Thursday, November 15, 2018

NCAFP-2018-Edited-Volume_US-China-Relations.pdf

Harvard researchers wants to school Congress about AI

A tech boot camp will teach US politicians and policymakers about the potential, and the risks, of artificial intelligence.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612414/harvard-wants-to-school-congress-about-ai/?utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f9fa42fbcb-weekly_roundup_2018-11-15_edit&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f9fa42fbcb-154840441&goal=0_997ed6f472-f9fa42fbcb-154840441&mc_cid=f9fa42fbcb&mc_eid=30118901c2&utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=403ce86738-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_15_11_44&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-403ce86738-153856085

Ford wants to launch a fleet of thousands of self-driving cars in 2021

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612423/fords-self-driving-taxi-passengers-may-share-rides-with-packages-and-ads/?utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=403ce86738-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_15_11_44&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-403ce86738-153856085

Loon and Wing are becoming Alphabet’s newest businesses

https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/611630/loon-and-wing-are-becoming-the-alphabets-newest-businesses/?utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=403ce86738-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_15_11_44&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-403ce86738-153856085

Delay, Deny and Deflect: How Facebook’s Leaders Fought Through Crisis - The New York Times

US Military Faces a Crisis and Needs More Money, Report to Congress Warns | The Fiscal Times

US Military Faces a Crisis and Needs More Money, Report to Congress Warns | The Fiscal Times: America’s military superiority “has eroded to a dangerous degree,” leaving the national security “at greater ris

Shifting Models of Synodality - The Catholic Thing

Shifting Models of Synodality - The Catholic Thing: Ines Murzaku: If Pope Francis intends to create a Catholic version of Orthodox synodality, it's an impossibility, because it would negate papal authority.

America’s Permanent-War Complex | The American Conservative

America’s Permanent-War Complex | The American Conservative: Eisenhower's worst nightmare has come true, as defense mega-contractors climb into the cockpit to ensure we stay overextended.

Putin's Mad Soft Power Skills

Putin's Mad Soft Power Skills: OPINION -- Russian President Vladimir Putin’s charm, and subsequent effectiveness, offer a stark reminder that ‘old school’ skills still matter,

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Republicans' First Big Post-Midterms Move: Keep U.S. In Yemen's Vicious Civil War | HuffPost

Republicans' First Big Post-Midterms Move: Keep U.S. In Yemen's Vicious Civil War | HuffPost: Speaker Paul Ryan used the first vote of his last months in Congress to defend American military assistance to Saudi Arabia.

PG&E Maxes Out Revolving Credit as Wildfire Liabilities Loom | Greentech Media

PG&E Maxes Out Revolving Credit as Wildfire Liabilities Loom | Greentech Media: Shares tumble on concerns that the $3.4 billion drawdown could be a precursor to bankruptcy.

11 Signs That The US Economy Is Starting To Slow Down Dramatically | Zero Hedge

11 Signs That The US Economy Is Starting To Slow Down Dramatically | Zero Hedge: The pace at which things are changing is ..shocking the experts.

Bishop Daly: Do Bishops Have Catholic Morals?

Bishop Daly: Do Bishops Have Catholic Morals?: Asked why bishops didn't stop Abp. McCarrick

Bishops Fail At Being Human; Seek “Small Laws” to Guide Them

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2018/11/bishops-fail-at-being-human-seek-small-laws-to-guide-them/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Catholic&utm_content=45

Walking around the block: the secret to a happy marriage — Aleteia

USCCB meeting: What just happened, and what might happen next?

USCCB meeting: What just happened, and what might happen next?: Cardinal DiNardo announced that the Holy See had insisted that the bishops not vote on their own proposals for dealing with the abuse crisis…

Dolan: Even without vote, discussing abuse protocols still ‘productive’

Dolan: Even without vote, discussing abuse protocols still ‘productive’: A Vatican request that the U.S. bishops postpone voting on several proposals to address abuse was a disappointment but they “quickly took a deep breath” and realized they could still have a productive discussion about the measures, said New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.

Why homosexualists hate Papa Ratzinger so much. | Fr. Z's Blog

Once Seen as a Local Issue, Affordable Housing Is Becoming a State Focus

Once Seen as a Local Issue, Affordable Housing Is Becoming a State Focus: There’s been a flurry of state legislation to tackle the problem — with radically different approaches that reflect the highly partisan national divide.

2 Electric Utilities Reported Problems Minutes Before Deadly Wildfires Began : NPR

2 Electric Utilities Reported Problems Minutes Before Deadly Wildfires Began : NPR: Both Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison had warned customers that the companies might need to shut off power because of heightened fire risks.

The world's plastic problem is bigger than the ocean

The world's plastic problem is bigger than the ocean: As you read this, a strange object that looks like a 2,000-foot floating pool noodle is drifting slowly through the central north Pacific Ocean. This object is designed to solve an enormous environmental problem. But in so doing, it brings attention to a number of others.

The West Must Offer Immediate Asylum to Asia Bibi

The West Must Offer Immediate Asylum to Asia Bibi: Asia Bibi is expected to remain in Pakistan until her case is once again "reviewed in an appeal process" ordered by the Prime Minister. Bibi's judicial process now looks infinite. Meanwhile, thousands of Islamists fill the Pakistani streets, calling for

PG&E debt drawdown raises concerns of potential bankruptcy due to fire costs | Utility Dive

PG&E debt drawdown raises concerns of potential bankruptcy due to fire costs | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

US, Russia and China refuse to back French cybersecurity initiative

US, Russia and China refuse to back French cybersecurity initiative: The US, China and Russia have refused to endorse a French-backed agreement designed to regulate the Internet and bolster cyber security, despite the approval of 51 other countries including all members of the European Union.

Texas Bishop Calls for Fidelity to Church Teaching on Homosexuality

Texas Bishop Calls for Fidelity to Church Teaching on Homosexuality: 'Do we believe the doctrine of the Church or not?'

Fr. Warren's Week Reflection November 11, 2018

THIS WEEK'S REFLECTION from Fr. Bob Warren, SA

32nd Sunday -
November 11, 2018

A famous pediatric cancer doctor at a well-known children’s hospital in London was being given an award. He started the pediatric cancer research center, but he was also known for his kindness and compassion. He always spent time talking with the children, even playing little games. He was always available to the families.

When asked what made him the kind of doctor he was, he said it all started during the second world war, and with an American soldier. He said, “My parents were killed in the bombings in London, and I was put in an orphanage. Christmas was very bleak; I was only about six years old.

“On Christmas day there was a knock on the door. It was two American soldiers; their jeep had broken down. I was just a little fellow alone in the corner, and one of the soldiers came over and sat next to me. He put his hands in his coat and pulled out some chewing gum. He got me talking and asked me about myself. He let me talk on and on, and he just listened. Before the soldiers left, he picked me up and spun me around until I could not stop laughing. He came back several times, bringing bags of apples, or eggs or candy. Once he brought me a toy truck. Then the soldiers left for the invasion of Europe. I was adopted by a wonderful family, but I never forgot that young soldier, who was so kind to a little orphan.”

You see, sometimes, it is the little things that make a difference, like chewing gum and just being picked up. Rather like the two women we read about in today’s scriptures. Neither of these two widows actually gave very much, but they gave all they had: a small cup of water, a little cake, and two small coins worth about a cent. Both of these women will be remembered until the end of time.

Many of us assume that the more we do for God, the better Christians we are. Moreover, we often measure our religious-ness by how much we work for the Church, how much we give, how many prayers we say, or how many masses we attend. For some people, when it comes to God, church, and our religion, more is better. And that is not bad in itself.

But what happens when we are not able to do any of these things? Do we then assume that we are worthless? I am thinking of the elderly and the sick, who often feel bad because they can no longer get out to attend mass. Or, after a lifetime of supporting the Church, are upset because they no longer give as much as they used to.

In our Gospel, Jesus saves us from the false way of evaluating ourselves. The widow was praised, not for what she gave, but for who she was: a woman of faith, full of trust, and totally reliant on God. And so whether we are able to do a little, or lot, whether we are able to give a little or give in abundance, it is who we become in the doing and in the giving that is the greater gift that God desires. It is not the gift that is important to God, as much as the giver.

Jesus holds up these two humble women for us to emulate and admire. Keep in mind the people Jesus admired, and what they did. I recall that He admired a good Samaritan who went out of his way to help a wounded man. Also the forgiving father in the story of the prodigal son. The master who paid his servant a generous wage. The Roman Centurion who asked Jesus to cure his slave. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, who gave away half of his belonging. And today, two widows who gave all they had Do we see a pattern in the kind of people the Lord chose as His heroes? They gave what they could, they cared for others, and they had faith. May God give us the wisdom to do the same.

P.S. On November 22nd, the Friars of the Atonement will celebrate Thanksgiving Blessings, a very special Thanksgiving Day Mass. Join with us by sending your most heartfelt petitions to me now. With grateful hearts, let us come together and give thanks for God's enduring grace and love.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Bob Warren, SA

DARPA's Hail Mary Plan to Restart a Hacked US Electric Grid | WIRED

If You Drive in Los Angeles, Palantir and LAPD Are Watching | WIRED

DeepMind Health told to explain business model, relationship to Google

Review panel: We don't think AI firm has a hidden agenda, but…

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/06/15/deepmind_health_independent_panel_report_relationship_google_business_model/?utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f8417f091d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f8417f091d-153856085

Revealed: Google AI has access to huge haul of NHS patient data

A data-sharing agreement obtained by New Scientist shows that Google DeepMind's collaboration with the NHS goes far beyond what it has publicly announced

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2086454-revealed-google-ai-has-access-to-huge-haul-of-nhs-patient-data/?utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f8417f091d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f8417f091d-153856085

DeepMind hits back at criticism of its NHS data-sharing deal | WIRED UK

DeepMind hits back at criticism of its NHS data-sharing deal | WIRED UK: The five-year deal between Google-owned DeepMind and the NHS will collect data on 1.6 million patients in a bid to use artificial intelligence algorithms to detect early signs of acute kidney disease

Scaling Streams with Google | DeepMind

Scaling Streams with Google | DeepMind: We’re excited to announce that the team behind Streams—our mobile app that supports doctors and nurses to deliver faster, better care to patients—will be joining Google.

Brazil’s presidential election could mean billions of tons of additional greenhouse gases

Policies leading to more destruction of the Amazon and Cerrado would have a huge impact on climate change.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612403/brazils-presidential-election-could-mean-billions-of-tons-of-additional-greenhouse-gases/?utm_source=TR&utm_content=11.14&utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f8417f091d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f8417f091d-153856085

United Nations considers a test ban on evolution-warping gene drives

Debate over a new idea for stopping malaria is pitting some environmental groups against Bill Gates.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612415/united-nations-considers-a-test-ban-on-evolution-warping-gene-drives/?utm_source=TR&utm_content=11.14&utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f8417f091d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f8417f091d-153856085

NASA's ARIA Maps California Fire Damage

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA22816&utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f8417f091d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f8417f091d-153856085

To capture the extent of California’s wildfires, you need to see them from space

A team from NASA has created maps using satellite data that show the areas most damaged by the ongoing Woolsey and Camp wildfires, the deadliest in the state’s history.

https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/612413/to-capture-the-extent-of-californias-wildfires-you-need-to-see-them-from-space/?utm_source=TR&utm_content=11.14&utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=f8417f091d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_14_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-f8417f091d-153856085

U.S. alone in opposing U.N. refugee text over sovereignty concerns | Reuters

U.S. alone in opposing U.N. refugee text over sovereignty concerns | Reuters: The United States was the only country on Tuesday to oppose an annual draft U.N. General Assembly resolution on the work of the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) because it said elements of the text ran counter to the Trump administration's sovereign interests.

Watch: Woman prays while driving family through wildfire

Watch: Woman prays while driving family through wildfire: Harrowing footage of a woman driving through a wildfire to take her family to safety has surfaced on social media and gone viral.

Extremely rare early Christian depiction of Jeusus discovered in Israel

Extremely rare early Christian depiction of Jeusus discovered in Israel: The site of Shivta, in Israel, was discovered in 1871, but this image of Jesus was overlooked until now. It may be the oldest depiction of Christ in Israel.

This is the only officially recognized Marian apparition in the United States

This is the only officially recognized Marian apparition in the United States: On October 8, 1871, in or around a place called Peshtigo, Wisconsin, several men were setting small fires in the woods. This was a common practice in clearing land for expanding railroads or for ex…

“Jesus,” the song by Freddie Mercury that you probably don’t know

“Jesus,” the song by Freddie Mercury that you probably don’t know: A few days ago the film Bohemian Rhapsody, a tribute to the late Freddie Mercury and his legendary band, Queen, opened in theaters, attracting large audiences of adoring fans. The genius and talent…

The US Didn’t Sign the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace | WIRED

Psychologist: Communication failures obscure US bishops' progress on abuse | National Catholic Reporter

Psychologist: Communication failures obscure US bishops' progress on abuse | National Catholic Reporter: At a time when the U.S. bishops are in the crosshairs of scrutiny and scorn over their handling of clerical sexual abuse, psychologist Thomas Plante admits that at times he is viewed as a shill for th...

Meeting Jesus for the First Time – Renewal Ministries

Meeting Jesus for the First Time – Renewal Ministries: [caption id=attachment_2692 align=aligncenter width=640] Image Credit[/caption]

The following article is the second in a series called “Casting Nets” that will run over the coming weeks. They are written by “John,” a student in one of Ralph Martin’s New Evangelization classes, and document several evangelization opportunities he has performed in his various ministries. He writes, “Each ministry is unique with various situations, circumstances, and needs; but the one constant is broken and injured people. It is my experience that there is no greater potential for miracles to occur than when desperate people meet Jesus. I have been blessed to have seen many people come to Jesus—often in surprising or unexpected ways—and quite often, it is I who is the most surprised.”

The names of the individuals involved have been changed to protect privacy, and the author has been kept anonymous because he would like Jesus to have the credit for this work.

By John

As my wife and I arrived at the crisis pregnancy center, I had word of knowledge (a “nudge”) about someone with an ankle problem. It came and went so quickly and so quietly that I doubted it and initially brushed it away. However, as

Motivation Remains Unclear for Vatican Request that US Bishops Delay Action

Motivation Remains Unclear for Vatican Request that US Bishops Delay Action: Cardinal Marc Ouellet told the Register that he wished to offer ‘reassurance that the Congregation [for Bishops] is working for the bes...

Archbishop Viganò to US Bishops: Be ‘Courageous Shepherds’

Archbishop Viganò to US Bishops: Be ‘Courageous Shepherds’: The former nuncio’s message came on the second day of the USCCB’s autumn general assembly, being held in Baltimore Nov. 12-14.

Bishop Christopher Coyne asks: ‘Can’t we just get this right?’ - The Boston Globe

Bishop Christopher Coyne asks: ‘Can’t we just get this right?’ - The Boston Globe: “I am very surprised by where we are now,’’ said Bishop Christopher Coyne.

Catholic prelates are subject of blistering criticism at leadership meeting - The Boston Globe

Catholic prelates are subject of blistering criticism at leadership meeting - The Boston Globe: BALTIMORE — Stung by the Vatican’s surprise demand to postpone a long-awaited bishop accountability policy, the nation’s Roman Catholic prelates listened in rapt silence Tuesday as the leader of their own advisory panel on sexual abuse assailed them for doing too little, too late.
“The faithful and the clergy do not trust many of you.

How Long, Lord? - The Catholic Thing

How Long, Lord? - The Catholic Thing: Robert Royal: Just as American bishops hoped to take tentative steps to deal with sex abuse and the Church's moral credibility, Rome says: No, wait.

Why has Pope Francis hamstrung the U.S. bishops? – Catholic World Report

A century after the Armistice – Catholic World Report

Intense debate over handling of abuse scandal ensues at USCCB meeting – Catholic World Report

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection November 14, 2018

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 17:11-19

Friends, today’s Gospel recounts the Lord’s healing of ten lepers, only one of whom comes back to give thanks. Leprosy frightened people in ancient times, just as contagious and mysterious diseases frighten people today. But, more than this, leprosy rendered someone unclean and therefore incapable of engaging in the act of worship. It is not accidental that the person responsible for examining the patient in ancient Israel was the priest. The priest’s job was to monitor the whole process of Israelite worship, very much including who could and couldn’t participate in the Temple.

What is so important about worship? To worship is to order the whole of one’s life toward the living God, and, in doing so, to become interiorly and exteriorly rightly ordered. To worship is to signal to oneself what one’s life is finally about. Worship is not something that God needs, but it is very much something that we need.

Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 493

Reading 1 Ti 3:1-7

Beloved:
Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities,
to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.
They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate,
exercising all graciousness toward everyone.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded,
slaves to various desires and pleasures,
living in malice and envy,
hateful ourselves and hating one another.

But when the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
he saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel Lk 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying,
"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said,
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
"Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you."

Palliative Care Is Not Just for Hospice Patients

Confusion between it and hospice means some get less care

https://www.nextavenue.org/confusion-palliative-vs-hospice-care/

Email One Doctor’s Plea: Consider Palliative Care

One Doctor’s Plea: Consider Palliative Care

An oncologist grapples with letting patients suffer when there’s an alternative

https://www.nextavenue.org/consider-palliative-care/?hide_newsletter=true&utm_source=Next+Avenue+Email+Newsletter&utm_campaign=aa65b20eff-11.13.2018_Tuesday_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_056a405b5a-aa65b20eff-165708781&mc_cid=aa65b20eff&mc_eid=fd41435b1e

My patients are dying. But it’s their right to keep going.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/my-patients-are-dying-but-its-their-right-to-keep-fighting/2018/08/24/487c71ba-809a-11e8-b660-4d0f9f0351f1_story.html?utm_term=.50c5f69f34f6

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Stan Lee showed us nerds (and Catholics) can be heroes

https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2018/11/13/stan-lee-showed-us-nerds-and-catholics-can-be-heroes?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_campaign=1ecf3c990c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_10_09_08_42_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fe8ed70be-1ecf3c990c-58861785

The faithful deported: Study details impact of Trump’s immigration policies

https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2018/11/13/faithful-deported-study-details-impact-trumps-immigration-policies?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_campaign=1ecf3c990c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_10_09_08_42_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fe8ed70be-1ecf3c990c-58861785

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, center, leads the opening prayer Nov. 12 during the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. Also pictured are Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice president of the USCCB, and Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, general secretary. (CNS photo/Bob Roller) Exclusive: Should U.S. bishops speak out on politics—or stick to religion?

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/11/12/exclusive-should-us-bishops-speak-out-politics-or-stick-religion?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_campaign=1ecf3c990c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_10_09_08_42_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fe8ed70be-1ecf3c990c-58861785

Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Scicluna to top role in addressing abuse crisis

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/11/13/pope-francis-appoints-archbishop-scicluna-top-role-addressing-abuse-crisis?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_campaign=1ecf3c990c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_10_09_08_42_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fe8ed70be-1ecf3c990c-58861785

How Many Non-Citizens Vote in U.S. Elections? | Power Line

How Many Non-Citizens Vote in U.S. Elections? | Power Line: Liberals and the media (but I repeat . . .) dismiss the idea that non-citizens vote in meaningful numbers in our elections. What is the empirical evidence? This 2014 article from Electoral Studies ought to be a wake-up call: Do non-citizens vote in U.S. elections? Jesse T. Richman, Gulshan A. Chattha, and David C.Earnest Abstract In spite of substantial public controversy, very little reliable data exists concerning the frequency with which non-citizen immigrants participate

The Office of Bishop - Community in Mission : Community in Mission

The Office of Bishop - Community in Mission : Community in Mission: Fortuitously, the first reading for this Monday, which is the day that the annual fall meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Baltimore begins, speaks to the qualifications of a bishop. The full reading from Titus is as follows: Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake …

About Those ‘Gay Clergy Networks’

About Those ‘Gay Clergy Networks’: COMMENTARY: Church leadership won’t solve this current crisis unless it confronts homosexual practice among the clergy and especially t...

Solipsistic, self-aggrandizing @FatherRosica dares to vet Catholic news sources | Fr. Z's Blog

US Bishops told response to abuse crisis is 'incomplete'

US Bishops told response to abuse crisis is 'incomplete': As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) attempted to salvage its agenda following Monday’s news that the Vatican had requested a postponement of a vote on new measures of bishop accountability, Tuesday’s meeting began with a critical assessment of the current state of transparency and reform.

Making sense of Vatican's no-fly order to US bishops on abuse crisis

Making sense of Vatican's no-fly order to US bishops on abuse crisis: Any way you slice it, a Vatican request to the U.S. bishops to stand down in adopting new measures to fight clerical sexual abuse will frustrate many American Catholics.

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection November 13, 2018

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Luke 17:7-10

Friends, as is often the case with Jesus’ more difficult parables, we have to pay careful attention to today’s Gospel story. It’s all about justice, which is rendering to each what is due—a good and noble thing. When justice is your primary consideration, you are basically in charge, morally speaking. But what Jesus is doing today in this striking and annoying story is to shake us out of that understanding of our relationship to God.

The point is this: God owes us precisely nothing. Everything we have, including our very existence, is a sheer gift. We are in absolutely no position ever to demand anything of God. To move into this space is to move out of the stance of faith. And so no matter what God asks, the proper response is: "I am an unprofitable servant; I have done what I was obliged to do."

Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Lectionary: 492

Reading 1 Ti 2:1-8, 11-14

Beloved:
You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine,
namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified,
self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance.
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior,
not slanderers, not addicted to drink,
teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women
to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers,
under the control of their husbands,
so that the word of God may not be discredited.

Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves,
showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect,
with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech
that cannot be criticized,
so that the opponent will be put to shame
without anything bad to say about us.

For the grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of the great God
and of our savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

Gospel Lk 17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles:
"Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
'Come here immediately and take your place at table'?
Would he not rather say to him,
'Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished'?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
'We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Protesters gather outside U.S. bishops' meeting, call for change | National Catholic Reporter: As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opened a Day of Prayer at the Fall Bishops General Assembly Nov. 12, John McKeon was the first to walk a path along Aliceanna Street outside the Baltimore Ma...

Review board chair: Bishops won't 'get a third chance' to get protocol right | National Catholic Reporter

Review board chair: Bishops won't 'get a third chance' to get protocol right | National Catholic Reporter: Bishops who have committed abuse, covered up abuse or failed to act on abuse must be held accountable and face consequences, the National Review Board chair said in a strongly worded presentation to p...

Bishops must be blameless servants, not princes, pope says | National Catholic Reporter

Bishops must be blameless servants, not princes, pope says | National Catholic Reporter: A bishop must be "blameless" and at the service of God, not of cliques, assets and power, especially if he is ever to "set right" what needs to be done for the church, Pope Francis said.
A bishop must...

Goodbye to all that, again - The Boston Globe

Goodbye to all that, again - The Boston Globe: Americans tend to forget World War I. They shouldn’t.

American Revolution Against the Constitution | National Review

American Revolution Against the Constitution | National Review: The Left is waging a war on the very Constitution of the United States. The revolutionaries have not yet reached their Holy Grail: a state-mandated equality of result overseen by an omnipotent and omniscient elite.

The MEK and the Bankrupt U.S. Policy on Iran – LobeLog: by Paul R. Pillar Among the many indicators of misdirection in the Trump administration’s policy toward Iran, one of the clearest is the fondness for the cult-cum-terrorist group known as the Mujah…

See the Tower of London ablaze in candles to remember World War I (Video): Every night until the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day on November 11, 2018, the Tower of London displayed a remembrance ceremony titled Beyond the Deepening Shadow. The show featured 10,000 cand…

Why are complex things called "byzantine?"--Aleteia

Why are complex things called "byzantine?"--Aleteia: The Byzantine Empire, like the Roman Empire that it succeeded, was full of glorious cultural achievements. Byzantine church architecture is just one example. Today, when we speak of Byzantine Churc…

A prayer for each day of the week to save suffering souls in Purgatory

A prayer for each day of the week to save suffering souls in Purgatory: This time of year in the coal mountains of Pennsylvania, as I see the leaves turning color and falling from the trees, it’s easy to call to mind the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven and he…

After delaying bishop vote, can Vatican be trusted to right its own ship? - The Boston Globe

After delaying bishop vote, can Vatican be trusted to right its own ship? - The Boston Globe: By forcing US bishops to delay a vote on reforms, the Vatican dashed any remaining illusions that it was capable of imposing accountability within on the sexual abuse crisis.

Brink Of War: Troops And Tanks Head To The Gaza Border After Hundreds Of Missiles Rain Down On Israel – End Of The American Dream

Brink Of War: Troops And Tanks Head To The Gaza Border After Hundreds Of Missiles Rain Down On Israel – End Of The American Dream: Missiles continue to rain down on Israel at this hour, and even the New York Times is admitting that the region is on the "brink of war". On Monday, more than 300 rockets and mortar shells were fired from Gaza into Israel, and the Israeli military struck back extremely hard in response. Many observers had been hoping

On Veterans’ Day, Remember the Lies That Filled Military Cemeteries | Mises Wire: Politicians will be heartily applauded for saluting American’s soldiers today. But if citizens had better memories, elected officials would instead be fleeing tar and feathers. Politicians have a long record of betraying the veterans they valorize.

Vatican's delay of US bishops' abuse measures leaves even some prelates confused | National Catholic Reporter: A surprise Vatican request that the annual gathering of U.S. Catholic bishops delay planned votes on proposals to address clergy sexual abuse has evoked outcry, even leaving some of the prelates at th...

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