There is a quote from Archbishop Oscar Romero that both traditional and progressive Catholics love to latch onto, because each feels Romero was speaking for them: A church that doesn’t provoke any crisis, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a Word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, what kind of gospel is that? Preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed do not light up the world! In truth, Romero was speaking for Christ. His... Read more
It is not possible to remain unmoved as Rep. Charles Melancon (D-LA) finds the break point. “Everything that I know and love is at risk.” Watch it all. Melancon’s sincere pain is a rebuke to the incessant political posturing we see out of Washington, and all the artless media outrage to which we have become so accustomed. In all seriousness–because this is a very serious situation–it seems that Chris Matthews’ heart is breaking, too: Allahpundit writes of Matthews: But now... Read more
If you are looking around and feeling like the world is bereft of heroes, allow me to introduce you to a family made up of them. We need to know that grace abides in the world. Here is grace. In buckets. When young SGT Michael “Mike” James Stokely was killed in action near Yusufiyah, Iraq, his father Robert penned a moving memorial which the Mudville Gazette picked up. Robert Stokely then created a scholarship foundation in memory of his son;... Read more
So, I thought I was much better and went about my normal routine. Now, I can’t stop coughing and their is a green tinge to my world. Blogging will be light. But if you would like to get a sense of what I am doing, right now, go here for the rain, and then go here for the music. You’ll thank me, and be glad. I will cough back at you, in return, and look woeful, until I have your... Read more
Not the sin, the orphans. They’re like . . . itchy jungle monks. From outer space. When you see the final shot, you will understand. Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo. Read more
Just go. Read, watch, sigh. Sniffle into your kleenex. Marvel. Yes, why does it seem like people aren’t that nice, anymore? Obi’s Sister has a fond look, also. Read more
From the Breviary: Saint Philip Neri was born at Florence in 1515. He went to Rome and began to work with young men among whom he fostered Christian life and formed an association for the poor and the sick. Ordained to the priesthood in 1551, he founded the Oratory where spiritual reading, singing, and works of charity were practiced. He excelled in his love of neighbor and in evangelical simplicity along with a joyous service to God. Saint Philip died... Read more
Over at Pajamas Media, I have a piece that you might call an addendum to my weekend article at First Things. In 2009 an Arizona woman, pregnant with her fifth child and suffering from pulmonary hypertension (an often, but not always fatal complication), consulted with her doctor and the ethics committee member on call — a Catholic Sister of Mercy — and obtained an abortion at the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. As the story has gone public, the... Read more
…but we’ve been told for too long that without “nuance” (which too often becomes doublespeak) a politician can’t exhibit sophistication of mind. And somehow, sophistication has been linked to competence. I think it’s a false link. H/T Allahpundit who also has a transcribed excerpt of an exchange between Christie and a public school teacher. Nuanced, it was not. I am all for good teachers being well-paid, but I also think tenure needs to be re-examined and perhaps re-defined. There has... Read more
A quick tear across the tabs: Private Pay Shrinks to Historic Lows. Hey, our newest car is nine years old. We’d love to help out the automakers by buying something new, but between the taxes, the raise-freeze, increased costs and so forth, it’s not happening this year. On the same subject, Ed Morrissey says that if we haven’t figured it out before, now is a good time to understand that we’re in serious trouble, since Obama has decided to double... Read more
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