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Showing posts from May, 2013

Belief Is the Least Part of Faith - NYTimes.com

This an interesting article... but strangely unsatisfying. It seems to me that the saints ably dealt with this question and we would do well to heed their counsel in these matters. St. Augustine showed the way to dealing with deficiencies we suffer from time to time in our personal faith-life: Act as if you still believed and belief will return to you... and beg God's aid in vanquishing disbelief. St. Therese of Avila, another Church doctor counseled the same to which she knit the advice to keep one's perspective in good times and in bad with her teaching to 'when in desolation, remember prior consolations... when in consolation, remember desolation.' Classic advice that's always worked for me. Belief Is the Least Part of Faith - NYTimes.com

Dr. Henry Morgentaler's death highlights abortion divide - Canada - CBC News

I am posting this article in response to a comment in which I was asked why I would post a story announcing Morgentaler's death. Hopefully this story will make clear that his death has provided an opportunity to highlight the ongoing battle to protect life in our land from conception to natural death. We must all do our part to bring this about. It has been widely accepted that the definition of a human is a being with a unique human genome. Until such time as science finally achieved the ability to demonstrate that a soul in the womb met such a standard the courts were able to decide that such a human being was not a 'person'. Since 'personhood' is indistinguishable and inseparable from the definition of 'human being', we must continue to make the case that those humans not yet born needs to be protected. What have you done to make the pro-life case in your life? Dr. Henry Morgentaler's death highlights abortion divide - Canada - CBC News

Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? » First Thoughts | A First Things Blog

Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? » First Thoughts | A First Things Blog

Pentecostal Enlightenment

Western Christians celebrated Pentecost last Sunday, while Eastern Christians look ahead to Pentecost in late June. It’s the season of the Spirit, a time to muse on the politics of Pentecost. Pentecostal Enlightenment | First Things

Need a spirit lift today? Here's an article that's just the right tonic for anyone down in the dumps: Nick Vujicic, part evangelist part motivational speaker, takes message to unlikely places | Holy Post | National Post

Nick Vujicic, part evangelist part motivational speaker, takes message to unlikely places | Holy Post | National Post

Pope Francis: God Redeems Atheists For 'Good Works'... Christians Must Accept Non-Believers

A note for those who question the appropriateness of accepting non-believers among us as good people. Note please that these words come from our Pope. Thus it would seem to me that those who castigate me and others on this blog for conversing and developing friendships with people of different convictions are in fact arguing with him, not just with me!!! In the homily to his morning Mass Wednesday, Pope Francis said that Christians must stop perpetuating narrow definitions of  'good' and embrace atheists as God does -- for the work they do to make the world a better place. Click on link to read entire article: Pope Francis: God Redeems Atheists For 'Good Works,' Christians Must Accept Non-Believers :

U.S. Catholics: Overly Assimilated? - latest column from George Weigel

"With his new book, American Church: The Remarkable Rise, Meteoric Fall, and Uncertain Future of Catholicism in America , mild-mannered Russell Shaw has become the bull in the china shop of U.S. Catholic history, knocking heroes off pedestals and overturning conventional story-lines—all in aid of trying to understand why the Church in America is in a precarious position today vis-à-vis the ambient public culture and the government. Shaw’s answer: We’re in deep trouble because of a longstanding U.S. Catholic determination to be more American than thou—to disprove ancient charges of Catholicism’s incompatibility with American democracy by assimilating so dramatically that there’s no discernible difference between Catholics (and their attitudes toward public policy) and an increasingly secularized, mainstream public opinion. Shaw mounts an impressive case that Catholic Lite in these United States has indeed taken its cues from the wider culture, and as that culture has

Earthquake rattles residents in Ontario, Quebec | CTV News

A Quiet Place YIKES! That's right down river from Mattawa. The place here certainly rattled and rolled for a few moments this morning. It must have been a lot stronger down in the Pontiac where my cottage is located near where the earthquake was centered! Happily I can report that according to my neighbors down there that there's no evident damage done to any of the properties in the area. It's been quite the year for we folks who live along the Ottawa River. Historic high water has flooded most of we cottagers - I still have 3-4 inches of water in mine, down from 2-3 feet that flooded it for the past - and then today's shaker. It's enough to make one wonder what's coming next? A plague of locusts and the four horsemen of the Apocalypse? Good thing I believe in Christ's admonition not to be concerned if we hear of earthquakes and other disasters. If I didn't I'd be spending all my time with an eye cocked to east to see of the parousia was at

Pope: ‘If We Annoy People, Blessed Be the Lord’ | Daily News | NCRegister.com

The Pope says that the Church needs apostolic zeal to proclaim Jesus Christ among people who do not believe. 'Blessed be the Lord, if we annoy people to introduce them to Christ" said Pope Francis during his morning Mass at the Vatican on May 16.  Can't say that I've ever thought of it in those terms - I was raised not to annoy others (it's not very Canadian to be that impolite) - but I certainly agree with Pope Francis's desire that Catholics would exhibit more apostolic zeal in preaching the good news of Jesus. I would only add that bit of wisdom that Francis of Assisi left his followers when instructing them to share the good news: 'Preach the gospel always' he said, 'and only when necessary use words'. Want to read more? Click on the link below to read entire source article.   Pope: ‘If We Annoy People, Blessed Be the Lord’ | Daily News | NCRegister.com : 

FILM REVIEW: Star Trek Into Darkness - One movie I will not miss this summer!!!

FILM REVIEW: Star Trek Into Darkness - The Buzz

Chris Hadfield's homage to David Bowie's 'Space Oddity'

What a remarkable video produced and sung by Commander Chris Hadfield to mark the end of his time on the ISS (International Space Station). Evidently it has already received my Youtube views that Bowie's original!!

Bubbles and Clouds: The Secrets of Their Physics | TIME.com

I never cease to marvel at the wonders of God's creation. Here's a neat little article that explains 'bubbles'. After reading it perhaps you might appreciate this Don Ho classic. Bubbles and Clouds: The Secrets of Their Physics | TIME.com

5 things Chris Hadfield did that amazed us

This is a compilation of videos from Chris Hadfield during his 6 month stint on the ISS which I found on the CBC News website. Canadians were enthralled during  his time as station commander by the incredible pictures he shared with his frequent tweets and the many video conferences he participated in from orbit during which he was questioned by school children and others. From singing a song written for the occasion by Ed Robertson of the Bare Naked Ladies and his homage to David Bowie to videos where he showed off some Canadian delicacies sent to him by a re-supply ship, Hadfield's conduct fueled an authentic sense of national pride as demonstrated by his humor and civility. Way to go Commander Hadfield... and welcome home, eh?

Strange Notions: A new blog where the aim is to promote discussions between believers and atheists

Click on the link below to visit a new entry into the Catholic blogosphere called 'Strange Notions'. It's creator intends for it to be a place where believers and atheists can discuss and debate issues. If you like what's offered here 'where the rubber hits the road', you might find articles of interest there as well. Strange Notions

Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is controlled strength...

New Advent: Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is controlled strength...

6 credible allegations of sexual abuse by clergy in the USA for 2012

Given that even one offense is too many, it is heartening to see that in this era of zero tolerance and extensive protocols to protect Church members that so few are being revealed as predators. PERHAPS - just perhaps we are turning the corner on these scandals. I certainly pray that this is the case, as I'm sure all Catholics do as well.

Pope Francis names hundreds of new saints - World - CBC News

Pope Francis names hundreds of new saints - World - CBC News

Pope: Sad Christian faces are like pickled peppers :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Good Bad Pope: Sad Christian faces are like pickled peppers :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Turkey uncovers alleged plot to kill Orthodox patriarch - Topix

Turkey uncovers alleged plot to kill Orthodox patriarch - Topix

Canada's March for Life on Parliament Hill - A march to protest gendercide

This Thursday, May 9th will once again see tens of thousands of people from across the country gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to participate in the 2013 ‘National March for Life’,  an annual event sponsored by a coalition of Pro-Life organizations. This year’s theme is unique in that it is being expressed in feminist language:  “End Female Gendercide: ‘It’s a girl!’ should not be a death sentence.” In some countries, abortion is being used to conduct a war on baby girls. Sadly Canada is not immune from this trend. Once thought to be a problem only in faraway lands, the Canadian Medical Association revealed in 2011 that this barbaric practice is happening in Canada, with sex-selective abortion being utilized to target baby girls in the womb. This is the ultimate form of sexist, anti-woman discrimination. High and rising sex ratios favoring males may lead one to ask what causes parents to prefer sons over daughters? One strand of argument emphasizes socioeconomic and instit

The big same-sex marriage lie  - NY Daily News

The big same-sex marriage lie  - NY Daily News

GO SENS GO!!!: 10 startling stats from a wild Game 3 between the Senators and Canadiens | Ottawa Senators Extra

Mendes: 10 startling stats from a wild Game 3 between the Senators and Canadiens | Ottawa Senators Extra

Month of May, Month of Mary: God Bearer, First Disciple and Pilgrim - International - Catholic Online

Month of May, Month of Mary: God Bearer, First Disciple and Pilgrim - International - Catholic Online

The Empire strikes back at 'May the Fourth'!

When Did I See You Lord? : IgnitumToday

When Did I See You Lord? : IgnitumToday

First Photo of Two Popes at home in the Vatican

Letter #67: First Photo of Two Popes

Bangladesh clothing industry: Pope Francis attacks ‘slave labour’ conditions | Holy Post | National Post

Bangladesh clothing industry: Pope Francis attacks ‘slave labour’ conditions | Holy Post | National Post

Lawsuit filed by ex-Leafs GM Brian Burke draws personal attacks, online debate | Toronto Star

An interesting story that will help to define what libel is in the internet age.  Good luck Mr. Burke. I wish you every success. As someone who's picked up and ticked off a few trolls during my time on line with this blog, I can appreciate to some degree why he is taking this action. What do you think? Lawsuit filed by ex-Leafs GM Brian Burke draws personal attacks, online debate | Toronto Star