Rob Colquhoun

An explanation of sin and suffering. Given that every person has committed some wrong in their lives, this has contributed towards sin and suffering. Therefore every person who has sinned has contributed towards the suffering, unhappiness and incompleteness of existence. To complain of this suffering without acknowledging one’s own personal contribution towards it would be to be a hypocrite. To complain in a traffic jam that there is too much traffic whilst contributing towards it also stinks of hypocrisy. However if we understand that we are responsible for much of the suffering in the world and then say sorry to God this is the responsible and mature approach to suffering in the world.

Acquiring tangible assets
The universal destination of material goods ensures that whatever we store up here on earth in a material sense cannot be in our possession forever. What is far more enriching is if we store up those things that we can be rewarded for: service to others, love and generosity. Materialism fills the mind with many irrelevances and places an overwhelming amount of emphasis on the here and now, and the having. We should rather than acquire the latest material goods strive to acquire the non tangible assets which have real and genuine lasting value.

Unless your actions and beliefs are done in your heart they don’t mean anything- if they are only done in your head they lose their significance.

Love transcends through institutionalism and human structures. Humanity’s organisation are intrinsically flawed and although this does not mean that every organisation loses its legitimacy overnight if something goes grossly wrong, to have a full perspective on this when people make serious errors is to understand the frailty and sinfulness of humanity. An overemphasis on human authority helps us to forget that we have to be fully grateful to God who has given us all and who takes away.

Materialism

This states the belief that having is far more important than being. It is an overemphasis on material goods rather than human or spiritual values. Its manifestation in society has been created by a culture of consumerism and commercialisation. Advertising in its most crudest form attempts to seduce the viewer into believing that they must have the latest product to make everything worthwhile. Body enhancement is the latest materialistic fashion- to have surgery on the body to enhance one’s face, lips or breasts is nothing short of distasteful. The tragedy of materialism is it is an attempt to be happy through the wrong means- because the best things in life are free. A concentration on material goods helps to forget the transcendental nature of the world.

Deism

The belief, based solely on reason, in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation. A vague notion of God is deeply fashionable in our society. The idea that God is out there somewhere and religion is inaccurate and damaging, combined with New Age nonsense helps promote a concept of God but not much else. The idea of God is far beyond a wishy washy idea of a spiritual being. The denial of traditional religious beliefs helps to water down ideas to a primordial level where the disease of deism flourishes. The theory of deism is highly illogical – although very few people openly adhere to it many in effect belief. A commitment to prayer, openness to God and commitment to charity can show that God has not abandoned the world.

Secularism

This is religious scepticism or indifference or the view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education. It is particularly damaging to the Church because it attempts to rid society of religion mostly through misunderstanding or a warped view of history. Many radical secularists today have a hatred of religion that borders on the fanatical. Religion explains some of the deepest and fundamental aspects of human existence, including life and the promotion of human rights. Secularism is an acceptance of atheism and its promotion in society. Atheism does nothing but drain society of hope. Religion does help bring service, education, social service and care to society- secularists hate this in their avowal to dislike anything vaguely religious. 

Individualism

This is a belief in the primary importance of the individual, personal autonomy and self reliance. This philosophy helps people become the sole norm of themselves and this leads to a warped view of existence. This notion particularly hits society where the notion of the family is particularly attacked or where there have been many broken families. As John Donne has said, ‘no man is an island’ and the promotion of the self before others only damages self and society. Every action has a consequences and the majority of these consequences affect others. The interpersonal nature of life means it is intrinsically communitarian. Catholicism is community based through the emphasis on parish, family and universality. Legislation that is excessively based on individual rights will break interpersonal relationships. Abortion seeks to protect the rights of the individual of the mother whilst the unborn child- still an individual is discarded in the relationship. Through a rejection of the pride and individualism of ourselves we come into loving relationships with others.

Relativism

Hedonism

This year we have 17 students studying the propadeutic year at the Royal English College. The emphasis on the year is structured around the instructions given by John Paul II in Pastores Dabo Vobis, an instruction on priestly formation. The four main areas are human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral development.

Most days start with meditation for half an hour. It is essential to start the day with prayer, in silence with God in the peace of the chapel. We also pray morning and evening prayer together as a community. Fr John Pardo teaches Catechesis for 3 lessons a week. This is an outline of the Catechism and a good preparation for the study in the first year of seminary. We also have spiritual direction with Fr Kevin Mcloughlin once every 2 weeks. This is an essential part of formation where spiritual progress can be discussed. There is a weekly session of ‘Lectio Divina’ (praying with the scriptures), Eucharistic adoration and the rosary. We also have many Spanish lessons with Maria Pilar that are important given the excellent opportunity that there is to have a good grasp of Spanish here. There is also an emphasis on public speaking and we have been given many presentations as assignments.

We have a daily celebration of the Eucharist. There is strong emphasis placed on having a good standard of liturgy and music. The liturgy is also discussed and organised by the students every week to be coordinated with the readings. The Martyr’s day (25^th October) celebrations and the Vulnerata Mass are the two biggest celebrations of the College this term. Both Masses were followed by appropriately enormous feasts! We also have had a Taize Advent service organised by the students and a reconciliation service.

Many lessons have been taken by visiting priests and religious from the UK. Fr Bill Readman came to give lectures for a week on the Scriptures, whilst Archbishop Kelly of Liverpool also gave a week of talks on theology. Sister Amadeus Bulger has been very helpful visiting 3 times before she comes permanently for the spring term. Fr Jeff Bayhi has taught on human and spiritual development with a particular emphasis on the role of celibacy. The college life is greatly enhanced by the guests that we have had to stay here this term. The variety of guests were have had to stay has helped to learn more about the Church at home and the variety of ministries in the Church. The weekly day off and the siesta time in the afternoon give an opportunity to make the best use of the time. I have visited some of the outstanding Cathedrals in the department (area) of Castile y Leon in Segovia, Leon and Burgos which have all been truly inspiring.  

Two major cultural events occurred this term. A conference was organised to celebrate 400 years of peace between England and Spain. This included 3 history lectures, an exhibition, a piano concert and 2 nights of acting from a compilation of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. The Vulnerata Mass was preceded by 3 days of prayer and public Masses, including a spectacular concert from the poems of St John of the Cross and St Terese of Lisieux. We have also visited Salamanca and Avila, whilst there was a 3 day break to allow students to travel to Spain to experience some of the culture in other cities.

Essentially the propadeutic year is a preparation and introductory year prior to going to seminary. The focus is less academic and this gives more time for reflection and prayer. Praying the office together as a community has helped to be a focal point in the life of the college. The year presents itself as a clear opportunity for students to develop a deeper relationship with God through a solid interior life, through the liturgy, sacraments and personal prayer. A greater emphasis has been placed on the life of the community as we are in a foreign country here and everyone contributes towards the college by doing public work.

The college chapel is an inspiration for prayer in itself. One only has to imagine the martyrs who lived and studied here to be inspired and the lifelike paintings down the corridor help to vivify this image. The fascinating history of the college, combined with the beauty of the building makes one feel privileged to be here as part of that history.

In January each student has been assigned a pastoral placement somewhere in the UK to either help with a community or a parish through volunteer work. This will help us to have a greater understanding of commitment in service, helping, guiding and inspiring others.

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Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of the Church. Mary was enabled to say an unreserved and unconditional yes to God. To fulfil this she was wholly born of God’s grace. She was given the gifts fitting for the role she had. With the free assent of faith to her vocation, she said with great humility and love, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” There is no greater calling than the calling of a Christ bearer and a bringer of the Lord to the world. The fact that other religions venerate Mary is testimony to her greatness, as the cause of salvation for herself and for the entire human race. Mary is a role model for femininity, dignity and sanctity.

St Peter Chrysologus provides us with a chronological look at God’s love for the world and his people. Their response to God is notable. Abraham is made great, accompanied, enriched and honoured finally he learns to worship and love God and not tremble in fear. Moses was reluctant to take up God’s call, saying ‘who am I to do this?’ and ‘send someone else’ until he humbled himself to say, ‘here I am send me.’ Moses went on to become the liberator of his people. Likewise in the Old Testament, Samuel, in an attitude of queist listening and openness, heard God’s voice, many times. He allowed Eli to decipher with him the meaning of his calling. Samuel testified, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

These are events where God has fired the flame of love with his chosen people. God’s call is an invitation to discover your true self. He leaves us free to respond in love.

 God’s words are of peace and unity and we should not be afraid of God’s calling. God gives us the strength we need as he sends the Holy Spirit to come upon us. We can only come to love and know a fraction of God’s love. Love desires to see God, but it is incapable of moderation and is beyond reason.

The Gift of Scripture (published by the Bishop's Conference) is a document explaining the importance of Scripture in the Church. It is partially based on Dei Verbum. The most important characteristics of the Bible are written out. A summary of the Bible is included. The authorship, correct interpretation and practical ways of engaging with Scripture are discussed.
The Document reiterates the main statements of Dei Verbum. It confirms that God addresses people as friends and invites them into communion. Scripture has a divine source and this is handed down as part of a living tradition. The Scripture should be honoured with reverence and are a sacred deposit of the word of God. As a consequence it is a duty to serve the word by teaching, listening, explaining, preaching and protecting it. Christ comes to us, through the sacraments but also by words which are able to strengthen us in holiness. Scripture needs the living tradition, a correct interpretation and the magisterium to be seen in the proper context. Scripture and tradition should be closely bound together and the authoritative preaching of Bishops develops tradition because it is living. The context and intent of the authors of the books must also be taken into account. We should not expect total accuracy from the Bible in some secular matters (e.g. scientific measurements).
God is the author of sacred scripture, in and through the sacred writers. There is divine ‘condension’ because the words of God have had to be adapted to our limited understanding. There is also imperfect and time conditioned elements which are part of the Bible. Essentially the Bible is the word of God in human language. The processes of assimilation of the Bible have been safeguarded by the Holy Spirit. A fundamentalist understanding of the Bible is not only intellectual suicide but disregards the proper meaning of Scripture and humanity. The Bible needs to be read in an authentic Christian spirit.
God has been revealed by closely connected words and deeds. The prophets and Old Testament tell us of history and faith of Israel. The Scriptures of the Jews are wonderful treasuries of prayer, especially the Psalms. The prophets reprimand some for their sins, and bring hope and new life to those who only await death. God’s revelation in the Old Testament shows how God’s revelation brings people to a deeper and richer understanding of God. It shows how the Journey of life is slow and difficult. The Old Testament provides the roots and basis of the New Testament and the proper preparation for the Gospels, the heart of all Scriptures. Scripture ensures that faith is passed on in a trustworthy way. Jesus is the mediator and fullness of all revelation. The Gospels are precise historical testimony to his divinity and humanity. In scripture we find Christ, the eternal word of the living God. This word is still at work in those who believe and it has the power to change and renew people’s lives.
It is out of love that God speaks to his people. Through this, we should evangelise and teach the faith and offer the Gospel in intelligible and attractive ways for changing times. Paul was the chosen instrument to bring the name of Christ to the nations. It is a privilege and a duty to proclaim salvation to humanity. We need to listen to what the spirit says to the Churches. We need prophets and guides to lead people to salvation and many can receive from the treasure of God’s word. What has been written is for our instruction and through it we may have hope. Christ is the central point and fullness of all scripture, and also of the liturgy.

Sacred Scripture is to be understood as a gift because it is the channel of communication by which faith in Christ is made present. Believing comes through hearing and understanding. This is stated in Romans, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Scripture therefore is a gift from God enabling salvation. As the Scriptures come from a divine source, God has acted in the scriptures through and with the writers giving us a source of truth, wisdom and holiness which can encourage and sustain us to live in communion with God. The Scriptures are gift because they are a guide to salvation, explaining the history of salvation and an exegesis on God’s interaction with mankind. The Word of God provides us with strength and power, inspiration and encouragement, and the sustenance and energy to have the strength of faith. It is out of God’s love that he has given us Scripture. Without it we would be lost in terms of understanding God’s will, intention and mystery. The Scriptures open the way for us to God’s presence (Heb 10:19-22). The Scriptures are also a gift because they provide teaching and encouragement on how to live one’s life in a profound relationship with God. They provide the method for a deeper understanding of Christ and his Church.

Scripture is a gift in my life because it is a way of learning and loving Christ and the history of God’s plan for mankind. It also places authority and understanding into the heart of the Church. The gift of Scripture makes the message of Christ’s redemption of mankind available in written proof. Through hearing and understanding we come to believe in the Messiah. The Old and New Testament combined provide a source and inspiration of love, wisdom, faith, hope, self control, forgiveness, patience, goodness and fruitfulness. Without the gift of the Bible, the passing on of faith and tradition from generation to generation would be much harder. The bible is alive in its correct interpretation- in mind of the author and the meaning understood by the magisterium and tradition. Ingnatian contemplation can help us to consider the many layers of the Gospel and their relevance to our faith and salvation. Many human disciplines are at the heart of the interpretation of Scripture. Language, theology, history and philosophy are all used to understand Scripture in its authentic form. Through the use of these human faculties the gift of God’s love and his message for humanity can be manifested.
Scripture was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by men. It is the revelation of Jesus, “the mediator and fullness of all revelation.” Through hearing we believe, through belief we hope, through hope we love. Isaiah told his disciples to preserve teaching for future generations. We receive and hand down the communication of God’s plan for humanity for future generations. Scripture contains the truth God desired to establish for the salvation of humanity. Scripture is authentic in collaboration with the authority of the Church. The revelation of Scripture is not perfect: they contain imperfect elements, but we must still see the unity of the whole of Scripture. God’s revelation in Scripture brings people to a deeper and richer understanding of love and life, and to a deeper understanding of Christ and his Church. There is strength and power in the word of God and this is a pure and eternal source of the spiritual life. In Scripture we find Christ and hear his history and his mission as the eternal word of the living God. It is out of love that God speaks to his people. Scripture teaches us about the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christ is revealed in the Gospels and the Holy Spirit inspires, guides and speaks to the Church. The word of God is living and alive. It stands forever as revelation of the redemption promised by God. Through reading, living and understanding the scriptures we come to have a greater relationship with Christ.

Many people have said that religion and politics should not mix. However, the ethical aspects of politics ensures that religions, if they have an ethical content, cannot but be involved and interact with politics. I do not propose a theocracy, but as religion informs the conscience it cannot but speak on political issues. To silence any religious involvement in consultation over religious affairs is a very aggressively secular viewpoint. The country with one of the worst observance on religious freedom is China. Incidentally, the country also has a terrible human rights record. The fact that a state must have a policy on religion shows how in fact religion and politics by definition must relate with other in some form or manner.   

Christianity has serious relevance today with many issues debated in national assemblies. In Britain an attempt was made to introduce a close relative of Euthanasia, assisted suicide. Ultimately, this would reverse the role of a doctor far from the Hippocratic oath tradition to being an agent of death, responsible for killing his patients rather than offering them help to recover from illness. It would seriously undermine the patient-doctor relationship to satisfy a few humbugs who would rather be dead. Christian lobbying groups, organisations and Priests helped to prevent this dreadful idea being introduced into our legislation. Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff has provided excellent interventions to ensure and awaken Lord’s consciences of the reality of the debate. Therefore in this instance Christianity has successfully avoided new legislation, ignorant in the advances of palliative care and with serious negative implications from entering law.

With human cloning, orthodox Christianity has maintained that all forms of both therapeutic and reproductive cloning seriously undermine the dignity of the human person and involve the exploitation of humanity. To use the human person as an instrument is antithetic to the Gospel message. Life, as it begins at conception cannot be abused, destroyed or experimented upon, because mankind has been made in the image of God. From this we have a meaning and purpose which is beyond the purely material and therefore we must all act in a way not abusing this principle. Within this debate Christianity, when it is argued in its authentic form (and not from wolves in sheeps clothing), defends the right to life and attempts to have legislation in place which prevents eugenics. This has clearly been seen in the European parliament in the last year with Christian MEPs preventing women being exploited for the use of their eggs and cells for research.

Christianity also is committed to education, the family and hospitals. These are all at the service of mankind- helping to foster a society that is healthy, viable and beautiful. When negative stories arise, particularly against Christian leaders it is important to remember that this is partly because of the sinfulness of humanity rather than the flaws of Christianity. Both politics and mainstream religions have experienced apathy, negativity and a decline in interest in the UK in recent times. Yet both Priests and Politicians are in the position to be leaders in the communities, guiding individuals, supporting and helping others. It would be far more positive to recognise the links that Churches and MPs have and how they can serve each other.