Why Do Our Bodies Matter?

Does it matter what we do with our bodies? Why? Do our bodies have meaning? Do they have eternal significance? (Once again, to reiterate, I'm no theologian, with no background, so please don't think I know everything. I could very well be wrong. lol)

Yes, this is another Nightline post. Thursday night's episode had two (three?) connected stories (sorry, the drunk monkey was up during the episode so I didn't catch all of the episode). The first, a new (lol) kind of porno mag. The second, children being treated as 'little adults'. The third, on this being the worst (?!) political season.

Beautiful

This is one of my favorites, already. I hate it when someone sings the National Anthem with all the tra-la-las and arias - I just prefer the song, like my whiskey, straight.

Read between the lines

Conception is a rare event, fertility study shows

Okay, math is not my strong suit. At all. But if at least 4 million IVF babies have been born since 1979, and usually people go through multiple cycles in IVF to conceive one child - how many children are frozen or have been destroyed since 1979? 

A sense of humor...

I wish that some people would get a sense of humor. Reading the comments on this article from John Zmirak (who co-wrote 3 'Bad Catholics Guide' books), and I think, there is no way I want to be as dour as some people are! If your kids are into dressing up as saints, bully for you! If your kids are into gore, bully for you! If your kids are apathetic (hopefully not about Catholic stuff though), bully for you!

I actually think dressing up as martyrs is a cool idea. As one of the commentators says: My wife an I have been discussing this, and I suggested when the boys enter the inevitable gory stage, they can be something like a headless John the baptist, preferably carrying the head.

What a great idea! LOL, I love it. I would much rather play up the "All Hallows' Eve" aspect and the fact that Christ has conquered death than shun it entirely. Plus, Mass 3 days in a row? That's awesome! (Although it irritates me to no end that the obligation to attend Mass on All Saints' Day is abrogated because obviously Americans are too lazy to go to Mass 2 days in a row!!)

So, in other words, I am in agreement with Taylor Marshall at Canterbury Tales: (with his comments at his site)

10. Don't call it "Satan's Holiday"!
9. Don't feel that you have to opt for an "Halloween alternative".
8. Be safe.
7. Be hospitable - Why not host the neighborhood party?
6. Don't be turned off by the ghoulish-ness of Halloween.
5. Have fun, don't force converts.
4. Have a bonfire!
3. Carve some fine looking Jack-O-Lanterns.
2. Visit the graves of your loved ones.
1. Be holy.

One of those weeks...

Do you ever have one of those days/weeks where everything you read or watch makes you feel like a terrible human being? Yes, that would be me this week. Today's sock-it-to-me:

I'm not a good enough wife or mother. I think on Day 5 of that 30-Day Challenge (talked about here), I yelled at the kids. Perfect.

Sigh. Sometimes it is so tempting to just give up hope and despair that I will ever be able to change, that I can ever be different, that I could ever be less a sinner and more a saint.

On Growing Up

Via Stuff No One Told Me

Looking at this cartoon, it's funny because it reminds me of that whole episode with my sister. I realized, in the midst of speaking with her, and afterwards, that I finally felt like an adult. For the first time, I didn't feel like a teenager, who always apologizes for her actions, tripping over herself to make someone else happy. 

I finally felt like I was 'owning up to' being an adult, not apologizing for the decisions I make, even if someone else is unhappy about that decision. It was a revelation! Like, shit, if you don't like it, take a hike! LOL. I mean, opinions are like assholes - everyone has one, and they all stink. 

In the News...

ABC Good Morning America was a doozy this morning. One was their "Morning MixUp" 'moderated' by George Stephanapoulis, with D.L. Hughley and some chick from the Daily Beast (?). And Hughley, every chance he got, bashed the Tea Party; then Glenn Beck's rally - saying "Angry white people wanting their freedom - if that doesn't beg to get made fun of, I don't know what does." Hey Hughley, I bet you are just pissed off at those who went to the rally and have the same color skin you do, huh?
     Then, as part of their Halloween segment, they had a whole thing on pushing the Unicef Halloween campaign. Sure, if you'd like to donate to pro-abortion organization, be my guest.

Local news talked about a local charity game which benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation (which I talked about here). Next year it's going statewide, so yay for more money going to Planned Parenthood.

The Pope on Immigration

Via Aggie Catholics

I'm going to have to take my time reading this, because I'm a waffler on this issue.

Aggie Catholics also has their take on illegal immigration.

Scary!

I love reading scary books versus watching scary movies. I think it's because in my imagination, I can creep myself out so much, but yet still want to know the end of the story. Movies, are in a way, too visually stimulating and limiting, especially for movies made from books. I already have my own idea of what happened from the book, and the movie always spoils it. I mean, always. I can't think of one scary movie that was better than the book (and my pre-conceived visualizations).

What's your favorite scary book? Movie?

I love Stephen King, so of course I must say "It" is one of the best books for me (I still can't read it without getting nightmares). His collection, "Night Shift" is a must-have. Another book is "An Exorcist Tells His Story" - I read it at nighttime - bad idea!

Klavan Recommends Scary Short Stories

Elitism

Janet Napolitano says 'fine for thee, but not for me' to body scanners.

Prevention

Since I'm sharing some pictures, I thought I'd share with you my road rage prevention tool:

Yes, that is a crucifix affixed to the dash of my car. If I want to yell at someone, or curse, then I have to do it with that staring at me. It's pretty effective, and when I do slip up, I immediately feel guilty. LOL, if only I could have someone like that in front of me all day long.

A Beautiful Memory

I just came across this article via New Advent.

Thank God for photographers who capture priceless moments on film before a baby is gone. Friends of mine had a photographer for when their son was born, who was not expected and did not live long past birth. They were told repeatedly during their pregnancy that it would be better to abort this child, but they did not. They inspired so many people around the world with their courage and fortitude. So many people prayed for their family, which I'm sure, helped them through the pain and loss of their child. The photographer took so many beautiful pictures of them as a family, of their beautiful boy and his beautiful features.

This is the organization mentioned in the above article: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. If you are able, please help support this beautiful group.

Please pray

Please pray for a friend who is miscarrying, in her 12th week of pregnancy; for her, for her husband, to grieve for the life they were expecting and preparing for and had begun to dream for.

Hey "Father" Richard McBrien.....

STFU.



I hate the 'elite' Catholics anyone in this country who think that anyone who isn't as so "enlightened" as they are, is backwards and stupid. I'd like to say to them, "Hey, sit down and shut up."

Btw, I love Fr. Barron. He's awesome.

Update: The Anchoress is slightly nicer than I am.

The Church and 'transgender'

I was watching 20/20 last night, and they had this long convoluted story on a 'woman' who was born a man, got married (twice), etc. etc.

Now, I really don't want to focus on the story itself, because it's irrelevant. But it did bring up questions for me.

What does the Church say about those who chromosomally were born, say, XX but have male parts or vice versa? Are they allowed to have an operation to fix that dichotomy? If so, would they then be allowed to be ordained a priest or take vows as a nun/sister?

I honestly find this whole issue confusing and frustrating.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus...

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Newborn Saved from dumpster by man who later finds out he's the father.

Pictoral

An update to this post:

The drunk monkey's haircut. 

Open Tabs

Friday morning absurdity from Chicks on the Right. If you don't comply, you will be punished.

Via Happy Catholic, this article makes me want to go buy more books, this time by Cormac McCarthy. And then Deal Hudson talks about the worst book he ever read. Blech. Pop spirituality is for suckers.

On His will being done and not my own. *Gulp*

Aquinas and More bookstore on why they don't sell products made in China. Good on them. I wish more Catholic bookstores and other outfits would follow suit.

The background on the Mass at Westminster Cathedral.

On not donating to the Susan G. Komen foundation. I agree, I get tired of the gimmicky pink things that it seems every store is pimping.

Via that article, are these articles about oral contraceptives, and pink ribbon fatigue.

Hillbuzz is running a series of posts dedicated to 'ground reports' on what's happening in your state politically.

This 20-year-old police chief needs our prayers to stay safe in a town where no one wants her job.

On how to pet a kitty. I know this to be true.

Via Big Hollywood:
Clint Eastwood isn't a 'fan' of Obama
Since Jodie Foster's still friends with Mel Gibson, we'd better drop her.
Jon Stewart defends Rick Sanchez 

Interesting Reading...

So, right now, I'm reading a couple of books, including Remember Jesus Christ by Fr. Cantalamessa. I love reading books of all stripes. Looking forward to picking up a book by Carl Hiaasen, Star Island. I like to read books and articles that make me think, even if I don't necessarily agree with what the subject is about. Case in point, I get magazines passed onto me from friends, and a friend passed on to me some New Yorker magazines, and The Atlantic. One of the articles in The Atlantic was about Joe Biden. Well, I made it about 3/4ths of the way through before I couldn't stand the ass-kissing anymore. But they also had a good article about autism's first child and how he has grown up.

I think a lot of people miss out when they don't read 'conservative' or 'liberal' papers/magazines/books when it is not their viewpoint. Yes, there are things you will read that will likely raise your blood pressure, but those articles/books give you an insight to how the 'other side' is thinking. Plus, sometimes they have just good, fun reads.

Now I see that George W. Bush is about to release his 'memoirs'. I have to admit, I will probably pick up the book because I'd like to read his take on the decisions he made during the war.



I really enjoyed reading Laura Bush's book, From the Heart. She's just a classy lady (unlike our current First 'Lady').

The Future

Cracked has an article entitled "5 Reasons the Future will be ruled by B.S."

Sometimes it's scary how much they get right.

Politics

Politics, lately, have been pissing me off. It seems like everywhere I turn, there is corruption, lying, outright and blatant lies, personal attacks, and low-down dirty deals.

I know, you're saying to yourself, "Ranter, did you just now become an American? Didn't you know this is how it is?"

Yes, I know this is how it has been. But, my point is, why are we taking it, still? Why do we continue to send these politicians back to our state houses and back to Washington, year after year after year? Because they espouse being 'pro-life', or against gay marriage or against euthanasia, or because they say they are 'fiscal conservatives'?

Bullshit.

Yes, this was brought up by Nightline last night (corruption in state houses), but my point comes local too. Locally, they've been putting off building an interchange loop from the interstate to a highway in a section of the town. They've been putting it off for, I don't know 7 years?! And now they want to put it off again until 2013. Freaking bullshit. The road that will be connected is the busiest in my state. It goes through a part of town that has two main roads leading out of it. So, in an emergency, guess what? This part of town would be virtually deadlocked with people trying to get out. Great and fine thinking there, legislators.

Sexy, Baby!

Nightline had a 'report' last night about the hooking up culture - though of course they weren't too critical about it. Just all part of the college experience, with a nod to worried parents and kids who want to 'opt out' of that lifestyle. See how they couch their terms. Lumping in those who don't like to party and hook up, with worried parents. What kind of message is that?

This also comes on the heels of reading 'First Things' writer Mary Eberstadt's article "Bacchanalia Unbound", talking about Toxic U - where a lot of this hook up and sex culture is so tied into alcohol and binge drinking. (The full article is available to subscribers only.) Her article should be required reading for all parents with kids going to college.

Another One Bites the Dust

So last night's episode of Scrubs was one of those rare episodes where I am totally disgusted. JD & Kim face an unexpected pregnancy, and the episode is partly about their decision to keep 'it' or have an abortion (the other contrast being Carla & Turk having their baby). At the end of the episode, when they see how happy Turk is holding Isabella, they decide that they're willing to keep 'it'. There's some derision of Jesus while we're at it, and Dr. Cox's wife Jordan says she had an abortion while holding her 3 year old son and pregnant.

Open Tabs

Tea Party people aren't RAAAAAAAAACIST? No. freaking. way. Actual Data too!

It's amazing America is still around, after we almost nuked ourselves. Not once, but five times!

The Habit Witnesses....I wish nuns/sisters around here would wear the habit. They are constantly bitching about lack of novices, and I just want to say, "Why would any young woman want to be you? You are bitter, you don't stand for what you claim to believe in, and I don't have to change!" Bah.

Firefighters win their suit against the City of San Diego for having to participate in a Pride Parade. *Snort* I thought this culture was all about "tolerance" and "choices". Except choices that aren't in line with the culture.

Because Obama has nothing better to do...

MTV - helping a brother out.

Cancer caused by modern man. Yikes! I think I'm starting to get paranoid about what goes into/onto my body, and my childrens' bodies.Show all

Republicans taking back Democrats' seats. To be honest, I'm tired of the two-party system - the back and forth, the seesawing, neither party has it, for me.

Who is the Master and Who is the Servant?

This must be the week for humility. Yesterday was Betty Beguiles' post on chumpiness, and today it's Marcel LeJeune's post on taming the tongue. He's in the middle of a 30 day challenge not to raise his voice at his kids. Bah! Sometimes it seems like God is slowly stripping all the gloss away and showing me how ugly my behavior makes me.

For a Desire of Heaven

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Nine: For a Desire of Heaven
     O Holy Priest of Ars, your precious remains are contained in a magnificent reliquary, the donation from the priests of France. But this earthly glory is only a very pale image of the unspeakable glory which you are enjoying with God. During the time you were on earth, you used to repeat in your dejected hours, 'one will rest in the other life." It is done, you are in eternal peace, and eternal happiness. 
     I desire to follow you one day. Until then, I hear you saying to me: 
"You should work and fight as long as you are in the world." 
     Teach me then to work for the salvation of my soul, to spread the good news and good example and to do good towards those around me in order that I will receive the happiness of the Elect with you. 
     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for ... 

The Freeze starts in January

A local hospital will be offering IVF starting in January. I can only hope that the local Catholic hospital starts to offer NaPro Technology.

On IVF, I came across this article:

For in each case the same fundamental ethical principle was violated: Good ends do not justify the use of morally bad means—to say nothing of even worse collateral results.

Just when I was wondering...

...where John Malkovich has gone to, I see this trailer:



LOOKS AWESOME!!

Just a little more on the other side....

I gave my son a haircut this weekend. Well, it was more of a trim. The front - his bangs - didn't come out too badly; a little skewed, sure. But the back? Oh boy. Not good at all. The right side I went too far in, and then cut down; the left side I just cut down. Grr. Then I tried to even it up and made it worse. Oh well. As my hubby said, "Hair grows". Yes, thankfully, it does.

It makes him seem so much more a little boy, though, then it does a toddler. *sigh* My little baby is growing up!

I'll try to get a picture up later.

Update: check out this post.

Knee deep and needing waders

It's all Betty Beguiles' fault.

Yesterday, after my husband had left for work, I was trying to get some housework stuff done. And I started feeling all self-righteous and superior to my husband because I was getting all this stuff done and "why can't he do some of this stuff", and in general just grumbling.

And it wasn't until this morning when I sat down and read that post from Betty that the scales fell from my eyes. He really does a lot - and when I listen to the devil and pour heaps of disdain upon my husband (in my head), it doesn't do our marriage or our kids any favors.

So, I will endeavor to shut up and to pray for my husband and to help him.

For Exquisite Purity

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Eight: For Exquisite Purity
     O Holy Priest of Ars, a witness of your life made this magnificent praise of you: 'We would have taken him for an angel in a mortal body." 
     You so edified others: the modesty and the exquisite purity radiated from your body. With such charm and with such enthusiasm you preached to others about these beautiful virtues which you said resembled the perfume of a vineyard in bloom.
     Please I beg you to join your entreaties to those of Mary Immaculate and Saint Philomena in order that I guard always, as God asks me, the purity of my heart. You, who have directed so many souls towards the heights of virtue, defend me in temptations and obtain for me the strength to conquer them. 

     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for...

Dispeller of Satan

For details of this novena, click here.

Day Seven: Dispeller of Satan
     O Holy Priest of Ars, the infamous attacks of the devil which you had to suffer and the trials which disheartened you by fatigue would not make you give up the sublime task of converting souls. The devil came to you for many years to disturb your short rest but you won because of mortification and prayers.
      Powerful protector, you know the temptor's desire to harm my baptized and believing soul. He would have me sin, by rejecting the Holy Sacraments and the life of virtue. But good Saint of Ars dispel from me the traces of the enemy.     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for...

For the Real Presence

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Six: For the Real Presence
      O Holy Priest of Ars, whose only comfort in this world was the real presence of Jesus in the tabernacle, was it not your great joy to distribute the Eucharist to the pilgrims who visited you? You refused Communion to the souls who refused to reform but to souls of goodwill you opened wide the doors of the Eucharistic Feast.
      You, who each day at Holy Mass received Holy Communion with great loves, give me some of your fervor. With freedom from mortal sin, obtain for me a sincere desire to profit from receiving Holy Communion.
     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for...

Douchebags

David Arquette is one.

Random Thoughts

Why aren't there lights in freezers? Because it seems like it would be useful for the times you need a midnight snack and don't want to turn any lights on.

More men should wear bow ties. There's something so sexily proper about a man wearing a bow tie. Though, I do also love the skinny tie look.

Prince is going on tour again. I love that tiny little man and his sexiness. It seems like Janaelle Monae (?) might be there too. She's amazing.

I don't even know who's in the play-offs for baseball.

I'm tired of being sick, and of my kids being sick. And surprise surprise, the hubby is getting sick now too!

Update:
On why Americans shouldn't judge other countries too harshly for being 'backwards' or 'uncivilized'.

Confessor of Souls

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Five: For Confessor of Souls

O Holy Priest of Ars, you knew how important was a good confession for the Christian life. It was to procure the happy fruits of millions of souls that you agreed to be in an uncomfortable confessional, which was like a prison, up to 15 or 16 hours on certain days. 

     I will try to develop the habit of frequent confession, to prepare properly each time and to have always regreat for my sins, so that the grace of final perseverance but also the sanctification of my sould will be assured. Ask this grace for me.

     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for....

I can see the future now...

(From the Deacon's Bench)

My prediction is that the MSM will do anything it can to deflect any attention from the Chilean miners' faith. This will include focusing on their personal life; the process of getting them out; their stamina; the leadership; etc. If they do talk about their faith, it will be about their spirituality and not their religiosity. It will be about generic 'miracles' instead of what a miracle truly is. Just wait! Actually, you don't have to wait, they're coming out already.

Watching their story unfold just about makes me cry every time.

On Getting Chewed Out

So yesterday, I promised a story. Well here it is.

Once upon a time, a wife and husband lost their baby at 13 weeks gestation. The wife decided she would post a simple message on facebook, stating: "We have lost the baby. Please pray for us and respect our privacy at this time." She did this so that she did not have to have the same conversation 50 gajillion times, and deal with others' pain as well as her own grief. She also did this because the very next day, she was leaving to go to a Work Camp with 5 girls from her youth group.

Yes, that is me. Duh. I got chewed out by my sister yesterday because of what I did. She stated that she was so hurt because I obviously cared so little for her that I didn't call her directly and tell her; and that two of my other siblings were also hurt. (And in my opinion, if they felt/feel that way, they can act like adults act and call and talk to me directly - like she did, even if I disagree with her.)

Rosaries on parade

h/t to the Crescat
So, the Crescat had a great idea, since October is the month of the rosary, to put up pictures of your rosaries and the stories associated with them.

Here is the first of mine:

I was given this rosary by a former student of mine, who was studying abroad, and got the chance to go to Rome. She was able to get the rosary blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and was able to touch it to Pope Benedict XV's tomb. All the medals are St. Benedict medals. Part of why I love it so much is that it's got 'heft' to it. It's not a rosary that you are going to forget that you are carrying!

Btw, the title totally makes me think of "Pink Elephants on Parade".

For Horror of Sin

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Four: For Horror of Sin
St. John Mary Baptist Vianney, you were so adamant against sin, yet so sympathetic and so ready to welcome the sinner. I come to you today as if you were still alive, as if I were kneeling at your feet and you could hear me. Bend towards me, listen to the repentant confidence for the weaknesses and miserable deeds of mine.
     Priest of the Lord, inexhaustible Confessor, obtain for me the horror for sin. You wanted us first to avoid the occasion of sin. I want to take your advice and make the resolution to break bad habits and to avoid the dangerous occasions of sin. Help me today to examine my conscience.
     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for....

So lonely I could cry

There is something so strangely creepy when a grown man posts on facebook:

"Need help with my barn raising PLEASE"

Really? Do you know how pathetic that sounds? It evokes so much imagery. Now, I know this fellow in particular is married, and is generally a really nice guy; but he's older than me and publicly declaring his addiction to a facebook game. At least with me, I, for the most part, hide my addiction to Bejeweled Blitz (oh crap, not now!). When I read that status, I felt so much lonesomeness come over me.

I will be posting later about the dangers of facebook smacking me in the face.

Hey there Mr Ed

Horse teeth...why did that ever become a fashion statement (cf Brandy, Hilary Duff)? Okay, so your teeth weren't perfect. Oh well. But when you look like you have such an overbite that you could start neighing at any moment, it's time to go back to your real teeth.

I mean, I understand that imperfection in Hollywood is frowned upon, but sometimes imperfection can be beautiful. I think gap teeth is cute. That's the thing, one person's standards of perfection will be different than someone else's. I can only imagine that in Hollywood, that is only magnified. Still, though, no one likes horse teeth on a girl (or a guy, for that matter) unless they like horses. *wink, wink*

For True Love of Neighbor

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Three: For True Love of Neighbor
St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, because of your love of God you showed great charity towards your neighbor. You could not preach on the Love of God without burning tears of love. During your last years, it seemed as though you could not talk about any thing else or live for anything else. Thus you sacrificed yourself to your neighbor by consoling, absolving, and sanctifying them to the limits of your strength.
     Your charity inspires me to greater love of God, a love which is shown more by acts then by words. Help me to love my neighbor generously as Christ loves them.
     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for...

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, a world without end. Amen.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart,

give all priests Thy spirit of humility;

Jesus, poor and worn out for souls,

give all priests Thy spirit of zeal;

Jesus, full of patience and mercy for sinners,

give all priests Thy spirit of compassion;

Jesus, victim for the sins of the world,

give all priests Thy spirit of sacrifice;

Jesus, lover of the little and the poor,

give all priests Thy spirit of charity.

Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us;

and obtain for us numerous and holy

priests and religious.

Amen.

Just what I needed

This is just what I needed to make me smile on such a craptastic day.  I hope it makes you smile too:

Proclaim the Truth

'Kērygma "the gospel" the proclamation that "Jesus is Lord"...faith on the hand other hand comes to man from the outside...It is...not something thought up by myself; it is something said to me, which hits me as something that has not been thought out and could not be thought out and lays an obligation on me.' (Remembering Jesus Christ)

Each saint has related this proclamation in their own way, specific to their own personality and specific to the needs of their time and space, but at the same moment, universal to everyone in every moment. Each one has found a way to proclaim Jesus is Lord, and then it is up to us to have an open heart and mind to be then changed by hearing that proclamation from the outside of ourselves and to take it and make it our own. I think for me that is what passing on the faith of our forebears means. We hear that proclamation, believe, and hopefully transform and then pass on that proclamation to another.

For Complete Trust in God

For details on this novena, click here.

Day Two, For Complete Trust in God
     St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, what confidence the people had in your prayers! You could not leave your old rectory or your humble church without being surrounded by imploring souls, who appealed to you as they would have appealed to Jesus Himself during His earthly life. And you, O good Saint, gave them hope by your words, which were full of love for God.
     You, who had always counted entirely on the heart of God, obtain for me a deep filial trust in His Providence. As the hope of divine goods fills my heart, give me courage and help me to always obey the Commandments of God.
     Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for....

New Favorites

A couple of my new favorite blogs:

Extra-Ordinary Monkey Business: Devoted to Liturgical Abuse

Catholic Cartoon Blog

Fr. Ryan's Sunday Sermons

Little Sufferings

So I was reading the Magnificat at Mass on Sunday, and the reflection is from Fr. Simon Tugwell. I'm just going to quote a couple of parts:

"Christian patience comes from a depth of joy which is strong enough to contain suffering."


"What it does mean is that underneath the disturbance there is something, even more profound, which is not disturbed."


"Suffering is...the test of our thanksgiving; if it is robust enough to persevere when, humanly speaking, all is lost, then it is truly Christian thanksgiving."

We must always remember our joy in Christ. This doesn't mean we are happy-clappy all the time. But all suffering is an opportunity to deny or choose Christ. This isn't just about 'big' sufferings, but the little dying-to-self moments in our lives.

Like when the kids are sick and you're stressed out and tired. My kids have been running temps and congested and puke-y for the past couple of days. And so, no one is sleeping good, and everyone is cranky. That's suffering. A 'little' suffering when, say, compared to cancer or getting imprisoned for your faith, yes. But it is still suffering. I think I can get so caught up in grand acts of suffering and literally miss the little acts of suffering that are right in my face. Like literally skip the opportunity to die to self: gee, no thanks!

Gets the Blood Pumping

Don't you just love when you get in the car, and there's a great song on:


followed by another great song:

The Bitchfest...

..coming soon to a tv near you. I think I would rather have my eyelids peeled back and pinned open to watch "2012: The Rapture" again than to watch these women talk bitch about shit.

One of them was saying how we need to have a talk show for moms by moms. I don't think I want to hear Sarah Gilbert's take on being a 'gay' mom. Umm, no thanks. Just another way to normalize behavior that shouldn't be normalized.

And Julie Chen makes me want to run screaming from any room. Leah Remini - yay for cults! Sharon Osbourne would be a kick in the ass. Don't know much about Holly "I have two last names". And that chick on the end? Wasn't she famous once? LOL.

For Ardent Faith

I am starting a novena for my priest today. You are welcome to join me if you would like.

I am praying for Fr.'s heart to be softened and opened on this journey. I pray that he would grow to love and embrace the Church's teachings. I pray that I may be a source of light for him on the journey.

Typical

I redboxed "Letters to God" yesterday because I'd heard good things about it, that it was a wholesome movie for families to watch together. I know that most people would disagree with me about how I view the movie. That's fine. But coming from a place of trying to teach youth about the Catholic faith, we don't need watered down theology. When the theology is iffy, the whole movie suffers.

It's typical evangelical Protestant 'feel good' theology. Using cute kids to sell your theology: check. Baptism not required for salvation: check. "Accept Jesus into your heart": check. Awkward prayers with people who don't want it: check. Showing a church as few times as possible: check.

Open Tabs

How would you feel if you were the first patient treated with human embryonic stem cells?

Muslim cartoon superheroes coming to you!

An old-fashioned cat fight in football. "No! You're a girl!"

Golf: the new religion!

Let's not teach our kids to do the right thing, just monitor and break them when they fail to comply.

Deacon Greg takes down a Huffington Post article about the Church and gays.

Someone else that feels like I do about canonizing the dead at their funeral.

Authentic Bioethics - a new blog I just found. I love reading this kind of stuff.

If Mark Shea is a leftist liberal, then I want to drink what he's drinking. Hopefully it's alcoholic.

10 More Things

To continue my anti-10/10/10 things, here's things I love about the Mass (in no real particular order besides number one):

1. The Eucharist

2. When lectors/altar servers/Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist actually dress up for the Mass.

3. When you are able to get even a small nugget of truth out of a homily.

4. Appropriate songs.

5. The Holy Spirit opening your mind and heart up to the Scriptures.

6. Feeling at peace when Mass is over.

7. Realization that you are a sinner. (Yes, it's a good thing.)

8. Appropriate community. Yes, it is nice to be able to go to Mass and recognize people that you are worshipping with, and talk with after Mass. (Outside the sanctuary, that is!)

10 Things

Okay, I just don't get the hoopla about the fact that today's date is 10/10/10. It's just numbers, people. Big whoop.

So, just to be contrary, here are 9 things that bother me at Mass (in no particular order):

1. Not singing the Psalm we are supposed to sing.

2. Disjointed homilies.

3. Priests who stand in front of the altar to give their homily.

4. A priest who leaves his homily notes under the altar cloth.

5. Holding hands at the Our Father.

6. Lay people doing gestures reserved for the priest alone.

7. The "Heil Hitler" salute blessing.

8. When the priest feels the need to ad lib any part of the Mass.

9.Altar servers' icky sneakers!!

Get Used To It

I was reading a New Oxford Review someone passes on to me, and came across an article that made me think about the energy we expend on fighting bad press. The article is entitled "A Permanent Scandal to the World" by Chene Richard Heady.

"It is an element of the eternal Church's permanent identity, semper idem, that she must be slandered, and cannot simply be ignored or tolerated, by a hostile culture.


In short, because the Church, like Christ, is a sign of contradiction, she must remain a permanent scandal to the world. As long as she stays true to her identity, she will be under attack."

1 Million Dollars!

What would you do for money?

Makes me think of this:

Open Tabs

Would you be ready to be arrested for going to Mass? Money quote:
Saudi Arabia forbids the construction of churches, and other non-Muslim temples, the wearing of religious symbols, or hanging of images in homes. The religious police (Muttawa) has tightened controls to impose these laws. Only rarely does the government allow the celebration of Mass in private. The availability of work, however, continues to attract migrants who put up with terrible working conditions, the risk of forced conversions and sexual abuse. 

What are your thoughts on attending a baby shower for a gay couple? I dunno, I could go either way.

Jerry Brown's campaign shows its classiness. 

The party that cares. Once again proving it's the party of class.

Jackassery

On Nightline last night:

So lovely, aren't both of them?

Speaking of Bullshit

So, we started watching this set of videos from 23rd Publications, a video series by Kathleen Chesto (btw, if you ever hear her name brought up at a parish, you might be at a liberal parish). I took notes, because I was so incredulous at the shit they were saying, not all of it is bad, which makes the lies even more insidious. More after the jump.

A Definite Rant

Note: if you have a low tolerance for cussing, suggestions are to skip this.

Pro-Life links

Jennifer at Conversion Diary shares her conversion to the pro-life movement.

The stupidest anti-life video ever and the take-down of it.

Saving the lives of the disabled.

Day 15 of 40 Days for Life.

Big families are an opportunity to spread God's love.

Skeered of this, skeered of that

Extreme picky eaters? I think that's bullshit. I'm getting so tired of every new problem is suddenly a phobia. "It's not my fault, my brain makes me do it." "Something wrong in my brain made me do it."

I mean, at what point can we stop blaming circumstances or other people and just take responsibility for our own actions?

But I guess I see that in my own life, I make excuses all the time - especially in confession. Oh gosh. Sometimes in confession, I just want to yell at myself: STOP! lol. Just say your sins and stop making excuses. Get the grace you need, the absolution you require and shut the hell up.

My Ears are bleeding

Courtesy of Fr. Z:
How long can you stand it until you want to pull your ears off your head?

I lasted 2 seconds into the singing.

Feelings...

'So how does that feel?' is one of those inane questions that quasi-reporters ask all the time. It should be abolished. You can almost see people rolling their eyes at that question. Like, seriously, again?

I'd like to hear 'what do you think' because maybe people would actually say something interesting. Actually, they're celebrities. One, who knows if they actually have coherent thoughts in their head. Two, they probably wouldn't say what they actually think for fear of some group or another crucifying them in the media.

If I was a celeb, I'd never grant interviews. I'd just let people wonder at my motives. Plus I think it's just stupid that celebs spout their opinions, like people should care what the jesters say. Umm, you are paid to entertain, which most of you do poorly anyway. Not paid to tell me what you think of elections or issues.

Art Sale!

Wow! These prints are simply amazing! Go take a look at more:

Gryphon Rampant art

Dirty Minds

If Family Feud was like this all the time, I would definitely watch it more. NSFW.

Loveliness

The incorrupt body of Blessed Margaret of Castello

I'm reading "The Privilege of Being a Woman" right now by Alice von Hildebrand. Do you ever think in reading books like these, the author has this idealized version of the woman they are writing of? Phrases like:
-a woman's loveliness
-emphasizing beauty, frailty, and the power of tears
-God has created women to be beautiful
-their charm, lovableness, beauty

It's like, 'hello! not reality!'. A lot of women aren't this teeny, perfectly proportioned, beautiful woman.

Dumbing the Faith down

You know why there are so many Catholics who don't know their own faith? Because of dumbed-down Catholicism. Case in point:

Open Tabs

Celebrating those who kill babies, not those who save them.

Peaceful protesters of abortion are threatened with a gun.

Does it matter if the lefty rally left the nation's capital a mess?

Congress taking care of some real business.

Blah, blah, blah

My city just instituted a cell-phone ban while driving. Which I think is the stupidest thing evah. One, why single out talking on a cell phone as something that causes distracted driving? Having other people in the car is a distraction. Having the radio on too loud is too. Having kids in the car is distracting (moms definitely know this one).

Then I read this study that basically says the same thing.  It says if someone is going to get distracted, they will regardless of what their behavior is. Just because it's something you think you can legislate, doesn't make the problem go away.

And, oh yah, my city doesn't really enforce the 'law' against running red lights, which, I think is more important than curbing cell phone usage.Grrrr

The Apocalypse

Google Translator beats the ICEL in a head-to-head on the Latin for Mass. *cry, sob, weep*