Thursday, October 31, 2019

The Beltway's 'Whistleblower' Furor Obsesses Over One Name | RealClearInvestigations

The Beltway's 'Whistleblower' Furor Obsesses Over One Name | RealClearInvestigations: By Paul Sperry, RealClearInvestigationsOctober 30, 2019, 4:21 PM Eastern
For a town that leaks like a sieve, Washington has done an astonishingly effective job keeping from the American public the...

Convicted Antinuclear Activists Speak Out: ‘Pentagon Has Brainwashed People’ – Consortiumnews

Convicted Antinuclear Activists Speak Out: ‘Pentagon Has Brainwashed People’ – Consortiumnews: The jury that convicted the Kings Bay Plowshares 7 was self-avowedly apathetic about the risks posed by nuclear weapons and the judge and prosecution prevented defendants from trying to raise their consciousness on the issue, reports Marjorie Cohn.

By Marjorie Cohn
Truthout
The seven Catho

Lebanon’s Government Collapses | Center for Strategic and International Studies

Lebanon’s Government Collapses | Center for Strategic and International Studies: On October 29, Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon resigned in the face of weeks of protests. Q1: What is the significance of the collapse of Lebanese government?

How ‘Israel Hayom’ became Trump’s mouthpiece in the Middle East – LobeLog

How ‘Israel Hayom’ became Trump’s mouthpiece in the Middle East – LobeLog: By Refael Afriat When Israel Hayom, now the most widely-read newspaper in Israel, was launched in 2007, it was promptly nicknamed the Bibiton (a portmanteau of Bibi, Benjamin Netanyahu’s nickname, …

Hundreds of Terrified Christians Fleeing Due to New Syrian Conflict

https://zenit.org/articles/hundreds-of-terrified-christians-fleeing-due-to-new-syrian-conflict/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Santa%20Marta%20Love%20that%20Plays%20its%20Last%20Card%201572553684%20ZNP&utm_content=Santa%20Marta%20Love%20that%20Plays%20its%20Last%20Card%201572553684%20ZNP+CID_a66a89fd7b4f5cb330783b518073e4da&utm_source=Editions&utm_term=Hundreds%20of%20Terrified%20Christians%20Fleeing%20Due%20to%20New%20Syrian%20Conflict

Gavin Newsom asks California to stop harassing PG&E workers | The Sacramento Bee

Gavin Newsom asks California to stop harassing PG&E workers | The Sacramento Bee: Governor Gavin Newsom urged Californians to save their outrage over electrical outages for PG&E’s corporate owners and treat workers on the ground in CA with respect as they restore power and inspect equipment.

Trade Talks Latest: China Doubts Deal Possible With Donald Trump - Bloomberg

Trade Talks Latest: China Doubts Deal Possible With Donald Trump - Bloomberg: Chinese officials are casting doubts about reaching a comprehensive long-term trade deal with the U.S. even as the two sides get close to signing a “phase one” agreement.

Don’t be surprised when South Korea wants nuclear weapons - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Don’t be surprised when South Korea wants nuclear weapons - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: South Koreans increasingly worry that North Korea will never give up its nuclear arsenal and that the US nuclear umbrella could be lifted at any time. As a result, developing their own nuclear weapons has become thinkable, perhaps even inevitable.

Impeachment backstory: The nuclear dimension of US security assistance to Ukraine - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Impeachment backstory: The nuclear dimension of US security assistance to Ukraine - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Withholding military assistance to Ukraine, the country that gave up world third-largest nuclear arsenal, is damaging not only to US credibility and Ukraine’s security but also to the international nonproliferation regime.

Are the California wildfires and climate change linked? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Are the California wildfires and climate change linked? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The scientific evidence for anthropogenic climate change can be summed up in just 12 points. Here they are.

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection October 31, 2019

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 13:31-35

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus compares himself to a mother hen who longs to gather her chicks under her wing. As the theologian N.T. Wright points out, this is much more than a sentimental image. It refers to the gesture of a hen when fire is sweeping through the barn. In order to protect her chicks, she will sacrifice herself, gathering them under her wing and using her own body as a shield.

On the cross, Jesus used, as it were, his own sacrificed body as a shield, taking the full force of the world’s hatred and violence. He entered into close quarters with sin (because that’s where we sinners are found) and allowed the heat and fury of sin to destroy him, even as he protected us.

With this metaphor in mind, we can see, with special clarity, why the first Christians associated the crucified Jesus with the suffering servant of Isaiah. By enduring the pain of the cross, Jesus did indeed bear our sins; by his stripes we were indeed healed.

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 482

Reading 1 Rom 8:31b-39

Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us.
Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
As it is written:

For your sake we are being slain all the day;
we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Lk 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
"Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
He replied, "Go and tell that fox,
'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.'

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

7 Ways to celebrate All Souls Day as a family -- Aleteia

7 Ways to celebrate All Souls Day as a family -- Aleteia: Make this day a special day for the whole family, past and present.

From the land of the Celts, Night of Light purifies Halloween’s roots

From the land of the Celts, Night of Light purifies Halloween’s roots: Although a popular celebration, with an estimated 6 billion dollars annually spent in America alone, Halloween leaves many people of all beliefs in doubt, particularly because of the holiday’…

A group of chefs are cooking up peace around the world--Aleteia

A group of chefs are cooking up peace around the world--Aleteia: The Christian, Jewish, and Muslim foodies of Chefs For Peace are brining harmony to the table and showing us all what's possible in more public and cultural settings.

World-famous chef opens a new kind of soup kitchen -- Aleteia

World-famous chef opens a new kind of soup kitchen -- Aleteia: Massimo Bottura draws inspiration from Pope Francis and Catholic monasteries.

Saudi Arabia in talks with 5 vendors to build its first nuclear power reactors | S&P Global Platts

Saudi Arabia in talks with 5 vendors to build its first nuclear power reactors | S&P Global Platts: Saudi Arabia is in talks with five vendors, including US based Westinghouse, to build its first nuclear power plant with two reactors, according to an energy ministry presentation.

House votes to ban uranium mining near Grand Canyon | Local News Stories | havasunews.com

House votes to ban uranium mining near Grand Canyon | Local News Stories | havasunews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. House approved legislation Wednesday to permanently ban uranium and other hardrock mining near the Grand Canyon.

A Breakthrough In American Energy Dominance? U.S. Navy Patents Compact Fusion Reactor

A Breakthrough In American Energy Dominance? U.S. Navy Patents Compact Fusion Reactor: President Donald Trump’s energy dominance narrative just got a boost from the United States Navy, which just patented a design for a compact fusion reactor (CFR)

Mega-Donor Ambassadors Are Corrupting American Diplomacy | The New Republic

Mega-Donor Ambassadors Are Corrupting American Diplomacy | The New Republic: The Sondland scandal should prompt lawmakers to end the practice of rewarding deep-pocketed cronies with plum overseas postings.

Pompeo says Trump-Zelensky call was 'consistent' with administration policy | TheHill

Pompeo says Trump-Zelensky call was 'consistent' with administration policy | TheHill: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that President Trump's infamous July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was "consistent" with the administration's policies.

Chomsky: Trump’s Actions on Syria Reflect the Foreign Policy of a Con Man

Chomsky: Trump’s Actions on Syria Reflect the Foreign Policy of a Con Man: Trump is an effective con man who has a good sense of what animates his voting base, says Chomsky.

Boeing 737 cracks: union calls on Qantas to ground entire 737 fleet for investigation | Business | The Guardian

Boeing 737 cracks: union calls on Qantas to ground entire 737 fleet for investigation | Business | The Guardian: Engineers say 33 planes should be grounded after US aviation regulator asks airlines worldwide to check 737NG fleets for cracking in ‘pickle fork’

As Harris Cuts Back, the 2020 Campaign Death Watch Begins

As Harris Cuts Back, the 2020 Campaign Death Watch Begins: Kamala Harris’s “restructuring” of her campaign to cut spending and focus on Iowa may or may not be the beginning of the end for her candidacy, but we are at the time of the pre-primary season when the “winnowing” gets serious.

Democratic Candidates Face Questions Seldom Heard On Campaign Trail | The Marshall Project

Democratic Candidates Face Questions Seldom Heard On Campaign Trail | The Marshall Project: They defend their criminal justice records and tout proposals at nation’s first town hall held by formerly incarcerated people.

I Can Defeat Trump and the Clinton Doctrine - WSJ

I Can Defeat Trump and the Clinton Doctrine - WSJ: The U.S. will stop trying to overthrow governments and police the world.

In Defense of Tulsi Gabbard - Truthdig

In Defense of Tulsi Gabbard - Truthdig: “The trouble [with injustice] is that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And once you’ve seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing, becomes as politic

A Lineman Became a Doctor, but Dementia Made Him Retire. He’s Only 42. - The New York Times

A Lineman Became a Doctor, but Dementia Made Him Retire. He’s Only 42. - The New York Times: T.J. Abraham’s career ended when his brain began to fail. His doctors blame football, and he is pushing for change.

150 million trees died in California’s drought, and worse is to come | Grist

150 million trees died in California’s drought, and worse is to come | Grist: A new study suggests more bad news for California’s trees.

California’s fires are getting worse, and it isn’t just the lack of rakes | Grist

California’s fires are getting worse, and it isn’t just the lack of rakes | Grist: Scientists pinned down what’s behind California’s big blazes

Gone — The California Sunday Magazine

Gone — The California Sunday Magazine: The greed, neglect, and bad politics that led to California’s worst wildfire.

Has the climate crisis made California too dangerous to live in? | Bill McKibben | Opinion | The Guardian

Has the climate crisis made California too dangerous to live in? | Bill McKibben | Opinion | The Guardian: As with so many things, Californians are going first where the rest of us will follow

Grab Your Apocalypse Bag — It’s Fire Season in California | naked capitalism

Grab Your Apocalypse Bag — It’s Fire Season in California | naked capitalism: Increased fire risk is creating new behaviors in California. May be coming to your area soon....

‘Is This About the Oil Industry?’ House Oversight Hearing Explores Big Oil’s Role in Weakening Clean Car Standards | naked capitalism

‘Is This About the Oil Industry?’ House Oversight Hearing Explores Big Oil’s Role in Weakening Clean Car Standards | naked capitalism: Oil industry lobbies to weaken emissions standards, deploying "public interest groups" that are mere mouthpieces for fossil fuel companies.

Death of Daesh Leader: An Important Milestone but Not the End of Daesh | Asharq AL-awsat

Death of Daesh Leader: An Important Milestone but Not the End of Daesh | Asharq AL-awsat: Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities

False Security Donald Trump and the Ten Commandments (Plus One) of the National Security State

False Security
Donald Trump and the Ten Commandments (Plus One) of the National Security State
By Andrew Bacevich
Let us stipulate at the outset that Donald Trump is a vulgar and dishonest fraud without a principled bone in his corpulent frame. Yet history is nothing if not a tale overflowing with irony. Despite his massive shortcomings, President Trump appears intent on recalibrating America’s role in the world. Initiating a long-overdue process of aligning U.S. policy with actually existing global conditions just may prove to be his providentially anointed function. Go figure.
The Valhalla of the Indispensable Nation is a capacious place, even if it celebrates mostly white and mostly male diversity. Recall that in the eighteenth century, it was a slaveholding planter from Virginia who secured American independence. In the nineteenth, an ambitious homespun lawyer from Illinois destroyed slavery, thereby clearing the way for his country to become a capitalist behemoth. In the middle third of the twentieth century, a crippled Hudson River grandee delivered the United States to the summit of global power. In that century’s difficult later decades, a washed-up movie actor declared that it was “morning in America” and so, however briefly, it seemed to be. Now, in the twenty-first century, to inaugurate the next phase of the American story, history has seemingly designated as its agent a New York real estate developer, casino bankruptee, and reality TV star.
In all likelihood, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan would balk at having Donald Trump classified as their peer. Yet, however preposterously, in our present moment of considerable crisis, he has succeeded them as the nation’s Great Helmsman, albeit one with few ideas about what course to set. Yet somehow Trump has concluded that our existing course has the United States headed toward the rocks. He just might be right.
Click here to read more of this dispatch. https://www.tomdispatch.com/post/176623/tomgram%3A_andrew_bacevich%2C_why_those_%22endless_wars%22_must_never_end/#more

Trade wars with foreign nations hurt California’s economy | The Sacramento Bee

Trade wars with foreign nations hurt California’s economy | The Sacramento Bee: California’s economy depends on international trade and foreign investments from countries like China. Donald Trump’s trade war will only hurt consumers and businesses. Now is the time to make a deal.

PG&E might have caused Cypress fire in Contra Costa, CA | The Sacramento Bee

PG&E might have caused Cypress fire in Contra Costa, CA | The Sacramento Bee: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. told the Public Utilities Commission that its equipment might have lit the Cypress Fire in Oakley. PG&E already is under investigation for the Kincade Fire and two Lafayette fires.

PG&E: 75% of customers to get power restored Wednesday | The Sacramento Bee

PG&E: 75% of customers to get power restored Wednesday | The Sacramento Bee: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said better wind conditions prevented more shutoff as the utility begins inspecting lines as part of the latest round of blackouts. 75% of customers should have power back Wednesday.

More blackouts hit California. PG&E, bowing to Newsom, says it will compensate customers | Energy Central

Southern California Edison says it is likely responsible for starting one of the most destructive fires in California history - CNN

Southern California Edison says it is likely responsible for starting one of the most destructive fires in California history - CNN: Southern California Edison has acknowledged that it may be responsible for starting last year's Woolsey Fire following an investigation by a fire department, the company said in a statement.

Biden communion denial over abortion was required by diocesan policy

Biden communion denial over abortion was required by diocesan policy: A policy in the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina requires priests to withhold the Eucharist from politicians and political candidates who support legal protection for abortion.

How Does the Human Soul Survive Atrocity? - The New York Times

How Does the Human Soul Survive Atrocity? - The New York Times: After the horror of ISIS captivity, tens of thousands of Iraqis — many of them children — are caught up in a mental-health crisis unlike any in the world.

Record Low Temps Up To 50 Degrees Below Normal Threaten To Absolutely Wreck The Rest Of The Harvest Season – End Of The American Dream

Record Low Temps Up To 50 Degrees Below Normal Threaten To Absolutely Wreck The Rest Of The Harvest Season – End Of The American Dream: It isn't supposed to be this cold in October. The official start of winter is still almost two months away, and yet the weather in much of the western half of

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Baghdadi Operation Named After Christian Woman Who Refused to Give Up Faith Before ISIS Killed Her | CBN News

Baghdadi Operation Named After Christian Woman Who Refused to Give Up Faith Before ISIS Killed Her | CBN News: The US military operation that resulted in the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was dedicated to Kayla Mueller, a young Christian woman who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by the Islamic State.

Why are so many Iraq, Afghanistan war veterans getting cancer? | The Sacramento Bee

Testimony: Nunes acolyte misrepresented himself to Trump as Ukraine expert

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman also testified on Tuesday that the National Security Council staffer, Kash Patel, fed the president disinformation about Ukraine.

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/30/nunes-acolyte-misrepresented-himself-to-trump-as-ukraine-expert-061763

This Wildfire Metric Threatens to Upend PG&E’s Restructuring Plan

This Wildfire Metric Threatens to Upend PG&E’s Restructuring Plan: PG&E Corp. investors looking to learn their fate may not get the answer from the bankrupt power company. Instead, the key data point could pop up

Yes, PG&E Sucks—But Can You Sue Them? | Law.com

Yes, PG&E Sucks—But Can You Sue Them? | Law.com: While I admit no electricity is preferable to catastrophic wildfires that kill dozens of people and destroy billions of dollars in property surely the choice shouldn’t be eitheror.

Editorial: Why California can’t cut the cord with PG&E - SFChronicle.com

Editorial: Why California can’t cut the cord with PG&E - SFChronicle.com: The past three years have made the case that California needs alternatives to PG&E. Finding them is a much more complicated matter.

PG&E’s CEO Comes Up Against the One Thing He Can’t Fix

California fire threatens PG&E's plan to raise $14 billion - Reuters

California fire threatens PG&E's plan to raise $14 billion - Reuters: A wildfire raging in California threatens to destroy more than homes and businesses - it could also undermine bankrupt PG&E Corp's plan to raise $14 billion to finance the crisis-stricken utility's turnaround plan.

Explainer: When can someone be denied the Eucharist? | America Magazine

Explainer: When can someone be denied the Eucharist? | America Magazine: When is it permissible, acceptable or prudent to deny the Eucharist to someone?

Trump’s Baffling Plan to Pillage Syria’s Oil | The New Yorker

Trump’s Baffling Plan to Pillage Syria’s Oil | The New Yorker: Robin Wright writes about President Donald Trump’s plan to keep U.S. troops in Syria in order to gain access to the country’s oil fields.

New Bill to Curb Political Ambassadors Arrives Amid Trump Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry

New Bill to Curb Political Ambassadors Arrives Amid Trump Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry: Trump gives more ambassadorships to donors and fat cats than most presidents. A House bill seeks to stop that practice for all presidents going forward.

Texas Luring Jobs Away From California With Promises Of Electricity | The Babylon Bee

Texas Luring Jobs Away From California With Promises Of Electricity | The Babylon Bee: The Babylon Bee is Your Trusted Source For Christian News Satire.

Unravelling Rudolph Giuliani’s labyrinthine ties to Ukraine

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/30/unravelling-rudolph-giulianis-labyrinthine-ties-to-ukraine

PG&E Stock Is Rallying After Mediator Appointed to Bankruptcy Negotiations - Barron's

PG&E Stock Is Rallying After Mediator Appointed to Bankruptcy Negotiations - Barron's: PG&E stock rallied, even as wildfires continued to burn throughout California. The judge overseeing the utility’s bankruptcy appointed an official to mediate negotiations between two groups of investors vying for control of the company.

Accountability Would Help in PG&E Fiasco - WSJ

Accountability Would Help in PG&E Fiasco - WSJ: Accountability starts with the utility itself and the funding of its vegetation-management program. The last link in the accountability chain is the public-services commission.

Everyone wants to fix PG&E. And everyone — taxpayers — will be paying for it - SFChronicle.com

Everyone wants to fix PG&E. And everyone — taxpayers — will be paying for it - SFChronicle.com: Calls are coming for public takeover of PG&E, but that would come at a price and you — the taxpayer — would wind up paying for it.

Editorial: PG&E debacle calls for new PUC approach

Editorial: PG&E debacle calls for new PUC approach: Not just a review of the latest fire and outage fiascos, but a vision for the future that ensures affordable and safe power for Californians.

One Wildfire Metric Threatens to Upend PG&E’s Bankruptcy

One Wildfire Metric Threatens to Upend PG&E’s Bankruptcy: (Bloomberg) -- PG&E Corp. investors looking to learn their fate may not get the answer from the bankrupt power company. Instead, the key data point could pop up within days on the website of California’s forestry service.That’s where firefighters are tracking how many structures the Kincade fire has

Can PG&E Survive the California Wildfires? - The New York Times

Can PG&E Survive the California Wildfires? - The New York Times: Hedge funds, fire victims and public officials all have a stake in what becomes of the giant utility, now in bankruptcy. And Warren Buffett’s name is being invoked.

Anatomies of 2020 Election | National Review

Anatomies of 2020 Election | National Review: If impeachment does not occur by Christmas, and it may well not, then the news cycle will preempt coverage of Schiff’s fading melodrama, especially if there are referrals for, or actual, indictments of, Obama-era intelligence officials.

New York’s Pipeline Fiasco | Hoover Institution

New York’s Pipeline Fiasco | Hoover Institution: The seeds of the current crisis lie in our perverse system of permit approvals.

Reducing Carbon Emissions with Nuclear Power | PolicyEd

Reducing Carbon Emissions with Nuclear Power | PolicyEd: As we move toward a low carbon, or even a zero-carbon future, it is a mistake to completely rule out nuclear power. Nuclear is the only carbon-free way to generate baseload power. And replacing nuclear plants without renewable power capacity in place means that carbon emissions rise. With the right combination of renewables and clean nuclear power, we can completely

Is there a shortage of sacramental care for the elderly in the U.S.?

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2019/10/29/there-shortage-sacramental-care-elderly-us?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_campaign=360edbe004-DAILY_CAMPAIGN_2019_10_29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fe8ed70be-360edbe004-58861785

Joe Biden denied Communion at Mass during campaign stop in South Carolina

https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2019/10/29/joe-biden-denied-communion-mass-during-campaign-stop-south-carolina?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_campaign=360edbe004-DAILY_CAMPAIGN_2019_10_29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fe8ed70be-360edbe004-58861785

Quid Pro Quo: A Primer | GAB | The Global Anticorruption Blog

Quid Pro Quo: A Primer | GAB | The Global Anticorruption Blog: Thanks to the Trump impeachment imbroglio, Americans are brushing up on Latin. Or at least on the Latin phrase quid pro quo. Though Trump’s partisans and opponents are at each other’s throats abou…

Fr. Warren's Week Reflection 10-27-19

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Serving Other For Over 120 Years

www.AtonementFriars.org

GRAYMOOR P.O. Box 301, Garrison, NY 10524

For more information call us at 888-720-8247.

s a web page.

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Serving Other For Over 120 Years - THIS WEEK'S REFLECTION from Fr. Bob Warren, SA

30^th Sunday of Ordinary Time
10-27-19

Many of us look back and feel guilty about something we said or did in the past. If only we could undo the cruel deed, we would un-say the harsh words. But, unfortunately, that is often not possible. What are we to do? Jesus tells us a story about how one man dealt with his sense of shame. He went to the temple and stood in some dark corner with his head down and said, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Another man was in the temple that day. He seemed to be totally different; his prayer was a litany of praise. Not to God, but to himself. Had he never done or said anything of which he was ashamed? If he had, he certainly managed to keep it hidden. That is another way of dealing with shame. We can bury it so deeply that no eyes can see it, not even our own.

If you have a sense of shame, be glad of it. It is one sure sign of your humanity, animals do not have this. We have what is called “conscience” it speaks to us about the things we say or do. Sometimes it blames us, sometimes it affirms us. When our conscience says, shame on you, pay attention it may be an opportunity to become a better person.

This sense of shame is something we should be glad for. If we never feel it, chances are that we are excusing ourselves for some things that are inexcusable. I think that was what the Pharisee in our story was doing; he was not a monster, at least not the kind who committed crimes that would land him in jail. But he was a phony; he pretended goodness and separated himself from the human family.

And what was worse, it also separated him from God. When we are honest and admit our faults and failures, then we are getting real. It puts us on good terms with God; He cannot forgive what we refuse to admit. Listen to what Jesus says about the sinner. This man went home from the temple justified. The barriers had been swept away; he and God were right with one another.

God had accepted him just the way He was. Have you ever tried to have a close relationship with someone who lies? You never will, because you never get a straight look at the real person. They are always hiding behind a mask. You cannot get close to a person like that. Nor can God, because they never get honest, never get real. The tax collector did that, he was ashamed of himself and dared to say so right in the presence of God.

The Pharisee was not willing to do that; his pride would not allow it. So he put on his good-boy mask and kept on pretending. The result was that one went home from the temple justified and the other man just went home. He did not realize that. Prayer is not so much about trying to change God’s mind or heart. It is all about changing us and that is why the Pharisee’s prayer is so meaningless.

There is nothing in his life to change. No room for the concerns of others, there are no empty places to be filled up. The tax collector, sinful man that he was, had no illusion about himself. He recognized his failures and prayed for forgiveness. In his truthful, humble, God-centered and life-changing manner of praying. The tax collector continues to be our teacher and our guide.

A young Indian boy, nicknamed Ike, was small for his age. Shy and overlooked by the other boys in the day to day life of the tribe. Here was one way to gain respect from the other boys. And that was to stand up to the great bear. The bear lived deep in the forest and was rarely seen. But often heard, huge food prints. It was said that if you stood close to the great bear, you would become brave, become a man. So little Ike took his gun and his compass into the forest.

He is frightened and fascinated at the prospect of facing the great bear. He stayed in the forest days at a time following the bear’s tracks; but never finding the bear. Then one day after spending nights in the forest, he woke and stood up and stretched. Then he felt it, first the forest was silent, no bird or animal sounds, no wind; only silence, he stood still. He knew that the bear was close by; he knew that the bear was looking at him.

He had no idea if he was in front of him or behind, or how close he was. So he just stands still, the useless gun at his side and the taste of fear in his mouth. Then, abruptly, it is over with a roar and the crashing of bushes. He heard the bear leave and the boy turns to leave the forest disappointed. He was so close; the bear did not want to show himself, he would never be a man.

Back at the village, Ike sat with the wise man and told him his story. And the wise man told him, “Go back to the forest, but leave your gun and your compass. Leave behind all instruments of direction.” The next day Ike set off and went further into the forest than ever before. On the second day, while he was eating he looked up and saw the bear. It just appeared simply out of nowhere.

It was huge, strangely, little Ike was not afraid. He stood up and stretched out his arms showing the great creature that he had no gun. The bear stood on his hind legs and let out a great roar. Then fell on all fours and turned passing into the forest. As he left, he turned and gave one last look at Ike. Ike stood there for a while unable to move for he had been changed by the encounter.

He turned to return home excited and confident. He knew he would never be the same again. Two men went up to the temple to pray, they both sought God who had already seen them. One man had a compass and his gun. In other words, his ego and his pride the other man left it all behind. One man encountered God, the other did not. When you come to the temple to pray, do not bring your ego or pride in the presence of Christ. You do not need them. It is in Christ that we can become whole, become complete. Once in a while you may want to whisper, Lord be merciful to me a sinner.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Bob Warren, SA

P.S. On November 2nd, All Souls Day, an All Souls Day Prayer Candle will be lit which will burn during the entire month of November Masses. Will you please take a moment now to send me the names of deceased loves ones you'd like the Friars to include in our prayers? May you one day be united with them in God's presence in the glory of Heaven.

Kincade Fire in Sonoma County now at 30 percent containment | The Sacramento Bee

Kincade Fire in Sonoma County now at 30 percent containment | The Sacramento Bee: Firefighters battling the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County doubled containment of the blaze overnight to 30 percent, Cal Fire said early Wednesday. A Red Flag warning remains in effect until 4 p.m., but wind gusts did not appear to be as sustained overnight as had been feared.

Changing Israel’s Behavior Will Require Much More Than Tinkering With Aid And Loan Guarantees – LobeLog

Changing Israel’s Behavior Will Require Much More Than Tinkering With Aid And Loan Guarantees – LobeLog: By Mitchell Plitnick Last week, I explained some of the mechanics of U.S. aid to Israel and why a president would find it difficult to use aid as leverage against Israel. I also explained why the t…

Pope Francis Appeals for Peace in Iraq

https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-appeals-for-peace-in-iraq/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Pope%20Francis%20at%20General%20Audience%20on%20Holy%20Spirit%20and%20Acts%20of%20Apostles%201572453316%20ZNP&utm_content=Pope%20Francis%20at%20General%20Audience%20on%20Holy%20Spirit%20and%20Acts%20of%20Apostles%201572453316%20ZNP+CID_fc9a7c0d4beb52eb8d68eab8b61dffea&utm_source=Editions&utm_term=Pope%20Francis%20Appeals%20for%20Peace%20in%20Iraq

New 'unremovable' xHelper malware has infected 45,000 Android devices | ZDNet

New 'unremovable' xHelper malware has infected 45,000 Android devices | ZDNet: Factory resets aren't helping. Neither are mobile antivirus solutions. Malware keeps reinstalling itself.

From the US-China trade war to Trump’s impeachment inquiry and Brexit, record levels of political uncertainty are battering the global economy

Geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism are pushing global uncertainty indices to, or near to, record highs, leaving world economic growth and trade teetering on a knife edge

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3035226/us-china-trade-war-trumps-impeachment-inquiry-and-brexit-record?utm_source=Hoover%20Daily%20Report&utm_campaign=6f82086efa-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_10_30_05_36&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_21b1edff3c-6f82086efa-73113757

Newsletter: The Economy Is Slowing, the Fed Is Cutting - Real Time Economics - WSJ

Newsletter: The Economy Is Slowing, the Fed Is Cutting - Real Time Economics - WSJ: .

Five Things The President Can Do To Confront And Prevent A Homelessness Tsunami | Hoover Institution

Five Things The President Can Do To Confront And Prevent A Homelessness Tsunami | Hoover Institution: The Los Angeles Times recently reported that over 75 percent of those living on the streets in California’s largest city are struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, or a physical disability.

Marshalling the Troops: The Proliferation of Defense Cooperation Agreements in the Age of Alliances | Hoover Institution

Marshalling the Troops: The Proliferation of Defense Cooperation Agreements in the Age of Alliances | Hoover Institution: The announcement that the United States had signed a new security agreement with Greece in early October highlights the increasing use of bilateral “defense cooperation agreements,” or DCAs, during an era of multilateral security alliances covering large geographic regions and numerous countries.

California’s Homelessness Crisis: The Beginning Of The End, The End Of The Beginning—Or No End In Sight? | Hoover Institution

California’s Homelessness Crisis: The Beginning Of The End, The End Of The Beginning—Or No End In Sight? | Hoover Institution: By most measures, Gavin Newsom has had a productive 2019.

A win against Isis can’t mask fundamental problems in the US response to terrorism | Opinion | The Guardian: The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is an important milestone in the fight against Isis, but also illustrates much of what is wrong about America’s approach to fighting terrorism

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Has Long Kept Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Power

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Has Long Kept Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Power: Once he’s gone, it will have to find a new purpose.

Mexico Reports 250% Spike in Africans Trying to Enter U.S. Through Border | Judicial Watch

Mexico Reports 250% Spike in Africans Trying to Enter U.S. Through Border | Judicial Watch: Mexico has seen an astounding 250% increase in Africans trying to enter the United States through the southern border, according to the latest figures released by the Mexican government’s immigration agency, known as Unidad de Política Migratoria. The stats include the first eight months of 2019 and reveal that, during the same period last year, …

Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor- Euro-Med Monitor: Sentencing Israeli soldier who killed teenager to one month green light to more violations

Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor- Euro-Med Monitor: Sentencing Israeli soldier who killed teenager to one month green light to more violations: An Isreali soldier who killed an unarmed Palestinian teenager near the Gaza perimeter fence was sentenced yesterday to a month of community service.
Othman Rami Helles, aged 15, was killed by an IDF sharpshooter, who shot Othman in the torso, on the 13th of July 2018, during weekly Palestinian prote

Family of British teen killed in collision with wife of U.S. diplomat to sue Trump administration

Family of British teen killed in collision with wife of U.S. diplomat to sue Trump administration: Harry Dunn's family is vowing to take legal action against the diplomat's wife who mowed down the 19-year-old motorcyclist while driving on the wrong side of the road.

Gavin Newsom: CA can’t wait 10 years for PG&E equipment fix | The Sacramento Bee

Gavin Newsom: CA can’t wait 10 years for PG&E equipment fix | The Sacramento Bee: Gavin Newsom said the state has to fix Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s problems fast. The utility’s CEO Bill Johnson says the issue will take 10 years to address, but the California governor said that’s absurd.

Cdl. Burke: ‘See of Peter Appears to Favor the Confusion’

Cdl. Burke: ‘See of Peter Appears to Favor the Confusion’: Repeats condemnation of Amazon Synod working document as 'apostasy'

Nationals' Catholic chaplain calls the World Series team his parish - U.S. - Chicago Catholic

Nationals' Catholic chaplain calls the World Series team his parish - U.S. - Chicago Catholic: Like most parish priests, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti celebrates Mass, baptizes babies, gives marriage preparation talks and provides pastoral care that often involves listening to people or praying with them.

Opinion | We’re Less and Less a Christian Nation, and I Blame Some Blowhards - The New York Times

Opinion | We’re Less and Less a Christian Nation, and I Blame Some Blowhards - The New York Times: Some intolerant conservative evangelicals have tainted the faith.

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