Could the slaughter of innocent children happen again?

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The Church recognizes these boys, aged 2 and under, as martyrs for Christ. These children died at the hand of Herod, who feared the Christ was after his "power". Whenever I read of this account, I am reminded of how Pharaoh, also fearing for his "power", ordered the death of Hebrew baby boys.

Here are 2 excellent articles regarding the Holy Innocents:

Did the slaughter of the innocents really happen? by Jimmy Akin

Illegal Immigrants, Puppet Kings, Mass Murder and Peace Wrapped in Thorns by Rebecca Hamilton

Could such things happen today?

Well, we see accounts all over the world, and especially here in the USA of innocent lives, including those of children being cut down mercilessly. But what is not covered by a selective and biased media are the 42 MILLION babies murdered in the womb EACH YEAR for one kind of "power" or another.

These children are being sacrificed on the altar of Satan, the altar of abortion.

Guest Blog: The Truth about Christmas

- by L. Cowell

Christmas is not about joy, peace, love, or happiness; best wishes, dreams or hope, family love, friendship or any other squishy feeling. I love all those things, but if that was all it was about, I could much easier get all that from hugging a teddy bear. It's also not about trees, bells, tinsel or other sparkly things. Material things are wonderful and have their place, but they don't define Christmas.

And most of all, Christmas definitely is not about making it mean whatever we want. Christmas is about one thing only, the birth of Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Most Holy Trinity; born out of the love for all mankind. He came to teach us how to be fully human, how to be what we were created to be. Only when we embrace the Truth that He is, will we then know true joy, peace, love, and happiness. Only then will our best wishes, dreams and hope have meaning.

Only then will family love and friendship be aright in our lives. If we allow Him to define us, we then truly will be whole. In giving up ourselves, we gain all.

This Christmas, lose yourself in Jesus Christ the Person. And know True Love.
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L. Cowell is a Catholic wife and mother. She writes from Pittsburgh, PA.

December 26 is a big deal in my house

December 26 is much more than the day after Christmas in my house. It'as a big deal for multiple reasons.

For starters, Christmas lasts more than just one day. It lasts about 3 weeks until Epiphany.  But that's for everyone, not just us.

December 26 is also the Feast of St. Stephen, the saint I chose as my patron at Confirmation. And, I know that might not really excite many.

December 26 is also the anniversary of my youngest son's Baptism, and that alone makes the day special for us. Many Catholics are not aware of their own Baptismal anniversary. I really encourage you to discover this important date. I'll spare the catechesis for now. ha ha.

And it is the event of Brandon's Baptism that God used to work through, not only the Ordinary means by which He operates in the Sacrament but also through Extraordinary means as well. It's a good example for me of God's work in the kairos. Here's a few examples of what enhances this event for us:

• It was one of multiple instances that God used to affirm His call of me to stand strong in my return to Him
• It was the first time that my wife Kendra and I attended Mass together at our parish in Arabi, LA
• It was one of many moments that God used to remind me that I am a silly little man and He is God
• It was, I believe, the first time that my wife understood how God speaks to our hearts and how He was speaking to hers
• Thus it was also the day He planted the seed of the "desire for Baptism" in her heart as well (although that was revealed later)
• St. Stephen was a deacon in the early Church. This is very appropriate as the ministry of the diaconate through several deacons  has been special to us
• This includes the deacon who baptized Brandon and earlier gave the Homily that put me in my place and was the vehicle by which God delivered his message to Kendra; all at once
• On this date in 2004, it was also the Feast of the Holy Family. I believe this to be the time that began the formation and foundation of our family's preparation for the events that led us to our current location

Of less significance, but will always be remembered by me is that just minutes before the Baptism, Brandon peed on me; all over the front of my white shirt..

Yep.

McDonald's insensitive during elementary school fundraiser

Last night was "McTeacher" night at my local McDonald's. This event was a fundraiser for my son's elementary school. Fundraisers such as this, where the restaurant donates 10% (as in this case) or more to the school or cause are fairly common here. There was an interesting twist to this one though as the teachers from my son's school participated with serving, cleaning up, greeting, and taking orders. Also, Santa was there, allowing children to sit on his lap, talk to him, and to take pictures with him.

The place was pretty full, and I was glad that we went during the last teacher shift (which was the shift my son's teacher served on) as the crowd could have been even heavier. That's when I noticed several children looking at something. It was the television. CNN was on, and of course there was continuing coverage of the Connecticut tragedy playing out, complete with pictures and stories of some of the young children who were killed.

I wrote on Monday and again on Tuesday about how I have shielded my younger children from what has happened and hoped to continue to do so. My family was positioned so that, while my children could see the television if they tried to, it was less likely for them to notice it than for the aforementioned children.

I went to the counter, got the attention of one of the at least 3 managers on duty, and mentioned my concern to him. I asked if he would please consider putting on something more child-appropriate. He told me that CNN is the only channel the restaurant received. I then asked him to please consider turning the television off. He acknowledged my request but did not affirm or decline my request directly.

We were there for another 20 to 30 minutes. The television remained on. My children did not see what was on television, but many others did.

Besides the lack of common sense, I think this was completely insensitive.

Carry on.

One day at a time

Yesterday, I wrote about my desire to keep my youngest children (4 and 8) sheltered from last Friday's horrific events. I was very pleased when my son, who is in second grade, came home apparently still unaware of what happened in Connecticut. We will continue to take it one day at a time.

Unfortunately, it seems the politicization of what happened there is just heating up and getting more intense.

Still, it is not the time for such debates. It is a time to mourn, to pray, to reflect, and to love.

My Agenda Regarding Last Friday's Tragedy in Connecticut

Since the tragic events that occurred last Friday in Connecticut,  I have been inundated by messages and agendas. Most of what I have seen has been on the internet and social media because I have shielded my four and eight year old children from what has happened.

We are in trouble. It's not that it's a surprise to me that we are in trouble. I just want to reiterate though; we are in trouble. I have seen numerous posts saying to some effect or another that "we are a nation in mourning". I'm sure many are mourning. I saw my wife and others sobbing at Mass yesterday as we prayed for the victims and their families during the Universal Prayer (Prayers of the Faithful). But as a nation?

I'm not sure there is anything we do as a nation anymore. But what we really are is a nation of agenda-driven people. I'd like to say that I'm saddened that almost everything that happens these days gives way to the imposition of various agendas. Truth is though, that the word "almost" does not apply; it's everything. It's the way we're wired these days. No one wants "their" agenda drowned out by someone else's.

I was going to lay out some examples, but you don't need me to do that. You've seen them all too. Some of those agendas are completely contrary to what I believe. Some of the agendas expressed have been spot-on to what I believe, and others fall somewhere in the middle to varying degrees on my "agendometer". I hope to continue to resist the urge to throw my own two cents in to any of these particulars.

Are you truly "mourning" with the parents, relatives, and friends of the victims? Really? Because I don't think they have any agendas on their minds. They are grieving with an unimaginable level of suffering. Please God, may I never experience such pain. May no other parent ever have to experience such pain again.

But alas, I do have an agenda. As I stated, my youngest children have no idea about these events. Yet, this morning I sent my 2nd grader to school knowing that it is unrealistic to think that all of his friends are as oblivious to this horror. Part of my agenda was to spend a little extra time with him, to give him an extra hug and an extra kiss, and to tell him "I love you" more than any previous day. That part was easy and of course successful. The next part of my agenda? Well, I am aching just thinking about how much information he will take in today. Not because I am afraid to talk to him about it or what to say, but because an eight year old should not have to think or worry about such things. He just shouldn't.

When he comes home today, I will again give him some extra affection. As any other day, I will ask him about the events of his day. But today I will have that secondary agenda; to ascertain what he knows about last Friday and help him as best I can. I do pray he knows nothing.

That is my agenda for today....until it's time for tomorrow's agenda.

Born to Die

Well I'm really out of rhythm lately with the blog. There have been several family matters that have taken precedence the past few weeks, and I have taken on a super major project at my parish. More on that in the weeks to come, but I thought I better punch something in here, so here goes.

We are in the second week of Advent now, and one of the most notable symbols of Advent is the Advent Wreath. Below are just a few of the symbols or meanings of different parts of the Advent Wreath:

The 4 candles = 4 Sundays in Advent

Purple = preparation

ROSE (not pink) is used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent; Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday; We rejoice because the gift of Jesus at Christmas is almost here and we are half-way in our Advent preparation.

Evergreen leaves = eternal life

Prickly leaves = the crown of thorns

Circle = no beginning and no end, the eternity of God and the everlasting life we receive through Jesus

Light = the light of Jesus; We are called to reflect the light of Jesus to the world

It is the prickly leaves that catch my attention the most during this second week of Advent. Why during such a time of joyful hope and expectation would we consider the crown of thorns?

Even while we are getting ready for the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that he came to suffer and die for us. We are reminded that it is not always easy to do God’s Will.

It is precisely during the times of doubt (as Joseph must have faced) and the sincerity of our faith is put to the question (as was Mary's) and when the whole world stands against us (as against Jesus) that God is preparing to do His best stuff!

I'm not always the best at embracing hardships, difficulties, and struggles. So I know that is one thing that I am being called to reflect upon and pray about this Advent.

Saint Nicholas; More than the legend of Santa Claus

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra. While many know of Santa Claus, most are unfamiliar with the real man whose life inspired the legend. Click here for a nice short piece for your enjoyment and edification from today's Divine Office.

And if you have children, you may want to consider the DVD "Nicholas the Boy Who Became Santa".

Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world. Based on historical fact and tradition...this is a beautiful Christmas classic for children that helps them get to know the real Saint Nicholas!

 If you do, please use the link I provided. Your purchase will benefit the ministry of Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio.

Celebrate the life of Saint Nicholas!!!

Advent: Another chance to jump into God's time machine

I have always been fascinated with the thought of time travel. I watch as many nerdy television shows as possible which address the topic through any genre.

So for me, it's only natural to be especially interested in God's existence outside of time and His choosing act within the confines of time and even more so, His joining of the two.

Time - and Time Again

A former pastor of mine once preached about chronos and kairos time. Very simply, chronos time may be explained by the answer to the question "What time is it?" while kairos time is better explained by the statement "I had a great time". While chronos refers to sequential time, kairos refers to a moment.

In the Eastern Church, before the Liturgy begins, the deacon exclaims "Kairos tou poiesai to Kyrio"; which means "It is time for the Lord to act", recognizing the joining of our earthly and heavenly worship.

Lost in Translation

In the Western Church, when we hear the words "Do this in memory of me" in the English translation, we can lose the real meaning of the word "anamnesis" which is the Greek word from which we draw upon. Anamnesis more specifically means "made present". We don't just "remember" the Paschal mysteries. By the working of the Holy Spirit, we enter into them; on God's awesome time machine if you will.

Back to the Future

Advent is now upon us, and here is a little something I found in the catechism:

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. (Catechism 524)

I just love the chance to time travel. Don't you?

Beginning an END to Abortion

Not long ago, I posted about some pro-life problems. For far too long, we have been divided. For far too long, we have been reliant upon political parties and/or candidates with far too little true concern about pro-life measures. It is time to make a new start, a real start if you will. It is time for the beginning of the end to abortion.

Texas Pro-Life Action Team has set out to do just that; beginning the end to abortion. The grass-roots organization's focus and efforts will be on ending abortion in Texas, but could very well be used as a model for groups and organizations in other states.

By training people to become their own lobbyists in the Texas Legislature, the group hopes to teach them to form relationships with their elected officials in order to apply pressure when it comes time to vote on pro-life bills.

The first training session is set for Saturday, February 9, 2013. The Crusaders for Life at the University of Dallas in Irving will host the event.

I will be posting more about the training and other efforts by Texas Pro-Life Action Team as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, I encourage you to visit their website, to like their page on Facebook, and to follow them on twitter.

Personally, I want to state that I am very encouraged by the vision of this organization. The abortion machine likes to hide behind the false notion that it is somehow part of "healthcare". I see this as a great window of opportunity, but that's enough for now.
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Texas Pro-Life Action Team are a group of concerned citizens who want to end the culture of death and make unconditional respect for human life the foundation of a renewed society via two means: grassroots political training and public witness/activism. Read more here. Use the  Contact form.

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Crusaders for Life promotes the dignity of life from conception through natural death through their prayerful presence at a Dallas abortion clinic each Saturday, as well as through lectures and visits to a local retirement home. For more information, contact Jennifer Wallace at 972.721.5000 x5165 or at jwallace@udallas.edu.