Joe Six-Pack’s Succinct Thoughts On ISIS, Archbishop Sheen, The Whirlwind At The Archdiocese of Pravda, And MOAR

It’s been a weird month so far in the internet version of Catholiclandia and we’re only up to day 6.

You may have noticed that I haven’t posted a cotton-picking thing since the month began. I assure you, my lack of productivity is not on account of me not appreciating those of you who stop by these parts regularly. No. I’m just shaking my head a lot, chuckling to myself, and wondering what the hell is the point of all the hand wringing? It has been said that if everyone around you is losing their cool in a situation, and you aren’t, then you probably don’t understand the nature of the problem.

I reckon I’m clueless then.

As such, here are some short and sweet thoughts your lay Catholic blogger has on the current events o’ the day.

ISIS will be destroyed.

Oh, it may not be overnight, and it may not be done to the liking of the armchair generals rattling the sabers that they never wield, but ISIS is toast. All the countries in the region have a vested interest in taking back what the would be caliphate has taken from them. Ever seen the movie The Seven Samurai? It’s a lot like that, actually. The village has had enough of ISIS’s brand of “success.” Rounding up help from regional partners with skin-in-the-game seems to be a pretty good idea to me. Better than making the same mistakes over and over again, while hoping for better results.

Archbishop Sheen’s Cause For Sainthood? Grow up, everyone. 

In fact, I’m not very interested in the insider baseball alluded to in half of the events that rocked Catholiclandia this week in the title above. I must be a bad Catholic, or one who just doesn’t have any skin in the game regarding the beatification of modern day saints, and stuff.

That’s true regarding causes for sainthood especially. Because there are enough saints being made the old fashioned way these days that I’m underwhelmed by the games being played between Peoria and ARCH NY. Frankly, that whole fracas is embarrassing. Which leads to,

The Archdiocese of Washington has a problem with truth in charity.

Meanwhile at the Archdiocese of Washington’s website, Monsignor Pope said some things that perhaps Cardinal Wuerl didn’t like, or some such nonsense? So they yanked this post, you know, the one that everyone can still read easily. I call it another Great Moment In Public Relations.

You know what I’m going to do about all these issues? I mean aside for praying that they be resolved quickly, and amicably? That the juvenile  silliness stops? That God shows ISIS His will be done, and not theirs?

Nothing, dear reader. Instead of getting all worked up over things I can’t control, here’s my plan for the next several days.

First, I went to the County Fair, ate unhealthy food, rode all sorts of rides that made me dizzy, saw cows, and sheep, and watermelons the size of Texas, and had lots of mindless fun.

Did I mention the old group Air Supply was in concert at the fair too? I happily corrupted my kids with some of this…

And happening in a driveway near me…

Today, my son(s) and I will start the process of adding about 100 – 150 horsepower to my car. What’s that? That’s more horsepower than your car’s entire engine puts out? You live with your choices. Why do you hate fast cars built in your own driveway?

While me and the boys are turning wrenches, there are a couple of things worth reading that you may want to check out. Fr. Dwight Longenecker shares a neat breakfast conversation he had with his son this morning about loving our neighbors. Also, you need some more good music to listen to. Pick up Sam Rocha’s album Late to Love. You won’t be disappointed.

Pax Christi, Pacem in terris, Semper Fidelis, Cheers!