FOUR LINKS: These are in alphabetical order-ish, which is why the second one seems so out of place.

Amy Welborn:

…Modern views of St. Francis present him as a nice, if eccentric fellow, presenting us with an alternative lifestyle through which we can clear our lives of bother and make them happier. It is all much harder than that in reality, and in understanding the story of St. Francis, the most important thing is to now how the story ends (on earth at least)–St. Francis, having suffered grievous physical pain for years, ready to meet Sister Death and be joined to the Lord, but his movement in disarray, alienated from his original vision, an aura of, in earthly terms, failure, surrounding him.

Name it and Claim It, indeed.

more

Hit & Run: In November, 11 states will vote on ballot measures restricting the use of eminent domain for private uses–i.e. the government taking your property and giving it to some developer or corporation. Is your state on the list?

NYTimes: “In one sign of their approach to tragedy, Amish residents started a charity fund yesterday not only to help the victims’ families but also to help the gunman’s widow.”

How to donate to the Amish School Recovery Fund.

Last two links via Mark Shea.