Keep
your eyes open!...
August 30, 2024
(1Co 1:6-9) As
the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, So that nothing is
wanting to you in any grace, waiting for the manifestation of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Who also will confirm you unto the end without crime, in
the days of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful: by
whom you are called unto the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord.
CRISIS MAGAZINE: Anti-Christian Sentiment and Persecution in the Holy Land
ACN: Christians despair in the Holy Land: “We never thought the war would last so long!”
CERC: The Art of Living: Patience and Perseverance
ANTONIO CARDINAL BACCI: Confidence in the Providence of God
1. Sometimes we grow discouraged and lose confidence in God. This may
be the result of sickness, or of misfortune, or of misunderstanding on
the part of others. At any rate, on such occasions we may feel as if we
have been forgotten by God.
Jesus Christ willed to endure a trial of this nature when He was
hanging upon the Cross, derided and jeered at by those whom He had come
to redeem. “My God, my God,” He cried, “why hast thou forsaken me?”
(Mt. 27:46) In the Garden of Gethsemane, however, He had already seen
in a terrifying vision the sins and acts of ingratitude of the human
race. He had begged His Father to take away from Him the chalice of
suffering which had been offered to Him, but He had added immediately:
“Yet not my will but thine be done.” (Luke 22:62)
We must behave in the same manner. Whether it is a physical or moral
anguish which torments us, we must gaze upon the Crucifix and remember
that Jesus suffered much more in obedience to the will of His Heavenly
Father. We must never lack confidence in Divine Providence and
resignation to the will of God. In the mysterious designs of God for
us, this evil which we experience is intended for our own good. It may
have been sent to ennoble us or to purify us or to give us an
opportunity of making reparation for our sins.
God has endowed suffering with a very purposeful mission in the world.
It should have the effect of making us detached from earthly things and
more preoccupied with spiritual matters. Let us trust in God, then, and
remember the words of the Holy Spirit: “Has anyone hoped in the Lord
and been disappointed?” (Ecclus. 2:10)
2. An excessive preoccupation with worldly affairs may often be
responsible for our lack of perfect confidence in God. We worry about
tomorrow, and about our many material needs. But Jesus has warned us
about this. “Do not be anxious for your life,” He said, “what you shall
eat; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on… Look at the birds of
the air: they do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns; yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of much more value than
they?... Consider how the lilies of the field grow; they neither toil
nor spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was
arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the
field, which flourishes today but tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how
much more you, O you of little faith! Therefore do not be anxious… But
seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things
shall be given you besides. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow;
for tomorrow will have anxieties of its own. Sufficient for the day is
its own trouble.” (Cf. Mt. 6:25-34) “Are not two sparrows sold for a
farthing? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your
Father’s leave. But as for you, the very hairs of your head are all
numbered. Therefore do not be afraid.” (Cf. Mt. 10: 29-31)
3. God does not forbid us, naturally, to work and to provide for the
future. But He condemns such immoderate anxiety as would tend to
distract our attention from our spiritual obligations. We should be
occupied, certainly, but never preoccupied. We should always have
perfect confidence in God and resignation to His will.
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Hospitality
5. A brother came to Poemen in the second week of Lent and told him his
thoughts, and found peace of mind from his answer. Then he said, 'I
almost didn't come to see you today.' Poemen asked him why. He said, 'I
was afraid that the door wouldn't be opened as it is Lent.' Poemen
answered him, 'It is not wooden doors we were taught to shut; the door
we need to keep shut is the mouth.'
August 28, 2024
(Mat 5:5) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
NEWS REPORT: Israelis stage heavy airstrikes in Lebanon as Hezbollah launches drone attack on Israel
FIDES.ORG: ASIA/LEBANON - Lebanon on the brink of the abyss
Since the
outbreak of civil war in 1975, Lebanon, a small Middle Eastern country,
has not known peace or stability. The population, including Christians,
have resisted and continue to resist. But since October 7 and the
beginning of the war on Gaza and Israel, given the conflict with
Hezbollah, which hold the country's fate in their hands and rule on war
and peace, the situation has become hellish, not only in the south,
near the Israeli border, but throughout Lebanon, with an economic and
political paralysis that risks endangering the Nation's very identity.
Lebanon has been without a
president for almost two years, an institutional position that in the
Lebanese system is reserved to Christians and represents a symbol of
coexistence and respect for plurality. Even the government has
resigned, the ministries are only dealing with current affairs at a
time when instead the country, more than ever, needs decisions to be
made about its future, its identity and stability.
The political stakes - both
regionally and internationally - complicate the Lebanese cause and
leave the population amidst uncertainty and anguish. Young people,
Muslim and Christian alike, are rushing to flee Lebanon to seek refuge
and a better future abroad. Parents, who often have no financial means
of their own on account of the financial and banking crisis that hit
the country nearly five years ago, await help and solidarity from their
children, or from charitable associations and NGOs, to buy medication
and meet their basic survival needs.
Despite its efforts, Vatican
diplomacy has failed to convince the leaders of Christian political
parties to agree on a presidential candidate and put an end to the
ongoing chaos. The various Churches are working through their social
and charitable associations to aid the population. But, above all, the
Lebanese need a sign of hope to herald the end to corruption, violence,
war and instability.
ACN: Archbishop in Lebanon: ‘We find ourselves in a state of war!’
ACN and the local Church are calling for prayers, so that peace may be
restored in the region. Daily rocket fire in southern Lebanon is
plunging people into deeper poverty than they were already suffering as
a result of the financial crisis in 2019. The Church is standing with
them, providing practical help for their needs and providing an
accountof courage.
Because of the war in Gaza, daily rocket fire is hitting southern
Lebanon. Places near the Israeli border are particularly affected.
“The eyes of the world are on Gaza, but something that the media rarely
reports is that this has resulted in an armed conflict taking place in
southern Lebanon,” said Marielle Boutros, project coordinator of Aid to
the Church in Need (ACN) in Lebanon. “As with the people in Gaza, this
is not the first war that the people in southern Lebanon have had to
experience. They can’t cope with the noise of the rockets anymore and
are traumatized. They really need our prayers.”
The Maronite Archbishop of Tyre, Monsignor Charbel Abdallah, whose
archdiocese is one of the oldest in the world, told ACN that despite
“finding ourselves in a state of war,” most people who had fled to
Beirut or further north have now returned because they were short of
money, and their relatives did not have the capacity to accommodate so
many people. In the ten parishes near the Israeli border, which make up
almost the entirety of the archdiocese, 70 percent of people have come
k. “The parishes of Alma el Chaeb and Quzah are, however, still
nearly empty, because they lie entirely in the area of the air strikes;
a large number of houses there have been completely destroyed.”
POPE FRANCIS:
May the Virgin Mary from her shrine in Harissa continue to watch over
you and all the Lebanese people. I cordially impart my blessing. I
assure you of my prayers, and I ask you, please, to pray for me.
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
13. One of the hermits said, 'No one can see his face reflected in
muddy water; so the soul cannot pray to God with contemplation unless
it is first cleansed of harmful thoughts.'
August 25, 2024
(Psa 16:10) Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption.
YOUTUBE: BREAKING Sr. Wilhelmina’s Body Confirmed INCORRUPT - Fr. Mark Goring, CC
SIMPLY CATHOLIC: What’s the Meaning of the Remarkable Phenomenon of Incorruptibility? by Father Dwight Longenecker
MIRACLE OF THE SAINTS: The incorruptible bodies of the Saints
1000 REASONS TO BELIEVE: The incorrupt body of Marie-Louise Nerbollier, the visionary from Diémoz
Marie-Louise Nerbollier was born into a very devout family of poor
weavers in Lyon. From the age of 24, she received apparitions from the
Virgin Mary, who asked her to continue the mission she had entrusted to
the mystic Anne-Marie Coste in 1882. Marie-Louise then moved to Diémoz,
where the apparitions continued. Every Friday in Lent, and during Holy
Week, she experienced Christ's passion in her body. Marie-Louise's
stigmata reveal a spirituality based on self-sacrifice to atone for the
sins of humankind. She died in Diémoz on August 15, 1908. Her body was
found incorrupt thirty years later.
Reasons to believe:
- The wounds on Marie-Louise's hands, feet and head could in no way
be natural or feigned wounds: they came at specific times of the
liturgical calendar; opened and closed on their own without medical
assistance; and bled in unbelievable quantities, far more than natural
epidermal bleeding. Her stigmata were seen by several hundred people,
believers and non-believers, religious and secular, doctors and the
merely curious.
- Marie-Louise's resilience in the face of suffering and illness,
and her supernatural perspective on these torments, revealed a soul
inhabited by God and generously given to all.
- Journalists from Lyon mocked Marie-Louis Nerbollier, calling her
hysterical, out of ignorance and pure misogyny. Her sound judgement,
quality human relations, her patience and her practical sense prove
that Marie-Louise's mental health was absolutely normal.
- Marie-Louise always remained humble and obedient, in every respect, to the ecclesiastical authorities.
- As the government grant for Marie-Louise Nerbollier's cemetery
plot grant had not been renewed, her body had to be exhumed and moved
on July 10, 1939, thirty years after her death. It was found in perfect
condition, with no stiffness, deterioration or foul odor; the skin was
supple and fresh. Those present signed a report in due form, recounting
this extraordinary event.
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
12. A hermit used to say, 'Ceaseless prayer soon heals the mind.'
August 22, 2024
(1Th 5:19-21) Extinguish not the spirit. Despise not prophecies. But prove all things: hold fast that which is good.
YOUTUBE: New Chastisement Warning?? - Fr. Mark Goring, CC
CRISIS MAGAZINE: Parishes Preparing Their People for…What Exactly? by Fr. Robert McTeigue, SJ
LIFESITE: Sister Agnes Sasagawa, Seer of Akita, dies on Feast of the Assumption
X COMMENTARY:
Deacon Nick Donnelly, who broke the news of Sister Agnes' death to the
English- speaking world over X (formerly Twitter), believes that the
message of Akita is more pertinent than ever. 'The past sixty years,
and especially the past eleven years under Pope Francis, have been a
time of painful confusion and disorientation for faithful Catholics,"
he told LifeSiteNews by email. "Why is God allowing His Church to be
plagued by unfaithful clergy, some in the highest positions in the
Church, who spread heresies and encourage immorality?"
Deacon Donnelly rhetorically asked. "Our Lady's messages to Sister
Agnes Sasagawa at Akita, during the early days of the implementation of
Vatican II, don't explain why these evils are being inflicted on the
Church, but reassure us that they are under God's watchful providence.
Everything that Our Lady warned would happen has occurred — the
communion of the Catholic Church has been fractured by heretical
bishops, veneration of Our Lady has been insidiously undermined,
churches and sanctuaries have been ruined by Novus Ordo 're-ordering',
vocations to the consecrated life have collapsed, and the majority of
the hierarchy compromise with the secular values of the world."
Donnelly believes that, these evils having come to pass, we can "expect
to face the consequences — God's punishment on a global scale greater
than the flood."
is nothing we can do to stop divine punishment," he added, "but just as
Noah was instructed to build the Ark, Our Lady has instructed us to
construct a spiritual 'ark' through repentance, praying the rosary, and
making acts of reparation. It won't physically save us, but it will get
as many to heaven as possible. "
CARDINAL RATZINGER (1969):
"Soon we will have priests reduced to the role of social workers and
the message of faith reduced to a political vision. Everything will
seem lost, but at the right time, only in the most dramatic phase of
the crisis, the Church will be reborn. It will be smaller, poorer,
almost catacumbal, but also holier. For it will no longer be the church
of those who seek to please the world, but the church of believers in
God and his Eternal Law. The revival will be the work of a small,
seemingly insignificant, but indomitable, remnant, undergone a process
of purification. Because that's how God works A small flock withstands
evil. ”
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
11. They said of Sisois that unless he soon lowered his hands when he
stood up to pray, his mind was caught up to heaven. So if he happened
to be praying with another brother, he quickly lowered his hands and
ended his prayer, so that his mind should not be rapt or cause him to
go on praying too long for his brother.'
August 19, 2024
(Mat 19:13-14) Then
were little children presented to him, that he should impose hands upon
them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said to them:
Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the
kingdom of heaven is for such.
HLI: Words and Actions Matter: Abortion in the 2024 Election
LIFENEWS: Harris-Walz Would be the Most Pro-Abortion Administration in History
CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT: Arizona Supreme Court says state can use ‘unborn human’ in abortion vote explainer
CATHOLIC DAILY REFLECTIONS: All Are Welcome
In the Catechism
of the Council of Trent, which was promulgated by Pope Saint Pius V,
this passage is linked with infant baptism. It states, “Besides, it is
not to be supposed that Christ the Lord would have withheld the
Sacrament and grace of Baptism from children, of whom He said: Suffer
the little children, and forbid them not to come to me…” (II, 2, 32).
This teaching clearly indicates one of the best ways that this passage
is fulfilled today. Inviting even infants before they reach the age of
reason to receive the Sacrament of Baptism fulfills this loving command
of Jesus to “Let the children come to me…” Young children do not have
the ability to rationally understand love in its purest form. That
comes with the age of reason, which has traditionally been understood
to be around the age of seven. But children, and even infants, are
capable of receiving our love and are capable of receiving the love of
God, even if they do not yet fully comprehend this gift.
As a child grows, they learn what
love means as they witness it and experience it, especially through the
mediation of their parents. This helps form their consciences in such a
way that they become capable of making their own free choice to love as
they mature in age. But if a child is to grow into a loving adult, they
need more than just a good example, they need grace. The grace of
Baptism is the primary source of that grace in their lives.
It’s easy for many to see Baptism
only as a nice ceremony to welcome the newly born child into God’s
family. And though that is true, it is so much more. The Catechism of
the Catholic Church states that Baptism bestows an indelible mark which
“remains for ever in the Christian as a positive disposition for grace,
a promise and guarantee of divine protection, and as a vocation to
divine worship and to the service of the Church” (CCC #1121). In other
words, Baptism bestows upon one’s soul a gift that can never be removed
and becomes an ongoing source of grace. And when an infant is baptized,
it’s as if this Scripture passage above is perpetuated throughout that
person’s life. Because of this sacramental grace, Jesus continually
says to this baptized soul, “Come to Me.”
In addition to the grace of Baptism, we must all imitate Jesus’ action
of welcome and acceptance of not only children but of every child of
God. Though the disciples initially tried to prevent the children from
coming to our Lord, we must not. We must understand that there is a
real temptation within our fallen human nature to both withhold the
love of God from others and to even prevent others from coming to God.
Anger, pride, envy, jealousy and the like can cause us to object to the
conversion of others and to God welcoming them to Himself. When that
temptation sets in, we must hear Jesus say to us, “Let the children
come to me” and “do not prevent them.”
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
10. Some brothers asked Macarius, 'How should we pray?' He said, 'There
is no need to talk much in prayer. Reach out your hands often, and say,
"Lord have mercy on me, as you will and as you know." But if conflict
troubles you, say, "Lord , help me." He knows what is best for us, and
has mercy.'
August 15, 2024
(Rev 12:5-6) And
she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron
rod. And her son was taken up to God and to his throne. And the woman
fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared by God, that
there they should feed her, a thousand two hundred sixty days.
CERC:
Bishop Theoteknos of Livias (c. 550- 650) delivered one of the most
comprehensive early sermons concerning the Assumption: "For Christ took
His immaculate flesh from the immaculate flesh of Mary, and if He had
prepared a place in heaven for the Apostles, how much more for His
mother; if Enoch had been translated and Elijah had gone to heaven, how
much more Mary, who like the moon in the midst of the stars shines
forth and excels among the prophets and Apostles? For even though her
God-bearing body tasted death, it did not undergo corruption, but was
preserved incorrupt and undefiled and taken up into heaven with its
pure and spotless soul."
LATIN PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM: The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
EWTN: In 1950, Pius XII Proclaimed the Assumption — and Witnessed the Miracle of the Sun
VATICAN NEWS: Patriarch Pizzaballa: We must urgently pray for reconciliation and peace
FIDES.ORG: Father Patton: "Negotiations resuming on Assumption Day a sign of hope, let us pray for peace"
"Resuming talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and
political prisoners on the day we celebrate the assumption of Mary into
Heaven in body and soul, is a sure sign of hope and consolation for us
pilgrims on Earth".
These words were penned by the Custos of the Holy Land, Father
Francesco Patton, in a letter sent to the friars of the Custody with an
invitation to dedicate the day of the Solemnity of the Assumption of
Mary, August 15th, to supplication for peace in the Middle East and all
over the world. "As Cardinal Pizzaballa reminded us (see Fides
10/8/2024), we are experiencing very difficult times, in which it is
particularly important to pray for peace", the letter went on.
"For this reason, in agreement with the Guardian and the fraternity of
Gethsemane, we thought of dedicating the celebrations of Assumption Day
to a prayer for peace in the Holy Land and around the world – continued
the Custos –. We know that when the sign of the Woman about to give
birth appears in Heaven, the infernal dragon that rages against her
offspring will also appear, but will be thwarted by the celestial
militias led by Saint Michael the Archangel".
Hence the invitation to pray using "the formula for which I have
specifically requested ecclesiastical approval from His Beatitude,
which the Patriarchate itself will be using" (the text has been
divulged in recent hours by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, ed.).
"All those who can should partake, on August 14 and 15, in the
celebrations at Gethsemane following the program provided by the
Custodial Secretariat, and the others should enhance the celebrations
in their fraternities and insert the appropriate ‘Supplication for
peace to the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven’", Father Patton
concluded.
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
8. Lot went to Joseph and said, 'Abba as far as I can, I keep a
moderate rule, with a little fasting, and prayer, and meditation, and
quiet: and as far as I can I try to cleanse my heart of evil thoughts.
What else should I do?' Then the hermit stood up and spread out his
hands to heaven, and his fingers shone like ten flames of fire, and he
said, 'If you will, you can become all flame.'
August 13, 2024
(Zec 8:18-19) And
the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying: Thus saith the Lord
of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and
the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be to the
house of Juda, joy, and gladness, and great solemnities: only love ye
truth and peace.
NEWS RUMOUR: Iran Reportedly Plans Attack on Israel During Jewish Day of Mourning
YOUTUBE: What Iran Doesn’t Know About Tisha B’Av
History of Jewish fast day, Tisha B'Av
The Tisha B'Av
fast is a day of fasting and mourning commemorating the destruction of
the First and Second Temples. This day is considered one of the most
difficult days in the Jewish calendar, and it includes five afflictions
intended to stir the hearts and inspire repentance. Here is a detailed
account of the main events that occurred on Tisha B'Av throughout
Jewish history:
The sin of the spies: According to
tradition, on this date, the generation of the wilderness was decreed
not to enter the Land of Israel because of the sin of the spies. When
the spies returned from Canaan with a negative and discouraging report,
the people cried on that night. In response, they were sentenced to
wander in the desert for 40 years until the entire generation that
didn't believe died. This event is considered one of the most important
points in Jewish history, symbolizing the lack of faith and trust in
God's promises. The sin of the spies occurred during the period of Bein
HaMetzarim, the period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av,
which symbolizes the most difficult days in Jewish history.
Destruction of the First Temple:
The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed on the 9th of Av
in 586 BCE by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon. The destruction of
the First Temple marked the end of the First Temple period and the
beginning of the Babylonian exile, which was a significant low point in
the history of the Jewish people.
Destruction of the Second Temple:
The Second Temple, built after the return of the Jews from the
Babylonian exile, was destroyed on the 9th of Av in 70 CE by the Romans
led by Titus. This destruction marked the end of the Second Temple
period and the beginning of the Roman exile. The destruction of the
Second Temple is considered one of the greatest disasters in the
history of the Jewish people and marked the beginning of the Jewish
dispersion throughout the world. This destruction occurred during the
Nine Days, which begin on the first day of Av and end on the 9th of Av,
constituting the most difficult period in the Jewish calendar.
Fall of Betar: On the 9th of Av in
135 CE, the city of Betar was conquered by the Romans, an event that
marked the failure of the Bar Kokhba revolt. This was the largest
Jewish revolt against Roman rule, and the fall of Betar was one of the
worst points in this revolt. After the fall of the city, the Romans
killed all the inhabitants and did not allow the dead to be buried.
Plowing of Jerusalem: After the
failure of the Bar Kokhba revolt, on the 9th of Av, the Roman Emperor
Hadrian plowed Jerusalem and established the Roman city of Aelia
Capitolina in its place. This event marked the complete change of
Jerusalem and the transformation of the holy city into a pagan Roman
city. Turnus Rufus, the Roman commander, destroyed the holy places of
the Jews and built a temple for the Roman gods.
Throughout Jewish history,
additional tragic events occurred on Tisha B'Av. Similar to the
destruction of the Temples, where the events leading to them began
before the 9th of Av itself and continued after it, mourning customs
begin gradually before Tisha B'Av and continue into the 10th of Av.
Over the years, events that occurred close to the day itself were also
perceived as part of the calamities of Tisha B'Av. Among the later
events:
Expulsion of the Jews from England:
On the 9th of Av in 1290 (July 18, 1290), Edward I, King of England,
ordered the expulsion of all Jews from his country. The Jews were
required to leave England by the first day of November 1290, and anyone
who remained after that date would be executed.
The Great Expulsion from France: On
the 10th of Av in 1306 (July 22, 1306), Philip IV, King of France,
ordered the expulsion of all Jews from France within a month.
Expulsion from Spain: On the night
of the 8th of Av in 1492 (July 31, 1492), the deadline given to the
Jews of Spain to leave the country ended after the four months
allocated for their departure.
Outbreak of World War I: On the 5th
of Av in 1914 (July 28, 1914), the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war
on Serbia, thus beginning World War I. On the 7th of Av, Russia joined
the war, and on the 9th of Av, Germany joined the war.
Deportations of Jews during the
Holocaust: On the 2nd of Av in 1942 (July 16, 1942), the Vichy regime
imprisoned 13,000 Jews from Paris under very harsh conditions. On the
7th of Av, they were deported to concentration camps. On the 8th of Av,
the great deportation from the Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka
extermination camp began.
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
5. He also said, 'When a distracting thought comes into your head, do
not cast around here and there about it in your prayer, but simply
repent and so you will sharpen your sword against your assailant.'
August 12, 2024
(1Ti 2:1-4) I
desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers,
intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men: For kings and for
all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable
life in all piety and chastity. For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour, Who will have all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
EXCERPT THE CATHOLIC THING: Of Priests and Politics by Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas
Very important, given the GOP’s regrettable backsliding on its previous
full-throated support for the sanctity of human life from the first
moment of conception, how are we to proceed? St. John Paul II helps us
in his 1995 landmark encyclical Evangelium Vitae, where he notes that
when neither political program is ideal, one can vote for the one that
inflicts the lesser harm (n.73); that position is echoed by the
American bishops in their 1998 document, Living the Gospel of Life (¶
31-32).
In our present situation, that means that while no Catholic could
support the Democrat proposal for abortion-on-demand, one could, in
good conscience, support the Republican platform which, at least,
opposes late-term abortion and the right of a State to ban abortion
completely.
One last point: Please do not fall into the trap of despair and
conclude, “A plague on both your houses,” and thus refrain from voting
at all. With the stakes as high as they are this election cycle, I do
not think one can make a moral case for sitting this one out. The
Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 2240) is quite direct on this
score: it is “morally obligatory. . .to exercise the right to vote.”
Cardinal Newman again brings his uncanny realism to the fore:
[The Church] fights and she suffers, in proportion as she plays her
part well; and if she is without suffering, it is because she is
slumbering. Her doctrines and precepts never can be palatable to the
world; and if the world does not persecute, it is because she does not
preach.
The bishops of the United States have been unwavering in their
“preaching” on the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the family,
parental rights in education, and the centrality of religious freedom.
No surprise, then, that the Church faces persecution. Faithful
Catholics will back up the voice of the bishops with their vote. Of
course, politics can never become a religion; indeed, “For here we have
no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
This, however, does not absolve us of the civic duty to vote – especially doing so according to an informed Catholic conscience.
EDITORIAL FIRST THINGS: Kamala Harris’s Record of Anti-Catholic Bigotry
CNA: Kamala Harris’ record on Catholic issues: what you need to know
CATHOLIC LEAGUE: Walz's Policies on Religion and Sexuality
EXCERPT CNA: GOP vice presidential pick J.D. Vance on why he became Catholic
"I slowly began to see Catholicism as the closest expression of her
kind of Christianity, a faith centered around a Christ who demands
perfection of us even as he loves unconditionally and forgives easily,”
he wrote.
It was “the Catholic part of my
heart” that Vance said demanded he think about the things that truly
matter, that he treat his son with patience, moderate his temper, value
his family above his income and prestige, and forgive those who have
wronged him.
“If I wanted that part of me to be
nurtured and to grow, I needed to do more than read the occasional book
of theology or reflect on my own shortcomings. I needed to pray more,
to participate in the sacramental life of the Church, to confess and to
repent publicly, no matter how awkward that might be,” he said. “And I
needed grace. I needed, in other words, to become Catholic, not merely
to think about it.”
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
4. Evagrius said, 'If your attention falters, pray. As it is written,
pray in fear and trembling (cf. Phil. 2:12), earnestly and watchfully.
We ought to pray like that, especially because our unseen and wicked
enemies are trying to hinder us forcefully.'
August 7, 2024
(Luk 12:40) Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Son of man will come.
ALETEIA: What are the Four Last Things?
By
meditating on the Four Last Things, Catholics are invited to consider
the weight of their actions, and to seek a life of righteousness.
SIGN.ORG: Fix Your Desires Upon Heavenly Things
ANTONIO CARDINAL BACCI: A Holy Death
1. Now and again it is useful for Christians to dedicate a day to
meditation on the subject of death. It is useful because it is easy to
regard our own death as something theoretical and remote, whereas in
fact we ought always to be prepared to die since it is “at an hour that
you do not expect the Son of Man is coming.” (Luke 12:40) It may be at
the hour when we are least expecting it that God will come to take us,
and it will be on our spiritual state at this hour that our eternity
will depend.
We know neither when nor where death will surprise us. It may be today,
it may be in a few years. It may come suddenly, or maybe after a long
illness. We may be in bed or in the middle of a street, in hospital or
at home. Finally, we may be resigned, comforted by the presence of a
priest and by the reception of the last sacraments, or we may be alone
and deprived of these consolations.
It is essential, therefore, to be always prepared, fortified by faith,
charity and good works. If we are really prepared, it will not matter
when, where, or how death comes, for it will be to us like the good
Sister Death of St. Francis of Assisi. It will release us from this
corrupt mortal flesh and open to us the gates of everlasting happiness.
Then we shall fly joyfully into the arms of our Creator and Redeemer
Whom we have tried hard to love and serve.
But if we are not prepared, what then? How bitter it will be to have to
leave the world to which we have become so attached. What remorse we
shall feel at the remembrance of our innumerable sins, badly confessed
and never atoned for, and at the realisation that we have failed to do
so much good which we could have done, whereas now we shall have to
appear before the Eternal judge with nothing to offer.
2. When we meditate on death, then, we should resolve to remain always
prepared. Besides this, we should make an act of perfect resignation to
the will of God, accepting from Him whatever illnesses He may ask us to
endure and whatever kind of death He has destined for us. We should
promise to accept everything as long as He will allow us to die in the
state of grace.
We should frequently offer to God, as a guarantee of our love and as
satisfaction for our sins and negligences, the sufferings with which we
shall be afflicted during our last illness. We shall be comforted in
our final hours by the remembrance of this total offering of ourselves
which we have so often repeated. Like Jesus in the garden of
Gethsemane, we shall be able to pray: “Father, if it is possible, let
this cup pass away from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest.”
(Mt. 26:39)
3. During our meditation on death we should seize the opportunity of
asking God for the favour of dying with the consolation of the last
sacraments. Let us pray that in our final moments we may be comforted
and reassured by the sacramental absolution and blessing of the priest
at our bedside, and that Jesus may visit us once more in the Blessed
Eucharist to revive our faith, hope, and love, and to strengthen us for
our journey into eternity. Finally, let us pray that, before we have
lost consciousness, Extreme Unction may heal our spiritual scars, make
us worthy to see God, and assist us to pass peacefully from this vale
of tears into everlasting happiness.
The
Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
2. The brothers asked Agatho, 'Abba, which virtue in our way of life
needs most effort to acquire?' He said to them, 'I may be wrong but I
think nothing needs so much effort as prayer to God. If anyone wants to
pray, the demons try to interrupt the prayer, for they know that prayer
is the only thing that hinders them. All the other efforts in a
religious life, whether they are made vehemently or gently, have room
for a measure of rest. But we need to pray till our dying breath. That
is the great struggle.'
August 4, 2024
(Mat 5:9-12) Blessed
are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you,
and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for
my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven.
For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
VATICAN NEWS: Pope: Do not stifle the word of the God of Peace, war is a defeat
Pope Francis is deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East
and the risk that the conflict might spread from Gaza and Israel to
other countries. Following most recent events in the area, his hope is
that this conflict, which is "already particularly violent and bloody,
does not expand further."
Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for the Sunday
Angelus, Pope Francis prays for all the victims, "especially the
innocent children," and "for the people in Palestine, Israel, and
Lebanon," expressing particular sympathy for the Druze community in the
Holy Land, which was hit last week by a rocket that killed 12 children
and teenagers playing on a football field.
Targeted Attacks and Killings Can Never Be a Solution
Pope Francis also called for "the courage to resume dialogue so that
the fighting stops immediately in Gaza and on all fronts and the
hostages are freed," aiding the populations with humanitarian aid.
Bombings, murders, and violence serve no purpose, he added.
"Attacks, even targeted ones, and killings can never be a solution.
They do not help to follow the path of justice, the path of peace, but
generate even more hatred and revenge. Enough, brothers and sisters!
Enough! Do not stifle the word of the God of Peace but let it be the
future of the Holy Land, the Middle East, and the entire world! War is
a defeat!"
WSJ: Iran Rebuffs Calls for Restraint in Its Response to Killing of Hamas Leader
Iran rejected U.S. and Arab efforts to temper its response to the
killing of Hamas’s top political leader in Tehran, as authorities were
investigating the security breaches that led to the attack.
Iranian prosecutors said Saturday that they had opened a formal
investigation into the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, which came hours
after an Israeli strike killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
The two attacks, following a rocket strike on a soccer field in the
Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, escalated a recent cycle of violence
and threatened to push the region to the brink of war.
Iranian leaders have vowed to retaliate. On Saturday, Iran told Arab
diplomats it didn’t care if the response triggered a war, according to
people familiar with the conversations.
The U.S. asked European and other partner governments to convey a
message to Iran not to escalate, warning any significant strike would
draw a response and signaling that efforts by Iran’s new president to
improve engagement with the West would have a better chance if Iran
shows restraint, according to people involved in the discussions. The
U.S. message says it is pressing Israel to de-escalate as well.
Jordan said on Sunday it was sending its foreign minister to Tehran,
and the Lebanese foreign minister was also headed to Cairo to discuss
ways to diffuse tensions.
Israel has said it is prepared to defend against and respond to any retaliatory strike.
X:
A Large Underground Bunker Complex in the City of Jerusalem, for use by
Senior Israeli Military and Government Officials for Extended Stays
during Time of Conventional or Nuclear War, has been Opened as Fears of
a Large-Scale Iranian Attack against Israel, and Regional War continue
to Increase. The Complex, which has been Designed to take several
“Direct Hits” from Ground-Penetrating Munitions, is Virtually Connected
to the Underground Command-and-Control Complex under the IDF
Headquarters in Tel Aviv, also known as “The Pit” as well as several
other Control Nodes across the Country.
HEADLINES OF INTEREST
Cardinal of Jerusalem: both Palestinian and Israeli Catholics are suffering. What should the Church do?
Attacks on Christians increasing in Israel
Patriarch to Holy Land Christians: You have “calling” to be here
The
Desert Fathers: sayings of the Early Christian Monks: Unceasing
Prayer
1.
They said that on Saturday evening Arsenius used to turn his back to
the
setting sun and stretch out his hands towards heaven and pray until, at
dawn on Sunday, the rising sun lit up his face, and then he sat down
again.'
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