Yesterday I posted a video that had gotten quite the bit of feedback in my inbox.
One reader took the time to write a very thoughtful reply and I am much appreciative. This man states that an omission of the Filioque from the Creed does not imply a lack of belief in the dogma. In theory I can accept that. To this I would reply with the following.
Suppose I were to make the sign of the cross thus: “In the Name of the Father and of the Son” and stop there. I still believe in the Trinity.
I truly hope this does not come across as combative nor as ignorant (certainly not willfully so). Truth be told, if the ancient Roman Mass were taken away I would absolutely head toward my local Byzantine church (which almost just autocorrected to “churro”😂) for that liturgy is also ancient and beautiful and fitting for worship of God.
And to that reader who took the time to dialogue with me, my apologies for lack of a personal response. I hope the next paragraph explains.
I received news from one of my sisters that her adult daughter has cancer. I won’t share any more details out of respect for her privacy but I will beg each of you reading this to pray, in your charity, for her.
I came across another video while walking on the treadmill today. Sensing a trend? I know, I should be praying my rosary; but at my pace I have no breath. Mental prayer, I guess…
Anyway, I’m not sure who the priest is. He’s speaking on behalf of the Fatima Center. And he is plain wrong. Watch the video and I shall explain.
Father states that we ought not forget the Byzantine Catholic, the Ukrainian Catholic Churches [presumably as alternatives should the TLM be taken away]. He says, “ No monkey business has yet…” and here he trails off but one can assume he means that nothing nefarious has yet to creep into these ancient liturgies.
Except…
I just attended a wedding in a Ukrainian Catholic church three weeks ago. Do you know that the “filioque” was not only omitted in the Creed but when I picked up the equivalent of a daily missal from the pew, it had been literally scratched out with a pencil.
Muddying our understanding of the procession of Persons in the Trinity certainly seems like “monkey business” to me. Of course this may not be the norm in all Byzantine Catholic churches. Perhaps a reader can enlighten me.
I’ve started walking on my treadmill recently and have been on the lookout for decent, hour-long content to watch while pounding the belt.
I came across this today. Though not an hour long, the content is impeccable. It’s from the Marian Friars Minor, a group about whom I know very little. Yet, when one hears authentic Catholic teaching on the spiritual life, one knows.
Fr.’s insights into the virtue of chastity are profound.
Supernerd needs a little help – a very little at this point. He’s only about 280 subs away from his goal as of this writing; but every subscriber counts. Please click on over and hit subscribe.
I’m in El Paso today on a work project. Nice place. I’ve only ever driven through on I-10 before so staying downtown last night and walking around San Jacinto Plaza was a treat for me.
This morning I was blessed to attend Mass at the FSSP parish, Immaculate Conception, which is also downtown. It’s easy to forget that one is only mere blocks from Mexico in this place (at least at an early hour when few are out).
The priest was a young man. Let me retract that. He was a boy of five who clearly woke up today and decided to play man, combing his hair neatly, roughing up his face so he could look like he shaved, and stretching his vocal chords attempting to drop into a high baritone. I tease because of his youthful vigor and appearance but boy was he inspiring in his deep reverence. Seriously, pray for him and for more like him.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (FSSP), El Paso, TX
Speaking of new levels, these folks need to up their acronym game…
Folks, I got off all that social media nonsense a while ago. Sorry but I'm not on Twitbook, Facepalm, YouHu, WingWang or any of the others. Maybe an event will happen to make me change my mind like Peter and Paul coming down with flaming swords and commanding it be so. Until then, read the blog and if you feel a comment is in order or you feel like sharing a tip or suggestion for a topic, email me at harvey@harveymillican.com.
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 