The Church and Women
The Church and Women
I love this photo. Why? Because it shows our new pope washing the feet of both women and men on Holy Thursday. Catholics of a certain stripe look for holiness in anything that diminishes women. Righteousness is wanting to do away with altar girls, ending the service of women readers and extraordinary eucharistic ministers. These same folk are adamant that only people with y chromosomes should have their feet washed by a priest on Holy Thursday. In each of these cases, they will insist that no, absolutely not, misogyny has nothing to do with … [Read More…]
I Forgive You. Now Don’t Do It Again.
I Forgive You. Now Don’t Do It Again.
My husband and I go to the Vigil Mass at our parish. Our pastor delivered a fine homily yesterday. It was based on the Gospel story of the woman taken in adultery. He made a point that I’ve often thought myself, that the woman in this story was set up. You catch someone in “the very act” of adultery by being there. This outrage of the scribes and pharisees, which included demands that a woman be stoned to death, was fake outrage. The pharisees were so zealous to entrap Our Lord that they were wiling to entrap and murder this poor woman along … [Read More…]
Atheist Governments of the 20th Century: The Death Toll of Godless Goodness
Atheist Governments of the 20th Century: The Death Toll of Godless Goodness
After 17 years in political office, I am familiar with many of the tactics political bullies employ. One of the most commonplace — and effective — is disruption. I’m not sure when this began, but I do know that both the Communists and the Nazis used it to good advantage, and that it then moved onto the scene here in America in the last half of the 20th century. The methodology is quite simple. Simply go into a meeting, an on-line discussion, a classroom or whatnot and make yelling speeches out of turn, ask strident and abusive questions, call … [Read More…]
Have You Shopped at Hobby Lobby This Month?
Have You Shopped at Hobby Lobby This Month?
I headed to Hobby Lobby as soon as I deposited my paycheck last week. I don’t buy big, but I try to buy something every month. It’s the least I can do to support them in their fight for my freedom and yours. Hobby Lobby is still embroiled in a bitter court battle with the Obama administration over the HHS Mandate. … [Read More…]
Up to Our Earlobes in Alligators: Marriage, Religious Freedom and Fiscal Cliffs, Oh My!
Up to Our Earlobes in Alligators: Marriage, Religious Freedom and Fiscal Cliffs, Oh My!
We are up to our ears in alligators folks. Trying to respond to all the challenges to faith, sanity and the future of Western Civilization these days is like playing a game of whackamole on speed. But there are things you can do. Pick one and do it. Then tomorrow, pick another and do that. Here are a few ideas. If you have others, please add them in the comments section. Marriage Now that the president has come out swinging for gay marriage, and Britain and France have heads of state who are doing the same, we appear to be in a … [Read More…]
- See more at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/publiccatholic/#sthash.zEgTO2b5.dpuf
The Idiots Did It. We’re Sequestered.
The Idiots Did It. We’re Sequestered.
This is the low point in my time in the United States Congress. I can not tell you how ashamed I am. Senator Lindsay Graham, talking about the sequester. President Obama was forced to sign the order last night. We’re sequestered. The idiots drove us over the cliff. What does this mean to you and me? I’m going to give you two replies. One will be what I’ve heard is going to happen to Oklahoma (and by derivation, to everyone else.) The second will be a more official summary. 1. Oklahoma. What I’ve been told is that the … [Read More…]
- See more at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/publiccatholic/#sthash.ioXbqK6H.dpuf
Interesting Times: Pope Benedict and the Church He is Handing Forward
Interesting Times: Pope Benedict and the Church He is Handing Forward
“May you live in interesting times.” That saying is reputed by some sources to be an ancient Chinese curse. Other sources claim it is an ancient Hebrew curse. It appears no one knows for sure exactly where it came from. On the other hand, no one seems to deny the underlying truth of it; that historic, or “interesting” times are often tumultuous and unpleasant for the people who must live through them. Just as no one wants to have a really good medical malpractice suit, no one wants to live their precious life in the dislocation, misery … [Read More…]
- See more at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/publiccatholic/#sthash.xnkqUiUc.dpuf
What Happens During a Papal Conclave?
What Happens During a Papal Conclave?
We will have a new pope. Pope Benedict XVI resignation becomes effective February 28, at 8 pm. The See of Peter will not be vacant long. In a short time, the College of Cardinals will convene for the Papal Conclave to elect a new pope. Catholics and other Christians the world over are praying for the Holy Spirit to guide this conclave as they select the man who will lead the Church through the times ahead. This Lent is like no other because of the Holy Father’s resignation and the transition to a new pope. History is making while we … [Read More…]
Obama Asks Court to Overturn Defense of Marriage Act
Obama Asks Court to Overturn Defense of Marriage Act
President Obama weighed in with the Supreme Court today. He filed an amicus brief asking the court to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) of 1996 denies federal recognition of gay marriages and gives each state the right to refuse recognition of same-sex marriage licenses issued by other states. The act does not prohibit states from allowing gay marriages, neither does it obligate states to recognize the gay marriages from other states. If the court overturns this act, it would make a … [Read More…]
Pope Benedict’s New Title? Just Call Him Bishop Emeritus.
Pope Benedict’s New Title? Just Call Him Bishop Emeritus.
Immediately after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, reports circulated that he would be bumped back to a cardinal, which I passed along to you. This made sense at the time, because there can be only one pope. It turns out that the Holy Father will have a new title designed to express his unique position in the Church as a living, but not sitting, Pope. His title will be: “His Holiness, Benedict XVI, Bishop Emeritus of Rome.” That sounds a lot better — and more accurate — than calling him “Cardinal Ratzinger” once again. … [Read More…]
