tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278242851011794342024-03-17T00:00:33.949-04:00SacerdotusA site about God, the Catholic Church, Science, Philosophy, Religion, Atheism, and other worldly things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1999125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-7330440997268399792024-03-17T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-17T00:00:00.246-04:00Reflection: 5th Sunday of Lent - Following Him<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2IDl7oHYyZQOBPaNp4fKFpu3ubjD6MbxtHHzMSahqgO5XSY2G_aoywiwLKDO8Y55zznmf9flmz-5ASMIIQMF_sIBHkHQHxpCo0UTgmwOlO4uZLpRgnLHA8hiCbpblqcgfThB9lc-c_1P0Tz_62RsFkt2f5CDNDogvKU47FQekxerghCeP7MXCIEfaXIN/s1024/_c0cbbe46-47d9-47ff-8172-1cf0d3166bb0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2IDl7oHYyZQOBPaNp4fKFpu3ubjD6MbxtHHzMSahqgO5XSY2G_aoywiwLKDO8Y55zznmf9flmz-5ASMIIQMF_sIBHkHQHxpCo0UTgmwOlO4uZLpRgnLHA8hiCbpblqcgfThB9lc-c_1P0Tz_62RsFkt2f5CDNDogvKU47FQekxerghCeP7MXCIEfaXIN/s320/_c0cbbe46-47d9-47ff-8172-1cf0d3166bb0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Today's readings tell us that God makes things new in Christ (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A17&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>). We must follow Christ in order to be part of this renewal. This following of Christ will not be easy. We must suffer greatly (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A18&version=NIV">Matthew 10:18</a>). <p></p><p>As we enter the fifth Sunday of Lent in cycle B, we are called to deepen our reflection and understanding of the scriptures. This period of Lent is a time for personal growth and spiritual renewal, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of faith and the journey toward Easter.</p><p>The readings for this Sunday offer profound insights into the nature of sacrifice, redemption, and the transformative power of love and faith. They challenge us to look within ourselves, confront our weaknesses, and embrace the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life.</p><p>In the first reading, we encounter the promise of a new covenant, one that is written not on stone but on the hearts of believers. It speaks to the intimate relationship God desires with each one of us, calling us to a deeper communion with the divine.</p><p>The responsorial psalm echoes this theme of mercy and forgiveness, reminding us that God's love is ever-present and that we are always welcomed back into His grace when we seek reconciliation.</p><p>The second reading reminds us of Christ's obedience and humility, qualities that led Him to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His example serves as a beacon for our own lives, urging us to live in service to others and to uphold the values of the Gospel.</p><p>Finally, the Gospel reading brings us face-to-face with Jesus' prediction of His own death and resurrection. It is a poignant reminder of the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for humanity. Through His suffering and triumph over death, we are offered a path to new life.</p>In the first reading, we are told that God is going to start a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This covenant will be different from the one the Israelites were used to. Before, God showed Himself to them and brought them out of slavery. He would work His wonders before them and others, showing that He is God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+95%3A9&version=NIV">Psalm 95:9</a>). Now things will be different. He is going to place His law in their hearts (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A31&version=NIV">Psalm 37:31</a>). Here we see how God is preparing humanity for Jesus. He is setting a place in man's heart for Himself (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A17&version=NIV">Ephesians 3:17</a>). This new covenant will include not only Israel and Judah but the rest of the world (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A1&version=NIV">Jeremiah 31:1</a>,<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A3-4&version=NIV">3-4</a>,<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A7-8&version=NIV">7-8</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A52&version=NIV">John 11:52</a>). The old covenant was a preparation for the new. This is why Jesus did not come to abolish the old but to fulfill it (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A17&version=NIV">Matthew 5:17</a>). The old is part of the new. It is a religious and spiritual metamorphosis. However, to be part of this new covenant, we must be pure of heart, mind, and soul. This brings in the Psalm for today.<br /><br />In the responsorial Psalm, we recite, "<i>Create a clean heart in me, O God</i>." We ask God for mercy and ask that He in His generosity and goodness restore His image in us by wiping clean all that exists in us that keeps us from this image (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1%3A18&version=NIV">Isaiah 1:18</a>). Only God can do this (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51%3A7&version=NIV">Psalm 51:7</a>). God is the only one who knows us inside and out (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 139:2</a>). He can perceive our introspection and know our temperament. We were created by Him, we come from Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV">Genesis 1:27</a>). His breath and word are what keep us in existence (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A7&version=NIV">Genesis 2:7</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+39%3A5&version=NIV">Psalm </a><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+39%3A5&version=NIV">39:5</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A4&version=NIV">Matthew 4:4</a>). This washing of the soul brings back the joy in us. God reestablishes His friendship with us. In response, we must call others who are in sin and bring them to this spiritual laundry mat that is God's grace, so to speak (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A16&version=NIV">Colossians 3:16</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A14&version=NIV">Romans 15:14</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A20&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 5:20</a>). This cleaning is done with the blood of the lamb who was slain (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12%3A11&version=NIV">Revelation 12:11</a>). His suffering redeems us. It restores us as we read in the second reading.<br /><br />The second reading reminds us that Jesus prayed and offered Himself for all of us. Today's second reading is sometimes used by Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims to claim that Jesus was not god. To them, he was either a demi-god or a prophet. The words, "<i>he learned obedience</i>" and "<i>was made perfect</i>" seem to indicate this. However, we must understand that Jesus was both God and man (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1+&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 1:1</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A14&version=NIV" target="_blank">14</a>). He had two natures and one personhood. This is called the <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a3p1.htm#470" target="_blank">Hypostatic union</a>. The fact that He was God did not make His humanity any different. He experienced everything human beings experience except sin (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A15&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hebrews 4:15</a>). Christ ate, drank, cried, experienced different emotions, thought, learned, etc. He was not some magical deity walking the Earth like Hercules fighting Titans and whatnot. For all intent and purpose, Christ lived like an "average Joe." So because of this, He learned obedience and was made perfect because His humanity was authentically human. Since He did not succumb to any temptation and followed through with the will of His Father, Christ became the source of our salvation. He is the new Adam (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A45&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:45</a>).<br /><br />Finally, in the Gospel, we read of Jesus' agony. Jesus announces the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. This hour is the new beginning. The beginning of the new covenant was signed, sealed, and delivered by the suffering and death of Christ. Jesus says, "<i>Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies, it produces much fruit</i>." Here He is referring to Himself. His death on the Cross had to occur. Jesus had to suffer to redeem us. Humanity got into trouble via sin and death, so Christ would use the image of sin (humanity) and death to save the world (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A12-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 5:12-18</a>). If we are to call ourselves Christians, then we too must suffer (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A24&version=NIV">Matthew 16:24</a>). Jesus reminds us, "<i>Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life</i>." This means that we must be open to suffering and even martyrdom if it comes to that (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A9&version=NIV">Matthew 24:9</a>).<br /><br />This life that we live today is not what we were meant for. Humanity was meant for so much more. The Covid 19 coronavirus pandemic has reminded us of the importance of life. Today we are learning of the many Christians being killed. These are the martyrs of today who follow Christ to the cross. Their reward will be in heaven. Instead of focusing on the rewards of this life that wither like a crown of leaves, they focus on the crown in heaven that never withers (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/1%20Corinthians%209:25">1 Corinthians 9:25</a>). These Christians unite themselves to the suffering Christ. We too are united when we suffer for the faith (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A21&version=NIV">1 Peter 2:21</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A12&version=NIV">2 Timothy 2:12</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A17&version=NIV">Romans 8:17</a>). The agony of Christ shows us how Christ was truly human. This ties into what we read in the second reading regarding Jesus learning obedience and being made perfect. He suffered even before being scourged at the pillar.<br /><br />Christ asks the Father to save Him from this hour. However, he did not quit and accepted what was coming. In the Mass, we join Jesus in this hour by reliving His passion, death, and resurrection. Christ has not been sacrificed again, He died once and for all peoples (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A28&version=NIV">Hebrews 9:28</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A10&version=NIV">Romans 6:10</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A18&version=NIV">1 Peter 3:18</a>). This death weakened the hold of the ruler of this world who is the liar Satan (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12%3A11&version=NIV">Revelation 12:11</a>). It is no wonder why today we see all kinds of evils and crazy ideas taking over society (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+5%3A20&version=NIV">Isaiah 5:20</a>). These crazy ideas are out there. From so-called same-sex marriage to gender theory. We must be on the alert with things of this world. Satan knows his time is up so he has to pull all stops to try to deceive many (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A8&version=NIV">1 Peter 5:8</a>). However, Christ, as He is lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Himself (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A14-15&version=NIV">John 3:14-15</a>). In the end, Christ wins. We must follow Christ. As we reflect on these readings, let us open our hearts to the transformative power they hold. May this Lenten journey bring us closer to understanding God's profound love for each of us and inspire us to live out our faith with renewed conviction. May Jesus Christ be praised!<br /><br />Readings: <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121-YearB.cfm">Fifth Sunday of Lent | USCCB</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">**PLEASE Be Generous:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you enjoy this blog, the radio podcasts, Sacerdotus TV broadcasts, or have received a free sacramental via mail, then please consider helping this work expand by donating and helping reach the fundraising goal. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">See to donate: <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/sacerdotus">http://www.gofundme.com/sacerdotus</a>. You can also donate via our Paypal, by becoming a monthly patron on <a href="http://patreon.com/sacerdotus">patreon.com/sacerdotus</a> or by purchasing items from our online store: <a href="http://www.sacerdotusstore.com">www.sacerdotusstore.com</a>. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-38703021403382090212024-03-14T02:33:00.021-04:002024-03-16T02:42:25.437-04:00Pope Francis 'Gender Theory Worst Danger'<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiuSrtI5D8teJ1rV5G2aWmXY3FktKC5bYm1XX8vZpS_A1jGfxMJoZ8MkmF6JF0Yg1tLp5FfnITgIpgHh1ObEO6NKii-ombbA7c8fLf2HNapSOr2nCBJwgvnx_59rF5NsTX6TOwBM496pal9jZrH5N301fnJe2uzAHdfCQJNd4Td_EHJmTJNp1ScFUoidH/s265/p%20francis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiuSrtI5D8teJ1rV5G2aWmXY3FktKC5bYm1XX8vZpS_A1jGfxMJoZ8MkmF6JF0Yg1tLp5FfnITgIpgHh1ObEO6NKii-ombbA7c8fLf2HNapSOr2nCBJwgvnx_59rF5NsTX6TOwBM496pal9jZrH5N301fnJe2uzAHdfCQJNd4Td_EHJmTJNp1ScFUoidH/s1600/p%20francis.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div>Gender theory is an academic field that explores the concepts of masculinity, femininity, and queer behavior within various contexts and societies. <p></p><p>It differentiates between 'sex', which refers to biological attributes, and 'gender', which encompasses the roles, behaviors, and expectations society associates with being male or female. This theory posits that gender is not an innate trait but rather a social construct learned through interaction and cultural norms.</p><p>In light of this definition, Pope Francis' recent comments on gender theory have sparked significant debate. He has labeled gender theory as the "worst danger" of our time for attempting to erase the differences between men and women, which he believes are essential to humanity's identity. The Pope's stance has been met with both support and criticism, reflecting a broader societal discussion on the nature of gender and identity.</p><p>For further reading on Pope Francis' views, you can refer to articles from America Magazine, CBC News, Vatican News, Breitbart, and National Catholic Reporter. It's crucial to engage with this topic thoughtfully, considering the diverse perspectives and sensitivities involved.</p><p><br /></p><p>Post your thoughts below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules or your comment will not be permitted.</p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p>: [America Magazine Article](<a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/03/01/pope-franics-gender-ideology-vocation-247409">https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/03/01/pope-franics-gender-ideology-vocation-247409</a>)</p><p>: [CBC News Article](<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pope-francis-gender-theory-ideology-1.7130679">https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pope-francis-gender-theory-ideology-1.7130679</a>)</p><p>: [Vatican News Article](<a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-03/pope-francis-gender-ideology-is-the-ugliest-danger-of-our-time.html">https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-03/pope-francis-gender-ideology-is-the-ugliest-danger-of-our-time.html</a>)</p><p>: [Breitbart Article](<a href="https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/02/08/pope-francis-condemns-the-evil-of-gender-theory/">https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/02/08/pope-francis-condemns-the-evil-of-gender-theory/</a>)</p><p>: [National Catholic Reporter Article](<a href="https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/francis-chronicles/pope-francis-gender-theory-problem-not-solution">https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/francis-chronicles/pope-francis-gender-theory-problem-not-solution</a>)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-25280858554206556262024-03-13T09:24:00.001-04:002024-03-13T09:24:23.279-04:00Pope Francis Election Anniversary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfPSUyhSMnIIpn3eBYKZD8dZHEDKXGQGIa6kXhcscQE9R0pqPHSg_7x8Nf1igr20Kq8u7Dfe1DvqPEzrDs_udA_ylgjnXjrfzkDIMLutnehnflr-fIvyw5QjVgWrL7zL0P7TYFlKJpVPN3d4bFoP4hWo0sU4oNb8ru8Qv9hL7UK9-hNbOwy2NuWfxtqV9/s2590/pope%20francis%20election%20mar%2013%202013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2590" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfPSUyhSMnIIpn3eBYKZD8dZHEDKXGQGIa6kXhcscQE9R0pqPHSg_7x8Nf1igr20Kq8u7Dfe1DvqPEzrDs_udA_ylgjnXjrfzkDIMLutnehnflr-fIvyw5QjVgWrL7zL0P7TYFlKJpVPN3d4bFoP4hWo0sU4oNb8ru8Qv9hL7UK9-hNbOwy2NuWfxtqV9/s320/pope%20francis%20election%20mar%2013%202013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church as we commemorate the anniversary of Pope Francis' election to the papacy. Elected on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.<p></p><p>Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected as the Sovereign of the Vatican City State on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.</p><p>Francis was born to Italian immigrants in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires and was one of five children. His father was an accountant employed by the railways and his mother was a homemaker. Bergoglio graduated as a chemical technician and then chose to pursue a path in the Jesuit order, entering the Society of Jesus in 1958.</p><p>He studied at the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, obtaining a degree in philosophy. After his ordination as a priest in 1969, he continued his studies in theology and then taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción, a high school in Santa Fe, and later at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.</p><p>Before his pontificate, he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013 and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2001.</p><p>Pope Francis has become known for his humility, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He is credited with having a less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors. Some of his notable writings include the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium and his encyclical Laudato si' concerning environmental issues.</p><p>His papacy has been marked by a focus on issues such as climate change, poverty, and migration. He has also sought to address issues within the Church, including appointing a commission to advise him on sexual abuse within the Church and creating a tribunal for cases of episcopal negligence.</p><p>Pope Francis continues to be an influential voice in global affairs, advocating for peace, social justice, and compassion towards those in need.</p><p>Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been a figure of humility and openness, advocating for issues such as environmental protection, economic equality, and compassion for refugees and migrants. His encyclical "Laudato si'," which addresses climate change and its impact on the marginalized, has been influential in encouraging global discussions on environmental stewardship.</p><p>Pope Francis' approach to the papacy has been characterized by a focus on pastoral care over doctrinal enforcement, often prioritizing mercy over judgment. This approach has resonated with many Catholics and non-Catholics alike, leading to a renewed interest in the Church's message of love and acceptance.</p><p>However, not many have adopted his approach. Many Catholics, especially in the so-called "traditional" circle have accused him of being a modernist and heretic. He is probably the only pope in history to have faced so much opposition and contention. The criticisms he receives seem to be based more on the political alignments of critics than anything else. They are mostly right-wing supporters who are against saving the planet, immigrants, helping the poor, and Vatican II. His encyclicals on Climate Change and other issues have brought more criticism against the pope with some calling him a socialist or communist. Others became enraged when he restricted the use of the Extraordinary Form with the motu propio Traditionis Custodes.</p><p>Those are the left spectrum have accused Pope Francis of hypocrisy after his back-and-forth commentaries on transgender people and homosexuals. In one instance he seems to favor and excuse their behavior and in another, he calls it evil and a danger to humanity. He has recently angered Ukrainians and their supporters after insinuating that Ukraine needs to use the "white flag" which was interpreted as meaning that he wants them to surrender to Russia. The Vatican has since downplayed the criticism claiming the pope never said for Ukraine to surrender. </p><p>I remember Cardinal Bergoglio's election on March 13. I was taking a course on Thomas Paine at CUNY and was watching it on my then android cell phone. The images of the new pope in a simple white cassock and then bowing asking the people to pray for him were inspiring. His attention to the poor and simplicity really made me a fan of his. However, his later comments which were ambiguous were troubling. Despite this, I still like Pope Francis. He is not perfect, no one is. But I see him as a pastoral pope. Many times when being pastoral we have to be "gray," so to speak and now see the world as black and white. In light of this, I understand why he says the things he says and does the things he does. </p><p>As we reflect on Pope Francis' tenure thus far, it is clear that his leadership has had a profound impact on both the Church and the world at large. His commitment to social justice and his willingness to engage with modern issues continue to inspire people across the globe.</p><p>On this anniversary, we look forward to many more years of Pope Francis' guidance and his ongoing efforts to lead the Church in a direction that promotes peace, understanding, and compassion for all humanity. </p><p>Let us continue to pray for him as he asked us to back in 2013. Viva el Papa! </p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comments below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/biography/documents/papa-francesco-biografia-bergoglio.html">Biography | Francis (vatican.va)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francis-I-pope">Francis | Biography, Pope, Laudato Si’, Roman Catholic Church, & Facts | Britannica</a></p><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/10/pope-francis-ukraine-white-flag/">Pope Francis criticized for ‘white flag’ remarks on Ukraine - The Washington Post</a></p><p><a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/vatican-backtracks-pope-call-ukraine-surrender-white-flag-comment-russia-zelenskyy/">Vatican backtracks after pope’s Ukraine ‘white flag’ blunder – POLITICO</a></p><p><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/07/29/206622682/pope-francis-discusses-gay-catholics-who-am-i-to-judge#:~:text=Answering%20a%20question%20about%20reports,who%20am%20I%20to%20judge%3F%22">Pope Francis Discusses Gay Catholics: 'Who Am I To Judge?' : The Two-Way : NPR</a></p><p><a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-03/pope-francis-gender-ideology-is-the-ugliest-danger-of-our-time.html">Pope Francis: Gender ideology is the ugliest danger of our time - Vatican News</a></p><p><a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article277282678.html">Traditional Latin Mass in Miami is growing among Catholics | Miami Herald</a></p><p><a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/pope-francis-angers-traditionalists-with-interfaith-views/2973416.html">Pope Angers Traditionalists With Interfaith Views (voanews.com)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/pope-francis-speaks-out-on-homosexuality-and-further-angers-traditionalists">Pope Francis Speaks Out on Homosexuality—and Further Angers Traditionalists | The New Yorker</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-10658175351623428862024-03-12T00:00:00.007-04:002024-03-12T00:59:15.762-04:00Farting in Church<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr9ulfCFlJ2XNbRlihCyNRFYWK6XFnRdxuWDo5aMulYSmw0RVuR1Dwn_rO01Ga8PWBhWK-ixdIOSe856Q5UvsoY9uAVwEGVhNSRxG0LVyIcDS-lNMAUvAx5P1dSRcUhRakuU3J_eK82bbvNh2AJg0X3fZ9Fh9uQQ0vWlMEu3xEfB_k3wYSb-fQ-q5X2A3/s620/fart%20pew.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="620" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr9ulfCFlJ2XNbRlihCyNRFYWK6XFnRdxuWDo5aMulYSmw0RVuR1Dwn_rO01Ga8PWBhWK-ixdIOSe856Q5UvsoY9uAVwEGVhNSRxG0LVyIcDS-lNMAUvAx5P1dSRcUhRakuU3J_eK82bbvNh2AJg0X3fZ9Fh9uQQ0vWlMEu3xEfB_k3wYSb-fQ-q5X2A3/s320/fart%20pew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Did you know that it is illegal to fart at church in some places? Yes, you heard me right. Farting at church can get you in trouble with the law. Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, let me tell you the story behind this rule.<p></p><p>It all started in the Middle Ages, when people believed that farting was a sign of the devil. According to some medieval theologians, farting was a way of releasing evil spirits from the body. Therefore, farting at church was considered a grave sin and an insult to God. Some people even thought that farting could cause earthquakes, plagues, and other disasters.</p><p>To prevent this from happening, some churches imposed strict rules on their congregations. For example, in the 15th century, the Church of England issued a decree that forbade anyone from breaking wind during divine service. Anyone who did so would be excommunicated and fined. In some cases, they could even be executed.</p><p>This law was not only enforced in England, but also in other parts of Europe and America. For instance, in 1528, a man named Agostino Modigliani was burned at the stake in Italy for farting at church. In 1607, a woman named Dorothy Clayton was hanged in Virginia for the same offense. And in 1722, a man named Thomas Granger was whipped and pilloried in Massachusetts for farting during a sermon.</p><p>You might think that these laws are ancient history and have no relevance today. But you would be wrong. In fact, there are still some places where farting at church is illegal. For example, in Florida, there is a statute that prohibits anyone from disturbing a religious assembly by any rude or indecent behavior. This includes farting, burping, sneezing, or coughing loudly. The penalty for this crime is up to six months in jail or a $500 fine. New York and parts of New England have similar laws as well criminalizing flatulence at church or during a service.</p><p>So, the next time you feel a rumble in your tummy while attending a church service, think twice before letting it rip. You never know when you might be breaking the law and offending God. And if you do happen to fart at church, don't worry too much. Maybe that is why the benches are called "pews?" Just remember that God has a sense of humor and probably won't hold it against you.</p><p><br />What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules. </p><p><br /></p><p>Sources:</p><p><br /></p><p>- <a href="https://www.history.com/news/flatulence-in-the-middle-ages">https://www.history.com/news/flatulence-in-the-middle-ages</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/farting-in-church">https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/farting-in-church</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/you-cant-do-that-in-florida/">https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/you-cant-do-that-in-florida/</a></p><p>```</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-63723983365678109252024-03-11T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-11T00:00:00.137-04:00Do We All Start Out As Females?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRMBElYssKEb1uYSj_wX15z61XZOiTmygl4Y_voD-Ssbn4mNQVDI1Cxj7TPNTOO36fcolKJvnFAK4ALkwoGuCqtuU66UJz1Ac9wMdvpM7YDXqX3Fx_Mm9kBHexYIvnrs1p0DUgBwEoOoM52TA1Besh3kglveRvaGsPYQtW8N4Uz3Uoi0xPNJa1-P05fuU/s1024/_736ed0a7-af0f-4ea0-8abf-9450f6893ef9.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRMBElYssKEb1uYSj_wX15z61XZOiTmygl4Y_voD-Ssbn4mNQVDI1Cxj7TPNTOO36fcolKJvnFAK4ALkwoGuCqtuU66UJz1Ac9wMdvpM7YDXqX3Fx_Mm9kBHexYIvnrs1p0DUgBwEoOoM52TA1Besh3kglveRvaGsPYQtW8N4Uz3Uoi0xPNJa1-P05fuU/s320/_736ed0a7-af0f-4ea0-8abf-9450f6893ef9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Did you know that we all started out as female embryos? Well, not exactly, but it's a common misconception that has some truth to it. Let me explain.<p></p><p>The sex of humans is determined from fertilization, that is, as soon as it becomes a zygote: if it is XX, it will be a female, while, if it is XY, a male. However, in the beginning, human embryos have the precursors of both female and male gonads, called the Wolffian duct and the müllerian duct, respectively.</p><p>These ducts are responsible for developing into the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries or testes, and the internal genitalia, such as the uterus or prostate. But they don't do that right away. They wait for a signal from the genes.</p><p>One of these genes is called the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome. This gene activates around the fifth or sixth week of embryonic development and triggers the production of testosterone and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH). These hormones cause the Wolffian duct to grow into the male reproductive system and the müllerian duct to regress and disappear.</p><p>If the SRY gene is not activated, either because there is no Y chromosome or because of a mutation, the opposite happens: the Wolffian duct regresses and the müllerian duct develops into the female reproductive system. This means that without the SRY gene, the embryo will follow the female pathway by default. So in a sense, nature prefers females over males. This makes sense because females are the ones who do most of the reproduction. </p><p>But what about the external genitalia, such as the penis or clitoris? These also depend on hormones, but they develop later, around the ninth week of embryonic development. Testosterone causes the genital tubercle to elongate into a penis and the labioscrotal folds to fuse into a scrotum. Without testosterone, the genital tubercle becomes a clitoris and the labioscrotal folds remain separated as labia. So we all start with the potential of being either male or female with nature preferring female by default. This is why some say that we are all females at the onset of life. To be male, the Wolffian system has to be activated, however, to be a female nothing needs to be activated. The embryo will become a complete female as it gestates. </p><p>And what about nipples? Why do males have them if they don't need them? Well, nipples form before the SRY gene kicks in, during those fateful five or six weeks when we all look more or less the same. Nipples are part of the basic body plan that we inherit from our mammalian ancestors. Only females end up with breasts attached to them because of another hormone called estrogen.</p><p>So, to summarize, we all start out with both male and female potential in our embryos, but our genes and hormones decide which one will prevail. The SRY gene on the Y chromosome is the main switch that determines whether we will develop as males or females. Without it, we would all be females by default.</p><p>I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new. If you want to know more about this topic, you can check out these references:</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post below on Disqus and be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be allowed.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p>: [WATCH: We Were Once All Female : ScienceAlert]<a href="(https://www.sciencealert.com/watch-we-were-once-all-female">(https://www.sciencealert.com/watch-we-were-once-all-female</a>)</p><p>: [Embryos aren't female by 'default' after all, study shows - Genetic Literacy Project](<a href="https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2017/09/21/embryos-arent-female-default-study-shows/">https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2017/09/21/embryos-arent-female-default-study-shows/</a>)</p><p>: [Do all human fetuses begin as female? - inviTRA](<a href="https://www.invitra.com/en/faqs/do-all-human-fetuses-begin-as-female/">https://www.invitra.com/en/faqs/do-all-human-fetuses-begin-as-female/</a>)</p><p>: [All Mammals Start as Female - Fact or Myth?](<a href="https://factmyth.com/factoids/all-mammals-start-as-female/">https://factmyth.com/factoids/all-mammals-start-as-female/</a>)</p><p>: [When Does a Baby Develop Gender? | Hello Motherhood](<a href="https://www.hellomotherhood.com/article/231357-when-does-a-baby-develop-gender/">https://www.hellomotherhood.com/article/231357-when-does-a-baby-develop-gender/</a>)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-42126247052675143302024-03-10T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-10T00:00:00.138-05:00Laetare: 4th Sunday of Lent - God's Mercy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcLFe5sK2fCyc0XvuERXrh9l4G3BVE5_a0AZVTh9PZzAaJQHxl1X4mAfBGvwra0t23VOTeY3Up_mgEhJCiYbpcv5KNz2SKbBaPrKFxJwi_pORo4iTUoWrCnfqqF9X7db9d1H_EKDRXrNM_b9Wzee0O7pa_OTKNenCMCYPP18ykuF4iJGKq3aR44-0OGS-/s1024/_bf2ab58c-a058-4fad-a1fb-09cd8e55cd63.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcLFe5sK2fCyc0XvuERXrh9l4G3BVE5_a0AZVTh9PZzAaJQHxl1X4mAfBGvwra0t23VOTeY3Up_mgEhJCiYbpcv5KNz2SKbBaPrKFxJwi_pORo4iTUoWrCnfqqF9X7db9d1H_EKDRXrNM_b9Wzee0O7pa_OTKNenCMCYPP18ykuF4iJGKq3aR44-0OGS-/s320/_bf2ab58c-a058-4fad-a1fb-09cd8e55cd63.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We are now on the 4th Sunday of Lent or Laetare Sunday. Laetare means to rejoice and comes from the introit of the extraordinary form of the mass. On this day, priests can wear rose to show a relaxation of Lenten penance in anticipation for Easter, the resurrection of Christ. The readings today remind us of God's mercy and His commitment to making things new. <p></p><p>Laetare Sunday is a day of joy and hope in the midst of Lent, a season of penance and conversion. The name comes from the Latin word for "rejoice", which is the first word of the entrance antiphon for the Mass of this day. The liturgical color for this Sunday is rose, a sign of joy and light. The rose color symbolizes the dawn of a new day, the anticipation of Easter, and the glimpse of glory that we have in Christ. It also reminds us of the joy that Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced when she heard the angel's announcement that she would bear the Son of God.</p><p>The readings for this Sunday invite us to reflect on God's love and mercy, which are revealed in Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The first reading, from the second book of Chronicles, recounts the history of Israel's sin and exile, but also God's compassion and forgiveness, which led him to restore his people through Cyrus, the king of Persia. The second reading, from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, reminds us that we were once dead in our sins, but God made us alive with Christ, by his grace. The gospel, from John, tells us the famous verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (Jn 3:16)</p><p>These readings challenge us to examine our lives and see how we have responded to God's love and mercy. Have we been faithful to his covenant, or have we turned away from him and followed our own ways? Have we accepted his gift of salvation in Christ, or have we preferred the darkness of sin and death? Have we shared his love and mercy with others, or have we been selfish and indifferent?</p><p>In the first reading from Chronicles, we read of the destruction of the kingdom which was established by God via the covenant with David. This would be the last covenant in the Hebrew Scripture or Old Testament (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+7&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">2 Samuel 7</a>). As usual, the "chosen people" went haywire and disobeyed God. They "added infidelity to infidelity" and did every abomination imaginable, completely ignoring God and desecrating the Lord's temple with their sins.</p>God out of love and concern sent messengers to rescue them, but the people did not listen to them and mocked them (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A24&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Luke 4:24</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66%3A4&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Isaiah 66:4</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+95%3A10&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Psalm 95:10</a>). The people were just out of control. This sin and licentiousness led to the destruction of the house of God and the walls of Jerusalem. Everything was destroyed. The Israelites were then taken captive in Babylon and were made slaves to the king of the Chaldeans. However, despite the people of God ignoring God and wanting no part of Him, God was still concerned and wanted to restore them. In order to do this, He inspired Cyrus who was a pagan king, and anointed him to rebuild the temple and shepherd His people (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+44%3A28-45&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Isaiah 44:28-45</a>). Cyrus would then issue a decree stating that all of the kingdoms of Earth were given to him by God. This was a signal showing that the salvation God began with the Hebrews would extend to the rest of the world (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A4&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">1 Timothy 2:4</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A9&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">2 Peter 3:9</a>). Many times atheists and others describe the "God of the Old Testament" as vindictive, jealous, and evil; however, we see how these human attributes used to describe God indicate how passionate He is with the human race that He tries everything to save them even if He has to show some "muscle," so to speak (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+4%3A31&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 4:31</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+116%3A5&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Psalm 116:5</a>). We must not forget God because He has not forgotten us. This brings us to the responsorial Psalm.<br /><br />In the responsorial Psalm, we read the cries of God's chosen people suffering "by the streams of Babylon" weeping and remembering Zion. We read this Psalm of their lamentation and repeat, "Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!" If we forget God, then nothing good will come about from this rejection (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+6%3A9&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Ezekiel 6:9</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+32%3A18&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 32:18</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+8%3A22&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Ezra 8:22</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+26%3A27-28&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Leviticus 26:27-28</a>). We must not be like the Israelites who followed God only when it suited them. When we turn away from God, nothing good comes. The atheist mantra "good without God" is not realistic because all good comes from God. God is the one who declares what is good (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/Genesis%201:31" target="_blank">Genesis 1:31</a>). Sin forces us to turn from God. We become insensitive and open to all kinds of evil. This kills us spiritually and psychologically. The second reading from Ephesians reminds us of this.<br /><br />The reading from Ephesians reminds us that our sins bring about death (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A12&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Romans 5:12</a>). However, God is always merciful; rich in it. He has such a great love for us that He brought us back to life with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">John 14:6</a>). It is in Him that the image of God in us is restored (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Genesis 1:26</a>). Jesus is the image of the Divine Mercy who came to redeem and save all those who are open to Him. In Jesus, we see how far God will go to rescue His people who seem to be fond of going astray (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+32%3A9&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Exodus 32:9</a>). <div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow is the anniversary of the Covid-19 Coronavirus onset as a pandemic on March 11thin 2020 . I still remember that week and the months that followed like it was yesterday. This virus truly brought the world to its knees. New York City is often called the "city that never sleeps;" well, the coronavirus put the city to sleep! Never in my life would I thought I would never see New York City so quiet and lifeless. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgbR4z4NJb6iTikvlmKjcfHxHfeaV9CfJyju-yPh0i-XzvDTMw-jkBOXTSbMAKG8hUf9aR_rDoU__Vhpg7UdZ_l3NxNjQBsjELubG2OupgVz1XAjIyelHHeDTfIGJVz6TlR36ZLeDD462wmznTkp-VdCX4GV2_16ifiPGGLcY6xgFWGBkJhLmZFl5itoa/s1024/_bfa247bc-b72a-4880-8311-13b65e3d0b00.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgbR4z4NJb6iTikvlmKjcfHxHfeaV9CfJyju-yPh0i-XzvDTMw-jkBOXTSbMAKG8hUf9aR_rDoU__Vhpg7UdZ_l3NxNjQBsjELubG2OupgVz1XAjIyelHHeDTfIGJVz6TlR36ZLeDD462wmznTkp-VdCX4GV2_16ifiPGGLcY6xgFWGBkJhLmZFl5itoa/s320/_bfa247bc-b72a-4880-8311-13b65e3d0b00.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I remember going outside and seeing the empty streets and busses. It felt like a zombie apocalypse movie like Resident Evil or the television series The Walking Dead. There was an eery feeling in the air, so to speak. I recall going to the Our Lady Queen of the Universe Shrine (see: <a href="http://www.ourladyoftheuniverse.com">www.ourladyoftheuniverse.com</a>) in the north Bronx to pray. It was surreal. I felt like I was alone in the world with no soul in sight, but I was not. At the shrine, I felt God's and Our Lady's presence strongly. I prayed for the world and asked God for mercy. Covid-19 reminded me that we need mercy from God. Was this virus a sign or a warning from the heavens? Was it a punishment? We cannot know for sure. However, we do know that it woke us all up. We must ask God for mercy. This month is the month of St. joseph. What a wonderful saint to ask to show us how to be closed to Jesus! He was the foster-father of Christ and protected Him. We can ask St. Joseph to plead to His Son Jesus for mercy. Jesus brings mercy to each one of us but at a high price as we read in the Gospel.<br /><br />In the Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus that He will be lifted up like Moses lifted the serpent in the desert (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+21%3A9&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Numbers 21:9</a>). God had commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent. Anyone who looked at this serpent would be healed. Ironically, what made them sick were serpents (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+21%3A6&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Numbers 21:6</a>). This symbol is still used today in the medical profession. God is so powerful that He uses the same thing that brings bad and brings good from it. Similarly, Jesus being lifted on the Cross is something that is not good per se. Being crucified was the capital punishment at the time of Jesus. No-one lined up to receive it. Nevertheless, God uses this bad to bring about good: redemption and salvation. God uses death to bring life. This is only something God can do because He can do anything. By being nailed to the cross, lifted up, and then dying, Jesus draws all peoples worldwide back to God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A32&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">John 12:32</a>). Once again, God demonstrates His mercy.<br /><br />Pope Francis years ago declared that starting December 8, 2015, a jubilee year of Mercy would begin. Today's readings are a good way to reflect on the mercy and how God does everything to try to bring us back to Him, even sparing His own Son on the Cross who He sent not to condemn the world but to save it. We must be merciful ourselves with others (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A7&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Matthew 5:7</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A13&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">James 2:13</a>). None of us are perfect, so we should not treat others who fall as if they are lesser than us. We must hate what is evil and seek what is good. As children of God, we must be children of the light (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/1%20Thessalonians%205:5" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:5</a>). In light, we can see better. Our eyes work to their full potential. With light, we appreciate the beautiful things around us. When we are in the light of Christ, we see the world as it truly is and enjoys the beauty of it. We see others as God sees them; not as we see them now which many times forces us to be uncharitable, impatient, and rude to others because we do not see them as God does.<br /><br /><div>Laetare Sunday is an opportunity to renew our commitment to follow Christ, the light of the world, who came not to condemn but to save. It is also a time to rejoice in the hope of his resurrection, which is the source of our joy and peace. Let us pray that this Lent may be a fruitful time of conversion and grace for us and for the whole world.</div><div><br /></div>During this Lent, recall how merciful God is and that He will do anything to bring you back. He wants us to be saved and enjoy eternal life with Him. Make use of the sacrament of Penance and turn away from sin. Focus on Christ lifted up on the Cross and let Him draw you in. The Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic showed us that we need God. Man with all his technology, education, and science cannot defeat nature. To think that a microscopic organism can do this to the "most advanced" species on earth is very humbling. We need God's mercy. May Jesus Christ be praised!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031515-fourth-sunday-lent.cfm%20%C2%A0" target="_blank">Readings: </a><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031421-YearB.cfm">Fourth Sunday of Lent | USCCB</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">**PLEASE Be Generous-</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you enjoy this blog, the radio podcasts, google hangouts broadcasts, or have received a free sacramental via mail, then please consider helping this work expand by donating and helping reach the fundraising goal. Donate on gofundme: <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/sacerdotus">http://www.gofundme.com/sacerdotus</a>, become a patron on <a href="http://patreon.com/sacerdotus">patreon.com/sacerdotus</a> or purchase items from our online store: <a href="http://www.sacerdotusstore.com">www.sacerdotusstore.com</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> Thank you</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-36356270076407815352024-03-09T00:00:00.013-05:002024-03-09T00:57:38.014-05:00Wives Submit To Your Husbands?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbeIj1V-Wh-H7RNjO9InelDtYrRkfp2IB6DjGvmQLwwfRkT-uG-mKp4irdtFhfch9A6_QY6GoBsOUQnFswreCW2YB92VSHgooq9uFtEUglf_sK8hDvjhI8hlCyXnXdgi1Rbz4ynPV9Tb55C3kx4mc_lrts1Fu2k0O5FoXYNFSOBQ0Hc3sN-G1LdojIWQ0/s1024/_bca285c0-242b-4b02-afe3-81d3221ffc22.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbeIj1V-Wh-H7RNjO9InelDtYrRkfp2IB6DjGvmQLwwfRkT-uG-mKp4irdtFhfch9A6_QY6GoBsOUQnFswreCW2YB92VSHgooq9uFtEUglf_sK8hDvjhI8hlCyXnXdgi1Rbz4ynPV9Tb55C3kx4mc_lrts1Fu2k0O5FoXYNFSOBQ0Hc3sN-G1LdojIWQ0/s320/_bca285c0-242b-4b02-afe3-81d3221ffc22.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>In this blog post, I will explain what the Bible says about wives submitting to their husbands, and why this is an important principle for Christian marriages. I will also provide some references for further study.<p></p><p>The main passage that teaches this doctrine is Ephesians 5:22-33, where the apostle Paul writes:</p><p>"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (NIV)</p><p>This passage shows that God has designed marriage to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is the head of the church, and he loves, leads, protects, and sanctifies his bride. The church is called to submit to Christ, and to follow, honor, trust, and serve him. Similarly, husbands are called to be the head of their wives, and to love them sacrificially, tenderly, faithfully, and selflessly. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, and to respect, support, help, and obey them.</p><p>Submission does not mean inferiority or oppression. It means recognizing God's authority and order in marriage. It means willingly placing oneself under the leadership and care of one's husband. It means honoring him as the head of the home and following his decisions. It means cooperating with him in fulfilling God's purposes for the family.</p><p>Submission does not mean blind obedience or passivity. It means using one's gifts, talents, wisdom, and creativity to contribute to the well-being of the marriage. It means expressing one's opinions, preferences, needs, and feelings in a respectful and loving way. It means being a partner in ministry and mission with one's husband.</p><p>Submission does not mean agreeing with everything or never confronting sin. It means being loyal and faithful to one's husband. It means speaking the truth in love and seeking reconciliation when there is conflict. It means praying for one's husband and encouraging him in his walk with God.</p><p>Submission does not mean neglecting one's own identity or calling. It means finding one's worth and value in God's love and grace. It means fulfilling one's role as a wife with joy and excellence. It means pursuing God's will for one's life in harmony with one's husband.</p><p>Submission is not a burden or a curse. It is a blessing and a privilege. It is a way of honoring God and glorifying him in marriage. It is a way of imitating Christ and his humility. It is a way of experiencing peace and harmony in marriage. It is a way of showing love and respect to one's husband.</p><p>Some other passages that teach about wives submitting to their husbands are:</p><p>- Colossians 3:18: Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.</p><p>- 1 Peter 3:1-6: Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.</p><p>- Titus 2:3-5: Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.</p><div>The verses seem to say that women are to be slaves to men or their husbands, however we have to read them in context. We began this post with verse 22 of Ephesians 5, but if you read verse 21 it shows the context of Paul's statement. Ephesians 5:21 says "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ." So the idea of being "subjective" or "submissive" to the husband is in relation to the Church and Christ. It does not mean that the wife has to be some sheep or slave saying "yes master" to her husband. Women and men are equal.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Genesis 2:18-24 we read the account of the creation of Eve. God says that man should not be alone. He says it is "not good." So men need to be with someone. Who is this someone? Woman! Note that God says this new creation will be a "helper" for man. He did not say this new creation would be man's slave or pet. God then uses man or Adam to create the new human, woman or Eve. What does God do? God removes a rib from man and fashions woman from him. Where are the ribs in the human anatomy? They surroud the vital organs in the chest wrapping around from the front of the chest to the side equally and symmetrically like a cage. </div><div><br /></div><div>This imagery of the rib symbolizes that man and woman stand side-by-side. They are equals. Verse 24 tells us that man leaves his parents to find woman and the two shall become ONE flesh. Jesus echos this in Mark 10:8. Becoming ONE flesh means equality. Man and woman become one item, one substance. The man is not above or below the woman and the woman is not above or below the man. They are equals. However, they have distinct roles. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Pope Pius XI taught in 1930 (Casti connubii, 10 cf. The Navarre Bible — Captivity Epistles): “The submission of the wife neither ignores nor suppresses the liberty to which her dignity as a human person and her noble functions as wife, mother, and companion give her the full right. It does not oblige her to yield indiscriminately to all the desires of her husband; and his desires may be unreasonable or incompatible with her wifely dignity. It does not mean that she is on a level with persons who in law are called minors. And minors are ordinarily denied the unrestricted exercise of their rights because of their immature judgment and not having enough experience." </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>St. John Chrysostom had this to say: “Have you seen the measure of obedience? Hear also the measure of love. Would you have your wife obey you as the Church obeys Christ? Then you care for your wife as Christ cares for the Church. And if it is necessary that you should give your life for her or be cut to pieces a thousand times or endure anything whatever, do not refuse it. He brought the Church to His feet by His great care, not by threats nor fear nor any such thing; so that’s how you must conduct yourself toward your wife!” (<a href="https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/230120.htm">https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/230120.htm</a>)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Pope Leo XIII wrote in his encyclical Christian Marriage: “The man is the ruler of the family, and the head of the woman; but because she is flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone, let her be subject and obedient to the man, not as a servant but as a companion, so that nothing be lacking of honor or of dignity in the obedience which she pays.”</div><div>In his encyclical Familiaris Consortio, John Paul II wrote: “In revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God, a man is called upon to ensure the harmonious and united development of all the members of the family: he will perform this ask by exercising generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (FC 25)<br /><p>I hope this blog post has helped you understand what the Bible says about wives submitting to their husbands, and why this is an important principle for Christian marriages. No man is above his wife. No man superior to any woman and vice versa. Men and women are equal and have instrinsic value regardless of where they were born, how much that have, how much they earn, their level of education or skill, their physicality and so on. Men must treat women and especially their wives like Christ treats the Church, His bride. Christ does not lord over the Church like a dictator. He does not abuse the Church. He gave His life for her and protects her. He loves her and does everything for her to remain in Him. No man should abuse his wife or any woman. No woman should abuse her husband or any man. They must treat each other with respect, dignity and understanding. </p><p>If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules for posting. Thank you for reading and God bless you!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p><a href="https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/wives-do-what">https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/wives-do-what</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/authority-in-the-family">https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/authority-in-the-family</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/wives-be-submissive-to-your-husbands-5026">https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/wives-be-submissive-to-your-husbands-5026</a></p><p><a href="https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/230120.htm">https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/230120.htm</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/wives-be-subject-to-your-husbands">https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/wives-be-subject-to-your-husbands</a></p><p><a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/what-it-means-for-wives-to-submit-to-their-husbands/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/what-it-means-for-wives-to-submit-to-their-husbands/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=1409">https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=1409</a></p><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-10901238427723838832024-03-08T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-08T00:00:00.352-05:00State of the Union 2024<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu_4bedFp3LhRy4jXNFsgcBVBHuRQnEkFxCFW6yQAbO63MbG89SoyaIl-d5RX7oIuVNE6XMzF91bBAy82bsejkygffUOxqRixgNDaRe0K8Ivdl4iAjBt015xLorrC4_N2drWdahVrYx_NyvOzBcQBjKt1NZ6xTaBJc8aMAALRUYc7uJqWgNRsDUPtue5C/s768/sotu%202024.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu_4bedFp3LhRy4jXNFsgcBVBHuRQnEkFxCFW6yQAbO63MbG89SoyaIl-d5RX7oIuVNE6XMzF91bBAy82bsejkygffUOxqRixgNDaRe0K8Ivdl4iAjBt015xLorrC4_N2drWdahVrYx_NyvOzBcQBjKt1NZ6xTaBJc8aMAALRUYc7uJqWgNRsDUPtue5C/s320/sotu%202024.webp" width="320" /></a></div>The State of the Union Address: What Biden Said and How He Was Criticized</div><div><br /></div><div>On Thursday, March 7, 2024, President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The speech was a high-stakes moment for Biden, who is facing a tough reelection campaign against former President Donald Trump, who has not conceded his 2020 loss and has repeatedly attacked Biden's legitimacy and performance.</div><div><br /></div><div>In his address, Biden focused on his economic agenda, touting his achievements in creating jobs, raising wages, expanding health care coverage, and combating climate change. He also called for higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy, saying they should pay their "fair share" to fund his proposed investments in infrastructure, education, research, and clean energy. He said his plans would make the U.S. more competitive and resilient in the face of global challenges and threats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Biden also slammed Trump multiple times, blaming him for the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol, the mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the erosion of democracy, and the damage to America's reputation abroad. He said Trump was "a threat to our nation and our values" and urged Americans to reject his "big lie" that the 2020 election was stolen. He said he was determined to defend and strengthen democracy at home and abroad. Biden attacked Republicans on their push to end abortion claiming that if they take away a woman's right then what other rights will they take. </div><div><br /></div><div>Biden's speech was met with applause and cheers from Democrats, who praised his vision and leadership. However, Republicans were largely critical of his address, accusing him of being divisive, radical, and out of touch with reality. They said he was pursuing a socialist agenda that would hurt the economy, increase the debt, raise taxes, kill jobs, and weaken national security. They also challenged his claims of bipartisanship, saying he had ignored their input and proposals on various issues. Some of the booed the president and heckled him. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Republican response to Biden's address was delivered by Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, who is one of the youngest and most prominent members of her party. Britt said Biden had failed to deliver on his promises of unity and healing, and had instead governed with "arrogance and condescension." She said Republicans had a better vision for America, one that respected individual freedom, limited government, free markets, strong families, and constitutional rights. She said Republicans would fight for policies that would create opportunity, prosperity, security, and peace for all Americans.</div><div><br /></div><div>Biden's State of the Union address was watched by an estimated 40 million viewers across various platforms , slightly lower than his first address in 2021 . The speech received mixed reviews from pundits and analysts , with some praising his optimism and confidence , and others criticizing his lack of specifics and realism . The speech also sparked reactions from various groups and stakeholders , such as labor unions , business groups , environmentalists , civil rights activists , foreign leaders , and celebrities. Disgraced former congressman George Santos was present and claimed he will run again for the seat of Rep. Nick LaLota in New York’s First Congressional District, which covers most of Suffolk County on eastern Long Island.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to remember to follow the rules so your comment can be allowed.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>References:</div><div><br /></div><div>: <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-releases/2024/03/nielsen-estimates-40-million-people-watched-bidens-state-of-the-union-address/">https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-releases/2024/03/nielsen-estimates-40-million-people-watched-bidens-state-of-the-union-address/</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-releases/2021/04/nielsen-estimates-43-million-people-watched-bidens-first-address-to-congress/">https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-releases/2021/04/nielsen-estimates-43-million-people-watched-bidens-first-address-to-congress/</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/us/politics/state-of-the-union-analysis.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/us/politics/state-of-the-union-analysis.html</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/07/biden-state-of-the-union-speech-was-a-master-class-in-delivering-progressive-agenda-with-broad-appeal/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/07/biden-state-of-the-union-speech-was-a-master-class-in-delivering-progressive-agenda-with-broad-appeal/</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/bidens-state-of-the-union-speech-was-a-fantasyland-of-false-promises-and-distortions-11615212123">https://www.wsj.com/articles/bidens-state-of-the-union-speech-was-a-fantasyland-of-false-promises-and-distortions-11615212123</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/08/state-of-the-union-reactions-biden-speech-sparks-praise-criticism/6898765/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/08/state-of-the-union-reactions-biden-speech-sparks-praise-criticism/6898765/</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-president-richard-trumka-reacts-president-bidens-state-union-address">https://www.aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-president-richard-trumka-reacts-president-bidens-state-union-address</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.uschamber.com/press-release/us-chamber-president-suzanne-clark-statement-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address">https://www.uschamber.com/press-release/us-chamber-president-suzanne-clark-statement-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2024/03/sierra-club-response-president-biden-s-state-union-address">https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2024/03/sierra-club-response-president-biden-s-state-union-address</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.naacp.org/latest/naacp-statement-on-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address/">https://www.naacp.org/latest/naacp-statement-on-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address/</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56345678">https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56345678</a></div><div>: <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-reacts-to-president-joe-bidens-state-of-the-union-address">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-reacts-to-president-joe-bidens-state-of-the-union-address</a></div><div><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/07/us-news/expelled-rep-george-santos-attends-bidens-state-of-union/">https://nypost.com/2024/03/07/us-news/expelled-rep-george-santos-attends-bidens-state-of-union/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-82679114930292702752024-03-07T00:00:00.023-05:002024-03-07T00:00:00.149-05:00Pope Francis Reaffirms Support for Extraordinary Form<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPAP7Gcy_uGPaKa7oacXrzhHBuOMybsNbWWFUwxT7AO-gEqotF-rfvvdr_e-qPi0qpzYAD9VbS1oeH-qyJpTqEtAWstSeFgEN98SSnmPJuCqhqIyEcdef3uNmDlUczfW66MDAf9zLgqQydsQplLXN6l4Vrrap9lviZd27RfkNLUZoHvbC9-Iy2ynqdyzi/s1024/Pope%20affirms%20Extraordinary%20Form%20Mass%20FSSP.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPAP7Gcy_uGPaKa7oacXrzhHBuOMybsNbWWFUwxT7AO-gEqotF-rfvvdr_e-qPi0qpzYAD9VbS1oeH-qyJpTqEtAWstSeFgEN98SSnmPJuCqhqIyEcdef3uNmDlUczfW66MDAf9zLgqQydsQplLXN6l4Vrrap9lviZd27RfkNLUZoHvbC9-Iy2ynqdyzi/s320/Pope%20affirms%20Extraordinary%20Form%20Mass%20FSSP.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Pope Francis met with FSSP, reaffirms support for Extraordinary Form of the Mass</b><p></p><p>On February 29, 2024, Pope Francis met with the superior general of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), Father Andrzej Komorowski, and two other priests from the order, at the Vatican. The meeting was an opportunity to express gratitude to the pope and to discuss the challenges and opportunities of celebrating the Extraordinary Form in the Church today.</p><p>The FSSP is a society of apostolic life of pontifical right, founded in 1988 by former members of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), who wanted to remain faithful to the Church and to what they consider to be the ancient liturgy. The FSSP celebrates exclusively the Mass and the sacraments according to the 1962 Missal and other liturgical books in force before the Second Vatican Council.</p><p>The meeting came after Pope Francis issued his motu proprio Traditionis Custodes in 2021, which restricted the use of the Extraordinary Form in dioceses and required bishops to regulate its celebration. The motu proprio also revoked the permissions granted by Pope Benedict XVI in his 2007 apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum, which allowed any priest to celebrate the Extraordinary Form without needing permission from his bishop.</p><p>Many traditionalist Catholics were dismayed by Traditionis Custodes, seeing it as a betrayal of their legitimate aspirations and a rupture with the Church's liturgical tradition. Some bishops were also reluctant to implement the new norms, fearing that they would alienate faithful Catholics who were attached to the Extraordinary Form.</p><p>However, Pope Francis clarified in a letter to bishops that he was not abolishing the Extraordinary Form, but rather seeking to promote unity and harmony in the Church, and to prevent abuses and divisions caused by some groups who used the Extraordinary Form as a means of rejecting Vatican II and the magisterium.</p><p><b>Why did Pope Francis issue Traditionis Custodes?</b></p><p>According to some sources, Pope Francis was motivated by two main reasons: first, he wanted to end the attempt to reconcile the SSPX, a breakaway traditionalist group that rejects Vatican II and remains in an irregular canonical situation; second, he wanted to restore the authority of Vatican II and its liturgical reform, which he saw as being undermined by some sectors of the Church that favored the Extraordinary Form over the Ordinary Form of the Mass.</p><p>In an interview with a Swiss television station, Archbishop Arthur Roche, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments, said that Pope Francis issued Traditionis Custodes because "the effort to reconcile [the SSPX] has not entirely been successful" and because it is necessary to "go back" to what Vatican II required of the Church.</p><p>In his letter to bishops, Pope Francis said that he acted "in defense of the unity of the Body of Christ," on the grounds that there was "distorted use" of Summorum Pontificum. He said that he was saddened that some groups used the Extraoradinary Form as a way of doubting Vatican II and its liturgical reform. He also criticized what he called a growing attitude of "rejection of the Church and her institutions in the name of what is called the 'true Church'."</p><p>The pope also confirmed that some exceptions to Traditionis Custodes were possible, such as for religious communities that had a specific charism related to the Extraordinary Form. One of these communities is the FSSP, which has more than 300 priests and 150 seminarians worldwide, serving in 17 countries.</p><p>In a press release, the FSSP said that during their meeting with Pope Francis, they shared with him "the difficulties encountered" in applying his decree addressed to their order on February 11, 2022. In that decree, Pope Francis confirmed their right to celebrate the Extraordinary Form according to their proper charism, but also asked them to respect some conditions, such as not denying Vatican II or questioning its liturgical reform.</p><p>The FSSP said that "the pope was very understanding" and invited them "to continue to build up ecclesial communion ever more fully through its own proper charism." The pope also emphasized "the importance of their role in fostering ecclesial communion."</p><p>Father Komorowski, the superior general of the FSSP, said that he was grateful for the pope's invitation and that he hoped that their meeting would be "a sign of hope for all those who seek to honour God and serve souls through the Roman traditions."</p><p>The meeting was also welcomed by other traditionalist Catholics, who saw it as a gesture of goodwill and openness from Pope Francis towards those who love the Extraordinary Form. They hoped that this would lead to more dialogue and mutual understanding between different segments of the Church.</p><p>Pope Francis can never abolish the Mass. It is just not possible. Jesus formulated the Mass. What the poep can do is change or remove the man-made parts the Church added throughout the centuries. As stated several times by us here at Sacerdotus, the sole reason for Traditionis Custodes was to curb back the abuse being perpetuated by some in the so-called "Traditionalist" movement. They have been using the Extraordinary Form to cause division and doubt against Vatican II and the Ordinary Form of the Mass, not to forget the papacy itself! These people have been posting lies since the documents of Vatican II still had wet ink. They are ruining it for everyone else who appreciates the Extra Ordinary form as another form of the Liturgy and who do not worship it as an idol. </p><p>You can read these posts related to this topic as well here:</p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/10/ordinary-form-of-mass-is-closer-to-mass.html">Sacerdotus: Ordinary Form of the Mass Is Closer to the Mass of the Early Church</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/10/there-is-only-one-mass.html">Sacerdotus: There Is Only ONE Mass</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/10/eucharistic-prayers-not-from-napkins.html">Sacerdotus: Eucharistic Prayers: Not From Napkins</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/10/no-such-thing-as-novus-ordo-in-catholic.html">Sacerdotus: No Such Thing as 'Novus Ordo' in the Catholic Church</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/05/pope-francis-says-why-he-limited-use-of.html">Sacerdotus: Pope Francis Says Why He Limited Use of Extraordinary Form of the Mass</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2022/09/pope-francis-we-cannot-go-backwards.html">Sacerdotus: Pope Francis 'We cannot go backwards...'</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2021/07/ite-missa-est-pope-motu-propio.html">Sacerdotus: Ite, missa est: Pope Motu Propio restricts Extraordinary Form of the Mass</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2011/10/tridentine-mass.html">Sacerdotus: Tridentine Mass</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules for postings!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Sources:</p><p><br /></p><p>[1] <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249927/pope-francis-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions">https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249927/pope-francis-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions</a></p><p>[2] <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-traditionis-custodes-rescript-bishops.html">https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-traditionis-custodes-rescript-bishops.html</a></p><p>[3] <a href="https://ewtn.co.uk/article-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions-heres-what-you-need-to-know/">https://ewtn.co.uk/article-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions-heres-what-you-need-to-know/</a></p><p>[4] <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/pope-francis-traditionis-custodes">https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/pope-francis-traditionis-custodes</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-6385011076861863002024-03-06T00:00:00.031-05:002024-03-06T00:00:00.266-05:00SCOTUS Unanimously Sides With Trump Against Colorado<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTttsWpMw4S79RK28DOjbXTKBDjKkH9ocYaU35bQxfFLfTV1BAV_z1UUGRT_JFbtB0K4EQaK0XR-K5Bi2ggYTy2IPfVr9YjCqN5sHmAkakrPPsTBlFHBNvr4cM2Mx0Osz8xNdQpV_5YjefNWVNrGUbUfl0jVCgIXQb22kFCZCdd2TbgUBC7hvWABOFa5C/s1500/ballot%20scotus%20decision.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTttsWpMw4S79RK28DOjbXTKBDjKkH9ocYaU35bQxfFLfTV1BAV_z1UUGRT_JFbtB0K4EQaK0XR-K5Bi2ggYTy2IPfVr9YjCqN5sHmAkakrPPsTBlFHBNvr4cM2Mx0Osz8xNdQpV_5YjefNWVNrGUbUfl0jVCgIXQb22kFCZCdd2TbgUBC7hvWABOFa5C/s320/ballot%20scotus%20decision.png" width="320" /></a></div>The Supreme Court of the United States has unanimously reversed the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court that had removed former President Donald Trump from the state's Republican presidential primary ballot. The Colorado court had ruled that Trump was disqualified from running for office again under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which bars anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution from holding any federal or state office. The Colorado court found that Trump had incited the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.<p></p><p>However, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed with that interpretation of Section 3. The majority opinion, written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, held that only Congress has the authority to enforce Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates and that states cannot unilaterally exclude anyone from the ballot based on their own judgment of insurrection. The majority also noted that Congress has not passed any legislation to implement Section 3, and that it has not declared anyone to be disqualified under it since 1898. The majority argued that allowing states to decide who is eligible for office under Section 3 would create a "state-by-state patchwork" of decisions that would undermine the uniformity and stability of federal elections.</p><p>The majority opinion was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett. Justice Barrett also wrote a separate concurring opinion, in which she agreed with the majority's conclusion but suggested that there may be other ways to enforce Section 3 besides congressional legislation, such as a declaratory judgment by a federal court or a challenge by an opposing candidate. She also expressed some doubt about whether Section 3 applies to former officeholders at all, or only to current ones.</p><p>The three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, also concurred in the judgment but wrote a separate opinion to criticize the majority for going beyond what was necessary to resolve the case. They argued that the majority should have left open the possibility of other means of enforcing Section 3, such as those suggested by Justice Barrett or by a federal statute that authorizes private lawsuits to challenge violations of voting rights. They also pointed out that the majority did not address the merits of the Colorado court's finding that Trump had engaged in insurrection and that they did not rule out the possibility that Congress or a federal court could still declare him ineligible in the future.</p><p>The Supreme Court's decision means that Trump will remain on the ballot in Colorado and in two other states, Illinois and Maine, that had also sought to exclude him under Section 3. Trump is currently leading the polls among Republican voters nationwide and has announced his intention to run for president again in 2024.</p><p>It is very rare for the Supreme Court of the United States to get things right. However, they have been on a roll lately. The decision to keep President Trump on the ballot in Colorado and other states was a good one. Trump was removed from the ballot under a false pretense, namely that he was the creator and instigator of an insurrection. To date, he has not been charged nor found guilty of such a treasonous act. How can he be penalized for something he was never even found guilty of? Those who attempted to remove the former president from the ballot are acting on an ulterior political motive. It is sad and scary that some courts even entertained this. </p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be posted.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p><br /></p><p>- [Supreme Court of the United States: Trump v. Anderson](<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-719_19m2.pdf">https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-719_19m2.pdf</a>)</p><p>- [USA Today: Trump stays on Colorado ballot: What to know from Supreme Court ruling](<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/03/04/supreme-court-decision-trump-colorado-ballot-takeaways/72841402007/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/03/04/supreme-court-decision-trump-colorado-ballot-takeaways/72841402007/</a>)</p><p>- [CNBC: Supreme Court: States can't block Trump from ballot](<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/04/supreme-court-rules-in-trump-colorado-ballot-case.html">https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/04/supreme-court-rules-in-trump-colorado-ballot-case.html</a>)</p><p>- [The Hill: Supreme Court keeps Trump on Colorado ballot: Read the ruling](<a href="https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4506668-supreme-court-keeps-trump-on-colorado-ballot-read-the-ruling/">https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4506668-supreme-court-keeps-trump-on-colorado-ballot-read-the-ruling/</a>)</p><p>- [Denver Post: U.S. Supreme Court rules Donald Trump is allowed on Colorado's ballot](<a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2024/03/04/supreme-court-ruling-donald-trump-ballot-colorado-case/">https://www.denverpost.com/2024/03/04/supreme-court-ruling-donald-trump-ballot-colorado-case/</a>)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-23309364303015542622024-03-05T00:00:00.014-05:002024-03-05T00:00:00.151-05:00Did the Catholic Church Ordain Women Deacons?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6A2WHy8pbY7D0kJ6cxqM-8h3ryH3C_PTSAw46XAWOB37KNhZW65ReHwAKPqwoWqX_wd0pI49QBhQjjhffvN12nIkGN8pnOB_7ZnYoQBxAA8GgPj8A5AYdnSOVw81iP3yBRqy95OwIVLTfnlcnYrRR67xdIgSWcbiqPm2ijUC0jXhAS2wcLJQj5avxTHJ/s1024/_8b0c856c-b879-4403-84b4-1f7a0bc4937b.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6A2WHy8pbY7D0kJ6cxqM-8h3ryH3C_PTSAw46XAWOB37KNhZW65ReHwAKPqwoWqX_wd0pI49QBhQjjhffvN12nIkGN8pnOB_7ZnYoQBxAA8GgPj8A5AYdnSOVw81iP3yBRqy95OwIVLTfnlcnYrRR67xdIgSWcbiqPm2ijUC0jXhAS2wcLJQj5avxTHJ/s320/_8b0c856c-b879-4403-84b4-1f7a0bc4937b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Catholic Deaconesses in the Early Church and Why They Were Not Ordained Deacons</b><p></p><p>Deaconesses were women who served the Church in various ways, such as assisting in the baptism and anointing of women, distributing communion to sick women, teaching and catechizing women converts, and caring for the poor and the widows. They were not, however, ordained deacons in the same sense as men who received the sacrament of holy orders and participated in the ministry of the word, the altar, and the governance of the Church.</p><p>The term "deaconess" comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means "servant" or "minister". In the New Testament, this word is used in a general sense to refer to anyone who serves Christ and his Church, such as Paul, Timothy, Phoebe, and even the civil authorities (Romans 13:4). It is also used in a specific sense to refer to those who are appointed to a special service in the Church, such as the seven men chosen by the apostles to assist in the distribution of food to the widows (Acts 6:1-6).</p><p>The only woman in the New Testament who is explicitly called a diakonos is Phoebe, whom Paul commends as "a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae" (Romans 16:1). However, this does not necessarily mean that she was ordained to a specific office or function since the word diakonos was still used in a very general sense at that time. Moreover, Paul does not mention any specific tasks or duties that Phoebe performed as a deaconess, except that she was a "benefactor" or "patron" of many people, including Paul himself (Romans 16:2).</p><p>In the early centuries of the Church, there is evidence that some women were appointed or consecrated as deaconesses by bishops, especially in the Eastern churches. The most detailed source for this practice is the Apostolic Constitutions, a collection of ecclesiastical laws and liturgical texts compiled in Syria around the fourth century. According to this document, deaconesses were to be chosen from among mature and reputable women, preferably widows or virgins, who had dedicated themselves to God. They were to be consecrated by the bishop with the laying on of hands and a prayer of blessing, similar to that used for deacons. However, they were not to receive the imposition of hands on their heads, as this was reserved for those who received holy orders. They were also not to wear any distinctive garment or insignia that would indicate a clerical status.</p><p>The main role of deaconesses was to assist in the baptism of women, since this involved full immersion in water and anointing of the whole body with oil. Deaconesses were also responsible for instructing and preparing women catechumens for baptism and confirmation. In addition, they could distribute communion to sick women who could not attend the liturgy, visit and comfort women prisoners and martyrs, and perform works of charity and mercy for the needy.</p><p>Deaconesses were not, however, authorized to preach, teach, or exercise any authority over men in the Church. They were also not allowed to serve at the altar or touch any sacred vessels or objects as a deacon would. However, they would function like altar girls/women. They were subordinate to the bishop and his presbyters (priests) and deacons, who alone possessed the sacrament of holy orders and exercised the threefold ministry of Christ as prophet, priest, and king.</p><p>The institution of deaconesses gradually declined and disappeared in both the East and the West by the Middle Ages. Several factors contributed to this development, such as:</p><p>- The change in the mode of baptism from immersion to infusion (pouring), which reduced the need for deaconesses to assist in this sacrament.</p><p>- The rise of monasticism and religious orders for women, which offered alternative ways for women to dedicate themselves to God and serve the Church.</p><p>- The reform of the clergy and the restoration of celibacy for deacons in both lungs of the Church.</p><p>- The opposition of some bishops and priests to deaconesses, who saw them as a threat to their authority and influence.</p><p>Today, some Christian churches have revived or introduced the ordination of women as deacons or deaconesses. However, this practice is not accepted by the Catholic Church, which teaches that only men can receive holy orders as bishops, priests, or deacons (see: <a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2024/03/why-catholic-church-cannot-ordain-women.html">Sacerdotus: Why the Catholic Church Cannot Ordain Women</a>). This teaching is based on:</p><p>- The example and will of Christ, who chose only men as his apostles and entrusted them with his authority and mission.</p><p>- The constant tradition and practice of the Church, which has always reserved holy orders to men alone.</p><p>- The magisterial teaching of the Church, which has definitively declared that the Church has no authority to ordain women to holy orders.</p><p>In 2002, the International Theological Commission, a body of theologians appointed by the pope to advise him on doctrinal matters, issued a document on the history and theology of the diaconate. In this document, the commission concluded that deaconesses in the early Church were not equivalent to deacons and did not receive holy orders. Therefore, the commission stated, "it is not possible to see in the diaconal ministry of women as it was developed in the ancient Church a clear basis for a possible sacramental ordination of women deacons in the future." (From the Diakonia of Christ to the Diakonia of the Apostles, n. 88)</p><p>The commission also suggested that the Church could consider other ways of enhancing the role and participation of women in the Church, without ordaining them to holy orders. For example, the commission proposed that "the ministries already accessible to women — whether in direct collaboration with the priestly ministry or in the many activities of charity and assistance — could be more clearly defined and more intensely promoted, so that they may be more highly valued and appreciated." (Ibid., n. 89)</p><p>In conclusion, deaconesses were women who served the Church in various ways in the early centuries, but they were not ordained deacons in the same sense as men who received holy orders. The Catholic Church does not ordain women as deacons or priests, because this is contrary to the will of Christ and the tradition of the Church. However, the Church recognizes and appreciates the many contributions of women to the life and mission of the Church, and encourages them to use their gifts and talents for the glory of God and the good of his people.</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comments below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be allowed on the forum.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>## References</p><p>- History of Deaconesses | EWTN - EWTN Global Catholic Television Network <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/history-of-deaconesses-4813">https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/history-of-deaconesses-4813</a></p><p>- The Order of Deaconesses in the Early church - Women Priests <a href="https://womenpriests.org/articles-books/hannon3-the-order-of-deaconesses-in-the-early-church/">https://womenpriests.org/articles-books/hannon3-the-order-of-deaconesses-in-the-early-church/</a></p><p>- Deaconesses? Sure. ‘Women Deacons’? Not So Fast. <a href="https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/deaconesses-sure-women-deacons-not-so-fast">https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/deaconesses-sure-women-deacons-not-so-fast</a></p><p>- Should Women Be Ordained Catholic Deacons? - Boston University <a href="https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/should-women-be-ordained-catholic-deacons/">https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/should-women-be-ordained-catholic-deacons/</a></p><p>- From the Diakonia of Christ to the Diakonia of the Apostles <a href="http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20020222_diaconate_en.html">http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20020222_diaconate_en.html</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2016/05/pope-francis-deaconesses.html">Sacerdotus: Pope Francis & Deaconesses</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2016/08/deaconess-commission.html">Sacerdotus: Deaconess Commission</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-7044649640353312872024-03-04T00:00:00.079-05:002024-03-04T00:00:00.132-05:00Why the Catholic Church Cannot Ordain Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdtIlx4a0y0BqZeFwzNTpWIJASMqLAg5SG2wgk4XlVawB93j8anYe2okXDmrJhbPoVM7X5usKn8IZ8nwCYmBpgghKhQC0_kTEx8PHtZNdMGqLJbtp-e7x_724D-6JmpRun7zA_akmLLykqe6RXZ5fA7dyfxdvnwsv6_GG3_XQ82VCpGdqLHZvRCDlNhmV/s1024/_f319cd7e-6970-4646-98b5-e369e67f1908.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdtIlx4a0y0BqZeFwzNTpWIJASMqLAg5SG2wgk4XlVawB93j8anYe2okXDmrJhbPoVM7X5usKn8IZ8nwCYmBpgghKhQC0_kTEx8PHtZNdMGqLJbtp-e7x_724D-6JmpRun7zA_akmLLykqe6RXZ5fA7dyfxdvnwsv6_GG3_XQ82VCpGdqLHZvRCDlNhmV/s320/_f319cd7e-6970-4646-98b5-e369e67f1908.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Why the Catholic Church can't ordain women</b><p></p><p>The question of whether women can be ordained as priests in the Catholic Church has been debated for a long time, but the Church's official teaching is clear and definitive: women cannot be ordained to the sacred priesthood. This is not a matter of discrimination or inequality but of fidelity to the will of Christ and the tradition of the apostles.</p><p>The main reason why the Church does not ordain women is because Christ did not include women among the select group of the Twelve to whom He gave the sacramental powers, which included ordination. After His Resurrection, Christ appeared to the apostles in the upper room and said to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so, I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (John 20:21-23). This was one of the moments when Christ instituted the sacrament of holy orders and conferred it on his chosen apostles, who were all men.</p><p>The apostles, in turn, passed on this sacrament to their successors, the bishops, who also ordained other men as priests and deacons. There is no evidence in the New Testament or in the early Church history that any woman was ever ordained by an apostle or a bishop. The Church has always understood that Christ's choice of men for the priesthood was not arbitrary or cultural, but intentional and permanent. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible" (CCC 1577).</p><p>This teaching was reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II in his apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (1994), where he declared: "In order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church's divine constitution itself, in virtue of my ministry of confirming the brethren (cf. Luke 22:32) I declare that **the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women** and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful" (OS 4). This declaration was confirmed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as an infallible teaching of the ordinary and universal magisterium of the Church (Responsum ad dubium, 1995).</p><p>Some people may wonder why Christ did not choose women for the priesthood since he clearly valued and respected women and had many female disciples and friends. In fact, His own mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary would have made the best priest, bishop, deacon, or pope! The answer is not that Christ was influenced by the patriarchal culture of his time or that he considered women inferior or unworthy. On the contrary, Christ elevated the dignity and vocation of women by his words and deeds and entrusted them with important missions in his ministry. For example, he revealed himself as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42), he defended a woman caught in adultery from being stoned (John 8:1-11), he praised a poor widow who gave all she had to the temple (Luke 21:1-4), he raised a young girl from death and restored her to her parents (Mark 5:35-43), he cured a woman who suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34), he allowed a sinful woman to anoint his feet with perfume and forgave her sins (Luke 7:36-50), he appeared first to Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection and sent her to announce the good news to his apostles (John 20:11-18). In a word, Jesus was a feminist. He saw and treated women in ways that were "beyond His time," to use typical jargon or figure of speech that we use today to describe someone who is a progressive. </p><p>Christ did not choose women for the priesthood because he wanted to express a profound truth about his own identity and mission as the Son of God and the bridegroom of the Church. The priest acts in persona Christi capitis, in the person of Christ the head, when he celebrates the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The priest represents Christ who offers himself as a sacrifice for his bride, the Church, and who nourishes her with his body and blood. The priest also acts as a spiritual father who guides and cares for his flock. These roles require a natural resemblance between Christ and his ministers, which is found only in men. As Pope John Paul II explained: "The fact that Christ is a man has an ontological significance . . . it affects all human beings - men and women alike - at their very roots . . . The sacramental priesthood . . . is necessarily reserved to men alone" (Mulieris Dignitatem 26). This is why the matter for the Sacrament of Holy Orders has to be a male person or body while the laying of hands is the form or how the Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred on the male candidate (deacon/priest). </p><p>This does not mean that women have no role or function in the Church. On the contrary, women have a vital and irreplaceable contribution to the life and mission of the Church, as Pope Francis has emphasized: "The way is not only [ordained] ministry. The Church is woman. The Church is a spouse. We have not developed a theology of women that reflects this . . . The Petrine principle is that of ministry. But there is another principle that is still more important, about which we do not speak, that is the Marian principle, which is the principle of femininity in the Church, of the woman in the Church, where the Church sees a mirror of herself because she is a woman and a spouse" (Interview with America Magazine, 2022). </p><p>Women are called to imitate Mary, the mother of God and the model of discipleship, who cooperated with God's plan of salvation with her faith, obedience, and love. Women are also called to exercise their baptismal priesthood by offering their lives as a spiritual sacrifice, participating in the liturgy and the sacraments, praying and interceding for others, proclaiming and witnessing to the gospel, serving and caring for the poor and the needy, by educating and forming the young and the old, by leading and organizing various ministries and apostolates in the Church. In fact, in probably every parish around the world it is the women who run the show, so to speak. They care for the property, often cook for priests, volunteer to run groups, teach catechism, read at Mass or help give out Holy Communion. Let us not forget our women religious who do almost everything in the Church. Parishes and dioceses would be in trouble if women were not present. This is a hard fact! </p><p>In conclusion, the Catholic Church cannot ordain women because she is faithful to Christ's will and example, to the apostolic tradition, and to the constant teaching of her magisterium. This teaching is not a matter of opinion or preference but of divine revelation and infallible doctrine. The Church does not discriminate or oppress women, but honors and respects them as equal in dignity and different in vocation. </p><p>Women are more than capable of being priests per se and hypothetically speaking, they tend to be more mature than men, can connect emotionally with people, and have an intuitive sense and attentiveness that almost makes them superior to men. We all know how great our mothers, our grandmothers, and so on are. We consider them the best in the world. So we know the power and capabilities of women (we, meaning us males). In fact, we learn how to be men; and how to be human from these great women! </p><p>However, we must follow how God wanted things. God is immutable. He is Truth and the Truth cannot contradict itself. So we cannot change anything in regards to the priesthood. This is something that comes to us directly from God, Jesus Christ. Who are we to overrule Jesus? We simply cannot! Those who push for women's ordination simply do not understand the theology and philosophy behind the priesthood. They see it as a career or a competition ladder. This is not what the priesthood is about. It is not like getting the right to vote or the right to own property. The priesthood is beyond us and our social norms and customs. Being a priest does not make him superior to women or other men. The priest simply has a different role in the Church. We are all equals in the Church but with different roles and degrees of function. The Church invites women to embrace their unique and indispensable role in the Church and in the world, following the example of Mary, who is blessed among all women.</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be posted. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p><br /></p><p>- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM">http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM</a></p><p>- Pope John Paul II, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (OS), <a href="http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1994/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19940522_ordinatio-sacerdotalis.html">http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1994/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19940522_ordinatio-sacerdotalis.html</a></p><p>- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Responsum ad dubium, <a href="http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19951028_commento-dubium-ordinatio-sac_en.html">http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19951028_commento-dubium-ordinatio-sac_en.html</a></p><p>- Pope John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem (MD), <a href="http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1988/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19880815_mulieris-dignitatem.html">http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1988/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19880815_mulieris-dignitatem.html</a></p><p>- Pope Francis, Interview with America Magazine (AM), <a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/11/28/pope-francis-interview-women-priests-covid-vaccine-china-252928">https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/11/28/pope-francis-interview-women-priests-covid-vaccine-china-252928</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-3055842374229545982024-03-03T00:00:00.014-05:002024-03-03T00:00:00.143-05:00Reflection-Third Sunday of Lent Year B<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dkyj0hKUqM8/VPwF2FnHGbI/AAAAAAAALwo/1f3Kr1VYWv0/s1600/Freedom-and-Cleaning-House.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dkyj0hKUqM8/VPwF2FnHGbI/AAAAAAAALwo/1f3Kr1VYWv0/s1600/Freedom-and-Cleaning-House.jpg" width="297" /></a></p><p>A reflection on the readings for the third Sunday of Lent (Cycle B) in the Catholic Church.</p><p>Readings (Year B):</p><p>- Exodus 20:1 – 17 (or shorter form, Exodus 20:1-3,7-8,12-17): Moses is given the Ten Commandments.</p><p>- Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11: A prayer of praise to God who gives us His commandments.</p><p>- 1 Corinthians 1:22 – 25: Paul preaches Christ crucified to the Corinthians.</p><p>- John 2:13 – 25: Jesus drives out the moneychangers from the Temple and says that He will destroy the temple and raise it up again.</p><p><br /></p><p>Today's readings deal with the law, the temple, and respect for God.</p><p>In the first reading, we read the Commandments God gives to Moses. We cannot serve other gods, or take God's name in vain; we must keep the sabbath, respect our parents, not kill, and not fall into adultery; we cannot steal, cannot slander others nor desire other people's goods or their spouses. These laws pin down fallen human nature in great detail. <br /><br />We often claim to believe in God, yet worship other things. Money and power are two of the most common "gods" that have plagued humanity (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A21&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Matthew 6:21</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+5%3A10&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A16-17&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Psalm 37:16-17</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A5&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:5</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A10&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">1 Timothy 6:10</a>). Today we see people sleep on the street just to purchase a phone, sneakers, or tickets to a show, sporting events, or concert. They leave behind families, and lovers set aside their own well-being for these meaningless material things. Moreover, the first commandment is often used by our separated brethren against our use of images and statues. The "idols carved in the shape of anything in the sky above" etc are used to attack our use of images of angels and saints. This is a very bad interpretation of the text. </p><p>This text must be read in context. The images in the sky, earth, and under the earth are about the idols used in ancient Egypt. Birds, cats, and alligators were often worshiped as representations of Egypt's gods. We know God is not speaking of angels or saints here because 5 chapters later in Exodus we read how God commands that the Ark of the Covenant be made with two cherubs on top. Cherubs are angelic creatures that are "in the sky." Did God contradict Himself? No! The attack on Catholic use of images is silly indeed. If we think about it, Protestants collect money. Money has images of white males we call presidents. These white males are creatures found on earth or who used to live on earth. If we interpret the text like some Protestants do, then they are guilty of possessing idols when they collect money. Let us respect God's Word and not misinterpret it! Furthermore, many of us take God's name in vain and treat God as if He were just another adjective we can use to describe something or make a statement of exclamation. God's name must always be respected, as well as, the names of all things holy. <br /><br />We sometimes work on Sunday and do not respect that this day is the day the Lord rose from the dead and started the new creation. Today so many young people and older folks disrespect their parents. Killing today is almost a daily occurrence and is being done in God's name around the world. There is no respect for life. Not even the unborn are safe. The culture of today encourages infidelity. We are told to "hook up," and "mess around" to have fun and explore. Marriages are decreasing with nearly half of them ending in divorce. Stealing is done in every facet of life. The poor steal from the poor, the rich from the rich, the rich from the poor, and vice versa. Slander is rampant around the world. Movies, books, articles, and other publications encourage bullying others in the name of free speech. The act of bringing down reputations is now part of a popular television show that stalks actors and others. We are never happy with what we have and want more.<br /><br />The Commandments capture well the fallen psychological state of all human beings. It is no wonder why they are the basis for secular law. Many courthouses today, including the Supreme Court has the image of the Commandments. Laws are necessary for life. Without laws, there would be chaos. Our own universe operates on laws (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+38%3A33&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Job 38:33</a>). Laws, in general, serve to keep peace and harmony, not to oppress. The laws of physics allow us to exist in this universe. God's laws keep us focused on loving Him and our neighbor. This is why Jesus summed them up in two Commandments (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A37-40&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Matthew 22:37-40</a>). The Psalm for today brings to mind this.<br /><br />In the responsorial Psalm, we recall how God's words are what give life. In the book of Genesis, God creates the world with His word (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Genesis 1</a>). It is God's word that gives us life and sustains it (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A4&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Matthew 4:4</a>). In the Commandments, we have the law of God which is indeed perfect. As I stated before, it encompasses fallen human nature and our behavior perfectly. However, we must be careful not to turn the Commandments into a strict totalitarian system. This will bring about judgment and abuse of others. The Commandments must bring us to love God and our neighbor. The law is fulfilled in Christ Jesus (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A2&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">Romans 8:2</a>).<br /><br />In the second reading, St. Paul tells us of how things were at the time. The Jews were looking for signs, miracles, and other supernatural events which they were told about by their ancestors. Meanwhile, the Greeks were looking for wisdom via philosophy. Socrates, Plato, and the other Greek philosophers thought about life and the world seeking answers, only to bring about more questions. This is because they did not seek the one who brings the signs and the one who is truth and wisdom: Jesus (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A1&version=NRSVCE">John 10:1</a>). Philosophers like <a href="http://www.bu.edu/paideia/existenz/volumes/Vol.3-1Khazaee.html" target="_blank">Nietzsche went mad</a> thinking about what existence means and its purpose. All he had to do was focus on Jesus Christ who was a God that was dead but rose again conquering sin and death (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A55-57&version=NRSVCE" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:55-57</a>). Today academics and others think they have solved the universe with their methodologies and whatnot. They criticize certain aspects of creation and dismiss God as impossible or foolish. Yet when we study the wonders of nature, what we think are imperfections or mistakes are actually works of a genius who is so powerful that He can make the stupid work with the intelligent and the illogical with the logical. The foolishness we assume in God and His creation is actually wiser than we think. Many atheists today cite the appendix as proof that no intelligent designer was involved. They dismiss the appendage as a leftover of evolution that serves no purpose. However, this is not true. The appendix aids our immune system as a backup which exposes white blood cells to antigens. This suppresses humoral antibodies which are destructive (Martin, L 1999). So this little appendage which is often used to call God foolish actually shows His wisdom.</p><p>In today's Gospel, we read about how Jesus overturned the tables of the merchants and money changers in the Temple at Jerusalem. To understand the relevance of Jesus' actions, we must learn more about the activities that were going on in the temple area. Worship at the Temple included animal sacrifice, and merchants sold animals to worshipers. Moneychangers exchanged Roman coins (which bore the image of the Roman emperor) for temple coins needed to pay the temple tax.</p><p>Jesus' action at the Temple is recorded in all four Gospels and is often understood to be among the events that led to His arrest and Crucifixion. The Gospel of John places this event much earlier in Jesus' public ministry than do the Synoptic Gospels. In John's Gospel, this event occurs after His first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana. We must read John's Gospel carefully, especially in its presentation of Jesus' relationship to Judaism. John reflects greater tension and animosity between Jesus and Jewish authorities than the Synoptic Gospels. The Gospel of John was written last, and its narrative reflects the growing divide between the Jewish community and early Christians.</p><p>Reflecting upon the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem (A.D. 70), John recalls Jesus' cleansing of the Temple and uses that story to interpret this later event. John explains to his audience—an early Christian community—that temple worship would no longer be necessary because it was surpassed in Jesus' passion, death, and Resurrection. With greater frequency than other Evangelists, John intersperses post-Resurrection reflections of this Christian community in his narrative.</p><p>After clearing the Temple of merchants and moneychangers, John's Gospel tells us that people asked for a sign of Jesus' authority to do such an audacious act.</p><p>The takeaway from these readings is that even if we do not fully understand what God commands us to do, we can trust that all God does for us is for our benefit. May we always respect God's authority, for it is only by listening to God and following His commandments that peace can be brought to our shared household called Earth.</p><p>Remember that God calls each of us by name to a unique vocation—to become and receive mercy. We have the freedom to say yes to these daily vocations of mercy.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-89200429991053952762024-03-02T11:30:00.040-05:002024-03-02T20:19:31.528-05:00Church Militant To Shut Down - Vortex Has Spun Its Course <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjQuLb2IrUBH_XbItNMkzflXNM_Vj9H8QvmkN9PCvpcFiE6Pt8PbhDWksXBaAhVB41qembek0MQ_U4gJhwsSObBr4cmCT_trzudnGckHYtakLWArDgB88tb_c2OBv-KRPywqbpvuBjBRF4YWOwravtAH1VgYxsB_987BudF5SCTePke_DzNeHNHPUC-_T/s1080/Church%20militant%20over.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjQuLb2IrUBH_XbItNMkzflXNM_Vj9H8QvmkN9PCvpcFiE6Pt8PbhDWksXBaAhVB41qembek0MQ_U4gJhwsSObBr4cmCT_trzudnGckHYtakLWArDgB88tb_c2OBv-KRPywqbpvuBjBRF4YWOwravtAH1VgYxsB_987BudF5SCTePke_DzNeHNHPUC-_T/s320/Church%20militant%20over.png" width="320" /></a></div>Church Militant shutting down: A victory for truth and justice<p></p><p>Church Militant, a notorious far-right Catholic media outlet, has announced that it will shut down by the end of April 2024, following a $500,000 defamation lawsuit brought by a priest from New Hampshire. This is a welcome development for all those who value truth, justice and civility in the Catholic Church and society. However, it is sad news for those on the far-right who enjoy controversies, conspiracy theories and airing out the dirty laundry of others, so to speak. </p><p>The lawsuit was filed by Father Georges de Laire, the judicial vicar of the Diocese of Manchester, who was falsely accused by Church Militant of changing dogma into heresy in an article published in January 2019. The article, written by canon lawyer Marc Balestrieri, claimed to have anonymous sources who made negative comments about Father de Laire's personal and professional conduct. However, neither Balestrieri nor Church Militant could produce any evidence to back up their allegations, and they failed to properly vet the article before publishing it. Balestrieri never showed up to defend himself in the case nor for the disposition. </p><p>The article was part of a campaign to discredit Father de Laire and the Diocese of Manchester, who were involved in a canonical dispute with the Saint Benedict Center, a radical group that adheres to the heretical doctrine of "no salvation outside the Church". Balestrieri was representing the Saint Benedict Center in the dispute, and he used his article to raise funds for his legal work. The Diocese of Manchester had warned the Saint Benedict Center that their position was contrary to Vatican teaching and had forbidden them from calling themselves Catholic or participating in Catholic activities.</p><p>Father de Laire sued Balestrieri and Church Militant for defamation, and after a lengthy legal process, he won the case. Church Militant agreed to pay $500,000 and apologize to Father de Laire for their part in causing him distress and damage. They also announced that they will cease all operations of Church Militant by the end of April 2024.</p><p>This is not the first time that Church Militant has been involved in controversy or scandal. The media outlet, founded by Michael Voris in 2006, has been known for its aggressive and divisive coverage of Catholic issues, often attacking bishops, priests, religious orders, lay movements and other Catholics who do not share their extreme views. They have also been accused of promoting conspiracy theories, spreading misinformation, fostering hatred and inciting violence.</p><p>In November 2021, Voris resigned from his position as CEO of St. Michael's Media, the parent company of Church Militant, after admitting that he had violated their morality clause by sending shirtless photos of himself to staff and associates. The photos were discovered on the outlet's cloud-storage account and caused outrage among Church Militant's supporters (see: <a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/11/michael-voris-caught-in-vortex-spin.html">Sacerdotus: Michael Voris Caught in Vortex Spin</a>).</p><p>The closure of Church Militant is a victory for truth and justice, as well as for the dignity and reputation of Father de Laire and other Catholics who have been slandered or harassed by them. It is also an opportunity for healing and reconciliation within the Church, which needs more dialogue and respect among its members, especially in these challenging times. We hope that this case will serve as a lesson for other media outlets and individuals who may be tempted to use their platforms to spread lies, hatred or division.</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be allowed to be posted.</p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p>- Church Militant to shut down following $500,000 defamation lawsuit brought by priest | Catholic News Agency</p><p><a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256981/church-militant-to-shut-down-following-500-dollars-000-cents-defamation-penalty-against-new-hampshire-priest">https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256981/church-militant-to-shut-down-following-500-dollars-000-cents-defamation-penalty-against-new-hampshire-priest</a></p><p>- Church Militant plans to cease publication in April - Religion News Service</p><p><a href="https://religionnews.com/2024/03/01/report-church-militant-loses-defamation-suit/">https://religionnews.com/2024/03/01/report-church-militant-loses-defamation-suit/</a></p><p>- Baltimore reaches proposed settlement with Church Militant over protest permit</p><p><a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/01/baltimore-church-militant-settlement/">https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/01/baltimore-church-militant-settlement/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256981/church-militant-to-shut-down-following-500-dollars-000-cents-defamation-penalty-against-new-hampshire-priest">https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256981/church-militant-to-shut-down-following-500-dollars-000-cents-defamation-penalty-against-new-hampshire-priest</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ncronline.org/news/right-wing-catholic-outlet-church-militant-close-april">https://www.ncronline.org/news/right-wing-catholic-outlet-church-militant-close-april</a></p><p><a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/01/baltimore-church-militant-settlement/">https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/01/baltimore-church-militant-settlement/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2024/02/24/michael-voris-church-militant-shirtless-selfies/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2024/02/24/michael-voris-church-militant-shirtless-selfies/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/smm-apology-to-fr-georges-de-laire">https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/smm-apology-to-fr-georges-de-laire</a></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-74158618273371165562024-03-02T00:00:00.009-05:002024-03-02T00:00:00.144-05:00Jesus, the Lion of Judah<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM8pmLP_nl7zqsy7xAclkcOUlMdMoYB468ev-ENo0CCA1ZnrtloOMvIIpptXoEaXC47MO0OUwmh2ULGZ6YnuYuz1-45mExuce3HSLheFuDyESzvueoZswAJHAzpnIu8pRqosb4urC4Ini0uaoW3wPQm_JhJVWupzzSazQ42Q7HVDK8JBvIvDQ0DnOsUAE/s1024/_fe853901-db71-4f27-a62a-cbb11c88c4fb.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM8pmLP_nl7zqsy7xAclkcOUlMdMoYB468ev-ENo0CCA1ZnrtloOMvIIpptXoEaXC47MO0OUwmh2ULGZ6YnuYuz1-45mExuce3HSLheFuDyESzvueoZswAJHAzpnIu8pRqosb4urC4Ini0uaoW3wPQm_JhJVWupzzSazQ42Q7HVDK8JBvIvDQ0DnOsUAE/s320/_fe853901-db71-4f27-a62a-cbb11c88c4fb.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span><b>Jesus as the Lion of Judah</b></div><p></p><p>It is March and the old saying goes that it comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. This is of course in reference to the windy weather and transition from winter into spring. However, we will focus on another lion. One of the most fascinating and powerful images of Jesus in the Bible is that of the Lion of Judah. This title reveals his royal, kingly, and victorious nature, as well as his connection to the tribe of Judah, from which he descended according to his human genealogy. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, meaning, and symbolism of Jesus as the Lion of Judah, and how this name can inspire us to trust in his authority and power.</p><p><b>The Origins of the Name</b></p><p>The name Lion of Judah first appears in Genesis 49, when Jacob blesses his twelve sons before his death. He prophesies about the future of each son and their descendants, who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. When he comes to Judah, his fourth son, he says:</p><p>"Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his." (Genesis 49:8-10)</p><p>Here Jacob compares Judah to a lion, a symbol of strength, courage, and majesty. He also predicts that Judah's descendants will have royal authority and dominion over their enemies and their brothers. He mentions a scepter and a ruler's staff, which are emblems of kingship. He also hints at a future ruler who will come from Judah's line and who will have universal sovereignty.</p><p>This prophecy was partially fulfilled in King David, who was from the tribe of Judah and who established a dynasty that ruled over Israel for many generations. However, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy was in Jesus Christ, who was born from the lineage of David and Judah according to his human ancestry (Matthew 1:1-17). Jesus is the one to whom the scepter and the ruler's staff belong, and he is the one who will have the obedience of the nations.</p><p><b>The Meaning of the Name</b></p><p>The name Lion of Judah is used again in Revelation 5, when John sees a vision of heaven and witnesses a scene where no one is worthy to open a scroll with seven seals that contains God's plan for the end times. John weeps because no one can open the scroll, but then one of the elders tells him:</p><p>"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." (Revelation 5:5)</p><p>Here John hears that there is someone who can open the scroll: **the Lion of the tribe of Judah**, **the Root of David**. These are two titles that refer to Jesus Christ, who has triumphed over sin and death by his death and resurrection. The title Lion of Judah emphasizes his royal and victorious nature, while the title Root of David emphasizes his messianic and Davidic nature.</p><p>However, when John turns to see this Lion, he sees something unexpected:</p><p>"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders." (Revelation 5:6)</p><p>John sees a Lamb instead of a Lion. This is another title for Jesus Christ, who is also called "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" by John the Baptist (John 1:29). The Lamb represents Jesus' sacrificial and submissive nature, as he willingly offered himself as a sinless victim for our sins. The Lamb also looks as if it had been slain, which reminds us of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.</p><p><b>The Symbolism of the Name</b></p><p>The name Lion of Judah reveals both aspects of Jesus' nature: his power and his humility, his authority and his obedience, his majesty and his meekness. He is both a Lion and a Lamb, both a King and a Servant. He is able to conquer all his enemies and ours by laying down his life for us.</p><p>For Christians, Jesus as the Lion of Judah gives us hope that he will return one day to establish his eternal kingdom on earth, where he will reign with justice and righteousness. He will also judge all people according to their deeds and reward those who are faithful to him. As Revelation 19:11-16 says: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is 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." C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia series, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe references Jesus in the character Aslan who is a lion. </p><p>For non-Christians, Jesus as the Lion of Judah is a warning that he will not tolerate sin and rebellion forever, and that he will hold everyone accountable for their choices and actions. He is not a tame lion, but a fierce and holy one, who demands our respect and reverence. As Hebrews 10:31 says: "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."</p><p>Therefore, we should all heed the invitation of Revelation 22:17: "The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."</p><p>Jesus as the Lion of Judah offers us the water of life, which is his grace and salvation. He invites us to come to him and receive his forgiveness and love. He also invites us to follow him and serve him as our Lord and King.</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment will be allowed on the forum. </p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p><br /></p><p>: <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/powerful-reasons-to-know-god-as-the-lion-of-judah.html">https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/powerful-reasons-to-know-god-as-the-lion-of-judah.html</a></p><p>: <a href="https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-is-jesus-lamb-of-god-lion-of-judah.html">https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-is-jesus-lamb-of-god-lion-of-judah.html</a></p><p>: <a href="https://christmas.dts.edu/lion-of-judah-the-root-of-david/">https://christmas.dts.edu/lion-of-judah-the-root-of-david/</a></p><p>: <a href="https://symbolsage.com/lion-of-judah-significance/">https://symbolsage.com/lion-of-judah-significance/</a></p><p>: <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-is-jesus-both-the-lion-and-the-lamb.html">https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-is-jesus-both-the-lion-and-the-lamb.html</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-49601979853742775242024-03-01T02:54:00.002-05:002024-03-01T04:57:39.587-05:00March is Woman's Month: Mary the Greatest Woman!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx92ZfwolnGw-AEiZI0mUofpTN3YSxEntFI2qk67v0xkzREHFM5NmBU2L3LU1Y-4jUnfz3gX7rEUQmYNDT1YIYWH5yDMGj2uQKXtZcMH2XhGOKI2ARcj5N5cTRF71XkzbY6trhOmY7LROztQymhwKU7ZY1HvAUngjT8tShStww9Y0QrJ-duqCcqW8LQ6Y/s1024/_850f196f-6f93-44ea-96a3-e3230fe4f75c.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx92ZfwolnGw-AEiZI0mUofpTN3YSxEntFI2qk67v0xkzREHFM5NmBU2L3LU1Y-4jUnfz3gX7rEUQmYNDT1YIYWH5yDMGj2uQKXtZcMH2XhGOKI2ARcj5N5cTRF71XkzbY6trhOmY7LROztQymhwKU7ZY1HvAUngjT8tShStww9Y0QrJ-duqCcqW8LQ6Y/s320/_850f196f-6f93-44ea-96a3-e3230fe4f75c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Happy March, everyone! This month, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life. As a Catholic blogger, I want to dedicate this post to the greatest woman of all time: the Virgin Mary.<p></p><p>Mary is the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, and the spouse of the Holy Spirit. She is the perfect model of faith, obedience, humility, and love. She is also our mother, who intercedes for us and guides us to her Son.</p><p>In this post, I will share with you some of the reasons why I admire and love Mary so much, and why I think she deserves to be honored and praised by all Christians.</p><p>1. Mary said yes to God's plan. When the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would conceive and bear the Savior of the world, Mary did not hesitate or doubt. She trusted in God's will and gave her consent: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) She was only a young girl, probably around 15 years old, but she had the courage and faith to accept such a great responsibility and privilege. This is what I call a strong woman! Mary was assertive in her yes! </p><p>2. Mary carried Jesus in her womb for nine months. Imagine what it must have been like for Mary to have God Himself growing inside her. She must have felt His heartbeat, His movements, His presence. She must have talked to Him, sang to Him, prayed with Him. She must have loved Him more than anyone else in the world. She was the first person to see His face, hear Him, to hold Him in her arms, kiss Him, and cuddle Him. She was His first teacher, His first friend, His first disciple.</p><p>3. Mary followed Jesus throughout His life. Mary was not only present at Jesus' birth but also at every important moment of His life. She was there when He was presented in the temple when He was lost and found in Jerusalem, when He performed His first miracle at Cana, and when He preached and healed and taught. She was there when He was arrested, tortured, crucified, and buried. She was there when He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. She never left His side, even when it meant suffering with Him and for Him.</p><p>4. Mary became the mother of the Church. Before Jesus died on the cross, He gave Mary to John, His beloved disciple, as His mother: "Woman, behold your son." And to John, He said: "Behold your mother." (John 19:26-27) In doing so, He also gave Mary to all of us as our mother. Mary is not only the mother of Jesus but also the mother of all who believe in Him and follow Him. She cares for us as her children, she watches over us as our protector, and she leads us as our queen.</p><p>5. Mary is full of grace and glory. Mary is the most blessed among women and among all creatures. She is "full of grace" (Luke 1:28), meaning that she was conceived without original sin and preserved from any personal sin throughout her life. She is "the Immaculate Conception" (Pope Pius IX), meaning that she was always pure and holy in body and soul. She is "assumed into heaven" (Pope Pius XII), meaning that she was taken up body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. She is "crowned with glory" (Revelation 12:1), meaning that she reigns with Jesus as his co-redemptrix and mediatrix.</p><p>6. She continues to help us all. She told the servants at the Wedding of Cana to "do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5). These were her last recorded words in the Gospel, New Testament, and Bible as a whole. To this day she appears to us around the world under many titles. She was Jesus' best disciple which is why He sends her around the world and in different periods of time to appear to specific people to convey a reminder of the Gospel of Love. </p><p>7. Mary has helped me immensely in my life. I attribute many miracles to her, physical healings, healing of my hearing, vision, and oncology tests, in my schooling and education. She has always been there for her and I try my best to be there for her and her Son Jesus the Lord. Mary is just awesome!</p><p>These are just some of the reasons why I love Mary and why I think she is the greatest woman ever. She is my mother, my sister, my friend, my queen. She is my inspiration, my hope, my joy.</p><p>I invite you to join me in honoring Mary this month by praying the rosary daily, wearing a scapular or a miraculous medal, reading a book about her life or devotion to her, visiting a shrine or a church dedicated to her, or simply talking to her as you would talk to your own mother.</p><p>Let us thank God for giving us such a wonderful gift: Mary, the Virgin Mother of God. Ave Maria!</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comments below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be posted.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-51632947061932381322024-02-29T00:53:00.064-05:002024-03-01T04:57:25.409-05:00Black History Month<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM5uZcoASsK0OMRWE41Bied7ft4yEUoTUNqeuKLjR9yEb7-dLzOhL88FLLj5TJ_HIo3ntP4ytE9ZULwDP7p37GUX_3BBdZyTyRUeM6zEYoA0NZIWHe8v9HYhRk170nLsxaqxSoqqgHgxGgJ6JVBs7ViRNLose_J_wslCVgxCJN3N8j3L9gdrIdlOiFgtG/s1024/_96633aa9-103b-4851-9ae2-c392e88f5052.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM5uZcoASsK0OMRWE41Bied7ft4yEUoTUNqeuKLjR9yEb7-dLzOhL88FLLj5TJ_HIo3ntP4ytE9ZULwDP7p37GUX_3BBdZyTyRUeM6zEYoA0NZIWHe8v9HYhRk170nLsxaqxSoqqgHgxGgJ6JVBs7ViRNLose_J_wslCVgxCJN3N8j3L9gdrIdlOiFgtG/s320/_96633aa9-103b-4851-9ae2-c392e88f5052.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Black History Month and Why It Is Important</b><p></p><p>Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements, and contributions, and recollect the struggles of Black people throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality and to learn from the past to shape a better future. In this blog post, I will explain what Black History Month is, how it started, why it is important, and how you can participate in it.</p><p><b>What is Black History Month?</b></p><p>Black History Month is an annual observance that takes place in February in the United States and Canada, and in October in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. It is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the rich and diverse history of people of African descent, who have often been marginalized, oppressed, and erased from mainstream narratives. Black History Month aims to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black people in various fields, such as arts, science, politics, sports, literature, music, and more. It also seeks to educate people about the history of slavery, colonialism, racism, civil rights movements, and other aspects of the Black experience that have shaped the world we live in today.</p><p><b>How did Black History Month start?</b></p><p>Black History Month has its roots in the work of Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915. Woodson wanted to promote the study and appreciation of Black history, which he felt was neglected and distorted by mainstream education and media. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week, which was set in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent figures who fought against slavery. Woodson hoped that by celebrating Black history for one week every year, it would eventually become an integral part of American history.</p><p>Negro History Week gradually gained popularity and support from various organizations, schools, churches, and communities across the country. In 1976, as part of the bicentennial celebration of the United States, it was expanded to a month-long observance and renamed as Black History Month. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation to recognize February as Black History Month. Other countries have also adopted the idea of celebrating Black history in different months. For example, in the UK, Black History Month was first observed in 1987 as part of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.</p><p><b>Why is Black History Month important?</b></p><p>Black History Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and learn from the lives and stories of Black people who have made significant contributions to society and culture. It also helps to challenge stereotypes, myths, and prejudices that have been used to justify discrimination and oppression against Black people. By acknowledging and respecting the diversity and complexity of Black history, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and others, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.</p><p>Black History Month is also important because it reminds us that Black history is not only about the past but also about the present and the future. It encourages us to recognize the ongoing challenges and struggles that Black people face today, such as systemic racism, police brutality, mass incarceration, health disparities, economic inequality, and environmental injustice. It also inspires us to support the movements and organizations that are working to create positive change and advance social justice for Black people and other marginalized groups.</p><p><b>How can you participate in Black History Month?</b></p><p>There are many ways that you can participate in Black History Month, whether you are Black or not. Here are some suggestions:</p><p>- Read books by Black authors or about Black history and culture. You can find many recommendations online or at your local library or bookstore.</p><p>- Watch movies or documentaries that feature Black stories or perspectives. You can also check out online platforms that showcase Black films or filmmakers.</p><p>- Listen to music by Black artists or genres that originated from Black culture. You can also explore podcasts or radio shows that focus on Black issues or voices.</p><p>- Visit museums or exhibitions that display Black art or artifacts. You can also attend online events or webinars that offer virtual tours or lectures on Black history or culture.</p><p>- Support Black-owned businesses or organizations that serve or advocate for Black communities. You can also donate money or time to causes that align with your values or interests. Some examples of Black-owned businesses are: World Wide Technology (a global tech consulting firm), Salamander Resort & Spa (a luxury hotel owned by Sheila C. Johnson), ActOne Group (a workforce management company), Beauty Bakerie (a vegan cosmetics brand), Brown Capital Management (an investment firm), The Lip Bar (a cruelty-free makeup line), Blavity (a media platform for millennials of color), Mented Cosmetics (a nude lipstick brand), McBride Sisters Collection (a wine company), Partake Foods (an allergy-friendly snack brand) and many more.</p><p>- Learn more about your own ancestry or heritage. You can use online tools or services that help you trace your family tree or DNA origins.</p><p>- Engage in conversations or discussions with your friends, family or colleagues about Black history or current events. You can also join online forums or groups that facilitate dialogue or debate on these topics.</p><p>- Educate yourself or others about the issues that affect Black people today. You can use online resources or courses that provide information or analysis on these topics. Some of the issues that you can learn more about are systemic racism, which is the structural and institutional discrimination and oppression of people of color based on their race; police brutality, which is the excessive and often lethal use of force by law enforcement officers against civilians, especially people of color; and racial justice, which is the fair and equal treatment of all people regardless of their race, and the elimination of racial disparities and discrimination in all aspects of society.</p><p>- Take action or get involved in campaigns or movements that promote racial justice and equality. You can sign petitions, contact your representatives, attend protests or rallies, or volunteer for organizations that work on these issues. Some of the organizations that you can support are: Black Lives Matter, which is a global movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards Black people; NAACP, which is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization that advocates for political, educational, social and economic equality for people of color; ACLU, which is a nonpartisan organization that defends and preserves the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States; The Bail Project, which is a national nonprofit organization that provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and who are disproportionately impacted by the bail system; and YMCA, which is a community-based organization that provides programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.</p><p><b>Black Saints: A History of Faith and Resistance</b></p><p>The history of black saints is a history of faith and resistance. Black saints are those who, despite facing racism, slavery, oppression, and persecution, lived out their Christian vocation with courage, love, and holiness. They are models of discipleship for all Catholics, especially those who share their African heritage and culture.</p><p>Some of the earliest black saints were from Africa, where Christianity spread since the first century. St. Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross, was from present-day Libya. Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, who were martyred for their faith in 203 AD, were from Carthage, Tunisia. St. Augustine, one of the greatest theologians and doctors of the Church, was born in Thagaste, Algeria. His mother, St. Monica, was also a saint and a model of prayer and patience.</p><p>In later centuries, black saints emerged from other regions of the world, such as Europe and South America. St. Benedict of Palermo, who was born to African slaves in Sicily, became a Franciscan friar and a miracle worker. St. Martin de Porres, who was of mixed race and faced discrimination in Peru, became a Dominican brother and a healer of the sick and the poor. St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan, became a Canossian sister and an advocate for human dignity.</p><p>In the United States, there are currently six African American Catholics who have open causes for sainthood. They are:</p><p>- Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), was born a slave in Haiti and became a philanthropist and a leader in the black community in New York City.</p><p>- Servant of God Mother Mary Lange (1794-1882), was born in Cuba and founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first American order for women of color.</p><p>- Venerable Henriette DeLille (1813-1862), founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, an order of black women who served the elderly, the sick, and the orphaned in Louisiana.</p><p>- Venerable Augustus Tolton (1854-1897), was born a slave in Missouri and became the first African American priest in the United States.</p><p>- Servant of God Julia Greeley (d. 1918), who was born a slave in Missouri and became a lay Franciscan and a servant of the poor in Denver.</p><p>- Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1990), was born in Mississippi and became a Franciscan sister and a teacher, preacher, singer, and activist for racial justice.</p><p>These six men and women are examples of how black Catholics have contributed to the Church and society with their faith, service, and resistance. They inspire us to follow Christ in our own time and place, especially when we face challenges or hardships.</p><p>Black saints are not only part of our past, but also part of our present and future. They are intercessors for us in heaven and companions for us on earth. They remind us that we are all called to be saints, no matter our race or background. They show us that holiness is possible for everyone.</p><p>Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black people throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality and to learn from the past to shape a better future. </p><p>I hope this blog post has given you some insight into what Black History Month is, how it started, why it is important, and how you can participate in it. Thank you for reading and happy Black History Month!</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comments below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be posted.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>References and links:</p><p>- <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/black-history-month-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/">https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/black-history-month-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-54522248">https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-54522248</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/01/31/a-proclamation-on-national-black-history-month-2022/">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/01/31/a-proclamation-on-national-black-history-month-2022/</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a34222207/what-is-black-history-month/">https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a34222207/what-is-black-history-month/</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.today.com/life/holidays/when-is-black-history-month-rcna68458">https://www.today.com/life/holidays/when-is-black-history-month-rcna68458</a></p><p>[1] <a href="https://aleteia.org/2020/02/01/6-saints-for-black-history-month/">https://aleteia.org/2020/02/01/6-saints-for-black-history-month/</a></p><p>[2] <a href="https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/saints-for-black-history-month">https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/saints-for-black-history-month</a></p><p>[3] <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253759/meet-the-6-american-black-catholics-who-are-on-the-road-to-sainthood">https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253759/meet-the-6-american-black-catholics-who-are-on-the-road-to-sainthood</a></p><p>[4] <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/features/african-black-catholic-and-canonized">https://www.ncregister.com/features/african-black-catholic-and-canonized</a></p><p>[5] <a href="https://bci.archchicago.org/resources/black-catholic-saints">https://bci.archchicago.org/resources/black-catholic-saints</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-50627466797463448372024-02-28T02:25:00.001-05:002024-02-28T02:33:27.570-05:00'Through my fault..My Most Grievous Fault' -Breast Striking<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv9SNzcnC0CeTlj0hFbeCK4IaoVPetI2JQkxdm8nEXThl7jMwVinHOrE5DI-twpbusTvPZnmsz7jThXki36ODf10u6SOT4JaBBJD_BoY8lbbCr7FPRg0o2afzquZIohff9yUYPESNNPX19gfqDdyeikwCl9LJzk3yfAhMixhsVw499hgT2eYY3A60xcjP/s287/striking%20chest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="175" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv9SNzcnC0CeTlj0hFbeCK4IaoVPetI2JQkxdm8nEXThl7jMwVinHOrE5DI-twpbusTvPZnmsz7jThXki36ODf10u6SOT4JaBBJD_BoY8lbbCr7FPRg0o2afzquZIohff9yUYPESNNPX19gfqDdyeikwCl9LJzk3yfAhMixhsVw499hgT2eYY3A60xcjP/s1600/striking%20chest.jpeg" width="175" /></a></div>Let's explore the striking of the breast during the penitential rite of the Mass and the significance behind it. We will also focus on how it can help during Lent. <p></p><p><b>The Striking of the Breast: A Liturgical Act</b></p><p>The practice of striking one's breast during specific moments in the Mass is a liturgical act prescribed in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It occurs at several points both as required by the rubric and in other places as local custom:</p><p>1. <b>During the Confiteor</b>: When we say, "Through my fault," we strike our breast three times.</p><p>The name "Confiteor" comes from the Latin word meaning "I confess." This prayer is an essential preparation for our participation in the Mass. While Catholics have the Sacrament of Reconciliation for mortal sins and venial sins, the Confiteor allows us to express contrition for our venial sins before receiving the Eucharist. </p><p><b>Striking of the Breast</b>: When reciting the Confiteor, we say, "Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." At each mention of "through my fault," we strike our breast with our right hand each time we say fault (3). This gesture signifies sincere sorrow and admission of sinfulness.</p><p>2. <b>At the Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus</b>: Again, we strike our breast once.</p><p>This action though required by priests and concelebrants when using the Roman Canon is sometimes done by other lay people out of local custom.</p><p>3. <b>At the Agnus Dei</b>: We repeat this action three times.</p><p>Again, this may be done under local custom.</p><p>4. <b>At the Domine, Non-Sum Dignus</b>: Once more, we strike our breasts three times.</p><p>Also done by local custom or by religious orders such as the Franciscans or Carmelites. </p><p>The celebrant (usually a priest) performs this action with a bowed head, moderately and without noise. The rubrics are silent on whether to use curved or fully extended fingers, but after the consecration, only the last three fingers should touch the breast (since the thumb and index finger must not come in contact with the chasuble).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPX8UxGpqcujVzzbelak0gnMclGVIlkI8yJ21EQT1NbZUDfWTtwgkB9_xXgqARzCsWteWJcSSqWsrngJXjpoHJ95J54kMyo5dzDmxI55W9h74EGgddLVZUVqO4iDQN7Rl-6k3HvGfDdO4wcryRhvgwoOuI0agG2cR5INkksana806ISnE_9JW5Wiipq6X/s320/catholic-customs-and-practices2-7-320.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPX8UxGpqcujVzzbelak0gnMclGVIlkI8yJ21EQT1NbZUDfWTtwgkB9_xXgqARzCsWteWJcSSqWsrngJXjpoHJ95J54kMyo5dzDmxI55W9h74EGgddLVZUVqO4iDQN7Rl-6k3HvGfDdO4wcryRhvgwoOuI0agG2cR5INkksana806ISnE_9JW5Wiipq6X/s1600/catholic-customs-and-practices2-7-320.webp" width="320" /></a></div>These externals help us to pray physically. The Catholic liturgy is unique in that manner. We pray using not only our minds, and hearts, via words, semantically, with our lips, and voices, but also our bodies. It conveys that our entire being is worshiping God and acting in totality to please God and ask for forgiveness. <p></p><p>Jesus said to love God with our entire being (Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:27, Mark 12:28–31), so the Mass literally brings us all to do this. Moreover, in the Bible numbers have meanings. This is called the Gematria. The number 3 represents fullness, harmony, or completion. We ask God for complete forgiveness and ask to be in harmony with the Blessed Trinity. </p><p>We strike our breasts three times during the Confiteor not only because the word "fault" is said three times, but also in reparation for Simon Peter's denial of Christ (Luke 22:55–62; Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14:66–72). God is Three Divine Persons in One God, so when we sin we offend all Three Persons. In light of this, we strike our breast three times to make reparation for the sins against the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as well. </p><p><b>Biblical Roots and Symbolism</b></p><p>1. <b>Biblical Repetition</b>: The Catholic Mass is thoroughly biblical. In Hebrew, there is no way to express superlatives or emphasis by adding endings to words (such as "big, bigger, biggest"). Instead, repetition conveys emphasis. For example:</p><p> - Isaiah's vision of angels crying out "Holy, Holy, Holy!" (which we repeat at every Mass).</p><p> - Peter's threefold denial of Jesus.</p><p> - Jesus asking Peter "do you love me?" three times (John 21).</p><p>Striking one's breast has biblical roots. In Jeremiah 31:19 (Old Testament), we find, "I turn in repentance; I have come to myself, I strike my breast; I blush with shame, I bear the disgrace of my youth." In Luke 18:13 (New Testament), Jesus tells the parable of the tax collector who stood afar off, beat his breast, and prayed for God's mercy. So we see the biblical roots and significance of striking one's breast out of repentance. </p><p>2. <b>Emphasizing Our Faults</b>: By returning to a threefold admission of our fault ("through my fault"), we emphasize that sin is not casual or inconsequential. It is grievous because God has given us everything, even sacrificing His only Son for us. Our love for God should be wholehearted.</p><p>3. <b>Contrition and Change</b>: When we fail to love God fully—whether through neglecting our duty or hurting others—we need contrition. Contrition leads not to despair but to change.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Early Christian Practice</b></p><p>The early Christians were familiar with striking their breasts during specific moments:</p><p>- When sensual sins were mentioned.</p><p>- At "Forgive us our trespasses" in the Pater Noster.</p><p>- In detestation of the crime of the Jews (in Jesus' time) when they said to Christ, "Thou hast a devil."</p><p>St. Augustine explained that striking our breasts reveals what is concealed in our hearts and helps cleanse hidden sins. St. Jerome also affirmed this practice as a way to purify our hearts. Augustine writes:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>What is repentance, after all, but being angry with oneself? What’s the idea of beating your breast if you aren’t just pretending? Why beat it if you aren’t angry with it? So when you beat your breast you are being angry with your heart in order to make amends to your Lord. This is also how we can understand the text “Be angry and do not sin.” Be angry because you have sinned, and by punishing yourself to stop sinning. Give your heart a shaking by repentance, and this will be a sacrifice to God.</p><p>– St Augustine, 5th century: SERMON 19,2</p></blockquote><p></p><p>St. Augustine noted that when we hear the word "Confiteor," we strike our breast to bring hidden sins to light and purify our hearts. We show that we are blaming ourselves for the sins against God and our neighbor. It points with our hands or fists to where they originate, the inner being, the heart. It is "our fault," no one else's. We sinned, no one else sinned for us or on our behalf. We take full responsibility (remember: 3 means completion in the Bible gematria) for our sins so we strike 3 times. </p><p>So when you strike your breast during Mass, remember that it symbolizes repentance and emphasizes that sin is serious—a matter deserving of contrition and change. This practice is a sign of penance and humility—a way to prepare our hearts before receiving Christ in the Eucharist.</p><p>Remember this during Lent and all throughout the year. These actions at Mass are not vain empty actions the Church added to embellish the Liturgy. No! They are physical actions that convey a deeper meaning a deeper action in regards to repenting, accepting responsibility for our sins, and asking God to forgive us and Our Lady, the saints, angels, and everyone else to pray for us to the Lord our God. These actions can help us immensely during this Lent and throughout the year as we focus on Jesus and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. </p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comments below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be allowed to be posted. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Sources:</p><p>- [Catholic Answers Encyclopedia]</p><p>St. Augustine of Hippo, SERMON 19,2</p><p>Roman Missal -GIRM</p><p><a href="https://www.ncregister.com/blog/catholic-calisthenics">https://www.ncregister.com/blog/catholic-calisthenics</a></p><p><a href="https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02751a.htm">https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02751a.htm</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=472126300770743">https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=472126300770743</a></p><p><a href="https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2015/12/beat-your-own-breast.html">https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2015/12/beat-your-own-breast.html</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/breastbeating-during-the-confiteor-4607">https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/breastbeating-during-the-confiteor-4607</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/breastbeating-4796">https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/breastbeating-4796</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=516">https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=516</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=1497">https://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=1497</a></p><p><a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column/51771/my-most-grievous-fault">https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column/51771/my-most-grievous-fault</a></p><p><a href="https://williedoyle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rubrics-of-the-mass.pdf">https://williedoyle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rubrics-of-the-mass.pdf</a></p><p><a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/general-instruction-of-the-roman-missal/girm-chapter-4">https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/general-instruction-of-the-roman-missal/girm-chapter-4</a></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-19362034979614517522024-02-27T04:16:00.000-05:002024-02-27T04:16:30.682-05:00The Pandemic Lockdown and Lent<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA_qHUcCHrLxQv3wJvWGtMiw53lzMIsJB4GoHiJu6Fq2d8Ry3tT3HvvWc_BamSjkKUQe9mvuHU6bU5XrPb3BZuLMIlV5sQRMsjgj4IJX81Myjv7cwgqDuPgdVW-PuYYKVp7mzVtHHK0S9YULAkJ_t_fBfgUO1r0Bp5Q_OnsYPf53_lDSBIpMUp3eVxnZo/s1024/_005e3f74-44d3-4349-bc5e-18d12b8beae0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA_qHUcCHrLxQv3wJvWGtMiw53lzMIsJB4GoHiJu6Fq2d8Ry3tT3HvvWc_BamSjkKUQe9mvuHU6bU5XrPb3BZuLMIlV5sQRMsjgj4IJX81Myjv7cwgqDuPgdVW-PuYYKVp7mzVtHHK0S9YULAkJ_t_fBfgUO1r0Bp5Q_OnsYPf53_lDSBIpMUp3eVxnZo/s320/_005e3f74-44d3-4349-bc5e-18d12b8beae0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We all remember the pandemic lockdown on March 11, 2020. It was a surreal time. Never in my lifetime would I have thought to experience such a thing. The errieness of it all. The feel of a "The Walking Dead," "Fear The Walking Dead," or "Day/Dawn of the Dead" zombie apocalypse vibe was in the air. Seeing the empty streets, and riding empty buses and subway cars was just mindboggling. The skies turning from an off-blue color to a vibrant sky blue with clean air in the Bronx was something unexpected. <p></p><p>Just the silence in the Bronx, in NYC the "city that never sleeps" is a reflection in itself. Again, never in my life have I ever experienced this. This change in ambiance scared many people. It literally felt like the end of times or a zombie apocalypse. However, it also was a spiritual one as well. It aided me a lot in my spiritual and human growth despite Catholic Churches shutting down and all religions shutting down. Watching Pope Francis' prayer at the Vatican all by himself with the miraculous cross and Our Lord in the Eucharist made many of us think deeply about our faith and why we only truly have God. </p><p>The pandemic lockdown and Lent have created a unique intersection of circumstances, fostering both spiritual growth and challenges. The isolation, fasting, silence, and slowness of days during this time have led many to reflect on their faith and engage in practices that nourish their souls.</p><p>Lent, traditionally observed by Christians between Ash Wednesday and Easter, is often associated with repentance, fasting, and abstaining from certain pleasures. However, it's essential to recognize that Lent isn't solely about giving things up; it's also about taking things on. During this 40-day period, congregants reengage with their faith, returning to abandoned spiritual practices or cultivating new ones.</p><p>The 2020 pandemic lockdown and Lent have intersected in a unique way, creating an opportunity for spiritual growth. As we navigated Lent during the pandemic lockdown, we found ourselves in a season of prayer, sacrifice, and reflection. The isolation, fasting, and silence that characterize Lent have taken on new dimensions due to the pandemic's impact on our lives. We were all literally forced to be alone like Jesus in the desert. We were forced to set aside our tastes in food by not being able to dine out at restaurants or having limited access to supermarkets. It was social Lent, if you will. </p><p>In many ways, this Lent felt like Jesus' third fall on the road to Calvary. The weight of the pandemic has been heavy, and we've faced tremendous losses over the past two years. Yet, amidst this struggle, there is hope. COVID-19 cases are dropping in the U.S., and there's a sense of optimism as we approach Easter.</p><p>Mary DeTurris Poust, former communications director for the Diocese of Albany, New York, describes this moment as a "perfect storm." Lower coronavirus numbers coincide with Lent's arrival, providing an opportunity for a spiritual reset. It's a chance to recalculate our internal GPS—to reflect on where we're going individually and as communities of faith. For many Catholics, Lent's rituals—the "bells and smells"—are familiar and comforting. This season invites us to pull people back into the fold in meaningful ways.</p><p>Jen Sawyer, editor-in-chief of Busted Halo, observes that this is a Lent we're uniquely prepared for. We've sacrificed so much during these past two years, experiencing our own desert journey. Now, with exhaustion setting in, Lent offers new opportunities for peace, community, and faith. It's a time to find solace amidst uncertainty.</p><p>Paulist Father Larry Rice, campus chaplain for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, sees Lent as an antidote to the long-term trauma we've collectively endured. As Christians, we believe that our destination isn't Good Friday; it's Easter. This year's Lent carries additional hope—the possibility that by Easter, the pandemic will look different. Still, Father Rice reminds us that there are no guarantees; new coronavirus variants could emerge.</p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for spiritual connection. As churches closed their doors and physical gatherings became impossible, people turned to alternative ways to maintain their faith. Here are some ways in which Lent has intersected with the pandemic:</p><p>1. Creative Adaptations: Churches worldwide have adapted creatively to minister to their congregations. Drive-through adoration, confession, live-streamed liturgies, and on-demand services have become common. These adaptations allow people to participate while maintaining social distancing.</p><p>2. Community Connection: Despite physical isolation, churches have found ways to foster community. Phone trees help check on vulnerable members of the parish, while initiatives like ringing church bells daily serve as reminders that people are not alone.</p><p>3. Spiritual Practices: Clergy emphasize two essential spiritual practices during confinement:</p><p> - Spiritual Communion: A simple prayer expressing a deep desire to be in communion with Christ.</p><p> - Perfect Act of Contrition: An examination of conscience, a desire for forgiveness, and an intention to confess when safe.</p><p>4. Lenten Challenges: Initiatives like the United Methodist Church’s Lent Photo-a-Day challenge encourage participants to post daily images illustrating themes related to Lent. These glimpses into each other’s lives offer respite from isolation and reinforce a sense of community.</p><p>5. Growth in Solitude: For some, the lockdown has transformed isolation into an opportunity for communal solitude. This solitude can be a seedbed for growth in holiness, communion, resistance, and renewal.</p><p>6. Reconnecting with Spirituality: Research shows that during crisis periods like the pandemic, people find solace by connecting or reconnecting with their spiritual beliefs and religious practices.</p><p>In summary, while the pandemic lockdown has brought challenges, it has also provided an opportunity for deeper spiritual reflection and growth during Lent. Whether through creative adaptations or personal practices, individuals continue to seek connection with God even amidst physical separation. Lent during the pandemic invites us to recalibrate our spiritual compasses—to find healing amidst loss and hope amidst uncertainty. The slowness of these days allows us to explore our faith more intentionally and discover deeper connections with God and one another. </p><p>The lockdown helped to remind us of what we are told on Ash Wednesday. We are dust and to dust we shall return. In response, we must repent and believe in the Gospel! So many people died left and right. It felt never-ending. The lockdown reminded us of this and ironically during Lent of 2020. We are finite creatures. We need to rely on God solely. We are not in control of nature and its viruses, God is. The pandemic lockdown and its silence helped us remember that we must stay still, calm down, and pray. </p><p>While some claim they suffered psychologically from isolation, this is only because they lacked religion in their lives. They are mundane people who look to the mundane and not above. Isolation when done correcting in terms of spirituality is extremely helpful just like in the case of fasting and abstinence. Anything can cause harm if done incorrectly or if forced upon. That is a given, however, when done for God and correctly it can help the spiritual life immensely.</p><p>I may be in the minority to state that we should have "lockdowns" every year or a couple times a year for a good reason: human and spiritual growth. Many workplaces and schools are allowing mental health days where students or employees take a day or two off to cool down and relax from the stresses of the job and school work. It has been helpful to many. Perhaps as a society, we need a lockdown here and there to stop, slow down, and mediate; to remind ourselves that we live for God and ourselves, not the social constructs of school, work, and social gatherings. </p><p>In 2020, many Catholics were saying that "lent was lenting on," and they were correct! That season of Lent was possibly the second most holy and spiritually nourishing Lent I have ever experienced. </p><p>Let us embrace this unique season with open hearts and minds as we journey toward Easter.</p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><div class="message"><div aria-description="" class="content" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); min-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); padding: 0px !important; position: relative; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;" tabindex="0"><div class="ac-container ac-adaptiveCard" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><div class="ac-textBlock" style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); display: flex; flex-direction: column;"><ol style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><p style="display: inline; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><strong style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height);">American Psychological Association (APA)</strong>:</p><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li>Researchers and clinicians recognize that religion and belief play an essential role in coping with trauma and distress during difficult times.</li><li>Positive religious coping methods, such as reframing events through a hopeful lens, fostering a sense of connectedness, and engaging in rituals, can help individuals cope with adversity.</li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-10-group" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/faith-crisis" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; color: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Many people turn to their faith during crises, finding comfort and strength through prayer and spiritual practices</a><a aria-label="1: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-10" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/faith-crisis" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><sup class="citation-sup" style="align-items: center; background: transparent; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-secondary); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: 4px; vertical-align: top;">1</sup></a>.</li></ul></li><li><p style="display: inline; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><strong style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height);">Statistics Canada</strong>:</p><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li>Individual religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer or meditation, have not been significantly affected by the pandemic.</li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-18-group" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/faith-crisis" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; color: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">While group religious practices faced disruptions, personal spiritual practices remained consistent</a><a aria-label="2: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-18" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2022001/article/00005-eng.htm" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><sup class="citation-sup" style="align-items: center; background: transparent; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-secondary); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: 4px; vertical-align: top;">2</sup></a>.</li></ul></li><li><p style="display: inline; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><strong style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height);">Wikipedia</strong>:</p><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li>The pandemic led to the cancellation of worship services, Sunday schools, pilgrimages, ceremonies, and festivals across various faiths.</li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-26-group" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic_on_religion" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; color: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">However, individual spiritual practices like prayer and meditation continued despite the challenges</a><a aria-label="3: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-26" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic_on_religion" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><sup class="citation-sup" style="align-items: center; background: transparent; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-secondary); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: 4px; vertical-align: top;">3</sup></a>.</li></ul></li><li><p style="display: inline; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><strong style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height);">Frontiers in Psychology</strong>:</p><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-33-group" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915290/full" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; color: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">A study in the United Arab Emirates found an inverse relationship between positive religious coping and depressive symptoms during the pandemic, especially among Muslim communities</a><a aria-label="4: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-33" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915290/full" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><sup class="citation-sup" style="align-items: center; background: transparent; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-secondary); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: 4px; vertical-align: top;">4</sup></a>.</li></ul></li><li><p style="display: inline; font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><strong style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height);">Spirituality for the Contemporary World</strong>:</p><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li>More people have connected with churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship during the pandemic.</li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-41-group" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/faith-crisis" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; color: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">There has been increased interest in spirituality, even among young people</a><a aria-label="5: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="33e77d49-c4e6-439a-1984-c39c9b251d52-41" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/spirituality/2022/01/22/the-pandemic-and-spirituality/" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><sup class="citation-sup" style="align-items: center; background: transparent; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-secondary); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: 4px; vertical-align: top;">5</sup></a>.</li></ul></li></ol><p style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p></div></div></div></div><div class="learn-more-root" style="display: flex; flex-flow: column wrap; row-gap: 8px;"><div class="attribution-container" style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; row-gap: 6px; width: 293px;"><div class="attribution-items" style="display: flex; flex-flow: wrap; row-gap: 6px;"><cib-attribution-item appearance="PILL" class="attribution-wrapper" goldilocks="" image="" product="shoreline" show="" style="align-items: center; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: center; margin-inline-end: 0px; min-width: max-content;" tabindex="0"><a aria-label="Faith in a time of crisis - American Psychological Association (APA)" class="attribution-item" data-citationid="a5ab677c-740f-f1cc-88a2-3d971587a610" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/faith-crisis" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-neutral-solid-tertiary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-quarternary); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); cursor: pointer; display: flex; font-family: var(--cib-font-text); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-font-weight); gap: 6px; height: 24px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height); margin-inline-end: 6px; min-width: max-content; padding-inline-end: 8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="badge" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-quaternary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium) 0 0 var(--cib-border-radius-medium); display: flex; height: 22px; justify-content: center; position: static; text-align: center; width: 22px;">1</span><img class="learn-more-favicon" src="blob:https://edgeservices.bing.com/2cb004d8-2200-489e-8696-1b68c8f30c9c" style="display: block; height: 12px; width: 12px;" /><span class="text-container" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 0%; font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); gap: 6px; justify-content: space-between; line-height: 1rem; min-width: max-content; padding: 4px 0px;">apa.org</span></a></cib-attribution-item><cib-attribution-item appearance="PILL" class="attribution-wrapper" goldilocks="" product="shoreline" show="" style="align-items: center; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: center; margin-inline-end: 0px; min-width: max-content;" tabindex="0"><a aria-label="The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the religiosity of Canadians" class="attribution-item" data-citationid="118b4dd3-f1ca-583d-5804-a4d538af7e51" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2022001/article/00005-eng.htm" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-neutral-solid-tertiary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-quarternary); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); cursor: pointer; display: flex; font-family: var(--cib-font-text); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-font-weight); gap: 6px; height: 24px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height); margin-inline-end: 6px; min-width: max-content; padding-inline-end: 8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="badge" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-quaternary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium) 0 0 var(--cib-border-radius-medium); display: flex; height: 22px; justify-content: center; position: static; text-align: center; width: 22px;">2</span><img class="learn-more-favicon" src="blob:https://edgeservices.bing.com/46f2ebf8-c8fe-4bea-815f-4cc2bb6b6f3c" style="display: block; height: 12px; width: 12px;" /><span class="text-container" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 0%; font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); gap: 6px; justify-content: space-between; line-height: 1rem; min-width: max-content; padding: 4px 0px;">www150.statcan.gc.ca</span></a></cib-attribution-item><cib-attribution-item appearance="PILL" class="attribution-wrapper" goldilocks="" product="shoreline" show="" style="align-items: center; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: center; margin-inline-end: 0px; min-width: max-content;" tabindex="0"><a aria-label="Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion - Wikipedia" class="attribution-item" data-citationid="81e7f16b-1221-993d-cb4e-4910baf96b9c" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic_on_religion" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-neutral-solid-tertiary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-quarternary); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); cursor: pointer; display: flex; font-family: var(--cib-font-text); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-font-weight); gap: 6px; height: 24px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height); margin-inline-end: 6px; min-width: max-content; padding-inline-end: 8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="badge" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-quaternary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium) 0 0 var(--cib-border-radius-medium); display: flex; height: 22px; justify-content: center; position: static; text-align: center; width: 22px;">3</span><img class="learn-more-favicon" src="blob:https://edgeservices.bing.com/3333da0d-f3d8-4396-aae2-190c6e962755" style="display: block; height: 12px; width: 12px;" /><span class="text-container" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 0%; font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); gap: 6px; justify-content: space-between; line-height: 1rem; min-width: max-content; padding: 4px 0px;">en.wikipedia.org</span></a></cib-attribution-item><cib-attribution-item appearance="PILL" class="attribution-wrapper" goldilocks="" product="shoreline" show="" style="align-items: center; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: center; margin-inline-end: 0px; min-width: max-content;" tabindex="0"><a aria-label="Frontiers | Using Spiritual Connections to Cope With Stress and Anxiety ..." class="attribution-item" data-citationid="59c6fcca-4852-857c-8e19-fd48c03c39de" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915290/full" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-neutral-solid-tertiary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-quarternary); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); cursor: pointer; display: flex; font-family: var(--cib-font-text); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-font-weight); gap: 6px; height: 24px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height); margin-inline-end: 6px; min-width: max-content; padding-inline-end: 8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="badge" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-quaternary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium) 0 0 var(--cib-border-radius-medium); display: flex; height: 22px; justify-content: center; position: static; text-align: center; width: 22px;">4</span><img class="learn-more-favicon" src="blob:https://edgeservices.bing.com/c9e85984-eb59-4490-b96e-f51e58099c02" style="display: block; height: 12px; width: 12px;" /><span class="text-container" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 0%; font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); gap: 6px; justify-content: space-between; line-height: 1rem; min-width: max-content; padding: 4px 0px;">frontiersin.org</span></a></cib-attribution-item><cib-attribution-item appearance="PILL" class="attribution-wrapper" goldilocks="" product="shoreline" show="" style="align-items: center; border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: center; margin-inline-end: 0px; min-width: max-content;" tabindex="0"><a aria-label="The Pandemic and Spirituality – Spirituality for the Contemporary World" class="attribution-item" data-citationid="ef0de813-299d-761e-ecda-df65018ebbcb" h="ID=SERP,5044.1" href="https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/spirituality/2022/01/22/the-pandemic-and-spirituality/" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-neutral-solid-tertiary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-quarternary); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); cursor: pointer; display: flex; font-family: var(--cib-font-text); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-font-weight); gap: 6px; height: 24px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-strong-line-height); margin-inline-end: 6px; min-width: max-content; padding-inline-end: 8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="badge" style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-quaternary); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium) 0 0 var(--cib-border-radius-medium); display: flex; height: 22px; justify-content: center; position: static; text-align: center; width: 22px;">5</span><img class="learn-more-favicon" src="blob:https://edgeservices.bing.com/c6bd47be-7c1a-444f-acf3-8bdfc7823df3" style="display: block; height: 12px; width: 12px;" /><span class="text-container" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 0%; font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); gap: 6px; justify-content: space-between; line-height: 1rem; min-width: max-content; padding: 4px 0px;">scholarblogs.emory.edu</span></a></cib-attribution-item></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-42500748485882350282024-02-26T02:35:00.003-05:002024-02-27T00:57:59.623-05:00Illegal immigrant Kills Georgia Nursing Student<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMoGCmPYv22L009OIEGXCeckLDUAVgSrEC3tTGE6L3f6d7KK3ZwYNgz6Tj4JxvH42uFI5FzAy1ZpC64POC2sYPFyL5N9AN3BxDSah3d3cZgVMZkHn9kO-NGfc0S1NpfoFk_TlsmH6wDSGi61zjkWyGmCBDKgZr5UVmOv_3jqSCUCk60tuRibklRCAAYkm/s2000/illegals%20criminals.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMoGCmPYv22L009OIEGXCeckLDUAVgSrEC3tTGE6L3f6d7KK3ZwYNgz6Tj4JxvH42uFI5FzAy1ZpC64POC2sYPFyL5N9AN3BxDSah3d3cZgVMZkHn9kO-NGfc0S1NpfoFk_TlsmH6wDSGi61zjkWyGmCBDKgZr5UVmOv_3jqSCUCk60tuRibklRCAAYkm/s320/illegals%20criminals.webp" width="320" /></a></div>Tragedy Strikes: Nursing Student Found Dead on UGA Campus<p></p><p><b>Introduction</b></p><p>In a heartbreaking turn of events, 22-year-old nursing student Laken Hope Riley was found dead near a lake on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens. The discovery has left the community in shock and mourning, as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.</p><p><b>The Discovery</b></p><p>On February 22, 2024, Riley's friend reported her missing after she failed to return from a morning run around the Intramural Fields on what is typically known as "East Campus." The UGA Police Department immediately launched a search operation. Tragically, Riley was found unconscious with visible injuries in a forested area near Lake Herrick. The evidence at the scene indicated foul play, prompting further investigation by law enforcement.</p><p><b>Cause of Death</b></p><p>The official police reports have now revealed that Laken Hope Riley died from "blunt force trauma." The details surrounding this tragedy remain under scrutiny as authorities work diligently to piece together what happened. Her cause and manner of death are still pending further examination.</p><p><b>Laken's Journey</b></p><p>Laken Hope Riley was an active and well-liked member of her community. She transferred to Augusta University's College of Nursing from UGA after the spring 2023 semester. Despite her busy schedule as a nursing student, she remained active in her sorority (Alpha Chi Omega at UGA) and participated in community activities. Riley had even made the dean's list at Augusta University College of Nursing last fall.</p><p>Her social media posts reflected her vibrant life—a smiling photo with friends just days before her death, and her participation in the Athens, Georgia Half-Marathon last October. She was pictured with her mother, Allyson Brown Phillips, who expressed excitement about having her daughter home for the weekend.</p><p><b>Community Response</b></p><p>The tragedy has deeply affected both students and parents within the UGA community. Veronica Bennett, a concerned mother, emphasized that relying solely on safety apps is insufficient for campus security. She called for additional security improvements beyond existing measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.</p><p><b>Conclusion</b></p><p>An arrest was made in the case of Laken Riley's murder. A 26-year-old, Jose Antonio Ibarras, a resident of Athens Georgia was arrested. He was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of Riley. </p><p>Ibarras is an illegal immigrant who crossed the border illegally in September of last year from El Paso. He was arrested numerous times around the United States, particularly in New York though the NYPD denies this. His brother was arrested as well for Green Card fraud. Jose's wife spoke about their relationship stating they got married to fool the American system into giving them asylum status. This story is one of many regarding the criminal activities of illegal migrants entering our nation. Something has to be done to vet these people. America failed Laken Hope Riley. Democrats failed her and led to her death with their lax justice systems. </p><p>As we mourn Laken Hope Riley's passing, we must reflect on how to better protect our students and communities. Her memory will live on as we seek answers and strive for safer campuses across our educational institutions.</p><p><br /></p><p>---</p><p><br /></p><p>*Note: This blog post is based on official reports and information available at the time of writing.*</p><p><br /></p><p>---</p><p><br /></p><p>Sources:</p><p>1. [New York Post](<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/23/us-news/missing-nursing-student-found-dead-on-univ-of-georgia-campus-idd/">https://nypost.com/2024/02/23/us-news/missing-nursing-student-found-dead-on-univ-of-georgia-campus-idd/</a>)</p><p><a href="https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/uga-suspect-brother-fake-green-card/">https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/uga-suspect-brother-fake-green-card/</a></p><p><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/25/opinion/laken-riley-murder-suspect-jose-ibarra-was-free-because-the-system-is-broken/">https://nypost.com/2024/02/25/opinion/laken-riley-murder-suspect-jose-ibarra-was-free-because-the-system-is-broken/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jose-ibarra-suspect-murder-georgia-nursing-student-illegal-entry-venezuela/">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jose-ibarra-suspect-murder-georgia-nursing-student-illegal-entry-venezuela/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/laken-riley-murder-suspect-jose-ibarra-lived-within-5-minute-walk-uga-crime-scene">https://www.foxnews.com/us/laken-riley-murder-suspect-jose-ibarra-lived-within-5-minute-walk-uga-crime-scene</a></p><p><a href="https://www.the-sun.com/news/10487141/uga-suspect-jose-antonio-ibarras-arrest-laken-hope-riley/">https://www.the-sun.com/news/10487141/uga-suspect-jose-antonio-ibarras-arrest-laken-hope-riley/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/local/2024/02/24/jose-antonio-ibarra-charged-with-laken-riley-murder-booked-into-jail/72725217007/">https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/local/2024/02/24/jose-antonio-ibarra-charged-with-laken-riley-murder-booked-into-jail/72725217007/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/jose-antonio-ibarras-wife-speaks-out-after-laken-rileys-death-1873146">https://www.newsweek.com/jose-antonio-ibarras-wife-speaks-out-after-laken-rileys-death-1873146</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-15584286863578132302024-02-25T00:05:00.001-05:002024-02-25T00:05:00.126-05:00Reflection: 2nd Sunday of Lent 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtYiYBVcwUP6CdncRILf-foRgUyEPzDlCLGIy7DoDdHX-GvdoK2OVVG8w2Lff7GoPh-l353s_jBFFuo4YR-_xA1Pm-_iv5-X7btCB7qAwW9OmubBeZxtiA4XMbb1BohL676MrrcRgyKNRm21NmKzB8ZPuuv-ZRmZ-vIOdN3UrSx3_ZThTQy4huu9baSeA/s225/second%20lent.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtYiYBVcwUP6CdncRILf-foRgUyEPzDlCLGIy7DoDdHX-GvdoK2OVVG8w2Lff7GoPh-l353s_jBFFuo4YR-_xA1Pm-_iv5-X7btCB7qAwW9OmubBeZxtiA4XMbb1BohL676MrrcRgyKNRm21NmKzB8ZPuuv-ZRmZ-vIOdN3UrSx3_ZThTQy4huu9baSeA/s1600/second%20lent.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>The second Sunday of Lent readings cycle B invites us to reflect on the themes of faith, obedience, and sacrifice. In the first reading, we hear the story of Abraham, who was willing to offer his only son Isaac as a burnt offering to God. Abraham trusted God's promise that he would be the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible. God rewarded Abraham's faith by sparing Isaac and renewing his covenant with him.<p></p><p>In the second reading, we hear from Paul, who reminds us that God did not spare his own Son, but handed him over for us all. Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God's love is so great that he gave his only Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we might have eternal life.</p><p>In the Gospel, we witness the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. Jesus revealed his glory to Peter, James, and John, who saw him shining like the sun and talking with Moses and Elijah. A voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The transfiguration was a glimpse of Jesus' resurrection and a confirmation of his identity as the Son of God.</p><p>These readings challenge us to ask ourselves: How strong is our faith in God? How obedient are we to his will? How willing are we to sacrifice for him? Lent is a time to deepen our relationship with God and to follow Jesus more closely. Let us pray for the grace to trust God's promises, to listen to his voice, and to offer our lives to him.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-85654562569844695952024-02-24T02:54:00.010-05:002024-02-24T04:09:57.697-05:00Appeals Court Knocks Down NY Non-Citizen Voting Rights<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdJARHa9e7bQzLBIj4nYvFn-HYgWVn3oSwF4Au64H_phIY-TNNM1ibLbcDb2QgQfE7huafHgmwneOR5jr6opN19Cle-W4_2EUFdb174r53wm_8vpBIR91YJ5n0UTOnmAspBnNUImxbbSbgzoUVQ_hUDW7F4-a9kK6vhrwg_P3RYH6-g0ypprn0IWJk0Vc/s1800/illegals%20voting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdJARHa9e7bQzLBIj4nYvFn-HYgWVn3oSwF4Au64H_phIY-TNNM1ibLbcDb2QgQfE7huafHgmwneOR5jr6opN19Cle-W4_2EUFdb174r53wm_8vpBIR91YJ5n0UTOnmAspBnNUImxbbSbgzoUVQ_hUDW7F4-a9kK6vhrwg_P3RYH6-g0ypprn0IWJk0Vc/s320/illegals%20voting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>NYC’s Non-Citizen Voting Law Ruled Unconstitutional on Appeal</b><p></p><p>In a significant ruling, a state appeals court has declared that a New York City law allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections is unconstitutional. This decision marks a victory for Republican elected officials who had challenged the law in court.</p><p>The contested law, known as the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/09/nyregion/noncitizens-voting-rights-nyc.html" target="_blank">"Our City, Our Vote" bill, was passed in 2022</a> with the aim of allowing green card holders and other individuals living in New York City with federal work authorization to participate in local elections for offices such as mayor and City Council. The law would have applied to approximately 800,000 new eligible voters in a city with a population of 8.5 million.</p><p>Championed by progressive Democrats, supporters argued that the bill would make politics more representative and create a more inclusive environment for immigrants. However, opponents—primarily Republicans—expressed concerns about potential logistical challenges leading to voter fraud. Some critics also suggested that Democrats were motivated by a desire to bolster their own numbers.</p><p>The lawsuit challenging the law was filed by several plaintiffs, including Council Republican leader Joe Borelli, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, and Borough President Vito Fossella. A Staten Island lower court judge initially struck down the law months after it was enacted in January 2022.</p><p>The recent appeals court ruling was based on two key points:</p><p>1. State Constitution: The court determined that the clause in the New York State Constitution stating that "every citizen shall be entitled to vote" refers exclusively to United States citizens. Therefore, non-citizens do not fall under this provision.</p><p>2. Municipal Home Rule Law: The court ruled that changes to elections must be passed by voter referendum rather than solely by a local legislature. Allowing non-citizens to vote would constitute a significant change, and the council and mayor failed to put this issue on the ballot for voters to decide.</p><p>Appellate Judge Paul Wooten wrote in the majority decision: "We determine that this local law was enacted in violation of the New York State Constitution and Municipal Home Rule Law, and thus, must be declared null and void."</p><p>While Mayor Eric Adams' administration had defended the law and appealed the lower court's ruling against it, this latest decision upholds Staten Island Supreme Court Justice Ralph Porzio's initial ruling from June 2022.</p><p>Judge Lilian Wan issued a dissenting opinion, arguing that invalidating the noncitizen voting law effectively prevents municipalities across the state from deciding who is entitled to participate in local elections. She emphasized that duly elected representatives had opted to enfranchise these residents.</p><p>In conclusion, this appeals court decision has settled an ongoing debate about non-citizen voting rights in New York City. While some may view it as disenfranchisement, others see it as upholding constitutional principles and maintaining clarity regarding eligibility for voting rights.</p><p>This decision was a no-brainer. How can non-citizens vote in a nation where they are not citizens? This goes to show us that the council men and women voted into the City Council are not well educated folks. Any educated American or even a national from another nations knows that only citizens can vote in any particular nation, not just the United States of America. Think about it. What if I were to go to Canada, England, Spain or Japan and vote? I would steer those nations in a different manner. First, I would not know their laws. Second, I would not know their current events in the political field. Third, I would not know the details surrouding day to day living in those nations. This is because I am not a citizen! I am just visting! It would make absolutely no sense to have the power to vote in a nation that is not mine from conception and birth where I am not naturalized. </p><p>Kudos to the Republicans for appealing this stupid law passed by the City Council. It makes no sense and was dead on arrival, so to speak. Perhaps the Democrat majority in the City Council wanted to skew the voting in their favor by getting more voters? </p><p><br /></p><p>---</p><p><br /></p><p>Sources:</p><p>1. [NYC’s non-citizen voting law ruled unconstitutional on appeal - POLITICO New York](<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/21/nyc-non-citizen-voting-law-unconstitutional-00142525">https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/21/nyc-non-citizen-voting-law-unconstitutional-00142525</a>)</p><p>2. [NYC non-citizen voting law struck down as unconstitutional - New York Post](<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/21/us-news">https://nypost.com/2024/02/21/us-news</a></p><p><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4482097-appeals-court-nyc-law-allowing-noncitizens-vote-local-elections-violates-state-constitution/">Appeals court rules NYC law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections violates state constitution | The Hill</a></p><p><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/21/us-news/nyc-non-citizen-voting-law-struck-down-as-unconstitutional/">NYC non-citizen voting law struck down as unconstitutional (nypost.com)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-city-law-let-non-citizens-vote-ruled-unconstitutional-appellate-court">NYC non-citizen voting law struck down | Fox News</a></p><p><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/21/nyc-non-citizen-voting-law-unconstitutional-00142525">NYC’s non-citizen voting law ruled unconstitutional on appeal - POLITICO</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-87960643388859671992024-02-23T00:41:00.001-05:002024-02-23T00:41:00.139-05:00Illegal Migrants Attack Cops Again But at Randall's Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg-q6ZLEbXqilMMXGv-ddUtUgfKw1srAbaBHYT9a7mso0OfvBg_9Bd_wLJpETyjPu08mA8jqoVdijWtkqDKQtuhtF7vWN6_6WXmjIiA0nsU0TL_5FssA-k9J6IhoPrLsuZhKd1GlueEGRjy2nEv-NGz4jkkpDvT3i4HG7Lj9udiki2zlxk8vnJ-BMsg93/s682/illegal%20migrants%20attack%20cops%20randalls%20island.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg-q6ZLEbXqilMMXGv-ddUtUgfKw1srAbaBHYT9a7mso0OfvBg_9Bd_wLJpETyjPu08mA8jqoVdijWtkqDKQtuhtF7vWN6_6WXmjIiA0nsU0TL_5FssA-k9J6IhoPrLsuZhKd1GlueEGRjy2nEv-NGz4jkkpDvT3i4HG7Lj9udiki2zlxk8vnJ-BMsg93/s320/illegal%20migrants%20attack%20cops%20randalls%20island.png" width="216" /></a></div>In a chaotic scene that unfolded at the increasingly lawless Randall’s Island tent city, one person was arrested after a dramatic caught-on-video confrontation between NYPD officers and migrants. The incident occurred when an unnamed individual, who was not supposed to be at the facility, was asked to leave by officials. The exact reason for their presence or what led up to the scuffle remains unclear.<p></p><p>The situation escalated rapidly, with separate cameras capturing different angles of the violent clash. On the video, we can see a group of cops attempting to restrain and arrest a male individual as illegal migrants shout at cops and throw objects. They threw what looked like cooler bags, cups, and other dinnerware. Cots and other furniture were thrown about in the scuffle. Security from the tent were heard shouting to surround the cops to shield them from the violent and angry mob of illegal migrants. </p><p>This incident just came weeks after an incident in Timeswas Square where illegal migrants attacked two cops (see:<a href="https://www.sacerdotus.com/2024/02/attack-on-nypd-officers-in-times-square.html">Sacerdotus: Attack on NYPD Officers in Times Square: No Bail for Suspects Sparks Controversy</a>). In this situation, police officers initially demanded that the group disperse on the night of January 27. However, one uniformed officer suddenly grabbed migrant Yohenry Brito as he pushed a baby stroller carrying his belongings. In an audio recording, Brito can be heard referring to the officers in Spanish, saying, “They look like Ugly Betty.” The officer then led Brito against a building wall as other migrants who had been walking away made a U-turn and appeared to inquire about Brito's actions.</p><p>As a second cop spoke to the rest of the group, Brito, 24, flailed in an attempt to evade the first officer. Chaos ensued as both cops struggled to detain Brito across a stretch of sidewalk near 42nd Street and 7th Avenue. Other migrants joined the scuffle, attempting to help Brito break free. Some took turns kicking at the officers while they wrestled on the ground with Brito. In one instance, a migrant wiped out when attempting a kick but missed everything and struck only air. Another migrant dressed in all white—identified as Yorman Reveron—pulled and pushed police off of Brito, who had lost his jacket and shirt during the struggle. Reveron then helped Brito to his feet, and they both fled from the scene.</p><p>The bodycam footage also revealed the immense struggle between Brito and the two officers as other migrants assaulted police. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for deploying the National Guard. At least 12 suspects were allegedly involved in this attack; six have been arrested, while five were released on bail, leaving some still at large.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmgePRNhB47S7aspBEO4aSClsiu3f90sGs0Dn5PsM4_2KK75_RcFIt4FrTAYue4GG2XFPBEyQ35SM1Xgkc4w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>This highly publicized case has drawn attention during an election year, with political debates surrounding law enforcement responses and migrant rights. As prosecutors announced seven indictments related to this incident, tensions remain high in New York City. There is no word about any charges regarding the new incident at Randall's Island. </p><p>In any event, American citizens need to wake up and stop voting in officials who are facilitating this invasion of illegal migrants. The borders need to be closed and these individuals sent back to their countries of origin until a vetting process is set up that will allow legitimate asylum seekers to enter our nation and who are tracked so they will not try to remain here illegally. </p><p><br /></p><p>---</p><p><br /></p><p>*Sources:*</p><p>1. [New York Post](<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/dramatic-confrontation-between-migrants-nyc-cops-ends-with-one-booted-from-r">https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/dramatic-confrontation-between-migrants-nyc-cops-ends-with-one-booted-from-r</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/02/20/video-nypd-cops-attacked-making-arrest-at-randalls-island-migrant-shelter/">VIDEO: NYPD cops attacked making arrest at Randall's Island migrant shelter (nydailynews.com)</a><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/02/20/video-nypd-cops-attacked-making-arrest-at-randalls-island-migrant-shelter/">VIDEO: NYPD cops attacked making arrest at Randall's Island migrant shelter (nydailynews.com)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/migrants-hurl-bottles-backpacks-nypd-nyc-shelter-fracas-video">NYPD pelted with backpacks, bottles making arrest at NYC migrant shelter | Fox News</a></p><p><a href="https://news.yahoo.com/nypd-cops-attacked-making-arrest-203400450.html">NYPD cops attacked making arrest at Randall’s Island migrant shelter (yahoo.com)</a></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-71137214061791253442024-02-22T02:01:00.000-05:002024-02-22T02:01:32.501-05:00Trans Funeral Organizer: 'We Want An Apology from Catholic Church'<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjR8WJjpmXu2bXA4KTgoffDQO2vpHnQ1cHm-s_w_gFBa_Wk1vBuEjrejJtGF5l-GTSbT1OfD8rSvUZ5QTaTBRxZFYUoMNeMlP6DbD7kcJgijv5xyDTcOhZk0ZDta06NBqTWjZitEJhfaweYXSgQcIHzOz1vBRIUC86QmTV_cLGXvt4qxBR9HyULZEBNYh/s493/Organizer%20cecilia%20funeral.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjR8WJjpmXu2bXA4KTgoffDQO2vpHnQ1cHm-s_w_gFBa_Wk1vBuEjrejJtGF5l-GTSbT1OfD8rSvUZ5QTaTBRxZFYUoMNeMlP6DbD7kcJgijv5xyDTcOhZk0ZDta06NBqTWjZitEJhfaweYXSgQcIHzOz1vBRIUC86QmTV_cLGXvt4qxBR9HyULZEBNYh/s320/Organizer%20cecilia%20funeral.png" width="201" /></a></div>In an ironic turn of events, LGBT activists are demanding a public apology from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and the Catholic Church after the funeral of a male using the pseudonym "Cecilia Gentili," a transgender activist, and actor, was allegedly cut short by the Cathedral during the service. <div><br /></div><div>The organization Gays & Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society (GLITS) has called for an explanation from the Cathedral regarding what they describe as "painfully dismissive and exclusionary language" used in a statement after the incident. <p></p><p>During the funeral, participants, many of them wearing extravagant drag, repeatedly interrupted the priest and broke into loud chants. One reveler even took to the podium to pray for "access" to "gender-affirming healthcare," a cause that the Catholic Church opposes. </p><p>The founder of GLITS, a man who calls himself "Ceyenne Doroshow," organized the event and later admitted to deceiving the Cathedral by keeping details about Gentili "under wraps" before the gathering. In response, St. Patrick’s Cathedral expressed "outrage" at having been deceived and assured concerned Catholics that a Mass of reparation had been said at the Cathedral since the incident.</p><p>The Cathedral's actions have sparked controversy, with GLITS claiming that St. Patrick’s Cathedral was filled with over 1,400 mourners and community members for Cecilia Gentili's funeral. However, his service ended an hour earlier than scheduled, denying him the full funeral mass that had been agreed upon. GLITS also disputes the Cathedral's narrative that they were manipulated by funeral organizers regarding Gentili's identity, stating that they had advised Cathedral staff to look up Cecilia Gentili's work and community service.</p><p>Activist Ceyenne Doroshow gave a small press conference giving his narrative claiming that the Catholic Church knew Gentili was a transexual and about his life. Doroshow claimed the Archdiocese's statement was offensive, hateful, and contradicted Fiducia Supplicans stating Pope Francis okayed "Same-sex Marriage." This is of course not true. Doroshow continued claiming that it was none of the staff of St. Patrick's cathedral what was "in between Cecilia's legs" implying gender. He claims the cathedral discriminated against the trans community after admitted he did deceive the cathedral about the deceased. Moreover, he continued to tell a story about being raised Catholic and going to school only to be molested by another student and a security guard. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzzFI0PvuBzsxK10PPyjwE-i-OKbLZi-iSsEIk8qiYNNZTyRX58mcDb4PNVjE61b6W9xAZxZ2R7aAGGRuXhwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br /><br />The situation highlights tensions between LGBTQ activists and religious institutions, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue and understanding across different perspectives.<p></p><p>Doroshow is right to a certain extent. The Archdiocese, particularly the staff at St. Patrick's Cathedral did botch things up. Canon Law is clear:</p><blockquote>§3. In the prudent judgment of the local ordinary, ecclesiastical funerals can be granted to baptized persons who are enrolled in a non-Catholic Church or ecclesial community unless their intention is evidently to the contrary and provided that their own minister is not available. <div><br /></div><div>Can. 1184 §1. Unless they gave some signs of repentance before death, the following must be deprived of ecclesiastical funerals: 1/ notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics; 2/ those who chose the cremation of their bodies for reasons contrary to Christian faith; 3/ other manifest sinners who cannot be granted ecclesiastical funerals without public scandal of the faithful. §2. If any doubt occurs, the local ordinary is to be consulted, and his judgment must be followed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Can. 1185 Any funeral Mass must also be denied a person who is excluded from ecclesiastical funerals.</div></blockquote><p>A baptism certificate should have been requested and produced. The situation should have been vetted. If Doroshow is being truthful that he told the staff that Gentili was an activist, then they should have done their research. Moreover, once attendees entered the Cathedral, the staff should have known this event would be problematic. They should have canceled right on the spot and not let it go on. It seems the staff did not think and just took the donation.</p><p>However, Doroshow did admit to deceiving the staff so he has blame as well. He should have done his own research. If he claims Gentili battled the Catholic Church for decades then he should have known the Church's stance on homosexuality. He should have researched what Fiducia Supplicans is and what it really says. Doroshow is under the impression it is a license to bless so-called Same-Sex Unions. As many Catholics showed concern about, the declaration would cause confusion and make people think that the Church changed its stance on marriage. We are seeing the bad fruits of the wording and promotion of Fiducia Supplicans at play. </p><p>Priests like James Martin of the Jesuit order are also not helping by playing word games and giving false hope to the LGBTQIA community thinking the Church is changing her teachings on homosexuality. We can have bridges, but like with real ones, the linking destinations will always be the same. The George Washington Bridge will always link the Bronx with New Jersey. We can extend bridges to the LGBTQIA community, but our side will still have the same destination: Gospel Truth. We cannot change this. </p><p>It seems this drama or story is not over and will continue. As time moves on, it seems this funeral was a stunt and not a genuine goodbye to the trans community's "icon." Time will tell. I will update this post if new details come along.</p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can go through. </p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sources:</div><div><a href="https://www.them.us/story/cecilia-gentili-funeral-trans-catholic-scandal-demand-apology">Advocates Demand Catholic Officials Apologize for Calling Cecilia Gentili’s Funeral a “Scandal” | Them</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2024/02/18/st-patricks-cathedral-cecilia-gentili-funeral/">N.Y. Archdiocese condemns a trans activist Cecilia Gentili’s funeral - The Washington Post</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://catholicvote.org/lgbt-activists-to-demand-public-apology-from-st-patricks-cathedral/">LGBT Activists to Demand Public Apology from St. Patrick’s Cathedral - CatholicVote org</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/advocates-demand-catholic-officials-apologize-152916206.html">Advocates Demand Catholic Officials Apologize for Calling Cecilia Gentili’s Funeral a “Scandal” (yahoo.com)</a></div><p> </p><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827824285101179434.post-72527441726923327492024-02-21T02:15:00.001-05:002024-02-21T02:15:56.589-05:00Illegal Migrants to Received Pre-Paid Debit Cards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQfSCoP6rR1NVcXBclULm8Z0cRp4YGJO-HmL1upSrhs8T-rK8nYxPZVNjAX3bdu-e48nkLrgQQsFw0od0J_LLYnaz9k8KWmUAxKak_6ImkFuGtjUj3F3VaXDWEhyphenhyphenHWM2yPnapaHKhcPMq4VER4orTUv4T0lnxaEQ69rh-2KIPqjPqHZQ784h-wUYFXCde/s1024/_206984be-7f50-402f-bff9-230b015479cf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQfSCoP6rR1NVcXBclULm8Z0cRp4YGJO-HmL1upSrhs8T-rK8nYxPZVNjAX3bdu-e48nkLrgQQsFw0od0J_LLYnaz9k8KWmUAxKak_6ImkFuGtjUj3F3VaXDWEhyphenhyphenHWM2yPnapaHKhcPMq4VER4orTUv4T0lnxaEQ69rh-2KIPqjPqHZQ784h-wUYFXCde/s320/_206984be-7f50-402f-bff9-230b015479cf.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>As American citizens in New York City struggle to pay the high rents, utilities, and inflation driven prices of food, gas and other necessities, illegal migrants will get free money. <p></p><p>A family of four migrants with two children under age 17 could receive up to $15,200 a year under New York City's controversial new $53 million program that provides pre-paid credit cards to asylum seekers. The initiative, known as the Immediate Response Card, aims to assist migrants with food expenses while they await authorization to work from the federal government.</p><p><b>How It Works</b></p><p>- The pre-paid credit cards are not traditional credit cards; they are **pre-paid debit cards** specifically designated for purchasing food and baby supplies.</p><p>- Participants can use these cards at bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.</p><p>- The program is designed to cut costs and replace the current food services offered in short-term hotel shelters.</p><p>- As part of a one-year pilot program, the city will initially roll out the pre-paid cards to 500 newly arrived families at the Roosevelt Hotel. If successful, it could expand to include a maximum of 6,500 families.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Amounts Received by Asylum Seeker Families</b></p><p>- A single migrant could receive $345 per month.</p><p>- A family of three could receive $932 per month.</p><p>- A family of four could net a $1,195 allowance per month for use at designated retailers.</p><p>- Monthly amounts increase for those with children: $100 per month for kids under 5 and $36 for children aged 5 to 17 years.</p><p>- Pregnant asylum seekers can also receive an additional $36 per month on their pre-paid cards.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Savings and Economic Stimulus</b></p><p>- New York City has allocated $53 million to this pilot program, which officials estimate will save $600,000 per month and $7.2 million annually.</p><p>- Beyond cost savings, officials hope that using these cards at local retailers will help stimulate the local economy.</p><p>In summary, while some social media posts have mischaracterized this program as providing credit cards to migrants, it is important to clarify that these are pre-paid debit cards specifically intended for essential goods like food and baby supplies. The goal is to support migrants while they await work authorization from the federal government.</p><p>While the need to care for strangers is biblical, we need to be smart about it. We have our own people who need help, particularly veterans who sacrificed their lives to serve our nation. Next we have the poor who are poor through no fault of their own and those bordering poverty who struggle to pay the exaggerated rents and bills in New York City. Let us not forget our schools which are often neglected. Students do not use textbooks anymore. They have outdated comptuers, I-Pads and tablets. The list goes on and on. We have our own problems and need to care for our own first before we can even attempt to help others. This is why the border needs to be closed and a vetting system installed so that those migrants can come legally and with genuine intentions to work in this nation and hopefully become a citizen. </p><p>Giving out pre-paid debit or credit cards is unfair to taxpayers who did not ask for their money to be spent in this way. Moreover, it will give illegal immigrants an incentive to come here even more. If you can go into another nation, get bussed to a city and given free food and housing and now money, what do you think will happen next? We will see an influx of illegal immigrants flocking for this dream turned reality. The desire to work will vanish as it often happens with Americans on the Welfare, SNAP, face-to-face system. They become complacent despite the hardships these programs give when applying and maintaining a case. </p><p>Again, elections have consequences. If New Yorkers continue to vote for politicians who endorse an open border and favoring illegal immigrantion over American citizens, then this will continue. We are already seeing the crime wave being perpetuated by a good number of these illegal migrants. It is an invasion and our taxpayers are paying for it. Let us help those who truly need it but do it wisely. </p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can go through. </p><div><br /></div><p>---</p><p><br /></p><p>Sources:</p><p>1. [NYC migrant families could make up to $15K per year under controversial $53M pre-paid credit card program](<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/20/us-news/nyc-migrant-families-could-make-up-to-15k-per-year-under-controversial-53m-pre-paid-credit-card-program/">https://nypost.com/2024/02/20/us-news/nyc-migrant-families-could-make-up-to-15k-per-year-under-controversial-53m-pre-paid-credit-card-program/</a>)</p><p>2. [Migrants in New York City will receive prepaid debit cards, not credit cards, for designated goods](<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-nyc-migrants-credit-debit-cards-prepaid-240335300869">https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-nyc-migrants-credit-debit-cards-prepaid-240335300869</a>)</p><p>3. [NYC to offer migrants $53M in pre-paid credit cards, report says](<a href="https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americ">https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americ</a> </p><p><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/20/us-news/nyc-migrant-families-could-make-up-to-15k-per-year-under-controversial-53m-pre-paid-credit-card-program/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_source=twitter">NYC migrant families could make up to $15K per year under controversial $53M pre-paid credit card program (nypost.com)</a></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0