DEEPER TRUTH BLOG

The Catholic Defender At Fort Hood

2012-02-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

To many times our Priests are accused and instead of being innocent until proven guilty, many times it seems they must prove their innocence.

Hebrews 13:18 says, "Pray for us, for we are confident that we have a clear conscience, wishing to act rightly in every respect".

We certainly need to pray for our Priests who are under attack, it is not an easy job and many times it may seem thankless.

What a great gift we have that men give their lives to serve God and the people of God. It is important to pray for those who have fallen.

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The Catholic Defender: A Medic Remembers

2012-02-24T22:04:00.000-05:00

Please pray for our troops, for those at the tip of the spear, or those who are training in the back 40.

For medics, it is all real world. People get hurt duing training exercises.

Please keep our Country in your prayers as we are in great need for the Church to stand up for our Faith.

Pray for our young people who are facing terrible temptations. The rise of drugs and alcohol, the rise of teenagers getting involved with bad relationships.

We need to turn back to the Lord who can heal our Nation.

In honor of those who have died serving our Country, I dedicate this video. The second video is in honor of the Marines who lost their lives this day due to the helicopter crash. I had two brothers that were Marines.

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Adding to the gospels? Nonsense

2012-02-24T08:01:00.002-05:00

Tonight, on Deeper Truth, we will examine the silly, often repeated nonsense that Catholics "add to the gospels" by showing you, with stark clarity, where a whole host of Catholic doctrines are found explicitely on the face of Scripture; The Catholic view of Salvation, the real prescence in the Eucharist, Confession, infant baptism, Peter and the Apostles as the foundation of the church, cooperation with Grace, Mary as the Ark of the Covenant and many more. In fact, we will even show you that the very term "The Catholic Church" is found in Scripture! Don't miss it!

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The Catholic Defender: Spirit of the Soveriegn Lord

2012-02-23T19:30:00.001-05:00

"The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, To announce a year of faver from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn; To place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit"(Isaiah 61:1-3).

We see this scripture fulfilled at the baptism of Jesus. It is at this point that Jesus begins His public ministry. The Gospel of Matthew records what happens, "The Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?' Jesus said to him in relpy, 'Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased " (Matthew 3:13-17).

This is a most important connection that St. Matthew reveals because Jesus is truly the Messiah that Isaiah bore witness to. This scene in Matthew is also important because we see a glimpse of the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We will again see this image at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). After the Resurrection, Jesus will send the Catholic Church to go to all the nations to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

This is important for all of God's people because we have the means to recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit through our own Baptism (Acts 2:38) and recieve the power of the Holy Spirit through the "laying of hands" (Hebrews 6:2). St. Paul instructs St. Timothy, "Do not lay hands too readily on anyone, and do not share in another's sin. Keep yourself pure (1 Timothy 5:22).

Why do we see this caution from St. Paul? St. Paul's letter to the Colossians is key! He writes, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me" (Colossians 1:24-29).

St. Paul is instructing us to prepare our converts, preparing them to recieve the gift and power of the Holy Spirit. St. Timothy is instructed not to "lay hands" too readily. They must be prepared and instructed in the Faith.

St. Paul says "The aim of this instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Regardless if you are a catachuman, a candidate, or you are a life long Catholic, the Church calls us to take self inventory. Jesus was tempted, He began His public Ministry being "led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1).

The 40 days has a symbolic meaning for Christians. We see the Israelites wondering in the desert for 40 years. Jonah warned the Ninevites that God would destroy the great city in 40 days (Jonah 3:4) and the people responded by covering themselves with sackcloth and ashes.

God spared them because of their repentance. Ash Wedsnday is the beginning of Lent, a 40 day season of the Church. It will be on Easter Vigil that millions around the world will be recieved into the Catholic Faith. Catachumans will be baptized and along with the Candidates, will be confirmed into the Catholic Faith.

They will recieve the Eucharist and share at the Table of Plenty with the whole Church!

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Addition by subtraction: How godless heretics like Debra JM Smith create a diffrent gospel by stripping the real gospel of it's core.

2012-02-23T07:35:00.004-05:00

There are those (I am one of them) for which anger and hypocrisy are dangerous traps that one must be on guard against, lest they slip and fall. On the other hand, for others, hate and hypocrisy are as comfortable as an old pair of slippers. It is just who they are. These are the people, like Sister Bertha Betterthanyou, mocked by Ray Stevens in the classic Mississippi Squirrel Revival.

Unfortunately, Debra JM Smith of "Informing Christians" is just such a hypocrite. The name of her website is classically ironic in the sense that she is-by no stretch- either informed or Christian. True, she claims to be a Christian but so does Obama. Both fall short, if even from different angles, both theologically and by disposition. Both are woefully ignorant of Scripture and history and both are puffed up to that extreme level of hypocritical self-righteousness that Jesus, John the Baptist and the Apostle Paul so vehemently condemned in the first 18 books of the New Testament. In fact, of the sins Jesus condemned in the Gospels, hypocrisy is, far and away, the biggest.

Luke 18
⁹And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
¹⁰Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. ¹¹The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. ¹²I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. ¹³And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

What is most ironic about Debra is that I enjoy a far better relationship with most of the Evangelical pastors and followers that support the very same protestant ideology that she claims to adhere to- that of justification by faith alone. This, despite the fact that I have made no bones about my rejection of this doctrine as, not merely false but, in direct opposition to what Scripture teaches (James 2:24) .

The reason for this is simple. Though I do see my Evangelical brothers and sisters as holding to an ill-informed understanding of just how the process of salvation takes place in the life and heart of the believer, I also see in them that true spark of the Holy Spirit's Divine fire that motivates them to follow the greatest commandments, as recorded in the 22nd chapter of Matthew's gospel;

³⁵And one of them, a doctor of the law, asking him, tempting him: ³⁶Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? ³⁷Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.
³⁸This is the greatest and the first commandment.
³⁹And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Debra JM Smith, on the other hand, hates anyone who doesn't agree with her, even to the extent of hating anyone who doesn't hate anyone that doesn't agree with her. Recently, she added my friend Jimmy Z , and Presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, to the ever-growing list of people not good enough for her.

Gingrich, for being a former adulterer (like King David and Mary Magdalene), and Rick Santorum for being a Catholic who dares to draw breath without her personal, sanctimonious permission. As for Jimmy Z, she has cut off all communication with him and suggested on her website (which, according to Alexa, gets about as much traffic as a dirt road in Ethiopia) that persons like Jimmy Z should be slapped upside the head for their support of Catholic candidates like Gingrich and Santorum. Of course, on her same dysfunctional site, she decries Maxine Waters calling John Beohnner and Eric Cantor demons. Boehnner and Cantor are both devout Catholics.

Jimmy Z has suggested, on his site and his program, that either Gingrich or Santorum would be manifestly better than Obama or Romney. This is about as controversial as suggesting that water is wetter than dirt. This, however, has raised the ire of the wicked witch of the north, who openly opined that it is better that Obama be reelected than she cast her precious vote for one of those Catholic types.

Yes, better to let the babies continue to die so that you can continue to reassure yourself of how pure you are. Jesus, who bled and died for you and picked up Mary Magdalene from the dirt, she was cast down on by her would-be executioners, wouldn't want you to come down from your ivory tower, would he?

Hypocritical viper.

Of course, the irony is that we supposed non-christian catholics were only too happy to put our support behind any evangelical that may have emerged, only to watch the evangelical voters in Iowa, Florida and Nevada flock to Romney the Mormon. You going to blame the Pope for that one, too?

Of course, this problem puts the glaring spotlight on exactly the fatal flaw of evangelicals and protestantism as a whole. It is a house divided, the surest proof that it's origin is men and not Christ. The disunity in protestantism testifies infallibly against it's alleged Divine foundation. God is not divided. The divisions in protestantism are what, ultimately, ensure it's demise...well...that and the Divine revelation that has ordained it so clearly in the Scriptures. I love and have great respect for most of my protestant brothers and sisters, and believe most of them truly love and seek to serve Christ. However, make no mistake, I am Catholic for a reason. That Catholicism is the fullness of truth, as founded by Christ Himself is, for me, an indisputable fact.

Yes, I have said it. I do not believe that protestantism represents the church that Jesus Christ built on the Rock of Peter (Matthew 16:18) (and yes, it is Peter) and the foundation of the Apostles (Ephesians 2:20). Jesus said very plainly, in Matthew's gospel that a house divided against itself cannot stand. President Abraham Lincoln echoed those words in his Gettysburg address.

Protestantism is built on the foundation of an anti-Semitic, vulgar misogynist named Martin Luther (who is on the record as accusing Christ our savior as having committed adultery at least 3 times ) and a murderer named John Calvin. These men were wolves in sheep's clothing of the very highest order.

Luther attempted, unsuccessfully, to remove both the Book of Revelation and the Epistle of James from the canon of Scripture, calling the latter an epistle of straw and lamenting how he should like to throw Jimmy into the stove.

These are the facts and they are a documented part of the historical record. Denial of these facts is futile. They simply are what they are.

Protestantism, since the late 16th century has only grown into a more fractured entity with new and abhorrent doctrines arising, seemingly by the day, each laughingly purporting to take it's divine foundation in sacred scripture.

Debra's notion of being "born-again" is a perfect example. Having been formed in 1910 in Pilot Point, Texas, this perversion of the discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus (John Chapter 3) has no basis in scripture or the history of the Christian church. In describing the necessity of being born of Water and The Spirit (3:5), Jesus is clearly enunciating Sacramental Baptism as a sacrament of initiation in the Christian faith. Those who deny this actually blaspheme Jesus Christ. The historical record is rock solid that the early church understood this.

Justin Martyr

"As many as are persuaded and believe that what we [Christians] teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, and instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we pray and fast with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father . . . and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit [Matt. 28:19], they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, ‘Unless you are born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’ [John 3:3]" (First Apology 61 [A.D. 151]).

Irenaeus

"‘And [Naaman] dipped himself . . . seven times in the Jordan’ [2 Kgs. 5:14]. It was not for nothing that Naaman of old, when suffering from leprosy, was purified upon his being baptized, but [this served] as an indication to us. For as we are lepers in sin, we are made clean, by means of the sacred water and the invocation of the Lord, from our old transgressions, being spiritually regenerated as newborn babes, even as the Lord has declared: ‘Except a man be born again through water and the Spirit, he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’" (Fragment 34 [A.D. 190]).

Tertullian

"[N]o one can attain salvation without baptism, especially in view of the declaration of the Lord, who says, ‘Unless a man shall be born of water, he shall not have life’" (Baptism 12:1 [A.D. 203]).

Hippolytus

"The Father of immortality sent the immortal Son and Word into the world, who came to man in order to wash him with water and the Spirit; and he, begetting us again to incorruption of soul and body, breathed into us the Spirit of life, and endued us with an incorruptible panoply. If, therefore, man has become immortal, he will also be God. And if he is made God by water and the Holy Spirit after the regeneration of the laver he is found to be also joint-heir with Christ after the resurrection from the dead. Wherefore I preach to this effect: Come, all ye kindreds of the nations, to the immortality of the baptism" (Discourse on the Holy Theophany 8 [A.D. 217]).

The Recognitions of Clement

"But you will perhaps say, ‘What does the baptism of water contribute toward the worship of God?’ In the first place, because that which has pleased God is fulfilled. In the second place, because when you are regenerated and born again of water and of God, the frailty of your former birth, which you have through men, is cut off, and so . . . you shall be able to attain salvation; but otherwise it is impossible. For thus has the true prophet [Jesus] testified to us with an oath: ‘Verily, I say to you, that unless a man is born again of water . . . he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’" (The Recognitions of Clement 6:9 [A.D. 221]).

Testimonies Concerning the Jews

"That unless a man have been baptized and born again, he cannot attain unto the kingdom of God. In the Gospel according to John: ‘Except a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God’ [John 3:5]. . . . Also in the same place: ‘Unless ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye shall not have life in you’ [John 6:53]. That it is of small account to be baptized and to receive the Eucharist, unless one profit by it both in deeds and works" (Testimonies Concerning the Jews 3:2:25–26 [A.D. 240]).

Cyprian of Carthage

"[When] they receive also the baptism of the Church . . . then finally can they be fully sanctified and be the sons of God . . . since it is written, ‘Except a man be born again of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God’" (Letters 71[72]:1 [A.D. 253]).

Council of Carthage VII

"And in the gospel our Lord Jesus Christ spoke with his divine voice, saying, ‘Except a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ . . . Unless therefore they receive saving baptism in the Catholic Church, which is one, they cannot be saved, but will be condemned with the carnal in the judgment of the Lord Christ" (Seventh Carthage [A.D. 256]).

Cyril of Jerusalem

"Since man is of a twofold nature, composed of body and soul, the purification also is twofold: the corporeal for the corporeal and the incorporeal for the incorporeal. The water cleanses the body, and the Spirit seals the soul. . . . When you go down into the water, then, regard not simply the water, but look for salvation through the power of the Spirit. For without both you cannot attain to perfection. It is not I who says this, but the Lord Jesus Christ, who has the power in this matter. And he says, ‘Unless a man be born again,’ and he adds the words ‘of water and of the Spirit,’ ‘he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ He that is baptized with water, but is not found worthy of the Spirit, does not receive the grace in perfection. Nor, if a man be virtuous in his deeds, but does not receive the seal by means of the water, shall he enter the kingdom of heaven. A bold saying, but not mine; for it is Jesus who has declared it" (Catechetical Lectures 3:4 [A.D. 350]).

Athanasius

"[A]s we are all from earth and die in Adam, so being regenerated from above of water and Spirit, in the Christ we are all quickened" (Four Discourses Against the Arians 3:26[33] [A.D. 360]).

Basil the Great

"This then is what it means to be ‘born again of water and Spirit’: Just as our dying is effected in the water [Rom. 6:3; Col. 2:12–13], our living is wrought through the Spirit. In three immersions and an equal number of invocations the great mystery of baptism is completed in such a way that the type of death may be shown figuratively, and that by the handing on of divine knowledge the souls of the baptized may be illuminated. If, therefore, there is any grace in the water, it is not from the nature of water, but from the Spirit’s presence there" (The Holy Spirit 15:35 [A.D. 375]).

Ambrose of Milan

"Although we are baptized with water and the Spirit, the latter is much superior to the former, and is not therefore to be separated from the Father and the Son. There are, however, many who, because we are baptized with water and the Spirit, think that there is no difference in the offices of water and the Spirit, and therefore think that they do not differ in nature. Nor do they observe that we are buried in the element of water that we may rise again renewed by the Spirit. For in the water is the representation of death, in the Spirit is the pledge of life, that the body of sin may die through the water, which encloses the body as it were in a kind of tomb, that we, by the power of the Spirit, may be renewed from the death of sin, being born again in God" (The Holy Spirit1:6[75–76] [A.D. 381]).

"The Church was redeemed at the price of Christ’s blood. Jew or Greek, it makes no difference; but if he has believed, he must circumcise himself from his sins [in baptism (Col. 2:11–12)] so that he can be saved . . . for no one ascends into the kingdom of heaven except through the sacrament of baptism.
. . . ‘Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’" (Abraham 2:11:79–84 [A.D. 387]).

"You have read, therefore, that the three witnesses in baptism are one: water, blood, and the Spirit (1 John 5:8): And if you withdraw any one of these, the sacrament of baptism is not valid. For what is the water without the cross of Christ? A common element with no sacramental effect. Nor on the other hand is there any mystery of regeneration without water, for ‘unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’" (The Mysteries 4:20 [A.D. 390]).

Gregory of Nyssa

"[In] the birth by water and the Spirit, [Jesus] himself led the way in this birth, drawing down upon the water, by his own baptism, the Holy Spirit; so that in all things he became the firstborn of those who are spiritually born again, and gave the name of brethren to those who partook in a birth like to his own by water and the Spirit" (Against Eunomius 2:8 [A.D. 382]).

John Chrysostom

"[N]o one can enter into the kingdom of heaven except he be regenerated through water and the Spirit, and he who does not eat the flesh of the Lord and drink his blood is excluded from eternal life, and if all these things are accomplished only by means of those holy hands, I mean the hands of the priest, how will any one, without these, be able to escape the fire of hell, or to win those crowns which are reserved for the victorious? These [priests] truly are they who are entrusted with the pangs of spiritual travail and the birth which comes through baptism: by their means we put on Christ, and are buried with the Son of God, and become members of that blessed head [the Mystical Body of Christ]" (The Priesthood 3:5–6 [A.D. 387]).

Gregory of Nazianz

"Such is the grace and power of baptism; not an overwhelming of the world as of old, but a purification of the sins of each individual, and a complete cleansing from all the bruises and stains of sin. And since we are double-made, I mean of body and soul, and the one part is visible, the other invisible, so the cleansing also is twofold, by water and the Spirit; the one received visibly in the body, the other concurring with it invisibly and apart from the body; the one typical, the other real and cleansing the depths" (Oration on Holy Baptism 7–8 [A.D. 388]).

The Apostolic Constitutions

"Be ye likewise contented with one baptism alone, that which is into the death of the Lord [Rom. 6:3; Col. 2:12–13]. . . . [H]e that out of contempt will not be baptized shall be condemned as an unbeliever and shall be reproached as ungrateful and foolish. For the Lord says, ‘Except a man be baptized of water and of the Spirit, he shall by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ And again, ‘He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be damned’" [Mark 16:16] (Apostolic Constitutions 6:3:15 [A.D. 400]).

Augustine

"It is this one Spirit who makes it possible for an infant to be regenerated . . . when that infant is brought to baptism; and it is through this one Spirit that the infant so presented is reborn. For it is not written, ‘Unless a man be born again by the will of his parents’ or ‘by the faith of those presenting him or ministering to him,’ but, ‘Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit.’ The water, therefore, manifesting exteriorly the sacrament of grace, and the Spirit effecting interiorly the benefit of grace, both regenerate in one Christ that man who was generated in Adam" (Letters 98:2 [A.D. 412]).

"Those who, though they have not received the washing of regeneration, die for the confession of Christ—it avails them just as much for the forgiveness of their sins as if they had been washed in the sacred font of baptism. For he that said, ‘If anyone is not reborn of water and the Spirit, he will not enter the kingdom of heaven,’ made an exception for them in that other statement in which he says no less generally, ‘Whoever confesses me before men, I too will confess him before my Father, who is in heaven’" [Matt. 10:32] (The City of God 13:7 [A.D. 419]).

It is fitting to note that all of these quotes occur before the absurd date that Debra suggests as the start of Catholicism. (approx 430 AD by her nutty calculation) and all but the last 2 occur before the date that we actually got our first Bible (from the Catholic Church) in 393 AD. So, the historical record is clear. The church of the Bible not only believed that Baptism was necessary for Salvation but saw it explicitly in John 3

In addition, God's inspired Word, the Scriptures say that Baptism saves us, in no uncertain terms-

1 Peter 3:21
Whereunto baptism being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him up from the dead.

This is why I laugh out loud when I read Debra claiming that she believes the Bible. She flat out doesn't! Debra JM Smith believes in a different gospel than that preached by Jesus and the Apostles. Her gospel is addition by subtraction. She, and those of like mind, follow an ala carte theology of cherry-picked, reinterpreted verses that turn the original intent of the sacred writers on it's ear. If I adhered to her "Scripture alone" belief system, it would only make me that much more a Catholic because it is clear to me that every Catholic doctrine is right there, plainly in the Scriptures. One only has to read.

This notion of being "born again", according to the protestant rendering is a classic example. Nowhere, in any writing in the Scriptures or in the first 19 centuries of Christianity can this abhorrent interpretation be found. "Water and the Spirit" has always been properly understood as Sacramental Baptism. Sacramental Baptism was initiated by Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, at the hands of His Cousin John. That is when John's merely symbolic water baptism became infused with Jesus Christ's salvific grace.

There is not one jot or tittle of Scriptural support for Debra's absurd interpretation of John 3, nor is there any historical support older than 1910. Those are the facts and they are indisputable.

Like I said, addition by subtraction. Debra zooms in on John 3 and reinterprets it in her own sinful image while dismissing the almost 2 dozen other verses on baptism that give it it's proper context. The fact is that any Baptized Christian is a born-again Christian. When one is baptized in the name of The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, they are incorporated into God's universal (Catholic) Church. Any baptized Christian can be saved by Grace, according to the light within them. Catholics do not hold that non-Catholics cannot possibly be saved. Some obviously will. However, none...not one....will be saved in the manner Debra claims, simply by a profession of faith. This is a clear and unambiguous perversion of scripture caused by wrenching a handful of scriptures from their context. Like I said, addition by subtraction.

More addition by subtraction- Quoting Ephesians 2: 8-9, leaving out the rest of the chapter that gives it it's proper context. What's more, She claims that verses 8 and 9 say that salvation is a free gift when an honest examination of the structure of the sentence clearly shows that it is GRACE that is the free gift. The sentence clearly says that you are saved by the free gift of grace not that you are freely saved by the gift of grace. v10 proves this context by telling us that the purpose of that Grace is to give us the ability to perform the work that has been prepared for us to do.

Debra will always deliberately leave off v10. How she reconciles this with her alleged faith is a mystery to me.

However, Debra's heretical and blasphemous theology is no mystery to me, or anyone else who (unlike her) has actually read the Bible. You simply cannot get through Matthew 25 or Romans 2 or James 2 holding fast to Salvation by faith alone or Once saved, always saved. It is simply impossible.

There are numerous other invented doctrines Debra believes. The Rapture is one. There is not one scintilla of Scriptural support for this man-made doctrine. Dispensationalists cite parts of Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4 as support for this doctrine. (wrenched from their context, of course). Simply reading the entire chapters makes it clear enough that they are about the second coming, which occurs on the last day, and that the dead must rise first. Rapture refuted.

The gospels put Debra to the lie. Catholics do not add one letter to the gospels. We simply extract what is there. If Debra's Bible only included that which she actually believes, you could fit it in an envelope. This is the difference between those who claim to read and follow the Bible, and those who actually do.

It is also an example of those wholly ignorant of history. Debra's contention that the New Testament Scriptures predate Catholicism by 400 years only manifests her abject ignorance. The historical record clearly shows just the opposite. In 110 AD, Saint Ignatius of Antioch said "Where Jesus is, there is His Catholic Church". Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John and, in saying this, actually used the same greek phraseology as found in Acts 9:31
ἐκκλησία καθ’ ὅλης. Ekklesia Kath Olos, literally translated is The Catholic Church. It's right there in the Scriptures. See for yourself.

The Bible, on the other hand, wasn't produced until 393 AD. So, yes, the Catholic Church actually preexisted the Bible by almost 400 years, not the other way around. These are the facts and they cannot be disputed.

Now, let's get to the meat of the matter. The great commission.

The mission of a Christian is to attract people to Jesus Christ. Debra JM Smith repels people from following Jesus because she is a hate-filled demoniac. There is nothing about Debra JM Smith that reflects Christ. That is the clearest proof that she is no Christian.

Now Debra is pontificating that she can vote for non-other than a so-called Born again Christian. Interesting. It was Debra Smith who not only voted for John McCain but so enthusiastically supported him as to proclaim that he would win the state of New York.

McCain, and his nasty daughter, as you know, have nothing but utter contempt for Evangelicals. He once called them agents of intolerance. Obama's contempt for Christians is even more stark. Yet, Debra hates Catholics so much that she would rather see the blood of babies run in the street, the agenda of radical homosexuals markedly advanced, our national and economic security eviscerated, than to vote for someone who will respect and protect people's faith.....

....even the faith of a godless hypocrite like her.

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Picking up the pace

2012-02-23T04:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning at Mass, I was struck by the unusually large number of cars in the parking lot and people in the pews- for a weekday mass, anyway. Apparently, it was not lost on the Priest, either. During his homily, he spoke of what he and his fellow priests described as the PACE Catholic. PACE, he explained, stands for Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, Christmas and Easter.

The remarks got a chuckle but reminded me that we can all stand to pick up the pace, myself included. To be honest, I was a little upset with myself that I missed the Catholic roundtable show, Tuesday night and I was determined to make up for it be participating in Christie's Garden of Holiness, "have a miserable lent" show. Unfortunately, I was knocked out with a vicious migraine (It was actually making me nauseous as it felt like my eyeball is being projected from my head). A good night's sleep did not help much.

Now, I am not telling stories of woe to get sympathy points. Actually, the opposite is the case. I am realizing that one area in which I must pick up the pace is my health. Good intentions and commitments are not worth much if I lack the physical stamina to carry them out. Carrying 100 lbs of extra weight doesn't help that cause. That the 100 lbs of extra baggage represents an 85 lb drop from my all-time highs is reason for optimism but not for satisfaction. I have a long way to go and my family, my friends, my co-workers and my brothers and sisters in the faith are depending on me to get it done. I smiled a little as the scale this morning has me at a new 5 year low.

By the way, it just hit me, just as I am typing this..... my headache is going away. It's the coffee. I just realized that I had no caffeine yesterday. It would appear that my caffeine addiction is worse than I thought.

Picking up the pace does not mean perfection. It means that a commitment to God extends beyond 4 days a year and it extends past the Church. We must strive to better ourselves in all facets of our life- our jobs, our marriages, our extended families and our Christian outreach.

A wonderful counselor once told me that every person is 4 people- A spiritual person, an emotional person, an intellectual person and a physical person. Not only can I see, that I need improvement in all 4 areas, but I can see how each is dependent on the health of the other 3.

This lent, I pick up the pace.

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Have a miserable Lent, y'all!

2012-02-21T15:42:00.002-05:00

Wednesday's Garden of Holiness Show topic will be on the spiritual practice of fasting. Here's a bit of a preview...

Tomorrow's the big day!

Yo, Joe, you got some schmutz there...

Tomorrow is the beginning of the season of Lent. I know that plenty of nonCatholics practice it, but most of the ones I know don't. They look at me a little funny when I mention fasting, so I am taking a minute to once and for all sing the praises of fasting!

Why Fast? Two Reasons...

Fasting Increases Compassion

If there was ever a need for the American Christian, it is fasting! We have such an appalling abundance that we actually think a car, a computer, heating and air conditioning, and cable are basic necessities. Here in the West, we base our very lives on increasing our comfort, not our discomfort. Fasting goes against the grain. In fact, it runs counter to our culture (ergo, if you ever want to be cool and counter cultural fasting is for you!)

Why voluntarily suffer? I'd pose that there are plenty of reasons. Fasting and being hungry is a type of suffering because it is uncomfortable. It's the rare Middle Class American who can actually distinguish between true, gut-wrenching hunger and the nagging, "Yeah, I could eat" feeling. Fasting puts you in that gut wrenching place and helps you to understand this a little more.


Let me take that back. There is nothing comprehensible about this.

Voluntary suffering through fasting, helps you to feel the misery of the world more personally--a world where in some places hunger is the norm. Through fasting you may only have a taste of hunger, but that taste is enough to make you more viscerally aware of another's real and completely involuntary suffering. So, one reason to fast is to increase your compassion and to assist you in commiseration with others. Muslims fast during Ramadan, in part, for this very reason.

Fasting Strengthens Your Will

Another reason is to strengthen your will. I am going to make the controversial statement that we Americans are becoming weak willed. I say that for two reasons: we don't exercise it and we don't respect it.

You calling me a weak willed wimp? Sort of, but fasting can fix you by...

Exercising your will
First, our lives are physically easy. There is much less to endure. In the summer, we are cooled. In the winter, we are warmed. Our food does not come to us through our labor in the fields, it comes from quick visit to a store. There are less physical demands on our bodies that our minds have to willfully force us to endure. Our determination, our will, to stick with a physically demanding task is exercised much less these days and is therefore weaker. Fasting answers that weakness directly. Fasting is voluntarily taking on a hardship. The longer that you endure it, the more you exercise your will. In fact, because it is voluntary, it is incredibly easy to abandon. The act of the will involved to sustain a fast is immense!

Respecting your will more than your whims
Number two, we have been told since the 60s that our feelings were more authentic than our reason and our will. "If it feels good, do it!" has been the rallying cry for the hedonists among us for decades now, and as a result, we have little respect for personal grit and determination until the fruits of them are made conspicuous by success. Even then, we are more apt to respond with jealousy rather than determination to mimic the behavior that led to that success. A fast doesn't feel good if you do it. It takes endurance... meh. It takes determination... ugh. It takes an act of the will to conquer the self... that is so ickily Catholic!

So what? Start small. If you are physically unable to sustain a fast for a day, skip a meal. If that is impossible, fast from a food item, like dessert. If even that is too much for you, and this is entirely possible given the amount of diabetes and eating disorders in the world, fast from something other than food.

Some nonfood items to fast from...

Wearing your favorite color
Drinking soda
Wearing eyeliner
Sarcasm (good luck with that)
Complaining (these are getting harder)
Pride (good, Lord, help me!)

Actually, He will...

About.com's section of Catholic Fasting
Cool spot to reference if you want Biblical support on the topic of fasting

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The Catholic Defender: President's Day

2012-02-20T10:45:00.001-05:00

My wife and I along with the deepertruth family wish to extend to all Americans a very blessed and safe day as we celebrate Presidents Day.

If you are traveling, please travel safely. Originally, Presidents Day was celebrating President George Washington.

In recent times, we celebrate the office of the President. This celebration is deeply rooted in the foundation that our Country was given to us by a great God!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (The Declaration of Independance)

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The Catholic Defender: Contraception

2012-02-19T17:45:00.000-05:00

After I returned home after Mass, I turned on the television to see what was on the News.

I came home inspired to write an article covering Artificial Birth Control as our Priest, Father Downey gave an excellent sermon on the subject.

It is very refreshing to see a Catholic Priest taking on the social issues today.

I can't help but see this is positive and I know many Catholics are crying out for sound Catholic orthodox teaching to be given from the pulpit.

I locked on the Fox Channel to see any news updates.

I was watching Fox News when this debate ensued between Southern Baptist Dr. Richard Land and "Catholic" Jon O'Brian.

As I watched the debate unfold, I was struck how the Southern Baptist representative was defending the Catholic position while the "Catholic" was defending the Obama position?

Dr. Richard Land is the President of the Southern Baptist Convention of the Ethics of Religious Commission and John Obrian is the President of "Catholics" for choice.

During the debate, O'Brian was critical of the religious groups siding with the Catholic Bishops. Well, Mr. O'Brian, were is your support behind the Catholic Bishops?

There are times I might be frustrated because some Bishops have been silent on things. Communion for Pro-Abortion/Pro-Gay Marriage politicians come to mind, but to take offense of the Bishops for doing the right thing is a public scandal.

We need to pray for our Bishops and religious as they are under attack.

When I served in the Army, I was our Unit's CFC representative collecting the charitable contibutions for various causes. There are thousands of organizations competing for donations.

"Catholics for a free choice" is one of the organizations seeking donations through the CFC.

I feel that this organization is using the title "Catholic" to decieve Soldiers who see "Catholic" in their title who might donate money thinking they are Catholics in good standing with the Church.

They should not be allowed to advertize to Soldiers that they represent the Church and Catholic Values.

This is exactly the same situation with John O'Brian and "Catholics" for choice.

St. Paul warns that in the last days, there would be traitors to the Faith (2 Timothy 3:4).

Jon O'Brian views Artificial Birth Control as "American" as "Apple Pie"? I wonder what kind of "apple pie" he has been eating?

Dr. Richard Land was far more informed of the contrast between religious rights of conscience and a liberal fiat against the freedom of religion.

Mr. O'Brian actually sees the Catholic Faith's opposition to Contraception to King George III oppression of religious freedom. He fosters a freedom from religion in society.

So, if your a Catholic charity, hospital, or organization, and if you have employees, you have to offer them Abortion and Contraception free of charge as "medical care".

"Catholics" for choice is no more Catholic than "Catholics" for a free choice, which I think of them as the same thing.

They fall under what Jesus warns stating, "Whoever listens to you (The Catholic Church) listens to me (Jesus). Whoever rejects you (The Catholic Church) rejects me (Jesus). And whoever rejects me (Jesus) rejects the one who sent me (The Father).

I respect Dr. Richard Land who from my observing of him, is a man of integrity. He compared the Obama attack on the Catholic Faith with the Jews being forced to eat pork at a Jewish celebration.

Could you imagine the outcry if Obama wanted to force the Jews to eat pork, yet this is exactly what he is doing against Catholics.

Remember, the Obama Administration wants to frame the debate into women's rights vs religious rights. However, women can get Artificial Birth Control anywhere.

Women who were barren in the Old Testiment were seen as a curse. A child is seen as a blessing. There are examples when God blessed a woman who was naturally barren with a supernatural pregnancy.

Sarah (Genesis), Hannah (Samuel 1:1-20), Manoah's wife (Judges 13:2) and St. Elizabeth (Luke 1:13) are prime examples.

The killing of children are seen as tragadies (Jeremiah 31:15), as punisment (Isaiah 13:16-18), as a curse (1 Samuel 15:3). To kill an unborn child was evil (Exodus 21:22). Exodus 23:7 states, "You shall keep away from anything dishonest. The innocent and the just you shall not put to death, nor shall you acquit the guilty".

The foundation of the Old and New Testaments were that Marriage was supportive of the rearing of children.

In fact, it was not until 1932 that any group supported Artificial birth Control. Before 1932, all Christianity opposed ABC on Biblical grounds. The Anglican Church opened it's doors to Contraception.

Protestantism basically caved in for the secualar modernist progressive view and this sparked the Sexual Revolution.

The Catholic Church continues upholding this Apostolic Tradition and Obama seeks to force the Church to bend to his Progressive ideology. He wants to frame the argument into a "women's rights" argument, but this is not the real issue because any woman has total access to ABC.

The issue is that Obama wants the Church to subsidize ABC as part of "health care" as if pregnancy was a disease.

If your a Catholic who have in the past used Artificial Birth Control, Jesus healing of the paralytic man who was brought in through St. Peter's roof is an important grace.

Jesus has the power to forgive you no matter what you have done, and through the Confessional, instructs you to pick up your mat and go.

The Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe this miracle to encourage us in our sin.

For me, this is what angers me about John O'Brian and Company who think that you can be a good Catholic and dissent from official Church teaching.

That is the wrong message to be giving to anyone. Jesus warns that all of us will stand before him in judgment and he is clear about those who call evil good and good evil. He is clear about those who cause a child to sin, and to cause others to sin. Those who push for Abortion, Gay Marriage, and Artificial birth Control will have to give account for themselves, but it will be much worse for those who "not only do these things, but give approval to those who practice them" (Romans 1:32).

I was just taking a break deciding to flip through the channels and what did I find? The 1948 movie, "Joan of Arc"! It was right at the scene when the French were storming the walls of "les Tourelles", an English stronghold. St. Joan was wounded in this battle but kept going to inspire the troops. St Joan's making it to the wall became the battle cry! Well Catholics, we must bring this fight to the wall!

Do we have renegade "Catholics" willing to trade their required loyalty to their Shephards for the promise of a political victory with Obama? Yes, unfortunately, Jon O'Brian reminds me of this fact this very day. Do we have some "Catholics" who are embedded with the enemy? Consider who burned St. Joan to the stake? It was a "Catholic Cleric" who was entrenched in political bed with the English.

We must submit to the sovereignty of God and His Catholic Church! To the Wall! This scene is really powerful. Of the Catholics today, which crowd do you stand, those who are loyal to the Church, to Jesus Christ? Or those who follow their own paths like the jesters in this scene? Again, to the Wall!

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The Catholic Defender: Dead Reckoning

2012-02-19T01:05:00.000-05:00

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).

We instruct our RCIA Candidates and Catechumens the importance of our faith being a journey. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Our hope is in the Lord, Jesus gave us His Church as our guide and interpreter of his word. Romans 15:4 states, "For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Catholic Faith is the voice that has been entrusted the Deposit of Faith giving us this hope through the scriptures. St. Paul writes, "For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:11-14).

This coming Easter Vigil will be very important as many people will be transformed through God's grace being poured out upon them through the Sacraments. St. Paul writes, "I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Jesus instructs us saying, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me" (John 12:24-26).

I like what St. Paul writes to the Romans, "We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:6-11).

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The Catholic Defender: A Johnny Cash Tribute

2012-02-18T00:43:00.000-05:00

I have always enjoyed the music of Johnny Cash. I remember my Mother bought me his album, "Bitter Tears" when I was a child.

I had the chance to see Johnny Cash in Kansas City in 1971 along with the Statler Brothers, the Carter Family (to include Mother Maybell Carter), Carl Perkins, and the Tennessee Three.

That was an excellent concert. He recently had number one songs, "Daddy Sang Bass", "A Boy Named Sue", and "If I were a Carpenter" with June Carter Cash.

By this time, Johnny Cash was growing in his faith. Johnny Cash was a Patriotic American, I remember he had a segment on his hit show, "The Johnny Cash Show" which aired on ABC in 1970, was a huge success. He always had an American theme, something to share the greatness of our land.

It was certainly ahead of it's time in it's production and creativity. Many of the best artists from the various musical fields such as Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, CCR, Neil Diamond were show cased on the show.

I have a movie that Johnny Cash starred in along with Kirk Douglas that is called "A Gunfight", my Mother took me to see this movie in Kansas City.

In those days, (1971) outdoor threatres were very popular. You would park next to a speaker that would be placed on your window.

Before the movie we would play up at the front of the park where they had a childrens playground. Those were the good days...

Johnny Cash is truly an American icon who overcame the abuse of legal drugs, alcohol, reckless living who surrendered to the Lord.

Recently, the sad news of Whitney Houston who apparently died of drug abuse. She had amazing talent that she was graced with and how tragic is the news of her death. May the perpetual light of Christ shine upon her now and forever.

Bill O'Reily of the "Factor", has been coming out promoting the media to take a stand against drug use. That the media can be more responsible in warning against drugs.

Johnny Cash was very close to this himself, but through the support he recieved from June Carter, he was able to see the Lord.

That is a great lessen for people to learn, especially Catholics who have left the faith. They can come home!

I am going to share a video of Johnny Cash's song, "Ragged Old Flag", I was privileged to see him perform this live in Springfield Missouri.

This is a powerful song, in it, please notice President Obama's posture in the pictures.

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The Catholic Defender: Birth Control and the Liberal

2012-02-17T02:24:00.000-05:00

Because of the open warfare that Obama has made on Christianity, there has been a lot of talk about birth control in the news. How the liberal Democrats are staging a ruse against the Church claiming the issue is "Women's Health".

Nancy Pelosi and the liberal left are trying to hijack the debate so they can force their policy upon the Church.

Jennifer Bendery, writing for Huff Post Politics, today writes: "I think it's really curiouser and curiouser that as we get further into this debate, the Republican leadership of this Congress thinks it's appropriate to have a hearing on the subject of women's health and can purposely exclude women from the panel," Pelosi said during a press conference. "What else do you need to know about the subject?"

"If you need to know more, tune in, I may, I may at some point be moved to explain biology to my colleagues."

Pelosi's remarks came shortly after three House Democrats walked out of a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on religious liberty and birth control in protest of Chairman Darrell Issa's (R-Calif.) refusal to allow a woman to testify in favor of the Obama administration's contraception rule. The morning panel at the hearing consisted exclusively of men from conservative religious organizations.

A second panel included two women, but both were critics of Obama's birth control mandate, which does not exempt religiously affiliated employers from having to include contraception in employees' insurance coverage. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) told reporters in the hallway outside the hearing that she marched out because it was being conducted like an "autocratic regime."

"Five men are testifying on women's health," Pelosi said. "Where are the women? Imagine having a panel on women's health and they don't have any women on the panel."

See how the Democrats are wanting to frame the debate? Today's hearing had nothing to do with women's health or birth control. It was about the Government's attack on religious freedom of conscience.

Jennifer Bendery does provide an update reporting, "Issa spokeswoman Becca Glover Watkins later criticized Pelosi for ignoring the fact that two women were scheduled to testify at the hearing.

"Rep. Pelosi is either ill informed or arrogantly dismissive of women who don’t share her views. Today’s hearing does in fact include two women, Dr. Allison Garrett of Oklahoma Christian University and Dr. Laura Champion of Calvin College Health Services," Watkins said.

From the Article "Issa to keep contraception fight going" by Steve Benen, he is also staging this debate with contraception being the central issue. It appears this is the Democrat's strategy to defend Obama?

Steve Benen quote the hearing saying, "Republican Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, will convene a hearing [Thursday], "Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State. Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?".

Check how Benen gives his two cents on todays happening: "The lead witness is the Most Rev. William E. Lori, Roman Catholic bishop of Bridgeport, Conn., and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty. Judging from Lori and the rest of the witness list, it's obvious that Issa has posed what he considers to be a rhetorical question and lined up nine like-minded rhetoricians to answer it anyway."

The hearing was specifically looking at the question of Separation of Church and State. I find it ironic that if Christians speak out on moral issues in public, we are hit erroneously with the question of Separation of Church and State. However, if the Obama Administration believe they can force Christians to bend the knee to him, they do not recognize their infringement. The issue is not womens rights to use Birth Control. The access is everywhere. To force Christians to pay for abortions and birth control against their conscience is a clear infringement against the Constitution of the United States.

Amendment 1 states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Clearly, the framers of the Constitution says that the Government cannot interfere with the freedom of religion and the practice thereof.

One of the Democrat's talking points is their claiming 98% of Catholic women use Artificial Birth Control as to say that the Church has no right to prevent them from using Birth Control. This is the real issue, the promotion of Abortion, Homosexuality, Divorce and remarriage, and many other points of interest, the Progressives seek to destroy traditional values.

I want to take a closer look at what their claim is. How many women are there living in the United States? Roughly, there are about 155.6 million women in the United States.

Of this number, 78 million females are between 45 and 65 years old. There are about 30 million females between 12 and 25 years of age.

This is the group that Planned Parenthood seeks to cater too. To say that 98% of women use Artificial Birth Control is totally misleading.

78 million women are past the child bearing age and would use Artificial Birth Control very rarely. If you count females from birth to age 12, that would be a very low percentage using contraception.

It might be that the extreme Progressive would seek to lower the age of consent of children, certainly they would want to prepare them for the sex culture very early on.

If you asked the question to Catholics, how many of you have used Artificial Birth Control at some point during their life, that might be a very high number. But for the 78 million no longer using Artificial Birth Control, how many of the Catholics have gone to confession and repented of this practice because of the pressure of our culture?

How many of them would support the Government mandating the Church to break with the Apostolic Tradition? The following is an article written by Michael Brendan Dougherty and Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry entitles, "Time To Admit It: The Church Has Always Been Right On Birth Control"

Painting the Catholic Church as "out of touch" is like shooting fish in a barrel, what with the funny hats and gilded churches. And nothing makes it easier than the Church's stance against contraception.

Many people, (including our editor) are wondering why the Catholic Church doesn't just ditch this requirement. They note that most Catholics ignore it, and that most everyone else finds it divisive, or "out-dated." C'mon! It's the 21st century, they say! Don't they SEE that it's STUPID, they scream.

Here's the thing, though: the Catholic Church is the world's biggest and oldest organization. It has buried all of the greatest empires known to man, from the Romans to the Soviets. It has establishments literally all over the world, touching every area of human endeavor. It's given us some of the world's greatest thinkers, from Saint Augustine on down to René Girard. When it does things, it usually has a good reason. Everyone has a right to disagree, but it's not that they're a bunch of crazy old white dudes who are stuck in the Middle Ages.

So, what's going on?

The Church teaches that love, marriage, sex, and procreation are all things that belong together. That's it. But it's pretty important. And though the Church has been teaching this for 2,000 years, it's probably never been as salient as today.

Today's injunctions against birth control were re-affirmed in a 1968 document by Pope Paul VI called Humanae Vitae. He warned of four results if the widespread use of contraceptives was accepted:

1.General lowering of moral standards
2.A rise in infidelity, and illegitimacy
3.The reduction of women to objects used to satisfy men.
4.Government coercion in reproductive matters.

Does that sound familiar?

Because it sure sounds like what's been happening for the past 40 years.

By making the birth of the child the physical choice of the mother, the sexual revolution has made marriage and child support a social choice of the father.

Instead of two parents being responsible for the children they conceive, an expectation that was held up by social norms and by the law, we now take it for granted that neither parent is necessarily responsible for their children. Men are now considered to be fulfilling their duties merely by paying court-ordered child-support. That's a pretty dramatic lowering of standards for "fatherhood."

Kim Kardashian's marriage lasted 72 days. Illegitimacy: way up. In 1960, 5.3% of all births in America were to unmarried women. By 2010, it was 40.8%. In 1960 married families made up almost three-quarters of all households; but by the census of 2010 they accounted for just 48 percent of them. Cohabitation has increased tenfold since 1960.

And if you don't think women are being reduced to objects to satisfy men, welcome to the internet, how long have you been here? Government coercion: just look to China (or America, where a government rule on contraception coverage is the reason why we're talking about this right now).

Is this all due to the Pill? Of course not. But the idea that widely-available contraception hasn't led to dramatic societal change, or that this change has been exclusively to the good, is a much sillier notion than anything the Catholic Church teaches.

So is the notion that it's just OBVIOUSLY SILLY to get your moral cues from a venerable faith (as opposed to what? Britney Spears?).

But let's turn to another aspect of this. The reason our editor thinks Catholics shouldn't be fruitful and multiply doesn't hold up, either. The world's population, he writes, is on an "unsustainable" growth path.

The Population Bureau of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations sees the rate of population growth slowing over the next decades and stabilizing around 9 billion in 2050…and holding there until 2300. (And note that the UN, which promotes birth control and abortions around the world, isn't exactly in the be-fruitful-and-multiply camp.)

More broadly, the Malthusian view of population growth has been resilient despite having been proven wrong time and time again and causing lots of unnecessary human suffering. For example, China is headed for a demographic crunch and social dislocation due to its misguided one-child policy.

Human progress is people. Everything that makes life better, from democracy to the economy to the internet to penicillin was either discovered and built by people. More people means more progress. The inventor of the cure for cancer might be someone's fourth child that they decided not to have.

So, just to sum up:
•It's a good idea for people to be fruitful and multiply; and
•Regardless of how you feel about the Church's stance on birth control, it's proven pretty prophetic."

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The Catholic Defender: Conversions

2012-02-16T10:48:00.001-05:00

deepertruth inaugurated the "Christy Show" last night and I can't help but think how fast we continue to grow.

This morning, I am working at our local College Television/Radio Station helping them with their annual fund raising for this quarter.

I am representing SIFE "Students In Free Interprize" helping answer the phones collecting the pledges as they come in.

This is really an exciting opportunity to see how this works. I am sitting next to another SIFE member who I have had the chance to talk with last Semester.

She works here at the Television/Radio Station at Central Texas College and she is interested in helping me put together some shows for deepertruth.

She is very interested in looking at the Catholic Faith through the discussions we have had.

You never know when the Lord will give you the opportunity to represent him.

I am finding the opportunities to be limitless! We just need to be willing and open to share with everyone we meet either through a good word for the day, or a good question and answer format.

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Let's all support Christie!

2012-02-15T20:14:00.001-05:00

Join Christie Martin tonight in her debut show on Deeper Truth Blog's Blogtalkradio channel!

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The Catholic Defender: Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

Today is a great opportunity to show your spouse, those who are married, that you love them. Traditionally, we buy flowers, maybe a box of chocolates, and maybe even a teddy bear.

I remember at Mass, the Priest would offer married couples to renew their vows in a sacramental way. That is really awesome, I see that in a simular way like during the Easter Season, renewing our Baptismal vows. St. Valentines Day is a great way to show your love for your spouse.

In our Catholic tradition, the feast is an honor to a great Catholic Saint who died in 269 A.D. During the persecution of the Roman Emperor, Cladius II, St. Valentine served with his family, St. Marius, helping the martyrs.

As a Priest, St. Valentine served Our Lord and His holy Church in the face of the persecution. He would be captured by the Roman Army and interrigated. They attempted to get St. Valentines to renouce his Faith in Jesus Christ. St. Valentine was heroic as were many he served.

He was a great inspiration for the faithful as St. Peter had been in the face of trial. Because of the strength of St. Valentines faith, he was helping the flock of Christ.

Claudius had St. Valentine beheaded, just like St. Paul, his spiritual Father!

God is always showing his love even towards his enemies. The Lord healed the Jailer keeping watch on St. Valentine restoring his sight to him. Sounds a lot like St. Paul!!!

St. Valentine died on February 14, 269. Pope Julius built a church in his honor near Ponte Mole in the custom of the Church! His remains are kept at the church of St. Praxedes in Porta del Popolo.

It is interesting that the long held name had been Porta Valentini, a sign of the devotion of the people of God for this holy Saint. I remember some Protestant friends of mine were at a local resturant celebrating St. Valentines Day.

I couldn't help but think that if they really knew the Mass and the Church, they could appreciate St. Valentines! This is an example pointing to the promises of Christ in it's fulness, the promise of everlasting life.

As St. Nicholas is honored for the giving of all he had to those in need, St. Valentine is remembered for giving the highest gift of himself for his people. Jesus said, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:13-14). St. Valentine, friend of Jesus, pray for us.

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The Catholic Defender: In Honor of those who Serve

2012-02-11T01:32:00.000-05:00

I served in the Army for more than 26 years. That seems like a whole lifetime. I have two brothers that served in the United States Marines Corps. My Brother Randy was in Lebenon when the Suicide bomber blew up the Marine Barracks on Oct 23, 1983. My other Brother David served in Viet Nam so both of my Brothers understand what war is. I am very proud of our family as we have three Sons who are currently serving in the Army. All three of them have been to the Middle East, Afhganistan. I want to dedicate this song in honor of their service and those serving today. May God bless America!

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BEST OF DTB The Catholic Defender tackles Once Saved Always Saved

2012-02-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, 'This is my beloved Son. Listen to him'. Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant (Mark 9:2-10)".

This scripture places the transfiguration of Jesus six days after the first prediction of his passion and death and his instruction to the disciples on the doctrine of the cross. Jesus reveals insight into the divine glory that he possessed.

His glory will overcome his death. The cloud and heavenly voice prepares the disciples to understand the divine plan that Jesus must die before his messianic glory is made manifest. Moses and Elijah represent the law and prophecy in the Old Testament and are linked to Mt. Sinai.

They now appear with Jesus as witnesses to the fulfillment of the law and the prophets taking place in the person of Jesus. The shadow covering them reminds us of the Old Testament indicating the Lord's presence in the midst of his people (Exodus 40:34-35).

The Apostles were not to reveal what they witnessed until after the Resurrection. The Catholic Church recalls this revelation of the Lord so we can spiritually follow this glory of the Lord. Jesus shows us the true path!

The road leads to Jerusalem. It leads to Calvary, a place called Colgotha, the place of the skull. The human race is intently watching the events unfolding. Everyone plays an important part in what occurred on this hill outside Jerusalem.

It was for us all that Jesus made this journey. The true Lamb of God! "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and might, forever and ever. Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne and from the Lamb. For the Lamb who is the center of the throne will Shepherd them and lead them to springs of life giving water (Rev 5:12-13, 7:10-17)".

How does Jesus today "Shepherd" his people? Through his Church (John 21:15-19)! What is the "springs of life giving water"? This is a reference to Baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Jesus states, "For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice (John 18:3)". We should hunger for his voice (Luke 10:16), we should want to rid ourselves the vice that separate us from that close personnel relationship with him, to live within his Covenant (Matthew 26:28).

Jesus warns, "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name? Then I will declare to them solemnly, I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers (Matthew 7:21-23)".

Let the truth lead us to do good works and take advantage of the free grace Jesus offers in the Sacraments (Hebrews 13:16-20).

Recalling the Transfiguration of Jesus, it calls to min a Eucharistic Miracle that took place in the life of St. Clare. On one occasion when the Army of Frederick II was devastating the Valley of Spoleto, some of the Soldiers threatened to sack Assisi.

The people surrounding the convent where St. Clare lived were fleeing the country side fearing for their lives. As the Army placed ladders against the walls, St. Clare prostrated herself before Jesus in the Eucharist.

Her prayer was heard as she took the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament and went before the enemy. As the Soldiers were climbing the ladders with crowbars and axes and weapons of war, the town appeared lost.

Then Jesus in the Host illuminated brightly before the oncoming Soldiers. The Host became dazzling white blinding the attackers. Due to a sudden panic, the Soldiers subsequently fled in terror.

Today, there is another attack upon the Church from another army with different weaponry. This attack storming the walls of faith is a false doctrine called "Once Saved Always Saved" (OSAS).

This doctrine teaches that once you are "saved" you cannot lose your salvation. Ezekial 3:20 states, "If a virtuous man turns away from virtue and does wrong when I place a stumbing block before him, he shall die. He shall die for his sin, and his virtuous deeds shall not be remembered";

Jesus warns "But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13). The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) speaks of the importance of repentance. This is reflected again in James 5:18-20) teaching that when a sinner returns to the truth, they are raised from the dead and a multitude of sins are forgiven.

Salvation is not lost because of God, he shows his mercy and forgiveness towards us for the love he has for us. The sin of presumption is to place yourself inside his judgement without his grace.

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2012-02-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

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The Catholic Defender: Obama's Attack on the Military

2012-02-09T13:55:00.003-05:00

The following is taken from Culture News, an internet think tank, expose what Obama and the Gay Agenda is attempting to force Military Chaplains to conduct Gay Marriages.

The Archdiocese of the Military is saying "No 'Gay Marriage' Says Military Archdiocese. The Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, says it will continue to hold firm on marriage at the Catholic Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. But homosexualists won't stand for this. The recent acceptance of sexual deviancy in the military is not enough, they say, as they garner their forces to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)."

I can't help but think that we are entering an evil age! Is this the age of the "Anti-christ"? I don't know if we are in the time of 2 Thess 2:3, but I certainly know that we are in the age of 1 John 2:18-20.

We are heading for some ridiculas times. The Church is under attack and it is important to see our Shephards take a stand. The people will follow if the Shephards lead (1 Peter 5:1-5).

Here is some more from Culture News: "Military Chaplains Defy 'Gay Marriage' Directive - Over 2,000 Catholic and Protestant chaplains are refusing to comply with Commander in Chief Obama's Gay Agenda of performing same-sex "marriages," choosing rather to hold firm to the commands of the Almighty God.

-- From "Military Lets Chaplains Perform Gay Marriages" by Julian E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal 10/1/11

In a pair of memos, top Pentagon officials said military chaplains could participate in private same-sex-marriage ceremonies on or off military installations. The ceremonies must not be official Defense Department events and can't be held in violation of local laws. The decision came over the objection of Republican lawmakers.

. . . Clifford Stanley, the undersecretary of defense for personnel, said the ceremonies would be allowed on any military base, except where local law explicitly prohibits such private ceremonies. Six states the District of Columbia currently allow gay marriage.

. . . Republican lawmakers objected, saying such ceremonies would violate the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which restricts federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

From "More than 2,000 Evangelical, Orthodox Chaplains Join Catholics in Opposing Pentagon Directive on Same-Sex Marriage" by Pete Winn, CNSNews.com 10/5/11

A national group representing more than 2,000 military chaplains from evangelical Christian and Orthodox backgrounds said on Wednesday that the Pentagon has launched a “direct assault” on marriage, and the chaplains they endorse will not be allowed to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies under any circumstances.

Dr. Ron Crews, executive director of the newly formed Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, said . . . “By dishonestly sanctioning the use of federal facilities for ‘marriage counterfeits’ that federal law and the vast majority of Americans have rejected, the Pentagon has launched a direct assault on the fundamental unit of society – husband and wife.”

“While the memorandum acknowledges a chaplain’s right to not participate in same-sex ‘marriage’ ceremonies – a right not given by the Pentagon, but rather given by the Creator and protected by the chaplain’s faith group,” said Crews.

From "Akin: DOD allowing chaplains to officiate same-sex marriages is illegal" by John T. Bennett, The Hill 9/30/11

Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) charged Friday that a Pentagon decision to conduct same-sex marriages on military bases is part of a "liberal agenda" and is illegal.

“The Department of Defense has decided to put the White House’s liberal agenda ahead of following the law," Akin, chairman of the House Armed Services seapower and projection forces subcommittee, said in a statement Friday.

"The Defense of Marriage Act makes it clear that for the purposes of the federal government, marriage is defined as between one man and one woman," Akin said. "The use of federal property or federal employees to perform gay marriage ceremonies is a clear contravention of the law."

From just what we are seeing coming from the Obama Administration, this will not stop. Obama is doubling down on his war with the Catholic Church and others who hold to traditional marriage and morality. The battle is being waged before our eyes. Like Nero of old, Obama is setting fire to the republic.

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BEST OF DTB The Catholic Defender comments on Homosexuality

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

In light of the recent news of a young man after having a homosexual relationship, killed himself after his roommate videoed him in a sex scandal. Unfortunately, the 19 year old College student jumped off the George Washington Bridge and took his own life.

From "Religious Tolerance.org" they report: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated 3 that "as many as 30% of completed youth suicides each year" are performed by gays and lesbians. Unfortunately, many information sources have quoted the 30% as if it is an absolute figure. The Department indicates that it is 30% or fewer. If we assume that the 30% figure is valid and that it is constant across the age range of 15 to 24 years, then approximately 1,488 suicides per year are committed by homosexual youth. If we assume that gays comprise 5% of the total number of youth, then the 1,488 suicides represent an excess of 1240 suicides related to their sexual orientation.

This source is obvously a pro-homosexual site, but the above information is alarming.

How tragic this is over total nonsense. I grieve for the soul of this young man. All we can do is pray the Lord have mercy on his soul. I'm afraid that the pro-homosexual crowd will politicize this most unfortunate death. With all the events scheduled by the College to remember the young man, would they have done so to this extent if it had been a heteros Sexual encounter?

In the 1960's and 70's, the Gay Agenda was to 'shock and awe' as groups like 'Queer Nation' and other radical Gay groups would go to Churches and desecrate them. The Group 'Queen' were known to support the Gay agenda, their song, "We are the Champions" was used as a Gay Liberation Anthem.

In the 1980's these groups put on suits and ties and became a political force. I know that the Homosexual agenda has been embraced by the Democratic Party since 1984 with the Mondale/Ferraro Presidential ticket. Because America has been center right in our politics, the liberals have been whittling away at the fabric of society. They are pushing to promote the gay lifestyle even to kindergartners.

There is a major difference in opposing the 'Gay Agenda' from opposing the individual. Politically, I oppose 'Gay Marriage', marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. I will go so far to say that marriage should be done through the Catholic Church. I know that in our society, that is not reality.

I oppose the secularism of our Country. I do not believe that Homosexuals should be able to adopt children. Our society has drastically changed on this since 1993. I do not believe we should teach Homosexuality in public schools, that too, society has become more tolerant. I certainly oppose Homosexuals in the Military.

That would not be good for unit cohesion among other things. In saying all this, how do we respond when faced with someone who is a homosexual? I have two examples I will give that I have participated that I think was positive.

In 1979, after more than three years in College, my roommate began to open up to me for the first time that he was a homosexual. I had people ask me about it before, but I never knew, nor did I judge him with it.

He had feared me because he knew I was a jock and that I was openly against this lifestyle. He began to explain to me how he had been sexually assaulted by one of his Uncle's when he was twelve years old. I did not condemn him, but actually felt compassion for him.

He was raised a Protestant and was interested in the Catholic Church out of curiosity from the debates. I told him that we all need forgiveness, and he could find it also. I also told him he needed to forgive his Uncle.

We would continue to study Christianity together and I was there to see him Baptized into the Catholic Church. Thus, the birth of the Catholic Defender!" This was one more Baptism that occured in Iraq.

On Christmas Eve, 1997, after Midnight Mass (Soldiers Chapel at Ft. Campbell KY), I was up near the front of the church talking with some of my friends. I began to feel eyes drilling holes in my back as I felt someone was watching me.

It was a strong feeling and I noticed two men looking on from the back pew at the back of the church. I ignored them as if they were not there as I continued to talk with friends.

After a few minutes, some of us began to walk down the isle to leave when one of the two men stopped me and asked if I would speak with them. I didn’t know them nor had I ever seen them before, but I sat down in the pew in front of them to speak with them.

They began asking me questions about the Church. They were asking me about the Bible, church history, values and moral. I began to answer their questions.

After about an hour the Chaplains Assistants wanted to kick us out so they can go home. It was nearly 2:00 in the morning. They wanted to continue so we met in the parking lot. This went on until 6:00 in the morning.

I told them that I needed to get home because my children will be getting up and ready for our family gift exchange. The two men asked if we could meet later in the day. I said, yes, but when I was able to do so.

I met with them again for another 5 hours that afternoon. I ended up speaking with them five days in a row for 4-5 hours at a time. Finally, they had to catch a bus back to Atlanta Georgia.

I don’t know how or why they picked me out of a crowd nor why they were so interested in what I had to say. They asked me hundreds of questions! I later learned that they had been homosexual lovers and that they decided to go straight.

I was informed that they had decided to return to the Church! I also was informed that one of them had been diagnosed with AIDS and was accepting responsibility for his actions.

I was further informed that this same individual went to a Catholic Charismatic prayer service and members laid hands on him. He explained that he received warmth throughout his body. He has since, tested negative on his HIV test. That’s after having a positive test and a confirmation test!

The Catholic Church has no power to change or alter the Natural Law of God. We use to say, "Love the sinner, but hate the sin" but now we are moving towards a direction that will ultimately clash as Christian values continue to be swept under the rug.

The Homosexual-Gay Activist have already approached the Military Chaplaincy telling them that they will have to modify what they preach from the pulpit. That does not abode well with me. Our liberty is being threatened and people continue to roll with the tide, and I do not mean Alabama!

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The Catholic Defender Rides Again

2012-02-08T02:00:00.000-05:00

I was raised on a farm, and I really enjoyed putting this video together. One thing I did learn through this episode is that I should compensate wearing army desert boots as opposed to cowboy boots!

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The Catholic defender: We are the People of God

2012-02-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

Getting back on YouTube for the first time in a long while, it is interesting to see the anti-Catholics are raising their head again.

I guess you can say that some things just do not change. Well, that is exactly what our faith should be like! We should be like a rock, that is standing strong for holy Mother Church, the Catholic Church!

We are the People of God, the Kingdom of God on earth. Let us not be talked out of it by cheap imitations and divisive talk.

Be stron in the Lord for He is in control!

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The Catholic Defender: Prayer For Healing

2012-01-31T23:49:00.002-05:00

I want to dedicate this prayer for the needs of our families and our Nation.

This is composed by Rev. John H Hampsch, C.M.F.

Heavenly Father, I come before you as your child in great need of your help; I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglect, and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lord. But I ask you to forgive the sins of my ancestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns and defects in body, mind, and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With your help I sincerely forgive everyone, especially living or dead members of my family tree who have directly offended me or my loved ones in my family tree who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders. In the name of your divine Son Jesus, and in the power of his Holy Spirit, I ask you, Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one. Free all living and dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships and those in extended family relationships from every contaminating form of bondage. By your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your Precious Son, Jesus, I beg you to extend your blessing to me and all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask you to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the blood lines in my family linage. Set your protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer your divine healing power to all of us, even in areas of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members' guardian angels to heal, protect, guide and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let your healing power be released at this very moment and let it continue as long as your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever deeper bonding with you, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to your Son, Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family, with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus precious name. Amen.

I want to ask for prayer for those needing jobs and work to maintain their households. That our economy will turn around. There is much pain and suffering due to people losing their homes and property. May God bless America.

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The Catholic Defender: HHS, Obama's New Gestapo

2012-01-29T18:52:00.001-05:00

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been hijacked by an elitist leftist group of Progressives.

I recently wrote "Obama's War on Catholicism" that I share my concern for the future of our Country.

Today, the Catholics issued a letter to be read in all our Parish's informing the public of the HHS ruling. This will affect each and everyone of us.

What it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.

Our Shephards are calling for us to stand up and be counted.

First pray for the Bishops as they are going to be targeted.

Pray for all our Priests who will have to lead the fight. Pray for the whole people of God that religious libverty will be fully maintained. The following is a response from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

BackGround: THE NEW FEDERAL MANDATE FOR CONTRACEPTION/STERILIZATION COVERAGE

On August 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an 'interim final rule' to require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, female sterilization procedures, and related 'patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity.' These are listed among 'preventive services for women' that all health plans will have to include without co-pays or other cost-sharing -- even if the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or the woman herself object to such coverage. There have been many protests, including formal comments filed with the HHS by many organizations and a petition signed by over 430 Catholic leaders (see www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/). However, on January 20, 2012, HHC decided not to make any significant change in its rule. Important points:

1. Pregnancy Not a Disease

- The mandate treats a healthy pregnancy as a disease in need of 'prevention,' like breast cancer or AIDS (which other 'preventative services' on HHS's list do legitimately seek to prevent). In reality, some of the mandated contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of AIDS, blood clots leading to stroke, and other ailments. Inclusion of these drugs places HHS's efforts to prevent disease at war with itself.

- The claim that greater access to contraceptives will reduce abortions is not supported by the facts (http://old.usccb.org/prolife/issues/contraception/contraception-fact-sheet-3-17-11.pdf). The contraceptive mandate's strongest advocates are groups that perform and promote abortion, who hope a coverage mandate for 'prevention' will encourage government and others to see abortion as a 'cure'.

- Everyone deserves access to basic life-affirming health care, and health care reform is supposed to serve that goal. The effect of this mandate is just the opposite, as it pressures organizations to drop their health coverage for emplyees and others altogether if they have a moral or religious objection to these particular item.

2 The Problem of Abortifacient Drugs

- By requiring coverage for all drugs approved for contraception and 'emergency contraception' by the FDA, the mandate includes drugs that can interfere with implantation in the womb and therefore destroy the early human embryo.

- One such drug already approved, 'Ella' (ulipristal), is similar to the abortion drug RU-486 in its formula and its ability to cause an abortion in the first weeks of pregnancy. The new health care reform law forbids HHS to mandate coverage of abortion, but it is doing so here.

3 Violating Religious Freedom and Rights of Conscience

- The rule has an incredible narrow religious exemption for 'religious employers' (not insurers, schools with student health plans, or families purchasing insurance). Even religious employers are exempt only if their purpose is to inculcate religious doctrine, they hire and serve mainly people of their own faith, and they qualify as a church or religious order in a narrow part of the tax code. Most religious institutions providing health, educational or charitable services to others have no protection. Jesus himself would not qualify as 'religious enough,' since he healed the needy regardless of religious affiliation and taught followers to do the same (see the parable of the Good Samaritan).

- HHC says this exemption is like those enacted by most states that have a contraceptive coverage mandate, but that is false. None of the state mandates covers as wide an array of health plans, and the great majority have broader protection for religious freedom.

- Many federal laws exempt individuals and institutions from having to take part in health services against their moral or religious convictions; some of these laws specifically protect from forced involvement in contraception or sterilization (http://old.usccb.org/prolife/issues/abortion/crmay08.pdf). HHS is violating this long federal tradition, and needs to return to it. Congress should also appreve the 'Respect for Rights of Conscience Act' (H.R. 1179, S. 1467) to ensure that this happens.

THE HHS MANDATE FOR CONTRACEPTION/STERILIZATION COVERAGE: AN ATTACK OF RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE

How important is the right of conscience in American tradition?

It has always been a paramount importance: 'No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against enterprises of the civil authority' (Thomas Jefferson, 1809). In the past, has the federal government respected conscientious objections to procedures such as sterilization that may violate religious beliefs or moral convictions? Yes. For example, a law in effect since 1973 says that no individual is required to take part in 'any part of a health service program or research activity funded in whole or in part under a program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services' if it is 'contrary to his religious beliefs or moral convictions' (42 USC 300a-7 (d). Even the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which requires most of its health plans to cover contraception, exempts religiously affiliated plans and protects the conscience rights of health professionals in the other plans. Currently no federal law requires anyone to purchase, sell, sponsor, or be covered by a private health plan that violates his or her consscience.

How has the Department of Health and Human Services departed from this policy?

By Issuing a mandate for coverage of sterization and contraceptives (including long-lasting injections and implants, and 'morning-after pills' that may cause an early abortion) in virtually all private health plans. In August 2011 HHS included these procedures in a list of 'preventive services for women' to be required in health plans issued on or after August 1, 2012. On January 20,2012, HHS reaffirmed its mandate while deferring enforcement against some religious employers until August 2013.

Is it appropriate to require coverage of these as 'preventive services'?

No. The other services on HHS's list seek to prevent serious disease - breast cancer, lung cancer, AIDS. Pregnancy is not a disease. The Institute of Medicine committee that compiled the 'preventive services' list for HHS said in its report that unintended pregnancy is a 'condition for which safe and effective prevention and treatment' need to be more widely available - setting the stage for mandated coverage of abortion as the 'treatment' when prevention fails. Note that women who suffer from infertility, which really is an illness, were ignored in this mandate.

Didn't HHS include a religious exemption?

Yes, an incredibly narrow 'religious employer' exemption that fails to protect many, perhaps most, religious employers. To be eligible an organization must meet four strict criteria, including the requirement that it both hire and serve primarily people of its own faith. Catholic schools and hospitals would have to eject their non-Catholic employees, students and patients, or purchase health coverage that violates their moral and religious teaching. Jesus and his apostles would not have been 'religious enough' for the exemption, since they healed and served people of different faiths. The exemption provides no protection at all to sponsors and providers of health plans for the general public, to pr0-life people who own business, or to individuals with a moral or religious objection to these procedures.

Isn't this an aspect of the Administration's drive for broader access to health care for all?

Whether or not it was intended that way, it has the opposite effect. People will not be free to keep the coverage they have now that respects their convictions. Organizations with many employees will have to violate their consciences or stop offering health benefits altogether. And resources needed to provide basic health care to the uninsured will be used instead to facilitate IUDs and Depo-Provera for those who already had ample coverage. This is a diversion away from universal health care.

But won't this provide 'free birth control' for American women?

That claim is false for two reasons. First, the coverage will be mandated, not a matter of free choice for any woman. Second, insurance companies will not be able to charge a co-pay or deductible for the coverage, so they will simply add the cost to the standard premium everyone has to pay - and among those being required to pay will be people who oppse it on conscience grounds. That is not victory for freedom.

By objecting to this coverage, is the Catholic Church discriminating against women?

Not at all. The Church's teaching against early abortion is based on respect for all human life, male and female. It's teaching against contraception and sterilization is based on respect for the power to help generate a new human life, a power held by both men and women - so health plans in accord with Catholic teaching do not cover male or female sterilization. It is the HHS mandate that shows disregard for women, by forcing them to purchase this coverage whether they want it or not.

Do religious employers violate the consciences of women who want birth control, by refusing to cover it in their employee health plans?

No, they simply decline to provide active support for procedures that violate their own consciences. If an employee disagrees, he or she can simply purchase that coverage or those procedures elsewhere.

What solution to this dispute would be acceptable?

Ideally, HHS can leave the law the way it has always been, so those who provide, sponsor and purchase health coverage can make their own decisions about whether to include these procedures without the federal government imposing one answer on everyone. If HHS refuses, it will be especially urgent for Congress to pass the 'Respect for Rights of Conscience Act' (HR 1179/S. 1467). to prevent health care reform act from being used to violate insurers' and purchasers' moral and religious beliefs.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, acting as Shephards, are alerting the faithful to the coming danger that will ensnare us all if we do not stand up against this terrible threat against human life and religious freedom.

This November will be the most important elections in our times. Pray the Rosary for the conversion of sinners, pray and fast for our nation as it is in great need for the Church to take a stand.

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The Catholic defender: State of Grace

2012-01-29T02:57:00.001-05:00

My hats off to the Catholic Priesthood that refuses to give Holy Communion to practicing homosexuals! The following is a report from the Chicago AP: CHICAGO (AP) - Roman Catholic gay-rights supporters wearing rainbow-colored sashes to Mass were denied communion Sunday, while dozens in Minnesota had to walk around protesters to receive the holy sacrament.

About 10 people wearing the sashes stood in line to receive communion at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, but priests refused to give them the Eucharist. One priest shook each person's hand; another made the sign of the cross on their foreheads.

"The priest told me you cannot receive communion if you're wearing a sash, as per the Cardinal's direction," said James Luxton, a Chicago member of the Rainbow Sash Movement, an organization of Catholic gay-rights supporters with chapters around the country.

An internal memo from Chicago Cardinal Francis George that became public last week instructed priests not to give communion to people wearing the sashes, which the group's members wear every year for Pentecost. The memo says the sashes are a symbol of opposition to the church's doctrine on homosexuality and exploit the communion ritual.

"The Rainbow Sash movement wants its members to be fully accepted by the Church not on the same conditions as any Catholic but precisely as gay," George wrote. "With this comes the requirement that the Church change her moral teaching."

Rainbow Sash Movement spokesman Joe Murray was among those denied communion in Chicago. He said members wearing the sashes should be seen no differently than a uniformed police officer or Boy Scout seeking communion.

"What we saw today in the cathedral is discrimination at the Eucharistic table, and that shouldn't be happening," Murray said. Those denied communion returned to their pews, but stood while the rest of the congregation knelt.

The movement, which started about five years ago in England, also has members in Dallas, New Orleans, New York and Rochester, N.Y.

In St. Paul, Minn., people wearing the rainbow-colored sashes were given communion Sunday despite protests from some parishioners who kneeled in front of the altar blocking their way.

The Rev. Michael Skluzacek said in a written statement that both sides were "mistakenly using the Mass and the Eucharist to make their own personal statements."

Brian McNeill, organizer of the Rainbow Sash Alliance of the Twin Cities, said the local group has worn the sashes every Pentecost at St. Paul Cathedral since 2001, but the group had never experienced such a confrontation.

The Rainbow Sash Movement received an e-mail Tuesday from the Los Angeles Archdiocese inviting them to Mass on Sunday, but no one wearing sashes showed up for morning or midday Masses at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg said.

A Vatican doctrinal decree last year directed at Catholic politicians said a well-formed conscience forbids support for any law that contradicts "fundamental" morality, with abortion listed first among relevant issues. A second Vatican statement said it is "gravely immoral" not to oppose legalization of same-sex unions.

CFPA: Thank God the church is taking this stand. We only wish that all of those Catholics practicing homosexuality would wear that sash every time they go to Communion.

St. Paul writes, "Therefore, my beloved, avoid idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I am saying. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf" (1 Corinthians 10:14-17).

St. Paul is clear that we are all part of the body of Christ and this is seen through the breaking of the bread. If anyone is living in sin, serious sin, they are warned of the gravity of recieving the Eucharist unworthily.

Concerning idolatry, St. Paul warns, "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons" (1 Corinthians 10:21).

St. Paul makes it even more clear writing, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable number are dying" (1 Corinthian 11:26-30).

We are not to recieve God's grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1) and to avoid mortal serous sin (Galations 5:19-21). We need to pray for our leaders (Hebrew 13:18-19) that they will be strong in their leadership (1 Peter 5:1-5).

We also need to pray for those who are wayward, running from their faith.

The Prodigals need to come home to the Catholic Faith where they can get that total healing of mind, body, and soul, and spirit.

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Have a Coke!

2012-01-27T16:34:00.003-05:00

You should keep soda drinking to a minimum. However, if you must have a soda, have a Coke (or a Coca-Cola product)

Boycott Pepsico and all their products.

Aborted baby sweeteners? Not for me.
I never dreamed I would have to say that.

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The Catholic Defender: The Gianna Jessen Story

2012-01-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

I do not know of a greater human witness for life than listening to Gianna Jessen tell her story.

I remember seeing here on Hannity and Combs and other shows that interviewed her. What a stumbling block to the Pro-Abortionist!

Just as we have the opportunity to witness the testimony of Gianna, every unborn child is fully known by God (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalms 139:13-15).

Every last one of them stand before the Lord reminding Him of their executioners (Matthew 18:10).

Matthew really brings this home to me! "At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, 'Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a child over (tradition says this was St. Ignatius of Antioich, Discipled later on by St. John), placed it in their midst, and said, 'Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me" (Matthew 18:1-5).

We must come to the Lord as a child! Yet, our society has made war upon the child, casualties of the Sexual Revolution.

In the United States, for 40 years we have killed nearly 60,000,000 unborn children. There is no polite way to put this? There is no nice way to say this?

This war made upon the unborn child will have it's consequence. Jesus warns, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew is not making Jesus out to be a "pacifist" here)! Jesus is giving a stern warning, "Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come!" (Matthew 18:6-7).

The arrogant, the secularist want to close the book on the issues of faith in our land. They want to hide the truth of God's word among the nations so they can further their agenda upon an unwilling world. Groups like the ACLU and the liberal establishment want to take the image of Christ out of the public square. As long as I am alive, this will not happen! Please listen to the following story as Gianna Jessen's Story is a miracle. Here are both, part 1 and part 2 of her story.

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The Catholic Defender: Welcome Home Sandra

2012-01-26T17:26:00.000-05:00

The following is a conversion story from one of our newest Members of deepertruth and the Catholic Faith! She is one of the leading ladies of deepertruth. Her story is printed on Catholic Apologist Steve Ray's web site: www.catholic-convert.com

Sandra's story has been very inspiring and I must admit, she is a thorn in the side of the anti-Catholics on YouTube! They would zero in on her and others like a chicken hawk but it didn't take long before they would walk a mile around her channel!

Sandra Reads Herself into the Catholic Church

by Steve Ray on January 26, 2012

My conversion story will probably sound like every other convert story. You hear the phrase from a lot of converts to the Catholic Church, “I read myself into the Catholic Church.” Read what? Well, it was a shocker when I found out. Some guys who are known by Catholics as the “Church Fathers”, you have probably heard about them… If you haven’t heard about them already, I must warn that these fellows are dangerous for Protestants. Not that they are bad or anything, but because of the long line of succession that leads you all the way to the place some, if not most protestants, will say is the ‘Church of Popes’. Yeah, you guessed it… the Catholic Church.

God must be angry!

Well, just to get it out there… I wasn’t opposed to the Catholic Church. I was never taught to be. My formation in my early years was focused on memorizing scripture verses, and morality. In my early years of schooling, I went to a Christian school for 4 years. But, I knew something was missing, but I didn’t know what. The day would start off with a worship service. It was pretty much some man or woman would get up, wearing a nice suit or tie, or a nice dress. Then he or she would read from scripture and then we would leave.

I remember after being told something by my teacher that really made me think, “Are we worshiping God, or the weather?” She told us (the class), “You can tell how God is feeling by the weather outside. If it’s a sunshine blue day outside, God is happy. If it’s raining, God is crying. If it’s thundering and lightning, God is mad.” Now, you have to understand how this sounds to an intelligent kid. I may have been small, but I am not stupid.

After our teacher said this, I went to reason. Reason and common sense said that God is indeed the Creator, and that creation
is the handy work of his hands. But, to me, what the teacher had told us sounded like if God could be manipulated. Then I thought, “Well, my mother says that down in Florida we receive hurricanes. So, when a hurricane comes, does that mean God is wigging out?” Soon after, I lost my faith and left Christianity.

I didn’t totally lose my faith, because I knew that there was a God, I just didn’t know if it was the God of Christianity. After leaving this school, I went to a school that didn’t teach any type of religion. Fast forward a few years, and I was in about 6th or 7th grade, or it could have been 6 and 7th grade; I noticed my friends were continually asking me, “Sandra do you want to attend CCD? It will be fun.” And I asked, “Does it have to do with the Bible?” They replied, “Yes, but come on! It’s fun!” Now, at this point in my life, theology was not in my ‘of interest’category. So I respectfully did not accept the invitation to go. Little did I know what was going to happen later on in life.

So, for 2 years I did not accept the invitation to attend CCD. And this continued and after a while, my friends just had quit asking me. Anyway, fast forward to my 8th or 9th grade year. One my teachers walked in during English class If I remember correctly, or maybe I was sent to give something to the vice principle of the school. Anyway, the principle of the elementary school was there, and I hear my teacher say, “Oh excuse me sister.”

I thought, “Sister? I doubt that they are related.” Then he explains to us that, he isn’t referring to the ‘sister’ as blood relation, but ‘sister’ as a nun. This was a shock to me, because for whatever reason, I had said that, “I am never talking to a priest or a nun.” The reason I even knew the words priest or nun was because, I saw the movie called The Sound of Music and Sister Act. I wasn’t taught anything Catholic, so the closest I came was by watching movies.

At this time to be honest, I didn’t even know there was such thing as the Catholic Church, but I did know that there is only 1 church. I should mention that, that nun was my 4th grade teacher who I love dearly as a teacher. So I thought, “Ok, I will make an exception for sisters, but I am still not going to be talking to priests.”

Fast forward and I had graduated from the school. 9th grade was as far as you could go until you had to switch out, so I did. I knew all of my friends were going to a school which they used the abbreviation for, which they called ABC. So, I went to ABC for the sign up process. I was accepted into the school. Summer goes by, or should I say was almost over, and they were having the open house. My mother, my dad, and I went to the open house.

As we were driving there my mother tells me, “Sandrita, Catholics do things a little differently than when you went to the Christian school.” And I thought, “Well, how different can it be?” Oh, I was about to see for myself how different. We walked inside the school and made our way to the gym.

The 1st thing that caught my attention was when I met Father (a priest) for the first time. Now, father was dressed to the nines, robe and everything. But, I was baffled a little bit. I saw father wear the little hat that the Jewish people wear. So I was thinking, “Am I attending a Catholic school or a Jewish one?” I now knew the word Catholic from my mother. Well, during the tour of the school, I learned that the school abbreviation is not ABC, but ACCHS (Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School).

Archbishop is one word, not two separate words. Fast forward again, and 10th grade has started. Next thing I knew something called a Mass was upon us. I never heard of such thing. So mass started, it was our 1 a month mass where the whole entire school attended.

It soon occurred to me this is the equivalent to the Christian service that I had attended. But attending mass was way different. I found so many things to be Jewish. But Jesus was front and center throughout. Whereas what I attended, I am sorry to say, was all about the pastor. So, this was refreshing to attend. I noticed the cross comes in 1st, incense, robes, priests…ECT. I would later discover that everything is indeed Biblical. As the 3 years go by, I was becoming head over heels for the mass.

That’s right; I was slowly converting to the Catholic Church. Everything about the Catholic faith just made sense: the Sacraments, the Mass, the History…everything. I have to say, that I am extremely grateful and thankful for my teachers in those 3 years. My friends also played a big part, because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have gone to this Catholic school. I would be someplace else still looking for answers to the questions I had about Christianity.

I thank God for the Catholic Church that has answered all of those questions. For example: Where did the Bible come from? How come in the Old Testament, it is categorized into 4 main sections, and one of them is history, but no one seems to be teaching it? How come I never learned about what happened after the Bible? So on so forth.

My journey is kind of like the stages of a camp fire. It goes a little something like this: Beginning in my 10th grade year the spark had come. I call it the beginning of curiosity; my attention by God was captured.

In my 11 grade year, I became a smoldering ember that was beginning to smoke up. I call this the beginning of a relationship; God was teaching me how to pray. I made my first heartfelt prayer that year, and it still continues.

In my 12 grade year, that smoldering ember now had a small flame. I call this the beginning of being humbled; God used the history of His Church to knock me off my high horse. He knocked me off my horse called: Pride. I thought I knew everything, and that I didn’t need anyone. I learned that year, that I did need someone…His Church.

After graduation, the flame grew and until this day it hasn’t stopped growing. I have learned from the Church Fathers, I will give some examples:

1. St. Jerome
2. St. Ignatius of Loyola
3. St. Justin Martyr
4. St. Polycarp of Smyrna (who by the way was taught by St. John)

I have learned from people who are not only cradle Catholics, but also converts and reverts. Some of these people are:
1. Fr. Larry Richards
2. Dr. Scott Hahn
3. Steve Ray
4. Fr. Bill Casey (from the Fathers of Mercy)
5. Deacon Alex Jones

And of course, I thank everyone who has helped me along the way. I learned throughout my journey about Mercy and Forgiveness. I was witnessed to by my senior year theology teacher who is a permanent Deacon. When I needed spiritual guidance in my senior year, he listened. I should admit that I was reluctant at first, because like I had said in my early years, that I was never going to talk to a priest or anyone of that sort.

Well, like I have heard, “Never say never.” I experienced what Catholics experience in Confession; you feel about 1,000 pounds lighter; like a big chip has been lifted off of your shoulders. Towards the ending of my senior year of high school, I ended up asking the same deacon to baptize me. Actually, there is more to it than that… I must
confess that actually I was taking Communion without being baptized. I had been testing God about Communion and he had sent me a healthy guilt, which led me to asking him. I admit that I was jealous of Catholics, because I wanted the Eucharist. About 2 years later I went through R.C.I.A, and received all 3 Sacraments of Initiation. Thank God for His Church and the Sacraments! I love
being Catholic, and I wouldn’t leave it for anything! I hope you enjoyed my conversion story. God Bless † † † WE ARE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and APOSTOLIC CHURCH!!

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The Catholic Defender: Hoax or is this real

2012-01-26T14:24:00.001-05:00

Is this a hoax? I think that I will not be using Pepsi Products because of the following article from LifeNews.com. The title of the article, "Pepsi Shareholders Demand It Stop Using Aborted Fetal Cells", as someone who has been a Pepsi consumer, I am demanding they stop using Aborted Fetal Cells! Here is the article:

Pepsi shareholders have filed a shareholder resolution with the Securities and Exchange Commission and PepsiCo demanding that the company has been contracting with a research firm that uses fetal cells from babies victimized by abortions to test and produce artificial flavor enhancers.

As recently as May, Pepsi ignored concerns and criticism from dozens of pro-life groups and tens of thousands of pro-life people who voiced their opposition to PepsiCo contracting with biotech company Senomyx even after it was found to be testing their food additives using fetal cells from abortions.

“The company’s key flavor programs focus on the discovery and development of savory, sweet and salt flavor ingredients that are intended to allow for the reduction of MSG, sugar and salt in food and beverage products,” the Senomyx web site says. “Using isolated human taste receptors, we created proprietary taste receptor-based assay systems that provide a biochemical or electronic readout when a flavor ingredient interacts with the receptor.”

Debi Vinnedge, of the pro-life group Children of God for Life, explained, “What they don’t tell the public is that they are using HEK 293 – human embryonic kidney cells taken from an electively aborted baby to produce those receptors. They could have easily chosen animal, insect, or other morally obtained human cells expressing the G protein for taste receptors.”

In August 2010, PepsiCo entered into a four-year agreement with Senomyx for the development of artificial high-potency sweeteners for PepsiCo beverages. Under the contract, PepsiCo is paying $30 million to Senomyx for the research and future royalties on PepsiCo products sold using Senomyx technology. When the prolife group wrote both companies requesting they use one of several non-objectionable, viable cell lines listed in their patents, Senomyx did not respond. PepsiCo did reply however and insisted that its use of the research from Senomyx would produce “great tasting, lower-calorie beverages.”

With the boycott from supportive pro-life groups, including LifeNews.com, not changing PepiCo’s mind and further letters going unanswered, Vinnedge told LifeNews today the time has come for a resolution form shareholders.

“Shareholders have a right to know the truth about what PepsiCo is doing with their hard-earned savings,” she said. “PepsiCo’s lack of consideration to the public’s moral sensibilities has only served to fuel the fire and threatens stock values, retirement pensions and investments.”

Vinnedge said the PepsiCo shareholder who filed the resolution requested that “the Board of Directors adopt a corporate policy that recognizes human rights and employs ethical standards which do not involve using the remains of aborted human beings in both private and collaborative research and development agreements.” She said she finds it ironic that PepsiCo’s own Code of Conduct boasts that they “deal with customers, suppliers, the public and our competitors in an ethical and appropriate manner.”

“There is nothing ethical or appropriate in the way they are exploiting the remains of an innocent aborted child,” noted Vinnedge.

Vinnedge said she has heard from many pro-life advocates upset by the information about Pepsi — including one 12-year-old Florida boy who learned of PepsiCo’s research from his mom’s prolife news reports and was upset enough to take action himself. At a recent 40 Days for Life event, he told attendees, “When I found out about this, I was sick to my stomach.

“I decided I wouldn’t let this happen so I came up with a way to boycott Pepsi products called United Schools for Life. This program will attempt to remove all Pepsi products from the schools in our diocese,” Gene, who hopes to educate others about what Pepsi is doing, said. Vinnedge was deeply moved by his initiative and courage.

“We hope that PepsiCo senior management gives serious consideration to what this boy has done,” she noted. “Even a child knows this is wrong. God bless him for standing up for the unborn who have no voice of their own!”

After contacting Pepsi with their concerns, the beverage and food products company responded via email to pro-life advocates with an unsigned form response from “Pepsi Consumer Relations.”

“Thank you for contacting us to share your sincere concerns,” the PepsiCo response says. “Please be assured that PepsiCo is committed to using only the highest ethical methods in all aspects of our research. This is something we take very seriously, and we hold ourselves and all of our research partners to the same high standards as the world’s leading research centers.”

The email continues: “With respect to the flavor discovery research with Senomyx, we utilize techniques that have been the gold standard for several decades by top universities, hospitals, U.S. government agencies, food and beverage companies, and essentially every pharmaceutical and biotech company in the world. Yet, there is some misinformation being circulated meant to distort what we’re doing and question our motives and those of other companies. This is unfortunate, and it is certainly not reflective of the work we are doing. We hope this information is helpful and reassuring. Thank you again for reaching out to us and allowing us to clarify the situation.”

In comments to LifeNews.com, Vinnedge says this is the latest example of PepsiCo avoiding or glossing over the criticism it receives.

“It seems that PepsiCo is simply not able to understand the concerns of consumers as they respond to their complaints with deceptive form letters,” she said.

“First, they tried to reassure the public their relationship with Senomyx was to produce “lower calorie great tasting beverages”. Then after our first press release March 29th, they tried to insinuate the reports were false and they were being accused of doing aborted fetal research,” Vinnedge explained. “Now, as the full boycott begins, they brush off using aborted fetal cell lines as an industry gold standard.”

“Well, we have a message for PepsiCo,” the pro-life advocate continued. “We who are pro-life have a “gold standard” too. And that means we defend the sanctity of all human life
including the remains of innocent aborted babies that PepsiCo is exploiting for profit.”

“If they want to boycott to end, they need to tell Senomyx to start using moral sources for their research and development or they will sever their contracts,” she concluded.

Senomyx boasts that it has over 800,000 unique flavors for foods, Vinnedge says, but cells expressing certain proteins produce a chemical signal when the flavors are introduced, which determines if they have achieved the proper flavor. The aborted fetal cells are not in the product itself.

Pro-life organizations are asking the public to boycott all Pepsi drink products and encourage consumers to contact Pepsi management requesting that they sever all ties with Senomyx. Consumers are also encouraged to contact Campbell Soup and thank them for responding to pro-life concerns.

Pro-life groups joining Children of God for Life in the boycott to date are: American Life League, Life Issues Institute, Concerned Women for America, Colorado Right to Life, American Right to Life, Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute, ALL Arizona, Central Nebraskans for Life, Pro-Life Waco, Houston Coalition for Life, Mother and Unborn Baby Fox Valley, Womankind, Billboards for Life, Movement for a Better America, Defenders of the Unborn, Focus Pregnancy Help Center, Idaho Chooses Life, EMC Frontline Pregnancy Centers of NY, Four Seasons for Life, CREDO, Life Choices, STOPP Dallas, CA Right To Life, Human Life Alliance, International Right to Life Federation, Operation Rescue, the National Black Pro-Life Union, Black Students for Life, and Pro-Life Nation. LifeNews.com has joined the boycott call as well.

ACTION: Contact these companies…

Jamie Caulfield, Sr. VP
PepsiCo, Inc.
700 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
(914) 253-2000
Boycott PepsiAs the gals would sing "kick the can", that is exactly what I plan to do!

Quick Update from "Children of God For Life: URGENT: ALL OKLAHOMA RESIDENTS: Contact your State Senator and tell them you want them to support Senator Shortey's SB 1418.
Not sure who your State Senator is? Go to www.oksenate.gov Bottom right hand corner - enter your address, city, zip to find your State Senator (not to be confused with US Senate)

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2012

Oklahoma Senator correct – mainstream media wrong: Aborted fetal cells are used in development of flavor enhancers for food products.

(Largo, FL) An onslaught of articles reported by the mainstream media earlier this week ranged from utter disbelief to crass remarks denigrating Oklahoma Senator Ralph Shortey (R) over the bill he introduced banning food products developed using aborted fetal material in his state.

Unfortunately for the media, the good Senator is correct.

“This is perhaps the worst case of irresponsible reporting by the mainstream media that we have witnessed in this millennium,” stated Debi Vinnedge, Executive Director of Children of God for Life who first broke the story in March 2011. “A simple fact check would have revealed that Senator Shortey is correct about how some of our foods are being produced.”

The focus is on San Francisco based biotech company Senomyx, who states on their website that, “We created proprietary taste receptor-based assay systems that provide a biochemical or electronic readout when a flavor ingredient interacts with the receptor.”

What they don’t tell the public is that they are using HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney cells) taken from an electively aborted baby to produce those receptors.

As an example of just one of over 75 patents on file in which the aborted fetal cells are utilized, Senomyx states in US Patent number 7,297,543: “The invention provides a preferred mammalian cell lines, e.g., HEK-293 cells that stably express T1R2/T1R3 and G.sub..alpha.15 under inducible conditions. These cells are useful in cell-based assays for identifying compounds that elicit or modulate sweet taste.”

Senomyx has entered into agreements with food giants, PepsiCo, Nestles and Cadbury Adams LLC, a division of Kraft Foods in which the companies pay Senomyx for the research and development of the flavor enhancers and then continue to pay royalties on the products sold. Some of these companies already have products on the market in the US using Senomyx flavors, whereas PepsiCo’s products are still in the development stage.

Because of this, Children of God for Life began a massive worldwide boycott of PepsiCo beverages when they admitted that would be the focus of their Senomyx research collaboration.

“PepsiCo has the ability to request that Senomyx use one of the morally acceptable cell lines available,” noted Vinnedge. “Unlike Campbell Soup who listened to the public and severed ties with Senomyx, PepsiCo has referred to the research as the “gold standard” for the industry; they have openly misled the public and created a public relations nightmare for themselves!”

“We stand firmly and proudly behind Senator Shortey who had the courage to step forward and protect the people of his State who have a right to know about these products,” she added. “Shame on those in the mainstream media who never bothered to check the facts before they began assaulting his good name.”

Children of God for Life hope other states will join Oklahoma’s efforts as well.

The PepsiCo boycott has garnered the support of over 30 other US prolife organizations and has now extended to nearly a dozen foreign countries. A shareholder resolution filed late last year with the Security and Exchange Commission by a concerned stockholder would require that PepsiCo “adopt a corporate policy that recognizes human rights and employs ethical standards which do not involve using the remains of aborted human beings in both private and collaborative research and development agreements.”

PepsiCo attorneys responded with a 36 page plea to the SEC in an attempt to quash the information. Both sides are currently awaiting the SEC ruling.

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The Catholic Defender: The March for life

2012-01-26T00:38:00.003-05:00

It was a great honor to be able to participate in the events covering the March for Life in Jefferson City Missouri.

This is our Second annual demonstration leading up to the Jefferson City Capital Building.

Dr. Gregory Thompson picked me up from the St. Louis Airport (Friday afternoon 3:10 P.M.) and from there we went to the Marian Convention where the Archbishop was going to say Mass.

We stayed there until about 1030 P.M after meeting one of Gregory's friends and members of the Convention.

By the time we arrived home near Humansville it was about 4:00 A.M. It was a great weekend as I was able to visit with both my Brother and our Dad. This was an important leg of the trip.

I went to Mass in Stockton Missouri as was given an opportunity to speak with the Confirmation class. That is always a joy to meet young people on fire for Jesus Christ.

On Monday, it was back to work as there was much to do to prepare for the upcoming events.

It was arranged for me to speak with a young man who was having questions about the faith. This was a nine hour debate and I really enjoyed the opportunity. In the end, he was firm in his resolve to go to Mass.

The bulk of time preceding the rally for Life, was knocking out last minute details.

I was invited to participate with the local RCIA in Marshall Missouri, which was a great blessing.

This year's keynote speaker for the rally was Ambassador Allen Keys. It was a great honor to have met him as he spoke at the Banquet and fundraiser the night before the March on the Capital Building.

I was seated at his table (deepertruth's John Benko and I were co-chairs of this table) and had the chance to hear his political views. The following is what writer Carolyn Marshall wrote of Ambassador Keys:

Dr. Keyes’ opening words were sharp: “God is made known by His judgment, and His judgment is upon us!” (viz. 9/11) He asked by how much we need to reduce the number of abortions. . . and the answer is ZERO. But even if the number gets that low, we will still be judged, because our real goal is the salvation of people. He underscored that by saying, “The scourge of abortion will not have ended until we have turned this nation back to God. Judgment is coming; we must say yes to the AUTHORITY OF GOD.” He concluded with saying that we are endowed with certain inalienable rights which are given—not by our President, nor our Constitution, nor our courts—but by GOD."

All of deepertruth was highly honored that Ambassador Keys appeared on our Friday evening radio show.

I totally surprized John with an imprompt interview which lead to one of our best shows of the year.

Later during this show, I was also honored to introduce Coach Dave Daubenmire. Coach is known for being challenged by the ACLU for praying with his football team.

He was also arrested for trying to bring a glass of water to Terri Schiavo, who was starved to death by the State of Florida. Coach flew to Florida to defend the life of Mrs. Schiavo whose husband wanted her to die.

You can hear the interview with Ambassador Keys and Coach Dave at www.deepertruthblog.com on the show entitled "Deeper Truth Friday Double Header".

Carolyn Marshall writes of Coach Daubenmire: Coach Daubenmire remonstrated us for loving our lives too much; we are supposed to be the salt of the earth—not the sugar or the honey. We have too great a fear of “offending” while Jesus, our Master, was known as the Rock of Offense.

He further challenged us with Matthew 5:41 (If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles), telling us that we suffer from the “Joe Paterno Syndrome.” God calls us to go above and beyond what the law requires; we must do what is moral, not just what is legal.

Since abortion was made legal in this land, there have been 53 million abortions. But considering all the progeny that would have come from all those abortions, conservatively, we have lost 100 million Americans since the decision of Roe v. Wade.

He closed with a final challenge to live a “second mile” lifestyle, exemplifying Romans 1:16—“For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” I met Coach last year during the Rally for Life as I was a participating speaker.

There was a good crowd of people ranging between 400 to 600 people. The March was lead by the cross carried by a number of people. Ambassador Allen Keys helped led the March carrying the cross. There is a history between Dr. Keys and this cross. Dr. Gregory Thompson and Dr. Keys were both arrested at Notre Dame for standing up for unborn children. This cross led that procession as well.

Another highlight of the March for life was speaker Briget VanMeans, a spokeswoman for ThriVe St. Louis, a proponent for the ultra-sound van.

I was aware of this tool to fight abortion through my friend Eric Genuis, who came to our home in Copperas Cove Texas promoting this very thing.

It is said that between 90-93% of women who see an ultra-sound picture of their baby keep their child.

This is why the Pro-abortionist do not want laws passed to ensure that women see these pictures.

These vans are set up with a team who are qualified to conduct ultra-sound, chart and talk to anyone who are willing for options other than abortion.

Carolyn Marshall writes of Bridget VanMeans:

Bridget, whose single mother miraculously chose not to abort her, is the president of ThriVe St. Louis, which has a mobile ultra-sound van. She urged us to have the boldness which David had before Goliath, when he said in I Samuel 17, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” As David armed himself with 5 smooth stones, she urged us to have these 5 “stones:” 1. Be KIND. 2. Double down—whatever you’ve been doing for the unborn, do twice as much! 3. Believe God; the Spirit who revived Jesus from the dead is alive in you! 4. Double down in the Word. 5. Tell people about what’s going on in the pro-life movement. In fact, claim “We’re closing Planned Parenthood this year.”

Michael and Kathy Forck were important organizers of the Rally for Life. They are leaders for "40 Days For Life" in Central Missouri.

Gregory Thompson organized a gathering of people interested in deepertruth Apologetics so I was able to speak before a great group of on fire Catholics.

I had one final blessing before I flew off to Texas.

Kathy Forck and about 140 people marched seven times around the Columbia Missouri Planned Parenthood facility where they seek to bring in another abortionist to kill more children.

Let us continue our efforts to put a stop to this massive killing of human life. The following are some pictures that I took of the March For Life at Jefferson City Capital Building.

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The Catholic Defender: I Am Prolife

2012-01-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

I want to thank my close and good friend, Secret Agent Man (deepertruth's "Guardian Angel") for his trusting me and asking me to participate in this effort to stop abortion.

It has been a great honor to have played a role in this event.

Recently, while at an abortion clinic in Arizona, partly through efforts of The Guardian Angel, another baby was saved from certain extermination.

This past week I was at an abortion clinic and we had one Mother who listened to us and hopefully will not have an abortion. If you would like to hear my speech at Jefferson City Missouri, you can listen it here:
http://deepertruthblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/catholic-defender-speaks-at-jefferson.html

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love you very much, I beg of you to spare the life of the unborn child, whom I have spiritually adopted.

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The Catholic Defender: Obama's War on Catholicism

2012-01-24T00:38:00.004-05:00

President Obama continues his war on God and the family with just about everything he introduces.

According to the Kaiser Health News, the Catholic Bishops are positioning themselves to sue the Government after Obama gave the Catholic Church an order to comply with his directive to push abortion and contraception in Catholic Hospitals.

USA Today reported that the Catholic Hospitals object to covering birth control.

There are more than 600 Catholic Hospitals represented by the Catholic Health Association, expressed great disappointment over Obama's directive.

Catholic and Evangelical organizations all enjoyed the freedom to follow their faith base, but storm clouds are gathering. Obama is rejecting their exemptions.

The following is a letter from Dan Cleveland, Opinions Editor:

"We can all agree that universal health care makes sense in that every American should be insured. That's why I can understand a defense of President Barack Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, commonly known as 'Obamacare'. However, there are some shocking regulations that come with this reform which we should all be aware of, as they threaten one of our most basic human rights.

The details of the Obamacare act are being outlined under the Department of Health and Human Services. Under new provisions, which could take affect later this year, both public and private health care plans are required to cover preventative acts. This means surgical sterilization, all methods of contaception approved by the Food and Drug Administration, education and counseling must now be covered by health care, as mandated by the HHS.

This presents a problem. A number of these forms of contraceptives - including the "morning after" pill - may cause an already fertilized and implanted egg to die, thus destroying a human life as it begins its development into a child. Also included are surgical sterilizations, which makes it impossible for pregnancies to occur in the first place.

So why are these new HHS rulings such a big deal? First of all, we will all be paying for them, either in the insurance policy we'll have to buy or the taxes we'll have to pay. We are required by law to be insured, so that means everyone will be forced to pay for these policies in one way or another.

This is where the HHS rulings violate an essential freedom. The Obama administration is mandated that Americans insurance plans cover specific practices. Unfortunately, those practices force people who respect the sanctity of human life to disobey their beliefs. There are few exemptions to the HHS rulings, which will allow some religious employers, such as a Catholic Parish, to qualify. But most Catholics will be obligated under penalty of law to pay for what their church teaches is immoral. And a number of Catholic hospitals, organizations and schools will be faced with a tough choice: Either violate their principles in order to insure their employees, or face the consequences of breaking the law.

Another problem is that surgical sterilizations are being treated like necessary medical surgeries. We have to realize what we're talking about here: Pregnancy is not a disease. Neither is fertility. Rather, they are normal, healthy states of being. Why are we covering and forcing Americans to cover procedures that typically aren't necessary? Would you expect your boss to pay for your Botox injections?

These proposed changes by HHS are not in effect yet; if enough objections are brought up, their passage could be stalled. There are many Catholic organizations that will fight this, as will other religious organizations. But this grim future of aquashed religious freedom will be our fate unless we do something about it.

An article published Friday, Jan. 20, on thinkprogress.org called these changes a 'huge victory for women's health.' But when the government is able to force us to ignore our personal and religious beliefs, I can't see how anyone wins".

Pope Paul VI encyclical "Humanae Vitae" was very prophetic. He connected the evil of contaception to abortion.

He recognized how this would affect the family negatively as well as the epidemic of Sexually Transmitted Disease".

Obama is dangerously close to the tyranny of Antiochus, who tortured the seven brothers found in 2 Maccabees 7:1-42.

It will be difficult to follow the rules of Obama as it was to Antiochus who tortured those who would not eat pork, smashing the sensibilities of the servants of God.

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The Catholic Defender and Dr. Greg live on location!

2012-01-22T14:21:00.001-05:00

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Blog for CHOICE Day

2012-01-21T14:12:00.030-05:00

NARAL Pro-CHOICE America is calling on all the anti-life bloggers to blog for CHOICE. “Blog for CHOICE Day”, they call it. Well I am going to "Blog for CHOICE" as well, but unlike them, I will be very specific about what CHOICE I am blogging about.

The definition of CHOICE is: the right or opportunity of choosing, having an alternative. So I have to ask those who call themselves pro-CHOICE, what are you choosing, what are the alternatives given to women in a crisis pregnancy? The stats of our nation’s number one abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, shows that 96.3% of their services to pregnant women in 2008 were abortions and the other 3.7% were adoptions and prenatal care. * So with that, we can come to the conclusion, that to them CHOICE means ABORTION, with obviously little focus on any alternatives.

Now what is interesting, on NARAL’s website, it writes about Crisis Pregnancy Centers and has this to say “While CPCs may falsely suggest that they provide a full range of reproductive health services, they clearly do not.” Well that’s a very disingenuous statement coming from a movement, that cant own up to what their CHOICE is and how little CHOICE women are given at abortion “clinics”. They also, don’t ever call themselves, by what they really are, abortion “clinics”, but disguise their name as “women “health” centers.

If we look at women who have had abortions, 64% of American women felt pressured by others, more than half felt rushed or uncertain, yet 67% received no counseling, 79% were not told about available alternatives, 84% said they were not fully informed.** Does this sound like CHOICE to you? Is CHOICE coerced, rushed and uninformed ?

It certainly is no secret that Crisis Pregnancy Centers do not provide abortion services nor do they refer women to the NO-CHOICE abortion mills, because some choices are ugly and wrong. CPC’s provide women and their unborn child, with the help they need , to get through the pregnancy, support their child, or put that child up for adoption. They are given alternatives that they won’t regret, they are given information to make the CHOICE best for both them and their child, and they are not forced or coerced to make the decision that is best for the both of them. Now, doesn’t that sound more like CHOICE? And don’t ALL WOMEN and their unborn children deserve the best CHOICES, regardless of how that pregnancy came about?

The anti-life movement, has hijacked the word CHOICE, they misuse and distort its meaning, doing so, because they can’t fess up, to what their CHOICE really is. ABORTION. If you support something which is so ugly, you can’t use the word, maybe you should rethink what you are CHOOSING!

So based on the facts, wouldn’t it be more appropriate for NARAL to call upon their bloggers to “Blog for ABORTION Day”? or “Blog for NO CHOICE day?”

Tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of supporters of CHOICE will be marching in Washington D.C. They will be marching for the right choices, they will be marching for the CHOICE that gives life, not takes life, the CHOICE that heals, not harms. The Author of Life, will not bless America, until America truly becomes pro-CHOICE.

" I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live" Deut 30:19.

This blog was submitted by Deeper Truth member - Margie Sindelar

If you are in, or know someone who is in a crisis pregnancy, call 1-800-395-HELP.

If you have had an abortion, visit Rachael's Vineyard OR Hope After Abortion

*Source

**Source

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Friday Night Double header!

2012-01-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

10:00-12:00 January 20th, 2012
HERE

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Twinkie religion vs Meat and Potatoes

2012-01-18T19:18:00.005-05:00

Before I get assailed for this article, let me just say that probably 50% of my friends are of the protestant tradition. They are, for the most part, very good people and I do not question the sincerity of most of them in desiring to do God's will.

Nevertheless, I am not a protestant for a reason. Theological speaking, protestantism is twinkie religion.

Sure it appears wholesome and fulfilling to the eyes. It looks pure, golden and white, like heaven in plastic wrap. It is, undeniably sweet to the taste.

Why on earth would anyone not want to eat a twinkie? Why would anyone not want to be a Protestant?

The reason is very simple. Though the Twinkie is easier, and sweeter, and certainly costs you less, it cannot fill you up, warm you up and give you the nourishment you need, like steak and a baked potato or a hearty stew.

Sure, it takes a great deal more time to cut up the onions and the mushrooms and peppers, marinate the meat and peel the potatoes but do you want to eat fast or do you want to eat well?

What is true of food is certainly true of faith. You get out of it what you put into it. When you try to reduce the equation of Salvation to a few tortured Bible verses that you convince yourself offer a nearly effortless path to salvation, you are, in essence, downing a twinkie and calling it a day.

You are robbing yourself of the hearty spiritual nourishment you need by deliberately turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to all those giants who have gone before. Through scrupulous study of the scriptures, over centuries, they went down into the Bible's deep water, while you are content to wade in the ankle-deep currents.

It is an astounding arrogance to assume that Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Jerome, and all the other Fathers of the Church have no more to say than the average person picking his Bible off his night stand.

Put the Twinkies down and get to work peeling potatoes. Read what these early church goers actually believed and practiced. It is much deeper and heartier than you have been led to believe. It is worth the effort.

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The Catholic Defender: Science Tests Faith

2012-01-17T00:11:00.001-05:00

deepertruth presents and you are invited!

SCIENCE TESTS FAITH

seeing is believing

February 9th and 10th,

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

This is a 2 night series. Each evening builds on the previous e3vening. It is stunning.

St. Peter is hosting a FREE EVENT for everyone in the area. All religious and non-religious are welcome. If you have an "I will believe it when I see it" attitude, don't miss this event!

This will be in Marshall Missouri at St. Peters. This Parish is really doing some great things. I was just there last week getting the chance to see their RCIA program. Also, Alex Jones visited here and gave a great testimony of his conversion to the Catholic Faith.

"I highly recommend this presentation by (deepertruth) Tim Francis! It will deeply strengthen the faith of those who do believe and assist non-believers in their understanding of the Real Presence. A medical doctor who did not believe in the Real Presence now believes wholeheartedly. The speaker's enthusiasm is contagious and will move your faith into action", (Fr. Jim Parker - Pastor of St. Mary and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, East Dubugne, IL.

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The Catholic Defender: Uninterrupted Prayer

2012-01-16T23:52:00.001-05:00

I am wanting to develop a 24 hour (uninterrupted prayer) to be offered in a continuous devotion.

If you already are conducting an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, that would be the prefered dedication.

However, all forms of prayer is good. Please, will you pray one hour or more weekly?

Pick a time and be part of the deepertruth (uninterrupted prayer) for Sinners, Religious & Clergy, Luke Warm, Fallen Away, and Children, to increase in Faith, Hope, Love, and peace.

24/7 prayer to bring souls to Jesus. Christians have been asleep for decades and have allowed evil and moral decay to infect our children and grandchildren, we must get past the rhetoric and stand in harms way for all souls for eternity.

All of our actions must start with and be covered in prayer to the King of Kings.

Let Matthew 5:16 ( Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.) guide your steps.

If you would like to be a part of the deepertruth uninterrupted prayer dedication, please respond giving you name (could be your stage name like "Catholic Defender", your time you can dedicate prayer (weekly/daily) as applical or available.

Prayer Must be our first daily action, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

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Please join us for tonight's Rosary patrol!

2012-01-16T18:14:00.001-05:00

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The Catholic Defender: Faith Alone Revisited

2012-01-12T12:58:00.000-05:00

One of the "Five Solas" that Protestants focus on is "Sola Fide", or faith alone. This is one of the two primary "Solas" established by Martin Luther. There are over 42,000 various Protestant Denominations world wide and despite the vast differences, Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura are front and center.

I have many times been challenged by those seeking to gain Catholic converts and think this is a major marketing point. All you have to do is believe, to say a "Sinner's Prayer" and you are eternally saved.

This is their baseline for "Once Saved Always Saved", another fundamental Protestant belief. A few years ago I used to listened to a local Christian radio station near Ft. Campbell KY. I would check it out from time to time to see what they would be teaching.

On one occasion, the topic of faith and good works was the focus. I called up the radio station to see if I could enter the conversation. Unfortunately, it was only a tape recording and so there was no discussion that was live. Since it was a tape played in the studio, the only person available was the clerk answering the phone. To me that was enough!

I began my challenge with Matthew 25:31-46. If faith would get you to heaven and you do not need "good works", why would Jesus warn us if we do not perform the Corporal Works of Mercy, you would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus spoke that we must feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, comfort the imprisoned, and visit the sick!

Jesus clearly states, "out of my sight, you condemned, into that everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels... As often as you neglected to do it to one of these least ones, you neglected to do it to me. These will go off to eternal punishment and the just to eternal life".

As important as faith is, Jesus doesn't speak to that issue, He is speaking of works that He fully expects His people to conduct. The Lord hears the cry of the poor, we become His hands when we seek to do His will! The lady at the studio was a bit taken back! She was not expecting a rebuttal like this, especially from a Catholic! To me, this was the opening argument! If someone claims to believe in God, but does nothing to help their fellow man, I simply was taking the Lord's word on the issue.

This debate goes back to the original Protestant, Martin Luther! He taught "Faith Alone" and "Sola Scriptura", which attacked the very core and foundation of the Church. This attack would shake the Church to her foundations! The Sacraments could not be "life saving" or "necessary" because they would be the products of "works"!

Luther's issue was far more than the selling of indulgences or disputes about the souls of Purgatory! This would undo 2,000 years of Christian teaching. Baptism, for example, is seen more as a public act, not a matter of necessity.

I encourage the reading of James chapter two. This speaks loudly about "faith alone" which it clearly says there is no faith alone! Philippians 2:16 states, "As I look to the day of Christ, you give me cause to boast that I did not run the race in vain or work to no purpose. Even if my life is to be poured out as a libation, over the sacrificial service of your faith. I am glad of it and rejoice with you".

It is interesting that Luther regarded the book of James as a "gospel of straw", that James did not have "backbone". Why, because James disagreed with Luther's own personal assessment.

James is not alone giving the Apostolic Tradition, St. Paul also says (Philippians 2:12), "So then, my dearly beloved, obedient as always to my urgings, work with anxious concern to achieve your salvation..." If you are studying for a test and the teacher during review stomps his foot or pounds his hands on the desk to insure you get the point, what should you do? You should take note of the essential information! Well, what does God tell us about Judgement? Our finals, the test we should all want to pass!

Jesus states, "But he who ACTS in the truth comes into the light, to make clear that his DEEDS are done in God (John 3:21)". Romans 2:5 states, "In spite of this, your hard and impenitent heart is storing up retribution for that day of wrath when the just judgement of God will be revealed, when He will repay every man for what he has DONE..."

1 Peter 1:17 says, "In prayer you call upon the Father who judges each one justly on the basis of his ACTIONS. Since this is so, conduct yourselves, reverently during this sojourn in a strange land". Hebrews 13:21 states, "Furnish you with all that is good, THAT YOU MAY DO HIS WILL. Though Jesus Christ may carry out in you all that is pleasing to Him. To Christ be the glory forever! Amen."

Revelation 22:12 states, "Remember, I am coming soon! I bring with me the reward that will be given to each man as his CONDUCT DESERVES." John 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever DISOBEYS the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him (Romans 5:9)".

Scripture after scripture tells us we will be held accoutable to our deeds. We must do the will of the Father! If you KEEP His Commandments, you SHOW you love Him! The Catholic Church recognize that we must be obedient in faith. The skull has what we call "infused joints" that keeps our brain protected and intact. We need each part for it to function properly. Likewise, faith and good works are infused, both are essential.

Jesus tells us to "store up heavenly treasure that no one can steal". Our faith must produce fruit! Don't take your faith and bury it in the backyard (Matthew 25:24-28). As I talked with the lady who answered the phone, I realized that the issue will not be won or lost based on this discussion. If I did nothing else, I hope that Jesus would chalk this up to one of the spiritual works of mercy, to instruct the uninformed, to be patient with those in error.

I think the Catholic Church has made some in-roads through the Protestant world! I have heard many of them tell me that "people of faith" will have good works as a result of the fruits of the spirit! That makes the argument more obsolete! Oh, Can you imagine that? Martin Luther would be rolling over in his grave if he heard that!

Faith is a gift! Good works are the product of our response to that gift. Salvation is not earned so that we can punch our own ticket, but good works that pleases God and are God ordained makes that ticket complete. The harvest is plenty but the workers are few!

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The Catholic Defender: Frontline

2012-01-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

The Church is under attack from every imaginable direction, have you ever seen it to this extent?

I served in the Army and know what it is to be on the frontline, the tip of the spear. This domestic battle is bringing on the frontline right in our own homes, our families, and our nation.

When they come at you with their Pro-Gay Activism, just say no! When they come at you with their Pro-Abortion support, just say no! When they come to steal your children, just say no! Jesus wants us to take a stand for him, so that when the darkness comes in like a flood, just stand up! Say yes to the Lord.

There is still much good we can do if we only take that stand. Just consider this, because of the work of deepertruth, Catholic Answers, Defenders of the Catholic Faith (DCF), Catholics Come Home, and other fine Catholic outreaches, The American Catholic reports that 92,000 fallen Catholics returned back into the Catholic Faith in the Phoenix area. Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ! For that we should all be out there "Tebowing"!!!

I was just watching Fox New and it was reported that the Mayor of Pittsburg, Luke Ravenstahl had to wear a Denver Bronco jersy losing a bet with the Denver mayor. Here he is doing the Tebow prayer prose!

Look at what one man has done when the whole world said he can't? Yes, you can! If your a Mom or Dad dealing with a teenager, take heart and keep the faith!

If your struggling to find a job, do not lose hope, keep the faith! No matter what the obsticle, keep the Faith! Do not give in to the temptation of giving up, realize that we are all in a battle for souls, to include our own. St. Paul writes, "Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in immortality" Ephesians 6:23.

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The Catholic Defender: The Sacrament of Marriage

2012-01-10T22:54:00.001-05:00

Marriage is one of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

It is really the first Covenant between Adam and Eve (Covenant of marriage).

Genesis 2:23-24 states, "the man said: 'This one at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called woman, for out of her man this one has been taken'. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body".

In the Old Testament, a Covenant is an exchange of persons in contrast to a contract which is an exchange of things. Marriage fits this perfectly as it mirrors the Covenant God makes with his people. It is interesting that God referred to Israels unfaithfulness to Him as adultery when they chose to follow false gods.

The Israelites were allowed to marry anyone they pleased, "provided they marry into a clan of their ancestral tribe so that no heritage of the Israelites will pass from one tribe to another, but all the Israelites will retain their own ancestral heritage" (Numbers 36:6-7).

Moses will eventually grant a written bill of divorce because of the hardness of heart. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 states, "When a man, after marrying a woman and having relations with her, is later displeased with her because he finds in her something indecent, and therefore he writes out a bill of divorce and hands it to her, thus dismissing her from his house: if on leaving his house she goes and becomes the wife of another man, and the second husband, too, comes to dislike her and dismisses her from his house by handing her a written bill of divorce; or if this second man who has married her, dies; then her former husband, who dismissed her, may not again take her as his wife after she has become defiled. That would be an abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring such guilt upon the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you as a heritage".

Jesus refers to this speaking to some Pharisees who had approached Him. He was asked about divorce, Jesus responded, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female' and for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate. They said to Him, 'Then why did Moses command that a man give the woman a bill of divorcee and dismiss her'? He said to them, 'Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery" (Matthew 19:3-9).

This is a very important scripture here! Who is it that declares a marriage "unlawful"?

Can any husband call his marriage unlawful?

No, he or she cannot make that claim. The "annulment" of a marriage is not a divorce, it is a marriage that is dissolved because it was found to be unlawful. It was never a true Sacramental marriage.

What is the process to obtain an annulment?

What is the base for having an annulment?

A man or woman is not capable of declaring whether a marriage is annulled or not. It has to come from the Catholic Church who provides a tribunal to investigate if a marriage can be annulled.

Matthew 18:15-18 states, "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen to you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven".

You take the matter to the Church and the tribunal will decide. Today, there are allot of annulments taking place, it is like Canon Lawyers have taken this scripture "unlawful marriage" and builds each case just like a regular case in court.

It has a feel very much like a court. You have a Canon Lawyer who defends the marriage while you have an advocate who tries to prove your case based on the evidence. It can take sometimes more than a year or longer for such a decision.

If there has been no remarriage, the individuals involved are not banned from the Sacraments. If there has already been a "remarriage" the individuals cannot receive the Sacraments until a positive decision has been reached and the current marriage validated.

We are living at a time when marriage is being attacked as divorce is more than 50% in the United States, there are Socialistic teachers and followers who are wanting to change what marriage is.

There are liberal Judges who are legislating from the bench trying to justify homosexual marriage. This is becoming a threat to the Sacrament of marriage.

Pope Pius XII in 1950 at the canonization of St. Maria Goretti warned that in the future the attacks on marriage would be great. The creation of the Birth Control Pill had much to do with the advent of the sexual revolution.

Pope Paul VI recognized the threat as the attack on the family became evident. Not all marriages are blessed as many are conducted outside the Church. Jesus warns, "For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man".
We know that Jesus blesses valid marriages such as the wedding feast of Cana (John 2:1-12).

Jesus is clearly referring to a secular humanistic condition of many in the last days.

Many times I have spoken to couples encouraging them with my triangle formula. Christ is at the top of the triangle, both spouses are at either end of the other two points.

The closer they move towards Jesus, the closer they move to each other building that foundation that will help them through any valley or any mountain they have to cross over. Not a day goes by that my wife and I tell each other of our love for each other. She is God's greatest gift to me.

To many times people are quick to abandon their vows. Marriage is a gift to His people. It is the perversion of this gift that is the problem. The Lord wants to bless you abundantly but many times because of our hardness of hearts, we fall into sin many times leading us into a spiritual condition where we are out of the Church.

There are those who have abandoned the Catholic Faith because they are divorced and remarried who rejects the authority of the Church. There are those who forsake marriage for a life of immorality, for orgies, and the like.

There are those who want to make homosexual union a "marriage" which is an abomination against God. All of this us unlawful, St. Paul warns, "We know that the law is good, provided that one uses it as law, with the understanding that the law is meant not for a righteous person but for the lawless and unruly, the godless and sinful, the unholy and profane, those who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, the unchaste, sodomites (homosexuals), kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is opposed to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which I have been entrusted" (1 Timothy 1:8-11).

The gospel St. Paul was entrusted has been given to us through this ministry. The (Catholic)bishops today is the authority for us to believe the gospel message. Let us pray for all Christian men and women that their marriages will be built upon the foundation of the gospel of peace. That children will be raised in loving households being shown good examples of what a father and mother should be. Let forgiveness be center for all of our faults.

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The Catholic Defender: St. Maria Goretti

2012-01-09T03:50:00.000-05:00

Pope Pius XII once wrote, "It is often said almost with passive resignation that fashions reflect the customs of a people. But it would be more exact and much more useful to say that they express the decision and moral direction that a nation intends to take: either to be shipwrecked in licentiousness or maintain itself at the level to which it has been raised by religion and civilization."

It does not take long for anyone today to see how the Western culture has declined attacking religion, family, and society. Young people imitate whom they admire and the grow towards those whom they imitate.

Why is the media silent concerning the dangers of sexually transmitted disease, why does the media support left wing agendas such as abortion and homosexuality?

Yet, we see an attack on religious faith in America.

Little Jacita of Fatima said, "Fashions will much offend our Lord. People who serve God should not follow the fashions". Jacinta also said, "The sins which cause most souls to go to hell are the sins of the flesh".

This was given to her by the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared to the Children of Fatima.

When you do a study about domestic violence, especially violence directed towards women, they become a random statistic.

Every 2 minutes someone is sexually assaulted in the United States, 44% of them under the age of 18. 80% under the age of 30.

There is something to say about the effect of pornography and immodest dress. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27).

When Govenor Rick Perry first entered into the Republican Presidential Race, he was challenged by Michele Bachmann because of his mandate in the State of Texas to give 12 year old girls and older a vaccine against HPV virus.

Recent studies have shown that women have been exposed and diagnost with a sexually transmitted disease at a rate of 1 in 4 down to the age of 12. This is an amazing statistic?

Govenor Perry sought to safeguard these girls from the HPV Virus recognizing the threat as a serious problem.

One of the greatest role models in the early 20th century was a young girl named Maria Goretti. She was a 12 year old girl who was brutally murdered by Alessandro Serenelli.

Maria goretti's Father had a lumber business with a partner, who had a son, Alessandro Serenelli, who was 20 years old at the time of the murder.

Maria's Father had died and her Mother tried to hold up the business when Alessandro began to make sexual advances toward Maria, each time refusing him.

On July 5, 1902, Alessandro attacked Maria while she was at home. He tried to sexually seduce her but she refused crying, "No, no, Alessandro, God does not want it. It is a sin. You would go to hell for it".

Maria had always been drawn to her Catholic Faith, she loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Alessandro stabbed her 14 times and left her there to die. Maria lived through the night and when the Priest asked her what she thought of Alessandro, her last words were: "I forgive him".

Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison when after 8 years he recieved a vision of St. Maria gathering lilies in a field. She turned to him and the lilies became radient and she gave them to him. There were 14 lilies representing her 14 stab wounds.

This so much affected his life that he became a model prisoner and was released from Prison after 27 years time served. Pope Pius XII canonized St. Maria in 1950 with a huge crowd at the Vatican. Alessandro was among the vast throng who were there to honor St. Maria Goretti.

Pope Pius XII gave a stern warning to the world that has proved to be prophetic. The Pope warned that in the latter half of the 20th century, to be a Christian you would have to be a living martyr because the attacks on the family and faith will be so strong.

A great example of this can be seen at the New Hampshire Primary where former Senator Rick Santorum was speaking before a group of supporters when Gay Activists began to chant him down. Because Rick Santorum is a dedicated Catholic, the media has gone after his Catholic values.

The Obama administration has been waging a war against the Catholic church in America. Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, another Republican Candidate for President of the United States, refered specifically how the State of Massechussets because of the Obama mandate for Homosexuals, took away the Catholic Church's ability to help adoption of children because the Church does not recognize Gay parents.

Even though the Church had helped thousands of Children find homes, more than 50% of any other agency. The attack on religious liberty by the Progressives in our Country is tearing at the fabric of our society.

Unfortunately, many 12 year old girls today admire the likes of Lady GaGa, Madonna, who are far from modest. St. Maria Goretti should be a role model that encourages young people to follow and serve Our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy Catholic Church.

Consider the following two questions, "Girls, have you, in any manner whatsoever, made immodest use of your bodies to draw to yourself attention from the opposite sex? Boys, have you, by subtle means or otherwise, sought to induce a girl to sin? If so, you have made yourself an instrument of destruction to any soul you have tempted to sin gravely, since grave sin causes a soul to be lost forever (unforgiven-unconfessed in Confession). You have made yourself an actual companion of Satan, who has vowed to destroy every soul, every temple of God, he possible could".

St. Paul warns, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

Remember Alessandro, years later, after serving as a Capuchin Monk, would say, "I am an old man, almost eighty, nearing the end of my days. Looking back over the past, I realize how, as a youth, I set out on the wrong road, the way of evil, which led me to ruin. I was persuaded to believe-by what I read in the press, or saw in shows, or noticed in bad example of some-that many young men follow that path without giving it much thought. And I, too, did not let it bother me. There were around me those who believed in and practiced goodness and virtue, but blinded by the brute force which pushed me onto the way of evil, I committed, at the age of twenty, the passionate crime which today fills me with horror just to remember. Maria Goretti, now a saint, was the good angel that Providence had sent before my steps to save me. I still bear, imprinted on my heart, her words of reproof and pardon. She prayed for me. She interceded for me, her murderer. Thirty years in prison followed. Had I not been a minor, I would have been condemned for life. But I accepted my well-deserved sentence, resigned to expiating my sin. Little Maria was truly my light, my protectress. With her help I conducted myself well and tried to live honorably when society again accepted me among its members. The sons of St. Francis, the Friars Minor (Capuchin) of the Marches, with seraphic charity, have received me among them, not as a servant, but as a brother. I have been living with them since 1936. And now I serenely await the moment of my being admitted to the vision of God, of again embracing my loved ones, of being near my angelic protector and her dear Mamma, Assunta. Those who read this letter will, I hope, take from it the lesson of fleeing evil and of always following the good, even from childhood. Let them realize that religion, with its precepts, is something one cannot affort to do without. It is a true comfort and the only secure way in all the circumstances of life, even the saddest. Peace and goodness. Alessandro Serenelli."

There is so much that Alessandro says in his farewell letter. Some people seem to have to learn the hard way, if they ever learn at all.

One thing that Alessandro says that is so true, we are to avoid evil, to flee from it. 1 Peter 5:8-10 warns, "Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world (The Catholic Church) undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.

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Still more progress on the webs site

2012-01-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

Check it out!

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Dad

2012-01-06T19:08:00.003-05:00

It's no secret to anyone that you and I had a troubled past. It's also no secret that neither of us, despite all our desperate yearnings, can change that fact. However, I am here to tell you now that I am a better man because you loved me enough to fight for me. I know it wasn't easy for you because I know it wasn't easy for me.

A Father and a Son can yearn to love each other but they must first come to know each other and I didn't know you Dad and you didn't know me. We hurt each other because we couldn't reach each other and we couldn't reach each other because we didn't know each other. You only saw me as someone who was needlessly obstinate and I only saw you as someone who was needlessly cruel. That could have remained forever our story, but it didn't. It didn't because you tried. You tried and you tried and you tried and I tried and I tried and I tried. Too many times our efforts were frustrated and the cost was far too much anguish and far too many tears.

You taught me some things, Dad, this you need to know. You taught me, first, that love can build bridges and love can bash down barriers. Second, you taught me to never, ever give up, now matter how badly life beats you down.

You didn't teach me these things by saying them because I am quite certain I would not have listened. Talk is cheap and anyone can make a good speech. You taught me because you never ceased trying to help me, even when I reviled you. You did as much for my brothers. You taught me not to give up because you never gave up even as I watched you endure enough hardship to destroy any other man ten-fold.

In my life I have gone through things more horrible than I could ever have envisioned but I fought on. I fought on when I felt like dying. I fought forward when I could not see three feet in front of me. I fought forward when I did not even comprehend the strength that drove me forward. I know now that that power came from the hand of God and the example you showed me. Only now can I understand the hell you walked through from having to walk through it myself.

I am not whitewashing what we went through, Dad. We both treated each other in an unspeakable manner, at different times in our past. Yet, the gravity of our past transgressions only magnifies the depth and significance of our sorrow and forgiveness. Now, at last, through the many failures and disappointments, trials and regrets of my life can I understand the crushing effects of constant stress, the grinding oppression that is never-ending anxiety.

But know this, Dad, despite our many clashes and disagreements, you and Mom succeeded, at last, in teaching me the only things I believe you ever sought to teach. I mentioned two before. Let me add a few. You taught me that truth and honor and integrity are more precious than Gold and that the value of a man has nothing to do with how much money he has. You taught me that when the chips are down, though every one runs away, family is there. Despite all the grudges and all the squabbles, family is there.

Dad, I don't have time to go through all of the regrets of my life. They are as numberless as the stars in the sky. You do not need them listed here. However, you do need to know that near the top is that wicked pride, that damnable unforgiveness that burned away so many years and kept us from reaching each other. Nonetheless, love won, after-all and nothing else matters.

At different times in my life, I have been drawn to rhetorical excess and wide swings of emotional outburst but know this Dad, it with a sincere heart and a sober mind that I just have to tell you that I love you and I always will.

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The Catholic Defender: The Catholic Vote

2012-01-06T12:10:00.001-05:00

This upcoming election is going to be one of the most important election years ever in the history of the United States of America. This is a battle for the identity of American culture. American society. This morning I was watching Fox News and the story of Rick Santorum giving a talk in New Hamphire.

Rick Santorum is a strong dedicated Catholic who has strong conservative Catholic values. He is strongly Pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage. Today he was being challenged by college students who supported gay marriage.

Where are our Catholic leaders? Where are those voices that will stand up for our Catholic values? Have we become so diversified in our society that the voice of the Church is reduced to nominal silence?

Where is the voice of American values? Have we lost our Soul as Rush Limbaugh has said so many times? Obama care would make abortion part of it's health plan paid for by the American tax-payer. It would also enforce Catholic institutions and hospitals to provide abortion.

An interesting debate is coming between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. Since New Hamphire is the current battle ground, Newt Gingrich is changing his strategy of maintaining a positive campaign to talking off the gloves and defending his record and comparing it with Mitt Romney's record as a Moderate.

A few Years ago, Newt Gingrich converted to the Catholic Faith and like Rich Santorum, runs on a social conservative record. I do want to be fair with Mitt Romney (a Mormon) who help very liberal views accepting abortion. He is also supportive of gay rights, just short of accepting Gay Marriage.

Many pundants believe that the economy is the number one issue and this will probably hurt President Obama especially if his Obama care officially takes place because this will cripple American business, it will slow growth considerable. We have inched towards an 8.5% unemployment rate, but this does not count the many millions who are not seeking a job on the job market. If this was all counted, the unemployment would jump way up towards 11 or 12%.

It is a great concern high on the minds of all Americans, but I have to ask this question again: Where are the Catholic voters? Despite Rick Santorum's strong showing in Iowa, he did not recieve the strong Catholic vote as expected?

He picked up a strong Protestant Evangelical vote that has catapulted Rich Santorum in Iowa. At this point, he was only behind Mitt Romney by 8 votes across the State, and it is already rumored that miscounts are being found showing he might have won?

The State Republican Chairman has informed the public that it might be a couple of weeks to know the sure outcome of the caucus. What does this say about the illusive Catholic Vote? Why would a Hispanic Catholic vote differently than a Black Catholic? Or a White Catholic vote differently than any other minority?

Are not Catholic values equal among the various subcultures in American life, or is the American secular culture having more of an influence than Jesus Christ? Why would the Protestant Evangelical vote be more Catholic in their voting trend that Catholics themselves?

The real question I think is found on the strength of the family and the home. The Progressives have been trying to subvert the family institution for a long time. This onslaught even affects Catholic schools like Notre Dame.

When Alan Keys and Dr. Gregory Thompson (this year voted deepertruth's man of the year) were arrested for protesting Obama's presence at Notre Dame where Obama was given a high award by the College Dean in disobedience to the Catholic Bishops, several college students displayed hostility towards official Church teaching. This is the climate that Rick Santorum was challenged by today.

The Progressives in our higher education have infiltrated our families seeking to change the American culture. Have we as a Catholic presence lost to the community at large? Do we still have an affect in shaping society.

Rick Santorum is the product of a strong Catholic foundation who has led his own family those same values. Where is everyone else? I am very glad to see a strong conservative group such as Newt Gingrich, whom I have already mentioned and Govenor Rick Perry, who is a Protestant Evangelical, very strong pro-life stand and pro-marriage proponent.

If Rick Perry is the Rebublican nominee, he would have my support. So, for me, there are three real potential candidates to choose from, Rich Santorum, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry. Ron Paul is too extreme supporting the legalization of drugs, support for gay rights, and a weak foreign policy.

Our next President will be very important this next time around as the appointment of Supreme Court Judges will again be front and center. We know that Obama wants to shift the Court Ultra left. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this election of 2012.

Before Novemeber, Obama wants to spend a billion dollars for his attack on whoever the Republican Candidate will be. We know that Obama will have about 90% of the African American vote, but that would be regardless of who the Democrat would be.

We also know that Obama will recieve 90% plus of the Homosexual vote. That will range about 2-3% of society. That is a very low percentage concerning the political strength they have in the Democratic Party? Where will the Catholic vote be? Will we be scattered along Party lines regarless of what the candidates support?

In the end, I will support which ever the Republican nominee will be, but I want the process to work and I hope that the Catholic vote will matter in playing a major role in standing up for family values.

If I would have been in Rick Santorum's audience today, I would have been applauding him for standing up for traditional marriage between a man and wife. It is far more healthy for children to be raised within a real family structure.

I have written before on the problems associated with fatherless homes:

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census) – 5 times
the average.

- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.

- 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)

- 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)

- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)

- 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes – 10 times the average. (Rainbows for All God’s Children)

- 70% of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Sept. 1988)

- 85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Fulton Co. Georgia, Texas Dept. of Correction)

We want to support those single housholds who struggle to make ends meet, whose homes the father became a "dead beat dad". In this circumstance, Mom needs our support, who basically wants to be able to do her best in raising her children.

What we really need is a return to committment, hard work, strong family values. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, "and if my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land".

This is why the Catholic vote is so important, to move the hand of God, his people must come to him with a vigor, a true repentance to turn away from sin and restore our American values and freedom which comes from God. If not, we will continue to lose our freedoms and watch our values erode.

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New comment policy

2012-01-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

I have decided to initiate a new comment policy whereby users will have to at least register for an open-id before commenting. I am hopeful that this will at least discourage hit and run anonymous comments from those with no interest in engaging in a productive conversation. Giving us someone to respond to at least opens up the conversation.

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The Guardian Angel: Hell is Real

2012-01-03T02:12:00.001-05:00

The Urgency of Hell!!! We are in a battle for our souls and the souls of HIS children for eternity!!!

Did you get that exclamation, does it mean anything to you to know that there are people dying and going to hell as I write this. You can even say, “why can’t you just say something nice”, it is time for Christmas and New Years, we should celebrate.

I will say, please do celebrate, because if Jesus did not come, live, die, and rise from the dead, we would have no destination but Hell. So do celebrate HIS arrival, but also celebrate that someone loves you enough to tell you the Truth, Jesus Christ came on earth for one reason, to save souls from HELL.

We know that Jesus preached more on Hell than any other subject, thank you Jesus. You know the deceitful heart of man gravitates to those that preach Heaven and many will be lost. Jesus, you are God, you know that to meditate on HELL will produce many fruits of conversion.

To know this, why are so many Shepherds preaching to please the crowd, instead of preaching to please Christ. So many churches and Christian schools close because of a failure to bear witness to the Truth, and the leaders continue to be blinded to the philosophies of man, that they are smarter than God, and they have a way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life, no one comes to the father, except through me.”

"My brethren, if any of you err from the truth, and one convert him: 20He must know that he who causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins". James 5:19,20

So if we are to follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, pick up our Cross and be used by HIM to save souls from Hell. What greater thing can you give Jesus on HIS birthday and all year round, than HIS most prized possession, a soul.

What better gift can you give your loved ones than to alert them to the reality of Hell, which can start for eternity at any moment. What better gift can you give yourself than to be used to save a soul from Hell, and as it states in Phil. 2:12, “With fear and trembling work out your salvation.”

Indeed when you come to judgment, and Jesus asks you how many souls you have saved from Hell, what are you prepared to tell HIM? Will you say, “well Jesus, people don’t like that Hell talk, because it scares them, and I just want to be nice and for them to like me.”

I love each of you enough to warn you, Hell is for eternity, many go there daily. Hell is a place of extreme pain and despair. It is where each of us deserve to be for our sins, if we are not delivered by the mercy of God. If we are not reconciled with the Father with the blood of Jesus, our dwelling place will be Hell.

When should I preach Hell and to whom should I preach it? Preach it daily as a wonderful act of Charity to all that come into your path. “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord.” John 1:23

Without divine grace we can do nothing. Jesus said “Without Me, you can do nothing.” In 1 Cor. 12:3, Paul says, “And no one can say the Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.” With HIM all things are possible, so stop souls from going to Hell, seek their salvation at any price, as we ask the Lord, “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:2,3

St. Anthony Mary Claret had a great zeal for the salvation of souls, as he preached 25,000 sermons, wrote 144 books, found three religious orders, preached countless missions, and in six years as a bishop, confirmed over 300,000 and validated more that 9,000 marriages.

He stated, ”The Heart of Jesus has loved me, or else I would now be in Hell!” “It is of faith that Heaven exists for the good and Hell for the wicked. Faith teaches that the pains of Hell are eternal, and it also warns us that one single mortal sin suffices to condemn a soul forever because of the infinite malice by which it offends an infinite God. With these most positive principles in mind, how can I remain indifferent when I see the ease with which sins are committed, sins that occur as frequently as one takes a glass of water, sins and offenses that are perpetrated out of levity or diversion? How can I rest when so many are to be seen living continually in mortal sin and rushing in this blind manner to their eternal destruction? No indeed, I cannot rest, but must needs run and shout a warning to them. If I saw anyone about to fall into a pit or a fire, would I not run up to him and warn him, and do all in my power to help him from falling in? Why should I not do this much to keep sinners from falling into the pit and fires of Hell?
Why should there not be a warning of eternal fire to waken those who are drifting in the sleep of sin in such a way that when they open their eyes they will find themselves burning in the eternal flames of Hell?
Remember why Jesus came to earth, one reason, to save souls from Hell. So you and I know this, and we want to follow Jesus, but fail to do anything on this the most important point of Jesus’ coming to earth, because people might not like us, so what does this mean to us? In James 4:17 it states, “to know what to do and not do it, is a sin.” Please do not stand before the Lord with excuses on this issue, knowing that there are those in Hell because we failed to do or say anything.
One final thought, “for those that have been given much, much will be expected.” Note the following quote from St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, “We should constantly thank the Lord for having granted us the gift of the true faith, by associating us with the children of the Holy Catholic Church. How many are the infidels, heretics and schismatics who do not enjoy the happiness of the true faith! Earth is full of them and they are all lost!”

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The Catholic Defender: Tebow Time

2012-01-02T02:12:00.000-05:00

I have been a football fan since the middle 1960's when the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers appeared in the first Super Bowl. From that time, I have been a die hard Kansas City Chief fan.

The 1969 season, the Chiefs would finally win the Super Bowl against the Minnisota Vikings, however, it has been a long drought since the Chief's have gone to the big show. They have had years where they arguably were the best team in football only to lose in the playoffs.

To this point, they have not won a playoff game since the 1993 season. That is an amazing fact in itself, I have often thought that maybe the Chiefs should bring back Joe Montana out of retirement?

Because the Chief's were my childhood team, I've always had a heart for them, but it has been a difficult road to follow the Chief's with high expectation. While serving in Iraq in 2009, I was captivated by the Bret Farve story, the one time Green Bay Packer Quarterback who made a new home with the Minnisota Vikings.

This was an amazing story as the Vikings would come close to going to the Superbowl but finally losing to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC's Championship game. If the vikings would have won this game, they would have gone to the Superbowl.

For me, this was an exciting season following Bret Farve's success in winning games. I'll point out that even though I was in Iraq doing missions and serving my Country, the NFL certainly gave us a great release from our daily duties and hazards.

On game day, we would stay up late or get up early to watch our favorite teams or join the Recreation Center to participate with other Soldiers cheering for our teams. Aside from my Faith, this would be a very important support for me. This certainly helped pass the time away from week to week, but it also gave us something to look forward to that was a little bit from home.

During this deployment, the Kansas City Chief's were not a threat for the playoffs so I put my support for Bret Farve and the Minnisota Vikings. Now that I am back in the United States, and have been retired out of the Army, I still love my Chief's, but they have not progressed in the playoff picture this year. Like the Bret Farve story, a new story has emerged that has captivated my boyhood love for football. This is the Tim Tebow Story.

I want to give a little foundation here before I move forward with Tim Tebow, my wife, Gigi, is from Alabama. Anyone who knows college football, Alabama has a great winning tradition and I adopted Alabama as my favorite team.

Well, the rival to my Alabama team is a conferance rival, the Florida Gators who competed with Alabama for the National Championships. Who was the quarteback for the Gators, Tim Tebow, who not noly won the national championship, but won the Heisman Trophy as well.

That was a great rivalry which we lost to Tim Tebow one year, and then finally Alabama won the next year. At this point, I didn't know much about Tim Tebow's background, but I respected him as a competitor. The only other thing I remeber about him is that he would have a scripture verse planted under his eyes where many players would darken to help them see better in the sun. I thought that was cool.

This past year, Tim Tebow captivated America with his inspiring play winning games in heroic fashion. He took a Denver Bronco team that was 1-4 and would lead them to win the AFC Western Conference Championship. During this great run, many pundants ranging from sports to comedy made fun of Tebow.

Saturday Night Live litterally Mocked Tebow's faith and professed Athiest Bill Maher, a "comedian" attacked Tebow following a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Dispite all the criticisms and public scrutiny, the Denver Broncos won the AFC's Western Division in a highly competitive race.

Denver stood no chance of being in the run without the 7 and 1 winning striek led by Tim Tebow. Being a strong Catholic, I was totally captivated by the story of Tim Tebow and after the Bronco's beat Kansas City in Kansas City, that is when I jumped on the Tebow bandwagon.

One thing I think I should note is that despite all the publicity surrounding Tebow, he has handled this well keeping a humble heart giving respectful responses to his critics on and off the field. That is telling. The impact that Tebow is having off the field is amazing.

Today, 2 January 2012, Fox News reported the inspiring story of a young boy diagnosed with cancer who was given 6 months to live. This is a the story of a young boy captivated by Tim Tebow. He was pictured doing the famed Tim Tebow kneeling position giving thanks to God, when his story was picked up by Tim Tebow.

The young boy got the opportunity to meet Tebow this past weekend in Denver at the final seasonal game with guess who, my Kansas City Chief's.

I found myself supporting Tebow in this game which was won by my Chief's.

For the Chief's it was a meaningless game, it was an opportunity for them to knock out Denver from the playoff's.

They would have done so, but the Oakland Raiders lost to San Diego which gave the title to Denver despite their loss to Kansas City.

Denver won by virtue of tie breakers, three teams had the same won/loss record but Denver won the head to head games.

The Tim Tebow Story is a very inspiring story as the playoffs begin this next week.

The Pittsburg Steelers are coming to Denver and the winner moves forward in the playoffs and the loser stays home. It will be fun to see if "Tebow Time" will continue in the playoffs or if it ends Sunday. With all the publicity that has followed Tim Tebow, there is a very important point I need to raise. (Editors Update) Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburg Steelers 29 to 23 in overtime. Tebow threw for 316 yards! Symbolic for John 3:16! Denver will play Next Saturday at New England.

Tebow is I believe real and sincere in his heart, he is showing great discipline in his faith and loyalty to Christ and his faith. That I admire in him and I am inspired by his not backing down to the secular media.

I also admire the Denver Broncos and their fans who have been captivated by the Tebow Time success. Watching the game, I am seeing the fans with signs ranging "we believe" among other positive support.

That is awesome, kind of reminds me when people use to place signs with John 3:16 seen with the fans. Those were some great video footages when watching the field goal attempt and the ball going through the goal posts and John 3:16 in the background in the midst of wild screaming fans.

This next point about Tim Tebow I need to raise because of the national publicity he has recieved. To people of faith, this transcends religious lines. For Catholics, I do have a caution about Tim Tebow that needs to be identified.

Because of the inspiration surrounding Tim Tebow, he has a growing surge of fans from all walks, me included. However, when you take a deeper look at his faith, there is some cause for concern. His Father, Bob Tebow, come from a Southern Baptist background.

He has no respect for Catholics supporting missionaries in the Philippines, he has an Orphanage there. That is in itself a good and noble thing, but they do not work with the Catholic Church in that region, but seek to overturn it.

The mission of Bob Tebow is to bring the people of the Philippines to Chirst. In this process, this includes converting Catholics. On College Campuses Bob Tebow was very much involved with "Campus Crusaders for Christ" which in itself is a good thing, but unfortunately, many included Catholics as a target to market after.

I myself while in college remember their approaching me and debating me on countless occassion when I was at College in the latter 1970's. I didn't know my Catholic Faith well then and I had to battle between the Catholic Faith and the faiths that they represented.

For a Catholic to be misinformed, they became easy pickings to these groups. I not only have dealt with this kind of pressure on a personal note, but in the Army, these groups focus on young recruits seeking to target Catholics. This is the kind of enviornment that Tim Tebow was raised.

The following is taken from Bob Tebows website, "Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association:

"The Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association has been serving in the Philippines since 1985 with five major priorities: Evangelism, Church Planting, Pastor Training, an Orphanage, and the Training of the Next Generation of Evangelists. It is the primary goal of BTEA to make the gospel of Jesus Christ available to every person in the world.

In 1998, BTEA began to implement a plan to preach the gospel in every barangay (village) in the Philippines. There are approximately 42,000 barangays in the Philippines and it is estimated that over 64% of them do not have a single evangelical church. In a country of over 92 million, the number of people who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ is staggering. These statistics do not even take into account the dozens of ethnic tribal groups that have been living on obscure islands and in remote mountain villages for centuries. It is our goal to go to each and every barangay and give the people the opportunity to hear the gospel at least one time. In addition to preaching the gospel, we are endeavoring to plant indigenous churches with the new converts and train national pastors. It is a tremendous task that must be completed."

When I see the potential good that Tim Tebow is doing along with his family roots, I can't help but think that these children are former Catholics. First generation Catholics who have abandoned the Faith for this association. The challenge for Catholics is to remain steadfast in their faith and grow in their understanding. It is my hope that with Tim Tebow's college experience, and now his Professional Football he has grown in respect for Catholic players on his team and in the football world. I sent him a question on this but have not recieved a response, but I am among thousands so that would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

As a Catholic, I most certainly can respect and admire Tim Tebow's faith, his sincerity to follow and serve the Lord above all things, even football, wouldn't his conversion to the Catholic Faith make big news! We have seen such conversions the past few years from Evangelical Protestants to the catholic Faith. In doing so, I have not seen anytime where they attack or condemn their Protestant upbringing, I hope that Tim Tebow will grow and mature in his faith recognizing that Catholics are indeed Christians, but more importantly, are the fullness and foundation of Christianity!

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A new year, a new site design

2012-01-01T09:50:00.002-05:00

To say I am pleased with the new design, unveiled on the first day of the new year, would be an understatement. Hit the "Home Page" link in the top right side and see for yourself!

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The Catholic Defender: We Want A King

2012-01-01T04:29:00.000-05:00

"In his old age Samuel appointed his sons judges over Israel. His first-born was named Joel, his second son, Abijah; they judged at Beersheba. His sons did not follow his example but sought illicit gain and accepted bribes, perverting justice. Therefore all the elders of Israel came in a body to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, 'Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example, appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us" (1 Samuel 8:1-5).

This is a most important scripture because the people of God were asking for a man to be placed in a position to judge the people. Up to this point, God was their King, he lead the nation using Judges such as Samuel.

Previously, at Mount Sinai, the people gathered to hear the word of the Lord given to Moses, "On the morning of the third day there were peals of thunder and lightning, and a heavy cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking and God answering him with thunder. When the Lord came down to the top of Mount Sinai, he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up to him. Then the Lord told Moses, 'Go down and warn the people not to break through toward the Lord in order to see him; otherwise many of them will be struck down. The priests, too, who approach the Lord must sanctify themselves; else he will vent his anger upon them".

Moses recieved the 10 Commandments from the hand of God, the bible says, "When the people witnessed the thunder and lightening, the trumpet blast and the mountain smoking, they all feared and trembled. So they took up a position much farther away and said to Moses, 'You speak to us, or we shall die'. Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid, for God has come to you only to test you and put his fear upon you, lest you should sin. Still the people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the cloud where God was" (Exodus 20:18-21).

Up to this time, the Lord had been speaking to Moses, but the people were able to know that the Lord was with them, leading them, a cloud by day and fire by night. Samuel marks the end of the time of the Prophets and begins the time of the Kings.

Saul would be the first King of Israel, but because of his disobedience, his throne was given over to another, King David. This is highly important because God promised David that his linage would last forever.

At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel told Mary "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom there will be no end".

Jesus literally is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He is the Priest, Prophet, and King. What the people could not accept at Mount Sinai, Jesus fulfills, what the people couldn't accept at Ramah, Jesus again fulfills.

Today, we have largely lost the concept of a King because of our democracy. Our society wants to make the Church a democracy. That will not happen as the Catholic Church is the kingdom of God on earth. Jesus is the head of the Church, however, until He returns, Jesus placed St. Peter in charge, the keys of the Kingdom belong to the Pope.

One of the constant struggles of the Church is to spread the word of the Lord to all the nations. The past 2,000 years, there have been much progress, yet, we have much to go in accomplishing our mission.

The Roman Empire was brutal for centuries against the Church. This past Christmas, my wife got me a movie entitled, "The Eagle" staring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell. I really liked this movie and I came away with a unique perspective as it is centered in about 120 A.D. Britanica (England).

Rome had been developing countries, building roads, conguering much of the known world. The Lord would certainly utilize this opportunity to spread His Church. There were some attributes that the Romans held that were strong bonds. Their word was their bond.

In the movie "The Robe", Richard Burton starred as a Roman Soldier who crucified Christ and the story is about the Robe and it's affect on him. When he came to terms with who Jesus is, the Soldier offers St. Peter his sword, his possessions, his whole being.

That is important and this was plainly seen in the movie "The Eagle". The Quest to regain his Father's honor, Marcus Aquila with the help of a slave, went into the highlands to retrieve the golden eagle lost by his father in a battle. The story builds when they find the eagle.

The Church would ultimately convert the Roman Empire about 200 years later with the conversion of Constantine, who served in Britain. I have been raised to have a deep love for America and the Flag of the United States. The Church is to go to all the nations and bring the gospel to all who will accept it.

Jesus uses the cultures many times to reach the nations. Jesus is King of Kings and this can convert cultures. The Blackfoot Indians on their Reservation during the season of Lent would carry crosses 7 miles doing the Stations of the Cross. The oldest to the youngest capable for the journey would carry crosses wearing ancestral clothing.

The Polish have a simuliar tradition. Honor and integrity are important attributes to have as did the Roman, Christ restores all peoples into a friendship with God through His Church.

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