Pentecost

 

We heard your voice,
O God, we heard your voice
when the heavens broke open.
-When the fiery tongues descended,
They fell like dew-drops,
They fell as dew from heaven.
-We sang,
O God, we sang with exaltation,
when your Paraclete arrived.
-Oh, our mouths were given speech!
-You untied the old confusion
of languages,
loosed our speech.

 

-Vox tua audivimus,
Deus, vox tua,
ubi ruperunt caelis.
-Linguas igneas ceciderunt
sicut ros,
sicut ros caeli
-Cecinimus
Deus, gaudio
ubi Paracleta venit.
-Ora data orationem.
Confusionam vetam
linguorum solvisti.
Vox nostra solvisti.

Sing a New Song

I have often been told by fellow-Catholics that I am too rigidly traditional, demanding staunch formality and intolerant of the Church’s diversity. Let me dispel this right now.

If by “traditional” you mean desiring reverence in the Mass which is the source and summit of Christian life, the unbloody representation of Calvary and the sacred medicine of souls, then yes, I am guilty. If “traditional” means desiring continuity, preserving Latin in the liturgy- as stipulated by the Second Vatican Council, desiring prayerful music, postures and adherence to the rubrics, then I am traditional as they come.

However “traditional” doesn’t mean I hate Mass in vernacular, regard the Novus Ordo as inferior and expect our worship to be solemn and depressing. I am not stuck in the Middle Ages and I appreciate lay participation in Mass. Vatican II did open up alot of great things, such as more Scripture readings, basic prayers in vernacular, ability for composers to draw up beautiful Mass pieces and most of all RCIA. I don’t hate Vatican II. What I do hate is people introducing irreverent improvisations, tearing everything down and allowing frankly, crappy music to be played at Mass in the name of Vatican II.

My ideal Mass is actually the Novus Ordo. It is the form I attended when coming into the Catholic Church. The Novus Ordo has a certain crispness and clarity that is not to be taken for granted. Modern-day hymns have a soul that shines when done right. I am all for “Shepherd me O God”,  “On Eagle’s Wings” and “I Have Loved You” but I am NOT for their incessant overuse. The problem occurs when these newer hymns dominate and completely replace the old goodies. Vatican II specifically places chant as first priority. There is no sound more beautiful than the sweet strains of “Salve Regina” filling up a big cathedral! What angers me is not so much the variety of modern hymns as the average parish’s insistence on forgetting about ancient ones. Ironically, I ask why doesn’t the parish Church try something new? Why not try chanting the Mass ordinaries in Latin- at least for solemn feast days? The Vatican does it. Maybe just the “Sanctus” and “Agnus Dei” if all at once is too much? Why not throw in an “Adoro Te devote” during communion? Maye around Advent try doing “Creator of the Stars of Night” accapella? Try mixing in the soulful, “Were You There” with a fluid “Ave Verum” on Goood Friday.  I don’t hate diversity, actually my preference for combining old and new is the height of diversity!!

Growing up Protestant, I was used to guitars and drums in our worship. Now, I don’t believe these are proper for the Holy Mass. Yet, I’m not some meanie who despises talented guitarists and drummers because we can use them in a praise & worship service. Maybe Catholic churches should try that on a Wednesday night? You can have dancing and everything! -Just not at Mass. I don’t understand why people get such a bad rap for wanting to distinguish the secular and sacred. Mass is sacred time, where heaven and earth meet and Christ becomes present in His body and blood. This is not an ordinary occasion so we shouldn’t treat it like one!

I’d like to change it up a bit. Maybe try a Byzantine version of the “Kyrie”, during Lent just having silence at communion, at Advent celebrating Mass in candlelight. The power of the human voice as an instrument is seriously underestimated. There is no reason why a well-developed choir can’t take advantage of plainchant, polyphony and classical pieces. When is the last time you heard Bach in church? The moving nature of accapella is also neglected. I remember one time when my church choir sang “Amazing Grace” as the recessional hymn without any accompaniment. The stong but gentle melody nearly made me weep. Hymns don’t have to be sappy in order to be moving. Too much sap does the opposite. People cringe from obviously phony lyrics. Young people hate it. If teenagers come looking for authentic, hard-core faith and instead encounter wimpy “love songs” it’s guaranteed, you’ll lose them.

Sometimes the problem is that too much diversity can actually cancel out the Church’s universal character. Our Masses become segregated: Spanish Mass, Creole Mass and English Mass are separated thus, we cannot worship with our ethnic brothers and sisters. Now if the Mass settings were the universal chants used by the Vatican, we could all learn them and worship together. Even better, when you go to another country, visit another state or a new parish, those lyrics will match. Learn how to sing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” and you can sing it anywhere! Bilingual Masses are confusing and uncomfortable whereas a Latin Mass can bring unity. I often hear the complaint “Then no one will understand it!” Good then, at least we’ll all not understand it together!

It’s not ridgid or overly traditional to want these things in our liturgy- it is Catholic and what Vatican II intended. It is time to rediscover old beauty, to unveil hidden treasure. Our venerable church has such a rich hostory and we should utilize it. We shouldn’t be afraid to resurrect a hymn from Renaissance times, to intone a Medieval introit, raise up a Negro spiritual or belt out an old-timey march. Just remember- all in moderation- and keep it reverent. We should never hesitate to sing in Latin, because it is the language of the Church. It was the tongue used by St Francis, Joan of Arc, Augustine, and Theresa of Avila. I think the time is nigh, that we tap into our vast treasury, that we truly sing a new song to the Lord.

 

Here is a suggested mix of contemporary and modern settings for a Mass. Most of these hymns are in your ordinary hymnal.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Processional:  Alleluia, the Strife is Over.

Penitential Act Setting:  Kyrie (Greek)

Gloria: Sung (English)

First Reading: ACTS 7:55-60

Responsorial Psalm: PS 97:1-2, 6-7, 9

Second Reading: REV 22:12-14, 16-17,

Gospel: JN 17:20-26

Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts:  God, We Praise You.

Holy, Holy, Holy Setting: Sanctus (Latin)

Lord’s Prayer Setting: Chanted (English)

Lamb of God Setting:  Agnus Dei (Latin)

Communion Chant:  Regina Caeli Laetare  OR  Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.

Recessional: Glory, Glory Hallelujah!

 

By the way for all you naysayers out there, it might surprise you that THIS is my favorite hymn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=581tVfbr5Rk

Morning has Broken

 

Working overnight affords little advantages. You feel taxed, achy, weary and cranky for the whole week and on top of that, must manage to sleep during the day when the sun shines and neighbors mow their grass. It is trial and tribulation!

However, near the end of my shift, I had to pause and notice something: the dawn. Nearly frozen, I eyed the sky which seemed to crack open with light, the grass shining like viridian glass, clouds that swirled like blue opal. I had to bask in the crispness of the air.

See, the dawn voices its praise to God. It was at this time that our redemption was won, that all creation was renewed. In the blurry dawn light, Christ rose up; that the voice of sin was silenced, that the cold grip of death became melted by rays from the conquering sun.

Therefore, at this time, everything seems brightest and freshest as if on the first day of creation. All the earth from singing birds, glistening blades of grass and shimmering waters, gives praise to God above. How the heavens, in violet and magenta streaks, render their exultation!

In the mere minutes from 6:30 to 6:45, God makes His face known. All awakens from the long, dark night. Clouds part like curtains to reveal this great opera: Animals stir as if being born for the first time. Flowers unfold as if waking from deep sleep.  Birds open their mouths, singing their lauds. Insects and butterflies unfurl their wings, coaxing the first strides of new life.  The world echoes rebirth. Even the dew-laden air seems to whisper: “Rejoice!”

One cannot help but stand awed. One cannot leave this primordial scene without a memory of our ancient paradise, without a pulse stirring inside. For if one’s heart remains silent, surely the earth and skies shall cry out.

 

Some music to go along with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RM7cQCC4sU

Life is like

Life is like your porch light, it draws a whole lot of miskeetas… but every once in awhile you get a purty moth.

 

A new Cardinal Fratelli book is out!

The fifth book of “The Misadventures of Cardinal Fratelli series.” A cardinal’s life is full of duties, documents, appointments and ceremonies, this young Fratelli knows well, and after a series of comical mishaps gets him to realize he’s being overworked, he decides upon a lovely vacation in Pisa to the south. He heads along the coast of Italy, reluctantly taking Gianni and several servants with him, including Jan, intent on soaking up the sunshine and lovely scenery.

However, Fratelli soon finds that even vacations can be thorny as the friendly Archbishop of Pisa wants help with many things, Gianni soon lands himself in trouble and the pestered cardinal just can’t seem to get any time alone! Will Fratelli get the vacation he’s always wanted- or disaster?

Avalable on Amazon and Kindle!

Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the greatest testament of the love God has for mankind, because it is all the love of Jesus Christ himself.

 

…enough said

Things I need to work on.

The day after my ill-fated encounter with the lady spiritual director, I went to visit another one. You could say I am pretty serious about this spiritual direction thing. I have realized I am the type of person who learns best by example. Regrettably, few people set a good Christian example in my life. Around the age of 13, I learned by example that Christians were better people than everyone else, they were holier, richer and nicer- and by nicer, I mean they had nicer things.  All too soon, I learned I couldn’t be that way, for I was sinful, poor and lacked nice things… No shiny car with a “Jesus” bumper sticker on it, pretty dress to wear on Easter or blonde hair shot with “good-girl” highlights. I remember being told that if I suffered- or was sad, I possessed little faith and this sent me running to the altar-call basically every Sunday.

Fast forward about 10 years and I am Catholic. I am Catholic because I was shown Christians were people just like everyone else but they TRIED to be holy. They could be rich or poor and the nicest “things” were virtues and sacraments, given as gifts from God. Three people figured majorly in my conversion to faith: Brad Poole, Father (now Monsignor) Stanley Deptula and Father Brian Brownsy.

Brad was my first Catholic friend- my first real Christian friend too. He was first to tell me that if I were the only person on earth, Jesus would have still died for me. I learned from Brad that suffering didn’t mean a lack of faith; it meant God loved you and wanted you closer to Him. God desires our hearts and being Christian isn’t just going to church on Sunday, it is a life journey.

Father Stanley taught me about the mercy of Christ. Instead of shunning my idiosyncrasies, he saw a soul that hungered for God. In his office, I had my first confession and though I was terrified, he remained patient and even allowed his two dogs to sit nearby, because they gave me peace. This powerful sacrament and kindly gesture showed forth forgiveness- and a God who gives second-chances.

Father Brownsy was my first Christian teacher. His Masses were the first I attended. He revealed the Sacred Scriptures, how they instruct us day-by-day, and showed me a beautiful world of prayer and liturgy. To these three people, through whom God’s grace so brilliantly shined, I am forever indebted.

It has been five years since my entry into the ancient, beautiful world of Catholic Christianity and I’m still in great need of examples. Left on my own for so long, I have grown dull, stunted and confused. Yes, I study the faith constantly and perhaps know more doctrine, Scripture and history than your average Catholic, but without a stability of spirit, it means little. Thus, spiritual direction!

I sat down with this new spiritual director and spoke to him and he spoke to me.  He was far removed from the lady I met yesterday, expressing gentle love instead of harsh condescension. In short time, he revealed two issues: First, my true happiness would come only if I depended wholly on God- and His will for me. Second, people aren’t naturally capable of love- they must be taught how to love. I must learn how to love so that others could in turn, see love within me. …and this guy didn’t even know about my dysfunctional childhood issues! See the problem is that I want what I want. I wish to choose my life, to become better- often independently of God’s will. I can’t save myself- and this scares the living heck out of me!

There is a realization that I haven’t been taught how to truly love, I mean I think I’ve been taught how to truly love but I really haven’t. This is because I keep resisting it. I keep expecting everything to change around me instead of changing myself. Moreso, my problem is I like myself but I don’t love myself. My life and my existence must be seen with God’s eyes and not man’s eyes whose perception of truth changes every day. So there you have it: two issues brought before the light. They hang on my heart like twin weights of pride and fear, begging to be loosed. As I set these goals and continue seeking spiritual direction, please, if you read this, pray for me.

That is what we Christians do.

What is Wrong with the World Today.

I don’t like being negative. I try to take Paul’s advice and think about whatever is beautiful, true and noble. However there are times to vent and let’s face it, an internet blog is perfectly good for that. For 5 years I have been Catholic. Now, taking my faith a step further, I sought out a spiritual director and made an appointment at the local parish. At 11:00 in the afternoon, I arrived and sat down with her to discuss my situation, my need to grow as a Christian and discerning a possible vocation to religious life. Let me tell you how it went…

Naturally, she wanted some background info. I told of my conversion to the Catholic faith and activities in various parishes.I also disclosed that I recently switched parishes. Naturally, she asked why. Here is the ensuing conversation- best as I can remember it:

 

Me: The new priest wasn’t following therubrics

SD: What do you mean by that?

Me: He kept inserting things into the prayers, improvising and doing things more his way. Before Mass ended, he’d have people stand up if it was their birthday and then make the choir sing “happy birthday” to them.

SD: A lot of churches do that.

Me: That’s terrible.

SD: I perceive that the law is veryimportant to you.

Me: Giving God the worship he deserves is important to me.

(spoiler alert: a tirade is coming soon!)

SD: And were not the other 50 minutes ofMass giving God the worship he deserves?”

Me: Sure they were but we don’t go to Mass to have our egos stroked or our backs patted, we go there for God. It is not appropriate to do this before the final blessing. If it were after Mass ended,it would be no problem. But it is still God’s time.

SD: Each parish, priest and bishop had their own way of doing things. You must accept the diversity in the Church.Certain things speak to the community and it is important to be a community.

Me: But you shouldn’t exalt the servant in the house of the master.

SD: hmmm…

Me: If people can do their own thing, whyis there an Instruction of The Roman Missal?

SD: It’s a general guide. It is not specific. Nothing says what color candles we should have or how we should decorate the church. Some people won’t go to Mass if there are guitars and drums…

Me: (not able to help myself): I wouldn’t…

SD: Why? Do you think the Church is stupid?Are you more holy than the Pope? There are different ways of worshiping God. In Africa they have drums and dancing…each culture expresses worship in different ways, you need to respect the diversity of the Church.

Me: I do. I pray and worship in a lot of ways. However at Mass, things should be structured and focused on God. Mass is Calvary. We are at the foot of the cross. Jesus is there, standing on the altar, offering his body and blood.

SD: Where did you hear that?

Me: That is what the Eucharist is. Jesus’s sacrifice.

(warning: here comes the tirade!)

SD: **tirade**: You should know the Mass is more than that. We can’t just focus on one thing. Mass is not only about what happens at the altar. There is the Word of God, the priest and the people. The Church changes. We lose some practices and pick up others. The Church isn’t the same as it was in the Middle Ages, thank God. We don’t have Inquisitions anymore, we don’t burn books. As time passes, we progress and discuss what weare doing wrong and what we should do right.

Me: (gets no word in edgewise)

SD: We are not serfs anymore. There isn’t a system of servant and master. Back then, there was no universal call to holiness; only clergy could be holy; lay-people could not be holy. When Vatican II came, we all got on the same level. Instead of being in different boats, we all were in the same boat together. We can’t pick and choose what we like in the Catholic Church. Cafeteria Catholics pick out what they prefer- we have to accept everything.

Me: How come when someone is traditional,they are following their own preferences but when someone wants to do whatever they want, it’s okay?

SD: No, it goes both ways. I am just trying to get you to understand more about the Mass. I have a degree in theology- it’s my job to correct people where they are wrong. **tirade over**

…(awkward silence)

 

Here’s what went wrong:

1). Just because many churches do something doesn’t mean it is okay or even sanctioned by the Church. Priests and bishops have a duty to safeguard tradition. Yes, they have options but they should conduct liturgy so that the fullest extent of doctrinal clarity and reverence is preserved.

2). The Instruction of the Roman Missal can get quite specific.

3). Sacrosanctum Concilium, a document of Vatican II, says that church décor should be conducive to proper worship.  Décor or art that impedes a prayerful atmosphere should be rejected.

4). The Mass IS a representation of Calvary.While there are undoubtedly more aspects to the Mass, the reason we gather there is to receive communion and partake in that sacrifice. We don’t go therefor the Bible, the priest or the community. By the way, I heard about the whole Calvary/sacrifice thing in the CATHECHISM.

5). What the heck does the Inquisition have to do with ANYTHING!!

6). The Church has always called its congregation to holiness. We have examples of both religious and lay saints throughout the ages. I can’t believe for a second that the Medieval church would declare lay people incapable of holiness. Why were missionaries sent into barbarian lands? Why were great cathedrals built in populous cities if the people didn’t really matter? This is pure bull!

7). We were all in the same boat prior to Vatican II. That is what “catholic” means. Every Catholic, whether a prelate or peasant, is sailing on the Bark of Peter gathered into one faith, one flock, one baptism.

8). If we are obliged to accept everything in Catholicism, that means we must also accept documents, rubrics and (gasp!), Apostolic Tradition.

9). I actually wasn’t in the wrong. Anyone who understands the Holy Mass and knows what great mysteries are present there would be disgusted by having a “liturgy of birthdays” when we should be pondering the Most Blessed Sacrament we received five minutes ago.

 

Apparently our educated theologian doesn’t know jack. Having unqualified teachers, who occupy positions of authority simply because they can show a piece of paper from Acme University, is precisely what’s wrong with the world today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd4YgudTcnM

Immersed in the Beloved

Last week a friend visited me. We got to talking about the Mass… and I showed her a video on Youtube of a priest consecrating the Holy Eucharist ad orientem. No, this is not the name of a famous Chinese restaurant- it means facing towards the east, towards the altar. Inadvertently, I started gushing about the priesthood, what a gift it is and how it is a profound sign of romance with God.

To begin, the Mass itself is shrouded in nuptial language and symbolism. Paul refers to the Church in his letter to the Ephesians: “And the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Eph 5:31-32) The book of Revelation was originally called “Apocalypsis” from Greek, meaning “unveiling” and it describes in detail a heavenly liturgy and the sacrificial wedding feast of Christ. Christ himself used wedding imagery in his parable of the King’s banquet where those without proper garments were cast away. Most telling, one of the angels gathered around heaven’s throne in Revelation exclaims:  ”Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (19:9)Everything about a Mass is nuptial. When Mass bells ring, it is a summons to all, to come to this wedding feast. Wearing garments, the priest approaches the altar from the church’s central aisle, as do a bride and groom. The penitential rite asks for God’s forgiveness, so we may be cleaned of sin and given the white garments of grace. We approach the Holy Eucharist from that same aisle, bowing in humility and accepting the flesh of Christ, our Divine Spouse.

Now that this short background is given, I will speak just of the priest, because it was what I saw in the priest that brought me to such admiration. A Catholic priest is one wedded to the Church- and to Christ. The sacrament of Holy Orders unites him with God Almighty in an unseen bond of untold power. It melds his soul into the soul of the Church, which is the Holy Spirit sealed by the blood of Christ. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the consecration, ad orientem. (note: I am not going into liturgical politics here and am aware that consecration ad populum or facing the people, is wholly valid. So please do not misinterpret things)

The priest becomes closed to the world and opened to God. He stands there, partly in silence, sometimes muttering and sometimes speaking plainly. A conversation is happening there, a dialogue so hidden that we dare not pry, we don’t ask “Father what were you saying back there?” It is a conversation so tender that the very heart of Christ seems manifest before us. We perceive Calvary and we gasp at the horror- and sheer beauty of it.

While an epic scene unfolds, the priest becomes less like a stuffy celibate and every minute more like an enraptured spouse. He leans close, whispers sweet nothings to God, his Beloved and gazes into the space between heaven and earth. The man without a wife and family experiences the greatest of intimacies. In amorous poetry matching the Biblical Song of Songs, the soul makes love to God. Here, the priest seems to say: “My Dearest, My Only, I am here…I worship you… I love you. Stay with me and never leave!” The priest becomes as John, the Beloved who leaned upon Our Lord’s breast and who, captured by love, ceased to worry.

Someone who relinquished what is so natural and so goodly for every human man suddenly realizes why. In that moment, nothing is worth more than God. Nothing beckons and calls but God alone. The priest realizes only he can approach the altar, only he may caress the sacred host or raise the precious chalice. Only he can place his head on the breast of Christ, place his hand into His saving wounds and draw out the sacrifice which is mankind’s salvation. What a gift! What profound intimacy and divine love! All the mercy, long-suffering and tenderness of God revealed here!

 

 

Our only proper reaction is to shrink back, bend low and weep as did the Israelites when smoldering clouds wreathed the mountain of Sinai. We can say, “Jesus Christ, my Lord and God, have mercy!” One thing we absolutely cannot do is ignore it, shrug or say in prideful impatience: “What is going on? Will he hurry up?” Even non-Catholic and non-Christian persons cannot pretend that something mysterious is not happening. Whether one adores or despises the priest, he can’t look away; he can’t help but be moved on some level. God is at work in the hands of a priest. He declares His love through the whispers of a priest. He uses lowly men, both wicked and saintly men, doubtful and confident men, ugly and wondrous men, selfish and loving men. Yes, God, who created the entire Universe in ages primordial, chooses mere man that He may draw all men to Himself.

My Letter to Life Magazine

Dear, Life Magazine and editors of Life Magazine:

I recently bought and read your “Pope Francis” issue of Life Magazine, Volume 13. No. 8 March 29, 2013. It was full of beautiful photographs and packed with information that was fairly free of bias. I commend you for giving the historical facts about Catholicism being Christianity’s oldest branch, the excavation of St. Peter’s tomb and the myth of Pope Joan. However your gloss over the Crusades was one-sided, viewing them more as a campaign for material gain than a defensive maneuver to protect Christian pilgrims.

Your coverage of past popes and their lives was meaningful. It keenly followed the history of Catholicism up to the present day. Your connecting the dots from antiquity to this modern day was very engaging.  Most people do not realize how old the Catholic Church is and that its roots lie in Biblical times, starting from the apostles. Thank you for showing us this!

Now I must share some criticism. On the section about Pope Benedict XVI, a flash of bias came out strongly. Your treatment of him was harsh, implying he was a cold figure of the “old church” with his outdated bans on birth-control and gay-marriage. Worst of all, you said he did nothing to stop child abuse.

Allow me to make my first point that Pope Benedict’s stance on moral issues is no different from any other pope’s. Both John Paul II and even the darling John XXIII spoke against gay-marriage and birth-control. Pope Francis has already and will continue to do the same, going to uphold what the Catholic Church has taught for 2,000 years. It’s absurd to think otherwise and reflects a very poor understanding of Catholicism. The problem is precisely that you don’t understand the Catholic Church. You even state: “The Catholic Church is older than democracy”. Yet you seek to impose modern, democratic values on it?

The Church doesn’t need to get with the times, it is beyond the times. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said: “If the Church should marry the modern age, she would find herself a widow”. Don’t you get it? Catholicism came before this era and will be here after. It is something bigger than us- because it came from Someone bigger than us. Instead of criticizing Catholic leaders for not catering to modern whims, your publications should appreciate their perseverance, ancient tradition and sticking to principles laid down by Jesus Christ – not the majority vote.

Allow me to make my second point. A majority of child-abuse cases occurred before Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate. Some date back from the 60’s and 70’s before he was even ordained a priest! May I also elaborate on the fact that our own American society does little to stop the exploitation and abuse of children that happens in our schools, by their relatives or human traffickers. In fact, a child is more likely to be molested at school or at home than in a Catholic Church. Where is our accountability? Why don’t we take responsibility for producing a culture where children are prepared for sexual activity at increasingly younger ages? We cannot even live up to the rigorous standards we apply to the Catholic Church.

Moreso, the measures Benedict XVI implemented to protect future abuse and his changes to discipline in the Vatican went completely unmentioned. To be honest, it looked like you couldn’t find the answers and looked for someone to blame.

Lastly, more detail was given to Pope Benedict XVI’s shortcomings than to his brilliance as a theologian and burning love for his faith. As I said, you regarded him as more “cold, old church” than a man who wanted to set things right. Could he have done better? Yes. We all can do better.

Pope Benedict XVI was a shining example of Christian discipleship who made others fall in love with Christ. It was sad you couldn’t see this beneath the scapegoating. Your criticism of previous popes such as Pius XII and of the College of Cardinals was more fair. Why couldn’t you be fair to Benedict XVI? The man was old, weary and beaten down by years of the media basically crucifying him. Beneath all the power, you should have seen a human being. I figured you could have treated him more kindly is all.

You may not all be Christian, maybe none of you are, but I believe you can learn a thing or two from Christ when he said: “The measure by which you judge others will be measures unto you.”

Sincerely,

Rachel Gohlman.

 

Overall rating :6 out of 10 (slightly above average but still pretty average)