Justin never ended his quest for religious truth even when he converted to Christianity after years of studying various pagan philosophies.
As a young man, he was principally attracted to the school of Plato. However, he found that the Christian religion answered the great questions about life and existence better than the philosophers.
Upon his conversion he continued to wear the philosopher's mantle, and became the first Christian philosopher. He combined the Christian religion with the best elements in Greek philosophy. In his view, philosophy was a pedagogue of Christ, an educator that was to lead one to Christ.
Justin is known as an apologist, one who defends in writing the Christian religion against the attacks and misunderstandings of the pagans. Two of his so-called apologies have come down to us; they are addressed to the Roman emperor and to the Senate.
For his staunch adherence to the Christian religion, Justin was beheaded in Rome in 165.
Comment:
As patron of philosophers, Justin may inspire us to use our natural powers (especially our power to know and understand) in the service of Christ and to build up the Christian life within us. Since we are prone to error, especially in reference to the deep questions concerning life and existence, we should also be willing to correct and check our natural thinking in light of religious truth. Thus we will be able to say with the learned saints of the Church: I believe in order to understand, and I understand in order to believe.
Quote:
"Philosophy is the knowledge of that which exists, and a clear understanding of the truth; and happiness is the reward of such knowledge and understanding" (Justin, Dialogue with Trypho, 3).
Thursday, May 31, 2012
May 31 • The Visitation of Mary
This is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or 14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. The present date of celebration was set in 1969 in order to follow the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) and precede the Nativity of John the Baptist (June 24).
Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.
It is helpful to recall that we do not have a journalist’s account of this meeting. Rather, Luke, speaking for the Church, gives a prayerful poet’s rendition of the scene. Elizabeth’s praise of Mary as “the mother of my Lord” can be viewed as the earliest Church’s devotion to Mary. As with all authentic devotion to Mary, Elizabeth’s (the Church’s) words first praise God for what God has done to Mary. Only secondly does she praise Mary for trusting God’s words.
Then comes the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Here Mary herself (like the Church) traces all her greatness to God.
Comment:
One of the invocations in Mary’s litany is “Ark of the Covenant.” Like the Ark of the Covenant of old, Mary brings God’s presence into the lives of other people. As David danced before the Ark, John the Baptist leaps for joy. As the Ark helped to unite the 12 tribes of Israel by being placed in David’s capital, so Mary has the power to unite all Christians in her Son. At times, devotion to Mary may have occasioned some divisiveness, but we can hope that authentic devotion will lead all to Christ and therefore to one another.
Quote:
“Moved by charity, therefore, Mary goes to the house of her kinswoman.... While every word of Elizabeth’s is filled with meaning, her final words would seem to have a fundamental importance: ‘And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her from the Lord’ (Luke 1:45). These words can be linked with the title ‘full of grace’ of the angel’s greeting. Both of these texts reveal an essential Mariological content, namely the truth about Mary, who has become really present in the mystery of Christ precisely because she ‘has believed.’ The fullness of grace announced by the angel means the gift of God himself. Mary’s faith, proclaimed by Elizabeth at the visitation, indicates how the Virgin of Nazareth responded to this gift” (Pope John Paul II, The Mother of the Redeemer, 12).
Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.
It is helpful to recall that we do not have a journalist’s account of this meeting. Rather, Luke, speaking for the Church, gives a prayerful poet’s rendition of the scene. Elizabeth’s praise of Mary as “the mother of my Lord” can be viewed as the earliest Church’s devotion to Mary. As with all authentic devotion to Mary, Elizabeth’s (the Church’s) words first praise God for what God has done to Mary. Only secondly does she praise Mary for trusting God’s words.
Then comes the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Here Mary herself (like the Church) traces all her greatness to God.
Comment:
One of the invocations in Mary’s litany is “Ark of the Covenant.” Like the Ark of the Covenant of old, Mary brings God’s presence into the lives of other people. As David danced before the Ark, John the Baptist leaps for joy. As the Ark helped to unite the 12 tribes of Israel by being placed in David’s capital, so Mary has the power to unite all Christians in her Son. At times, devotion to Mary may have occasioned some divisiveness, but we can hope that authentic devotion will lead all to Christ and therefore to one another.
Quote:
“Moved by charity, therefore, Mary goes to the house of her kinswoman.... While every word of Elizabeth’s is filled with meaning, her final words would seem to have a fundamental importance: ‘And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her from the Lord’ (Luke 1:45). These words can be linked with the title ‘full of grace’ of the angel’s greeting. Both of these texts reveal an essential Mariological content, namely the truth about Mary, who has become really present in the mystery of Christ precisely because she ‘has believed.’ The fullness of grace announced by the angel means the gift of God himself. Mary’s faith, proclaimed by Elizabeth at the visitation, indicates how the Virgin of Nazareth responded to this gift” (Pope John Paul II, The Mother of the Redeemer, 12).
Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord working in her
From a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable, priest
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior. With these words Mary first acknowledges the special gifts she has been given. Then she recalls God’s universal favors, bestowed unceasingly on the human race.
When a man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he proclaims God’s greatness. His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart. His spirit rejoices in God his savior and delights in the mere recollection of his creator who gives him hope for eternal salvation.
These words are often for all God’s creations, but especially for the Mother of God. She alone was chosen, and she burned with spiritual love for the son she so joyously conceived. Above all other saints, she alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her savior, for she knew that he who was the source of eternal salvation would be born in time in her body, in one person both her own son and her Lord.
For the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Mary attributes nothing to her own merits. She refers all her greatness to the gift of the one whose essence is power and whose nature is greatness, for he fills with greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in him.
She did well to add: and holy is his name, to warn those who heard, and indeed all who would receive his words, that they must believe and call upon his name. For they too could share in everlasting holiness and true salvation according to the words of the prophet: and it will come to pass, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This is the name she spoke of earlier: and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
Therefore it is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary’s hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation.
Almighty ever-living God,
who, while the Blessed Virgin Mary
was carrying your Son in her womb,
inspired her to visit Elizabeth,
grant us, we pray, that,
faithful to the promptings of the Spirit,
we may magnify your greatness with the Virgin Mary at all times.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior. With these words Mary first acknowledges the special gifts she has been given. Then she recalls God’s universal favors, bestowed unceasingly on the human race.
When a man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he proclaims God’s greatness. His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart. His spirit rejoices in God his savior and delights in the mere recollection of his creator who gives him hope for eternal salvation.
These words are often for all God’s creations, but especially for the Mother of God. She alone was chosen, and she burned with spiritual love for the son she so joyously conceived. Above all other saints, she alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her savior, for she knew that he who was the source of eternal salvation would be born in time in her body, in one person both her own son and her Lord.
For the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Mary attributes nothing to her own merits. She refers all her greatness to the gift of the one whose essence is power and whose nature is greatness, for he fills with greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in him.
She did well to add: and holy is his name, to warn those who heard, and indeed all who would receive his words, that they must believe and call upon his name. For they too could share in everlasting holiness and true salvation according to the words of the prophet: and it will come to pass, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This is the name she spoke of earlier: and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
Therefore it is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary’s hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation.
Almighty ever-living God,
who, while the Blessed Virgin Mary
was carrying your Son in her womb,
inspired her to visit Elizabeth,
grant us, we pray, that,
faithful to the promptings of the Spirit,
we may magnify your greatness with the Virgin Mary at all times.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Psalm 23 funny
A Sunday school teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.
Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
today'sTHOT============================
Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was shut up.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
today'sTHOT============================
Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was shut up.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Lapse Man Standing
By W. Bruce Cameron
I'm convinced my brain is biodegrading.
Today I went to the grocery store at least, I think it was today. I had made a list of things I needed, but left the list at home. So I wandered the aisles, trying to remember what I had gone there to buy, finally deciding on coffee. Yes, that's it, coffee, because like most people my age I'm convinced that all I need is a little kick of caffeine and my brain will sputter to life!
I set off with firm purpose, but halted in the pet aisle, suddenly unsure that I had enough birdseed. If you've got a pet bird, you understand the problem here. If it's 10:00 PM and you're out of birdseed, you can't just order a pizza for your bird, even one with a sesame seed crust; you've got to head out into the cold and dark to find an all-night bird-food store, first fortifying yourself with a cup of coffee so you'll remember where you're going.
I finally decided not to pick up any bird seed, because (a) surely I'd remember if I were out, and (b) I don't own a bird.
I stopped at the dairy case, but didn't buy anything because I realized that actually I Can Believe It's Not Butter!
A little while later a clerk noticed me reading the label on some prenatal vitamins and asked if I needed help.
"Yes," I told him. "I'm looking for?" I made vague hand gestures, hoping he would somehow guess what I wanted, since I couldn't actually recall, myself.
He frowned. "You need a Bill O'Reilly action figure?"
I was pretty sure I already had one of those, but I didn't want to appear to have forgotten why I came to the grocery store. "Yes, and, um, marmalade to go with it."
I was following him when we passed the coffee display, and something trickled into my brain that felt very much akin to a thought. "Not marmalade! Coffee! That's what I meant!"
Joyously, I grabbed a bag of the stuff, pumping the hand of the clerk, who was glancing around as if to locate my legal guardian.
On the way to the cash register I walked up the pet aisle and paused in front of the birdseed, feeling troubled about something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
I paid for my purchase at checkout with a credit card because when I attempted to use my debit card I couldn't remember my PIN. Whistling cheerfully, I started to leave, but the checkout clerk summoned me back.
"Sir! You forgot your card."
I shook my head as if this was the first time in my life I'd ever done something so foolish. The clerk smiled at me when I retrieved my card and turned away, but called out to me when I'd only gone a few steps.
"Sir! Your coffee?"
I stopped. "My what?"
"Your coffee, sir."
I regarded her blankly. "My what?"
"You forgot your coffee."
We stared at each other until finally she sighed and held up the bag, shaking it gently.
"Oh, right! My coffee!" I laughed in a "this-is-our-little-joke" fashion. The security guard appeared at my elbow to make sure there were no additional problems.
In the parking lot, as I backed out of my space, I was startled by a thump on my hood, as if a bird had died of hunger in mid-flight and landed on my car. It turned out to be the bag of coffee, which I had left on my roof as I searched for five minutes for the keys I had been holding in my left hand.
I did not leave the coffee in my car when I got home; I drove with the bag tucked into my lap. However, because I set it down to try to find the house key that turned out to be in my left hand, I wound up leaving my purchase on the front stoop for half an hour. Eventually, I retrieved it and tried to put it in the freezer, but I couldn't there was no room.
It was full of coffee.
-----------------
From The Cameron Column, a free Internet newsletter:
http://www.wbrucecameron.com/
Copyright 2012 W. Bruce Cameron. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
today'sTHOT============================
Money does not talk. It goes without saying.
=======================================
I'm convinced my brain is biodegrading.
Today I went to the grocery store at least, I think it was today. I had made a list of things I needed, but left the list at home. So I wandered the aisles, trying to remember what I had gone there to buy, finally deciding on coffee. Yes, that's it, coffee, because like most people my age I'm convinced that all I need is a little kick of caffeine and my brain will sputter to life!
I set off with firm purpose, but halted in the pet aisle, suddenly unsure that I had enough birdseed. If you've got a pet bird, you understand the problem here. If it's 10:00 PM and you're out of birdseed, you can't just order a pizza for your bird, even one with a sesame seed crust; you've got to head out into the cold and dark to find an all-night bird-food store, first fortifying yourself with a cup of coffee so you'll remember where you're going.
I finally decided not to pick up any bird seed, because (a) surely I'd remember if I were out, and (b) I don't own a bird.
I stopped at the dairy case, but didn't buy anything because I realized that actually I Can Believe It's Not Butter!
A little while later a clerk noticed me reading the label on some prenatal vitamins and asked if I needed help.
"Yes," I told him. "I'm looking for?" I made vague hand gestures, hoping he would somehow guess what I wanted, since I couldn't actually recall, myself.
He frowned. "You need a Bill O'Reilly action figure?"
I was pretty sure I already had one of those, but I didn't want to appear to have forgotten why I came to the grocery store. "Yes, and, um, marmalade to go with it."
I was following him when we passed the coffee display, and something trickled into my brain that felt very much akin to a thought. "Not marmalade! Coffee! That's what I meant!"
Joyously, I grabbed a bag of the stuff, pumping the hand of the clerk, who was glancing around as if to locate my legal guardian.
On the way to the cash register I walked up the pet aisle and paused in front of the birdseed, feeling troubled about something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
I paid for my purchase at checkout with a credit card because when I attempted to use my debit card I couldn't remember my PIN. Whistling cheerfully, I started to leave, but the checkout clerk summoned me back.
"Sir! You forgot your card."
I shook my head as if this was the first time in my life I'd ever done something so foolish. The clerk smiled at me when I retrieved my card and turned away, but called out to me when I'd only gone a few steps.
"Sir! Your coffee?"
I stopped. "My what?"
"Your coffee, sir."
I regarded her blankly. "My what?"
"You forgot your coffee."
We stared at each other until finally she sighed and held up the bag, shaking it gently.
"Oh, right! My coffee!" I laughed in a "this-is-our-little-joke" fashion. The security guard appeared at my elbow to make sure there were no additional problems.
In the parking lot, as I backed out of my space, I was startled by a thump on my hood, as if a bird had died of hunger in mid-flight and landed on my car. It turned out to be the bag of coffee, which I had left on my roof as I searched for five minutes for the keys I had been holding in my left hand.
I did not leave the coffee in my car when I got home; I drove with the bag tucked into my lap. However, because I set it down to try to find the house key that turned out to be in my left hand, I wound up leaving my purchase on the front stoop for half an hour. Eventually, I retrieved it and tried to put it in the freezer, but I couldn't there was no room.
It was full of coffee.
-----------------
From The Cameron Column, a free Internet newsletter:
http://www.wbrucecameron.com/
Copyright 2012 W. Bruce Cameron. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
today'sTHOT============================
Money does not talk. It goes without saying.
=======================================
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"Am I being enough of a father?"
Yahoo Sports
Two weeks ago Torii Hunter's telephone rang, and it was bad news – horrifying news – about his oldest son.
Darius, 17, had been arrested in Texas, accused of sexual assault. The details, as they were told to Torii, were too ugly to comprehend.
This was the kid he'd moved from Michigan to Prosper, just north of Dallas, a couple years earlier. He'd wanted to watch Darius, borne of a previous relationship, become a man, and maybe help. Because he was holding down a job that meant heavy travel, Torii had missed enough as it was, and so had Darius, so maybe they'd grow up a little together.
Darius was gaining on that, too. He'd become a star football player at Prosper High, good enough to be thinking big: LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M and Arkansas, maybe. His grades were fine. His talent just might play.
Last week, Texas Tech and Utah said they were still in.
"Don't know about the others," Torii said.
Torii had seen plenty of bad kids along the way, maybe even strayed himself once in a while, but Darius, Darius was a good kid. When the family went to the Bahamas on vacation, Torii gave each of his three sons $100 and told them to go have fun, but make it last.
"My boys aren't spoiled," he said. "I make them earn everything they get."
A couple hours later, Darius was back, asking his dad for a few more dollars.
"What'd you do with the hundred bucks?" Torii demanded.
When Darius shrugged, one of his brothers came clean. "He gave fifty to some homeless guy."
It's the prism through which we choose to see our sons, of course. We want so desperately for them to grow up strong and accountable, for them to offer a hand to the weak. To be courageous and sympathetic and tough and warm-hearted.
There are few who live up to it entirely, but many more who try, and that's really what Torii expected of his boys, to try to be men when it's so much easier to leave the world to itself.
He left the Angels for two weeks to go home and stand with his son, and cry with him, and guide him through whatever was coming. He returned convinced that Darius is a good kid, that whatever happened in that room with that girl was more innocent than it sounded in the newspapers. They have a tape, and his word, and the people in the room have their words, the girl hers', and the truth is in there somewhere.
While the Angels played on, Torii was fathering his boy. They played their 16th game without him Monday night and the truth is, Torii still isn't sure he should be here. It's just all so terrible – for the girl, for Darius, for everyone involved, for what they'll drag along with them from here.
Torii and players like him, they've chosen their course. They make their money and take their celebrity. But it can come at a cost, and that's the guilt that pulled at Torii on his flight to Dallas, and what kept him up late when he got there, and what pulled at him again when he returned to Anaheim for a baseball game. He's not alone in that, either.
Andy Pettitte once went home. Not because he believed he couldn't pitch anymore, but because of what was home – three sons and a daughter.
"Am I being enough of a father?" he'd asked himself.
Read more...
Two weeks ago Torii Hunter's telephone rang, and it was bad news – horrifying news – about his oldest son.
Darius, 17, had been arrested in Texas, accused of sexual assault. The details, as they were told to Torii, were too ugly to comprehend.
This was the kid he'd moved from Michigan to Prosper, just north of Dallas, a couple years earlier. He'd wanted to watch Darius, borne of a previous relationship, become a man, and maybe help. Because he was holding down a job that meant heavy travel, Torii had missed enough as it was, and so had Darius, so maybe they'd grow up a little together.
Darius was gaining on that, too. He'd become a star football player at Prosper High, good enough to be thinking big: LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M and Arkansas, maybe. His grades were fine. His talent just might play.
Last week, Texas Tech and Utah said they were still in.
"Don't know about the others," Torii said.
Torii had seen plenty of bad kids along the way, maybe even strayed himself once in a while, but Darius, Darius was a good kid. When the family went to the Bahamas on vacation, Torii gave each of his three sons $100 and told them to go have fun, but make it last.
"My boys aren't spoiled," he said. "I make them earn everything they get."
A couple hours later, Darius was back, asking his dad for a few more dollars.
"What'd you do with the hundred bucks?" Torii demanded.
When Darius shrugged, one of his brothers came clean. "He gave fifty to some homeless guy."
It's the prism through which we choose to see our sons, of course. We want so desperately for them to grow up strong and accountable, for them to offer a hand to the weak. To be courageous and sympathetic and tough and warm-hearted.
There are few who live up to it entirely, but many more who try, and that's really what Torii expected of his boys, to try to be men when it's so much easier to leave the world to itself.
He left the Angels for two weeks to go home and stand with his son, and cry with him, and guide him through whatever was coming. He returned convinced that Darius is a good kid, that whatever happened in that room with that girl was more innocent than it sounded in the newspapers. They have a tape, and his word, and the people in the room have their words, the girl hers', and the truth is in there somewhere.
While the Angels played on, Torii was fathering his boy. They played their 16th game without him Monday night and the truth is, Torii still isn't sure he should be here. It's just all so terrible – for the girl, for Darius, for everyone involved, for what they'll drag along with them from here.
Torii and players like him, they've chosen their course. They make their money and take their celebrity. But it can come at a cost, and that's the guilt that pulled at Torii on his flight to Dallas, and what kept him up late when he got there, and what pulled at him again when he returned to Anaheim for a baseball game. He's not alone in that, either.
Andy Pettitte once went home. Not because he believed he couldn't pitch anymore, but because of what was home – three sons and a daughter.
"Am I being enough of a father?" he'd asked himself.
Read more...
From Florida judge to Catholic priest
From TBO.com
Among his tight circle of friends, they've been calling Tim Corcoran "Father Timmy" for quite some time. It was a little tongue-in-cheek, but it always made Corcoran smile.
"They got a kick out of it," he says with his impish grin. So did he. But now, it's finally true. For the record, he prefers "Father Tim."
He's had a colorful adult life. A stint in the Navy that included combat duty in Vietnam at the same time his career-Marine father served. And his distinguished legal career included a law practice, a 14-year judgeship on the federal bench for the Middle District of Florida and service as a certified mediator.
At age 62, with retirement within his grasp, and the chance to golf and sail and play bridge to his heart's content, he did something most men of a certain age would never consider.
He entered the seminary to become a priest.
Last week, Corcoran completed the first leg of his late-in-life journey. Just days after his graduation from Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Boston, he was ordained by Bishop Robert Lynch in the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, culminating a call to ministry that first beckoned him years ago. In July, he reports to his first priestly assignment as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin.
As a judge, he was used to being in charge, giving orders. He had a reputation for being a stickler for details, which didn't always go well with lawyers who faced him in court. In his new role, a more humble and empathic Corcoran will answer to his bishop and his congregants. He will talk less and listen more.
Life will be different, to be sure.
"Now the Lord is in charge," Corcoran says.
Read more...
Morning Prayer: Lord, you know me...let me know you
Let me come to know you even as I am known. You are the strength of my soul; enter it and make it a place suitable for your dwelling, a possession without spot or blemish. This is my hope and the reason I speak. In this hope I rejoice, when I rejoice rightly. As for the other things of this life, the less they deserve tears, the more likely will they be lamented; and the more they deserve tears, the less likely will men sorrow for them. For behold, you have loved the truth, because the one who does what is true enters into the light. I wish to do this truth before you alone by praising you, and before a multitude of witnesses by writing of you.
O Lord, the depths of a man’s conscience lie exposed before your eyes. Could anything remain hidden in me, even though I did not want to confess it to you? In that case I would only be hiding you from myself, not myself from you. But now my sighs are sufficient evidence that I am displeased with myself; that you are my light and the source of my joy; that you are loved and desired. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself; I have renounced myself and chosen you, recognizing that I can please neither you nor myself unless you enable me to do so.
Whoever I may be, Lord, I lie exposed to your scrutiny. I have already told of the profit I gain when I confess to you. And I do not make my confession with bodily words, bodily speech, but with the words of my soul and the cry of my mind which you hear and understand. When I am wicked, my confession to you is an expression of displeasure with myself. But when I do good, it consists in not attributing this goodness to myself. For you, O Lord, bless the just man, but first you justify the wicked. And so I make my confession before you in silence, and yet not in silence. My voice is silent, but my heart cries out.
You, O Lord, are my judge. For though no one knows a man’s innermost self except the man’s own spirit within him, yet there is something in a man which even his own spirit does not know. But you know all of him, for you have made him. As for me, I despise myself in your sight, knowing that I am but dust and ashes; yet I know something of you that I do not know of myself.
True, we see now indistinctly as in a mirror, but not yet face to face. Therefore, so long as I am in exile from you, I am more present to myself than to you. Yet I do know that you cannot be overcome, while I am uncertain which temptations I can resist and which I cannot. Nevertheless, I have hope, because you are faithful and do not allow us to be tempted beyond our endurance, but along with the temptation you give us the means to withstand it.
I will confess, therefore, what I know of myself, and also what I do not know. The knowledge that I have of myself, I possess because you have enlightened me; while the knowledge of myself that I do not yet possess will not be mine until my darkness shall be made as the noonday sun before your face.
Grant us,
O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
From the Confessions of Saint Augustine, bishop
O Lord, the depths of a man’s conscience lie exposed before your eyes. Could anything remain hidden in me, even though I did not want to confess it to you? In that case I would only be hiding you from myself, not myself from you. But now my sighs are sufficient evidence that I am displeased with myself; that you are my light and the source of my joy; that you are loved and desired. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself; I have renounced myself and chosen you, recognizing that I can please neither you nor myself unless you enable me to do so.
Whoever I may be, Lord, I lie exposed to your scrutiny. I have already told of the profit I gain when I confess to you. And I do not make my confession with bodily words, bodily speech, but with the words of my soul and the cry of my mind which you hear and understand. When I am wicked, my confession to you is an expression of displeasure with myself. But when I do good, it consists in not attributing this goodness to myself. For you, O Lord, bless the just man, but first you justify the wicked. And so I make my confession before you in silence, and yet not in silence. My voice is silent, but my heart cries out.
You, O Lord, are my judge. For though no one knows a man’s innermost self except the man’s own spirit within him, yet there is something in a man which even his own spirit does not know. But you know all of him, for you have made him. As for me, I despise myself in your sight, knowing that I am but dust and ashes; yet I know something of you that I do not know of myself.
True, we see now indistinctly as in a mirror, but not yet face to face. Therefore, so long as I am in exile from you, I am more present to myself than to you. Yet I do know that you cannot be overcome, while I am uncertain which temptations I can resist and which I cannot. Nevertheless, I have hope, because you are faithful and do not allow us to be tempted beyond our endurance, but along with the temptation you give us the means to withstand it.
I will confess, therefore, what I know of myself, and also what I do not know. The knowledge that I have of myself, I possess because you have enlightened me; while the knowledge of myself that I do not yet possess will not be mine until my darkness shall be made as the noonday sun before your face.
Grant us,
O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
From the Confessions of Saint Augustine, bishop
Mother Teresa and The Paradox of Love
The paradox of living in the moment is -
how to be happy today and prepare for tomorrow.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
The word "love" can become devalued. We quit treating love as the action that it is, and view it as a just a word, just a feeling, just something we say to get what we want or to justify our actions. But as it has been said, if we do not accept God's love for us, we cannot love him. Blessed Teresa's comment is key - we must not withhold our love or our willingness to be loved because we fear pain; we must trust that to truly love or be loved will not lead to pain, but to deeper communion with the Lord, who is Love.
Goal post funny
Little Dewey was at football practice one day and the coach said "Who here thinks they can jump higher than the goal posts"
Immediately little Dewey said, "Ooh me sir, me!"
The coach then said, "But Dewey you're the worst player on the team!"
Then Dewey said, "I know, but goalposts can't jump!"
[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]
today'sTHOT============================
In the future, I'll tell my grandchildren that I am older than the internet and blow their minds forever.
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Immediately little Dewey said, "Ooh me sir, me!"
The coach then said, "But Dewey you're the worst player on the team!"
Then Dewey said, "I know, but goalposts can't jump!"
[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]
today'sTHOT============================
In the future, I'll tell my grandchildren that I am older than the internet and blow their minds forever.
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Monday, May 28, 2012
How does a person seek union with God?
"How does a person seek union with God?" the seeker asked.
"The harder you seek," the teacher said, "the more distance you create between God and you."
"So what does one do about the distance?"
"Understand that it isn't there," the teacher said.
"Does that mean that God and I are one?" the seeker said.
"Not one. Not two."
"How is that possible?" the seeker asked.
"The sun and its light, the ocean and the wave, the singer and his song.--Not one. Not two."
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Remember...What They Gave For Us
As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open.
The old man was looking at t he engine. I put my groceries away in my car, and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty five feet away.
I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too, and took a few steps towards him.
I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade. He then turned back to the old man. I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying: "You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age." And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.
I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief, and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine.
He then went to his wife and spoke with her; he appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough, and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight, and as I got near him I said, "Looks like you're having a problem."
He smiled sheepishly, and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself, and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around, I saw a gas station up the road, and I told the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went I inside. I saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them, and related the problem the old man had with his car. I offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him.
The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine), I spoke with the old gentleman.
When I shook hands with him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine, too. I nodded and asked the usual question, "What outfit did you serve with?"
He said that he served with the First Marine Division at Guadalcanal Pelieliu, and Okinawa.
He had hit three of the worst ones, and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me. I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card.
He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it, and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again, and I said my goodbyes to his wife.
I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station, I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me.
One of them pulled out a card from his pocket, looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off.
For some reason I had gone about two blocks, when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name was written: Congressional Medal of Honor Society. I sat there motionless, looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage, and an honor to have been in his presence.
Remember, as we approach another Memorial Day, old men like him gave you, and all of us, FREEDOM for America. Thanks to those who served and still serve, and to all of those who supported them, and who continue to support them.
today'sTHOT============================
Prayer is not just a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is also a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.
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UK fan's Anthony Davis cereal portrait
How many boxes of Kix and Reese’s Puffs do you suppose it takes to create that eyebrow?
Of all the excellent fan creations we’ve seen, this may be the best. Self-proclaimed die-hard Kentucky Wildcats fan Danny Palmer spent about two weeks making a 4×4 portrait of former Wildcats forward Anthony Davis … and he did it using nothing but cereal.
Palmer told LBS he used about three boxes of Kix and Reese’s Puffs, and he says he also used some Cap’n Crunch for the ear rings.
I thought the gigantic Tebowing snowman was the best fan creation I’d seen until this.
Do we marvel or salivate over this fine work of art? Well done Mr. Palmer, well done.
H/T Kentucky Sports Radio
Photo Credit: Danny Palmer
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Boy in pool funny
A mother was watching her four year-old son playing outside in a small plastic pool half-filled with water. He was happily walking back and forth across the pool, making big splashes.
Suddenly, the little boy stopped, stepped out of the pool, and began to scoop water out of the pool with a pail.
"Why are you pouring the water out, dear?" asked the mother.
"Because my teacher said Jesus walked on water, and this water doesn't work," he replied.
today'sTHOT============================
Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but she can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.
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Suddenly, the little boy stopped, stepped out of the pool, and began to scoop water out of the pool with a pail.
"Why are you pouring the water out, dear?" asked the mother.
"Because my teacher said Jesus walked on water, and this water doesn't work," he replied.
today'sTHOT============================
Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but she can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012
wife and meeting funny
The wife heard her husband come back into the house not too long after he had left.
She said, "Hon, I thought you were going to your lodge meeting."
"It was postponed," he replied. "The Grand Exalted Invincible Supreme Potentate's wife wouldn't let him attend tonight."
today'sTHOT============================
A cartoonist was found dead in his home. Details are sketchy.
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She said, "Hon, I thought you were going to your lodge meeting."
"It was postponed," he replied. "The Grand Exalted Invincible Supreme Potentate's wife wouldn't let him attend tonight."
today'sTHOT============================
A cartoonist was found dead in his home. Details are sketchy.
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A car in the ditch funny
An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse, named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move.
Then the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy didn't respond.
Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Coco, pull!"
Nothing.
Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.
The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.
The farmer said, "Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try."
today'sTHOT============================
Q: What do you call a fish with no eyes?
A: A fsh.
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Then the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy didn't respond.
Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Coco, pull!"
Nothing.
Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.
The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.
The farmer said, "Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try."
today'sTHOT============================
Q: What do you call a fish with no eyes?
A: A fsh.
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Monday, May 21, 2012
The Living Water of the Holy Spirit
The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of living water, welling up into eternal life. This is a new kind of water, a living, leaping water, welling up for those who are worthy. But why did Christ call the grace of the Spirit water? Because all things are dependent on water; plants and animals have their origin in water. Water comes down from heaven as rain, and although it is always the same in itself, it produces many different effects, one in the palm tree, another in the vine, and so on throughout the whole of creation. It does not come down, now as one thing, now as another, but while remaining essentially the same, it adapts itself to the needs of every creature that receives it.
In the same way the Holy Spirit, whose nature is always the same, simple and indivisible, apportions grace to each man as he wills. Like a dry tree which puts forth shoots when watered, the soul bears the fruit of holiness when repentance has made it worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit. Although the Spirit never changes, the effects of this action, by the will of God and in the name of Christ, are both many and marvelous. The Spirit makes one man a teacher of divine truth, inspires another to prophesy, gives another the power of casting out devils, enables another to interpret holy Scripture. The Spirit strengthens one man’s self-control, shows another how to help the poor, teaches another to fast and lead a life of asceticism, makes another oblivious to the needs of the body, trains another for martyrdom. His action is different in different people, but the Spirit himself is always the same. In each person, Scripture says, the Spirit reveals his presence in a particular way for the common good.
The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for he is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as he approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well.
As light strikes the eyes of a man who comes out of darkness into the sunshine and enables him to see clearly things he could not discern before, so light floods the soul of the man counted worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit and enables him to see things beyond the range of human vision, things hitherto undreamed of.
May the power of the Holy Spirit
come to us, we pray, O Lord,
that we may keep your will faithfully in mind
and express it in a devout way of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
A Samaritan Funny
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan.
She asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence: "I think I'd throw up."
[forwarded by Jerry Lambert]
today'sTHOT============================
Help someone when they are in trouble and he will remember you when he's in trouble again.
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She asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence: "I think I'd throw up."
[forwarded by Jerry Lambert]
today'sTHOT============================
Help someone when they are in trouble and he will remember you when he's in trouble again.
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Friday, May 18, 2012
What things can you do to help your children embrace their faith and not fall away?
Following up on a post from earlier this week over at the Saint Joseph Vanguard the writer surveys what specific things can you do to help your children embrace their faith and not fall away?
Read the entire article from Saint Joseph Vanguard here...
Things Learned With Time
~ I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
~ I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
~ I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
~ I've learned that people will forget what you said... people will forget what you did... but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
~ I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
~ I've learned that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
~ I've learned that money doesn't buy class.
~ I've learned that under someone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
~ I've learned that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
~ I've learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
~ I've learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
~ I've learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
~ I've learned that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may
have to eat them.
~ I've learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
~ I've learned that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
~ I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
today'sTHOT============================
It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.
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~ I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
~ I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
~ I've learned that people will forget what you said... people will forget what you did... but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
~ I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
~ I've learned that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
~ I've learned that money doesn't buy class.
~ I've learned that under someone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
~ I've learned that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
~ I've learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
~ I've learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
~ I've learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
~ I've learned that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may
have to eat them.
~ I've learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
~ I've learned that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
~ I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
today'sTHOT============================
It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.
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Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Preacher's Wife's Parrot
The preacher's wife was in an exotic pet store and she discovered a sign on a cage that said, "Parrot for Sale, $9.95 ... includes cage."
She just could not pass up such a bargain, but she asked the clerk why the parrot was so cheap.
"This parrot used to use the foulest language. We have been retraining him, but we can't guarantee anything. That is why he is so cheap.
The preacher's wife still thought it was a good deal, so she bought the parrot and the cage, took him home, and hung the cage in the kitchen.
She said, "Polly want a cracker?" The parrot started using some of the foulest language she had ever heard ... some words she had never even heard before.
She opened the cage, grabbed the parrot by the throat, stuffed him into the freezer and slammed the door. In a few minutes, she opened the freezer door. The parrot's feathers were ruffled from the cold, but he was okay otherwise.
"You use those words around me again, and I'll give you more of the same!" The bird nodded but said nothing.
The next day she had a group of widows over for a prayer meeting. Convinced the parrot had learned his lesson, she brought his cage into the living room to show him off.
During prayer time, the parrot cut loose again. The ladies were so embarrassed. The preacher's wife opened the cage, grabbed the parrot by the throat, and stuffed him into the freezer again.
This time she left him in there about twice as long as before. When she opened the freezer, this time there was frost on his beak. She pulled him out of the freezer and returned him to his cage. The parrot said nothing until all of the ladies had gone.
"Can I ask you a question, ma'am?" the parrot asked.
"What is it?" the preacher's wife answered.
"What did that turkey in there say?"
today'sTHOT============================
My brain is like a sponge. Full of holes.
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She just could not pass up such a bargain, but she asked the clerk why the parrot was so cheap.
"This parrot used to use the foulest language. We have been retraining him, but we can't guarantee anything. That is why he is so cheap.
The preacher's wife still thought it was a good deal, so she bought the parrot and the cage, took him home, and hung the cage in the kitchen.
She said, "Polly want a cracker?" The parrot started using some of the foulest language she had ever heard ... some words she had never even heard before.
She opened the cage, grabbed the parrot by the throat, stuffed him into the freezer and slammed the door. In a few minutes, she opened the freezer door. The parrot's feathers were ruffled from the cold, but he was okay otherwise.
"You use those words around me again, and I'll give you more of the same!" The bird nodded but said nothing.
The next day she had a group of widows over for a prayer meeting. Convinced the parrot had learned his lesson, she brought his cage into the living room to show him off.
During prayer time, the parrot cut loose again. The ladies were so embarrassed. The preacher's wife opened the cage, grabbed the parrot by the throat, and stuffed him into the freezer again.
This time she left him in there about twice as long as before. When she opened the freezer, this time there was frost on his beak. She pulled him out of the freezer and returned him to his cage. The parrot said nothing until all of the ladies had gone.
"Can I ask you a question, ma'am?" the parrot asked.
"What is it?" the preacher's wife answered.
"What did that turkey in there say?"
today'sTHOT============================
My brain is like a sponge. Full of holes.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Someone should etch these words in granite!
Someone has written these beautiful words. Must read and try to understand the deep meaning of it. They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time.
If you really enjoy this, please pass to others. It may brighten someone's day.
1) Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.
2) A Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.
3) Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.
4) All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.
5) Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!
6) Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!
7) When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
8) A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"
9) When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
10) WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.
If you really enjoy this, please pass to others. It may brighten someone's day.
A Prowler Funny
A man awoke one evening to discover prowlers in his storage shed. He immediately called 911, gave his address, to report the prowlers and possible burglary.
The operator at the other end said "Are they in your house?" He said they were not, only in his storage shed in back of the house. The operator said there were no cars available at that time.
He thanked the operator, hung up the phone and counted to 30 and called again. "I just called you about prowlers in my storage shed. Well you do not have to worry, as I just shot them all dead!"
Within seconds there were 3 police cars, an ambulance and fire engine at the scene.
After capturing the prowlers red-handed, the policeman asked the caller, "I thought you said you had shot them all!"
The man answered, "I thought you said there were no police available!"
[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]
today'sTHOT============================
My friend thinks he knows everything. He said that onions were the only food that makes you cry. So I threw a coconut at his head.
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The operator at the other end said "Are they in your house?" He said they were not, only in his storage shed in back of the house. The operator said there were no cars available at that time.
He thanked the operator, hung up the phone and counted to 30 and called again. "I just called you about prowlers in my storage shed. Well you do not have to worry, as I just shot them all dead!"
Within seconds there were 3 police cars, an ambulance and fire engine at the scene.
After capturing the prowlers red-handed, the policeman asked the caller, "I thought you said you had shot them all!"
The man answered, "I thought you said there were no police available!"
[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]
today'sTHOT============================
My friend thinks he knows everything. He said that onions were the only food that makes you cry. So I threw a coconut at his head.
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Monday, May 14, 2012
May 15 Saint Isidore the Farmer
Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference.
When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child.
Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long.
He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.”
Comment:
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Quote:
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.... See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food’” (Genesis 1:28a, 29–30a).
Patron Saint of:
Farmers
Laborers
When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child.
Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long.
He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.”
Comment:
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Quote:
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.... See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food’” (Genesis 1:28a, 29–30a).
Patron Saint of:
Farmers
Laborers
WHY YOU SHOULD MARRY A GOOD SPELLER
A dog attacks a lady and the husband calls 911.
The operator asks, "Where are you at?"
The husband replies, "I'm on Eucolipstic Road."
The operator asks, "Can you spell that for me?"
"Um, well - er...I'll just drag her over to Oak Street so you can you pick her up there"
today'sTHOT============================
I just got a call from a charity asking me to donate some of my clothes to the starving people around the world. I told them to forget it. Anybody who fits into my clothes ain't starving.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
The operator asks, "Where are you at?"
The husband replies, "I'm on Eucolipstic Road."
The operator asks, "Can you spell that for me?"
"Um, well - er...I'll just drag her over to Oak Street so you can you pick her up there"
today'sTHOT============================
I just got a call from a charity asking me to donate some of my clothes to the starving people around the world. I told them to forget it. Anybody who fits into my clothes ain't starving.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Sunday, May 13, 2012
May 14 • St. Matthias
According to Acts 1:15-26, during the days after the Ascension, Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (about 120 of Jesus’ followers). Now that Judas had betrayed his ministry, it was necessary, Peter said, to fulfill the scriptural recommendation that another should take his office. “Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22).
They nominated two men: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. They prayed and drew lots. The choice fell upon Matthias, who was added to the Eleven.
Matthias is not mentioned by name anywhere else in the New Testament.
Comment:
What was the holiness of Matthias? Obviously he was suited for apostleship by the experience of being with Jesus from his baptism to his ascension. He must also have been suited personally, or he would not have been nominated for so great a responsibility. Must we not remind ourselves that the fundamental holiness of Matthias was his receiving gladly the relationship with the Father offered him by Jesus and completed by the Holy Spirit? If the apostles are the foundations of our faith by their witness, they must also be reminders, if only implicitly, that holiness is entirely a matter of God’s giving, and it is offered to all, in the everyday circumstances of life. We receive, and even for this God supplies the power of freedom.
Quote:
Jesus speaks of the apostles’ function of being judges, that is, rulers. He said, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).
They nominated two men: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. They prayed and drew lots. The choice fell upon Matthias, who was added to the Eleven.
Matthias is not mentioned by name anywhere else in the New Testament.
Comment:
What was the holiness of Matthias? Obviously he was suited for apostleship by the experience of being with Jesus from his baptism to his ascension. He must also have been suited personally, or he would not have been nominated for so great a responsibility. Must we not remind ourselves that the fundamental holiness of Matthias was his receiving gladly the relationship with the Father offered him by Jesus and completed by the Holy Spirit? If the apostles are the foundations of our faith by their witness, they must also be reminders, if only implicitly, that holiness is entirely a matter of God’s giving, and it is offered to all, in the everyday circumstances of life. We receive, and even for this God supplies the power of freedom.
Quote:
Jesus speaks of the apostles’ function of being judges, that is, rulers. He said, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Our Lady of Fatima
Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. (See February 20 entry for Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto). Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace, for the end of World War I, for sinners and for the conversion of Russia. The third visionary, Lucia dos Santos, became a Carmelite nun and died in 2005 at the age of 97.
Mary gave the children three secrets. Since Francisco died in 1919 and Jacinta the following year, Lucia revealed the first secret in 1927, concerning devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell.
Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a "bishop in white" who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981.
The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church's worldwide calendar in 2002.
Comment:
The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary's request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia agreed that Pope John Paul II's public consecration in St. Peter's Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary's request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a June 26, 2000, document explaining the “third secret” (available at www.vatican.va).
Mary is perfectly honored when people generously imitate her response “Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38). Mary can never be seen as a rival to Jesus or to the Church's teaching authority, as exercised by the college of bishops united with the bishop of Rome.
Quote:
“Throughout history there have been supernatural apparitions and signs which go to the heart of human events and which, to the surprise of believers and non-believers alike, play their part in the unfolding of history. These manifestations can never contradict the content of faith and must, therefore, have their focus in the core of Christ's proclamation: the Father's love which leads men and women to conversion and bestows the grace required to abandon oneself to him with filial devotion. This too is the message of Fatima which, with its urgent call to conversion and penance, draws us to the heart of the Gospel” (The Message of Fatima, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, June 26, 2000).
Mary gave the children three secrets. Since Francisco died in 1919 and Jacinta the following year, Lucia revealed the first secret in 1927, concerning devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell.
Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a "bishop in white" who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981.
The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church's worldwide calendar in 2002.
Comment:
The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary's request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia agreed that Pope John Paul II's public consecration in St. Peter's Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary's request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a June 26, 2000, document explaining the “third secret” (available at www.vatican.va).
Mary is perfectly honored when people generously imitate her response “Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38). Mary can never be seen as a rival to Jesus or to the Church's teaching authority, as exercised by the college of bishops united with the bishop of Rome.
Quote:
“Throughout history there have been supernatural apparitions and signs which go to the heart of human events and which, to the surprise of believers and non-believers alike, play their part in the unfolding of history. These manifestations can never contradict the content of faith and must, therefore, have their focus in the core of Christ's proclamation: the Father's love which leads men and women to conversion and bestows the grace required to abandon oneself to him with filial devotion. This too is the message of Fatima which, with its urgent call to conversion and penance, draws us to the heart of the Gospel” (The Message of Fatima, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, June 26, 2000).
Vatican: "Married permanent deacons are not bound to observe perfect and perpetual continence"...
Deacon Greg Kendra
Married deacons: it’s okay. You can have sex with your wives.
Somehow, this slipped under the radar a few months back. There’s been much debate, here and elsewhere, about the canon law requiring all clergy, including married deacons in the Latin rite, to observe continence and abstain from sex. In January, the USCCB issued the following letter to bishops...
In January, the USCCB issued the following letter to bishops, from Bishop Robert Carlson (Chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations) and Archbishop Timothy Broglio (Chairman of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance). Someone just emailed it to me, and I thought it worth posting in its entirety (emphasis my own):
+++
In recent months, published opinions have appeared in scholarly journals and on Internet blogs that have raised questions about the observance of diaconal continence by married permanent deacons in the Latin Catholic Church. The opinions have suggested that the clerical obligation to observe “perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (c. 277, §1 CIC) remains binding upon married permanent deacons, despite the dispensation provided to them in canon law from the obligation to observe celibacy (c. 1042, 1° CIC).
In response to repeated requests for an authoritative clarification on this matter, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations and the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance requested the assistance of the USCCB President in seeking a clarification from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.
Earlier this week, we were informed that Cardinal-designate Francesco Coccopalmerio, President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, with Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, Secretary, has forwarded to Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan the Pontifical Council’s observations on the matter (Prot. N. 13095/2011). The observations, which were formulated in consultation with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, clarify that married permanent deacons are not bound to observe perfect and perpetual continence, as long as their marriage lasts.
Should you have any questions about this response, please contact Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. In addition, please feel free to share this response with those within your diocesan curia who will find it helpful.
+++
I’m reminded of an old joke.
A devout Catholic asks his parish priest, “Father is it permissible for my wife and I to make love before Mass on Sunday?”
And the priest replied: ”Certainly. Just don’t block the aisles.”
I
Married deacons: it’s okay. You can have sex with your wives.
Somehow, this slipped under the radar a few months back. There’s been much debate, here and elsewhere, about the canon law requiring all clergy, including married deacons in the Latin rite, to observe continence and abstain from sex. In January, the USCCB issued the following letter to bishops...
In January, the USCCB issued the following letter to bishops, from Bishop Robert Carlson (Chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations) and Archbishop Timothy Broglio (Chairman of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance). Someone just emailed it to me, and I thought it worth posting in its entirety (emphasis my own):
+++
In recent months, published opinions have appeared in scholarly journals and on Internet blogs that have raised questions about the observance of diaconal continence by married permanent deacons in the Latin Catholic Church. The opinions have suggested that the clerical obligation to observe “perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (c. 277, §1 CIC) remains binding upon married permanent deacons, despite the dispensation provided to them in canon law from the obligation to observe celibacy (c. 1042, 1° CIC).
In response to repeated requests for an authoritative clarification on this matter, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations and the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance requested the assistance of the USCCB President in seeking a clarification from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.
Earlier this week, we were informed that Cardinal-designate Francesco Coccopalmerio, President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, with Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, Secretary, has forwarded to Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan the Pontifical Council’s observations on the matter (Prot. N. 13095/2011). The observations, which were formulated in consultation with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, clarify that married permanent deacons are not bound to observe perfect and perpetual continence, as long as their marriage lasts.
Should you have any questions about this response, please contact Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. In addition, please feel free to share this response with those within your diocesan curia who will find it helpful.
+++
I’m reminded of an old joke.
A devout Catholic asks his parish priest, “Father is it permissible for my wife and I to make love before Mass on Sunday?”
And the priest replied: ”Certainly. Just don’t block the aisles.”
I
My father has Alzheimer's. My son has Down syndrome. Through them I understand how vast is the capacity for love...
The Everyday "I Love You" by Sherry Antonetti
Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com
My father has Alzheimer's. It keeps him from saying everything he thinks, sometimes in mid-sentence, but we still get occasional puns and stories that our hearts gobble like truffles. Often his deepest communication, though, is non-verbal: the smile that says, "I know you" from across the room. It is enough.
My three-year-old has Down syndrome. When the rest of the world hears, "Ahhh. Rahh!" I know it means, "the dogs next door should come out so I can bark at them." Jumping up and down at the end of the driveway is his way of saying, "the bus is late and I want to go to school." Most of his communication is non-verbal; his actual words strike the heart. He says "IRUVYOU" at bedtime. He nods his head when we repeat it. It may never get clearer, but it's there and he means it with his whole heart. It is enough.
My mother walks the via dolorosa with my dad, playing the role of Veronica and sometimes Simon the Cyrene as she protects his dignity, provides the care he needs, and seeks to keep up his spirit, and hers. It is harder than hard to watch as the Harvard Law School alum she loves struggles with reading. The whole of this disease is a scourge. He still ends every day with "I love you," but the day is coming when those three words won't be spoken. Alzheimer's is an ever-present and silent cross of knowing that what is today, might not be tomorrow.
My son will one day reach his "plateau" as the experts call it. And then, what? Sometimes, my worries about Trisomy 21 bite at my heart. Will he speak so that others can understand? Graduate with a G.E.D? Get a job? Questions about an uncertain future can crowd out the joy of noticing that Paul dances to every song on the radio with equal vigor. It is a silent cross of "what ifs."
The walk to the cross is one giant lesson on how to love well. We discover how truly fallen we are by discerning how many ways we've put limitations on others, for the sake of our hearts. Our bodies change and grow and get sick and tired. This shouldn't matter, but absent love, it does. This world places much too much value on the condition of the body as proof of the value of the individual; it considers people like my father (now that his condition has worsened) and my son (since before birth) as unnecessary drains on society—as less worthy of attention, medical care, or love. Some even write about mercy-killing and euthanasia with nary a quibble about the reality of what the casual disposal of human beings does to society and the soul. If we can only love when it demands no sacrifice, then we do not love. What a hell on Earth we face if people only matter for what they can do—a society of takers, angry that no one and nothing can fill our voids.
Because Alzheimer's can make my father absent, we are forced to be more present. When he sings snips of "The Wild Rover" and other favorites, those songs take on greater meaning. Watching him remember the rosary, the rhythms of the mass even as his brain is forgetting, these things stay in our hearts. While it is a long hard process, this dying, if we were impatient with death, we would forfeit time loving him, time we could be singing.
Similarly, at mass no one sings the Alleluia like my son. When the cantor begins, he chimes in. Sometimes he doesn't finish when she does and the church echoes with his joy. He's singing the Alleluia the way we're supposed to pray. His song-shy siblings sometimes join his choir. In his absence, fewer Alleluias would ring out.
The world wants to sell us life without suffering. Our culture worships the perfect, the sterile, the eternally flawless unreal vision of beauty and youth, power and riches; a world joyless and song free. In utopia, where there are no burdens, there are also no triumphs of love breaking over and soothing the hardness of life; where there are no challenges, there is no learning, no growing; there are no victories.
Suffering is always an opportunity for grace but only after it has been picked up and embraced. The real goal of life is to keep expanding the heart, to grow it outward, for the life of the world.
Most of us need to wrestle with the cross to remember that we are called to love others for their simple being, not for what they can bring us. In caring for the dying and suffering, we begin to understand our own capacities for love.
When we try to eliminate suffering by eliminating those who suffer, we thwart our own potential to be surprised by the depths of love and how profoundly well we swim in them.
Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com
My father has Alzheimer's. It keeps him from saying everything he thinks, sometimes in mid-sentence, but we still get occasional puns and stories that our hearts gobble like truffles. Often his deepest communication, though, is non-verbal: the smile that says, "I know you" from across the room. It is enough.
My three-year-old has Down syndrome. When the rest of the world hears, "Ahhh. Rahh!" I know it means, "the dogs next door should come out so I can bark at them." Jumping up and down at the end of the driveway is his way of saying, "the bus is late and I want to go to school." Most of his communication is non-verbal; his actual words strike the heart. He says "IRUVYOU" at bedtime. He nods his head when we repeat it. It may never get clearer, but it's there and he means it with his whole heart. It is enough.
My mother walks the via dolorosa with my dad, playing the role of Veronica and sometimes Simon the Cyrene as she protects his dignity, provides the care he needs, and seeks to keep up his spirit, and hers. It is harder than hard to watch as the Harvard Law School alum she loves struggles with reading. The whole of this disease is a scourge. He still ends every day with "I love you," but the day is coming when those three words won't be spoken. Alzheimer's is an ever-present and silent cross of knowing that what is today, might not be tomorrow.
My son will one day reach his "plateau" as the experts call it. And then, what? Sometimes, my worries about Trisomy 21 bite at my heart. Will he speak so that others can understand? Graduate with a G.E.D? Get a job? Questions about an uncertain future can crowd out the joy of noticing that Paul dances to every song on the radio with equal vigor. It is a silent cross of "what ifs."
The walk to the cross is one giant lesson on how to love well. We discover how truly fallen we are by discerning how many ways we've put limitations on others, for the sake of our hearts. Our bodies change and grow and get sick and tired. This shouldn't matter, but absent love, it does. This world places much too much value on the condition of the body as proof of the value of the individual; it considers people like my father (now that his condition has worsened) and my son (since before birth) as unnecessary drains on society—as less worthy of attention, medical care, or love. Some even write about mercy-killing and euthanasia with nary a quibble about the reality of what the casual disposal of human beings does to society and the soul. If we can only love when it demands no sacrifice, then we do not love. What a hell on Earth we face if people only matter for what they can do—a society of takers, angry that no one and nothing can fill our voids.
Because Alzheimer's can make my father absent, we are forced to be more present. When he sings snips of "The Wild Rover" and other favorites, those songs take on greater meaning. Watching him remember the rosary, the rhythms of the mass even as his brain is forgetting, these things stay in our hearts. While it is a long hard process, this dying, if we were impatient with death, we would forfeit time loving him, time we could be singing.
Similarly, at mass no one sings the Alleluia like my son. When the cantor begins, he chimes in. Sometimes he doesn't finish when she does and the church echoes with his joy. He's singing the Alleluia the way we're supposed to pray. His song-shy siblings sometimes join his choir. In his absence, fewer Alleluias would ring out.
The world wants to sell us life without suffering. Our culture worships the perfect, the sterile, the eternally flawless unreal vision of beauty and youth, power and riches; a world joyless and song free. In utopia, where there are no burdens, there are also no triumphs of love breaking over and soothing the hardness of life; where there are no challenges, there is no learning, no growing; there are no victories.
Suffering is always an opportunity for grace but only after it has been picked up and embraced. The real goal of life is to keep expanding the heart, to grow it outward, for the life of the world.
Most of us need to wrestle with the cross to remember that we are called to love others for their simple being, not for what they can bring us. In caring for the dying and suffering, we begin to understand our own capacities for love.
When we try to eliminate suffering by eliminating those who suffer, we thwart our own potential to be surprised by the depths of love and how profoundly well we swim in them.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Is the Big East on the verge of implosion?
National Football Post
Whoever assumes the role of new Big East commissioner will have one of the most difficult jobs in college athletics.
Because according to an ESPN.com report, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich has told the Big East board of directors that the Cardinals plan on eventually leaving, citing their desire to move onto the Big 12 or the ACC. Of course, Louisville was a strong candidate to become a member of the Big 12 last year but lost out to West Virginia. The same report also states that Connecticut privately would like to join the ACC along with Notre Dame.
Could Charlie Strong and Louisville be leaving the Big East in the near future. Is the Big East on the verge of implosion??
Whether or not the Big 12 would be interested in expanding after adding TCU and West Virginia is unclear. Of course, new Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said last week that if expansion helps the Big 12 advance its agenda then the league would "at least consider" adding new members.
Interim Big East commissioner Joe Bailey said he expects a new permanent commissioner to be named in roughly three months and that he's not a candidate for the position.
Despite the league adding new members such as Boise State, Temple, San Diego State and Memphis as well as a new television contract being negotiated in the fall, the Big East could find itself in quite a quandary if Louisville and other members look to bolt with the conference landscapes across the country always being fluid.
Many believe that Notre Dame, no matter how publicly committed to independence in football and the Big East in all other sports, must begin reevaluating its future with the Big East constantly in turmoil.
Losing Louisville and Connecticut would be a huge blow to the basketball side of things for the Big East. Even with the league eventually not being as powerful as it once was when Syracuse and Pittsburgh move onto the ACC, the league will still survive as long as the Cardinals and Huskies remain committed. But if those two teams bolt, one would think that Big East basketball could be in trouble as well.
Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave
Whoever assumes the role of new Big East commissioner will have one of the most difficult jobs in college athletics.
Because according to an ESPN.com report, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich has told the Big East board of directors that the Cardinals plan on eventually leaving, citing their desire to move onto the Big 12 or the ACC. Of course, Louisville was a strong candidate to become a member of the Big 12 last year but lost out to West Virginia. The same report also states that Connecticut privately would like to join the ACC along with Notre Dame.
Could Charlie Strong and Louisville be leaving the Big East in the near future. Is the Big East on the verge of implosion??
Whether or not the Big 12 would be interested in expanding after adding TCU and West Virginia is unclear. Of course, new Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said last week that if expansion helps the Big 12 advance its agenda then the league would "at least consider" adding new members.
Interim Big East commissioner Joe Bailey said he expects a new permanent commissioner to be named in roughly three months and that he's not a candidate for the position.
Despite the league adding new members such as Boise State, Temple, San Diego State and Memphis as well as a new television contract being negotiated in the fall, the Big East could find itself in quite a quandary if Louisville and other members look to bolt with the conference landscapes across the country always being fluid.
Many believe that Notre Dame, no matter how publicly committed to independence in football and the Big East in all other sports, must begin reevaluating its future with the Big East constantly in turmoil.
Losing Louisville and Connecticut would be a huge blow to the basketball side of things for the Big East. Even with the league eventually not being as powerful as it once was when Syracuse and Pittsburgh move onto the ACC, the league will still survive as long as the Cardinals and Huskies remain committed. But if those two teams bolt, one would think that Big East basketball could be in trouble as well.
Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave
Mother's Day Reflection: Holy Cow! Mom Was Right!
From over at I Have To Sit Down by Simcha Fisher
About the following, for starters:
Reading is what people do, like breathing or blinking. Read to yourself, read out loud to your kids (any age), read with your spouse at night. Every time you turn off the TV, you've won back a little bit of your life.
Not everything that's good is explicitly Catholic, and not everything that calls itself Catholic is good. True for art, music, ideas, lives.
But sooner or later, you have to decide which side you're on. I think she said this to me when she saw the trashy cover of a CD I was listening to as a teenager. You can make excuses and give yourself passes, but your spiritual life is made up of these choices: there's no such thing as (a) the religious part of your life, and (b) the rest of your life. If you want to be a Catholic, you have to live that way all the time, even if it means cutting out things you enjoy.
Functionality is beautiful. If it works, then it's a good system, even if it looks silly.
There are worse things in life than being embarrassed. I remember hearing one of my parents' friends telling his conversion story. The only part I remember is, "And right there, in the middle of the airport, I kneeled down and said to God . . . " I remember rolling my eyes and thinking, "Boy, that sums it up." It seemed like the rest of the world was the airport, going about its business, and our family was the weirdos, standing out, doing something different, acting like freaks -- not always about religious things, but about everything. Well, it turns out that children (and teenagers) do not die from standing out. Also, when they grow up, they will be able to enjoy something the Normals never enjoy: the exquisite thrill of fitting in. I still get a delicious little transgressive frisson when I make cake from a box mix, JUST LIKE OTHER PEOPLE DO. Brrr!
Never lose hope about other people. Maybe you can't change them -- in fact, you definitely can't change them -- but God can. So keep praying for them. Even if they never know you're doing it (and even if you never see the results yourself), it may be the most important thing you do for them.
Everybody's tired. Nobody feels really well. Everybody feels like they're no good at least some of the time. Now please get up and go to work anyway.
Accept the people that God sends into your life. My mother is a magnet for strange, needy, difficult people. They seem to realize that she's no good at social chit chat, and will answer them directly, on whatever bizarre terms they choose to start the conversation; and she will help them if she can. She is ready and willing to talk about anything, as long as it's interesting or important. When I was little, I hated having our house open to strange and unpredictable people, but now I wish I were courageous enough to have that kind of house.
A good idea is worth repeating, and repeating, and repeating. People may groan and say, "Not that again!" but they'll thank you later when they actually remember it.
You go to Mass to worship God. If you're there for anything other than that, you're wasting your time. My mother would answer me any time I called her name, any time at all, except during the consecration and elevation. I remember being very young and being baffled that she didn't seem to hear me when her head was bowed. Eventually I figured it out!
Go outside for a minute; you'll feel better.
Home is where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in. My mother would love to live in a one-room shack with a cot, a computer, a hot plate, and a drain in the floor for easy cleaning. Instead, my parents maintain a dusty, cumbersome, 12+-room Victorian house, because sometimes people need a place to stay (as we did one year, when our entire family had a collective nervous breakdown and needed shelter).
Catholics aren't afraid of science.
Catholics aren't afraid of history, or sex, or death.
Catholics aren't afraid of anything. Actually, of course they are, but they are the ones who are equipped to forge ahead anyway.
Charity believes all things. The good you see in people may not be the whole truth about them, but it is true. So start there, and make a fuss over it until it turns into something more.
Don't pretend to know things you don't know, and don't pretend to like things you don't like.
Poetry is meant to be read out loud.
When in doubt, add more garlic.
So, happy early mother's day, Ima. I'm sorry we kept giving you those flowers even though you were allergic. I'm sorry we stole all your pens and tape and thumb tacks, and I'm sorry about the bowl of sugar in the dresser drawer. And also, you know, all the other stuff. I'll forgive you for those humiliating bathing suit shopping trips, if you forgive me for everything else!
About the following, for starters:
Reading is what people do, like breathing or blinking. Read to yourself, read out loud to your kids (any age), read with your spouse at night. Every time you turn off the TV, you've won back a little bit of your life.
Not everything that's good is explicitly Catholic, and not everything that calls itself Catholic is good. True for art, music, ideas, lives.
But sooner or later, you have to decide which side you're on. I think she said this to me when she saw the trashy cover of a CD I was listening to as a teenager. You can make excuses and give yourself passes, but your spiritual life is made up of these choices: there's no such thing as (a) the religious part of your life, and (b) the rest of your life. If you want to be a Catholic, you have to live that way all the time, even if it means cutting out things you enjoy.
Functionality is beautiful. If it works, then it's a good system, even if it looks silly.
There are worse things in life than being embarrassed. I remember hearing one of my parents' friends telling his conversion story. The only part I remember is, "And right there, in the middle of the airport, I kneeled down and said to God . . . " I remember rolling my eyes and thinking, "Boy, that sums it up." It seemed like the rest of the world was the airport, going about its business, and our family was the weirdos, standing out, doing something different, acting like freaks -- not always about religious things, but about everything. Well, it turns out that children (and teenagers) do not die from standing out. Also, when they grow up, they will be able to enjoy something the Normals never enjoy: the exquisite thrill of fitting in. I still get a delicious little transgressive frisson when I make cake from a box mix, JUST LIKE OTHER PEOPLE DO. Brrr!
Never lose hope about other people. Maybe you can't change them -- in fact, you definitely can't change them -- but God can. So keep praying for them. Even if they never know you're doing it (and even if you never see the results yourself), it may be the most important thing you do for them.
Everybody's tired. Nobody feels really well. Everybody feels like they're no good at least some of the time. Now please get up and go to work anyway.
Accept the people that God sends into your life. My mother is a magnet for strange, needy, difficult people. They seem to realize that she's no good at social chit chat, and will answer them directly, on whatever bizarre terms they choose to start the conversation; and she will help them if she can. She is ready and willing to talk about anything, as long as it's interesting or important. When I was little, I hated having our house open to strange and unpredictable people, but now I wish I were courageous enough to have that kind of house.
A good idea is worth repeating, and repeating, and repeating. People may groan and say, "Not that again!" but they'll thank you later when they actually remember it.
You go to Mass to worship God. If you're there for anything other than that, you're wasting your time. My mother would answer me any time I called her name, any time at all, except during the consecration and elevation. I remember being very young and being baffled that she didn't seem to hear me when her head was bowed. Eventually I figured it out!
Go outside for a minute; you'll feel better.
Home is where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in. My mother would love to live in a one-room shack with a cot, a computer, a hot plate, and a drain in the floor for easy cleaning. Instead, my parents maintain a dusty, cumbersome, 12+-room Victorian house, because sometimes people need a place to stay (as we did one year, when our entire family had a collective nervous breakdown and needed shelter).
Catholics aren't afraid of science.
Catholics aren't afraid of history, or sex, or death.
Catholics aren't afraid of anything. Actually, of course they are, but they are the ones who are equipped to forge ahead anyway.
Charity believes all things. The good you see in people may not be the whole truth about them, but it is true. So start there, and make a fuss over it until it turns into something more.
Don't pretend to know things you don't know, and don't pretend to like things you don't like.
Poetry is meant to be read out loud.
When in doubt, add more garlic.
So, happy early mother's day, Ima. I'm sorry we kept giving you those flowers even though you were allergic. I'm sorry we stole all your pens and tape and thumb tacks, and I'm sorry about the bowl of sugar in the dresser drawer. And also, you know, all the other stuff. I'll forgive you for those humiliating bathing suit shopping trips, if you forgive me for everything else!
Mother's Day Reflection: My Mom Was A Real Deal
By Saralee Perel
Many years ago, my mother helped me move to Cape Cod. We found a one-room apartment and spent a week furnishing it with stuff from flea markets and yard sales.
"Ma," I said, "there are lots of yard sales at the touristy rental cottages. We'll find great deals."
"You think I want someone's used sheets?"
"Everything we buy at a yard sale is used."
"If it's from a tourist," she snapped, "it's used. From a local, it's an antique."
I received lots of Mom's training in deal-making at the flea market. I really, really hate bartering. At one vendor's table, I picked up a Boy Scout watch I loved. "How much is this?" I asked the fellow.
Mom grabbed the watch from my hand, put it back on the table, then turned us around so we had our backs to the seller.
"Never ask 'how much?' when there's no price tag. Vendors are trained in mental telepathy. They know what you'll pay."
"Why on earth are we facing away?"
"They all have master's degrees in lip reading," she said. "When we face him, tell him you only have $5 and don't let him see your eyes."
"Why?"
"Because you have that fifty I gave you. Vendors take classes in lie detection. They know your pupils dilate when you're lying."
"Mo-ther! You can't be serious about all this."
She was. She turned us back around. I looked down at the ground, shuffled my feet and muttered, "You don't want to sell it for $5, right? I mean, that's all I have, sort of."
"To be honest," he said, "I paid $25 for that watch."
Mom whispered, "The yutz is lying."
"How do you know?"
"Because he said, 'to be honest.'"
She led us away, then said, "Did you see him look to the left?"
"Sheesh, Ma. That doesn't mean anything."
"Left means lying." You see, my mother was a trained lie detector too.
At the next table, I saw a gorgeous gold ring. The dealer heard me say, "Oh Mother! It fits perfectly. It's exactly like that special ring Dad gave me that was stolen from my high school gym locker. We'll never get another chance like this again. I love this more than words can say!" Then I asked the dealer, "How much?"
He said, "Two hundred dollars."
I'd never seen the look on my mother's face that I saw at that moment. I waited for the reprimand of a lifetime. Like a scared 10-year-old girl, I got even more worried because she didn't say anything at all.
Instead, she simply bought me the ring.
And so, when Mom and I were through furnishing my tiny apartment, I didn't want her to leave me. But she had to go back to Baltimore. She had her life there and I needed to find the courage to begin my own, here on Cape Cod.
Sometimes I can still see the two of us, just like in an old-fashioned photograph, where we're standing together in an oval-shaped splash of sunshine on the dry, dusty grounds of the flea market. Our foreheads are touching, so tenderly, as we're looking down at the ring on my finger.
Of all of the things I still have that we bought on those wonderful days together, the most valuable collectibles are my memories.
------------
Her novel "Raw Nerves" is now available as a paperback and an e-book. To take a look at it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0060LNUKK/mikeysfunnies-20
Copyright 2012 Saralee Perel. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
today'sTHOT============================
A mother can touch a whole generation just by loving her own child well.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Many years ago, my mother helped me move to Cape Cod. We found a one-room apartment and spent a week furnishing it with stuff from flea markets and yard sales.
"Ma," I said, "there are lots of yard sales at the touristy rental cottages. We'll find great deals."
"You think I want someone's used sheets?"
"Everything we buy at a yard sale is used."
"If it's from a tourist," she snapped, "it's used. From a local, it's an antique."
I received lots of Mom's training in deal-making at the flea market. I really, really hate bartering. At one vendor's table, I picked up a Boy Scout watch I loved. "How much is this?" I asked the fellow.
Mom grabbed the watch from my hand, put it back on the table, then turned us around so we had our backs to the seller.
"Never ask 'how much?' when there's no price tag. Vendors are trained in mental telepathy. They know what you'll pay."
"Why on earth are we facing away?"
"They all have master's degrees in lip reading," she said. "When we face him, tell him you only have $5 and don't let him see your eyes."
"Why?"
"Because you have that fifty I gave you. Vendors take classes in lie detection. They know your pupils dilate when you're lying."
"Mo-ther! You can't be serious about all this."
She was. She turned us back around. I looked down at the ground, shuffled my feet and muttered, "You don't want to sell it for $5, right? I mean, that's all I have, sort of."
"To be honest," he said, "I paid $25 for that watch."
Mom whispered, "The yutz is lying."
"How do you know?"
"Because he said, 'to be honest.'"
She led us away, then said, "Did you see him look to the left?"
"Sheesh, Ma. That doesn't mean anything."
"Left means lying." You see, my mother was a trained lie detector too.
At the next table, I saw a gorgeous gold ring. The dealer heard me say, "Oh Mother! It fits perfectly. It's exactly like that special ring Dad gave me that was stolen from my high school gym locker. We'll never get another chance like this again. I love this more than words can say!" Then I asked the dealer, "How much?"
He said, "Two hundred dollars."
I'd never seen the look on my mother's face that I saw at that moment. I waited for the reprimand of a lifetime. Like a scared 10-year-old girl, I got even more worried because she didn't say anything at all.
Instead, she simply bought me the ring.
And so, when Mom and I were through furnishing my tiny apartment, I didn't want her to leave me. But she had to go back to Baltimore. She had her life there and I needed to find the courage to begin my own, here on Cape Cod.
Sometimes I can still see the two of us, just like in an old-fashioned photograph, where we're standing together in an oval-shaped splash of sunshine on the dry, dusty grounds of the flea market. Our foreheads are touching, so tenderly, as we're looking down at the ring on my finger.
Of all of the things I still have that we bought on those wonderful days together, the most valuable collectibles are my memories.
------------
Her novel "Raw Nerves" is now available as a paperback and an e-book. To take a look at it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0060LNUKK/mikeysfunnies-20
Copyright 2012 Saralee Perel. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
today'sTHOT============================
A mother can touch a whole generation just by loving her own child well.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Louisville Cardinals to the Big 12 or ACC soon?
For months now, reports have had the Louisville Cardinals as the Big 12's next target in the event that the Big 12 indeed makes a move for 12 football schools. The Cards tried to swipe the West Virginia Mountaineers' invite, in fact. Now, with the Florida St. Seminoles and Clemson Tigers emerging as widely hypothesized potential additions to the Big 12, Louisville could be in good shape to get what it reportedly wants: out of the Big East.
Andy Katz reports Louisville is making no secrets of its desire to land in either the ACC or the Big 12, meaning a move by the Big 12 into ACC territory could be an all-but guaranteed win for the Cards. Either they could accompany FSU into the Big 12, or they could help shore up football losses in the ACC. Again, all totally scenarios and war-planning, but this could shape up nicely for UL.
Louisville blog Card Chronicle analyzes:
The fact that Louisville would prefer to get out of the Big East isn't exactly news. The play they made last fall to try and woo the Big 12 spoke pretty loudly. Tom Jurich being completely up front about that desire, however, is news.
For months, Jurich has made statements along the lines of "we're in the Big East and will do whatever we can to strengthen the Big East going forward, but of course we're still going to keep all of our options open." This was essentially a lengthy euphemism for, "if someone asks, we're bouncing."
Now, with U of L ally John Marinatto having been forced out, there's no reason for Louisville to be polite.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
A White Hair Funny
One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"
Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."
The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"
today'sTHOT============================
I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."
The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"
today'sTHOT============================
I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
===============================
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Lux Aurumque • Light and Gold
The choir of Westminster Cathedral sing Eric Whitacre's hautingly beautiful setting of Lux Aurumque during Midnight Mass 2009.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor • Patroness of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans
Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Feast Day January 8
Our Lady of Prompt Succor is known for protecting, by her intercession, the city of New Orleans during the Great Fire of 1812 . On the Eve of the Battle of New Orleans (Jan 7, 1815) the Ursuline Sisters and the people of New Orleans gathered to again ask the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor for victory.
On December 31, 1810 the statue was brought to New Orleans from France by Mother St. Michel Gensoul and several postulants came to join the Ursuline nuns in New Orleans. Mother Gensoul was only given permission from her bishop to go to New Orleans after a prayer to Our Lady and permission from the pope.
Litany to Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, ... pray for us.
Mother of the Infant Jesus, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who invoke you with confidence, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who are devout toward the Infant Jesus, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining a lively faith, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for sustaining the hope of Christians, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining and persevering in charity, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing the law of God, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing perseverance in virtue and good works, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every spiritual necessity, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the revolt of self-will, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in the occasion of sin,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temptation, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the evil spirit, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining contrition, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those wishing to re-enter the path of salvation, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the conversion of sinners, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temporal necessity, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every affliction,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of afflicted families,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the sick and the poor, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against contagious diseases and epidemics, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every accident, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by fire, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against lightning and tempest, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by flood, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of travelers, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of navigators,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the shipwrecked, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of our country, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in time of war, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those aspiring to the holy priesthood and the religious life, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of laborers in the Lord's vineyard, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of missionaries who spread the faith, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of our Holy Father the Pope, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for those searching for the faith, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of the Church,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor at the hour of death, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the deliverance of the souls in purgatory,...
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, pray for us.
R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
O Almighty and Eternal God, Who sees us surrounded by so many dangers and miseries, grant in Your infinite goodness that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Divine Son, may defend us from the evil spirit and protect us against all adversities, that always and with prompt succor she may deliver us from every evil of soul and body, and safely guide us to the kingdom of heaven, through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Contemplation:
If our eyes are always on heaven and God, at the end of life we will find ourselves in His Presence.
Rosary follows
Prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor
O Mary, Mother of God, who amid the tribulations of the world, watches over us and over the Church of your Son, be to us and to the Church, truly, Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Make haste to help us in all our necessities, that in this fleeting life you may be our succor, and obtain for us (petition). As you once saved our beloved city from ravaging flames and our country from an invading army, have pity on us and obtain for us protection from hurricanes and all other disasters. Be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor now and especially at the hour of our death. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Hasten to Help us!
Our Lady of Prompt Succor National Shrine in New Orleans
May 10 • St. Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka'i (1840-1889)
When Joseph de Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, few people in Europe had any firsthand knowledge of leprosy (Hansen's disease). By the time he died at the age of 49, people all over the world knew about this disease because of him. They knew that human compassion could soften the ravages of this disease.
Forced to quit school at age 13 to work on the family farm, Joseph entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary six years later, taking the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr. When his brother Pamphile, a priest in the same congregation, fell ill and was unable to go to the Hawaiian Islands as assigned, Damien quickly volunteered in his place. In May 1864, two months after arriving in his new mission, Damien was ordained a priest in Honolulu and assigned to the island of Hawaii.
In 1873, he went to the Hawaiian government's leper colony on the island of Molokai, set up seven years earlier. Part of a team of four chaplains taking that assignment for three months each year, Damien soon volunteered to remain permanently, caring for the people's physical, medical and spiritual needs. In time, he became their most effective advocate to obtain promised government support.
Soon the settlement had new houses and a new church, school and orphanage. Morale improved considerably. A few years later he succeeded in getting the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by Mother Marianne Cope (January 23), to help staff this colony in Kalaupapa.
Damien contracted Hansen's disease and died of its complications. As requested, he was buried in Kalaupapa, but in 1936 the Belgian government succeeded in having his body moved to Belgium. Part of Damien's body was returned to his beloved Hawaiian brothers and sisters after his beatification in 1995.
Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009.
When Hawaii became a state in 1959, it selected Damien as one of its two representatives in the Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol.
Comment:
Some people thought Damien was a hero for going to Molokai and others thought he was crazy. When a Protestant clergyman wrote that Damien was guilty of immoral behavior, Robert Louis Stevenson vigorously defended him in an "Open Letter to Dr. Hyde."
Quote:
During the beatification homily, Pope John Paul II said: "Holiness is not perfection according to human criteria; it is not reserved for a small number of exceptional persons. It is for everyone; it is the Lord who brings us to holiness, when we are willing to collaborate in the salvation of the world for the glory of God, despite our sin and our sometimes rebellious temperament."
Forced to quit school at age 13 to work on the family farm, Joseph entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary six years later, taking the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr. When his brother Pamphile, a priest in the same congregation, fell ill and was unable to go to the Hawaiian Islands as assigned, Damien quickly volunteered in his place. In May 1864, two months after arriving in his new mission, Damien was ordained a priest in Honolulu and assigned to the island of Hawaii.
In 1873, he went to the Hawaiian government's leper colony on the island of Molokai, set up seven years earlier. Part of a team of four chaplains taking that assignment for three months each year, Damien soon volunteered to remain permanently, caring for the people's physical, medical and spiritual needs. In time, he became their most effective advocate to obtain promised government support.
Soon the settlement had new houses and a new church, school and orphanage. Morale improved considerably. A few years later he succeeded in getting the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by Mother Marianne Cope (January 23), to help staff this colony in Kalaupapa.
Damien contracted Hansen's disease and died of its complications. As requested, he was buried in Kalaupapa, but in 1936 the Belgian government succeeded in having his body moved to Belgium. Part of Damien's body was returned to his beloved Hawaiian brothers and sisters after his beatification in 1995.
Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009.
When Hawaii became a state in 1959, it selected Damien as one of its two representatives in the Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol.
Comment:
Some people thought Damien was a hero for going to Molokai and others thought he was crazy. When a Protestant clergyman wrote that Damien was guilty of immoral behavior, Robert Louis Stevenson vigorously defended him in an "Open Letter to Dr. Hyde."
Quote:
During the beatification homily, Pope John Paul II said: "Holiness is not perfection according to human criteria; it is not reserved for a small number of exceptional persons. It is for everyone; it is the Lord who brings us to holiness, when we are willing to collaborate in the salvation of the world for the glory of God, despite our sin and our sometimes rebellious temperament."
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