31 October, 2011
30 October, 2011
A papal contender grabs the spotlight | National Catholic Reporter
Having lived through four papal conclaves I know there is truth in saying that 'he who enters a probable Pope usually comes out as a Cardinal'. Still, this is an interesting article on Cardinal Turkson who could be the Church's first 'black Pope'.
A papal contender grabs the spotlight | National Catholic Reporter
A papal contender grabs the spotlight | National Catholic Reporter
29 October, 2011
What constitutes beauty in music?
What constitutes beauty in music? What gives it such force to influence our emotions? It has the capacity to move and put us in touch with a primal well of inner joy. We are 'connected' through music. It transcends the existential isolation of the human condition.
One such example: national anthems. The fact that these national 'hymns' unite citizens in a common experience of connectedness in which they, while even though 'separated' from from others, share a common experience of being 'moved' by the same event. The music becomes the medium by which we are united.
To explore this, I turned to the one nation that does anthems better (and worse... remember Roseanne?) than anyone else, the USA. Here are two examples. Listen to them and look within yourself to become aware of what wells up within you. (The 3rd example is only for those who are into self-flagellation!)
One such example: national anthems. The fact that these national 'hymns' unite citizens in a common experience of connectedness in which they, while even though 'separated' from from others, share a common experience of being 'moved' by the same event. The music becomes the medium by which we are united.
To explore this, I turned to the one nation that does anthems better (and worse... remember Roseanne?) than anyone else, the USA. Here are two examples. Listen to them and look within yourself to become aware of what wells up within you. (The 3rd example is only for those who are into self-flagellation!)
28 October, 2011
27 October, 2011
New head of Canada’s bishops: Abortion is ‘the most outrageous injustice today’ | LifeSiteNews.com
My former boss, +Richard Smith (Edmonton) is interviewed in the wake of his election as President of the CCCB (Canadian Bishops Conference). In it, he speaks of the life agenda as the most immediate and pressing issue for Catholics to confront today. I couldn't agree more.
We were incredibly fortunate to have been under his leadership in our Pembroke Diocese from 2002 - 2007. To use a modern secular analogy, we were his 'practice diocese' where he learned the lessons of his craft and ministry among Canada's friendliest people, the folks of the Ottawa Valley.
New head of Canada’s bishops: Abortion is ‘the most outrageous injustice today’ | LifeSiteNews.com
We were incredibly fortunate to have been under his leadership in our Pembroke Diocese from 2002 - 2007. To use a modern secular analogy, we were his 'practice diocese' where he learned the lessons of his craft and ministry among Canada's friendliest people, the folks of the Ottawa Valley.
New head of Canada’s bishops: Abortion is ‘the most outrageous injustice today’ | LifeSiteNews.com
Weird Weddings; Funny Funerals | First Things
Evidently Lutherans are dealing with the same issues as I face as a pastor who presides at weddings and funerals. You would not believe some of the requests we receive for these events. As a pastor, one does get tired of 'fighting the good fight' in trying to preserve a proper sense of worship. My favorite was a bride who wanted to jive down the aisle with her groom to Elvis! (It didn't happen.)
I wonder how long it will be before I find myself face to face with something like this popular YouTube video?
Weird Weddings; Funny Funerals | First Things
I wonder how long it will be before I find myself face to face with something like this popular YouTube video?
Weird Weddings; Funny Funerals | First Things
26 October, 2011
American Bishop takes a swing at 'SNAP' in the wake of his neighbor Bishop being charged with failure to report priest
"Since Father Ratigan’s arrest, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has been very active in the diocese. But you have expressed concerns about SNAP’s role. Other critics have charged that SNAP has a close relationship with trial lawyers. In the past, Forbes magazine has documented this relationship. But when the local media recently asked SNAP to provide a list of donors, the organization said contributors were “victims” and their identity thus could not be divulged.
My take is that they have a hatred toward the Church. Their mission is no longer to assist victims, but is to strike at the Church and wound the Church.
But in the early days of the clergy abuse crisis, SNAP was viewed as a voice crying in the wilderness.
In my experience, they have never acknowledged a false accusation. As far as they are concerned, if you are accused, you are guilty. They don’t take anyone off the list. They don’t serve themselves well by insisting that every accusation is true.
This is the same group taking the Pope before the world court in The Hague. How outlandish is that? It shows the intent of the group.
I have victims who have come to me. They no longer want to go to SNAP because it’s only interested in fostering anger, and building a case against the Church, not serving the victims well.
People are hesitant — and I’m hesitant — to say this. But I am saying what many bishops are thinking. They are afraid to say it because SNAP will set themselves up on their doorstep."Read the entire article by clicking on the link below:
Archbishop Naumann on the Indictment of Bishop Finn | Daily News | NCRegister.com
For the Children's Sake, These Stereotypes About Priests Must Stop | Blogs | NCRegister.com
An interesting argument. Don't know if I entirely agree, but the author makes a few good points. Here's an example:
For the Children s Sake, These Stereotypes About Priests Must Stop | Blogs | NCRegister.com
"When the Hare Krishnas in California settled the largest sex-abuse lawsuit in history, resulting from sexual abuse of children, it generated 44 stories in California over a six-month period. During the same period, Californians were treated to 17,310 stories about sex abuse in California Catholic institutions. That’s 39,341 percent more coverage than was generated by the most serious sex-abuse case in history."Click on the link below to read more...
For the Children s Sake, These Stereotypes About Priests Must Stop | Blogs | NCRegister.com
25 October, 2011
Defending Our First Freedom | First Things
Archbishop Gomez (Los Angeles) writes an excellent defense of the Church's right to preach, teach and practice according our own beliefs. Well worth the read no matter what side of the issue you stand on.
Defending Our First Freedom | First Things
24 October, 2011
23 October, 2011
22 October, 2011
20 October, 2011
God, I like the way this guy thinks!
"The problem is not that we do not have enough faith, but that we don't really understand what faith is, and because believers themselves do not understand the concept of faith, and hawk about the wrong ideas of faith it gives ammunition to the doubters, atheists and agnostics.Read the rest of the article by clicking on the link below:
So, some people believe that having 'faith' is believing something which they secretly think is a load of codswallop. Somehow or other they have to try very hard to suspend their disbelief and 'have faith' in propositions and stories which everybody really knows are just untrue."
Standing on My Head: Evidence and Faith
U.S. Christian group says rapture, end of world is Friday - CTV News
U.S. Christian group says rapture, end of world is Friday - CTV News
Canadian bishops elect new president : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
My former 'boss' gets a new job! Congratulations Archbishop Richard Smith on becoming the President of the CCCB. I have no doubt at all that he'll do a great job.
Canadian bishops elect new president : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
19 October, 2011
We grow them big in the Ottawa Valley! A photo taken last week near to my cottage
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| Taken on Allumette Island, Qc - in the Ottawa Valley & a couple of kms from my cottage |
Less is not more, especially when it comes to Mass
Jesus taught us that the angels of children stand before God the Father in heaven. They are blessed and holy beings and have more right to be in church (crying or not) than does virtually anyone else... the priest included.
He was wrong. Period.
OSV Daily Take Blog: Less is not more, especially when it comes to Mass
18 October, 2011
Proof that the Robinson Family of “Lost in Space” Were Catholics | Why I Am Catholic
Proof that the Robinson Family of “Lost in Space” Were Catholics | Why I Am Catholic
17 October, 2011
16 October, 2011
Lord, Save Us From Liturgists | Blogs | NCRegister.com
Q: What’s the difference between a terrorist and a liturgist?
A: You can negotiate with a terrorist.
Lord, Save Us From Liturgists | Blogs | NCRegister.com
A: You can negotiate with a terrorist.
Lord, Save Us From Liturgists | Blogs | NCRegister.com
15 October, 2011
An interesting take on the subject of online 'anonymity' when posting on line.
NOTE: Please take note of the fact that online comments are never actually anonymous. When threatening comments were posted anonymously in the threads of this blog, I was able to forward the material to the Police who determined the source.
Remember, just because you don't use your name, your IP address is attached EVERY TIME you post something ANYWHERE online.
It's something to consider before using online sites to malign, slander or threaten anyone!
Anonymity isn't guaranteed - DAVE DALE’s Soapboxing - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA
Remember, just because you don't use your name, your IP address is attached EVERY TIME you post something ANYWHERE online.
It's something to consider before using online sites to malign, slander or threaten anyone!
Anonymity isn't guaranteed - DAVE DALE’s Soapboxing - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA
14 October, 2011
Economic fits and starts: Are we in for ‘flash’ recessions?
An interesting article that is calling for a new definition of what a 'recession' is. Given the rapidity of our modern economies to react to changing conditions, the author may have a valid point.
CTV News | Economic fits and starts: Are we in for ‘flash’ recessions?
Despite bishop's meeting request, Pavone a no-show | Amarillo Globe-News
Not a good sign for a peaceful resolution to this issue!
Despite bishop's meeting request, Pavone a no-show | Amarillo Globe-News
Despite bishop's meeting request, Pavone a no-show | Amarillo Globe-News
13 October, 2011
12 October, 2011
Peanut butter prices set to spike in wake of shortage - The Globe and Mail
I'll pay whatever you demand for gas. I'll even pay $1.50 for a bottle of Evian water (spell it backwards folks... that's what we are for paying for filtered tap water). But DO NOT threaten my supply of peanut butter! There are certain things that are absolutely essential, without which life has no value... and peanut butter is at the top of that list.
Time to head out to the closest Costco and purchase a pallet or two to get me through these tough times!
(Grin)
Peanut butter prices set to spike in wake of shortage - The Globe and Mail
A reflection on the recent discovery of 'crazy neutrinos' that travel faster than light
Does God Think Digitally?
From that day when Abram & Sari encountered that burning bush in the desert, his descendants have strove to comprehend the mind of God. Through revelations tested against prophecies and divine promises and by studying the cosmos around them, Jews, Christians and Muslims have sustained a multi-millennial project of inquiry and learning that may have finally brought them to the point of achieving what their scriptural parents failed to possess: an understanding the very thought of God.
Religiously this quest has led us to conclude that God sustains all creation through mere thought. He does not require some machine or technology to create or destroy. An omniscient being, omnipotent and eternal in existence, He ‘wills’ creation into existence and possesses the capacity to end it all. In fact, believers know that He has promised to do exactly that. He will return in the ‘end times’ to pronounce a final judgment and remake a new, perfect paradise where the saved/chosen will live with him.
At this point in our scientific evolution, the discoveries of Einstein, Neils Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger have brought us two different sets of formula to explain the essential nature of our universe. One set has given us Relativity; laws which explain the world of the very big. The other plumbs the depths of quantum reality to learn the rules that govern the world of the very small. Their computations work well in their own province where they've been tested via experimentation, but they yield absurd predictions that bear no resemblance to the observed data when applied to the opposite scale.
These two sets of mathematical formula could accurately provide many answers, but they could not be blended together into one grand unified theory. Such a holy grail still eludes the greatest minds in human science.
Then came the announcement in September 2011 that according to Stephen Park, head of the theoretical physics department at the U.S. government-run Fermilab in Illinois would “rock the foundations of physics.” The discovery of ‘crazy neutrinos’ that travel faster than the universal ‘speed limit’ predicted by Albert Einstein changes everything. "If things travel father than the speed of light, A can cause B but B can cause A". This realization nullifies our previous assumptions about 'causality'. For the first time we have discovered a particle that answers quantum physics challenge to explain what Einstein called the 'spooky action at a distance'. It could be the missing link that is needed to unify the various formulas that explain the universe of the large and small into one unified theory of everything.
Once the issue of causality is addressed (which these ‘crazy’ neutrinos may do) we have the means of looking at all quanta (infinitesimally small particles) as being a trigger than transmits a simple command: turn on or off. For energy to exist as matter, it’s quanta must be told what element of the periodic table to exist as, establishing its essence and accidents. The culmination of billions and billions of repetitions of this one simple act (turn ‘on’ or ‘off’; ‘1’ or ‘0’ in computer language) determine and sustain the existence of all matter in the universe. Everything can be turned on or off with the 'flip of a switch'.
Scientific discovery does more than just adds to the canon of knowledge of creation. It also enriches and illuminates our understand of the plan of the creator. Looking at creation as a divine digital program fits almost perfectly with the position proposed by religious scholarship: that all exists by the grace of God's will alone. That the universe itself is the canvas upon which is wrote the very thoughts and mind of the Divine Creator. Such a conviction is the foundational premise for the Catholic concept of the 'Natural Law'.
What’s exciting is that if there is a ‘language,’ then there exists the possibility to decipher and comprehend it. If that happens, then we can begin to exert control and mastery over it. We would be able to ‘read’ the very ‘mind of God’ in so far as we would possess the same ultimate power to create and control space, time and matter itself.
From that day when Abram & Sari encountered that burning bush in the desert, his descendants have strove to comprehend the mind of God. Through revelations tested against prophecies and divine promises and by studying the cosmos around them, Jews, Christians and Muslims have sustained a multi-millennial project of inquiry and learning that may have finally brought them to the point of achieving what their scriptural parents failed to possess: an understanding the very thought of God.
Religiously this quest has led us to conclude that God sustains all creation through mere thought. He does not require some machine or technology to create or destroy. An omniscient being, omnipotent and eternal in existence, He ‘wills’ creation into existence and possesses the capacity to end it all. In fact, believers know that He has promised to do exactly that. He will return in the ‘end times’ to pronounce a final judgment and remake a new, perfect paradise where the saved/chosen will live with him.
At this point in our scientific evolution, the discoveries of Einstein, Neils Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger have brought us two different sets of formula to explain the essential nature of our universe. One set has given us Relativity; laws which explain the world of the very big. The other plumbs the depths of quantum reality to learn the rules that govern the world of the very small. Their computations work well in their own province where they've been tested via experimentation, but they yield absurd predictions that bear no resemblance to the observed data when applied to the opposite scale.
These two sets of mathematical formula could accurately provide many answers, but they could not be blended together into one grand unified theory. Such a holy grail still eludes the greatest minds in human science.
Then came the announcement in September 2011 that according to Stephen Park, head of the theoretical physics department at the U.S. government-run Fermilab in Illinois would “rock the foundations of physics.” The discovery of ‘crazy neutrinos’ that travel faster than the universal ‘speed limit’ predicted by Albert Einstein changes everything. "If things travel father than the speed of light, A can cause B but B can cause A". This realization nullifies our previous assumptions about 'causality'. For the first time we have discovered a particle that answers quantum physics challenge to explain what Einstein called the 'spooky action at a distance'. It could be the missing link that is needed to unify the various formulas that explain the universe of the large and small into one unified theory of everything.
Once the issue of causality is addressed (which these ‘crazy’ neutrinos may do) we have the means of looking at all quanta (infinitesimally small particles) as being a trigger than transmits a simple command: turn on or off. For energy to exist as matter, it’s quanta must be told what element of the periodic table to exist as, establishing its essence and accidents. The culmination of billions and billions of repetitions of this one simple act (turn ‘on’ or ‘off’; ‘1’ or ‘0’ in computer language) determine and sustain the existence of all matter in the universe. Everything can be turned on or off with the 'flip of a switch'.
Scientific discovery does more than just adds to the canon of knowledge of creation. It also enriches and illuminates our understand of the plan of the creator. Looking at creation as a divine digital program fits almost perfectly with the position proposed by religious scholarship: that all exists by the grace of God's will alone. That the universe itself is the canvas upon which is wrote the very thoughts and mind of the Divine Creator. Such a conviction is the foundational premise for the Catholic concept of the 'Natural Law'.
What’s exciting is that if there is a ‘language,’ then there exists the possibility to decipher and comprehend it. If that happens, then we can begin to exert control and mastery over it. We would be able to ‘read’ the very ‘mind of God’ in so far as we would possess the same ultimate power to create and control space, time and matter itself.
11 October, 2011
Occupy Wall Street to march on millionaires' homes - U.s. - Catholic Online
Hummm... are we all that far from a call to 'storm the Bastille'? Do you think we'll soon hear the seductive siren call to arms at the barricades to shout for the King's head not in effigy but in truth?
Exaggeration? Certainly. Impossibility? Sadly if history is a teacher, the answer would have to be 'No'. At what point did King Louis know that the tide had turned and, what before were occasions for 'hotheads' to blow off steam and publicly make their claim to 'justice', had evolved into a murderous mob no long content with a symbolic removal of his head? Clearly, not in time.
Reading Conrad Black's latest memoir, 'A Matter of Principle' it is evident that proximity to power oft times blinds those so blessed to the danger at their door until it's too late. Looking back at his fate (and that of thousands of shareholders who lost everything the invested in Hollinger's various incarnations) he can see from where the arrows fired at him were manufactured. Alas for all concerned (excepting the corporate carrion hunters that devoured what were healthy profitable companies) the danger was recognized too late and 35 years of work, risk and investments was washed overboard.
Numbered among the most privileged of the human family on this globe, (as all Canadian citizens are) it would seem in our self interest to learn and heed the warning signs. The power of the west may find their nation states unexpectly tip and slip into the madness of mob rule masquerading in the guises of 'justice', 'truth' and 'fraternity' in wake of the credit and debt crises of this 21st century.
It may not happen tomorrow or even in my lifetime but we do seem to be heading into perilous waters. Those steering the ship of state these days need navigate with care lest they flounder on dangerous shoals and shores. Many of their predecessors were taken by surprise and failed to recognize the danger. There's no guarantee that they will be successful now either in dealing with the massive tensions that are testing the metal of governments around the world today. 'Occupy Wall Street' may one day become more than just a protest slogan.
I'm just saying.... 'uneasy the head that bears the crown', eh? It is never a bad time to remember to pray for those charged with managing our ship of state. Especially in troubled times, they need all the help they can get.
Occupy Wall Street to march on millionaires' homes - U.s. - Catholic Online
Exaggeration? Certainly. Impossibility? Sadly if history is a teacher, the answer would have to be 'No'. At what point did King Louis know that the tide had turned and, what before were occasions for 'hotheads' to blow off steam and publicly make their claim to 'justice', had evolved into a murderous mob no long content with a symbolic removal of his head? Clearly, not in time.
Reading Conrad Black's latest memoir, 'A Matter of Principle' it is evident that proximity to power oft times blinds those so blessed to the danger at their door until it's too late. Looking back at his fate (and that of thousands of shareholders who lost everything the invested in Hollinger's various incarnations) he can see from where the arrows fired at him were manufactured. Alas for all concerned (excepting the corporate carrion hunters that devoured what were healthy profitable companies) the danger was recognized too late and 35 years of work, risk and investments was washed overboard.
Numbered among the most privileged of the human family on this globe, (as all Canadian citizens are) it would seem in our self interest to learn and heed the warning signs. The power of the west may find their nation states unexpectly tip and slip into the madness of mob rule masquerading in the guises of 'justice', 'truth' and 'fraternity' in wake of the credit and debt crises of this 21st century.
It may not happen tomorrow or even in my lifetime but we do seem to be heading into perilous waters. Those steering the ship of state these days need navigate with care lest they flounder on dangerous shoals and shores. Many of their predecessors were taken by surprise and failed to recognize the danger. There's no guarantee that they will be successful now either in dealing with the massive tensions that are testing the metal of governments around the world today. 'Occupy Wall Street' may one day become more than just a protest slogan.
I'm just saying.... 'uneasy the head that bears the crown', eh? It is never a bad time to remember to pray for those charged with managing our ship of state. Especially in troubled times, they need all the help they can get.
Occupy Wall Street to march on millionaires' homes - U.s. - Catholic Online
10 October, 2011
09 October, 2011
The Associated Press: 4 arrested in Ohio Amish attack
The Associated Press: 4 arrested in Ohio Amish attack
HAPPY TURKEY DAY
08 October, 2011
Confession? Yes, it is still a sacrament of the Church... even if sadly rarely used today
Confession... the Sacrament of Reconciliation and healing. While it may be out of fashion for many to admit to the existence of such a thing as 'sin', it is still an obligation and a privilege for Catholics. Obligation because none of us are capable of perfectly loving God and neighbor. A privilege because it grants us the opportunity to move past our failings and to grow strong in love with both.
The Church teaches that everyone should go to confession whenever they are aware that they are in a state of serious sin. Given that people have such a hard time recognizing 'sin', it has become an almost forgotten sacrament. For this reason I always suggest that people should come to confession at the changing of the seasons so that they can receive the grace of the sacrament, even if people don't admit to the presence of any 'serious' sin in their lives.
In this season of Autumn, the falling leaves remind us of the fact that each of us will one day die and receive a judgment before Christ for our sins and graces. In the winter we think of the desolation that our souls experience when sin cuts us off from God's ever present grace, bringing life back to desolate, frozen souls. Spring reminds us of the new life that the sacrament brings to believers (it is a sacrament of healing after all) and summer's bounty reminds us of the inestimable benefits and bounty we receive from God in this life, and points us to the even great cornucopia of blessings that awaits us in heaven.
Take advantage of this Thanksgiving weekend (at least it's Thanksgiving up here in Canada... the Americans are a little slower to celebrate this feast - grin) to return to God and enjoy the bounty of his grace of forgiveness!
Fr. Tim
Bad Catholic | The greatest forum for religious discussion since Jesus ditched his parents to go hang out in the temple.
In this season of Autumn, the falling leaves remind us of the fact that each of us will one day die and receive a judgment before Christ for our sins and graces. In the winter we think of the desolation that our souls experience when sin cuts us off from God's ever present grace, bringing life back to desolate, frozen souls. Spring reminds us of the new life that the sacrament brings to believers (it is a sacrament of healing after all) and summer's bounty reminds us of the inestimable benefits and bounty we receive from God in this life, and points us to the even great cornucopia of blessings that awaits us in heaven.
Take advantage of this Thanksgiving weekend (at least it's Thanksgiving up here in Canada... the Americans are a little slower to celebrate this feast - grin) to return to God and enjoy the bounty of his grace of forgiveness!
Fr. Tim
Bad Catholic | The greatest forum for religious discussion since Jesus ditched his parents to go hang out in the temple.
07 October, 2011
Washington Wants a Say Over Your Minister - WSJ.com
When the Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine (see previous post: "Why Catholic Bishops are Targeting Obama in Religious Freedom) begin to raise the issue of religious freedom, I think it's safe to say that it is not a case of claiming that the Churches are 'whining' over some loss of privilege or status, but a genuine growing concern for the Churches.
What do you think?
Michael W. McConnell: Washington Wants a Say Over Your Minister - WSJ.com
What do you think?
Michael W. McConnell: Washington Wants a Say Over Your Minister - WSJ.com
Don’t Confuse the Common Good with Statism - Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD)
Michael Novak is a writer of uncommon clarity and insight. In this article he is trying to flesh out a true understanding of the concept of the 'common good' as it relates to our form of government. Put simply, if something is beneficial to the common good, should it necessarily become part of the mandate of the government?
Don’t Confuse the Common Good with Statism - Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD)
Don’t Confuse the Common Good with Statism - Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD)
06 October, 2011
YEAH! Hockey season begins anew today! Here's a prognostication from a CBC reporter.
Go Sen's Go!
Timmy the Greek, not quite | Tim Wharnsby | CBC Sports
ZENIT - Profile of a Priest
"The Church's real battlefield is the "secret landscape of man's spirit," and there, priests are invited to enter, with tact and compunction, counting on the grace of state that comes with ordination.
This was one of the observations offered Monday by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, at a meeting with priests of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.Read rest of article by clicking on link below:
That city's Archbishop José Gómez invited the cardinal to participate in an annual conference for Hispanic priests serving in the United States.
The cardinal's poetic address offered a profile of the priest of the 21st century.
"It is right that the priest insert himself in the ordinary life of men, but he must not yield to the conformisms and compromises of society," he said.
The priest "is not like 'others.' What people expect from him is, in fact, that he not be 'like others.'"
ZENIT - Profile of a Priest
Five Hard Truths That Will Set You Free | Archdiocese of Washington
I always like the offerings put forward by Msgr. Charles Pope from Washington, DC. He is practical, organized and orthodox in his thinking and clear and concise in his writing. Here he borrows from Fr. Richard Rohr in reflecting upon the five 'hard truths' of life, which are:
1. Life is hard
2. Your life is not about you
3. You are not in control
4. You are not that important
5. You will die
All truths worth reflecting upon!
Five Hard Truths That Will Set You Free | Archdiocese of Washington
1. Life is hard
2. Your life is not about you
3. You are not in control
4. You are not that important
5. You will die
All truths worth reflecting upon!
Five Hard Truths That Will Set You Free | Archdiocese of Washington
05 October, 2011
Solution to comment problem?
It seems you have to 'preview' your comment before it can be sent on to me. Tell me if it works for you.
Fr. Tim
Fr. Tim
04 October, 2011
FANTASTIC PRO-LIFE PHOTO... Best I've EVER seen!
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| Our First footstep on this earth....we walked with our mother in her womb. |
It's a life... not a choice!
While I respect the views of others whose convictions are currently reflected in law, I reserve and claim the right to CRY long and loud, to plead, argue and convince others that it is a human baby who is puting his footprint into the cement of the right to life.
A debate with passion and sound argument that resists becoming 'argumentative'; one that gives no corner but throws no elbows; an airing of the arguments as each side pleads their case in the court of public opinion, before courts and the legislatures of this great and just nation. The debate should not be avoided out of some Canadian sense of social propriety... avoiding conflict with our neighbor by refraining for talking about money, faith or politics. After all, as Canucks, we all know the wisdom of walking in another's footprints to keep us safe in winter storms lest our life be lost. If we don't walk in the direction that tiny footprint points to... we know his/her life is still in grave danger.
Let's do what we can to bring that foot safe into life. Let the debate begin.
Fr. Tim
Suffering Saint: The shadows cast over Francis of Assisi | Holy Post | National Post
Anyone who has any experience with the devastation of suffering, grief
and horrors of war would understand the demons that tormented this
saintly man. I see the same humility forged and tested in fire when I
read Eli Weisel's 'The Night Trilogy', Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for
Meaning' or Bonhoffer's famous 'Ethic'. Francis was not unique in being
challenged to remain faithful to is beliefs. He 'chose' each day, each
moment to believe, especially when he found himself alone in his dark
and silent soul. He lived out that faith by putting himself among the
least of his brothers for he knew the capacity of evil and sin to reach
to the very depth of any man's soul. He is most certainly among many
others who 'shook hands with the devil' (thank you Romeo Dellaire); who
were suffered upon but strove to never be the cause of another man's
suffering. There will be many of them who are among the saints. God most
certainly will reward the good.
I appreciate that it demeans God to equate him simply with the 'good', but surely there is much that's good in God (if I can steal a platonic concept of God being the very 'form' of 'Good) such that we can discern his presence quietly peaking through the faithful lives of good men as Francis His witness of embracing the 'law of unexpected consequences' by remaining faithful day after day to a commitment freely entered, stands as the example for everyone who enters into such sacred commitments as marriage or the religious life.
It would be a better world for everyone if we tried, no matter whether one believed in God or not. We all share the 'good' in common either way.
Fr. Tim
Suffering Saint: The shadows cast over Francis of Assisi | Holy Post | National Post
I appreciate that it demeans God to equate him simply with the 'good', but surely there is much that's good in God (if I can steal a platonic concept of God being the very 'form' of 'Good) such that we can discern his presence quietly peaking through the faithful lives of good men as Francis His witness of embracing the 'law of unexpected consequences' by remaining faithful day after day to a commitment freely entered, stands as the example for everyone who enters into such sacred commitments as marriage or the religious life.
It would be a better world for everyone if we tried, no matter whether one believed in God or not. We all share the 'good' in common either way.
Fr. Tim
Suffering Saint: The shadows cast over Francis of Assisi | Holy Post | National Post
A request for prayers, good thoughts and positive vibes and energy
Friends,
I haven't spent much time writing on the blog for the past few days as an elderly priest who has entrusted his care into my hands has been admitted into the Pembroke Regional Hospital with a case of pneumonia. Fr. Leon Bélanger suffers from a number of significant medical problems and he has been in a nursing home for a number of years. It doesn't appear as if this is necessarily an end stage event for him, but it is an unsettling and uncomfortable time for a man who no longer possesses the mental acuity to cope with such events.
Yours prayers, best thoughts and wishes, positive vibes and energies would be greatly appreciated.
I also have found out that comments are not being accepted on this blog for some mysterious technical reason. Hopefully the staff at Blogger will soon get things back to normal. I regret the inconvenience it may be causing anyone.
I haven't spent much time writing on the blog for the past few days as an elderly priest who has entrusted his care into my hands has been admitted into the Pembroke Regional Hospital with a case of pneumonia. Fr. Leon Bélanger suffers from a number of significant medical problems and he has been in a nursing home for a number of years. It doesn't appear as if this is necessarily an end stage event for him, but it is an unsettling and uncomfortable time for a man who no longer possesses the mental acuity to cope with such events.
Yours prayers, best thoughts and wishes, positive vibes and energies would be greatly appreciated.
I also have found out that comments are not being accepted on this blog for some mysterious technical reason. Hopefully the staff at Blogger will soon get things back to normal. I regret the inconvenience it may be causing anyone.
03 October, 2011
I hope this is better!
I've been receiving comments through other social media that the new template I chose for the blog was crashing. I tried to change back to my old format only to lose it!
I hope this new version works for everyone. I don't know if I have sufficient skills to ever find my old one!
Fr. Tim
02 October, 2011
01 October, 2011
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About Fr. Tim
- Fr. Tim Moyle
- A Roman Catholic Evangelical Priest of the Diocese of Pembroke, Canada. Shown in my profile photo with my canine companion, Mateo.
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