Week 24 Questions

Question 1

The Author, Msgr. Joao Cla, describes the relationship between Dona Lucilia and her son, Dr. Plinio, in this way: “Unless seen with eyes of Faith, it may be difficult to comprehend this closeness and union of soul between mother and son. It was the fruit of an ardent love of God, which led them to admire one another’s supernatural virtues – gifts of Providence.”

It seems that Msgr. Joao intends by this to say that it was a singular, a unique and truly spiritual bond.

Dr. Plinio had an affectionate and witty way of turning aside any excesses of loving concern Dona Lucilia would express for his health and well-being.  He gladly accepted, though, the wisdom of her “maternal discernment”.

Unlike the perfect understanding Dona Lucilia and Dr. Plinio shared, family members sometimes entertain unrealistic expectations of the time and attention others in the family owe them.

While fulfilling our duties to family and others, what and who must be the main focus in the life of a Catholic?   How is this accomplished?

Question 2

Having been endowed by Providence with “discernment of psychologies,” Dona Lucilia was “alert to evil by means of apparently insignificant details.” Through this gift she was able on at least two occasions to caution Dr. Plinio with some observations regarding the behaviour of two “friends.” It turned out that both of these men intended great harm to Dr. Plinio.

In seeking to hurt Dr. Plinio, these associates were guilty of working evil against the Church since Dr. Plinio had so devoted his life to the work of the Catholic Church – the work of God. The eighth Commandment, as we know from the Catechism, forbids; detraction – telling another’s faults without valid reason; calumny – telling lies about another; rash judgment – assuming as true the moral fault of another, without sufficient foundation.

When is it valid and possibly necessary to express knowledge, or even a strong suspicion of evil regarding a person or situation?

Question 3

The visit to their home of Admiral Yamamoto, a famous Japanese veteran of many naval battles, was a true test of virtue for Dona Lucilia. Looking to enhance the Admiral’s enjoyment of the occasion, he was invited to tell of some naval feats. With lively enthusiasm, he recounted how “wonderful it was” when “dozens of enemy ships sank . . . straight to the bottom . . . ” during one memorable battle. Poor Dona Lucilia was afflicted with concern only for the “plight of the mariners, swallowed by the sea.” To his great credit, the Admiral was even more “fired up” when discussing with Dr. Plinio the unfortunate state of the Church at that time.

True to her admirable virtue, later, when hearing of the Admiral’s death, Dona Lucilia “prayed fervently for his eternal repose, “agreeing with what was said of him that even as “Japan had lost a valiant warrior, the Church had lost a fearless militant.”

How important is it, and how prepared are we to charitably overlook a person’s minor faults and flaws to see their value in the eyes of God?

How can we make this apparent in our treatment of others?