I wrote that after reading Maureen Mullarkey's ridiculous essay on Divine Mercy as an effeminate devotion. The very manly gun-toting Fr. Z chimed in with his two cents which didn't help. Another feminist lady took offense to Fr. Z's POV, but pretty much gave Mullarkey a free pass. What is wrong with these people? What is wrong with me that I respond?
The Catholic feminist to whom Z-man actually responded to, made one very good observation - that the Church herself is feminine since she is the Bride of Christ. That is true - read John of the Cross and you understand the soul is referred to in feminine terms as well - male mystics even speak in those terms - as the bride. Even in the Old Testament God reveals himself as Israel's husband. The thing is, there is a difference between feminine and effeminate. Effeminacy is a vice. Which makes Mullarkey's point of view that the Divine Mercy devotion is effeminate perhaps even worse. But I digress. If only Mullarkey could savor and abide by - with the same determination of donning a mantilla for Mass - St. Paul's admonition that women should not be teachers or have authority, seeing she is so concerned about an effeminate Church. (Actually it surprises me that a consistently misogynist cleric such as Fr. Z would give Mullarkey any credence at all.)
Is the vice of effeminacy pervasive in the Church?
Who am I to judge? Yet the abandonment of one's vocation comes to mind as one major sign of effeminacy - even more significant than the wearing of lovely capes and living with comfy furnishings, delighting in delicate food and drink, luxury and leisure. An “effeminate man is one who withdraws from good on account of sorrows caused by lack of pleasures, yielding as it were to a weak motion.” And some priests leave ministry because it's hard to be a priest and persevere until death.
It has nothing to do with conversing at a kitchen table with a woman, speaking about things of the heart - and the role of Divine Mercy in our eternal salvation. The Medieval mystics such as Julian of Norwich enjoyed homely and familiar exchanges with Christ. Yet Mullarkey makes fun of St. Faustina's visions, claiming they "conjure a feminized Jesus—a kitchen table Jesus drained of masculinity; one who feels, who talks about his feelings as a woman would. Worse, He Who spoke the universe into existence speaks to Faustina in the phrasings of a dime novel."
They want tough Church Militant types then? Manly combat rosaries? A severe judge?
Then what about corporal penances - how do we do with all that sort of manly stuff? Perhaps the holster for one's gun is too tight or digs into your fatty side and causes discomfort? That's a good one. Offered up, it maybe helps to combat the vice of delicacy. How about living as a refugee or immigrant when you vacation or travel? Just for a day, maybe? Or just for one flight delayed, how about not bitching about it? St. Faustina lived a life of obedience and constant mortification, according to a somewhat rigid horarium in a convent. That was not an easy life in Poland.
Mullarkey complains, "A feminized Church is a weak institution. It puts soft devotions ahead of the Cross." Really? The devotion to DM is devotion to the Passion and Death of Christ. She's really screwed up in her thinking here. She just doesn't know. So the Church is a weak institution? Well who wants to live in an institution? Seriously, I'd say that is actually a good thing, since the Church more closely resembles her spouse. As St. Paul said, "Christ's power is perfected in weakness."
The effeminate doth protest too much, methinks.
Saint Faustina: "Oh, how sweet it is to toil for God and souls! I want no respite in this battle, but I shall fight to the last breath for the glory of my King and Lord. I shall not lay the sword aside until He calls me before His throne; I fear no blows, because God is my shield. It is the enemy who should fear us, and not we him. Satan defeats only the proud and the cowardly, because the humble are strong. Nothing will confuse or frighten a humble soul. I have directed my flight at the very center of the sun's heat, and nothing can lower its course. Love will not allow itself to be taken prisoner, it is free like a queen. Love attains God." - diary, p.199
It seems to me that there is a via media to be found. When I read the Diary of St. Faustina I too was a bit disturbed at the Jesus she described. He seemed odd. Much like a hormonal woman. One moment angry at the world, the next moment speaking in syruppy tones, and then the next moment speaking about how hurt he is. It just seemed odd given what we believe about the Divine Nature. God doesn't change from century to century let alone from one moment to another. Anyway...I'm rambling. My point is, I too found it a bit much. I understand where the author is coming from. I also have trouble with the person of St. Faustina and her seeming lack of humility in the writing. No other mystics wax so eloquently about themselves. I find that a bit odd and frankly, off putting as well.
ReplyDeleteAll that being said, I need Mercy. I am a sinner who in justice deserves hell and thus I NEED mercy. It seems to me that the people you claim above who are critiquing St. Faustina and her visions also teach and preach a heck of a lot about Mercy, forgiveness, and confession. So, I propose that there is a via media where one can still need and want Mercy - where one can preach and teach mercy, but not identify or even support the messages of St. Faustina. One need not accept private revelation - even approved private revelation. So, why condemn or make fun of those who chose not to accept it, but still accept the concept of mercy, confession, forgiveness, etc.?
You are right. Catholics are not obliged to accept or follow even approved private revelations.
DeleteI had an SSPX lady friend who was completely steeped in Faustina. Her zeal was such that acquired my own copy. Being a rather practical sort I never exactly "got it." Now, if there are people like my lady friend who do, well, God bless them.
ReplyDeleteI actually only read the parts in bold print in Faustina's diary - the words attributed to Christ and the main message with the associated promises. Never had a problem with that. Otherwise, it's true the diary itself is a woman's recollection and reflection of day to day life and minutiae in religious life which normally doesn't interest me. The devotion exists independent of the personal diary. Truth be told, I just don't like Mullarkey and I'm expressing my disagreement with her POV and Fr. Z's two cents worth concerning the devotion.
DeleteLike I said - this post and the other is just a bunch of Mullarkey.
The devotion is not - souls most in need of Christ's mercy seem to pick up on that.
I don't know if I like MM or not since I never read her. As you know, I read almost zero "Catholic" blogs. It's a danger to my faith. I do have to marvel at the amount of travel and food Father Z imbibes in - it's a wonder. Other than that - he's a bit of a bore.
DeleteHaha! I should have said it another way - like I don't like her writing - although I do to some extent appreciate her art critiques. I was going to remove my comment because it wasn't kind - but it just shows how much I need Divine Mercy in my soul, so I'll leave it at that.
DeleteMy confirmation sponsor gave me a copy if St Faustinas Diary. I wasn't interested. When I finally read it, I still wasn't. I'm not an apparitionchik.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I get that.
DeleteI've read bits of the diary mainly through Fr. Gaitley's books like 33 Days to Morning Glory, etc. I find the quotes very earnest. I can't imagine that living in a Polish convent in the '20s and '30s was easy living.
ReplyDeletePersonally the concept of mercy was largely lost on me but the devotion and chaplet helped me come to experience it.
If the diary is written in a sappy way - one thing I've learned over the years is that you need to meet people where they are, bring them to trust and then start giving them the goods. Lots of people need sweet. Personally the hardcore savior that some people profess only drives me away as judgemental and punitive. Actually that description more aptly describes those that profess that sort of Jesus.
I just came back from Mass and thought - now this is the parish I should have signed up for. It's in a first tier suburb. There are many high-rises in the area, group homes and such. Old people, crippled people, retarded people, people in shorts and jeans - misfits. They even had mentally disabled people in the 'choir'. The church is modern and most people of the more traditional Catholic bent would hate it. Absolutely hate it. The music wouldn't be right, there was an altar girl, lumpy EMHC people, nothing would be right. This really fat young woman came in with a woman totally blind - no eyes - her bed-hair look was so unfashionable. After Mass was over, a few stayed to make their thanksgiving. Shortly before I left a young Mexican man was kneeling prayer his eyes raised to the crucifix, praying ardently - he had cargo-shorts on, and his shirt wasn't tucked, and he had worn out running shoes. Did I mention the Mexican there? The Asians? The blind and the crippled and disheveled? One mentally disabled man talked really loudly at various times at Mass too. It was a beautiful Mass, the priest is a Carmelite, very holy. Whenever I see him his clerical clothes are rumpled and worn and he is so full of joy and exudes peace.
DeleteI realized that's where I belong. That's who, what I am. I'm lame - I wish I could tell you how much, I'm crippled, I'm not wise or rich, yet God in his mercy placed me there among the foolish, among those called. It's totally okay with me now. It's like what St. Paul said, "We are fools on Christ’s account, but the super Catholics are wise in Christ; we are weak, but they are strong; they are held in honor, but we in disrepute." I found my place - at the end of the line!
You can't imagine my joy and recollection after communion today, amid the noise and clatter and chatter. Happy Sunday!
"It's like what St. Paul said, "We are fools on Christ’s account, but the super Catholics are wise in Christ; we are weak, but they are strong; they are held in honor, but we in disrepute."
DeleteMy first thought after reading this today?
"I bet though, as they raised up their eyes to look upon the Crucified One, their hearts were arrayed in pure worship and love. Some may not have had words, some may have lacked understanding, but their gaze, held fast, spoke of eternal love."
"the priest is a Carmelite, very holy. Whenever I see him his clerical clothes are rumpled and worn and he is so full of joy and exudes peace."
What a blessing! A holy priest full of joy and exuding peace is a gift indeed.
Thanks for sharing with us all Terry. Viva Cristo Rey!
Terry - that's proof that joy is better than happiness! Yes, I've been listening to a LOT of Sr. Ann Shields lately and the kind of Christian life she describes is what I've been looking for.
DeleteSister Ann Shields is great!!!!!
DeleteSr. Ann's voice calms me at the same time it kicks me in the butt to reform my life! A true spiritual mother!
DeleteI unexpectedly went to vigil mass wearing a t-shirt, leggings and flip flops, scandalizing a priests mother. I was called to that mass. God knew what I was wearing.
ReplyDeleteThat's horrible. What?
DeleteLove the painting. Chagal?
ReplyDeleteI'm not really into the Divine Mercy devotion myself, but all of her criticisms can equally apply to the Sacred Heart devotion and apparitions.
ReplyDelete