Reflection on John 18

 Pilate therefore went into the hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him: Art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of me? Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done?  Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now my kingdom is not from hence.  Pilate therefore said to him: Art thou a king then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice. Pilate saith to him: What is truth? (John 18:33-38)

What is truth?  This is the captivating question presented by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Palestine in around 26-36 CE, in response to the statement of Jesus.  It is a question which has been echoed through the centuries by believers and non-believers alike.  “Truth is that which corresponds to an objective reality” is a definition that Catholic theologians and philosophers use in order to attempt to answer this question.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary states that truth is “in accordance with fact”.  Yet, as most philosophical arguments, these definitions leave more questions than they provide answers. It seems like truth is a philosophical concept which is always fleeting.  

The arguments on truth are too numerous to count qualitatively. For many people of faith, the ideas presented and maintained in the scriptures are zealously guarded as truth.  Scripture, regarded as the “Word of God”, is the only truth. All other facts are ranked lesser or disregarded completely regardless of what science states.  For many other people who do not hold the scriptures in such high esteem, philosophical truth is an evasive illusion which vanishes at the instant it comes into view.  Still, for some, truth exists in some form through the study of physical science, systems, or history.  For others, everything is as subjective as the varying perceptions of reality found in society. The definitions and philosophies surrounding the idea of truth are unending as it is still a point of questioning for many. The Gospel of John is a prime example of a document in which truth is the theme.

Written between the years of 90 and 100 of the Common Era, the Gospel According to John is one of the later written books of the New Testament.  It has highly philosophical language which implies that it was written for Christian communities which embraced a lofty understanding of Christological theology, as well as early Gnostic disciplines of knowledge. The author of this book wrote it more along the lines of a theological treatise than that of a historical narrative of Jesus of Nazareth. Accordingly, the portrayals of Jesus may not be as accurate as the other gospels.  Instead, this book should be evaluated for its philosophy in the same manner as the platonic dialogues of Socrates. The authorship of this book has traditionally been attributed to John, the son of Zebedee, a disciple of Jesus. Contained within the texts of this book are powerful images and compelling questions concerning who the author calls the “Word that was made Flesh” and the true light who gave “power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name.” (c.f. John 1). 

The dialogue seen above between Pilate and Jesus happens after the Passover feast and Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The peaceful prayer, a stark contrast to the agony witnessed in the other gospels, is where Jesus gives believers the answer to the latter posed question of Pilate.  Jesus prays that those who follow him be sanctified in truth for the word of God is truth. (c.f. John 17:17). In the prologue to the Gospel of John, the author implies that the Word made Flesh is God, he who had made all things, is the light of truth (c.f. John 1:1-3). Again, in the fourteenth chapter of John, Jesus states “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Whether or not these words are authentic does not matter because the theology presented in the Gospel of John consistently portrays Jesus in this light.  For the communities in which the Gospel of John was written, and even for many Christians today, Jesus is the light of truth. 

After the prayer is completed, those who would hand him over to suffering and death, along with his betrayer, came to arrest Jesus.  He goes with them and is brought before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiphas, the high priest of the temple.  Following his interrogation there, he is brought before Caiphas. Under the theory that it is better for one man to die than for all of the people to suffer, the higher members of the Sanhedrin believe he should be condemned to death.  Because the occupied Jews had no right to condemn someone to suffer death, they brought him before the Roman prefect, Pilate, for sentencing (c.f. John 18:31).  

Pilate questions Jesus about why his own people had delivered him onto death.  He questioned his status and his teachings; to which Jesus answers that his kingdom is not of this world.  The idea of a Kingdom of God or a Kingdom of Heaven is common throughout the four gospels.  According to the authors of the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John, Jesus was the king of a spiritual kingdom which was unending (c.f. Luke 1:33; John 18:36).  In spite of his supposed high status as king and knowledge of his impending demise, Jesus remains unwavering before Pilate. In fact, he states that for this he was born and came into existence (c.f. John 18:37). Jesus claimed to have been born to testify to the truth, something he willing died for in order to accomplish.  So, the question remains, what is truth?

Carlie's Miracle: A Fictional Heartwarming Short

 Carlie looked outside her second story window and sighed loudly. Every surface was covered in a fresh blanket of snow. More snow! As if the four feet already on the ground wasn’t enough. Snow meant cold and she did not like the cold. She despised it. She idly thought of what it would be like to live in a topical paradise. No coldness or snow to ruin her day. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, casting pink and yellow rays against the sky. Another lovely morning, except for the snow.

Carlie was soon pulled out of her wonderings by her father’s voice, “Carlie, breakfast is ready and the cows need milking. Get down here.” He knew she was up. She was always the first one awake in the family, not the typical teenager. Carlie groaned as her father yelled at her brothers to wake up. They were typical teenagers. She sighed again. She missed her mother, deeply. She was the middle child and only girl in her family.

“I’ll be down in a second. Make Johnny, Mickey, and Danny save some pancakes for me!” She yelled as she pulled on her jeans and flannel shirt. She heard three distinct laughs coming from the kitchen as she raced down the hall. John and Michael Lane and Daniel Coy were the hired help on her father’s ranch. Carlie liked them all, but longed for another girl to talk to. Michael’s girlfriend, would come by now and again, was nice enough, but Carlie wanted a real friend. Carlie raced passed her brothers’ rooms, Tyler and Andrew were still sleeping. “Lazy Bums.” She muttered under her breath.

She jumped up onto the railing of the stairs and slid down. She has been doing the same all her life. She never actually walked down the stairs at home. She jumped off the railing and bounded towards the kitchen, tripping on the way. Suddenly a strong arm caught her from around the waist; her face was barely a foot from the floor. Danny and Mickey burst out laughing. Carlie did not even blush over her trip. She whipped her head to see the worried face, “Thanks, Johnny. Guess I should, you know, slow down.” She kissed his cheek lightly and he set her on her feet.

Her chair was pulled out and a big plate of pancakes was placed before her. She smiled toward the short stack of golden brown goodness dripping with butter and syrup. If cowboys couldn’t do anything else, they could cook. Every cowboy Carlie had ever known, her daddy included, knew how to cook. After about two seconds Mickey broke in, “Alright Carlie, cows need milking and your mare will be foaling pretty soon. Better get started.”

Carlie stared at him in disbelief. It was barely five in the morning. They started chores in fifteen minutes. Plenty of time to savor her pancakes. She then growled at him, “I am eating!” All three of the ranch hands laughed. Tyler and Andrew still had not stirred. This annoyed Carlie to no ends. She woke up every morning, why wouldn’t they?

Then Danny and Johnny suddenly got mischievous smiles and both grabbed an empty, clean slop bucket. They filled them up with ice water and quickly disappeared up the stairs. Carlie washed her plate swiftly, knowing that she would have to make a run for it in a second. Yelps and screams rang throughout the house and in the same instant two very wet boys can barreling after the two ranch hands. Carlie and Mickey took off towards the barn after them. When Tyler and Andrew felt how cold it was, they ran back inside, huffing all the way.

Carlie was still barefoot when she got out to the barn and Danny looked about ready to hit the roof. He grabbed an extra pair of rubber work boots from the shelf on the inside of the barn and threw them at her. “What Carlie? Are you trying to get yourself sick? Jeez, if you got sick you’d probably die. None of us knows how to take care of a sick girl. Is that what you want?” He was only halfway teasing.

Carlie pulled on the boots and shrugged, “As a matter of fact, yes.” She grinned and then stalked off toward her mare. Nope, not foaling time yet. Close, though. Carlie then started the milking process. They got that done in record time and decided to have a snowball fight while they waited for the bus. Tyler, Andrew, and Mickey on one team. Danny, Johnny, and Carlie on the other.

The school bus showed before long and Carlie had to run to catch it. She almost didn’t. She now had a nicer cotton shirt with a jacket and her boots on. She was somewhat of a loner. She was the only almost seventeen-year-old in the senior class and she was a cowgirl. She barely fit in being a cowgirl, being smart didn’t help. Carlie had learned to dread school. Between being mocked or ignored by the other students and being called “Charlotte” all the time, Carlie was not fond of her almost daily activity.

School passed quickly and before she knew it, Carlie was back on Copper Ranch. She went straight to her mare. Still not time to foal! Goodness, the wait was killing her. There was about two hours before other chores and her homework was done at school, so Carlie decided to go ice-skating. She found her skates and went out towards the pond. She was quickly doing figure eights and barrel rolls. She was actually really good at ice-skating in spite of her loathing of the cold.

Carlie whipped around gracefully but suddenly heard and felt the ice crack. It should have been frozen solid. She had gone skating every day that week. She panicked. What seemed to be slow motion, she fell down into the cold water. Her whole body immerged under the freezing black water. It gushed into her ears, nose, and mouth. So this is what it felt like to drown? It was a weird feeling. She was trapped, with no air, under the ice. She fought against the ice and the freezing water, but she was too weak.

Just when she was about to give up and slip into death, a strong hand hauled her out of under the water. She was wrapped tightly into a parka and carried into the house. “So you are trying to get sick and die.” The voice said. She barely heard it. She was drifting in and out of conciseness.

“Carlie? Charlotte! Hello?” The worried voice of her father tried to break through her barriers. The ranch hands and her brothers were hovering around her, worried and even frightened. All of them loved their little Carlie. At almost seventeen-years-old, she was too young to die. She felt hot, but her clothes were freezing. She tried to open her eyes or speak, but she could not fight the blackness that was closing around her. She was so afraid. The darkness would not lift; she fought at it as hard as she could manage.

Her family brought her to the Hospital. She was slipping away. Into the emergency room they ran. Carlie was changed into a gown by a few nurses and placed on the monitor. Her brain activity was not dormant, luckily enough. Yet, it was not awake or in a sleeping state. Her breathing and heartbeat, at least, were relatively normal. The doctor examined her. After asking what had happened and being told the story, the doctor said Carlie was in a coma.

On a general rule, cowboys never cry. When they heard this news, not one eye was dry. Carlie could hear the sobbing and she tried harder to fight the blackness. She made no progress and then she fell asleep, exhausted. While she was sleeping, the monitor picked up on her dreams. Hope flickered across everyone’s minds. She never did wake though.

No improvement. No worse. Carlie was at a stalemate within herself. Her family begged her to wake up. The nurses doted on the pretty, sleeping brunette. They refused to admit that she was in a coma. She was just sleeping beauty, waiting for her prince in their eyes. The doctors were not as hopeful-nor as imaginative-as the nurses were.

After several weeks, idly one of the nurses wondered what the little beauty’s eye color was. She decided to talk to one of the ranch hands. “So, this little girl, you knew her well?” She asked. Obviously, he was the one person who never left. Ever.

“Knew her and loved her.” He laughed bitterly.

“You love her?” She failed at hiding the judgment in her voice.

“Carlie is special to me. She is a year and a half younger than I am. We kind of grew up together. I watched the child turn into the beauty. The duckling into a swan. Although, I would never call her ugly, she never was. I’m like her big brother, except she already has one of those.” Tears choked up his voice. Then a short pause followed by an afterthought, “Her mare foaled-you know, had a foal-she is going be upset she missed it. The colt is a real beauty too. Mother and baby are doing great, but Carlie wanted to be there. She even begged to be excused from school the last couple of days before the accident. Silly little girl, too bad she didn’t get to witness her foal being born.”

“Oh.” The nurse was shocked. She then remembered what she was going to ask, “What color are her eyes? Carlie’s I mean.”

“Emerald green, with a hint of gold-when the sun shined just right. Her eyes used to dance. They are very interesting, you can get lost in them.” He answered.

“Sounds lovely. I’m Lana, you are?” The nurse extended her hand. He took it.

“Danny, ma’am.” He answered politely. Carlie was lost in thought. Her mare had foaled, which was to be expected. Danny admitted that she was like his family; he was an orphan so Carlie was pleased to hear that. And…her eyes had gold in them?

After hearing Danny’s words, Carlie finally decided to try to fight again. She used all her strength, but it just wasn’t enough. Slowly she decided it would be better to die than to have to hear her crying family. She tried to give up. A force much stronger than her own had a different plan. Just as she had started to give up, energy surged through her body. With a jerk and a gasp, Carlie sat straight up. She looked around the room. It was the middle of the night and her family, along with the ranch hands, was sleeping in various positions. The conversation between Danny and the nurse must have happened hours ago.

Carlie crept out of bed. She felt weak and stiff. She walked over to the window. She could not see very well, but she could tell that there was not any snow on the ground. How long had she been …gone? She looked around dazed. She smiled at her sleeping family and almost woke them all up.

Suddenly nurses and doctors burst through the doors. Her family was up in an instant and everyone stared at the girl in the middle of the room. She looked around as everyone stared at her wide-eyed. She smiled. “What season is it and how long have I been asleep?” Her voice was soft, but she had a playful accusatory tone to it.

Danny was the first to snap out of the shock. He walked up and hugged her; tears filled his eyes. “It’s your favorite season, Carlie. Spring has come again. You were out of it for two and a half months.”

“Wow! I guess I thought I needed a good, long nap. I have always hated the snow.” She tried to joke, no one caught on. Their senses of humor had obviously disappeared. She tried a different approach, “So, my mare foaled. I have a colt now? Should I name him Black Beauty?”

“He ain’t black, Carlie. He’s a chestnut color, but not quite. You’ll have to see him.” Tyler answered her this time.

“I cannot believe this. I was just about to give up on you waking up, ever. You had decreased so much, and then I find you standing, alert. Carlie you are a miracle. There is no other explanation. A miracle.” The doctor finally stammered. 

All the cowboys bowed their heads at the mention of a miracle. Carlie had been returned to them, perfectly healthy. Just as sweet and witty as she was before her fall through the ice. They were so very thankful that they did not lose her. Carlie, they all knew, had always been a blessing. They had been blessed once again by Carlie’s Miracle. 

Following the Call

Every Christian person has the moral responsibility to discern his true vocation.  This concept should be instilled into the Christian child from a very young age, as a vocation is a calling from God which will help provide the grace needed to attain the happiness of Heaven.  The idea of a true vocation is a strong one which often confounds the Christian as he achieves adulthood. Questions of what a vocation is and how to discern that which is right for the soul can inundate the young adult.  These questions are serious and must be answered properly.  Because one’s vocation ultimately assists in the salvation of his soul, it is of vital importance that a person discerns rigorously under the guidance of spiritual director that calling of God which should direct his life. 

When reaching the brink of adulthood, many fall right into the dating world.  Although it might be safe to say that most people are called to the vocation of marriage, this is not true for all people.  Before a young Christian makes a decision that cannot be dissolved, that is to contract a marriage, he should discern religious life first.  As the call of the Church is the nobler calling, the Christian has the obligation to discern vocations of religion before attempting to discern vocations of marriage.  Every person should strive for his vocation to be in line with the Will of Almighty God.   

Before continuing with the discussion of a personal vocation, the word vocation must be defined and the common vocation must be acknowledged.  A vocation is a call, a personal invitation from God to do His Will.  In this way, a vocation is more than a job; it is the life and the defining factor of who a person is supposed to be.  Vocations, because they are truly personal invitations from God and, when legitimately entered into, sources of grace, should be discerned rigorously and thoroughly.  Although it is possible to reach heaven outside of one’s true vocation, it is extremely difficult.  Let the man bemoan entering too quickly into the wrong vocation.   

The common vocation of Christians is to the sainthood.  God wants each of us to gain the happiness of Heaven.  Living and following one’s true vocation and becoming a saint go hand in hand, as one lends to the other.  The saints, those who are members of the Church Triumphant, are traditionally divided into four classes; these are: Bishop, Martyr, Virgin, and Confessor.  One might notice that two of these classes actually also religious vocations as well.  The common vocation of sainthood transcends every other purpose or calling a person might have in his life.  A man might be the greatest doctor or lawyer in the world, but without the achievement of sainthood, it is all for not.  

This common vocation to sainthood is also closely connected to the first shared vocation of all people.  No one who is called to any particular vocation is born directly into that vocation.  Instead, they are born into a state of single life where their only calling is to learn to know, love, and serve God.  This state, as with every state, has charity and chastity as its center.  Man is given ample opportunity when in this state to discern his true calling.  This time should not be squandered on the cares of the world, but instead should be used to embrace that chastity which leads the soul to her God’s call.   

As chastity is at the heart of every vocation, the words of St. Paul are important to note, as he stated, “I would that all men were even as myself; but every one hath his proper gift from God ... But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, it is good for them if they so continue, even as I.”  Further on, St. Paul also states, “…And the unmarried woman and the virgin thinketh on the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit (1 Corinthians 7:7-8 and 32-35).”  By remaining chaste in each individual vocation, Christians can truly imitate the example of the Blessed Virgin and countless other saints in heaven who gave witness to this importance. The saints provide a strong example for all Christians to follow, for they have encountered temptations and triumphed over concupiscence.  The virgin martyrs provide a striking model as, even though often they were offered a way to live, they embraced death rather than leave the vocation God had called them to.  The Church recognizes this heroism in the collect for the Common of the Virgin Martyrs as she thanks God for allowing the weaker sex to have the strength to endure such trials.   

For many, remaining in a strict state of being single is not their ultimate calling.  As a result, even from a young age, the Christian should seek out that which is his true vocation. This vocation is a matter of great discernment and should be discussed in spiritual direction.  A good spiritual director will tell the Christian to discern those vocations which match his personality.  By personality, it might be better stated as temperament and spirituality combined.  The temperament of a person has a distinct impact on his true vocation. The spirituality of a person can help lead the person into the best situation for remaining in sanctifying grace.  Because of the spiritual battle which rages on, finding one’s personal vocation is difficult in this fallen world.  Receiving good spiritual direction is like going to the doctor and receiving proper care of body.  Just as one must nourish his body well in order to be healthful, one should also nourish his soul.  A good spiritual director is able to help the Christian see beyond the attractions of the world and come into a state of understanding for the Will of God.   

There are four types of legitimate vocations within the Church: Priesthood, Matrimony, Religious or Consecrated Life, and Chaste Lay Single Life.  St. Ignatius said, “Pray fervently to discern God's Will for your vocation to the married, single or religious life. Your happiness and that of others depends on it, both in this life and for all eternity.”  In regards to the order of discerning, it is good for a person discerns first the higher vocations of priesthood, if he be a man, and religion.  The calling of the Church is higher and nobler than marriage because when a person enters into such states in life, he offers to God every facet of his being.   Holy Orders is the Sacrament by which men become priests and are given a sacred power (sacra potestas) to act in sacramental identification with Christ (i.e., to act in persona Christi) in order to perform the sacred duties given them by the Church. 

For some, a religious vocation might be his true calling.  It is religion in which knowing one’s spirituality becomes of most prominence.  This is because there are many religious orders, each with unique charisms.  There are three debated classes of orders: Contemplative, Missionaries, and Teachers.  These individuals are called to a deeper life of prayer, fasting, and sacrifice.  Some might be confined to a convent or monastery, while others have to live within the world.  A religious vocation opens up a whole plethora of possibilities for the Christian to choose from.  The prayers of the religious are like the nourishment for the Church, thus their significance cannot be understated.  

Not everyone who is called to consecrated life is called to live in a religious community, some are called to be hermits and others to live within the world.  One, male or female, can take vows of perpetual virginity or continence publicly before a bishop.  If the discerning Christian is a woman, then she can be made hallowed to God as a consecrated virgin, just as our Blessed Mother was – this is a ceremony performed by a bishop, and it is the highest and most noble honor for women in the Church.  This is a vocation primarily for women and there is not much information on it as it fell out of popular favor three centuries ago, although Pope Pius XII, of blessed memory, addressed this issue in his encyclical, Sacra Virginitas.  St. Methodius stated, on behalf of these women, “You, yourself, O Christ, art my all. For you I keep myself chaste, and holding aloft my shining lamp, I run to meet you, my Spouse.”

Although Sacred Virginity is a beautiful calling, not everyone is call to living a life of celibacy. Marriage was instituted by God Himself in the beginning and elevated to a Sacrament by Jesus Christ in the New Covenant.  Marriage is similar to Holy Orders in that once the Sacrament is received, it cannot be set aside; a valid sacramental marriage lasts until the death of one of the spouses.  The primary purpose of marriage is the procreation and education children.  The secondary purpose of marriage is the lawful remedy for concupiscence.  Those entering into marriage must be ready to assist his spouse in the achievement of heaven.   

Not everyone is called to the priesthood, religious or consecrated life, or matrimony.  Some people are called to remain lay singles their entire lives.  These people can make private vows of virginity or continence and they can join Religious Orders as tertiaries, as can every lay person.  These people should regard their singleness as a gift, not a hindrance.  

With the choices laid before him, the Christian should be careful as he discovers what his vocation truly is.  Through the love and grace of the Church, means of proper discernment have been provided.  The discerning Christian should employ these means as he readily finds his true calling.  Sainthood is difficult enough to achieve, without the added burden of finding oneself in the wrong vocation.

What is a niche and how do I find one?

Search "make money online" or "make money quickly" and you will find many blog posts suggesting blogging as a way to make money quickly and efficiently. These posts usually mention the platform that the blogger uses. They may even have information on analytics available for readers to review to prove credibility. One thing these posts usually have in common is the word: niche.

I do not make money blogging. I do make money as a ghost writer and a virtual assistant occasionally. My main job, after being a mother of course, is to be a professional tutor and course instructor. I have read plenty of "how to" guides on the internet on how to make money in a virtual world. The first piece of advice you will find online about making a living from blogging, vlogging, affiliate marketing, direct selling, etc to infinity is "Find Your Niche."

If you were anything like me, you thought, "I don't have a niche! I am a person. I have so many interests. How could I ever possibility narrow it down."

Good news is: Once you find your particular style and brand, you don't have to "limit yourself". If an established marketing blogger wants to share a recipe, then a recipe will be shared.  Just with the flare or twist expected by readers.

Bad news is: you have to find your particular style and brand, aka "niche".

So, what is a niche?

A niche is your "thing"...your passion...your interest...as delivered in the persona that you develop toward the targeted audience you want to reach.  So, for example, if you are a spunky soccer mom who wants to share life hacks, you need to decide the target audience for your life hacks:

• Other moms?

• Single parents?

• Sports fanatics?

• Kids and college students?

• Grandparents, parents?

  
  

Make sure that you keep your target audience broad enough to get you viewers and readers, but narrow enough that you get subscribers.  Easy, right? 

Step one: Decide Your Passion

If you want to run a successful blog/vlog/facebook/pinterest/etc, you need to be passionate about the topic.  You need to decide what topic you could easily talk about all day every day and still have more to say.  You need to be interested and excited about the topic!

I suggest writing down your major hobbies, interests, and expertise.  Then, decide if you are able or willing to write hundreds of words on the topics.  This may limit what you are willing to blog about.  I love gardening, but I am nowhere near an expert.  I also enjoy playing the violin, but that's strictly for my enjoyment.  I am passionate about learning, however, so I share what I learn.  Hence this blog and my other endeavors to come. 

Step two: Determine Your Audience

Although anyone can access your blog, it is important to target your intended audience.  Who do you want reading your blog? Who do you want to connect with? What is your overall goal? Decide which demographics you want to reach and then determine if your topic will interest them.  If you are a horror video gamer, you won't want to target elderly women who spend their time knitting as an audience. Be honest about who you want to reach. 

Step three: Develop a Persona

Online, you can literally be anyone you want.  Your friends and family may know better, but the hundreds of other hits you get on your blog will not have a clue that you aren't really an extravert who loves rock climbing.  Decide on the persona you want - are you an expert or an enthusiast? Are you a philosopher or a advertiser? Will you be in-depth or concise? Decide who you want to be - develop your online presence. 

Step four: Do Your Homework

Once you have determined your persona and your audience, you can start your blog.  It is recommended that you determine a posting schedule (*cough* something I clearly did not do *cough*) and create 3-5 blog posts to get started with before you even create your blog.  This will ensure that you hit the ground running.  You will get more subscribers and readers if you have regularly posted content.

Step five: Review Your Goals, Content, Persona, and Audience

Before launching your blog or endeavor, take a step back and make sure your message and audience is targeted to reflect your persona.  Make adjustments as necessary.

That's it.  You have found your niche AND you have started your journey on the road to a successful internet venture.

For the Love of Math

 In all honesty, fifteen year old me would have never believed that thirty year old me would be teaching mathematics this fall. Fifteen year old me was still suffering the effects of eleven year old me listening to my friends and deciding that it wasn't cool to enjoy math. 

As a young child, I showed a natural inclination toward math. I loved puzzles and patterns. As I grew older, I continued loving math. Until one day, I didn't. 

I am not entirely sure what happened to make me decide what I didn't like math anymore at eleven years old.  After watching Jenny Philip's story about how her daughter was so influenced by the books she was reading, I began reflecting on if maybe there was an influence that caused my sudden change. 

I do think that there was a general preteen attitude which influenced my distaste for math. Although I was homeschooled, I had several friends who did not like math and whined incessantly about math whenever we were together. I also think the young adult literature I read probably influenced my attitude toward mathematics. And, finally, I think the math curriculum contributed to my distaste for mathematics. 

My mother minored in math in college; she majored in nursing. When I was a preteen, I was homeschooled and my mother did not love the math curriculum, but she really did not know much about the mathematic curricula alternatives. We used a traditional all-in-one boxed curricula where the company picked out the books and created the lesson plans. Mom tried to be excited for math, because she loved it, but the format of this particular mathematics curriculum stifled her creativity in educating. She tried to make math interesting and fun - she would put math facts to song and try to make up games. She would even race me to finish tests. 

I didn't regain my love of mathematics until I took Trigonometry in college. I started realizing that my distaste for mathematics laid in the fact that I started viewing math as uninteresting work to be done, rather than the amazing patterns and puzzles that it could unlock. Mathematics was too proscripted - every lesson was the same. It did not have to be that way. Math could be amazing again. 

I have been teaching mathematics in private courses through Schole Academy this spring, primarily to the age that the wonder of mathematics began to fade for myself. I enjoy this level of mathematics today, and it is hard to believe that I ever disliked math.  I hope that I can help unlock the wonder of mathematics for my students. 

This fall, I will be teaching Fundamentals of Mathematics and Pre-Algebra for Schole Academy.  I am incredibly excited for this opportunity. One of the marks of Schole Academy is restful learning - which is probably the most exciting, and challenging, part of this - the balance between active course instruction and instilling a sense of wonder. 

In addition to the two math courses, I will be teaching a grammar course and a science course.  Yes - I will have four preps. This will be be a busy year!

Why Some Catholic Women Veil

 I have a friend who likes to call me a rad trad because I exclusively attend the Traditional Latin Mass at a FSSP parish. I disagree with that statement "rad trad" because, to me at least, most "rad trads" are reactionaries. I do not define myself as a reactionary - I am not here in reaction. I am here because this is how I can worship God in a way that reflects His glory. 

But, I digress.  My friend likes to ask me questions that a "rad trad" might know the answer to. Such as, "what are your opinions on the chapel veil?" 

When I received that text, I hesitated. I was not in the mood to have this conversation today. I have three little kids (5, 3, and almost 2). My 3 year old has dropped her nap, so I have lost my middle of the day moment of peace. I did not want to have this conversation. So I answered, "They are lovely, but I find them impractical with little kids and prefer to wear a snood. Plus, a snood is culturally appropriate for my heritage." 

I knew very well that she wanted a philosophical answer, but I gave her a practical answer with the hope that she would get on tangent - even if for a moment. 

She didn't take my hint, and clarified, "I meant, do you veil as an act of submission?" And, reading her text, I sighed. Six years ago, I would have jumped at the opportunity to share why I veil, but today, I am just trying to survive toddlerhood. I pondered. I paused. I checked my sources. Then, I started my long, long text message answer. 

For context, my friend is a Catholic convert from a fundamentalist Christian background. She knows the New Testament from that perspective well. And, this is not always beneficial because fundamentalist sometimes overlook the literary perspective. Many will look into the niche historical context for areas of dissent in their communities. I am not against interpreting the Bible from a literal perspective when it is appropriate, but I caution here: Our Lord taught in signs and parables and the Faith He gave to the apostles is rich in signs and parables. 

So, my text message answer included most of the following, developed here in paragraph form with the addition of important context, such as the passage from 1 Corinthians, for clarity. 

Often the question of veiling is met with a passage from 1 Corinthians, 11:1-15, from the Knox translation: 

1

 

Follow my example, then, as I follow the example of Christ.

2

 

I must needs praise you for your constant memory of me, for upholding your traditions just as I handed them on to you.

3

 

And here is something you must know. The head to which a wife is united is her husband, just as the head to which every man is united is Christ; so, too, the head to which Christ is united is God.

4

 

And whereas any man who keeps his head covered when he prays or utters prophecy brings shame upon his head,

5

 

a woman brings shame upon her head if she uncovers it to pray or prophesy; she is no better than the woman who has her head shaved.*

6

 

If a woman would go without a veil, why does she not cut her hair short too? If she admits that a woman is disgraced when her hair is cut short or shaved, then let her go veiled.

7

 

A man has no need to veil his head; he is God’s image, the pride of his creation, whereas the wife is the pride of her husband.

8

 

(The woman takes her origin from the man, not the man from the woman;

9

 

and indeed, it was not man that was created for woman’s sake, but woman for man’s.)

10

 

And for that reason the woman ought to have authority over her head, for the angels’ sake.

11

 

(Not that, in the Lord’s service, man has his place apart from woman, or woman hers apart from man;

12

 

if woman takes her origin from man, man equally comes to birth through woman. And indeed all things have their origin in God.)

13

 

Judge for yourselves; is it fitting that a woman should offer prayer to God unveiled?

14

 

Does not nature itself teach you that, whereas it is a disgrace to a man to wear his hair long,

15

 

when a woman grows her hair long, it is an added grace to her? That is because her hair has been given her to take the place of a veil.

*I know that it is popular among some to discredit this admonishment because of the practices of prostitution at the time. We should be careful not to overly rely on such explanations. Addressing specifically this passage, I have heard fundamentalist Christian arguments for and against veiling that focused in on the culture in Corinth. I think it is important to note that St. Paul is talking about how the worship of God, what is know as liturgy, is to be conducted. He is not only speaking about the Corinthians, but of all. 

The passage above is not talking about the relationship between spouses or demeaning the place of women. The passage is talking about divine worship in general. The liturgy, and the faith, is all about signs - remember, the Church celebrates mysteries and sacraments. Veiling is not about submission to the authority of man, but to subdue the glory of man. 

Men are the glory of God. God created man out of his desire to show his Goodness. When man fell from grace, God became Man. The God-Man offered Himself as a sacrificial victim for the remission of sins. The God-Man established the True Faith and divine worship which he passed to men to safeguard. When much is given, much is expected. Men are called to reflect Jesus Christ in this duty and responsibility, even if they are called to lay down their lives. In the liturgy, it is God's glory which is being acknowledged. 

Woman was created for man. Woman is the most precious reflection of man, though having souls sharing in the image and likeness of God. Woman is the glory of man; man is the glory of God. All women are called to be physically or spiritually brides. They were created as brides, and fulfill their nature as brides. Veiling does twofold: 1) it subdues the glory of man; while, 2) serving as a reminder of the relationship between God and the Church, the Bridegroom and the Bride, and the communion of the soul with God. 

It should be noted that the “rules” for veiling is that women and girls should be veiled in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, regardless of if there is/will be Mass. This has very little to do with being submissive to a man or under the authority of a man. It has more to do with the visual of Christ as the Bridegroom. 

But, also:

-There are thousands of years of recorded history across cultures especially related to worship, even pagan women veiled
-A practice in modesty and humility as these virtues are defined by the Church (not colloquial usage). That is related to your state in life and focused toward God (rather than man). 
-Veiling is part of the larger liturgical tradition of the Church for 2000+ years. Other things, aside from women, are also veiled during the liturgy. 
-Veiling, like MANY other things in the Catholic tradition, is more about an outward sign of a spiritual reality or internal disposition.
-Veiling also recognizes that men and women are different by supernatural design, and we have different roles, challenges, and opportunities for merit. 
-Some contemplative nuns use veils as a way to reduce distractions. They wear veils to create their own little world where they can pray without something distracting them from just beyond their field of vision. This is not as practical for mothers. 

And a fun bonus:

-If you haven’t gotten a chance to do your hair because you just got a bazillion people ready for church, a hat or scarf or something is a life saver. 

Ascension Thursday

 The feast of the Ascension is celebrated forty days after the Resurrection.  The Ascension took place on the Mount of Olives with the Apostles and many of the Disciples present. Our Lord ascended into Heaven, body and soul, in full glory. 

	Theme	Lessons	Scripture	Craft	Ideas
In Ascensione Domini	The Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven	My Catholic Faith Book: Lesson 37 (pg. 74-75) The Ascension	Mark 16:14-20	The Ascension Pull Craft from the Catholic Playground	Around the Liturgical Year with the Von Trapp Family (pg. 120-122) describes what the Von Trapp Family did in the Novena, or Nine Days, between the Ascension and Pentecost.

The Ascension is remembered in the sixth article of the Apostles' Creed. Christ ascended into heaven to enter into His Glory, to send the Holy Ghost upon His Church, to serve as the intercessor with the Father, and to prepare a place for us in Heaven (My Catholic Faith, pg. 75). After the ascension took place, the first novena, or nine days of prayer, was completed by the Apostles. While waiting for the descent of the Holy Ghost, the apostles prayed.  We can imitate their prayers by living a novena of prayer of study. 

One such novena is discussed in the book, Around the Liturgical Year with the Von Trapp Family, where the family studied the gifts and fruits of the Holy Ghost. The links below will lead you to sections of the Summa or other sources for further study. 

Day 1. Knowledge

Day 2. Understanding

Day 3. Counsel

Day 4. Fortitude 

Day 5. Piety

Day 6. Fear of the Lord

Day 7. Wisdom

Day 8. Love, Peace, Joy (see Gal. 5:22-23)

Day 9. Meditation on the Veni, Sancte Spiritus and the Veni, Creator Spiritus