Experience Advent through the music of the RC Music Collective!
Join us this Advent as we present music from the RC Music Collective. Each Sunday of Advent, we will share a short video reflection and an original music video from the RC Music Collective to help you delve deeper into the season of Advent.
O Come Let Us Adore: An Advent Journey — Introduction Read More »
Q: I’m a married man with two children. My father was over one morning to pick up my 1½-year-old daughter. My father and I don’t agree on much, and have very little in common. My father isn’t religious, and even ridicules religion at times. Anyway, one of the few things we somewhat have in common is that we enjoy “classic rock.” I realize this music has no spiritual value, but we were listening to music videos by Hall & Oates, Tom Jones and Pink Floyd. There was also a dance scene with a girl wearing a skirt that, at times, revealed her underwear. On top of that, I showed my father parts of the film “The Irishman,” which included profanity and violence. I showed him a part of a video in which they have politicians saying ridiculous and childish things, and I think there was one scene of a woman in a bikini. Anyway, there was obviously a lapse in judgment. Dad and I have a strained relationship, and sometimes making conversation can be rather difficult. Does the watching of the videos sound mortally sinful? Blessings, and thank you in advance. – A.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: It’s good that you at least recognize that there was a lapse in judgment. That shows that your conscience is still sensitive.
Whenever someone asks, “Is this a mortal sin?”, the next question that comes to mind is, “If this were ‘only’ a venial sin, would you do it again?”
If the answer is yes, then there is a big problem. For anyone to deliberately choose to offend God, even venially, is a sign the person is a lot closer to mortal sin than he thinks.
But let’s put things positively. We aren’t here in this world just to avoid mortal sin. We are here to become saints.
Here is where you might ask yourself whether these videos and movies are helping you grow in holiness, and whether they are helping to draw your dad closer to Our Lord.
Ask yourself, too, what kind of impact these media will have on your children as they grow up.
It might be good to step back and review how the media you consume reflects your religious views, and how those media can impact the people around you.
For the more integrally you live your faith, the more powerful your prayers can be, and the better the chance you will have to convert your dad (and raise your children well).
As for your immediate relationship with your dad: It might be better to focus on the wholesome interests that you two have in common, such as your kids and extended family members.
Putting Jesus first in your life will help you navigate all the other relationships.
A helpful book for honing the art of evangelizing might be Go! 30 Meditations on How to Best Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.
I hope some of this helps. Count on my prayers.
“Ask a Priest: Was It OK to Watch Racy Videos to Connect With Dad?” Read More »
Luke 21:29-33
Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Introductory Prayer: Dear Jesus, I believe in you and in the Kingdom you are building in and through me. I believe in the value of my sacrifice and struggles united to yours. I hope to arrive to heaven when you say it is time. I wish to spend myself for those I should love the most.
Petition: Thy Kingdom come, both now and forever!
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, give me a greater faith and confidence that every cross and burden, no matter how trivial or small, is a means to love. I want to build your Kingdom with you. Keep me focused on the opportunities and demands of the present moment.
Resolution: I will make one small sacrifice at a meal today for someone I wish I could help more.
December 1, 2023 – The Kingdom Is Near Read More »
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Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.
In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.
Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.
From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.
Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!
