It seems that, no matter how bad a thing is, something good comes out of it somewhere. Consider, for an instant, my recent health problems. It turns out that breast cancer is not good for your heart. I don’t mean the emotional pain that having cancer inflicts. I’m referring to your actual, physical heart; the tough little muscle that pumps blood and keeps you going from long before you’re born until the moment you die. The heart is so essential... Read more
Mark Shea is a nice guy. And while he’s truly brilliant, he’s also brave to the point of not-so-smart. Mark lives his writing life on the edge of a razor. He never flinches from saying what he thinks, even when what he thinks flies in the face of what a lot of other people think. He expresses himself without censoring his thoughts through whatever politically correct sieve his readers might be using. Make no mistake about it; both right wing-nuts... Read more
Torture is one of those insidious sins that shatters the tortured person right down to the core of their personality and at the same time also destroys the torturer. It is a simple fact that torture can make any of us do or say anything, that it breaks people so thoroughly that they cannot be put back together in their previous psychological form. A nation that has a policy of doing this to other people is morally bankrupt. Christian religious... Read more
I haven’t commented on the tragic death of Alfie Evans. I’ve reached a point in my life where these brutal acts of death-dealing coercion that governments lay on suffering people sadden me too deeply. But I am seeing good Christians veer off into the intellectual and moral weeds in their discussion about what happened. I think someone needs to clarify a bit. Alfie Evans’ death was not euthanasia. It also was not “justified” because those who killed... Read more
Shark attacked, snake bit, bear mauled, this guy is right to say “I don’t know if I’m luck or unlucky.” Evidently Dylan McWilliams puts up a good fight once the bear or shark has him in its mouth, even if his ability to avoid such situations seems a little lacking. He kicks, gouges, and otherwise discourages the beast into seeking easier prey elsewhere. Mr McWilliams has lived through everyone’s nightmare, times three. He was on a camping trip when he... Read more
As usual, Deacon Greg has the story. Father Patrick Conroy has rescinded his resignation as House Chaplain. That puts the ball squarely in the court of Speaker Ryan. Instead of bullying Father Conroy into “resigning” under duress, the Speaker now has to come out in public and fire him. And that will involve the full House and all its members. Will the Speaker fire Fr Conroy? So far, all Rep Ryan has done is accept Father Conroy’s move to undo... Read more
Father Pat Conroy was the first Roman Catholic House Chaplain in history. He held the job for seven years prior to being asked to resign by Speaker Ryan. Evidently, he made the mistake of saying something negative about the massive tax cut bill Speaker Ryan pushed through the House, a statement which, Vox says was “perfectly in line with Catholic social teaching.” Read more
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for April is for those who have responsibility in economic matters. From Vatican News: The economy cannot attempt only to increase profits by reducing the work force and thereby adding to the ranks of the excluded. It must follow the path marked out by business leaders, politicians, thinkers, and leaders in society who place the human person in first place, and do everything possible to ensure that there are opportunities of dignified work. Let us raise... Read more
I was in prison and you visited me. Jesus Christ When Pope Francis visited America, he took the time to visit with inmates in prison. This is not just an act of public piety. It is following the direct command of Christ. Read more
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