Standing in the rain

The year has fallen, darkened,
its spoils surrendered
to the fading pulse of the sun.

A brief harvest of gold coins,
bleeding, corroding, falling spent to earth,
their once brilliant argument lost,
their nothingness exposed by chill, relentless rain.

Days of rain, October’s parting word.
A year of trial and loss, storm and wreckage, and survival,
a year of awakening, of standing up in the rain,
deciding what matters, what to save, what to abandon.

A year to remember why the sun rises
and hurries to begin again with undiscouraged purpose.
A year like a chisel in the hand of God,
like a finger probing a wound that no longer bleeds.

Purpose from chaos,
passage through darkness,
a return home,
the door swung open wide,
and unaccountable joy.

Anglican commentator bristles at Pope's invitation

Re: Thanks Benny, but no thanks -EdmontonSun.com,

Dear Ms. Woodcock,

What You described as "the biggest bid to drag [Anglicans] back into the fold in the almost 500 years since we broke away" is colorful but rather unfair. The Pope's offer is hardly a mustache-twirling scheme to "drag", "poach", or otherwise coerce. It's simply a serious, constructive invitation supported by canon law, an option that freely can be accepted or declined.

The invitation came only after inquiries by Anglicans distressed at controversial changes within the Anglican communion, and who have expressed interest in closer union with the Bishop of Rome. The Pope has acted in good faith to respond to these inquiries in a meaningful way that respects the desires and worthy traditions of those Anglicans seeking such an accommodation, while promoting genuine unity.

Naturally not all Anglicans will be interested in swimming the Tiber. As your article suggests, those who are most put off by the Catholic Church's doctrines, disciplines, or defects, perhaps will not be dialing up Rome anytime soon. But the sincere invitation stands for any who may be interested. They are most welcome to join us Roman Catholics. We value their fellowship, their best traditions, and want to join efforts with them in trying to live the Gospel.

Becoming a priest of Jesus Christ

An apostle — that is what a Christian is, when he knows that he has been grafted onto Christ, made one with Christ, in baptism. He has been given the capacity to carry on the battle in Christ's name, through confirmation. He has been called to serve God by his activity in the world, because of the common priesthood of the faithful, which makes him share in some way in the priesthood of Christ. This priesthood — though essentially distinct from the ministerial priesthood — gives him the capacity to take part in the worship of the Church and to help other men in their journey to God, with the witness of his word and his example, through his prayer and work of atonement.

-Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Christ is Passing By, no. 120

More Anglicans coming home to Rome

Traditional Anglicans welcome Vatican announcement with joy - Catholic Culture

A very warm welcome to those Anglican brothers and sisters who will enter full communion with the Successor of Peter through this new provision! May You be greatly blessed in Your new home. And may the worthy liturgical traditions You bring with You result in blessings for the entire Church.

How to pray in the Spirit when we don't know how

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even upon the menservants and maidservants in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

Joel 2:28-29 RSV

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27 RSV

-Saint Josemaría Escrivá, 22 October 1972.

Getting to know Christ

On the first day of the week, at dawn, the women came to the tomb. They found the stone rolled back and a messenger who said:

"Why do you search for the Living One among the dead? He is not here; he has been raised up. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee- that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again" (Lk 24:5-7).

The new Life that has burst forth in the Resurrection is the world’s only hope.

In the name of Christ, in the name of the Church, in the name of needy humanity: I encourage you to have that new Life in you! Be witnesses of that new Life to the world around you.

-Pope John Paul II, Address to World Youth Day, Denver, August 13, 1993

...Wherever young men and women allow the grace of Christ to work in them and produce new Life, the extraordinary power of divine Love is released into their lives and into the life of the community. It transforms their attitude and behavior, and inevitably attracts others to follow the same adventurous path. This power comes from God and not from us.

-Pope John Paul II, Address to World Youth Day, Denver, August 14, 1993

-Saint Josemaría Escrivá, 9 November 1972.

The fire of Christ

"Don't let your life be barren. Be useful. Make yourself felt. Shine forth with the torch of your faith and your love. With your apostolic life, wipe out the trail of filth and slime left by the corrupt sowers of hatred. And set aflame all the ways of the earth with the fire of Christ that you bear in your heart."

-The Way, n. 1, St. Josemaría Escrivá.

Make a little time –perhaps five or ten minutes before bed- to consider these things in God’s presence. And ask Him to help You prepare Your heart for the Holy Spirit... He’ll do it.

Joy

"Let those who do not know they are sons of God be sad!"

Saint Josemaría Escrivá

Pope: "The Christian faith is this: encounter with Christ"

EWTN.com - Pope Tells Young People: You Are the Hope of the Chruch

"As he did with Augustine, so the Lord comes to meet each one of you. He knocks at the door of your freedom and asks to be welcomed as a friend. He wants to make you happy, to fill you with humanity and dignity. The Christian faith is this: encounter with Christ, the living Person Who gives life a new horizon and thereby a definitive direction."

"The Lord calls each of us by name, and entrusts to us a specific mission in the Church and in society'. He constantly renews His invitation to you to be His disciples and His witnesses. Many of you He calls to marriage, and the preparation for this Sacrament constitutes a real vocational journey. Consider seriously the divine call to raise a Christian family, and let your youth be the time in which to build your future with a sense of responsibility. Society needs Christian families, saintly families!"

"...And if the Lord is calling you to follow Him in the ministerial priesthood or in the consecrated life, do not hesitate to respond to His invitation. In particular, in this Year for Priests, I appeal to you, young men. ...The Church in every country, including this one, needs many holy priests and also persons fully consecrated to the service of Christ, Hope of the world."

"Hope! This word, to which I often return, sits well with youth. You, my dear young people, are the hope of the Church! She expects you to become messengers of hope."

-Pope Benedict XVI, message to young people at Melnik, Czech Republic, 28 September 2009

Fr. McBrien: embarrassed at Jesus' Presence?

Perpetual eucharistic adoration - National Catholic Reporter

"...there is little or no need for extraneous eucharistic devotions. The Mass itself provides all that a Catholic needs sacramentally and spiritually. Eucharistic adoration, perpetual or not, is a doctrinal, theological, and spiritual step backward, not forward."

-Fr. Richard McBrien, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame

I feel badly for Fr. McBrien, but at least now much of his past dissent from the Gospel message makes more sense. He admits that Jesus is "sacramentally" present in the Eucharist, but he speaks as one who does not believe Jesus is "really" there, perhaps not really anywhere.

And if, as he says, "The Mass itself provides all that a Catholic needs sacramentally and spiritually", then why did Jesus bother to give us the other sacraments at all? And why ever bother praying, outside of Mass?

Fr. McBrien, what misery must You feel if You -a priest beloved of Jesus- not only despise Jesus' teachings, but no longer can even recognize His Presence? How black must be that night.

I pray You will find Him, know Him, and love Him, before You finally have to give an account to Him. Perhaps meditating on this prayer may help You:

May the sacred Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, now, and until the end of time.

Unknown Politcal and Religious views in 80s/90s Rock Music

Musings of an Expagan » Unknown Politcal and Religious views in 80s/90s Rock Music

"...postulates that the young male singer is seeking Heaven, and ultimate connection to God."

OK, maybe that’s what he REALLY wants, although I’m not sure he knows it. What it SOUNDS to me like the singer really is seeking is a romp in the sack at an out of the way place. That’s not necessarily evident from the words alone, but the music seems to steer the meaning in that direction.

Now, if You’re looking for transcendent longing for God in recent music, who could fail to point out the poignant, lilting rap lines from the up-and-coming WhackDog:

I gotta gun gotta run
and put lead in yo whacked head for fun.
U dissin’ me is hissin’ me.
My blood’s boilin’
my .45’s recoilin’.

Gotta drive to the house
gonna eat a mouse.
Thinkin’ ’bout puttin’ on a blouse.

Yo man i make two words rhyme -gimme a dime
Feed me till my next crime.
Got about fifty words total in my mind.
Cant read cant spell but dont need no commas in hell.
Thats where we are.
Was gonna live in hevn but i fell.

got twenty wimn got no bride.
used ‘m up till they all cried.
Gave em crack but one died.
They stand in line to see me but I got my pride.
Got 23 inch rims on my ride.

Got dirt in my head
Carry it to my grave for when I’m dead.
Maybe stay all day in bed long as i get fed.
It’s dark outside my bros lied then they died.
It’s dark inside I’m inside out.

U owe me cuz U got what shiny I want.
Obama take it from yo mama
give it to me.
Turn this country into Botswana.

This world whack’ gonna take it back
put it in my sack.
Forgot what i was sayin
just need another gold chain.
-it’s business.

Don’t need the truth
i got three gold tooth.

;)

Give Yourself to Him

Universalis: Today:

"Do not receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so that you may use him as you judge best, but give yourself to him and let him receive you in this Sacrament, so that he himself, God your saviour, may do to you and through you whatever he wills."

St. Cajetan (1480-1547)

Lex orandi, lex credendi

Great observations, Mr. Gibson, including Your claim that Vatican II “was needed by the Church”. It’s necessary (and easy) to point out and try to repair the many aberrations and tawdry innovations that have damaged the liturgy since Vatican II. Some extremists -”ultra-Tridentists”?- seem to think the Novus Ordo is actually invalid and should be suppressed, the only solution being to revert to the Tridentine liturgy. Personally, I’m more inspired by and drawn toward the Tridentine than the Novus Ordo Mass, but I reject claims that either is invalid. And while the Novus Ordo has been battered and debased through laziness, ignorance, and misguided meddling, I doubt that the pre-Vatican II Mass was always as pristine, reverent, and sublime as the ultra-Tridentists would have us believe.

If the pre-Vatican II decades were all holiness and refinement, how is that large numbers of the children of those raised in that culture abandoned the Church, or turned to attack and ridicule it from within? And how is it that the stage was set for the decades of liturgical inanity and experimentation which followed?

If, as You say, Vatican II was needed, it wasn’t just because the liturgy needed a new coat of paint. If liturgy ultimately is a meeting point between God and man, then one of its main purposes is to foster the sort of interior life that man needs in order to commune with God. Perhaps the Pope, perhaps the Holy Spirit, knew that the interior life of the Church was vitally in need of a restoration, or better yet a re-ignition. If the liturgy is a shambles today, perhaps that’s a reflection of the weak, disordered interior life of many of us in the pews.

We do need the liturgy badly, and we need to adorn it with all the sublimity and reverence we can muster from language, music, and the arts. Getting to that point will be both the cause and, paradoxically, the result, of a deepening of our own interior lives. For some this may involve baby steps. For example, I have to do better with keeping my appointment for daily morning prayer, and struggle not to give up even when it seems like my prayer is superficial and weak.

Hmmm. I guess that’s the same lesson I have to learn about the liturgy: not to give up even when it seems pedestrian and dry.

We preach Christ crucified

Bishops fear new Bill could force schools to take down crucifixes - Catholic Herald Online

"Catholic schools and care homes could be forced to remove crucifixes and holy pictures from their walls in case they offend atheist cleaners, bishops have warned MPs.

They said that under the terms of Equality Minister Harriet Harman's new Equality Bill they could be guilty of harassment if they depicted images 'offensive' to non-Catholics."

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and unto the Gentiles foolishness: But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Douay Rheims)

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine, cuius latus perforatum unda fluxit et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine.

Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for man, from whose pierced side flowed water and blood: Let it be for us a foretaste in the trial of death.

Make me believe Thee ever more and more,
In Thee my hope, in Thee my love to store.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

And here is the Great Secret, the greatest reason of all to be Catholic, to be Christian, to be human, to be alive: Jesus present to us in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. And not only present to us, but united to us personally.

This is the promise of eternal life. This is Life in abundance, a life not content to wait until heaven, but bursting open within our hearts today.


Since the thirteenth century Catholics around the world have observed a solemn feast day in honor of "Corups Christi" -the Body (and Blood) of Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist.

After Mass today at Saint Mary of the Angels Church in Chicago, we observed this solemnity with our annual Corups Christi procession honoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Hundreds of people accompanied Jesus as He was carried in turn by His priests and a deacon down the street, and around the block. A gold canopy, incense, and a squad of altar boys marked His way. Young girls who had just recently received Jesus in their first Holy Communion carpeted His path with thousands of scarlet and yellow rose petals. Boys in black suits marched alongside. And the faithful followed close behind, singing Tantum Ergo Sacramentum and other hymns, praising the One Who turned bread and wine into Himself, so that He could remain with us in invisible glory until He visibly returns in glory. At the happy spectacle neighbors opened their doors, stood on their porches, or watched from their windows as the King of the Universe passed by cloaked in the humble appearance of bread.

On each side of the block the priests paused at a temporary altar, prayed aloud with the faithful, and elevated the Lord to receive the love and adoration of the crowd.


Finally returning to the church building, we ascended the steps, and the Lord stopped briefly to bless us at the altar before returning to His repose in the tabernacle.

Lord, how good it is to be here! How lovely is Thy dwelling place, O Lord!

What will Obama do with his Notre Dame degree?

Obama at Notre Dame -are there reasons for hope?

Does President Obama's appearance last week at Notre Dame University offer Catholics any cause for hope?

Perhaps the university's namesake, Our Lady, may be able to accomplish something that the protests of faithful Catholics could not.

Pope Benedict shows how it's done

"Holiness... are You in there?""

Did Jesus ascend on the wrong day?

Musings of an Expagan » Lazy Catholicism

Feast of the Ascension

If I recall correctly it’s certain dioceses of the U.S. (and maybe a few other odd places) -not the entire Latin Rite- which have transferred observance of the Ascension to the nearest Sunday. What were these bishops thinking? Not sure, but it seems they were overcome by an irresistible urge to facilitate, to accommodate. As it is written,

"Make straight in the desert a highway for our parishioners."
"…and He shall wipe away every inconvenience from their calendars."
"Keep holy the Sabbath Day (but keep the other six for Yourself)." And,
"You’re lucky if they show up once a week."

Unlike the king who ordered that His servants compel guests to come into his wedding feast -this sort of approach not being popular among the voters- many of our ecclesiastical leaders instead have boldly determined that nobody need bother coming at all, unless they can manage to show up on Sunday after the kids’ soccer game.

After all, it’s only the Lord’s Ascension into glory. We can celebrate that any time we feel like it.

Oh, one more oft-forgotten passage: "Little can be expected of him whom little is asked."

One wonders whether these same bishops would like to take their chances showing up three days late for the General Resurrection.

Where heaven and earth meet

"He waits for us everyday, in the laboratory, in the operating theatre, in the army barracks, in the university chair, in the factory, in the workshop, in the fields, in the home and in all the immense panorama of work. Understand this well: there is something holy, something divine hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it...”

“I assure you, my children, that when a Christian carries out with love the most insignificant everyday action, that action overflows with the transcendence of God. That is why I have told you so often, and hammered away at it, that the Christian vocation consists in making heroic verse out of the prose of each day. Heaven and earth seem to merge, my children, on the horizon. But where they really meet is in your hearts, when you sanctify your everyday lives.”

-Passionately Loving the World, St. Josemaria Escriva

Timely guidance from the fourth century

"Show your wife you appreciate her company a lot and that you prefer to be at home rather than outside, because she is there. Show her a preference among all your friends and even above the children she has given you; love them because of her ... Pray all together ... Learn the fear of God; everything else will flow from this like water from a fountain and your house will be filled with bounty."

-Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, 347-407 A.D.

Swine Flu makes hands stop shaking

Swine Flu Impacting Catholic Communion Practices in Texas - EWTN.com

"He [Father Michael Dugan, Director of the Office of Liturgy for the Diocese of Dallas] said congregants should not be offended if someone chooses not to shake hands during the sign of peace.

“If you are ill, the appropriate response to someone extending a sign of peace might be to bow to them and say, ‘Peace be with You,’ to avoid bodily contact or one might wave slightly at the other person.”"

Did shaking hands at the Sign of Peace during Mass ever really make sense? At that moment, the congregation is preparing to receive our Lord in Holy Communion. What does shaking hands signify, that we're closing a business deal?

OK, "Peace be with You" and an embrace for family members perhaps makes sense. But shaking hands with those around us?

Now in particular, during a very serious outbreak of swine flu, can we pick some other way to indicate our fraternal charity to our brothers and sisters in Christ? How about a simple "Peace be with you", and perhaps even a slight bow of the head?

In any case, I think I'll drop the deal-making hand-shaking at the Sign of Peace. For me it never really did make much sense, and now it makes even less sense. I hope You don't take offense.

Peace be with You!

Another Chinese bishop dies in custody - Asia News

CHINA Catholic’s doubts on the death of Msgr. Han Dingxian, underground bishop of Yongnian - Asia News

So perhaps Bishop Dingxian was tortured occasionally during his 35 years of imprisonment, like many of his brother bishops and priests. Perhaps the Chinese government still carries our systematic oppression of Christians in general and Catholics in particular. We mustn't do or say anything that might jeopardize our trade relations or massive trade deficit with China.

Absolution online?

Re: http://www.absolution-online.com

Dear "Altarboy",

I want to assume You've got great intentions in producing the absolution-online site, but I want to invite You to consider pulling its plug.

It's great to encourage Christians to confess their sins, and it's really great to encourage Catholics to seek sacramental absolution. But Your site does not make clear that valid sacramental confession and absolution cannot be had through a website:

"Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1484)

Since You fail to make this clear, Your site risks deceiving some Catholics who don't know better into abandoning sacramental absolution for an invalid and empty substitute. Your posted disclaimer really doesn't adequately clarify this serious matter.

If You're Catholic, or even a non-Catholic of good will, I ask You as a Christian brother to respect the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding how it administers the sacraments entrusted to it by Christ. You can do this by shutting down the absolution-online site, or at least by providing a much clearer disclaimer.

Or better yet, why not redesign the content to more accurately promote the authentic truth about Catholic teaching on this topic? The sacrament of confession is so very beautiful, and deserves our best efforts to promote the real thing. Thanks for Your consideration!

Family novena prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

You are invited to pray this family novena at any time, but especially during the nine days from February 7-15, 2007.

---

Glorious Saint Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of His followers, against whom the powers of hell are unchained. Guard with special care our Holy Father, the Pope, and our bishops, priests, all our religious and lay people, and especially the children.

Saint Michael, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of the demon, and assist us especially at the hour of death. Help us achieve the happiness of beholding God face to face for all eternity. Amen.

Saint Michael, intercede for me with God in all my necessities, especially (mention special petition).

suggested petition:
…that all of us within our entire family will:

grow in love for Jesus Christ, His Church, and each other;

be protected from all spiritual harm;

and, that all those held captive by false prophets and false teachings soon will discover their true freedom in Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Obtain for me a favorable outcome in the matter I recommend to you. Mighty prince of the heavenly host, and victor over rebellious spirits, remember me for I am weak and sinful and so prone to pride and ambition. Be for me, I pray, my powerful aid in temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.

---

Novena prayer (not including suggested petition) obtained from: http://www.catholic-forum.com/Saints/pray0434.htm

If You're interested in further prayers to St. Michael, take a look here:
http://www.saint-mike.org/Library/Chaplets/StMichael.html
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/michael.htm

Muslim reactions to the Pope’s remarks are “politicised”, Moscow Patriarchate says - AsiaNews.it

>>> AsiaNews.it <<< Muslim reactions to the Pope’s remarks are “politicised”, Moscow Patriarchate says

At first I wondered whether the Holy Father perhaps had blundered. How foolish I was. Certainly he chose his words with great prayer and care. But to what purpose? I think he was trying to initiate a dialog which Muslim leaders can hardly ignore, and upon which they have to take a public position. Those 'moderates' who are capable of rational dialog will find themselves having to promote interreligious dialog more openly. This Pope, like our previous, is brilliant.

Extremists say pope, West are 'doomed' -The Washington Times

Extremists say pope, West are 'doomed' -The Washington Times
Sincere Muslims of good will, who love the truth, will consider what the Pope actually said in his speech at the Unviersity of Regensburg on 12 September 2006. Taken in context, his remarks contained nothing to cause offense. Rather, he extended a respectful invitation to all people of good will, asking them to be willing to enter a "dialogue of cultures" where reason and mutual respect prevail.

Senator, I denounce Your vote...

To the fourteen "Catholic" senators who yesterday opposed and blocked the Marriage Protection Amendment:

"Senator, I deplore and denounce Your vote today against the marriage protection amendment. Your voting record betrays an unacceptable lack of commitment to defend the inalienable rights of the unborn, and the vital institutions of (heterosexual) marriage and family: the bedrock of any stable and healthy society. You deserve and have earned our disapproval and vocal opposition."

Catholic World News : Most Catholic Senators oppose marriage-protection bid

Catholic World News : Most Catholic Senators oppose marriage-protection bid

These are the quislings who claim to be Catholic but today voted against a constitutional amendment designed to protect marriage from those who wish to redefine and destroy it:

Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware
Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington
Senator Susan Collins of Maine
Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois
Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa
Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts
Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts
Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont
Senator Barbara Mikulsi of Maryland
Senator Patty Murray of Washington
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado
Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire

Shame on them... all of them. Will their bishops do nothing in the face of such a scandal? Won't they unanimously and publicly rebuke these individuals who disgrace the names of "senator" and "Catholic", and who turn their backs when marriage and the family are attacked?

More pointedly, how long will Catholic voters sit passively while their senators promote their careers under a mantle of Catholicism but reject and despise the deepest beliefs of their Catholic constituents? How long before Catholics awaken and unapologetically defend society and the truths of their faith from the cowardly acquiescors or active promoters of a radical homosexualist agenda, expelling them from office?

Rewriting the truth

Catholic couple clashes with church over gay rights - Pioneer Press

I won't bother critiquing the entire article. However, one example may illustrate how radical homosexualistas will distort the truth to malign anyone who stands in the way of their drive to demand social approval and legal protection for relationships that are inherently sterile and destructive to society. The author of the Pioneer Press article writes,

"Parents of gay children reel at the language in official documents released years ago by the Vatican that labels people in same-sex relationships as 'objectively disordered' and 'instinctively inclined toward evil.'"

To put it bluntly, the author either is misinformed or dishonest. Consider what the Catechism of the Catholic Church actually says:

2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

Note that the Catechism does not label any person as 'objectively disordered', but instead applies this label to a certain kind of acts. At the same time the Catechism speaks with great sensitivity and compassion of those who struggle with inclinations or tendencies toward such acts.

Unlike the bleak, fatalistic message of many of the radical homosexualists who proclaim that many people are by nature 'gay' and must live according to that orientiation, the Catholic Church asserts the humane and hope-filled message that people are not enslaved by their desires and tendencies, and are capable of transcending even strong and deep-seated inclinations in order to live a life of holiness in keeping with the teachings of Christ.

But some people hate that truth and don't want to hear it. Rather than part company with the Church because they reject its teachings, they try to change the Church so that it no longer teaches what Jesus gave it to teach, and no longer serves as the beacon of truth that it most certainly is.

Cardinal Zen a great sign of hope for Chinese Church

Cardinal Zen a great help for unity, development of Chinese Church, says underground bishop - AsiaNews.it

Will the Chinese government ever respect the natural right of its citizens to worship freely in peace?

WorldNetDaily: American Girl boycotted

WorldNetDaily: American Girl boycotted

I'm disappointed that American Girl didn't sever ties with Girls Incorporated in order to protect and affirm the worthy values it has promoted in the past. I agree a boycott is appropriate. It's not too late for American Girl to do the right thing and reassure its loyal customers that it hasn't permanenty drifted from its founding principles.

American Girl funds group advocating contraception for girls?

13 October 2005

To: Ellen Brothers, President, American Girl (ellen.brothers@americangirl.com)

Cc:
Bob Eckert, Chairman, Mattel (Jules.Andres@mattel.com);
Susan Jevens, Public Relations, American Girl (susan.jevens@americangirl.com)


Dear Ms. Brothers,

It has come to our attention that American Girl has associated itself with Girls Inc., providing funding for and promotion of several programs. However positive these particular programs may be, we believe American Girl has made a serious miscalculation in associating itself with this organization, whose philosophy seriously contradicts the traditional values of many who until now have considered themselves loyal customers and supporters of American Girl.

While the Girls Inc website supports some positive values, its message is poisoned by its promotion of contraception, abortion on demand, and a sexual philosophy at odds with Judeo-Christian values.

My family has been loyal customers of American Girl, but we can not continue to support American Girl or purchase its products so long as it continues to promote an organization whose motives and programs include elements so hostile to the authentic well-being of girls and families. Perhaps many of Your loyal customers likewise will feel alienated by AG’s apparent loss of vision, which threatens to damage its previously admirable reputation as a girl- and family-friendly business.

We heartily encourage and ask You to sever all ties between American Girl and Girls Inc.

We sincerely hope that American Girl will again live up to the high standards and worthy vision that we believe it was founded upon.

Best regards,

John and Connie Robin
...

References:

Girls Inc promotion of contraception and elective abortion:
http://www.girlsinc.org/ic/page.php?id=4.3.4

Girls Inc promotion of homosexuality among grade school girls:
http://www.girlsinc.com/ic/content/lesbianbisexualgirls.pdf"

Girls Inc and its targeting of black girls from single-parent, low-income families:
http://www.girlsinc.com/ic/content/GirlsandSexualHealth.pdf (page 6)

More information from American Family Association http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/10/afa/132005a.asp

Letting God Work

An excerpt from Letting God Work: An article by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, published on the occasion of the canonization of Josemaría Escrivá.

L'Osservatore Romano (special supplement)
6 October 2002

"Heroic virtue does not mean that the saint performs a type of “gymnastics” of holiness, something that normal people do not dare to do. It means rather that in the life of a person God’s presence is revealed—something man could not do by himself and through himself. Perhaps in the final analysis we are rather dealing with a question of terminology, because the adjective “heroic” has been badly interpreted. Heroic virtue properly speaking does not mean that one has done great things by oneself, but rather that in one’s life there appear realities which the person has not done himself, because he has been transparent and ready for the work of God. Or, in other words, to be a saint is nothing other than to speak with God as a friend speaks with a friend. This is holiness.

"To be holy does not mean being superior to others; the saint can be very weak, with many mistakes in his life. Holiness is this profound contact with God, becoming a friend of God: it is letting the Other work, the Only One who can really make the world both good and happy. And if, then, Josemaría Escrivá speaks of the calling of all to be saints, I think that he is actually referring to this personal experience of his of not having done incredible things by himself, but of having let God work. And thus was born a renewal, a force for good in the world, even if all the weaknesses of mankind will remain ever present. Truly we are all capable, we are all called to open ourselves up to this friendship with God, to not leave the hands of God, to not neglect to turn and return to the Lord, speaking with him as if speaking with a friend, knowing well that the Lord really is a true friend of everyone, including those who cannot do great things by themselves."

Have no fear of following Him.

"The era of missions is not over. Christ still needs generous men and women who will become messengers of the Good News to the ends of the earth.

"Have no fear of following Him. Share freely with
others the faith that you have received! ‘No believer
in Christ, no institution of the Church can be separate
from the supreme beauty of proclaiming Christ to all the people’."

- Pope John Paul II, Vatican City, Sept. 19, 2003.

The Feast of Corpus Christi -the Body and Blood of Christ

"For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed." John 6:56 DR.

Catholics hold that at the consecration during celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine are changed into the actual Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. The appearances and properties of the bread and wine remain, but their "substance" -the stuff that made them what they were- no longer exists. What remains is Jesus Himself, actually and bodily present, but hidden under the appearances of bread and wine. There are many reasons why He chose to do this for us, but all the reasons boil down to His love for us and for His Father.

We know that appearances can be deceiving, and never is that more true than in the Eucharist. But why should God wish to deceive us by concealing Himself beneath the appearances of bread and wine?

He certainly doesn't wish to deceive, but rather to reveal the truth to us in the clearest possible way. Jesus is looking for followers who will trust His testimony more than the testimony of their own senses.

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 DR.
"...God is light, and in him there is no darkness." 1 John 1:5 DR.

Those who believe in Jesus more than they believe their own senses are illuminated by the light that Jesus brings. This light illuminates wonderful truths imperceptible to the senses but knowable by faith.

Today Catholics especially give thanks to Jesus for making Himself present to us in the Eucharist every day all over the world. We can come to Him, receive Him, eat His Flesh and drink His Blood, uniting ourselves to Him spiritually and bodily.

How great a privilege it is to receive the gift of faith which allows one to firmly believe and know this invisible yet stupendous truth: that He is with us... not only spiritually but in the Flesh, His Body and Blood mingled with our own in a daily or weekly renewal of His pledge of everlasting life.

Liturgical music: Table of Jelly Beans

In many of the places where we have attended Mass in suburban America, the music at Mass ranges from the sublime to the insipid, and from the beautiful to the appalling. (I'm not singling out any particular parish, but am commenting generally on what we've experienced over many years -since my childhood in the 1960's- at a number of different parishes in different dioceses.)

We don't want the music to distract us from Mass, nor to turn us into sour complainers, but too frequently we find the music really is intrusive or unseemly. And often it doesn't seem to be the skill or the dedication of the musicians that is lacking, but rather the choice of music that is the problem. Why? I don't know. I don't assume they think we're too stupid or shallow to appreciate anything better, but I really don't know.

Am I alone in this observation? Or perhaps do you too unavoidably observe some of these same patterns when you attend Mass?

Only infrequently do you sing any hymn written more than about 35 years ago, even though Christian music is known to have existed before 1970 ...so I'm told.

Classic traditional hymns, notable for their doctrinal content or musical beauty, are rarely used, as if they might be worn out and rendered extinct.

Hymns in Latin are sung about as often as hymns in Swahili.

Latin responses are not, shall we say, the preferred option, although the Church heartily encourages their use.

Rather than using the beautiful responsorial psalms provided in the missal, overused, saccharine tunes are employed.

The organ is avoided, or else plays second fiddle to the piano, guitar, tambourine, and drums.

Rather than sing any of a number of splendid, reverent "Alleluia!" settings before the Gospel, you are assaulted again and again with that raucous, reggae Halleluiah From Hell: "HAlle, HAlle, HAlle-LOOO-OOOO-YUH!". (Cue the tambourine and drums!) You call upon the mountains to fall on you -not much hope for that here in Illinois- and pray that this ordeal will (surely) abbreviate your visit in Purgatory.

On Pentecost or the Easter Vigil rather than sing (or read) the magnificent sequence of the day, such as, "Veni, Sancte Spiritus", the hymn either is omitted entirely or replaced with a pedestrian, low protein substitute.

During Communion, only on rare occasions are any of the great, classic Eucharistic hymns sung. -Yes, you guessed it... it's Table of Plenty, one more time!

Every attempt is made to pack two hymns into Communion time, in order to avoid any dangerous intervals of prayerful silence. The second hymn is frequently a solo performance.

Mass concludes with a Christian 'pop' song and a round of applause for the performers, which seems to trigger the general pandemonium that immediately erupts within the building.

What is mysterious to me is how many of these symptoms persist even in some parishes where you can find very orthodox, reverent, committed priests who generously pour out their lives for the good of the Church.

But it shouldn't really be necessary for Catholics to remain silent when over a long period of time they witness a pattern of illness take root in the liturgical life of their Church. The musical treasures of the Church are priceless, and form an enormous legacy capable of enriching the Church of today and tomorrow. But these works of art serve little purpose if they are not brought out of the closet and used to adorn the liturgy for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Years after most of today's contemporary hymns have been forgotten, having failed time's test of greatness, the musical pearls of enduring value will remain. Is it too much to ask that we remember that the Church's 2000 year history has bequeathed to us a splendid inheritance of such pearls? It's miserly not to use them for their intended purpose.

Invited to the resplendent banquet of the Lord's Table, we've been content for too long to stuff our faces with jelly beans and Coke while our souls starve for beauty. Let's ask our priests and musicians to please, pass the meat and potatos, the wine and milk and cheese, the bread and fruit and vegetables. Maybe later a little dessert and coffee would be nice. But no, thanks... no more jelly beans for me just now.

Do young people care about the Pope?

ARCHBISHOP EXPECTS 1 MILLION FOR 2005 YOUTH DAY
COLOGNE

Germany, MAY 13, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The archbishop of Cologne estimates that close to one million young people will participate in the 20th World Youth Day with Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Joachim Meisner said to the Spanish newspaper La Razon on Wednesday that there is reason to believe that participation will exceed the official estimate of 800,000.
"I think that now, as we are going to have two Popes -- one in heaven and the other on earth -- I am certain that one million young people will come," he said.
"Close to four million people went to Rome" for John Paul II's burial, "many of them young people." When "Habemus Papam" was announced upon the election of Benedict XVI, 80% of those present were youths, observed the cardinal. "I am convinced we can count on one million young people," he added.
"This day is not a ceremony of the Church in Germany, but a ceremony of the Pope. It is his World Youth Day. This year it is being celebrated under a specific theme -- the three wise men's worship of Jesus Christ," he continued.
"We have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2), the theme of WYD 2005, "is a theme that allows the youths of each continent to cover ideally the itinerary of the wise kings, whose relics are venerated, according to a pious tradition, precisely" in Cologne "and to find, like them, the Messiah of all nations," said John Paul II in his message to young people in preparation for WYD.
We were "in a very difficult situation," said the cardinal, referring to the deteriorating health of John Paul II.

"We didn't know what would happen with the ailing Pope. What program could we offer him? A large program, then a smaller one, and then a very small one."
There has been a return "to the original large program," he said. "Everything is almost ready."

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=56651

...

There must be many millions of youth and young adults who had and still have a deep affection -in many cases love- for Pope John Paul II. Only a small fraction of them managed to visit Rome for the unforgettable events following his death. Yet millions throughout the world, young and old, shared the sense of having lost a second father -or even an only father. As the Vatican Undersecretary of State Archbishop Leonardo Sandri told the world upon the Pope's death, "We all feel like orphans now".

Upon the announcement "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; habemus Papam (I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope)", many of these same millions felt that they had in a real way regained their father. Nobody thought he was really the same father, yet somehow, their father had nonetheless been restored to them.

God had kept His promise, had sent to them -to us- a gentle man with faith of granite who received from heaven the keys which his successor of happy memory had serenely surrendered with his final "Amen".

In Cologne, the youth of the world will recall their spiritual sonship and daughterhood to John Paul II, whom we saw cross that threshold beyond which only hopeful faith can see. Yet they will ardently embrace their new father in faith with a love and enthusiasm which the world will neither clearly see nor understand. For so many, to be near John Paul was to be near Jesus Christ. Somehow they intuitively know that Benedict likewise will guide them to that same holy place, in which echo the words of Christ's mother: "Do whatever He tells you."

I believe that the name "Cologne" for years will exude the too rare fragrance of hope, exhaled by a huge gathering of grateful Christians: God has greatly blessed His Church in sending us Benedict to shepherd His flock.

Archbishop Flynn says no to exploitation of Eucharist

ARCHBISHOP FLYNN WILL NOT ALLOW COMMUNION TO BECOME ‘BATTLEGROUND’
MINNEAPOLIS, USA, May 9 (CNA) - Minnesota’s Archbishop Harry Flynn has decided to take a stand against what he sees as a protest by a national gay and lesbian organization against Church teaching.
In a letter sent this week to the Rainbow Sash Alliance, the Archbishop said that he would not allow rainbow-sash wearers to receive communion in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, saying that, "It has become apparent to me that the wearing of the sash is more and more perceived as a protest against church teaching.”
The rainbow-sashers have opted to make this Sunday’s Pentecost celebration the center of a demonstration in a number of dioceses across the country.
Archbishop Flynn said in the letter to Brian McNeill, Minneapolis organizer of the Rainbow Sash Alliance that, "I am asking you to remove your sashes before you receive Holy Communion” and “I ask you to observe this sign of respect for the Eucharist not only in the Cathedral but in all our parishes. No one wearing the sash will be permitted to receive the Blessed Sacrament.''
McNeill said he was disappointed but that the group was determined to go up for communion, sashes and all. The group says that they “are publicly calling the Roman Catholic Church to a conversion of heart around the issues of human sexuality.''
The Church teaches that while the orientation to homosexuality is not itself sinful, acting on that orientation, is.
The Archbishop continued in his letter that: “The Vatican has communicated to me that it does indeed consider the wearing of the Rainbow Sash during reception of Communion to be unacceptable, a directive that I believe all Bishops will adhere to. “
"The criterion for reception of the Eucharist is the same for all — recipients must be in a state of Grace and free from Mortal sin. While the decision for that judgment rests with an individual Catholic's conscience, it has never been nor is it now acceptable for a communicant to use the reception of Communion as an act of protest,'' he said.

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=56500

...

Some homosexual activists are not content merely to engage in homosexual acts, but also are obsessed with gaining the explicit approval of every segment of society. Therefore to them the Catholic Church, which for twenty centuries has denounced homosexual acts as immoral, must change its teachings. It is inconceivable to them that they themselves might change their behavior and embrace the teachings of Christ, or alternatively reject those teachings and honestly regard themselves non-Christians.

No, they self-centeredly prefer to claim center stage and make a show of their defiant dissent during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a most sacred moment in which only Christ should hold center stage. Rather than make of themselves a sincere gift to Christ, submitting themselves to His mild yoke and lifegiving teachings, they would rather take the altar by force -not to receive but to take Communion- while professing their defiance toward Christ and His Church.

The intolerance which they ascribe to the Church in truth is only their own monumental intolerance toward those who believe what Christians have always believed: that sexual relations are beautiful, magnificent, and holy between -and only between- a husband and his beloved wife.

Congratulations and humble thanks to Archbishop Flynn for seeing through this shameful attempt of a few radicals to debase the Eucharist, and for acting with the fatherly and gentle firmness that is so becoming a bishop of the house of God.

(This commentary appeared in the May 20, 2005, issue of Catholic Explorer.)

China releases 7 priests from detention

STAMFORD, Connecticut, MAY 4, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Chinese authorities have released seven priests of the Diocese of Zhengding who were arrested April 27 while on a spiritual retreat with their bishop, says a U.S.-based watchdog group.
Joseph Kung, president of the Cardinal Kung Foundation, said that the priests in Hebei province were released from various security bureaus. No other details were given.
The priests belong to the "underground Church" which recognizes the Pope's authority but is not officially approved by Beijing.
They were on retreat in a village near the city of Jinzhou with their "non-official" Bishop Julius Jia Zhiguo.
The prelate, a bishop since 1980, has spent some 20 years in prison.
Bishop Jia has been warned previously by the Public Security and religious offices not to engage in any religious activity.
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=56333

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The Chinese government's repression of the Catholic Church, and of Christians in general, is shameful and cowardly. But after seeing what brought about the collapse of communism in Europe in the 1990's, one can hardly be surprised that they can see the handwriting on the wall. People will not tolerate oppression forever. Nor can the light of Christ be concealed forever.

As Tertullian wrote, "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church."

College honoring Clinton declared 'no longer Catholic'

NEW YORK, USA, May 2 (CNA) - Marymount Manhattan College, which had ties to the Archdiocese of New York, was formally dropped as a Catholic institution Thursday, because it intended to give Senator Hillary Clinton an honorary doctoral degree.
The college will no longer be listed in "The Official Catholic Directory," which identifies Catholic institutions. "The decision to honor one of Congress's most outspoken and strident advocates of abortion rights was just the latest episode in a long history of secularization at Marymount Manhattan College," said Patrick Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society.
Reilly wrote to Edward Cardinal Egan of New York about the college, suggesting "immediate action to prevent scandal in the archdiocese." Reilly said the college's actions defied the "Catholics in Political Life" statement that was approved by the U.S. bishops in 2004.
Fania Tavarez, assistant to the vice-president for institutional advancement at the college, confirmed the ruling from the archdiocese. In a prepared statement, Tavarez defended the school as "an independent, non-sectarian, private liberal arts college.” She said students and staff are “very excited” to hear Clinton at the commencement exercises.
This is the fourth time since Pope John Paul II issued "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the apostolic constitution on Catholic universities, that a bishop has declared a historically Catholic college or university to be no longer Catholic. The 1990 document gives local bishops the responsibility of determining whether colleges can be called "Catholic."
Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., was declared "no longer Catholic" by Egan in 2003, following a similar protest by the Cardinal Newman Society regarding New York’s Attorney General Elliott Spitzer.
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=56312

________________________________________

To: contactus@archny.org

Dear Cardinal Egan,

I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation at your recent action clarifying that Marymount Manhattan College is no longer to be considered officially as a Catholic school. The school’s plans to honor Senator Hillary Clinton with an honorary degree are a disgraceful capitulation to a prominent disciple of the culture of death.

Thank you for your courageous yet measured steps to defend Catholic doctrine and prevent scandal.

Your son in Christ,
John Robin.

Brain-damaged firefighter speaks after 10 years

BUFFALO, USA, May 4 (CNA ) - On Saturday, Buffalo firefighter Donald Herbert, who has been in what many might call a persistent vegetative state for nearly ten years, suddenly began to talk.
In December of 1995, Herbert suffered severe brain damage when a roof collapsed on him while fighting a fire. Since then, he has been unable to carry on any meaningful conversation, recognize loved ones or see.
On Saturday, he began asking the nursing home staff where his wife and children were. When asked by a relative how he felt, Herbert replied, “I feel great.”
Advocates of Terri Schiavo, who died of a court-ordered starvation in March, are pointing to the Herbert case as evidence that she should have been given a chance to live.
Yesterday, The Buffalo News cited University of Buffalo professor Dr. Michael A. Meyer who said that although rare, cases like Herbert’s are encouraging.
"After that many years,” he said, “it's unusual to see that dramatic a change, but we do hear about it anecdotally." Family members are thrilled, but cautious while doctors are anxious to follow Herbert’s progress in the coming weeks.
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=56348

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I guess he's lucky his wife didn't decide to kill him before he regained conciousness. After all, 'who would want to live like that?'.

Things that Pope Benedict XVI will never do

Although Cardinal Ratzinger was elected the Successor of Peter not even two days ago, the media predictably has already begun foaming at the mouth with criticism of our new Holy Father, and with speculation about whether he is or is not too "rigid" to allow certain "reforms".

In response to some of the hot-button issues that are being bandied about in the media, the following is a short list of things that this Pope -nor any future Pope- will ever do. He will never change Church doctrine in order to give acceptance to:

elective abortion or euthanasia (or any other form of murder of the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the unwanted);
artificial birth control;
ordination of women;
human cloning;
fornication, adultery, or masturbation;
homosexual acts or same-sex marriage.

The Pope does not have the authority to declare something acceptable that is in fact intrinsically evil or contrary to the divine constitution of the Church. All of the above items have been clearly condemned infallibly by the Church as intrinsically immoral, except for the ordination of women. However, ordination of women is impossible because, as the Church infallibly teaches, the Church has no authority to ordain women because doing so is irreconcilable with the way Jesus constituted His Church.

One may or may not find persuasive the reasons offered to explain and defend any of these doctrines, but that's not really relevant. The fact remains that the Church holds these postions not as opinions, but as solemn doctrine. True Catholics willingly believe the solemn teachings of the Church.

To reject any of the Church's doctrines is to place oneself above the Pope, to whom Jesus gave final authority to decide doctrinal questions. To do so is to defy Jesus, Who gave final doctrinal authority to the Successor of Peter, and not to You and me. To reject this and still consider oneself "Catholic" is nonsense, and simply betrays a rejection or misunderstanding of the Catholic faith.

Believing something because it is persuasive does not require faith. Faith requires belief in what God has revealed precisely because God, Who is perfect Truth, has revealed it. God deserves our belief, even though His revelation can seem at times hard to understand. Because God is perfect Truth, the smartest, most logical thing in the world is to believe what He has revealed through His own Church.

The Catholic faith is not a buffet, where one can pick and choose the more appealing tidbits and reject those we find inconvenient or difficult to accept. One either accepts it whole and entire, or one does not. In between total acceptance and rejection is a no-man's land where truth can not abide, a land in which one can not offer God the total "yes" of faith which makes possible complete union with God.

Luminous

Upon the golden horizon arose the white sun,
luminous it dawned upon me.
I spoke its Name.
A stone rolled, a veil fell,
and all was made new.

All things new

All that was lost, restored,
in every wall a door,
a knot untied,
the flaming sword extinguished.

Thorns

I had pierced Him with
coldness and thorns,
sending Him away into the darkness,
clothed in silence and Blood.

Today He returned
and smiled upon me: Shalom!
I touched His hands,
placed my hand into His side,
kissed the wounds my eyes could not see.

He placed them within me,
thorns of joy softened with His Blood.

Good night, good death.

Why did God make us to grow tired and sleep each day? Perhaps in part He formed in us a daily reminder that we must die, that we must finally lie down and pass from this passing earth. Our hands must surrender the burdens and momentary joys that so consume us while the light remains. For night comes, when no man can work.

Each day is a life, whose fate depends upon crossing the threshold of sleep in the friendship of Him Who raises and lowers the curtain of day. The sun sets, the eye closes, the hand opens in farewell to the sinking shore of a dying world. Ahead, for him who has kept the promise of that red and terrible morning, a King awaits: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master's house."

This morning I awoke with the world to that red and terrible morning. But some awoke in a different land. Someday we shall follow ...if we shall follow.

We'd better do it now.

Wanna get to heaven? Got some sins you're kind of attached to that you figure you or God will get rid of later? Let's think about that.

So there's a sin that's especially tough to kick. It's your "favorite" sin, because you keep having to confess it. You mean to turn your back on it, but you honestly suspect (or know) that you don't feel like eliminating it totally right now. Perhaps you assume that when you're older you'll be wiser, more virtuous, and will be able to kick it. Certainly by the time you die, you'll be able to turn away from it. If not then, a little stay in Purgatory will be sufficient to make you relinquish your remaining attachment to this sin. In any case, you've got your foot in Heaven's door, right?

Better think again.

If you've struggled with this sin for so long already, you can't know you'll ever be more able to reject it than you are right now. And on your death bed -if you hope to repent of it there- what makes you think you'll be able to do so sincerely, knowing that throughout life you cynically planned a "deathbed conversion"? Obviously an insincere conversion is not much of a conversion. Is it good enough? Feel lucky?

And Purgatory. Knowing that it's only for people who have actually died in God's friendship, free from mortal sin, this places a rather heavy responsibility upon us to make sure we don't fall into the sort of sin that will keep us from abruptly or gradually severing friendship with God. Even if we die in God's friendship, but without having fully turned away from our "favorite sins", what will it take to make us finally reject the poison and give ourselves totally to God, if we don't do so in this life? What sort of suffering, how terrible an understanding of our sin must we have? Must we see the ruinous shot of our sin defile and wreck and the pages of history until the collapse of time? Better to relinquish now our favorite sin while suffering is only part of a momentary life, than to require purification whose intensity and duration are not limited by the low ceiling of this mortal life.

If God wants us to "be perfect", as our Father in Heaven is perfect, it can only be because this is far, far better than our sanctification being completed after death. Have confidence in God's mercy, and in His ability and desire to save. But do not expect that what God demands of us in this life can be deferred without great danger and enormous cost.

Most importantly, have confidence in the ability of God's grace to help us truly abandon sin, even if many falls and much effort are required. God does not require the impossible.

Hail, Mary!

December 7, 2004
The Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
150th years ago, on December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed as a dogma of the church that Mary was “conceived without the stain of original sin.”


Hail, Mary!

Mary was not merely chosen by God, but was made “full of grace”. If for no other reason that this, we should aspire to her holiness.

The angel spoke, “Blessed are you among women”. Even if only for this reason we should revere Mary’s singular beauty in God’s eyes.

She gave herself entirely to God’s will. If only for this, we should imitate her.

She exercised a mother’s authority over the King of Kings. For this we should fear using without humility our authority as parents, teachers, employers, citizens; and we should fear neglecting to use it when it is necessary.

Her last words in Scripture were, “Do whatever he tells you”. If for no other reason that this, we should obey her.

At the cross she was given to us, and we to her. In obedience to Christ we should behold our mother, and love her as Her Son loves her.

She lives in union with God, for God is the God of the living, and she is the mother of the Author of Life.

Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us. The Church rejoices that you help us by your prayers and example. Pray that we will love Jesus above all things, and do whatever He tells us.

Hail, Mary!

Let there be blog.

And there was blog.