The Times publised this article on Friday, misrepresenting the US Catholic Bishop's opinions on Obama's Health Reform Bill.
There was an amendment published the following day and there has been a letter sent in response from Bishop Murphy and Cardinal Rigali addressing the issues which were not properly presented.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/health/policy/28catholics.html?scp=2&sq=August+28+2009&st=nyt
The comments for this article show the ignorance of so many not only on this issue but more importantly the role of the Bishops and their stance. As Catholics we really must keep ourselves informed so that we can effectively clarify for others the true position of our Church.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Follow Up
Just a quick follow up to the article below: you should read the comments of fellow Americans on this issue.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/comments/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/comments/
Really? We need to think about what this means!
This article is found in The Washington Times, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/?feat=article_top10_read.
Within the article we hear that two teachers from a public school in Florida are going on trial for "their offer of a mealtime prayer."
The attorney, Mathew Staver, is quoted as saying, "I have been defending religious freedom issues for 22 years, and I've never had to defend somebody who has been charged criminally for praying."
The student class president, Mary Allen, was actually kept from speaking at graduation because she was a "known Christian."
This is ridiculous. Perhaps we should expect the ACLU to also sue the state for the county this school is located in being named "Santa Rosa," since that is "Saint Rose" in Spanish and clearly that is infringing on personal rights to not be exposed to Christian anything.
I was living in Long Island for the past year and there is a high volume of Jewish families near my old house. I would run by the Synagogue often and wave "hello" to the Rabbi and the many people going to pray. Was I wrong to respect their religion and religious beliefs? Should I rather have been put out that I couldn't always run on the side walk (public property) because part of their beliefs includes not driving on the Sabbath and therefore walking to Synagogue?! Really?
Read it for yourself and think about it. There is certainly more than one side to this issue, but it really means something. How far has our country come from where we once were? I still think it is somewhat ludicrous that so many of our ancestors migrated to this country specifically for the sake of religious freedom, and now we have "fake" religous freedom... one where everyone is so free that no one is free. We can't express for fear of upsetting or offending the next person over! Maybe I'd like to know more about your religion. Maybe I need some truth and answers to questions. Maybe young children would not grow up with so much pain and confusion if they were given morality, virtue, and standards of what is right and wrong from an early age instead of being told that it's all ambiguous and relative. In case anyone can remember how it feels when you're a teenager, every day is a new experience of highs and lows and stresses and fears. How are you supposed to know what is good when you can't figure out how you feel about yourself or other things? And then we look at the problems that come from such a relativisic (and essentially lazy) attitude and we say "what's wrong?" and "why are they like this?"
Anyway, my rant is over but I think the article earns reflection. One day I may be numbered among the parents sending their little ones off to school. I plan on working for that place of education to be the best that my taxes can pay for, the best that this wealthy and educated nation can offer, and the best that my child deserves.
Within the article we hear that two teachers from a public school in Florida are going on trial for "their offer of a mealtime prayer."
The attorney, Mathew Staver, is quoted as saying, "I have been defending religious freedom issues for 22 years, and I've never had to defend somebody who has been charged criminally for praying."
The student class president, Mary Allen, was actually kept from speaking at graduation because she was a "known Christian."
This is ridiculous. Perhaps we should expect the ACLU to also sue the state for the county this school is located in being named "Santa Rosa," since that is "Saint Rose" in Spanish and clearly that is infringing on personal rights to not be exposed to Christian anything.
I was living in Long Island for the past year and there is a high volume of Jewish families near my old house. I would run by the Synagogue often and wave "hello" to the Rabbi and the many people going to pray. Was I wrong to respect their religion and religious beliefs? Should I rather have been put out that I couldn't always run on the side walk (public property) because part of their beliefs includes not driving on the Sabbath and therefore walking to Synagogue?! Really?
Read it for yourself and think about it. There is certainly more than one side to this issue, but it really means something. How far has our country come from where we once were? I still think it is somewhat ludicrous that so many of our ancestors migrated to this country specifically for the sake of religious freedom, and now we have "fake" religous freedom... one where everyone is so free that no one is free. We can't express for fear of upsetting or offending the next person over! Maybe I'd like to know more about your religion. Maybe I need some truth and answers to questions. Maybe young children would not grow up with so much pain and confusion if they were given morality, virtue, and standards of what is right and wrong from an early age instead of being told that it's all ambiguous and relative. In case anyone can remember how it feels when you're a teenager, every day is a new experience of highs and lows and stresses and fears. How are you supposed to know what is good when you can't figure out how you feel about yourself or other things? And then we look at the problems that come from such a relativisic (and essentially lazy) attitude and we say "what's wrong?" and "why are they like this?"
Anyway, my rant is over but I think the article earns reflection. One day I may be numbered among the parents sending their little ones off to school. I plan on working for that place of education to be the best that my taxes can pay for, the best that this wealthy and educated nation can offer, and the best that my child deserves.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Gabriel Project
The Gabriel Project. Check it out. :)
http://www.gabrielproject.com/faq.htm
http://projectgabriel.net/
http://www.gabrielproject.com/faq.htm
http://projectgabriel.net/
Thursday, August 27, 2009
For Laughs
This may not be as entertaining to everyone else, but I liked it :). This guy was just showing his support for a health care reform that actually serves the people and doesn't kill children. And he's Texan.
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/weird/Man-Plows-Say-No-to-Obama-Into-Texas-Field-55044922.html
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/weird/Man-Plows-Say-No-to-Obama-Into-Texas-Field-55044922.html
"Plaintiffs have certain and ascertainable rights under state and federal law." -LifeNews
This article is found at http://www.lifenews.com/state4374.html and discusses the ruling of a judge in favor of two pharmacy owners seeking to preserve their rights in a conscience issue conerning drugs such as the Plan B emergency contraceptive. Check it out!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
"Lord, Let You Light Shine Unto Others Through Me"
What a beautiful and meaningful prayer from Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta!
I'll never forget the day when Mother Teresa left this life to transition into Eternal Life. I'm sure those close to her were saddened by her loss, but I, not having known her personally, can remember thinking how amazing it is that I have walked this world at the same time as someone who will be in history and religion books for years to come for one simple reason-her love.
For those of you who are not familiar with Mother Teresa's story, she was the founder of the religious order Missionaries of Charity, who worked to improve life for those in poverty-stricken India. She won a Nobel prize for her work, and her work with the impoverished made her a household name throughout the world.
Mother Teresa essentially became so famous by her love, but Who did this love come from to begin with? Are we even capable of such love? If you felt a call from the Lord to up and leave your family, friends, and job to go serve the poor in some third-world country, could you do it?
Without a thunderous cloud or visit from Gabriel, I know I sure couldn't.
But what does it take to be so loving and become the kind of person who would abandon one's will, as Mother Teresa did?
As cliche as it might sound, I believe it takes true surrender. To truly mean, "Lord, let your Light shine unto others through me," you are giving the Lord permission to use you for His Greater Glory. It is important to note that this is not your glory, but His.
"Lord let your Light shine unto others through me." Pray it. Mean it. Take the plunge.
Maybe some day I will too.
I'll never forget the day when Mother Teresa left this life to transition into Eternal Life. I'm sure those close to her were saddened by her loss, but I, not having known her personally, can remember thinking how amazing it is that I have walked this world at the same time as someone who will be in history and religion books for years to come for one simple reason-her love.
For those of you who are not familiar with Mother Teresa's story, she was the founder of the religious order Missionaries of Charity, who worked to improve life for those in poverty-stricken India. She won a Nobel prize for her work, and her work with the impoverished made her a household name throughout the world.
Mother Teresa essentially became so famous by her love, but Who did this love come from to begin with? Are we even capable of such love? If you felt a call from the Lord to up and leave your family, friends, and job to go serve the poor in some third-world country, could you do it?
Without a thunderous cloud or visit from Gabriel, I know I sure couldn't.
But what does it take to be so loving and become the kind of person who would abandon one's will, as Mother Teresa did?
As cliche as it might sound, I believe it takes true surrender. To truly mean, "Lord, let your Light shine unto others through me," you are giving the Lord permission to use you for His Greater Glory. It is important to note that this is not your glory, but His.
"Lord let your Light shine unto others through me." Pray it. Mean it. Take the plunge.
Maybe some day I will too.
A Little Biblical Commentary for Your Morning
So upon searching the phrase "He/I will never forsake you or abandon you" in the New American Bible (NAB), I came across a fun coincidence (if those exist). Both Deuteronomy 31 and Hebrews 13 have those words. The verses are as follows:
Deut. 31:6 - "Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you."
Hebrews 13:6- "...for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, (and) I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
These are so beautiful, with a very similar message, and part of me suspects St. Paul (working under the Holy Spirit, of course) wasn't opposed to restating that beautiful part of Deuteronomy with the inverse verse number (I'm still hung up on 31 - 13).
Either way, this is so wonderful. God himself tells us that he is faithful.
Consider the times God has spoken of who he is. He says, "I AM". He claims his all-knowing, all-powerful, all-and-only-good being. And through Christ we hear other names such as "I am the light," "I am the living bread," "I am the way and the truth and the life," etc...
Here we have another beautiful expression of the depth and power of God in his infinite goodness - total fidelity. He is the one who is faithful. He will never abandon us. Rather, he goes before us in all things, making the path before us that we are to tread.
In John 14 he says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going, you know the way."
Truly, he is truth, and the truth is that he is faithful, far beyond our understanding and comprehension. He will never forsake us or abandon us. As it says in Exodus 14:14-
"The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still."
Deut. 31:6 - "Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you."
Hebrews 13:6- "...for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, (and) I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
These are so beautiful, with a very similar message, and part of me suspects St. Paul (working under the Holy Spirit, of course) wasn't opposed to restating that beautiful part of Deuteronomy with the inverse verse number (I'm still hung up on 31 - 13).
Either way, this is so wonderful. God himself tells us that he is faithful.
Consider the times God has spoken of who he is. He says, "I AM". He claims his all-knowing, all-powerful, all-and-only-good being. And through Christ we hear other names such as "I am the light," "I am the living bread," "I am the way and the truth and the life," etc...
Here we have another beautiful expression of the depth and power of God in his infinite goodness - total fidelity. He is the one who is faithful. He will never abandon us. Rather, he goes before us in all things, making the path before us that we are to tread.
In John 14 he says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going, you know the way."
Truly, he is truth, and the truth is that he is faithful, far beyond our understanding and comprehension. He will never forsake us or abandon us. As it says in Exodus 14:14-
"The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still."
Beautiful Article of Hope from the Dever Post
This article in the Denver Post explains a Catholic crisis-pregnancy ministry called The Gabriel Project. Check it out!
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13011616?source=email
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13011616?source=email
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Some "TMI" References, But Great News
The CDC gives a lot of information in this article.. some of which you may not want to read. If you have either studied such things as STD's, contraception, biology or you have a decent awareness of these issues, then feel free to go through all of it.
Either way, look at the beginning of the article, the first paragraph in bold. There is a statement there that seems to FINALLY be making its way from common sense to the scientific world, and it is the "proof" we need to argue a both natural and moral side of saving sex for marriage to those who will only accept something "official" like the CDC.
http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.htm
Either way, look at the beginning of the article, the first paragraph in bold. There is a statement there that seems to FINALLY be making its way from common sense to the scientific world, and it is the "proof" we need to argue a both natural and moral side of saving sex for marriage to those who will only accept something "official" like the CDC.
http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.htm
From AP, SD Judge on Abortion Rights
A SD Judge rules in favor of both a woman who is suing Planned Parenthood, and Planned Parenthood. 1/2 victory?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hFO4oePj1kqmFfeioaK6n8Y5EqOAD9A6RPCO0
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hFO4oePj1kqmFfeioaK6n8Y5EqOAD9A6RPCO0
Non-Partisan Site Reveals Truth
Factcheck does reveal that abortion is covered in the health care plan of HR 3200 as it stands, whatever "fabrications" the President might claim the pro-life side has made.
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/08/abortion-which-side-is-fabricating/
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/08/abortion-which-side-is-fabricating/
CMA Will Not Support HR 3200 As Is (Lifenews.com)
John Brehany, a medical ethicist who directs the CMA, told the Catholic Sentinel, "“While it is unfortunately true that physicians are paid for procedures rather than providing advice, and that in many cases people do not give adequate attention to end of life treatment decisions prior to a health crisis, the Catholic Medical Association cannot support Rep. Blumenauer’s bill as it stands."
Read the full article here:
http://www.lifenews.com/bio2932.html
Read the full article here:
http://www.lifenews.com/bio2932.html
Friday, August 21, 2009
Chastity Help
These are just a few brief references, but you will be amazed at how many sites are out there with information, support and guidance. If you aren't sure where you are going or what is right, give the truth some time to sink in. There is freedom in living this lifestyle. Practically speaking, you can't have any surprise diseases, infections or a pregnancy that you aren't prepared for. Internally speaking, your self-respect and belief in your own dignity will dramatially increase. Holistically speaking, you will see that these "restrictions" on your behaviors are actually paths to joy and again, freedom, because you are not serving yourself or allowing anything to control you but are making a choice for your own good and the good, love and respect for others.
http://www.omsoul.com/chastity-what-are-you-saying-yes-to.php
http://www.theologyofthebody.net/
http://www.christopherwest.com/
http://www.chastity.com/
http://www.liteenfreedom.org/
Feel free to add others, the more the merrier :)
http://www.omsoul.com/chastity-what-are-you-saying-yes-to.php
http://www.theologyofthebody.net/
http://www.christopherwest.com/
http://www.chastity.com/
http://www.liteenfreedom.org/
Feel free to add others, the more the merrier :)
HR 3200
Americans are already getting a lot of different voices saying crazy things about what is happening to our heath care. Better to read it for yourself, right? Well if you are serious enough to check into it more thouroughly, you'll find all 1015+ pages here:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090714/aahca.pdf
Try searching for key phrases or words if there are really things that interest you. Also, check here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=141&Itemid=85 for the various amendments that passed or failed throughout July.
And keep reading!
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090714/aahca.pdf
Try searching for key phrases or words if there are really things that interest you. Also, check here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=141&Itemid=85 for the various amendments that passed or failed throughout July.
And keep reading!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Gardasil and What Is Right
I'm not going to go through this too much - it's worth reading on your own.
http://boards.medscape.com/forums/.29f0db66?@456.fATvaFVQcE0@
But this was my response to many of the comments:
"This information is unfortunately not going to help those who have already been infected because it is not a cure. However, if presented to young people prior to sexual activity, self awareness and a better understanding of the body can aid them in practicing self control and a much healthier lifestyle. Ideally, there would be much less of a need for drugs such as gardasil if young people were better informed and able to make conscious decisions for their health. http://www.irh.org/nfp.htm http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/index.shtml http://ccli.org/nfp/basics/faq.php http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp024.cfm http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/action.shtml http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/depo.shtml"
The truth is that the best way to prevent the prevalent spread of HPV is quite simple. Abstinence. Not because it's rigid or even because it's moral (which it is), but because it is healthy. Plain and simple, you cannot get an incurable virus which is transmitted through sexual contact if you do not have sexual contact!
There are so many points to this which can and should be addressed, most especially through the philosophy of the Theology of the Body. This is the basic truth that man is looking for - an anthropology that elevates man from this animalistic idea of "no way to avoid sex so just band-aid it with drugs and contraception and abortion." This understanding gives man dignity and respect, and demands that we allow for the necessity of practicing control to earn such virtues. Nothing good is free, right?
Well, not actually. Many free things are very good, like God's loving us into existence and continuing to love us despite our failures. But beside the fact, the point is that humanity is seeking healing and answers, which the truth offers, but isn't ready to buckle to the weight of what the answers mean. I don't even have time to go into half of what I want to say about these issues, but I'll come back to them and begin to break them all down. For now, read the links!
http://boards.medscape.com/forums/.29f0db66?@456.fATvaFVQcE0@
But this was my response to many of the comments:
"This information is unfortunately not going to help those who have already been infected because it is not a cure. However, if presented to young people prior to sexual activity, self awareness and a better understanding of the body can aid them in practicing self control and a much healthier lifestyle. Ideally, there would be much less of a need for drugs such as gardasil if young people were better informed and able to make conscious decisions for their health. http://www.irh.org/nfp.htm http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/index.shtml http://ccli.org/nfp/basics/faq.php http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp024.cfm http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/action.shtml http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/depo.shtml"
The truth is that the best way to prevent the prevalent spread of HPV is quite simple. Abstinence. Not because it's rigid or even because it's moral (which it is), but because it is healthy. Plain and simple, you cannot get an incurable virus which is transmitted through sexual contact if you do not have sexual contact!
There are so many points to this which can and should be addressed, most especially through the philosophy of the Theology of the Body. This is the basic truth that man is looking for - an anthropology that elevates man from this animalistic idea of "no way to avoid sex so just band-aid it with drugs and contraception and abortion." This understanding gives man dignity and respect, and demands that we allow for the necessity of practicing control to earn such virtues. Nothing good is free, right?
Well, not actually. Many free things are very good, like God's loving us into existence and continuing to love us despite our failures. But beside the fact, the point is that humanity is seeking healing and answers, which the truth offers, but isn't ready to buckle to the weight of what the answers mean. I don't even have time to go into half of what I want to say about these issues, but I'll come back to them and begin to break them all down. For now, read the links!
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