casual theology

Check out this story posted on American Papist

So, looking a the quotes below, it sure seems to me that some are lacking moral courage for the sake of being politically correct. “In the name of the Catholic Bishops of the United States, I would like to offer congratulations to President Barack Obama on his receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. As he has graciously said, much of the work of realizing a more peaceful and just world for all persons and nations remains to be done; but the prize was given because as President of the United States he has already changed the international conversation.” – USCCB Statement on Obama winning Nobel Peace Prize "The awarding of the Nobel Prize for Peace to President Obama is greeted with appreciation in the Vatican, in light of the commitment demonstrated by the President for the promotion of peace in the international arena, and in particular also recently in favor of nuclear disarmament. It's hoped that this very important recognition will further encourage that commitment, which is dif...

Here's an interesting little section from JPII's encyclical... “It is frequently asserted that contraception, if made safe and available to all, is the most effective remedy against abortion…But the negative values inherent in the " contraceptive mentality "…are such that they in fact strengthen this temptation when an unwanted life is conceived. Indeed, the pro-abortion culture is especially strong precisely where the Church's teaching on contraception is rejected … despite their differences of nature and moral gravity, contraception and abortion are often closely connected, as fruits of the same tree … in very many other instances such practices are rooted in a hedonistic mentality unwilling to accept responsibility in matters of sexuality, and they imply a self-centered concept of freedom , which regards procreation as an obstacle to personal fulfillment.” ( Evangelium vitae , 13)

October is Right to Life month (apparently September was Neglect Your Blog by Not Blogging Month). I recently had the privilege of leading a discussion about the Culture of Death vs. the Gospel of Life at our parish. Pope John Paul II used the term “culture of death” in his 1995 encyclical Evangelium vitae to describe the growing acceptance of abortion, euthanasia, eugenics and other activities the violate the dignity and sanctity of the human person. So did you know...it is illegal in 18 states for a minor to get a tattoo even with parental consent, but in each of those states a minor can get an abortion? In eight of them parents don't even need to be notified much less give their consent, in the other states parental consent can be bypassed by another family member or court order.

This past Sunday the Gospel reading continued it's journey through John 6. This multi-week emphasis on the Bread Of Life discourse should help us reflect more deeply on Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist. As I shared previously this is the font & summit of our lives, both individually and as a catholic community. It is the principle source of spiritual nourishment for our souls. Yet, not everyone is a big fan. I'm not speaking here of Fundamentalist objections to transubstantiation, but about the very real spiritual world in which we live. This was brought home to me in a very personal way this past Sunday. While attending mass with my two oldest daughters I noticed a young woman sitting in the very front acting very strangely. I had discerned that she was under the influence of an evil spirit, particularly of a sexualized and sacrilegious one (for more on discernment of spirits see 1 Cor. 12). I had the very distinct impression that she was going to do something ...

As many of my friends and family know, Lisa & I spent about 10 years outside the Catholic Church. During our sojourn to non-denominational Evangelicalism we gained a deeper appreciation for our Catholic heritage and were blessed by the things our Protestant brothers and sisters taught us. As much as the Church has to offer, we can also learn quite a bit from the other members of Christ's mystical body. One such lesson is taking full advantage of what you've been given. I know many Catholics who, when looking to their seperated brethern, focus on what is lacking in these various denominations when compared to the full riches of Catholicism. In particular, it is easy on one hand to see how Christ's Eucharistic presence is missing from their worship. I would counter however, that many Protestants do more with the little they have than so many Catholics who squander this great gift of God. In light of the current liturgical focus on the Eucharist, I am speaking principall...

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” - John 6:35 We are in the midst of several weeks of readings from John 6 during Sunday liturgies. Here we have the story of the feeding of the multitudes and the Bread of Life discourse. What a great opportunity to reflect upon the gift of the Eucharist. The Catechism reminds us of the clear teaching of Vatican II that "the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life." ( Lumen Gentium 11, CCC 1324) It is in the Eucharist that we both recieve the grace to live out the Christian faith and clearly see the perfect fruit and purpose of that faith: union with God. It is in the Eucharist that our souls are fed and strengthened to endure the trials that come our way. Through the Eucharist we become one Body in Christ. St. Augustine spoke of how it takes many grains of wheat being crushed, mixed with water and baked together to make one loaf of bread; and i...