For Unto Us, a Child Is Born

A priest recently said to me: "Our Lord comes as a baby at Christmas so that we might find it easier to love him". One has but to watch the enchanting effect that a tiny baby has on everyone within reach to know how true this is. A few times recently when I've had the opportunity to hold a near-newborn while in a group of people, I've noticed anew how magnetic and powerful that tiny person is. Children approach and gaze wide-eyed, young girls and ladies caress and marvel, and even grown men step near to look and smile. A baby — in all his fragile, helpless beauty — has the power to reach even the most distant and hardened of hearts. Facades come down, and an indescribable tenderness overcomes us as we behold this tiny miracle of creation.

A Christmas message sent us from an area pregnancy care center held a quote (credited to this newsletter) which I found stirringly beautiful, summing wondrously this mysterious power of each new life...

"When God wants an important thing done in this world or a wrong righted, He goes about it in a very singular way. He doesn't release thunderbolts or stir up earthquakes. God simply has a tiny baby born, perhaps of a very humble home, perhaps of a very humble mother. And God puts the idea or purpose into the mother's heart. And she puts it in the baby's mind, and then...God waits.

The great events of this world are not battles and elections and earthquakes and thunderbolts. The great events are babies, for each child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with humanity, but is still expecting goodwill to become incarnate in each human life."

Among the great events of babies, and the accompanying divine message of hope, the Birth which the whole world now celebrates shines as the greatest of all. In the supreme act of goodwill incarnated, the Father sends His own Son in the flesh: not as an imposing warrior in armor or a commanding king seated on a thone, but as a baby. As one of us. Regardless of the chaos, brokenness, or corruption that may be raging around the world, each Christmas reminds us that the Father is not finished with humanity. He reaches down, and places Eternal Light into a darkened world. Let heaven and nature sing!

"For unto us, a child is born;
unto us, a son is given.
And the government
shall be upon his shoulders,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

-Isaiah 9:6

Just a Note...

Dear Kathryn, the new profile picture is for you! :)
Blessed Christmas, everyone!

Advent Day 14: Saint Lucy

Hear us, O God, our salvation, as we rejoice on the feast of Saint Lucy, Thy virgin and Martyr, and grant us to learn the spirit of pious devotion.

~from CatholicCulture.org

Fr. Kubicki on St. Lucy's memorial:

Swedish girls in a "St. Lucia" tradition...I'm not sure what the song is, but it's lovely!

Advent Day 13: Our Lady of Guadalupe

“Am I not here, I who am your Mother?

Are you not under my shadow and protection?

Am I not the source of your joy?

Are you not in the hollow of my mantle,

in the crossing of my arms?

Do you need anything more?
Let nothing else worry or disturb you.”

~Our Lady of Guadalupe

(celebrated today)

Our Lady of Guadalupe explained by Fr. James Kubicki, SJ

(National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer):

Advent Day 12

“The arrangement of the names of Christ, however, is manifold…
Sun, because He is the illuminator…
Vine, because we are redeemed by His blood…
Lion, because he is king…

Rock, because He is firm…
Prophet, because He has revealed what is to come.”

~Pope St. Damasus I (celebrated today)

Advent Day 11

“Peace begins with a smile.”

~Mother Teresa

We are in the Advent week of Peace...have you smiled today?

Advent Day 10: Memorial of Saint Juan Diego

"What was Juan Diego like? Why did God look upon him? The Book of Sirach, as we have heard, teaches us that God alone 'is mighty; he is glorified by the humble' (cf. Sir 3:20). Saint Paul's words, also proclaimed at this celebration, shed light on the divine way of bringing about salvation: 'God chose what is low and despised in the world ... so that no human being might boast in the presence of God' (1 Cor 1:28,29).

It is moving to read the accounts of Guadalupe, sensitively written and steeped in tenderness. In them the Virgin Mary, the handmaid 'who glorified the Lord' (Lk 1:46), reveals herself to Juan Diego as the Mother of the true God. As a sign, she gives him precious roses, and as he shows them to the Bishop, he discovers the blessed image of Our Lady imprinted on his tilma."

~Pope John Paul II at the Canonization of St. Juan Diego

Advent Day 9: The Immaculate Conception

“What a great gift to have Mary Immaculate as mother! A mother resplendent with beauty, the transparency of God's love. I am thinking of today's young people, who grow up in an environment saturated with messages that propose false models of happiness. These young men and women risk losing hope because they often seem orphans of true love, which fills life with true meaning and joy. This was a theme dear to my Venerable Predecessor John Paul II, who so often proposed Mary to the youth of our time as the ‘Mother of Fair Love’… How sad it is when youth lose the wonder, the enchantment of the most beautiful sentiments, the value of respect for the body, the manifestation of the person and his unfathomable mystery! Mary Immaculate, whom we contemplate in all her beauty and holiness, reminds us of all this.”

~ Pope Benedict XVI
Angelus Address, December 8, 2007

Second Sunday of Advent

“A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!”

~from Today’s Gospel

Advent Day 7

God of joy and cheer,
we thank you for your servant,
the good bishop Nicholas.
In loving the poor,
he showed us your kindness;
in caring for your children,
he revealed your love.
Make us thoughtful
without need of reward
so that we, too, may be
good followers of Jesus.

Happy St. Nicholas Day! If you haven't been to StNicholasCenter.org yet, there's no better time! Both the beautiful picture and prayer are from there.

May the generous spirit of this saint inspire us today and the whole year through.

God bless!

Advent Day 6

Lord, we believe that You can make us see.

~See today’s gospel

Advent Day 5

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’

will enter the Kingdom of heaven,

but only the one who does the will of my Father...”

~Matthew 7 (today’s gospel)

Advent Day 4

"It is not the actual pysical exertion

that counts towards a man's progress,

nor the nature of the task,

but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken."

~St. Francis Xavier, celebrated today

Advent Day 3

(See today's first reading)

Advent Day 2

“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

~Psalm 122 (Today's Responsorial Psalm)

First Sunday of Advent

“Advent is, par excellence, the season of hope.”

~Celebration of Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
St Peter's Basilica, 1st December 2007

Powerful

From AdventConspiracy.org:

The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Today begins Advent. Enter the conspiracy!

HT: Homeschooling with Joy

Prayers, Please

I leave this afternoon for an Ignatian Spiritual Exercises retreat over the weekend. As I am presently in the midst of some great discernment and difficult decisions, I am very much longing for an outpouring of graces. I would be deeply grateful for your prayers, that the Holy Spirit may enlighten my heart during this retreat. Each of you will be in my prayers as well. Thank you so much!

Pax Christi.

Pope Benedict on Beauty

This caught my eye immediately...a splendid article! Also very reminiscent of the theme of this book (if you haven't yet read it, this is an official recommendation to do so). :)

Vatican City, Nov 25, 2008 / 11:18 am (CNA)- Although the world is immersed in images, it can be empty of beauty, Pope Benedict said today in a message he sent to the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Literature as it explores the relationship between aesthetics and ethics.

Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, is hosting a public event with the theme—"The universality of beauty: a comparison between aesthetics and ethics," and to contribute to the discussion, Pope Benedict has sent the archbishop a message.

The topic chosen by the academy reminds us of the "urgent need for a renewed dialogue between aesthetics and ethics, between beauty, truth and goodness," the Pope writes.

This need to reconnect beauty with truth and goodness is not just limited to the "contemporary cultural and artistic debate," but extends to daily reality, the Holy Father argues.

Today we can see "a dramatically-evident split" between the pursuit of external beauty and the idea of a beauty that is rooted in truth and goodness. Oftentimes, society only understands the search for beauty as an "exterior form, as an appearance to be pursued at all costs," he explains.

"Indeed," the Pope writes, "searching for a beauty that is foreign to or separate from the human search for truth and goodness would become (as unfortunately happens) mere asceticism and, especially for the very young, a path leading to ephemeral values and to banal and superficial appearances, even a flight into an artificial paradise that masks inner emptiness."

Pope Benedict also calls on contemporary reasoning to rediscover the link between beauty, truth and goodness. "And if such a commitment applies to everyone," the Pope asserts, "it applies even more to believers, to the disciples of Christ, who are called by the Lord to 'give reasons' for all the beauty and truth of their faith."

When Christians create works that "render glory unto the Father," the Pope continues, they speak of the "goodness and profound truth" that they are portraying, as well as the integrity and sanctity of the artist or author. To this end, Benedict XVI encourages believers to learn how to "communicate with the language of images and symbols ... in order effectively to reach our contemporaries."

The Holy Father also mentions how at the Synod on the Bible the bishops noted that knowing how to "read and scrutinize the beauty of works of art inspired by the faith" can lead Christians to discover a "unique path that brings us close to God and His Word."

Finally, Pope Benedict cites John Paul II's Letter to Artists, "which invites us, to reflect upon ... the fruitful dialogue between Holy Scripture and various forms of art, whence countless masterpieces have emerged." His message closes by appealing to academics and artists "to arouse wonder at and desire for beauty, to form people's sensitivity and to nourish a passion for everything that is a genuine expression of human genius and a reflection of divine beauty."


How I love that final quote! My heart leaps to respond to his call "to arouse wonder at and desire for beauty". I believe that each of us are called, in our individual vocations, to contribute to this noble effort. What will you do today to manifest a reflection of divine beauty to the world?

HT: Catholic Fire

American Papist

The (Entire) Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference;

living one day at a time,

accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.

Let me take, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting He will make all things right

if I surrender to His will.

May I be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen.

HT: Homeschooling with Joy

Giving Thanks with a Catholic Flavor

Today, Americans gather to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving. For many, the day holds long-revered traditions. Perhaps it wouldn’t be complete without Grandma’s special pastries, or Aunt Mary’s cranberry sauce. Many a hostess will shop, plan, and labor to ensure that dinner is perfectly cooked and ready on time. Many a father, grandfather, or uncle may be eagerly waiting to watch some football. Many a child may anticipate indulging in sweet things. Whatever the individual traditions, many of us look forward to a joyful day celebrating the abundance of our blessings.

As with any holiday, it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle, bustle, obligations, and expectations of it all that we can lose sight of why we celebrate in the first place. So what if the turkey isn’t ready to go on a magazine cover, or if the pie crusts got a little dark? If you have bounty enough to eat a thanksgiving feast, you are wealthier than many in this world. And if you have a family with which to gather and celebrate, in an era of family brokenness and division, you are blessed.

Or perhaps we’re feeling a bit less grateful this year, what with the state of our economy, growing international unrest, and the strain it has all put on many American pocketbooks. St. Paul has a word for us there, however: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (Thess. 5:18, emphasis added)

Times considered less than ideally prosperous are the ideal time to re-notice and better appreciate the most important blessings in our lives – those that make us truly wealthy. Even if your thanksgiving meal is less than ideally bountiful, or your family can’t unite due to distance or division, there are still fundamental gifts for which to be grateful: Life. Love. Freedom. Beauty. Senses through which to experience the world. And most of all, the gift of Jesus Himself, brought to us through His Church.

The Greek word for “Thanksgiving” is Eucharistia. That’s right: the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of our Lord, is the ultimate “Thanksgiving Meal”. What better way to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day? The turkey bakes for hours anyway, and few cooks remain peaceful spending all day in the kitchen. Take an hour to leave the hustle and bustle as the invited guest of this heavenly banquet hosted by the Giver of Life. And see how much richer this “holy day” can be!

Find Mass times in your area here.

Silent Growth

"We need to find God, but we cannot find Him in noise or in excitement. See how nature, the trees, the flowers, the grass grow in deep silence. See how the stars, the moon, and the sun all move in silence."

Mother Teresa

~ ~ ~

Photo credit: My sister, Veronica, who often captures beautiful flower photos!

All About St. Nicholas

I'm doing some preparation for the Catechetial program which I coordinate, to prepare resources for my catechists to use for St. Nicholas Day in a few weeks, and have to share here a few of the lovely sites I've found...

The St. Nicholas Center is simply a treasure box for all things St. Nicholas! Everything you could wish to learn about his true story, worldwide traditions surrounding his Feast Day (December 6), celebration ideas, kid's activities, an online store with stickers, bookmarks, (and even cookie cutters!), and more.

There is what appears to be a beautiful St. Nicholas traveling exhibit, which will be in Chicago for the next two months.

And some exciting news that I didn't know: there's a brand new, major feature film, "Nicholas of Myra", in progress right now! It looks like a splendid project, and probably an outstanding family film rich in history, spirituality, and meaning. The official movie website is www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com.

...Just another beautiful evidence, I believe, of the ongoing "new pentecost" we are blessed to be seeing within the arts, particularly within filmmaking. The Passion of the Christ seemed to pave the much-needed way for a growing number of quality films rooted in virtue!

Life is Fragile

Quite a lot has happened over the past few weeks. Most significantly, a heartbreaking accident which took the life of my friend and fellow Suzuki violin teacher, Amanda Jahn, along with her two young children. All three were killed when a drunk driver blew a stop sign and hit them last Thursday night. At our Suzuki string group concert rehearsal just a few hours before, Mandy and I were playing violin together, and even joking about our paychecks. I received a tearful phone call at 7:30 the next morning with the tragic news.

One hears of these kinds of tragedies from time to time, but it is so very different when the victim is someone you know. It's a gripping wake-up call to live each day as if it were your last, and not to take one's family for granted. Many of us can't imagine the grief of the young husband and father who lost his entire family in one night. But he is a man of strong faith, which is carrying him through this great loss.

According to the news article in our local paper, Josh spoke with Mandy over the phone just minutes before the crash, and told her he loved her. They said goodbye thinking they'd be reunited within twenty minutes. How treasured that phone call and those final loving words must be to Josh now.

Indeed, life is fragile. It is also precious. Do we live each day as if it were our last? Give your spouse, parent, or sibling a hug today...we never know how long we have left with them.

"Hold on to the Word of Life"

Yesterday was a troubling day for America. Many of us weep that the pro-life victory for which we fought and prayed so hard was not reached. Instead, the U.S. swayed and fell for for a leader who may have promised a fix for the economy, but who refuses to fix the deepest injustice in our nation: over 1.2 million unborn Americans murdered each year through legalized abortion.

My dear friend Malori asked a powerful question on her blog last night:

President-Elect Obama, in your acceptance speech you said you stand up for
everyone in America: black and white, male and female, young and old, gay and
straight, disabled and non-disabled. What about the born and unborn?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Perhaps, after last night's election of a black President of the United States, some think Dr. King's dream has been realized. I beg to differ. Perhaps we've learned to stop judging by the color of skin — and I agree with countless others that this lesson is a necessary one — but we've missed the other important half of Dr. King's dream. When will we learn to judge by the content of character?

Despite the sadness, I am buoyed by the undespairing spirit, prayerful hopefulness, and unyielding determination I see — in the blogosphere and in person — on the part of so many of God's people. And today's first reading was by no means a coincidence...

"For God is the one who, for his good purpose,

works in you both to desire and to work.

Do everything without grumbling or questioning,

that you may be blameless and innocent,

children of God without blemish

in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,

among whom you shine like lights in the world,

as you hold on to the word of life,

so that my boast for the day of Christ

may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain."

—1 Philippians 2 (emphasis added)

My goddaughter profoundly pointed out that the Obama victory could be our Lord's way of keeping us on our knees, away from the danger of becoming complacent, and on the path of repentance and conversion. Thus may be brought about actual hope and change — not from President Obama, but from the merciful hand of the real Messiah.

And that, my friends, is change we can believe in.

Election Eve

The final hours are here. My family and I just returned from a holy hour of adoration (I confess that some of us drifted off at prayer; we're a bit exhausted from a massive pro-life voter guide distribution effort over the weekend). The mass media is trying their utmost to have us believe it's practically over already...have you noticed the headlines? They're already trying to crown Obama. But as Fr. Pavone so simply and eloquently reminded us: the only thing counted on election day is votes. Not one of the liberal media's polls determine our next president. Actual, real votes do.

And, of course, so does the prayer of a humbled people pleading earnestly to their God. Folks, if there was ever a time to pray, this is it. If you can fast, do so. If you can keep an all (or part) night vigil tonight, do it. If you can take off of work tomorrow to help get out the pro-life vote, do it.

A few election eve articles to help us keep things in perspective:

"I'll Say It Again, This Election Will Be Closer Than They Think"
by Father Jonathan Morris on the Fox Forum

Fr. Frank's perspective on polls, state initiatives and last minute duties
by Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life

What To Do Between Now and Election Night
from PoliticalResponsibility.org

Election Day Traps
from PoliticalResponsibility.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe,

Mother of America,

Patroness of the Unborn,

Queen of Justice,

pray for us!

Photo at left: Senator McCain during his July 2008 visit to the Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Mexico (which I was privileged to visit 9 years ago).

All Saints

All Saints' Day was actually Saturday (Nov 1), but this song was too fun not to share. Enjoy!

"Saint Song"

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 40 (Sun)

From American Papist News: A terrific interview with Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver! Of the growing number of U.S. Bishops who have spoken emphatically on the moral obligations of Faith and Politics, he is one of the most outspoken. Thomas Peters, a young Catholic who runs an impressive blog and his own news service, recently interviewed Archbishop Chaput, who gave candid answers to highly relevant questions on Catholicism and citizenship.

Part 1:

Part 2:

The intention of our final Life Devotional is perfectly fitting with All Souls Day, also celebrated Nov. 2: Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 39 (Sat)

Today's Life Devotional intention is "that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!"

It's likely that by now we've all experience some moments of discouragement and exhaustion. I found this final advice from Fr. Pavone just the boost to push us through the remaining days of this battle. By the way: did you know that the 2000 Presidential race was decided by 537 people in one single state? Take a watch!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 38 (Fri)

JustOneJudge.com has a new video added to their compelling collection: a heartfelt appeal from Miss America 2001. This non-threatening website asks for your pledge to vote for pro-life political candidates, remembering that our next president is likely to appoint the Supreme Court Justice whose vote could either prolong or end Roe vs. Wade. Never undervalue the power of one vote!

If you haven't yet visited JustOneJudge.com and learned what it's all about, what are you waiting for?

Today's Life Devotional intention: Pray that we become vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 37

“Disregard for the right to life, precisely because it leads to the killing of the person whom society exists to serve, is what most directly conflicts with the possibility of achieving the common good... It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop... ”

—Pope John Paul II

Evangelium Vitae

Today's Life Devotional intention: Pray that we will each submit ourselves this day as a living sacrifice to God, giving all that we have in us for those being sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 36

No one says it like Father Corapi. He can preach, admonish, and convict with the no-nonsense clarity that cuts straight through and hits right where it should. And yesterday he released a special "Eleventh Hour Election Alert":

Today's Life Devotional intention: We are the defenders of true freedom. May our witness unveil the deception of the "pro-choice" slogan.

Amen!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 35

Check out this website that really puts this election in perspective:

www.justonejudge.com

They have some really intriguing videos, and a powerful reminder that most pro-life or pro-abortion thing a president can do is appoint a supreme court justice...which our next president will likely do one, if not two or more times!

Today's Life Devotional can be found here. We are down to the final week: let us redouble the prayers and sacrifices! We cannot sit by complacently during such a critical time. What will you do this week to bring about a pro-life victory next Tuesday?

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 34 (Mon)

This was both hilarious and tragic: Rush Limbaugh interviewing voters about why they support Obama. They are so uninformed on his positions that when facts about McCain were attributed to Obama, they didn't know the difference. Yikes. Ignore the ugly photo, but take a listen to the clip...

Today's Life Devotional can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 33 (Sun)

"The Catholic Vote"

by Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life International

I have been asked by many people to help clarify Catholic teaching on exercising one’s voting rights, especially with respect to the abortion issue. There are many candidates across the nation running on many issues, and Catholics are trying to sort through them all, so I will state the Church’s position as unequivocally as possible for the education of the faithful and not as an endorsement of any particular candidate or candidates: true Catholics are not “single-issue” voters—we are principled voters. That determines which candidates we give our vote to and it determines the state of our souls after we vote.

With respect to the abortion issue, the principle in question is the moral impossibility for a Catholic to cooperate in an act or an institution that is “intrinsically evil.” Now, something that is “intrinsically evil” is not just a bad thing—it is a heinous thing, trumping all other moral considerations, and we can never legitimately commit the act ourselves or approve of it in anyone else. Casting a vote for a candidate who forcefully advocates the killing of innocent unborn babies shows approval or unacceptable toleration of that heinous crime against humanity, and Catholics can never do it in good conscience.

- Read the complete (and outstanding) article here.

Today's Life Devotional can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 32 (Sat)

Today's Election Resource: Dr. Dobson Interviews Sarah Palin. A candid, conversational interview in which Sarah speaks easily and freely about her family, her campaign, and her faith.

Today's Life Devotional prays for humility... and that is one thing that jumps out at me from this interview. She's real, earnest, and not at all arrogant. That is refreshing in a politician!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 31

Months ago, I remember hearing something about Obama's citizenship status being questionable. Then it seemed to be written off. Now Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg is bringing forth evidence that Obama may actually be Kenyan-born, which would make him not a natural-born U.S. Citizen, and therefore...you guessed it: not eligible to run for president. The American people deserve to know about this investigation. But you can be sure the liberal news media will ignore it entirely. They're far too busy trying their utmost to dig up dirt on conservative, principled candidates (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

I'm not saying that Mr. Berg's claim is entirely verified yet, but the fact that it legitimately may be makes this a piece that American citizens have every right to know about. Most of all, it means that we must redouble our prayers for our Lord's mercy. If this does turn out to be true, what a terrible shame for such deception to have taken a man this far in our country.

Don't forget today's Life Devotional!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 30 (Thurs)

Folks, I know I've posted scores of gripping videos here, but this is THE most enlightening film yet. 3 minutes and 52 seconds contrasting the candidates' very own words on the life issue. No extra opinions, no outside editorials... their own words tell it all. Every single voter deserves to see this before stepping into the booth. You can share this film easily by giving the link http://www.americaschoicenow.com/ to everyone you know.

- Today's Life Devotional is here.

Three Times the Joy

I just saw this at my dear friend Malori's blog and had to post it! A young couple in Texas recently welcomed idential triplet boys (added to their three older sons) — conceived totally naturally without the use of any fertility drugs! Is not that photo just too sweet for words?

This one, too!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 29

Eduardo Verastegui, producer and lead actor of the 2007 American film Bella, endorsed Sen. John McCain on October 15th in Colorado. From the news release on Eduardo's website:

On October 17th, Verastegui was invited to Miami to speak at a rally with Senator John McCain, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Sen. Mel Martinez, Florida’s former Governor Jeb Bush and Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Verastegui said, "I am endorsing Sen. McCain for President because of his commitments to end abortion, to protect traditional marriage, to select conservative judges and to pass a just immigration reform."

"We need to put an end to abortion, and political candidates play a very important role in this matter. More than 200,000 Latino babies are killed by abortion each year in the USA. This holocaust must end. That's why we must elect Senator McCain. He will defend and protect the most innocent of his country, the beautiful babies in their mothers' wombs."

This is a man who has the issues in perspective...right on!

Verastegui believes that unless Americans elect a president who will defend fundamental human rights, no one can expect a sound economy, health care or national security, including immigration reform.

..."I can make hundreds of movies like Bella, and they will hopefully save many babies, but it's never going to be as powerful as a president nominating judges who observe constitutional law. After all, we are just one pro-life Supreme Court Justice away from overturning Roe v. Wade."

"We can never vote for any candidate that supports abortion."

And he makes a meaningful point on "change":

"Barack Hussein Obama speaks about 'change,' but what change are we talking about? Fidel Castro spoke about change in Cuba. Hugo Chavez talks about change in Venezuela, and other charismatic, well-spoken dictators promised change, but look what happened to their countries."

LifeSiteNews did an terrific interview with Eduardo which includes some more of his thoughts and quotes. The part that I think is simply too neat:

"When I finished [speaking], I went to John McCain and I said, 'Senator, thank you for your commitment to life. I’d like to give you something.' I gave him a Miraculous Medal blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and he was amazing. He said, 'Thank you so much! Look what I have here in my pocket.' Then Sen. McCain took a medal out of his pocket that he carries everywhere and it was a Blessed Mother Teresa medal. He said, 'Eduardo, now I am going to keep both.'"

Verastegui also gave McCain’s wife, Cindy, a Miraculous Medal. He said, “I was touched when I found out that the McCains adopted one of their daughters from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India. There is nothing more beautiful than to give children homes with families who will love them. I hope that one day that I can do the same."

Praise God for men like this who are not afraid to speak the truth in the eye of the public — free of motives for personal gain, simply and clearly, and without compromise!

Don't forget today's Life Devotional...

To My Mom

Blessed Birthday, and thank you for giving me admonitions that I need to hear! :)

Love you!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 28 (Tue)

More Biden News...his recent prediction (which almost sounded like a threat!) of an international crisis" brought on by an Obama presidency. The exact quote?

"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack
Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a
brilliant 47-year old senator president of the United States of America.
Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said.
Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the
mettle of this guy."

Interesting. And disturbing. Read the article here from Real Clear Politics.

Today in our Life Devotional we pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates. That would include praying for the conversion of pro-abortion politicians...especially so-called "Catholics".

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 27 (Mon)

Dr. Alveda King: Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Truly an inspiring lady and real civil rights champion!

It is fitting that today's Life Devotional intention is for humility in our work for God's Kingdom. Dr. King really seems to embody that! 50 seconds into the following CNN clip, she is interviewed on this presidential election. This civil rights activists says that she awaits the day when she can vote an African-American for President...and then explains why she cannot vote for Obama:

HT on Dr. King: Cecilia Rose

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 26 (Sun)

LifeSiteNews.com — Flip-flop: Now Biden Supports Homosexual "Marriage"
A very interesting and informative article! I'm sorry, but I find it very hard to respect or take seriously politicians who say one thing to one group and the opposite to another...

Life Devotional intention: That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 25 (Sat)

(With company visiting over the weekend, I ended up away from the blog for a few days. We'll catch up now on the countdown, though!)

Today's outstanding election resource: www.politicalresponsibility.org. The election website of Priests for Life...one of the best I've seen!

Today's pro-life resource: www.unchoice.org. Startling facts and statistics on how often abortion is really not the woman's choice.

Life Devotional intention: We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 24

Bishop Jackels of Wichita, Kansas: Think of Life When You Vote

As a consequence of our belief, whether or not a candidate gets our vote should depend on their positions on issues related to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. A candidate can make attractive promises on the economy or the environment, but those should take second place to a candidate’s positions related to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. A candidate who is indifferent to or worse yet antagonistic to these preeminent positions is not worthy of consideration.

So, when election day comes, vote for the candidate who acknowledges the fundamental importance of the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person, and who recognizes our responsibility for each other.

Read the complete, excellent article here.
Today's Life Devotionals here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 23

Without a doubt, the most important part of last night's presidential debate:





It's late and I need to head to bed, but hopefully a bit of commentary may follow tomorrow...there is plenty to be discussed from this segment.

Today's Life Devotional can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 22

Today's excellent resource:

EWTN's "A Guide to Catholic Teaching and Voting" website

This site is loaded with wonderful information! Be sure to check out the "Catholic Vote" series by Fr. Frank Pavone.

Life Devotionals here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 21

(Overdue from Tuesday...)

I don't know too much about Susan B. Anthony other than that she was a pro-life feminist, but from this quote I found it appears she may have been Catholic, too. I found this intriguing! A good example of authentic "tolerance".

"I tell them I have worked 40 years to make the W.S. platform broad enough
for Atheists and Agnostics to stand upon, and now if need be I will fight the
next 40 to keep it Catholic enough to permit the straightest Orthodox
religionist to speak or pray and count her beads upon."

- Susan B. Anthony on the Women's Suffrage platform

Life Devotionals here. "Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might."

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 20

I was pleasantly amazed to hear some straightforward, non-liberally-biased analysis coming from the panel on this video, which poses the question: Is the press trying to paint Palin in a bad light? As she's conservative and non-conforming, the answer is naturally yes. It was nice to actually see some secular analysts acknowledging this, and even expressing some dissatisfaction with the manipulative mainstream media.

And we are already halfway through the 40 Days for Life! Let us redouble our prayer and efforts during this second half to call down Divine Mercy upon our country.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 19

Sarah Palin may not be perfect (then again, what politician — or person — is?), but her speech yesterday in Johnstown, Pennsylvania was the most refreshing I've ever heard from a politician. With candor, conviction, and clarity, she spoke in defense of life. And not just in a passing, general way, but with the authenticity of one who truly believes in the cause. So different from those politicians who so often take a stance only because it is adventagious to do so...

The tone of some of Sarah's remarks in this speech are actually reminiscent of some of the points made by Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul, especially this:

"I believe the truest measure of any society is how it treats those who are least able to defend and speak for themselves. And who is more vulnerable, or more innocent, than a child?"

I think that my favorite line of all, however, is:

"There are the world’s standards of perfection … and then there are God’s, and these are the final measure. Every child is beautiful before God, and dear to Him for their own sake."

This 9-minute video is well worth every moment! I love her continual eye contact with the crowd as she speaks not from a page, but from her heart.

- Read the transcript here.

- Read Today's Life Devotional here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 18

I was saddened to read the following news article today:

Young Catholics not turning to sanctity of life and marriage as voting issues, poll finds

Catholic News Agency — A new poll of Americans ages 18-34 has surveyed the faith, politics, and issue positions of young adults before the 2008 election. The poll claims about 60 percent of younger self-identified Catholics say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 44 percent reportedly support same-sex marriage, a number which rises to 64 percent when religious liberty protections are emphasized.

The claims come from the Faith in Public Life’s “The Faith and American Politics Survey,” which was conducted by Public Religion Research between August 28 and September 19. Polling 2,000 American adults and an over sample of 1,250 younger adults, its methods included both land line and cell phone interviews.

I found it interesting — but not entirely surprising — that "the poll shows overall voters who attend religious services once or twice a month support Obama at a rate of 60 percent". It would have been more balanced of them to include candidate support for young Catholics who abide by the Church's precepts and attend Mass weekly, even though this group made up only 28 percent of those polled:

Of Catholics ages 18-34, 28 percent reported attending church once a week,
while 22 percent said they attend once or twice a month. Another 27 percent
reported attending a few times a year, while 17 percent said they seldom or
never attend church. Six percent reported attending church more than once a
week.

I fall into that last category...and no, I didn't get polled. The most troubling part of this article is that only 28 percent of "self-professed" Catholic young adults actually comply with their most fundamental obligation of weekly Mass. I would venture to say that if we could bring that number up, the emphasis given by these youth to sanctity of life and marriage issues would likewise increase.

In other words, those of us intent on evangelizing our generation have our work cut out for us. Are you a young Catholic reading my blog? If so, I challenge you to do something today to evangelize one of your peers. We may be the "minority", but we are by no means silent. Post a comment with your "answers" to this poll, and let us know what action you will take to make us the majority!

And don't forget today's Life Devotional, in which we pray for "a flowering of the joy of parenthood". Do something today to help a struggling parent find joy in their vocation!

Do we ever need to hear this right now

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.

Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,

even if your whole world seems upset."

~Saint Francis de Sales

Lord, our whole world does indeed seem upset right now...in more ways than one. By Your grace, may we not lose our inner peace, despite the chaos and confusion all around us.

Amen.

Fireproof rocks the box office!

Pro-Marriage Film Fireproof Wins at the BoxOffice with Highest per Screen Opening Weekend of 2008

'Fireproof' succeeds in theaters and print

'Fireproof' surprise hit of the fall (currently the lead story on the CNN Entertainment page!)

And even more wonderful are some of the incredible testimonies from couples and individuals whose marriages and lives have been powerfully changed. These testimonies, along with other encouraging news and exciting updates (including new additional theater listings!) can be found at the Official Fireproof Blog.

If you haven't seen it yourself yet, don't wait! Last weekend my sisters and I, along with a few girlfriends, were thoroughly delighted and inspired by this quality film. Let's make sure it continues to run strong so that many, many more may be inspired!

www.fireproofthemovie.com

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 17

Today's video is one of encouragement. Father Frank Pavone's exhortation to pro-life members of the U.S. Senate is one that we all should hear.

"Risk it!"

Fr. Pavone also wrote today's Day 17 Devotional with another significant reminder— that the pro-life message is rooted in the two basic truths of life:

There is a God;
He isn't me.

In reality, all the ongoing complexities are rooted in this, aren't they? When human beings think we are big enough, strong enough, advanced enough to try and take on the role of God. It's been happening since Eden with devastating results. The million-dollar question is: how long will it take us to get the message?

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 16

I was perusing the issues section of McCain's website today and was heartened to read the substantial explanation on "Sanctity of Life", particularly this section...

"Overturning Roe v. Wade"

John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.

Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat.

However, the reversal of Roe v. Wade represents only one step in the long path toward ending abortion. Once the question is returned to the states, the fight for life will be one of courage and compassion — the courage of a pregnant mother to bring her child into the world and the compassion of civil society to meet her needs and those of her newborn baby. The pro-life movement has done tremendous work in building and reinforcing the infrastructure of civil society by strengthening faith-based, community, and neighborhood organizations that provide critical services to pregnant mothers in need. This work must continue and government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion. These important groups can help build the consensus necessary to end abortion at the state level. As John McCain has publicly noted, "At its core, abortion is a human tragedy. To effect meaningful change, we must engage the debate at a human level."

Visit the complete Sanctity of Life page here.

Today's Life Devotional prayer intention goes fittingly with the points of the last paragraph above...

Pray that as young couples or single moms choose life for their child, the
church will come alongside them physically, emotionally, and spiritually to help
bear their burdens.

Let us each reach out today — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — to help another bear their burdens, and by so doing add our effort to the cause of life.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 15

A bit on the lighter side, here's a campaigning strategy that gave me a smile. I wouldn't mind have a few of those in my yard! :)

Today's Life Devotionals can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 14

Overdue for yesterday: An insightful commentary by African-American Alan Keyes on Barack Obama. Hurrah for politicians who are honest and true!

Alan Keyes on Obama

Today's Life Devotional, written by Fr. Frank Pavone, prays that all of God's people have the freedom and grace to say "yes" to His marvelous plans.

And according to the 40 Days website, the success stories submitted by those in prayer and action total over 100 babies saved thus far during this vigil!

HT: Catholic Fire

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 13

I don't exactly consider myself a Sean Hannity fan, but this piece is worth the watch:

"Obama and Planned Parenthood"

The intention of today's Life Devotional is a beautiful one: for fathers who are terrified of being fathers. I couldn't help but shudder at the closing statements made by Obama in the above video clip, in which he thanked Planned Parenthood "for all the work that you are doing for women all across the country, for families all across the country, and for men who have enough sense to realize you are helping them."

How anyone can make such a statement is truly frightful. As the biggest member of the abortion industry, Planned Parenthood is one of the greatest causes of the dehumanizing of women, the destruction of families, and the cowardizing of men... all across the country.

And today, October 6, across this same country, people of goodwill mourn and remember our murdered, innocent brothers and sisters — all 49 million of them.

Kyrie eleison.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 12

My evening spiritual reading is Pope Benedict's Jesus of Nazareth, which I'm finding to be both beautiful and deep. I take it in small bits at a time, to better absorb its richness. Last night, this quote caught my eye:

"Constructing a world by our own lights, without reference to God, building on our own foundation; refusing to acknowledge the reality of anything beyond the political and material, while setting God aside as an illusion— that is the temptation that treatens us in many varied forms. "

Indeed, "constructing a world by our own lights", "building on our own foundation", "refusing to acknowledge the reality beyond the political and material", and the "setting aside" of the King of the Universe seem to be all too prevelant themes within government and politics. Let us pray and sacrifice for the intention of true leaders who will...

...contruct a world by the Divine Light, unashamed to reference God,
...build not upon unstable human foundations, but the only One that is secure,
...acknowledge and respect the vivid reality beyond the political and material,
...set Truth — the person of Christ — in the center.

Today's Life Devotional is themed on humility...and healing. I would say the above quote is indication that we desperately need both!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 11

Today's Political Quote:

"To put the world right in order,

we must first put the nation in order;

to put the nation in order,

we must first put the family in order;

to put the family in order,

we must first cultivate our personal life;

we must first set our hearts right."

(Confucius)

- Today's Life Devotional here. Theme: Unconditional Love.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 10

An Election Prayer to Mary

from EWTN.com

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God’s law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life. Amen.

- Check out: "Being Bold", A heartwarming and challenging post at Faith and Family Live. Are we boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Life?

- Today's Life Devotional here.

More Eduardo News

From CNA: Eduardo Verastegui, the Mexican actor who starred in the movie “Bella,” joined pro-life sidewalk counselors and prayerful demonstrators at a Los Angeles abortion clinic on Saturday as he counseled women to turn away from aborting their unborn children.

Many of the demonstrators were present at the Family Planning Associates abortion clinic as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.

John Anthony, co-coordinator of 40 Days for Life Los Angeles, described Verastegui's efforts... According to Anthony, Verastegui spent time in prayer and counseled and encouraged women to keep their babies, acting with “love, tenderness, humility and compassion.” “Five babies were saved that morning!” Anthony said. “Prayer and love in action were key and beautifully exemplified by all present.”

From LifeSite News: He [Eduardo] said, "You wanna hear something really, really funny? Here's what happened at the end. All the nurses from the clinic — some were African Americans, some were Latinas — came outside."

The next thing Eduardo Verastegui knew, eight nurses wanted someone to take pictures of them with him. Instead, he gave each nurse a Miraculous Medal and his DVD. They didn't want to watch his DVD, but promised to do so simply because he requested it. He told them, "I'm going to be here next Saturday and we'll take a picture next Saturday." Then the security guard confronted him, asking, "What are you doing here?" Verastegui countered, "What are you doing here, my friend?"

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 9

October 6: National Pro-Life Memorial Day

From ProLifeMemorialDay.com: Since the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton in 1973, 49,640,776 babies have been surgically and medically aborted – millions more have been killed chemically. This staggering death toll is the direct result of these two decisions.
On the first Monday in October, the U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term. This is a day on which pro-lifers across the nation will mourn the victims of America's hidden holocaust: abortion.
Who will hear the cries of these preborn children? Who will be their voice? Who will mourn their deaths? On October 6, thousands of Americans nationwide will be mourning the victims of abortion by wearing black armbands, gathering for prayer and candlelight vigils at the U.S. Supreme Court and abortion facilities nationwide, wearing the official Pro-Life Memorial Day 2008 T-shirt and engaging in many other activities.

Visit ProLifeMemorialDay.com for all the details.

Visit this page for today's Life Devotional.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 8

"Why Participate in Politics?"

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (nos. 1913-1915).

—United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,

Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship

Today's Election resource:

www.faithfulcitizenship.org

This terrific website is provided by the USCCB and is solely dedicated to exhorting, educating, and equipping the faithful to fulfill our obligation as Catholic citizens. Visit it today, and tell a friend about it!

Access today's Life Devotional here.

Feast Day of The Little Flower

One little Carmelite nun...

one great missionary heart.

One hidden soul....

one courageous conquerer of self.

One simple girl...

one passionate life.

Quiet keeper of the "Little Way"...

today, one of our greatest saints.

~ ~ ~

"We can never have too much confidence in the good God who is so powerful and so merciful. We obtain from him as much as we hope for."

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus,

pray for us!

For more, visit The Society of the Little Flower

P.S. Happy Feast Day to my sister and goddaughter Veronica! :)

Beautiful picture from Holy Cards for Your Inspiration

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 7

"Thoughts on Obama"

(Guest post by Veronica)

What is all the excitement about Barack Obama? What causes people to be so attracted to him? Obama calls for “change” and people are constantly hopping onto his change wagon. But what motivates this “change current”? Obama gives people a euphoria with his fancy words, smooth appearance, and passion-summoning ads, “Change” rallies, exciting words, and plastered smiles. It is an emotionally-charged approach to saying “Vote for me!”, and it is enticing people because emotional infatuation is a rather driving force these days. But do the majority of Obama's fans really know what kind of change they are rooting for? How do we know it isn’t just a cookie-cutter, fake approach to infatuate people? (If so, it has succeeded). Or even worse, is it the kind of change that will send our country on a downward spiral? Have we ever given it a thought that maybe Obama is not much more than fancy words and smooth appearance? That he can’t give our country much more than just a euphoria of passion? Consider it.

View today's Life Devotional here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 6

"143 Days"

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience as a surgeon.

You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.

You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.

BUT...
From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator (January 2005), to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working. After 143 days of active work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief.

And, strangely, a large sector of the American public is okay with this and is even campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are will accept it for the President of the United States of America?

(from an email)

There is an intriguing experience comparison of the two candidates here.

And today's Life Devotionals can be found here.