We invited back praise rally favorites Clap For Poland, and first time worship leader at Holy Family – Paul J Kim! The theme of the night revolved around the idea that everyone is called to Holiness, to celebrate the light and not dwell in the darkness. We certainly had lots of extras like a step and repeat photo area with special guests Justin Bieber and Robert Pattinson (unfortunately, or fortunately for some, cardboard cutouts), food and drink provided by the White Rabbit Truck and The Boba Truck, PAL Campaign T-Shirts, and featured organization I Am Whole Life, to which all collected donations went.

The most beautiful part of the event was the collective gathering of high school youth on a Friday night to praise God. Many have never been to a praise rally, and asked questions before the event such as, “So is this like a Christian rock concert?” Whatever notions they had all went out the door once we were gathered, listening to creative music, experiencing fellowship, and reconfirming the idea that was already burning in our hearts – the idea that we are all a part of the human family.

Here are some pics from the event. Let’s always be creative, let’s always be inspired, and let’s always be lights of the world.

-PAL!

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One of their directors was a model for a Dig Deep Water t-shirt photo-shoot, (The Limited Edition Dig Deep/PAL Campaign T-Shirt series has since ended), and after some e-mail exchanges, coffee and sandwiches at a local cafe, PAL Campaign started designing a few tees for I Am Whole Life!

Here is the first design in a series of more to come. They were featured at the 2012 March for Life Rally in Washington D.C.! Here’s to being Made Whole!

-PAL

This seems to be the month for Collaboration at PAL Campaign! As 2012 takes off, I’ve been able to design two sets of tees for Singer / Songwriter / Speaker – Paul J Kim. Designing for musicians and organizations is always fun and creatively challenging. Here are the fruits, which you can pick up soon at www.pjkmusic.com

Click over to pjkmusic.com to see more of Paul J Kim and look for custom t-shirt designs for PJK coming soon!

To those who do not know (and to those who do)-there is a new translation from Latin to English for the Mass that has been in the words for the past 11 years. It is meant to be a more faithful translation from the Latin to our common English than the missal that most of us have grown up with our entire lives. This change has caused a lot of debate and uproar for a variety of reasons-too long to go over here. And the work that went into making this translation is too long to detail here as well. For more information-check out the video at the bottom of this article. (It has Mark “The Bible Geek” Hart in it!!!)

To be honest, the Mass that we celebrated was one of the hardest I have ever been to. Starting as a baby/toddler, I have been to Mass every Sunday and have basically memorized the entire Mass including the priest parts (ex. The Eucharistic prayers). I can basically recite the entire Mass from memory and that is something that I take some small pride in, Now this new translation of the Roman missal wipes all that way. During Mass, my brain and mouth kept going back to what they are used to saying instead of the new words and it was frustrating and humbling. I think this is a change that many will have difficulty with, but with the right attitude; this can be an enormous opportunity to grow deeper in our faith, prayer, and liturgical lives.

I want to focus on three changes in the translation that stuck out to me. I will explain what the new translation means and signifies and what it can do for our understanding of God.

1. “And also with you”–>“And with your spirit”: When the priest greets us that the Lord be with us, we responded with the former. Now we will respond with the latter for two reasons. 1)All the other countries respond this way (“Et con tu spiritu”). I first became aware of this in Italy when I noticed a couple extra words in that response. This is a more faithful translation to the Latin and it will unite us with all the other Romance/Germanic language countries who already have this. 2) It is a more formal, reverent greeting and one that connects us on a deeper level that something that seems like a mere “hello”. We are recognizing the divine Spirit in each of us.

2. “We Believe”–>“I Believe”: Again this is a more faithful translation of the Latin because it says “Credo” not “Credemus” in the original Creed. Yet, this one really bothered me at first. One of the things that I love about being Catholic is the fact that our Church is “universal” at its core and that we are ultimately a community. We believe in the common good of all people no matter our culture. So I felt that this change would lessen that idea of community and be more like the Evangelical fundamental principle of a “personal” relationship with Jesus. On deeper reflection, it has grown on me because it challenges us to personally state and stand up for our  faith to all. The “I” in a sense demands more of me personally because it makes me own my faith rather than just standing behind the guise of all the community.

3. “You gather a people to yourself so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made to the glory of your name”–>“You never cease to gather a people to yourself so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.” : I am a theological nerd at heart. The former translation is my favorite Eucharistic Prayer (#3). I love it when the priest decides to pray this version instead of the shortened #2 or the name-heavy #1. The idea that Christ gathers people from all over the world (“east to west”) and from all over history and time is just amazing and brilliant for me. So it is going to be really hard for me to see this translation go…but I am really starting to dig this new translation. Maybe it’s because my name means “sunrise” in Korean, but there is something deeply poetic about “the rising of the sun to its setting”. It is incredibly lofty and idealistic-spiritually beautiful in the fullest sense of the term. It connects a natural phenomenon that we experience and often take for granted with deeper spiritual, poetic truths. It reminds us that Christ is the true “light of the world” (Jn. 8:12).

There you have it. A small humble reflection on the New Roman Missal. I hope that it serves some purpose and has sparked some more interest on your part to learn more about this change in the Mass all across the Church in the United States. Ideas and words matter. Let us view this as a great opportunity to renew our faith, to embrace Scripture and Tradition, and to grow closer to the God who calls us to worship and praise.

Word for Words

Life is full of quality people dedicated to making our world a better place to live. It was through a PAL Campaign Fashion Show at Catholic Underground LA last Summer that I met George McGraw, the Executive Director for DigDeepWater.org. It wasn’t a formal introduction or meeting by any means…one of the models for the show couldn’t make it and we needed someone fast! George was tan from a recent trip to Sudan for Dig Deep (Ha!), and looked the part. We asked if he would model for us, and he agreed to jump in right away to help out. After a few practice runway walks, he was ready to go!

This is the essence of Dig Deep Water. They saw that the basic human right to water was not being met in many parts of the world, and jumped in to make this a reality. In order to help realize this mission, we’ve partnered up with the rad people over at Dig Deep Water to create a limited edition set of tees to help with the promotion and protection of the right to water.

We give $7 of every tee sold (tax-deductible) to helping this awesome cause. Get your Limited Edition T-Shirt now before it’s too late!

Read more about all the good work being done over at Dig Deep here: digdeepwater.org

SHOP MENS | SHOP WOMENS

Ten years later, we stand to commemorate this momentous event in our country’s history. As we reflect, we remember that in many ways our country is different. 9/11 has changed us forever. It has affected who we elect for government positions and our political discourse. It has impacted who we listen to or watch in the media. Teenagers and children will never know a time when they did not have to take off their shoes to get through security for a flight. And of course, it has changed how we perceive an entire denomination of people based on the actions of 19 hijackers and the rest of al-Qaeda.

So how do we as Christians process an anniversary of such a tragedy? I believe that in the readings for this day provide a window into answering that seemingly impossible question. The Book of Sirach teaches us that “wrath and anger are hateful things” and we should put them aside. Anger born of fear and bitterness consumes and imprisons one’s mind and soul. The only way to be liberated from this darkness is to “forgive our neighbor’s injustice” just as we have been forgiven.  As Dr. King proclaims, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” It is by taking the moral high ground of forgiveness and love that we are freed from a life of hatred and oppression. The 103^rd Psalm reminds us to let the Lord who is “slow to anger and rich in kindness” judge others and not make ourselves out to be judge, jury, and executioner.

It certainly takes humility to do so as the Gospel reminds us. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother when his brother sins against him. Seven times? No, Jesus responds; “seventy-seven times” which we can interpret to be as countless. As Christians, we are called to a life of forgiving others because we ourselves have been forgiven for our own flaws and faults. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been saved and that redemption calls us to be better. Those who died on that day and those who saved lives on that day challenge us to be better as Americans. Their lives should not be pitied, but remind us of the fundamental goodness and decency of humanity. In the aftermath, we prayed together as one body; we mourned together as one family; we cared together as one world. People of 70 different nationalities died that day. Firefighters and police officers rescued people of different backgrounds, cultures, and creeds without question. Their lives should be honored and we can do that by living a life- as Lincoln put it -“with malice towards none and charity towards all”.

Even in the darkest of times and in the saddest of remembrances, there is always hope that we can live together as friends and not as enemies. My heart tells me that man, despite all of our imperfections, is full of goodness and love. And I pray that we choose to live by the “better angels of our nature” and that what is right and true will always be passed on to the next generation. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

But before I purchase a Bugatti or inject Botox in order to feel young, I believe it’s important to contemplate upon some “life lessons”. Perhaps a short summary of the past twenty-five years that can serve as a roadmap for the next twenty-five and beyond. Considering that most of the visitors to this blog are young adults, perhaps this can serve as a reflection for you as well.

*Author’s Note: I do not purport to have any advanced medical or psychological expertise. If you are seeking physical and psychological health tips, please look elsewhere.

1. Don’t get stuck: There is a temptation for all humanity to get set in one’s ways. It’s not just a child or old person thing. It is so easy to maintain the status quo that we do not want to risk losing the sense of comfort that warms us. Many of us are still holding onto our college or dare I say it-high school personas and behavior because it’s so much easier to get trashed than becoming responsible. We are plagued by the eternal “What if…?” It’s time to let go of our old personas; to empty ourselves and see what new, exciting things God has in store. Read a daunting book. Debate and actually listen to someone who completely disagrees with you on politics and religion. Take a road trip or travel to a place you haven’t been before. Do service that in a sense makes you feel uncomfortable and out of place from your normal surroundings. To not be afraid of the present or future, but jump in with the passion and fervor you always wanted. But remember…

2. Be patient with yourself: It’s tempting to rush our lives as fast we can in order to fully be that “most successful”, “uber-rich”, “awesome” version of ourselves. When looking upon the success of others in my generation (Exhibit 1: Mark Zuckerberg), it’s hard not to be a little jealous. When reading about the accomplishments of historical figures (Exhibit 2: Albert Einstein, age 26, writing the Theory of Relativity), it’s hard not to be anxious about where my future is headed. When witnessing the bliss of my friends getting married (Exhibit 3: The stack of wedding invitations and Facebook photos), it’ hard not to be freaking out about my own vocation. But let’s take a collective breath and remember God has a plan for each of us, “plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope.” (Jer. 29:11)

3. Hold onto God: And the final temptation is to try and do it all yourself. It’s tempting to want what we want-the ideal career, relationship, trips to exotic places. But let us remember that we would not be where we are now without the grace of God. How else can we explain everything that seems beyond our own talent and control? And in the times of despair-when we seem paralyzed by fear and uncertainty-let us hold onto a God who never lets go. To trust in the Savior who brings to completion all that he has started in us.

“The things you have given me will grow and reach perfection. For I myself will be with you, for it is you who have given me by very being.”-St. Augustine

Lovers and Peacemakers alike, certain designs from PAL’s collection are going away for good. I’ve always wanted the line to have a fresh and current brand, and in keeping with that desire, we are officially retiring some of our designs.

Because these prints are going away for good, make sure to get yours now! At only $12 – it’s a pretty sweet deal for a limited set.

In 8th grade, the only things that I read were the articles on the Lakers and Dodgers in the Los Angeles Times. I had shunned an activity that I had cherished since I was a baby-reading books-because it was not “cool” to do so. One day, our school librarian suggested that I begin reading this popular book called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. “No way!” “Yes way”, she responded and handed me the book. I begrudgingly accepted and began to read.
It was good. Not great. However, I was intrigued to read more. After a week, I returned the first book and then borrowed the second and third. Luckily, we had Memorial Day weekend so I could read them over break. Unfortunately, I had to go on a family trip. I found a solution: to read in the car during the many awkward silences that were bound to occur.
Somewhere on the 5 freeway in our world and the Chamber of Secrets and the Shrieking Shack at Hogwarts, I changed. In the car, I devoured every word, magical and non-magical alike. Quidditch. Dementors. The Patronus Charm. And I grew attached to these well-developed and fascinating characters: Sirius Black, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Severus Snape, the Weasley Family, and of course Harry himself. Next thing I knew, I was obsessed. When my friends got me Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire before a beach trip, they had to hid it in the car so I wouldn’t read it at the beach. They failed. I haven’t stopped since.
There have been two main criticisms of the Harry Potter series that I would like to confront. The first is that the series is “childish” and not a literary classic because it is popular culture. Granted, the first couple of books are geared towards children because simply-Harry is a kid in them. It makes sense because Harry is still growing up and does not yet face the challenges that will confront him in the latter half of the series. When (spoiler alert!) Lord Voldemort returns in a grandiose and malicious fashion, the series gets real dark, real quick by becoming an exploration of good v. evil in history, philosophy, politics, and current events.

Furthermore, Rowling’s writing is clever and gives homage to the myths and traditions of the past. Take for example the name of Remus Lupin, the former Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher and friend of Harry’s parents. Rowling gives him the first name of one of the founders of Rome who suckled on a wolf as a baby and the last name of the Latin for “wolf”; all to foreshadow Lupin’s big revelation. Finally against this charge, Shakespeare was considered “popular culture” back in his day and too accessible and low-end entertainment. Now he’s considered too complex and hard for the modern teenage student.
The second charge is that Harry Potter leads people especially impressionable children and teenagers about the dark arts, black magic, and witchcraft. True, the school is called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but fundamentally the series purports and professes Christian and universal values of sacrifice, fellowship, loyalty, and love. There is the obvious good v. evil with good being represented by Harry and his friends, the Order of the Phoenix, Gryffindor, and Hogwarts and evil being represented by Lord Voldemort, the Death Eaters, Slytherin, and Dolores Umbridge.

Yet on a deeper level, we see a timeless message that is synonymous with Biblical ethics. Just as Christ told us to care for the least of our brothers and sisters, Harry, Dumbledore, and Hermione advocate on behalf of the least of the magical society: houselves, goblins, half-bloods and Muggle borns. They show respect and care for the marginalized and vulnerable even at Hogwarts where our heroes befriend the absent-minded Neville and the eccentric Luna Lovegood rather than the haughty Draco Malfoy. Christ called different, flawed men and women to be his followers, not the same or the perfect. Our heroes value the strengths and gifts of each other whether it is Fred and George’s comedic genius or Hermione’s cool logic and determination to be the best, but also their differences.
And when they are faced with some of their greatest challenges and enemies, our heroes are called to forgive and show compassion. And remarkably-they do. It gives us a model for our own lives and salvations because we are called to forgive each other. In doing so, we receive redemption. These are just some of the reasons that it is so easy to make Harry Potter a portal in which to learn our Catholic faith. I can give examples from the stories to make lessons or ideas accessible in the classroom. Due to this, Harry Potter has helped me to become a better teacher.
Speaking of teachers, I want to give tribute and thanks to my favorite character in the whole series, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. I have long done an imitation of Dumbledore in various speeches and skits; most recently manifested in a parody that I did in college (but I digress…) Much like Merlin, Yoda, and Gandalf, Dumbledore is the epitome of wisdom and understanding. He teaches or reminds Harry the big lessons of each book, many of which will stick with me today. I cannot tell you the number of times that I have said to my students or friends, “It is our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are far more than our abilities.” Or been personally inspired by his ideal that it is not what a person is born that matters, but what they grow up to be. Or brought to tears by “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love.” Through Dumbledore, Rowling is able to impart her deepest wisdom that teaching and education of minds and hearts is far more important than reaching for power and glory. It is amazing to comprehend that the most powerful wizard of the entire series-if not of all time-is a teacher. Dumbledore shows me that it is the duty of the best and brightest to go into teaching. It is humbling to do so, but enlightening as well.
It has been easy for years to delay my sadness for this beloved experience to end because I knew that after the books came the movies. But now this is really the end; that is until they re-boot the franchise with a gritty, darker version. I hope not because it has been a rich and rewarding ride despite my criticisms for what they cut out in the films. Let us thank Rowling, a former single mom on welfare writing on napkins only to become richer than the Queen of England by having the courage and creativity to write. Let us thank Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson who so perfectly embodied their characters and aged with grace and elegance (especially Emma Watson). And finally, let us thank Harry Potter, the outcast who lived under the broom closest to fully become The Boy Who Lived.