From: Mark 4:35-41
The Calming of the Storm
[35] On that day, when evening had come, He (Jesus) said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." [36] And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them just as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. [37] And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that the boat was already filling. [38] But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care if we perish?" [39] And He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. [40] He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" [41] And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?"
__________________________
Commentary:
35-41. The episode of the calming of the storm, the memory of which must have often helped the Apostles regain their serenity in the midst of struggles and difficulties, also helps us never lose the supernatural way of looking at things: a Christian's life is like a ship: "As a vessel on the sea is exposed to a thousand dangers--pirates, quicksands, hidden rocks, tempests--so man in this life, is encompassed with perils, arising from the temptations of Hell, from the occasions of sin, from the scandals or bad counsels of men, from human respect, and, above all from the passions of corrupt nature [...]. This should not cause him to lose confidence. Rather [...] when you find yourself assaulted by a violent passion [...] take whatever steps you can to avoid the occasions [of sin] and place your reliance on God [...]: when the tempest is violent, the pilot never takes his eyes from the light which guides him to port. In like manner, we should keep our eyes always turned to God, who alone can deliver us from the many dangers to which we are exposed" (St. Augustine, "Sermon 51; for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany).
___________________________
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.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Principles and Practices - June 21
Condescension of Love
Love seeks, as far as possible, to put itself on an equality with the beloved. Now God could not make us equal to Himself, since the idea involves a contradiction. It was not possible for Him to lift us up to His level, and to transform us into gods. But, though He could not place us on a level with Himself, He could at least abase Himself and sink to our level. This His infinite love prevailed upon Him to do. He assumed our nature; became a man as truly as we are men; clothed Himself with our infirmities and necessities, and 'dwelt amongst us' as one of ourselves.
-Vaughan.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Love seeks, as far as possible, to put itself on an equality with the beloved. Now God could not make us equal to Himself, since the idea involves a contradiction. It was not possible for Him to lift us up to His level, and to transform us into gods. But, though He could not place us on a level with Himself, He could at least abase Himself and sink to our level. This His infinite love prevailed upon Him to do. He assumed our nature; became a man as truly as we are men; clothed Himself with our infirmities and necessities, and 'dwelt amongst us' as one of ourselves.
-Vaughan.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for June 21
LET each one then look to his own heart, whether from the utmost recesses of the heart and in love sincere he can say Father. It is not now a question how great this love is, whether it be great or small, or middling; I am asking whether it exist at all.
_________________________
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-June 21
WHEN the doors were shut...Jesus came and stood in the midst. If we wish Jesus Christ to dwell within us, we must keep the doors of our senses closed against dangerous occasions, otherwise the devil will make us his slaves.
_________________
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
Friday, June 19, 2009
Gospel for June 20, Memorial: The Immaculate Heart of Mary
From: Luke 2:41-51
The Finding in the Temple
41] Now his (Jesus') parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. [42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; [43] and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, [44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; [45] and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. [46] And after three days they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; [47] and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. [48] And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." [49] And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" [50] And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
The Hidden Life of Jesus at Nazareth
[51] And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
_____________________________
Commentary:
41. Only St Luke (2:41-50) reports the event of the Child Jesus being lost and then found in the temple, which we contemplate in the "Fifth Joyful Mystery" of the Rosary.
Only males aged twelve and upwards were required to make this journey. Nazareth is about 100 km (60 miles) from Jerusalem as the crow flies, but the hilly nature of the country would have made it a trip of 140 km.
43-44. On pilgrimages to Jerusalem, the Jews used to go in two groups--one of men, the other of women. Children could go with either group. This explains how they could go a day's journey before they discovered the Child was missing when the families regrouped to camp.
"Mary is crying. In vain you and I have run from group to group, from caravan to caravan. No one has seen him. Joseph, after fruitless attempts to keep from crying, cries too.... And you.... And I.
'Being a common little fellow, I cry my eyes out and wail to heaven and earth..., to make up for the times when I lost him through my own fault and did not cry" ([St] J. Escriva, "Holy Rosary", Fifth Joyful Mystery).
45. The concern which Mary and Joseph show in looking for the Child should encourage us always to seek Jesus out, particularly if we lose him through sin.
"Jesus, may I never lose you again.... Now you and I are united in misfortune and grief, as were united in sin. And from the depths of our being comes sighs of heartfelt sorrow and burning phrases which the pen cannot and should not record" ("Holy Rosary", Fifth Joyful Mystery).
46-47. The Child Jesus must have been in the courtyard of the temple, which was where the teachers usually taught. Listeners used to sit at their feet, now and again asking questions and responding to them. This was what Jesus did, but his questions and answers attracted the teachers' attention, he was so wise and well-informed.
48. Ever since the Annunciation our Lady had known that the Child Jesus was God. This faith was the basis of her generous fidelity throughout her life--but there was no reason why it should include detailed knowledge of all the sacrifices God would ask of her, nor of how Christ would go about his mission of redemption: that was something she would discover as time went by, contemplating her Son's life.
49. Christ's reply is a form of explanation. His words--his first words to be recorded in the Gospel--clearly show his down Sonship; and they also show his determination to fulfill the will of his Eternal Father. "He does not upbraid them--Mary and Joseph--for searching for their son, but he raises the eyes of their souls to appreciate what he owes him whose Eternal Son he is" (St Bede, "In Lucae Evangelium Expositio, in loc."). Jesus teaches us that over and above any human authority, even that of our parents, there is the primary duty to do the will of God. "And once we are consoled by the joy of finding Jesus--three days he was gone!--debating with the teachers of Israel (Lk 2:46), you and I shall be left deeply impressed by the duty to leave our home and family to serve our heavenly Father" ([St] J. Escriva, "Holy Rosary", Fifth Joyful Mystery"). See note on Mt 10:34-37.
50. We must remember that Jesus knew in detail the whole course his earthly life would take from his conception onwards (cf. note on Lk 2:52). This is shown by what he says in reply to his parents. Mary and Joseph realized that his reply contained a deeper meaning which they did not grasp. They grew to understand it as the life of their Child unfolded. Mary's and Joseph's faith and their reverence towards the Child led them not to ask any further questions but to reflect on Jesus' words and behavior in this instance, as they had done so on other occasions.
51. The Gospel sums up Jesus' life in Nazareth in just three words: "erat subditus illis", he was obedient to them. "Jesus obeys, and he obeys Joseph and Mary. God has come to the world to obey, and to obey creatures. Admittedly they were very perfect creatures--Holy Mary, our mother, greater than whom God alone; and that most chaste man Joseph. But they are only creatures, and yet Jesus, who is God, obeyed them. We have to love God so as to love his will and desire to respond to his calls. They come to us through the duties of our ordinary life--duties of state, profession, work, family, social life, our own and other people's difficulties, friendship, eagerness to do what is right and just" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 17).
Jesus lived like any other inhabitant of Nazareth, working at the same trade as St Joseph and earning his living by the sweat of his brow. "His hidden years are not without significance, nor were they simply a preparation for the years which were to come after--those of his public life. Since 1928 I have understood clearly that God wants our Lord's whole life to be an example for Christians. I saw this with special reference to his hidden life, the years he spent working side by side with ordinary men. Our Lord wants many people to ratify their vocation during years of quiet, unspectacular living. Obeying God's will always means leaving our selfishness behind, but there is no reason why it should entail cutting ourselves off from the normal life of ordinary people who share the same status, work and social position with us.
"I dream--and the dream has come true--of multitudes of God's children, sanctifying themselves as ordinary citizens, sharing the ambitions and endeavors of their colleagues and friends. I want to shout to them about this divine truth: If you are there in the middle of ordinary life, it doesn't mean Christ has forgotten about you or hasn't called you. He has invited you to stay among the activities and concerns of the world. He wants you to know that your human vocation, your profession, your talents, are not omitted from his divine plans. He has sanctified them and made them a most acceptable offering to his Father" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 20).
___________________________
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.
The Finding in the Temple
41] Now his (Jesus') parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. [42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; [43] and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, [44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; [45] and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. [46] And after three days they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; [47] and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. [48] And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." [49] And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" [50] And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
The Hidden Life of Jesus at Nazareth
[51] And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
_____________________________
Commentary:
41. Only St Luke (2:41-50) reports the event of the Child Jesus being lost and then found in the temple, which we contemplate in the "Fifth Joyful Mystery" of the Rosary.
Only males aged twelve and upwards were required to make this journey. Nazareth is about 100 km (60 miles) from Jerusalem as the crow flies, but the hilly nature of the country would have made it a trip of 140 km.
43-44. On pilgrimages to Jerusalem, the Jews used to go in two groups--one of men, the other of women. Children could go with either group. This explains how they could go a day's journey before they discovered the Child was missing when the families regrouped to camp.
"Mary is crying. In vain you and I have run from group to group, from caravan to caravan. No one has seen him. Joseph, after fruitless attempts to keep from crying, cries too.... And you.... And I.
'Being a common little fellow, I cry my eyes out and wail to heaven and earth..., to make up for the times when I lost him through my own fault and did not cry" ([St] J. Escriva, "Holy Rosary", Fifth Joyful Mystery).
45. The concern which Mary and Joseph show in looking for the Child should encourage us always to seek Jesus out, particularly if we lose him through sin.
"Jesus, may I never lose you again.... Now you and I are united in misfortune and grief, as were united in sin. And from the depths of our being comes sighs of heartfelt sorrow and burning phrases which the pen cannot and should not record" ("Holy Rosary", Fifth Joyful Mystery).
46-47. The Child Jesus must have been in the courtyard of the temple, which was where the teachers usually taught. Listeners used to sit at their feet, now and again asking questions and responding to them. This was what Jesus did, but his questions and answers attracted the teachers' attention, he was so wise and well-informed.
48. Ever since the Annunciation our Lady had known that the Child Jesus was God. This faith was the basis of her generous fidelity throughout her life--but there was no reason why it should include detailed knowledge of all the sacrifices God would ask of her, nor of how Christ would go about his mission of redemption: that was something she would discover as time went by, contemplating her Son's life.
49. Christ's reply is a form of explanation. His words--his first words to be recorded in the Gospel--clearly show his down Sonship; and they also show his determination to fulfill the will of his Eternal Father. "He does not upbraid them--Mary and Joseph--for searching for their son, but he raises the eyes of their souls to appreciate what he owes him whose Eternal Son he is" (St Bede, "In Lucae Evangelium Expositio, in loc."). Jesus teaches us that over and above any human authority, even that of our parents, there is the primary duty to do the will of God. "And once we are consoled by the joy of finding Jesus--three days he was gone!--debating with the teachers of Israel (Lk 2:46), you and I shall be left deeply impressed by the duty to leave our home and family to serve our heavenly Father" ([St] J. Escriva, "Holy Rosary", Fifth Joyful Mystery"). See note on Mt 10:34-37.
50. We must remember that Jesus knew in detail the whole course his earthly life would take from his conception onwards (cf. note on Lk 2:52). This is shown by what he says in reply to his parents. Mary and Joseph realized that his reply contained a deeper meaning which they did not grasp. They grew to understand it as the life of their Child unfolded. Mary's and Joseph's faith and their reverence towards the Child led them not to ask any further questions but to reflect on Jesus' words and behavior in this instance, as they had done so on other occasions.
51. The Gospel sums up Jesus' life in Nazareth in just three words: "erat subditus illis", he was obedient to them. "Jesus obeys, and he obeys Joseph and Mary. God has come to the world to obey, and to obey creatures. Admittedly they were very perfect creatures--Holy Mary, our mother, greater than whom God alone; and that most chaste man Joseph. But they are only creatures, and yet Jesus, who is God, obeyed them. We have to love God so as to love his will and desire to respond to his calls. They come to us through the duties of our ordinary life--duties of state, profession, work, family, social life, our own and other people's difficulties, friendship, eagerness to do what is right and just" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 17).
Jesus lived like any other inhabitant of Nazareth, working at the same trade as St Joseph and earning his living by the sweat of his brow. "His hidden years are not without significance, nor were they simply a preparation for the years which were to come after--those of his public life. Since 1928 I have understood clearly that God wants our Lord's whole life to be an example for Christians. I saw this with special reference to his hidden life, the years he spent working side by side with ordinary men. Our Lord wants many people to ratify their vocation during years of quiet, unspectacular living. Obeying God's will always means leaving our selfishness behind, but there is no reason why it should entail cutting ourselves off from the normal life of ordinary people who share the same status, work and social position with us.
"I dream--and the dream has come true--of multitudes of God's children, sanctifying themselves as ordinary citizens, sharing the ambitions and endeavors of their colleagues and friends. I want to shout to them about this divine truth: If you are there in the middle of ordinary life, it doesn't mean Christ has forgotten about you or hasn't called you. He has invited you to stay among the activities and concerns of the world. He wants you to know that your human vocation, your profession, your talents, are not omitted from his divine plans. He has sanctified them and made them a most acceptable offering to his Father" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 20).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - June 20
Simplicity
Simplicity leads us directly to God without - being stopped by self-interest or human respect; it makes us speak and act without dissimulation or artifice; and it not only embraces within itself truth and purity of intention, but it is a guardian also against all duplicity. It governs our speech, making us utter what we feel inwardly. It directs our actions, making us work purely for God in all business, whether temporal or spiritual, and exercises piety without the least taint of hypocrisy or artifice, or of vain pretentions; and provided only His Divine Majesty be glorified, it cares not what men say or think.
-St. Vincent de Paul.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Simplicity leads us directly to God without - being stopped by self-interest or human respect; it makes us speak and act without dissimulation or artifice; and it not only embraces within itself truth and purity of intention, but it is a guardian also against all duplicity. It governs our speech, making us utter what we feel inwardly. It directs our actions, making us work purely for God in all business, whether temporal or spiritual, and exercises piety without the least taint of hypocrisy or artifice, or of vain pretentions; and provided only His Divine Majesty be glorified, it cares not what men say or think.
-St. Vincent de Paul.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for June 20
IT is the same spirit then, only on the tables of stone in fear, on the tables of the heart in love.
_________________________
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-June 20
As no one can be secure of his treasure if he keeps a thief in his house, and as a lamb cannot be sure of its life if it remains in the den of a wolf, so likewise no one can be secure of the treasure of divine grace if he is resolved to continue in the occasion of sin.
_________________
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
Update on the "defense fund for Kristin Kazyak"
From Mary Ann Kreitzer:
I recently sent out a retraction to my plea for funds for Kristin. After talking to many people who know Kristin well and talking to the pastor at St. Therese's, it appears the situation is a lot more complicated than I was led to believe by Kristin.She also misled me about the situation with the pastor and implied that her "persecution" had to do with her work for prop 8. That simply wasn't true.I'm afraid Kristin has some serious problems. I would really appreciate it if you would run my retraction which I've copied below.Thanks very much.Mary Ann Kreitzer
P.S. If you want more information please email or call 540-459-9493Dear Friends,With regard to the appeal for the defense fund for Kristin Kazyak because of her arrest at St. Therese's in Alhambra, CA. on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, I wish to publicly retract my support for her efforts. Since I first sent out the appeal, I've been in touch with many people including the pastor of St. Therese's and others, whose opinions I respect, who raised a number of questions about the incident and other problems. I spoke to Kristin as well and can only say that I was seriously misled. I not only retract my support for her defense fund, but I urge people not to support Kristin's efforts and to pass on this retraction to anyone who received the first appeal.To anyone who sent money to Kristin based on my appeal, I sincerely apologize. I do not believe that supporting Kristin with this appeal will provide the kind of help she needs.I want to make it perfectly clear that the pastor of St. Therese's has a reputation for being completely orthodox and the arrest had absolutely nothing to do with lack of support for Proposition 8. The pastor was completely supportive of the efforts of those working to uphold traditional marriage.Please pray for Kristin and for the pastor and people of St. Therese's.Mary Ann Kreitzer
http://lesfemmes-thetruth.blogspot.com
"The first law of history is not to dare to utter falsehood; the second, not to fear to speak the truth."
Pope Leo XIII
The Sacred Heart-Inexhaustible Fountain
"If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink." St. John, 7:37. (From the Mass of the Sacred Heart [Extraordinary Form})
Separate lovers and you start trouble. Tear the ribbons that tie two hearts together, and tears will flow. Snatch a child from its mother, a wife from her husband, a friend from a friend, a young man from the girl of his heart, and sorrow comes.
That is why the romance of Gabriel and Evangeline is so sad. He who wrote the story of their love was not a Catholic. Yet, Longfellow had a Catholic heart and mind, and when he penned the poignant epic of these lovers, he wrote a truly Catholic poem. More, the author shows an understanding and an appreciation of devotion to the Sacred Heart, so appropriate in June.
Recall, if you please, tbat heart-rending departure scene in Evangeline where the peaceable people of Acadia are driven from their homes by cruel order of the English king. Ousted from their cozy cottages, they were herded to the boats, and then, like cattle, carried away from everyone and everything near and dear. The poet mourns:
Imagine the feelings of those honest farmers. The men were trapped in the church. They were furious. Feelings of hatred and revenge and violence were running high, when the good parish priest, Father Felician, entered the church. Calling for quiet, he rebuked their un-Christlike behavior. He seems to have led them to some hidden source of strength and patience, for the very next day as the men were marched down to the boats but let the poet tell it:
Like the Acadians we have our grievances and injustices, at least so we think. Granting that our complaints are just, they will hardly compare with the injustices done to these innocent people. Certainly all our complaints added together will never measure above the injustice done to our suffering Lord. Jesus forgave; those farmers forgave. How about you?
But the Sacred Heart is not only the fountain of forgiveness, it is the source of every virtue. It is the "fountain of life and holiness," as we pray in the Litany of the Sacred Heart.
Many families have set up this fountain in their home. They have a statue or picture of our Savior, showing His Sacred Heart, in some prominent place of honor, on a shelf or sideboard, often in their bedroom where they must see Him, where they must think of Him in time of trial and temptation.
At that shrine father takes the courage to carry on, mother draws the faith and love that guide her life, sister wins her maidenly charm, brother builds his sterling loyalty. From experience they know Christ keeps His promise:
They know that never is its help exhausted, never.
All the saints, particularly those of the Franciscan Family, knew this. Our own St. Anthony did one day preach:
Amen.
__________________
Adapted from Occasional Talks
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (©1949)
Separate lovers and you start trouble. Tear the ribbons that tie two hearts together, and tears will flow. Snatch a child from its mother, a wife from her husband, a friend from a friend, a young man from the girl of his heart, and sorrow comes.
That is why the romance of Gabriel and Evangeline is so sad. He who wrote the story of their love was not a Catholic. Yet, Longfellow had a Catholic heart and mind, and when he penned the poignant epic of these lovers, he wrote a truly Catholic poem. More, the author shows an understanding and an appreciation of devotion to the Sacred Heart, so appropriate in June.
Recall, if you please, tbat heart-rending departure scene in Evangeline where the peaceable people of Acadia are driven from their homes by cruel order of the English king. Ousted from their cozy cottages, they were herded to the boats, and then, like cattle, carried away from everyone and everything near and dear. The poet mourns:
"Wives were torn from their husbands,Already betrothed, Evangeline and Gabriel see each other for the last time. To think of the heartaches of those innocent folk, knowing that all their misery was due to the cruel ambition or crass ignorance of a heartless king, makes our blood boil.
and mothers, too late, saw their children
Left on tbe land, extending their arms,
with wildest entreaties."
Imagine the feelings of those honest farmers. The men were trapped in the church. They were furious. Feelings of hatred and revenge and violence were running high, when the good parish priest, Father Felician, entered the church. Calling for quiet, he rebuked their un-Christlike behavior. He seems to have led them to some hidden source of strength and patience, for the very next day as the men were marched down to the boats but let the poet tell it:
"Foremost the young men came; and, raising together their voices.If anyone ever had just cause for anger, these Acadians had. In modem slang, "they had something to fight about." Yet, the Sacred Heart kept them from violence, calmed their angry hearts, and cooled their desire for revenge. To that Heart these honest, practical Catholics appealed in their hour of affiiction. In many a smaller trial it had been a fountain of strength. There they always found quiet and comfort. They would find strength there even in this bitter moment, for the supply was inexhaustible. Millions had drawn from this sacred spring, millions still were drinking consolation from it, yet the well never died. It was limitless.
Sang with tremulous lips a chant of the Catholic Missions:
'Sacred Heart of the Saviour! O, inexhaustible fountain!
Fill our hearts this day with strength and submission and patience.'"
Like the Acadians we have our grievances and injustices, at least so we think. Granting that our complaints are just, they will hardly compare with the injustices done to these innocent people. Certainly all our complaints added together will never measure above the injustice done to our suffering Lord. Jesus forgave; those farmers forgave. How about you?
But the Sacred Heart is not only the fountain of forgiveness, it is the source of every virtue. It is the "fountain of life and holiness," as we pray in the Litany of the Sacred Heart.
Many families have set up this fountain in their home. They have a statue or picture of our Savior, showing His Sacred Heart, in some prominent place of honor, on a shelf or sideboard, often in their bedroom where they must see Him, where they must think of Him in time of trial and temptation.
At that shrine father takes the courage to carry on, mother draws the faith and love that guide her life, sister wins her maidenly charm, brother builds his sterling loyalty. From experience they know Christ keeps His promise:
"I will bless every place where a picture of my Heart is set up and honored."
They know that never is its help exhausted, never.
All the saints, particularly those of the Franciscan Family, knew this. Our own St. Anthony did one day preach:
"If Jesus Christ is the rock, the hole of the rock, in which the religious soul is to seek shelter and take up her abode, is the wound in the side of Christ....This leads to His Heart; and it is hither He calls the soul He has espoused. To her He extends His arms. To her He opens wide His sacred side and divine Heart, that she may come and hide therein."Carried away at sight of Christ's riven Heart, St. Francis cried out:
"O Jesus, let Thy Heart be my strength! O Love, Love that hast so wounded me! Love, Love, let me be one with Thee! Let me die for Thy Love; draw me, urge me to come to Thee, and give me Thy Heart! Love, Love, let me behold Thy Heart!"That sweet saint's prayer will be mine too: "Let me behold Thy Heart!"
Amen.
__________________
Adapted from Occasional Talks
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (©1949)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
News Updates, 6/19
Liturgy translations fall short of two-thirds; mail balloting needed
The U.S. bishops will have to poll members missing from their spring meeting in San Antonio before it's known whether they have approved liturgical prayers, special Masses and key sections of an English translation of the Order of the Mass...
[Bishop Trautperson appears to have whined quite a bit about the texts, it appears.]
Pope deplores priests' infidelities to vows
called for 'complete acknowledgment' of failures
Society of St. Pius X to ordain 13 in Minnesota
Trads set to disregard Vatican warning of illegitimacy
Group looks for abuse in Catholic schools
Might the U.S. have had problems similar to the Irish?
Spanish bishops wade into abortion fight
Urging Catholic lawmakers to vote against liberal bill
Witches' coven claims religious persecution
Catholic parish banned group from using facilities
Cleveland parishioners protest church closings
Catholics from 12 parishes gather outside bishop's office
L'Osservatore Romano editor explains his flub
Gian Maria Vian declared Obama is not pro-abortion
Experts debate 'theology of the body' tactics
Under fire, Christopher West responds to critics
U.S. Catholic bishops urge immigration reform
Cardinal George: Legislation should not be delayed
=========
Other Issues
=========
China sells US bonds to 'show concern'
A decision by China to reduce its US Treasury holdings suggests concern about the US attitude towards its economic woes, Chinese economists were quoted as saying in state media Wednesday.
Minnesota lawmaker vows not to complete census
Outspoken Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's so worried that information from next year's national census will be abused that she will refuse to fill out anything more than the number of people in her household...
[Anyone giving the ACORN thugs and the Obongo administration more information than is required by the Constitution are fools. I look forward to the day these criminals try to impose their will on me or any of my family!!! They'll be thrown off my property should they be so stupid as to trespass!]
SEC May Force More Disclosure About ‘Dark Pools'
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro, concerned that trading on private electronic markets may pose “emerging risks” to investors, said the agency may require firms to disclose more information on their transactions.
More home sales prices kept secret in Dallas MLS
Germany faces 310 billion euros in debt: report
Russia & Georgia Resume Their Deadly Dance
----------
War is peace
Freedom is slavery
Ignorance is strength
-1984
The U.S. bishops will have to poll members missing from their spring meeting in San Antonio before it's known whether they have approved liturgical prayers, special Masses and key sections of an English translation of the Order of the Mass...
[Bishop Trautperson appears to have whined quite a bit about the texts, it appears.]
Pope deplores priests' infidelities to vows
called for 'complete acknowledgment' of failures
Society of St. Pius X to ordain 13 in Minnesota
Trads set to disregard Vatican warning of illegitimacy
Group looks for abuse in Catholic schools
Might the U.S. have had problems similar to the Irish?
Spanish bishops wade into abortion fight
Urging Catholic lawmakers to vote against liberal bill
Witches' coven claims religious persecution
Catholic parish banned group from using facilities
Cleveland parishioners protest church closings
Catholics from 12 parishes gather outside bishop's office
L'Osservatore Romano editor explains his flub
Gian Maria Vian declared Obama is not pro-abortion
Experts debate 'theology of the body' tactics
Under fire, Christopher West responds to critics
U.S. Catholic bishops urge immigration reform
Cardinal George: Legislation should not be delayed
=========
Other Issues
=========
China sells US bonds to 'show concern'
A decision by China to reduce its US Treasury holdings suggests concern about the US attitude towards its economic woes, Chinese economists were quoted as saying in state media Wednesday.
Minnesota lawmaker vows not to complete census
Outspoken Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's so worried that information from next year's national census will be abused that she will refuse to fill out anything more than the number of people in her household...
[Anyone giving the ACORN thugs and the Obongo administration more information than is required by the Constitution are fools. I look forward to the day these criminals try to impose their will on me or any of my family!!! They'll be thrown off my property should they be so stupid as to trespass!]
SEC May Force More Disclosure About ‘Dark Pools'
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro, concerned that trading on private electronic markets may pose “emerging risks” to investors, said the agency may require firms to disclose more information on their transactions.
More home sales prices kept secret in Dallas MLS
Germany faces 310 billion euros in debt: report
Russia & Georgia Resume Their Deadly Dance
----------
War is peace
Freedom is slavery
Ignorance is strength
-1984
Gospel for the Solemnity: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
From: John 19:31-37
Jesus' Side Is Pierced
[31] Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross of the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [32] So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; [33] but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. [34] But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. [35] He who saw it has borne witness--his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth--that you also may believe. [36] For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken." [37] And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced."
_____________________________
Commentary:
31-33. Jesus dies on the Preparation day of the Passover--the Parasceve--that is, the eve, when the paschal lambs were officially sacrificed in the Temple. By stressing this, the evangelist implies that Christ's sacrifice took the place of the sacrifices of the Old Law and inaugurated the New Alliance in his blood (cf. Heb 9:12).
The Law of Moses required that the bodies should be taken down before nightfall (Deut 21:22-23); this is why Pilate is asked to have their legs broken, to bring on death and allow them to be buried before it gets dark, particularly since the next day is the feast of the Passover.
On the date of Jesus' death see "The Dates of the Life of our Lord Jesus Christ" in the "The Navarre Bible: St. Mark", pp. 48ff.
34. The outflow of blood and water has a natural explanation. Probably the water was an accumulation of liquid in the lungs due to Jesus' intense sufferings.
As on other occasions, the historical events narrated in the fourth Gospel are laden with meaning. St. Augustine and Christian tradition see the sacraments and the Church itself flowing from Jesus' open side: "Here was opened wide the door of life, from which the sacraments of the Church have flowed out, without which there is no entering in unto life which is true life. [...] Here the second Adam with bowed head slept upon the cross, that thence a wife might be formed of him, flowing from his side while he slept. O death, by which the dead come back to life! is there anything purer than this blood, any wound more healing!" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang., 120, 2).
The Second Vatican Council, for its part, teaches: "The Church--that is, the kingdom of Christ--already present in mystery, grows visibly through the power of God in the world. The origin and growth of the Church are symbolized by the blood and water which flowed from the open side of the crucified Jesus" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 3).
"Jesus on the cross, with his heart overflowing with love for men, is such an eloquent commentary on the value of people and things that words only get in the way. People, their happiness and their life, are so important that the very Son of God gave himself to redeem and cleanse and raise them up" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 165).
35. St John's Gospel presents itself as a truthful witness of the events of our Lord's life and of their spiritual and doctrinal significance. From the words of John the Baptist at the outset of Jesus' public ministry (1:19) to the final paragraph of the Gospel (21:24-25), everything forms part of a testimony to the sublime phenomenon of the Word of Life made Man. Here the evangelist explicitly states that he was an eyewitness (cf. also Jn 20:30-31; 1 Jn 1:1-3).
36. This question refers to the precept of the Law that no bone of the paschal lamb should be broken (cf. Ex 12:46): again St John's Gospel is telling us that Jesus is the true paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (cf. Jn 1:29).
37. The account of the Passion concludes with quotation from Zechariah (12:10) foretelling the salvation resulting from the mysterious suffering and death of a redeemer. The evangelist thereby evokes the salvation wrought by Jesus Christ who, nailed to the Cross, has fulfilled God's promise of redemption (cf. Jn 12:32). Everyone who looks upon him with faith receives the effects of his Passion. Thus, the good thief, looking at Christ on the cross, recognized his kingship, placed his truth in him and received the promise of heaven (cf. Lk 23:42-43).
In the liturgy of Good Friday the Church invites us to contemplate and adore the cross: "Behold the wood of the Cross, on which was nailed the salvation of the world", and from the earliest times of the Church the Crucifix has been the sign reminding Christians of the supreme point of Christ's love, when he died on the Cross and freed us from eternal death.
"Your Crucifix.--As a Christian, you should always carry your Crucifix with you. And place it on your desk. And kiss it before going to bed and when you wake up: and when your poor body rebels against your soul, kiss it again" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 302).
___________________________
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.
Jesus' Side Is Pierced
[31] Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross of the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [32] So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; [33] but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. [34] But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. [35] He who saw it has borne witness--his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth--that you also may believe. [36] For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken." [37] And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced."
_____________________________
Commentary:
31-33. Jesus dies on the Preparation day of the Passover--the Parasceve--that is, the eve, when the paschal lambs were officially sacrificed in the Temple. By stressing this, the evangelist implies that Christ's sacrifice took the place of the sacrifices of the Old Law and inaugurated the New Alliance in his blood (cf. Heb 9:12).
The Law of Moses required that the bodies should be taken down before nightfall (Deut 21:22-23); this is why Pilate is asked to have their legs broken, to bring on death and allow them to be buried before it gets dark, particularly since the next day is the feast of the Passover.
On the date of Jesus' death see "The Dates of the Life of our Lord Jesus Christ" in the "The Navarre Bible: St. Mark", pp. 48ff.
34. The outflow of blood and water has a natural explanation. Probably the water was an accumulation of liquid in the lungs due to Jesus' intense sufferings.
As on other occasions, the historical events narrated in the fourth Gospel are laden with meaning. St. Augustine and Christian tradition see the sacraments and the Church itself flowing from Jesus' open side: "Here was opened wide the door of life, from which the sacraments of the Church have flowed out, without which there is no entering in unto life which is true life. [...] Here the second Adam with bowed head slept upon the cross, that thence a wife might be formed of him, flowing from his side while he slept. O death, by which the dead come back to life! is there anything purer than this blood, any wound more healing!" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang., 120, 2).
The Second Vatican Council, for its part, teaches: "The Church--that is, the kingdom of Christ--already present in mystery, grows visibly through the power of God in the world. The origin and growth of the Church are symbolized by the blood and water which flowed from the open side of the crucified Jesus" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 3).
"Jesus on the cross, with his heart overflowing with love for men, is such an eloquent commentary on the value of people and things that words only get in the way. People, their happiness and their life, are so important that the very Son of God gave himself to redeem and cleanse and raise them up" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 165).
35. St John's Gospel presents itself as a truthful witness of the events of our Lord's life and of their spiritual and doctrinal significance. From the words of John the Baptist at the outset of Jesus' public ministry (1:19) to the final paragraph of the Gospel (21:24-25), everything forms part of a testimony to the sublime phenomenon of the Word of Life made Man. Here the evangelist explicitly states that he was an eyewitness (cf. also Jn 20:30-31; 1 Jn 1:1-3).
36. This question refers to the precept of the Law that no bone of the paschal lamb should be broken (cf. Ex 12:46): again St John's Gospel is telling us that Jesus is the true paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (cf. Jn 1:29).
37. The account of the Passion concludes with quotation from Zechariah (12:10) foretelling the salvation resulting from the mysterious suffering and death of a redeemer. The evangelist thereby evokes the salvation wrought by Jesus Christ who, nailed to the Cross, has fulfilled God's promise of redemption (cf. Jn 12:32). Everyone who looks upon him with faith receives the effects of his Passion. Thus, the good thief, looking at Christ on the cross, recognized his kingship, placed his truth in him and received the promise of heaven (cf. Lk 23:42-43).
In the liturgy of Good Friday the Church invites us to contemplate and adore the cross: "Behold the wood of the Cross, on which was nailed the salvation of the world", and from the earliest times of the Church the Crucifix has been the sign reminding Christians of the supreme point of Christ's love, when he died on the Cross and freed us from eternal death.
"Your Crucifix.--As a Christian, you should always carry your Crucifix with you. And place it on your desk. And kiss it before going to bed and when you wake up: and when your poor body rebels against your soul, kiss it again" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 302).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - June 19
Have Confidence in Your Director
Do not fear that your director may be mistaken in what he prescribes for your guidance, or that he does not fully understand the state of your conscience because you did not explain it clearly enough to him. Such doubts cause obedience to be eluded or postponed and thus frustrate the designs of God in placing you under the direction of a prudent guide.
-Quadrupani.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Do not fear that your director may be mistaken in what he prescribes for your guidance, or that he does not fully understand the state of your conscience because you did not explain it clearly enough to him. Such doubts cause obedience to be eluded or postponed and thus frustrate the designs of God in placing you under the direction of a prudent guide.
-Quadrupani.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for June 19
BE ye led, but do ye run yourselves also; be ye led, but follow; because when ye shall have followed that will be true that without him ye can do nothing.
_________________________
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-June 19
HE who prays will certainly be saved. He who does not pray will certainly be damned. All the blessed (except infants) have been saved by prayer. All the damned have been lost through not praying; if they had prayed, they would not have been lost.
_________________
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
Pope Benedict XVI declares a "Year for Priests," June 19, 2009-June 19, 2010
Dear Lord, we pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry. We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5).For more information, please visit CatholicCulture here.
May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary's most chaste spouse. May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross. May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls. Amen.
St. John Vianney, pray for us.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
News Updates, 6/18
Key US Bishops: No Ecclesiastical Sanctions Against Notre Dame
On the first day of their three-day meeting in San Antonio, the bishops of the United States heard reports on the “great continental mission” taking place in Latin America and on the defense of traditional marriage. In separate interviews with John Allen, two key bishops-- Bishop George Kicanas of Tucson, vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry of Los Angeles, chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education, said there would be no sanctions against the University of Notre Dame for honoring President Barack Obama at its May 17 commencement ceremony...
Church vandalized, Jesus statue decapitated
Vandals spray painted graffiti and cut the head of a statue outside Saint Ann’s Catholic Church on Park Road Monday night. Police are investigating the damage. A police report values the statue at $3,000 and puts the total damage at $4,500.
"No priest, no evil one/Can keep us/From feeling like Hitler’s children."
That creepy line, according to Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism, was part of a Hitler Youth song popular during the late 1930s. Goldberg has posted two excerpts from his book in response to the idea, still widely prevalent, that Hitler was a Christian of some sort or another..."In 1935 mandatory prayer in school was abolished, and in 1938 carols and Nativity plays were banned entirely. By 1941 religious instruction for children fourteen years and up had been abolished altogether, and Jacobinism reigned supreme"...
Vatican warns SSPX not to ordain priests
Plans include 21 new priests in three countries
More proof of Hitler's plan to kill Pius XII
Son of German intelligence officer comes forward
Catholic colleges promote pro-abortion internships
...including Feminist Majority Foundation and NOW
PBS to begin phasing out religious programming
No more Catholic Masses or Mormon devotionals
MySpace, Facebook users at Vatican hit firewalls
Employees banned from accessing social networking sites
St. Paul's cathedral declared national shrine
Rector: 'We're thrilled with receiving that distinction'
Study: homosexual behavior among animals common
Claim it's 'part of necessary biological adaptation'
Former Catholic priest in photo scandal marries
'Fr. Oprah' left Church for Anglican communion
Catholic bishops meeting to focus on liturgy
Three-day conference taking place in San Antonio
=========
Other Issues
=========
EDITORIAL: A witness to Walpin-gate
"..Our witness, a staff member, said the board was hostile and rude. He said the board repeatedly interrupted Mr. Walpin and peppered him with questions on multiple issues. He fully confirmed Mr. Walpin's account that the board excused Mr. Walpin for 15 minutes and that when Mr. Walpin returned to find his notepapers out of order, the board refused to give him time to get them straight...
Obama fires two more inspector generals who were critical of him?
Both inspectors general had investigated sensitive subjects at the time of their firings. [Senator] Grassley is now concerned about whether a pattern is emerging in which the independence of the government's top watchdogs -- whose jobs were authorized by Congress to look out for waste, fraud and abuse -- is being put at risk...
[The Rule of Law is OUT, replaced by the Rule of 0bama!]
New flu strain 'has mutated, become more infectious'
The new strain of influenza appears to have mutated to become more infectious for humans, the online edition of science magazine Nature reported Monday, referencing research by a team including Prof. Yoshihiro Kawaoka of Tokyo University's Institute of Medical Science...
[In related Flu news, we have this (which might portend something ominous): E627K Acquisition in Swine H1N1 Raises Pandemic Concerns]
Las Vegas newspaper gets subpoena to ID online commenters
A Nevada newspaper says it has been served a federal grand jury subpoena seeking information about readers who posted comments on the paper's Web site. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tuesday that its editor, Thomas Mitchell, plans to fight the request, which the newspaper received after reporting on a federal tax fraud case against business owner Robert Kahre...
Suitcase With $134 Billion Puts Dollar on Edge
Two Japanese men are detained in Italy after allegedly attempting to take $134 billion worth of U.S. bonds over the border into Switzerland. Details are maddeningly sketchy, so naturally the global rumor mill is kicking into high gear.
Bigest Financial Crime in History - Nor Reported by the Mainstream (State) Press
Why is the apprehension of two Japanese men with $134.5 billion of U.S. Treasury bonds hidden in their suitcases not on the Nightly News? This is a huge story and could indicate a massive coverup by the U.S. and Japanese governments. Why isn't the Secretary of the Treasury being interviewed?...
Libya records 13 cases of bubonic plague
Thirteen cases of bubonic plague have been recorded in eastern Libya, near the border with Egypt, Health Minister Mohamad Hijazi told AFP on Wednesday, stressing the situation was under control.
----------
War is peace
Freedom is slavery
Ignorance is strength
-1984
On the first day of their three-day meeting in San Antonio, the bishops of the United States heard reports on the “great continental mission” taking place in Latin America and on the defense of traditional marriage. In separate interviews with John Allen, two key bishops-- Bishop George Kicanas of Tucson, vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry of Los Angeles, chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education, said there would be no sanctions against the University of Notre Dame for honoring President Barack Obama at its May 17 commencement ceremony...
Church vandalized, Jesus statue decapitated
Vandals spray painted graffiti and cut the head of a statue outside Saint Ann’s Catholic Church on Park Road Monday night. Police are investigating the damage. A police report values the statue at $3,000 and puts the total damage at $4,500.
"No priest, no evil one/Can keep us/From feeling like Hitler’s children."
That creepy line, according to Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism, was part of a Hitler Youth song popular during the late 1930s. Goldberg has posted two excerpts from his book in response to the idea, still widely prevalent, that Hitler was a Christian of some sort or another..."In 1935 mandatory prayer in school was abolished, and in 1938 carols and Nativity plays were banned entirely. By 1941 religious instruction for children fourteen years and up had been abolished altogether, and Jacobinism reigned supreme"...
Vatican warns SSPX not to ordain priests
Plans include 21 new priests in three countries
More proof of Hitler's plan to kill Pius XII
Son of German intelligence officer comes forward
Catholic colleges promote pro-abortion internships
...including Feminist Majority Foundation and NOW
PBS to begin phasing out religious programming
No more Catholic Masses or Mormon devotionals
MySpace, Facebook users at Vatican hit firewalls
Employees banned from accessing social networking sites
St. Paul's cathedral declared national shrine
Rector: 'We're thrilled with receiving that distinction'
Study: homosexual behavior among animals common
Claim it's 'part of necessary biological adaptation'
Former Catholic priest in photo scandal marries
'Fr. Oprah' left Church for Anglican communion
Catholic bishops meeting to focus on liturgy
Three-day conference taking place in San Antonio
=========
Other Issues
=========
EDITORIAL: A witness to Walpin-gate
"..Our witness, a staff member, said the board was hostile and rude. He said the board repeatedly interrupted Mr. Walpin and peppered him with questions on multiple issues. He fully confirmed Mr. Walpin's account that the board excused Mr. Walpin for 15 minutes and that when Mr. Walpin returned to find his notepapers out of order, the board refused to give him time to get them straight...
Obama fires two more inspector generals who were critical of him?
Both inspectors general had investigated sensitive subjects at the time of their firings. [Senator] Grassley is now concerned about whether a pattern is emerging in which the independence of the government's top watchdogs -- whose jobs were authorized by Congress to look out for waste, fraud and abuse -- is being put at risk...
[The Rule of Law is OUT, replaced by the Rule of 0bama!]
New flu strain 'has mutated, become more infectious'
The new strain of influenza appears to have mutated to become more infectious for humans, the online edition of science magazine Nature reported Monday, referencing research by a team including Prof. Yoshihiro Kawaoka of Tokyo University's Institute of Medical Science...
[In related Flu news, we have this (which might portend something ominous): E627K Acquisition in Swine H1N1 Raises Pandemic Concerns]
Las Vegas newspaper gets subpoena to ID online commenters
A Nevada newspaper says it has been served a federal grand jury subpoena seeking information about readers who posted comments on the paper's Web site. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tuesday that its editor, Thomas Mitchell, plans to fight the request, which the newspaper received after reporting on a federal tax fraud case against business owner Robert Kahre...
Suitcase With $134 Billion Puts Dollar on Edge
Two Japanese men are detained in Italy after allegedly attempting to take $134 billion worth of U.S. bonds over the border into Switzerland. Details are maddeningly sketchy, so naturally the global rumor mill is kicking into high gear.
Bigest Financial Crime in History - Nor Reported by the Mainstream (State) Press
Why is the apprehension of two Japanese men with $134.5 billion of U.S. Treasury bonds hidden in their suitcases not on the Nightly News? This is a huge story and could indicate a massive coverup by the U.S. and Japanese governments. Why isn't the Secretary of the Treasury being interviewed?...
Libya records 13 cases of bubonic plague
Thirteen cases of bubonic plague have been recorded in eastern Libya, near the border with Egypt, Health Minister Mohamad Hijazi told AFP on Wednesday, stressing the situation was under control.
----------
War is peace
Freedom is slavery
Ignorance is strength
-1984
Gospel for Thursday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 6:7-15
An Upright Intention in Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples:) [7] "And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. [9] Pray then like this: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread; [12] And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [14] For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father also will forgive you; [15] but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
____________________
Commentary:
7-8. Jesus condemns the superstitious notion that long prayers are needed to attract God's attention. True piety is not so much a matter of the amount of words as of the frequency and the love with which the Christian turns towards God in all the events, great or small, of his day. Vocal prayer is good, and necessary; but the words count only if they express our inner feelings.
9-13. The "Our Father" is, without any doubt, the most commented-on passage in all Sacred Scripture. Numerous great Church writers have left us commentaries full of poetry and wisdom. The early Christians, taught by the precepts of salvation, and following the divine commandment, centered their prayer on this sublime and simple form of words given them by Jesus. And the last Christians, too, will raise their hearts to say the "Our Father" for the last time when they are on the point of being taken to Heaven. In the meantime, from childhood to death, the "Our Father" is a prayer which fills us with hope and consolation. Jesus fully realized how helpful this prayer would be to us. We are grateful to Him for giving it to us, to the Apostles for passing it on to us and, in the case of most Christians, to our mothers for teaching it to us in our infancy. So important is the Lord's Prayer that from apostolic times it has been used, along with the Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Sacraments, as the basis of Christian catechesis. Catechumens were introduced to the life of prayer by the "Our Father", and our catechisms today use it for that purpose.
St. Augustine says that the Lord's Prayer is so perfect that it sums up in a few words everything man needs to ask God for (cf. "Sermon", 56). It is usually seen as being made up of an invocation and seven petitions--three to do with praise of God and four with the needs of men.
9. It is a source of great consolation to be able to call God "our Father"; Jesus, the Son of God, teaches men to invoke God as Father because we are indeed His children, and should feel towards Him in that way.
"The Lord [...] is not a tyrannical master or a rigid and implacable judge; He is our Father. He speaks to us about our lack of generosity, our sins, our mistakes; but He also does so in order to free us from them, to promise us His friendship and His love [...]. A child of God treats the Lord as his Father. He is not obsequious and servile, he is not merely formal and well-mannered; he is completely sincere and trusting" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 64).
"Hallowed by Thy name": in the Bible a person's "name" means the same as the person himself. Here the name of God means God Himself. Why pray that His name be hallowed, sanctified? We do not mean sanctification in the human sense--leaving evil behind and drawing closer to God--for God is Holiness Itself. God, rather, is sanctified when His holiness is acknowledged and honored by His creatures--which is what this first petition of the "Our Father" means (cf. "St. Pius Catechism", IV, 10).
10. "Thy Kingdom come": this brings up again the central idea of the Gospel of Jesus Christ--the coming of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is so identical with the life and work of Jesus Christ that the Gospel is referred to now as the Gospel of Jesus Christ, now as the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 9:35). On the notion of the Kingdom of God see the commentary on Matthew 3:2 and 4:17. The coming of the Kingdom of God is the realization of God's plan of salvation in the world. The Kingdom establishes itself in the first place in the core of man's being, raising him up to share in God's own inner life. This elevation has, as it were, two stages--the first, in this life, where it is brought about by grace; the second, definitive stage in eternal life, where man's elevation to the supernatural level is fully completed. We for our part need to respond to God spontaneously, lovingly and trustingly.
"Thy will be done": this third petition expresses two desires. The first is that man identify humbly and unconditionally with God's will--abandonment in the arms of his Father God. The second that the will of God be fulfilled, that man cooperate with it in full freedom. For example, God's will is to be found in the moral aspect of the divine law--but this law is not forced on man. One of the signs of the coming of the Kingdom is man's loving fulfillment of God's will. The second part of the petition, "on earth as it is in Heaven", means that, just as the angels and saints in Heaven are fully at one with God's will, so--we desire--should the same thing obtain on earth.
Our effort to do God's will proves that we are sincere when we say the words, "Thy will be done." For our Lord says, "Not every one who says to Me, `Lord, Lord' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven." (Matthew 7:21). "Anyone, then, who sincerely repeats this petition, `Fiat voluntas tua', must, at least in intention, have done this already" (St. Teresa of Avila, "Way of Perfection", chapter 36).
11. In making this fourth petition, we are thinking primarily of our needs in this present life. The importance of this petition is that it declares that the material things we need in our lives are good and lawful. It gives a deep religious dimension to the support of life: what Christ's disciple obtains through his own work is also something for which he should implore God--and he should receive it gratefully as a gift from God. God is our support in life: by asking God to support him and by realizing that it is God who is providing this support, the Christian avoids being worried about material needs. Jesus does not want us to pray for wealth or to be attached to material things, but to seek and make sober use of what meets our needs. Hence, in Matthew as well as in Luke (Luke 11:2), there is reference to having enough food for every day. This fourth petition, then, has to do with moderate use of food and material things--far from the extremes of opulence and misery, as God already taught in the Old Testament "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food which is needful for me, lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, `Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:8).
The Fathers of the Church interpreted the bread asked for here not only as material food but also as referring to the Blessed Eucharist, without which our spirit cannot stay alive.
According to the "St. Pius V Catechism" (cf. IV, 13, 21) the Eucharist is called our daily bread because it is offered daily to God in the Holy Mass and because we should worthily receive it, every day if possible, as St. Ambrose advises: "If the bread is daily, why do you take it only once a year [...]? Receive daily what is of benefit to you daily! So live that you may deserve to receive it daily!" ("De Sacramentis", V, 4).
12. "Debts": clearly, here, in the sense of sin. In the Aramaic of Jesus' time the same word was used for offense and debt. In this fifth petition, then, we admit that we are debtors because we have offended God. The Old Testament is full of references to man's sinful condition. Even the "righteous" are sinners. Recognizing our sins is the first step in every conversion to God. It is not a question of recognizing that we have sinned in the past but of confessing our present sinful condition. Awareness of our sinfulness makes us realize our religious need to have recourse to the only One who can cure it. Hence the advantage of praying insistently, using the Lord's Prayer to obtain God's forgiveness time and again.
The second part of this petition is a serious call to forgive our fellow-men, for we cannot dare to ask God to forgive us if we are not ready to forgive others. The Christian needs to realize what this prayer implies: unwillingness to forgive others means that one is condemning oneself (see the notes on Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:21:21-35).
13. "And lead us not into temptation": "We do not ask to be totally exempt from temptation, for human life is one continuous temptation (cf. Job 7:1). What, then, do we pray for in this petition? We pray that the divine assistance may not forsake us, lest having been deceived, or worsted, we should yield to temptation; and that the grace of God may be at hand to succor us when our strength fails, to refresh and invigorate us in our trials" ("St. Pius V Catechism", IV, 15, 14).
In this petition of the "Our Father" we recognize that our human efforts alone do not take us very far in trying to cope with temptation, and that we need to have humble recourse to God, to get the strength we need. For, "God is strong enough to free you from everything and can do you more good than all the devils can do you harm. All that God decrees is that you confide in Him, that you draw near Him, that you trust Him and distrust yourself, and so be helped; and with this help you will defeat whatever hell brings against you. Never lose hold of this firm hope [...] even if the demons are legion and all kinds of severe temptations harass you. Lean upon Him, because if the Lord is not your support and your strength, then you will fall and you will be afraid of everything" (St. John of Avila, "Sermons, 9, First Sunday of Lent").
"But deliver us from evil": in this petition, which, in a way, sums up the previous petitions, we ask the Lord to free us from everything our enemy does to bring us down; we cannot be free of him unless God Himself free us, in response to our prayers.
This sentence can also be translated as "Deliver us from the Evil One", that is to say, the devil, who is in the last analysis the author of all evils to which we are prone.
In making this request we can be sure that our prayer will be heard because Jesus Christ, when He was on the point of leaving this world, prayed to the Father for the salvation of all men: "I do not pray that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).
14-15. In verses 14 and 15 St. Matthew gives us a sort of commentary of our Lord on the fifth petition of the "Our Father".
A God who forgives is a wonderful God. But if God, who is thrice-holy, has mercy on the sinner, how much more ought we to forgive others--we sinners, who know from our own experience the wretchedness of sin. No one on earth is perfect. Just as God loves us, even though we have defects, and forgives us, we should love others, even though they have defects, and forgive them. If we wait to love people who have no defects, we shall never love anyone. If we wait until others mend their ways or apologize, we will scarcely ever forgive them. But then we ourselves will never be forgiven. "All right: that person has behaved badly towards you. But, haven't you behaved worse towards God?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 686).
Thus, forgiving those who have offended us makes us like our Father, God: "In loving our enemies there shines forth in us some likeness to God our Father, who, by the death of His Son, ransomed from everlasting perdition and reconciled to Himself the human race, which before was most unfriendly and hostile to Him" ("St. Pius V Catechism", IV, 14, 19).
___________________________
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.
An Upright Intention in Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples:) [7] "And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. [9] Pray then like this: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread; [12] And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [14] For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father also will forgive you; [15] but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
____________________
Commentary:
7-8. Jesus condemns the superstitious notion that long prayers are needed to attract God's attention. True piety is not so much a matter of the amount of words as of the frequency and the love with which the Christian turns towards God in all the events, great or small, of his day. Vocal prayer is good, and necessary; but the words count only if they express our inner feelings.
9-13. The "Our Father" is, without any doubt, the most commented-on passage in all Sacred Scripture. Numerous great Church writers have left us commentaries full of poetry and wisdom. The early Christians, taught by the precepts of salvation, and following the divine commandment, centered their prayer on this sublime and simple form of words given them by Jesus. And the last Christians, too, will raise their hearts to say the "Our Father" for the last time when they are on the point of being taken to Heaven. In the meantime, from childhood to death, the "Our Father" is a prayer which fills us with hope and consolation. Jesus fully realized how helpful this prayer would be to us. We are grateful to Him for giving it to us, to the Apostles for passing it on to us and, in the case of most Christians, to our mothers for teaching it to us in our infancy. So important is the Lord's Prayer that from apostolic times it has been used, along with the Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Sacraments, as the basis of Christian catechesis. Catechumens were introduced to the life of prayer by the "Our Father", and our catechisms today use it for that purpose.
St. Augustine says that the Lord's Prayer is so perfect that it sums up in a few words everything man needs to ask God for (cf. "Sermon", 56). It is usually seen as being made up of an invocation and seven petitions--three to do with praise of God and four with the needs of men.
9. It is a source of great consolation to be able to call God "our Father"; Jesus, the Son of God, teaches men to invoke God as Father because we are indeed His children, and should feel towards Him in that way.
"The Lord [...] is not a tyrannical master or a rigid and implacable judge; He is our Father. He speaks to us about our lack of generosity, our sins, our mistakes; but He also does so in order to free us from them, to promise us His friendship and His love [...]. A child of God treats the Lord as his Father. He is not obsequious and servile, he is not merely formal and well-mannered; he is completely sincere and trusting" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 64).
"Hallowed by Thy name": in the Bible a person's "name" means the same as the person himself. Here the name of God means God Himself. Why pray that His name be hallowed, sanctified? We do not mean sanctification in the human sense--leaving evil behind and drawing closer to God--for God is Holiness Itself. God, rather, is sanctified when His holiness is acknowledged and honored by His creatures--which is what this first petition of the "Our Father" means (cf. "St. Pius Catechism", IV, 10).
10. "Thy Kingdom come": this brings up again the central idea of the Gospel of Jesus Christ--the coming of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is so identical with the life and work of Jesus Christ that the Gospel is referred to now as the Gospel of Jesus Christ, now as the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 9:35). On the notion of the Kingdom of God see the commentary on Matthew 3:2 and 4:17. The coming of the Kingdom of God is the realization of God's plan of salvation in the world. The Kingdom establishes itself in the first place in the core of man's being, raising him up to share in God's own inner life. This elevation has, as it were, two stages--the first, in this life, where it is brought about by grace; the second, definitive stage in eternal life, where man's elevation to the supernatural level is fully completed. We for our part need to respond to God spontaneously, lovingly and trustingly.
"Thy will be done": this third petition expresses two desires. The first is that man identify humbly and unconditionally with God's will--abandonment in the arms of his Father God. The second that the will of God be fulfilled, that man cooperate with it in full freedom. For example, God's will is to be found in the moral aspect of the divine law--but this law is not forced on man. One of the signs of the coming of the Kingdom is man's loving fulfillment of God's will. The second part of the petition, "on earth as it is in Heaven", means that, just as the angels and saints in Heaven are fully at one with God's will, so--we desire--should the same thing obtain on earth.
Our effort to do God's will proves that we are sincere when we say the words, "Thy will be done." For our Lord says, "Not every one who says to Me, `Lord, Lord' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven." (Matthew 7:21). "Anyone, then, who sincerely repeats this petition, `Fiat voluntas tua', must, at least in intention, have done this already" (St. Teresa of Avila, "Way of Perfection", chapter 36).
11. In making this fourth petition, we are thinking primarily of our needs in this present life. The importance of this petition is that it declares that the material things we need in our lives are good and lawful. It gives a deep religious dimension to the support of life: what Christ's disciple obtains through his own work is also something for which he should implore God--and he should receive it gratefully as a gift from God. God is our support in life: by asking God to support him and by realizing that it is God who is providing this support, the Christian avoids being worried about material needs. Jesus does not want us to pray for wealth or to be attached to material things, but to seek and make sober use of what meets our needs. Hence, in Matthew as well as in Luke (Luke 11:2), there is reference to having enough food for every day. This fourth petition, then, has to do with moderate use of food and material things--far from the extremes of opulence and misery, as God already taught in the Old Testament "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food which is needful for me, lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, `Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:8).
The Fathers of the Church interpreted the bread asked for here not only as material food but also as referring to the Blessed Eucharist, without which our spirit cannot stay alive.
According to the "St. Pius V Catechism" (cf. IV, 13, 21) the Eucharist is called our daily bread because it is offered daily to God in the Holy Mass and because we should worthily receive it, every day if possible, as St. Ambrose advises: "If the bread is daily, why do you take it only once a year [...]? Receive daily what is of benefit to you daily! So live that you may deserve to receive it daily!" ("De Sacramentis", V, 4).
12. "Debts": clearly, here, in the sense of sin. In the Aramaic of Jesus' time the same word was used for offense and debt. In this fifth petition, then, we admit that we are debtors because we have offended God. The Old Testament is full of references to man's sinful condition. Even the "righteous" are sinners. Recognizing our sins is the first step in every conversion to God. It is not a question of recognizing that we have sinned in the past but of confessing our present sinful condition. Awareness of our sinfulness makes us realize our religious need to have recourse to the only One who can cure it. Hence the advantage of praying insistently, using the Lord's Prayer to obtain God's forgiveness time and again.
The second part of this petition is a serious call to forgive our fellow-men, for we cannot dare to ask God to forgive us if we are not ready to forgive others. The Christian needs to realize what this prayer implies: unwillingness to forgive others means that one is condemning oneself (see the notes on Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:21:21-35).
13. "And lead us not into temptation": "We do not ask to be totally exempt from temptation, for human life is one continuous temptation (cf. Job 7:1). What, then, do we pray for in this petition? We pray that the divine assistance may not forsake us, lest having been deceived, or worsted, we should yield to temptation; and that the grace of God may be at hand to succor us when our strength fails, to refresh and invigorate us in our trials" ("St. Pius V Catechism", IV, 15, 14).
In this petition of the "Our Father" we recognize that our human efforts alone do not take us very far in trying to cope with temptation, and that we need to have humble recourse to God, to get the strength we need. For, "God is strong enough to free you from everything and can do you more good than all the devils can do you harm. All that God decrees is that you confide in Him, that you draw near Him, that you trust Him and distrust yourself, and so be helped; and with this help you will defeat whatever hell brings against you. Never lose hold of this firm hope [...] even if the demons are legion and all kinds of severe temptations harass you. Lean upon Him, because if the Lord is not your support and your strength, then you will fall and you will be afraid of everything" (St. John of Avila, "Sermons, 9, First Sunday of Lent").
"But deliver us from evil": in this petition, which, in a way, sums up the previous petitions, we ask the Lord to free us from everything our enemy does to bring us down; we cannot be free of him unless God Himself free us, in response to our prayers.
This sentence can also be translated as "Deliver us from the Evil One", that is to say, the devil, who is in the last analysis the author of all evils to which we are prone.
In making this request we can be sure that our prayer will be heard because Jesus Christ, when He was on the point of leaving this world, prayed to the Father for the salvation of all men: "I do not pray that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).
14-15. In verses 14 and 15 St. Matthew gives us a sort of commentary of our Lord on the fifth petition of the "Our Father".
A God who forgives is a wonderful God. But if God, who is thrice-holy, has mercy on the sinner, how much more ought we to forgive others--we sinners, who know from our own experience the wretchedness of sin. No one on earth is perfect. Just as God loves us, even though we have defects, and forgives us, we should love others, even though they have defects, and forgive them. If we wait to love people who have no defects, we shall never love anyone. If we wait until others mend their ways or apologize, we will scarcely ever forgive them. But then we ourselves will never be forgiven. "All right: that person has behaved badly towards you. But, haven't you behaved worse towards God?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 686).
Thus, forgiving those who have offended us makes us like our Father, God: "In loving our enemies there shines forth in us some likeness to God our Father, who, by the death of His Son, ransomed from everlasting perdition and reconciled to Himself the human race, which before was most unfriendly and hostile to Him" ("St. Pius V Catechism", IV, 14, 19).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - June 18
The Source of Happiness
The first principle of the Christian faith is to walk in the presence of God; this means to live in the fear of God. We must ever look towards God and carry Him in our hearts - that is, with the wondering eyes of belief we must marvel at His unending greatness and perfection; we must in thankful love worship His unbounded goodness and wisdom. This is intercourse with Him, in which nothing hard or unpleasant, nothing bitter or irksome can be found; it means that as often as we look up to Him, we receive new incentives and graces and are refreshed, strengthened, and instructed by Him.
-Von Oer-Bothmer.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
The first principle of the Christian faith is to walk in the presence of God; this means to live in the fear of God. We must ever look towards God and carry Him in our hearts - that is, with the wondering eyes of belief we must marvel at His unending greatness and perfection; we must in thankful love worship His unbounded goodness and wisdom. This is intercourse with Him, in which nothing hard or unpleasant, nothing bitter or irksome can be found; it means that as often as we look up to Him, we receive new incentives and graces and are refreshed, strengthened, and instructed by Him.
-Von Oer-Bothmer.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for June 18
THIS is our business, this is our warfare. When we struggle in this contest we have God as our spectator; when we travail in this contest we implore God to be our succour. For if he aid us not we shall have no power, I do not say to conquer, but not even to fight.
_________________________
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-June 18
O TIME despised during life! you will be ardently desired by worldlings at the hour of death. How much would they then pay for another week, or another day, to settle the accounts of their conscience!
_________________
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
Dr Edward Peters on Archbishop Weakland
Dr Peters writes:
Weakland, sick pervert and heretic as he is, disgraces the Church, the priesthood and the episcopacy and scandalizes the faithful as well as the general public. It boggles the mind to to know that he eventually became a "bishop" - amazing!
Abp Weakland will not stop his attacks on Church teaching, so Rome must finally actRead more here.
It's obvious that Abp. Rembert Weakland has no intention of stopping his attacks on various Church teachings or of refraining from giving protracted scandal to the faithful. What Rome should have done during the decades of defiance shown it by Weakland is a matter for historians to debate. The only question today, as I see it, is what, if anything, will Rome finally do to vindicate the faithful against the appalling and on-going scandal of Abp. Rembert Weakland?
Weakland, sick pervert and heretic as he is, disgraces the Church, the priesthood and the episcopacy and scandalizes the faithful as well as the general public. It boggles the mind to to know that he eventually became a "bishop" - amazing!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
News Updates, 6/17
Notre Dame ‘Betrayed’ Catholic Identity with Obama Speech, Says Vatican Leader
(CNSNews.com) – The University of Notre Dame betrayed its Catholic identity by inviting President Barack Obama to give the commencement speech and receive an honorary degree from the school in May, said Archbishop Raymond Burke, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest court at the Vatican...
More Proof of Hitler's Plan to Kill Pius XII
New evidence published today by the newspaper of the Italian bishops gives more credence to the belief that Adolf Hitler had planned to either kidnap or kill Pope Pius XII...
Pope discusses Austria's church scandals
Pope Benedict XVI met Tuesday for a second day with Austrian clergy to discuss the bungled appointment of an ultraconservative priest and a sex scandal - two events that have shaken the country's Catholic church.
Catholic bishops focusing on liturgy (USCCB Semiannual Meeting)
To some Catholics, U.S. bishops have chartered the correct course by focusing on liturgical matters at their three-day spring meeting, which begins today in San Antonio. More than 150 bishops from across the nation will fine-tune the English translation of the Mass to conform more closely to its Latin original. They'll seek more effective ways to spread their stated-but-little-known ministry goals. And they'll approve a new Mass of Thanksgiving.
U.S. Anglican convent converts to Rome en masse
Order of nuns to be received in the Catholic Church
Archbishop 'couldn't keep reading' abuse details
'It can't be hidden and it shouldn't be hidden'
Priest and seminarians gunned down in Mexico
Vehicle hit 20 times by rounds from assault rifles
Catholic lawyer accused of treasonous acts
Vietnam charges him with trying to overthrown gov't
New evidence says Pope Pius XII helped Jews
More than 2,300 pages of original documents corroborate
UK bishops fear bill will nix school crucifixes
Religious icons may offend atheist janitors
Hong Kong cardinal says stop accepting compromise
Urges Pope's letter on religious freedom to be followed
UK lesbians offered 'fertility' deal in Spain
Travel agent offering artificial insemination tour
Catholics angry at hurricane aid redirection plan
Archdiocese of New Orleans seeks to divert $11 million
=========
Other Issues
=========
Bernanke invited to testify on Merrill deal
A key congressional panel is inviting Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to testify on June 25 about allegations by Bank of America Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis that government officials pressed him to buy Merrill Lynch & Co. after he became aware of major losses at the investment bank...
Brazil finds new strain of Swine Flu virus
Brazilian scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, their institute said Tuesday.
Chairman Obama Predicts Unemployment Will Hit 10% This Year
Jake Tapper and Karen Travers report: In an interview with Bloomberg News’ Al Hunt today, B. Hussein Obama says he thinks unemployment will hit 10% this year...
[How about before the end of summer? Praying that the narcissist thug is one of those!]
Obama Says ‘Robust’ Growth Will Prevent Tax Increases
B. Hussein Obama said he is “confident” that he won’t have to raise taxes on most Americans to close the budget deficit as long as the economy picks up steam...
[What's this clown smoking, anyway? - "Robust growth" with 10+% unemployment?]
Western states want reins on federal power
An expanded federal role prompts declarations of state sovereignty. Montana goes further with a gun bill defying U.S. firearm restrictions. The goal: Keep Washington on its side of the fence...In just the last few months, legislatures in five states -- Alaska, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota -- have passed resolutions asserting their sovereignty and asking the federal government to "cease and desist" from meddling in their business. Similar measures are pending in about two dozen other states, including seven out West.
Equality or Payback? Is Judge Sotomayor someone in payback mode?(Thomas Sowell)
When it comes to subjecting other people to the same treatment in a later era, some have no real problem with that. They see it as payback. One of the many problems of the payback approach is that many of the people who most deserve retribution are no longer alive. You can take symbolic revenge on people who look like them, but this removes the whole moral element. If it is all right to discriminate today against individuals who have done you no harm, then why was it wrong to discriminate against you in the past?
One Man’s Constitution is Another Man’s Toilet Paper
For almost two and a half centuries, countless Americans have voluntarily served and died to uphold and defend the principles of the US Constitution...It is because of their continued sacrifice that our constitutional republic is the envy of the entire world, notwithstanding liberal Baby-Boomers, who, along with terrorists and rogue dictatorships, have grown up to hate it...
(CNSNews.com) – The University of Notre Dame betrayed its Catholic identity by inviting President Barack Obama to give the commencement speech and receive an honorary degree from the school in May, said Archbishop Raymond Burke, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest court at the Vatican...
More Proof of Hitler's Plan to Kill Pius XII
New evidence published today by the newspaper of the Italian bishops gives more credence to the belief that Adolf Hitler had planned to either kidnap or kill Pope Pius XII...
Pope discusses Austria's church scandals
Pope Benedict XVI met Tuesday for a second day with Austrian clergy to discuss the bungled appointment of an ultraconservative priest and a sex scandal - two events that have shaken the country's Catholic church.
Catholic bishops focusing on liturgy (USCCB Semiannual Meeting)
To some Catholics, U.S. bishops have chartered the correct course by focusing on liturgical matters at their three-day spring meeting, which begins today in San Antonio. More than 150 bishops from across the nation will fine-tune the English translation of the Mass to conform more closely to its Latin original. They'll seek more effective ways to spread their stated-but-little-known ministry goals. And they'll approve a new Mass of Thanksgiving.
U.S. Anglican convent converts to Rome en masse
Order of nuns to be received in the Catholic Church
Archbishop 'couldn't keep reading' abuse details
'It can't be hidden and it shouldn't be hidden'
Priest and seminarians gunned down in Mexico
Vehicle hit 20 times by rounds from assault rifles
Catholic lawyer accused of treasonous acts
Vietnam charges him with trying to overthrown gov't
New evidence says Pope Pius XII helped Jews
More than 2,300 pages of original documents corroborate
UK bishops fear bill will nix school crucifixes
Religious icons may offend atheist janitors
Hong Kong cardinal says stop accepting compromise
Urges Pope's letter on religious freedom to be followed
UK lesbians offered 'fertility' deal in Spain
Travel agent offering artificial insemination tour
Catholics angry at hurricane aid redirection plan
Archdiocese of New Orleans seeks to divert $11 million
=========
Other Issues
=========
Bernanke invited to testify on Merrill deal
A key congressional panel is inviting Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to testify on June 25 about allegations by Bank of America Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis that government officials pressed him to buy Merrill Lynch & Co. after he became aware of major losses at the investment bank...
Brazil finds new strain of Swine Flu virus
Brazilian scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, their institute said Tuesday.
Chairman Obama Predicts Unemployment Will Hit 10% This Year
Jake Tapper and Karen Travers report: In an interview with Bloomberg News’ Al Hunt today, B. Hussein Obama says he thinks unemployment will hit 10% this year...
[How about before the end of summer? Praying that the narcissist thug is one of those!]
Obama Says ‘Robust’ Growth Will Prevent Tax Increases
B. Hussein Obama said he is “confident” that he won’t have to raise taxes on most Americans to close the budget deficit as long as the economy picks up steam...
[What's this clown smoking, anyway? - "Robust growth" with 10+% unemployment?]
Western states want reins on federal power
An expanded federal role prompts declarations of state sovereignty. Montana goes further with a gun bill defying U.S. firearm restrictions. The goal: Keep Washington on its side of the fence...In just the last few months, legislatures in five states -- Alaska, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota -- have passed resolutions asserting their sovereignty and asking the federal government to "cease and desist" from meddling in their business. Similar measures are pending in about two dozen other states, including seven out West.
Equality or Payback? Is Judge Sotomayor someone in payback mode?(Thomas Sowell)
When it comes to subjecting other people to the same treatment in a later era, some have no real problem with that. They see it as payback. One of the many problems of the payback approach is that many of the people who most deserve retribution are no longer alive. You can take symbolic revenge on people who look like them, but this removes the whole moral element. If it is all right to discriminate today against individuals who have done you no harm, then why was it wrong to discriminate against you in the past?
One Man’s Constitution is Another Man’s Toilet Paper
For almost two and a half centuries, countless Americans have voluntarily served and died to uphold and defend the principles of the US Constitution...It is because of their continued sacrifice that our constitutional republic is the envy of the entire world, notwithstanding liberal Baby-Boomers, who, along with terrorists and rogue dictatorships, have grown up to hate it...
Gospel for Wednesday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
An Upright Intention in Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Beware of practising your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in Heaven.
[2] "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. [3] But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
[5] "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. [6] But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
[16] "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
___________________
Commentary:
1-18. "Piety", here, means good works (cf. note on Matthew 5:6). Our Lord is indicating the kind of spirit in which we should do acts of personal piety. Almsgiving, fasting and prayer were the basic forms taken by personal piety among the chosen people--which is why Jesus refers to these three subjects. With complete authority He teaches that true piety must be practised with an upright intention, in the presence of God and without any ostentation. Piety practised in this way implies exercising our faith in God who sees us--and also in the safe knowledge that He will reward those who are sincerely devout.
5-6. Following the teaching of Jesus, the Church has always taught us to pray even when we were infants. By saying "you" (singular) our Lord is stating quite unequivocally the need for personal prayer--relating as child to Father, alone with God.
Public prayer, for which Christ's faithful assemble together, is something necessary and holy; but it should never displace obedience to this clear commandment of our Lord: "When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father".
The Second Vatican Council reminds us of the teaching and practice of the Church in its liturgy, which is "the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows [...]. The spiritual life, however, is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy. The Christian is indeed called to pray with others, but he must also enter into his bedroom to pray to his Father in secret; furthermore, according to the teaching of the Apostle, he must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)" ("Sacrosanctum Concilium", 10 and 12).
A soul who really puts his Christian faith into practice realizes that he needs frequently to get away and pray alone to his Father, God. Jesus, who gives us this teaching about prayer, practised it during His own life on earth: the holy Gospel reports that He often went apart to pray on His own: "At times He spent the whole night in an intimate conversation with His Father. The Apostles were filled with love when they saw Christ pray" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 119; cf. Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; etc.). The Apostles followed the Master's example, and so we see Peter going up to the rooftop of the house to pray in private, and receiving a revelation (cf. Acts 10:9-16). "Our life of prayer should also be based on some moments that are dedicated exclusively to our conversation with God, moments of silent dialogue" ("ibid", 119).
16-18. Starting from the traditional practice of fasting, our Lord tells us the spirit in which we should exercise mortification of our senses: we should do so without ostentation, avoiding praise, discreetly; that way Jesus' words will not apply to us: "they have their reward"; it would have been a very bad deal. "The world admires only spectacular sacrifice, because it does not realize the value of sacrifice that is hidden and silent" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 185).
___________________________
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.
An Upright Intention in Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Beware of practising your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in Heaven.
[2] "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. [3] But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
[5] "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. [6] But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
[16] "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
___________________
Commentary:
1-18. "Piety", here, means good works (cf. note on Matthew 5:6). Our Lord is indicating the kind of spirit in which we should do acts of personal piety. Almsgiving, fasting and prayer were the basic forms taken by personal piety among the chosen people--which is why Jesus refers to these three subjects. With complete authority He teaches that true piety must be practised with an upright intention, in the presence of God and without any ostentation. Piety practised in this way implies exercising our faith in God who sees us--and also in the safe knowledge that He will reward those who are sincerely devout.
5-6. Following the teaching of Jesus, the Church has always taught us to pray even when we were infants. By saying "you" (singular) our Lord is stating quite unequivocally the need for personal prayer--relating as child to Father, alone with God.
Public prayer, for which Christ's faithful assemble together, is something necessary and holy; but it should never displace obedience to this clear commandment of our Lord: "When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father".
The Second Vatican Council reminds us of the teaching and practice of the Church in its liturgy, which is "the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows [...]. The spiritual life, however, is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy. The Christian is indeed called to pray with others, but he must also enter into his bedroom to pray to his Father in secret; furthermore, according to the teaching of the Apostle, he must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)" ("Sacrosanctum Concilium", 10 and 12).
A soul who really puts his Christian faith into practice realizes that he needs frequently to get away and pray alone to his Father, God. Jesus, who gives us this teaching about prayer, practised it during His own life on earth: the holy Gospel reports that He often went apart to pray on His own: "At times He spent the whole night in an intimate conversation with His Father. The Apostles were filled with love when they saw Christ pray" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 119; cf. Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; etc.). The Apostles followed the Master's example, and so we see Peter going up to the rooftop of the house to pray in private, and receiving a revelation (cf. Acts 10:9-16). "Our life of prayer should also be based on some moments that are dedicated exclusively to our conversation with God, moments of silent dialogue" ("ibid", 119).
16-18. Starting from the traditional practice of fasting, our Lord tells us the spirit in which we should exercise mortification of our senses: we should do so without ostentation, avoiding praise, discreetly; that way Jesus' words will not apply to us: "they have their reward"; it would have been a very bad deal. "The world admires only spectacular sacrifice, because it does not realize the value of sacrifice that is hidden and silent" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 185).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - June 17
No Greater Danger
For a high-souled man, a priest especially, there is no greater danger than personal ambition, or the desire to possess men and things, attaching them to oneself.
-J. Rickaby, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
For a high-souled man, a priest especially, there is no greater danger than personal ambition, or the desire to possess men and things, attaching them to oneself.
-J. Rickaby, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for June 17
BE thou first with me a praiser of the Law and then thou shalt attain to its understanding. Thou hast a closed heart, and dost thou accuse the key?
_________________________
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-June 17
WHATEVER devout exercise you perform, do it as if it were the last time you had to do it. For this reason in your mental prayer you should often think of death; and when you go to bed, think that you will one day die there.
_________________
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
Monday, June 15, 2009
News Updates, 6/15
10 Abortion-Promoting Catholic Colleges
Parents wondering what their hard-earned money is supporting at Catholic colleges and universities might be interested in the latest findings from the Cardinal Newman Society. The organization has discovered 10 Catholic colleges and universities that are promoting student internships with organizations whose missions or activities are directly opposed to the Church’s moral teachings on issues related to abortion and marriage...
Pope Benedict appoints American priest to oversee liturgy (Fr. Agustine Di Noia O.P.)
This morning, the Vatican announced a significant change by Pope Benedict at the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, the body charged with overseeing the liturgy. The American priest, Fr. Agustine Di Noia O.P., was appointed by the Pope to be the secretary of the Congregation and raised to the level of archbishop.
"Stop funding the abortion industry in California!”
Pro-life group launches petition drive urging end to state spending on abortion
Stupid (by Diogenes)
Father Tom Reese is not happy. The American bishops have not been listening to him. At their June meeting the US bishops will vote on a new set of liturgical translations, which have been prepared by linguists operating on the novel theory that a translation should reflect what the original text says, rather than what a small group of liturgists think the text should say...
Church in Germany admits wrong to orphans
Victims endured suffering at Church-run orphanages
Pope appoints native as New Orleans archbishop
Austin's Bishop Gregory Aymond to replace Alfred Hughes
Hughes' tenure was stormy in New Orleans
Sexual abuse scandal and Katrina both bruised Church
Priest told not to hold Mass near closing parish
'I told the cardinal I really feel sorry for the people'
Randall Terry launches new Operation Rescue
Urges supporters to 'take a bullet' for the movement
Archbishop Burke reflects on Obama at Notre Dame
American prelate has headed Apostolic Signatura for a year
Suspect arrested for recent Nepal church blast
25-year-old woman confessed to planting bomb
Polish woman defends book on friendship with JPII
To Pope, she was 'My Dear Dusia,' and he was 'brother'
When did David Letterman stop being funny?
Bumbling comedy geek became a world-weary cynic
=========
Other Issues
=========
MySpace cutting 30% of staff in restructuring
MySpace said Tuesday it's firing more than 400 employees, or nearly 30% of its staff, as the online social networking service restructures its U.S. divisions under new Chief Executive Owen Van Natta. The move will lower the company's domestic U.S. staff to 1,000 employees, MySpace said in a statement.
U.S. Home Prices to Fall 14 Percent More, Deutsche Bank Says
Home prices in the U.S. may fall another 14 percent before reaching a bottom as an increase in unemployment offsets lower prices, Deutsche Bank said.
Fed Starting To Panic Over TALF Collateral Concerns
The Federal Reserve of New York is apparently just now realizing that Commercial Real Estate collateral is more than just wishful thinking. In a press release issued earlier, the NY Fed announced that it had picked TREPP to serve as a collateral monitor for the CRE Hail Mary pass better known as TALF. One would have expected the Fed to actually have some sort of algorithmic modeling of CMBS cash flow projections before it had decided to dedicate $1 trillion to this neutron bombed segment. Of course, always better late than never. From the press release:...
U.S. denies suppliers’ request for more aid, trade group says
DETROIT -- The U.S. auto task force has shot down suppliers' request for $8 billion to $10 billion in additional federal aid, said Neil De Koker, president of parts trade group Original Equipment Manufacturers Association...
California Democrats Seek Tax Boost as Battle Looms
Democrats who control California’s Legislature said tax increases are needed to help close a $24 billion deficit, setting up a battle with Republicans that may leave the state short of cash next month.
UK Ruling on NightJack author Richard Horton kills blogger anonymity
Thousands of bloggers who operate behind the cloak of anonymity have no right to keep their identities secret, the High Court ruled today...
Chairman Obama seeks to 'give government new powers to seize key companies'
The plan would give the government new powers to seize key companies whose failure jeopardizes the financial system, as well as creation of a watchdog agency to look out for consumers' interests...
[Uhhh, sure, right - Fascism on the march, courtesy of dear leader]
Goebbels Media
ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE
[Obamavision - 1984 arrives 25 years later]
Chairman Obama blocks access to visitor lists
Taking Bush's position, administration denies msnbc.com request for logs...
Durbin Must Resign
[And he should be in prison! Is every politician from Illinois corrupt?]
Bonds found in Italy mentioned on Glenn Beck show
Main stream media mum on the matter.
Did the Japanese Try to Dump $135 BILLION in US Bonds on the Black Market?
Last Friday morning, Treasuries rallied as the Japanese Minister of Finance Kaoru Yosano went on the public record to say that his faith in US Treasuries and America’s ‘strong dollar policy’ was ‘unshakeable’.
[Why did he say this?]
Big banks still not lending
Lending at the nation's top banks slowed in April, according to a government report published Monday, driven in part by continued deterioration in the U.S. economy.
Extended Stay Hotels Files for Bankruptcy
Extended Stay Hotels, which operates a chain of mid-priced extended stay hotels in 44 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, filed for bankruptcy protection, citing decreased revenue and high debt costs.
U.S. credit card defaults rise to record in May
U.S. credit card defaults rose to record highs in May, with a steep deterioration of Bank of America Corp's lending portfolio, in another sign that consumers remain under severe stress.
=========
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."
-Thomas Jefferson
Parents wondering what their hard-earned money is supporting at Catholic colleges and universities might be interested in the latest findings from the Cardinal Newman Society. The organization has discovered 10 Catholic colleges and universities that are promoting student internships with organizations whose missions or activities are directly opposed to the Church’s moral teachings on issues related to abortion and marriage...
Pope Benedict appoints American priest to oversee liturgy (Fr. Agustine Di Noia O.P.)
This morning, the Vatican announced a significant change by Pope Benedict at the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, the body charged with overseeing the liturgy. The American priest, Fr. Agustine Di Noia O.P., was appointed by the Pope to be the secretary of the Congregation and raised to the level of archbishop.
"Stop funding the abortion industry in California!”
Pro-life group launches petition drive urging end to state spending on abortion
Stupid (by Diogenes)
Father Tom Reese is not happy. The American bishops have not been listening to him. At their June meeting the US bishops will vote on a new set of liturgical translations, which have been prepared by linguists operating on the novel theory that a translation should reflect what the original text says, rather than what a small group of liturgists think the text should say...
Church in Germany admits wrong to orphans
Victims endured suffering at Church-run orphanages
Pope appoints native as New Orleans archbishop
Austin's Bishop Gregory Aymond to replace Alfred Hughes
Hughes' tenure was stormy in New Orleans
Sexual abuse scandal and Katrina both bruised Church
Priest told not to hold Mass near closing parish
'I told the cardinal I really feel sorry for the people'
Randall Terry launches new Operation Rescue
Urges supporters to 'take a bullet' for the movement
Archbishop Burke reflects on Obama at Notre Dame
American prelate has headed Apostolic Signatura for a year
Suspect arrested for recent Nepal church blast
25-year-old woman confessed to planting bomb
Polish woman defends book on friendship with JPII
To Pope, she was 'My Dear Dusia,' and he was 'brother'
When did David Letterman stop being funny?
Bumbling comedy geek became a world-weary cynic
=========
Other Issues
=========
MySpace cutting 30% of staff in restructuring
MySpace said Tuesday it's firing more than 400 employees, or nearly 30% of its staff, as the online social networking service restructures its U.S. divisions under new Chief Executive Owen Van Natta. The move will lower the company's domestic U.S. staff to 1,000 employees, MySpace said in a statement.
U.S. Home Prices to Fall 14 Percent More, Deutsche Bank Says
Home prices in the U.S. may fall another 14 percent before reaching a bottom as an increase in unemployment offsets lower prices, Deutsche Bank said.
Fed Starting To Panic Over TALF Collateral Concerns
The Federal Reserve of New York is apparently just now realizing that Commercial Real Estate collateral is more than just wishful thinking. In a press release issued earlier, the NY Fed announced that it had picked TREPP to serve as a collateral monitor for the CRE Hail Mary pass better known as TALF. One would have expected the Fed to actually have some sort of algorithmic modeling of CMBS cash flow projections before it had decided to dedicate $1 trillion to this neutron bombed segment. Of course, always better late than never. From the press release:...
U.S. denies suppliers’ request for more aid, trade group says
DETROIT -- The U.S. auto task force has shot down suppliers' request for $8 billion to $10 billion in additional federal aid, said Neil De Koker, president of parts trade group Original Equipment Manufacturers Association...
California Democrats Seek Tax Boost as Battle Looms
Democrats who control California’s Legislature said tax increases are needed to help close a $24 billion deficit, setting up a battle with Republicans that may leave the state short of cash next month.
UK Ruling on NightJack author Richard Horton kills blogger anonymity
Thousands of bloggers who operate behind the cloak of anonymity have no right to keep their identities secret, the High Court ruled today...
Chairman Obama seeks to 'give government new powers to seize key companies'
The plan would give the government new powers to seize key companies whose failure jeopardizes the financial system, as well as creation of a watchdog agency to look out for consumers' interests...
[Uhhh, sure, right - Fascism on the march, courtesy of dear leader]
Goebbels MediaABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE
[Obamavision - 1984 arrives 25 years later]
Chairman Obama blocks access to visitor lists
Taking Bush's position, administration denies msnbc.com request for logs...
Durbin Must Resign
[And he should be in prison! Is every politician from Illinois corrupt?]
Bonds found in Italy mentioned on Glenn Beck show
Main stream media mum on the matter.
Did the Japanese Try to Dump $135 BILLION in US Bonds on the Black Market?
Last Friday morning, Treasuries rallied as the Japanese Minister of Finance Kaoru Yosano went on the public record to say that his faith in US Treasuries and America’s ‘strong dollar policy’ was ‘unshakeable’.
[Why did he say this?]
Big banks still not lending
Lending at the nation's top banks slowed in April, according to a government report published Monday, driven in part by continued deterioration in the U.S. economy.
Extended Stay Hotels Files for Bankruptcy
Extended Stay Hotels, which operates a chain of mid-priced extended stay hotels in 44 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, filed for bankruptcy protection, citing decreased revenue and high debt costs.
U.S. credit card defaults rise to record in May
U.S. credit card defaults rose to record highs in May, with a steep deterioration of Bank of America Corp's lending portfolio, in another sign that consumers remain under severe stress.
=========
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."
-Thomas Jefferson
Gospel for Tuesday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus and His Teaching, the Fulfillment of the Law (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [43] "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. [45] So that you may be sons of your Father who is in Heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect."
__________________
Commentary:
43. The first part of this verse--"You shall love your neighbor"--is to be found in Leviticus 19:18. The second part--"hate your enemy"--is not to be found in the Law of Moses. However, Jesus' words refer to a widespread rabbinical interpretation which understood "neighbors" as meaning "Israelites". Our Lord corrects this misinterpretation of the Law: for Him everyone is our neighbor (cf. the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37).
43-47. This passage sums up the teaching which precedes it. Our Lord goes so far as to say that a Christian has no personal enemies. His only enemy is evil as such--sin--but not the sinner. Jesus Himself puts this into practice with those who crucified Him, and He continues to act in the same way towards sinners who rebel against Him and despise Him. Consequently, the saints have always followed His example--like St. Stephen, the first martyr, who prayed for those who were putting him to death. This is the apex of Christian perfection--to love, and pray for, even those who persecute us and calumniate us. It is the distinguishing mark of the children of God.
46. "Tax collectors": the Roman empire had no officials of its own for the collection of taxes: in each country it used local people for this purpose. These were free to engage agents (hence we find reference to "chief tax collectors": cf. Luke 19:2). The global amount of tax for each region was specified by the Roman authorities; the tax collectors levied more than this amount, keeping the surplus for themselves: this led them to act rather arbitrarily, which was why the people hated them. In the case of the Jews, insult was added to injury by the fact that the chosen people were being exploited by Gentiles.
48. Verse 48 is, in a sense, a summary of the teaching in this entire chapter, including the Beatitudes. Strictly speaking, it is quite impossible for a created being to be as perfect as God. What our Lord means here is that God's own perfection should be the model which every faithful Christian tries to follow, even though he realizes that there is an infinite distance between himself and his Creator. However, this does not reduce the force of this commandment; it sheds more light on it. It is a difficult commandment to live up to, but along with this we must take account of the enormous help grace gives us to go so far as to tend towards divine perfection. Certainly, perfection which we should imitate does not refer to the power and wisdom of God, which are totally beyond our scope; here the context seems to refer primarily to love and mercy. Along the same lines, St. Luke quotes these words of our Lord: "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36; cf. note on Luke 6:20-49).
Clearly, the "universal call to holiness" is not a recommendation but a commandment of Jesus Christ.
"Your duty is to sanctify yourself. Yes, even you. Who thinks that this task is only for priests and religious? To everyone, without exception, our Lord said: `Be ye perfect, as My Heavenly Father is perfect'" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 291). This teaching is sanctioned by chapter 5 of Vatican II's Constitution "Lumen Gentium", where it says (40): "The Lord Jesus, divine teacher and model of all perfection, preached holiness of life (of which He is the author and maker) to each and every one of His disciples without distinction: `You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect' [...]. It is therefore quite clear that all Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love, and by this holiness a more human manner of life is fostered also in earthly society."
___________________________
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.
Jesus and His Teaching, the Fulfillment of the Law (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [43] "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. [45] So that you may be sons of your Father who is in Heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect."
__________________
Commentary:
43. The first part of this verse--"You shall love your neighbor"--is to be found in Leviticus 19:18. The second part--"hate your enemy"--is not to be found in the Law of Moses. However, Jesus' words refer to a widespread rabbinical interpretation which understood "neighbors" as meaning "Israelites". Our Lord corrects this misinterpretation of the Law: for Him everyone is our neighbor (cf. the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37).
43-47. This passage sums up the teaching which precedes it. Our Lord goes so far as to say that a Christian has no personal enemies. His only enemy is evil as such--sin--but not the sinner. Jesus Himself puts this into practice with those who crucified Him, and He continues to act in the same way towards sinners who rebel against Him and despise Him. Consequently, the saints have always followed His example--like St. Stephen, the first martyr, who prayed for those who were putting him to death. This is the apex of Christian perfection--to love, and pray for, even those who persecute us and calumniate us. It is the distinguishing mark of the children of God.
46. "Tax collectors": the Roman empire had no officials of its own for the collection of taxes: in each country it used local people for this purpose. These were free to engage agents (hence we find reference to "chief tax collectors": cf. Luke 19:2). The global amount of tax for each region was specified by the Roman authorities; the tax collectors levied more than this amount, keeping the surplus for themselves: this led them to act rather arbitrarily, which was why the people hated them. In the case of the Jews, insult was added to injury by the fact that the chosen people were being exploited by Gentiles.
48. Verse 48 is, in a sense, a summary of the teaching in this entire chapter, including the Beatitudes. Strictly speaking, it is quite impossible for a created being to be as perfect as God. What our Lord means here is that God's own perfection should be the model which every faithful Christian tries to follow, even though he realizes that there is an infinite distance between himself and his Creator. However, this does not reduce the force of this commandment; it sheds more light on it. It is a difficult commandment to live up to, but along with this we must take account of the enormous help grace gives us to go so far as to tend towards divine perfection. Certainly, perfection which we should imitate does not refer to the power and wisdom of God, which are totally beyond our scope; here the context seems to refer primarily to love and mercy. Along the same lines, St. Luke quotes these words of our Lord: "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36; cf. note on Luke 6:20-49).
Clearly, the "universal call to holiness" is not a recommendation but a commandment of Jesus Christ.
"Your duty is to sanctify yourself. Yes, even you. Who thinks that this task is only for priests and religious? To everyone, without exception, our Lord said: `Be ye perfect, as My Heavenly Father is perfect'" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 291). This teaching is sanctioned by chapter 5 of Vatican II's Constitution "Lumen Gentium", where it says (40): "The Lord Jesus, divine teacher and model of all perfection, preached holiness of life (of which He is the author and maker) to each and every one of His disciples without distinction: `You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect' [...]. It is therefore quite clear that all Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love, and by this holiness a more human manner of life is fostered also in earthly society."
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - June 16
Study the Hidden Life
Let us in our love towards the Sacred Heart, endeavour to become more intimately acquainted with its life at Nazareth, so that, charmed with the marvels we shall there discover, we may be filled with desire to act and suffer with the same motives and intentions that led to the actions and sufferings of Jesus, and thus arrive in time at a more just appreciation of the true character and blessed fruits of a life formed on the model of the Hidden Life of Nazareth.
-The Heart of Jesus of Nazareth.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Let us in our love towards the Sacred Heart, endeavour to become more intimately acquainted with its life at Nazareth, so that, charmed with the marvels we shall there discover, we may be filled with desire to act and suffer with the same motives and intentions that led to the actions and sufferings of Jesus, and thus arrive in time at a more just appreciation of the true character and blessed fruits of a life formed on the model of the Hidden Life of Nazareth.
-The Heart of Jesus of Nazareth.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for June 16
ASK, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.... That is, ask what may suffice you. For when thou askest for temporal things thou askest for nothing. Who shall drink of this water shall thirst again.
_________________________
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-June 16
PERFECTION consists in conforming ourselves to the will of God in those things which are disagreeable to us. The Ven. Father Avila says, " It is of more use to say once, 'Blessed be God,' in any contradiction, than to thank him six thousand times when we are pleased."
_________________
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
Sunday, June 14, 2009
News Updates, 6/15
Defense Fund Established for Kristin Kazyak, Arrested for Trespassing in a Catholic Church While Praying After Mass!
...She has been attending Mass at St. Therese in Alhambra and was working there to register voters and distribute Prop 8 materials. She apparently made some local parishioners upset at some meetings and the pastor asked her not to attend the parish, a violation of Kristin's canon law rights. Kristin continued to attend Mass, but kept a low profile. She was never legally enjoined from going to the church and never caused any problems at Mass.
Despite that, on Holy Thursday a parishioner called the police and had her arrested while she was praying quietly before the Altar of Repose. Kristin was arrested again on Good Friday while she was simply praying in the Church after the Eucharistic Service....
[This is a MUST READ! Are we really living in the Twilight Zone? It appears that we are!]
Catholic Media Mutiny ("Catholic" News Service)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the faithful had ready access to reliable media sources that consistently present news items and important issues truthfully and completely, while also communicating the authentic doctrine of the faith so dependably that Catholics could receive the information they relay with complete confidence?...
Catholic News Service has long been viewed with a suspicious eye by “conservative” Catholic groups, but any perception that this wariness was confined to some traditionalist fringe, however, was officially put to rest earlier this year. By January 2009, CNS’ failure to consistently apply reliably Catholic editorial standards had become so problematic that Archbishop Raymond Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura at the Vatican, was moved to take the extraordinarily bold step of criticizing CNS from Rome...
[CNS needs a thorough cleansing - are the bishops up to the task? I hear crickets!]
All the Denarii of Peter. Vices and Virtues of the Vatican Bank (Chiesa)
Two hundred million dollars for the "pope's charity." Where does it come from? Where does it go? New revelations on the malfeasance of the Institute for Works of Religion. And on the obstacles posed to its rehabilitation
"Insidious secularization, even inside the Church”
Benedict XVI cautions against empty Eucharistic worship
Bishop, donors sue Loretto High nuns' order
Sisters closed school and used money for retirement
Boston diocese to partner with abortion services?
O'Malley seeking alternatives to avoid state mandate
Sextuplets mother ignored advice to abort
Woman says she decided to put her faith in God
Vatican excommunicates Zambian priest
Father Luciano Mbewe officially declared schismatic
Venezuela official: bishops are inciting hatred
Episcopal report to Pope expressed concerns about Chavez
Bishop concerned by poor Eucharistic practice
Says some priests do not show faith in real presence
Prof accuses Vatican leader of 'total relativism'
Head of Pontifical Academy for Life under fire
Catholic News Service blasted by Archbishop Burke
Is Editor daring USCCB to hold him to accountability?
Woman aborts other mother's last embryo
Blunder raises questions about IVF clinics
=========
Other Issues
=========
Defense Department sees protests as terrorism
Antiterrorism training materials used by the Department of Defense teach that public protests should be regarded as "low-level terrorism," according to a letter of complaint sent to the department by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California...
Senior Democrat Says Obama's Czars Unconstitutional
Last week Pres__ent Obama appointed yet another “czar” with massive government power, answering only to him. Even before this latest appointment, the top-ranking Democrat in the Senate wrote President Obama a letter saying that these czars are unconstitutional...[Caorman] Obama’s “czar strategy” is an unprecedented power grab centralizing authority in the White House, outside congressional oversight and in violation of the Constitution.
{Constitution??? Haven't you heard? That's been replaced by Supreme Leader - the Rule of Obama!]
Senator Durbin cashed out during big stock collapse
Asset sales came after meeting with Fed, Treasury chiefs
Lloyds Bank Drops American Customers
Lloyds Banking Group is ditching American customers based in Britain pending a crackdown on international tax evasion planned by Pres__ent Barack Obama...
IMF says worst not over
LONDON (Reuters) - The head of the IMF questioned on Monday debate about when to roll back stimulus spending, saying the world economy had yet to weather the worst of a recession that claimed a record number of European jobs. The 16-country euro zone lost a record 1.22 million jobs in the first quarter, official data showed.
State Department Says China to Get U.S. Aid under New Climate Deal
U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern said that there was “no question” that China would receive both financial and technological assistance from the United States as part of upcoming climate change talks to be conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Coming Tax Tsunami
...Over the next decade, under President Obama’s budget, federal spending will increase 25 percent faster than revenue, says the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. But, incredibly, this is almost modest dollar-wise compared to the current unfunded liability for Social Security and Medicare. It totals $101.7 trillion in today’s dollars. This is more than seven times the 2008 gross domestic product (GDP) our total economy, according to calculations by the National Center for Policy Analysis...
German credit crunch deepens
Germany's top industrial group has warned that credit conditions are going from bad to worse across much of the country's manufacturing base, dashing hopes for a swift recovery.
...She has been attending Mass at St. Therese in Alhambra and was working there to register voters and distribute Prop 8 materials. She apparently made some local parishioners upset at some meetings and the pastor asked her not to attend the parish, a violation of Kristin's canon law rights. Kristin continued to attend Mass, but kept a low profile. She was never legally enjoined from going to the church and never caused any problems at Mass.
Despite that, on Holy Thursday a parishioner called the police and had her arrested while she was praying quietly before the Altar of Repose. Kristin was arrested again on Good Friday while she was simply praying in the Church after the Eucharistic Service....
[This is a MUST READ! Are we really living in the Twilight Zone? It appears that we are!]
Catholic Media Mutiny ("Catholic" News Service)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the faithful had ready access to reliable media sources that consistently present news items and important issues truthfully and completely, while also communicating the authentic doctrine of the faith so dependably that Catholics could receive the information they relay with complete confidence?...
Catholic News Service has long been viewed with a suspicious eye by “conservative” Catholic groups, but any perception that this wariness was confined to some traditionalist fringe, however, was officially put to rest earlier this year. By January 2009, CNS’ failure to consistently apply reliably Catholic editorial standards had become so problematic that Archbishop Raymond Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura at the Vatican, was moved to take the extraordinarily bold step of criticizing CNS from Rome...
[CNS needs a thorough cleansing - are the bishops up to the task? I hear crickets!]
All the Denarii of Peter. Vices and Virtues of the Vatican Bank (Chiesa)
Two hundred million dollars for the "pope's charity." Where does it come from? Where does it go? New revelations on the malfeasance of the Institute for Works of Religion. And on the obstacles posed to its rehabilitation
"Insidious secularization, even inside the Church”
Benedict XVI cautions against empty Eucharistic worship
Bishop, donors sue Loretto High nuns' order
Sisters closed school and used money for retirement
Boston diocese to partner with abortion services?
O'Malley seeking alternatives to avoid state mandate
Sextuplets mother ignored advice to abort
Woman says she decided to put her faith in God
Vatican excommunicates Zambian priest
Father Luciano Mbewe officially declared schismatic
Venezuela official: bishops are inciting hatred
Episcopal report to Pope expressed concerns about Chavez
Bishop concerned by poor Eucharistic practice
Says some priests do not show faith in real presence
Prof accuses Vatican leader of 'total relativism'
Head of Pontifical Academy for Life under fire
Catholic News Service blasted by Archbishop Burke
Is Editor daring USCCB to hold him to accountability?
Woman aborts other mother's last embryo
Blunder raises questions about IVF clinics
=========
Other Issues
=========
Defense Department sees protests as terrorism
Antiterrorism training materials used by the Department of Defense teach that public protests should be regarded as "low-level terrorism," according to a letter of complaint sent to the department by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California...
Senior Democrat Says Obama's Czars Unconstitutional
Last week Pres__ent Obama appointed yet another “czar” with massive government power, answering only to him. Even before this latest appointment, the top-ranking Democrat in the Senate wrote President Obama a letter saying that these czars are unconstitutional...[Caorman] Obama’s “czar strategy” is an unprecedented power grab centralizing authority in the White House, outside congressional oversight and in violation of the Constitution.
{Constitution??? Haven't you heard? That's been replaced by Supreme Leader - the Rule of Obama!]
Senator Durbin cashed out during big stock collapse
Asset sales came after meeting with Fed, Treasury chiefs
Lloyds Bank Drops American Customers
Lloyds Banking Group is ditching American customers based in Britain pending a crackdown on international tax evasion planned by Pres__ent Barack Obama...
IMF says worst not over
LONDON (Reuters) - The head of the IMF questioned on Monday debate about when to roll back stimulus spending, saying the world economy had yet to weather the worst of a recession that claimed a record number of European jobs. The 16-country euro zone lost a record 1.22 million jobs in the first quarter, official data showed.
State Department Says China to Get U.S. Aid under New Climate Deal
U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern said that there was “no question” that China would receive both financial and technological assistance from the United States as part of upcoming climate change talks to be conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Coming Tax Tsunami
...Over the next decade, under President Obama’s budget, federal spending will increase 25 percent faster than revenue, says the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. But, incredibly, this is almost modest dollar-wise compared to the current unfunded liability for Social Security and Medicare. It totals $101.7 trillion in today’s dollars. This is more than seven times the 2008 gross domestic product (GDP) our total economy, according to calculations by the National Center for Policy Analysis...
German credit crunch deepens
Germany's top industrial group has warned that credit conditions are going from bad to worse across much of the country's manufacturing base, dashing hopes for a swift recovery.