Thought of the day

Allow yourself be loved...allow yourself to give love...One can't receive what one is not open to.

Some thoughts on Islam, refugee status, and stuff.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us

Certainly there are different schools of Islamic thought (Shite, Sunni, Salafi, Wahabi, Sufi, etc), and most certainly not all Muslims are terrorists, and people should not act stupidly as to start accusing all individuals who practise Islam of being terrorists or supporting these kinds of activities...A discussion does need to happen on this subject...

Only one problem, since Islam does not have a central authority that can speak for it, there's no real way to get these different schools of thought together to hash out certain issues...(And even if there was a central authority for Islam, it's not like they'd actually get any media play on the TV, because it doesn't fit the agenda...Several Muslim leaders have come out and condemned these actions, certainly a good thing, but there needs to be more)

Islam has roughly 1 billion practising members, even if only 2-10% are the terrorists, that's roughly 20 000 000 - 100 000 000 people, which is by no means a small number at all. (Just under 1/3rd of the US Population at it's maximum)

The leaders amongst the 98% need to get together, mobilize, condemn, and get their message of condemnation out in the public...Normally, I'm not exactly a social person, but for this particular means, it should be done. They need to humiliate these terrorists and make it abundantly clear that this kind of thing will not be tolerated within the circle of Islam....And if these things are done, immediate consequences will take place....

Otherwise, silence will be interpreted as an indirect participation in the actions of the terrorist thug no lifes..

This is a dialogue Islam must have with itself to figure out...at some point, this needs to be addressed, and I certainly hope it's before WWIII, or whatever's supposed to happen.

Likewise, when it comes to refugees, there are certainly those who are true refugees fleeing from ISIS, but there are also those with alternate intentions to say the least. I certainly can't blame the so far 28 states that have refused the refugees to this point. It is sometimes better to side on caution, rather than to give any opportunity to a possible attack. (Granted, they'll probably get in through the open states, so there's not much of a point, but whatever)....

Yes, we should help our fellow man, but that does not mean we let our reason escape the door. If anyone poses a threat, we do what we can to protect ourselves or our families from that threat at play. We don't generally welcome people within our own circles without some idea of getting to know them, even if on an initial level. Why do we not do the same here? Make sure these people that are coming are truly who they say they are, and if they're not, kick them out.

Of course, since we all know that the government is much too lazy to actually do the background checks, I wouldn't dare trust them with the open boarders.

You'd think after watching these countries in Europe go through these attacks, we'd learn our lesson, and be more cautious....but of course not, since chances are we're probably involved in some indirect way anyway.

Let us pray for conversion...for everyone, ourselves mostly, because we can't give what we do not have.

Thought of the day

Welcome to America, where a non-Christian company, decides to not print something on their cups, people get outraged over the cups, when they should be outraged at the overpriced, horrible excuse of coffee they're paying for....Yep, sounds legit

Thought of the day

Sometimes it is very tempting to run from the cross that can be our lives. Sometimes it's a great consolation to "let people win" and not fight on. Avoid this. We can't let people defeat our spirit.

Thought of the day

Conversion is painful, very painful at times

Thought of the day

Blessed are they who keep my coffee cup full, for they shall not see grumpy cat...

Thought of the day

Pray for the Synod, remember folks, dogma can't change, that is not the issue, the issue will be any change in praxis that undermines dogma/doctrine. Pray that any praxis changes will not undermine the dogma that can't change.

Thought of the day

Making more laws punishes those that seek to follow the law, not break them. It's not that difficult.

Friends, love, and something like that

I normally do not talk about romance, love and all that stuff, but I was semi-inspired by my friend's post at her blog to speak on this subject, so I will.

The friend zone-Basically, it's those that I can't see myself marrying, or pursuing advances in friendship with. Nothing necessarily wrong with those individuals, certainly doesn't mean they're not physically attractive, but for objective reasons (most of the time) it'd be a situation that I would not pursue...

How is this determined?

-conflicting interests
-relations to self, or people I do not like
-non-Catholic or Orthodox*
-anything done to cross or hurt me
-various other things**

*exemptions can be made in certain circumstances

**believe me, a ton of things get on my nerves, A LOT of them.

Considering my nature is rather introverted, I am often making these observations without fanfare or notice, or if people do notice, I'm usually trying to hide.

Diverting from this point for a minute, I find that it's quite true that the male species does complain about being put in the female friend zone a lot. I think for many this comes from the frustration of the opposite sex not communicating, or even when they do, not having a real rational reason for their rejection.

That is to say, something along the lines of "I don't know" or "just because" are not really reasons to justify anything. This isn't of course to say something always requires an explanation, but I think for matters of closure, it makes life easier to communicate these reasons, rather than to hide them. Or put another way, ignoring a person, does not magically make their feelings disappear, strange isn't it?

So yes, I agree, as someone who is nearly 30 :p, There are ways to handle the friend zone like adults, but it's not always the easiest thing to do. Heartbreak is a difficult thing, and for those that take things rather harshly (like the author of this post), every break, will be like a record player, playing on a track.

Now back to the guy's version of the friend zone thing....Ladies, if you do end up in this zone, there is effectively no way out of it. (At least for me personally)...Is it necessarily because you're not a wonderful person, datable, etc...Of course not. Effectively, what one must do in order to escape, one has to be able to change the answers to the questions already written, turned into the teacher. (Think sneaking back and having to change the answers on a scantron).....Not impossible, but it'd take a lot of work.

It's a lot easier to swim downstream, rather than up stream. Something to keep in mind in regards to any friendship. In other words, if you've damaged it, it's a lot harder to fix it, than if you keep things strong and manage to not screw up.

So it seems that of course as humans we can always improve things....so...

A. Pray.....pray, pray...
a. communicate
b. communicate

Just my thoughts, have a good day...

Thought of the day

Traditionalists and the Poor: The major issue I think at play, and what often ticks off those that are of a more traditional bent, is not that he's necessarily his emphasis on the poor (we're certainly all called to do that...), but rather being forced to take specific stances, when there are a variety of ways of working with and helping the poor among us. That is to say, is the government the best means to help the poor, or is the individual or something organized at a more local level? (The Church does have a principle called subsidiarity of course) How we help the poor is a matter of prudential judgement, and two people can legitimately disagree as to exactly what to do. Does helping the poor necessarily mean repeating UN or DNC talking points?

Rather unfortunately various points of LS are UN talking points (but to be fair of course population control was condemned in LS)....Sometimes as good as a lot of intentions of the various programs that are instituted to help the poor, they do the exact opposite of what they intend. Is it necessary that we support things that don't work quite as intended.

The poor we will always have with us (this of course doesn't mean we shouldn't try to help people carry their cross, or try to help them). The real sad thing to me actually, is that previous Popes DID talk about helping the poor, but no one ever listened. At least for sure with Benedict XVI was pope....The thing is those these things were done without fanfare or celebrity....(No one remembers the time when Pope Benedict went to the prison, met with sex abuse victims ab libitum from his schedule, or even rode the bus back)....

So, the Pope has been talking....I guess I should say something

Rumor has it that the Holy Father is present here in the US for the next few days...good...but I must admit, I'm on brain overload from watching both sides screw this up....To be perfectly honest, I've tried to tune this whole situation out....but it even got to me.....So first I'll comment on his "denial", then I will comment on his speech on the important paragraphs of substance, since

Well, the Pope had another interview on the plane...here are the Pope's actual words

And then he spoke to congress here

I come from the school of, one means exactly what they say, unless it's absolutely 100% clear by context that something was intended as a joke, or what not. That is to say, people need to stand behind what they say, people are adults (in general) and if they need to clarify a point, they can make this point explicitly....taking that into account, consider what Our Holy Father actually said during his plane interview...my comments in red

Pope Francis: A cardinal friend of mine told me that a very concerned woman, very Catholic, went to him. A bit rigid (Rigid, something inflexible at least in physics, people can also be a bit inflexible too...but it's very possible that a person has strong stances on *insert whatever they want here* and is not willing to break them.) , but Catholic (Almost as if the Catholic is a qualification nearly, but at least he said this lady was Catholic). And she asked him if it was true that in the Bible, they spoke of an antichrist, and she explained it to him. And also in the Apocalypse, no? And, then, if it was true that an anti-pope, who is the antichrist, the anti-Pope. But why is she asking me this question, this cardinal asked me? “Because I’m sure that Pope Francis is the anti-pope,” she said. And why does she ask this, why does she have this idea? “It’s because he doesn’t wear red shoes. (Actions have consequences, actions lead to people thinking various things, even if not intentional on the part of the person doing the action..the red shoes are of course a symbol of martyrdom)” The reason for thinking if one is communist or isn’t communist. I’m sure that I haven't said anything more than what’s written in the social doctrine of the Church (Are specific positions on issues engraved in the social doctrine of the Church? That is to say, certainly we have the corporal works of mercy, but is there a monopoly on HOW these works of mercy are to be taken out? Of course not, this is why prudential judgement exists true?...Also very apparent, he does NOT remember necessary everything that comes out of his mouth). On another flight, a colleague asked me if I had reached out a hand to the popular movements and asked me, “But is the Church going to follow you?” I told him, “I’m the one following the Church.” And in this it seems that I’m not wrong. I believe (Of course belief is amongst the lowest of the orders, even the devil can believe, but that's besides the point, believing, and what actually happens, can on occasion be in opposition) that I never said a thing that wasn’t the social doctrine of the Church (So it's social doctrine that we must believe in man made global warming, it's social doctrine that we must take these specific steps? God help us all). Things can be explained, possibly an explanation gave an impression of being a little “to the left” (Understatement of the year, a little, no, far out about 600 ft in left field? Possibly more accurate), but it would be an error of explanation (Okay, fair enough, so your intention is not to the left, fair enough, but if you don't wish to be misunderstood, of course you need to be clearer). No, my doctrine on this, in Laudato si' (Oh dear), on economic imperialism, all of this, is the social doctrine of the Church (Again though, is there a possible confusion on this point on the application of particular principles of social doctrine and equating the two together? I'm not sure...The Church explicitly condemns Communism and Socialism, but makes some critiques on Capitalism as practiced in particular places, but to say that one absolutely must apply these principles in a specific way is more than likely wrong). And it if necessary, I’ll recite the creed. I am available to do that, eh. (Great, do so in Greek, but, you'll notice completely absent is how we go about doing specific social issues in the Church...but something tells me this is more or less a comment because he was annoyed rather than in true sincerity) 

• To say necessarily that he was denying leftism is a bit much. Rather more or less, I tend to take him at his word, describing using the left as his thought process would be wrong, he's saying his intentions come from the social doctrine of the Church, (which do somewhat seem left to use political language), which is entirely different than saying a denial of leftism took place. Sometimes I think people read between the lines, when there's only white space between words :p....But it's certainly easy to see how people can interpret what he's actually saying as something else. 

It's certainly okay to lean left of center to want to solve problems (One might be wrong of course), but there are legitimate issues where we can all disagree on how to solve problems....We're not supposed to be brainwashed minions that just recite an answer when available you know?

Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives. You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good (paraphrased from the CCC, fair enough, we should indeed seek the common good for all, and not just the select few), for this is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you.

I would like to mention four of these Americans: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. (No St Francis Xavier Cabrini? (I'm not just biased because I was baptized at that parish))

This year marks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the guardian of liberty, who labored tirelessly that “this nation, under God, [might] have a new birth of freedom.” Building a future of freedom requires love of the common good and cooperation in a spirit of subsidiarity and solidarity. (One could argue that there was NOT a lot of subsidiarity going on during those days, and quite a bit of top down dictation, instead of solving problems on the local level, but hey, who am I to judge? ™ And one could argue, there's NOT a lot of subsidiarity going on today as well, There are many top down solutions being provided to situations, where state and local governments can provide a better solution, but hey, maybe I missed that :p)

All of us are quite aware of, and deeply worried by, the disturbing social and political situation of the world today. Our world is increasingly a place of violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities (specifics help here, WHO?), committed even in the name of God and of religion. We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism (Surely, but again, specifics help, it's hard to point out things when specifics are not mentioned). This means that we must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind. A delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion (You can say that again, but also apart of that balance is being able to explicitly say x is a problem), an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms. But there is another temptation which we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or, if you will, the righteous and sinners. The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization which would divide it into these two camps (Well, when it comes down to it, things are good or evil...what we can't measure are peoples' hearts towards said actions, or their intentions it can be also said...So in other words, I can say abortion is evil, I can say objectively that a person who does so is in mortal sin, what I can't say is what motivated the particular person to do that, as reading their hearts is left to God). We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place (Well, how do you get rid of people that want to kill you? Sometime tells me dialoguing over tea isn't quite going to cut it ;)). That is something which you, as a people, reject.

In this land, the various religious denominations have greatly contributed to building and strengthening society (Yes, because we Catholics have been treated soooooooo well throughout the founding of the US, and it's history). It is important that today, as in the past, the voice of faith continue to be heard, for it is a voice of fraternity and love, which tries to bring out the best in each person and in each society. Such cooperation is a powerful resource in the battle to eliminate new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices which can be overcome only through new policies and new forms of social consensus (Consensus has gone wrong in so many ways....especially in 5-4 situations).

Here I think of the political history of the United States, where democracy is deeply rooted in the mind of the American people. All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776). If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life. I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves, but I encourage you in this effort. (In short politics are not an end in of themselves....which in our case is definitely a good thing)

In recent centuries, millions of people came to this land to pursue their dream of building a future in freedom (Here we go, let's see where this goes). We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners (Well, I'm not fearful of anyone who prepares me for their presence by knocking on the front door, come into my house unannounced though, that could be problematic), because most of us were once foreigners. I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants. Tragically, the rights of those who were here long before us were not always respected (But is there an absolute right to immigration? No, one is bound to follow the laws of whatever country one is entering (CCC 2241), Yes, many of us are sons and daughters of immigrants, and most if not all came here legally...And before someone has the audacity to say the Europeans came and invaded the native Americans that were living here...we do not know the immigration laws of the various tribes of that time, so their status isn't quite as crystal clear as people would like to think). For those peoples and their nations, from the heart of American democracy, I wish to reaffirm my highest esteem and appreciation. Those first contacts were often turbulent and violent, but it is difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present. Nonetheless, when the stranger in our midst appeals to us, we must not repeat the sins and the errors of the past. We must resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educate new generations not to turn their back on our “neighbors” and everything around us. Building a nation calls us to recognize that we must constantly relate to others, rejecting a mindset of hostility in order to adopt one of reciprocal subsidiarity, in a constant effort to do our best. I am confident that we can do this.

Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War (Oh dear, no). This presents us with great challenges and many hard decisions. On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children? We must not be taken aback by their numbers , but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation. To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt 7:12). (Well, any immigration should be done with discretion and prudence. We should first make sure these are not terrorists posing as refugees, and various background checks, a nation does have a right to protect its own borders)

This Rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated (No one can indeed disagree, I fully agree, but the golden rule does not suspend use of our reason and our judgement). Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities (It is true that we can't give what we do not have.). The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.

This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty (Oh goodness no dear Holy Father, stop here. There is a major difference in degree between abortion immigration and the death penalty. The death penalty is a matter of prudential judgement, I can certainly agree when innocent people who did not do the crime are killed, yes it's wrong. Yes, it's also expensive and maybe a nation that is near 20 mil in debt ought to perhaps consider where its resources are going, but to say we must be against the death penalty, I do not think the doctrine of the Church is this way. There are times where it is warranted). I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred (Amen!), every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes (Now for the question, can all people be rehabilitated? To what degree are we responsible for the prisoners rehabilitation?). Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.

I''ll upload the rest of my comments later...

Thought of the day

Our eyes should not be focused on the storm, but rather Christ Jesus. Our Faith should not be an idolatry of the Pope, but we worship Christ Jesus. Popes come and go. Storms come and go, but Jesus will always be here.

Thought of the day

There is nothing quite like looking into someone's eyes for the first time.

So it seems to me, that a little edumacation is in order.

As many know, I'm not one of those super "social" people on social media. Though it's not hard to figure out where I stand on issues....so we need to start on a few points of correction.

a. Kim Davis...not a martyr, simply following the laws that are on the books.

There does not exist a law for (or against) so called gay marriage at the federal level. Why is this? The constitution is rather clear on the role of the supreme court. They may NOT legislate law. They may interpret or issue rulings on law, but they have zero authority to "legislate from the bench" ™ Translation, whenever they issue a ruling, it does not "become law", the process starts again, and a new law must be written at the congressional level, and the process starts again. 

Of course, in practice, the SCOTUS has usurped their role, and been doing tons of bench legislation. 

Roe vs. Wade, a wonderful example of legislation from the bench, creating things that don't exist...

So as such, since there does not exist a law on the books, she's bound to follow the state laws that are on the books, which for the state of Kentucky happens to define marriage between a man and a woman. Ergo, she (Davis) has no authority to issue marriage licenses for so called couples of the same sex. 

Where she went wrong was turning this into a personal conscience situation. The conscience being somewhat subjective (not entirely) results in some disagreeing opinions on various matters. There are some strange things that go on in peoples' heads sometimes, no need for me to let them all here. 

I don't see the need to invoke religious liberty, when it's not necessary in this situation. She can't do what does not exist, there's no law, so there's nothing she could do. Conscience or not. She did not deserve to go to jail, for following the laws that are on the books. Unfortunately, the rule of law is only important, when those in power are running the show, like the particular laws on the books. 

Yes, she's in the right, but for reasons that have more to do with civics 101 rather than God...

b. Pope Francis, Oh dear...

Apparently, he wants every parish to house refugees, which of course in of itself isn't a bad thing....But there are practical problems, refugees cost money. ((Yes, folks, they do...again, not that this takes away from their given human dignity)....but more people in a place, increases utility costs, in particular I thinking of electricity and water....and I'm thinking of the smaller parishes that do not necessarily have the means to make this happen. The entire Church is not like in Europe, or often in Latin America, where there are endowments, or the government primarily cares for these buildings.

I also think there are security problems as such, there could be people posing as refugees which happen to be terrorists, or people of not so good will. I do not think operations like this should be done with discretion or discernment....Yes, we do need to welcome the stranger, sure, I don't disagree, but I'm also of the mindset, don't be stupid, if there's anything that scares you about a person, or a group, don't let them in. Being welcoming doesn't mean being stupid.

Yes, we're required to love everyone, but that doesn't mean we need to suspend our reason in the process.

And as if that wasn't enough, he's made the annulment process easier. An annulment is supposed to be difficult folks. Trying to prove invalidity is supposed to be hard. At least here in the US, they're handed out like candy to a baby practically...I think this is a bad thing for the Church at large, we already have enough abuse of things going on, let's not make it any easier.

c. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders

As I've stated before on this blog, illegal does not refer to the person, but only their status with respect to the law. He speaks without a filter, which is a refreshing change of pace, but with that comes various problems. It's a good thing to think before one speaks, perhaps more than once. But so we're clear, no one in this presidential race is looking truly appealing. It's almost as if they're trying to make this go badly.

The road of good intentions leads to hell, or so it's said. Listening to Bernie, you can see the appeal in many of the things he's speaking about. Only one simple problem, the allocation of resources to make these things happen, is not quite so easy. Free college, wonderful, but seeing as the teachers still need to be paid, how's that going to happen? Oh wait, legalized theft :p....One can't give, unless one takes, especially if one is the government. Some ideas are so good, they should stay in the head.

d. Prayer request

I do have a friend who will be traveling to visit me, if you can pray for their safe arrival, that'd be great. (Pictures will of course happen)

In addition pray for the Spanish apostolate that is beginning at St Nick's church.

e. Some other things of order

The Roman archdiocese of LA has 3 new Bishops, wonderful. May they be faithful, and properly execute the Liturgy...I'm sick of seeing those flagons at the LA Cathedral...just sick of them...Abp Gomez, now is an acceptable time to get rid of those things...Now :)

Pax vobis

Thought of the day

Who knew the supreme court made law? When did the usurping of the powers of congress take place. Does not a ruling mean that the law has been removed, and the congress needs to go back to the drawing board? Did civics suddenly change? I guess so...since apparently, people take supreme court rulings as law....it's a rather embarrassing thing really.

Some thoughts on recent events...

My apologies for not really writing too much lately...Unfortunately, now I am quite busy, so I don't usually the time to sit in front of my computer is minimal....But I do think I need to give some updates, so here we go....

a. My cousin has been found.

Thank you dear readers for your prayers! She has been found safely.

b. The PP videos...(You may look them up yourself)

Evil is so much prettier when it's hidden. When it is brought to the light, the ugly comes out. Because now people are forced to face the situation.

As a society there has to be a point, where this something is not okay. I'd want to think that those that have seen the videos would be shocked to the point where they'd do something about it. Of course, there shouldn't be any surprise that the media for the most part has blacked out this item. They're in on this agenda.

What services does PP provide that are EXCLUSIVE to their "clinics" that can't be found elsewhere? For whatever "good" may be done, does not justify an evil, such as the murdering of children, and profiting off their murder. The ends do not justify the means, period.

c. The presidential race...

I often like to say, I'm neither, right, nor left, just correct in the positions hat are held. I must say it's been rather laughable watching the debates and the various political commentaries, I think in my head, is this the best that could be bought? I might as well throw my hat in.

d. Pope Francis

I think it's best that we just pray for him, as well as stop emphasising every time he speaks. Now is the time when the Eastern position on the papacy makes so much more sense. We have been blessed in our previous pontiffs (St JP II, Pope Benedict XVI) in having clear speaking, so we did not have to worry about much. Look to your local Bishop for guidance. If local Bishop isn't cutting it, look to the Eastern European and African Bishops, they have their heads on straight.

e. Prayers for myself

Right now I do need prayers...I can't specify why, but do pray for me...as I will pray for you.

Pax Vobis

Immediate prayer request

If you can pray for the safe return of my cousin who has been missing since Saturday, I'd sincerely appreciate it dear readers. I thank you for your charity, God bless all of you!

Pretty much this.

Thought of the day

We can't tolerate evil, no more, enough, now is an acceptable time to do something about evil. Planned Parenthood is evil (the ends don't justify the means) and this organization needs to disappear.

Thought of the day

At some point, one needs to be able to say "this is not okay"....There has to be a point where one can stop. To accept all behaviour is a road to hell.

Thought of the day

Love is meant to hurt...the Cross is this example.

Thought of the day

It's a lot easier to get evil accomplished, if one is distracted by the people doing the evil. So is what seems to be happening now.

Thought of the day

Some wounds will never heal, but such are the crosses one has to deal with at times.

13 years ago today

My mom passed away...I don't really open up much as to what I experienced because it's far too painful to re-live. May she rest in peace. It's hard to avoid tears on some occasions. It really is.

Thought of the day

Is now the time to capitulate, or stand up? Times are coming, pray, penance.

Well, let's talk about "the decision" shall we?

As you've no doubt heard, SCOTUS has approved Same-Sex marriage for all 50 states here in the USA...Highlights of the dissent are here:

As I've stated before, if marriage is a fundamental right, then by it's very nature no one (government, religion, person) can deny them this. Now SCOTUS by virtue of this decision has made marriage a right....

Okay, so now that marriage is a right, I can propose to a girl, and if she doesn't say yes, I can sue because my rights are being hindered, and then play the race card, and the courts would have to side with me. Logically, it stands to reason because marriage is now a "fundamental right of man"

The funny thing is, there are probably legal means to deal with inheritance and property rights which did not need marriage to function. (Lawyer friends, you know what to do)

If one does not affirm the new law, expect persecution...things are going to get ugly....Lord have mercy (x 600)

Laudato Si..how I would have written it, part I

The official disseration is here...It should have gone more like this:

1. God created the heavens and the earth (cf Gen 1), and as such we as His creation do not have a right to treat the earth as we wish and to simply do things without consequences. It is important that we do not confuse respect for His creation with worship of His creation. We adore the One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one in essence and undivided (cf Liturgy of St John Chrysostom). Pantheism is a heresy and is something that we cannot fall into as Christians. It is important to keep in mind the greatest commandment, To love God with all our hearts, minds and souls, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our care for His creation involves both our love for God, because all that He created is beautiful, as well as our love for neighbor to make our earthly time a good place to live.

2. There are different theories and ideals as to how we should go about taking care of our earth. We must avoid both extremes: We can't be indifferent to the environment or exalt the environment above everything else. It is important for each local community to consider its own resources and abilities as to how to consider solving problems that do exist. As I do not live in your areas, I do not think it would be wise to offer blanket advice as for what to consider to solve environmental issues.

3. It is also important to not let our technologies become an idol and detract us from God. Technology can be used for good or for ill, and once again, we can not fall into a situation where we have extremes of avoiding technology completely, or making technology an end all be all. Technologies that destroy human life in particular life in the womb are an abomination, and must be avoided at all costs. Abortion is a crime against the dignity of a person, and cannot be justified as a use to safeguard the environment. With God's command of being fruitful and multiplying, He did not create the earth without being mindful of His creation and the great advances they would make.

4. St Francis of Assisi is often noted for his love of nature. It can't be forgotten that his primary love was God and His Church. He sought the best for the Church and absolutely condemned Liturgical abuses as well as un-worthy vestments and vessels for God. Let us indeed imitate his love for God and for His Church.

Thought of the day

In a moment, everything can change.

Thought of the day

Heaven help me keep my faith, and my eyes, wide open

Thought of the day

The damage that has been done will take generations to fix.

Forgive me for stating the obvious...

Hanging out with the Kardashians is probably not a good idea.

Thought of the day

It is a pleasant surprise when the Bishop responds favorably to your request. It's even better when the request is followed through on. Let the paperwork begin.

A prayer for pentecost

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, You bestowed Your peace upon us and You granted us the gift of the Most Holy Spirit. And, while sill yet being present with us in this life, You continue to bestow upon the faithful this inheritance that can never be taken away. On this day, in a vivid manner, You sent down this grace upon your disciples and apostles, confirming their lips with fiery tongues so that, through them, we and the whole human race have received the knowledge of God tthrough our own ears in our own language. We have been enlightened by the light of the Spirit and have been delivered from error as through from darkness by the distribution of visible and fiery tongues. Through this mysterious action, we have thereby been taught faith in You; and having been illuminated, we bless You (+), together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, as one Divinity and Power and Authority.

You are also the Splendor of the Father, the unchangeable and immutable Image of His essence and His nature, and he Source of wisdom and grace. Open my sinful lips and teach me he manner in which and for what needs I should pray. For You know the great multitude of my sins, but their magnitude can be vanquished by Your loving kindness. For behold, I kneel before you with fear, and I cast the despair of my soul into the depth of Your mercy. Guide my life along Your ways, for You govern all creation by a word with the unchangeable power of Your wisdom; show me the way in which I should walk, O tranquil Haven of those who are forcefully perplexed. Grant the Spirit of Your wisdom o my deliberations, giving the Spirit of understanding to my ignorance. With the Spirit of Your fear, overshadow my deeds and renew a steadfast spirit deeply within me. And with Your Sovereign Spirit toward those things that are profitable for me, I may be deemed worthy o fulfill Your commandments. Let me be constantly aware of Your coming in glory when You will judge our deeds. Protect me from the corrupting pleasures of this world; strengthen me with the desire to strive for the treasures of the world to come.

For You have said, O Master, that whatever anyone asks for in Your name, it will be received without hindrance from Your Father, the co-eternal God. Therefore, on he feast on the descent of Your Holy Spirit, I, a sinner, also entreat Your goodness so hat You would grant me whatever I have asked that is for salvation. Indeed, O Lord, You are the generous Giver of all benefits; and You are a gracious provider Who gives most abundantly those things for which we ask. You are the Compassionate One and the Merciful One Who sinlessly became a partaker of our flesh; and unto those who bend their knees to You, Who became the purifier of our sins, You extend your infinite loving-kindness

O Lord, grant Your generosities to Your people. Hear us from Your holy heaven. Sanctify us by the power of Your saving right hand. Cover us beneath the shelter of Your wings, and do not despise he works of Your hand. We have transgressed against You alone; against You only have we sinned, but only You do we worship We do not know how to worship a strange god; neither do we stretch our our hands O Master to any other god. Pardon our transgressions and accept our prayers that we offer on bended knees. Extend he hand of Your help to all of us. Accept the prayer of all as f it were pleasant incense, acceptable before your most gracious kingdom.

Lord O Lord, who delivers us from every arrow that flies by day, deliver us from all things that walk in darkness. Accept the lifting up of our hands as an evening sacrifice. Deem us also worthy to pass blamelessly through the course of the night, untempted by evil things; and deliver us from every disturbance and apprehension that comes to us from the Devil. Grant compunction to our souls, and grant hat we may meditate upon the trial at Your fearsome and righteous judgement. Nail the fear of You to our flesh, and mortify all of our earthly body members so that during the quietness of sleep we may be enlightened with the vision of Your judgements. Remove us also from every unseemly dream and harmful passion of the flesh. Then raise us up again at the time for prayer, fortified in tthe faith and advancing in your commandments.

Through the generosity and the goodness of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed together with Your all-holy, gracious, and life-creating Spirit (+), now and ever and forever. Amen

Well let's look at some things

It's come to a point where I'm annoyed, sick, whatever you want to call it. At some point and some time, a few things need to be looked at....

a. The Pope

Lay people have zero authority to depose him, period! Even if the Pope was to proclaim heresy, we do not have the authority to depose him of office. That job belongs to the College of Cardinals, and in their absence, the diocese of Rome, period. There's been a lot of say about a few things of Pope Francis own doing....here and here

Certainly here at my blog you're not going to get BSed, and we're not going to make excuses for these things. What was said is what was said, and at this point, there's no use trying to change someone that refuses to change.

The issues at stake are definitely not a change in dogma, it is impossible for this to happen. If Vatican II has taught us anything it's that even with no change in dogma whatsoever it is more damaging to change the praxis of the Church. You'd think after witnessing the collapse for 50 + years that they'd learn their lesson, but then again, Jesus knew what he was doing leading the Church in charge with humans.

God help us all, let us pray for the Church as she goes through this passion.

As for the appointment of Fr Radcliffe....personnel is policy...that is all.

b. Some vocation thoughts....

It seems rather interesting to me that people see something in me. Rather it's humbling, I know how great I am not, and know of my own weaknesses. As such it was suggested to me that I consider sub-deacon ordination in the Byzantine Rite....And after taking it to prayer...I've decided to continue in that route...

If you could pray for me, that'd be totally awesome :D....I know I should probably update this blog more, but alas, tthank you real life.

Thought of the day

Rome does not have a monopoly on theology or praxis...but with this point, there needs to be a respect for each of the theologies, and never an imposition of one on the other.

Thought of the day

Eventually, even I reach a breaking point, and deletions need to be done. One can only push for so long before one pushes back.

Thought of the day

Dear the 70's, please, please, please take your theology, logos and other ideas back, and don't return them...Thank you.

Thought of the day

It's a good thing our faith is NOT based on consolations, if so, perhaps it should be re-considered. Feelings come and go, and sometimes those feelings have very questionable motives.

Questions received on facebook...or rather, public corrections hat I'm much oo lazy o do.

It's my typical philosophy, to let people dig themselves in their own grave and provide them the shovel instead of wasting time engaging in intellectual debates when people are not open to hearing your side of the argument. Why waste effort when no one's willing to listen right? But eventually, one needs to put the lid on the coffin...so here we go.

a. Pope Francis IS the Pope, yes, even if I'm not a fan of him

There are some thoughts here, and here on the topic

The fancy wording is in the articles above...I'll simplify it.

a. No person on earth has the right to judge the Pope
b. Sin is internal, not external, actions are external, intentions are internal
c. A bishop or Pope must be warned, they need to know what they're doing is wrong (by he competent authority)
d. A Pope does lose office when he becomes a manifest heretic, the Church (justice) would declare the Pope has lost his office. (Public office would require the faithful to know)
e. No, the sedevacantist position is not logical and can't be defended.

b. The NO is not Catholic..

Unfortunately, there are some that do not understand the theological diversity within the Church. The existence of the various missals in the Church do not make one less Catholic than the other. There are various theologies expressed in the various Liturgies in the Church. There is no theological supremacy of the Roman Rite to any of the others. The NO is a mixture of various theologies (Roman, Byzantine, Protestant) without a real focus, but that does NOT make the NO heretical or a danger to the Faith.

c. Unrelated to a & b

I do ask for prayers. There will be major things happening in September...

Thought of the day

The capacity to love is inversely proportional to the times we have been broken.

Prayer request

There has been something proposed to me for consideration...please pray for me, although I am not ready to specify exactly what this is.

Thought of the day

The Saints, were not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. The saints show us how to cooperate with the graces that we're given to overcome our imperfections. Goodie too shoes saints are no where near as fun as the saints that have struggled....To know that some had anger issues, and others were extremely stubborn, is comforting. Rejoice

Some thoughts on "religious liberty" and

The problem with the whole "religious liberty" argument is rather simple: One chooses to act within their own belief system, what about their rights to act within theirs....So thusly if someone who believes abortion is okay wishes to promote it because it's their religious belief, they'd be free to do so. In other words, one is imposing on their rights just as much as they are on ours...or something to that degree. 

Now that brings us to three questions that we need to answer:
1) Do we have a right to someone else's skills or labour?
2) At what point is it okay to use discrimination?
3) What role, if any, should the government play in this?

a. I would say to the first that we do NOT have a right to someone else's skills or labor. (The obligation to help neighbour is an entirely different point). We can't demand charity, or demand a particular good or service. I could ask for a piece of marble cake, but no one is under an obligation to give me (or sell me) a piece of marble cake (now one might argue it's a good idea to get me the cake, but that's another discussion)...Reason being? What if you're unable to fill the task? I can't ask for the impossible. If one doesn't know how to bake a cake, how can I ask for it....Of course one might say my analogy isn't perfect because in these situations, it's clear they can...

b. A society that doesn't discriminate to varying degrees would fall apart....Do we not put criminals in jail? This is a form of discrimination (in the positive sense). I think since we've been bombarded with discrimination in the negative sense, we tend to forget it can be used in a positive way as well. Do we not choose freely who we associate with? One can't force someone to speak to someone they don't wish to speak to. Yes, this is a double edged sword, but I'd argue instead of whining to the government, waaa, waaa, waaa every single time people choose not to associate with one another, perhaps one should go search the lands for someone who will associate with whoever it may be...(or in this case sell goods)...(the only time the government actually does need to perhaps step in is when there's no opportunity for business anywhere)

It's relatively obvious that the uproar is more about power, than it actually is about discrimination. There are a number of places that will bake cakes, do "gay marriages" and people that wish for these things can very easily find these people (there's this thing called the internet)....

With ownership does come a responsibility to exercise some type of discretion (discrimination) for particular things. You would not sell a gun to someone who threatens to kill people. A cake is not a right, one can get a cake from anywhere.

c. The (federal) government shall not pass a law prohibiting the free exercise of religion....I can agree that individuals that are religious own businesses. Religion is of course both a private and public act. And the government should protect this (with due limits).

A last point on this rant, one does not have a right to be protected from a jerk. One has a right to self defense, but if people so choose to act with their wills as jerks, they can't be forced with the law to act opposite of this. 

As a society, I tend to think that we look to others to solve problems which should be solved at the local level. The Church in her infinite wisdom has given us the principle of subsidiarity, perhaps it should be looked at. 

Христос Восресе

Востину восресе! (Christ is Risen, Indeed He is Risen)

Thank you all for your comments and prayers during my "absence"...Really it was accidental, I had zero intentions of not blogging during Lent, just ended up happening that way...but 40 days of silence, means I have a lot to catch up on....

Pax Vobis

Prayer request

Please pray for the parish of St Nicholas in Fontana, Ca as well as for myself....sorry for my absence. Motivation has been rather lacking lately.

Thought of the day

It's rather a simple exercise, if one doesn't wish to be called out publicly, by all means don't act in a scandalous way as to make that happen. The Truth can never be silenced.

Really it seems that a lawsuit is not only out of proportion, but rather an injustice.

Prayers for Vox Cantoris.

I have been paying attention to the happenings...My viewpoints about this pontificate are relatively well known. God have mercy on us all.

Thought of the day

It is pride to not seek forgiveness for wrongs. It is of the devil. It works both ways, not only when we know we've done wrong, but even if we don't, seek forgiveness, we should alway strive for.

Thought of the day

It's very tempting when the walls are caving around, to give up, and sink to temptation, but perseverance is important.

Thought of the day

I suppose there are two ways to celebrate St Valentine's day....a. Validate a marriage then proceed to get your head chopped off in imitation of him. (How he actually died)....b. Have a drink for every time you've been heart-broken, hurt by member of the opposite sex, or something of that nature....The former is our calling to stand up for the Truth of Christ, and His Church, the latter is probably not a good idea...you should use ice cream instead ;)

Thought of the day

Lent is coming, what will you do?

Thought of the day

2 years and it still hurts...let us pray for Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI today especially.

The Principle: A review

A friend of mine was behind the movie: The Principle, I saw it in the theatre on Saturday...and my background as a scientist myself, I thought I'd say some thoughts.

The movie tries to answer the question: Are we significant? And this is done by interviewing physicists (some amongst the people I met) and looking at our location in the universe and examining the Copernican principle.

Well, we need to start by understanding what the Copernican principle is, so I'll state it: It states: neither the sun nor the earth occupy a special place in the universe. This principle was named afer he the Catholic priest Nicholaus Copernicus although this principle was never advocated by Copernicus himself.

As the movie correctly states, the whole point of Copernicus' work was to make a more accurate calendar, that's it....I tend to be of the mindset that Copernicus' would be appalled at the things that have been done in his name, this principle being one of them.

The movie does have some sympathies for the earth being the center of the universe. On this point we need to be clear, being the center of the universe (the whole thing) is not the same as being at the center of the solar system (particular point).

I for one do not think that our significance is necessarily dependent upon where we are in the universe, I tend to think our various capacities show our significance versus our location of the universe.

For the 800 billionth time, Newton's 2nd Law does NOT define what a force is, rather it tells us wha happens when there is a force...that there is an acceleration that is proportional to the vector sum of forces and inversely proportional to its mass. (a = F/m)...It irks me to no end when people state the consequence of the law (F = ma) rather than the law itself. F = ma, comes from a = F/m, not the other way around. (Sorry, needed to correct you Sungenius). Neither are Corriolis or Centrifugal forces are forces either. They are both forms of inertia.

I don't necessarily think that the question "Are we significant?" was well answered by the movie, I do think that it's worth watching to listen to all perspectives as we all seek the Truth. That is o say if you have your mind made up, it won't convince you. When it becomes available for DVD, I will publish a more detailed critique of the movie. The movie was well produced, narrated and was very captivating...and while not changing my viewpoints (I already think we're significant and special by our existence)....certainly I advise that one should view this movie with an open mind.

Pax Vobis.

Making the internet a better place today

Thought of the day

One can't usurp authority that is not theirs.

Thought of the day

Faith is a gift, it is not something that we do on our own.

Thought of the day

Rabbits are cute, there should be more of them...the world can never have enough rabbits (or kittens for that matter)

Thought of the day

If the removal of the Pro-Life bill isn't evidence that we as pro-life Catholics/Protestants/Whatever are being used for power, I'm not sure what is.

Dating, Relationships, Seminary, and things of this nature....

Beware of the quiet ones, not necessarily because they are dangerous, but rather, they're the ones that are probably trying to out think everything.

So it often seems that I get bothered about this topic offline often enough, that I've decided to address it online.

Anyone that I've ever seen as a possible "more than friend" candidate or someone that could potentially lead to something down the road has hurt me. Some have done so more severely than others. I can't think of any exemption to this statement, and I'm not putting specifics in so I don't have to retract this :p.

Success in romance has been relatively minimal with respect to the whole. And unfortunately for me those situations that did happen did not end on good notes. (Me being hurt, not good). Nor is it possible for me to say that I felt called to a higher state during those times. That is to say, I didn't think that God was going to drag me away from the relationships to be a priest.

To say that I'm a broken soul would probably be a huge understatement. I've been through enough, and know myself well enough to know that healing will take time, but forgetting will not happen anytime soon. If we took the sum of every time that I have been broken hearted, let's just say the number is really really high.

Is it all a sign? I'm not so sure. That is to say, in each situation, it wasn't something where both people parted their separate ways due to a mutual agreement. It'd be one thing, if each situation was agreed upon, to point to something higher, but to be nearly "beaten" to the point of despair, I'd rather disagree.

If you've been paying any attention to this excuse of a blog, all of you know of my love of the Liturgical rites of the Church. I was intending to be bi-ritual even if I did get ordained. But at this point, I don't know what I am going to do.

There's some attraction to both vocations, and I can certainly say that one is stronger than the other.

I do know about the situation for seminary, that if it is I who must pay, then I will dictate where I go. Likely, I would send myself to Eastern Europe, Russia, Slovakia, or Belarus for seminary. (And I'd make Bishop say yes)....(Yes, My love for Eastern Europe still is there)

If I do ask for prayers, I really do need them, I'm not just saying it just because....so yes, keep praying for me.

Yes, I am still hurt by those that have hurt me (whether directly or indirectly, intentional or unintentional), no I am not dwelling on them, but I do take things rather personally. Apologies work, but only with appropriate action. I don't think it quite works just simply saying sorry for things and then doing nothing to fix the wrongs.

If things seem rather confusing, that's because well, they are....I'm not revealing anyone that I may (or may not) be interested in, or even which way I may be leaning, but I would like to ask for prayers...

Thanks for putting up with this rant.

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

If I'm going to be paying for insert thing here, I ought to determine where that thing called money goes.

Back from retreat...and so I'll try to get some thoughts out.

Fact of the matter is that I haven't been home, and have not had a chance to type out my handwritten notes from the retreat that I went on.

Before I begin though, if you can pray for a priest named Fr. Matthew, I'd (and he'd) appreciate it.

The theme of the retreat was the Family: The Martins, for those of you that know me, know I have a particular affection for St. Therese (and St Tatyana, whose feast day it was yesterday)...

a. There are certain sins that are deep symptoms of loneliness and regret. One should avoid these things, remember that in God is strength, and not other people.

b. It is important to have a disposition of silence so that God can speak. This is the spirituality of Carmel.

c. To conquer the past, one can't do it on their own. Some anger with God is healthy, but can' dwell or be a perpetual pity fest.

More to come....

Thought of the day

Silence is a disposition, not merely an absence of noise.

Please pray

For myself, and all of us that will be going on the OCDS retreat this weekend.

If you need any intentions prayed for, please mention them, so I can bring them before Our Lord.

The theme of the retreat: The Family, the Martins...(haha Therese, hahahahahahaha, very funny)

Thought of the day...

Do little things, do those little things with the greatest love possible.

Thought of the day

The idea of multiple fathers can make life a bit confusing for a child. Perhaps it's best to not do that to a child. One mother, one father, good enough.

Happy Birthday to my dear St Therese

And so today is the nativity of the most important woman in my life, not named the BVM, Mrs. M, my own mother, and my sister...

More later today