"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).

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.

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...

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.