Then the flesh that has been mortified shall triumph more than if it had always been pampered in delights. Then will a strict life and a hard penance be more pleasing than all the delights of the earth.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiv.
______________
After having, like Jesus Christ, passed through this life doing good; after having been overlooked, misunderstood, as He was, the Saint was to scale a hard and painful Calvary. As the Prioress was used to seeing her carryon bravely in spite of illness, she allowed her to keep the observance, although she found some of the Community exercises very tiring. At the end of the day, when she went upstairs unaided, she had to wait at every step to take breath, and reached her cell so exhausted that she sometimes took an hour to undress. When at length she went to bed, it was on a hard straw mattress that she took her brief rest.
She passed very bad nights, but when asked if she did not need some attention, she answered: "Oh! no, I am glad to have a cell at some distance from the others, as they cannot hear me. I prefer to suffer alone; as soon as I am petted, I no longer enjoy myself."
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thoughts of St Augustine for August 31
That part, however, which is separate from it and sojourning upon earth, is thereby the more known to us, in that we are in it, and in that it is of men, which we also are.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-August 31
Many Christians submit to great fatigue, and expose themselves to many dangers to visit the Holy Land, where our Saviour was born, suffered, and died. We need not undertake so long a journey, or expose ourselves to so many dangers; the same Lord is near us, and dwells in the church, only a few steps distant from our houses.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
National Right To Life Committee Lawyer Works Against Protection For The Preborn
Washington, DC (29 August 2008) – American Life League Vice President Jim Sedlak denounced comments made by National Right to Life Committee lawyer James Bopp. Bopp's comments opposed an amendment to the Republican Party platform that would protect preborn persons against the threat of embryonic experimentation.It's not only outrageous - it's everything Bopp said it was not: unethical, immoral, improper - and worse! Since life begins at conception, how can anyone claiming to be "pro-life" envision a case where experimentation which results in the deliberate killing of human life ever concluude that it is permissible?
"It is incredible that Mr. Bopp, while clearly identifying himself as speaking for the National Right to Life Committee, would state that embryonic experimentation is acceptable," said Sedlak.
Bopp spoke against a platform amendment to work toward a ban on embryonic stem cell research and cloning Aug. 27. He told the committee:
"It may very well be in our future that there is therapeutic research that can be done on human embryos, and there is nothing unethical immoral, improper or ... that disregards the sanctity of life if we are involved in therapeutic research."
Sedlak remarked, "Mr. Bopp clearly said he opposed creating human embryos for experimentation, but said it could be OK to experiment on human embryos that already existed. The thought that any representative of a national pro-life group would endorse experimentation on the tiniest humans is outrageous...."
NRLC needs to correct this flawed and immoral position immediately!
HT to DM for the link!
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost (TLM), The Presence Of God
By The Rev. Joseph McSorley, C.S.P
_________________
"That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts." Epistle of the day.
It was the purpose of the Incarnation, dear brethren, to bring God and man together. Magnificently was that purpose fulfilled. Here, in this common world, a man among men, Christ dwelt visibly; He grew and labored, He spoke and suffered. A man among men, He was, at the same time, God among men. Forever, after the sight of Him, there was stamped upon the imagination of the race, an ineffaceable image of perfection. Twisted inextricably into the fibers of the human heart, were cords of strength, and patience, and supernatural holiness. God had come nearer than ever before; and, in consequence, man was to be for the rest of the centuries greater than ever before.
The history of Christian civilization demonstrates this, dear brethren. For all its gloom of shadow and its many streaks of blood, for all its disappointing blindness and hardness, for all its leaden-footed following of heroic leadership and its headlong rush into each new discovered path to fields of gluttony and of lust, -- for all this, Christian society, down through the ages, displays the ever present influence of a divine ideal. It shows the blending of God's thoughts and actions with those of men; it proves that Christ never left the race He undertook to save at any price, -- that He is among us in every time and place, that He is with us here and now.
The best that is recorded in the human story, the finest achievement of civilization, displays, like threads of gold, deeds of divine brightness warped through the dark woof of a carnal-minded race, and making an exquisite pattern of splendid beauty. In and around, up and down, through and about, are winded the shining threads; and to the watchful eye, they reveal the outline of a design fairer than aught the mind of man could imagine in an eternity.
It is a different world, since Christ came here, and a different life, love and marriage are ennobled; birth and death are glorified. The hard tasks that daily fall to labor's lot are softened and sanctified. The care of little ones, the training of the young, the pursuit of knowledge have become divine vocations; they are among the hallowed things that men and women reverence. We gather for common worship about a Sacrificial Altar, and a Table of Wonder, where Christ again is offered up to save from sin, and Christ's Body again is broken like bread for souls to feed upon. All through the ranks of the uncounted millions who have taken to themselves the livery of His name, there is recognized, now clearly and now dimly, yet universally recognized, an ideal of human relationship, which is peculiarly Christian. Bonded by some sort of indescribable fellowship, driven by an unnamed inspiration, men and women accept as an inevitable duty the burden of human service.
It is a conception that dawns gradually and in some respects spreads slowly; generations may deny it and individuals reject it; but in the end it makes itself felt as the necessary consequence of being a Christian. On it goes, widening, deepening the channel of human sympathies, until human love, made pure by the touch of Christ in passing, has flowed into the farthest, murkiest recesses of misery; and lepers, idiots, drunkards and criminals, who have been rescued, rise up and call Him blessed. Yes! it is scarcely to be denied by the patient historian, -- the social order of the Christian world is permeated, illumined, energized, by a force, a light, a power, which in some mysterious, inexplicable way, comes and goes with the coming and going of Christianity. It is the presence of Christ making itself felt in the world.
Though this indeed, has been done; though the traces of His passing are too plain to ignore; though the world is forever different and better now; still, in each individual life, the process of improvement must recommence again; and in many an individual life little yet has been done. What may be hoped for by each, is suggested in the prayer breathed by St. Paul, as he thinks of the needs of his dear Ephesians: "That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts."
In these words, dear Brethren, St. Paul presents an ideal of what the life of the Christian ought to be. It should be a life spent with God. Every moment and each activity, all thought and endurance, all impulse and determination, the earning of one's daily bread, the strife against recurrent temptation, the grief at great bereavement, physical pain and sorrow and joy, strenuous fighting and exultant victory, tender communion and stern performance of heart-breaking duties, -- none of all these is apart from God. Into the grand harmony of the Christian's whole life, must be introduced the music of Christ's participation, divinely beautiful, strengthening, dominating. In nothing that he does can the Christian be quite as other men.
The fulfillment of this ideal of constant communion and harmonious cooperation with the Divine Presence, dear brethren, is a gift of God; it depends upon a generous grace of His, which we can never do enough to deserve. But it implies another element, too; for the bestowing of the gift is conditioned by the attitude we assume and the response we make. This aspect of the matter needs to be considered very carefully. What is the proper attitude for us to assume, when God draws near? What can be done? What must we do?
St. Paul has hinted the answer in one word of his: "faith." We should have faith. And faith is a gift which we must stretch out our hands to receive; it approaches, like a divine guest whom we must go forth to meet, and strive heartily to entertain. Faith is at the beginning of holiness. It is the root, indispensable to the growing, and the budding and the blossoming of that fair flower whose fragrance should be wafted through the garden of our lives. If Christ is going to dwell at all within us, He will begin to dwell by faith.
Faith, dear brethren, includes, of course, implicitly or explicitly, every single truth that God has ever taught, or will ever teach. There is, however, one particular point of faith which may well be emphasized in connection with the matter now under our consideration.
This is faith in the omnipresence of God. In every nook and comer of this visible world, in the midst of the big and little things that make up the daily lives of men and women, at every moment and in every sort of situation, God is near to us, looking upon us, sounding the depths of our consciousness. He is appealing to us, and he is sensitive to our response, to our good conduct, or our ill doing. This is, indeed, the greatest fact of human life; and constant attention to this fact is the substructure of the greatest possible human holiness. To believe in the constant presence of the God who loves us and, for love's sake, lays a law upon us, -- to believe in this and to act consistently with such belief, is the most practical general rule of holy living that can be devised. The cultivation of faith in God's omnipresence; and the endeavor to behave in a fashion consistent with this faith is, then, the beginning of the preparation for that ideal life of which St. Paul speaks. It and it alone will bring us to that state wherein Christ will dwell in our heart by faith.
To promote this sense of the presence of God, we should make the spirit of reverence habitual. It helps much, if we can bring ourselves always to act in the same temper as we have in church. This is far from saying that we may not rest and relax, laugh and amuse ourselves; but that always under the surface, there will be the subconscious sense that we are in the presence of God. It means that often, or even by mere aspiration, a prayer will be offered to the ever-present God. It means that temptation will acquire something of the horror of a desecration, of a sacrilege. To keep hold of the great fact; to refuse to let ourselves be drawn away by the vain argument and the fallacy of lying appearance which imply that here is no God, -- this is the beginning of the holiness which ensures happiness. Remember the great fact of your life; and the remembrance will prepare your soul for the gift of Faith.
Then again we must strive not only to be aware that God is present; but to act as if His interests were indeed supreme in life. The usual tendency of nature is to put material goods in the first place; and to rank other people after ourselves. We must go straight against this tendency, if we would be a fit habitation for the indwelling Christ.
It is not hard to see how different our lives would soon become, if the central fact of consciousness were the omnipresence of God. It would mean first of all, the possession of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is not confined to spoken communications; it is not limited to one or two of the possible sentiments possible to the human heart. Prayer is well described as conversation with God. How could one be ever conscious of God's presence, and yet refrain from frequent communicating with Him? It might concern the great crises of one's life, or the trifling matters of a common day; it might be a petition for the things we need, or thanksgiving for precious favors already received; it could voice the agonized sense of desolation in a soul terribly tried, or the quiet adoration of one telling God simply, "It is good to be here." But at all times, and all places, the soul would be aware that God is within reach of every creature that cries to him, even in unspoken whispers; and its deep sentiment would be communicated to the closest and dearest Friend, whose sympathy is as certain as His power to help is great.
Nor is it hard to see that, almost inevitably, advertence to this dominating Presence would lead to a transposition of values in our appraisal of things and deeds. The shining baubles of the world look lusterless enough to a man familiar with the radiance of Christ's beauty. Ways of dealing that the world approves of, and that once we ourselves admired, shrivel up into pettiness and meanness beneath our full-grown dignity, if we have just been considering how they look to God. The law which regulates buying and selling in shop and market, seems impossibly barbaric, when we remember that Christ, who erected such different rules of conduct for His disciples, is here present, waiting to see whether we are loyal of heart or base traitors. In one word, if we remember that God is looking at us, we are very apt to behave as God wishes.
This, then, is what our text suggests; that the Incarnation brought God into more intimate companionship with the sons of men than had ever before been possible; and that the subsequent course of human history shows how mightily men have been influenced by that intimacy, even independently of their wishes and despite the willful resistance of many. And the large result is the creation of a different moral and social universe, wherein we find the best traceable to the dominant influence of the ever-present God.
As it has been in the general life of the race, so too it is to be in the individual, who will be lifted and ennobled and who will attain his best development, by means of the ever active influence of the ever-present God. This happy consummation is the outgrowth of a living faith; and that faith can best be cultivated by the man who sets himself to practice internal reverence at every moment of his life, in much the same spirit as he would practice reverence in church; and who tries to act as a faithful disciple of Christ should act under the inspiration of his Master. To the soul that trains itself by this method, we may promise that, sooner or later, it will receive the blessing which Paul invoked upon the Ephesians: "May Christ dwell by faith in your hearts."
__________________
Adapted from Plain Sermons by Practical Preachers, Vol. II(©1916)
Nihil Obstat: Remegius Lafort, S.T.D
Imprimatur: John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York
_________________
"That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts." Epistle of the day.
It was the purpose of the Incarnation, dear brethren, to bring God and man together. Magnificently was that purpose fulfilled. Here, in this common world, a man among men, Christ dwelt visibly; He grew and labored, He spoke and suffered. A man among men, He was, at the same time, God among men. Forever, after the sight of Him, there was stamped upon the imagination of the race, an ineffaceable image of perfection. Twisted inextricably into the fibers of the human heart, were cords of strength, and patience, and supernatural holiness. God had come nearer than ever before; and, in consequence, man was to be for the rest of the centuries greater than ever before.
The history of Christian civilization demonstrates this, dear brethren. For all its gloom of shadow and its many streaks of blood, for all its disappointing blindness and hardness, for all its leaden-footed following of heroic leadership and its headlong rush into each new discovered path to fields of gluttony and of lust, -- for all this, Christian society, down through the ages, displays the ever present influence of a divine ideal. It shows the blending of God's thoughts and actions with those of men; it proves that Christ never left the race He undertook to save at any price, -- that He is among us in every time and place, that He is with us here and now.
The best that is recorded in the human story, the finest achievement of civilization, displays, like threads of gold, deeds of divine brightness warped through the dark woof of a carnal-minded race, and making an exquisite pattern of splendid beauty. In and around, up and down, through and about, are winded the shining threads; and to the watchful eye, they reveal the outline of a design fairer than aught the mind of man could imagine in an eternity.
It is a different world, since Christ came here, and a different life, love and marriage are ennobled; birth and death are glorified. The hard tasks that daily fall to labor's lot are softened and sanctified. The care of little ones, the training of the young, the pursuit of knowledge have become divine vocations; they are among the hallowed things that men and women reverence. We gather for common worship about a Sacrificial Altar, and a Table of Wonder, where Christ again is offered up to save from sin, and Christ's Body again is broken like bread for souls to feed upon. All through the ranks of the uncounted millions who have taken to themselves the livery of His name, there is recognized, now clearly and now dimly, yet universally recognized, an ideal of human relationship, which is peculiarly Christian. Bonded by some sort of indescribable fellowship, driven by an unnamed inspiration, men and women accept as an inevitable duty the burden of human service.
It is a conception that dawns gradually and in some respects spreads slowly; generations may deny it and individuals reject it; but in the end it makes itself felt as the necessary consequence of being a Christian. On it goes, widening, deepening the channel of human sympathies, until human love, made pure by the touch of Christ in passing, has flowed into the farthest, murkiest recesses of misery; and lepers, idiots, drunkards and criminals, who have been rescued, rise up and call Him blessed. Yes! it is scarcely to be denied by the patient historian, -- the social order of the Christian world is permeated, illumined, energized, by a force, a light, a power, which in some mysterious, inexplicable way, comes and goes with the coming and going of Christianity. It is the presence of Christ making itself felt in the world.
Though this indeed, has been done; though the traces of His passing are too plain to ignore; though the world is forever different and better now; still, in each individual life, the process of improvement must recommence again; and in many an individual life little yet has been done. What may be hoped for by each, is suggested in the prayer breathed by St. Paul, as he thinks of the needs of his dear Ephesians: "That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts."
In these words, dear Brethren, St. Paul presents an ideal of what the life of the Christian ought to be. It should be a life spent with God. Every moment and each activity, all thought and endurance, all impulse and determination, the earning of one's daily bread, the strife against recurrent temptation, the grief at great bereavement, physical pain and sorrow and joy, strenuous fighting and exultant victory, tender communion and stern performance of heart-breaking duties, -- none of all these is apart from God. Into the grand harmony of the Christian's whole life, must be introduced the music of Christ's participation, divinely beautiful, strengthening, dominating. In nothing that he does can the Christian be quite as other men.
The fulfillment of this ideal of constant communion and harmonious cooperation with the Divine Presence, dear brethren, is a gift of God; it depends upon a generous grace of His, which we can never do enough to deserve. But it implies another element, too; for the bestowing of the gift is conditioned by the attitude we assume and the response we make. This aspect of the matter needs to be considered very carefully. What is the proper attitude for us to assume, when God draws near? What can be done? What must we do?
St. Paul has hinted the answer in one word of his: "faith." We should have faith. And faith is a gift which we must stretch out our hands to receive; it approaches, like a divine guest whom we must go forth to meet, and strive heartily to entertain. Faith is at the beginning of holiness. It is the root, indispensable to the growing, and the budding and the blossoming of that fair flower whose fragrance should be wafted through the garden of our lives. If Christ is going to dwell at all within us, He will begin to dwell by faith.
Faith, dear brethren, includes, of course, implicitly or explicitly, every single truth that God has ever taught, or will ever teach. There is, however, one particular point of faith which may well be emphasized in connection with the matter now under our consideration.
This is faith in the omnipresence of God. In every nook and comer of this visible world, in the midst of the big and little things that make up the daily lives of men and women, at every moment and in every sort of situation, God is near to us, looking upon us, sounding the depths of our consciousness. He is appealing to us, and he is sensitive to our response, to our good conduct, or our ill doing. This is, indeed, the greatest fact of human life; and constant attention to this fact is the substructure of the greatest possible human holiness. To believe in the constant presence of the God who loves us and, for love's sake, lays a law upon us, -- to believe in this and to act consistently with such belief, is the most practical general rule of holy living that can be devised. The cultivation of faith in God's omnipresence; and the endeavor to behave in a fashion consistent with this faith is, then, the beginning of the preparation for that ideal life of which St. Paul speaks. It and it alone will bring us to that state wherein Christ will dwell in our heart by faith.
To promote this sense of the presence of God, we should make the spirit of reverence habitual. It helps much, if we can bring ourselves always to act in the same temper as we have in church. This is far from saying that we may not rest and relax, laugh and amuse ourselves; but that always under the surface, there will be the subconscious sense that we are in the presence of God. It means that often, or even by mere aspiration, a prayer will be offered to the ever-present God. It means that temptation will acquire something of the horror of a desecration, of a sacrilege. To keep hold of the great fact; to refuse to let ourselves be drawn away by the vain argument and the fallacy of lying appearance which imply that here is no God, -- this is the beginning of the holiness which ensures happiness. Remember the great fact of your life; and the remembrance will prepare your soul for the gift of Faith.
Then again we must strive not only to be aware that God is present; but to act as if His interests were indeed supreme in life. The usual tendency of nature is to put material goods in the first place; and to rank other people after ourselves. We must go straight against this tendency, if we would be a fit habitation for the indwelling Christ.
It is not hard to see how different our lives would soon become, if the central fact of consciousness were the omnipresence of God. It would mean first of all, the possession of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is not confined to spoken communications; it is not limited to one or two of the possible sentiments possible to the human heart. Prayer is well described as conversation with God. How could one be ever conscious of God's presence, and yet refrain from frequent communicating with Him? It might concern the great crises of one's life, or the trifling matters of a common day; it might be a petition for the things we need, or thanksgiving for precious favors already received; it could voice the agonized sense of desolation in a soul terribly tried, or the quiet adoration of one telling God simply, "It is good to be here." But at all times, and all places, the soul would be aware that God is within reach of every creature that cries to him, even in unspoken whispers; and its deep sentiment would be communicated to the closest and dearest Friend, whose sympathy is as certain as His power to help is great.
Nor is it hard to see that, almost inevitably, advertence to this dominating Presence would lead to a transposition of values in our appraisal of things and deeds. The shining baubles of the world look lusterless enough to a man familiar with the radiance of Christ's beauty. Ways of dealing that the world approves of, and that once we ourselves admired, shrivel up into pettiness and meanness beneath our full-grown dignity, if we have just been considering how they look to God. The law which regulates buying and selling in shop and market, seems impossibly barbaric, when we remember that Christ, who erected such different rules of conduct for His disciples, is here present, waiting to see whether we are loyal of heart or base traitors. In one word, if we remember that God is looking at us, we are very apt to behave as God wishes.
This, then, is what our text suggests; that the Incarnation brought God into more intimate companionship with the sons of men than had ever before been possible; and that the subsequent course of human history shows how mightily men have been influenced by that intimacy, even independently of their wishes and despite the willful resistance of many. And the large result is the creation of a different moral and social universe, wherein we find the best traceable to the dominant influence of the ever-present God.
As it has been in the general life of the race, so too it is to be in the individual, who will be lifted and ennobled and who will attain his best development, by means of the ever active influence of the ever-present God. This happy consummation is the outgrowth of a living faith; and that faith can best be cultivated by the man who sets himself to practice internal reverence at every moment of his life, in much the same spirit as he would practice reverence in church; and who tries to act as a faithful disciple of Christ should act under the inspiration of his Master. To the soul that trains itself by this method, we may promise that, sooner or later, it will receive the blessing which Paul invoked upon the Ephesians: "May Christ dwell by faith in your hearts."
__________________
Adapted from Plain Sermons by Practical Preachers, Vol. II(©1916)
Nihil Obstat: Remegius Lafort, S.T.D
Imprimatur: John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York
Institute of Christ the King to Celebrate Live Televised Mass
On Sunday, September 14th, members of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest will celebrate a Solemn High Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Hanceville, Alabama. The conventual Mass will be broadcast live by EWTN, the Global Catholic Network, to a worldwide audience of 140 million homes, through TV, radio, and live streaming video online.
September 14th marks the first anniversary of the implementation of Pope Benedict XVI's motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" [PDF]. The Solemn High Mass will be in commemoration of, and thanksgiving for, this pivotal document of His Holiness, which confirms that the Latin Rite in its ancient form as presented in the 1962 liturgical books of the Roman Catholic Church was never abrogated and is available to all priests and all faithful who desire it.
The live broadcast from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery will take place at 8:00 AM Eastern Time USA [That's 7:00AM for us in St Louis], 14:00 Central European Time, 12:00 UTC.
Gospel for Saturday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Rose of Lima, virgin; Saints Felix and Adauctus, martyrs; St. Fiacre
From: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
________________________________
Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations" , 114).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
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Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations" , 114).
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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Just for Today, August 30
God would have thee learn to suffer tribulation without comfort, and wholly to submit thyself to Him, and to become more humble by tribulation.
-Bk. II, ch. xii.
_________________
There are some who take such a gloomy view of things that they make them much worse; I always look on the bright side. If I have suffering unrelieved by any gleam of comfort, I manage to make that my joy.
-Conseils et Souvenirs..
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. II, ch. xii.
_________________
There are some who take such a gloomy view of things that they make them much worse; I always look on the bright side. If I have suffering unrelieved by any gleam of comfort, I manage to make that my joy.
-Conseils et Souvenirs..
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for August 30
This Church then which standeth in the holy Angels and Powers of God, will then at length become known to us as it is, when at the last we shall have been joined with it to possess together with it eternal blessedness.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-August 30
Meekness should be particularly observed towards the poor, who, by reason of their poverty, are often harshly treated by men. It should likewise be especially practised towards the sick, who are suffering under infirmities, and for the most part meet with little help from others.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
McCain Provides Assurance to Pro-Life Voters: Picks Strongly Pro-Life Woman as VP
From Missouri Right to Life:
"Missouri Right to Life is very pleased with Senator McCain's choice of Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice President. Her leadership and life choices give proof to her courage and commitment to pro-life values," said Pam Fichter, President.Missouri Right to Life
Following weeks of speculation by pundits that Senator McCain might name a pro-abortion running mate, the Republican candidate sent a strong signal to pro-life voters by selecting an outspoken
Right-to-Life advocate, pro-life Governor Sarah Palin.
A self-acknowledged member of Feminists for Life, Palin and her pro-life husband are the parents of five children including a baby boy with Downs Syndrome born earlier this year. Following prenatal diagnosis, the Palins took the opportunity to publicly highlight the sanctity and value of every person, including their son.
"We knew through early testing that he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives..."Governor Palin stated. "We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed..." Palin said.
"We understand that every innocent life has wonderful potential...and again, I'm looking at him right now, and I see perfection."
The Palins' other children include Track, 18, Bristol, 17, Willow, 13, and Piper, 7.
______________________
Click here to make a contribution to MRL in its crucial work to protect innocent human life.
Every Life Has Meaning...So Does Every Vote. Make Yours Count.
Pro-Life Grandmother Refuses to Return Kids "Porn" Book to Library, Faces Jail
From the American Life League:
This book is insidious. For instance:
The book, "It's Perfectly Normal," promotes abortion and homosexuality. It also denigrates Judeo-Christian religion and morality. The book states that homosexuality is boundless. The authors claims that homosexuality is "perfectly normal" and "the highest form of love," according to "the ancient Greeks" (pp. 17-18).
Read more about the book here from Concerned Women for America.
PRO-LIFE GRANDMA FACES PRISON FOR REFUSING TO RETURN KID-GEARED PORN TO LIBRARYSource.
by Katie Walker
Released August 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. (28 August 2008) – We need your help as time is running out for American Life League supporter JoAn Karkos! The Maine woman has until 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 to return the Planned Parenthood endorsed, sexually explicit children's book It's Perfectly Normal to a public library in Lewiston.
If she does not, the 64-year-old grandmother may face jail time. JoAn needs your help - here's what you can do:
Please call Judge Valerie Stanfill at 207-795-4884 and ask her to not let JoAn Karkos go to jail for protecting the children of Lewiston against porn in their libraries.
Please call the Lewiston Library at 207-513-3004 and tell them to get It’s Perfectly Normal out of the public libraries. Tell them kids should never be exposed to cartoons of naked men and women in various sexual poses, long-winded descriptions of masturbation and homosexuality as depictions of 'perfectly normal' behavior.
Karkos said she was inspired to check the book out of the library in September 2007 after reading an American Life League alert about the pornographic cartoon sex content in the book by Robie H. Harris. The book should be nowhere near children, according to Karkos.
"I'm not giving the book back," Karkos said. "Every citizen has an obligation to protect the innocence of children."
It's been endorsed and promoted by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the nation's largest abortion chain.
"The book subverts true liberty, hates well-ordered discipline, and wages [war] against peace and harmony in public and private lives of youth and children," Karkos said. "I refused to return the borrowed book."
Karkos sent the library a check for $20.95 to cover the cost of the book. The check was sent back.
Now, unable to find a lawyer to represent her, Karkos represented herself in Maine's 8th District Court August 27. The judge ordered her to sit in the courtroom until she returned the book. An hour later, the judge revised the order and gave Karkos until Friday.
"JoAn is a courageous hero standing against one of the vilest examples of Planned Parenthood's war on families and hatred for childhood innocence," said Judie Brown. "We hope her trial will alert parents, who can no longer trust libraries to be free of pornography, even in the children's section. We now know the abortion industry is willing to invade our public libraries to distribute inappropriate information and get our kids hooked on sex."
This book is insidious. For instance:
The book, "It's Perfectly Normal," promotes abortion and homosexuality. It also denigrates Judeo-Christian religion and morality. The book states that homosexuality is boundless. The authors claims that homosexuality is "perfectly normal" and "the highest form of love," according to "the ancient Greeks" (pp. 17-18).
Read more about the book here from Concerned Women for America.
Bishop Robert Hermann: On a correctly informed conscience
"My conscience is my guide." For many people, following this principle is a disaster. Some terrorists follow their conscience. Some suicide bombers follow their conscience. We can use this principle to justify whatever course of action suits us....
[Pope John Paul II states]: "Sin darkens the intellect. Old spiritual books used to say that as a commonplace, but today it has been largely forgotten. Those who live conscientiously by the Commandments are better judges of morality than clever people who live in sin. That can sound arrogant, but it is simply the truth. As Cardinal (John Henry) Newman (the famed 19th-century Catholic convert) put it, it is a better ethical disposition that enables some to discover the truth. Cardinal Newman also spoke of an ‘ethical incredulity’ that blocked some from accepting genuine evident miracles. Courage to face the truth, a desire to know the truth and humility in accepting it from others or from a higher authority such as the New Testament and official Church teaching play a greater part in having right moral and religious beliefs than native intelligence or cleverness...."
For anyone really willing to grow in the spiritual life, I would encourage such a person to select either the Scripture passage or a Church teaching that bothers them deeply. Then I encourage such a person to study all that the Catholic Church teaches about such an issue, especially in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I also encourage such a person to prayerfully reflect as to why such a teaching bothers them so deeply. It usually points to rebellion or self will....
Dr Edward Peters: Tim Pawlenty's religious status
There is nothing like real life to demonstrate, once again, that canon law is meant to address it.Click here for a canonist's view.
Rumors that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will be John McCain’s running mate occasion some (hopefully) clarifying remarks on Pawlenty’s religious status.
Coalition Says Catholics Will Be Target of Ad Campaign for Obama
It's inconceivable how any thinking Catholic could even contemplate giving ANY consideration to this promoter of infanticide. He's nothing more than a community agitator and an empty suit, slickly packaged for sale to the dumbed-down masses whose ears have been tickled by the empty promises of "the one we've all been waiting for." I suppose that the innocent and defenseless unborn could always "Hope" for "Change."Television ads directly targeting Catholic voters in support of Sen. Barack Obama for president will soon be hitting the airwaves across the U.S., the Christian Science Monitor reports.
A group calling itself “The Matthew 25 Network,” made up of Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, and Pentecostal Christians who support Obama’s candidacy, has announced plans for a major advertising campaign including radio, television and print media....
[Sharon Daly, a former vice president of Catholic Charities USA and onetime director of domestic social policy for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops] told the newspaper that Catholic support for Obama will grow once “Catholics reflect on this and get to know more about him.”
****
I removed the "St Obama" of Assisi picture as requested and opted for this one...
News Updates, 8/29
Pelosi gets unwanted lesson in Catholic theology
Pittsburg Bishop David Zubik: Speaker "completely misrepresented the teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to abortion"
Pelosi’s "theology" should be disregarded by every faithful Catholic
Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan: "Catholics who take a public stance in opposition to this most fundamental moral teaching of the Church place themselves outside full communion with the Church..."
Mexico City's abortion-rights law is upheld
Decision likely to reverberate across South America
Jury gives $5 million to clergy abuse victim
Belleville diocese pays out for covering up perpetrator
New Green Bay bishop sings 'Drop Kick Me, Jesus'
David Ricken livens his installation ceremony
Catholics seek probe into priest's killing
2,000 march in streets of southern India with demand
Denver archbishop grabs spotlight from Democrats
Rabble-rousing included pro-life vigil, book signing
Italy horrified by violent assault on monks
'They hit him until he stopped crying out'
New Russell Shaw book uncloaks bishops' secrecy
The doings of the Church are as impenetrable as ever
Pittsburg Bishop David Zubik: Speaker "completely misrepresented the teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to abortion"
Pelosi’s "theology" should be disregarded by every faithful Catholic
Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan: "Catholics who take a public stance in opposition to this most fundamental moral teaching of the Church place themselves outside full communion with the Church..."
Mexico City's abortion-rights law is upheld
Decision likely to reverberate across South America
Jury gives $5 million to clergy abuse victim
Belleville diocese pays out for covering up perpetrator
New Green Bay bishop sings 'Drop Kick Me, Jesus'
David Ricken livens his installation ceremony
Catholics seek probe into priest's killing
2,000 march in streets of southern India with demand
Denver archbishop grabs spotlight from Democrats
Rabble-rousing included pro-life vigil, book signing
Italy horrified by violent assault on monks
'They hit him until he stopped crying out'
New Russell Shaw book uncloaks bishops' secrecy
The doings of the Church are as impenetrable as ever
Gospel for August 29, Memorial The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist
Old Calendar: Beheading of St. John the Baptist; St. Sabina, martyr
From: Matthew 14:1-12
The Death of John the Baptist
[1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; [2] and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." [3] For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; [4] because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." [5] And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. [6] But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and pleased Herod, [7] so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. [8] Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." [9] And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; [10] he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, [11] and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. [12] And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.
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Commentary:
1. Herod the tetrarch, Herod Antipas (see the note on Mt 2:1), is the same Herod as appears later in the account of the Passion (cf. Lk 23:7ff). A son of Herod the Great, Antipas governed Galilee and Perea in the name of the Roman emperor; according to Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian ("Jewish Antiquities", XVIII, 5, 4), he was married to a daughter of an Arabian king, but in spite of this he lived in concubinage with Herodias, his brother's wife. St. John the Baptist, and Jesus himself, often criticized the tetrarch's immoral life, which was in conflict with the sexual morality laid down in the Law (Lev 18:16;20:21) and was a cause of scandal.
3-12. Towards the end of the first century Flavius Josephus wrote of these same events. He gives additional information--specifying that it was in the fortress of Makeronte that John was imprisoned (this fortress was on the eastern bank of the Dead Sea, and was the scene of the banquet in question) and that Herodias' daughter was called Salome.
9. St Augustine comments: "Amid the excesses and sensuality of the guests, oaths are rashly made, which then are unjustly kept" ("Sermon 10").
It is a sin against the second commandment of God's Law to make an oath to do something unjust; any such oath has no binding force. In fact, if one keeps it--as Herod did--one commits an additional sin. The Catechism also teaches that one offends against this precept if one swears something untrue, or swears needlessly (cf. "St Pius V Catechism", III, 3, 24). Cf. note on Mt 5:33-37.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 14:1-12
The Death of John the Baptist
[1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; [2] and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." [3] For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; [4] because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." [5] And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. [6] But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and pleased Herod, [7] so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. [8] Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." [9] And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; [10] he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, [11] and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. [12] And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.
____________________________
Commentary:
1. Herod the tetrarch, Herod Antipas (see the note on Mt 2:1), is the same Herod as appears later in the account of the Passion (cf. Lk 23:7ff). A son of Herod the Great, Antipas governed Galilee and Perea in the name of the Roman emperor; according to Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian ("Jewish Antiquities", XVIII, 5, 4), he was married to a daughter of an Arabian king, but in spite of this he lived in concubinage with Herodias, his brother's wife. St. John the Baptist, and Jesus himself, often criticized the tetrarch's immoral life, which was in conflict with the sexual morality laid down in the Law (Lev 18:16;20:21) and was a cause of scandal.
3-12. Towards the end of the first century Flavius Josephus wrote of these same events. He gives additional information--specifying that it was in the fortress of Makeronte that John was imprisoned (this fortress was on the eastern bank of the Dead Sea, and was the scene of the banquet in question) and that Herodias' daughter was called Salome.
9. St Augustine comments: "Amid the excesses and sensuality of the guests, oaths are rashly made, which then are unjustly kept" ("Sermon 10").
It is a sin against the second commandment of God's Law to make an oath to do something unjust; any such oath has no binding force. In fact, if one keeps it--as Herod did--one commits an additional sin. The Catechism also teaches that one offends against this precept if one swears something untrue, or swears needlessly (cf. "St Pius V Catechism", III, 3, 24). Cf. note on Mt 5:33-37.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Just for Today, August 29
If it be deferred, let us believe that we are not well prepared, and that we are as yet unworthy of the great glory which shall be revealed in us at the appointed time; and let us endeavour to prepare ourselves better for our departure. Blessed is that servant, whom when his lord shall come, he shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he shall set him over all his possessions (Luke xii, 43).
-Bk. I, ch. xix.
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I know that I shall die soon, but the day of my death is always being postponed. I am like a child who has been promised a cake; every time he stretches out his hand for it, it is withdrawn out of reach. I am quite resigned to live or to die, I am even willing to recover and go to Cochin-China if it is God's will.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xix.
____________
I know that I shall die soon, but the day of my death is always being postponed. I am like a child who has been promised a cake; every time he stretches out his hand for it, it is withdrawn out of reach. I am quite resigned to live or to die, I am even willing to recover and go to Cochin-China if it is God's will.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for August 29
This one thing I know, that it is never well with me e«cept in thee; and that not only without but within myself also; and that all abundance which is not my God, to me is only very poverty.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-August 29
No sinner has ever prayed to God with repentance without having his desires granted. What greater comfort can a sinner have after his fall than to know for certain that all he asks from God in the name of Jesus Christ will be given to him?
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Eight Bishops Have Spoken Out against Pelosi's 'Catholic' Abortion Theology
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 28, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Two more bishops have released statements condemning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's widely publicized claim that the Catholic faith could support abortion.September 5? Why the rush?
Bishop Michael J. Sheridan of Colorado Springs and Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh join the other six Catholic bishops who have already corrected Pelosi's false claims, made during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, that when life begins has been "an issue of controversy" throughout the history of the Church and that, therefore, the Catholic faith can support abortion.
Bishop Sheridan warned Catholics in his statement Tuesday that Pelosi's picture of Church history and teaching is categorically false....
Pelosi's own bishop, Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer, has thus far made no comment. His spokesman Maurice Healy told LifeSiteNews.com that the Archbishop would be publishing something on the matter in his regular column in the diocesan newspaper on September 5.
Bishop Sheridan's full statement here.
Bishop Zubik's full statement here.
at LifeSiteNews/
Totally Inconsistent with Catholic Social Doctrine
The ramblings of Joe Biden and others are reported in the Christian Science Monitor. Biden states that "animating principle" of his faith, as taught to him by church and home, was that the cardinal sin was abuse of power...
I don't recall the Church teaching that "abuse of power" is one of the "cardinal sins" which are (by most Catholic catechisms): Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth.
Nevertheless, by his support of abortion rights he refuses to acknowledge that the wanton murder of the helpless, defenseless unborn is the epitomy of that "abuse of power" which he claims is the animating principle of his life.
He also says,
There are also elements (heretics) which claim that it is entirely laudable, even necessary, to reject certain teachings of the Church and still be an "ardent, practicing Catholic." These people are deluded.
When it comes to the teachings of the Church in which he professes to be a devout member, he seems to dismiss the fact that one of those "elements" is Jesus Christ, Himself, who said "He who hears you, hears me and he who rejects you, reject Me, and He Who sent Me."
Biden also seems to ignore the fact that the keys of the Kingdom, that is, the power to bind and loose was given, not to one's own malformed conscience or opinion, but to Peter and his successors.
It's difficult to believe that Biden, and other professed Catholic politicians who support infanticide, homosexuality, and other intrinsic evils, can be living in a state of ignorance - especially considering the recent focus on Catholic politicians by the news media brought about by the efforts of a small number of faithful Catholic
bishops.
Rather, the pro-death positions taken by these politicians seems, objectively, to be motivated by a arrogance and pride by which they posit that evil is good, error is truth and truth is relative - and this truth is to be determined by one's own intellect, for which the charism of infallibilty is often claimed, if not by words, then by actions.
Another prime "teaching moment" for the Church has come to the forefront of the nation. Will there be a unified effort to repel and defeat the heresies being proposed by public figures, and will we see an end to the nationwide scandals and sacrileges committed while many US bishops remain silent? Must the faithful be left unguarded and unprotected while the general public is deceived and unborn children remain targets of extermination by the "abuse of power"?
***Updated***
Carl Olson has an excellent article on this at Insight Scoop here.
I don't recall the Church teaching that "abuse of power" is one of the "cardinal sins" which are (by most Catholic catechisms): Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth.
Nevertheless, by his support of abortion rights he refuses to acknowledge that the wanton murder of the helpless, defenseless unborn is the epitomy of that "abuse of power" which he claims is the animating principle of his life.
He also says,
"There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that."Witness either pride or ignorance: "I think the church is bigger than that."
There are also elements (heretics) which claim that it is entirely laudable, even necessary, to reject certain teachings of the Church and still be an "ardent, practicing Catholic." These people are deluded.
When it comes to the teachings of the Church in which he professes to be a devout member, he seems to dismiss the fact that one of those "elements" is Jesus Christ, Himself, who said "He who hears you, hears me and he who rejects you, reject Me, and He Who sent Me."
Biden also seems to ignore the fact that the keys of the Kingdom, that is, the power to bind and loose was given, not to one's own malformed conscience or opinion, but to Peter and his successors.
"I get comfort from carrying my rosary, going to mass every Sunday. It's my time alone," he says.I suppose it's easier to carry a rosary than it is to carry a cross.
"Joe Biden is one of the most sincere Catholics I've known in my 40 years as a priest," says Monsignor William Kerr, executive director of the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University.And what does it mean to be "sincere"? Is he sincerely wrong about abortion and the constant teaching of the Church? Is "sincerity" a virtue which trumps fidelity, humility, obedience?
It's difficult to believe that Biden, and other professed Catholic politicians who support infanticide, homosexuality, and other intrinsic evils, can be living in a state of ignorance - especially considering the recent focus on Catholic politicians by the news media brought about by the efforts of a small number of faithful Catholic
bishops.
Rather, the pro-death positions taken by these politicians seems, objectively, to be motivated by a arrogance and pride by which they posit that evil is good, error is truth and truth is relative - and this truth is to be determined by one's own intellect, for which the charism of infallibilty is often claimed, if not by words, then by actions.
Another prime "teaching moment" for the Church has come to the forefront of the nation. Will there be a unified effort to repel and defeat the heresies being proposed by public figures, and will we see an end to the nationwide scandals and sacrileges committed while many US bishops remain silent? Must the faithful be left unguarded and unprotected while the general public is deceived and unborn children remain targets of extermination by the "abuse of power"?
***Updated***
Carl Olson has an excellent article on this at Insight Scoop here.
News Updates, 8/28
“Many Catholics do not ascribe to that view”
Pelosi unrepentant, spokesman issues statement defying bishops
Hindu wave of violence continues against Christians
Faithful killed, homes, churches burned, thousands flee
Indian convent schools to shut in protest
Catholics come together to act against Hindu violence
Franciscan in a coma after attack at monastery
Three hooded men gagged monks and beat them with clubs
Let Cardinal Newman's sexuality stay buried
Gays want to posthumously declare him 'gay'
Priest at the center of an unholy scandal
Catholic boarding school allegedly scene of sex assaults
Mexican Supreme Court: abortion law constitutional
Socialists celebrate anticipated verdict for 31 states
Catholic League: Senator Casey 'blows it' at DNC
Offered standard cliche about seeking the 'common ground'
Archbishop pleads ignorance on abuse documents
Wilton Gregory: Priest's report was kept from me
Pelosi unrepentant, spokesman issues statement defying bishops
Hindu wave of violence continues against Christians
Faithful killed, homes, churches burned, thousands flee
Indian convent schools to shut in protest
Catholics come together to act against Hindu violence
Franciscan in a coma after attack at monastery
Three hooded men gagged monks and beat them with clubs
Let Cardinal Newman's sexuality stay buried
Gays want to posthumously declare him 'gay'
Priest at the center of an unholy scandal
Catholic boarding school allegedly scene of sex assaults
Mexican Supreme Court: abortion law constitutional
Socialists celebrate anticipated verdict for 31 states
Catholic League: Senator Casey 'blows it' at DNC
Offered standard cliche about seeking the 'common ground'
Archbishop pleads ignorance on abuse documents
Wilton Gregory: Priest's report was kept from me
Scandal and Other Sins against Our Neighbor's Soul
"Thou shalt not kill" (Ex. xx. 13).
Most civilized individuals comprehend the evil in which man causes bodily injury to his neighbor, as well as those sins one can direct against his own life. But there seems to be a great misunderstanding of the different ways by which we can injure our neighbor's soul.
How is it possible to injure our neighbor's soul?
We do so when we scandalize him; that is, when we deliberately tempt him to sin or voluntarily influence him, or give him occasion to commit evil.
Let us then prayerfully consider, with the help of the Holy Spirit:
Many people take it in its narrower meaning and think that it consists only in causing vexation or annoyance to others. But this is not the scandal spoken of by our Savior, or alluded to in Holy Scripture and by the catechism.
What, then, constitutes the sin of scandal?
It consists in injuring the soul of our neighbor by causing him to commit sin, or putting him by some influence or action of ours into a worse state, making his conscience harder and less upright than it was before the scandal.
Who are guilty of this sin?
Those who make known to others evil of which they were ignorant; who by their commands, their counsel, their actions, their promises, or threats lead others to commit sin which they would otherwise not have committed; who by their point of view, their examples, their praise, their conduct, knowingly and consciously influence others for evil; who provide opportunities of sin for others which they would not otherwise have had.
Let’s look at an example from Holy Scripture.
After the death of Solomon, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, the kingdom of Juda and the kingdom of Israel. Although the kingdom of Juda was much smaller than the kingdom of Israel it had one great advantage in possessing the ancient capital Jerusalem. In Jerusalem was the only temple of the true God; in it lived the high-priests, and it was there they offered the lawful sacrifices and celebrated the festivals to which the entire populace of both empires crowded. The first king of the separated kingdom of Israel feared that his subjects by going too often to the festivals and sacrifices in Jerusalem might be seized with the desire to be once more united to the kingdom of Juda. So what did he do?
He erected north and south at the boundaries of his kingdom a golden calf as an idol. He himself offered sacrifice to it and he commanded his people to do the same. Now here we have clearly a sin of scandal. The king gave scandal to his people by causing them to commit the sin of idolatry; by erecting the idols he provided them with the occasion of sinning, and by sacrificing to the idols himself he gave them bad example.
Moreover, in commanding them to adore these idols and forbidding them to go to Jerusalem to worship the true God he deliberately led them into sin. We read that the good King Azarias when struck with leprosy withdrew to an isolated house apart from his people for fear of contaminating them with his foul disease. Unfortunately, many rulers both before and after him have, on the contrary, done their utmost to spread amongst their sub?jects the errors of idolatry.
If we look around about us in the world we can see that giving scandal is quite common. Thousands and thousands of people are engaged in writing, printing, selling, and lending books, movies, and music that positively teem with indecencies, blasphemies, and speculations of all kinds, things which neither young nor old can read, watch or listen to without sin. Such things are eagerly devoured by multitudes. Pornographic or sexually explicit movies and pictures are made, painted, printed, and reproduced an indefinite number of times and they would be difficult for anyone to look at without sin; yet this is the class of objects which rivets the eyes of thousands upon thousands each and every day. It permeates television and the internet and is accessible by even the most innocent children.
Across the country, politicians, teachers, and sadly, even a few priests and religious are engaged in giving erroneous representations of Catholic doctrine and speaking of things which are opposed to the natural moral law and which are repugnant to the senses of a civilized and moral society.
Some actors and singers engage in performances which could not easily be listened to innocently.
For the sake of money, opportunities are publicly and privately offered for the commission of sins of impurity, and many make use of such opportunities.
Adults young and old think nothing of holding conversations in the presence of children which are quite unfit for them to hear. In some places state sponsored programs are even used to promote perversion and sexual deviance and fill the minds of children with such propaganda. These poor young creatures may have no choice but to listen day by day to such poison and contamination; how can they keep themselves unsullied?
And besides all of this, what an example of sin, of unbelief, of contempt of the Church and her ordinances, is but too often given by superiors to their inferiors.
And how many parents are a source of scandal to their own children! How many young souls have owed their initiation to vice and the premature loss of their innocence to their intimate friends and companions! How many there are that give scandal, how many are ready to take it!
How true are our Savior’s words: "Woe to the world because of scandals!" Woe, indeed, because of their number, but still more because in itself scandal is such grievous sin.
II. This brings us to the second point of our instruction, namely, the reasons for avoiding scandal. What should particularly deter us from giving scandal?
1. The thought that he who gives scandal by destroying those souls which Jesus Christ has ransomed with His blood is the ally of Satan.
2. The dreadful consequences of this sin.
3. The awful pronouncement by Jesus Christ: "He that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
These reasons should be powerful enough to deter any Christian from the sin of scandal.
He who gives scandal is doing the work of Satan.
This is nothing more than the truth, for what is Satan's business but to draw men into sin, and to keep them in it, thus bringing them to destruction and hell. Therefore, the scandal-giver is first and foremost the ally of Satan.
What a disgraceful part to play! It is bad enough to have this ancient, malicious, envious, treacherous enemy of mankind always close beside us with his numberless temptations. Does hell with its evil spirits not furnish him with helpers enough? Are not his assaults only too successful as it is? Must men need to enroll themselves in his service, making themselves his most efficient allies?
It is easy to understand why Satan should want to deceive souls. He has lost heaven, hope has forsaken him, hell is his portion forever, and there is no salvation for him. But that men and Christians, citizens of the earth, who have it in their power to sanctify themselves, who are called to eternal life, for which they have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, that they should stoop to further the devil's work is an unspeakable disgrace.
In what way does giving scandal help and promote the work of Satan?
It helps in a way in which he is not able to help himself. The devil can not speak to us in audible language; he can place no material picture before us which we can see with our bodily eyes; he can neither command nor threaten nor bribe us; he is not at liberty to tempt us as he pleases, but is restricted according as God allows.
When we give scandal we do for the devil that which with all the resources of hell he is not able to do for himself. Oh, the ignominy, the sin, the shame of scandal!
Further, let us review the results and consequences of scandal. What are its results?
First, it causes him who actually gives the scandal to commit sin, and next, it leads into sin those who take it. These last are generally no small number. Many listen to and laugh at unclean, unrestrained conversations in shops, factories, schools, and even in places of worship. Those who have been tempted themselves tempt others in their turn, repeating these jokes and songs, and so making for others the same occasions of sin that they have had themselves.
One single scandal grows and flourishes long after it has passed from the mind of the giver of it, perhaps when he is dead and his bones have been moldering for hundreds of years; and it may be that it will live right up to the very day of judgment.
It has been said that one book of the godless and unbridled French writer Voltaire has given rise to more mortal sins than there are letters in the whole volume, and this is probably understating the case, rather than overstating it. Though the author of it has long since gone to his grave the evil book lives on and was read by hundreds. “Woe to the world because of scandal!"
If scandal in general is a thing so dreadful, then to give scandal to the innocent is the worst of all. Of this kind of scandal our Savior says:
In truth, the sin of scandal is a terrible one. It is terrible in its own nature, awful in its consequences, and in the punishment it merits.
There is but one resolution to make after this meditation: O my Savior, I promise Thee I will never give scandal. May my tongue cleave to my mouth, my hands wither away, my feet grow powerless, rather than I should be a cause of sin to others. I will give no scandal, neither will I take it; and when the tempter approaches me I will drive him away with the words which Thou Thyself made use of "Get thee behind Me, Satan" - I will neither see you nor hear you nor follow you. Depart from me; I am and mean to be for all eternity the faithful disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
__________________
Adapted from Popular Sermons on the Catechism, Vol. II(©1914)
by Rev. A. Hubert Bamberg
Edited by Rev. Herbert
Nihil Obstat: Remegius Lafort, S.T.D
Imprimatur: John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York
Most civilized individuals comprehend the evil in which man causes bodily injury to his neighbor, as well as those sins one can direct against his own life. But there seems to be a great misunderstanding of the different ways by which we can injure our neighbor's soul.
How is it possible to injure our neighbor's soul?
We do so when we scandalize him; that is, when we deliberately tempt him to sin or voluntarily influence him, or give him occasion to commit evil.
Let us then prayerfully consider, with the help of the Holy Spirit:
I. The nature of this sin.I. All offenses by which we injure the soul of our neighbor are called sins of scandal. This word "scandal" is very often misunderstood and used in a wrong sense.
II. The reasons for avoiding it.
Many people take it in its narrower meaning and think that it consists only in causing vexation or annoyance to others. But this is not the scandal spoken of by our Savior, or alluded to in Holy Scripture and by the catechism.
What, then, constitutes the sin of scandal?
It consists in injuring the soul of our neighbor by causing him to commit sin, or putting him by some influence or action of ours into a worse state, making his conscience harder and less upright than it was before the scandal.
Who are guilty of this sin?
Those who make known to others evil of which they were ignorant; who by their commands, their counsel, their actions, their promises, or threats lead others to commit sin which they would otherwise not have committed; who by their point of view, their examples, their praise, their conduct, knowingly and consciously influence others for evil; who provide opportunities of sin for others which they would not otherwise have had.
Let’s look at an example from Holy Scripture.
After the death of Solomon, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, the kingdom of Juda and the kingdom of Israel. Although the kingdom of Juda was much smaller than the kingdom of Israel it had one great advantage in possessing the ancient capital Jerusalem. In Jerusalem was the only temple of the true God; in it lived the high-priests, and it was there they offered the lawful sacrifices and celebrated the festivals to which the entire populace of both empires crowded. The first king of the separated kingdom of Israel feared that his subjects by going too often to the festivals and sacrifices in Jerusalem might be seized with the desire to be once more united to the kingdom of Juda. So what did he do?
He erected north and south at the boundaries of his kingdom a golden calf as an idol. He himself offered sacrifice to it and he commanded his people to do the same. Now here we have clearly a sin of scandal. The king gave scandal to his people by causing them to commit the sin of idolatry; by erecting the idols he provided them with the occasion of sinning, and by sacrificing to the idols himself he gave them bad example.
Moreover, in commanding them to adore these idols and forbidding them to go to Jerusalem to worship the true God he deliberately led them into sin. We read that the good King Azarias when struck with leprosy withdrew to an isolated house apart from his people for fear of contaminating them with his foul disease. Unfortunately, many rulers both before and after him have, on the contrary, done their utmost to spread amongst their sub?jects the errors of idolatry.
If we look around about us in the world we can see that giving scandal is quite common. Thousands and thousands of people are engaged in writing, printing, selling, and lending books, movies, and music that positively teem with indecencies, blasphemies, and speculations of all kinds, things which neither young nor old can read, watch or listen to without sin. Such things are eagerly devoured by multitudes. Pornographic or sexually explicit movies and pictures are made, painted, printed, and reproduced an indefinite number of times and they would be difficult for anyone to look at without sin; yet this is the class of objects which rivets the eyes of thousands upon thousands each and every day. It permeates television and the internet and is accessible by even the most innocent children.
Across the country, politicians, teachers, and sadly, even a few priests and religious are engaged in giving erroneous representations of Catholic doctrine and speaking of things which are opposed to the natural moral law and which are repugnant to the senses of a civilized and moral society.
Some actors and singers engage in performances which could not easily be listened to innocently.
For the sake of money, opportunities are publicly and privately offered for the commission of sins of impurity, and many make use of such opportunities.
Adults young and old think nothing of holding conversations in the presence of children which are quite unfit for them to hear. In some places state sponsored programs are even used to promote perversion and sexual deviance and fill the minds of children with such propaganda. These poor young creatures may have no choice but to listen day by day to such poison and contamination; how can they keep themselves unsullied?
And besides all of this, what an example of sin, of unbelief, of contempt of the Church and her ordinances, is but too often given by superiors to their inferiors.
And how many parents are a source of scandal to their own children! How many young souls have owed their initiation to vice and the premature loss of their innocence to their intimate friends and companions! How many there are that give scandal, how many are ready to take it!
How true are our Savior’s words: "Woe to the world because of scandals!" Woe, indeed, because of their number, but still more because in itself scandal is such grievous sin.
II. This brings us to the second point of our instruction, namely, the reasons for avoiding scandal. What should particularly deter us from giving scandal?
1. The thought that he who gives scandal by destroying those souls which Jesus Christ has ransomed with His blood is the ally of Satan.
2. The dreadful consequences of this sin.
3. The awful pronouncement by Jesus Christ: "He that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
These reasons should be powerful enough to deter any Christian from the sin of scandal.
He who gives scandal is doing the work of Satan.
This is nothing more than the truth, for what is Satan's business but to draw men into sin, and to keep them in it, thus bringing them to destruction and hell. Therefore, the scandal-giver is first and foremost the ally of Satan.
What a disgraceful part to play! It is bad enough to have this ancient, malicious, envious, treacherous enemy of mankind always close beside us with his numberless temptations. Does hell with its evil spirits not furnish him with helpers enough? Are not his assaults only too successful as it is? Must men need to enroll themselves in his service, making themselves his most efficient allies?
It is easy to understand why Satan should want to deceive souls. He has lost heaven, hope has forsaken him, hell is his portion forever, and there is no salvation for him. But that men and Christians, citizens of the earth, who have it in their power to sanctify themselves, who are called to eternal life, for which they have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, that they should stoop to further the devil's work is an unspeakable disgrace.
In what way does giving scandal help and promote the work of Satan?
It helps in a way in which he is not able to help himself. The devil can not speak to us in audible language; he can place no material picture before us which we can see with our bodily eyes; he can neither command nor threaten nor bribe us; he is not at liberty to tempt us as he pleases, but is restricted according as God allows.
When we give scandal we do for the devil that which with all the resources of hell he is not able to do for himself. Oh, the ignominy, the sin, the shame of scandal!
Further, let us review the results and consequences of scandal. What are its results?
First, it causes him who actually gives the scandal to commit sin, and next, it leads into sin those who take it. These last are generally no small number. Many listen to and laugh at unclean, unrestrained conversations in shops, factories, schools, and even in places of worship. Those who have been tempted themselves tempt others in their turn, repeating these jokes and songs, and so making for others the same occasions of sin that they have had themselves.
One single scandal grows and flourishes long after it has passed from the mind of the giver of it, perhaps when he is dead and his bones have been moldering for hundreds of years; and it may be that it will live right up to the very day of judgment.
It has been said that one book of the godless and unbridled French writer Voltaire has given rise to more mortal sins than there are letters in the whole volume, and this is probably understating the case, rather than overstating it. Though the author of it has long since gone to his grave the evil book lives on and was read by hundreds. “Woe to the world because of scandal!"
If scandal in general is a thing so dreadful, then to give scandal to the innocent is the worst of all. Of this kind of scandal our Savior says:
"He that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea."How precious in the sight of God is the youth and innocence of the souls of children; redeemed by Christ and washed pure in His precious blood they are tenderly loved by Him and destined for the kingdom of heaven, and His curse and vengeance will surely fall on those who shall dare to snatch them out of His hand and lead them along the road to perdition. Better, a thousand times, they had been cast into the sea with a millstone round their necks, than that they should live on to give more such scandal.
In truth, the sin of scandal is a terrible one. It is terrible in its own nature, awful in its consequences, and in the punishment it merits.
There is but one resolution to make after this meditation: O my Savior, I promise Thee I will never give scandal. May my tongue cleave to my mouth, my hands wither away, my feet grow powerless, rather than I should be a cause of sin to others. I will give no scandal, neither will I take it; and when the tempter approaches me I will drive him away with the words which Thou Thyself made use of "Get thee behind Me, Satan" - I will neither see you nor hear you nor follow you. Depart from me; I am and mean to be for all eternity the faithful disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
__________________
Adapted from Popular Sermons on the Catechism, Vol. II(©1914)
by Rev. A. Hubert Bamberg
Edited by Rev. Herbert
Nihil Obstat: Remegius Lafort, S.T.D
Imprimatur: John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York
Gospel for August 28, Memorial: St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor
Old Calendar: St. Augustine; St. Hermes, martyr
From: Matthew 24:42-51
Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
(Jesus said to his disciples,) [42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [47] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48] But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, [51] and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth."
___________________________
Commentary:
42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.
The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
51. "And will punish him [or, cut him in pieces]": this can be understood as a metaphor for "will cast him away". "Weeping and gnashing of teeth": the pains of hell.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 24:42-51
Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
(Jesus said to his disciples,) [42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [47] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48] But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, [51] and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth."
___________________________
Commentary:
42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.
The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
51. "And will punish him [or, cut him in pieces]": this can be understood as a metaphor for "will cast him away". "Weeping and gnashing of teeth": the pains of hell.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Just for Today, August 28
Be mindful of the resolution thou hast taken, and set before thee the image of the Crucified. Well mayest thou be ashamed, if thou hast looked upon the life of Jesus Christ, that thou hast not yet studied to conform thyself more to His pattern, although thou hast been long in the way of God.
-Bk. I, ch. xxv.
Why seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour? Dispose thyself to patience, rather than consolation; and to bear the cross, rather than to rejoice.
-Bk. II, ch. x.
_______________
I saw religious life as it really is, with all its restraints, and the little daily sacrifices that others do not suspect. I realized how easy it would be to become wrapped up in oneself, and to forget the sublime end of our vocation, so I said to myself: Later on, when trials come, and I am a prisoner at Carmel where I can only see a little corner of blue sky, I shall remember today, and the memory of this beautiful scenery will encourage me. I shall forget my own petty interests as I think of God's majesty and power: I shall love Him alone, and not become attached to trifles, for I have had as it were a glimpse of what is prepared for those that love Him.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme)
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xxv.
Why seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour? Dispose thyself to patience, rather than consolation; and to bear the cross, rather than to rejoice.
-Bk. II, ch. x.
_______________
I saw religious life as it really is, with all its restraints, and the little daily sacrifices that others do not suspect. I realized how easy it would be to become wrapped up in oneself, and to forget the sublime end of our vocation, so I said to myself: Later on, when trials come, and I am a prisoner at Carmel where I can only see a little corner of blue sky, I shall remember today, and the memory of this beautiful scenery will encourage me. I shall forget my own petty interests as I think of God's majesty and power: I shall love Him alone, and not become attached to trifles, for I have had as it were a glimpse of what is prepared for those that love Him.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme)
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for August 28
Without doubt, if man be of such age, as already to exercise his reason, he cannot believe, hope, love, unless he be willing, or arrive at the prize of the high calling of God, unless he have run with his will....The mercy alone of God is not sufficient, unless there be also the will of man.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-August 28
To obtain salvation we must follow the will of God in all things.
But some of you will ask: How shall we know what God wills us to do?
Let us thank without ceasing the goodness of Jesus Christ, who has taught us the secure means of ascertaining the will of God, by telling us that if we obey our confessor we obey himself.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
But some of you will ask: How shall we know what God wills us to do?
Let us thank without ceasing the goodness of Jesus Christ, who has taught us the secure means of ascertaining the will of God, by telling us that if we obey our confessor we obey himself.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Dr Edward Peters: Randall Terry’s Dumb Stunt
Would someone explain to me how blocking traffic saves human lives?I read this as well and failed to understand Terry's point...
We're not talking about a protest sit-in at a lunch counter where blacks are being refused service; we're not even talking about a rescue sit-in at the doors of an abortion clinic, which sort of non-violent direct action, for as long as it continues, keeps actual babies away from the suction machines. Those kinds of sit-ins I can make a case for; indeed, I have made a case for them.
What Randall Terry is doing here, however, is quite different: he's blocking legal access to a public thoroughfare. I think he should stop.
Click here for more.
A Coming Best Seller by Nancy Pelosi, Patristic Scholar?
From the Curt Jester (great graphic, BTW):
Here's another picture someone sent to me...
I pray that Rome will intercede on behalf of truly faithful Catholics everywhere and lay down disciplinary steps that must be followed by all bishops so that confusion and scandal may be finally put to rest regarding heretical "Catholics" and Holy Communion. Archbishop Burke has clearly presented what is required according to canon law and authentic pastoral solicitude, yet so many bishops refuse to abate the scandals!
Now that Nancy Pelosi's spokesman issues a statement in response to the slew of statements about her misrepresenting Church teaching on abortion.
Father Z posts the statement and responds Madame Speaker, you can't reduce the Church's teaching to a 1500 year old sound bite which you don't understand....
Here's another picture someone sent to me...
Pro-Life Democrats Need Not Apply
...Party platforms do not typically garner a lot of attention in the media. But they matter immensely, because they are often the only place to get the party's official list of principles and policy goals. As in past election years, the 2008 Democratic Party platform re-affirms the party's commitment to Roe v. Wade and taxpayer funding of abortions. But this year the platform dropped any reference to the goal of making abortion "rare".... [emphasis added]But this request was ignored.
Pro-life Democrats urged the platform committee to include language about the need to reduce the number of abortions....
Some Democrats point to fresh platform language stating that the party "strongly supports a woman's decision to have a child..." as proof that the party has "softened" its approach to abortion...Sleight of hand...turn the tables...confuse and obfuscate the issues.
...The new language also adds the word "unequivocally" to describe the party's support for abortion rights....Unequivocal support for infanticide - a fundamental plank of the party platform. The party of the poor and defensless cares not for the most defenseless among us...
...the new platform language does not even recognize a moral dimension to abortion....By omitting such language, the Democratic Party has revealed that it thinks people of goodwill cannot believe abortion is wrong. It has effectively stated: pro-life Americans need not apply to the Democratic Party....Sad, indeed. How many lifelong Democrats, especially Catholics, have yet to see that the party has been hijacked by extremists?
News Updates, 8/27
Nothing from Archbishop Niederauer
Prelates around the country react to Pelosi’s abortion comments – but San Francisco archbishop remains conspicuously silent
Archbishop Gregory: Diocese should be held responsible for abuse
"If all of those things are true, I'd have to agree with you."
13 abortion protesters arrested in Denver
...after sitting down in intersection near convention
Priest cancels beauty pageant for Italian nuns
Saying he'd been misunderstood and had met with protests
Churches plan push against same-sex marriage
Mormons, Catholics and evangelicals working together
Biden's bishop won't let him speak at Cath. schools
Even if elected Vice-Pres, pro-abort still not welcome
Catholics have reasons to rethink abortion politics
Voting for Repubs is not necessarily the thing to do
Catholic bishops correct Pelosi on abortion
House Speaker misstated Church teaching on issue
13 boys allegedly molested at Catholic school
Priest accused, police investigate in Australia
Billionaire tells DNC how to advance gay agenda
Gill advocates taking power away from 'bigots'
Prelates around the country react to Pelosi’s abortion comments – but San Francisco archbishop remains conspicuously silent
Archbishop Gregory: Diocese should be held responsible for abuse
"If all of those things are true, I'd have to agree with you."
13 abortion protesters arrested in Denver
...after sitting down in intersection near convention
Priest cancels beauty pageant for Italian nuns
Saying he'd been misunderstood and had met with protests
Churches plan push against same-sex marriage
Mormons, Catholics and evangelicals working together
Biden's bishop won't let him speak at Cath. schools
Even if elected Vice-Pres, pro-abort still not welcome
Catholics have reasons to rethink abortion politics
Voting for Repubs is not necessarily the thing to do
Catholic bishops correct Pelosi on abortion
House Speaker misstated Church teaching on issue
13 boys allegedly molested at Catholic school
Priest accused, police investigate in Australia
Billionaire tells DNC how to advance gay agenda
Gill advocates taking power away from 'bigots'
Obama's Pick for Vice President Is Catholic. But the Bishops Deny Him Communion
The reason is that Biden is a staunch abortion supporter. The archbishop of Denver is the first to withhold communion from him. From Rome, Archbishop Burke is backing his stance. And in 2004, Ratzinger wrote to the American bishops...Included in this article is then-Cardinal Ratzinger's 2004 memorandum to the US Bishops, Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion. General Principles and well as the recent interview by Thomas McKenna (Catholic Action for Faith and Family) of Archbishop Raymond Burke, When the minister of the Eucharist is obliged to withhold communion.
by Sandro Magister
The entire article is well worth taking time to read.
Heresy - Defended by "Ardent, Practicing Catholics?"
Pelosi stands by abortion commentsThe operative word is "OBSTINATE" and this arises from a disordered love of self to the exclusion of reality.
DENVER (AP) - Under fire from U.S. Catholic bishops, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not backing off contentious comments about abortion she made during a weekend television talk show appearance....
Brendan Daly, a spokesman for Pelosi, said in a statement Tuesday that she "fully appreciates the sanctity of family" and based her views on conception on the "views of Saint Augustine, who said: '... the law does not provide that the act (abortion) pertains to homicide, for there cannot yet be said to be a live soul in a body that lacks sensation ...'"She no more respects the the sanctity of the family tham I respect her errouneous lies, statements or errors! At the very least, she is a material heretic who is allowed, even encouraged, to scandalize the nation's Catholics and the general public because bishops, seemingly fearful of upsetting the Democratic party, refuse to act courageously - they fear the cross, they cower in fear while wolves come to devour the sheep.
Daly said that while Catholic teaching is clear that life begins at conception, many Catholics do not agree....Such sophistry fails to explain how this is relevant or how it impacts the truth of scientific reality. The mere fact the some so-called Catholics are willfully ignorant of the truth and reject reality has no causal effect on the truth - the truth is still the truth whether one believes it or not. Life begins at conception even if one's challenged intellect or obstinate will believes otherwise.
Lord, give us shepherds who will drives wolves from the flock; shepherds who will protect the Church and faithful from error and heresy; shepherds who will publicly and privately uphold the teachings and disciplines of the Church...including Canon 915.
Gospel for August 27, Memorial: St. Monica
Wednesday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Joseph Calasanctius (Calasanz), confessor
From: Matthew 23:27-32
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees (Continuation)
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [27] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like white-washed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
[29] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] saying, `If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' [31] Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [32] Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers."
________________________
Commentary:
27-28. The Jews used to whitewash tombs annually, shortly before the feast of the Passover. The whitewash made the tombs more visible and helped to avoid people brushing against them, which would have meant incurring legal uncleanness for seven days (Numbers 19:16; Luke 11:44).
In the sunlight, these tombs sparkled radiantly white, but inside they held corruption.
29-32. Our Lord shows them that they are cut off from the same cloth as their ancestors--not because they erect mausoleums in honor of prophets and just men but because they are guilty of the same sin as those who killed the prophets. Hence their hypocrisy, which makes them even worse than their fathers. With pained irony Jesus tells them that they are compounding the sins of their ancestors.
Clearly this is referring to His passion and death: if the ancients killed the prophets, by causing Him to suffer and die our Lord's contemporaries will still be more cruel.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Old Calendar: St. Joseph Calasanctius (Calasanz), confessor
From: Matthew 23:27-32
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees (Continuation)
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [27] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like white-washed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
[29] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] saying, `If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' [31] Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [32] Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers."
________________________
Commentary:
27-28. The Jews used to whitewash tombs annually, shortly before the feast of the Passover. The whitewash made the tombs more visible and helped to avoid people brushing against them, which would have meant incurring legal uncleanness for seven days (Numbers 19:16; Luke 11:44).
In the sunlight, these tombs sparkled radiantly white, but inside they held corruption.
29-32. Our Lord shows them that they are cut off from the same cloth as their ancestors--not because they erect mausoleums in honor of prophets and just men but because they are guilty of the same sin as those who killed the prophets. Hence their hypocrisy, which makes them even worse than their fathers. With pained irony Jesus tells them that they are compounding the sins of their ancestors.
Clearly this is referring to His passion and death: if the ancients killed the prophets, by causing Him to suffer and die our Lord's contemporaries will still be more cruel.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Biden's Bishop Will not Permit Him, Even if Elected VP, to Speak at Catholic Schools
DELEWARE, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In an interview with Bob Krebs, the Communications Director for the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, to which Senator Joseph Biden belongs, Krebs confirmed that Biden's Bishop will not permit the Senator even if elected Vice President of the United States of America to speak at Catholic schools....
Just for Today, August 27
Why wilt thou put off thy resolutions from day to day? Arise, and begin this very moment, and say: Now is the time for doing and now is the time to fight; now is the proper time. to amend my life.
-Bk. I, ch. xxii.
____________
Marie had taken Pauline's place; every evening I listened eagerly to the beautiful things she told me. Her great and generous heart seemed to pass into mine. As warriors of olden times taught their children the use of arms, so she taught me how to fight life's battle, arousing my enthusiasm and showing me the path of victory. She spoke of the spiritual riches it is so easy to amass day by day, and how foolish it would be to trample them underfoot, when one only has to stoop and pick them up.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xxii.
____________
Marie had taken Pauline's place; every evening I listened eagerly to the beautiful things she told me. Her great and generous heart seemed to pass into mine. As warriors of olden times taught their children the use of arms, so she taught me how to fight life's battle, arousing my enthusiasm and showing me the path of victory. She spoke of the spiritual riches it is so easy to amass day by day, and how foolish it would be to trample them underfoot, when one only has to stoop and pick them up.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for August 27
For neither would almighty God, as even heathens confess, "Ruler Supreme of things" being as he is supremely good, in any way suffer any evil to be in his works; were he not almighty and good even to this, out of any evil to work what is good.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-August 27
True charity consists in doing good to those who do us evil, and in thus gaining their good will.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Cardinal Egan Responds to Pelosi's Lies
August 26, 2008It was an outright lie - and Pelosi knows it. No Catholic politician can legitimately claim to be ignorant of the Church's teaching on this matter without calling into question his or her mental competency.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2008
STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE, EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN CONCERNING REMARKS MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.
We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being “chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name."No one with the slightest measure of integrity..."
Edward Cardinal Egan
Archbishop of New York
This goes to the heart of the matter - Pelosi and other self-described Catholics who promote and support abortion "rights" have NO integrity. Any integrity that they may have had has been willingly surrendered to the the evil one, in exchange, presumably, for earthly power. One cannot embrace and drench themselves in the horrific sin of promoting abortion and abortion "rights" without losing his moral integrity. If sin really does make one stupid as some (Mark Shea?) say, what in the world does decades of sinful behavior and sacrilege do to that person? Do they not fear the wrath of God?
Bishops respond to House Speaker Pelosi’s misrepresentation of Church teaching against abortion
From the USCCB website:
However, given the publicity about Pro-death "Catholic" politicians over recent years, any rational being would be led to understand that such ignorance is not the reason for her "misrepresentations" but rather, it stems from a prideful dissent from the natural moral law and Catholic teaching.
In other words, she spewed forth lies about what the Church teaches. Any Catholic politican who would be as willfully ignorant as Pelosi appeared to be should resign any and all positions of public office. To "misrepresent" a teaching as simple and fundamental as that of abortion and conception casts grave doubts on her ability to use her intellect to understand any other subject.
Click here for the rest of the USCCB statement.
WASHINGTON--Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, have issued the following statement:Charity would require that one give Pelosi the benefit of the doubt and assume she was "mistaken."
In the course of a “Meet the Press” interview on abortion and other public issues on August 24, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi misrepresented the history and nature of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church against abortion....
However, given the publicity about Pro-death "Catholic" politicians over recent years, any rational being would be led to understand that such ignorance is not the reason for her "misrepresentations" but rather, it stems from a prideful dissent from the natural moral law and Catholic teaching.
In other words, she spewed forth lies about what the Church teaches. Any Catholic politican who would be as willfully ignorant as Pelosi appeared to be should resign any and all positions of public office. To "misrepresent" a teaching as simple and fundamental as that of abortion and conception casts grave doubts on her ability to use her intellect to understand any other subject.
Click here for the rest of the USCCB statement.
Educating the "Theologian," Nancy Pelosi
On the Separation of Sense and State: A Clarification for the People of the Church of Northern Colorado
byArchbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M Cap
Now is the time for action, rather than words, to address these so-called Catholic culture of death advocates.
Archbisop Chaput's Letter can be read in its entirety here.
byArchbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M Cap
To Catholics of the Archdiocese of Denver:"which is always rooted in moral truth..." except in today's paganized society as promoted by apostate Catholics like Pelosi and others who have yet to be punished by ecclesiastical authorities!
Catholic public leaders inconvenienced by the abortion debate tend to take a hard line in talking about the "separation of Church and state." But their idea of separation often seems to work one way. In fact, some officials also seem comfortable in the role of theologian. And that warrants some interest, not as a "political" issue, but as a matter of accuracy and justice.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is a gifted public servant of strong convictions and many professional skills. Regrettably, knowledge of Catholic history and teaching does not seem to be one of them....
Ardent, practicing Catholics [as Pelosi considers herself] will quickly learn from the historical record that from apostolic times, the Christian tradition overwhelmingly held that abortion was grievously evil. In the absence of modern medical knowledge, some of the Early Fathers held that abortion was homicide; others that it was tantamount to homicide; and various scholars theorized about when and how the unborn child might be animated or "ensouled." But none diminished the unique evil of abortion as an attack on life itself, and the early Church closely associated abortion with infanticide. In short, from the beginning, the believing Christian community held that abortion was always, gravely wrong....
The duty of the Church and other religious communities is moral witness. The duty of the state and its officials is to serve the common good, which is always rooted in moral truth....
Now is the time for action, rather than words, to address these so-called Catholic culture of death advocates.
Archbisop Chaput's Letter can be read in its entirety here.
Highly Recommended Voter Guides
From Catholic Citizens of Illinois (CCI):
CATHOLIC ANSWERS and KANSAS CATHOLIC BISHOPS Voter Guides Are Highly RecommendedRead more...
CCI NOTES: Catholic Answers and the Kansas Catholic Bishops have each produced excellent Voter Guides for Catholics that clearly articulate the moral responsibilties of Roman Catholics. For Catholic Answers Voting Guide for Serious Catholics, CLICK HERE. For the Kansas Catholic Bishops guide, CLICK HERE.
For a commentary by Pope Benedict regarding the non-negotiable elements of Catholic citizenship CLICK HERE.
Stay away from bogus voter guides produced by dissenter or agenda driven organizations like Faith in Public Life and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good.
News Updates, 8/26
Washington archbishop rips Pelosi on abortion
"Rips"? Hardly - No mention made of refraining from Communion
Archbishop Wuerl on the Church’s Constant Teaching on Abortion
We respect the right of elected officials such as Speaker Pelosi to address matters of public policy...
"A Catholic with mixed record on church issues" claims Catholic News Service (USCCB) article
Biden has a 0% rating from pro-life groups. Why would a USCCB news report ignore those ratings, and instead post NARAL's?
A New Low, Even by Jesuit Standards
Georgetown Univ. Announces Director for Their New Lebian, Gay, Transgendered, and Queer Resources Center
Catholic nun raped, another buried alive by Hindus
Fundamentalist group in India stormed orphanage
Archbishop Chaput: Biden should skip Communion
Obama's running mate has history of voting pro-abortion
Biden pick provides Catholic link for Obama
But Democrat running mate renews abortion debate
Was founder of Taize Protestant or Catholic?
Priest adhered to Rome while remaining a Calvinist pastor
China detains underground Catholic bishop
Seized hours before the closing of the Olympic Games
Catholic schools looking to lay people for leaders
Fewer religious order administrators available
Cardinal scores EU over attitude to Christianity
Support for European project waning among Catholics
Medieval gold-plated church windows purify air
When energized by sun, tiny particles destroy pollutants
"Rips"? Hardly - No mention made of refraining from Communion
Archbishop Wuerl on the Church’s Constant Teaching on Abortion
We respect the right of elected officials such as Speaker Pelosi to address matters of public policy...
"A Catholic with mixed record on church issues" claims Catholic News Service (USCCB) article
Biden has a 0% rating from pro-life groups. Why would a USCCB news report ignore those ratings, and instead post NARAL's?
A New Low, Even by Jesuit Standards
Georgetown Univ. Announces Director for Their New Lebian, Gay, Transgendered, and Queer Resources Center
Catholic nun raped, another buried alive by Hindus
Fundamentalist group in India stormed orphanage
Archbishop Chaput: Biden should skip Communion
Obama's running mate has history of voting pro-abortion
Biden pick provides Catholic link for Obama
But Democrat running mate renews abortion debate
Was founder of Taize Protestant or Catholic?
Priest adhered to Rome while remaining a Calvinist pastor
China detains underground Catholic bishop
Seized hours before the closing of the Olympic Games
Catholic schools looking to lay people for leaders
Fewer religious order administrators available
Cardinal scores EU over attitude to Christianity
Support for European project waning among Catholics
Medieval gold-plated church windows purify air
When energized by sun, tiny particles destroy pollutants
Gospel for Tuesday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Zephyrinus, pope and martyr
From: Matthew 23:23-26
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [23] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
[25] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full ofextortion and rapacity." [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean."
________________________
Commentary:
23. Mint, dill (aniseed) and cummin were herbs the Jews used in cooking or to perfume rooms. They were such insignificant items that they were not covered by the Mosaic precept on paying tithes (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22ff); the precept did not apply to domestic animals and the more common agricultural products such as wheat, wine and olive oil. However, the Pharisees, being so intent on showing their scrupulous observance of the Law, paid tithes even of these herbs. Our Lord does not despise or reject the Law; He is simply telling people to get their priorities right: there is no point in attending to secondary details if one is neglecting what is really basic and important--justice, mercy and faith.
24. The Pharisees were so scrupulous about not swallowing any insect which the Law declared to be unclean that they went as far as to filter drinks through a linen cloth. Our Lord criticizes them for being so inconsistent--straining mosquitos, being so scrupulous about little things, yet quite happily "swallowing a camel", committing serious sins.
25-26. After reproaching the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in religious practice, our Lord now goes on to indict their twofacedness in matters of morality. The Jews used to perform elaborate washings of plates, cups and other tableware, in line with the regulations on legal cleansing (cf. Mark 7:1-4).
The example He chooses suggests a deeper level of meaning--concern for that moral purity which should characterize man's interior life. What is of prime importance is cleanliness of heart, an upright intention, consistency between what one says and what one does, etc.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 23:23-26
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [23] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
[25] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full ofextortion and rapacity." [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean."
________________________
Commentary:
23. Mint, dill (aniseed) and cummin were herbs the Jews used in cooking or to perfume rooms. They were such insignificant items that they were not covered by the Mosaic precept on paying tithes (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22ff); the precept did not apply to domestic animals and the more common agricultural products such as wheat, wine and olive oil. However, the Pharisees, being so intent on showing their scrupulous observance of the Law, paid tithes even of these herbs. Our Lord does not despise or reject the Law; He is simply telling people to get their priorities right: there is no point in attending to secondary details if one is neglecting what is really basic and important--justice, mercy and faith.
24. The Pharisees were so scrupulous about not swallowing any insect which the Law declared to be unclean that they went as far as to filter drinks through a linen cloth. Our Lord criticizes them for being so inconsistent--straining mosquitos, being so scrupulous about little things, yet quite happily "swallowing a camel", committing serious sins.
25-26. After reproaching the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in religious practice, our Lord now goes on to indict their twofacedness in matters of morality. The Jews used to perform elaborate washings of plates, cups and other tableware, in line with the regulations on legal cleansing (cf. Mark 7:1-4).
The example He chooses suggests a deeper level of meaning--concern for that moral purity which should characterize man's interior life. What is of prime importance is cleanliness of heart, an upright intention, consistency between what one says and what one does, etc.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
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