May 2021 – When time stands still

Catholic

We’re Losing It

Posted on May 31, 2021May 31, 2021

We’re Losing It AUDIO

Memory loss is a tragic condition. My 94 year old mother’s amnesia is a product of her Alzheimer’s Disease. She has just enough awareness to mourn the loss of virtually a lifetime of memories. “I’m sorry honey, I just can’t remember. It seems that’s all I say anymore.” It’s painful to see her so disconnected from such a full life lived, trapped within the confines of the day at hand – or sometimes just the present moment. Yet her daily life in the dementia unit could be compared to a growing trend in American society.

The Lord’s Prayer – Part Three

Posted on May 8, 2021May 8, 2021

The Lord’s Prayer – Part Three AUDIO

“And forgive us the wrong we have done, as we forgive those who have wronged us (New American Bible).” “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (New Revised Standard Version).” “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us (Original Revised Standard Version).”

Each translation seems to give us a view from a slightly different angle. The first one focuses on the sins we’ve committed against God, and the sins others have committed against us. Violations of God’s commandments. The second one emphasizes the repentance we owe to God, and the repentance owed to us by others. A kind of spiritual accounting. The third one highlights the boundaries we have crossed in our offenses against God, and the boundaries others have crossed in offending us. Entering places where we don’t belong.