Feb 28, 2009

Encouraging Bishops to Deny Holy Communion to Pro-abortion Lawmakers

Yesterday Bishop Joseph Martino issued an order that in his Scranton, Pennsylvania diocese, "Those whose unworthiness to receive Holy Communion is known publicly to the Church must be refused Holy Communion in order to prevent sacrilege and to prevent the Catholic in question from committing further grave sin through unworthy reception."  Though no names were identified, it is impossible to overlook the fact that  the Scranton diocese also posted on the same day an open letter from Bishop Martino of Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey, in which the bishop reminded the Catholic lawmaker of his moral obligation "to oppose abortion and other clear evils."

Catholics in government service are ordered to oppose any law that attacks human life. Otherwise they are “obstinately” persevering “in manifest grave sin” and “are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.” - Per Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law.

Other bishops like those in Colorado Springs, Camden, N.J., LaCrosse, Wis., Lincoln, Neb. and St. Louis, Mo., will enforce this. Eighteen other dioceses have bishops who have suggested the same.  The Most Rev. Raymond L. Burke pointed out that while he has the duty to care for your soul, he has a more fundamental obligation to protect the unborn from being murdered.

But others tolerate pro-choice lawmakers following the Gospel principle of the wheat and the tares where certain evils are allowed because a greater evil will ensue from efforts to stop it. For example, when the bishops criticized Hitler, he started closing churches and that prevented the Church from saving the Jews, so the bishops toned down their rhetoric.

In the case of the pro-abortion lawmakers, I wonder what the greater evil is.  Perhaps the IRS might remove the exemption of the Church because the Church is meddling with the affairs of the State.  If the Church is poor, then there is nothing to tax.  If there is something, then the Church should not mind – after all it is only money.  I think the bishops fear turning the others away if they struck a hard line.  I wonder if they will lose more by being timid instead of speaking the truth clearly and consistently.

Feb 21, 2009

You might be a gentleman if...

1. your female co-workers do not award you 
with the male chauvinist pig icon

2. you don't use your 
spittoon when others 
are around

3. your woman lets your child live

4. others? Feel free to add.

And on a spiritual note, before one can be a
good Christian, 
one needs to be a good man first.

Feb 18, 2009

God's dog must be a Wheaten terrier


This fluffy breed, a Wheaten terrier, is rated as the best for kids, babies even.  She doesn’t shed.   She took the phobia away from my boys who were afraid of dogs before.  I never heard her growl even when she’s bothered while eating.  Sometimes, my kids accidentally step on her.  She’d yelp then limp away.  But after sometime, she'd be back ready to play again.  She’s obedient even if  she has a mind of her own.  When I come home late, she’d wake from her slumber & stagger to check who’s coming in.  She's usually more enthusiastic & energetic to meet us.  Then, she’d  contently rest at my feet.  She doesn’t get bored nor find the need to entertain herself when I am around.  When we leave, she stays by the door awaiting our return.  She hate baths.  I have to hold her by the leash then hose her down.  But she settles down & accepts her fate by the time I lather her with shampoo. 

Weeks ago, there’s a post about a dog saving another after a traffic accident.  The post commented on how the dog taught brotherly love.  My dog made me think of the love of God.  If I were the dog & God was me, will I await His coming longingly?  Will I be content to stay still in His presence?  Will I accept the baths and purifications?  Will I guard His house and wake from my slumber whenever something happens?  Will I forget the hurts that His children inflict on me and always come back to serve?

Feb 13, 2009

Red Envelope Campaign

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, stationery or party supply stores. On the front, address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington , D.C. 20500-0001
Make sure you also print your name and return address on the envelope. (I think that without it your envelope would just be tossed without being counted.)

On the back of the envelope, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.
It is empty because that life was denied the chance to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception.
Seal the empty envelope. Put a stamp on it and mail it.
The hope is that the president will receive millions of these.

Feb 8, 2009

Making & becoming a saint by frequent Confessions.


St. John Bosco's method of going to Confessions frequently has produced 29 official saints.  So, I decided to make it a family routine to go every Saturday.  My nine year old has become more docile and my wife more collaborative.  One can go even if one has no grave sins.  It is beneficial because of the grace that the sacrament provides.

From a parenting aspect, it makes it easier because the children are now conscious about obeying God's laws.  St. John Bosco said, "Our words become God's words."  And the kids will be trained to do good all the time whether others see them or not because God always sees them.

It was also hard to start.  The kids were saying how boring it will be & the wife is wondering why I needed to go.  But after the first time, I got my wife to support it and my kids don't find it that bad. And why would it be that bad, God is there.

Frequent confession is a technique given by God to St. John Bosco through visions.  It was a revolutionary idea back in the 19th century but as history shows, it works.

(Picture:  Saturday night family event - Confessions )

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