Holy Week; a moratorium on politics

I have decided – after allowing myself to get aggravated by the press once again pretending that Barack Obama has especial greatness for essentially saying the same thing George W. Bush said, that I am going to declare a moratorium on political posts for Holy Week. Others cover politics better than I do, anyway, and being dragged down into that muck is not how I want to spend the next 7 days.

Barring anything huge happening in the world of politics, I’m exclusively on the religion beat, this week. I’m going to do lots of podcasts, I think, of different hours of prayer, some of the daily readings for the week and possibly something a little more strenuous. Check back!

The US is so far allocating $50,000 for earthquake relief to Italy, but I am sure that number will increase. The video here looks pretty bad. 150 now dead. Looking at the devastation reminds us it all is, and how powerless we are in the face of Creation, which keeps moving. It is only our conceit that makes us think we can control it. If you’re looking for a way to help, the Italian American Museum is collecting donations for relief to L’Aquila.

A few links to whet yer whistle:
To recognise God: We have to abandon the pride that binds us Oh, yes.
First Things: Fascinating piece on why the human brain loves the lie
Deal Hudson in Isreal: Reports on a dark mood, also Benedict & the Future of the Holy Land
Imagine: Easter week in Rome…without the terrible earthquake.
Bookworm: On what the Cross is reduced to in the UK
American Catholic: Filling the ambassador’s post to the Vatican is proving difficult for the administration.