Florida
Tallahassee Democrat | 05/09/2003 | Man who can't swim saves woman in pond
Tracy Olson cannot swim. But when he saw an elderly woman lose control and drive her car into a small pond behind his home, he knew he had to do something.
So Olson, a self-employed plumber, grabbed a hammer and dog-paddled his way to the sinking Ford Crown Victoria. He made his way to the car, broke one window with the hammer and managed to pull Ann Adamski, 86, to safety.
"He couldn't swim, but he jumped in," said Pasco County Sheriff's Sgt. Raymond Stanley. "He did what he had to do. He saved her life."
A good story about a hero, but brings home how in Florida old people drive into ponds and sometimes even into other people.
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Friday, May 9, 2003
From a Sermon by Saint Ephrem
From the Universalis: Office of Readings:
Death trampled our Lord underfoot, but he in his turn treated death as a highroad for his own feet. He submitted to it, enduring it willingly, because by this means he would be able to destroy death in spite of itself. Death had its own way when our Lord went out from Jerusalem carrying his cross; but when by a loud cry from that cross he summoned the dead from the underworld, death was powerless to prevent it.
From the Universalis: Office of Readings:
Death trampled our Lord underfoot, but he in his turn treated death as a highroad for his own feet. He submitted to it, enduring it willingly, because by this means he would be able to destroy death in spite of itself. Death had its own way when our Lord went out from Jerusalem carrying his cross; but when by a loud cry from that cross he summoned the dead from the underworld, death was powerless to prevent it.
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Group Evil
Most people by now have seen the images of high school senior girls beating and humiliating younger high school girls after a powder puff football game. The rage and abuse exhibited in the video is nothing short of demonic--and I am reminded of M. Scott Peck's book People of the Lie where he devoted several chapters to the subject of "group evil."
Dr. Peck felt that the root cause of why a group suddenly becomes possessed were two fold--laziness and narcissism. Both of these are obviously at odds with any authentic spirituality (regardless of what religious tradition you embrace). He muses in the book about a future where educators will provide children with the tools to avoid being swept up in the tide of violence and destruction that such evil unleashes:
Children will, in my dream, be taught that laziness and narcissism are at the very root of all human evil, and why this is so. They will learn that each individual is of sacred importance. They will come to know that the natural tendency of the individual in a group is to forfeit his or her ethical judgment to the leader, and that this tendency should be resisted. And they will finally see it as each individual’s responsibility to continually examine himself or herself for laziness and narcissism and then to purify themselves accordingly. They will do this in the knowledge that such personal purification is required not only for the salvation of their individual souls but also for the salvation of their world.
Now, if you think I'm bringing this up to pound on the high school where this occurred you are wrong. I bring it up because that high school is very symbolic of what we as a country are becoming. If sloth and pride are the very roots of all human evil--we stand on the precipice of witnessing great acts of evil in our land. For we quickly are becoming a nation of obese lazy and narcissistic individuals. This isn't my opinion but the stuff of what Time and Newsweek are reporting weekly in their profiles of America.
The sacredness of every human must motivate us to take a stand against the evil that seeks domination and destruction before it is too late. There is much to pray about these days.
Most people by now have seen the images of high school senior girls beating and humiliating younger high school girls after a powder puff football game. The rage and abuse exhibited in the video is nothing short of demonic--and I am reminded of M. Scott Peck's book People of the Lie where he devoted several chapters to the subject of "group evil."
Dr. Peck felt that the root cause of why a group suddenly becomes possessed were two fold--laziness and narcissism. Both of these are obviously at odds with any authentic spirituality (regardless of what religious tradition you embrace). He muses in the book about a future where educators will provide children with the tools to avoid being swept up in the tide of violence and destruction that such evil unleashes:
Children will, in my dream, be taught that laziness and narcissism are at the very root of all human evil, and why this is so. They will learn that each individual is of sacred importance. They will come to know that the natural tendency of the individual in a group is to forfeit his or her ethical judgment to the leader, and that this tendency should be resisted. And they will finally see it as each individual’s responsibility to continually examine himself or herself for laziness and narcissism and then to purify themselves accordingly. They will do this in the knowledge that such personal purification is required not only for the salvation of their individual souls but also for the salvation of their world.
Now, if you think I'm bringing this up to pound on the high school where this occurred you are wrong. I bring it up because that high school is very symbolic of what we as a country are becoming. If sloth and pride are the very roots of all human evil--we stand on the precipice of witnessing great acts of evil in our land. For we quickly are becoming a nation of obese lazy and narcissistic individuals. This isn't my opinion but the stuff of what Time and Newsweek are reporting weekly in their profiles of America.
The sacredness of every human must motivate us to take a stand against the evil that seeks domination and destruction before it is too late. There is much to pray about these days.
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Cheapest Place to Buy my Book on the Internet!
The How-To Book of the Mass by Michael Dubruiel : Booksamillion.com (1931709327, Paperback)
The How-To Book of the Mass by Michael Dubruiel : Booksamillion.com (1931709327, Paperback)
Gethsemani Abbey has a New Site!
The design now features the "God Alone" gate seen in the right hand column on this blog. Check it out at:
Alone in God - The Abbey of Gethsemani
The design now features the "God Alone" gate seen in the right hand column on this blog. Check it out at:
Alone in God - The Abbey of Gethsemani
Funny Joke...
Posted for Monday May 5th at Building Zion blog...
Begins....A man is driving down a deserted stretch of highway when he notices a sign out of the comer of his eye. It reads: SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION 10 MILES
Posted for Monday May 5th at Building Zion blog...
Begins....A man is driving down a deserted stretch of highway when he notices a sign out of the comer of his eye. It reads: SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION 10 MILES
The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to Purgatory!
I escaped hell!
b>Take the Dante Inferno Hell Test
I escaped hell!
b>Take the Dante Inferno Hell Test
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
Great Talk by Amy Last Night in Kalamazoo!
Even though I didn't hear any of it...I baby sat or baby ran as the case might be, but there was good reaction by those who purchased books during the break.
We both had the opportunity to meet and speak with Father Rob Johansen who's Thrown Back blog is up an running again. He shared a great story about what St. Thomas Aquinas' relics that hopefully he'll share on his blog with all of you.
Even though I didn't hear any of it...I baby sat or baby ran as the case might be, but there was good reaction by those who purchased books during the break.
We both had the opportunity to meet and speak with Father Rob Johansen who's Thrown Back blog is up an running again. He shared a great story about what St. Thomas Aquinas' relics that hopefully he'll share on his blog with all of you.
Monday, May 5, 2003
Top Nine E-Mail Hoaxes
How many have you received?
From MSN Money - The top 9 e-mail hoaxes-
Here is the one that I receive at least three times everyday:
Nigerian scam letter
Greetings, sir. I got your e-mail address from a very confidential source -- the Internet. I am the prince, minister and Grand Poo-ba of one of many foreign nations that you stupid Americans have never heard of. There is a billion, kazillion dollars in an account here that rightfully belongs to my family and my people. Due to some horrid-bloody military coup in which my entire family, several accountants and various goats lost their lives, I cannot reach this money. But you, an American who has never heard of my country, can march right into the corner branch of God-Forsaken-War-Torn-East-of-Nowhere-Africa and deposit this money right into your fat American bank account. For your trouble, I'll give you a few million off the top -- because what's a few million between confidential best friends who have never actually even heard of one another?
OK, let's start from the top. Do not kid yourself. You are not so important that the High Priest of Anywhere will e-mail you requesting help. Rid yourself of your delusions of grandeur -- or as we say back home, you may sing "Like a Virgin" into your hairbrush every night, but that doesn't make you Madonna.
Here's what will happen when you give strangers your bank account information: They will take your money. Period. End of story. You get nothing, but you lose a lot.
How many have you received?
From MSN Money - The top 9 e-mail hoaxes-
Here is the one that I receive at least three times everyday:
Nigerian scam letter
Greetings, sir. I got your e-mail address from a very confidential source -- the Internet. I am the prince, minister and Grand Poo-ba of one of many foreign nations that you stupid Americans have never heard of. There is a billion, kazillion dollars in an account here that rightfully belongs to my family and my people. Due to some horrid-bloody military coup in which my entire family, several accountants and various goats lost their lives, I cannot reach this money. But you, an American who has never heard of my country, can march right into the corner branch of God-Forsaken-War-Torn-East-of-Nowhere-Africa and deposit this money right into your fat American bank account. For your trouble, I'll give you a few million off the top -- because what's a few million between confidential best friends who have never actually even heard of one another?
OK, let's start from the top. Do not kid yourself. You are not so important that the High Priest of Anywhere will e-mail you requesting help. Rid yourself of your delusions of grandeur -- or as we say back home, you may sing "Like a Virgin" into your hairbrush every night, but that doesn't make you Madonna.
Here's what will happen when you give strangers your bank account information: They will take your money. Period. End of story. You get nothing, but you lose a lot.
Saturday, May 3, 2003
Sad Day for New Hampshire Natives--
Old Man of the Mountain is No More!
From The Union Leader:
New Hampshire's beloved Old Man of the Mountain fell from its rocky perch 1,200 feet above Profile Lake in Franconia some time within the past day.
Workers at the Flume reported the incident early this morning. It is unknown exactly when the face fell because it has been hidden by clouds and fog for more than a day. Don Bliss, the state's director of emergency management, said he believed the profile fell overnight.
Dick Hamilton, president of the White Mountain Attractions, said it appears the forehead fell and took the nose with it.
The image as it was shortly after 9/11--
Old Man of the Mountain is No More!
From The Union Leader:
New Hampshire's beloved Old Man of the Mountain fell from its rocky perch 1,200 feet above Profile Lake in Franconia some time within the past day.
Workers at the Flume reported the incident early this morning. It is unknown exactly when the face fell because it has been hidden by clouds and fog for more than a day. Don Bliss, the state's director of emergency management, said he believed the profile fell overnight.
Dick Hamilton, president of the White Mountain Attractions, said it appears the forehead fell and took the nose with it.
The image as it was shortly after 9/11--
Friday, May 2, 2003
Interesting Interview About Liturgical Matters
From Zenit.org:
Q: Why did liturgy go awry so much in the post-conciliar era?
Monsignor Elliott: Basically, the work of the liturgical movement and Pius XII in "Mediator Dei" on the meaning and spirit of the liturgy was not properly assimilated before the council.
The opening doctrinal section of "Sacrosanctum Concilium" is brief, because it presupposes "Mediator Dei." Then, after the council, the "changes" were brought in an authoritarian way, hastily, often without respect for popular piety and what people valued. Extremists and cranks soon moved in, experimenting, innovating and pushing people around. They moved many altars but not so many hearts.
I also believe that some changes to the Mass went beyond what the council Fathers envisaged in "Sacrosanctum Concilium," and this is the very area where we still encounter problems. We also need to remember that the late 1960s and 1970s was an era of cultural modernism, marked by overconfidence, radical chic and bad taste.
Q: Are the liturgical problems behind us?
Monsignor Elliott: There has been some stabilization and the revised Roman Missal and General Instruction should help, but there are still widespread problems -- sloppy ceremonial, verbosity, vulgar music, disobedience and sheer ignorance.
In some areas, in Australia for example, Church "renovators" are still destroying our patrimony and alienating people. These renovators are rushing their projects through before the Catholicpeople discover what is in the revised directives -- for example, the location of the tabernacle.
I hope that the Vox Clara committee will put one problem behind us -- the poor English translations. We have suffered 30 years of banal and inaccurate texts. That scandal is on par with the mistranslated vernacular Bibles that spread errors at the time of the Reformation. It has played into the hands of the Lefebvrists and it is a major source of banal liturgy in English-speaking countries.
Q: Would rapprochement with the Eastern Churches help the liturgy in the West?
Monsignor Elliott: I would hope so, because we have much to learn from the East a sense of mystery, transcendence, the liturgy as a taste of heaven. The Eastern Churches also understand the liturgy as an action, both divine and human.
In the West we often want to control, plan, even manipulate worship, so it centers more on us than on God. Liturgy becomes what we do, rather than the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
From Zenit.org:
Q: Why did liturgy go awry so much in the post-conciliar era?
Monsignor Elliott: Basically, the work of the liturgical movement and Pius XII in "Mediator Dei" on the meaning and spirit of the liturgy was not properly assimilated before the council.
The opening doctrinal section of "Sacrosanctum Concilium" is brief, because it presupposes "Mediator Dei." Then, after the council, the "changes" were brought in an authoritarian way, hastily, often without respect for popular piety and what people valued. Extremists and cranks soon moved in, experimenting, innovating and pushing people around. They moved many altars but not so many hearts.
I also believe that some changes to the Mass went beyond what the council Fathers envisaged in "Sacrosanctum Concilium," and this is the very area where we still encounter problems. We also need to remember that the late 1960s and 1970s was an era of cultural modernism, marked by overconfidence, radical chic and bad taste.
Q: Are the liturgical problems behind us?
Monsignor Elliott: There has been some stabilization and the revised Roman Missal and General Instruction should help, but there are still widespread problems -- sloppy ceremonial, verbosity, vulgar music, disobedience and sheer ignorance.
In some areas, in Australia for example, Church "renovators" are still destroying our patrimony and alienating people. These renovators are rushing their projects through before the Catholicpeople discover what is in the revised directives -- for example, the location of the tabernacle.
I hope that the Vox Clara committee will put one problem behind us -- the poor English translations. We have suffered 30 years of banal and inaccurate texts. That scandal is on par with the mistranslated vernacular Bibles that spread errors at the time of the Reformation. It has played into the hands of the Lefebvrists and it is a major source of banal liturgy in English-speaking countries.
Q: Would rapprochement with the Eastern Churches help the liturgy in the West?
Monsignor Elliott: I would hope so, because we have much to learn from the East a sense of mystery, transcendence, the liturgy as a taste of heaven. The Eastern Churches also understand the liturgy as an action, both divine and human.
In the West we often want to control, plan, even manipulate worship, so it centers more on us than on God. Liturgy becomes what we do, rather than the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
From Zenit News:
John Paul II highlighted the meaning and importance of May 1, entrusting the world of work to St. Joseph.
"The month of May, consecrated to the Virgin, begins tomorrow. It starts with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker," the Pope said at the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square.
"To the Virgin Most Holy, and especially to Joseph, her chaste spouse, we entrust today in particular the world of work," he added. "May he who experienced the exhaustion of daily work be an example and support to those who in their activity attend to the needs of the family and of all the human community."
From Zenit News:
John Paul II highlighted the meaning and importance of May 1, entrusting the world of work to St. Joseph.
"The month of May, consecrated to the Virgin, begins tomorrow. It starts with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker," the Pope said at the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square.
"To the Virgin Most Holy, and especially to Joseph, her chaste spouse, we entrust today in particular the world of work," he added. "May he who experienced the exhaustion of daily work be an example and support to those who in their activity attend to the needs of the family and of all the human community."
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Not Sure if this in English or Not
From heraldtribune.com: Southwest Florida's Information Leader:
"The Great Friend" was published Tuesday by the tiny Kwadrat publishing house in the southern city of Krakow, where Karol Wojtyla lived for 40 years before being appointed pope in October 1978. The publishing house initially printed 2,000 copies of the paperback, priced at $8.
"As a witness, I wanted to show how facts from his earlier life influenced and helped him as pope - the gift of speaking clearly to an audience, the strong voice, the unfailing memory, the gestures," Halina Kwiatkowska said of her 160-page book.
Manager Jacek Stroka said he persuaded Kwiatkowska to write the book to mark 25 years of John Paul's pontificate, 45 years since Wojtyla became a bishop and 65 years since both graduated from high school.
From heraldtribune.com: Southwest Florida's Information Leader:
"The Great Friend" was published Tuesday by the tiny Kwadrat publishing house in the southern city of Krakow, where Karol Wojtyla lived for 40 years before being appointed pope in October 1978. The publishing house initially printed 2,000 copies of the paperback, priced at $8.
"As a witness, I wanted to show how facts from his earlier life influenced and helped him as pope - the gift of speaking clearly to an audience, the strong voice, the unfailing memory, the gestures," Halina Kwiatkowska said of her 160-page book.
Manager Jacek Stroka said he persuaded Kwiatkowska to write the book to mark 25 years of John Paul's pontificate, 45 years since Wojtyla became a bishop and 65 years since both graduated from high school.
Linked on Osgood's Site
Amy is speaking before a crowd in Michigan on Cinco de Mayo about the bones the saints left behind. In her research she found that a sight I have on shrines is linked to Charles Osgood's site under the link title "Shrine of the Holy Relices."
Check out his site here..Relics for Sale
Amy is speaking before a crowd in Michigan on Cinco de Mayo about the bones the saints left behind. In her research she found that a sight I have on shrines is linked to Charles Osgood's site under the link title "Shrine of the Holy Relices."
Check out his site here..Relics for Sale
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Contemplating Christ Through Mary's Eyes
Focolare is having a Marian Congress dedicated to the rosary. You can listen in live to most of the conference by going here...Congresso Mariano Internazionale
Focolare is having a Marian Congress dedicated to the rosary. You can listen in live to most of the conference by going here...Congresso Mariano Internazionale
Monday, April 28, 2003
Pope Beatifies Inventor of Cappuccino
From CNN.com:
History books also show that with a vast Ottoman Turk army beating a path to Vienna in 1683, d'Aviano was sent by the then-pope to unite the outnumbered Christian troops, spurring them to victory.
As the Turks fled, legend has it they left behind sacks of coffee which the Christians found too bitter, so they sweetened it with honey and milk.
The drink, now supped by millions around the world, was called cappuccino after the Capuchin order of monks to which d'Aviano belonged.
From CNN.com:
History books also show that with a vast Ottoman Turk army beating a path to Vienna in 1683, d'Aviano was sent by the then-pope to unite the outnumbered Christian troops, spurring them to victory.
As the Turks fled, legend has it they left behind sacks of coffee which the Christians found too bitter, so they sweetened it with honey and milk.
The drink, now supped by millions around the world, was called cappuccino after the Capuchin order of monks to which d'Aviano belonged.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
I Know the Feeling...
A Zagreb Professor spent three days trapped under books. Very Easterish and of course I relate because there are piles of manuscripts sitting on my desk that sometimes can feel more like a tomb I must enter rather than the next great bestseller that I'm sure is in there somewhere...
A Zagreb Professor spent three days trapped under books. Very Easterish and of course I relate because there are piles of manuscripts sitting on my desk that sometimes can feel more like a tomb I must enter rather than the next great bestseller that I'm sure is in there somewhere...
Sunday, April 20, 2003
Saturday, April 19, 2003
You'd Think the Executioners Should be in Uniform Too
From Yahoo:
Emerito Baking remains emotionless as a nail is driven into his feet on Good Friday, April 18, 2003 in the village of Cutud, in Pampanga province, north of Manila, Philippines. Devotees have themselves nailed to the cross as part of their 'vow' on Good Friday which is admonished by the Roman Catholic church but drew thousands of foreign and local tourists.
From Yahoo:
Emerito Baking remains emotionless as a nail is driven into his feet on Good Friday, April 18, 2003 in the village of Cutud, in Pampanga province, north of Manila, Philippines. Devotees have themselves nailed to the cross as part of their 'vow' on Good Friday which is admonished by the Roman Catholic church but drew thousands of foreign and local tourists.
Friday, April 18, 2003
Thursday, April 17, 2003
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Holy Week 2003
Veneration of the Cross Discouraged for Oriental Christians
From Yahoo:
Christian Malaysians have been told not to kiss the cross this Easter in order to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Just a note, Christians venerate the cross on Good Friday, not Easter.
Veneration of the Cross Discouraged for Oriental Christians
From Yahoo:
Christian Malaysians have been told not to kiss the cross this Easter in order to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Just a note, Christians venerate the cross on Good Friday, not Easter.
Monday, April 14, 2003
Holy Week
First we have Palestinian women with their faces covered dragging the British and American flags through the streets of Nablus.They eventually burned the flags after dragging them through the streets. I guess the success of the coalition forces hasn't increased the love they feel for us.
And then...
Penitents in Spain await their own procession. The costume will strike our American viewers as Klu Kux Klanish but here we have people publicly repenting, albeit anonymously of their sins.
Two groups in procession. Both anonymous. One further inciting violence, the other repenting for their actions traveling on "way of peace." For those who hold this week sacred, let us follow the path of the penitents.
First we have Palestinian women with their faces covered dragging the British and American flags through the streets of Nablus.They eventually burned the flags after dragging them through the streets. I guess the success of the coalition forces hasn't increased the love they feel for us.
And then...
Penitents in Spain await their own procession. The costume will strike our American viewers as Klu Kux Klanish but here we have people publicly repenting, albeit anonymously of their sins.
Two groups in procession. Both anonymous. One further inciting violence, the other repenting for their actions traveling on "way of peace." For those who hold this week sacred, let us follow the path of the penitents.
Sunday, April 13, 2003
The Passion of Pope John Paul II
The pope once praised near and far nowadays seems to come under attack from every sector. Governments are critical of his pleas for peace. Once loyal Catholics now wonder loudly why he hasn't done more in response to clergy abuse cases world wide and many conservative Catholics ignore his questioning of the war in Iraq as nothing binding as they choose loyalty to country over and against loyalty to how he interprets Christ's message. Truly the John Paul's suffering on this Palm Sunday is not just physical but certianly he like Christ is undergoing a passsion where it seems that all are abandoning him. One can hear from the crowds, "we have no king but Caesar" as Catholics more and more choose to let the political realm guide their daily lives while ignoring the demands of the Gospel.
Less I like Peter claim my allegiance to fast, I will only say that I pray for the Pope daily and invite all the readers of this blog to do the same.
The pope once praised near and far nowadays seems to come under attack from every sector. Governments are critical of his pleas for peace. Once loyal Catholics now wonder loudly why he hasn't done more in response to clergy abuse cases world wide and many conservative Catholics ignore his questioning of the war in Iraq as nothing binding as they choose loyalty to country over and against loyalty to how he interprets Christ's message. Truly the John Paul's suffering on this Palm Sunday is not just physical but certianly he like Christ is undergoing a passsion where it seems that all are abandoning him. One can hear from the crowds, "we have no king but Caesar" as Catholics more and more choose to let the political realm guide their daily lives while ignoring the demands of the Gospel.
Less I like Peter claim my allegiance to fast, I will only say that I pray for the Pope daily and invite all the readers of this blog to do the same.
Saturday, April 12, 2003
Were Those Who Opposed War Wrong?
The question has been raised and it deserves an answer. Yet it must be asked does the answer to the question depend on the results of the war? If in the future there is a rise of terrorist activity in the United States and Britian would that make the war suddenly suspect in the minds of supporters? If there is never any "real" evidence of weapons of mass destruction found would that make the war wrong? Does anyone even remember why this war was being fought in the first place and why those opposed felt that all the means to avoid it had not been exhuasted?
There is no question that the United States possesses a superior military second to none on this planet. We have air and satelite capabilities that make us the "supermen" of the planet. We can easily become the bully on the block--but the bully in the end is always destroyed by some "David" who comes at it with a slingshot. We can also become a great force for the good of the world (as we have often been at our better moments).
Those who opposed the war or in most case correctly opposed the war at this time can speak for themselves. I for one still think that the end doesn't justify the means--a good end doesn't justify using any means to arrive at it. But my convictions come from my belief in Jesus Christ and how I encounter Him in the Gospels--His injunction that Catholics will hear again this Holy Week that if a man doesn't have a sword, he should now buy one is quickly followed by one of his disciples using a sword when the same Jesus comes under attack. The Lord responds angrily for His disciple to put away the sword, "for those who live by the sword, die by the sword."
There is nothing wrong with us having the big sword, but if we start living by it--I fear what the future may hold for us.
The question has been raised and it deserves an answer. Yet it must be asked does the answer to the question depend on the results of the war? If in the future there is a rise of terrorist activity in the United States and Britian would that make the war suddenly suspect in the minds of supporters? If there is never any "real" evidence of weapons of mass destruction found would that make the war wrong? Does anyone even remember why this war was being fought in the first place and why those opposed felt that all the means to avoid it had not been exhuasted?
There is no question that the United States possesses a superior military second to none on this planet. We have air and satelite capabilities that make us the "supermen" of the planet. We can easily become the bully on the block--but the bully in the end is always destroyed by some "David" who comes at it with a slingshot. We can also become a great force for the good of the world (as we have often been at our better moments).
Those who opposed the war or in most case correctly opposed the war at this time can speak for themselves. I for one still think that the end doesn't justify the means--a good end doesn't justify using any means to arrive at it. But my convictions come from my belief in Jesus Christ and how I encounter Him in the Gospels--His injunction that Catholics will hear again this Holy Week that if a man doesn't have a sword, he should now buy one is quickly followed by one of his disciples using a sword when the same Jesus comes under attack. The Lord responds angrily for His disciple to put away the sword, "for those who live by the sword, die by the sword."
There is nothing wrong with us having the big sword, but if we start living by it--I fear what the future may hold for us.
Friday, April 11, 2003
EWTN Launches Site for Children This Sunday!
Eternal Word Television Network, Global Catholic Network
Eternal Word Television Network, Global Catholic Network
Catholic...and Against the War in Iraq
(No Liberals, Lefties,or Loons Here!)
I'm posting a tidbit, but visit the site for the whole piece.
From The Editor of The Remnant:
There have been some suggestions of late that Catholics who are against the U.S. attack on Iraq must now be saddled with some unsavory alliances to the peacenik movement. This is a stale canard, of course. Christ Himself is the Prince of Peace, after all, does that make Susan Sarandon a Christian?
We vigorously reject this non-existent alliance, and would ask our Catholic critics the following questions: Is Pat Buchanan a hippie? Is Bishop Richard Williamson a liberal? Is Joe Sobran a socialist? John Zmirak a communist? Dr. Thomas Droleskey a pinko? Lew Rockwell a leftist? Dr. Tom Woods, Christopher Ferrara and Michael J. Matt—a wacky cadre of Joan Baez fans? Please! Liberals and loons from Howard Stern, to Henry Kissinger, to Kid Rock, to pro-abort Senator John McCain to Ariel Sharon are in favor of this war, while neo-conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, Rupert Murdoch, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney have been its champions and apologists since before September 11, 2001. Conversely, the most respected conservative Catholic commentators have been against it from the outset (e.g., Pat Buchanan, an internationally known traditional Catholic who’s been on the inside of U.S. politics for decades, who regularly attends the tridentine Mass, and who hosts an afternoon television program on MSNBC).
It’s certainly true that the majority of Americans are enthusiastic and feeling very patriotic about this “war” in Iraq; but it’s also true that the majority of Americans are enthusiastic about premarital sexual intercourse. Millions of Americans also feel very patriotic about defending a “woman’s right to choose”. What the majority is excited about in the moment is of little consequence to this discussion of whether our war against Iraq is good for our country.
(No Liberals, Lefties,or Loons Here!)
I'm posting a tidbit, but visit the site for the whole piece.
From The Editor of The Remnant:
There have been some suggestions of late that Catholics who are against the U.S. attack on Iraq must now be saddled with some unsavory alliances to the peacenik movement. This is a stale canard, of course. Christ Himself is the Prince of Peace, after all, does that make Susan Sarandon a Christian?
We vigorously reject this non-existent alliance, and would ask our Catholic critics the following questions: Is Pat Buchanan a hippie? Is Bishop Richard Williamson a liberal? Is Joe Sobran a socialist? John Zmirak a communist? Dr. Thomas Droleskey a pinko? Lew Rockwell a leftist? Dr. Tom Woods, Christopher Ferrara and Michael J. Matt—a wacky cadre of Joan Baez fans? Please! Liberals and loons from Howard Stern, to Henry Kissinger, to Kid Rock, to pro-abort Senator John McCain to Ariel Sharon are in favor of this war, while neo-conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, Rupert Murdoch, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney have been its champions and apologists since before September 11, 2001. Conversely, the most respected conservative Catholic commentators have been against it from the outset (e.g., Pat Buchanan, an internationally known traditional Catholic who’s been on the inside of U.S. politics for decades, who regularly attends the tridentine Mass, and who hosts an afternoon television program on MSNBC).
It’s certainly true that the majority of Americans are enthusiastic and feeling very patriotic about this “war” in Iraq; but it’s also true that the majority of Americans are enthusiastic about premarital sexual intercourse. Millions of Americans also feel very patriotic about defending a “woman’s right to choose”. What the majority is excited about in the moment is of little consequence to this discussion of whether our war against Iraq is good for our country.
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Pope During Weekly Audience
I think he is fed up with some of the posts left in the comments here who accuse him of not caring about people.
I have restrained myself from showing pictures of children with amputated limbs and other horific civilian injuries etc on this site. I try to maintain a balance of presenting some objective view that I feel I have gotten from some of the international news networks. But there are a lot out there who think that those news agencies (most of whom are not involved in this war on either side) are the presenters of propaganda.
Then there are those who think that the decision to go to war has been vindicated because people are cheering the coalition forces, who have totally wiped out the Iraqi military. I have only to remind you that a few days ago when Saddam was in power they were cheering wildly for him. Under the threat of violence you say? Oh and I guess they don't feel that threat from us?
War is hell both for our troops and for the people who have to live through it. We have had a taste of that on 9/11/01 and I doubt any one of us would want to be in a place where buildings were crumbling around us. The superiority of our forces begs the question--couldn't we have taken Saddam Hussein out without going to war? Locally three very young men have giving their lives for this cause. They are gone. Would you sacrifice your son for this war? Its glib to say you support the war and then sit back while someone else's child fights for you.
We have demonstrated that we are far superior with our technology to anyone out there. Is war even necessary anymore?
I do stand with the Pope and his call for peace. I have prayed for peace and protection very actively since 9/11 awoke me from my complacency. I hope those who get angry at the notion of "praying for peace" will see that we are all ultimately wanting the same result but the question is how best to acheive it.
Has it been prayers or armaments that have won the day so far? Only God knows the answer to that.
I think he is fed up with some of the posts left in the comments here who accuse him of not caring about people.
I have restrained myself from showing pictures of children with amputated limbs and other horific civilian injuries etc on this site. I try to maintain a balance of presenting some objective view that I feel I have gotten from some of the international news networks. But there are a lot out there who think that those news agencies (most of whom are not involved in this war on either side) are the presenters of propaganda.
Then there are those who think that the decision to go to war has been vindicated because people are cheering the coalition forces, who have totally wiped out the Iraqi military. I have only to remind you that a few days ago when Saddam was in power they were cheering wildly for him. Under the threat of violence you say? Oh and I guess they don't feel that threat from us?
War is hell both for our troops and for the people who have to live through it. We have had a taste of that on 9/11/01 and I doubt any one of us would want to be in a place where buildings were crumbling around us. The superiority of our forces begs the question--couldn't we have taken Saddam Hussein out without going to war? Locally three very young men have giving their lives for this cause. They are gone. Would you sacrifice your son for this war? Its glib to say you support the war and then sit back while someone else's child fights for you.
We have demonstrated that we are far superior with our technology to anyone out there. Is war even necessary anymore?
I do stand with the Pope and his call for peace. I have prayed for peace and protection very actively since 9/11 awoke me from my complacency. I hope those who get angry at the notion of "praying for peace" will see that we are all ultimately wanting the same result but the question is how best to acheive it.
Has it been prayers or armaments that have won the day so far? Only God knows the answer to that.
Have the Moonies Infiltrated Afghanistan?
From Yahoo News:
Afghan boys sell seasonal flowers to motorists passing on the highway to Kabul, southwest of Bagram, Afghanistan, on Wednesay, April 9, 2003. The flower, locally known as laula, grows wild in the fields surrounding the villages and highway, some of which are still covered with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, posing a risk to the population.
From Yahoo News:
Afghan boys sell seasonal flowers to motorists passing on the highway to Kabul, southwest of Bagram, Afghanistan, on Wednesay, April 9, 2003. The flower, locally known as laula, grows wild in the fields surrounding the villages and highway, some of which are still covered with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, posing a risk to the population.
Nuns on the Run in Italy
From Yahoo! News :
Italian police said on Wednesday they were scouring the countryside for four nuns after a hit-and-run accident near the northern city of Bergamo.
The nuns, behind the wheel of a Citroen, ignored a stop sign at a crossroads and plowed into a Mercedes driven by a 63-year-old man, who escaped uninjured.
Instead of stopping as Italian law requires, the nuns sped off before anyone could even get a glimpse of their car registration.
From Yahoo! News :
Italian police said on Wednesday they were scouring the countryside for four nuns after a hit-and-run accident near the northern city of Bergamo.
The nuns, behind the wheel of a Citroen, ignored a stop sign at a crossroads and plowed into a Mercedes driven by a 63-year-old man, who escaped uninjured.
Instead of stopping as Italian law requires, the nuns sped off before anyone could even get a glimpse of their car registration.
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
Russian's Deny It
From Ananova - Russia says Saddam 'not at embassy':
Russia has denied reports that Saddam Hussein has been given refuge at the Russian Embassy in Baghdad.
A spokesman said the report "absolutely does not correspond with reality".
"Such statements absolutely do not and cannot correspond with reality," Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said.
"This is an attempt yet another time to place the Russian Embassy in Baghdad under threat."
From Ananova - Russia says Saddam 'not at embassy':
Russia has denied reports that Saddam Hussein has been given refuge at the Russian Embassy in Baghdad.
A spokesman said the report "absolutely does not correspond with reality".
"Such statements absolutely do not and cannot correspond with reality," Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said.
"This is an attempt yet another time to place the Russian Embassy in Baghdad under threat."
WHAT?
Pope John Paul shown here posing with a group of Italian Army soldiers said..." " (feel free to add your humorous comment)
You probably haven't heard anything about what the Pope condemned yesterday.
From Yahoo News:
Pope John Paul appealed to Congolese leaders on Wednesday to bring an end to "massacres and summary executions" in the African country where nearly 1,000 civilians were reported killed by rival tribesmen last week.
"I make a grief-stricken appeal to the responsible politicians...to commit themselves to stop the violence and abuses of power, putting aside personal interests and those of groups, with the cooperation of the international community," the 82-year-old Roman Catholic leader told pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square.
Witnesses told U.N. investigators 966 civilians were shot and hacked to death on Thursday in the Ituri province in what may have been the worst atrocity in the Democratic Republic of Congo's 4-1/2 year war.
It occurred a day after a final peace deal was signed by leading parties involved in the many-sided conflict, which at one point involved six foreign armies.
Pope John Paul shown here posing with a group of Italian Army soldiers said..." " (feel free to add your humorous comment)
You probably haven't heard anything about what the Pope condemned yesterday.
From Yahoo News:
Pope John Paul appealed to Congolese leaders on Wednesday to bring an end to "massacres and summary executions" in the African country where nearly 1,000 civilians were reported killed by rival tribesmen last week.
"I make a grief-stricken appeal to the responsible politicians...to commit themselves to stop the violence and abuses of power, putting aside personal interests and those of groups, with the cooperation of the international community," the 82-year-old Roman Catholic leader told pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square.
Witnesses told U.N. investigators 966 civilians were shot and hacked to death on Thursday in the Ituri province in what may have been the worst atrocity in the Democratic Republic of Congo's 4-1/2 year war.
It occurred a day after a final peace deal was signed by leading parties involved in the many-sided conflict, which at one point involved six foreign armies.
Thanks!
Thanks to Nancy Nall for linking to this blog yesterday and for mentioning my Mass book which she rightly identified as a kind of "dummies" book for Catholics. Nancy always has a unique take on life in these parts and is a worthy read everyday!
Thanks to Nancy Nall for linking to this blog yesterday and for mentioning my Mass book which she rightly identified as a kind of "dummies" book for Catholics. Nancy always has a unique take on life in these parts and is a worthy read everyday!
A Freed Baghdad Looks A Lot Like Detroit
From Yahoo News:
Witnessing Saddam Hussein's power slip away, hundreds of Iraqis rushed to take everything else Wednesday: They used pickup trucks and wheelbarrows to haul off everything from refrigerators to flower pots from government ministries, police stations and state companies.
Emboldened by the sight of U.S. troops taking control of the capital, they dared not only to loot but also to rejoice over Saddam's fall, to vandalize his image and to call him a criminal -- offenses that just days or weeks ago could have brought arrest, imprisonment, torture, even death at the hands of the secret police.
From Yahoo News:
Witnessing Saddam Hussein's power slip away, hundreds of Iraqis rushed to take everything else Wednesday: They used pickup trucks and wheelbarrows to haul off everything from refrigerators to flower pots from government ministries, police stations and state companies.
Emboldened by the sight of U.S. troops taking control of the capital, they dared not only to loot but also to rejoice over Saddam's fall, to vandalize his image and to call him a criminal -- offenses that just days or weeks ago could have brought arrest, imprisonment, torture, even death at the hands of the secret police.
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
Former Female Basketball Star Now Cloistered Nun
In honor of the Women's Championship Game tonight...
ajc.com | Sports | Pennefather heeds her calling
Once upon a lifetime ago, Shelly Pennefather was the sweetest of shooting stars, an All-American at Villanova and the 1987 national player of the year. Since 1991, she has lived here, in the Poor Clare Monastery, at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a very modest middle-class neighborhood.
Pennefather has taken her vows and the name Sister Rose Marie of the Queen of Angels. She renounced her worldly life, including a six-figure salary as a professional basketball star in Japan, to answer her true calling: To serve God as a cloistered Poor Clare nun...
...the Colettine Poor Clares are one of Catholicism's most austere orders. They sleep no longer than four hours at a time, eat one full meal a day and don't use phones, TVs, radios or any publications except religious texts. They sleep on a bed of straw; they're barefoot except for an hour each day, when they don sandals to walk into the courtyard, where they're allowed to converse with each other.
Poor Clares have little, if any, interaction with the outside world. During Lent, the order has virtually no contact at all. So when Sister Rose Marie spends this Sunday as she does every day -- primarily in prayer and meditation -- she'll probably be blissfully unaware of the Final Four semis.
In honor of the Women's Championship Game tonight...
ajc.com | Sports | Pennefather heeds her calling
Once upon a lifetime ago, Shelly Pennefather was the sweetest of shooting stars, an All-American at Villanova and the 1987 national player of the year. Since 1991, she has lived here, in the Poor Clare Monastery, at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a very modest middle-class neighborhood.
Pennefather has taken her vows and the name Sister Rose Marie of the Queen of Angels. She renounced her worldly life, including a six-figure salary as a professional basketball star in Japan, to answer her true calling: To serve God as a cloistered Poor Clare nun...
...the Colettine Poor Clares are one of Catholicism's most austere orders. They sleep no longer than four hours at a time, eat one full meal a day and don't use phones, TVs, radios or any publications except religious texts. They sleep on a bed of straw; they're barefoot except for an hour each day, when they don sandals to walk into the courtyard, where they're allowed to converse with each other.
Poor Clares have little, if any, interaction with the outside world. During Lent, the order has virtually no contact at all. So when Sister Rose Marie spends this Sunday as she does every day -- primarily in prayer and meditation -- she'll probably be blissfully unaware of the Final Four semis.
Positive Spin Award
In war the battle is waged in what the media reports (and neglects to report) as much as the actual bombs and bullets that fly in the battle field. During this short war we daily here of reports of chemical finds, cities occupied, and the death of Saddam only to be retracted a few hours later. The cycle has become predictable with the end result that it is hard to follow the news without being skeptical of anything that you are hearing is actual fact.
Last night the attack on Saddam Hussein was reported first of all on MSNBC and then quickly picked up by all of the news networks. They seemed unaware that video of the results of the attack were readily available. I had watched the video that was released about an hour after the "breaking story" about three hours before on the International News Network which had run the story as an attack on a "residential area" of Baghdad and therefore a place where civilian casualties had resulted. The American press which has avoided any reference to such stories evidently also missed out on having the video of the results that in fact turned out to be an attack on Saddam Hussein himself.
In the midst of all of this one wonders if the media will need to be "liberated" once this war is over with or has the government found a way to keep them under wraps? One has only to look at the almost comical reports of the Iraqi foreign minister who yards away from American tanks continues to give positive reports about the great successes the Iraqi military is enjoying. I say it is comical until you realize that our media is quickly becoming the same kind of joke.
Anyway the government, the church, corporations should all take notes on the positive spin this guy can put on the worst situation. So we give the "Positive Spin Award" to the Iraqi Information Minister, who Fox News has nicknamed Baghdad Bob but who's real name is Mohammed Saeed al Sahaf.
Today he has given a ultimatum to the American troops who must surrender he says or be burned in their tanks...
b>The Agonist Provides a Timeline for the Reporting of the Saddam Bombing
The Agonist:
1.) 7 April; 3 pm Baghdad time / 1:00 GMT / 7 AM EDT
Airstrike occurrs (according to NYT).
2.) 7 April; 18:35 GMT / 2:35 EDT
Reuters reports "Homes Razed..." (posted by The Agonist @ 3:37 PM EDT)
Other links to the story break:here, here and here.
3.) 8 April; 1:56 GMT / 9:56 PM EDT
Reuters reports "Saddam Targeted..."
4.) 8 April; 2:44 GMT / 10:44 PM EDT
Reuters reports "U.S. Bombs Target (Saddam)..."
(this article subsequently appended at 3:32 GMT).
In war the battle is waged in what the media reports (and neglects to report) as much as the actual bombs and bullets that fly in the battle field. During this short war we daily here of reports of chemical finds, cities occupied, and the death of Saddam only to be retracted a few hours later. The cycle has become predictable with the end result that it is hard to follow the news without being skeptical of anything that you are hearing is actual fact.
Last night the attack on Saddam Hussein was reported first of all on MSNBC and then quickly picked up by all of the news networks. They seemed unaware that video of the results of the attack were readily available. I had watched the video that was released about an hour after the "breaking story" about three hours before on the International News Network which had run the story as an attack on a "residential area" of Baghdad and therefore a place where civilian casualties had resulted. The American press which has avoided any reference to such stories evidently also missed out on having the video of the results that in fact turned out to be an attack on Saddam Hussein himself.
In the midst of all of this one wonders if the media will need to be "liberated" once this war is over with or has the government found a way to keep them under wraps? One has only to look at the almost comical reports of the Iraqi foreign minister who yards away from American tanks continues to give positive reports about the great successes the Iraqi military is enjoying. I say it is comical until you realize that our media is quickly becoming the same kind of joke.
Anyway the government, the church, corporations should all take notes on the positive spin this guy can put on the worst situation. So we give the "Positive Spin Award" to the Iraqi Information Minister, who Fox News has nicknamed Baghdad Bob but who's real name is Mohammed Saeed al Sahaf.
Today he has given a ultimatum to the American troops who must surrender he says or be burned in their tanks...
b>The Agonist Provides a Timeline for the Reporting of the Saddam Bombing
The Agonist:
1.) 7 April; 3 pm Baghdad time / 1:00 GMT / 7 AM EDT
Airstrike occurrs (according to NYT).
2.) 7 April; 18:35 GMT / 2:35 EDT
Reuters reports "Homes Razed..." (posted by The Agonist @ 3:37 PM EDT)
Other links to the story break:here, here and here.
3.) 8 April; 1:56 GMT / 9:56 PM EDT
Reuters reports "Saddam Targeted..."
4.) 8 April; 2:44 GMT / 10:44 PM EDT
Reuters reports "U.S. Bombs Target (Saddam)..."
(this article subsequently appended at 3:32 GMT).
The Future Freed Iraq?
Here is an item that will test the resolve of the coalition forces to allow the Iraqi people to "govern" themselves. A potential "Ayatollah Kohmeni" could be in Iraq's future if the majority Shia Muslim occupants of the country are give the "right to vote." This would make the future Iraq if it becomes a fundamentalist Muslim country a real threat to the United States--so I'm guessing that our "liberation" of the Iraqi people won't allow that to happen.
From BBC NEWS:
The leader of Iraq's main Shia Muslim opposition group, Ayatollah Mohammad-Baqer Hakim, announces he will return home after living in exile in neighboring Iran for more than two decades.
For an interview with the Ayatollah, here is one that MSNBC did awhile back.
Here is an item that will test the resolve of the coalition forces to allow the Iraqi people to "govern" themselves. A potential "Ayatollah Kohmeni" could be in Iraq's future if the majority Shia Muslim occupants of the country are give the "right to vote." This would make the future Iraq if it becomes a fundamentalist Muslim country a real threat to the United States--so I'm guessing that our "liberation" of the Iraqi people won't allow that to happen.
From BBC NEWS:
The leader of Iraq's main Shia Muslim opposition group, Ayatollah Mohammad-Baqer Hakim, announces he will return home after living in exile in neighboring Iran for more than two decades.
For an interview with the Ayatollah, here is one that MSNBC did awhile back.
Lenten Meditations
I continue to post daily meditations. I especially like today's post. You can visit this site by clicking here or on the picture of the "entrance gate" marked God Alone in the right hand column.
I continue to post daily meditations. I especially like today's post. You can visit this site by clicking here or on the picture of the "entrance gate" marked God Alone in the right hand column.
Monday, April 7, 2003
I'm Quoted in the Chicago Tribune
From Chicago Tribune | `A day of clouds and whirlwinds':
Sandstorms, dust storms, whirlwinds: All suggest more than a hint of an angry deity's wrath, of the earth itself being turned against its disobedient inhabitants. Little wonder, then, that some observers in the Arab world hailed last week's sandstorm as evidence of God's displeasure with the invaders.
No matter what one's political or religious perspective, however, a sandstorm must evoke awe at the wind's magnificent sculpting power, its relentless sweep and scoop and spin and push, turning day into night and night into chaos.
"It obliterates everything, creating darkness," says Michael Dubruiel, a Christian writer based in Ft. Wayne, Ind. "Sandstorms certainly make one think of a simpler faith where nothing happens without God willing it or allowing it. The `whirlwind' idea is standard not only in the Islamic faith, but in the Judeo-Christian tradition as well."
From Chicago Tribune | `A day of clouds and whirlwinds':
Sandstorms, dust storms, whirlwinds: All suggest more than a hint of an angry deity's wrath, of the earth itself being turned against its disobedient inhabitants. Little wonder, then, that some observers in the Arab world hailed last week's sandstorm as evidence of God's displeasure with the invaders.
No matter what one's political or religious perspective, however, a sandstorm must evoke awe at the wind's magnificent sculpting power, its relentless sweep and scoop and spin and push, turning day into night and night into chaos.
"It obliterates everything, creating darkness," says Michael Dubruiel, a Christian writer based in Ft. Wayne, Ind. "Sandstorms certainly make one think of a simpler faith where nothing happens without God willing it or allowing it. The `whirlwind' idea is standard not only in the Islamic faith, but in the Judeo-Christian tradition as well."
An Evangelical Preacher Asks "Where is our Humility?"
From Covenant News:
This spirit of faith and humility has seen us through the best and worst of times. True Christians are neither pompous in victory nor broken in defeat. We recognize that God is our hope and we rest in His sovereign will. We are also determined to follow His direction, and to resist those who try to supplant His authority. Anything less is pseudo-spirituality.
How is it, then, that in the face of a national crisis, it seems that the overwhelming majority of professing Christians today display not humility but overt arrogance? Instead of crying out for national repentance, we seem intoxicated with our own power and prosperity. Instead of recommitting ourselves to following God's laws, we seem determined to follow the Pied Pipers of self-glorification.
Christians in America seem almost fanatical about removing the speck from the eye of other nations while ignoring the beam in our own eye. Our petitions to God take the form of demands. We act as if God is our servant instead of the other way around. How long will God tolerate this insolence?
That God has blessed our country with superior wealth and power is no assurance that it will always be this way. We must never presume on God's patience or protection. What took two hundred years to build could be destroyed in two hundred days! With God, it is a small thing to build up or to pluck down. We are protected at His pleasure, not ours.
The national sins that plagued America before September 11, 2001, yet plague America today. There is no change in the overall direction of the country.
In fact, the pace of the race toward "big governmentism" (once known as socialism, fascism or communism) has quickened significantly. We are in more danger of losing our freedoms and liberties now than we were before those terrorist attacks. Furthermore, the principal threats are not from forces without, but from forces within, and Christians seem either oblivious or actually supportive of them.
Contrary to popular opinion, our leaders are taking us further away from constitutional government. The risks associated with many of our country's actions are huge. Despite the propaganda, America is vulnerable! We are vulnerable to the judgment of a righteous, omnipotent God!
Instead of beating our chests in pride and arrogance and exalting our own power and glory, we should be humbling ourselves before God and seeking His will. Our greatest threat is not al-Qaida, Iraq or Saddam Hussein. Our greatest threat is the judgment of God, and we have no army capable of victory against Him!
From Covenant News:
This spirit of faith and humility has seen us through the best and worst of times. True Christians are neither pompous in victory nor broken in defeat. We recognize that God is our hope and we rest in His sovereign will. We are also determined to follow His direction, and to resist those who try to supplant His authority. Anything less is pseudo-spirituality.
How is it, then, that in the face of a national crisis, it seems that the overwhelming majority of professing Christians today display not humility but overt arrogance? Instead of crying out for national repentance, we seem intoxicated with our own power and prosperity. Instead of recommitting ourselves to following God's laws, we seem determined to follow the Pied Pipers of self-glorification.
Christians in America seem almost fanatical about removing the speck from the eye of other nations while ignoring the beam in our own eye. Our petitions to God take the form of demands. We act as if God is our servant instead of the other way around. How long will God tolerate this insolence?
That God has blessed our country with superior wealth and power is no assurance that it will always be this way. We must never presume on God's patience or protection. What took two hundred years to build could be destroyed in two hundred days! With God, it is a small thing to build up or to pluck down. We are protected at His pleasure, not ours.
The national sins that plagued America before September 11, 2001, yet plague America today. There is no change in the overall direction of the country.
In fact, the pace of the race toward "big governmentism" (once known as socialism, fascism or communism) has quickened significantly. We are in more danger of losing our freedoms and liberties now than we were before those terrorist attacks. Furthermore, the principal threats are not from forces without, but from forces within, and Christians seem either oblivious or actually supportive of them.
Contrary to popular opinion, our leaders are taking us further away from constitutional government. The risks associated with many of our country's actions are huge. Despite the propaganda, America is vulnerable! We are vulnerable to the judgment of a righteous, omnipotent God!
Instead of beating our chests in pride and arrogance and exalting our own power and glory, we should be humbling ourselves before God and seeking His will. Our greatest threat is not al-Qaida, Iraq or Saddam Hussein. Our greatest threat is the judgment of God, and we have no army capable of victory against Him!
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