tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post2901735563708846057..comments2024-03-05T14:07:28.062-08:00Comments on Ask Sister Mary Martha: Yes and NoSister Mary Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580244097177195453noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-82748156323763428192007-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:002007-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:00"I've told them until I'm blue in the face that th..."I've told them until I'm blue in the face that they should not serve ham sandwiches at the Friday card clatches, even though we can eat meat on Friday now"<BR/><BR/>Sister, as you know but perhaps should say, we "can eat meat on Friday now" only if we substitute a penitential practice for the previously required act of abstention.<BR/>Fridays are still penitential.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-52105132635822944602007-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:002007-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00Selecting a date for Christmas based on the date o...Selecting a date for Christmas based on the date of Easter isn't necessarily impossible just because the date for Easter changes. The old Jewish calendar was a lunar calendar and Easter follows either that or a similar lunar calendar. Christmas has been set as a particular day in the Gregorian solar calendar. Remember that sometimes Easter comes very early in the Gregorian calendar. My 3rd child was born the day after Easter - March 28, 2005.<BR/><BR/>SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-36701458369989423672007-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:002007-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00Good Friday is a Holy Day! We do not work and we c...Good Friday is a Holy Day! We do not work and we certainly would never "dig in the ground" on the day that Jesus died and was buried! Plant your potatoes on another day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-6432214000041407162007-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:002007-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:00Christian Student Scientist: The quotes you cite f...Christian Student Scientist: The quotes you cite from the Bible as supporting Mary and Joseph only being betrothed and not married prior to the Annunciation are a result of <STRONG>POOR TRANSLATIONS</STRONG>, not <EM>historical reality</EM>.<BR/><BR/>It is a MISTRANSLATION when you read Mary say, "I'm not married". A more accurate translation is, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" (NAB) or "How shall this be done, because I know not man?" (Douay-Rheims); you also find this in many other translations. Also, the angel commands Joseph to take Mary into his home to complete the final stage of marriage; it is again a mistranslation when you read versions that tell him to "not be afraid to marry" her.<BR/><BR/>The fact that Joseph and Mary were married, not betrothed prior to the Annunciation has absolutely, positively nothing to do with <STRONG>opinions</STRONG> or religious differences. It is simply a case of the <EM>historical reality of Jewish marriage customs</EM> at the time, which is clearly documented by a variety of sources; I've only shared just a few examples <A HREF="http://www.franciscanfocus.com/2007/12/josephology-on-joseph-and-marys.htm" REL="nofollow">in my blog post</A>.<BR/><BR/>And 'cause I don't wanna clog up the comments here, I <A HREF="http://www.franciscanfocus.com/2007/12/josephology-on-joseph-and-marys_14.htm" REL="nofollow">just posted some more on my blog</A>, some of which specifically address the translation issue. :-DLisa, ofshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09214042870786405260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-76131207666743244272007-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:002007-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00"She couldn't be full of grace and have Original S..."She couldn't be full of grace and have Original Sin."<BR/>I guess that means the rest of us are only half-full of grace. Unless you're a pessimist. ;)T with Honeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13870996927675120152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-78358793317998887982007-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:002007-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00Hmmm, interesting debate which I shall stay out of...Hmmm, interesting debate which I shall stay out of. :) But it's enjoyable reading for sure! <BR/><BR/>Thank you Sister!Beki - TheRustedChainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15963688700633522730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-62917213347194697152007-12-14T07:42:00.000-08:002007-12-14T07:42:00.000-08:00Jenna- that is fabulous!!!! I'm going to try to fi...Jenna- that is fabulous!!!! I'm going to try to find it in printable form on google and send it out as my Christmas card this year!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-51210460349326959432007-12-14T06:22:00.000-08:002007-12-14T06:22:00.000-08:00I remember reading last year (at Mark Shea's blog)...I remember reading last year (at Mark Shea's blog) about the dating of Christmas. He stated it goes back to the Jewish tradition that the date of one's death is the same as either one's birth or conception.<BR/>Since they knew when Jesus died (more people were paying attention at this point than at His birth), they just counted back nine months and voilĂ , December.<BR/>Which is pretty much what Sarah 8:29 said. :)Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01097516546958310450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-66787859373683332102007-12-14T05:33:00.000-08:002007-12-14T05:33:00.000-08:00Sister, I have to admit that after 16 years of Cat...Sister, I have to admit that after 16 years of Catholic education (in the 70's and 80's) I was not clear on the Immaculate Conception either. <BR/><BR/>What has helped me is to remember the Annunciation (March 25) is 9 months before Christmas; and the Immaculate Conception (December 8) is 9 months before the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin (September 8).MABhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07637491041886997999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-33784033783382797052007-12-14T04:47:00.000-08:002007-12-14T04:47:00.000-08:00Christian Student Scientist said... The Bible, how...Christian Student Scientist said... <BR/><I>The Bible, however, does make a whole big deal by saying that Joseph and Mary were betrothed before the Gabriel's announcement and married later on.</I><BR/><BR/>She is right. Even in Matthew 1:18-24 it mentions that fact. Verse 20 the Angel Gabriel tells Joseph not to be afraid to go ahead with the marriage.<BR/><BR/>Christian Student Scientist also said... <BR/><I>P.S. I can see how some equate 'conceived before marriage' and 'illegitimate' and it could be offensive but simply not applicable to Jesus. <B>Conceiving before marriage points to woman's (and man's) sinful behavior, but Jesus was conceived immaculately and Mary was never married to God so the logic does not apply... </B></I>Tondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05169016973607122637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-73287619126057913332007-12-13T22:35:00.000-08:002007-12-13T22:35:00.000-08:00Think of it like how in the US (I'm from Canada) t...Think of it like how in the US (I'm from Canada) there is Washington's birthday, and then Washington's birthday observed. (I think it's Washington that you do that with...) They moved the date of the celebration to right before the weekend (or right after...I forget) so that it's easier to celebrate.RadioPiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04458182612575923123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-49693993327513870772007-12-13T21:52:00.000-08:002007-12-13T21:52:00.000-08:00Sister,That is how I answer the hard questions my ...Sister,<BR/>That is how I answer the hard questions my kids ask me--"It's a sacred Mystery" until I have enough time to read up my Catechism and get the answer straight.<BR/><BR/>I have a somewhat lighter question: What is a good Christmas gift for a Monk and a Priest? <BR/><BR/>I have two very good friends that live far from me, one a Cistercian Monk and another a Norbertine Father; I usually write them letters, but would also like to include a token gift. I usually send Holy Cards, but am not sure what to do this year... any suggestions?<BR/><BR/>Thank you, <BR/>La Bibliotecaria LauraLa Bibliotecaria Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09159679376366104715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-84142109771598628722007-12-13T21:28:00.000-08:002007-12-13T21:28:00.000-08:00Christian Student said:"P.S. I can see how some eq...Christian Student said:<BR/>"P.S. I can see how some equate 'conceived before marriage' and 'illegitimate' and it could be offensive but simply not applicable to Jesus. Conceiving before marriage points to woman's (and man's) sinful behavior, but Jesus was conceived immaculately and Mary was never married to God so the logic does not apply..."<BR/><BR/>I would just like to point out that the notion of an illegitimate child is purely a legal definition--not a religious one. And again, the immaculate conception refers to Mary's conception, NOT THAT OF Jesus!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-72127967984494005072007-12-13T21:07:00.000-08:002007-12-13T21:07:00.000-08:00Thank you -- that's sorted out the Immaculate Conc...Thank you -- that's sorted out the Immaculate Conception for me quite nicely ... :)<BR/><BR/>Bless you, Sister.The Dangerous Mezzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08431535159253974395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-61538833655714202162007-12-13T20:17:00.000-08:002007-12-13T20:17:00.000-08:00Dear Lisa,sfo: Thank you for taking time to respon...Dear Lisa,sfo: Thank you for taking time to respond. After reading your post I think I see where the difference in opinions comes from. You thought I meant by 'engagement' the light-hearted agreement that it is nowadays. I didn't. In fact, I said 'betrothed'. To me, the difference between betrothal and marriage is whether the couple is having sex or not. You seem to say that they are essentially the same. The Bible, however, does make a whole big deal by saying that Joseph and Mary were betrothed before the Gabriel's announcement and married later on. I suspect the terms are not quite the same.<BR/><BR/>As long as we are quoting Bible, the occasional 'husband', 'wife' and 'divorce' do throw some people off into thinking that Joseph and Mary were actually married (in the Jewish sense of the word). But they could, and I believe they do, also reflect the seriousness of the betrothal: once two people are betrothed, they are bound forever just as husband and wife, yet they still might get divorced. After the marriage, i.e. consummation of marriage, divorce (according to Jesus) is no longer an option. But I digress.<BR/><BR/>I do wonder how you explain Mary's words "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"? To me that's pretty clear indication of where things are between Mary and Joseph.<BR/><BR/>Nowadays a pure meaning of engagement is to commit to each other, just as in marriage, but with no sexual relationship. So I was correcting precisely that: Mary and Joseph were not married, i.e. not having sex. Were they commited to each other before God, much stronger than many of us married people are? Yes, absolutely. Married? No.<BR/><BR/>P.S. I can see how some equate 'conceived before marriage' and 'illegitimate' and it could be offensive but simply not applicable to Jesus. Conceiving before marriage points to woman's (and man's) sinful behavior, but Jesus was conceived immaculately and Mary was never married to God so the logic does not apply...CSShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11702379305846277877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-84286238594890954882007-12-13T19:18:00.000-08:002007-12-13T19:18:00.000-08:00Got this from a friend...thought it was appropriat...Got this from a friend...thought it was appropriate after your last few posts: <BR/><BR/><BR/>A LETTER FROM JESUS<BR/><BR/>Dear Children,<BR/><BR/>It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan<BR/>festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.<BR/><BR/>How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.<BR/><BR/>Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.<BR/><BR/>Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and<BR/>what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.<BR/><BR/>If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list.<BR/>Choose something from it:<BR/><BR/>1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.<BR/><BR/>2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.<BR/>They just need to know that someone cares about them.<BR/><BR/>3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.<BR/><BR/>4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.<BR/><BR/>5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.<BR/><BR/>6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.<BR/><BR/>7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families<BR/><BR/>8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.<BR/><BR/>9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.<BR/><BR/>10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.<BR/><BR/>Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you<BR/>love and remember: I LOVE YOU, JESUSJennAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10573973760082786976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-56885767792157208292007-12-13T16:29:00.000-08:002007-12-13T16:29:00.000-08:00It's my understanding that Mary and Joseph were de...It's my understanding that Mary and Joseph were dedicated to each other as husband and wife but that this often happened years before a couple would start living together and consummate their bond.PraiseDivineMercyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15000747762174079070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-6244603886566476592007-12-13T16:09:00.000-08:002007-12-13T16:09:00.000-08:00Christian Student Scientist: As others have said e...Christian Student Scientist: As others have said earlier, our Redeemer came into the world through a <STRONG>married couple</STRONG>: Mary wasn't an "unwed mother" at the moment of the Incarnation, nor was she merely "engaged" to Joseph -- she was truly and legally married to him; a wife. Jesus was conceived, as is proper, <EM>within the bond of Holy Matrimony</EM>, not outside it. (Also, think about it: Why would God, the Creator of Matrimony, break His own rules by having His Only Son conceived outside of marriage?)<BR/><BR/>Because I'm lazy and don't feel like retyping everything here, <A HREF="http://www.franciscanfocus.com/2007/12/josephology-on-joseph-and-marys.htm" REL="nofollow">see my blog post on the subject</A> -- I've got several sources and quotes that describe the Jewish marriage customs of Joseph and Mary's time. :-)Lisa, ofshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09214042870786405260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-72895346554839972052007-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:002007-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:00Easter is different every year because the date is...Easter is different every year because the date is chosen by the full moon that follows the vernal equinox. I don't know why we use this system other than it's been done since A.D. 325. <BR/>I was replying to the "Easter changes it's date every year" comment that preceeded mine not relating it to the birth of Christ.<BR/>The part about the potatoes is well known by experienced gardeners and farmers but could be useful information to new gardeners. With people 'going green' these days I just threw it out there, FYI.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-37459477907891444922007-12-13T13:39:00.000-08:002007-12-13T13:39:00.000-08:00I believe that as for the dates..does the Church d...I believe that as for the dates..does the Church define the celebrations or do the celebrations define the Church? Not sure I believe in coincidence. Christmas always falls close to or in alignment with Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and isn't that an appropriate time for the Light of the World to be born? And isn't Chanukah also the "rededication of the temple"? And as for the replacement of pagan holidays, that is also appropriate for Jesus' mission to be the Way and the Truth. I am more inclined to believe that maybe timing is more important than whether the shepherds were out with their flocks in winter or not. I'm not saying that the Church Fathers didn't have that as their motive, just suggesting it may have been Divine Inspiration.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-48342737542583425532007-12-13T12:27:00.000-08:002007-12-13T12:27:00.000-08:00I applaud your attempts to get the ladies to serve...I applaud your attempts to get the ladies to serve mac & cheese. Your use of the "meatless Friday example card" is worthy of an Oscar. <BR/><BR/>I have been directed to your blog by our favorite posting priest, Fr. Daren. Your insight into our world of Catholicism is refreshing. <BR/><BR/>It is a shame that my good friend Sister Rosemary passed away recently. She would have loved reading your blog. She, too, had a similar outlook on the world - that humor could be injected into our faith with out being irreverant. Unfortunately, she was called home at the (nun) young age of just 69. Tomorrow would have been her 70th birthday.Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02381445346226109566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-82311257063487993332007-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:002007-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00Wish I could see your face sister as you read thro...Wish I could see your face sister as you read through comments left. I'd bet you are shaking your head most of the time. Wondering how we manage. I think many put to much emphasis on issues that really do not matter. Like a date... it does not matter other than it is one the Church Fathers chose, for what ever reason, for us to celebrate a great event or to honor a Saint of God. As you said, 'they are smart', and I trust their leadership and counsel. <BR/>I wonder if God is shaking his head as well?Tondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05169016973607122637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-55727601460272685932007-12-13T09:25:00.000-08:002007-12-13T09:25:00.000-08:00Anonymous said..."Easter runs by the sign of the m...Anonymous said..."Easter runs by the sign of the moon. Always plant your potatoes on Good Friday, that is the correct sign of the moon for potatoe planting."<BR/><BR/>And this relates to celebrating the birth of our Lord. . .how??<BR/><BR/>Nine months before Christmas is March 25th - the Feast of the Annunciation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-65528308789436593472007-12-13T09:19:00.000-08:002007-12-13T09:19:00.000-08:00Easter runs by the sign of the moon. Always plant ...Easter runs by the sign of the moon. Always plant your potatoes on Good Friday, that is the correct sign of the moon for potatoe planting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30512717.post-90261217713480670342007-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:002007-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:00Easter changes its date every year.Easter changes its date every year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com