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Catholic Vote, Top 10 Reasons for Hope 2011
CatholicVote.org's Annual Top 10 Reasons for Hope from 2011. Our true hope, of course, is in Christ alone. But we live in a world of events, people and stories that manifest this hope.
Our list is made up of news events, people or significant developments that inspired us from this past year.
Our list is made up of news events, people or significant developments that inspired us from this past year.
The Catholicism Project
Christie's CV blog
What she should have said . . .
Genesis 3:1-71
Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise?2And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die. 4And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death. 5For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil. 6And the woman saw that the tree was good to eat, and fair to the eyes, and delightful to behold: and she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave to her husband who did eat. 7And the eyes of them both were opened: and when they perceived themselves to be naked, they sewed together fig leaves, and made themselves aprons.
Why would Eve allow her self to be sucked into a conversation with a snake? We all know why the serpent was there, to attempt to separate Adam and Eve from God. But, why didn’t Eve ask this Serpent about his authority on the subject? Why didn’t she ask, ‘Did you create this garden? Did you create my husband? Did you create me?’ Talk to the hand mister…
Of course we know all know how it turns out, one dysfunctional family after another. Thank You Father for sending your Son to redeem our brokenness.
I have been processing this whole HHS mandate ordeal, and I just could not shake the familiarity of the whole thing. Now, of course, all of us women recognize that this administration seeks to divide this country. We are very intuitive creatures; God made us this way. It is part of our intelligent make up to question what is presented to us, even if it is on a silver platter and free. This mandate’s purpose is blatant, this administration doesn’t even hold back in concealing it. The President smugly presents it. It is so obvious. It is their modus operandi. Are we going to take this administration at it’s mandate or are we going to put down our defensiveness and ask, “Waite a minute, are you trying to divide me against my faith? Are you trying to divide me against my Constitution, my first amendment rights, my country? Are you trying to separate me from my employment, and employer? Are you trying to divide me against my sisters and mother? Are you trying divide women against each other?”
Call me silly, but I trust my faith, and first amendment rights over any mandate. Through the Grace of God, I can be faithful to something greater than my empty ambitions. So I will cling to
Ephesians 10:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…
Secularism says, “Did the Church really tell you not be equal to a man? Here is the cure honey to make you equal, it’s a wonderful thing we call contraception!” Waite a minute, are you implying that I am only equal if I sterilize my self first? Am I unclean? Secularism, do you seek to “cure” my fertility? Or maybe you seek to demean me, make me feel that I am unequal, then change my biological make up to suit your demands of me.
Women should demand from the Church, “What is the reason for your instruction against contraception?”. Women really want to know the truth. What? You have never heard of Theology of the Body? Read the book, listen to the CDs, go to Youtube, do whatever it takes! And get ready to live! Learn how your body works, don’t rely on secularism and it’s wide and easy road to freedom. It’s the truth that sets you free.
Women know that as difficult as Church teaching is, we know that it is rooted in love. We know that this mandate is not. We women know when we are being used for political division. We can see it coming a mile away. So, Ms. Sebelius and Mr. President, talk to the hand!
Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise?2And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die. 4And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death. 5For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil. 6And the woman saw that the tree was good to eat, and fair to the eyes, and delightful to behold: and she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave to her husband who did eat. 7And the eyes of them both were opened: and when they perceived themselves to be naked, they sewed together fig leaves, and made themselves aprons.
Why would Eve allow her self to be sucked into a conversation with a snake? We all know why the serpent was there, to attempt to separate Adam and Eve from God. But, why didn’t Eve ask this Serpent about his authority on the subject? Why didn’t she ask, ‘Did you create this garden? Did you create my husband? Did you create me?’ Talk to the hand mister…
Of course we know all know how it turns out, one dysfunctional family after another. Thank You Father for sending your Son to redeem our brokenness.
I have been processing this whole HHS mandate ordeal, and I just could not shake the familiarity of the whole thing. Now, of course, all of us women recognize that this administration seeks to divide this country. We are very intuitive creatures; God made us this way. It is part of our intelligent make up to question what is presented to us, even if it is on a silver platter and free. This mandate’s purpose is blatant, this administration doesn’t even hold back in concealing it. The President smugly presents it. It is so obvious. It is their modus operandi. Are we going to take this administration at it’s mandate or are we going to put down our defensiveness and ask, “Waite a minute, are you trying to divide me against my faith? Are you trying to divide me against my Constitution, my first amendment rights, my country? Are you trying to separate me from my employment, and employer? Are you trying to divide me against my sisters and mother? Are you trying divide women against each other?”
Call me silly, but I trust my faith, and first amendment rights over any mandate. Through the Grace of God, I can be faithful to something greater than my empty ambitions. So I will cling to
Ephesians 10:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…
Secularism says, “Did the Church really tell you not be equal to a man? Here is the cure honey to make you equal, it’s a wonderful thing we call contraception!” Waite a minute, are you implying that I am only equal if I sterilize my self first? Am I unclean? Secularism, do you seek to “cure” my fertility? Or maybe you seek to demean me, make me feel that I am unequal, then change my biological make up to suit your demands of me.
Women should demand from the Church, “What is the reason for your instruction against contraception?”. Women really want to know the truth. What? You have never heard of Theology of the Body? Read the book, listen to the CDs, go to Youtube, do whatever it takes! And get ready to live! Learn how your body works, don’t rely on secularism and it’s wide and easy road to freedom. It’s the truth that sets you free.
Women know that as difficult as Church teaching is, we know that it is rooted in love. We know that this mandate is not. We women know when we are being used for political division. We can see it coming a mile away. So, Ms. Sebelius and Mr. President, talk to the hand!
Inquiring minds want to know...
Render Unto God
Was separation of Church and State established way before America?
Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
As Catholics we believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are to tie to Him ourselves, we belong to Him who created us. As Catholics we must be very careful before we lobby the government to take care of the sick, the poor, the educational needs of children, the homeless, etc. This is God’s kingdom. These acts of mercy fall on those who bear the image of God.
Mathew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
We do such a disservice to those who are in need when we blame the government for not taking care of them. I am reminded of Mother Cabrini and how she would storm into board meetings and demand that businessmen help her in building orphanages and schools. She lobbied her neighbors. Elizabeth Ann Seton established the first Catholic school in our country and Saint John Neumann established the first Catholic diocesan school system in our country. St. John Neumann increased the number of schools in his diocese from one school to two hundred, establishing the seeds of the Kingdom of God. It is the church militant that set up our modern day school system, hospitals and food pantries. We have to keep our God given kingdom and responsibilities. If we as Catholics were doing kingdom work, government would not need to. One has to wonder: why does the government want our kingdom and why do so many Catholics want to hand it over to them?
Our religious obligation to our help our neighbor is different than our obligation to the state. And what happens when the government confuses these obligations? Our country’s First Amendment guarantees our religious freedom, freedom from the government having control of God’s kingdom. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion… Digest this part of the amendment for a minute. Corporal and spiritual works of mercy is religion. Have we allowed the government to establish itself as religion? This is what our founding fathers wanted to protect us from. …or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; Have we allowed the government to control our free exercise of these acts of mercy? Are we handing over power of the Church to the government?
Two things that come to mind are marriage and procreation. The state was never given the power to define marriage. Only the Church through truth has that authority. The state does not have the power to control procreation. That power and authority is reserved for God alone. He is the Author of life.
Nowhere else in the world is the church this victorious, because of this amendment. Nowhere else in the world is there quite a government like ours — established of the people by the people for the people. We have prospered beyond the imagination of our founding fathers because of this gift of freedom.
History has proven how tyrants flood and muddy these waters to take away the liberties of others. So Catholics beware, this is your kingdom and your throne that you are abdicating. We will be held accountable to the Lord for doing so.
There comes a time when we all will need social justice. I certainly do not want to rely on the cold hand of some government worker who is over loaded and underpaid to provide for my family or me. I want the loving hands of my family, and the face of Christ, my church, to care for my family and me when we are in need. I am called to be the loving hands and feet of Christ. Right now God’s kingdom is my home, where acts of mercy are always tested. I pray that I perform my responsibilities better than my abilities allow me.
Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
As Catholics we believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are to tie to Him ourselves, we belong to Him who created us. As Catholics we must be very careful before we lobby the government to take care of the sick, the poor, the educational needs of children, the homeless, etc. This is God’s kingdom. These acts of mercy fall on those who bear the image of God.
- To give drink to the thirsty
- To feed the hungry
- To clothe the naked
- To harbour the harbour-less
- To visit the sick
- To ransom the captive
- To bury the dead
- To instruct the ignorant
- To counsel the doubtful
- To admonish sinners
- To bear wrongs patiently
- To forgive offences willingly
- To comfort the afflicted
- To pray for the living and the dead
Mathew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
We do such a disservice to those who are in need when we blame the government for not taking care of them. I am reminded of Mother Cabrini and how she would storm into board meetings and demand that businessmen help her in building orphanages and schools. She lobbied her neighbors. Elizabeth Ann Seton established the first Catholic school in our country and Saint John Neumann established the first Catholic diocesan school system in our country. St. John Neumann increased the number of schools in his diocese from one school to two hundred, establishing the seeds of the Kingdom of God. It is the church militant that set up our modern day school system, hospitals and food pantries. We have to keep our God given kingdom and responsibilities. If we as Catholics were doing kingdom work, government would not need to. One has to wonder: why does the government want our kingdom and why do so many Catholics want to hand it over to them?
Our religious obligation to our help our neighbor is different than our obligation to the state. And what happens when the government confuses these obligations? Our country’s First Amendment guarantees our religious freedom, freedom from the government having control of God’s kingdom. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion… Digest this part of the amendment for a minute. Corporal and spiritual works of mercy is religion. Have we allowed the government to establish itself as religion? This is what our founding fathers wanted to protect us from. …or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; Have we allowed the government to control our free exercise of these acts of mercy? Are we handing over power of the Church to the government?
Two things that come to mind are marriage and procreation. The state was never given the power to define marriage. Only the Church through truth has that authority. The state does not have the power to control procreation. That power and authority is reserved for God alone. He is the Author of life.
Nowhere else in the world is the church this victorious, because of this amendment. Nowhere else in the world is there quite a government like ours — established of the people by the people for the people. We have prospered beyond the imagination of our founding fathers because of this gift of freedom.
History has proven how tyrants flood and muddy these waters to take away the liberties of others. So Catholics beware, this is your kingdom and your throne that you are abdicating. We will be held accountable to the Lord for doing so.
There comes a time when we all will need social justice. I certainly do not want to rely on the cold hand of some government worker who is over loaded and underpaid to provide for my family or me. I want the loving hands of my family, and the face of Christ, my church, to care for my family and me when we are in need. I am called to be the loving hands and feet of Christ. Right now God’s kingdom is my home, where acts of mercy are always tested. I pray that I perform my responsibilities better than my abilities allow me.
Attitude of Gratitude
“You know Uncle Jim the differences in the two political parties in America could actually serve to compliment each other and lift up this country. Both parties are excellent at their gifts in serving this great nation. It is time for the bickering and hate to stop and get back to the work of fixing this country. The evil that plagues this nation is ingratitude. And I for one am going to spend the rest of my time hear on earth thanking God for everyone and everything in this country! Especially the ones that God has so “rich”ly blessed! It is time to stop pitting one person against the other. One group against the other. The negativity and hate is too heavy to carry. We need to cast it off and sincerely pray for one another. Thank you Lord Jesus for my Uncle Jim, I love him. I thank you also Father God for so richly blessing him in health and prosperity! Continue Holy Spirit to guide and protect him under your wings! St Joseph and Mary pray for and preserve us!”
I sent this to my great Uncle Jim, my grandfathers brother. He’s a “…” and has been his whole life. He sends me news clips from the internet blaming the opposing party for all that is wrong in the world. It kind of reminds me of a co-dependent wife who complains about her alcoholic husband to the liquor store cashier while buying his whiskey. The blame and the lack of encouragement and gratitude is tiresome to say the least. When ever the day seems over whelming, gloomy, and down right destructive, I (sometimes have to force myself) turn my eyes upward and start thanking God. Thanking Him for everything! Thanking Him for the sun that is behind the storm clouds, the storm, the destruction of the storm, and the ability to learn how to repair the damage that was done by the storm. Focusing on each others gifts and talents lifts us all up. This is hard at first, but give it a try. Especially when life is at a serious tipping point. This takes some practice. God is always there encouraging us and very gently pointing out the opportunities to praise Him. They are endless. When having trouble knowing where to start, start with what you know. If you know how to whistle, whistle for God. If you like Rock N Roll, switching a few words, there are an endless number of songs that can be sung to God. Being quiet is a perfect way of praising God. (Being the mom of a large family, it’s the quiet praising that I enjoy!) Seeing the gifts and praising God for all that He has blessed our country with, starts with changing our minds. It starts with a moment of praise. Before we know it, the day will be filled with praise! Gratitude makes up for a multitude of sins. God our Father will move, He will move in a glorious and awesome way. Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart Here is a little song to fill you heart. Thank you Josh for giving me this opportunity to serve CV and God and Country! Thank you Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! I love you! |
Making Thanksgiving a Way of Living
Hey, I’m a poet and didn’t even know it! Making Thanksgiving a way of living isn’t as hard as you might think. I understand that there is much to grumble about but, I want to write more on being grateful.
God has a way of entering into our needs in a most generous and beautiful way when we first approach Him with praise and thanksgiving. It is not hard to imagine how our God must feel, when we our selves do not always feel appreciated. We all have stories of times when we were not appreciated. Needless to say, it is way worse to have a story when we were not appreciative. I remember when I was in eighth grade, our teacher Sister Dominic, helped us with making angels for the top of our Christmas trees to give as a gift to our parents. She spent the better part of a whole night finishing them with gold spray paint, so that we could give them to our parents the next night at the Christmas program. She lovingly had them placed on our desks the next morning. None of us seemed to even notice. I remember, to my shame, not finding any joy in making the angels and making fun of the project. Before she started lessons for the day, she stood before the class and waited for an awkward moment. She then asked us if there was anything we wanted to say to her. After a long pause of silence, I will never forget the look on her face, her eyes welled up and her lip started to quiver. Finally one of the boys in class, Joe, said, “Thank you Sister!” She turned to him and said, “God BLESS you Joe!”. He was the only one to receive that blessing, he was the one who noticed what she had done and he was grateful. Joe’s heart was formed in gratefulness. Luke 6:45 “…for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks”. First we need to take notice of what God has done for us. Having life and a body is a good place to start. Starting within the center of ourselves and then move out ward. Thank Him for our hearts, it’s beating, our lungs, that they are breathing, our stomachs, that they are digesting, our blood supplied by our bones, that it nourishes our brains and bodies with oxygen and nutrients … You get the idea. From ourselves, we thank Him for others, nature, objects like, key boards and the fingers to use them… Most of the time when we do this we forget why we wanted to grumble in the first place. Of course there are problems in our lives that only God can fix. In thanking Him for that fact, He finds a good place to start in fixing them. I distinctly remember a time when God entered into my life very profoundly. While driving my regular daily route and spending this time giving God my daily grumblings of all the things I wanted Him to fix about my husband, God very rudely interrupted me, and I felt Him say, “I want you to thank Me for him”. My response was not a generous one. I said, “You want me to thank You for him?”. He didn’t respond. I then said “Fine, thank You God for Bobby!” I said it over and over that day, crying in between. I had waisted so much time focused on faults and not truly appreciating who he was and the gift that God had given me in our marriage. When he got home from work, I tearfully let him have it. I let Bobby know just how much I appreciated him and thanked him for being a good husband and dad. He smiled with a puzzled look, put his arm around my shoulder and asked what smelled so good. People gravitate toward appreciation and so does our Lord. Being thankful to our Creator and each other is the polite thing to do. He loves us so much, how can we not thank Him. What plagues our families, communities, nation and world is ingratitude. I believe with all my heart that the beginning of moral law starts with a grateful heart. Gratefulness sets moral law in motion. It’s the beginning of humility. There is a definite correlation between success and a grateful heart. People with grateful hearts have a gravitational pull to them. They appreciate opportunity, hard work, gifts, freedom, life…(Speaking of life, how can we not appreciate the miracle of it? I would like to take this moment to thank God for fertility. The world is teeming with it.) They appreciate success and strive for it on a daily basis. They see life in real time, right as it is happening in front them. With gratitude our perspective changes, we lift each other up, we congratulate our successes and over come our faults. With gratitude we whistle more, we sing more, we skip more, we love more. With gratitude we move mountains and change the world. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land”. And maybe even a blessing from a little nun. Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 759 “The eternal Father, in accordance with the utterly gratuitousand mysterious design of his wisdom and goodness, created the whole universe and chose to raise up men to share in his own divine life,” to which he calls all men in his Son. “The Father . . . determined to call together in a holy Church those who should believe in Christ.” This “family of God” is gradually formed and takes shape during the stages of human history, in keeping with the Father’s plan. In fact, “already present in figure at the beginning of the world, this Church was prepared in marvelous fashion in the history of the people of Israel and the old Alliance. Established in this last age of the world and made manifest in the outpouring of the Spirit, it will be brought to glorious completion at the end of time.” |
