Engaging Faith

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints by Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520) In this painting, the infant Jesus and the Madonna are seen enthroned in heaven as Jesus is worshipped by several saints, including the infant John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Catherine, and Cecilia. The fact that these saints lived in different centuries stresses the fact that, for God, there is no past or future. His time is not chronological (measurable and sequential time) but kairological (time that is not bound by sequence or measurement but rather by emotional significance). He lives in an eternal “now” where all are alive for him. The Burning Babe by Robert Southwell (1561-1595) The Burning Babe reflects on the love of Christ for fallen humanity. Through poetic imagery he combines the story of Christ's birth with accounts of his Passion and Death. His poem gives an unforgettable portrait of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. As I in hoary winter’s night Stood shivering in the snow, Surprised I was with sudden heat Which made my heart to glow; And lifting up a fearful eye To view what fire was near, A pretty babe all burning bright Did in the air appear; Who, scorched with excessive heat, Such floods of tears did shed, As though His floods should quench His flames, Which with His tears were bred: ‘Alas!’ quoth He, ‘but newly born In fiery heats I fry, Yet none approach to warm their hearts Or feel my fire but I! ‘My faultless breast the furnace is; The fuel, wounding thorns; Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke; The ashes, shames and scorns; The fuel Justice layeth on, And Mercy blows the coals, The metal in this furnace wrought Are men’s defiled souls: For which, as now on fire I am To work them to their good, So will I melt into a bath, To wash them in my blood’ With this He vanish’d out of sight And swiftly shrunk away, And straight I called unto mind That it was Christmas Day. Assignment Write a one page essay detailing the similarities and differences in the depiction of the infant Jesus in Raphael’s painting and Southwell’s poem? This activity comes from the book The Catholic Spirit: An Anthology for Discovering Faith through Literature, Art, Film, and Music.

With the 2017 World Series upon us, take time to share the story of Andre Ethier, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who always makes time for Sunday Mass within a hectic season. The story is taken from Meeting Jesus in the Sacraments (2nd Edition) from Ave Maria Press. Also share other players in this year’s World Series who attended Catholic high schools or colleges. Do you feel that it’s hard for you to get to Mass? Think about Catholic professional athletes in any of the major sports who play games on Sundays. Have you ever wondered if, and how, these Catholic athletes are able to set aside time on Sunday for going to Mass in the midst of preparing for and playing an important, high-pressure game? One person who does this successfully is Andre Ethier, an outfielder who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Andre has revealed in interviews that his Catholic faith has played an important part in his life. Andre says, “It’s developed me into the person I am. And to shun away from that just because you’re supposed to be more vanilla in certain areas, it wouldn’t be me. I’m always trying to portray myself as who I really am, so that’s definitely part of me—the faith part.” Because Sunday is a game day, Sunday Mass takes a little planning ahead for a major league baseball player. Andre explains, “People ask me, ‘On Sundays, why do you always come dressed up?’ It’s because either I’ve come from church or I am going to go to church following the game.” Occasionally, for home games, the Dodgers provide a team chaplain to say Mass in a room adjacent to the team’s clubhouse. Andre finds that Sunday Mass is “a great time to be able to clear your mind and think about where you’re at in general. Sometimes things get out of perspective pretty quickly. So no matter what happens, good or bad, you gotta keep steady in that faith.” Asked, “How hard is it, being in professional sports, to practice your faith?” Andre answers: “For me it starts probably with the most basic and simple—going to Mass every Sunday, and making a point to do that.” Andre continues: “The faith won’t lead you wrong. It’s led me right the whole way, and I still go to church every Sunday. I love it, and I’m glad to be involved and I’m glad to be a part of that Catholic community.” World Series Players Who Attended Catholic High Schools or Colleges Houston Astros Evan Gattis, Designated Hitter Bishop Lynch High School Dallas, TX Luke Gregerson, Right-handed Pitcher St. Xavier University Chicago, IL Dallas Keuchel Left-handed Pitcher Bishop Kelley High School Tulsa, OK Lance McCullers Jr. Right-handed Pitcher Jesuit High School Tampa, FL Los Angeles Dodgers Andre Ethier, Outfielder St. Mary’s High School Phoenix, AZ Kyle Farmer, Catcher Marist High School Atlanta, GA Logan Forsythe, Infielder Christian Brothers High School Memphis, TN