Pastoral Reflections Research Articles

Forming The Youth in and for The Liturgy in The Light of St. Pope John Paul Ii’s Apostolic

Forming The Youth in and for The Liturgy in The Light of St. Pope John Paul Ii’s Apostolic

Pastoral Reflections on Global Citizenship: Framing the Political in Terms of Care, Faith, and Community, by Ryan LaMothe

Pastoral Reflections on Global Citizenship: Framing the Political in Terms of Care, Faith, and Community, by Ryan LaMothe

Exalted Above the Heavens: The Risen and Ascended Christ

Peter C. Orr is lecturer in New Testament at Moore College, Sydney, Australia. In his new book, Orr attends to what he considers a neglected topic in NT studies—the ascension and exaltation of Christ. Portions of the text are new material, while other parts are condensed versions of Orr’s earlier work in Christ Absent and Present published by Mohr Siebeck in WUNT. It is important to note that Orr is not examining the ascension as simply a past event but, rather, in terms of Christ as he is currently seated at God’s right hand. To these ends, the volume unfolds with an examination of the exalted Christ through the lens of his identity, location, and activity.After a brief introduction in ch. 1, Orr launches into the identity of the exalted Christ through the lens of the earthly Jesus (ch. 2). Chapters 3 and 4 pursue the same ends, but from the perspective of the Spirit and church, respectively. Chapter 5 transitions to the location of Christ. This chapter and the three that follow analyze Christ’s location from the perspective of his absence. Orr begins his analysis with attention to the Gospels and the book of Hebrews. Chapter 6 discusses the body of the exalted Christ, focusing on the aspects of the physical, heavenly, spiritual, discrete, and glorified. Chapter 7 resumes the emphasis on the location of Christ but from the perspective of Paul. Orr masterfully dissects Paul’s emphasis on union with Christ with the seemingly contradictory teaching in the Gospels that Christ is bodily absent from the earth—a teaching that Paul also affirms. Chapter 8 continues to explore the synthesis of Christ’s presence and absence. Orr argues that these aspects of Christ’s location are not contradictions but mutually informing. In the last two chapters, Orr summarizes his findings and explores their consequences for Christ’s activity on earth (ch. 9) and in heaven (ch. 10). Chapter 11 offers some theological and pastoral reflections. The arrangement of the chapters is fascinating. In some cases, Orr starts with the Gospels and sequentially moves to Paul’s epistles. In other cases, Orr takes a more systematic approach by grouping various strands of evidence together under a specific theological topic.Overall, Orr’s treatment of the material is careful and balanced. Some of his scholarly interaction is with the seminal scholar of a particular controversy, while other interactions delve into the most current literature. This diversity in discussion is testimony to the breadth of the volume’s research while still being only 200 pages. One question that lingered was the placement of the sixth chapter. In chs. 5, 7, and 8, Orr addresses the location of Christ. On the one hand, ch. 6 appears to be a digression because of its focus on the body of Christ, but on the other hand, the body of Christ is Paul’s starting point for discussing the location of Christ, which is the subject of ch. 7. Unexpected delights include Orr’s attention to the absence of Christ. By exploring this aspect of Christ’s existence, Orr is able to make a substantive case for Christ’s location by where he was not. Also, Orr’s discussion of the differences in Christ and Spirit were illuminating for a deeper understanding of Trinitarian theology. This volume is a welcome addition to the literature on the ascension and exaltation of Christ. Hopefully, its presence will spur on more attention to this ignored subject.

Gospel Interpretation and Christian Life by Francis J. Moloney, SDB

Reviewed by: Gospel Interpretation and Christian Life by Francis J. Moloney, SDB Donald Senior C.P. francis j. moloney, sdb, Gospel Interpretation and Christian Life (Adelaide: ATF Press, 2017). Pp. xiv + 421. Paper $33.71. This is a collection of sixteen previously published essays and presentations by the distinguished Australian biblical scholar Francis J. Moloney. Except for a few minor stylistic adaptations, the essays remain in their original formats. The structure of the collection is twofold: the first nine essays falling under the heading "Gospel Interpretation": "Mark 6:6b-30: The Twelve, Mission, and Failure"; "Following Jesus into Radical Discipleship: [End Page 346] A Reading of Mark 8:14–9:29"; "Marriage and Wealth: A Study of Mark 10:1-31"; "Literary Strategies in the Markan Passion Narrative: Mark 14:1–15:47"; "'He Is Going before You into Galilee': Mark 16:6-8 and the Christian Community"; "God's Gift of Servant Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark"; "Matthew 5:17-18 and the Matthean Use of 'Righteousness'"; "Luke 22:14-38: Eucharist and Mission"; and "When Is John Talking about Sacraments?" The remaining seven essays are included under the heading "Christian Life": "Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium: A Restless Relationship?"; "Sacred Scripture at Vatican II"; "The Gospel of Creation: A Biblical Response to Laudato Si' "; "A New Testament Hermeneutic for Divorce and Remarriage in the Catholic Tradition"; "On the Writing of The Gospel According to Judas: Some Theological and Pastoral Reflections"; "The Word of God, Jesus Christ, and the Eucharist: Christian Hope in a Secularized World"; and "The Word in the World: Then and Now." As the author himself notes, however, this boundary is somewhat porous since many of his more explicit exegetical essays in the first half also lead to theological and pastoral conclusions. A feature of this collection is its "autobiographical" cast. As the author explains in an introductory essay, "The Story behind the Book," he has enjoyed a varied academic journey, with his doctoral studies in Oxford and then a stretch of teaching at theological schools in Australia, followed by a period as professor of biblical studies at Catholic University of America and his eventual appointment as Dean of the School of Theology and Religious studies there. Later he would be called back to Australia to serve as provincial superior of his Salesian religious community and to resume his teaching career there. Along the way, he also served as a member of the Pontifical Theological Commission. His selection of exegetical essays reflects this mix of both academic responsibilities and immersion in the pastoral life of the church. The essays in the first half draw primarily on M.'s interest in the Gospel of Mark. Explorations of Matthew, Luke and John have one essay each, although the author is probably most well known for his publications on the Gospel of John. His interest in Mark's Gospel was developed especially during his time at Catholic University and supplemented his original (and continuing) interest in Johannine theology. The six essays on Mark have a strong emphasis on Mark's portrayal of discipleship, including the fate of the disciples in the context of the passion narrative. M. subscribes to the view that the evangelist presents a decidedly negative view of the disciples, including the response of the women at the empty tomb—an emphasis on the failure of the disciples crafted by Mark for pastoral purposes that, in fact, was darker than the historical reality of the original disciples' relationship to Jesus. The essay on Matthew's Gospel traces the meaning of the key term of diakosynē, or "righteousness," which M. defines as living in accord with the fullness of righteousness revealed by Jesus himself. The essays on Luke and John both deal with sacramental tones in these Gospels. In Luke, M. traces the evangelist's portrayal of Jesus's many meals, climaxing in the final Passover meal; there is an essential link in Luke's Gospel between the eucharistic meal and mission. In his essay on John, the earliest of the essays in the collection, composed in 1982, M. reviews the perennial debate about whether there is a sacramental perspective in the Fourth Gospel, concluding cautiously that...

“I’m the King of Debt”: Pastoral Reflections on Debt in the Age of Trump

During the chaos surrounding the first two years of the Trump presidency in the United States, what may be missed is the extent to which Trump is a marker of financial capitalism, with its compulsive dependency on the production of debt. In this essay, the author does not assess Trump personally but rather what he signifies with regard to financialization. He begins by documenting the phenomenal increase in household and total global debt that began during the onset of neoliberalization, as Trump was beginning his business enterprises. This debt has created a global economic and moral emergency. Second, the author discusses the central role of debt in financial capitalism and in the neoliberal ideology, or faith narrative, that justifies the debt system. Debt has become so foundational that it is transforming not only the economy but also culture, relationships, and subjectivity. This yields a new form of moral injury that is becoming pervasive. In the third move, he considers debt as a social, interpersonal, and psychological conundrum. Many mainline progressives are insistent that debt can be reformed and thus serve societies, communities, and individuals in beneficent ways. The author contends that the proposed reforms would likely spell the end of capitalism, an outcome these theorists generally wish to avoid. Furthermore, he points to evidence from psychoanalytic psychotherapy indicating that even relational, nonmonetized forms of indebtedness may prove to be interpersonally and psychologically damaging. Relational obligations, he notes, do not have to follow the logic of debt. Finally, the author contests Christian theological narratives that understand sin and salvation in terms of debt and debt forgiveness, and he points to an alternative approach within the history of Christian theology that holds promise given the current environment of toxic and insufferable debt.

Liturgy for Last Days: Pastoral Reflections on Acknowledging and Supporting the End-of-Life Experience

In the face of advancing medical technology, there are choices to make about undertaking or terminating life-prolonging treatments. The legalization of physician-prescribed lethal medication for terminally ill patients in some states has fostered increased discussion about end-of-life issues. This article includes several stories from the author's pastoral experience along with suggestions and prayers to help patients and their loved ones address this significant life passage in the context of their faith.

The Heart of Our Music ed. by John Foley

Reviewed by: The Heart of Our Music ed. by John Foley Carolyn Pirtle John Foley, ed. The Heart of Our Music, 3 vol. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2015 87pages. Paperback. $12.95 (for each volume). The Heart of Our Music consists of three brief volumes of essays by members of the Liturgical Composers Forum, an organization founded in 1998 by John Foley, S.J., editor of the collection and contributor of two essays. Membership in this organization “consists [End Page 58] of persons who have composed a representative body of ritual and vocal music that is (1) published by a recognized publisher of liturgical music, (2) intended primarily for Roman Catholic liturgy, and (3) rooted in participation by the assembly” (vol. 1, viii, endnote 3). (Full disclosure: I am also a member of this organization and have attended several of its annual gatherings.) Overall, the series is designed to elucidate topics of interest to composers of liturgical music; however, as Foley states in the Preface, the intended audience is broader in scope, encompassing “everyone interested in liturgy—especially those concerned with pastoral music in the English-speaking world” (vol. 1, vii). Within this category, Foley includes “pastors, deacons, liturgists, musicians, ministers of the liturgy, people in the pews, and last, but definitely not least, those interested in the future of Christian worship” (ibid.). Certainly, members within each of these groups may benefit from reading this collection, but without doubt, it will appeal first and foremost to those involved in liturgical music ministry, particularly those who aspire to compose music for the liturgical celebration. This first volume of the series is entitled Underpinning Our Thinking, and seeks to provide a theological context for the task of liturgical music composition. The contributors represent a breadth of experiences and a variety of approaches to the questions concerning liturgical music ministry. Many if not most of them are actively working in parishes throughout the United States as liturgical musicians; however, some are also teachers or administrators of programs in liturgical formation, and others work in the liturgical music publishing industry. Given this breadth of experience, then, it should come as no surprise that the essays within the series as a whole cover a broad spectrum not only in terms of topics, but also writing style and theological acuity. Some essays read like scholarly articles written for peer-reviewed journals, while others read like pastoral reflections based on personal experiences. It is within this latter category that the question of theological soundness comes into play, and the reader would do well to recall in such cases that these essays represent the personal viewpoints of practitioners of liturgical music—viewpoints that, at times, are even contradicted by other contributors in other volumes. Given this reality, some of the insights offered may be (and perhaps ought to be) subjected to charitable critique. For example, Rory Cooney’s statement that “our singing will ‘sing a [End Page 59] new God into reality’ in this world by ‘singing different hymns than the conventions of royal reality’” (vol. 1, 42) is not only theologically problematic in its implication that a congregation can in a certain sense create God through music (and a new God at that), but it is also contradicted (and corrected) by Steven C. Warner’s essay in volume two: “Our coming together [in worship and song] does not bring God into being. God is being” (vol. 2, 17). That being said, several essays offer thought-provoking and edifying insights for those interested in liturgical music ministry. The first volume begins with an essay that provides a theological framework for the entire series, as Alan Hommerding grounds liturgical music composition in the idea of kenosis, or self-emptying. Hommerding views such composition not as the means by which one builds up the self (composer as celebrity), but rather as the means by which one builds up the Church (composer as servant). He writes, “When we compose for the church [the Body of Christ], we are writing music for Christ to sing. Far from being a cause for self-aggrandizement, this reality must return us again and again to the emptying, humbling dynamic of kenosis” (vol. 1, 5). One...

“And They Shall Make War No More”: Lessons about Peace-Making and Overcoming Conflict from Colombia

AbstractThis paper describes the background to the last fifty years of violence in Columbia and identifies its causes in inequality, poverty and displacement. It then explores the ways in which the Catholic Church has been prominent in developing processes of peace-building that include “accompaniment” of the victims to include them in structures of citizen participation. It ends with theological and pastoral reflections on how this can be enabled practically in the Columbian context.

Biblical and Pastoral Reflections on the Impact of Urbanization on Christians in China

Abstract This article looks at the significant phenomenon of urbanization in China, and its impact on Chinese Christians, focusing on Catholics. The author highlights pastoral challenges that urbanization brings to Christians in China. From the reality of urbanization the author reflects on models of caring for migrants from a biblical viewpoint. He then proposes creative ways of providing pastoral care to migrant workers drawn from these reflections. A sense of urgency is needed among church leaders as people face the ongoing process of the urbanization of the Chinese population; if not, indifference might well result in a two-generation vacuum in faith.

Praying the Roman Missal: Pastoral Reflections on the Revised English Translation by Robert L. Tuzik

240 Antiphon 16.3 (2012) Prior to the postconciliar reform, the Order of Mass began with the words “Sacerdos paratus,” which means, “When the priest is ready.” Now that phrase is replaced with “Populo congregato,” which means, “When the people have gathered.” This change, according to Turner, “unveils one of the main values of the revised Missal, the active participation of the people” (2). Turner’s entire volume provides a sophisticated yet accessible commentary on the Mass that not only promotes understanding but invites individuals deeper into its mysteries. Kristin Colberg College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University St Joseph / Collegeville, Minnesota Robert L. Tuzik Praying the Roman Missal: Pastoral Reflections on the Revised English Translation Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2011 241 pp. Paperback $16.95. Robert Tuzik’s Praying the Roman Missal is one contribution among several works aimed at assisting the English-speaking Church to receive and pray well the Mass. The promulgation of the English edition of the Missale Romanum: Editio Typica Tertia inaugurated the rise of a particular genre that spans from technical lingual and process analyses to reflections upon theological shifts and focus, to pastoral reflections for the wary or casual observer. This ecclesial phenomenon, having begun in the United States on the First Sunday of Advent 2011, but prepared for months in advance, is, when viewed in a positive light, an opportunity for communal reflection. For the seasoned pastor it is a chance to meet the orations again for the first time. For the faithful, and possibly uninformed , Catholic parishioner, a time to understand better what it is the Church prays and believes. Tuzik writes for as broad an audience as the Roman Missal is intended, since every Catholic is affected no matter their liturgical or ecclesial role. As stated in the preface, the author hopes for the book “to appeal to parish councils, school boards, religious education boards, Catholic school teachers, catechists, RCIA teams, liturgy committees, musicians, cantors, and choir members” (x). And it would. Clearly written and not burdened by historical and theological complexities but filled with pastoral advice and ideas, the book could serve as a helpful resource to the host of groups mentioned above. 241 Book Reviews And yet distinctions in audience are not always evident. At times he gives advice seemingly to a priest celebrating Mass at the home of a shut-in. Elsewhere Tuzik encourages good use of a particular Mass for Various Needs, advice that could be directed to a priest, or perhaps to a liturgy committee that prepares which set of orations will be used. And then the reflection questions located at the end of each chapter tend to be mostly directed toward parishioners. Despite these shifts in tone, focus, and audience, Tuzik’s work holds the potential to be of assistance to any and all who engage it. At first the book focuses heavily upon translation comparisons. This is particularly true when discussing the Order of Mass. Then Tuzik speaks more broadly about the overall structure of the Roman Missal and its individual parts. This is helpful when analyzing the 22 Votive Masses and the 49 Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions. Readers may already be familiar with Lift Up Your Hearts, a collection of essays edited by Tuzik exploring the major structures of the Roman Missal. The two works complement each other. Though unfortunate that Tuzik excludes the Latin text, readers will benefit from side-by-side comparisons of the former and the newer English translations, making evident the perplexing omissions in the former English and thus the need for a translation more faithful to the original Latin. A helpful feature throughout most of the book is that individual words of the former translation which were not found in the original Latin, as well as words faithfully included in the newer, are placed in italics, a point Tuzik mentions repeatedly—six times in chapter five alone. Tuzik, like any fair-minded person, admits that no translation is perfect and lists what he names “unresolved issues”, including run-on sentences. But this work is overall positive in its outlook and is eager to assist priests, liturgy committees, and parishioners in familiarizing themselves...

A Commentary on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal ed. by Edward Foley, Nathan D. Mitchell, and Joanne M. Pierce

troduction to the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy for an undergraduate or adult education course. John J. M. Foster School of Canon Law The Catholic University of America Washington, DC A COMMENTARY ON THE GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL edited by Edward Foley, Nathan D. Mitchell, and Joanne M. Pierce. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 2007. This commentary on the 2002 Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (IGMR) and its English translation in the 2003 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), including the adaptations approved by the United States Conference of Bishop, is the collaborative effort of scholars from the Catholic Academy of Liturgy and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. The work includes a forward by Bishop Donald Trautman, an introduction by the editors, a helpful list of abbreviations and acronyms, and three introductory articles that provide the context for the commentaries on each article of the liturgical documents. Nathan Mitchell and John Baldovin place the IGMR in the context of past documents of its type. R. Kevin Seasoltz presents a primer entitled “Liturgy and Ecclesiastical Law.” Finally, David Power and Catherine Vincie offer theological and pastoral reflections on various issues— explicit and implicit—in the text. The subsequent commentators often reference these foundational articles (especially that by Power and Vincie ). The chapters and commentators are divided as follows: Preamble (Margaret Mary Kelleher); Chapter I: Importance and Dignity of the Eucharistic Celebration (Keith F. Pecklers); Chapter II: The Structure of the Mass, Its Elements and Parts (Edward Foley); Chapter III: The Duties and Ministries in the Mass (Bruce T. Morrill and Susan K. Roll); Chapter IV.1: The Different Forms of Celebrating Mass (Martin Connell and Sharon McMillan); Chapter IV.2: Concelebrated Mass (Gilbert Ostdiek and Andrew Ciferni); Chapter IV.3: Mass at Which Only One Minister Participates and Chapter IV.4: Some General Norms for All Forms of Mass (Mary Schaefer and Joanne M. Pierce); Chapter V: The Arrangement and Furnishing of Churches for the Celebration of the Eucharist (Mark E. Wendig and Richard S. Vosko); Chapter VI: Requisites for the Celebration of Mass (Richard E. McCarron and Anne C. McGuire); book reviews 511 Chapter VII: The Choice of Mass and Its Parts (JoyceAnn Zimmerman); ChapterVIII: Masses and Prayers forVarious Circumstances and Masses for the Dead (Joanne M. Pierce and Richard Rutherford); and Chapter IX: Adaptations Within the Competence of Bishops and Bishops’ Conferences (Mark Francis and Gary Neville). In each chapter, the Latin text and English translation are set side-by-side above the commentary.A list of contributors and index of English terms used in the translation and commentary complete the book. The introduction sets forth three goals for the commentary: (1) to contextualize the IGMR, (2) “to provide careful analysis of the text of the document itself [through] specific theological, historical, and pastoral commentary” on each article, and (3) to look to “the future of the document [and] anticipate future directions” (ix). Happily, the book accomplishes its purpose. Indeed, in the article-by-article commentary, the authors provide insights into the theological and liturgical values underlying the current law, developments in the norms from either the Roman Missal of 1570 and/or previous versions of the IGMR as well as suggestions for pastoral application. Canonists will note that what is missing from the second goal is reference to the juridic nature of the IGMR. While many of the commentators advert to the juridic nature of various norms in the document, the juridical commentary is the principal weakness in the text. For example, throughout the commentary technical terms are used imprecisely, e.g., “extraordinary ministersof the Eucharist” (53) and “eucharisticminister” (346) rather than minister of Holy Communion; “residential bishops” (107–109) and (local) ordinary (221, 285, 356) instead of diocesan bishop ; and “bishop and priest” for sacerdos (219, 398–399). Also problematic is the lack of nuance in the juridic weight of other documents used by the commentators, e.g., the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, the USCCB’s Introduction to the Order of Mass, and the BCL statements Music in Catholic Worship and Liturgical Music Today. Other isolated points of liturgical law are either misinterpreted or ignored. Future editions of the book should also correct the dozen...

Sexualidade Fiel: Reflexões sobre a Sexualidade e Uma Teologia de Ser

Este ensaio discute as relações complexas entre sexualidade e fé e oferece reflexões pastorais a respeito da sexualidade e a fé nos contextos das tradições protestantes históricas. São propostos quatro principais gerais que guiam a sexualidade fiel: Aliança, Graça, Capacitação e Intimidade.

Reflections on The Passion of the Christ

The purpose of this article is to offer pastoral reflections on the movie by Mel Gibson entitled The Passion of the Christ.

Theological and Pastoral Reflections in Interchurch Marriages

Theological and Pastoral Reflections in Interchurch Marriages

PASTORAL REFLECTIONS FROM GUATEMALA

International Review of MissionVolume 87, Issue 346 p. 403-409 PASTORAL REFLECTIONS FROM GUATEMALA Dennis A. Smith, Dennis A. Smith Dennis Smith coordinates the publications and communication training programme of the Central American Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies (CEDEPCA). He is a missionary of the Presbyterian Church (USA).Search for more papers by this author Dennis A. Smith, Dennis A. Smith Dennis Smith coordinates the publications and communication training programme of the Central American Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies (CEDEPCA). He is a missionary of the Presbyterian Church (USA).Search for more papers by this author First published: 25 March 2009 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-6631.1998.tb00097.x Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume87, Issue346July 1998Pages 403-409 RelatedInformation

Nutrition and Hydration: Moral and Pastoral Reflections

Nutrition and Hydration: Moral and Pastoral Reflections

Réflexion pastorale autour du SIDA

Having summarily studied the strict ly epidemiological aspects of AIDS, the author gives us some pastoral reflections : AIDS is a disease and not a divine punishment ; it is an interpellation ofour Churches : a duty to educate to true values especially those of welcoming and assistance. In the présence of thèse new urgencies, the Christian community becomes more inventive and the article proposes numerous examples. The author tries to disentan- gle the various tensions arising round this menacing plague : how obtain an alliance between public health and the protection of individual freedom ? How to guarantee the indispensable information as well as the préventive means without compro- mising moral health ? What are the duties of the health-carer towards the patients, ofthe rich countries towards the Third-World ? The AIDS' crisis and the urgency it créâtes, offers in a pressing but positive way the possibility to state once again the place and meaning of sex in humans' relational life and to restore the meaning which the institution of marriage and fidelity in marriage offer to sex.

Book Review: The Worship of God: Some Theological, Pastoral, and Practical Reflections

Book Review: The Worship of God: Some Theological, Pastoral, and Practical Reflections

The Contraceptive Issue: Moral and Pastoral Reflections

The Contraceptive Issue: Moral and Pastoral Reflections