other signs restored again: via what was called the kiss of life. Simply because that designed to protect our life: that which orders, and maintains the society of cells in our body: simply because mental function: designed to keep the candle of life burning, or simply because a ligament is gone, or the ability to breathe on one's own strength: does not mean the purpose of all this is gone. The meaning and purpose of the human purpose is their life. Life is what society is created to protect: the weaker the life: the more protection it should warrant and demand.

Journey: Why is Good Friday Good?

2009-04-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Some time ago: I was asked for an apology on good Friday: specifically pertaining to the apologetics of why it is supposedly "Good". Here is the apology I wrote:

Why is Good Friday good, and Friday itself looked at as Holy?

Now, to a person ignorant of why Good Friday is: “Good”: such may seem odd: God is crucified; he suffers, and is hurt: is not “Good Friday” the defeat, and Easter the Victor. Firstly, one must know: the supper: the “Last Supper”: actually occurs on Good Friday: in the Jewish day, when the sun sets: is the start of the next day. Secondly, it is important to realize: that in a sacramental view of Christianity: the sacrifice of the Eucharist: transfers past time, and physically links the celebrants: not with Jesus as though only at Easter, but importantly, with Jesus as he is still on the cross:

The Jesus sacrificed in the Mass: refers to a physical connection with the actual crucifixion on good Friday: it is as though one looks at Christmas: the day when the animal we eat is killed is good: for us, because it’s death sustains us. Good Friday is the beginning of the Triumph of the Cross: it is on this day and not on Easter, that each of our sins are paid for. In the African tradition, animals are sacrificed in a celebratory manner: Jesus, God himself, is sacrificed to God, by evil hands: so that those who are forgiven at all are always forgiven through time: by God: into this very moment, when Jesus is still on the cross. Good Friday therefore is Good: it is the day in which God’s enmity with us can be set aside: it is the beginning of the treaty, the family known as Christianity. The Man next to Jesus on the Cross: Jesus forgives, without an animal sacrifice: evidently: it is by his death, on Good Friday, that we are forgiven, for there was no sacrifice, and Jesus had not died yet.

We would have been forgiven even if He had not risen on Easter, in accordance with Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant”. Good Friday is Good, as it is the day on which history alters its course: it is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love to us: to those in love: foolishness is wisdom: as the Bible also says: “God’s foolishness is wiser than Man’s wisdom”.

The crucifixion itself is expected from the broken world: it is sin itself showing its face: and yet: it is good, because the crucifixion, is the death throes of death: it is here that death is reversed: for this reason, “Good Friday” is good: good in that it is where evil is conquered: good, in that it is God’s remedy to evil: although, like many medicines: it tastes dreadful to the senses: yet puts one in a better state.
Marc Aupiais, 2009-03-27

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Western Genodices Series: Is Euthanasia Genocide?

2009-04-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World; Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Further argument based on United nations' Documentation--Killing members of a group--- as aimed at an entire population, and aimed at destroying part of a national group, which is targeted-- is Euthanasia Article 2 section a or c genocide--

As per usual, when covering genocide issues: our argument is based on the UN definition of Genocide-- by which we looked at abortion, and strategic nuclear weapons in previous views of possible "Modern genocides": perpetrated with the direct assistance of Europe, America, Russia, China, and or other sections of current so-called global powers in our day and age--

This definition of Genocide: being the:

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

Approved and proposed for signature and ratification or accession by
General Assembly resolution 260 A (III) of 9 December 1948

entry into force 12 January 1951, in accordance with article XIII

as viewable on the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights' website:

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/p_genoci.htm

To begin our argument: genocide must be aimed at a specific population group: i.e. "national, ethnical, racial or religious group": it must aim to destroy part or whole of such: as demonstrated by article 2 section d: this includes an intent to prevent future population within a group.

Now, if we were to say that every person: whose ID number ended with the number 13: within a country: may be killed without punishment, by their fellow human beings: or say: as in Arbor Day: all those centuries ago: should a state declare: that those who were Jewish: may be killed without punishment on a particular day: such would directly be Genocide: in that allowing a part of the population which any section could be: to be killed: would be genocide: as would be allowing the general population to kill such people with their permission: these with an ID number of thirteen: and further: not discouraging the population from begging these people for permission: in fact, what if the state encouraged the population to get such people to kill themselves: what if they said to health professionals: to advise these people that they were better dead than alive: such measures would be calculated to cause part of the population to kill themselves. Surely: such permission to kill a random section of the population: is to commit genocide: just as a parent can be guilty of killing their child in negligence.

Now, we get to something more definable as genocide than simply allowing those whose ID numbers start with 13 to be killed: such is only Genocide so much as such a group is in fact part of the general population: the rest of the population are in fact also committing genocide against their own.

As to article d genocide:

"(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;"

A pride of Lions: always attack the weakest members of a heard: the sick, the elderly, and the very young: those who cannot protect themselves.

Even if actions such as Euthanasia were to attack elderly people: for a purpose other than reducing populations of a group: surely: this is not the peak of what the definition says: destroying only ten members or fifty thousand: the definition says only that it must be aimed at the group as a whole. It may be said that a state: aims its laws: in general at the national group under it as a whole.

If the state, then takes upon itself to allow those members of the population: most likely to not be able to think properly: most desperate: those who are often sold snake oil, and grasp on straws: if the state offered to them: something that the state called a cure: and knew that the population in general: duty-bound to care for these people: would want this duty to be gone: in order to have an easier time: if the state then decided that these others may be permitted to pressure such population groupings within a national grouping, or ethnic grouping: to die: is this not similar to what business persons might call "Constructive Dismissal": are not these measures intended: that at least some of the population intend to die: and is not the state certain that they will kill and destroy: many members of the population: surely also: this is aimed at a national group: if a state permits that those least stable: least sane by a psychological definition: are allowed to both be pestered into killing themselves by more sane individuals: and to have medical practitioners: persons they are likely to listen to: tell them to kill themselves.

Surely: simply because a part of the population is more likely to take the offer: less likely to feel secure in arguing against what their selfish relative desire: if a section of the population: who we admit in our laws: cannot really reasonably handle their finances: if this section can choose to die: and if we know that they are likely to take this choice: by ensuring they do so: by wrapping up the choice of death: and getting doctors to encourage them to die: by using the law: to make their family think it acceptable to tell them it is better to die: simply because they are more likely to submit: is this not just as likely to result in it being genocide?

When speed limits were introduced: persons began to generally drive faster; and knowing that killing another in self defense: makes one more likely to do so. Homosexual persons in states which are more accepting of them: are more likely to be open about their relations: people in general: often are moved by the laws in how they view life and other things. Also: the guilt arguments: of: "they are in pain": or they will never live a normal life: etc: enter the media: by legalizing that a section of the population: unable to give consent to most important decisions: most likely to feel weak: and guilty for not being able to contribute much: or legalizing that their relatives: without their consent: may decide to kill them: are we not advocating genocide?

Further: Homosexuals for instance: often say they are born with a condition: which likely will give them much pain and suffering, ostentation, and statistically: likely an earlier death: these persons will never be normal: if they are to be believed: would it not be genocide against the population in general to get rid of these persons: or inflict conditions on them likely to destroy part of the population: based simply on what they would claim is something genetic? Is this not what the Nazi's did to this part of their population groups: irrespective of whether or not they acted on their choices?

Don't we often talk of putting dictators, or enemies: "Out of their misery": is this not simply an attempt to justify our choice.

If terrorists: were to release a toxin into the air: of a general population: which targeted and killed any weak enough to have asthma: would this not be genocide against the population?

Simply because someone is psychologically, or physically weak: does not change the situation. Being weak, or unstable: only means one is more likely to die: we do not kill persons allergic to bees for this. Aiming measures to destroy part of a population: and aiming it at the population: simply because some are more susceptible: and simply because we aim at these for now: does not make it any less aimed at the population.

Pain: is simply a sign: that our life is being endangered: the evolutionary purpose of this: is to keep us alive.

Is not killing those in the population: experiencing pain: and most likely to grasp at straws: is this not abusing their evolutionary weakness: their instability: by offering them: what in that moment: may appear as though it were a cure: is it not abusing their evolution: like a Venus Fly Trap- does to a fly?

This article does not constitute legal advise in any form whatsoever. Rely on it at your own risk.

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Pope shares his condolences over Italy Earthquake

2009-04-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

From Agenzia Fides/ Fides Service:

VATICAN - The Holy Father's telegram of condolences for the victims of the earthquake in Abruzzo

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. has sent the following telegram, on behalf of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, to Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari of L'Aquila (Italy) for the earthquake that struck the city of L'Aquila and the province of Abruzzo: “The dramatic news of the violent earthquake which struck the territory of the archdiocese has filled the Supreme Pontiff's heart with consternation, and he charges Your Excellency to pass on the expression of his heartfelt participation in the suffering of the beloved people affected by the tragic event. Giving assurances of his fervent prayers for the victims, especially the children, His Holiness asks the Lord to bring comfort to their families and, while giving affectionate words of encouragement to the survivors and the people who in various ways are helping in the rescue operations, he sends everyone his special apostolic blessing. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State of His Holiness.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2009)

Journey: How Should I view Evil?

2009-04-04T03:10:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article By Marc Aupiais

--Concepts of Good and evil--Truth in proportion is good--God is what we term "Reality"--

Evil, what a concept, what an idea: ultimately: how we view this: seems to say allot about where we stand with the Catholic God.

We either see evil: as that which reminds us of our own mortality: our own weakness: excactly why so many people hate confession, as with some who hate mass for this reason: there are other reasons also why people say they dislike it, and why they dislike it:

We say: this person, or thing showed me that I am mortal: weak, and not impervious. We hate rollar coasters for this reason, we hate those disease advertisements also: for this reason: yet, if this is the only way we define evil: and I don't mean in a worded way: but in our actions: then we have lost track of the Catholic way of viewing evil.

God is Reality: that background on which all things exist. He is infinite, impervious, all-knowing and all those other things which we rightly associate with Reality: Reality being that on which all exists: also thinks, and is aware.

If we hate only that which shows us to not be "Reality", but only "Matter": then we hate that which shows us the truth: and that is a bit of a fallacy.

If we, however: hate that which makes us less like reality: and call that evil: whether it be physical evil: or moral evil: and call that more like "Reality", or that which makes us more like reality: "Good": then our view of good and evil: is workable: and in line with the church. All that is morally evil: is deceptive.

Evil: does not disprove God: it is simply the lower end of the scale: of things like or not like God: in proportion, or out of it: Evil: is also how we define that which is bad for us. Truth is good for us, if we are in a right state of mind, and if that truth is in proportion.

We need not fear the truth: that we are not impervious: if we realize that our souls are: and that if we follow God's numerous and all-encompassing, even dynamic commands: then we shall be on a path: of exploring truth: and towards existing forever: as saints, or at least as good people: and not that which is out of proportion for all eternity. That said: while our souls are indestructible: they can lose their connection with Life/God/Reality: to an extent that we become disfigured forever: if we do not heal our life in time.

Note: phrases in this article refer to Catholic theology: it is not created to offend anyone: but rather to give a catholic, doctrinal perspective on such.

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Journey: Peter, drop that sword? Was Jesus a pacifist?

2009-03-28T02:29:00.000-07:00

(Tridentine South Africa; Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Now, is it not odd: that Jesus who told his Apostles to get swords: now attacks Peter for using one: "52 Jesus then said, 'Put your sword back, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26, NJB) We forget: that this is not the entire quote: in fact, the version in John, hardly mentions this: rather: a few verses before it notes that Jesus asked the attackers to leave his followers alone, and take him himself. Peter is not pleased by this: and rather chooses to fight. It is highly likely that Jesus is not prophesying, but rather saying to Peter: if you take up this fight, against all of these men: you shall die. It is further, seemingly a reference to when Peter desires that Jesus not be crucified: the sword: the human method of salvation: is here lambasted by Jesus: who knows that Peter does not desire for the events of Good Friday to happen: Peter would rather that God be proved a liar, than lose him temporarily.

This is furthered by Saint Paul who notes: that he who focuses only on the physical, shall die, yet the spirit is life.

Ultimately, we must view this verse, as is: a warning against viewing things in a purely physical way: Jesus tells Peter why he must put down his sword, in the same sentence almost: for he himself could stop it: this was not the "Time to Kill", but something that had to happen: God gave his life over in failed trust of the temporal, which he knew was to be abused: so that we would trust in God: Reality Himself.

This does not mean that we are not ever to take the sword, nor that the physical does not matter, clearly, Romans 10 says just the opposite: it means that the servant of God: must be in synchronicity with God's plan: sometimes: this even means disobeying the unjust command of even a bishop: in unison with the papacy, and magisterium: even from the pope in his personal capacity.

The principles of Just War are clear here: Peter had no chance of success: Jesus said that "He who takes up the sword shall die by the Sword!", could he not be referring to those in that very situation. plenty of sword fighters have not died in that manner: plenty whom Jesus would know of. Rather: he cures the damage done by Peter: and thereby spares Peter's life: in curing the enemy man's servant.

We should not easily read into the bible what is not there. What is there: is that human action by those in the church: actions contrary to the will of God: if taken to their extent, only damage God's plan: and in the end infuse death into those who do such. Compromise on justice, and obedience to God: is not a Catholic virtue, it is not a virtue: but illogical: if God is so wise: he sees what we are faced with: if he is not, he is not God: by compromising on our faith: we in fact testify that we do not serve God: let us not unintentionally blaspheme: we serve reality Himself, and we know that Reality is God, for every God must rely on Reality, and we know Reality is the source of all thought: and holds all the attributes of God, and that Reality is the name of God: and so: let us trust Reality: and do as we do in line with His true divine will: let us take up the swords he desires, and not those he apposes.

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Journey: The fallacy of pain and suffering

2009-03-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

(Journey in A Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Now, we have this issue: this so-called "Problem of pain and suffering", seemingly invented by Atheists, and not-so-skeptics throughout the world: as though pain disproved god: or as though it were better to be dead, than in major pain. Truly: what an emotional, irrational, and unintelligible idea: an idea i shall refute right this moment: truly: before now I thought it too pathetic to even gauge: but it seems some persons actually believe in the "pain and suffering" fallacy: and that I as an apologist: am in some way to be inclined to answer this to my many viewers.

Now, it usually starts out: how could a Good God create pain and suffering. My first response is: since when is God "Good"?

You see, we have this concept: all of us: I first remember seeing this being: when picturing the historic event of the Big Bang, or at last what is historically thought, and believed to be the big bang. Around the bang: I imagined space where there was none. The big bang: that was matter, existence: yet outside of it was something metaphysical: outside of it, was Reality.

Reality has always been there: it is not matter: that ever changing form: but rather: it remains the same always: it is eternal, infinite, and indestructible. We can destroy matter, even our universe: but not reality: the mainframe of our existence. We are not reality, and Reality is not us: we, matter: only exist in reality: and are endlessly aspiring to be like it.

We seek to be immortal, to be known by all people, to seem constant, or to appear powerful, or mysterious. We wish we were impervious: Reality, is.

Now, if Reality is the requirement for all existence: the rock on which we rely, and the ocean in which matter floats: then, surely: any so-called "God": must rely on reality to exist, and therefore: does not exist: unless such "God": is reality.

Reality has all the attributes of God, of the divine: and we all rely on it to exist: also, our behaviour always attempts to mimic it.

Pain, is an evolutionary reaction: a warning: that we are more likely to die: to seemingly become less like eternal reality: it also reminds us we are not impervious: for this reason: we hate pain: we are taught pain is bad.

In reality: Reality is what we love: we either attempt to mimic it in context as best we are able: or we envy and hate it: for the fact we will never be it. In that we hate pain: we hate that we are not reality: we seek to usurp it, to take a position higher than that bestowed upon us by Reality, and such things.

Now, if reality always has been, and maintains all things: it cannot rely on anything to exist: except itself: and more than that: everything that exists: must be firstly originated in Reality, and secondly, consistently maintained by Reality.

That does not include evil: that which is less like Reality: but rather: Evil: is what we name that which is the breaking up of the synchronous whole.

Reality: therefore: must be aware: whether awareness is an illusion, or anything at all.

If there is the possibility of cause and effect: of one creature creating another, creating another: with another: then Reality: must be more than one person: at least three persons in fact: but being Reality: these must be whole: and each eternal, each one.

And so: people say that a "Good" God would not create evil: would not create pain, suffering: but a Real God could not create himself: only that which is less than himself: and the less like God we are the more "evil": whether physically, or spiritually.

Therefore: we know that pain is designed to maintain our Realness: and to keep us alive: to kill a person because they are, have or will experience pain: is illogical. To kill your child, having experienced rape: also solves nothing: to save yourself from that trauma: requires a psychological solution: and murdering your Fetus: will only create greater pain. To overcome rape: you must realize that the greatest harm has not been done to you: you exist: someone had power over you: but they did not succeed in using it utterly: only in part. Fate, life has combated them: where death was upon you: Fate created life: life unique of the father. You would not kill your three year old because he reminds you of your husband who raped you: do not kill a younger life. You are victorious, you are alive: and the only reason that you are angry: is partly due to injustice: but also: because you were made vulnerable: your life seems less sure: you seem less like reality: ...admit: you are not Reality ...you are matter: and rely on Reality: and hope reverse the cancer of death: by bringing another mimicker of Reality into life more fully than it is.

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Pope in Africa: BENEDICT XVI DUE TO ARRIVE IN CAMEROON LATER TODAY

2009-03-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

(Journey in a Broken World )

Notation by Marc Aupiais

We have also included a less important story below that of the Africa trip:

(VIS)
BENEDICT XVI DUE TO ARRIVE IN CAMEROON LATER TODAY

VATICAN CITY, 17 MAR 2009 (VIS) - At 10.20 a.m. today, the Holy Father departed from Rome's Fiumicino airport bound for Yaounde, Cameroon. Following a six-hour flight his plane is due to land at Nsimalen airport at around 4 p.m., thus beginning his first apostolic trip to Africa which will also include three days in the Angolan capital Luanda, from 20 to 22 March.

President Paul Biya of Cameroon will receive the Pontiff as he descends from his aircraft; after which the Pope will be greeted by Archbishop Simon-Victor Tonye Bakot of Yaounde, president of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, and by Cardinal Christian Wiyghan Tumi, archbishop emeritus of Douala. The civil and political authorities will also be present, as will members of the diplomatic corps, bishops of Cameroon, a group of faithful and a choir.

Following a speech by the president, Benedict XVI will pronounce the first address of this his eleventh apostolic trip outside Italy as Pontiff. The ceremony concluded, he will travel by popemobile to the apostolic nunciature in Yaounde where he will dine and spend the night.

Tomorrow morning, the Pope will celebrate a private Mass in the chapel of the apostolic nunciature before paying a courtesy visit to the president of the Republic of Cameroon. He will then go on to meet with the country's bishops in the church of Christ-Roi in Tsinga, Yaounde.

PV-CAMEROON/.../YAOUNDE VIS 090317 (240)

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, 17 MAR 2009 (VIS) - Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, major archbishop of Kyiv-Halyc, Ukraine, with the consent of the Synod of the Greek-Catholic Ukrainian Church and in accordance with Canon 85, para. 2,2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, has transferred Bishop Wasyl Ihor Medwit O.S.B.M., from the office of curial bishop of the major archbishopric of Kyiv-Halyc to that of auxiliary bishop of the archiepiscopal exarchate of Donetsk-Kharkiv (Catholics 8,000, priests 44, religious 22) Ukraine.

NA/.../HUSAR:MEDWIT VIS 090317 (90)

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Happy Saint Patrick's Day, My Irish Compatriots!

2009-03-17T00:16:00.000-07:00

(Journey In A Broken World ; Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Yes, it's that time of year, no I am not getting drunk (not just Irish, also Catholic). Today is the 17th of March: and us with Irish Heritage: are hitting the streets in an Irish Pride Parade: location: your office, lecture hall, or classroom. Personally, I have no green clothes: so I celotaped a three leafed clover to the left side of my jeans.

Have a Happy Saint Patrick's day: and if in Ireland: attend church: as is compulsory for those in that group of diocese, and living there.

And remember: Patrick was always loyal to the pope: so should you be.

God Bless,

Marc Aupiais

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The scales and balances of life and limb: a look at sin, sanity, and excommunication

2009-03-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

(Journey: In a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I set my cellular phone date and time today. I dropped it, and it lost the information. I set it by feel, and suddenly realized I was setting it to Saturday 8th, last year. My time, was only two minutes off, when I checked it against the television.

Evolution, or should I say Mother Evolution, or simply, that stuff, if you don't believe in evolution: has designed the mhuman body in a certain manner.

Now, we hate pain, but not the pain itself, but what the pain tells us is happening. We desire quality of life, but really: is this not simply a way to try an insure we live in a better, longer, fuller way. We might smoke (I don't), in order to relieve stress, or eat too much, to feel happier. In fact, here, we are doing something evolution, and survival of the fittest, does not desire entirely.

We fear, or are happy, or cry, or weep, or scream, or stand dead still: because Mother Evolution tells us we must. From this, comes all emotion. Even the joy of heaven, or hope for death: comes from a hope to protect the form of our bodies, and lives.

So, when we judge an action, we judge it in two ways: how much does it disobey the natural instinct, which seeks our protection, and the protection, and spreading of the species, or how sane it is, and secondly: in what extent does it endanger a life, or soul.

Those perfectly in touch with evolution, are those who are most moral. To obey God most fully, brings such joy, and a recent survey in the infamous, liberal New York Times, found that those in organizaed religion, are ost successful in general. Also, evolution has caused us to have this desire for something more, beyond: whther aimed at ghosts, aliens, conspiracy theory, or some manifesto: we desire more.

With this in mind, while things such as rape are extremely evil, intrinsically evil: the evil is effecting the rapist, and causing harm to the one who is raped. In the case of murder, a horrid thing is done to another, but society may judge the murderer more "sane", more acceptible than the rapist. Abortion, however, not only kills a person, but also causes a denial of their humanity, such is not only an act by one denying something, by one the church would consider unsound, but is further the ultimate effect on another.

We hate rapists, because rapists are unsound, but we hate rape, because it ruins quality of life, and makes one less likely to succeed, more likely to die.

Pain, is intricately related to existence. Pain is a method of keeping us alive. There is no point in any pain, nor reason for it, which is better: than being a warning system to keepn us alive.

So, why does the church make such an issue of abortion: because on both standards, it is denial of reason, and it has direct harm. All sin is insanity, and true sanity is never formed into sin.

So, rape is utterly evil, so far as the effect on the rapist, and the scandal apon the psyche of the raped, and possible transfer of illness, but our response to rape, this emotive response: truly is due to care for the raped person's wellbeing, their ability to sustain existence: so that murder is possibly worse than rape, for it ruins a life forever.

Of course, this is a meer evolutionary look at things, I here have excluded much of morality. Excommunication is a measure to protect the church, declaring a person in mortal sin, however, is simply a statement of a reality, done by God. Excommunication is an act of man, possibly aided by God. Declaring a person in mortal sin, is simply to say that it is likely that God has seen that their life is so faint it wont last for eternity, and the person in question needs an infusion of life, and "sanity", via confession.

And so, excommunication: either is a call to reform, via the good punishment of the church: to the person in question, or else the protecting of the church from a cancer within. Either way, the excommunicated can still enter churches, and communicate with Catholics, they are simply banned from sacraments until they repent. The Sacraments would not work in any case: due to their state of "disobedience".

Unfortunately, many bishops, or priests neglect to inform people of the state of their souls. If these were doctors of the body, we would demand honest, well-trained accuracy, why not with the physicians of our souls: why not with our Grace infusing priests?

Ash Wednesday: a point of what?

2009-02-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Besides marking the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, not a Holy Day of Obligation, is an important day in the liturgy (Public Worship) of the Roman Catholic Church.

Odd, or useful is a reading: one about not trumpeting good deeds in the marketplace. You see, Ash Wednesday, is the holding of the line. It is a Catholic Pride march, as well as a special day, when we gain ash on our foreheads. The ashes are made from Last year's Palm Sunday leaves. The crowds who praised Jesus with Palm leaves, turned on him, and crucified him.

Ash Wednesday, is both a statement of faith, designed to remind the world of what it once knew, and it is the holding of the line, as well as a really special day for many people. The ashes are from the palm leaves that represent the fickle loves of men. In wearing a ashen cross, on our foreheads: we show our loyalty is to God, not them. It is not the showing off of righteous deeds before men, but the rejection of men when contrary to God, the symbolic burning of their gifts. We must also, beyond wearing Ashes, also give up something for lent.

Today is Ash Wednesday. Let us wear our ashes if we do: to please God not men: therefore, let us not wipe them off, but rather show the world, through our constant-ness, that we serve a God, who unlike men: is not fickle, but constant.

So, what is the true meaning of Ash Wednesday. It is a call to penance, and contrition, and repentance to us and the world: the beginning of the Lenten Abstinence/fast. Further, from Ashes we come, from dust we come: to ashes we go, to dust we Go: it shows how easily human existence fades, or is lost.

Ash Wednesday shows our reliance on God. It says who we serve, and who serves us. Let us not be embarrassed out of it. Let us always put God first, knowing that those who do not, are not making as correct and wise a decision, for God is constant, but man is fickle, changing his heart, or dying so quickly. Our allegiance is to the constant, to God.

Journey: Projected illusion: waves of light, of sound

2009-02-13T22:38:00.001-08:00

(Journey: in a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Darkness, then ...light.

Sounds blast, music sours, and a slightly odd sensation rules. The light bounces off: and images: like a mirror, or moving, flying window emerge. Ahead: a concert is playing, and it is as though the wall, where the projection is, it is flying, and confusing the mind.

As beautiful, and emotive sounds: flow, and softly take hold, as haunting melodies play forth: the mind cannot comprehend.

The understanding: it explains how people, and a whole other world, it appears on the wall, and how sounds erupt around. The mystery is: ...greater though. One must imagine the camera, and the sound recorder, yet the primitive mind erupts.

Confusion takes, and as waves: anxiety takes, and confusion, as the mind cannot comprehend.

Only a God with more than one person: could create a multi-person world, a world: where one produces another; produce another together.

Religion, is our meaning, our explanation of questions we seem programmed to ask. We seem designed to seek ritual, and love, and truth. Oddly enough: we seem designed, not chanced.

I watch, as I am privy to sound, to images: it is as though there, almost: ...I am in the crowd, and desire to clap as a sound erupts, and a voice carries.

Mystery is the nature of the world: and we are not designed to know all things as yet: but mystery is also how we protect the rights of men: by seeking real truth, and not avoiding truth: we cannot ignore the utter abuse of power by governments, and populaces in all the world.

Rather: religion: the pursuit of truth: this saves: and is how any non-Catholic can find the Catholic salvation: inside and out: ...we must be cautious ...however: if they are judges by their pursuit of truth, so shall we be. We must never stop seeking more intuitive truth: must never stop seeking to be better, must never be slightly content: for this is the sin by which we allow tens of millions to be murdered, and this is the genocide of the souls: by which so many Catholics probably go to hell.

Catholicism ... without religion, is pointless, it cannot save: even as Catholicism is the most perfect channel: canyon in which religion can resonate: it is the center in which all truth and true religion is maintained in the world: it is the mainframe: that which allows all others to pursue God: and those who know of her necessity, yet either refuse to enter or choose not to remain: in Her body: such are dead, they cannot find God: for they have abandoned religion: the pursuit of our truth: which all men are capable of.

At least: this is the Catholic meaning: the Catholic way!

Former Communist Block Bishops: called to co-operate to spread Gospel

2009-02-12T00:57:00.001-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Zenit News: Spanish Edition (Independent; American; Catholic) 11 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zenit News, Spanish Edition: is reporting that Benedict XVI, has asked bishops in the former communist block, in Eastern Europe: to work together, in order to overcome situations caused by past injustice: and to bring the message; that is the Gospel: more fully into their societies.

The theme of the conference was:

"Mission of the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, twenty years after the collapse of communism (1989-2009).""
(Zenit News: Spanish Edition (Independent; American; Catholic) 11 / 02 / 2009))

The statements asking for co-operation: were made two days ago on Tuesday: by Cardinal: Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State. They were given to the bishops: at a meeting in Croatia: in: Zagreb. It was seemingly sent: in letter form, in a letter written by the Vatican Secretary of state. The meeting seems to have been by the Bishops in Central Europe, bearing the theme given above.

Benedict XVI: emphasized, that whatever the circumstances encountered after the fall of atheistic communism: the mission of the church remains evangelization. Communism stifled the church: and made missionary activity dangerous: as communist nations still do today.

Italy appoints first female judge of Canon Law

2009-02-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Zenit News Service (Catholic; American; Independent: Italian Edition) 08 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to Zenit News Agency's Italian Language edition: which on Sunday the 8th of February, reported on the issues: Italy has appointed its first female canon law judge: a 46 year old: Zuanazzi Ilaria, who is a professor in the subject of Canon Law. She was appointed to the Diocese of Turin, where it is hoped that the female touch will help in cases involving women and marriage.

Journey:Twilight essence, Blue ribbon of Destiny: our obsession with "future": our desire for peace

2009-02-07T10:45:00.001-08:00

(Journey in A Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The shadow: it twirls in my hands, as I hold it, Substance, understated. The metallic ribbon, they living spine of chord, it raps around my hand as though as a snake. Beyond, are whitened flowery fields, and interspersed between are gray and blue-gray buildings. Beyond, as though obvious: strands an orange sky, patterned, and simply, and all knowing: it strands one.

Odd, is it not, when we think of the future: we think of the colour gray. It is not the ideas of the past about tinfoil which does this: it is that the future is gray, dispersed, and odd to us.

We see flowers, and nature, and sparseness. We see hope, and we see safety: my future vision has no people: only distant hovering crafts, which move slowly, and visibly, and yet powerfully.

We imagine not the future, but our own desire to grasp the world, and ride it like a bronco horse.

Odd, is it not: that our future, is nothing more than a more simple version of life: we love colours, but gray is simpler, we love animals: but space is simpler. We imagine not some future world, but our own special place of safety.

The greatest treasure of the genre of the future: is not fantastical things: but a greater sense of control. We want to be gods? So why don't we eat the fruit of the "Little Gods".

All our development: for what: peace, sustainibility, safety, excitement: control: all is gained from Saint Philomena and the communion, who speak: like locusts, all one: covering large sections of a white, gray wall.

All our hopes for power: answered in trusting Reality, Yahweh, Lord: our God.

Let us pray to the saint of us prey, of us who are subject to power, and to whim: let us ask Philomena for peace, progress in God: and for her to control our life entirely, let us "Worship"* our saint, and ask God to give her the reigns of our lives.

*In Catholic Theology: the word Worship: refers to high honor, but not as high as the honour of "Adoration" due to God. A similarity can be drawn with the Justice system, where judges are "Worshiped", by the phrase: your "Worship".
I purposely chose the traditional word, because high honour, or honour, as due to parents, or others: cannot encompass the duty to saints, and to angels: nor either can the lower word: worship: in any way satisfy to utter honour and adoration due God.

Reunification of Russia's East and Vatican's West: still a distant light, maybe not even a dusk

2009-02-02T23:26:00.001-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Reuters (Secular; British; Independent) 02 / Feb / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Despite media reports in the likes of EuroNews: that Russia's new Patriarch, will likely reunify Rome and Moscow, Reuters quotes a top Vatican Source saying otherwise. (With the bearded, scary and conservative look of the Patriarch; it did not seem on the surface: that he would be anything but loyal to his cause.)

Cardinal Walter Kaspar, Having met Russian Orthodox leader: Kirill: informed Reuters of his skepticism.

""What he said in the last weeks and what he told me today, it's the same line," Kasper, who is head of the Vatican office on Christian unity and Jewish relations, said in an interview. "So I do not see any change in his attitude.""
(Reuters (Secular; British; Independent) 02 / Feb / 2009)

Benedict XVI: has reportedly used Kaspar to deliver a congratulatory letter: to his Russian counterpart, and possibly adversary. The two churches, had split nearly a thousand years ago: and remained split; after some hopes earlier of reunification (the Russian church, itself has split from others since, nor is this to say that it was the Russian church that was split with).

So far, mutual concerns were discussed: social issues, global issues: such as ethics: something hot on every intelligent leader's mind: after the global meltdown of many markets: something Benedict XVI predicted decades ago: of a market with less regulation.

As to communication: morality has always been an issue for the churches to look into. Kirill will have to navigate away from Kremlin influence, if he wants the world to see his church as independent from his motherland. If Kirill were to choose to criticize Moscow on human rights, or democracy, or other such issues: it would be very hard to do: Moscow has propped up the Russian church since the Atheistic Communists were defeated by time and dust.

Navigating between Rome and Moscow: global, political East and West: will be a hard place to be: truly between a Rock ("You are Peter (Rock) and On this rock"), and a hard place (with all that ice).

Benedict XVI: is a master at relations between Christian churches: and has achieved much with the Islamic religion also: his lack of success with some Jewish sources: may lay in the difference between relations with every other group, than with the Jewish religious. Jewish "Ecumenism", seems mostly focussed at getting people to be friendly to Jews, and attempting to make public statements nice towards them: in a sort of new Holocaust fear the group seems to have. With other groups: such as Islam: sticking to one's religious needs, or the "saving" of souls: is seen as more acceptable; even if with some level of statements. The Jewish Ecumenism:: seems to aim purely at uplifting the Jewish people, in their constant statements, this seems the case.

In either case: the rift between east and west is deep: but Kirill will need Vatican Backing if he wants to gain any real, and visible autonomy from the Kremlin. The Vatican would be as interested in gaining better relations with the Russian church: as they are at reunifying the SSPX to their belt: even as the SSPX, is still technically operating without license, and therefore also still has the same status: as what a Vatican Document noted to be a "Schism".

The Russian Orthodox Church, falls into the same category, as such in many ways, though is perhaps more distant in the eyes of Canon Law: SSPX may be considered to be Schismatic: but is certainly viewed as much more Catholic than the East: in fact, most would call it a Catholic Schism, while the Eastern Churches would simply be independent schisms.

Either way: while the words seem to be the same: expected, for a leader of a church which is highly conservative, as compare the international claims in news services about its leader: there is always a small hope that the Russian church will join other Eastern Orthodox groupings: in meetings with Rome: and that finally: some true gains can again be made between the two great so-called "lungs" of religion.

The Eastern churches acknowledge that the Vatican: as the successor of Peter: has a special place: but they do not in general accept Papal infallibility: but in general believe in listening to what the pope has to say. Churches are important in politics: protecting human rights, and preventing genocide: has caused nations to crumble and fall. A more westernized Russian Orthodox Church: could certainly have ramifications for the possibility to Russian democracy.

Fissure of Faith: Journey in A Broken World

Dearest of Friends, I dedicate this story to you

Kill me Lord: Death rather than that

"Marc's Good Points" 1998 (that's last century!!!!)

I am at a wedding in another world

A few daily thoughts: what is admiration?

The Good about Good Friday

Addition to our important message

The saints Juventius and Maximinus, Martyrs, January 25

St John the Almoner, Patriarch then of the great see of Alexandria, in Egypt, 22 January

Saint Anastasius, martyr January 22

Saint Agnus, January 21: an early martyr, virgin

May my Lord take my life, may he teach me all shame... !

Worship one another as I have Worshiped you!

The divine, sublime gift of our true suffering

To be truly loyal, to love, to believe!

Some secrets of life and loss, what barbie lost us, an ideal woman?

The pain, what it truly is now!

Dusk 'til Dawn- our journey with God of truth..

And yet it hurts so much... and yet... it does! Friendship, and truth- interconnected as they are!

But worry, it woul' kill me today!

Judiciary and rights- what are they really?

Subsidiarity- a Catholic concept

How to start or stop a Genocide- A lesson from the medieval Glossators of Bolonia

Targeted, powerful- higher prayer... The properly partaken mass!

The dolphin- it swims, softly sparkles and yet danger dances

My bible is dynamic truth- unchanging, in a dynamic- moving universe of space and time!

Video: Pope's Angelus: ANGELUS 2009-08-23

The morality of what we cannot alter... Cannot Change!..

The logic and illogic of judging-- based of birth and breeding!

"He helped others, but couldn't save himself"

My many loves and hates

Holy Water- not fighting the Flu in Japan?

Sunday's Angelus, by Pope Benedict XVI- focussed on the vital part Mary played in giving the Word Flesh

The happy story, its bittersweet, the hope of man, it makes me weep

The inherent danger of our death to ideological culture

The meaning of "life" and "life alike"

God, you pray to through the walls, but he's not deaf, nor are you aiming correct

The God of Logic, the God, who is logic!

A poem about something, if anything were to be: about how man can become truth, but must maintain truth

The wolf howled at the moon, but shall you ...chase it ..own it ...have it: human soul?

Journey IABW: How to become an apologist!

Journey: Happy Easter, in our Broken world!

Life: the purpose of it's signs!

Journey: Why is Good Friday Good?

Western Genodices Series: Is Euthanasia Genocide?

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

Approved and proposed for signature and ratification or accession byGeneral Assembly resolution 260 A (III) of 9 December 1948

entry into force 12 January 1951, in accordance with article XIII

Pope shares his condolences over Italy Earthquake

VATICAN - The Holy Father's telegram of condolences for the victims of the earthquake in Abruzzo

Journey: How Should I view Evil?

Journey: Peter, drop that sword? Was Jesus a pacifist?

Journey: The fallacy of pain and suffering

Pope in Africa: BENEDICT XVI DUE TO ARRIVE IN CAMEROON LATER TODAY

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, My Irish Compatriots!

The scales and balances of life and limb: a look at sin, sanity, and excommunication

Ash Wednesday: a point of what?

Journey: Projected illusion: waves of light, of sound

Former Communist Block Bishops: called to co-operate to spread Gospel

Italy appoints first female judge of Canon Law

Journey:Twilight essence, Blue ribbon of Destiny: our obsession with "future": our desire for peace

Reunification of Russia's East and Vatican's West: still a distant light, maybe not even a dusk

Approved and proposed for signature and ratification or accession by
General Assembly resolution 260 A (III) of 9 December 1948