The presidential Race

In short, the 2012 field for the most part sucks.....but hopefully by writing this I'm able to help you all understand a few things.

As a Catholic, we have certain principles which we must uphold.
1) Pro-Life*
2) Pro-Family
3) Pro-traditional marriage
4) Pro-parental rights
5) Believes in the application of subsidiarity.

While there are certainly more, I'm keeping the list short.

I put an asterisk next to the Pro Life, because this needs some expansion. To be pro-Life means to promote Life from conception to natural death. It means that one must stand against abortion and euthanasia. As these are grave violations of the dignity of the human person. It does NOT mean that you have to be against the death penalty. Why not? The Death penalty sometimes involves the taking of an innocent life, where abortion and euthanasia always take an innocent life. It means that one must take a stand against immoral embryonic stem cell research. (Ones that involve the killing of life). The Church is not against moral methods of finding embryonic stem cells (such as umbilical chord).

There are other issues which are of secondary importance
1) Healthcare
2) Immigration
3) various other issues.

Healthcare, insofar as it's been deigned by God is a right, or what is better known as the ordinary means of care. Food, water, every person has a right to, this was set up by God for us. Modern healthcare as we know it is a man made invention, enlightened by God. To say that someone has a right to this would be a misuse of terms. It wasn't directly deigned by God. Now certainly there is a moral obligation for healthcare, but not in the strictest sense the "right" to it as it's often portrayed. Now how this obligation is carried out can be up for debate.

Exactly same thing for immigration. People have a right to it, but a limited right insofar as they follow the laws of the country that they are moving to. It is not an absolute right insofar as someone can just show up unannounced. Think of your property. Does any person have a right to walk on your property that you own? No, it is your private land, which you can do with what you want. (Not addressing the moral obligation at this time). Who you let on your property is up to you. It is in your rights to restrict access to your place. Likewise it is the right of a country to restrict who can enter or leave the country. This process is called legal immigration. Intentions aren't really all that important. It doesn't matter whether someone intends to live a better life, or for a positive reason. Ignorance of the law can't be pleaded. This is a matter of prudential judgement, but the rights of both sides must be respected in any immigration reform debate.

Over the coming weeks I'll be analyzing each of the candidates and ranking them on a 10 point scale for each position that the candidates hold. It's probably a bit late for this, but hey, I figure, why not.

Beats anything the USCCB will be publishing.

Thank God!...

For this Bishop...finally putting an end to the lovey dovey hand holding feminized action that is the hand holding during the Our Father. Quite frankly, unless you're someone that's very close to me, I have no intention on holding your hand.

The New Translation....winning

a. The new translation at last night's vigil Mass went very well. No one really messed up. Father stuck to the texts that were in the missal. No Ab libbing. Mass felt more reverent and people were paying close attention i thought to what was going on at Mass. We all know my position, it'd be a whole lot easier if the Church just went back to Latin...but hey, it's a good start.

Gratias Agamus Domino Deo Nostro

Dignum et Justum est.

Some thoughts...

a. The dignity of the person is violated when things become strictly about politics.

I am without a doubt 100% pro-Life from conception to natural death. The problem with the pro-Life movement is that it seems to be a merely political thing. That is to say instead of trying to change the culture (which is what we're called to do)...it's just a mere ploy for political gain.

To make matters worse, there are divisions within the pro-Life group. There are some that are against abortion, but pro-contraception. There are others that are for various other crimes against life. The ONLY way that the pro-Life movement is going to be successful is if it succeeds in changing the CULTURE. Not just for a political gain of some type.

b. Why re-invent the wheel?

This coming sunday in English speaking Catholic Churches there will be the new translation of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal in the Ordinary Form...It got me to thinking, why are we re-inventing the wheel? Why don't we just use Latin...and let people have whatever translation they want. After all, the Mass isn't addressed to us for the most part anyway. I know in many places we've heard this "it's about us" attitude, but it really isn't. It's about the worship that is due unto God. It is Calvary made ananmesis. So, as to avoid having to learn something else, I'll just reply in Latin...no need for a translation.

c. Why do women have to be so confusing?

Here's the thing. If someone says something, I take them at face value. If you say that you love me, then I accept that. You can't merely expect to do a complete flip of personality within time. In particular, I say this because it's one of my biggest annoyances: If you're not ready for something, don't jump into it. Don't jump in and later find out. Hearts will be broken in the process it's better to wait and fully be prepared than to jump in and have to jump out because of something. All of us have various things in our past that can hold us back to varying degrees. The past to some degree brings us to the present. It's a whole lot easier to allow people to help you overcome your past rather than break their hearts and leaving them. So yes, as of monday, my g/f broke up with me for "time" and "I still need to recover from..." (Chalk that up as time number x that I've heard the same excuse)....

d. Song lyrics

Ever had the situation where particular lyrics speak to a situation that happens?...Well, Evanescence's the change is a good song at the moment...

UPDATE: As to part e, I'll be seeing the ex tomorrow at 1:30 to hopefully iron things out and get things right. I do ask for prayers...I'm not always known for being politically correct. I really don't think that she understood how much that single action, screwed everything big time. I don't think also she realizes that I know what she's suffering with :)...of course, I'm by no means a genius...I just put pieces to a puzzle together :D

Some thoughts for the weekend....

a. The conditional clause...the I hope you don't get mad...but

Ever notice that when someone says that, the direct result is that you get angrier than you would have been?

Here's the thing, if you have something to say, just get to the point. Don't make the wound worse by putting clause in front of it. Just say the hurtful thing and let the stabbing begin. Don't try to soften the blow, you already know what you have to say is going to solicit a reaction one way or the other...get to it.

b. One of the 5 things I actually learned...

Taking mental notes is much better than blasting heads off right then and there. No need for me to get angry anymore...I just take notes and put them in the bank to use them whenever I please. I simply call it elimination of irrational thought..No one thinks rationally when they're angry. All rationality comes when you're calm and have time to deliberate...a whole lot easier to run my life that way.

c. Relationships...

Take time to develop...and don't just happen overnight. There is a ton of growth that happens in weeks, let alone months. Pray for mine.

Some updating...continued.

a. Hindsight is always 20/20

At this point last year, I was discerning to be a priest and of course fighting the temptations that came along with it. I must say that I learned a ton. At the time that I found out about me leaving the order, I was a bit distraught, but as usual, God knows much better than me.

I am happy to say that I'm in a relationship with a wonderful girl that I've met here in Idaho. I remember when i was debating about the decision to ask her out, I don't regret giving her a chance. It has proven to be a very good thing for me.

I had opportunity to talk with my former postulant master for a bit today. Finally that I am on my feet and a bit more comfortable in where I am spiritually, I made the call. He was glad to hear that I was doing well and about where i am in my own discernment. I finally had the chance to thank him for giving the opportunity to discern with the order, and to test my call. In all opportunities, God has his hand right in front, showing us something. I hold no anger towards any of the friends that I made while I was on east coast...Initially things are difficult. But God heals.

b. Kathleen

Is wonderful...details and pictures later

c. Pray for me...I need it :D