From: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
_______________
Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations", 114).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
2nd Reading, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
The Second Coming of the Lord (Continuation)
[1] But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] When people say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. [4] But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. [5] For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. [6] So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
___________
Commentary:
1-3. "The day of the Lord" is an expression used a number of times in Sacred Scripture to refer to that point at which God will intervene decisively and irreversibly. The prophets speak of the "day of Yahweh" sometimes fearfully (cf. Amos 5:18-20), sometimes hopefully (cf. Is 6:13). In his eschatological sermon (cf. Mt 24; Mk 13; Lk 21), Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem in a style very reminiscent of that used by the prophets (cf. Amos 8:9ff) when speaking of the "day of Yahweh". The destruction of the city brings to an end the Jewish era in the history of salvation and prefigures the second coming of Christ as Judge of all. In St Paul's letters, as in other New Testament writings, the "day of the Lord" is the day of the general judgment when Christ will appear in the fullness of glory as Judge (cf. 1 Cor 1:8; 2 Cor 1:14). The Apostle brings in some examples used by our Lord in his preaching about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the world (the "thief in the night": cf. Mt 24:43; the pains of childbirth: cf. Mt 24:19) to warn people that that day will come unexpectedly, and to exhort them to be always ready.
The Christian, therefore, should always be on the watch, for he never knows for sure when the last day of his life will be. The second coming of the Lord will take people by surprise; it will catch them doing good or doing evil. So, it would be rash to postpone repentance to some time in the future.
4-6. A thief works by night because he thinks that darkness will find the householder unprepared. Our Lord also used this metaphor when he said that if the father of the family had known when the thief would come, he would have kept a look-out (cf. Mt 24:43)--in other words, we need to be always alert, in the state of grace, surrounded by light. So, "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn 1:7).
On the same subject the Church teaches that our souls are "illumined by the light of faith" ("St Pius V Catechism", II, 2, 4).
We should therefore live a transparent life, with the divine light shining clearly through it; if we do, the "day of the Lord" (which can also be applied to the day each person dies) will not find us unprepared, even if it comes suddenly. "A true Christian is always ready to appear before God. Because, if he is fighting to live as a man of Christ, he is ready at every moment to fulfill his duty" (St. J. Escriva, "Furrow", 875).
___________________________
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 Second Coming of the Lord (Continuation)
[1] But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] When people say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. [4] But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. [5] For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. [6] So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
___________
Commentary:
1-3. "The day of the Lord" is an expression used a number of times in Sacred Scripture to refer to that point at which God will intervene decisively and irreversibly. The prophets speak of the "day of Yahweh" sometimes fearfully (cf. Amos 5:18-20), sometimes hopefully (cf. Is 6:13). In his eschatological sermon (cf. Mt 24; Mk 13; Lk 21), Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem in a style very reminiscent of that used by the prophets (cf. Amos 8:9ff) when speaking of the "day of Yahweh". The destruction of the city brings to an end the Jewish era in the history of salvation and prefigures the second coming of Christ as Judge of all. In St Paul's letters, as in other New Testament writings, the "day of the Lord" is the day of the general judgment when Christ will appear in the fullness of glory as Judge (cf. 1 Cor 1:8; 2 Cor 1:14). The Apostle brings in some examples used by our Lord in his preaching about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the world (the "thief in the night": cf. Mt 24:43; the pains of childbirth: cf. Mt 24:19) to warn people that that day will come unexpectedly, and to exhort them to be always ready.
The Christian, therefore, should always be on the watch, for he never knows for sure when the last day of his life will be. The second coming of the Lord will take people by surprise; it will catch them doing good or doing evil. So, it would be rash to postpone repentance to some time in the future.
4-6. A thief works by night because he thinks that darkness will find the householder unprepared. Our Lord also used this metaphor when he said that if the father of the family had known when the thief would come, he would have kept a look-out (cf. Mt 24:43)--in other words, we need to be always alert, in the state of grace, surrounded by light. So, "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn 1:7).
On the same subject the Church teaches that our souls are "illumined by the light of faith" ("St Pius V Catechism", II, 2, 4).
We should therefore live a transparent life, with the divine light shining clearly through it; if we do, the "day of the Lord" (which can also be applied to the day each person dies) will not find us unprepared, even if it comes suddenly. "A true Christian is always ready to appear before God. Because, if he is fighting to live as a man of Christ, he is ready at every moment to fulfill his duty" (St. J. Escriva, "Furrow", 875).
___________________________
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.
1st Reading, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Epilogue: Poem of the Perfect Wife
[10] A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. [13] She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. [19] She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. [20] She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. [30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
____________
Commentary:
31:10-31. The book closes with a beautiful acrostic poem (the first letter of each verse corresponds to a Hebrew letter, in alphabetical order) about the qualities of the perfect wife in the context of a rural family in ancient Israel. The whole poem is probably symbolic. The prologue to the book depicted Wisdom as a woman who invites everyone to a banquet prepared at her house. Now, in this ideal woman who always knows the right thing to do in every situation, we can see once more the wisdom that God has left stamped on creation.
The poem reveals the moral strength of women. John Paul II comments that this strength “expresses itself in a great number of figures of the Old Testament, of the time of Christ, and of later ages right up to our own day. "A woman is strong because of her awareness of this entrusting", strong because of the fact that God ‘entrusts the human being to her’, always and in every way, even in the situations of social discrimination in which she may find herself. This awareness and this fundamental vocation speak to women of the dignity which they receive from God himself, and this makes them ‘strong’ and strengthens their vocation. Thus the ‘perfect woman’ (cf. Prov 31:10) becomes an irreplaceable support and source of spiritual strength for other people, who perceive the great energies of her spirit. These ‘perfect women’ are owed much by their families, and sometimes by whole nations” ("Mulieris Dignitatem", 30).
___________________________
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.
Epilogue: Poem of the Perfect Wife
[10] A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. [13] She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. [19] She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. [20] She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. [30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
____________
Commentary:
31:10-31. The book closes with a beautiful acrostic poem (the first letter of each verse corresponds to a Hebrew letter, in alphabetical order) about the qualities of the perfect wife in the context of a rural family in ancient Israel. The whole poem is probably symbolic. The prologue to the book depicted Wisdom as a woman who invites everyone to a banquet prepared at her house. Now, in this ideal woman who always knows the right thing to do in every situation, we can see once more the wisdom that God has left stamped on creation.
The poem reveals the moral strength of women. John Paul II comments that this strength “expresses itself in a great number of figures of the Old Testament, of the time of Christ, and of later ages right up to our own day. "A woman is strong because of her awareness of this entrusting", strong because of the fact that God ‘entrusts the human being to her’, always and in every way, even in the situations of social discrimination in which she may find herself. This awareness and this fundamental vocation speak to women of the dignity which they receive from God himself, and this makes them ‘strong’ and strengthens their vocation. Thus the ‘perfect woman’ (cf. Prov 31:10) becomes an irreplaceable support and source of spiritual strength for other people, who perceive the great energies of her spirit. These ‘perfect women’ are owed much by their families, and sometimes by whole nations” ("Mulieris Dignitatem", 30).
___________________________
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.
Just for Today, November 16
No man securely rejoiceth, unless he have within him the testimony of a good conscience. Yet the security of the saints was always full of the fear of God. Neither were they less careful or humble in themselves, because they were shining with great virtues and graces.
-Bk. I, ch. xx.
____________
They tell me that I shall be afraid of death; that may well be. If you only knew how diffident I am about myself: I never rely on my own ideas; I know my weakness only too well, but I will take comfort in what Our Lord allows me to feel at the moment. It will be time enough to suffer when I feel differently.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xx.
____________
They tell me that I shall be afraid of death; that may well be. If you only knew how diffident I am about myself: I never rely on my own ideas; I know my weakness only too well, but I will take comfort in what Our Lord allows me to feel at the moment. It will be time enough to suffer when I feel differently.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 16
EVIL suggestions and allurements are not wanting, but inasmuch as in mind thou art united with God, thou art victorious over that element in thee which refuses to follow him. Thou hast gone forward in part, and in part art hanging back. Draw thyself to him who is bearing thee aloft.
_________________________
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-November 16
OF what use is it to pass for great in the eyes of the world, if before God we be vile and worthless? On the contrary, what matters it to be despised by the world, provided we be dear and acceptable in the eyes of God?
_________________
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, November 14, 2008
News Updates, 11/15
Georgia Planned Parenthood Loses $420,000 Grant Because of Economic Woes
There is a silver lining in the troubled economic times for pro-life advocates in Georgia as Planned Parenthood of Georgia (PPGA) has lost a massive grant from the state. As the state government cuts spending as a result of the economy, the state abortion business received news a contract was not renewed...
Diocese Responds To Priest's Obama Voter Stand: 'Statements Didn't Reflect Church Teachings'
The day after a Greenville priest drew national attention with a directive to his parishioners who voted for Barack Obama, the Diocese of Charleston issued a statement saying criticizing the priest's stand....The statement from Monsignor Martin L. Laughlin, administrator of the Diocese Charleston, issued on Friday said, "Let me state with clarity that Father Newman's statements do not adequately reflect the Catholic Church's teachings. Any comments to the contrary are repudiated.' The statement said, "The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, 'Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions.'"
[Diocese leadership apparently lacks courage and is fearful is preaching the truth - Maybe they haven't heard the Pope? Too bad for the faithful of Greenville]
Bishops React to Priest who Told Obama-Supporting Catholics to Confess before Receiving Communion
On November 5 the American people elected the most liberal candidate in the history of our country who has promised to advance abortion and same‐sex “marriage.” Sadly, his accomplishment could only be achieved with the active cooperation of millions of Catholic voters. What is particularly appalling, however, is that millions of Catholic dollars were funneled directly into liberal coffers through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). The fraud and financial mismanagement of ACORN was exposed recently and we applaud the CCHD suspension of grants for that organization. However....
El Salvador Praised for Rejecting Pro-Abortion Ibero-American Convention
The tiny Central America nation El Salvador is earning praise from pro-life advocates for rejecting an international treaty that would promote abortion. The Hispanic nation's president, Elias Antonio Saca, says he will not sign the Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth (ICRY)
Portsmouth [UK Cath] Bishop Gently Backs Away from “Thrilled” Obama Welcome
Following a barrage of criticism from Catholics and advocates for the unborn, the Catholic bishop of Portsmouth in the U.K., Crispian Hollis, has issued a “clarification”...
Issues & Politics
_______________
Alan Keyes Files Suit in California Superior Court to Enforce the Consitution!
Republican Party Race: Steele Faces Abortion, Fred Thompson May Run
The race for the chairmanship of the Republican Party is heating up and abortion issues are already playing a role as party activists talk about who will keep the party strongly pro-life. Michael Steele has officially launched his bid, but Fred Thompson appears to be a possible candidate as well...
Canada’s Health Care System heading for “Demographic Blowout” with Aging Population: Study
The Canadian government will spend $171.9-billion this year on health care, or $5,170 per person. At this rate “health care spending is expected to grow faster than Canada’s economy, outpacing inflation and population growth'...
[Nationalized healthcare - ticket to bankruptcy]
Constitutional crisis looming over Obama's eligibility
The California secretary of state should refuse to allow the state's 55 Electoral College votes to be cast in the 2008 presidential election until President-elect Barack Obama verifies his eligibility to hold the office, alleges a California court petition filed on behalf of former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and others....
There is a silver lining in the troubled economic times for pro-life advocates in Georgia as Planned Parenthood of Georgia (PPGA) has lost a massive grant from the state. As the state government cuts spending as a result of the economy, the state abortion business received news a contract was not renewed...
Diocese Responds To Priest's Obama Voter Stand: 'Statements Didn't Reflect Church Teachings'
The day after a Greenville priest drew national attention with a directive to his parishioners who voted for Barack Obama, the Diocese of Charleston issued a statement saying criticizing the priest's stand....The statement from Monsignor Martin L. Laughlin, administrator of the Diocese Charleston, issued on Friday said, "Let me state with clarity that Father Newman's statements do not adequately reflect the Catholic Church's teachings. Any comments to the contrary are repudiated.' The statement said, "The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, 'Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions.'"
[Diocese leadership apparently lacks courage and is fearful is preaching the truth - Maybe they haven't heard the Pope? Too bad for the faithful of Greenville]
Bishops React to Priest who Told Obama-Supporting Catholics to Confess before Receiving Communion
Bishop Emeritus Rene Henry Gracida of Corpus Christi, TX, told LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) his reaction to Fr. Newman's letter "is one of admiration and awe. I find nothing in what he has written that is at variance with the Magisterium of the Church. He is to be congratulated."Open Letter To The Catholic Bishops Of The United States: Reform The Catholic Campaign For Human Development
Bishop Vasa of Baker, OR told LSN that, while Fr. Newman was correct to say that voting for Obama constitutes a material offense against moral teaching, it would nonetheless be impossible to "to ascertain with any degree of certainty the sinfulness of the action of any particular voter"...
On November 5 the American people elected the most liberal candidate in the history of our country who has promised to advance abortion and same‐sex “marriage.” Sadly, his accomplishment could only be achieved with the active cooperation of millions of Catholic voters. What is particularly appalling, however, is that millions of Catholic dollars were funneled directly into liberal coffers through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). The fraud and financial mismanagement of ACORN was exposed recently and we applaud the CCHD suspension of grants for that organization. However....
El Salvador Praised for Rejecting Pro-Abortion Ibero-American Convention
The tiny Central America nation El Salvador is earning praise from pro-life advocates for rejecting an international treaty that would promote abortion. The Hispanic nation's president, Elias Antonio Saca, says he will not sign the Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth (ICRY)
Portsmouth [UK Cath] Bishop Gently Backs Away from “Thrilled” Obama Welcome
Following a barrage of criticism from Catholics and advocates for the unborn, the Catholic bishop of Portsmouth in the U.K., Crispian Hollis, has issued a “clarification”...
Issues & Politics
_______________
Alan Keyes Files Suit in California Superior Court to Enforce the Consitution!...Senator Barack H. Obama is a candidate for the Office of the President of the United States. However, to assume such office, Senator Obama must meet the qualifications specified for the Office of the President of the United States, which includes that he must be a "natural born" citizen.[What sort of individual hires three (or more) law firms to fight these lawsuits when all he has to do is show his Birth Certificate which would put an end to these legal actions? So much for "transparency." Prayers for Alan Keyes and his (& our) success!]
Senator Obama has failed to demonstrate that he is a "natural born" citizen. There are other legal challenges before various state and federal courts regarding aspects of lost or dual citizenship concerning Senator Obama. Those challenges, in and of themselves, demonstrate Petitioners’ argument that reasonable doubt exists as to the eligibility of the Democratic Party’s nominee for President.
More here.
Republican Party Race: Steele Faces Abortion, Fred Thompson May Run
The race for the chairmanship of the Republican Party is heating up and abortion issues are already playing a role as party activists talk about who will keep the party strongly pro-life. Michael Steele has officially launched his bid, but Fred Thompson appears to be a possible candidate as well...
Canada’s Health Care System heading for “Demographic Blowout” with Aging Population: Study
The Canadian government will spend $171.9-billion this year on health care, or $5,170 per person. At this rate “health care spending is expected to grow faster than Canada’s economy, outpacing inflation and population growth'...
[Nationalized healthcare - ticket to bankruptcy]
Constitutional crisis looming over Obama's eligibility The California secretary of state should refuse to allow the state's 55 Electoral College votes to be cast in the 2008 presidential election until President-elect Barack Obama verifies his eligibility to hold the office, alleges a California court petition filed on behalf of former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and others....
Gospel for Saturday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of St. Albert the Great, bishop, confessor and doctor
Old Calendar: St. Albert the Great; St. Leopold of Austria
From: Luke 18:1-8
Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
________________________
Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.
1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Old Calendar: St. Albert the Great; St. Leopold of Austria
From: Luke 18:1-8
Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
________________________
Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.
1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
"1. WE MUST PRAY FIRST AND FOREMOST BECAUSE WE ARE BELIEVERS.8. Jesus combines His teaching about perseverance in prayer with a serious warning about the need to remain firm in the faith: faith and prayer go hand in hand. St. Augustine comments, "In order to pray, let us believe; and for our faith not to weaken, let us pray. Faith causes prayer to grow, and when prayer grows our faith is strengthened" ("Sermon", 115).
"Prayer is in fact the recognition of our limitation and our dependence: we come from God, we belong to God and we return to God! We cannot, therefore, but abandon ourselves to Him, our Creator and Lord, with full and complete confidence [...].
"Prayer, therefore, is first of all an act of intelligence, a feeling of humility and gratitude, an attitude of trust and abandonment to Him who gave us life out of love.
"Prayer is a mysterious but real dialogue with God, a dialogue of confidence and love
"2. WE, HOWEVER, ARE CHRISTIANS, AND THEREFORE WE MUST PRAY AS CHRISTIANS.
"For the Christian, in fact, prayer acquires a particular characteristic, which completely changes its innermost nature and innermost value. The Christian is a disciple of Jesus; he is one who really believes that Jesus is the Word Incarnate, the Son of God who came among us on this earth.
"As a man, the life of Jesus was a continual prayer, a continual act of worship and love of the Father and since the maximum ___expression of prayer is sacrifice, the summit of Jesus' prayer is the Sacrifice of the Cross, anticipated by the Eucharist at the Last Supper and handed down by means of the Holy Mass throughout the centuries.
"Therefore, the Christian knows that his prayer is that of Jesus; every prayer of his starts from Jesus; it is He who prays in us, with us, for us. All those who believe in God, pray; but the Christian prays in Jesus Christ: Christ is our prayer!
"3. FINALLY, WE MUST ALSO PRAY BECAUSE WE ARE FRAIL AND GUILTY.
"It must be humbly and realistically recognized that we are poor creatures, confused in ideas, tempted by evil, frail and weak, in continual need of inner strength and consolation. Prayer gives the strength for great ideas, to maintain faith, charity, purity and generosity. Prayer gives the courage to emerge from indifference and guilt, if unfortunately one has yielded to temptation and weakness. Prayer gives light to see and consider the events of one's own life and of history in the salvific perspective of God and eternity. Therefore, do not stop praying!
Let not a day pass without your having prayed a little! Prayer is a duty, but it is also a great joy, because it is a dialogue with God through Jesus Christ! Every Sunday, Holy Mass: if it is possible for you, sometimes during the week. Every day, morning and evening prayers, and at the most suitable moments!" (John Paul II, "Audience with Young People", 14 March 1979).
Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
___________________________
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.
Just for Today, November 15
By degrees, and by patience, with longanimity, thou shalt by God's grace better overcome than by harshness and thine own importunity. Deal not roughly with one that is tempted, but comfort him, as thou wouldst wish to be done to thyself.
-Bk. I, ch. xiii.
________________
During her illness she noticed with what care the infirmarian chose out the smoothest linen for her use, and drew this conclusion: We ought to treat suffering souls with the same delicate care, even the most imperfect. How often out of thoughtlessness we wound them by neglect, lack of consideration, discourtesy, when we should be doing our utmost to soothe and comfort them.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xiii.
________________
During her illness she noticed with what care the infirmarian chose out the smoothest linen for her use, and drew this conclusion: We ought to treat suffering souls with the same delicate care, even the most imperfect. How often out of thoughtlessness we wound them by neglect, lack of consideration, discourtesy, when we should be doing our utmost to soothe and comfort them.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 15
INASMUCH as thou art discontented with thyself, thou art united with God, and inasmuch as thou art united with God thou wilt be apt to overcome thyself, because he is with thee who overcomes 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-November 15
DURING a period of thirty-eight years 5t Lidwina was afflicted with numberless sufferings - fevers, gout in the feet and hands, and sores; nevertheless, from never losing sight of the sufferings of Jesus Christ, she maintained an unbroken cheerfulness and joy.
_________________
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
Election Part I: “We Have No King But Caesar”
From Fr Thomas Euteneuer, President, Human Life International:
The following is the first of a three-part series on the 2008 Elections. In the next two weeks we will deal with issues of Culture and Conscience.
Now that the election is over, we can separate the real Catholics from those who just act the part. Those still reeling from the results of the election can rest assured that they are in good company with the saints. Those who have drawn a line in blood and made a decision to stand with the culture of death need a serious examination of conscience. [emphasis added]
Now look at what we’ve done to ourselves. America has made her “choice” for maximum leader and it is not pretty. In fact, it is one of the most devastating blows to American civilization that we have ever undergone, and I do not speak in hyperbole.
Even such a saintly figure as Mother Theresa said that “a nation that kills its children has no future;” likewise, an authority like Fr. Benedict Groeschel recently commented that we have entered into “the beginning of the twilight” of our country—dire words that touch on the reality of electing the most extreme, pro-abortion candidate America has ever had the misfortune of occupying the highest office of our land....
News Updates, 11/14
PepsiCo gives $500,000 to promote the 'gay' agenda in workplace
Company ignores two requests from AFA to discuss Pepsi's support of homosexual groups. [Petition and action items at website]
Palestinian Christians Suffering ‘Severe Blows’ From Muslims,
A Palestinian Muslim wrote in an exceptionally candid column about the situation of Christians in Arab countries. “Let us be honest with ourselves and courageously say out loud that Palestinian Christians are taking many severe blows, yet are suffering in silence so as not to attract attention,” wrote Abd Al-Nasser Al-Najjar in the P.A. daily Al-Ayyam.
It's time for Abp. Niederauer to excommunicate Pelosi the Pagan.
Pelosi: California Voters Just Didn't Grasp the Meaning of Proposition 8
In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered her explanation for why Californians voted to pass the true marriage ballot measure, Proposition 8: they just didn't understand what they were voting for..."I don't know if it was clear that this meant that we are amending the Constitution to diminish freedom in our state."
[This witch pollutes the Church - in fact, she pollutes all of society with her paganistic views promoting evil and hedonism. If Niederauer isn't up to the task of disciplining scandalous public heretics like Pelosi, then he needs to resign immediately! For all I know, he might agree with her. The same goes for that pillar of eclesiastical strength Abp Donald Wuerl of Washington DC!]
Congress Will Fund UNFPA, Forced Abortions for Obama, Representative Says
One of the leading pro-abortion members of the House of Representatives says Congress will do the dirty work for incoming president Barack Obama when it comes to funding the UNFPA and forced abortions. Rep. Carolyn Maloney held a press conference Wednesday discussing the taxpayer funding. Maloney told reporters that the Democratic-controlled Congress, run by abortion advocates, will restore the $40 million annual funding to the UNFPA with Obama's support...
Court Grants Italy Father Right to Kill Eluana Englaro By Starving Her to Death
Rome--The highest court in Italy has granted the right to a disabled woman's father to kill her via euthanasia by removing her feeding tube. Eluana Englaro has been in what doctors term a so-called vegetative state following a car accident and has received food and water via a feeding tube.
Terri Schiavo's Family Condemns Ruling Allowing the Murder of Eluana Englaro
Australian Committee Proposal to Pay Mothers to Abort Disabled Babies Compared to Nazis
“This revisiting of eugenics principles is repugnant to a society that prides itself on the contribution of all...”
[Making Hitler and other death peddlers proud!]
SC priest: No communion for Obama supporters
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina Roman Catholic priest has told his parishioners that they should refrain from receiving Holy Communion if they voted for Barack Obama because the Democratic president-elect supports abortion, and supporting him "constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil." The Rev. Jay Scott Newman said in a letter distributed Sunday to parishioners at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville that they are putting their souls at risk if they take Holy Communion before doing penance for their vote.
[Deo gratias! A priest with COURAGE and a backbone who tells it like it is! Sounds like he could teach some of our lost bishops a thing or two!]
UK Catholic Bishop: “I have been thrilled by Barack Obama’s victory and I thank God for it.”
[Every bishop and priest like this needs to resign and spend his remaining life doing penance! Apparently, they model their lives after Judas!]
Archbishop involved in Vatican bank scandal didn’t leave behind millions
Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, the Chicago priest who rose to become Pro-President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State until he was embroiled in a Vatican bank scandal, died in 2006 with $500,000 in assets, including a home worth $275,000, according to a Chicago television news report.
Serbian Abortionist Who Aborted 48,000 Babies Becomes Pro-Life Activist
Stojan Adasevic, who performed 48,000 abortions, sometimes up to 35 per day, is now the most important pro-life leader in Serbia, after spending 26 years as the most renowned abortion doctor in the country
Kansas Abortion Business Poisons Pro-Life Advocates With Unknown Substance
A late-term abortion business in Kansas has been accused of putting an unknown substance on the driveway leading into the facility and sickening two pro-life advocates.
Priest attacks reporter during interview
Incident reported to police, Sacramento diocese
Bishops approve rejected Missal translation
'A step forward in the continual renewal of the liturgy'
Bishops cite abortion deregulation fears
...from new Democratic-run Congress and Obama presidency
Bishop Blasts Pro-Abortion/Anti-Life Politicians
Is the bishop of the Diocese of Scranton implying that Roman Catholic politicians should be punished if they side with the Obama administration? Bishop Joseph Martino is suggesting that bishops should think about denying communion to politicians who support policies of the Obama administration, mainly the policy of keeping abortion legal because that goes against the teachings of the Catholic church. Martino's comments were made at a conference of Catholic bishops in Baltimore. Those comments are now ringing around the country.
Issues & Politics
___________________
Now CBS Frets Gas Prices Are Too Low
After spending much of the spring and summer hyping the dire consequences of rising gas prices, CBS on Thursday night decided the plummeting cost of gas at the pump is really bad news.
Gun Owners Not Welcome on Obama's White House Team?
President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team is showing its hostility toward lawful firearm owners by questioning job applicants about what guns they own, a Second Amendment group says. Question 59 – part of a 63-item questionnaire given to Obama administration job applicants – asks for information about firearms owned by the applicant and his or her family. Although it’s not clear that gun ownership would disqualify a job applicant, ISRA says question 59 shows the Obama team’s “distaste” for firearm owners.
Israeli Beduins claim link to Obama
'We wrote a letter to him explaining the connection'
What Homeschoolers Can Expect Under an Obama Administration
Since the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president, HSLDA has received more than a few calls from both members and nonmembers. Some are quite concerned about the future of homeschooling under an Obama presidency...
FBI, USPS to investigate suspicious envelope at Temple Square
The FBI and US Postal Service inspectors are on their way to investigate the suspicious envelope found at Temple Square containing an unknown white powder. The letter was mailed to the temple and was opened inside an office in the entrance area to the Salt Lake Temple...
CCRKBA Asks Democrats: 'Has Party's Anti-Gun Mask Come Off?'
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) called on Democrats to "be honest" with America's 90 million gun owners and "tell us whether your campaign claims of adherence to the Second Amendment were all lies."
Obama camp: Lawsuits by citizens are 'garbage'
Legal challenges spring up across U.S., demand proof of eligibility for office
[If anyone would know 'garbage' it would be B. Hussein Obama and his thugs...Something is disturbing and wrong when any “public servant” refuses to provide documentary evidence of his/her eligibility for office.]
Ex-Hitler youth's warning to America
'Every day brings this nation closer to Nazi-style totalitarian abyss'
Company ignores two requests from AFA to discuss Pepsi's support of homosexual groups. [Petition and action items at website]
Palestinian Christians Suffering ‘Severe Blows’ From Muslims,
A Palestinian Muslim wrote in an exceptionally candid column about the situation of Christians in Arab countries. “Let us be honest with ourselves and courageously say out loud that Palestinian Christians are taking many severe blows, yet are suffering in silence so as not to attract attention,” wrote Abd Al-Nasser Al-Najjar in the P.A. daily Al-Ayyam.
It's time for Abp. Niederauer to excommunicate Pelosi the Pagan.
Pelosi: California Voters Just Didn't Grasp the Meaning of Proposition 8
In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered her explanation for why Californians voted to pass the true marriage ballot measure, Proposition 8: they just didn't understand what they were voting for..."I don't know if it was clear that this meant that we are amending the Constitution to diminish freedom in our state."
[This witch pollutes the Church - in fact, she pollutes all of society with her paganistic views promoting evil and hedonism. If Niederauer isn't up to the task of disciplining scandalous public heretics like Pelosi, then he needs to resign immediately! For all I know, he might agree with her. The same goes for that pillar of eclesiastical strength Abp Donald Wuerl of Washington DC!]
Congress Will Fund UNFPA, Forced Abortions for Obama, Representative Says
One of the leading pro-abortion members of the House of Representatives says Congress will do the dirty work for incoming president Barack Obama when it comes to funding the UNFPA and forced abortions. Rep. Carolyn Maloney held a press conference Wednesday discussing the taxpayer funding. Maloney told reporters that the Democratic-controlled Congress, run by abortion advocates, will restore the $40 million annual funding to the UNFPA with Obama's support...
Court Grants Italy Father Right to Kill Eluana Englaro By Starving Her to Death
Rome--The highest court in Italy has granted the right to a disabled woman's father to kill her via euthanasia by removing her feeding tube. Eluana Englaro has been in what doctors term a so-called vegetative state following a car accident and has received food and water via a feeding tube.
Terri Schiavo's Family Condemns Ruling Allowing the Murder of Eluana Englaro
Australian Committee Proposal to Pay Mothers to Abort Disabled Babies Compared to Nazis
“This revisiting of eugenics principles is repugnant to a society that prides itself on the contribution of all...”
[Making Hitler and other death peddlers proud!]
SC priest: No communion for Obama supporters
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina Roman Catholic priest has told his parishioners that they should refrain from receiving Holy Communion if they voted for Barack Obama because the Democratic president-elect supports abortion, and supporting him "constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil." The Rev. Jay Scott Newman said in a letter distributed Sunday to parishioners at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville that they are putting their souls at risk if they take Holy Communion before doing penance for their vote.
[Deo gratias! A priest with COURAGE and a backbone who tells it like it is! Sounds like he could teach some of our lost bishops a thing or two!]
UK Catholic Bishop: “I have been thrilled by Barack Obama’s victory and I thank God for it.”
[Every bishop and priest like this needs to resign and spend his remaining life doing penance! Apparently, they model their lives after Judas!]
Archbishop involved in Vatican bank scandal didn’t leave behind millions
Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, the Chicago priest who rose to become Pro-President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State until he was embroiled in a Vatican bank scandal, died in 2006 with $500,000 in assets, including a home worth $275,000, according to a Chicago television news report.
Serbian Abortionist Who Aborted 48,000 Babies Becomes Pro-Life Activist
Stojan Adasevic, who performed 48,000 abortions, sometimes up to 35 per day, is now the most important pro-life leader in Serbia, after spending 26 years as the most renowned abortion doctor in the country
Kansas Abortion Business Poisons Pro-Life Advocates With Unknown Substance
A late-term abortion business in Kansas has been accused of putting an unknown substance on the driveway leading into the facility and sickening two pro-life advocates.
Priest attacks reporter during interview
Incident reported to police, Sacramento diocese
Bishops approve rejected Missal translation
'A step forward in the continual renewal of the liturgy'
Bishops cite abortion deregulation fears
...from new Democratic-run Congress and Obama presidency
Bishop Blasts Pro-Abortion/Anti-Life Politicians
Is the bishop of the Diocese of Scranton implying that Roman Catholic politicians should be punished if they side with the Obama administration? Bishop Joseph Martino is suggesting that bishops should think about denying communion to politicians who support policies of the Obama administration, mainly the policy of keeping abortion legal because that goes against the teachings of the Catholic church. Martino's comments were made at a conference of Catholic bishops in Baltimore. Those comments are now ringing around the country.
Issues & Politics
___________________
Now CBS Frets Gas Prices Are Too Low
After spending much of the spring and summer hyping the dire consequences of rising gas prices, CBS on Thursday night decided the plummeting cost of gas at the pump is really bad news.
Gun Owners Not Welcome on Obama's White House Team?
President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team is showing its hostility toward lawful firearm owners by questioning job applicants about what guns they own, a Second Amendment group says. Question 59 – part of a 63-item questionnaire given to Obama administration job applicants – asks for information about firearms owned by the applicant and his or her family. Although it’s not clear that gun ownership would disqualify a job applicant, ISRA says question 59 shows the Obama team’s “distaste” for firearm owners.
Israeli Beduins claim link to Obama
'We wrote a letter to him explaining the connection'
What Homeschoolers Can Expect Under an Obama Administration
Since the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president, HSLDA has received more than a few calls from both members and nonmembers. Some are quite concerned about the future of homeschooling under an Obama presidency...
FBI, USPS to investigate suspicious envelope at Temple Square
The FBI and US Postal Service inspectors are on their way to investigate the suspicious envelope found at Temple Square containing an unknown white powder. The letter was mailed to the temple and was opened inside an office in the entrance area to the Salt Lake Temple...
CCRKBA Asks Democrats: 'Has Party's Anti-Gun Mask Come Off?'
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) called on Democrats to "be honest" with America's 90 million gun owners and "tell us whether your campaign claims of adherence to the Second Amendment were all lies."
Obama camp: Lawsuits by citizens are 'garbage'
Legal challenges spring up across U.S., demand proof of eligibility for office
[If anyone would know 'garbage' it would be B. Hussein Obama and his thugs...Something is disturbing and wrong when any “public servant” refuses to provide documentary evidence of his/her eligibility for office.]
Ex-Hitler youth's warning to America
'Every day brings this nation closer to Nazi-style totalitarian abyss'
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Is Something of Historic Proportion Happening?
A reader commenting at another blog writes this following. Read it, forward it, trash it, whatever. [Minor editorial changes made for ease of reading]
_____________________
I am a student of history. Professionally. I have written 15 books in six languages, and have studied it all my life. I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into a sharper focus.You can find this essay here.Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten - fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back? Why?
We learn just days ago that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has "loaned" two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom or why or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine.
And that is three times the 700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September.
Who has this money?
Why do they have it?
Why are the terms unavailable to us?
Who asked for it?
Who authorized it?
I thought this was a government of "we the people," who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
We have spent two or more decades intentionally de-industrializing our economy. Why?
We have intentionally dumbed down our schools, ignored our history, and no longer teach our founding documents, why we are exceptional, and why we are worth preserving. Students by and large cannot write, think critically, read, or articulate. Parents are not revolting, teachers are not picketing, school boards continue to back mediocrity. Why?
We have now established the precedent of protesting every close election (now violently in California over a proposition that is so controversial that it wants marriage to remain between one man and one woman. Did you ever think such a thing possible just a decade ago?). We have corrupted our sacred political process by allowing unelected judges to write laws that radically change our way of life, and then mainstream Marxist groups like ACORN and others to turn our voting system into a banana republic. To what purpose?
Now our mortgage industry is collapsing, housing prices are in free fall, major industries are failing, our banking system is on the verge of collapse, social security is nearly bankrupt, as is medicare and our entire government, our education system is worse than a joke (I teach college and know precisely what I am talking about)–the list is staggering in its length, breadth, and depth. It is potentially 1929 x ten. And we are at war with an enemy we cannot name for fear of offending people of the same religion, who cannot wait to slit the throats of your children if they have the opportunity to do so.
And now we have elected a man no one knows anything about, who has never run so much as a Dairy Queen, let alone a town as big as Wasilla, Alaska.
All of his associations and alliances are with real radicals in their chosen fields of employment, and everything we learn about him, drip by drip, is unsettling if not downright scary (Surely you have heard him speak about his idea to create and fund a mandatory civilian defense force stronger than our military for use inside our borders? No? Oh of course. The media would never play that for you over and over and then demand he answer it. Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter and $150,000 wardrobe is more imporant.)
Mr. Obama's winning platform can be boiled down to one word: change.
Why?
I have never been so afraid for my country and for my children as I am now.
This man campaigned on bringing people together, something he has never, ever done in his professional life. In my assessment, Obama will divide us along philosophical lines, push us apart, and then try to realign the pieces into a new and different power structure. Change is indeed coming. And when it comes, you will never see the same nation again.
And that is only the beginning.
And I thought I would never be able to experience what the ordinary, moral German felt in the mid-1930s. In those times, the savior was a former smooth-talking rabble-rouser from the streets, about whom the average German knew next to nothing. What they did know was that he was associated with groups that shouted, shoved, and pushed around people with whom they disagreed; he edged his way onto the political stage through great oratory and promises.
Economic times were tough, people were losing jobs, and he was a great speaker. And he smiled and waved a lot. And people, even newspapers, were afraid to speak out for fear that his "brown shirts" would bully them into submission. And then, he was duly elected to office, a full-throttled economic crisis at hand [the Great Depression].
Slowly but surely he seized the controls of government power, department by department, person by person, bureaucracy by bureaucracy. The kids joined a Youth Movement in his name, where they were taught what to think.
How did he get the people on his side? He did it promising jobs to the jobless, money to the moneyless, and goodies for the military-industrial complex. He did it by indoctrinating the children, advocating gun control, health care for all, better wages, better jobs, and promising to re-instill pride once again in the country, across Europe, and across the world.
He did it with a compliant media–did you know that? And he did this all in the name of justice and . . . change. And the people surely got what they voted for.
(Look it up if you think I am exaggerating.)
Read your history books. Many people objected in 1933 and were shouted down, called names, laughed at, and made fun of. When Winston Churchill pointed out the obvious in the late 1930s while seated in the House of Lords in England (he was not yet Prime Minister), he was booed into his seat and called a crazy troublemaker. He was right, though.
Don't forget that Germany was the most educated, cultured country in Europe. It was full of music, art, museums, hospitals, laboratories, and universities. And in less than six years–a shorter time span than just two terms of the U. S. presidency–it was rounding up its own citizens, killing others, abrogating its laws, turning children against parents, and neighbors against neighbors. All with the best of intentions, of course. The road to Hell is paved with them.
As a practical thinker, one not overly prone to emotional decisions, I have a choice: I can either believe what the objective pieces of evidence tell me (even if they make me cringe with disgust); I can believe what history is shouting to me from across the chasm of seven decades; or I can hope I am wrong by closing my eyes, having another latte, and ignoring what is transpiring around me.
Some people scoff at me, others laugh, or think I am foolish, naive, or both. Perhaps I am. But I have never been afraid to look people in the eye and tell them exactly what I believe–and why I believe it.
I pray I am wrong. I do not think I am.
###
Please remember the power of prayer and pray the rosary daily, asking for Our Lady's intercession.
Gospel for Friday, 32nd Week In Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Josaphat, bishop and confessor
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
The Day of the Son of Man (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [26] "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. [27] They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise as it was in the days of Lot--they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, [29] but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and brimstone rained from Heaven and destroyed them all--[30] so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. [31] On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. [32] Remember Lot's wife. [33] Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. [34] I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. [35] There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." [37] And they said to Him, "Where Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
_________________
Commentary:
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.
However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
33. "Will preserve it": what the Greek word literally means is "will engender (his life)", that is to say, "will give true life to the soul". Thus our Lord seems to mean the following: he who wants to save his life at all costs, making it his basic value, will lose eternal life; whereas he who is ready to lose his earthly life--that is, to resist even to death the enemies of God and of his soul--will obtain eternal happiness through this struggle. In content this passage is almost identical with Luke 9:24.
36. In the Vulgate this verse reads: "Una assumetur, et altera relinquetur. Duo in agro; unus assumetur, et alter relinquetur" ("One will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left"). These words seem to be an addition to Luke, taken from Matthew 24:40; they do not appear in the better Greek manuscripts, which is why the New Vulgate omits them.
37. "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather": the Greek text uses a word which could mean either eagle or vulture. In any event the proverb indicates the speed with which birds of prey swoop down on their victims--apparently referring to the sudden, unexpected way the Second Coming or Last Judgment will happen. Sacred Scripture also deals with this subject in other passages: "But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Once more Jesus is exhorting us to be watchful: we should never neglect the most important thing in life--eternal salvation. "All that, which worries you for the moment, is of relative importance. What is of absolute importance is that you be happy, that you be saved" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 297). So curious are the Pharisees and the disciples about the time and place of the Last Coming that they are distracted from Jesus' main point; the same thing happens to us: for example, we can spend a lot of time pondering the circumstances of the deaths of people we know, and fail to grasp the warning these deaths contain--that this life is going to end one way or another and that after it we too will meet God.
___________________________
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.
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
The Day of the Son of Man (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [26] "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. [27] They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise as it was in the days of Lot--they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, [29] but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and brimstone rained from Heaven and destroyed them all--[30] so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. [31] On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. [32] Remember Lot's wife. [33] Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. [34] I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. [35] There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." [37] And they said to Him, "Where Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
_________________
Commentary:
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.
However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
33. "Will preserve it": what the Greek word literally means is "will engender (his life)", that is to say, "will give true life to the soul". Thus our Lord seems to mean the following: he who wants to save his life at all costs, making it his basic value, will lose eternal life; whereas he who is ready to lose his earthly life--that is, to resist even to death the enemies of God and of his soul--will obtain eternal happiness through this struggle. In content this passage is almost identical with Luke 9:24.
36. In the Vulgate this verse reads: "Una assumetur, et altera relinquetur. Duo in agro; unus assumetur, et alter relinquetur" ("One will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left"). These words seem to be an addition to Luke, taken from Matthew 24:40; they do not appear in the better Greek manuscripts, which is why the New Vulgate omits them.
37. "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather": the Greek text uses a word which could mean either eagle or vulture. In any event the proverb indicates the speed with which birds of prey swoop down on their victims--apparently referring to the sudden, unexpected way the Second Coming or Last Judgment will happen. Sacred Scripture also deals with this subject in other passages: "But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Once more Jesus is exhorting us to be watchful: we should never neglect the most important thing in life--eternal salvation. "All that, which worries you for the moment, is of relative importance. What is of absolute importance is that you be happy, that you be saved" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 297). So curious are the Pharisees and the disciples about the time and place of the Last Coming that they are distracted from Jesus' main point; the same thing happens to us: for example, we can spend a lot of time pondering the circumstances of the deaths of people we know, and fail to grasp the warning these deaths contain--that this life is going to end one way or another and that after it we too will meet God.
___________________________
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.
Just for Today, November 14
It is no small matter to live in a monastery, or in a congregation, and to converse therein without reproof, and to persevere faithfully till death. Blessed is he who has there lived well, and made a happy end.
-Bk. I, ch. xvii.
_______________
I do not say: If it be hard to live at Carmel, it is sweet to die there, but--If it be sweet to live at Carmel, it is sweeter far to die there.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xvii.
_______________
I do not say: If it be hard to live at Carmel, it is sweet to die there, but--If it be sweet to live at Carmel, it is sweeter far to die there.
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 14
THINK not of God as being in places; he is with thee such as thou art thyself--good if thou art good, and he will appear evil to thee if thou art evil; thy Aider if thou art good, and thy punisher if thou art evil....He is within thy heart. Whithersoever thou fliest, there he is.
_________________________
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-November 14
TO prepare well for Holy Communion a soul should be disposed on two main points: it should be detached from creatures, and have a great desire to advance in divine love.
_________________
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
News Updates, 11/13
US bishops approve Revised Grail Psalter, ICEL Mass translation
The US bishops on Tuesday approved by a 203-5 vote the Revised Grail Psalter for use at Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours in the United States. By a 189-30 vote, the bishops also approved, with modifications, the International Committee for English in the Liturgy’s 2007 translation of the liturgical prayers for Masses in Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter....
God Is Not Catholic, Cardinal's Word of Honor
Carlo Maria Martini publishes a book "on the risk of faith," and calls for distrust of doctrinal definitions, because God "is beyond." But this brings the risk of emptying the articles of the Creed, object Professor Pietro De Marco. And he explains why....
[The good cardinal has is no longer Catholic...He's bitter and feels justified in spreading his heresy ]
Without The Coming of Christ, the World Will Not be Just or Renewed, Pope Teaches
"Every Christian discourse on the last things, called eschatology, always begins with the resurrection,” Pope Benedict began as he turned to Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians...
Bishops warn Obama about abortion issue
Official statement: we vow to oppose 'culture of coercion'
[A statement with no teeth to a marxist dictator supported by a majority of professed Catholics who suffer no consequences in this life for their actions. Nothing new here...]
Bishops conference cuts funding for ACORN
In wake of embezzlement scandal, voter registration fraud
[Until new methods of funding are found, no doubt. This is too little, too late. The warnings came years ago, but were ignored.]
Obama has first phone conversation with Pope
Neither leader made any reference to stem cell issue
Contrary to Campaign Claim, Obama Told Paper He Attended Trinity Church ‘Every Week’
President-elect Barack Obama said in 2004 – while he was a state legislator running for a U.S. Senate seat – that he attended services at Trinity United Church of Christ every week. This is in contrast to what Obama, as a presidential candidate, said this year after controversial anti-American remarks by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright surfaced. Obama then told news outlets that he did not attend the church frequently and was not aware of Wright’s comments.
[There is no truth in this man - he is a liar and a fraud]
Same-sex "marriage" begins in Connecticut [Sure it does]
First ceremony punctuated with tears, roses, balloons
[with Satan watching over with glee]
Former Milwaukee archbishop admits shuffling abusive priests
In a deposition made public yesterday, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, the former head of the Milwaukee archdiocese, conceded that he had knowingly assigned abusive priests to pastoral work and kept parishioners uninformed about the clerics' past offenses....
Group Confirms Obama Would Fund Forced Abortions if UNFPA Money Restored
Incoming president Barack Obama is considered very likely to restore funding to the UNFPA soon after he takes office in January. However, a group that has been the top monitor of the UN agency says Obama would be forcing taxpayers to fund a group involved in forced abortions if he does. As LifeNews.com has reported, the Obama campaign confirmed to a pro-abortion web site that he would restore funding for the UNFPA...
Somali Islamic courts deny kidnapping nuns in Kenya
Group says they're 'against taking hostages for ransom'
Vatican clamps down on slackers at Curia
Timekeeping reintroduced after being scrapped in 1960
'Why Believe in a God?' ad campaign launches
American Humanist Association prepares for Christmas
{Satan's minions on the attack from another of several fronts]
Gay activists storm pulpit during Sunday worship
'Queers and trannies' target 'anti-queer establishment'
[Hose 'em down - with holy water!]
EXCLUSIVE: Did Next Commander-in-Chief Falsify Selective Service Registration? Never Actually Register? Obama's Draft Registration Raises Serious Questions
To accept abortion is to challenge God, Lord of all things...
Abortion violates the universal order created by God, Who established the right to life as a fundamental right of man. No convenience of economics or politics, social consideration, question of health or other problem can justify an attempt against that universal order....
Us Supreme Court Clerk Danny Bickell Continues Sabotage Of NJ Citizen Law Suit Challenging 08 Election
As of 9:53 AM, November 13, 2008, the Docket for US Supreme Court case # 08A407 has still not been updated to reflect the fact that the case...
Lobbyists Swarm the Treasury for Piece of Bailout Pie
Many new supplicants are lining up for an infusion of capital as billions of dollars are channeled to other beneficiaries like the American International Group, and possibly soon American Express....
House Republican leader John Boehner Demands Fed Identify Recipients of Loans
Called for the Federal Reserve to disclose the recipients of almost $2 trillion of emergency loans from American taxpayers and the troubled assets the central bank is accepting as collateral....
Democratic Senator Unveils Mandatory Health Insurance Plan
The New York Times reports that Democratic senator Max Baucus will unveil his nationalized health care proposal today, and (surprise!) it would require all Americans to purchase health insurance...
{The people should ensure that Congress-criminals submit to mandatory intelligence and morality checks]
Democrats’ Auto Industry Bailout Is A UAW Bailout, Group Says
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is writing a bill that would allow the auto industry to get some of the $700 billion intended to restore liquidity in the nation’s financial markets. But a union watchdog group says Frank’s plan really is intended to bail out the United Auto Workers union. Under Frank’s legislation, car companies receiving bailout money would face tougher restrictions on executive pay and dividends to their shareholders.
[Bawnee Fwank and buddies need to keep buying votes]
Mysterious glowing aurora over Saturn confounds scientists
A stunning light display over Saturn has stumped scientists who say it behaves unlike any other planetary aurora known in our solar system.
Barbara Walters Exclusive: Pregnant "Man "Expecting Second Child
In First Interview Since Giving Birth, Thomas Beatie Tells Barbara Walters About Life With Daughter Susan
The US bishops on Tuesday approved by a 203-5 vote the Revised Grail Psalter for use at Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours in the United States. By a 189-30 vote, the bishops also approved, with modifications, the International Committee for English in the Liturgy’s 2007 translation of the liturgical prayers for Masses in Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter....
God Is Not Catholic, Cardinal's Word of Honor
Carlo Maria Martini publishes a book "on the risk of faith," and calls for distrust of doctrinal definitions, because God "is beyond." But this brings the risk of emptying the articles of the Creed, object Professor Pietro De Marco. And he explains why....
[The good cardinal has is no longer Catholic...He's bitter and feels justified in spreading his heresy ]
Without The Coming of Christ, the World Will Not be Just or Renewed, Pope Teaches
"Every Christian discourse on the last things, called eschatology, always begins with the resurrection,” Pope Benedict began as he turned to Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians...
Bishops warn Obama about abortion issue
Official statement: we vow to oppose 'culture of coercion'
[A statement with no teeth to a marxist dictator supported by a majority of professed Catholics who suffer no consequences in this life for their actions. Nothing new here...]
Bishops conference cuts funding for ACORN
In wake of embezzlement scandal, voter registration fraud
[Until new methods of funding are found, no doubt. This is too little, too late. The warnings came years ago, but were ignored.]
Obama has first phone conversation with Pope
Neither leader made any reference to stem cell issue
Contrary to Campaign Claim, Obama Told Paper He Attended Trinity Church ‘Every Week’
President-elect Barack Obama said in 2004 – while he was a state legislator running for a U.S. Senate seat – that he attended services at Trinity United Church of Christ every week. This is in contrast to what Obama, as a presidential candidate, said this year after controversial anti-American remarks by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright surfaced. Obama then told news outlets that he did not attend the church frequently and was not aware of Wright’s comments.
[There is no truth in this man - he is a liar and a fraud]
Same-sex "marriage" begins in Connecticut [Sure it does]
First ceremony punctuated with tears, roses, balloons
[with Satan watching over with glee]
Former Milwaukee archbishop admits shuffling abusive priests
In a deposition made public yesterday, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, the former head of the Milwaukee archdiocese, conceded that he had knowingly assigned abusive priests to pastoral work and kept parishioners uninformed about the clerics' past offenses....
Group Confirms Obama Would Fund Forced Abortions if UNFPA Money Restored
Incoming president Barack Obama is considered very likely to restore funding to the UNFPA soon after he takes office in January. However, a group that has been the top monitor of the UN agency says Obama would be forcing taxpayers to fund a group involved in forced abortions if he does. As LifeNews.com has reported, the Obama campaign confirmed to a pro-abortion web site that he would restore funding for the UNFPA...
Somali Islamic courts deny kidnapping nuns in Kenya
Group says they're 'against taking hostages for ransom'
Vatican clamps down on slackers at Curia
Timekeeping reintroduced after being scrapped in 1960
'Why Believe in a God?' ad campaign launches
American Humanist Association prepares for Christmas
{Satan's minions on the attack from another of several fronts]
Gay activists storm pulpit during Sunday worship
'Queers and trannies' target 'anti-queer establishment'
[Hose 'em down - with holy water!]
EXCLUSIVE: Did Next Commander-in-Chief Falsify Selective Service Registration? Never Actually Register? Obama's Draft Registration Raises Serious Questions
To accept abortion is to challenge God, Lord of all things...
Abortion violates the universal order created by God, Who established the right to life as a fundamental right of man. No convenience of economics or politics, social consideration, question of health or other problem can justify an attempt against that universal order....
Us Supreme Court Clerk Danny Bickell Continues Sabotage Of NJ Citizen Law Suit Challenging 08 Election
As of 9:53 AM, November 13, 2008, the Docket for US Supreme Court case # 08A407 has still not been updated to reflect the fact that the case...
Lobbyists Swarm the Treasury for Piece of Bailout Pie Many new supplicants are lining up for an infusion of capital as billions of dollars are channeled to other beneficiaries like the American International Group, and possibly soon American Express....
House Republican leader John Boehner Demands Fed Identify Recipients of Loans
Called for the Federal Reserve to disclose the recipients of almost $2 trillion of emergency loans from American taxpayers and the troubled assets the central bank is accepting as collateral....
Democratic Senator Unveils Mandatory Health Insurance Plan
The New York Times reports that Democratic senator Max Baucus will unveil his nationalized health care proposal today, and (surprise!) it would require all Americans to purchase health insurance...
{The people should ensure that Congress-criminals submit to mandatory intelligence and morality checks]
Democrats’ Auto Industry Bailout Is A UAW Bailout, Group Says
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is writing a bill that would allow the auto industry to get some of the $700 billion intended to restore liquidity in the nation’s financial markets. But a union watchdog group says Frank’s plan really is intended to bail out the United Auto Workers union. Under Frank’s legislation, car companies receiving bailout money would face tougher restrictions on executive pay and dividends to their shareholders.
[Bawnee Fwank and buddies need to keep buying votes]
Mysterious glowing aurora over Saturn confounds scientists
A stunning light display over Saturn has stumped scientists who say it behaves unlike any other planetary aurora known in our solar system.
Barbara Walters Exclusive: Pregnant "Man "Expecting Second Child
In First Interview Since Giving Birth, Thomas Beatie Tells Barbara Walters About Life With Daughter Susan
"Catholics" in Alliance [with evil] Issue Survey
The group, "Catholics"[So-called] in Alliance for the Common Good, has issued a survey now that Americans have placed the nation at risk by voting for abortion, infanticide, marxism, socialism, raising the white flag of surrender, spreading poverty, stifling of our Bill of Rights, nationalizing private enterprise, and only God knows what other evils await us. However "Catholics" in Alliance sees America at a[n] historic crossroads, and a new president-elect and a new Congress coming to Washington...
These promoters of dissent, "Catholics" in Alliance, want to hear from you about
May God have mercy on us! After nearly 50 million abortions (not counting the millions upon millions of abortions caused by artificial contraception), perhaps we are to suffer a divine chastisement for our abysmal moral failures and morally bankrupt behavior?
Maybe I need to get down on my knees more often and ask for forgiveness and mercy? Perhaps mt sacrifices and prayers could be more sincere? Could Our Lord be granting our desires by allowing us the type of leaders many have requested?
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my
sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend
Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly
resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near
occasions of sin.
These promoters of dissent, "Catholics" in Alliance, want to hear from you about
how you think we should put our movement's common good platform into action so as to best work toward the common good this year.What are the main issues listed from which one may select? Let's have a look-see:
Please click here and complete our survey of the top three issues you think the Alliance should focus on through advocacy and public awareness campaigns in the next year. These issues are in alphabetical, not in any priority order. We will definitely continue to work to build a consistent culture of life by advocating for the Pregnant Women's Support Act and other efforts, therefore we are not including it on the list because we are committed to this priority.
With input from you and our partner organizations and board members, we will prioritize these issues. This does not mean we will not work on all of the issues, but it will help us focus our resources!
* Climate Change/Environment [change the laws of nature, man is god!]More government intervention into many areas where it has no constitutional authority...And where is the fundamental right to life? Oh yes, already a priority [on the back burner, no doubt].
* Comprehensive Immigration Reform [Amnesty for all law breakers, criminals]
* Health Care: Advocating for universal health care [gov't bureaucrats can do it better]
* Living Wages and Rights of Workers: Employee Free Choice Act [close businesses]
* Poverty Reduction – Cut U.S. poverty in half [hike entitlements, lower standard of living]
* Responsible End to Iraq War [surrender]
May God have mercy on us! After nearly 50 million abortions (not counting the millions upon millions of abortions caused by artificial contraception), perhaps we are to suffer a divine chastisement for our abysmal moral failures and morally bankrupt behavior?
Maybe I need to get down on my knees more often and ask for forgiveness and mercy? Perhaps mt sacrifices and prayers could be more sincere? Could Our Lord be granting our desires by allowing us the type of leaders many have requested?
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my
sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend
Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly
resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near
occasions of sin.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Dr Edward Peters:Fr. Bourgeois might be facing more than excommunication
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has given activist Maryknoll priest, Rev. Roy Bourgeois, about a month to recant his support for women's ordination or suffer excommunication....Dr Peters foresees the possibility that Bourgeois could be dismissed from the clerical state based upon, among other things, his attitude as expressed the letter he wrote in reply to the CDF...Long overdue, IMHO...
Read more at Dr Peters' blog here
Gospel for Nov 13, Memorial: St Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Thursday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Didacus, confessor
From: Luke 17:20-25
The Coming of the Kingdom of God
[20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was coming, He (Jesus) answered them, "The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; [21] nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you."
The Day of the Son of Man
[22] And He said to His disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. [23] And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them. [24] For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. [25] But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation."
___________________
Commentary:
20-21. Like many Jews of their time, the Pharisees imagined the establishment of the Kingdom of God in terms of external, political authority; whereas Jesus teaches that it is something eminently spiritual, supernatural, which has been happening since Jesus' coming, although its climax will be after His Second Coming or Parousia at the end of the world; its effect is to be seen, above all, in men's hearts, although it is also something visible and external, just as the Church has a visible dimension.
The presence of the Kingdom of God in each soul is something one perceives through the affections and inspirations communicated by the Holy Spirit. St. Therese of Lisieux says this about her own experience: "The Doctor of doctors teaches us without the sound of words. I have never heard Him speak, and yet I know He is within my soul. Every moment He is guiding and inspiring me, and, just at the moment I need them, `lights' till then unseen are granted me. Most often it is not at prayer that they come but while I go about my daily duties" ("The Story of a Soul", Chapter 8).
22. After the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost they will devote their whole lives to preaching boldly the message of Jesus Christ, and winning all people over to the Lord. This will lead them to experience many severe contradictions; they will suffer so much that they will yearn to see even "one of the days of the Son of Man", that is, one of the days of the victory of Jesus Christ. But this day will not arrive until the Lord's Second Coming.
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.
However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Old Calendar: St. Didacus, confessor
From: Luke 17:20-25
The Coming of the Kingdom of God
[20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was coming, He (Jesus) answered them, "The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; [21] nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you."
The Day of the Son of Man
[22] And He said to His disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. [23] And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them. [24] For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. [25] But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation."
___________________
Commentary:
20-21. Like many Jews of their time, the Pharisees imagined the establishment of the Kingdom of God in terms of external, political authority; whereas Jesus teaches that it is something eminently spiritual, supernatural, which has been happening since Jesus' coming, although its climax will be after His Second Coming or Parousia at the end of the world; its effect is to be seen, above all, in men's hearts, although it is also something visible and external, just as the Church has a visible dimension.
The presence of the Kingdom of God in each soul is something one perceives through the affections and inspirations communicated by the Holy Spirit. St. Therese of Lisieux says this about her own experience: "The Doctor of doctors teaches us without the sound of words. I have never heard Him speak, and yet I know He is within my soul. Every moment He is guiding and inspiring me, and, just at the moment I need them, `lights' till then unseen are granted me. Most often it is not at prayer that they come but while I go about my daily duties" ("The Story of a Soul", Chapter 8).
22. After the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost they will devote their whole lives to preaching boldly the message of Jesus Christ, and winning all people over to the Lord. This will lead them to experience many severe contradictions; they will suffer so much that they will yearn to see even "one of the days of the Son of Man", that is, one of the days of the victory of Jesus Christ. But this day will not arrive until the Lord's Second Coming.
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.
However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
___________________________
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.
Ex-Priest Professor Who Doubts Virgin Birth Speaks at Catholic College
Robert Ritchie of America Needs Fatima sent me this today:
An ex-priest who doubts the Virgin Birth and who popularized the theory that Jesus's body was eaten by wild dogs, lectured at a Catholic College.Frankly, I'm shocked that such a speaker would even be considered to speak at any Catholic college or university. Would such actions please St Robert Bellarmine? Of course not, and Christ suffered and died to atone for such sins which cause scandal and implant doubts into the minds of the young!
His name is Dr. John Crossan. [Ed. Note: Some of you may have seen this heretic on TV (the History channel, etc) as an "expert" in Catholic matters] And he spoke at Bellarmine Univeristy, which calls itself "a university Catholic in its roots and ongoing tradition."
But according to the Christian Research Journal, Crossan casts doubt on the Virgin Birth by confusing fact and myth:
"They're all over Greek and Roman mythology, so what do I do? Do I believe all of those stories, or do I say all of those stories are lies except for our Christian story?"
Crossan then cites the myth of Caesar Augustus's birth as an example, in which his mother became impregnated by the sun god Apollo:
"His mother was in the temple of Apollo, she fell asleep. During the night she was impregnated by Apollo in the form of a snake, and therefore, of course, the child who was born was divine, Augustus, and of course millions of people would have said in the first century, '...look what's he's done. He's brought peace to the warring empire. He's got rid of the civil wars. He's our man.'"
And in his book "Jesus: The Revolutionary Biography," Dr. Crossan writes:
"The divine origins of Jesus are...just as...mythological as those of Octavius."
Is this the kind of Professor students should be learning from at a Catholic University?
Absolutely NOT!
Send your message of Catholic concern to the President of Bellarmine University, urging him to invite orthodox Catholic speakers to his campus instead of ex-priests who doubt the Virgin Birth.
Please send your message right away!
Sincerely,
Robert Ritchie
America Needs Fatima
PS - Please send a message of Catholic concern immediately to the Bellarmine University President Joseph J. McGowan.
Just for Today, November 13
Make now to thyself friends, by honouring the saints of God, and imitating their actions; that when thou shalt fail in this life, they may receive thee into everlasting dwellings.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiii.
____________
I stood before the Angels and Saints and addressed them in these words: I am the least of all creatures, I know my great need, but I also know that noble and generous hearts love to do good: therefore I beseech of you, O blessed citizens of Heaven, to adopt me as your child. Whatever glory I may acquire will redound to yours. Hear my prayer and obtain for me a double measure of your love.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiii.
____________
I stood before the Angels and Saints and addressed them in these words: I am the least of all creatures, I know my great need, but I also know that noble and generous hearts love to do good: therefore I beseech of you, O blessed citizens of Heaven, to adopt me as your child. Whatever glory I may acquire will redound to yours. Hear my prayer and obtain for me a double measure of your love.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 13
IF his judgement seat is on the lonely mountains, go to the teeming haunts of men, and there grumble to thyself. His judgement throne is in no one place, who is everywhere in secret, everywhere in public; whom none is permitted to know as he is, and none is permitted to ignore.
_________________________
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-November 13
THE saints derived great benefit from their Communions, because they prepared themselves with very great care. St Aloysius Gonzaga devoted three days to his preparation for Holy Communion, and he spent three days in thanksgiving to his Lord.
_________________
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
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
News Updates, 11/12
Abortion and Euthanasia Bringing about the Demise of Catholic Health Care: Catholic Obstetrician
Believing Catholics are being pushed out of the medical professions, especially in areas like obstetrics, by the insistence of secularised medical services on “abortion rights,” contraception and, now, increasingly physician-assisted euthanasia, claims a prominent Catholic obstetrician....
Ignoring Vatican, Bourgeois firm on women's ordination
Despite being threatened with excommunication by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Maryknoll Father Roy Bourgeois said he would not recant his belief that women should be ordained as Catholic priests. There's nothing that Rome can do to me to take away the peace, the clarity I have on this issue," Father Bourgeois told Catholic News Service Nov. 12. "No matter what the consequences, I feel I am doing the right thing."
[Heretic and schismatic - just like the priestettes he supports, while rejecting the Church. And he thinks he'll be at peace after he's excommunicated.]
Missed this one - ‘Top 10 Catholic states’
States with highest percentage of Catholics voted overwhelmingly for Obama, including California...
Pro-lifers report strange day outside abortion clinic after election
The entire morning was stranger than usual. You could feel the oppression. I had women who, when pulling in, instead of the usual swearing or cursing mouthed "Obama" at me, as if it were a curse....
[The name 'Obama' is a curse...]
Joe Biden's Catholic Bishop Won't Deny Communion Over Pro-Abortion Views
The Catholic bishop that oversees the diocese where Joe Biden worships says he will not deny the incoming vice president communion over his pro-abortion views....
[Canon Law not applicable in the US - Episcopal Failures to Continue]
“Ipso facto excommunicated”
Another Latin American prelate makes clear what happens to pro-abortion politicians
Bishops Threaten Denial of Communion While Uruguay Senate Votes Pro-Abortion
"Until they change their position they are prohibited from receiving Eucharistic Communion," the bishops wrote about Catholic politicians who vote pro-abortion...
Catholic bishops will fight Obama on abortion
he nation's Roman Catholic bishops vowed Tuesday to forcefully confront the Obama administration over its support for abortion rights, saying the church and religious freedom could be under attack in the new presidential administration....
Removal of Food and Hydration from Italian Woman “Monstrous and Inhuman Murder”: Vatican Prelate
The Court of Cassation in Rome, Italy’s highest appeals court, was advised yesterday by Prosecutor-General (PG) Domenico Iannelli, to “allow Eluana to die” by the removal of her food and hydration.
Lesbians, condoms go wild in attack on Christian church
Making out at pulpit, shouting blasphemies in front of children
[Sinking to the depths of their master, Satan, and wallowing in the evil of sin and immorality, can we expect anything else from these lost souls?]
Traditionalists may celebrate feasts on old liturgical calendar, Vatican rules
Responding to a question from the Latin Mass Society, the Ecclesia Dei commission has ruled that Catholics who use the extraordinary form of the liturgy may continue to use the liturgical calendar associated with the 1962 Missal....
Catholic bishops plan to forcefully confront Obama
America's Roman Catholic bishops, long one of the leading political forces against abortion, vowed on Tuesday to accept no compromise for the sake of unity until there is legal protection for the unborn.
Bishop: ‘Faithful Citizenship’ misinterpreted
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn-- who oversaw the drafting of the US bishops’ 2007 statement on Catholics' political responsibilities, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,-- said yesterday that the document had been misinterpreted and misused...
Same-sex marriage backers terrorize elderly woman
True marriage supporter assaulted for carrying cross
Vatican warns Obama over stem cell research
President-elect announces intention to lift US ban
Congressman fears a President Obama dictatorship
'He's the one who proposed this national security force'
Man stopped by parishioners after stealing Hosts
Charged with two counts of simple battery and theft
Radical Hindu group seeks to wipe out Christianity
Indian militants forcing reconversions and using violence
Catholic bishops re-examining message after vote
The big question: How to explain Church teaching?
[Discipline priests and educators who teach heresy?]
U.S. bishops urged to challenge Obama
Cardinal George repudiates 'common good' approach
[How many are in the tank for BHO? Can someone tell us that?]
A Birth Certificate Lawsuit - In Good Standing
Leo Donofrio filed a solid lawsuit.
Hard to get behind Berg, his was not a good lawsuit. This, OTOH, is. Do I think it should be pursued, yes? Do I believe Obama was born in Hawaii? Probably. Is there something on Obama's birth certificate he does not want us to see. Foe shizzle. Should a President of the United States have to present his vault copy to take office? Absolutely. I don't know what is on the birth certificate- I do know Obama does not want us to see it. But with Obama - there is no law. It's Alinsky style anarchy....
Reform group urges Catholics to withhold donations
A new Roman Catholic reform group called "Send the Bishops a Message" said that holding back contributions would allow lay members to vent their frustration over a scandal that has cost the Roman Catholic Church in this country more than $2 billion in legal settlements.
Barone: Media wanted Palin abortion
A roomful of academics erupted in angry boos Tuesday morning after political analyst Michael Barone said journalists trashed Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republicans' vice presidential nominee, because "she did not abort her Down syndrome baby."
Catholic-Jewish group urges calm over Pius XII
Believers asked not to use inflammatory language
Uruguay allows early abortions, veto looms
President Vazquez is expected to kill senate's measure
Believing Catholics are being pushed out of the medical professions, especially in areas like obstetrics, by the insistence of secularised medical services on “abortion rights,” contraception and, now, increasingly physician-assisted euthanasia, claims a prominent Catholic obstetrician....
Ignoring Vatican, Bourgeois firm on women's ordination
Despite being threatened with excommunication by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Maryknoll Father Roy Bourgeois said he would not recant his belief that women should be ordained as Catholic priests. There's nothing that Rome can do to me to take away the peace, the clarity I have on this issue," Father Bourgeois told Catholic News Service Nov. 12. "No matter what the consequences, I feel I am doing the right thing."
[Heretic and schismatic - just like the priestettes he supports, while rejecting the Church. And he thinks he'll be at peace after he's excommunicated.]
Missed this one - ‘Top 10 Catholic states’
States with highest percentage of Catholics voted overwhelmingly for Obama, including California...
Pro-lifers report strange day outside abortion clinic after election
The entire morning was stranger than usual. You could feel the oppression. I had women who, when pulling in, instead of the usual swearing or cursing mouthed "Obama" at me, as if it were a curse....
[The name 'Obama' is a curse...]
Joe Biden's Catholic Bishop Won't Deny Communion Over Pro-Abortion Views
The Catholic bishop that oversees the diocese where Joe Biden worships says he will not deny the incoming vice president communion over his pro-abortion views....
[Canon Law not applicable in the US - Episcopal Failures to Continue]
“Ipso facto excommunicated”
Another Latin American prelate makes clear what happens to pro-abortion politicians
Bishops Threaten Denial of Communion While Uruguay Senate Votes Pro-Abortion
"Until they change their position they are prohibited from receiving Eucharistic Communion," the bishops wrote about Catholic politicians who vote pro-abortion...
Catholic bishops will fight Obama on abortion
he nation's Roman Catholic bishops vowed Tuesday to forcefully confront the Obama administration over its support for abortion rights, saying the church and religious freedom could be under attack in the new presidential administration....
Removal of Food and Hydration from Italian Woman “Monstrous and Inhuman Murder”: Vatican Prelate
The Court of Cassation in Rome, Italy’s highest appeals court, was advised yesterday by Prosecutor-General (PG) Domenico Iannelli, to “allow Eluana to die” by the removal of her food and hydration.
Lesbians, condoms go wild in attack on Christian church
Making out at pulpit, shouting blasphemies in front of children
[Sinking to the depths of their master, Satan, and wallowing in the evil of sin and immorality, can we expect anything else from these lost souls?]
Traditionalists may celebrate feasts on old liturgical calendar, Vatican rules
Responding to a question from the Latin Mass Society, the Ecclesia Dei commission has ruled that Catholics who use the extraordinary form of the liturgy may continue to use the liturgical calendar associated with the 1962 Missal....
Catholic bishops plan to forcefully confront Obama
America's Roman Catholic bishops, long one of the leading political forces against abortion, vowed on Tuesday to accept no compromise for the sake of unity until there is legal protection for the unborn.
Bishop: ‘Faithful Citizenship’ misinterpreted
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn-- who oversaw the drafting of the US bishops’ 2007 statement on Catholics' political responsibilities, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,-- said yesterday that the document had been misinterpreted and misused...
Same-sex marriage backers terrorize elderly woman
True marriage supporter assaulted for carrying cross
Vatican warns Obama over stem cell research
President-elect announces intention to lift US ban
Congressman fears a President Obama dictatorship
'He's the one who proposed this national security force'
Man stopped by parishioners after stealing Hosts
Charged with two counts of simple battery and theft
Radical Hindu group seeks to wipe out Christianity
Indian militants forcing reconversions and using violence
Catholic bishops re-examining message after vote
The big question: How to explain Church teaching?
[Discipline priests and educators who teach heresy?]
U.S. bishops urged to challenge Obama
Cardinal George repudiates 'common good' approach
[How many are in the tank for BHO? Can someone tell us that?]
A Birth Certificate Lawsuit - In Good Standing
Leo Donofrio filed a solid lawsuit.
Hard to get behind Berg, his was not a good lawsuit. This, OTOH, is. Do I think it should be pursued, yes? Do I believe Obama was born in Hawaii? Probably. Is there something on Obama's birth certificate he does not want us to see. Foe shizzle. Should a President of the United States have to present his vault copy to take office? Absolutely. I don't know what is on the birth certificate- I do know Obama does not want us to see it. But with Obama - there is no law. It's Alinsky style anarchy....
Reform group urges Catholics to withhold donations
A new Roman Catholic reform group called "Send the Bishops a Message" said that holding back contributions would allow lay members to vent their frustration over a scandal that has cost the Roman Catholic Church in this country more than $2 billion in legal settlements.
Barone: Media wanted Palin abortion
A roomful of academics erupted in angry boos Tuesday morning after political analyst Michael Barone said journalists trashed Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republicans' vice presidential nominee, because "she did not abort her Down syndrome baby."
Catholic-Jewish group urges calm over Pius XII
Believers asked not to use inflammatory language
Uruguay allows early abortions, veto looms
President Vazquez is expected to kill senate's measure
Gospel for Nov 12, Memorial: St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Martin I, pope and martyr
From: Luke 17:11-19
The Ten Lepers
[11] On the way to Jerusalem He (Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. [12] And as He entered the village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance [13] and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." [14] When He saw them He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. [15] Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; [16] and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. [17] Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? [18] Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" [19] And He said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
___________________
Commentary:
11-19. The setting of this episode explains how a Samaritan could be in the company of Jews. There was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans (cf. John 4:9), but shared pain, in the case of these lepers, overcame racial antipathy.
The Law of Moses laid down, to prevent the spread of the disease, that lepers should live away from other people and should let it be known that they were suffering from this disease (cf. Leviticus 13:45-46). This explains why they did not come right up to Jesus and His group, but instead begged His help by shouting from a distance. Before curing them our Lord orders them to go to the priests to have their cure certified (cf. Leviticus 14:2ff), and to perform the rites laid down. The lepers' obedience is a sign of faith in Jesus' words. And, in fact, soon after setting out they are cleansed.
However, only one of them, the Samaritan, who returns praising God and showing his gratitude for the miracle, is given a much greater gift than the cure of leprosy. Jesus says as much: "Your faith has made you well" (verse 19) and praises the man's gratefulness. The Gospel records this event to teach us the value of gratefulness: "Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because He gives you this and that. Because you have been despised.
Because you haven't what you need or because you have.
"Because He made His Mother so beautiful, His Mother who is also your Mother. Because He created the sun and the moon and this animal and that plant. Because He made that man eloquent and you He left tongue-tied....
"Thank Him for everything, because everything is good" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 268).
_________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Old Calendar: St. Martin I, pope and martyr
From: Luke 17:11-19
The Ten Lepers
[11] On the way to Jerusalem He (Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. [12] And as He entered the village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance [13] and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." [14] When He saw them He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. [15] Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; [16] and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. [17] Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? [18] Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" [19] And He said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
___________________
Commentary:
11-19. The setting of this episode explains how a Samaritan could be in the company of Jews. There was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans (cf. John 4:9), but shared pain, in the case of these lepers, overcame racial antipathy.
The Law of Moses laid down, to prevent the spread of the disease, that lepers should live away from other people and should let it be known that they were suffering from this disease (cf. Leviticus 13:45-46). This explains why they did not come right up to Jesus and His group, but instead begged His help by shouting from a distance. Before curing them our Lord orders them to go to the priests to have their cure certified (cf. Leviticus 14:2ff), and to perform the rites laid down. The lepers' obedience is a sign of faith in Jesus' words. And, in fact, soon after setting out they are cleansed.
However, only one of them, the Samaritan, who returns praising God and showing his gratitude for the miracle, is given a much greater gift than the cure of leprosy. Jesus says as much: "Your faith has made you well" (verse 19) and praises the man's gratefulness. The Gospel records this event to teach us the value of gratefulness: "Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because He gives you this and that. Because you have been despised.
Because you haven't what you need or because you have.
"Because He made His Mother so beautiful, His Mother who is also your Mother. Because He created the sun and the moon and this animal and that plant. Because He made that man eloquent and you He left tongue-tied....
"Thank Him for everything, because everything is good" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 268).
_________________
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.
Roy Bourgeois threatened with excommunication
It's about time!
From the National UNCatholic Reporter we learn:
As usual, St Louis' own group of heretics and schismatics, Catholic Action Network, has sent out an email notice to petition the Holy Father. This petition was started by the Women's ?Ordination? Conference. The text, in part, of the email is as follows:
From the National UNCatholic Reporter we learn:
Maryknoll Fr. Roy Bourgeois has been threatened with excommunication by the Vatican's Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith for his support of women’s ordination, according to a letter made public today....He apparently received notification from the Congregation on or about Oct. 21 and has 30 days to recant his “belief and public statements that support the ordination of women in our Church, or (he) will be excommunicated.”
As usual, St Louis' own group of heretics and schismatics, Catholic Action Network, has sent out an email notice to petition the Holy Father. This petition was started by the Women's ?Ordination? Conference. The text, in part, of the email is as follows:
On October 21, 2008, the Vatican sent a letter to the Maryknoll community stating that Fr. Roy Bourgeois, a Maryknoll priest of 36 years, has 30 days to recant his statement of public support of women's ordination or he will be automatically excommunicated.What a group of malcontents and misguided souls...By the way, I will not post the petition link here...I will not be a party to the heresy embraced by these people - all of them should be excommunicated, shouldn't they?
Fr. Bourgeois co-presided and gave the homily during the ordination ceremony of Roman Catholic Womenpriest, Janice Sevre-Duszynska, which took place on August 9 in Lexington, Ky.
The Women's Ordination Conference has initiated a petition, with Roman Catholics Womenpriests and Call to Action as partners, to support Fr. Bourgeois. The petition will be sent to Pope Benedict XVI; the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S., Archbishop Pietro Sambi; and Maryknoll Superior General, John Sivalon. Please forward the petition link to your friends. In addition, we encourage you to send letters to the editor and op eds to your local papers.
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 12
LET him who can, see that there is a God; let him who cannot see it, believe it--but if he sees it who can, does he see it with his eyes? He sees with his understanding, he sees with his heart.
_________________________
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-November 12
HERE like the dove within the ark
Securely I repose;
Since now the Lord is my defence,
I fear no earthly foes.
_________________
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
Securely I repose;
Since now the Lord is my defence,
I fear no earthly foes.
_________________
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
Is Sodomy No Longer a Sin? An Urgent Appeal To Our Ecclesiastical Authorities
From the American TFP:
__________________
And the men of Sodom were very wicked, and sinners before the face of the Lord, beyond measure (Gen. 13:13).
In our dark days, homosexuality, a shameful vice ever abhorred by the Christian conscience, finds prominent apologists within the very bosom of Holy Mother Church.
Sacred Scripture,1 Tradition, and the Magisterium have condemned few sins more consistently or severely than sodomy. The sins of Sodom and Gomorrha established a measure of evil by which other sins are judged, as recorded throughout the Holy Bible.2
Turning a deaf ear to these condemnations, proponents of perversion seek to sow confusion within the Church. To this end, they invoke deceptive interpretations - revisionist distortions - of Sacred Scripture. According to their self-serving rewriting of biblical history, Sodom and Gomorrha were destroyed not because their inhabitants practiced unnatural vice, but because they were inhospitable to travelers.3
Sodomy's apologists have even dared to suggest the obscene blasphemy that Our Lord Jesus Christ was one of them. Sister Jeannine Gramick, co-founder of New Ways Ministry for Gay and Lesbian Catholics, has written:
__________________
And the men of Sodom were very wicked, and sinners before the face of the Lord, beyond measure (Gen. 13:13).
In our dark days, homosexuality, a shameful vice ever abhorred by the Christian conscience, finds prominent apologists within the very bosom of Holy Mother Church.
Sacred Scripture,1 Tradition, and the Magisterium have condemned few sins more consistently or severely than sodomy. The sins of Sodom and Gomorrha established a measure of evil by which other sins are judged, as recorded throughout the Holy Bible.2
Turning a deaf ear to these condemnations, proponents of perversion seek to sow confusion within the Church. To this end, they invoke deceptive interpretations - revisionist distortions - of Sacred Scripture. According to their self-serving rewriting of biblical history, Sodom and Gomorrha were destroyed not because their inhabitants practiced unnatural vice, but because they were inhospitable to travelers.3
Sodomy's apologists have even dared to suggest the obscene blasphemy that Our Lord Jesus Christ was one of them. Sister Jeannine Gramick, co-founder of New Ways Ministry for Gay and Lesbian Catholics, has written:
Gay and lesbian people also look to the friendships of David and Jonathan, and Jesus and John. These stories hold up for lesbian and gay people a hope for a blessing for same-sex relationships or friendships.4Great article - continued here...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)