Sheep in the midst of wolves

"Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.
But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. -Matthew 10:16-20

setting the record straight

.:|.

A recent post of mine: Finding Help drew a lot of comments, many of which were words of encouragement and I wanted to thank folks for that. That being said, I am not downtrodden or dismayed. I am not surprised at the situation, or fearful of the environment. God has told us... that it will not be pretty out there. When he commanded the disciples to go out... he told them that he was sending them as "...sheep in the midst of wolves. So too, should we expect to "...face the wolves."

I want my readers to know that I am not dismayed. I do not think that I have it bad. In fact, quite the opposite. God called us to Alaska. We know that, or we wouldn't be here. He also seems to be calling us to stay, we hope that otherwise we are foolish for what we are doing. In fact, even in the face of a difficult liturgical and parish situation, we have found some of the most amazing friends and people that we could ever hope to meet. We have been asking ourselves what does God want to use us for? How can God make good happen by us being here? We are not asking...what good will come to us by being here? We want to serve Him. We are much less concerned with being served.

in the face of lions

.|:.

It is daunting as a Catholic to expect that we are not only to live our lives according to the faith, but in such dire conditions such as the culture we currently live in. On top of that, we are also to face enemies... that often appear to be friends, but are in fact wolves in sheep's clothing. How then can we expect to survive, let alone thrive?

Well, I know I thrive on situations like this. Some people call sky-divers, bungee-jumpers, and other extremists: adrenaline junkies. I would like to think of myself, and of my family as God's-will junkies. We thrive and get a rush from trusting in God in the most extreme and nerve-wracking of situations. Now, I want to clarify that we don't go out looking for trouble, but much like the picture of Daniel to the right, we focus our attention on what is important when we do find ourselves in precarious looking situations. (Dan. 14:32-42)

Isn't that what we are called to do? Are we not supposed to trust in God? As I said in previous post, "sure, I would love some help and guidance" but I know that doesn't always come in the form of another human. I know that our help comes from the Lord, I know that he will guide us and keep us safe. I am not worried. The world can kill our bodies, but not kills our souls.

A song of ascents. I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever. -Psalm 121 

the reason

.:|.

Many of you probably want to know why I wrote that post then, in that way? Well... I do feel that way but at the same time I feel this way. I don't think that the two are mutually exclusive, in fact, I think they are common competing thoughts and feelings that people have in the face of adversity. To say that Daniel never feared the jaws, that David looked down on the giant, or that anyone in the face of danger doesn't pause out of self-preservation doesn't understand the gravity, nor the bravery that accompany the commitment of trusting God in the "...midst of the wolves."

Recently, this blog, and a few others, have been "discussed" by some folks in somewhat public forums. We have been accused of being various things, none of which are very commendable. We take that seriously, at least I do. That isn't the intent of this blog. Does it happen? I hope not. Could some posts be perceived that way? I guess. I don't really know how people perceive my blog or my intentions. I try and state things in an honest, sincere and transparent way; I try to mean what I say. I am not perfect, and the Internet is not a perfect medium.

What is most surprising though is that those that speak out against myself, and other bloggers, is that these people never directly confront us. They often use the same means and methods that we do, and yet accuse us of being somehow malicious. It is perplexing at best. I would love direct communication from others. It doesn't have to be public either. I post my email address at the top of the blog. If you read my blog you cannot possibly miss my email. I have never received an email from someone challenging me on my posts; but I have indirectly received quite a few notices about others using facebook, gatherings, and other means to address what has been posted on this blog . Again, this is perplexing at best.

what I am not... and what I have not done

.:|.

I am not a perfect Catholic. Far from it. In fact, I don't know where I fit... as I have never really had any direction or formation. I don't profess to be perfect either, in fact I profess to be quite a poor one really. I don't judge other peoples hearts. I don't know their intentions nor do I pretend to know every ones motives. I can't say who will or won't go to heaven, who is or isn't a good Catholic or anything of the sort. Although, we can and should judge actions; be our brother's keeper. (Gen. 4:9) We learned as much in Mass recently. That doesn't mean that when we judge an action... we simultaneously judge that heart. Instead, we should judge an act and pray for the heart.

Again, I find it perplexing, that others would accuse us of being malicious in what we do as bloggers and yet are unwilling to discuss our blogs with us. We are willing to put our thoughts, ideas, and livelihoods out there in a very static and concrete way. Unlike spoken word, my words are immortalized on the interwebs the second I publish my post. I have the luxury of thinking and praying about it before hand, but the clarity that comes from scrutiny of the words comes post facto. Therefore, to attack what I say but to do so without giving me any reply or recourse is... as I said, perplexing. Aren't such attacks guilty of the same thing we are being accused of (albeit falsely) doing? Are not assumptions made about our intentions and our hearts when one judges the motives behind our posts?

I continue to pray everyday for our Church. I pray for the Bishops and priests that have the unenviable task of guiding us all through this tumultuous landscape of war, fear, attack, and disobedience. I pray for their courage and willingness to settle in our hearts and souls these things which trouble us. I pray for the Nuns and Religious that pray for the Church in unrelenting hope and faith. I pray that they not loose confidence nor loose their way.

In conclusion I must state that we will not relent here. We continue to be inspired by the overwhelming support of those readers, lay and clergy alike, that ensure us that our testimony and defense of the faith is worth continuing. We know that the Devil will fight hardest and send his strongest legion of demons upon us when we are closest to truth and victory. We expect the attack, we prepare for the fight, and we place our safekeeping in the hands of our Guardian Angels. We fear not, for the Lord has commanded us. (Joshua 1:9)

We do not foolishly think that it is our doing or our efforts which embolden and inspire you all as readers. We know that it is not us that speak but... "...the Spirit of our Father that speaks through us."

Finding help

To whom do we turn?

·°•·

As Catholics, in whom should we seek counsel? If we are not in an area where we can get a spiritual director, where do we turn? Who do we seek for counsel? What if there is no one? God is there, yes... but in what person to we entrust our thoughts, concerns, worries, confusion, and spiritual health?

Many people accuse bloggers of being holier than thou or casting rocks at others as "less than, Catholics"... but for myself, and many others, that simply isn't true. Many bloggers I know are so torn with pain inside... that this is their only outlet. It is horrifically difficult to be a Catholic in today's world. Try having a conversation with other Catholics about birth control, homosexuality, or even the idea of using latin at Mass. You will be vilified, yelled at, and de-friended. Try seeking counsel in Church leadership regarding veils, kneeling, confession, or explanation regarding traditional practices... you may be corrected, brushed-off, ignored, or outcast. Use words like, hell, Satan, spiritual warfare, battle against evil, or weapons of the faith... you will be laughed at, yelled at, and cast-off as extreme and archaic. 

If this happens... to where, or to whom do we turn?

casting stones

·•°·

I was asked the other day by a friend if I receive negative comments on my blog. For the most part I do not... I am humble enough to know that most people wouldn't waste their time correcting my foolishness, my brazenness, my outlandish comments, my ignorance, or my unfortunate uncharitable judgments. Then they asked me why I blog, and I answered them.

"It is my spiritual outlet. I live where I don't have a spiritual director, regular confessor, or even a pastor to discuss things with. I have no ministries, no groups, and almost no avenues to actively participate in functions of the Faith. If I had a men's group... I would need to make one less post a week. If there was a young adults group, a theology on tap, a bible study, or any type of ministries or apostolates at our parish... I wouldn't need to make a lot of my posts.

They say God gives us everything that we need. He gave me the idea to blog. I am not perfect at it... nor am I close. But since I have no one to guide me personally... this becomes my guide. The friend then asked how it improves me as a Catholic... or spiritually, especially if I make mistakes or accuse others of faults? That questions was hard... but then it came to me: maybe I am meant to make mistakes... so that others with correct me, and thereby guiding me on a path closer to God. Maybe one day, a priest will get so fed up reading my heretical mistakes and rants... that he will be convinced that he must correct me and guide me. I continue to pray.

seeking truth

·°•·

I don't want to seem ungrateful. God is good and provides me with this avenue of learning and faith. I am not always right. Sure I write with an authoritative attitude sometimes, but when one believes something, they should be convicted. I try and espouse the teachings of the Church, and not simply my opinion of it. My opinion shouldn't matter, and neither should yours. What matters is the truth... that which we should all be seeking... constantly. 

But how do we know the Truth? How can we discern what we should do in life to live the Truth of God, given to us as the Word made flesh? Where do we find help...to find God?

The world is attacking us constantly, and we, along with our Guardian Angels, are locked in spiritual warfare with an enemy hell bent on destroying our souls and damning us forever in a lake of fire. You would hope that there might be someone out there to guide you... but who is that person? Where do we find them? Whom do we trust.

I pray... that I find that help.

It profits a man nothing to give his whole soul for the world...

I saw this clip again recently, and it came to mind while thinking and praying...

To what do we attach our souls to? Whom do we serve?




And here is the outcome...

Could you do the same? Would you be willing to adhere to your principles even at your own cost?

"...But God's first!"

Defend Us this day in our daily battle...

Over at Vivificat, Fr. Nicolas Schwizer asks: "Does the Devil Really Exist?"

But the ultimate question for mankind today is…..does the devil exist as a person or not? As it is, modern man and inclusively the modern Christian man hardly even believes in the devil. The devil has been able to succeed today with his best maneuver: to put his existence in doubt.

...

The inhabitants of hell seek to counterattack the power and the dominion of God. And because they cannot confront God directly, they do it indirectly. They try to take from Him his favorite creation on earth: man.

Thus, each one of us is a battlefield where the good and the bad confront each other…..the divine forces and the diabolic forces.

Who would deny such a reality? None of us would be so naïve to believe that we would be free from that permanent struggle. Each one of us experiences this tension, this conflict in his/her own body and in his/her own soul. We become aware that a strong being works in us and wants to impose his will on us and we need another stronger being to liberate us.

Questions for reflection 

1. Do I really believe in the activity of the Devil?

2. Am I aware of the battle that takes place within me?

3. Do I know my weak point where the Devil attacks me most?

You really should read the entire piece. He makes very good points, but the one that I want to focus on is the idea that we shouldn't, although many if not most do, ignore the fact that the devil exists and that the battlefield is us.

I don't think spiritual warfare, the devil, and the spiritual realm should be taken lightly. I also don't think folks should mettle in it without first protecting themselves in various ways. But like it or not, the spiritual battle for our souls is upon us whether we want it to be or not.

We must continually ask ourselves the three reflection questions above, and make sure that we not only know the answers, but that we know how to correct any problems within such answers.

Quiet

A few posts back I asked for your prayers of discernment. Knowing where one will live, and the type of employment one will have is a nerve-racking thing. It can drive the most faithful man to despair and doubt. That being said, what scares me the most is the idea that I will slink from God. That I will somehow pick my own selfish and filthy desires over God's will. I am afraid I will sneak into the silence, and hide myself from God, for I will be ashamed. (Gen. 8:3)

~•][•~

What causes fear? What is the sin? Is it pride? What causes good men to be fearful of doing what is right? How can leaders, priests, bishops, and the faithful turn their minds, hearts, and eyes away from God and distort His Word? Was not pride the catalyst of original sin? Did not the devil merely question the surpreme  authority of God just prior to his expulsion from the presence of God and Heaven?

~•][•~

Do they not crucify and martyr the loud? Are not the quiet safe and offered reprieve? It is the loud, the boisterous, the brave that are struck down. The gallant and the bold become lion food, and willing martyrs. The quiet gain earthly reward, and eternal torment. The quiet gain the entire world, but lose their life. (Mk. 8:36)

~•][•~

Why are so many Catholics today wanting to keep quiet? Why is audacity and bravery cast aside in all instances in the name of "charity, prayer, and patience?" Why do we allow ourselves and those we trust to deny God? Why has the will of God been replaced by the will of men? Why do we search for peace when we are told that we should expect a sword? (Mt. 10:34)

~•][•~

God says kneel and we sit, he says bow and we stand. Why do we deny God, simply to make peace with our brothers and sisters? When will we take up our Cross? Why does God sit upon the altar, alone, naked and cold? When will God become more important than our jobs, homes, and even our family? (Mt. 10:37). How come a "quiet and kind" priest is seen as pious, but one that teaches and instructs in the way of the lord is condemned and persecuted? Why will we follow any man who will lead us, wherever he may go? When will we stop being quiet and raise our voices?

I never intend, God being my good Lord, to pin my soul to another man's back, not even the best man that I know this day living; for I know not where he may hap to carry it."

Saint Thomas More ~ To his daughter, while in prison - 1534

(N.B.: Check out the synchronicity...Cleansing Fire)

The Rosary is a weapon

I was talking with a friend around here the other day and they explained how happy they are that we have been saying the Rosary as friends more. They told me that they feel like it is a powerful "weapon" against what has been plaguing us in our area. [Don't get me wrong there is a lot of good in our local parishes, but our culture is ROTTEN and it pervades every parish on earth... none are immune.] His word of choice was "weapon," his, not mine. I thought about it, and I know I use that term for it... but it shocked me a little to hear this person, use that term. Again, his word, not mine. So I looked up who else describes it as such.

Here is a quick list:

• St. Padre Pio
• Fr. John Corapi
• St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort
• Pope Pius XI
• Saint Josemaria Escriva

We are talking some big hitters there, and they use the same term for it. But is this just fantastical wording to invoke passion and meant to incite people? I don't think so. But if this Sacramental is really a weapon, why don't people treat it as such? Why do people fear the Rosary or discount it as "simply a prayer?" Is it not something that should be recited at every opportunity? Should it not be promoted and encouraged by our fellow faithful? Should we not use it at every available instance? Should we not revere and respect it the same way we respect and revere our guns?

Well, that doesn't seem to be the case around here. Recently a group was told they could not recite the Rosary at a certain time, one in which it is traditionally said. 

It was so disturbing to hear this... but then again, the enemy is within, isn't he?

Pray the Rosary... pray it at every opportunity. The devil never rests.

Ecclesia Militans

I wanted to write this post now, for the record. I wanted to make sure that I kept honest account of my understanding.

I have just cracked open: Exorcism and the Church Militant. I have heard the reviews... from both sides, I need to find out for myself. I know books inspire, challenge, disappoint, confuse, change, and refine thought, and so I wanted to memorialize what I think and believe now... for better or worse.

I have always understood that we are all part of the Ecclesia Militans - Church Militant. I just didn't know how hard the struggle really would be, especially from inside forces. The further we plunge ourselves into this battle, the closer we get to our promised victory. We must do so though, with contrite hearts, pure intention, and for God's sake and not our own.

~]]]~[[[~

The book opens with a forward by Father Corapi, and he concludes that forward with a quote from the Office of Readings, Common of Several Martyrs [originally written by Saint Cyprian]:

We are warriors now, fighting on the battlefield of faith, and God
sees all we do;
the angels watch and so does Christ.
--What honor and glory and joy to do battle in the presence of God,
and to have Christ approve our victory.


Let us arm ourselves in full strength
and prepare ourselves for the ultimate struggle
with blameless hearts, true faith and unyielding courage.
--What honor and glory and joy to do battle in the presence of God,
and to have Christ approve our victory.

I have known all along that this struggle would take pure heart, true faith, and a courage that could only come from God. It is not a joy, but an honor to fight in this battle... and it isn't for fame, pride, or glory. It is for God alone, because he asks us to, and because he secured the victory for us. We must accept this... not as rhetoric, but as unrealized potential. This isn't a fantastical or emotional plea, this is a discussion about eternal life or eternal death.

There is no turning back, there is only wimping out. Pretending away evil and the struggle, make it no less real; it is only in our own minds that it ceases to be if we pretend that it doesn't exist. Imagining and constructing ways in which to deny the existence of this struggle and our enemy is not an intellectual pursuit of the truth, it is a lie we tell ourselves out of pride and fear. Like the fearful pupil, we so often choose to expend an exorbitant amount of energy devising a scheme to relieve ourself from our task. When instead we have the tools before us and our effort towards their mastery and use would serve us much better, but our fear of failure and demise at the hands of our own self and our inadequacy, we choose not to put forth the effort.

There is so little to fear in the end, for rest assured, we become the Ecclesia Triumphans, God promises us that. But we must first enter the battle! Victory is assured, but only to those who follow the commands of God.

New Alaskan Catholic Blog: Chesterbelloc Alaska

There is a new warrior in the fight with us and that is:

ChesterBelloc AK

While the blog title seems to give quite a bit away about their philosophical base, it might not be exactly what you expect. [If you don't get the reference of the name... you won't be as intrigued]. That being said, here is their own explanation of their purpose: "For Whom the Blog Tolls"

These guys are solid. Their "style is impetuous,  their defense is impregnable, and they are just ferocious." [I am sorry for that if you clicked on the link, I must be reading too much Amentior] 

In all seriousness these guys are a force to reckon with. Their writing is intelligent, accessible, and quirky. I am really excited to see what these guys produce, and I am not saying that just because they link us.

They are Alaskan, they are orthodox, and they are intelligent. What more could you want from bloggers?

What is exciting is that the ranks of the Alaskan Catholic Blog Battalion seems to be growing... spring may be changing into summer. 

Welcome boys... see you on the battlefield.

4-yo dies in... Korean Shaman "Exorcism" ?

Here is an odd little story that I found floating around the inter-tubes:

4-Year-Old Boy Dies During Exorcism
15 July 2010
The Moscow Times

A 4-year-old boy sickened with pneumonia died in the Primorye region after being made to participate in an exorcism by a Korean shaman, news reports said Wednesday.

The parents of the child asked shaman So Dyavor, 59, and her husband, Kim Sende, 62, to perform a ritual to exorcise “evil spirits” that they believed were plaguing him, the local news web site Primamedia.ru reported.

The child stopped breathing during the ritual in the local village of Sergeyevka on Saturday.

No traces of violence were found on the boy's body, and forensic pathologists on Wednesday had not established what killed him.

It remains possible that the boy's pneumonia was the cause of his death, a police spokesman told RIA-Novosti.

The tabloid Tvoi Den identified the boy as Dmitry Kazachuk and said he arrived in Sergeyevka with a delegation of relatives that included his mother, aunt, uncle and grandmother.

The family intended to request help for the grandmother, who has diabetes, but So Dyavor told them that the entire family was jinxed and the boy had put a curse on them, the report said.
Nobody was present in the room when the shaman performed the exorcism on the boy, it said, without commenting on the role of So Dyavor's husband in the incident.

The local branch of the Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into suspected negligent homicide, which is punishable with up to three years in prison, but has not charged anyone.

I don't know what to think about this, it is hard to say what "really" happened, but I think it is safe to say this is a good example of why "Exorcisms" and spiritual meddling is not to be taken lightly, or done by just anyone. Evil is real. Satan is real. Once you start messing with the spiritual realm, there really is no easy way out.

Yes, another Vortex: Midnight Call

Yes, I am posting the Vortex... again.

Another "MUST SEE" Vortex was produced for today, July 14th, called "MIDNIGHT CALL." Not only is this one a must see, but I am posting the transcript... [with my commentary in red.]

Michael Voris touching on something that we don't hear about very often, and that is you cannot take parts of the faith and simply "choose not to believe in them" and try to hold on to the "rest of the faith." Our faith is the TRUTH, it is a system of absolutes that rely on one another, not to create a "Story" but to assemble the body of TRUTH. Just like the scientific world, if you pull out a piece, things start unraveling. The faith is about TRUTH... not about a neat story to teach us something. The Catholic Faith is not a story... it is THE TRUTH.



This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

°•Transcript:

Midnight Call

Hello everyone .. and welcome to the Vortex .. where lies and falsehoods are trapped and
exposed .. I’m Michael Voris.

Please forgive me if I seem a little off my game today. I got a call last night from old
friend who I went to Notre Dame with. We were on the phone until after 3 o’clock this
morning.

The subject for the most part was his concern that his two teenage sons .. having gone
thru Catholic schools didn’t believe in the Resurrection. He was asking me how to
explain this to them and show them the reality.

Well .. one thing led to another .. as it always does when talking about the Faith and the
interconnectedness of Catholic Dogma and when we got to the subject of Our Blessed
Mother .. he said to me point blank that the Church made up that that (Fill in the
expletive) about the Assumption. [One truth = a lynchpin.]

I was making a point relating the Resurrection to the Assumption. I was a little shocked
at his lack of acceptance .. not to mention his choice of words. As the discussion went on
.. I found out he also rejects the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception .. that Mary was
conceived without original sin. Why? [The whole FAITH system starts to crumble...]

Because he rejects the Dogmatic teaching on Original Sin. Of course, all of this rejection
also means he totally dismisses the dogma of Papal Infallibility. I finally said to him,
Bob, not his real name, Bob – it’s a little hypocritical of you to call me all concerned
about the boys rejecting the resurrection, when you reject the Assumption, the
Immaculate Conception, Original Sin and Papal Infallibility.

It’s not only hypocritical, it’s also intellectual dishonest. You expect your sons to accept a
dogma given by the same source from which you personally reject four .. and probably a
lot more.

Such is the sad sorry state of affairs in the Church today. And it is typical example of
how the faith unravels.

The teachings of the Church are so connected .. so intimate to each other .. that to reject
one leads to a rejection of most if not all. It’s exactly what we’ve been saying on the
Vortex for nearly two years now. You’re either Catholic or you’re not. [Cafeteria Catholics, aren't Catholic... no matter what they say. If they don't accept Catholic teaching... what are they? Not Catholic... ask them WHAT makes a person Catholic? Especially if they don't believe all the teaching... it makes them Protestant... they "protest" certain aspects of the faith.]

Now I suppose some of our Protestant-minded Catholic leaders would have approached
this case in an entirely different way. They might have said .. we need to be more
charitable and sweet and saccharin filled. [See, Protestant.]

Well .. it’s exactly that approach that has stopped his children from going to Mass and
dropped him to the level of heretic. He’s no dummy. He went to Notre Dame with me.

He’s an accomplished .. well-respected .. internationally published physician and
researcher who holds fellowships at Ivy league schools. And he utterly rejects the Faith.
Yet he still walks around believing himself a Catholic in good standing.

You want to know why I get so mad at the garbage going on in the Church .. the horrible
teaching .. the acceptance of depravity in place of morality .. the glossing over of serious
sin as though it’s just a bad habit .. the absolute abdication of practically every bishop
from his office as teacher .. this is why. [This is not to say that the people themelves aren't responsible for this as well... it is not to remove blame from them, only to show the causal chain.]

Because their miserable leadership has REAL consequences. My buddy from Notre
Dame and now his kids are no longer practicing Catholics .. not in any meaningful sense
of the word. Their souls are in jeopardy of eternal ruin and I’M the guy on the phone
with him until 3 in the morning. [INTERLUDE RANT:

WE MUST TREAT THE EVERLASTING NATURE OF OUR SOULS AS REAL!! God made our souls everlasting. Regardless of what we believe, our souls will last forever, either in Hell or in Heaven. This is TRUE because GOD SAID SO. We can pretend away, or lie to ourselves about this if we would like, but it doesn't change the fact of the matter. Therefore, let us start acting like it. Let us start practicing our faith, and LIVING our Faith in a way that ACKNOWLEDGES THAT!


END RANT.]

Where is his parish priest? Where is the catholic school principal in charge of his kids
education? Where is his bishop exercising his office as teacher?

When bishops think their role is to make appeals for money and keep their mouths shut in
he face of heresy .. even when it is right in front of their face at a Mass .. they have gone
off the beam.

The sheep have been left to the wolves and if the bishops think that because they wear
robes .. and sit in fancy offices .. that somehow they will escape the fate of those they
have allowed to dangle over Hell .. then perhaps they need to be on a 3 hour call starting
at midnight and realize the extent of their betrayal.

You begin to wonder .. seriously wonder .. do most of the bishops actually believe these
teachings anymore? Do they still love the faith? [It is time for us ALL to start proving, through our actions that we believe the words we read, say, and profess.]

I’m Michael Voris.

The Vortex: The Long Goodbye

Michael Voris and the RealCatholicTV.com crew brings us another strong message.
··°•
I really should just figure out a way to put a RSS Feed of the daily vortex in the sidebars shouldn't I?

What do you all think? There seem to be quite a few thoughts on this Vortex...



This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Guardian Angels

Came across Mac's most recent post over at Mulier Fortis: Angels & Demons. Had to comment a little on something that Mac brings up: We need, MUST, pray to our Guardian Angels MORE!

We know that we have Angels entrusted to our protection because God says it is so:

Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. -Matthew 18:10

In the Catena Aurea we learn that the Church Fathers understood this verse to mean exactly what it says, that we all have a Guardian Angel, given by God to us, to protect and guide us to union with the same Christ, our Lord.

JEROME; High dignity of souls, that each from its birth has an Angel set in charge over it!


CHRYS; Here He is speaking not of any Angels, but of the higher sort; for when He says, Behold the face of my Father, He shows that their presence before God is free and open, and their honor great.


GREG; But Dionysus says, that it is from the ranks of the lesser Angels that these are sent to perform this ministry, either visibly or invisibly, for that those higher ranks have not the employment of an outward ministry.


ID; And therefore the Angels always behold the face of the Father, and yet they come to us; for by a spiritual presence they come forth to us, and yet by internal contemplation keep themselves there whence they come forth; for they come not so forth from the divine vision, as to hinder the joys of inward contemplation.


HILARY; The Angels offer daily to God the prayers of those that are to be saved by Christ; it is therefore perilous to despise him whose desires and requests are conveyed to the eternal and invisible God, by the service and ministry of Angels.


AUG; Or; They are 'called our Angels who are indeed the Angels of God; they are Gods because they have not forsaken Him; they are ours because they have begun to have us for their fellow-citizens. As they now behold God, so shall we also behold, Him face to face, of which vision John speaks, We shall see him as he is. For by the face of God is to be understood the manifestation of Himself, not a member or feature of the body, such as we call by that name.

•Source 

They are so very important to us, and are entrusted with our care and protection. They are more than simply a "good voice" in times of temptation:

The ministry of these Guardian Angels consists: 1st, in warding off dangers to body and soul, 2nd, in preventing Satan's suggesting evil thoughts, and in removing occasions of sin and helping us to overcome temptation; 3rd, in enlightening and instruction us and fostering in us holy thoughts and pious desires; 4th, in offering to God our prayers and in praying for us; 5th in correcting us if we sin; 6th, in helping us in the agony of death, in strengthening and comforting us; 7th, in conducting our souls to heaven, or to purgatory to console us there. It is thus our Guardian Angles watch over us, keep us, lead us. They see in their charges, souls of priceless value sine they were redeemed by the Blood of a God. 

•Source; p. 33

The existence and help of the Angels is more than mere superstion, or some children's tale. Angels are real. We must seek their companionship, and allow for their protection and guidance.  Although God entrusts them to us, that does not mean they have unfettered access to our hearts and minds.

Although they cannot penetrate the inner sanctuary of human hearts which God has reserved for Himself, they do all they can to help us. However, it is in our power by an act of our free will to expose our intimate thoughts to our angelic companion. And it is to our advantage for such confidence in his enlightened guidance is of great benefit to our soul. After God and our Blessed Mother, he is surely our best friend, and if we really love him, we will have no secrets to hide from him. "We do not sensibly perceive him. We hear no whispered warning in our ear. Our hands cannot touch him nor our eyes look up to him. Yet invisibly he is with us. From the first moment of life he guards us and he will not have completed his task until as we trust, we shall gaze with him in glory on the Vision of God."

So pray to your Guardian Angel. Pray to ALL the Angels, Archangels and choirs of of Angels. As for their protection, guidance, prayers, and support.

CREDO quod sis angelus sanctus, a Deo omnipotente ad custodiam mei deputatus. Propterea peto, et per illum qui te ad hoc ordinavit, humiliter imploro, ut me miseram fragilem atque indignam semper et ubique in hac vita custodias, protegas a malis omnibus atque defendas, et cum Deus hinc animam meam migrare iusserit, nullam in eam potestatem daemonibus habere permittas, sed tu eam leniter a corpore suscipias, et in sinu Habrae suaviter usque perducas iubente ac iuvante creatore ac salvatore Deo nostro, qui est benedictus in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

If the Modernists & Media ran the Church...

This is all Marcel over at Aggie Catholics... I had to re-post it because it is pretty dead on.

• 25 - Women priests (but they must always wear approved vestments).
• 24 - Gay Marriage is fine as long as only one bride's mother is involved at a time
• 23 - Abortions are only approved in cases of rape, incest, teenage pregnancy, and if you are a woman who is pregnant
• 22 - Contraception suggested for married couples (and required for non-married couples)
• 21 - The Eucharist now comes in Honey Wheat, Whole Grain, Avocado and Rice flavors
• 20 - No more need to confess your sins just receive counseling to overcome guilt
• 19 - Pope is elected - never mind - no more Pope. But, Bishops are elected by popular vote after the final episode of "So You Think You Can Run An (Arch)Diocese?"
• 18 - Simple majority decides doctrine and all doctrine is optional
• 17 - The Bible is now officially interpreted by the Magisterium of Me
• 16 - No more talk of the fiery abode of demons (i.e. Hell). No more talk of that "bad guy with a pitchfork"
• 15 - The only sin is telling someone they have sinned (oops, I sinned, my bad)
• 14 - Bishops now dress in suits (or pant-suits), priests in Dockers (or skirts), and the congregation can "come as you are - on a beach after sweating all day"
• 13 - Jesus was a super-nice guy, though he bought into some cultural lies of his times, but he ain't God
• 12 - Latin Schmatin
• 11 - Who needs tax exempt status? Not the Catholic Church...
• 10 - All theology professors are now allowed to make it up as they go
• 9 - Justice, however the United Nations defines it, is now the main thrust of the Catholic Church
• 8 - Canon Law will now be called "Canon Advice"
• 7 - In order to make Parishes more welcoming, we will call them "Centers of Loving Care and Hope"
• 6 - The preferred music at "worship services" includes songs from Creedance Clearwater Revival, U2, Billy Joel, and Marty Haugen
• 5 - Church buildings will now resemble movie theaters and be called "Supplication Stations"
• 4 - Religious Education is to focus on self-esteem, crafts, and the environment. It will now be called "The Art of Being Ready for Encountering That Which May or May Not Be"
• 3 - The Roman Collar is to be replaced with the Butterfly Collar
• 2 - Father, Son, and Spirit are now Parent, Child, and Essence
• 1 - Catholic Schools will now be called "Inclusive Pods of Re-education". They will use the Pelosian-mandated Model of Edumacasion

If you don't think this is real... you are dead wrong. The modernist, "Spirit of Vatican II", "WE are church" folks would want this list instituted in total, TODAY, if they could get it "passed." This is the oppositions battle plan, this is what we must fight against.

If you think this is just silly over-exaggeration, you are wrong!The modernist, "Spirit of Vatican II", "WE are church" folks would want this list instituted in total, TODAY, if they could get it "passed." This is the oppositions battle plan, this is what we must fight against.

If you think this is just silly over-exaggeration, you are wrong! We must recognize that these are the goals of the modernists, we must realize that heresy is a threat and that it slithers in through all sorts of seemingly harmless heterodoxy. We must LEARN our Faith, PRACTICES our authentic Faith, and SHARE our faith with our children, family, and friends. We must become warriors of the faith and defend it at all costs.

Wolves

(•Link: Overheard in the Sacristy)

"Pray for me that I may not flee for fear of the wolves." 

— Benedict XVI  • April 24, 2005 

When I saw this post over at "Overheard in the Sacristy" I had to re-post it here. Most of us are familiar with the above quote from Pope Benedict at his first Mass during his pontificate. Reflecting on it now, more than 5 years later has become quite popular in the Catholic blog world. Why?

If you look at the quote, in the context of 5 years ago, you view it at the end of Pope John Paul II's pontificate, which was viewed by many mainstream Catholics as an "insta-Saint." So, the idea that their were 'wolves' within the Church seemed rhetorical, if not ludicrous for many. Yet, Pope Benedict chose his words carefully, as he always does. So, he had to to have said it for a reason, and he did.

He saw the landscape before him. A modern world that now reveled in the internet, email, cellphones, facebook, blogs, and most of all a 24 hour news cycle. He saw the 'wolves' that were, waiting, circling, and desperate. Only, they weren't on the outside looking in; he saw them where they were - on the inside  wearing sheep's clothing.

Today, now more than 5 years later, many of us are finally understanding how true those words really were. Some may say they were prophetic, I believe he was describing what he saw and not what he foresaw. He recognized the terrors that existed in the Church. Many who think that Pope John Paul II was 'weak' because so much rampant modernism grew during his pontificate, fail to realize how much he actually did from causing the entire Church to schism. That being said, Benedict realized that if John Paul was glue that held the Church together, his death did not bring with it the end to the threat.

As we move into this pontificate further and further, we lose more and more of the 'seeds' of dissent that blossomed into outright heresy and heterodoxy during John Paul II's pontificate. Much like wolves, these  scavengers become desperate as the pack dwindles, their existence desires their own way of life, hence the lone wolf. Yet, to survive they must run as a pack, or else they become the hunted. Therefore the further and further we get from the 2nd Vatican council, the 1960's & 1970's the less and less wolves there are in positions of power and influence. So they are desperate, therefore as their numbers dwindle their attacks will rise in number and intensity. It is therefore our job to remain diligent and dutiful in or prayers for the Pope and Holy Mother Church.

Exorcism & The Church Militant

Has anyone read: Exorcism and the Church Militant, by: Fr. Thomas Euteneuer yet? I know that the whole Exorcism "interest" ebbs and flows depending on the publishing of various books, but this one seems to be getting some decent press.

Any thoughts on this book particularly?

Some pretty big "names" have come out in support of it, like Father Corapi and Father Groeschel, so it is intriguing. I tend to vet these books a bit now, because there are so many that come out, garner some interest, and then we come to find out that they were embellished quite a bit.

So if you have read this book, please let me know. I plan on getting it and reading it, and will of course update my readers. This book is probably one of the most on point books that has been printed lately in terms of its topical relationship to this blog.

The Vortex: Total War

This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Another compelling video from the RCTv crew.

"There is a terrible vast army arrayed against the Catholic Church."

"You fight shoulder to shoulder with angel warriors and saints crowned with gold."

"[The Saints of Heaven]...how they must long to join us in this fight; these are glorious days, days of TOTAL WAR and the victory for us in assured."

An Example of How the World Hates Us...

A few people were "confused" about what I meant the other day when I posted that "the world hates you." They accused me of being "overly-emotional," exaggerating, and taking that verse "out of context."
I don't think any of those are true...in fact I think that I held back on that post more than I should of. THE WORLD HATES CATHOLICS. By world, I mean our culture, things and people "of this world." It is impossible for a culture that values things like abortion, gay-unions, contraception, wealth, relativism, and ideologues, to accept or understand Catholicism. Don't believe me?

Here is an example:

But here’s what I really meant: because I am a faithful Catholic, who believes what the Church teaches (and has taught for over two thousand years) – many people today consider me to be a bigot, and would consider my children to be bigots if they grew up to inherit my (Catholic) views on the nature of human sexuality and the meaning of marriage. I wrote nothing mean or hateful in my original post, yet the vast majority of negative comments I have received are obviously hateful (foul language, intimations about my personal morality, family history, etc).


Evidently, some people think that if someone considers you to be a hater, it’s okay to hate you back … and much more viciously.

This quote is from a post by Thomas Peters of American Papist. One of his posts was linked to a pretty prominent blogger, Andrew Sullivan, and because of this he received a bunch of exposure, albeit it the kind of exposure that brings floods of hate-mail to his inbox. What was so "hateful" about his original post?
This quote of course:

I’ve remarked to friends that I think DC would be a hard place to raise kids. I’m beginning to think that’s more and more the case, especially if you live near the Macy’s.

I guess he is hateful to politicians, criminals, the city, federal districts, the east coast, and cherry blossoms. I mean.. can you believe the hate he spews in that statement? [sarcastic eyeroll]. So readers, this is what I mean by: The WORLD HATES YOU... because it does.

The world HATES you...

Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God's commandments and bear witness to Jesus. It took its position on the sand of the sea. - Apocalypse 12:17

We are at WAR. This is not puffery. Our souls, and the souls of those that we love are in mortal peril and they are under constant ATTACK from the Devil. After reading Terry Nelson's latest post over at Abbey Roads, I had to post about it. He nails home so many points that I harp on at this blog, and I am glad to see someone else taking up the same flag. Unfortunately, he is also right on another point: that many Catholics today do not really believe in things like spiritual warfare, the peril of souls, of even the Devil himself. He sums it up this way:

Today, when there is such an emphasis upon peace and justice, some Catholics do not like using the terms, spiritual warfare, combat, battle, or always hearing phrases such as 'we are at war' and so on. Yet that is what the Christian life has always been, it is a struggle - an intense, knock down, drag out fight, a very real spiritual combat: To quote St. Paul,

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.
Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. ~~Ephesians 6:10-12

He is so right! Just the other day in my parish there was a discussion about what theme will be used for the parish-wide Catechesis program. The choices were: Prayer & Spirituality, Morality, and Justice (ie Peace & Social Justice). The overwhelming response was: Justice. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but most people felt that the #1 issue facing our Church today was not the lack of prayer and spirituality, or morality, but a lack of Justice. The other parish in the area... facing the same question picked: Justice.

Don't get me wrong, I think these are worthy and important areas of Catholic teaching and belief, but I just wonder how that can be the number one issue facing us as Catholics. As a Church we are at War with the culture, the homosexual priestly abuse crisis, the lack of vocations, the 'progressive modernization' of our faith, the feminist agenda, the corruption of our children, the culture of death, the onslaught of pornography and infidelity, the debasement of our Sacred traditions and symbols; and we as a people cry for social justice for the oppressed. Who exactly are the oppressed? Aren't we as Catholics oppressed? Or worse yet, are we not HUNTED? If the world and our culture are consuming folks and it is unjust, what is the best avenue to combat this? When people are held captive and imprisoned how to we best free them from the shackles?

Reading an article over at Sancte Pater, one of, if not the, leading exorcists in the Vatican says that more needs to be done in the War against the Devil:

The Catholic Church's most famous exorcist says more should be done to fight the devil. Father Gabriele Amorth has conducted 70,000 exorcisms for the church during his lengthy career.

In an interview with Italian daily, Corriere Della Sera, the 85-year-old priest said it would be worth extending the practice of exorcism.

"It would not be a bad idea," he told the daily. "In Italy moral decay is evident. Families are often breaking down.

"Do you know what I would do if I was the Pope for a moment?" he asked. "I would provide every opportunity for exorcisms. Like the Orthodox Church. There you do not need the permission of a bishop."

Social justice will only come when the forces of evil, the purveyors of injustice are defeated. We MUST PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD if we have ANY chance to defend ourselves in this battle. Therefore, if we go out there, looking for justice and peace, and we do not possess the ARMOR OF GOD, we are thrusting ourselves, defenseless, into WAR. A true, honest to GOD, WAR! We must treat our world and culture in this way, or we are being nothing but foolish and naive. Therefore we must arm ourselves with Truth, Morality, Love, and walk in the Commandments of God... prior to going into battle. We cannot seek Justice without those things. We can not and must not enter into battle weaponless. So how do we arm ourselves?

Terry Nelson suggests:

...begin to pray - to really pray - prepare yourself for trials. Whenever you embark upon anything good in the spiritual life, the combat begins. Sometimes that can be a sign to "do even more" as St. Paul says. Frequent Mass and the sacraments - especially confession. And use sacramentals - especially wearing Our Lady's livery: The Scapular of Mt. Carmel along with the shield of the Miraculous Medal, and keep the very best weapon of the Rosary with you at all times. These are tools, weapons, Our Lady herself has given to her children through the saints. These are not foolish devotions or superstitious.

The Devil is real, like it or not. As a Catholic you must believe not only that he is real but also that he seeks the eternal damnation of your soul, his only chance at victory, albeit already foretold and written, is to seek the ruin of as many souls as possible. Your soul is no safer than anyone else... you are NOT GUARANTEED Heaven... unless you do that which is required of you by GOD. Social Justice is an honorable, worthy, and important goal. Yet, it cannot simply occur through the good intentions of the faithful. We all know what road is paved with good intentions. We must actively defend ourselves, our souls, and the souls of those around us.

We must be counter-cultural. We must strike against culture, against 'the world', and against evil. I heard a teen say the other day that they come to Mass and learn the faith, and love the faith but have a hard time knowing how to live it out each day. This is honestly a good thing... they realize that there is a incongruity between the world and Catholicism. We are not made for the world, we are not made for its culture, its riches and gold. We are made for GOD and we should seek Heaven. Our religion is surely about love... but love does not only mean lollipops and gum-drops. Sometimes love is a battle... and the greatest love is to lay down your life for another. This isn't always in physical death, but sometimes 'death' comes in another form.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you.

I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.
-John 15:9-19

The world HATES you. Say itout loud right now... 'The World Hates ME!'

Then... repeat the promise from the start of this section: "As the Father loves Jesus, so also will I be loved. If I keep the commandments of God, I will remain in HIS LOVE." What more could we ask for? But as I have said in this post, it will not come easy... we are at WAR.

So we must stand firm and resolute in our desire to keep the commandments of God. We must put on the ARMOR OF GOD. We must arm ourselves with the weapons of the faith: the Rosary, the Scapular, and Medals. We must spiritually fight through prayer and meditation. We must seek Social Justice and Peace for people and not for the world. It takes great strength and courage to be a Catholic in today's world... and yet it has always been such. If you need inspiration... look to any CHILD Saint that was ready willing and able to DIE for their faith. Can we even FATHOM THAT? No wonder we don't like phrases such as "SPIRITUAL WARFARE." I wonder if Spiritual War will chip my nails, muddy my gym shoes, or ruin my designer handbag?

Again, I have no problem with seeking Social Justice... I just do not believe we can bring about that type of change unless we are truly willing to enter the war. Our faith and our souls are under constant attack. Justice will not be served until we can protect and preserve the souls of those that seek and follow Christ. The only way we can do that is if we are willing to take up arms against the enemy, put on the Armor of God and Defend our FAITH in battle!

God-Centered Heart

Yesterday, I posted about kneeling. When I have enough time to research the theology associated with kneeling, I will try and do a "Part II" post. Until then, a question is rumbling in my heart, which needs no research only the courage to discuss it.

A lot of comments I have received since starting this blog have been written in a context that somehow insinuates or assumes that I am speaking from some authoritative position. I want to state for the record that is not the case. I did not start this blog as some sort of teaching "platform", nor do I want it to be some attempt to CONVINCE people into thinking about the faith the way that I do, or that my view is the best, or even correct, nor do I want people to read my blog thinking that I have spent hours and years pondering and researching these issues. I started it, because I wanted to further my faith, ask questions that spin in my mind, and to hopefully help others in their quest for the truth as well.

This gets back to my post from yesterday. I was talking about "what" we do at a certain part of the Mass, and I touched on the "Why" as well. I am a big believer in the "WHY." The answer to "WHY?" anything in the faith should have one answer: God. If it doesn't, we are more than likely answering the question incorrectly. (Please no reductio ad absurdum). So then, we should ask ourselves WHY do we do... WHAT we do, at Mass, in our prayer life, and also ask that same question on all things we do in life. If the answer isn't God, we are most likely off course, or better have a REALLY, REALLY good reason why the answer is not: GOD.

There is a contemporary Christian song, by the group Plumb that is called "God-Shaped Hole" that seems to really fit this feeling I have inside of me. The lyrics are:

Every point of view has another angle

And every angle has its merit

But it all comes down to faith

Thats the way I see it

You can say that love is not divine and

You can say that life is not eternal

"All we have is now"

But I don't believe it

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And the restless soul is searching

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And it's a void only he can fill

Does the world seem gray with empty longing

Wearing every shade of cynical

And do you ever feel that

There is something missing?

That's my point of view...

It seems that this is the case. St. Augustine once said: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." If this is the case, then all of what we do should rest in God and be in-step with him. That means that if we are kneeling at Mass, kneeling for Communion, and kneeling at the side of our bed at night for prayer it should be for God, directed at God, and must resonate in our hearts that it is from God. If not... is our heart truly centered on God? Seems like an easy and honest pursuit though right? Focus on God, center on Him, do HIS will - Rinse, Repeat.

Well, here comes the twist...

What if this pursuit was done in a way where it brought the SPOTLIGHT on you? What if it meant in your heart that you  kneeled for communion, wore a chapel veil, prayed before every meal, said the Rosary EVERY night at 7:00pm, or some other facet of the faith that brought attention to YOU? Not that your goal was this attention, but what if it was a by-product of your God Centered Heart? Now what? As it has been said, many times before, it takes outstanding courage to be a faithful Catholic.

What if our "point of view" was that everything was about our Faith and our God? (This is not an argument for relativism). What if we truly believed that everything that we do is for God and therefore he should be our number one? This would mean that much of what we do, would be very different from what most people do. What if we took a weekly Calendar and the first thing we filled in was our faith obligations and necessities? What if we started every day with prayer at our desk, prayer at lunch, and before we "clocked out" for the night we said a prayer? Then work would become about God.

What if every time we got in or on our vehicles we said a prayer, for safe travel and for the fact that whatever our destination that it would be for the greater glory of God? It would turn almost everything we "do" and "endeavour" into something FOR GOD. What if every time we turned on the radio, TV, or got on our computers we said a quick prayer, that all that we spent our time on would bring us closer to God? Not in a passive, "Dear God, please work your Trinitarian MAGIC on me, and while I watch this episode of Bikini Fashion Models on Location in the Seychelles that you would some how bring me closer to your heart" way either. What if we really took the time and effort to focus our entire day on God? 

We long for this... we really do. The reason the devil is so seductive is not because of what he promises in the end, but what he promises today. You see, our end, if it be with Satan, is not pretty... in fact it is the most horrible existence possible. So how then does he have an allure over us? He does it with the present. He does it with the here and now. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. You see, he tricks us into believing that one nibble here, one sin there, a lie over here, and eventually the denial of God's will seem like no big deal to us. Think about infidelity... what do we hear people say, "It was a one time thing... it was never meant to get that far." Of course not... how many people go into marriage saying, "I can't wait to the day when I am so selfish, hurt, neglected, ignored, abused that I feel the need to deny the person I swore to love forever and crush their heart, my heart, and God's heart all in one lust-filled action." I would say the number is pretty low.

So just like any puzzle or project, we must start building this heart and filling in this God-Centered heart, one piece at a time. We must focus on the end result and realize that the work that it takes to get us there is worth it. It is hard for us as humans to realize that Heaven and God are worth the "effort." Let's not lie to ourselves... sin is appealing. The devil makes it that way, but it deforms our heart. So we must keep the pieces in place, so that the deformity doesn't occur and so that the God-centered hole in our heart can be properly filled by God.

Don't misread this... I am no champion of this cause, in fact just in writing it I came up with a lot of this during the production of this post. This is more aspirational than experiential ... meaning, it is more theory than practice. I do hope to implement some of this in my life... but as I said, it is quite courageous to be authentically Catholic in our world... and unfortunately, I often fall short.