In the first reading from the Lectionary today, we are told that God planted two trees in the Garden of Eden, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life. The bulk of the story revolves around the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with the other tree, the tree of life, playing a secondary role. What struck me today, however, is the fact that in Genesis God is worried that Adam and... Read more
The Southern Poverty Law Center has published its annual “The Year in Hate” in which it profiles the activities of hate and extremist groups in the United States. Distressing, though in retrospect perhaps not terribly surprising, is the inclusion of 17 “Radical Traditional Catholic” groups on the list. These groups all came to the attention of the SPLC for their anti-semitism. Beyond this, a quick tour of their websites shows some other (perhaps obvious) similarities. They are linked by a... Read more
Many readers are aware that Lifesitenews is being sued by Father Raymond Gravel. This recently was the subject of a full page spread in one of Canada’s national newspapers. Here’s the story. There are all kinds of interesting things that could be debated in the piece. To me the most fascinating paragraph was the following: Mr. Westen [Lifesitenews editor-in-chief] said he does not consider his approach to be confrontational. “I wouldn’t say we are stirring up trouble nor would I... Read more
The USCCB has written a rather good letter on budgetary matters, calling for “Congress to place the needs of poor, unemployed, hungry, and other vulnerable people first, both home and abroad”. The letter puts the life issue front and central, supporting the retention of “appropriations riders against abortion funding”. A few sentences later it decries the cuts to community health centers: “The USCCB has long called on Congress to work to ensure adequate and life-giving health care coverage to those in need. The... Read more
After encouraging people to read St Anthony of Padua for themselves, I thought it just to quote him for this week: In Syriac, mammon means the riches of wickedness — ‘ill-gotten gains.’ If what is ill-gotten can be well used, and so turned into justice, how much ore can the divine word in which there is no wickedness lift its good dispenser up to heaven? A friend is someone who takes care of you, who loves you. ‘Friendship is a... Read more
Very appropriate for Lent. Read more
Grateful Face of Christ Showing Yourself in the faces In the stories In the Sacred vulnerability Of the Holy Homeless Breaking my heart and Filling my heart I give them noodles And in return You give me You I am not worthy, not nearly, But You forgive, and more You show me what it is To be you: Your other Self. Read more
Illinois has abolished the death penalty. Take notes, Texas. Read more
One of the favorite talking points of the Catholic right is that while the strong support for unions in Catholic social teaching is clear, this somehow doesn’t apply to public sector unions. OK, then. In that case, I assume they fully support the collective bargaining rights of private sector workers. I assume they regard the collapse in private sector unionization rates to around 7 percent to be a real problem. I assume they seek to extend the reach of unions... Read more
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