Volume VIII/Issue 10/January 2024

US Supreme Court to decide if ER doctors can commit abortions regardless of state law

WASHINGTON, D.C. (LifeSiteNews) –– The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Friday to add another abortion case to its docket: whether emergency room doctors can commit abortions in Idaho despite the state’s law banning nearly all abortions.

Notably, the court allowed the abortion-restricting law – which prohibits abortion from the moment of fertilization except in cases of rape, incest or when the killing of the unborn child is falsely claimed necessary for the benefit of the mother’s health – to take effect while it considers the case, meaning emergency room doctors will be expected to follow Idaho’s law and not abort babies as the court decides the case. The court did this by placing on “hold a ruling by a federal district court that would require emergency rooms in the state to provide abortions to pregnant women in an emergency,” SCOTUS Blog’s Amy Howe explained.

The case centers around the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, a federal law that “requires hospitals receiving Medicare funding to offer ‘necessary stabilizing treatment’ to pregnant women in emergencies,” Howe wrote. “In Aug. 2022, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the constitutional right [sic] to an abortion, the Biden administration went to federal court in Idaho, where it argued that EMTALA trumps an Idaho law that makes it a crime to provide an abortion except in a handful of narrow circumstances, including to save the life of the mother.”

Direct abortion is never “medically necessary” to save the life of a pregnant woman, pro-life doctors have explained. Pro-lifers have criticized the Biden administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for reinterpreting EMTALA after the fall of Roe to include a requirement that emergency room doctors commit abortions.

“Hospitals — especially emergency rooms — are centers for preserving life. The government has no business transforming them into abortion clinics,” Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Erin Hawley said in a November 2023 press release about the case.

“Emergency room physicians can, and do, treat ectopic pregnancies and other life-threatening conditions. But elective abortion is not life-saving care — it ends the life of the unborn child — and the government has no authority to override Idaho’s law barring these procedures,” continued Hawley, who is the wife of Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

The Supreme Court also announced Friday that it will hear whether former President Donald Trump can be kicked off the Colorado 2024 primary ballot.

The Supreme Court agreed last month to hear a pivotal case which could upend relaxed regulations on abortion pills in the U.S.

Catholic priest wearing rainbow stole gives ‘blessing’ to women civilly ‘married’ for 22 years

A Catholic church in Lexington, Kentucky, hosted a “blessing” of a same-sex couple that had been civilly “married” for 22 years, citing the Vatican’s heterodox declaration Fiducia Supplicans. 

The Saint Paul Catholic Church parish posted a picture of the “blessing” on their official Facebook page, showing the parish priest Fr. Richard Watson wearing a rainbow stole and extending his hands for a “blessing” over the lesbian couple close to the altar inside the church. 

“History was made Sunday at Historic Saint Paul Catholic Church,” the text accompanying the photo read. “This same-sex couple, civilly married for 22 years, asked for a blessing which Fr Richard freely offered according to the guidelines in Fiducia Supplicans.” 

The heterodox pro-LGBT outlet “Outreach Catholic,” edited by Fr. James Martin, celebrated the same-sex “blessing” held at Saint Paul Catholic Church. 

“History continues to be made in the church: a priest blesses a same-sex couple, according to the guidelines set out in ‘Fiducia Supplicans,’ in the Diocese of Lexington,” Outreach wrote on its official X (formerly Twitter) page. 

Some have argued that the “blessing” displayed in the picture represents an abuse of Fiducia supplicans because the priest is wearing a stole and performing the “ceremony” inside the Church in violation of the Declaration’s call for the new form of “blessings” to be non-liturgical and “spontaneous.” However, Remnant Editor-in-Chief Michael Matt pointed out that images like these were only to be expected with the publication of Fiducia supplicans. 

“This is not the private blessing for individuals that some would argue is the intended target of the new Vatican document,” Matt wrote on X. “This is a ‘married’ lesbian couple getting a public blessing in church. But these are the optics they must have known would be populating around the internet as soon as the ink was dry on the papal signature. Out and Proud in the sanctuary. 

“The priest even busted out his rainbow stole for the occasion. This looks like approval, doesn’t it? And that’s the whole point[.]”

Catholic philosopher Edward Feser made a similar point in his response to the image from the Saint Paul Catholic Church, insinuating that these “abuses” may have been the actual intended message of Fiducia Supplicans.

“What was the actual intended message of Fiducia Supplicans?” Feser asked. “What is really going on in the minds of those who defend it?” 

“One way to help determine this will be to compare responses to criticism of the Declaration with responses to abuses of the Declaration, such as this.” 

‘Sound of Freedom’ beats Taylor Swift documentary for spot in top 10 US box office hits

(LifeSiteNews) — Sound of Freedom, a movie exposing the reality of child trafficking, beat the film of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in popularity at the domestic box office, becoming the 10th highest grossing movie of 2023.  

Both movies were released in theaters in the United States last year and received wide acclaim. Sound of Freedom portrays the work of former Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard, who left his government job to found Operation Underground Railroad and devote his skills to saving children from sex trafficking. 

The Eras Tour, on the other hand, is a filmed documentary of Swift’s massive music tour which is running from March 2023 until December 2024. Last month, it became the highest grossing tour in history, exceeding $1 billion in profits. This record was made shortly after Swift was named TIME’s Person of the Year.  

According to IMDb’s Domestic Box Office Mojo report, Sound of Freedom grossed a total of $184,178,046 since its release on July 4, 2023. It was shown in 3,411 theaters across the United States. Total gross earnings for The Eras Tour capped at $179,650,565. The documentary film was released months after its number 10 competitor, on October 13, 2023, and streamed in 3,855 theaters domestically.  

While both Sound of Freedom and The Eras Tour received significant support from viewers across the country, they fell short of other cinematic smash hits at the box office, including the controversially feminist Barbie (2023’s highest grossing movie in the United States) and Oppenheimer (number five at the box office), which tells the story of the creation of the atomic bomb during the World War II Manhattan Project.  

Kellyanne Conway should refrain from Communion for promoting homosexuality, birth control 

(LifeSiteNews) — GOP strategist Kellyanne Conway should not receive the Holy Eucharist due to her public support for homosexuality and birth control.

Conway, a professed Catholic, is currently working with lobbyists to push the Republican Party to openly support access to abortifacient birth control as a way to assuage concerns from voters over the party’s opposition to abortion.

She also accepted an award several months ago from the Log Cabin Republicans, an LGBT group, after she embraced her daughter’s lesbian lifestyle. The video of Conway’s introduction by her daughter Claudia remains her “pinned” post on X (formerly known as Twitter) as of January 4. This indicates that she stands by her position to publicly support homosexuality.

Both homosexual activity and the use of birth control are condemned as mortal sins by the Catholic Church. Conway, as a GOP strategist and public figure, is causing scandal by holding herself up as Catholic while also supporting positions at odds with the Church.

“Any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin,” Pope Pius XI declared in Casti Connubii.

This is akin to how Joe Biden, a professed Catholic, openly supports abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism, creating scandal.

Pornhub brand ambassador’s vile child rape remarks reflect her employer’s values

(LifeSiteNews) — A brand ambassador is “a person who represents and advertises a company, supports its offers and acts as the embodiment of the company’s corporate identity through words and actions.” Most major companies employ them; often the role is filled by professional athletes or celebrities. Pornhub’s brand ambassador is American porn actress and director Asa Akira, who has appeared in nearly 700 porn flicks and has hosted the Pornhub Awards ceremony several times. 

Pornhub, as my regular readers will know, has been under a constant cloud of scandal for several years now, as allegations—recently confessed to by Pornhub executives—of profiting from sex trafficking and abuse have dogged the smut giant. Considering that fact, it is mindboggling—and a bit on the nose—that Akira has maintained her role as the public face of Pornhub. Indeed, the company recently sent out a tweet celebrating their loyal employee: “Happy birthday to our wonderful brand ambassador @AsaAkira! She continues to astound us with her kindness and beauty. Give her some love in the comments.” 

Back in 2021, Akira made headlines for stating, on a podcast with artist David Choe, that she would rape a 13-year-old boy. Talking about inviting a 13-year-old to a jacuzzi at a beach house, they assert that it wouldn’t be rape because he’d be lucky. “This 13-year-old I think I would,” Akira said. “He wasn’t necessarily an old-looking 13-year-old. You look at him, and he’s definitely a child.” Chloe replies: “That shouldn’t be considered statutory rape and, like, it’s consensual…” Akira agrees: “No, that definitely, no one would consider that rape, except maybe his mom.” 

When confronted with these statements later, Akira’s response was on-brand: “Snitches get stitches.” 

Not incidentally, Pornhub is currently being sued by a 12-year-old boy victim for profiting from 23 videos of his drugged sexual assaults, perpetrated by a predator named Rocky Franklin in Alabama (Franklin was sentenced to forty years behind bars). These videos were approved by Pornhub as “pay-to-download content” and the company received 35% of sales and ad revenue.  

Akira’s justification of statutory rape is only one in a laundry list of vile statements. On another podcast: “I love incest. I think as long as you don’t have babies, incest should be legal.” In a tweet from September 27, 2011: “…It’s not really rape unless it’s anal rape, right?” From October 31, 2013: “Adulthood is knowing the difference between good rape and bad rape.” February 29, 2012: “Also—I’m pretty proud of myself for making it this far in life without having to register as a sex offender.” September 8, 2011: “Is GHB the rape drug? Asking for a friend.” January 28, 2013: “It only hurts if you resist.”  

And a tweet that, in retrospect, could be directed at any number of Pornhub uploaders: “Shoutout to my pedophiles.”  

These statements, it must be emphasized, were not made by some obscure Pornhub employee. They were made by the company’s brand ambassador, the person chosen to represent the company as its most public-facing frontwoman. Pornhub’s social media celebration of Akira came after her statements endorsing statutory rape and other sexual crimes were made public and received much press attention. Despite the fact that Pornhub has been frantically attempting to fend off allegations of precisely the sort of behavior their brand ambassador gleefully celebrated and joked about, Akira has kept her job and their loyalty.   

The Pope Speaks

Manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Magi 

 
Advice You Can Bank On

A Catholic Perspective On Finances 

5 Practical Ways to Teach Your Kids About Money

Teaching your kids about money is a challenge and often an overlooked part of the training they desperately need!

Children, toddlers especially, aren’t ashamed of their selfishness. They’re completely inwardly focused, only concerned about themselves. That’s why a room full of 2-year olds is full of “me, my, mine!” and why sharing has to be taught.

While we may get a little more discreet or tactful in our outward expression of selfishness as we get older, much of the time, the heart attitude remains the same as a child, thinking only of ourselves.

So how do we teach our own children to be good stewards as we ourselves are trying to become one?

Well, it all comes down to being intentional about the key lessons to pass on to our children. Here are the ones I think should be your priority.

Teach them about stewardship.

The Bible makes it clear that we are not the owners of anything. God wants us to recognize that we are managers, not owners, of all we have. He has entrusted resources, relationships, time, and money to us, and He desires that we are faithful in the way we manage them in order to please Him. That means we need to know and apply His principles of financial management.

Have you ever heard the saying, the biggest lessons in life are generally caught, not taught? Resolve to live as a steward, and your children will inevitably learn how to do the same. It will take intentional conversations and lessons, but they’ll grow up knowing what a steward looks like.

Teach them how to work.

Work is good! It was always part of God’s plan for man to work – He gave Adam charge over the garden before the fall of man. Help your children understand that we were created to work and that it is a blessing. It is a practical way to help them discover the skills and talents God has given them. Excellence and diligence combined with humility will equip your child to become salt and light in their workplace.

Give them “jobs” now – chores around the house that will teach them responsibility. Try having two categories of responsibilities – every day, unpaid expectations, and special paid job opportunities.

Come home thankful for your job every day. Talk to your kids about the blessing of earning an income and working to provide for them. Even on the frustrating days, be disciplined to thank God for your job and teach your children to do the same.

Teach them how to give.

This is the best way to protect your child from becoming materialistic. Generosity will bring your child priceless joy and prepare them for supporting God’s work in their generation.

Help them set up a plan for giving their first 10% as part of their budget. They can also develop a generosity fund for giving above and beyond a regular tithe. Generosity may or may not come easily for your child – focus on the principles that will best teach your child God’s intent for generosity.

Remind them that generosity isn’t always about money. They can be generous with their time, their kindness, and their talents as well. Be sure to show your children that you don’t have to have a lot of money in order to be generous.

Don’t forget to demonstrate generosity. Remember they learn more from watching how you behave than by listening to your words. Bring them with you as you give generously of your time and demonstrate how to serve others. Let them see the family budget and be involved in the giving decisions.

Teach them how to save.

Delayed gratification is possibly the best lesson your children can learn when it comes to wise money management. Once they have given their first 10% of their chore earnings, teach them to save 50%.

Talk to them about the difference between saving money and hoarding it. Read Matthew 6:19-21 with them and explain what treasures in heaven mean. Not only will this get them in a great habit, but it will build their savings from a young age. If they want a new game or app, make them wait to purchase it until they have enough money to pay cash for it. You’ll instill in them a great work ethic and discipline to avoid debt.

Teach them how to spend.

The remaining 40% of their chore earnings are for them to spend….wisely. Talk to your child about the importance of tracking their spending and following a budget. Warn them of the dangers and traps of using credit cards, and openly talk to them about the sacrifices you make to stay on track. Call out phony ads or manipulative sales to help them navigate scenarios in the real world. Teach them the difference between frivolous spending and careful, wise purchasing habits.

Remind them to do everything with excellence, diligence, and humility.

 Family Matters

MOTHER'S DAY, EVERY DAY

It never ceases to amaze me how mothers can control the unruly, slippery member called hair, blow the hurt away from a little scuffed knee by simply leaning out the attic window, and bring back a smile with just a word of consolation. It seems Mother can do the same task as Daddy, but do it so much better in a child's eyes.

It is no wonder these “natural” inclinations have led to so many things being named after Mother. We often hear the term "mother nature," that universal ability of nature to take care of its own. Mother is also associated with things of origin. "Motherland" or "mother country" is the well-understood term for the place of one’s birth, still revered in the memory of exiles. It is "mother" that is attached to the ability of the soil. "Mother Earth" is that soft dirt that takes in the blessings of heaven and contains them to offer new life. The native tongue is sometimes referred to as the "mother tongue" – the language that our mother taught us. Interestingly, these complex organisms, such as nature, the soil, etc., are named after the feminine gender. Why not call nature "father nature"? Why not call the soil "father earth"? It is primarily man that toils and sweats to make the ground productive. It is man that attempts to manipulate nature to use it to the best of his advantage and earn a livelihood for his family. It is man that invents the machinery to keep "mother earth" productive. Why credit the title to women?

I'm not sure I have the complete answer, but one thing I know: the intuitions of mothers bear a striking resemblance to the abilities of nature. Many with no college education, and no degrees after her name, mother takes on the complexity of childrearing. While mothers do search out and need advice at times, it often comes from the lips of other mothers or grandmothers who “just happened” to find a solution when their own children were young.

Through the hand of God, it is mother that provides the right environment to reproduce life, nurturing, cherishing, and raising each child to adulthood. Should we attempt to place a "Help Wanted" ad for a mother, the list of anticipated duties would probably need to read as follows: Help Wanted - A Mother, duties to include the following: dietician, disciplinarian, psychologist, seamstress, cook, interior decorator, custodian, nurse, health-care coordinator, basic skills-craft-character teacher, evangelist, housekeeper, etc. With a list of duties like that and no formal education, it is no wonder that President Woodrow Wilson, on May 9, 1914, signed a joint resolution of Congress recommending a special day of observance for these God-gifted heroes. It is a day set aside to ponder the awesome task mother is doing or has done. Since 1907, many people across our land have pinned a carnation to their blouses or topcoats in honor of their mothers on the second Sunday of May. They use a colored carnation if mother is living and a white one if she has died. Since Julia Word Howe made the first known suggestion for a Mother's Day in the U.S. in 1872, many special days reflecting on and encouraging the role of motherhood have come and gone.

Mother's Day takes our minds in two directions - to both our parental mothers and our children's mother. On Mother's Day, many people take time out, at least for a moment, to think about their mother, the good times together, and all her efforts to mold their lives. For some, reflections of Mother reveal a godly person of choice, discreet character. They remember the many hours spent toiling together, laughing, hearing stories beside the kitchen cookstove, and singing heartily together above the tinkle of glass dishes being washed after a well-balanced, hearty meal.

I have to wonder what the memories of this generation's children will be. Sadly, so many mothers seem to feel the list mentioned above is not sufficient. There is even a stigma attached to the boring job of household duties and child-rearing. The everyday duties mothers used to share with their children are now replaced with so-called "Quality Time," a crammed evening of activities at a time when Mother is tired after a stressful day on the job.

Do we appreciate the mothers of our day who are willing to get out of step with society, willing to lay down their opportunity for worldly advancement, and willing to take on the routine duties of housekeeping? Do we realize the potential that lies in the bosom of our mothers - they who have been taught the Proverbs 31 virtues? If there is anyone who could make it in the workforce, it is our mothers, who, because of their good work ethics and the present-day opportunities, could advance rapidly in careers of this world. But, we are the beneficiaries of a group of women who were and are willing to lay all that aside and pour their energies into the children they hold on their laps. Mothers are molding arrows that will fly long after their own hands have ceased to labor, arrows that will reach where mother never could. Our mothers are exchanging so-called "quality time" for true quality time. They take time to listen to their children and answer questions when asked. They take time to blow the hurt knee and kiss away the tears. Instead of only telling them how, they take time to show their children how to do things. They take time to cook well-balanced meals instead of writing notes about what to put in the microwave. They take time to help others instead of hoarding for themselves.

Mothers like these are a crown to their husbands and children. Mothers like these deserve a gift, a visit, or a word of appreciation from husband, son, and daughter. Mothers like these not only deserve a little recognition one day out of a year, but they should receive heartfelt praise throughout the year. Men go about society getting words of appreciation from employers, employees, clients, and suppliers, etc. Men appreciate when people notice hard work, especially the little, insignificant things. When do mothers get their credit? Do we notice the good meals, the clean bed, the polished shoes, the button that was sewed back on without a reminder, the clean house, the packed lunch, the consistent discipline of the little ones, the mended trousers, the hems that were left down on the growing girls’ dresses, and the well-stocked shelves and freezer? Do we share appreciation one day in May, or do we show appreciation year-round? Men can lock the doors to their business, punch out at 5:00, and walk away, but mother’s work is from sun up to sundown and then some. Are we doing our part of sharing in the mother's workload 365 days out of the year?

A helpful husband can do so much to lift a mother’s load. Are we doing our part in disciplining the children? Do we listen to the children's chatter, or are we buried in a news magazine, forcing them to return to Mother because Daddy doesn’t listen? Are we doing our part in watching after the family on Sunday afternoons at other homes, or does mother have to keep tabs on the children while trying to visit? Do we sometimes get up at night, especially when we know that mother is fatigued? Are we doing our part in sharing the household duties? Mothers appreciate our help in house cleaning, picking peas, hoeing the garden, mowing the lawn, etc. Do we do our part in taking the initiative and being the leader that we are supposed to be, or is mother overloaded because of our neglect? Is that equipment or cow auction, that business seminar or sales meeting really important, or would a "Mother's Day" be more beneficial to the family?

We do well to keep a day in May as day of special reflections. Mother's Day to us should not be a time of carnations or festivity. Mother's Day should be a time of pondering the deep-rooted effects our godly mothers had on us and should build in us a renewed determination to be godly sons and daughters. Should our mother have been removed from us through the call of death, may we still honor her for her unselfish, sacrificial labors and the ideals for which she stood, for she being dead yet speaketh (Heb 11:4). My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: That grace may be added as an ornament to thy head, and a chain of gold to thy neck (Pro 1:8-9). May we never forget the admonition of our Godly mothers. For those of us who still have our mothers with us, let us do our part in supporting, loving, and visiting her every month of the year, not only in May. I truly believe if we "give mother the best, the best will come back to us." Our children are observing how we treat our mothers. Would we want them to treat us the same?

Lamp and Light Commentary 

"Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths." (Psalms 119:105) 

Lamp And Light - Genesis 28-36: The Life Of Jacob

In Chapter 28 we read of how Jacob goes away from his home. He is sent off by Rebekah to her brother Laban's place to escape Esau's wrath. Jacob was still unmarried and probably about 70 years old at this time.

It says in 28:11, "after the sun had set." Though that is referring only to a geographical fact, yet the sun had indeed set on Jacob's life, spiritually speaking too. He had been living for the world, and had grabbed and cheated. And yet God met with Jacob in mercy and told him that He had a great purpose for his life. "I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father " God told him, "The land, wherein thou sleepest, I will give to thee and to thy seed. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth: thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and IN THEE and thy seed all the tribes of the earth SHALL BE BLESSED.” (verses 13, 14).

This is called "the blessing of Abraham” (Galatians 3:14). When God called Abraham, He had told him, "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and magnify thy name, and thou shalt be blessed. I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee, and IN THEE shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed:" (12:2, 3). God repeated it here to Jacob. In Galatians 3:14, we are told that this blessing becomes ours, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. It says, “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus: that we may receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.”

What then is the purpose of being filled with the Holy Spirit? It's not that we might speak in tongues! The main purpose is not physical healing. Paul was never healed from a "thorn in his flesh". The primary purpose of the fullness of the Holy Spirit is that God might bless us and thus make us a blessing to every family that we encounter on the face of the earth (Galatians 3:14).

When God fills us with the Holy Spirit, we will be a blessing to all people. No-one will be able to meet us without being blessed in some way! It's like these heavily-perfumed ladies. You can smell their perfume even when you are a few feet from them! Anywhere they go, people smell their perfume. So will it be with us. If we enter a home we will bless that home, whether we visit it for five minutes or five days. That is "the blessing of Abraham" -rivers of living water flowing with blessing to thirsty people everywhere.

God said to Jacob that night, "That's My calling for you. I am with you." When God fills us with the Holy Spirit, He Himself will be with us (verse 15). He told Jacob, "And I will be thy keeper whithersoever thou goest...neither will I leave thee, till I shall have accomplished all that I have said." Jacob woke up and said, "How terrible, how awesome is this place! This is no other but the house of God, [Bethel] and the gate of heaven.”

But now let see how he responded to this fantastic promise from God. "And he made a vow, saying: If God shall be with me, and shall keep me in the way by which I walk, and shall give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, And I shall return prosperously to my father's house: the Lord shall be my God.” (verse 20). He says effectively , "Lord, I am not interested in all those things. Just take care of me on this journey, give me enough food to eat and clothes to wear, and protect me from accidents and robberies along the way. Bring me safely back to my father's house. That's all I want. I am not interested in being a blessing to all the families of the earth. If you give me these material blessings I have asked for, I will give You tithes of all my earnings, and build a house for You. Bless my business Lord, and I promise You, I will give you 10% of all my profits." That unfortunately is the response of many Christians to God today. God wants His children to be filled with the Spirit and to have the blessing of Abraham so that they become a blessing wherever they go. But what are the prayers of most Christians like? They pray saying, "Lord, give me a comfortable job with a large salary. Heal me of my sicknesses. Help me to build a good house for my family. Get my children married to rich, good-looking partners. And protect us from all dangers. And we will give you a percentage of all our earnings"!!

Is that what God has called us for?

Many Christians have missed God's best, because they settle for earthly blessing, when God has called them to "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places".

They settle for something material and temporary when God has called them to inherit spiritual and eternal blessings. God doesn't want us to have any regrets in eternity. But many are exactly like Jacob. The sun has indeed set on such believers too.

Jesus referred to the ladder that Jacob saw in verse 12, as a picture of Himself. “You shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”(John 1:51) Jesus is the ladder from earth to heaven . And we can praise God that the foot of that ladder came right down and touched the earth instead of hanging some distance above our heads! Jesus was "made like unto us, his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest before God" (Hebrews 2:17).

But God did not leave Jacob. He was determined to break him in order to bless him. But how does God do that? He allows Jacob to deal with a craftier person than himself in a man called Laban. Jacob who had cheated his father and his brother now finds someone who cheats him. It's interesting to see how Laban cheated Jacob in getting him married to Leah instead of to Rachel. In those days they used to have a big feast before the wedding. So Laban, crafty man that he was, said, "Let's have the wedding at night" -so that people's faces would not be clear. Then he got Jacob thoroughly drunk at the feast, so that Jacob would not know what was happening around him. Laban then put Jacob's hand into the hand of a heavily-veiled girl and asked Jacob if he would marry her. Jacob thinking it was Rachel said "Yes" and got married! The night was dark and he could not see the face of his bride who lay next to him in his tent. When he woke up the next morning he discovered it was Leah! Jacob had met his match in Laban and been outsmarted at last! And he had worked seven years for his wife!

He now tells Laban, "I wanted Rachel." Laban says, "Sorry. Around here, we have to marry off the older girl first. If you want Rachel, you'll have to work another seven years for me." And Jacob had to say "OK". That was how God began breaking Jacob's human strength.

In 29:20, we read: "So Jacob served seven years for Rachel: and they seemed but a few days, because of the greatness of his love." It wasn't a desk job that Jacob had. It was hard work in the fields, looking after sheep. He had to work in the hot sun during the day and sleep outside in the cold at night. He even lost his health. But yet it says that he felt the seven years were just like a few days for him -because Jacob's love for Rachel was so passionate and so strong.

If Jacob could serve like that for a woman, how should I be serving the Lord who loved me and gave His life for me?" Nothing can equal the joy of serving the Lord, when we serve Him out of love, and do not seek for money, or honour, or comfort, or fame.

Do you find your labour for the Lord heavy? It's because you don't love the Lord with all your heart.

Finally, in chapter 30 Jacob begins to cheat Laban in return and to steal his sheep by crooked methods. When he has amassed enough wealth, he plans one day to leave secretly (Chapter 31) . Then he hears that Esau is coming to meet him. He is scared, because he imagines that Esau must be coming to kill him. But we see something wonderful in Chapter 32. Even though Jacob was still the same old grabber and schemer after 20 years, yet the angel of God met him on his way. None of us would have wasted our time with such a selfish man. Which earthly company would continue the employment of a man after seeing him deceive them and ignore their orders for 20 years? Every earthly company would dismiss such a man. But God did not dismiss Jacob. And He doesn't dismiss you or me either, despite our numerous failures. He still comes and meets us through his messengers.

The word 'angel' can also be translated as 'messenger.' When God sends a messenger across your path, it's a mark of His love for you. When God gives up on you, one mark of it will be that He does not send you any more of His messengers with a message. God sends His messengers to us to show us His love, especially when we are going to encounter some danger or evil.

When Jacob heard that Esau was coming, he schemed as to how he could escape. He put the three wives whom he did not like, right up in front. And he put Rachel and himself right at the back -so that even if all the others got killed, he and Rachel would escape! Jacob is still the same old selfish person he always was. It's a great encouragement for us to see that God picked up such a selfish man and transformed him into an 'Israel'-a prince of God.

We then read how God met with Jacob, wrestled with him, and dislocated his hip. He does drastic things in order to bring us to the place He wants us to be. He broke him and said, "From now on you are going to be a prince of God” (32:28). When could God call him "Israel"? Only after 60 or 70 years of struggling with him and finally dislocating his hip and breaking him thoroughly. Then God says, "Let me go now”.

And at last Jacob says, "I will not let You go unless You bless me." This man who had spent his life grabbing money, grabbing the birthright, grabbing property, grabbing women and grabbing sheep, now leaves everything and grabs hold of God. He says, as it were, "God, I have lived for money, women, property and many earthly things. But I want You alone now." God is waiting for that day to come in our lives too. Then He will say to us as He said to Jacob, "You will no longer be called a grabber or a deceiver (Jacob). You will be called a prince of God (Israel) because you have striven with God and have prevailed.” When did Jacob become an overcomer? When his hip was broken. This is a great truth that we see right from the beginning of Scripture:

God has to break us before He can empower us. It is the broken man who leans upon his staff like Jacob, who becomes the prince of God, and not the great, mighty 'Mr. Universe.'

God has to break you, dear brothers and sisters, before He can make you what He wants you to be. And then we read these wonderful words in Chapter 32:31, "immediately the sun rose upon him " Again a geographical fact -but true spiritually in Jacob's life as well. Twenty years earlier the sun had set on him. Now the sun rose.

In Chapter 34 we see that Jacob had twelve sons. But he also had a daughter, Dinah. And Dinah got him into a lot of trouble, when she decided one day to take a walk all by herself. This chapter has a warning for all young girls. All young girls should read Chapter 34 and see the problems that Dinah caused for her father. She thought she could take care of herself. But some man fell in love with her "and he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her." Her brothers got so upset with this man, that they went out and murdered all the men in his city. And Jacob's name began to stink in that area. It all started with one girl who decided to wander off on her own one day. She who has ears to hear, let her hear.

In chapter 35. The Lord now told Jacob to go back to Bethel. In a sense, it was Jacob's fault too that he got into all these problems. Because if he had gone straight back to Bethel after God had met with him in Peniel, this sad and violent interlude (in Chapter 34) would never have taken who place.

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Books to feed your faith!

 

Instructions For Preachers: Getting Your Message From the Pulpit to the Pew
$9.95

Saint Alphonsus Marie de Ligouri presents the proper method of preaching, that will move hearts to repentance and encourage people to live a virtuous way of life. The first chapter is devoted to this method of preaching, which is opposed to the showy method of many preachers of his day and even ours. Many seek to gain the praise of their listeners, rather than to bring them to repentance and educate them in the way of salvation. Saint Alphonsus, following the example of Saints Francis de Sales and Vincent de Paul sought to teach priests how to make saints and save souls rather than impress audiences. The second chapter refutes a critic. Saint Alphonsus begins by explaining the criticism: “My critic, you say, maintains that, though sacred orators should preach in a clear and orderly manner, they should never condescend to speak in a popular style; because, according to him, such a style is unworthy of the dignity of the pulpit and degrading to the word of God.” He then proceeds to defend his position and give further useful instructions to preachers. The third chapter is the refutation of a book On Preaching by the Author of the Philosophical Dictionary, whose name is unknown. Saint Alphonsus describes this book as follows: “Moreover, on seeing the title of the work, On Preaching, one would have thought that it treated of the utility and even of the necessity there is in this world of preaching to the people in order to enlighten them, because in consequence of sin and the corruption of their nature they are enveloped in darkness, and naturally inclined, not to what is good and virtuous, as the author wishes, but to evil and to vices. Now this is not the case: the end of the work is to discredit preaching, by representing it as entirely useless for the reformation of morals.” He then proceeds to outline the author's case and then present his case. Contained here are more useful recommendations to preachers. Finally, we close with a chapter on the usefulness of missions. This has been excerpted from The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus, which was compiled and translated by Father Eugene Grimm. (1835-1891) All is excerpted from a much larger work on Preaching, and serves as an excellent guide for anyone who enters the pulpit.

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Commentary on the Book of Psalms 
By Saint Robert Bellarmine
$24.95

The print of this edition is 12 point, larger than an earlier edition in print. In these days the Psalms are little used in the private devotions of lay Catholics; and forms of prayer, which have no authoritative sanction, and which are often little recommendable, either for sentiment or expression, are used, instead of those which have been dictated by the Holy Ghost. The reason of this notable change in the practice of the faithful must be that they do not understand the Psalms. This work was prepared for the use of the laity, but clergy and religious will find it very useful in understanding the psalms they pray in the Divine Office.

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Charity: A Commentary on I Corinthians 13 
$9.99 

Saint Alphonsus Ligouri -Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; is not puffed up; Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (I Corinthians 13:4-7) Saint Paul wrote wonderfully about charity in the 13th chapter of First Corinthians. Saint Alphonsus takes these words and gives a simple view of the Catholic way of life and an excellent introduction into the spiritual life. This is excerpted from his work, The Holy Eucharist, which has been excerpted from The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus, which was compiled and translated by Father Eugene Grimm. (1835-1891)

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The Funny Pharmacy

A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones. - Proverbs 17:22

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Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Additional: 8 hrs
Total: 9 hrs 10 mins

Yield: 1 9x13-inch casserole

Ingredients
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
3 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
¾ pound Canadian bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
6 English muffins, cut into 1/2-inch dice
½ teaspoon paprika
1 (.9 ounce) package hollandaise sauce mix
1 cup milk
¼ cup margarine

Directions

1 Spray 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2 Whisk eggs, 2 cups milk, green onions, onion powder, and salt together in a large bowl until well mixed.

3 Layer half the Canadian bacon in the prepared baking dish. Spread English muffins over meat and top with remaining Canadian bacon. Pour egg mixture over casserole. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

4 Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

5 Sprinkle casserole with paprika; cover with aluminum foil.

6 Bake in preheated oven until eggs are nearly set, about 30 minutes; remove foil. Continue baking until eggs are completely set, about 15 more minutes.

7 Whisk hollandaise sauce mix with 1 cup milk in a saucepan. Add margarine and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer, and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Drizzle sauce over casserole to serve.

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Sally's Special Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats

Directions

In a medium bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Video sermons and instructions: Timeless timely truths for living the Faith

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Pope Michael II Christmas Message 2023

 

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Epiphany 2013
 

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Not Everything on the Internet is True

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Sunday Sermon: A Man With No Name

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Music: Wise Men Still Seek Him
 

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Vatican In Exile Podcasts

Family Theater

Family Theater was a program created to promote family unity and each week saw a drama illustrating the importance of family life and prayer. The main reason for the success of this series was undoubtedly due to the numerous Hollywood stars that participated. 

Cast: Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper, James Stewart, Gregory Peck, Shirley Temple Director: Fred MacKaye, Dave Young, Joseph Mansfield, Richard Sanville, Jaime del Valle, Mel Williamson, Robert O’Sullivan, John Kelley Producer: Father Patrick Peyton, Bob Longenecker Host: Father Patrick Peyton Writer: True Boardman , Father Patrick Peyton Announcer:Tony LaFrano

 

Ranger Bill

Ranger Bill was a Christian radio adventure serial, and aimed at the younger generation. This turned out to be one of the most successful radio broadcasts, and with an amazing longevity of over twelve years. The very first fifteen minute episode was aired on October 2, 1950, but this later changed to a half hour episode, beginning May 14, 1954 and running right through until 1962.

Catechism Corner

Catechizing with a fresh perspective. Using the Holy Scriptures and the Catechism of the Council of Trent as foundational bases.

Lamp and Light Bible Study

Lamp and Light Bible Study is not a ‘theological’ study but a ‘life application’ study.

Our in house Priest will show that every single book of the Bible is interesting and has a message for us today. It deals with key aspects of the Christian life and speaks more to the heart than to the head.

 

 

Sunday Sermon

WARNING! You may hear Sunday Sermons, that could cause permanent life changes by stepping on your toes! Including Sunday Sermons from Saint Alphonsus, Saint John Vianney and others!...

 

 

 

The Ave Maria Hour

The Ave Maria Hour first aired on April 26, 1935, on radio station WOR. It was presented by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement to help the humanitarian work of St. Christopher’s Inn, and during that first show, Servant of God Father Paul of Graymoor talked about the charity involved in caring for the men of the Inn. In 1937, it was estimated that nearly 1 million listeners were tuning in each week, which resulted in large pilgrimages coming to Graymoor.

The popular Ave Maria Hour continued until 1969, encouraging and entertaining listeners. It was heard on more than 350 stations as well as on the Armed Forces Radio Service. Recorded in a studio in New York City and on the grounds of Graymoor, these dramatizations of the lives of the saints, stories from the Gospel, and inspiring accounts of faith received many awards for religious radio programs sponsored by the American Exhibition of Educational Radio and Television programs of Ohio State University. It received the Golden Bell Award in 1959, presented by Ed Sullivan on live television.

The Bible In Living Sound

 THE BIBLE IN LIVING SOUND, the original dramatized audio Bible stories . . . really gets kids excited about the Bible! These 450 spiritually enthralling stories, re-enacted with music and lively sound effects, leave impressions of lasting beauty and wonder, putting the listener in the Red Sea at the crossing, beside David as he confronts Goliath, with Mary and Joseph in the stable, and there at the foot of the Cross. These stunning dramatizations captivate listeners of all ages as they are enriched by visualizing the values taught in God's Word. Listeners want to hear these audio Bible stories again and again.

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Day Two

Genesis 1:6-8

And God said: Let there be a firmament made amidst the waters: and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made a firmament, and divided the waters that were under the firmament, from those that were above the firmament, and it was so.  And God called the firmament, Heaven; and the evening and morning were the second day.

Getting Earth Ready For Life

So as part of what happened on day two, God was obviously preparing the atmosphere for living things. On day three, five and six of creation week, we will find that God made all sorts of living things- plants, flying creatures, sea creatures, and land animals. We know that all living creatures need air so they can live. Most living things need oxygen. Every time you breathe in, your body takes the gas oxygen out of the air so your body can function.

We obtain our food from animals (in a post-Fall world) and /or plants. Even the animals we eat get their food from plants, or they eat animals that in turn eat plants. So, really, our food ultimately comes from plants. Plants use the gas oxygen, but they also use another gas called carbon dioxide. Both of these are part of the air we breathe. Plants also use water. They use a combination of carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to make food so animals and people can eat them to get their food.

On day three of creation, God made all the plants. So when He was preparing this atmosphere on day two, He must have put oxygen and carbon dioxide around the earth so the plants and later the animals would be able to live.

We know oxygen had to be in the air when the earth was just over one day old. This means there was oxygen around the earth from almost the beginning.

Creation vs. Evolution

The Order of Events Doesn’t Agree

People who believe in evolution do not believe the air around the earth had oxygen in it when the earth first existed. They believe that the air was very poisonous, made up of gasses, like methane and ammonia, for example. If the air today was full of these gases, there would be no life on this planet.

Now why do evolutionist believe the first atmosphere had these poisonous gases? Well, because the substances (chemicals) that make up living things could not evolve if there was oxygen in the air. They would, in a sense, just “burn up” and life from non-life would be impossible. You see, evolutionists believe that chemicals just came together by chance to make all the very complex substances (including DNA, which is really an information system and language system) that are a part of living systems. But they also know that this could not happen if there was oxygen. And yet, for most living things, they need oxygen to live.

Now scientists have discovered oxygen in rocks they believe were supposedly part of the earth when the earth first existed. So, from their own evolutionary story, evolutionists have to accept that there must have been oxygen in the air from the beginning of the world-which is contradictory to their evolutionary worldview.

Heavier Than Air

Have you ever thought about why the air stays around the earth? Why doesn’t the air just escape into space? If it did this, then we would have no air to breathe, and everything living would die.

The air is kept around the earth by an invisible force called gravity.

The remarkable thing is that sci9entists know gravity exists. They see it work-for example, if you throw something into the air, it will fall back to earth because the force of gravity brings it back to earth- but they don’t really know why it works. They don’t understand it.

When you hop on a scale to weigh yourself, the force of gravity pulls you down on the scale, and that is what gives you weight. When the astronauts went to the moon, they did not have much weight there because the force of gravity is much less on the moon. That is one reason why there is no air on the moon-there is not enough gravity for the air to stay there.

Air consists of particles called molecules that make up a number of different gases. If these particles are pulled down by this invisible force, then they must have weight. Scientists know that air has weight. But did you know the Bible had this information in it before scientists discovered it? Job 28:25 states, God made a weight for the winds. God told Job (who likely lived around the time of Abraham) the air had weight!

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Catechism Catch-Up

“Blessed Are the Pure in Heart” (A Lesson For Women On Understanding How To Be Pure In One’s Personal Life And Also To Protect Moral Purity In The Lives Of Those We Love.)

As Eve’s eyes were opened in the garden, she soon knew she had led Adam into a new world of sorrow they had never known before. Through Mary, God brought hope to mankind beyond what we could have had any other way. Eve and Mary’s "daughters" have often discovered they have the same powers over men. They have the powers to bring refinement and culture into a man’s life to help him to a better way of life. They also have the power to lead men to the lowest degradation that is humanly imaginable.

A woman’s struggles are somewhat different from a man’s, but for man and woman, the answers are all found in Christ. Some women were taken advantage of in their youth and need to find Christ’s love and the healing and wholeness only He can bring. Some women have grown up with fear and learned how to manipulate men in order to control them or to get things that please their nature. These women will need to learn a new way of life by worshiping at Jesus’ feet and trusting Him to lead in their marriage. Some have selfishly chosen to follow their feelings and entered into romances that led outside the circle of righteousness. The audience that explicit romance novels is written for is almost exclusively female. These women need to find
Christ’s forgiveness and purity of thought and conduct.

As a rule, women are not as aggressive as men. They are not arrested nor incarcerated for crimes as often as men. However, their influence is real. It resonates through the homes, institutions of education, businesses and nations. We should not underestimate the good we can accomplish as we take our place in the calling God has given us within the walls of home.

The Bible gives directions in all the areas of our lives. It gives hope and direction to women in their temptations. It also teaches how the woman may leave a godly influence on the men she is called to relate to in her life. If a woman desires to bring the best out in her husband, let her pray for him and joyfully take her place so God can bring out the best in him.

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised" Proverbs 31:30

Our hearts cannot be divided. If we are looking for sensual gratification, we cannot see eternal realities. If we are looking for eternal realities, we must turn a blind eye toward sensual lusts.

Jesus’ direction is very simple. We cannot see the kingdom of God if we are looking at and focusing on some earthly gratification. While a woman might not feel the same
temptation for looking to lust, her desires for a man may still hinder her finding fulfillment in the kingdom of heaven. Being focused on her own fulfillment or imaginary romance, she forgets that she is called with a heavenly calling, that she is being called to Someone higher than herself. It is a simple truth that when we stop seeing God we stop serving Him. We may go through the motions for a while, but if our hearts are not in it, we won’t really accomplish anything for God. We must choose to be pure in heart in order to see and serve Christ’s kingdom.

God wants you to turn all your romantic dreams toward your husband and toward no one else.

God created woman with a desire to be in the arms of her husband. The reality often is disappointing. Her husband is not nearly so charming as she thought he might be. She liked that he was quiet when they were dating; it made her feel he was deep and thoughtful. But now she resents his quietness, “Why can’t he speak up and take care of situations?” Or she liked it that he was outgoing when they were courting. It helped to liven up her moods. But now? “Why does he have to talk so much!”

Self knows how to turn the common irritations or differences into wandering roving thoughts. Perhaps the wife finds life very humdrum within the four walls. Restless thoughts become daydream fantasies. She may wonder what life would have been like had she and some old boyfriend ever got together. Today there are increased ways to turn questions into inquests. An inquisitive mind may soon stray far from the safety of her husband’s heart and home. Once a spark is kindled and the fire is ignited, it often does not take much to rage out of control.

We may have developed strongholds in our thinking because of abuse or curiosity that will have to be cast down through Scriptural disciplines.

A child often feels helpless and at the mercy of those around him. A woman’s curse is to worry and feel fearful even when things are not out of control. If a woman was abused in her youth, she may face the obsession to control the world around her including her husband. She does not feel safe unless she is overseeing him.

Another temptation awakened by abuse is the feeling of power or seduction when she knows others are tempted by her physical beauty. This power can be used to attract the attention of men, and even lead them into evil deeds. This power is intoxicating.

A girl who was abused may take a different route. She may feel defiled and dirty. She may think she is ruined for life. If her future with the people of God is destroyed, why not run with those who will take her? If she centers her thoughts on these falsehoods, the joy of the Lord will be taken from her and her countenance will be troubled.

When a woman allows the past to control her, it will hijack the good she could have  had she bloomed in her relationship with Christ.

The thought patterns we choose in life develop into a way of life that determines our eternal destiny.

In 1Corinthians 13:11, Paul speaks of the transition of leaving the way of looking at life as a child when one becomes an adult. This is especially important for a woman in Christ. If she was abused as a child, a Christian woman needs to properly assess her blame. Even her curiosities were part of a childish mind. These deeds did not ruin her for life. Among those who were the most fervent in Christ’s ministry were those who
had a sinful past. Being forgiven, they could go forth and serve Him.

Having had the stain of sin in one’s past may be a vivid motivation to choose purity in relationships in the future. Choosing purity creates a good conscience, a clear mind, trust in relationships and love for all those God places in her life.

Woman’s created beauty has power over men for good or evil.

A woman comes to learn of the attraction her femininity creates in a normal
man. Her womanly beauty fosters masculine awareness in him.

This attractiveness is used by ungodly women to establish control over men as Delilah did to Samson. If she can seduce him to wicked deeds, she can learn the secrets of his heart and then take his strength from him.

The reverse is true. When a woman lays aside outward ornaments and dresses in a modest manner, all men are affected. In the home, church and community, men of every walk of life will admire not only her beauty, but also sense an attraction toward good when they observe her modest ways. Indeed, a woman ought to keep her weight and appearance in such a manner to testify of God’s glory in her life. Often times a godly woman may give a quiet word of testimony to the men who pass by her in life that opens eyes to the kingdom of God. In her life they see Christ who makes her beauty.

God asks Christian women to lay aside all the outward ornamentation that are used to attract attention to the physical and adorn themselves with the jewels of good works and sobriety.

A woman’s nature and the world of fashion both send the message to the heart of a
woman that adornments would make her more beautiful. Many women are deceived by this. They don’t want to be wicked, they just enjoy expressing their creativity! Some women may submit to the dictates of their husband or the Church but express this deception in their daughters.

God’s Word and godly men will agree. True beauty comes from a meek and quiet spirit and from the good works of a virtuous woman. Outward adornment only detracts from what God considers valuable. It also paralyzes a woman, for she will always see someone more attractive than herself and feel inferior. This creates a cycle of jealousy, envy and competition.

True feminine beauty may be seen in the smile of a godly woman.

When a woman is contented in Christ and His calling for her life, she will be happy. Even when others might wonder how her lot in life can be meaningful, she will find gratitude in what God has given her.

Joy will then shine out of the eyes, for eyes are windows to the soul. There will be a smile on her face because the countenance expresses the heart. This beauty of heavenly source transcends age and circumstance.

Marital intimacy is a part of God’s seal for the marriage bond.

At times a woman may struggle with the idea of giving herself to her husband. She may have memories and flashbacks of crisis events in her life, or she may simply not have the interest as she senses he does.

God’s Word is clear that the wife does not have power over her body. She is to offer herself to her husband for his pleasure and sincerely seek to bring fulfillment for him for the bonding it creates between them. While it is true that a man’s journey with his morals is his own choice, it is also true that his wife may do much to help him with his God given desire.

It should be noted that no woman can satisfy the lusts of a fantasy driven life. If a man feeds lust, he will have an ever increasing desire that cannot be legitimately fulfilled. He will simply have to do something sinful to get the thrill he feels he deserves. No godly woman can fulfill that desire.

There is godly protection given to the couple who prays together.

God wants to protect the godly home. When you have a need or desire, why not
take courage and ask your husband to pray with you about this need? Besides opening the windows of heaven for the blessing, you may open your husband’s heart just a bit more to understand you.

Take courage to share with your husband your journey with fear and sorrow. Don’t bottle up your emotions out of fear that he will make fun of you. Share what you struggle with. Many doubts and fears grow in the dark, but shrink when looked at and prayed about by the two of you. God wants to help you and bring the two of you ever closer together.

It is a fallen world, so all the daughters of Eve will suffer from the curse placed on womanhood. However, Christ has come, and in Him are found answers for inner needs of security and fulfillment for life and for eternity.

READ MORE FROM THE TRADITIONAL CATECHISM WEBSITE: traditionalcatechism.com 

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Living Catholic:

Do You Know Who Your Neighbor Is?

We are all prone to think of our “neighbor” in the comfortable circle of those whom we already love. It is easy to define neighbor to include our close friends at church, the next-door neighbor who watches over our house when we are away, the coworker who shares our viewpoints, and the people with whom we enjoy socializing. But what about the family on the other side of the street with the barking dog? What about the coworker who is continually gossiping about other coworkers? What about the one person who always seems to ask the wrong question at the wrong time? What about people from a different cultural background than ours? Are these our “neighbors” too?

The Lord Jesus addressed that very question in Luke Chapter 10. A lawyer had approached Jesus with a question about eternal life: “And behold a certain lawyer stood up, tempting him, and saying, Master, what must I do to possess eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). The Scripture text reveals that this lawyer was asking the question with impure motives. He was “tempting” Jesus and trying to trip the Master in His talk.

If Jesus had received an honest, sincere question, He would have given an answer such as He gave to Nicodemus, “Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). But this lawyer was not a sincere seeker. Instead, Jesus wanted to show the lawyer his inability to keep the whole of the Law. “But he said to him: What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:26).

The lawyer’s answer revealed his knowledge of Scripture and the clear, perfect requirement of God’s Law. “He answering, said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Luke 10:27).

Jesus commended him for his answer and pointed him to Scripture. “And he said to him: Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” (Luke 10:28). The answer of the lawyer betrayed the fact that he had a different standard than God’s standard. “But he willing to justify himself, said to Jesus: And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29).

This Jewish lawyer made the same mistake that many people make today. He assumed, along with the common Jewish understanding of the day, that loving his “neighbor” embraced a friendship with others who were just like him. In the mind of the Pharisees, they were not obligated to love outcasts, such as lepers, Romans, Samaritans, barbarians, and other foreigners. By narrowing the scope of who was their neighbor, they justified their pride, bitterness, prejudice, and disgust toward those who were different from them.

It was in this context and in answer to this question that Jesus gave the famous story of the Good Samaritan. Although this story is often considered a parable, nowhere in this text does the Bible explicitly say that this was a parable. Instead, Jesus presents the story as an actual occurrence: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, . . .” (Luke 10:30).

Jesus went on to describe the events that befell this man on his journey. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was very rugged and steep. It dropped over 3,000 feet in elevation over the course of only about 18 miles. The road was notorious for highway robbers that would ambush pilgrims coming to and from Jerusalem, robbing them of their sacrifices and gifts they were bringing to the Temple. A lone traveler on this road was especially in grave danger of being attacked.

Of this certain man on this particular road, Jesus described to the lawyer how the traveler was attacked, stripped of his garments, wounded, and left “half dead” (Luke 10:30). As he lay bleeding and still beside the road, a priest came along. The priest saw the wounded man, but instead of stopping to aid him, he passed by on the other side of the road. Likewise, later a Levite came along, and he too passed by without helping the injured traveler.

Finally, a Samaritan came along. Jesus said, “… and seeing him, was moved with compassion.” (Luke 10:33). The Samaritan, a man who was despised by the Jews, had mercy upon the Jewish traveler. He stopped and aided the man. The Samaritan bound up the Jew’s wounds. The Samaritan placed the injured man on his donkey and brought him to a roadside inn. He not only left the hurt man there, but he also paid with his own money for the stranger’s stay. The Samaritan even offered to the innkeeper to pay anything further that was required for the injured Jew’s care.

Having told the story, Jesus asked the lawyer a pointed question, “Which of these three, in thy opinion, was neighbour to him that fell among the robbers?” (Luke 10:36).

The lawyer had intended to trap Jesus in His teaching. Instead, he now found himself snared by his own limited understanding of who his neighbor was! He had to confess that the priest and the Levite were in error. Even so, in completing his answer, he could not quite say “the Samaritan.” Instead, the lawyer answered, “He that shewed mercy to him.” (Luke 10:37).

Jesus then responded, “Go, and do thou in like manner.” (Luke 10:37). To tell a Jewish lawyer to go and follow the example of a Samaritan was highly offensive to pharisaical pride! Yet, the Samaritan had been obedient to the command “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” while the priest and Levite had been disobedient.

What about you? Have you ever passed by a neighbor who was in need of help? Maybe you justified yourself by saying, “I am too busy doing God’s work.” Maybe you felt like your reputation and your position put you above the need to stoop to serve. Perhaps you felt like your duties to your family and friends made it right for you to neglect someone who probably “deserved” what he had coming to him. Or maybe you simply thought that it was not your duty to help the stranger, the widow, the orphan, the Samaritan, the leper, or the sinner.

Think again! Jesus says that the person that you are not naturally inclined to love is your neighbor too. The next time you observe someone suffering and in need, remember the story of the Good Samaritan and “Go, and do thou in like manner.” 

To Learn More Principles For Life Go To: Resources: Principles of Life

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• Please pray and consider donating to the cause of the forthcoming visit of His Holiness Pope Michael II to the United States.
• Your prayers and support are asked for the House of Prayer in Topeka Kansas.
• Your prayers and support are asked for in a practical way for our domestic missionary work: for traveling expenses to offer mass in other states as Society of Saints Paul And Silas (SSPS) missionary priest travel. Can you help?
• Please pray for the health of Deacon Stephen and his dear wife.
• Be sure to keep St. Helen Catholic Mission in your prayers. Why not go on over to the site now and see what they have to offer and how you might be able to help!
• Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father, Pope Michael I.
• We are all praying especially for you, too. May you correspond with every grace of God!
• In what other needs or intentions may we pray for you? Let us know at vaticaninexile@gmail.com
• Let us remember that the Church runs on prayer. Without your prayers, God will not work in hearts and souls to bring them to a knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4)

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So as we say every month we are very close with our budget. It takes money to be available to people in other areas as well as having supplies like rosaries, bibles, pamphlets, Catechisms etc. for sharing with Non-Catholics. At this time to stay comfortably out of the red we need $700.00 a month. Please read the message Giving to God's Work and then decide how you can give. Everyone should give something. It does not have to be much.

 

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Vatican in Exile
423 NE Grattan ST
Topeka, Kansas 66616

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