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Trib Times Special Report:
A
Watchman's View of the Kosovo Crisis
Trib Times Commentary:
On
the Israeli Elections
July 31, 1999
(Psa 17:14-15) O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
CDC: Life expectancy has climbed 30 years since 1900
(AP) -- Americans can expect to live nearly 30 years longer than they did at the turn of the century because of antibiotics, clean drinking water and advances that have helped control infectious diseases, government researchers say.
Since 1900, the overall death rate from diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis has declined from 797 per 100,000 to 59 per 100,000 in 1996 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, life expectancy during that period increased from 47.3 years to 76.1.
(Gen 6:3) Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal ; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."
(Psa 90:10) The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Editor's note: Is it not by God's Mercy that our lifespan on this world is limited? Are there any readers who want to live more than 120 years IN THIS WORLD?!!
(1 Pet 2:11-12) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
COMMENTS ON Y2K
Flo Kelly: I think you are being way too conservative. For example, the White House is building a bunker (command post) for possible disorder. I read in the Catholic Family News some months ago that one food for storage company could not take any orders for some time as it would take three months for them to fill the White House order. We are told that the FAA is compliant but they only tested 6 of about 200 systems. There is no need to panic but I think it only prudent to provide for our families. Thanks for all you do and may God bless you.
U.S.
plans Y2K bunker, Clinton aide to tell Senate
Y2K News Magazine
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
32. Often when I have prayed I have asked for what I thought was good, and
persisted in my petition, stupidly importuning the will of God, and not leaving
it to Him to arrange things as He knows is best for me. But when I have obtained
what I asked for, I have been very sorry that I did not ask for the will
of God to be done; because the thing turned out not to be as I had thought.
July 30, 1999
GOVERNMENT'S TOP Y2K EXPERT PREDICTS FAILURES FOR MORE THAN A DAY
(AP)- Computer failures related to the Year 2000 technology problem could extend well beyond New Year's Day, President Clinton's top Y2K expert said Thursday. Although John Koskinen predicted a national ''sigh of relief'' in the early hours of Jan. 1, he also anticipates scattered electronic failures over the first days, weeks and even months of the new year.
Some failures won't be recognized until the work week starts Jan. 3, as employees return to their offices and turn on their computers for the first time.
Koskinen urged people to prepare for possible trouble as they might for a winter storm or a hurricane: Buy flashlights and batteries, keep enough cash, food and water for several days and make copies of financial and medical records. But he also cautioned against stockpiling supplies, which could lead to local shortages, or draining bank accounts, which could strain the nation's financial system.
EXPERTS WARN OF A NEW Y2K THREAT: THE HIRED HELP
(AP)- Two of the government's top computer security experts are warning that some programmers hired to fix Year 2000 problems may be quietly installing malicious software code to sabotage companies or give themselves access to sensitive information after the new year.
Michael Vatis, director of the FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center, said experts hired by U.S. companies to fix their computers could secretly program "trap doors" -- ways to let them gain access later -- or add malicious code, such as a logic bomb or time-delayed virus that could disrupt systems.
U.S. NAVAL WAR COLLEGE YEAR 2000 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY DIMENSION PROJECT REPORT
Report: U.S. GOVERNMENT DEVELOPING COMPUTER MONITORING PLAN
(AP)- The Clinton administration has proposed a plan in which the FBI would oversee a computer monitoring system intended to protect the nation's data networks from intruders. The Federal Intrusion Detection Network, or Fidnet, would alert authorities to computer attacks that could cripple government operations or the nation's economy.
Officials say the system would be used to look for patterns suggesting illegal activity, not for eavesdropping. But monitoring the data flowing over networks could potentially open access to computer-to-computer communications like e-mail, documents and programs.
COMMENTS FROM THE CENTER OF DEMOCRACY AND TECHNOLOGY
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
31. Do not pray for the fulfilment of your wishes, for they may not accord
with the will of God. But pray as you have been taught, saying: Thy will
be done in me (cf. Luke 22:42). Always entreat Him in this way- that His
will be done. For He desires what is good and profitable for you, whereas
you do not always ask for this.
July 29, 1999
HELL IS THE ULTIMATE CONSEQUENCE OF SIN
(VIS)- The Pope recalled that "God is the Father, infinitely good and merciful. But man, called in freedom to respond to God, can unfortunately choose to definitively reject His love and His pardon, thus removing himself forever from joyous communion with Him. It is to precisely this tragic situation that Christian doctrine refers when it speaks of hell or damnation. ... Nonetheless, in a theological sense, hell is something else: It is the ultimate consequence of sin itself."
"The images with which hell is presented to us by Sacred Scripture must be correctly interpreted. They demonstrate the complete frustration and emptiness of a life without God. More than a physical place, hell is the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God."
John Paul II continued by saying that "'damnation' should not be attributed to God, because in His merciful love He cannot but wish for the salvation of the creatures He has made. In reality it is the creature that closes himself to love. 'Damnation' actually consists in the definitive separation from God."
We, the Pope concluded, cannot know, "without special divine revelation," who has been condemned. "The idea of hell - and still less the incorrect use of biblical images - should not be a cause of anxiety or despair; rather it represents a necessary and healthy reminder that the resurrected Jesus conquered Satan, giving us the Spirit of God so that we too could call Him "Father."
(2 Pet 3:9-10) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
30. When an angel comes to us, all who trouble us withdraw at once; then
the intellect is completely calm and prays soundly. But at other times, when
the attacks of the demons are particularly strong, the intellect does not
have a moment's respite. This is because it is weakened by the passions to
which it has succumbed in the past. But if it goes on searching, it will
find; and if it knocks, the door will be opened (cf Matt. 7:8).
July 28, 1999
NORTH AMERICA'S APOSTACY CONTINUES
CANADIAN SCHOOL BOARD ORDERED TO BAN LORD'S PRAYER
(Reuters) - A human rights commission in the western province of Saskatchewan Tuesday ordered a school board to stop making children say the Lord's Prayer or read from the Bible.
The commission recommended the board ``shed its image as a backwater of religious intolerance'' by ceasing to obey a 1901 provincial law that ordered recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
JUDGE BLOCKS FLORIDA PARENTAL NOTIFICATION LAW
(CWNews.com) - A Florida judge on Monday issued a temporary injunction preventing enforcement of a new law that would require notification of parents if their underage girls seek an abortion.
Circuit Judge Terry Lewis said the law -- which requires abortionists to notify parents 48 hours before performing abortions, but does not require parental permission -- violates a state Supreme Court decision that said a parental-consent law violated the privacy provision of the Florida Constitution.
EMAIL COMMENT ON THE "END OF TIME"
THE M+G+R Foundation: The End of Time is one thing, The End of These Times is another, and they are not interchangeable and is critical that people understand the difference.
The End of Time is when this frame of reference [with Eternity being another frame of reference] comes to an end. There will be no more Time [Past, Present and Future], there will only be the ever Present of Eternity.
There is an actual connection, a continuum, between the Time frame of reference and the Eternal frame of reference. We understand it vaguely and sometimes we feel that we are about to grasp it but then it elludes us [it probably is truly beyond our brain capabilities]. It is a very strange feeling and is undescribable, yet that connection -tunnel if you wish to call it- is what is travelled [pierced?] when our Lady visits us.
The End of These Times is the end of the times we are living through. The times which are causing God to directly intervene and stop our self destruction - physically, morally and spiritually. In Marian Apparition times perhaps it can be called the Triumph of Her Immaculate Heart.
In fulfillment of the Holy Scriptures we must live, in TIME, a lengthy period of peace, harmony and love as imperfect human beings. The way God intended it to be if the Gospel had become the way of life for the majority of the inhabitants of Time.
After such period is concluded, then Time will come to an end. The Universe will cease to exist in almost a reverse Big Bang, if you will. The Sequence of Events getting the world to the beginning of the Era of Peace, not the end of the Time frame of reference, are Biblically shown in http://www.mgr.org/sequence.html.
The latest document that we posted in our Domain indicates that our dear John Paul II is also intent in underscoring that. You may read it if you wish at http://www.mgr.org/millenium.html.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
29. Sometimes as soon as you start to pray, you pray well; at other times,
in spite of great exertion, you do not reach your goal. This is to make you
exert yourself still more, so that, having gained the gift of prayer, you
keep it safe.
July 27, 1999
MARBLE AND FUNNEL
Via email Richard Hubbell:
It is my impression that time is like a funnel, and history is like a marble. The marble is rolling around in a circular fashion on the inside of the funnel. It started rolling around on the top lip of the funnel and would have remained forever thus balanced had there been no sin in the universe. But now - due to the natural inclination for all things of a physical origin to degenerate (entropy) - over the centuries the marble has rolled ever further down the funnel - and of course has gained rotational speed in the process.
It is my further impression that as we come to the "the end of time" - which means the conclusion of history - we may picture the marble swirling at an ever more furious rate as it approaches the outlet of the funnel. It is a natural consequence then that as we approach the conclusion of time and history - people will begin to go mad in ever increasing numbers. The cause of this swelling tide of madness will be due to disorientation and vertigo - like being on a madcap roller coaster that you can't get off. Religious madness - as well as all other forms and variations of irrationality - will become increasingly commonplace.
It is further suggested that we are currently seeing a measurable acceleration of this very phenomenon - which we can expect to be become ever more pronounced as time and history rush toward their final - and inevitable - conclusion.
As a sure remedy - may we then always look steadfastly upon the cross of Christ - which is fixed motionless at the apex of history - the mouth of the funnel. About which all history is swirling at an increasingly maddening rate. May we also use all the fixed reference markers provided by our Holy Mother Church - which are absolute - and are not subjective - as so many would like to believe in their madness. May we thus be granted the grace by God to *stand firmly* upon the Rock - until the last day - and not be found prostrate - vomiting - disoriented - and caught in the enemy's snares at the climaxing moment as the marble of history hurtles through the mouth of the funnel of time - and our Lord, Jesus Christ, appears in the clouds to judge the world and to give to each of us a reward - whether it be good or evil - for the things we have done while in the body here upon His earth.
May God have mercy on us all - may He forgive us our sins - and bring us to everlasting life.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
28. Do not pray only with outward forms and gestures, but with reverence
and awe try to make your intellect conscious of spiritual prayer.
SCIENCE SEARCHES FOR ANSWERS TO MODERN-DAY PHENOMENA
FOX presents the live, two-hour special event SIGNS FROM GOD: SCIENCE TESTS FAITH Wednesday, July 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape), which examines an unprecedented wave of supernatural occurrences. During the two-hour special, FOX will search for the truth behind these spiritual phenomena to determine if they are direct signs from God, or elaborate hoaxes to deceive followers.
SIGNS FROM GOD: SCIENCE TESTS FAITH will take viewers around the world to witness these supernatural occurrences live, and discover whether science holds the answers to them. These extraordinary phenomena will undergo thorough forensic investigation and the findings will be revealed by scientific experts.
In Bolivia, a woman (Katya) bears the suffering and the wounds of Christ on the Cross -- a phenomenon known as the Stigmata. Her attending physician claims that the woman is dying as, over the period of several hours, bloody wounds appear on her hands, feet and forehead. Yet, the next day, she is recovered fully, and her wounds have inexplicably disappeared. This same woman also claims to see visions of Jesus as a bright reflection of light becomes clearly visible in her eyes. SIGNS FROM GOD: SCIENCE TESTS FAITH will go live to Bolivia and subject the woman to sophisticated neurological testing while she claims to be receiving messages from Jesus.
Please click here for the web page dedicated to the Bolivian visionary (Katya).
Please click here for a collection of her messages, including her Bishop's Imprimatur.
Please click here to view an online documentary "For all Humanity" (Real Player required).
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
27. If you arm yourself against anger, then you will never succumb to any
kind of desire. Desire provides fuel for anger, and anger disturbs spiritual
vision, disrupting the state of prayer.
July 25, 1999
A COMMENT ABOUT COMETS
Via email Desmond Birch:
St. Hildegard is, in my mind, the most credible, renowned and authoritative of all private prophets. Years ago I obtained original (Latin) language editions of St. Hildegard's works, including her prophecies, and subsequently translated them myself -- discovering that she does in fact predict an earthly involvement with a large "Cometes". [There is only one possible English translation for that word, and that is the word "Comet".] I have subsequently expected earth to experience a disasterous meeting with a "Cometes" some time in the future.
The wording of Hildegarde is most definitely unclear as to whether it is a direct hit or just such a "close pass" that it causes many natural disasters -- including massive tidal waves -- such that "all coastal cities will live in fear." I put a virtual one-liner from Hildegarde about the predicted comet in "Trial, Tribulation and Triumph" (see all of page 312) -- with absolutely no commentary about the "comet". I felt I was morally obliged to include it, but did not want to create either hysteria or incredulosity by expanding upon it. But, in the area of human faith, I personally have no doubt that some day it will happen. Hildegarde did not appear to propose it as a conditional prophecy! She appears to unconditionally predict a comet for some time in the future.
OUR LADY OF EMMITSBURG MESSAGE
Through Gianna Talone Sullivan
(Bishop's
Statement)
at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Emmitsburg, MD July 22, 1999
My dear little children, praise be Jesus!
The heart of Jesus will reign for all eternity! You have been given a great gift, little ones. The gift of Jesus Himself in the most Blessed Sacrament is yours. Please give yourself to Him. Hold Him close in your heart and never let Him go because His goodness and His love is without end.
There are many leaders and many followers in the world, but there is only one God, your Savior, Jesus. Everything will come to an end at some point, but there is no end in Jesus. Your safe refuge is in His most Sacred Heart. Listen to the word of God. Jesus is present in the word. The church came forth from the heart of My Son who died on the cross for you. He is present in the word and in the most Blessed Sacrament. He is present in the priest who proclaims His word.
Truly children, God has given you a tremendous gift of Himself. The power behind the gift is a mystery to many people and is rarely acknowledged today because many are blind to the true elements which gain them power. Do you understand the meaning of meekness, littleness and simplicity? Seek the answers in these and replace them to their lawful throne. Then you will find the truth and the power which rests in Jesus, your Savior. You too can be the fabric of My Son woven with the finest silk.
I love you, little children, but you need to be just that, "little children"! It is the only way to gain power and rise to the top. I bless you in the name of Jesus and I take your petitions to Him. Do not be afraid to be "little". Be afraid you might become lost through the works of evil from hidden pride. Pray your petitions might not be confounded but will find a gracious hearing with God. Where your treasure is, there too is your heart. Where is the heart of Jesus, little children? Peace to you. Thank you for responding to My call. AD DEUM.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
26. If you are sparing with your anger you will yourself be spared, and you
will show your good sense and will be one of those who pray.
July 24, 1999
(Rev 8:10-11) The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water-- the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
SUN NEVER SETS, FOR LONG, ON FAST-SPINNING, WATER-RICH ASTEROID
Asteroid 1998 KY26, where the Sun rises or sets every five minutes, was observed June 2-8, 1998, shortly after it was discovered and as it passed 800,000 kilometers (half a million miles) from Earth, or about twice the distance between Earth and the moon.
While much larger near-Earth asteroids could pose a long- term collision hazard, 1998 KY26's size makes it harmless if it were on a collision course. The asteroid would most likely explode in the upper atmosphere and its fragments would fall harmlessly to Earth. Moreover, 1998 KY26 is in an orbit whose shape and low inclination with respect to the ecliptic plane make it unusually easy to intercept.
ASSESSING ASTEROID AND COMET IMPACT HAZARD PREDICTIONS
CLONING OF EXTINCT HUIA BIRD APPROVED
(ENN) -- It may sound like science fiction, but scientists and ethicists meeting in New Zealand earlier this month have determined that efforts to revive the extinct Huia bird through cloning should begin immediately.
Professor of molecular biology Diana Hill, who has also investigated the cloning of another extinct bird, the Moa, called the project "flagship research" and "exciting leading-edge science of international significance."
The Reverend Dr. Norman Ford, Catholic priest and director of the Caroline Chisholm Centre for Health Ethics in Melbourne, Australia, said that the benefits to Maori and to New Zealand of cloning the Huia meant the research was morally acceptable.
FEEDBACK ABOUT THE WARNING
Via email Jim Collins:
My friend bears witness to the experience of the Warning. He is a devout Catholic, a leader of the RCIA program, who stated a couple of years ago, that he, in a dream, had stood before God and received God's judgement.
He stated it was an intense and very uncomfortable experience. Not something he wishes to repeat. He was shown the impact of his sins especially on others, and on his family. Of greatest impact to him: SINS OF OMISSION. The result was "he grew" from it and became closer to God. And he has NO DOUBT about God's existence or His Love. And he is the first to offer help now, where others don't even think about it.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
25. Take care that, while appearing to cure someone else, you yourself do
not remain uncured, in this way thwarting your prayer.
July 23, 1999
IS Y2K GOD'S RESPONSE TO THE MODERN "TOWER OF BABEL"
(Gen 11:5-9) But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel --because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
Y2K GLITCH LIKELY TO DISRUPT TRADE -US OFFICIAL
(Reuters) - The 2000 computer glitch is likely to disrupt the worldwide flow of goods and services, perhaps sparking havoc and unrest in some countries, a top U.S. State Department official said in remarks prepared for Congress.
With less than six months left before the technology-challenging date change, ``the global picture that is slowly emerging is cause for concern,'' said Jacquelyn Williams-Bridgers, the State Department's inspector general.
"Our assessments suggest that the global community is likely to experience varying degrees of Y2K-related failures in every sector, in every region and at every economic level,'' she said.
"Y2K-related disruptions in the international flow of goods and services are likely,'' she said, adding that "a breakdown in any part of the supply chain would have a serious impact on the U.S. and world economies.''
(IDG) -- While most U.S. brokerages appear to have most of their year 2000 work completed, only 22% of foreign investment banks, clearinghouses and stock exchanges have fixed, tested and implemented their systems, according to a recent study.
Only 78 out of 650 foreign brokerages and stock exchanges targeted for the survey actually participated in the study. Still, the "majority" of those firms polled had completed less than half of their year 2000 projects. The survey was conducted between February and May this year.
The SEC, meanwhile, still seems to have a lot of year 2000 work of its own to complete. Of the agency's 52 mission-critical systems, only 18 were deemed year 2000-compliant as of June 1.
PERSONAL Y2K UPDATE
Yesterday we received a memo from the owners of the building in which our medical practice, Miami Lakes Eye Care Center, is situated. In the report twelve Y2K sensitive systems were identified involving our office building. Of these twelve systems, seven were listed as not yet being Y2K compliant (involving lighting and environmental services). Within our office itself we have had to purchase a completely new computer system with updated software as well as upgrading various date sensitive medical instruments. The costs relating to the Y2K issue at our office thus far is in the $10,000 dollar range. This, however, is relatively trivial compared with the Y2K expenses of three very large South Florida companies (according to the Miami Herald):
Bell South: More than $350 million.
Delta Airlines: $125-$130 million.
NationsBank: $443 million.
Though I haven't changed my general attitude about Y2K since my tongue-in-cheek editorial in the Trib Times on February 5th of this year, I must admit that I am becoming increasingly vigilant as the news about Y2K readiness, particularly in foreign countries, appears progressively more pessimistic.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
24. When you pray as you should, thoughts will come to you which make you
feel that you have a right to be angry. But anger with your neighbour is
never right. If you search you will find that things can always be arranged
without anger. So do all you can not to break out into anger.
July 22, 1999
TODAY IS TISHA B'AV -THE NINTH OF AV ON THE HEBREW CALENDER
Please join me in praying for the Jewish people and for true peace in Jerusalem!
(Zec 8:18-9) Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me. This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace."
PRAYERFUL SPECULATION FROM THE EDITOR OF THE TRIB TIMES
(Mat 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
I have frequently wondered about what the verse really entails. When it says "to all nations" does it mean all countries and all the people within their boundaries? But how could this possibly occur? What if a small country was missed? Or even a person? Or does the above mean to 51% of the world (i.e. a majority)? This would appear much more realizable.
Recently I believe that I was shown that it means literally what it says: "to ALL nations". But how is this humanly possible? The obvious answer is that it is not. But it may not have to be.
Many are expecting the imminent arrival of the Warning (sometimes called the Illumination). Might this event not be a way of God taking matters into His own hands and fulfilling, unequivocally, the requirements of this Scripture verse? My understanding of the Warning is that it will be an event similar to what has occurred throughout history at "the moment of death". But instead of allowing so many souls to be lost in this, the most sinful of all generations, the Father in His Mercy allows all to see the status of our souls in His eyes while we are still alive and able to repent! And PERHAPS at that exact moment He will reveal to all, even non Christians, the only manner in which our souls can truly be made clean: the Blood of the Lamb!! It may be this very announcement that is being preached by the angel in the Book of Revelation:
(Rev 14:6-7) Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
Some might consider this as an "unfair" advantage to those living in this generation compared with those who have lived previously. But has ANY prior generation been submitted to the temptations and testing of this one? Perhaps this is one of the applications of the parable of the laborers.
(Mat 20:13-16) "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
If it is in God's Wisdom and Mercy to allow this last generation a special opportunity to repent we must accept this in grateful humility and with thankful praise. Let us continue then, to wait in joyful hope for God's plan to unfold.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
23. If you patiently accept what comes, you will always pray with joy.
July 21, 1999
MEET YOU AT THE CORNER!
A new Catholic web site has hit the internet this week, the Catholic Corner. An interactive corner of the net for Catholics featuring live chat rooms, forums, weekly polls and more. The focus of the Corner , located at http://the-corner.net/, is to bring Catholics together from all points of the globe, to interact and meet one another and share in the love and glory of Our Lord and our wonderful Faith.
Those who are not Catholic and looking to learn more about the faith are welcome within the Corner as well, and invited to ask questions within the chats and the forums.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Via email [email protected]:
I read with great interest about the fertility drugs and procedures and how embryos are being destroyed. I thought your readers would be interested in my personal experience. My husband and I had 9 embryos frozen. After I experienced a deep conversion, I suddenly one day thought about these "real babies" that we created and what I should do about this. My pastor immediately had my husband and I come to the Parish office and discuss what we should do.
First, after 5 years, they are no longer viable. After this time period, we will have a formal funeral and have them buried. And we both confessed our sin. I cannot tell you how distraught this made me feel and how sorry I am. I would never hurt anyone especially my own children. I knew at the time the Church didn't approve of this, but never did I realize that I was just as bad as an abortionist.
God has forgiven me and I will never commit this sin again. If I have helped save one life by sharing this story, than I have peace.
(Psa 103:11-12) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
22. Those who store up grievances and rancour in themselves are like people
who draw water and pour it into a cask full of holes.
July 20, 1999
IS MODERN SCIENCE OUT OF CONTROL?
(Psa 35:17) O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.
A DARK SIDE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
While no one knows exactly how many frozen embryos are in storage in North America, some estimate there to be as many as 100,000 human embryos held in cryogenic banks. One concrete number to consider: In 1996, the last year for which complete records are available, doctors conducted 8,661 transfers of frozen embryos, using an average of 3.5 embryos per transfer, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. But doctors frequently fertilize as many as 30 eggs at a time during in vitro procedures. The remaining 20-plus embryos are then either destroyed or, more frequently, frozen. According to many doctors, theologians and medical ethicists, those frozen embryos are fully human.
Click here for a "Focus on the Family" article about a family that adopted a frozen embryo.
Links to hear a more comprehensive interview of the family via Real Audio: (Part 1) (Part 2)
Click here for a Catholic perspective from Archbishop Chaput: "Of Human Life".
BIG BANG MACHINE COULD DESTROY EARTH
A nuclear accelerator designed to replicate the Big Bang is under investigation by international physicists because of fears that it might cause "perturbations of the universe" that could destroy the Earth. One theory even suggests that it could create a black hole.
Last week, however, John Marburger, Brookhaven's director, set up a committee of physicists to investigate whether the project could go disastrously wrong. It followed warnings by other physicists that there was a tiny but real risk that the machine, the most powerful of its kind in the world, had the power to create "strangelets" - a new type of matter made up of sub-atomic particles called "strange quarks".
The committee is to examine the possibility that, once formed, strangelets might start an uncontrollable chain reaction that could convert anything they touched into more strange matter. The committee will also consider an alternative, although less likely, possibility that the colliding particles could achieve such a high density that they would form a mini black hole. In space, black holes are believed to generate intense gravitational fields that suck in all surrounding matter. The creation of one on Earth could be disastrous.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
21. 'Leave your gift before the altar; first go away and be reconciled with
your brother' (Matt. 5:24), and when you return you will pray without
disturbance. For rancour darkens the intellect of one who prays, and extinguishes
the light of his prayers.
July 19, 1999
BARAK WANTS PEACE BY NEXT YEAR
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday said he hopes to reach comprehensive peace with Israel's Arab neighbors within 15 months. He believes a deal with Syria over the Golan Heights would not require the presence of U.S. troops.
"I was not afraid to fight war, I am not afraid to make peace," said the former general and Labor Party head elected in May as Israel's leader. "This is a moment of truth. We should live up to the challenge and put an end to the conflict of over 100 years."
Jerusalem: 'Our capital
forever'
Barak Tries to
Redefine the Peace Process in Washington
(1 Th 5:3) While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
OUR LORD'S
MESSAGE through Fr Jack Spaulding
(Bishop's Statement)
at
St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Phoenix, AZ JULY 15, 1999
My dear ones, I come to you this night to say again what I've said long ago-- come to Me and I will refresh you.
Come to Me and I will give you peace. Stay close to me that I may assist you. My dear ones, I see that your hearts are so heavy. Allow Me to lighten your burden and follow My example of trusting Our Father. In your lives, there will be times when you do not understand the actions of My Father
During those times, you think that He has overburdened you. Your burden will be light if you give Me your troubles and your worries.
My dear ones, I come to you this night to comfort you. Know that I love you and know that I love those whom you love. I am with you, and I am with them. You are not alone. I again invite you to come to me that I may refresh you and heal you and comfort you and give you My peace. I am with you always.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
20. If you desire to pray as you ought, do not grieve anyone; otherwise you
'run in vain' (Phil. 2:16).
July 18, 1999
BISHOP: LEARY VISIONS NOT DIVINE
Bishop Matthew H. Clark has declared that John Leary - a Catholic layman who has claimed to receive visions of Jesus, Mary and some saints - has misjudged ordinary mental prayer for supernatural communication.
Bishop Clark also said that Leary's messages contain doctrinal errors that run counter to the Catholic faith. Leary was informed of the bishop's decision through a meeting with diocesean officals and a June 25th letter from the bishop. However, Bishop Clark stressed that the diocese considers Leary "a faithful Roman Catholic." The bishop said he will not forbid Leary to publish or teach about the messages that he claims to receive during the visions, as long as he points out in his published works that the diocese considers the messages to be of human origin.
OUR LADY OF EMMITSBURG MESSAGE
Through Gianna Talone Sullivan
(Bishop's
Statement)
at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Emmitsburg, MD July 15, 1999
My dear little children, praise be Jesus!
I come to you, my little ones, on behalf of Jesus your Savior, who dwells in the most Blessed Sacrament. I come to ask you to pray for peace and to return to God. Pray, pray, pray, little children. So many people are walking away from God's truth. They are walking away from His word. They are seeking words to fulfill their own desires and to make themselves feel good inside. They are being mislead by thinking this new way of god-centering energy will bring them closer to God and intimate with the Holy Spirit.
The only way you can develop an intimate relationship with God almighty is by becoming "little." You must decrease in all ways and He must increase in all ways. You must accept enlightenment of your weaknesses and embrace them, for it is in your weaknesses that you are made powerful in the eyes of God.
People must return to the true word of God. There is only one way which has been outlined for you through My Son. Many are seeking various props or words to help them feel good and closer to God. Simply look to Jesus. Bow only to the crucified Jesus by gazing upon the crucifix and the most Blessed Sacrament, adoring Him with reverence.
Pray also for peace, little ones, because there is tremendous desire on every level for power. The subtlety of evil has infiltrated the world through trickery, deceitfulness, anger, malice and control. A forced peace is not lasting. A binding contract is only temporary.
Peace must come from the heart. It can only come from God. If people walk away from God they will not know true peace.
Pray, pray, pray, little children. I take your petitions to the Father. I bless you in the name of Jesus. Those who seek His true word will be blessed with His peace.
Thank you for responding to My call. AD DEUM.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
19. If you endure something painful out of love for wisdom, you will find
the fruit of this during prayer.
July 17, 1999
JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF PHOTOGRAPHER OVER CITY OBJECTIONS
(AP) A photographer who wants to take a picture of 100 nude models on a street received permission Friday from a federal judge, who said the work is protected under the First Amendment. The city had objected, saying the sheer number of nude models violated the privacy rights of residents in the neighborhood.
WEB SITE NAMES COULD GET NAUGHTY
(AP) -- $% &!!-dot-com may soon find a home on the Internet. Already known for its neighborhoods inappropriate for children, the Internet could soon see long lists of Web addresses so smutty they could make plenty of adults blush.
Because of recent changes to the way addresses are assigned, people have been permitted to register dozens of Web sites this week with names previously deemed too objectionable by the government's exclusive contractor.
(1 Th 4:3-6) It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak 7/16/99 : "We are approaching the moment of truth"
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
18. If you wish to pray as you should, deny yourself all the time, and when
any kind of affliction troubles you, meditate on prayer.
July 16, 1999
Desmond Birch Commentary On "Private Revelation":
Testing Private Revelation- An Example (Part 2 OF 2)
Yesterday, we began our discussion of a recent 'alleged' prophecy/revelation. We discussed the falsehood of anyone thinking that God would "Judge" anyone prior to their death. There appear to be other doctrinal problems with this alleged prophecy. It also claims that God would deny a man access to the last sacraments if that man sought them sincerely. These two issues are inevitably theologically related to each other. To deny that God is an infinitely merciful God to each one of us up till the moment of our death -- that is also not the teaching of the Church. As Scripture informs us "God wishes all men to be saved." He will not force us, but He wills it right up till the moment of our death." There is an old theological adage which states; "That which God wishes, He provides the means for."
A quote from yesterday bears repeating here. The Catholic Catechism teaches:
"1021 Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ." The 'alleged' prophecy we're discussing would have us believe that the Catechism and Scripture are wrong, that God would announce to an alleged prophet that he was going to withhold the grace of his sacraments from a specific bishop. That is contrary to common sense and the teaching of the Church.
We can easily compare the false doctrine of this 'alleged' prophecy with that which Blessed Sr. Faustina Kowalska tells us that Our Lord revealed to her about his "Divine Mercy"; She says that Jesus told her that the greater the sins of the sinner, the more he has a right to appeal to "My (Jesus') Divine Mercy". That is what is stated by a nun who has been declared "Blessed" by the Church. And the writings of Blessed Faustina Kowalska have been declared by the Church to be free of doctrinal error. The same cannot be said for the writings of the alleged prophet who announced that God would withhold his grace from this Bishop.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church directly addresses this issue in the following manner:
"1037 God predestines no one to go to hell; [Cf. Council of Orange II (529): DS 397; Council of Trent (1547):1567] for this a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it till the end. In the Eucharistic Liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want "any person perish, but all to come to repentance." [2nd Peter, 3:9]
As we can clearly see, the Church dogmatically teaches that God does not wish any man or woman to perish - or to remain in sin. This of course is also clearly stated in Scripture (in 2nd Peter and many other places in Scripture). HOWEVER, this alleged prophecy is stating just the opposite. It says that Jesus has already judged and condemned a living Bishop to eternal damnation. God would not do such a thing. The prophecy is teaching another outright heresy.
Now let us compare what this alleged prophet says compared with one who is approved by the Church. What Blessed Faustina Kowalska tells us is revealed to her by Our Lord is completely in line with Scripture (Isa 1:18) which says, "Even if your sins shall be as scarlet, they shall be made whiter than snow." (This always applies to those of us who sincerely repent of our sins. We have God's repetitive promise of that.) Our Church teaches us that our God is infinitely loving and merciful towards us throughout all of our lives -- right up till the moment of death -- only after death does He becomes the God of total justice. AS LONG AS WE LIVE, HE INFINITELY LOVES ALL OF US and will forgive any of us anything as long as we sincerely repent of our sins. For grievous (mortal) sins, this requires sacramental confession if we have the opportunity or a "perfect act of contrition" if we truly don't. THIS IS THE TEACHING OF OUR CHURCH. ANY ALLEGED PROPHESY WHICH DENIES IT IS NOT FROM GOD.
There is yet another important test available to the faithful and the magisterium in the evaluation of alleged prophets. One of the major tests which Our Lord allows his saints to go through is "obedience to the Church." Many Saints have experienced the following. Jesus (in vision/locution) gives them direction "X". Then their bishop gives them directon "Y". This puts the poor seer in a terrible quandry. This happened to amongst many others St. Teresa of Avila and Blessed Sr. Faustina Kowalska. In each case, both of these saintly women chose to obey their Bishop next. In both of these individual cases, and in many other similar situations Jesus later appeares to them saying (paraphrased) "You did what was right - and it was pleasing to me. I have placed these people in authority over you. When you obey authority in the Church - YOU ARE OBEYING ME"! This is directly related to the FIRST TEST bishops are told to administer to alleged visionaries, or locutionists, or prophets --THE OBEDIENCE TEST! There has never been a case in the entire history of the Church wherein an alleged seer, etc., who flunked the "obedience test" was ever approved by the Church -- and later turned out to be authentic. As it says in Scripture, "Obedience is superior to sacrifice." THUS A WILLINGNESS TO UNCONDITIONALLY OBEY THE PRESIDING BISHOP IS SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE IN THE EVALUATION OF A PURPORTED SEER.
Finally, returning to this particular instance, this alleged prophet has indicated, as part of his "prophecy", that a number of reported modern "seers" are in fact "sons and daughters of satan". Even if the Church, in Her wisdom, eventually decides that some or all of these seers are indeed false, we should not consider this as an endorsement of this alleged prophet or as a "fulfilled prophecy". In the case of many of these modern "prophets" there are theological errors in their particular messages as glaring as those already discussed above.
Is there a Catholic reading this who does not at least get a sense of unease about all of this? Rest assured that in the quoted segments from the Catholic Catechism the Church therein referenced Her teachings to two previous Councils of the Church on this issue (Council of Orange, and the Council of Trent). The teaching of the Church on these issues is constant since the time of the infant Church - and it is all backed up in Scripture. I would be happy to address any further questions personally, although I invite any with serious doubts to petition their Bishops for further clarification. To contact me with a question related to private revelation in general, or to this specific instance please click here.
(Mat 24:10-11) At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
17. 'Go and sell all you have and give to the poor' (Matt. 19:21); and 'deny
yourself, taking up your cross' (Matt. 16:24). You will then be free from
distraction when you pray.
July 15, 1999
Desmond Birch Commentary On "Private Revelation":
Testing Private Revelation- An Example (Part 1 OF 2)
Recently, many of us have read an alleged "revelation/prophecy" which claims to reveal that Jesus is excommunicating an American Bishop, and that in addition to that, He is going to make sure that this Bishop does not receive the last sacraments (in order to deny him sacramental forgiveness of his sins before his death). Amongst other things this prophecy claims that Jesus said the following:
"I hereby excommunicate from My Church and sentence the soul of one xxxx xxxxxxxxx, Bishop of xxxxxxxxxx, TO HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY." (The name of the Bishop and his city has been deleted for common sense reasons and those of spiritual charity. Later on this 'alleged' prophecy claims that Jesus says: Solemnly, this day, I BLOT OUT THE NAME XXXX XXXXXXXXX (the name of the Bishop) FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE.
This alleged Prophecy/revelation is riddled with false doctrine. It claims that Jesus has told a prophet something contrary to the teachings of the Church. THAT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE; ONE OF THE CHURCH'S PRIMARY RULES FOR TESTING WHETHER OR NOT A PROPHECY ACTUALLY COMES FROM GOD IS; DOES IT CONTAIN ANYTHING CONTRARY TO THE FAITH? If it does contain something contrary to the Faith -- then the Church immediately knows the prophecy does not come from God. Why? Because God does not reveal error. He does not present false doctrine as truth! So, when there is false doctrine in an alleged prophecy or revelation, the Church knows this prophecy does not come from God.
Here is some explanation of why it is impossible that God would say he has already judged a Bishop as worthy of eternal damnation before he dies (or to judge anyone else for that matter). After Judas Iscariot's betrayal of our Lord, Scripture tells us Judas hanged himself and, "went to his own place". Many people have attempted to prove from this that "Judas Iscariot" is certainly in Hell. But the Church has never even declared that "Judas" is in Hell (or any other specific individual) -- FOR SOLID THEOLOGICAL REASON! As the Holy Father points out in his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope;
"Even when Jesus says of Judas, the traitor, 'It would be better for that man if he had never been born' (Mt. 26:24), His words do not allude for sure to final damnation." [Crossing the Threshold of Hope, p. 186] That is our Holy Father, John Paul II speaking!
As we can see, the Church does not even declare with certainty the fate of Judas. She cannot, because God does not reveal the identity of unsaved souls to man. Any Catholic theologian (or even a competent catechist) knows this point of Faith. (There are also many private "revelations" throughout the history of the Church which describe someone completely repenting the instant just before death. Jesus grants such people the grace for perfect contrition at that point, and they cooperate with that grace. Some simply do not accept that grace as they have done in much of their previous life. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches;
"1021 Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ." [Catholic Catechism - p. 266.]
On the other hand, God does grant absolutely certain knowledge to the Church -- through the Magisterium -- of the happy condition of the souls of canonized saints. The Good eschatological news God shares with man. The condition of any individual's soul hangs in the balance until the moment of death. This is a well-known point of Theology. It is central to one of the most famous quotes in the Church. As St. Alphonus (founder of the Redemptorist Order) observed; "If Jesus does not choose to judge a man until he dies, how dare I."
As stated above, if there is false doctrine in a prophecy, the Church and Scripture tell us that it is not from God. The 'alleged' prophecy we're discussing states that some bishop stands "already judged" (prior to his death) by Our Lord. That is a patent heresy. Our Lord never "judges" a man or woman until they die. That is the teaching of the Church. As St. Paul tells all of us in relation to the gifts of the Holy Spirit; "Test all things, hold fast that which is good." While only the Church can reach an authoritative definitive verdict about any particular alleged prophecy or prophet, what do we do privately do in the meantime? We privately "test all things", as St Paul tells us to do.
This alleged prophecy clearly appears to hold false doctrine. Once we realize that about any alleged prophecy, we should stay totally clear of it and await the Church's authoritative verdict. THAT VERDICT IS THE JOB OF ANY ALLEGED PROPHET'S BISHOP.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
16. Prayer is the remedy for gloom and despondency.
July 14, 1999
(Luke 17:28 -30) "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. "It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
RAVERS FLOCK TO BERLIN FOR WORLD'S LARGEST STREET PARTY
(AP) Men in skirts and women in furry Day-Glo bikinis bounced Saturday to the techno throb of the Love Parade, the annual all-weekend rave billed as the world's largest street party.
''God is a DJ,'' read one banner on a float. Another, sponsored by a Berlin hospital, featured ''techo-nurses'' and ''cyber-doctors.''
Many revelers wore plastic daisies in their hair or on their clothes. Others sprayed water pistols to keep cool. As dancers heated up, clothes came off. Couples kissed enthusiastically for the TV cameras.
VATICAN PUNISHES US NUN, PRIEST FOR PRO-GAY STAND
(Reuters) - The Vatican Tuesday punished an American nun and priest, both long-time gay activists, for propagating ``erroneous and dangerous'' views and refusing to toe the Roman Catholic Church's line on homosexuality.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which controls the orthodoxy of Catholic teaching, said in a statement it permanently banned Sister Jeannine Gramick and Father Robert Nugent from pastoral work involving homosexuals.
(Jude 1:17-19) But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
15. Prayer is the fruit of joy and thankfulness.
July 13, 1999
By Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
(Excerpt follows for full article click on link above)
"God will work miracles, but He wants our cooperation. If the world isn't a better place- if the world doesn't know Jesus Christ- don't blame God. We just need to look in the mirror. Carrying on the work of Jesus is what we're here for. That's why He called us. That's our mission. In fact, the mission statement of the Catholic faith hasn't changed in 2,000 years. It's Matthew 28: 19-20: 'Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.'
Simple, direct, no-nonsense. It's the greatest mission statement ever written. But in reading and hearing this Scripture so many times in daily life, we can easily become dull to its power. So let's examine it.
First, it's not a suggestion or request. It's a command. It's a mandate. If you say you believe in Jesus Christ, you must preach the Gospel. You must teach the faith. There's no Option B. Jesus doesn't need our polite approval or intellectual assent. He doesn't want our support from the sidelines. He wants us- our love, our zeal, our whole being- because through us He completes the work of salvation, which has never been more urgent for the world than right now."
(Mat 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
DOLLY'S CREATOR PROPOSES RESEARCH ON HUMAN EMBRYOS
(ZENIT).- The "overwhelming" advantages of research with human embryos make it "necessary" for medicine, Harry Griffin said recently in Madrid. Griffin is the scientific director of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, and the creator of cloned sheep "Dolly." The scientist regards the British government's attitude as "disappointing." Like other European governments, it resists the idea of research using human embryos to produce cells and tissues for transplants. Griffin said access to this kind of clinical treatment could be widespread in 15 to 20 years. The pontifical Magisterium has repeatedly stated that cloning is an attempt against a person's human rights.
For a closer look at the spiritual implications of cloning: Eyedoctor's Site: The Desolating Abomination.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
14. Prayer is the flower of gentleness and of freedom from anger.
July 12, 1999
A Prophetic Word & God's Awesome Power
Via email (Jim Collins):
The purpose of the following is for all Christians who read this to know of that which will transpire...we are to bring hope into the world, and to "fear not".
Prophecy: Year of Darkness and Year of Light
This morning, while resting in the Spirit I was shown a prophetic word via speakers on Christian TV:
The coming year will be a year of darkness and a year of light.
One source of the light will be Christians witnessing their light onto the world. My sense is that we will be experiencing Revelation 12:4,5 (not part of prophecy received).
God's Awesome Power: "Not Destined Unto the Wrath"
Also shown to me this week was a demonstration of God's awesome ability to perform the supernatural, when He decided that it was time for Exodus of His people. This is a reminder to all who see this of God's ability to preserve His people in the hour of His choosing. It is another confirmation that God WILL PROVIDE AN EXODUS FOR HIS PEOPLE sometime in the future...for we are NOT DESTINED UNTO THE WRATH.
This week, I was shown Jabal Al Lawz, the true Mt. Sinai. Christian Biblical Archeologists have discovered the true Mt. Sinai in the desert of Saudi Arabia. The details of Moses' journey AND God's supernatural miracles have been preserved in the rocks and promotion of this discovery is NOW occurring, coinciding with this time, even though the discovery occurred in 1988.
The following was shown in video:
Exodus 17: Water from the Rock
The rock that Moses stuck to bring forth water in the desert was shown....the rock was split open and in front of it was an eroded water bed that led down to a dried up lake of water. This water gave drink to the 2 million plus Israeli's in a desert that experiences less than 1/2" of rain EVERY 3 YEARS.
Exodus 19: God's Fire Upon the Mountain
The top of the true Mt. Sinai was charred black granite. All the other mountains surrounding were not touched by the fire. According to Exodus, God descended in a fire upon the mountain. Stone markers remain to this day and surrounded the mountain. These markers were put into place to outline the "base of the mountain" past which the people were not to go, because the Lord had told them not to touch the mountain.
Exodus 32: The Golden Calf
According to Exodus, while people waited for Moses to come down from the mountain, they constructed a golden calf. At the base of the "true Mt. Sinai was found a painted Egyptian picture of an Egyption "cow" on a rock face that appeared to be beside a "pile of rocks" that appeared to be a large colapsed altar.
Exodus 14: Underwater Land Bridge
At the time of Moses, the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea. Also shown in this video was an underwater land bridge that provided a wide land crossing assuming that the waters were pushed back. This was wide raised seabed that would allow the couple of million people to pass over. It was like a "roadway" in the seabed. God had millions of years before "prepared the way".
Reference - book called: "The Gold of Exodus".
Related links:
Pat Robertson interviews Howard Blum, best-selling author of The Gold of Exodus
THE GOLD OF EXODUS: The Discovery of the True Mt. Sinai
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
13. Whatever you do to avenge yourself against a brother who has done you
a wrong will prove a stumbling-block to you during prayer.
July 11, 1999
It took one hundred days, and at the end of it, at least one million people were dead. And the genocide could have been, should have been, prevented. The massacres in 1994 in Rwanda are a blot on history, with the United Nations now condemned as gutlessly complicit.
Via email (Jonathan Joseph):
Many forget, that the United Nations spearheaded by France, allowed 1,000,000 people to be martyred in Rwanda without lifting a finger, and they knew. There is one Australian ex-policeman who used to worked for the United Nations who is trying to expose those responsible in the U.N..
Many Catholics were martyred.
Mother Mary had warned visionaries prior to this. I had the video of the Catholic Visionary and I knew Mother Mary was warning the world....BUT NOBODY LISTENED!
From Seven visionaries in Kibeho, Rwanda 1981 to 1989:
"... In one vision that lasted eight hours they saw terrifying images of people killing each other, and bodies thrown into rivers. They saw bodies without their heads -- decapitated. They were weeping and crying and the witnesses who crowded around the seers were left with an unforgettable impression of fear and sadness."
If Rwanda did not come back to God, said the vision, there would be a 'river of blood.' "
Another excerpt:
"Our Lord taught him the Our Father and gave him instructions on the faith. Emmanuel was given the following message from the Blessed Mother:
'There isn't much time left in preparing for the Last Judgment. We must change our live, renounce sin. Pray and prepare for our own death and for the end of the world. We must prepare while there is still time. Those who do well will go to Heaven. If they do evil, they will condemn themselves with no hope of appeal. Do not lose time in doing good and praying. There is not much time and Jesus will come.'"
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
12. Whenever a temptation or a feeling of contentiousness comes over you,
immediately arousing you to anger or to some senseless word, remember your
prayer and how you will be judged about it, and at once the disorderly movement
within you will subside.
July 10, 1999
(Rev 6:8) I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
WOMEN AND AIDS: THE FORGOTTEN EPIDEMIC
(WebMD) The number of women with AIDS worldwide has been rising dramatically, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, where it is more common for it to be transmitted heterosexually than otherwise.
According to CARE, one of the world's largest international relief and development organizations, more than 9 million women are living with AIDS -- 41 percent of all reported cases.
REPORT: AIDS CASES IN CHINA SOAR PAST 400,000
(AP) About two-thirds of the people infected with HIV are drug addicts living in rural areas, although the number of sexually transmitted cases is increasing, the Yangcheng Evening News said in a report seen Friday in Beijing. It said some 83 percent of HIV carriers were men and that more than half were in their twenties.
Earlier reports in the state media have said the number of HIV carriers in China could reach 1 million by 2000.
LIFE EXPECTANCY PLUMMETING IN SOUTH AFRICA DUE TO AIDS
(AP) The average South African will live only 40 years by 2008 down from 60 if the AIDS epidemic continues to rage at its present pace, the Department of Welfare and Population Development said Friday.
The drop in life expectancy is in line with many of the countries in southern Africa, where the AIDS epidemic is the fastest growing in the world.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
10. When the demons see you truly eager to pray, they suggest an imaginary
need for various things, and then stir up your remembrance of these things,
inciting the intellect to go after them; and when it fails to find them,
it becomes very depressed and miserable. And when the intellect is at prayer,
the demons keep filling it with the thought of these things, so that it tries
to discover more about them and thus loses the fruitfulness of its prayer.
July 9, 1999
PREGNANT WOMAN AWAKENS FROM COMA
(AP) - Nobody expected Maria Lydia Hernandez Lopez to awaken from her coma, and her doctors held little hope that the twin girls she had been carrying for nearly six months would be born alive.
But a month after Mrs. Lopez slipped into her coma - after her family agreed to remove her life support and a priest had administered last rites - the 25-year-old woman awoke.
"It's been pretty remarkable ride,'' said her neurosurgeon, John Frazee of the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center. "It's something that I have never seen happen in 17 years - someone waking up who I thought was going to die.''
In mid-May, the family was about to remove life support. As a priest was giving last rites, Mrs. Lopez sputtered, coughed and lurched in her bed. Doctors said it was an involuntary reflex, but the family saw it as a sign from God.
"When I saw that, I knew she was not gone. That was a sign for me,'' sister Adela Hernandez said. "That's where my faith came in.''
Finally, on June 9, she awoke. Six days later, she delivered twins, Arizandy Leann and Brianna Angel.
(Isa 45:18) For this is what the LORD says-- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited-- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other.
U.S. NOT PREPARED TO COMBAT WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
(CNN) -- The United States is not prepared to combat the "grave" threat of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons spreading around the world, the head of a high-level government commission told CNN Thursday.
Particularly alarming are threats from economic problems in Russia. Seven times since 1992, weapons-grade nuclear materials have been stolen and the Russian government doesn't know how much material it has.
Other dangers are posed by China's export of missiles, North Korea's ability to manufacture weapons, instability in the Middle East and Asia and terrorist efforts to obtain weapons.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
9. Persevere with patience in your prayer, and repulse the cares and doubts
that arise within you. They disturb and trouble you, and so slacken the intensity
of your prayer.
July 8, 1999
WAL-MART AND PLANNED PARENTHOOD
For those of you that have not heard, Planned Parenthood is planning a boycott of Wal-Mart because Wal-Mart will not sell Preven. Preven is being called the day after contraceptive. It is not a contraceptive. The egg will have already been fertilized. This is an abortion devise and Wal-Mart refuses to sell it.
Planned Parenthood is asking all women and the men who agree with a woman's right to choose (to kill) to boycott Wal-Mart and to write them letting them know why they are being boycotted.
A Wal-Mart official gave an email address for us to write to. To email Wal-Mart simply click here and add an appropriate message. Please support Wal-Mart by shopping in their stores and write them and let them know that we are supporting them by patronizing their stores. The address is: [email protected] Put re: Preven
Let them know we appreciate their stand. We mustn't let them down. They are standing up for what is right.
Please forward this to everyone and let's let them know that the majority still supports Right to Life. Thanks. We really need to support businesses that take a moral stand on an issue.
"It is a very great poverty that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." - Mother Teresa
(Rev 21:8) But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
LARGEST COLLECTION OFf JESUS COINS DISCOVERED NEAR SEA OF GALILEE
(AP) A trove of rare, thousand-year-old coins bearing the likeness of Jesus has been discovered in an area of the Holy Land that was predominantly Muslim at the time.
Some of the uneven, blue-green coins show Jesus standing with a cross behind him, others have him sitting on a throne; another is a depiction of Jesus' face. The Greek inscriptions read ''Jesus the Messiah, the King of Kings,'' or ''Jesus, the Messiah, the Victor.''
(Rev 19:15-16) Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
11. Try to make your intellect deaf and dumb during prayer; you will then
be able to pray.
July 7, 1999
REPORT: CHINA STEPS UP REPRESSION OF CATHOLICS
(AP) -- Authorities in northern China have stepped up repression of Catholics, with one priest dying in suspicious circumstances, a seminarian being beaten and four laymen being imprisoned, a watchdog group reported Tuesday.
The renewed clampdown began in May and is centered on Hebei, the province surrounding China's capital and a stronghold of Catholics resisting the communist government's religious controls, the U.S.-based Cardinal Kung Foundation reported.
Under Chinese law, Catholics are supposed to worship in state-approved churches serviced by state-sanctioned priests. The government-backed Catholic association does not recognize the authority of the pope or the Vatican.
BARAK ASSUMES POWER WITH CALL FOR PEACE
"The supreme goal will be to bring peace to the Israeli people," said Barak, so that "mothers can sleep peacefully" in Israel.
He said that peace would not come unless it was based on four pillars -- peace with Egypt, with Jordan, with Syria and Lebanon, and with the Palestinians. Israel has signed peace accords with Egypt and with Jordan, leaving two remaining steps to a lasting peace in the region, Barak said.
(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(Acts 10:36) You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
(Rom 11:25-26) I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
8. Many people, shedding tears for their sins, forget what tears are for,
and so in their folly go astray.
July 6, 1999
Y2K Resources
I have come across two resources this weekend that may be of help in preparing your own home computers for the Year 2K. One looks at installed software while the second looks at hardware, specifically the computer's clock.
The first is found at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/year2k/pca/pca.htm. Scroll down to where the link for "Intel build" is found and click there to start the download. This program is called Microsoft Year 2000 Product Analyzer. It looks at every Microsoft product on your computer (Windows, Internet Explorer, Word, Works, etc) and gives you the address on the internet where the patch file is located to make the program Y2k compliant. I successfully patched Windows 95 and Microsoft Word '97.
The second file can be found at http://www.nstl.com/html/ymark2000_instructions.html. It checks your hardware to see if your computer clock will handle the turnover properly.
Don't panic if you don't initially pass the hardware test. Instead visit the homepage of your computer manufacturer to see if a patch program or bios upgrade is available. My computer initially failed the hardware test. I then went to the Compaq Y2K site and loaded a patch program that successfully resolved the problem.
Though it is likely wrong to generalize from my specific experience, making my computer year 2K compliant has, thus far, been a breeze.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
7. If you do shed tears during your prayer, do not exalt yourself, thinking
you are better than others. For your prayer has received help so that you
can confess your sins readily and make your peace with the Lord through your
tears. Therefore do not turn the remedy for passions into a passion, and
so again provoke to anger Him who has given you this grace.
July 5, 1999
AMERICA- THEN AND NOW
THEN
Via email (Michael J. Coppi):
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted...We shouldn't.
NOW
MINOR SCUFFLES AS ARYANS, DEMONSTRATORS SQUARE OFF AT PARK RALLY
(AP) Aryan Nations members and human rights activists scuffled at a downtown park on Saturday while the two groups engaged in a shouting match before a rally by the racist sect.
CHURCH OF WORLD CREATOR FAVORS WHITE RACE
(AP) The man being sought in connection with shootings of minorities in the Midwest was a member of a group called World Church of the Creator, police said Sunday.
Bloomington Police Chief Jim Kennedy said the church was involved in the distribution of anti-minority and anti-Semitic literature there last year when Smith was a student at Indiana University.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
6. Pray with tears and all you ask will be heard. For the Lord rejoices greatly
when you pray with tears.
July 4, 1999
LIGHTNING STRIKE DISRUPTS AIR TRAVEL FOR THOUSANDS
(AP) -- A lightning strike at an air traffic control center on the eve of the holiday weekend delayed flights across the Northeast for hours and tangled travel plans for thousands of passengers.
(Job 38:33-35) Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God's dominion over the earth? "Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?
CALIFORNIA 'CONTROLLED BURN' ROARS OUT OF CONTROL
(AP) A fire that federal authorities set to thin brush got out of control and roared through a mountain hamlet, destroying two dozen homes and forcing 500 people to flee. In Nevada, a larger but less damaging wildfire was partially contained Saturday.
US, NATO STOP RUSSIA SENDING MORE TROOPS TO KOSOVO
(Reuters) - The United States and NATO have refused to allow additional Russian troops to join peacekeeping forces in Kosovo until details of their mission have been agreed upon, U.S. officials said on Saturday.
At the request of Washington and the alliance, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria refused over the past few days to allow Russian aircraft to enter their airspace to carry additional forces to Kosovo, officials said.
Kosovo troop delay surprises Moscow
Russia expels American military attache
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
5. First pray for the gift of tears, so that through sorrowing you may tame
what is savage in your soul. And having confessed your transgressions to
the Lord, you will obtain forgiveness from Him.
July 3, 1999
ON PRIVATE REVELATION
Via email (Jim Collins):
One of the things that I have found myself doing is to "tune out" from alleged messengers for they brought "fear and anxiousness" rather than God's love. Currently, the Spirit is moving to teach me that we are "set free" of fear, anxiousness, ...... and this is part of the Christian experience, even in tribulation (fascinating to watch the Holy Spirit orchestrations).
I can confirm personally that prophecy does exist as revealed through the Holy Spirit, today. Prophecy in these circumstances has been used by the Spirit to help people in their relationship with God or to overcome personal anxiety and problems, etc. (used to help heal, bring hope, bring spiritual awareness, etc.). And as the Church and St. Paul write, it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I have, through the Holy Spirit, been given prophecy to deal with my personal circumstances (brought faith and hope to deal with difficult situations). And, I have witnessed prophecy being given to others who I KNEW were of the Spirit because they eventually came true.
(Acts 2:17 -18) "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
NOTABLE QUOTE
Via email (Victoria Forrester):
"If the only way to create a greater Serbia is by crime, then I do not accept that, and let that Serbia disappear. And also if a lesser Serbia can only survive by crime, let it also disappear. And if all the Serbs had to die and only I remained and I could live only by crime, then I would not accept that, it would be better to die."
--Patriarch Pavel of Serbia at Gracanica Monastery, Kosovo, June 28th
(Mat 24:13) but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
4. When Moses tried to draw near to the burning bush he has forbidden to
approach until he had loosed his sandals from his feet (cf. Exod. 3:5). If,
then, you wish to behold and commune with Him who is beyond sense-perception
and beyond concept, you must free yourself from every impassioned thought.
July 2, 1999
Desmond Birch Commentary On "Private Revelation":
THE GOLDEN ROAD, THE VIA MEDIA
The Church teaches these two related truths:
1. The Holy Spirit does continue to grant the charism of prophecy to various individuals.
2. Not all alleged prophecy is authentic.
Last time we talked about #2. This time we speak of #1.
The Church must always seek the truth above all else, because She is the creation and instrument of Him who is "the way, the TRUTH, and the light." That truth is very often found right in the middle between two poles, or 'apparent' extremes. This 'middle' is the "Via Media", the Middle Road.
That venerable expression (Via Media) is not equivalent to our English "middle of the roader", which signifies someone who avoids taking a position. This old saying describes a time-honored fact that; this is the position where the FULLNESS of truth is quite often found.
In my last 'commentary' (see June 11, 1999) we discussed the fact that Church teaches us that (1) we do not have to believe in any particular private revelation/prophecy/locution, (2) not all alleged prophecy is from the Holy Spirit, etc. That is one "pole" of the Church's position.
But on the other end, the Church teaches of the authentic existence of this Charism of Prophecy. To be specific, the Church commonly teaches the ongoing post-apostolic existence of the Charism of Prophecy. Any Catholic who doubts this needs to study his faith in greater depth on this subject.
Vatican Council I taught us; "Nevertheless, God has been pleased to supply, besides the interior aids of the Holy Spirit, external evidence of his revelation, namely divine acts, especially miracles and prophesies." (DSch 3009)
Vatican Council II taught: "The Holy Spirit…distributes special gifts among the faithful of every rank… (which) must be accepted with gratefulness and consolation, as they are especially suited to, and useful for the needs of the Church … Those who have extraordinary gifts … Judgements as to their genuineness and their correct use lies with those who lead the Church and those whose special task is 'not indeed to extinguish the spirit' but to examine everything and keep that which is good." (Lumen Gentium, Chapter 2, No 12)
Here, the Fathers of Vatican II are directly quoting St. Paul's famous "two poles" admonition (1) not to "extinguish" the spirit of prophecy (and/or the other gifts or charisms of the Holy Spirit. (2) The second pole warns us not to be gullible or credulous, to "examine everything". So if anyone attempts to tell you that the charism of prophecy died with the infant Church, all we should need to answer them is simply to quote Vatican Councils I & II to them.
These two examples (Vatican Council I & II) are far from isolated cases of a "common" teaching within the Church as to the existence of an ongoing Charism of Prophecy. I quote dozens of others in "Trial, Tribulation and Triumph". Next time we will look at several, especially from two of the most prestigious "Doctors" of the Church, Sts. Theresa of Avila, and St. Thomas Aquinas.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
3. Prayer is communion of the intellect with God. What state, then does the
intellect need so that it can reach out to its Lord without deflection and
commune with Him without intermediary?
July 1,1999
VIA EMAIL (David J. Sheehan):
Brothers, you have done an excellent job with your web posting of Lieutenant Greg Wall's address in Brcko. In a recent email he says:
"The letters have already started trickling in from your e-mail posting and I have been passing them out to the guys, thank you it means a lot to them.We are under three months until we return home to our families. We should be back around the 25th of September. Things over here are extremely peaceful and progressing nicely."
Note that besides books, they can also receive American VCR tapes. I noticed in the Post Office that they sell VCR boxes for mailing that read "VCR Tape enclosed - do not xray"
Please think about some type of permanent posting on your website so that folks continue to send mail to our boys in Brcko. If there is a Serbo-Russian attack in the Balkans in the future, Fort McGovern is a prime target. When we visited them, we found out that in the first week of this Serbo bombing war, that the Serb Migs on 2 occasions tried to attack the base. You will recall a few early stories about Serb Migs getting shot down or driven away from Bosnia. Their destination was Fort McGovern, so please keep supporting our boys there through prayer and communication. Also, please keep the people of Serbia in your prayers. The Serbs are good, hard-working people. However, there is a need of a deep conversion to God, much like our nation requires. Without that conversion, it does not matter if Milosevic stays in power or not, there will be a future war. If the Serbs do convert, Milosevic & kin better have their bags packed and ready to head for the nearest Greyhound terminal incognito!
Again, the mailing address is:
1LT GREG WALL
TF 1-12 CAV D CO.
CAMP McGOVERN OPERATION JOINT GUARD
APO AE 09789
PRAYER-RECOMMENDING BILL FAILS IN HOUSE
(AP) After suffering a narrow defeat, supporters said they'll try again to win House passage of a resolution calling for Americans to observe a national day of prayer and fasting in response to recent violence.
Despite calls for public repentance, reconciliation and moral uplift through prayer, Rep. Helen Chenoweth, R-Idaho, failed to win the two-thirds majority needed for passage Tuesday.
''Our nation is sick and hurting and now is the time when all Americans of faith must come together and pray for healing and a spiritual renewal,'' Chenoweth said from the House floor Tuesday. ''If there ever is a time when we need almighty God, it is now.''
(2 Chr 7:14) if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
The Philokalia excerpt: Evagrios the Solitary "On Prayer"
2. When the soul has been purified through the keeping of all the commandments,
it makes the intellect steadfast and able to receive the state needed for
prayer.
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