We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto
— “Be happily and uncomplicatedly
Catholic.” Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe
Invite Jesus to the Pub
I am a pub man. When I’m in the U.K., at 6 PM that’s where you’ll find me. I walked in a pub a stranger—but not for long. The friendly fellow behind the bar asked,
“What’ll it be, Yank?” – “What ale do you recommend?”
“Bombardier is the best.” “Good, since I was a bombardier in WWII, I’ll take it.” “Coming up, Mate.”
It’s strange that in America we can’t accept pub culture. If I have a friend who goes to a bar after work each day, I have reason to worry about him. In the U.K., if a friend doesn’t make frequent pub visits, he probably has problems.
There is something about the friendly, casual and at-ease atmosphere of a pub that makes one open up and want to share and listen. When I meet someone whom I sense I would enjoy as a friend, I invite him or her to join me at a pub. There, in a short time, we get to know one another in a solid way. It can often be the beginning of a lifetime friendship. That’s why I think it often a good idea (mentally) to
invite Jesus to meet me at a pub. There are things I would like to know about
him. Also, I would appreciate his advice and opinion about things I am doing.
But to do this, I have to set aside a quiet time. And in preparation, I should
think about what we’ll talk about. He’s a great listener, and I have to
remember to shut up long enough to hear his advice. My imaginary pub is a
delight. Give it a try.
(And how does this idea grab you? aljagoe@comcast.net
Quiz
(See answer at bottom)
1. After she joined a religious order, what was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu’s name?
2. Who was the first male American to be canonized?
3. Which of these is not in all four gospels?
– the loaves and the fishes,
– bread and wine at the Last Supper,
– the clearing out of the temple
– the burial of Jesus
Other recommended Catholic blogs
Recommended readings
- “The Disease of Irreverence” in June New Oxford Review
- “The God Who Sees Me” and “Reflections on Aging Spiritually” in summer Spiritual Life.
Roster of Joyful Catholic Priests
The media loves to publicize bad priests, and we should give recognition to our
Joyful Catholic Priests. Send me your recommendation for ones you think merit
membership in this splendid group. (aljagoe@comcast.net)
- Rev. Robert Aufieri (NYC)
- Rev. Edward Gorman, O.P. (DE)
- Fr. Andrew Gries (DC)
- Msgr. Edward Filardi (MD)
- Bishop Dennis Madden (MD)
- Fr. Joseph Marini (CA)
- Fr. John Mericantante (FL)
- Msgr. Thomas Modugno (NYC)
- Fr. Matthew Ruhl, S.J. (KS)
- Fr. Michael Scanlon (OH)
- Rev. Richard Trout (FL)
- Rev. Hayden Vaverek (NYC)
- Rev. Malcolm Sylvester Willoughby, O.P. (DC)
Answer to Quiz
1- Mother Teresa ofCalcutta
2- John Neumann
3- Bread and wine at the Last Supper
