Monday, September 24, 2018

US: Bishops Support Action on Opioid Crisis - ZENIT - English

US: Bishops Support Action on Opioid Crisis - ZENIT - English: More than 72,000 Americans Died of a Drug Overdose in 2017

Francis in Latvia: Catholics should stand with those excluded from society | National Catholic Reporter

Francis in Latvia: Catholics should stand with those excluded from society | National Catholic Reporter: Catholics should stand with people who are being excluded from society, seeking not to engage in a "tourism of solidarity" but to feel the wounds of those who are hurting, Pope Francis said at a Mass ...

Washington’s Farcical “Certifications” Enable the War Crimes of Allies | The National Interest

Washington’s Farcical “Certifications” Enable the War Crimes of Allies | The National Interest: And violate U.S. law.

Saudi Arabia is at its least stable in 50 years

Saudi Arabia is at its least stable in 50 years: To maintain its stability, Saudi Arabia needs to end the costly war in Yemen, where much of the population is subject to famine and disease.

Kavanaugh's accuser should unfortunately expect the Anita Hill treatment from Republicans

Kavanaugh's accuser should unfortunately expect the Anita Hill treatment from Republicans: Christine Blasey Ford alleges that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her as a teenager, but feared coming forward. She has reason to be afraid.

Deadly Yemen famine could strike at any time, warns UN boss | World news | The Guardian

Deadly Yemen famine could strike at any time, warns UN boss | World news | The Guardian: Humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock fears a ‘huge loss of life’ as fighting continues

Iran Seethes at Saudi Arabia, West After Deadly Terror Attack

Tehran says group behind Saturday’s assault on military parade in Ahvaz is allowed shelter in Europe and linked to Riyadh

https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-seethes-at-saudi-arabia-west-after-deadly-terror-attack-1537722880

If California wants to go carbon-free, it needs to end its nuclear moratorium

If California wants to go carbon-free, it needs to end its nuclear moratorium: To achieve an affordable clean energy future for California, lawmakers have to reassess the 40-year- old moratorium on new nuclear power plants.

Chicago Priest Goes Into Hiding to Escape Cdl. Cupich’s Punishment

Chicago Priest Goes Into Hiding to Escape Cdl. Cupich’s Punishment: Priests sent by Cupich allude to Fr. Kalchik's 'death' if he refuses treatment

The Plot to Subvert an Election: Unraveling the Russia Story So Far - The New York Times

The Plot to Subvert an Election: Unraveling the Russia Story So Far - The New York Times: For two years, Americans have tried to absorb the details of the 2016 attack: spies, leaked emails, social media fraud — and President Trump’s claims that it’s all a hoax. The Times explores what we know and what it means.

In praise of imperfect motherhood

In praise of imperfect motherhood: This Instagrammer shares a realistic but joyful vision of motherhood

Exclusive Photos: Padre Pio brings Christ’s mercy to NYC

Exclusive Photos: Padre Pio brings Christ’s mercy to NYC: September in Little Italy is one of the most festive and anticipated times of the year for New Yorkers. It’s the Feast of San Gennaro. What began over a hundred years ago within the Italian immigra…

The Synod agenda is off-base - The Catholic Thing

The Synod agenda is off-base - The Catholic Thing: The Archbishop of Philadelphia looks at the Instrumentum Laboris of the upcoming Synod on Youth and Vocations and finds it...

Thoughts on the Instrumentum Laboris | Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. | First Things

Thoughts on the Instrumentum Laboris | Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. | First Things: Our daily blog content exclusive to the web hits on hot topics in both religion and public life and will keep you informed and entertained all week.

US bishops’ statement on action to be taken - The Catholic Thing

US bishops’ statement on action to be taken - The Catholic Thing: “This is only a beginning. Consultation with a broad range of concerned parents, experts, and other laity along with clergy...

Exorcise the demons - The Catholic Thing

Exorcise the demons - The Catholic Thing: Fr. Z: “If I were a diocesan bishop, I would quietly give all my priests the permission to use Chapter 3...

Light Shining on Hidden Things - The Catholic Thing

Light Shining on Hidden Things - The Catholic Thing: Carlos Caso-Rosendi on accusations of sex-abuse coverups made against Pope Francis while Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The Enemy is in the Church.

The Deal or the Debacle of the Century? - Global ResearchGlobal Research - Centre for Research on Globalization

The Deal or the Debacle of the Century? - Global ResearchGlobal Research - Centre for Research on Globalization: As we wait for Trump to unveil his peace plan to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, he has in fact made the prospect of achieving “the deal of the century” far more remote than it was already. His recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has enraged the Palestinians, who decided to suspend any further negotiations …

Foreign policy bigwigs: Trump risking war with Iran - POLITICO

Foreign policy bigwigs: Trump risking war with Iran - POLITICO: Dozens of U.S. foreign policy, intelligence and national security figures have signed a statement pushing the president to rethink his strategy.

The House We Built: How the United States Walked Away from Decades of Accountability - JURIST - Commentary - Legal News & Commentary

The House We Built: How the United States Walked Away from Decades of Accountability - JURIST - Commentary - Legal News & Commentary: As the world turns inward, nationalistic perspectives are on the rise. It feels like 1930, where the international order laid out in the Versailles Treaty, was about to be turned upside down. Today, s...

Michelle Obama’s Big Book Rollout: ‘It’s Like You’re Looking at a Madonna Tour’ - The New York Times

We now have a dollar value for one of oil’s biggest subsidies - Vox

We now have a dollar value for one of oil’s biggest subsidies - Vox: Defending the oil supply costs a lot of money.

The Shopping Malls and Big Box Stores Gutted by E-Commerce | WIRED

The Shopping Malls and Big Box Stores Gutted by E-Commerce | WIRED: 'Retail Apocalypse' captures the end of one era in American retail and the beginning of another.

Low pay, poor prospects, and psychological toll: The perils of microtask work | Ars Technica

Low pay, poor prospects, and psychological toll: The perils of microtask work | Ars Technica: UN questions whether this work has any benefits for society.

They Think It Would Be Fun to Run a Newspaper: Billionaires Buying Up Media Is Another Step Toward Oligarchy | Alternet

They Think It Would Be Fun to Run a Newspaper: Billionaires Buying Up Media Is Another Step Toward Oligarchy | Alternet: A handful of super-wealthy individuals are assuming power over crucial news outlets, both locally and nationally. The announcement that Time magazine would be bought by software CEO Marc Benioff highlighted the growing trend of billionaires buying up media outlets.

As China builds biotech sector, cash floods U.S. startups | Reuters

As China builds biotech sector, cash floods U.S. startups | Reuters: For three whirlwind days in June, U.S. scientist Zhi Hong went shopping at the Boston Bio Conference to find drugs to fill the pipeline of his two-week-old drug company.US

Unlocking secrets of sea level rise in Greenland - Reuters.TV

Unlocking secrets of sea level rise in Greenland - Reuters.TV: Reuters photographer Lucas Jackson recently captured an iceberg -- the size of lower Manhattan -- breaking off from Greenland's Helheim Glacier. This rarely seen calving event gives an insight into the processes scientists are studying to narrow wildly varying estimates of sea level rise.

Clearance of senescent glial cells prevents tau-dependent pathology and cognitive decline | Nature

Clearance of senescent glial cells prevents tau-dependent pathology and cognitive decline | Nature: Letter

Clearing out old cells might help the brain - MIT Technology Review

Clearing out old cells might help the brain - MIT Technology Review: A popular anti-aging strategy keeps mice from getting senile.

What are public lands?

https://www.treehugger.com/environmental-policy/what-are-public-lands.html

Credit ratings agency downgrades SDG&E and other California utilities over wildfire concerns | Energy Central

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection September 24, 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 8:16-18

Friends, today’s Gospel is the parable of the lamp, which, placed on a lampstand, gives light to all. Light obviously isn’t for itself. Rather, we see things by it. It illuminates things upon which it shines.

We are light by which people around us come to see what is worth seeing. By the very quality and integrity of our lives, we shed light, illumining what is beautiful and revealing what is ugly. The clear implication is that without vibrant Christians the world is a much worse place. Let me illustrate this principle with an example. One of the most painful truths of the last century is that the weakness of Christian witness allows some of the worst elements in society to flourish.

Think of the rise of the evil powers that created World War II. Christianity had become so weak, so uncompelling, so attenuated that great evil was allowed to flourish. Yes, indeed there were a handful of powerful Christian resisters, but let’s face it: the overwhelmingly vast majority of Christians either supported Hitler or remained in silence, out of either fear or indifference.

Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 449

Reading 1 Prv 3:27-34

Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.

Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.

Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.

Gospel Lk 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd:
"No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away."

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Alfie Evans' parents announce foundation 'to honour his name and fight for the value of life' - Mirror Online

Alfie Evans' parents announce foundation 'to honour his name and fight for the value of life' - Mirror Online: Alfie's parents revealed their plans as their little boy's life was honoured in Rome

Hidden knowledge: false rape accusations are common - Fabius Maximus website

Hidden knowledge: false rape accusations are common - Fabius Maximus website: Women often make false accusations. That ruins the MeToo narrative, and so is seldom mentioned in the news.

Chicago Priest Goes Into Hiding to Escape Cdl. Cupich’s Punishment

Chicago Priest Goes Into Hiding to Escape Cdl. Cupich’s Punishment: Priests sent by Cupich allude to Fr. Kalchik's 'death' if he refuses treatment

Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9” Aims Not at Trump But at Those Who Created the Conditions That Led to His Rise

Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9” Aims Not at Trump But at Those Who Created the Conditions That Led to His Rise: Moore's new film will surprise, please, disturb, disgust and anger everyone - for different reasons - and that's what makes it so worthwhile.

Mass. Gas Grid Blows Up, and Answers Are Elusive - WhoWhatWhy

Mass. Gas Grid Blows Up, and Answers Are Elusive - WhoWhatWhy: A buildup of pressure is the accepted cause of horrific gas line explosions in three Boston suburbs last week, but officials remain uncertain of what created that danger in the first place.

Why We Hyperparent, Helicopter and Heavily Manage Our Children | The American Conservative

Why We Hyperparent, Helicopter and Heavily Manage Our Children | The American Conservative: Look around, there is no acceptable alternative to the disappearing village.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: It is Outrageous that the US is Supporting a Genocidal War in Yemen | naked capitalism

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection September23, 2018

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 9:30-37

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus presents a child as the model for his disciples who want to be the most important. Jesus lays out for his disciples what is going to happen to him in Jerusalem, how he will be rejected, tortured, and killed. Oblivious to this, the disciples are discussing who among them is the most important. For Jesus, the path to greatness lies on the road to Calvary, to self-forgetting love; for the disciples—and for most people of most ages—it lies along the road to ego inflation.

What is the antidote? A child is proposed as a kind of living icon to these ambitious Apostles. We notice first how Jesus physically identifies with the child, sitting down at his level and placing his arms around him. It is as though he is saying that he himself is like a child. How so? Children don’t know how to dissemble, how to be one way and act another. They are what they are; they act in accordance with their deepest nature.

Why was this story of Jesus’ identification with children preserved by all of the synoptic Gospels? Somehow it gets close to the heart of Jesus’ life and message.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 134

Reading 1 Wis 2:12, 17-20

The wicked say:
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training.
Let us see whether his words be true;
let us find out what will happen to him.
For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him.

Reading 2 Jas 3:16—4:3

Beloved:
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.

Where do the wars
and where do the conflicts among you come from?
Is it not from your passions
that make war within your members?
You covet but do not possess.
You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;
you fight and wage war.
You do not possess because you do not ask.
You ask but do not receive,
because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Gospel Mk 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,
he began to ask them,
“What were you arguing about on the way?”
But they remained silent.
They had been discussing among themselves on the way
who was the greatest.
Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,
and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me,
receives not me but the One who sent me.”

China cancels military talks with U.S. in protest at sanctions over Russia military equipment | Reuters

China cancels military talks with U.S. in protest at sanctions over Russia military equipment | Reuters: oned the U.S. ambassador in Beijing and postponed joint military talks in protest against a U.S. decision to sanction a Chinese military agency and its director for buying Russian fighter jets and a surface-to-air missile system.US

9 things mothers-in-law should never do—Aleteia

9 things mothers-in-law should never do—Aleteia: They can be a great help, but they also need to respect their children and their children's spouses decisions.

Why the stay-at-home mom is still a good role model for our daughters

The miracle quadruplets who almost weren’t are starting preschool

The miracle quadruplets who almost weren’t are starting preschool: Irish couple Grace and James Slattery were urged to abort two of their unborn children, but they refused.

Do you know which virtues can defeat the seven deadly sins? --Aleteia

Do you know which virtues can defeat the seven deadly sins? --Aleteia: Flip the cards to find out how you can combat each sin with an opposing virtue!

Francis warns: 75 years after Holocaust, guard against 'any whiff' of anti-Semitism | National Catholic Reporter

Francis warns: 75 years after Holocaust, guard against 'any whiff' of anti-Semitism | National Catholic Reporter: Pope Francis warned Sept. 23 that society must guard against "any whiff" of a new rise in anti-Semitism, saying that young people who did not experience the barbaric killings of the Holocaust can be l...

Hispanic young adults engage bishops, express needs at V Encuentro

https://www.ncronline.org/news/parish/hispanic-young-adults-engage-bishops-express-needs-v-encuentro?utm_source=SEPT_23_V+ENCUENTRO+YOUNG+ADULTS&utm_campaign=cc&utm_medium=email

Saudi Arabia pushes for peaceful nuclear technology in Middle East

Saudi Arabia pushes for peaceful nuclear technology in Middle East: Saudi Arabia’s atomic energy programme is fundamental for developing a sustainable energy sector, energy minister Khalid Al-Falih told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna

A Theology of Home - The Catholic Thing

A Theology of Home - The Catholic Thing: Carrie Gress: As Aquinas said, "The good spreads itself out." But evil spreads itself too, and grave evil has reached into every area of familial life.

The Church is Holy - The Catholic Thing

The Church is Holy - The Catholic Thing: Fr. Bevil Bramwell: The holiness of Christ makes Mary holy and by pointing to Christ, she then “mothers” wondrous new members into the Church.

Opinion | What China Can Teach the U.S. About Artificial Intelligence - The New York Times

"We Are Bigger than Your Jesus!"

"We Are Bigger than Your Jesus!"
Extremist Persecution of Christians, March 2018

by Raymond Ibrahim • September 23, 2018 at 5:00 am

If any measure of peace between Muslims and Christians is to prevail, no church can exist in the village, local Muslims said. "The only houses of worship that can ever be built in this village are Muslim places of worship for Allah." — Watan International, Egypt.
"The Al Shabaab are now hunting down the children in Mogadishu, and we have moved the care center to a bit safer location.... The children look devastated and malnourished, so we as a secret church do appeal to our brothers and sisters in the free world to consider extending a hand to these persecuted children." — Pastor of an underground church, Somalia.
"[I]t seems that the Muslims intentionally wanted to pick a fight with us." — Pastor of King Jesus Church, Pakistan.

On March 26, medical staff and security guards at Services Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan beat to death a Christian father of four and injured five members of his family, including the pregnant sister he had brought because she was in labor. Pictured: The Department of Surgery at Services Hospital, in 2014. (Image Source: Baitaal/Wikimedia Commons)

Muslim Slaughter of Christians

Pakistan: In a Lahore hospital, a throng of Muslim doctors, security guards, and medical staff beat Christian family members — one to death — because they tried to prevent another doctor from beating their pregnant sister. According to Anil Saleem, the pregnant woman's brother, once they took her to the emergency labor ward at Services Hospital:

"Kiran [the pregnant woman] went to the doctor on duty, Dr. Saira, who was playing with her cell phone while sipping on tea. Dr. Saira told Kiran to wait outside until she finished her tea. We waited for some time, but since Kiran was experiencing severe pain, she again went inside the ward to request for immediate attention."

Continue Reading Articlehttps://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/13014/persecution-christians-march

Attack in Iran raises spectre of a potentially far larger conflagration

https://soundcloud.com/user-153425019/attack-in-iran-raises-spectre-of-a-potentially-far-larger-conflagration

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Michael Lewis: The Big Short author on how Trump is gambling with nuclear disaster | Books | The Guardian

Michael Lewis: The Big Short author on how Trump is gambling with nuclear disaster | Books | The Guardian: The books interview: Government positions left empty, cronyism, anti-government ideology – everything about Trump’s administration makes America more vulnerable to risk

A Pope Like No Other | Sean Dailey:

A Pope Like No Other | Sean Dailey: “When Christ at a symbolic moment was establishing His great society, He chose for its corner-stone neither the brilliant Paul nor the mystic John, but a shuffler, a snob, a coward—in a word, a man.” —G.K. Chesterton, Heretics I was in my office, in my day job, the day Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 265th

Tucker Carlson: Brett Kavanaugh Is A Victim Of 'War On Men' | Crooks and Liars

Why I’m Still Catholic (And Not Going Anywhere) | K. Albert Little

Why I’m Still Catholic (And Not Going Anywhere) | K. Albert Little: I am still Catholic not just because I ascent intellectually to an ancient creed and an ancient religion but because God came down to dwell among us, and comes still.

Gowdy: Russia Docs Are ‘Embarrassing’ For John Brennan, DOJ And FBI | The Daily Caller

Gowdy: Russia Docs Are ‘Embarrassing’ For John Brennan, DOJ And FBI | The Daily Caller: Says Brennan is 'part of the reason we are in this historic conundrum'

Pope Francis Creates Diocese of Chengde in China - ZENIT - English

Pope Francis Creates Diocese of Chengde in China - ZENIT - English: 'Desiring to promote the pastoral care of the Lord’s flock and to attend with greater efficacy to its spiritual good.'

Cardinal Parolin Comments on Holy See - Republic of China Agreement - ZENIT - English

Cardinal Parolin Comments on Holy See - Republic of China Agreement - ZENIT - English: 'The objective of the Holy See is a pastoral one.'

China: Holy See, Republic of China, Reach Provisional Agreement on Appointment of Bishops - ZENIT - English

China: Holy See, Republic of China, Reach Provisional Agreement on Appointment of Bishops - ZENIT - English: 'This is not the end of a process. It's the beginning.'

Africa Economy: West Should Try to Match Chinese Investment - Bloomberg

Africa Economy: West Should Try to Match Chinese Investment - Bloomberg: Fast population growth offers some great investment opportunities, but the West is missing out.

Trump Says `Time to Take a Stand on China' After Tariff Move - Bloomberg

Trump Says `Time to Take a Stand on China' After Tariff Move - Bloomberg: U.S. President Donald Trump continued to hit out at China days after announcing another round of tariffs, signaling the trade war won’t end any time soon.

Tariffs could mean a 2M drop in car sales and cost 715,000 jobs, warns auto industry group

Tariffs could mean a 2M drop in car sales and cost 715,000 jobs, warns auto industry group: "Retaliation by China to tariffs already in place has made U.S. auto exports uncompetitive,” said one industry insider.

Women's Anticipation of the Employment Effects of Motherhood: Evidence and Implications | naked capitalism

Women's Anticipation of the Employment Effects of Motherhood: Evidence and Implications | naked capitalism: Work-minded women do a poor job of estimating how much having children will mess with their careers. Why is that?

Medicine For Our Disillusionment – A Sermon On Mark 8:27-38 – Interrupting the Silence

Medicine For Our Disillusionment – A Sermon On Mark 8:27-38 – Interrupting the Silence: I’ve recently begun wondering if one of the primary things that unites us as country today might not be disillusionment. It seems to be everywhere, and on all sides. Now we may not agree on what we…

Vatican announces deal with China over appointment of Catholic bishops | National Catholic Reporter

Vatican announces deal with China over appointment of Catholic bishops | National Catholic Reporter: The Vatican has announced the signing of a "provisional agreement" with Chinese authorities to address a seven-decade dispute over the appointment of Catholic bishops in the world's most populous coun...

Preventing Palestine: A Must Read History of Failed Peace-Making – LobeLog

Preventing Palestine: A Must Read History of Failed Peace-Making – LobeLog: by James J. Zogby Seth Anziska’s Preventing Palestine: A Political History From Camp David to Oslo is a deeply insightful and profoundly disturbing book that traces the tortuous path of Midd…

What Russian weapons are being bought by China? | South China Morning Post

What Russian weapons are being bought by China? | South China Morning Post: The US has imposed military sanctions on China for its purchase of fighter jets and missiles but what else is on the shopping list?

China and Vatican Reach Breakthrough on Appointment of Bishops - The New York Times

Francis praises Lithuanian spirit of welcoming migrants, practicing tolerance | National Catholic Reporter

Francis praises Lithuanian spirit of welcoming migrants, practicing tolerance | National Catholic Reporter: Pope Francis began his four-day visit to the three Baltic States by praising Lithuania's history of accepting people of various backgrounds and ethnicities, calling on the country to "build bridges no...

The Church’s Homosexual Problem | Mic’d Up

The Church’s Homosexual Problem | Mic’d Up: Homo-clericalism

LGBT-ism versus Christianity - The Catholic Thing

LGBT-ism versus Christianity - The Catholic Thing: David Carlin: Liberal Protestantism celebrates what used to be a great sin, and liberal Catholics, some priests and bishops, maintain a discreet silence.

The Rush To Smart Cities Is On

The Rush To Smart Cities Is On: Ireland was a country that thought it could not compete before the 1990s. Its rail system was primitive, its ports were outdated and small, and its roads were problematic — mostly you had to share …

‘Trump won’t back down’: US president plans to make trade war unbearable for China and bigger than ever, Steve Bannon says | South China Morning Post

‘Trump won’t back down’: US president plans to make trade war unbearable for China and bigger than ever, Steve Bannon says | South China Morning Post: In an exclusive interview, the former White House chief strategist says Beijing was caught off guard by the magnitude of the plan he hatched with Trump

Interview with Miko Peled | Dissident Voice

Interview with Miko Peled | Dissident Voice: Only a focused and well co-ordinated strategy to delegitimize and bring down the Zionist regime can bring justice to Palestine. BDS has the best potential for that. Miko Peled, an Israeli general's son and himself a former Israeli soldier, is nowadays a noted peace activist and a tireless worker for justice in the Holy

China Is Said to Cancel Trade Talks as New U.S. Tariffs Loom - Bloomberg

Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford moved 3,000 miles to reinvent her life. It wasn’t far enough. - The Washington Post

Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford moved 3,000 miles to reinvent her life. It wasn’t far enough. - The Washington Post: “I cannot live in this country if he’s in the Supreme Court,” her husband says she told him.

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection September 22, 2018

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 8:4-15

Friends, today’s Gospel gives us the parable of the sower. I want to say something about the seed that falls on the path, because it reveals an obstacle to our efforts at religious education.

One of the blocks of receiving the seed is lack of understanding, lack of education in the ways of the Spirit. Israel was the extensive and complex preparation for the reception of the Word. The fundamentals have to be in place before the Word can be accepted. What a prophetic word to our time!

A recent study shows that Catholics are second only to Jews in the ineffectiveness of passing on their religious tradition and heritage. A recent poll concerning religious attitudes in America shows that most Americans favor a radical tolerance in regard to religious beliefs. It also shows a shocking ignorance in regard to belief systems, dogmas, and the history of one’s own religion.

There’s nothing in the world wrong with tolerance, but it can sometimes be a cover for indifference. One belief is as good as another. Do we accept that kind of thinking in regard to politics? Religious education programs are falling far behind what they should be.

Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 448

Reading 1 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49

Brothers and sisters:
Someone may say, "How are the dead raised?
With what kind of body will they come back?"

You fool!
What you sow is not brought to life unless it dies.
And what you sow is not the body that is to be
but a bare kernel of wheat, perhaps, or of some other kind.

So also is the resurrection of the dead.
It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible.
It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious.
It is sown weak; it is raised powerful.
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one.

So, too, it is written,
"The first man, Adam, became a living being,"
the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
But the spiritual was not first;
rather the natural and then the spiritual.
The first man was from the earth, earthly;
the second man, from heaven.
As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly,
and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly.
Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one,
we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.

Gospel Lk 8:4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another
journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable.
"A sower went out to sow his seed.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled,
and the birds of the sky ate it up.
Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew,
it withered for lack of moisture.
Some seed fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew with it and choked it.
And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew,
it produced fruit a hundredfold."
After saying this, he called out,
"Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."

Then his disciples asked him
what the meaning of this parable might be.
He answered,
"Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God
has been granted to you;
but to the rest, they are made known through parables
so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.

"This is the meaning of the parable.
The seed is the word of God.
Those on the path are the ones who have heard,
but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts
that they may not believe and be saved.
Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear,
receive the word with joy, but they have no root;
they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation.
As for the seed that fell among thorns,
they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along,
they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life,
and they fail to produce mature fruit.
But as for the seed that fell on rich soil,
they are the ones who, when they have heard the word,
embrace it with a generous and good heart,
and bear fruit through perseverance."

'All of us together': Sex abuse survivor seeks healing within the church | National Catholic Reporter

'All of us together': Sex abuse survivor seeks healing within the church | National Catholic Reporter: In this interview, Susan Pavlak, a lifelong resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, describes being sexually abused by her high school religion teacher, a former nun, beginning in 1970.

Why the Catholic Church can't move on from the sex abuse crisis | National Catholic Reporter

Why the Catholic Church can't move on from the sex abuse crisis | National Catholic Reporter: Many Catholic bishops and priests are frustrated by the continued coverage of the sex abuse crisis in the media. They believe they have fixed the problem and the church should be able to move on.

The...

Vatican publishes list of synod members, papal appointees include Tobin, Cupich | National Catholic Reporter

Vatican publishes list of synod members, papal appointees include Tobin, Cupich | National Catholic Reporter: To the list of members of the Synod of Bishops elected by national bishops' conferences, Pope Francis added cardinals from 14 countries, bishops from another 10 nations, as well as 10 priests who be f...

Vatican publishes list of synod members, papal appointees include Tobin, Cupich | National Catholic Reporter

A Theology of Home - The Catholic Thing

A Theology of Home - The Catholic Thing: Carrie Gress: As Aquinas said, "The good spreads itself out." But evil spreads itself too, and grave evil has reached into every area of familial life.

‘100 Kegs or Bust’: Kavanaugh friend, Mark Judge, has spent years writing about high school debauchery - The Washington Post

‘100 Kegs or Bust’: Kavanaugh friend, Mark Judge, has spent years writing about high school debauchery - The Washington Post: The high-court nominee’s accuser says Mark Judge was there and should have to testify.

What does it mean for a priest to be laicized?

What does it mean for a priest to be laicized?: Whenever I teach a class on the sacraments, there’s one point in particular that gets brows to furrowing. It’s not when we talk about how Christ can be truly present in the Eucharist though it stil…

Study finds religious upbringing linked with healthier, happier young adulthood

Study finds religious upbringing linked with healthier, happier young adulthood: Researchers out of Harvard have suggests that children raised to relgion are more likely to be happy and avoid unhealthy activities than their peers.

This cow explains Catholic religious orders and congregations better than most textbooks

This cow explains Catholic religious orders and congregations better than most textbooks: What’s the difference between Jesuits and Dominicans? What makes a Franciscan a Franciscan? Why are Carmelites not Benedictines? Actually, what’s the deal with this many different communities, orde…

Ordained in the midst of scandal: How St. Mary of Egypt is getting me through

Ordained in the midst of scandal: How St. Mary of Egypt is getting me through: On August 22, as news of scandals circulated through headlines, I was lying face down on the floor before the altar at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houston. Soon I would kneel in fron…

Archbishop Chaput’s Column: A Letter To The Romans – Archdiocese of Philadelphia

A Prayer for Troubled Catholics – Renewal Ministries

A Prayer for Troubled Catholics – Renewal Ministries: [caption id=attachment_2635 align=aligncenter width=640] Image Credit[/caption]

The following prayer was shared with us after the release of Ralph Martin’s letter Dear Troubled Catholics.

By Susan Domen

Heavenly Father, we praise you! You are goodness and love, you are holy and perfect!

We come to you, Father, with heavy hearts, looking to You in Your infinite mercy, to console us in our grief, send clarity where there is confusion, repentance where there is sin, obedience where there is obstinance, truth where there is silence, and love where there is indifference.

Help us to fast and pray in reparation for our sins and for those who have led astray and compromised the faith of so many. Have mercy on us, look upon us as harassed and lost, as like sheep without a shepherd.

Father, we beg You, send Your Holy Spirit to breathe upon us, to renew; to make holy, beautiful and most pure, the Church, the bride of your beloved Son, Jesus. Holy Spirit, fall upon the most hardened hearts, as well as those of the faithful and devout. Fill them with the fire of Your love. Grant them holy boldness to speak truth in the face of corruption and intimidation. Let them not be silent, let them

Friday, September 21, 2018

From arms buyer to hi-tech partner – China’s changing military weapons ties with Russia | South China Morning Post

From arms buyer to hi-tech partner – China’s changing military weapons ties with Russia | South China Morning Post: Beijing used to be Moscow’s biggest defence customer but the two countries are shifting towards more joint development projects

Yemen's Sprawling Crisis Is Not Just Another Dirty Little War | Opinion | OZY

Yemen's Sprawling Crisis Is Not Just Another Dirty Little War | Opinion | OZY: The U.S. must ensure this country does not become another haven for Iran-backed terrorists.

‘My Button Works!’ | by Jonathan Stevenson | The New York Review of Books

‘My Button Works!’ | by Jonathan Stevenson | The New York Review of Books: Trump’s belief that presidential authority is practically monarchical, his belligerent posturing toward countries such as Iran and North Korea, and his cavalier disregard for legal procedure have made many observers wonder if he will try to start a catastrophic war, and what safeguards exist to constrain him if he does.

‘The Key Problem of Our Time’: A Conversation with Henry Kissinger on Sino-U.S. Relations | Wilson Center

‘The Key Problem of Our Time’: A Conversation with Henry Kissinger on Sino-U.S. Relations | Wilson Center: On September 13, the Wilson Center hosted a gala event to mark the 50th anniversary of its founding and the 10th anniversary of its Kissinger Institute on China and the United States. Henry Kissinger, U.S. secretary of state from 1973 to 1977, was presented with the inaugural Spirit of Wilson Award and participated in a conversation with Ambassador J. Stapleton “Stape” Roy, founding director emeritus and a distinguished scholar at the Kissinger Institute.

Trump Has a New Weapon to Cause ‘the Cyber’ Mayhem – Foreign Policy

Trump Has a New Weapon to Cause ‘the Cyber’ Mayhem – Foreign Policy: The U.S. president and his advisor John Bolton want to take the gloves off in cyberspace—but experts worry offensive attacks could backfire.

AP Analysis: Trump heads to UN as US retreats from world | U.S. Government | pilotonline.com

Justice Dept Likely to Slow-Walk Declassification – Consortiumnews

Justice Dept Likely to Slow-Walk Declassification – Consortiumnews: President Trump has ordered Russia-gate data to be declassified but will likely be stonewalled, raising questions about whether Trump is his own man, writes Ray McGovern.

By Ray McGovern
Special to Consortium News

Don’t hold your breath. While the media is breathlessly describing yesterday’

https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/when-mass-feels-like-going-through-the-motions/?utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=2b629e8441-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_07_05_07_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-2b629e8441-351387457&mc_cid=2b629e8441&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

Young People Are Leaving the Church—Can We Turn the Tide?

https://media.ascensionpress.com/2018/09/19/young-people-are-leaving-the-church-can-we-turn-the-tide/?utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=2b629e8441-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_07_05_07_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-2b629e8441-351387457&mc_cid=2b629e8441&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

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