Excellent psalm choice for Lent...
Follow-up piece to the TIME FOCA article from the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
I'm not surprised that these antics are going on... We had similar/worse at my college... though it wasn't Catholic of course... You've got paying students and a college administration sensitive about being insensitive.
A site for the linguistically inclined:
http://www.unnecessaryquotes.com/ Funny stuff
Also, have I missed something here, but since when did Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn become "ultraliberal"? Please advise.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Psalm 51
Friday in Lent is a great time to read Psalm 51. It was one of the prayers of this morning Liturgy of the Hours. It's beautiful, I highly reccomend it.
Brendan- that article is unbelievable. As you said, it almost seems fake although I don't know if anyone could make that up. Scary.
-Insecure and Wounded
DP
Brendan- that article is unbelievable. As you said, it almost seems fake although I don't know if anyone could make that up. Scary.
-Insecure and Wounded
DP
Off the Chart Insane!
You can't make this stuff up. The titles of some of the talks and books that are being discussed outrageous. All of this as the Church begins Lent. WTF?
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/feb/09022603.html
Prayer and Fasting.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/feb/09022603.html
Prayer and Fasting.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
FOCA Overhyped Article is Overhyped
This article brings up some good points. Some people are misinformed and don't really understand what's going on but the bottom line is this:
1. Obama said publically that "signing FOCA would be the first thing He would do". The large reaction, especially within Catholic cirlces, is because he said he would sign the most pro-abortion act ever (there is no denying that this is act is outrageously pro-abortion).
American people, alot of the times, simply have too much going on in their lives to pay attention as to whether or not a bill is in the congerss or whatever. The public outcry (with the post-cards and everything) made it very clear: even if this bill is in the "committee stages" we (whoever sent the cards) do not support it. If it's in the House, we don't support it, if it's in the senate: we dont support it etc.
This reaction did it's job. FOCA seems to have no possibility of passing in the near future, but if this didn't happen and everyone was quiet then it would go unnoticed.
This is the secular's media way of trying to make catholics look like idiots and ostracize those who care about this devastating legislation. For once, catholics took a stand againts something and I would like to see more of it.
This article also makes fun of the catholic's analysis that Obama is the the most pro-abortion president we have had. The article makes it seem, again, like we are idiots. He has only been president a month or so, but look at his voting record as a senator. Baby-born alive protection act??? He voted againts it.
This article is a sly way of bringing doubt and shadows into the sobering reality in our country. This "FIGHT FOCA" campaign did it's job, I'd say.
Also, with that quote that "right-wing people are trying to mislead the people" is rediculous. By right-wing he means the United States bishops and those advising them. OF course, some email chains exagerated facts, but the bishops have been moderate, clear and unequivocal. They don't even want the SLIGHTEST possibility of this thing becoming a law.
I wouldn't be suprised if FOCA is brought into congerss little by little as to slip past the american people's awareness of it.
1. Obama said publically that "signing FOCA would be the first thing He would do". The large reaction, especially within Catholic cirlces, is because he said he would sign the most pro-abortion act ever (there is no denying that this is act is outrageously pro-abortion).
American people, alot of the times, simply have too much going on in their lives to pay attention as to whether or not a bill is in the congerss or whatever. The public outcry (with the post-cards and everything) made it very clear: even if this bill is in the "committee stages" we (whoever sent the cards) do not support it. If it's in the House, we don't support it, if it's in the senate: we dont support it etc.
This reaction did it's job. FOCA seems to have no possibility of passing in the near future, but if this didn't happen and everyone was quiet then it would go unnoticed.
This is the secular's media way of trying to make catholics look like idiots and ostracize those who care about this devastating legislation. For once, catholics took a stand againts something and I would like to see more of it.
This article also makes fun of the catholic's analysis that Obama is the the most pro-abortion president we have had. The article makes it seem, again, like we are idiots. He has only been president a month or so, but look at his voting record as a senator. Baby-born alive protection act??? He voted againts it.
This article is a sly way of bringing doubt and shadows into the sobering reality in our country. This "FIGHT FOCA" campaign did it's job, I'd say.
Also, with that quote that "right-wing people are trying to mislead the people" is rediculous. By right-wing he means the United States bishops and those advising them. OF course, some email chains exagerated facts, but the bishops have been moderate, clear and unequivocal. They don't even want the SLIGHTEST possibility of this thing becoming a law.
I wouldn't be suprised if FOCA is brought into congerss little by little as to slip past the american people's awareness of it.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
FOCA: overhyped?
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1880451,00.html
"These right-wing organizations are deliberatively misleading people in order to stoke the culture war"
"These right-wing organizations are deliberatively misleading people in order to stoke the culture war"
Friday, February 20, 2009
Obama Appointment Rumors
I was initially relieved when Tom Daschle stepped down from his appointment as Secretary of Human Health Services. He is a Catholic in direct dissent of Catholic Teaching on Life and would cause greater scandal within the Catholic Faithful. Now, the rumors are that Governor Sebelius from Kansas, another dissident Catholic, will be the candidate to replace Daschle as Secretary of Human Health Services. I thought it couldn't possible get any worse than Daschle, but it just did. The Archbishop of Kansas City has already asked the Governor to refrain from receiving communion; referring to her “30-year history of advocating and acting in support of legalized abortion” in his public correction for the Governor. Summing up Governor Sebelius' position on life, in 2007 she hosted a reception fundraiser for the notorious late term abortionist George Tiller, who is know as "Tiller the Killer". See video below.What I find really interesting is that Obama seems to be adding more dissident Catholics to his staff. What's the deal with that? I view this as a direct attack on the Church, undermining Her foundational values, causing confusion among the faithful. "On this issue (referring to FOCA) I will not waver and Planned Parenthood will not waver". I guess now we know that he wasn't lying. And to think that it's only begun! Prayer and Fasting.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Are we sure?
Simon,
Do we know for sure if the pop-song from England is intentionally ironic? If so, I bet a lot of people don't even realize the implicit parody.
Or could it be just this young girl really singing about the literal meaning? I hope not.
--
The Movie Lives of Others is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I reccomend it. The soundtrack is punctuating and pervasive, the acting is suberb, and the drama is intoxicating.
-Panda's Review
Do we know for sure if the pop-song from England is intentionally ironic? If so, I bet a lot of people don't even realize the implicit parody.
Or could it be just this young girl really singing about the literal meaning? I hope not.
--
The Movie Lives of Others is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I reccomend it. The soundtrack is punctuating and pervasive, the acting is suberb, and the drama is intoxicating.
-Panda's Review
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Glitches in the matrix...
I've been meaning to post about two popular songs that offer a cultural critique from within the mainstream consciousness.
The first, has been the top song in the UK for 3 weeks now.
This one is not as new but was popular in Quebec two years ago.
I guess you can never fully eradicate the human. And interesting that these came out of the UK and Quebec, ground zero for post-everything nihilism.
The first, has been the top song in the UK for 3 weeks now.
This one is not as new but was popular in Quebec two years ago.
I guess you can never fully eradicate the human. And interesting that these came out of the UK and Quebec, ground zero for post-everything nihilism.
Book Review
Title: The Truth About Homosexuality, The Cry of the Faithful (TH)
Author: Fr. John Harvey
Review:
I reccomend TH to those in Miles Caritas who want to learn more about homosexuality and what the church teaches. Fr. Harvery, founder of Courage, gives an overview of church teaching. The teaching of the church is somewhat predictable and basic, but he also goes into different moral law arguments, which I found to be intereseting.
I reccomend TH to those in Miles Caritas who want to learn more about the roots causes and implications of HS. The book also covers a brief histroy and analysis of the gay rights movement and the histroy of same sex marriage.
Mostly though, this book offers a pastoral insight in working with those who struggle with this. The "pastoral perspective" is why I purchased the book to begin with. It has awesome insights, suggestions and personal stories of growth, recovery and healing.
The book is a solid overview of both secular and chrisitian professionals (pyschologists, mental health professionals, spiritual directors, therapists, doctors etc.) and their major studies/contributions and arguments. The book summarizies the "main players" in both secular and christian cirlces.
This book provided me with a great understanding of different issues. It also provides clear and accessible resources in each area, in case one decideds to research certain aspects further.
I am especially grateful towards Fr. Harvey, a great priest and a loving person who dedicates such time and energy to understanding all of God's people. He is faithful to Church teaching and compassionate in his pastoral work. God bless him.
Mile Rambo
Author: Fr. John Harvey
Review:
I reccomend TH to those in Miles Caritas who want to learn more about homosexuality and what the church teaches. Fr. Harvery, founder of Courage, gives an overview of church teaching. The teaching of the church is somewhat predictable and basic, but he also goes into different moral law arguments, which I found to be intereseting.
I reccomend TH to those in Miles Caritas who want to learn more about the roots causes and implications of HS. The book also covers a brief histroy and analysis of the gay rights movement and the histroy of same sex marriage.
Mostly though, this book offers a pastoral insight in working with those who struggle with this. The "pastoral perspective" is why I purchased the book to begin with. It has awesome insights, suggestions and personal stories of growth, recovery and healing.
The book is a solid overview of both secular and chrisitian professionals (pyschologists, mental health professionals, spiritual directors, therapists, doctors etc.) and their major studies/contributions and arguments. The book summarizies the "main players" in both secular and christian cirlces.
This book provided me with a great understanding of different issues. It also provides clear and accessible resources in each area, in case one decideds to research certain aspects further.
I am especially grateful towards Fr. Harvey, a great priest and a loving person who dedicates such time and energy to understanding all of God's people. He is faithful to Church teaching and compassionate in his pastoral work. God bless him.
Mile Rambo
Friday, February 13, 2009
Big Families
Good article by the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/fashion/08bigfam.html?pagewanted=2
“I can’t say how we do it, and on paper it looks like we don’t do it, but there’s always a way,”
It's called Divine Providence. We should all try it out, it's pretty cool.
Brendan
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/fashion/08bigfam.html?pagewanted=2
“I can’t say how we do it, and on paper it looks like we don’t do it, but there’s always a way,”
It's called Divine Providence. We should all try it out, it's pretty cool.
Brendan
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Evangelium Vitae
Below is a section from John Paul II's encyclical on the "Gospel of Life". I am pointing out the one clip (which is in bold) because I find it interesting. It reminds me of the Gil Bailie talk on "calling things by their right names" and "being the right person, in the right spot at the right time".
Enjoy.
---
But today, in many people's consciences, the perception of its gravity has become progressively obscured. The acceptance of abortion in the popular mind, in behaviour and even in law itself, is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil, even when the fundamental right to life is at stake.
Given such a grave situation, we need now more than ever to have the courage to look the truth in the eye and to call things by their proper name, without yielding to convenient compromises or to the temptation of self-deception. In this regard the reproach of the Prophet is extremely straightforward: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness" (Is 5:20).
Especially in the case of abortion there is a widespread use of ambiguous terminology, such as "interruption of pregnancy", which tends to hide abortion's true nature and to attenuate its seriousness in public opinion. Perhaps this linguistic phenomenon is itself a symptom of an uneasiness of conscience. But no word has the power to change the reality of things: procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth.
Enjoy.
---
But today, in many people's consciences, the perception of its gravity has become progressively obscured. The acceptance of abortion in the popular mind, in behaviour and even in law itself, is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil, even when the fundamental right to life is at stake.
Given such a grave situation, we need now more than ever to have the courage to look the truth in the eye and to call things by their proper name, without yielding to convenient compromises or to the temptation of self-deception. In this regard the reproach of the Prophet is extremely straightforward: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness" (Is 5:20).
Especially in the case of abortion there is a widespread use of ambiguous terminology, such as "interruption of pregnancy", which tends to hide abortion's true nature and to attenuate its seriousness in public opinion. Perhaps this linguistic phenomenon is itself a symptom of an uneasiness of conscience. But no word has the power to change the reality of things: procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"He smiled and nodded: I know why it is better to be shot at on a Sunday afternoon than not be shot at. Because it means maybe there is an enemy after all. If there is no enemy, then I am either mad or living in a madhouse.
Peace is only better than war if peace is not hell too. War being hell makes sense.
-"The Second Coming", Walker Percy
Peace is only better than war if peace is not hell too. War being hell makes sense.
-"The Second Coming", Walker Percy
Magnolia cont'd
Kenny, yes your right. In that same scene, Macy was like.."i've been struck by lightning ya know...that doesn't happen to everyone". Quite funny.
The policeman character was awesome. He reminds me of someone I know but I cannot put my finger on it. Maybe that kid from Seton Hall, MJR (Michael John Ross) ??
"life is solitary, brutish and short"
-Tommy Hobbs
"most men lead lives of quiet desperation"
-Emerson
"F--- the waves, going under"
-Disco Biscuits
The policeman character was awesome. He reminds me of someone I know but I cannot put my finger on it. Maybe that kid from Seton Hall, MJR (Michael John Ross) ??
"life is solitary, brutish and short"
-Tommy Hobbs
"most men lead lives of quiet desperation"
-Emerson
"F--- the waves, going under"
-Disco Biscuits
Monday, February 9, 2009
magnolia
it was my impression that the william h. macy character was also brain damaged (by getting struck by lightning maybe?), after being used by his father because he was a child prodigy. no?
another character that i liked was the police officer. he is an extremely lonely character that lives day by day reassuring himself that if he continues to do the right thing good things will come to him. he suffers humility continuously but bears through it.
i liked the bare-boned depiction of characters simply dealt a brutal lot in life.
another character that i liked was the police officer. he is an extremely lonely character that lives day by day reassuring himself that if he continues to do the right thing good things will come to him. he suffers humility continuously but bears through it.
i liked the bare-boned depiction of characters simply dealt a brutal lot in life.
Magnolia
Upon the reccomendation of August the Strong-Mile John, I watched the Paul Anderson film, Magnolia. It's a bit "jarring" as John described it, but "worth it". "Endure", he encouraged me.
Anyway, it is a great film but I wanted to point out part that I especially liked. Towards the end of the movie, one of the main characters, played by William Macy (one of the greatest actors of all time might I add) was in the climax of an emotional and existential crisis...he shouted, "I have love to give...I have lot's of love...(screaming and crying) I just don't know how to give it".
It was a beautiful scene and I think it sheds light on a certain aspect of the human condition. We all desire truth, intimacy, affection, belonging, love (giving and receiving) and affirmation. We need it as much as we need H2O and oxygen. This character was abused as a child and had developed some emotional disorders/deviations and never learned how to love and to be loved.
It seems to me that emotional disorders and addictions are largely rooted in this basic human phenomenon. We are desperate for love- total love.
Total love= God
Deus Caritas Est
"I'm desperate for you (God)"
"I'm lost without you (God)"
-Breathe
I met a man from Mongolia at the Catholic Underground. He was crazy looking and he was homeless. Is there any connection between Mongolia and Magnolia?? As the movie proclaimed, there is no such thing as chance...things happen for reasons...everything is interconnected.
I'm waiting for this one to develop into full integration.
Boy o Boy.
Anyway, it is a great film but I wanted to point out part that I especially liked. Towards the end of the movie, one of the main characters, played by William Macy (one of the greatest actors of all time might I add) was in the climax of an emotional and existential crisis...he shouted, "I have love to give...I have lot's of love...(screaming and crying) I just don't know how to give it".
It was a beautiful scene and I think it sheds light on a certain aspect of the human condition. We all desire truth, intimacy, affection, belonging, love (giving and receiving) and affirmation. We need it as much as we need H2O and oxygen. This character was abused as a child and had developed some emotional disorders/deviations and never learned how to love and to be loved.
It seems to me that emotional disorders and addictions are largely rooted in this basic human phenomenon. We are desperate for love- total love.
Total love= God
Deus Caritas Est
"I'm desperate for you (God)"
"I'm lost without you (God)"
-Breathe
I met a man from Mongolia at the Catholic Underground. He was crazy looking and he was homeless. Is there any connection between Mongolia and Magnolia?? As the movie proclaimed, there is no such thing as chance...things happen for reasons...everything is interconnected.
I'm waiting for this one to develop into full integration.
Boy o Boy.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
More to Consider
The other question is, would you begin the fiteen year period of only 2 authors immediatly or wait. You could wait till your older, or you could "get it over with".
Would you reduce it to 7.5 years if it was only one author? Then who would you choose?
Crazy stuff here...
Would you reduce it to 7.5 years if it was only one author? Then who would you choose?
Crazy stuff here...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Poll
To Miles Caritas: If you could only read two of the following authors for the next fifteen years, which two would you pick?
A. Van Balthasar and Flannery O'Connor
B. Steinbeck and St. Maximilian Kolbe
C. Schindler and St. Bonaventure
D. Stephen King and Pope Benedict
E. John Paul II and Walker Percy
F. Thomas Merton and C. S. Lewis
G. Jack Kerouac and St. Augustine
H. Ernest Hemingway and Francis de Sales
???
A. Van Balthasar and Flannery O'Connor
B. Steinbeck and St. Maximilian Kolbe
C. Schindler and St. Bonaventure
D. Stephen King and Pope Benedict
E. John Paul II and Walker Percy
F. Thomas Merton and C. S. Lewis
G. Jack Kerouac and St. Augustine
H. Ernest Hemingway and Francis de Sales
???
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