Monthly Archives: January 2009

A Lesson from Moses

Posted on January 31, 2009 by Deacon Bob

We read today from Deuteronomy in the Office of Readings.  God was talking to Moses right before his death on Mount Nebo.  God said: “You will die on the mountain which you are about to ascend….because you did not manifest … Continue reading →

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St. John of Naples

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Deacon Bob

St. John of Naples wrote about the light of Christ, and the confidence it gives us.  One of his sermons fits so nicely with my New Year’s resolve to live without fear and in confidence with the Lord and with … Continue reading →

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Benedict XVI and SSPX

Posted on January 28, 2009 by Deacon Bob

You may have been following the news of Pope Benedict lifting the excommunications of the four bishops illicitly ordained by Archbishop Marcel Lefebrve back in the late 1980s.  Lefebrve, now deceased, was the founder of the schismatic Society of St. … Continue reading →

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St. Basil’s Fear

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Deacon Bob

St. Basil the Great, after reflecting on the great gifts of God given to us in Jesus his Son, said: “When I think of all this, I am left terrorized and swallowed up with fear that, because of fickleness of … Continue reading →

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Poverty of Spirit and Diaconal Service

Posted on January 24, 2009 by Deacon Bob

A wonderful little book, Poverty of Spirit by Johannes Metz is jam-packed with theological wonders.  I have read it many times in the last 24 years, and will read it many times in the future. I would encourage all of … Continue reading →

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President Obama OKs Federal Aid for Abortion Providers

Posted on January 23, 2009 by Deacon Bob

As expected, President Obama signed an executive order late today, almost secretly with as little fanfare as possible, that reversed the Mexico City policy.  In doing so, he cleared the way for the federal government to provide aid to programs … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day

Posted on January 23, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Understand that poverty is a choice way of salvation; the fruit it bears is manifold, and rare are they who know it well.”  – St. Francis of Assissi As we know,  there are many poverties which lead us to salvation.  … Continue reading →

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Inauguration or Canonization?

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Deacon Bob

A friend of mine put the question to me and others yesterday, when talking about Tuesday’s festivities in honor of our new president and vice-president:  “Was it an inauguration or a canonization?” Good question.  For the sake of the country … Continue reading →

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National Day of Penance and Prayer

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Today is a day set aside by the American bishops for all Catholics to do penance and prayer in reparation for the crimes committed against the unborn in our country. Let us really pray today for the conversion of all … Continue reading →

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Prayer for our new President

Posted on January 21, 2009 by Deacon Bob

May our new president be given all that is  needed to carry out his many responsibilities.  May the country support him in his efforts to inspire and lead us to peace and security.  May God work powerfully in his life that he may experience … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day

Posted on January 19, 2009 by Deacon Bob

St. Ignatius of Antioch had this to say in his letter to the Ephesians:  “It is better to be a Christian without saying so than to proclaim you are without living it. It is a good thing to teach, if … Continue reading →

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Holy Father and World Day of the Migrant

Posted on January 18, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father again has addressed the issue of immigration.  This is a topic I have posted on several times, and have brought up with the deacons of my diocese, as we have had a large influx of Hispanics coming … Continue reading →

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President George Bush – Sanctity of Human Life

Posted on January 18, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I would draw your attention to what may be President Bush’s final Presidential Proclamation.  He has declare today National Sanctity of Human Life Day.  This proclamation can be read on: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-1.html Despite my complete opposition to torture, my near complete … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Politics | 1 Comment

Deacons?

Posted on January 18, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I have started a brief series of explanations for my local parish about Catholic deacons.  I find that almost everyone has little if any idea what a deacon is other than a man standing up at the altar with the … Continue reading →

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Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey, OFM Cap.

Posted on January 16, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“God’s plans are always for the best, always wonderful.” — Venerable Solanus Casey, OFM Cap. Solanus Casey was a Franciscan who died not so many years ago.  He was a very simple holy man.  He lived most of his younger years not … Continue reading →

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St. Anthanasius and Creation

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The second reading from the Office of Readings today is taken from St. Anthansius’ “Discourse Against the Pagans”.  There are a couple of catching sentences.  I am translating from the Italian text: “In fact, it is right that creation should be made … Continue reading →

Posted in Christology, Saints and Prophets | 2 Comments

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The most recent issue of Ethics and Medics,  published by the National Catholic Bioethics Center on Health Care and the Life Sciences, wades into the whole area of the ethics of withdrawing tubing feeding and hydration of a patient who is ”permanently unconscious”.   … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“The sooner we realize our predicament, that we are indeed lost, then the sooner God can put us to work for Him.”  –Warren Rose, OFM I agree with Warren to a degree.  We truly are lost without Christ whom we … Continue reading →

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Wisdom and Awe of God

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The Office of Readings for the start of Ordinary Time begins with the book of Sirach, and Sirach begins with a discourse on Wisdom. Most of us have read and heard this before, but it is worth reading and hearing … Continue reading →

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Miracles and Faith

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Our pastor this morning, fresh from retreat, put this question to us at Mass:  ”Is our faith deep enough to expect a miracle in answer to our prayers?”  He said God never forces his love on us; we must be … Continue reading →

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