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Saturday, June 30, 2018

Euthanasia vs Quebec Palliative Care | National Review

Euthanasia vs Quebec Palliative Care | National Review

At last, bad news is good news in the Catholic sex abuse scandal | National Catholic Reporter

At last, bad news is good news in the Catholic sex abuse scandal | National Catholic Reporter: In the Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandals, what seems like bad news for the church — seemingly daily headlines about clergy being disciplined — is actually good news.

The truly ba...

De-homosexualizing the American Church - The Catholic Thing

De-homosexualizing the American Church - The Catholic Thing: David Carlin thinks the Cardinal McCarrick scandal means the Church needs two things: keep homosexuals out of the priesthood and ordain married men.

No homosexuals in the priesthood - The Catholic Thing

No homosexuals in the priesthood - The Catholic Thing: In the discernment concerning the suitability for ordination, the spiritual director has an important task. Although he is bound to...

HELL BURNS: WHAT TRANSGENDER IDEOLOGY DOES TO CHILDREN

HELL BURNS: WHAT TRANSGENDER IDEOLOGY DOES TO CHILDREN: I do not agree with the exact tone with which Dr. Cretella presents everything, but she is saying what no one else will say and has incred...

U.S. bishops head to border to protest Trump immigration policy

U.S. bishops head to border to protest Trump immigration policy: The U.S. bishops will lead a delegation to the U.S.-Mexico border on Monday, including a visit to a detention facility.

St. Paul — A Tireless Defender of the Faith

St. Paul — A Tireless Defender of the Faith: St. Paul’s Feast Day is June 29 (the same as St. Peter’s!), and he is the patron saint for many things—including writers, musicians...

Catholics mobilize at border and around U.S. to help separated families

Catholics mobilize at border and around U.S. to help separated families: Many Catholics are protesting the Trump administration's zero tolerance towards immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Caution Killed George H.W. Bush’s Presidency


Caution Killed George H.W. Bush’s Presidency


https://theweichertreport.com/2018/06/30/caution-killed-george-h-w-bushs-presidency/

Yan Xuetong on the Bipolar State of Our World | China Media Project

Yan Xuetong on the Bipolar State of Our World | China Media Project

Trump’s Necessary Encounters with Kim and Putin – LobeLog

Trump’s Necessary Encounters with Kim and Putin – LobeLog: by Robert E. Hunter By the middle of next month, President Donald Trump will have defied both protocol and US elite opinion by meeting with leaders of two countries who, to put it mildly, do not wi…

The Close Proximity of Cross and Resurrection | Word on Fire

The Close Proximity of Cross and Resurrection | Word on Fire

The Great Divide: From Civility to Civil War?

The Great Divide: From Civility to Civil War?: Recently there was an article in USA Today entitled, Is America headed toward a civil war? Sanders, Nielsen Incidents Show It Has Already Begun (June 25 USA Today; Glenn Harlan Reynolds, opinion columnist). It spoke of the great divide in this nation which may be coming to a tipping point. One thing that struck me...

Bishop delegation heads to US-Mexico border amid separation of migrant families | National Catholic Reporter

Bishop delegation heads to US-Mexico border amid separation of migrant families | National Catholic Reporter: A delegation of U.S. bishops will head to the nation's southern border Monday as national attention remains focused on the separation of immigrant families who have attempted to enter the country ...

It is a Sin to be Scandalized by Sin

It is a Sin to be Scandalized by Sin: When one member sins, it hurts everyone.

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection June 30, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 8:5-17
Friends, today’s Gospel passage acclaims a centurion’s trust in the Lord Jesus. To trust is to have hope, to turn one’s heart to God. It means to root one’s life, to ground and center one’s concerns, in God. And oppositely, to trust and to turn one’s heart to human beings means to root the whole of one’s life, to ground and center one’s concerns, in the things of this world: in wealth, fame, power, honor, or pleasure.

What is the center of gravity of your life? What is your "ultimate concern"? The Bible consistently lays this out as an either/or. Think of the passage in the book of Joshua, when Joshua lays it on the line for the people of Israel: "Do you serve the Lord or some other gods?"

Jesus tells his followers, "Either you are with me or you are against me." Today’s Gospel reminds us that we each have to answer this question with great honesty and clarity.

Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 376

Reading 1 Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19

The Lord has consumed without pity
all the dwellings of Jacob;
He has torn down in his anger
the fortresses of daughter Judah;
He has brought to the ground in dishonor
her king and her princes.

On the ground in silence sit
the old men of daughter Zion;
They strew dust on their heads
and gird themselves with sackcloth;
The maidens of Jerusalem
bow their heads to the ground.

Worn out from weeping are my eyes,
within me all is in ferment;
My gall is poured out on the ground
because of the downfall of the daughter of my people,
As child and infant faint away
in the open spaces of the town.

In vain they ask their mothers,
"Where is the grain?"
As they faint away like the wounded
in the streets of the city,
And breathe their last
in their mothers' arms.

To what can I liken or compare you,
O daughter Jerusalem?
What example can I show you for your comfort,
virgin daughter Zion?
For great as the sea is your downfall;
who can heal you?

Your prophets had for you
false and specious visions;
They did not lay bare your guilt,
to avert your fate;
They beheld for you in vision
false and misleading portents.

Cry out to the Lord;
moan, O daughter Zion!
Let your tears flow like a torrent
day and night;
Let there be no respite for you,
no repose for your eyes.

Rise up, shrill in the night,
at the beginning of every watch;
Pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord;
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your little ones
Who faint from hunger
at the corner of every street.

Gospel Mt 8:5-17

When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
"Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully."
He said to him, "I will come and cure him."
The centurion said in reply,
"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes;
and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes;
and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
"Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven,
but the children of the Kingdom
will be driven out into the outer darkness,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
And Jesus said to the centurion,
"You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you."
And at that very hour his servant was healed.

Jesus entered the house of Peter,
and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
He touched her hand, the fever left her,
and she rose and waited on him.

When it was evening, they brought him many
who were possessed by demons,
and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick,
to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Russia, China, and the West – LobeLog

Russia, China, and the West – LobeLog: by Tony Brenton As relations have deteriorated, the West has taken to referring to Russia’s “isolation.” This is dangerous solipsism. Russia’s growing confrontation with the West has led her to loo…

Vatican Intervenes in Saginaw Scandals

Vatican Intervenes in Saginaw Scandals: Bishop Joseph Cistone slammed for keeping abusive clergy in power

This painting is Leonardo’s first work, expert affirms. But not everyone agrees

This painting is Leonardo’s first work, expert affirms. But not everyone agrees: A 15th-century tile painting of the archangel Gabriel is now considered the first work by Leonardo da Vinci. Signed in 1471 by the artist himself, who would have then been 18 years old, this unique…

Where are the more than half a million “invisible” children?

Where are the more than half a million “invisible” children?: In fact, UNICEF warns, there are 520 million—more than half a billion—"invisible" or "ghost" children, who are left out or ignored by the statistics because they live in 64 countries where data is completely missing for at least two thirds of the SDG indicators regarding children or minors.

What we miss skipping from Christmas to Good Friday

What we miss skipping from Christmas to Good Friday: There is so much that is beautiful about the liturgical year, about the seasons that draw us more deeply into the mysteries of our faith. But the focus that Advent and Christmas put on the early li…

When our wealth, status, and resources are simply not enough

When our wealth, status, and resources are simply not enough: When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? T…

Another holy woman who lived on only the Eucharist: Maria Domenica Lazzeri

Another holy woman who lived on only the Eucharist: Maria Domenica Lazzeri: Maria Domenica Lazzeri was born in Capriana, Italy, on March 16, 1815. She was the youngest of five children born to Margaret and Bartolo Lazzeri, who was a miller by trade. However, Bartolo died i…

Meet the man who died saving a young boy from drowning

Meet the man who died saving a young boy from drowning: Victor Mozqueda reached 5 year old Vincent first, and, though they were swallowed by the water multiple times, Victor refused to let go of the boy.

Why Britain's Deradicalization Programs Are Failing

Why Britain's Deradicalization Programs Are Failing: The two effective initiatives were, "one defying political correctness and tackling difficult issues head-on and the other directly addressing extremism in religious [Islamic] texts." — The Times. Unwittingly, Home Secretary Sajid Javid showed just why

Jared Kushner's Middle East Peace Plan Could Backfire - The Atlantic

Jared Kushner's Middle East Peace Plan Could Backfire - The Atlantic: In an interview with a Palestinian newspaper, the president’s son-in-law has revealed himself to be either strikingly naive—or deeply cynical.

Axios AM - June 29, 2018 - Axios

Axios AM - June 29, 2018 - Axios: Mike Allen is your early-morning guide to the vital news in business, politics, tech and media.

Friday, June 29, 2018

A Spymaster Steps Out of the Shadows - The New York Times

A Spymaster Steps Out of the Shadows - The New York Times

Trimming military exercises in Europe would get support - The Washington Post

Trimming military exercises in Europe would get support - The Washington Post

TGIF: Why Palestine Matters | Featured Articles | Sheldon Richman

TGIF: Why Palestine Matters | Featured Articles | Sheldon Richman

Musings II … The “Intelligence Community,” “Russian Interference,” and Due Diligence | JackMatlock.com

Musings II … The “Intelligence Community,” “Russian Interference,” and Due Diligence | JackMatlock.com

Kushner has accused the Palestinian leadership of having no ideas | The Independent

Kushner has accused the Palestinian leadership of having no ideas | The Independent

China's latest conquest: Middle East power broker - commentary

China's latest conquest: Middle East power broker - commentary

The U.S. Can’t Afford to Demonize China – Foreign Policy

The U.S. Can’t Afford to Demonize China – Foreign Policy

How We Got to Be So Self-Absorbed: The Long Story - The New York Times

How We Got to Be So Self-Absorbed: The Long Story - The New York Times

Surviving AIDS, but at What Cost? - The New York Times

Surviving AIDS, but at What Cost? - The New York Times

John Lanchester · After the Fall: Ten Years after the Crash · LRB 5 July 2018

John Lanchester · After the Fall: Ten Years after the Crash · LRB 5 July 2018

Liberty, How Can We Rediscover You?

 

Liberty, How Can We Rediscover You?

https://blog.ascensionpress.com/2018/06/28/liberty-how-can-we-rediscover-you/?utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=c35d2d2bef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2016_12_15_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-c35d2d2bef-351387457&mc_cid=c35d2d2bef&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

The Missions of Sts. Peter and Paul Passed On to Us


The Missions of Sts. Peter and Paul Passed On to Us


https://blog.ascensionpress.com/2018/06/29/the-missions-of-sts-peter-and-paul-passed-on-to-us/?utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=c35d2d2bef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2016_12_15_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-c35d2d2bef-351387457&mc_cid=c35d2d2bef&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

Another 'state of democracy' report ignores real cause of plummeting trust | TheHill

Another 'state of democracy' report ignores real cause of plummeting trust | TheHill

‘It’s not just one district’: Ocasio-Cortez pushes back on Pelosi’s caution not to read too much into her victory - The Washington Post

‘It’s not just one district’: Ocasio-Cortez pushes back on Pelosi’s caution not to read too much into her victory - The Washington Post: During a television interview, the 28-year-old said that “we’re in the middle of a movement” and called for age diversity in Congress.

Ocasio-Cortez Beat Crowley — and Old-School NYC Politics

Ocasio-Cortez Beat Crowley — and Old-School NYC Politics: Rep. Crowley had the backing of a powerful political machine. He was positioned to succeed Nancy Pelosi. In a climate of anger, and against a charismatic young woman, it didn’t help him at all.

50 years of technology breakthroughs: 1968-2018 | ZDNet

50 years of technology breakthroughs: 1968-2018 | ZDNet: Technology can transform us, in good ways and bad. Do you recall the single most influential tech innovation from the year you graduated high sch...

The World Transformed and No One in America Noticed

The World Transformed and No One in America Noticed: Martin SIEFF: The reality is that we live in a multipolar world at least since 2001. However, this obvious truth will continue to be denied in the West in flat defiance of the abundantly clear facts.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: An extraordinary ordination in NYC

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: An extraordinary ordination in NYC: As the sun slowly rose on Manhattan sending its rays into the dark corridors between the skyscrapers, a familiar scene was unfolding before the massive doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Ave…

Meet the young man from New York who may be a saint

Meet the young man from New York who may be a saint: The extraordinary life of Joe Reali is featured in a new video series by the Knights of Columbus.

The doctors said the baby boy would die... Saint Charbel had other plans! — Aleteia

The doctors said the baby boy would die... Saint Charbel had other plans! — Aleteia: Côme de Cacqueray was born with a developmental defect below his bladder that damaged his kidneys, and should have led to his death shortly after birth. His parents prayed to the Blessed Virgin and Saint Charbel... and a year later, Côme is doing well!

Safe in America - The Boston Globe

Safe in America - The Boston Globe: Whenever I referred to my father as “German” or “European,” he would quickly correct me: “I’m American.”

Harvard’s ‘personality’ ratings amount to bias against Asian-Americans - The Boston Globe

Harvard’s ‘personality’ ratings amount to bias against Asian-Americans - The Boston Globe: “Harvard is only a microcosm of the widespread problem of discrimination against Asian- Americans in education.”

Replacing Justice Kennedy: What kind of Conservative Will President Trump Pick?

Replacing Justice Kennedy: What kind of Conservative Will President Trump Pick?: They [potential nominees to the Supreme Court] should be asked about the criteria they apply in determining whether to be bound by past decisions. As the late Justice Antonin Scalia frequently pointed out, his oath of office required him to apply the

No Party for Old White Men | Patrick J. Buchanan - Official Website

No Party for Old White Men | Patrick J. Buchanan - Official Website: By Patrick J. Buchanan

For Nancy Pelosi, 78, Steny Hoyer, 79, and Joe Biden, 75, the primary results from New York's 14th congressional district are a fire bell in the night.

All may be swept away in the coming revolution. That is the message of the crushing defeat of 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley, who had aspired to succeed Pelosi and become speaker of the House.

The No. 4 House Democrat, Crowley, 56, had not faced primary opposition since 2004. He outspent his opponent, 28-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was tending bar a year ago, by 10 to one.Read more on Buchanan.Org...

Opinion | The Coming Tech Battle With China - The New York Times

Opinion | The Coming Tech Battle With China - The New York Times

ANGELUS ADDRESS: On the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul - ZENIT - English

ANGELUS ADDRESS: On the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul - ZENIT - English: 'May the Lord allow the Church, in Rome and throughout the world, to always be faithful to the Gospel, at whose service the Saints Peter and Paul have consecrated their lives'

Pope Francis' Homily for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul - ZENIT - English

Pope Francis' Homily for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul - ZENIT - English: 'Once we turn our back on the Cross, even though we may attain the heights of glory, we will be fooling ourselves, since it will not be God’s glory, but the snare of the enemy'

WALSH: Things Are About To Get Very, Very Ugly | Daily Wire

WALSH: Things Are About To Get Very, Very Ugly | Daily Wire: As recently as yesterday morning, I said that I couldn't foresee America descending into a full-blown civil war. I may have to slightly amend that statement.

Roadblocks | The Vortex

Roadblocks | The Vortex: They must be removed.

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection June 29, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...
Friday, June 29, 2018
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
Matthew 16:13-19
Friends, today’s Gospel spells out the importance of Peter’s confession. For it is upon this inspired confession that the Church is built. Not, mind you, on popular opinion, which is shifting and indecisive, and not on personal holiness, which is all too rare. It is built upon the inspired authority of Peter—and I say, “thank God!”

We make this troubling and extraordinary claim that it is through a special charism of the Spirit that Peter and his successors govern the Church. Now, I realize that I have many Protestant readers and that this text has been, between Catholics and Protestants, a stumbling block. Let me clarify what is and is not at stake here.

What is the focus of Peter’s confession? It has to do with who Jesus is. This is the rock upon which the Church is built. We don’t say for a moment that all of Peter’s practical decisions are right, that everything he says is right. But we are saying that he is right about who Jesus is: a man who is also the Son of the living God. And this is the source and ground of the whole operation.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles - Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 591

Reading 1 Acts 12:1-11

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
–It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.–
He had him taken into custody and put in prison
under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.
He intended to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter thus was being kept in prison,
but prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
Peter, secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two soldiers,
while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him
and a light shone in the cell.
He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying,
“Get up quickly.”
The chains fell from his wrists.
The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.”
He did so.
Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
So he followed him out,
not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real;
he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first guard, then the second,
and came to the iron gate leading out to the city,
which opened for them by itself.
They emerged and made their way down an alley,
and suddenly the angel left him.
Then Peter recovered his senses and said,
“Now I know for certain
that the Lord sent his angel
and rescued me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”

Reading 2 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Mt 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Why Climate Change Explains the World

Why Climate Change Explains the World: The disruption to the earth’s climate will ultimately command more attention and resources and have a greater influence on the global economy and international relations than any other force.

Trump trashed Nato at G7, calling it ‘as bad as Nafta’, officials confirm | US news | The Guardian

Trump trashed Nato at G7, calling it ‘as bad as Nafta’, officials confirm | US news | The Guardian: President’s remarks were confirmed by European officials, adding to jitters among allies about what will happen at July Nato summit

This it the List of the 25 People President Trump Will Consider for Next Supreme Court Justice | LifeNews.com

This it the List of the 25 People President Trump Will Consider for Next Supreme Court Justice | LifeNews.com: This it the List of the 25 People President Trump Will Consider for Next Supreme Court Justice

President Donald Trump: Unborn Babies Have a "Basic and Fundamental Human Right, the Right to Life" | LifeNews.com

President Donald Trump: Unborn Babies Have a "Basic and Fundamental Human Right, the Right to Life" | LifeNews.com: President Donald Trump: Unborn Babies Have a "Basic and Fundamental Human Right, the Right to Life"

(20) "The Mass": Live Q&A with Bishop Robert Barron - YouTube

(20) "The Mass": Live Q&A with Bishop Robert Barron - YouTube: Learn more at http://mass.wordonfire.org

When There Are No Human Answers to Our Measures of Pain | Word on Fire

When There Are No Human Answers to Our Measures of Pain | Word on Fire

A reminder about the Apostolic Pardon given by a priest to the dying | Fr. Z's Blog

A reminder about the Apostolic Pardon given by a priest to the dying | Fr. Z's Blog

You Cannot Know Russia Without Knowing Russian Orthodox Christianity

You Cannot Know Russia Without Knowing Russian Orthodox Christianity: This article originally appeared on a new site about the Christian renaissance in Russia, called Russian Faith. Their introductory video is at end of this article.

Putin: The State Is Committed to Supporting and Encouraging Large Families

Putin: The State Is Committed to Supporting and Encouraging Large Families: Russian parents who have large families “have chosen for themselves a happy, grateful, but very difficult and responsible path that is full of inconvenience and suffering, demanding colossal devotion,” Vladimir Putin told the audience at the awards ceremony for the Order of Parental Glory. “Support for the family has been and remains one of the unconditional state priorities,”

Democrat who slammed Israel for Gaza killings is shock winner of New York primary - U.S. News - Haaretz.com

Democrat who slammed Israel for Gaza killings is shock winner of New York primary - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez, 28, scores decisive victory over House Democrat Joe Crowley after running on a socialist platform

Israel boosting defense of nuclear reactors fearing Iranian missile attack - Israel News - Haaretz.com

Israel boosting defense of nuclear reactors fearing Iranian missile attack - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Despite precautionary measures against a targeted attack, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission believes a missile strike could be a propaganda achievement for enemy, but wouldn't endanger Israelis

Jordan, Saudis and Palestinians warn Israel: Erdogan operating in East Jerusalem under your nose - Israel News - Haaretz.com

Jordan, Saudis and Palestinians warn Israel: Erdogan operating in East Jerusalem under your nose - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Israel is 'sleeping at the wheel,' they caution

China to ignore US demand for Iran oil ban - Nikkei Asian Review

China to ignore US demand for Iran oil ban - Nikkei Asian Review: BEIJING/WASHINGTON -- China looks set to defy U.S. calls to halt imports of Iranian oil by November, potentially adding another source of friction to

New Cardinals Speak: 'I Am a Pastor, Not a Prince' - ZENIT - English

New Cardinals Speak: 'I Am a Pastor, Not a Prince' - ZENIT - English: Soon to Become Cardinals Speak to Zenit Before Consistory

Pope Francis to New Cardinals: ‘But it shall not be so among you.’ - ZENIT - English

Pope Francis to New Cardinals: ‘But it shall not be so among you.’ - ZENIT - English: Disciples must Reject Quest of Honors, Jealousy, Envy, Intrigue, Accommodation, and Compromise

Pope's Homily at Consistory to Create 14 New Cardinals (Full Text) - ZENIT - English

Pope's Homily at Consistory to Create 14 New Cardinals (Full Text) - ZENIT - English: “Whoever would be first among you must be slave of all”

Victory! Supreme Court Says Fourth Amendment Applies to Cell Phone Tracking | Electronic Frontier Foundation

Victory! Supreme Court Says Fourth Amendment Applies to Cell Phone Tracking | Electronic Frontier Foundation: The Supreme Court handed down a landmark opinion today in Carpenter v. United States, ruling 5-4 that the Fourth Amendment protects cell phone location information. In an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts, the Court recognized that location information, collected by cell providers like Sprint, AT...

What Prince William Did Not See in Ramallah

What Prince William Did Not See in Ramallah: It seems that Abbas and Israel have different views on how terrorism should be combated. Abbas seems to think that paying salaries to convicted terrorists and their families is a good first step in that direction. Prince William just spread smiles around

How Tehran Lobbyists Mislead Opinion in the West

How Tehran Lobbyists Mislead Opinion in the West: The pro-Khomeinist chorus builds its case on an abstract notion in which, in dealing with the Islamic Republic, the choice is only between surrendering to its every whim or total military invasion. The same lobbyists discourage any attempt by the major

An entire Arctic ecosystem could vanish within the next decade | New Scientist

An entire Arctic ecosystem could vanish within the next decade | New Scientist: The Barents Sea, home to a diverse array of wildlife, could be completely gone in just a few years – perhaps the most dramatic impact of climate change yet seen

Syria cease-fire deal unravels as Trump, Putin prepare to meet

Syria cease-fire deal unravels as Trump, Putin prepare to meet: A southwest Syria de-escalation deal heralded by the Donald Trump administration as an example of successful US-Russian cooperation is unraveling as the US and Russian leaders prepare to meet.

White paper on China and WTO released - China Plus

White paper on China and WTO released - China Plus: China's State Council Information Office released a white paper titled "China and the World Trade Organization" on Thursday.

A Spymaster Steps Out of the Shadows - The New York Times

A Spymaster Steps Out of the Shadows - The New York Times: John Brennan quietly ruled the national-security state under President Obama. Now he’s coming forward to rail against Trump — and to defend his own legacy.

Who is the whore of Babylon from Revelation?

Who is the whore of Babylon from Revelation?: “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great whore” (17:1). With this, Revelation introduces us to the figure of a woman “with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and with t…

Oldest Images of Jesus--Aleteia

Oldest Images of Jesus--Aleteia: This might be the oldest image in the world related to Jesus and Christianity. However, this is not a liturgical or devotional image at all, but an engraving on a plaster wall in Rome, mocking both Christ and Christians.

God hates death and destroys it every chance he gets

God hates death and destroys it every chance he gets: It’s easy to get the wrong idea about God and suffering. This Sunday, the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, serves to correct our mistaken impression. We look at the command to “Take up your cross each…

Are these the true faces of Saint Peter and Saint Paul?

Are these the true faces of Saint Peter and Saint Paul?: In the unlikeliest of places, archaeologists found the oldest icons to date of St. Peter and St. Paul. In the small catacombs of Santa Tecla, located on Via Ostiense in Rome, 500 meters from the Ba…

5 Saints who could bilocate --Aleteia

5 Saints who could bilocate --Aleteia: Through the power of God, these saints could be in two places at once.

Expose It All | The Vortex

Expose It All | The Vortex: Before even more souls are damned.

Nearly a Third of Americans Fear Civil War in Next 5 Years

Nearly a Third of Americans Fear Civil War in Next 5 Years: Polling and recent events point to threat of the radical Left

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Upset Sends Sobering Message to Democrats Reliant on Big Money: It Won’t Save You

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By Ray McGovern 
Special to Consortium News
An explosive report by investigativ

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Reds vs Blues: America's two political tribes are at it again | LinkedIn

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Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection June28, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Memorial of Saint Irenaeus
Matthew 7:21-29
Friends, today’s Gospel asks how we apply the Lord’s teaching. "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse." This is the heart of it: if you are rooted in God, then you can withstand anything, precisely because you are linked to that power which is creating the cosmos. You will be blessed at the deepest place, and nothing can finally touch you.

But the one who does not take Jesus’ words to heart "will be like the fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined." When the inevitable trials come, the life built on pleasure, money, power, or fame will give way.

So the question is a simple one: Where do you stand? How goes it with your heart? On what, precisely, is the whole of your life built?

Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Lectionary: 374

Reading 1 2 Kgs 24:8-17

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign,
and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.
His mother's name was Nehushta,
daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.
He did evil in the sight of the LORD,
just as his forebears had done.

At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
himself arrived at the city
while his servants were besieging it.
Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother,
his ministers, officers, and functionaries,
surrendered to the king of Babylon, who,
in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive.
And he carried off all the treasures
of the temple of the LORD and those of the palace,
and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel,
had provided in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had foretold.
He deported all Jerusalem:
all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number,
and all the craftsmen and smiths.
None were left among the people of the land except the poor.
He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon,
and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon
the king's mother and wives,
his functionaries, and the chief men of the land.
The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon
all seven thousand men of the army,
and a thousand craftsmen and smiths,
all of them trained soldiers.
In place of Jehoiachin,
the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king,
and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Mt 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day,
‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

When Jesus finished these words,
the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority,
and not as their scribes.

True scale of UK role in torture and rendition after 9/11 revealed | UK news | The Guardian

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Tomgram: Stephanie Savell, How America's Wars Fund Inequality at Home | TomDispatch

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Trump's Trade War Pushes China Closer to Old Foe India - Bloomberg

Trump's Trade War Pushes China Closer to Old Foe India - Bloomberg: President Donald Trump’s moves to protect U.S. trade interests are creating unusual bedfellows in Asia.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

The Science About When Life Begins Makes Pro-Choicers Look Terrible

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The Dying Children of Yemen | The American Conservative

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The Most Conservative And Most Liberal Cities In America – Forbes

The Most Conservative And Most Liberal Cities In America – Forbes: New York City may be less liberal than you thought.

At least according to The Economist, which pulled data from an MIT study on how city governments reflect their constituents’ politics to produce a ranking of cities with populations of over 250,000. As The Economist asked (quite British-ly), “Wo