1 John 2:15–17 (RSVCE)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.
Jeff Mirus at Catholic Culture, whom I have the greatest respect, has recommended an article from First Things on immigration called Our Muddled Masses. Catholic Culture is an outstanding source for an authentically Catholic perspective on issues, but I think Jeff misses the mark on this article.
Jeff’’s take is that the original article provides a different way of thinking about immigration that avoids many of the debates going on about immigration reform by focusing on getting the right kind of immigrants. The theory appears to be that if you get the right kind of immigrant, the rest of the problem will sort itself out.
I believe Jeff, and the original article miss the core of the real immigration issue and should not be recommended as a particularly Catholic perspective on the issue. I am not saying that encouraging people who can contribute to the economy is a bad idea, but to argue that it is immigration reform is to completely miss what is going on – further, by defining a person by their economic worth, advocates a position that stands counter to an authentically Christian (i.e., Catholic) perspective.
The article is really about competing in the global talent pool and is an important economic activity. We certainly need to create opportunities for the people who are here, immigrant or not, and the people who will come. Getting the best talent in the world to work here in the United States is a sound economic strategy, but it is not a solution to the immigration issue as most understand it. When we talk about the “vital few” we may be losing in the competition for the global talent pool, it is the Asian and Indian immigrants that are the main problem. The issues there are complex, but, I would argue, are strongly affected by our posture toward the world and fear of letting in terrorists after 9/11. Important topics but not what is usually meant by the immigration issue.
There is an immigration problem right now. Millions of people are in this country illegally. These immigrants have left something and are coming to something. There are reasons at both ends of the migration that need addressing. The situation in their home countries is inadequate at a human rights level. Sometimes, the problem in the home country is more than just economics. They come here because it fills an economic need on our end – cheap labor. These two things are root causes, just as it was for many of our forefathers. They are leaving a bad situation in the hope of something better. There are more than one in my immigrant background who fled trouble. While I, the progeny of poor, uneducated immigrants (not those “vital few”), have achieved the highest of academic degrees and a modicum of success and societal contribution, that was hardly the case for them.
To really address the problem we must tackle several questions that largely center on the illegal immigration community, which is primarily Hispanic, and largely Mexican. We need to understand and address why we “need” the illegal immigrants that already form a substantial portion of our economy. What are they fleeing, can that be changed and how? Why are they coming? Is the current situation just for all involved? How can it be made more just? As a rich neighbor to a poor one, what is our responsibility to them? What is the value of an immigrant? How does a just society deal with such issues? What should be the Catholic voice on these issues?
In a stretch of logic, the original article makes the argument that if we poach talent (the “vital few”) from a country (like Mexico) that it will benefit that country. To be clear, the benefit IS for US, and not Mexico. A policy of recruiting away the intellectual elite and officially rejecting the suffering so that the leaders in Mexico will do something to improve their own situation is wishful thinking at best. Beyond this weak attempt, the vital questions above are ignored.
What is worse, the authors define people in a way that is counter to a Catholic perspective. It assigns a utilitarian assessment of the worth of an immigrant and argues that we need to recruit more of these valuable people to offset the supposedly negative value of the masses that are currently here. To the extent it talks about illegal immigrants, it defines these human beings as a drain on state resources, treating them as mere economic entities (though they even do that inadequately by ignoring the real value they provide to the economy).
The following is the argument reduced to its central theme. We the rich nation, have millions who seek the scraps from our table, and the solution offered is that we should invite more of the right type of immigrant (the “vital few”) to the table. If we do that, those massive drains on the state might become valuable (or at least offset). This perspective is not a Catholic approach to immigration.
What would an authentically Catholic approach involve? It would need to start from Catholic first principles. It would certainly involve advocating for justice and the dignity of every human being. It would involve mercy, going beyond mere justice – particularly for the less fortunate. Ultimately, it would involve faith that if we do what is just and merciful our heavenly Father will provide.
This information is worth spreading far & wide. Read it and share it. The link to the full article is below. When a woman and those who support her “decision” buy into the culture of death, it is not merely being closed to life or the violent rejection of her unborn children – it is her life she risks as well.
Daily News: Federal Study Confirms Contraception-Breast Cancer Link: NCRegister
Ten years ago, Dr. Chris Kahlenborn, authored the book Breast Cancer: Its Link to Abortion and the Birth Control Pill, which established the connection between the birth control pill and breast cancer.
Now, a federal study confirms that data.
The study shows a strong connection between the use of oral contraceptives and a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer with a high mortality rate, known as “triple-negative” breast cancer (TNBC). The study also found that the connection was highest among women who began using oral contraceptives while they were teenagers.
I know that The Biggest Loser is not the height of TV excellence, but I was watching it a couple days ago (Jan 5). While it won’t win any TV awards and there is a sense in which the misery of others is exploited as entertainment, there is also an element that is good and inspiring. I have not found many shows where I genuinely find myself rooting for everyone to do well. There is a little bit of motivational help too as I look to shed a bit of weight this year as well.
The Biggest Loser itself is not what I want to blog about, it is Pillsbury. In the middle of the show Pillsbury had an ad for cinnamon rolls. What kind of company places ads for cinnamon roles on a show that is about losing weight? Who do they think is watching the show? Given that most of the ads are about weight loss and exercise, one understands that the audience is largely people who need to lose weight. One of the show’s trainers mentioned how all of the contestants are fans of past seasons.
If that is the case, and let’s not pretend that Pillsbury doesn’t know it, how can they ethically advertise a products that are designed to tempt those who least need that? They can’t. It is like putting Vegas casino ads in at a gambler recovery meeting, or offering cigarettes to someone trying to quit smoking. What is wrong with these people? It is not the ads themselves, but the placement in an inappropriate place that makes it unethical. The lack of ethical consideration takes two parties here. Not only is Pillsbury willing to help sabotage the good intentions of Americans seeking to improve and extend their lives, but NBC had no problem taking their dough.
There are two reasons that I call your attention to this issue. The first is to give a shout rather than a whisper when something is amiss. I don’t think ethics is a high priority at NBC or Pillsbury, but I do think that public opinion is. So I am doing my small part in trying to shape it.
The second reason is to provide a reminder for all of us engaged in business. What we do “for business” can and should be judged in terms higher than mere economics. Doing what is right must take precedence over doing what maximizes profit. Hopefully in all of our efforts the two will align, but when they do not we must decide as if the health of our souls depended on it (because it does). The dollar should not be our god, even in business. If you find yourself slipping in your own business decisions, it would be a good idea to re-read the first commandment (Exodus 20:2-6).
Praise God for the gift of himself to us!
Just got back from the Children’s choir mass and are about to start the Christmas eve festivities.
May your Christmas be joyous!
How is your Advent? Advent represents a time of waiting, expectation, and change. If we are open to it, Advent is a time of spiritual journey, of change. It can be a time of hammering out our issues in preparing for the coming of Christ. Or more properly put, it is a time when we may allow God to hammer out our flaws – if we are willing to let him.
I was graced last week to encounter a most generous group called In the Arms of Mary at Catholics at Work OC event. This is not the first time that I have experienced this groups generosity. Earlier this year, they gave away to members of Catholics at Work OC the book God Alone Suffices, a book I shared with all who were interested. This past week, they shared yet another book, Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock, as a gift at our last event before Christmas.
I highly recommend both books, and have been repeatedly brought up short by the insights of these books. They are heavily based on some intellectual and spiritual heavyweights and the insights can change your life. This advent one of the images that struck me was one of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river. The Dead Sea is 1385 feet below sea level, the lowest point on the Earth’s surface that is not beneath water.[ref] Because of its hypersalinity (more than 1/3 salt) there is essentially no life in the sea. It is fed only by the fresh waters of the Jordan river, which are turned saline in the Dead Sea.
The analogy compares the Dead Sea with our pride, and the fresh water with the life giving and transforming grace of God. Our pride can kill that grace, and is the essential source of our sin. Our preoccupation with what we want, our narcissistic self love, and desire to follow our own will are like the saline sea that turns the life giving waters of into dead water. It is only if we turn away from our sin, or self-love, and surrender to God’s will that we can be transformed. This dieing to ourselves is not just a one time event, because our predilection to pride is so strong, we must constantly watch against it and continually surrender to God’s will.
This ongoing process of sanctification is not without pain. To free us from our pride, God reveals to us who we are inside. When we see our true selves, it can be painful. We see our sin and our arrogance, how we treat others, and how we treat God. It is easy in such times to despair. But we must also remember that God loves us in spite of all of our failings, and he is calling us away from this – if only we will let him. We must become truly humble – able to recognize our own sins, failings, corruption and inadequacy AND recognize that God loves us beyond all measure and wants to transform us. If we can do that, then we can be transformed and progress spiritually and get beyond the pain of our own inadequacy.
As we prepare to celebrate our Saviors coming in history, look within yourself and prepare for his coming there. It is time to unseat the usurper pride from His rightful throne in your heart.
Ever notice how just about every group thinks its OK to attack Christians and what we hold sacred? Atheists, Hindus, Muslims; even Jews in Jerusalem are spitting on Christians. Now Budhists those “peace loving” Budhists are in on the act.
Of course here in this country we are attacked, for daring to speak our beliefs and defend the defenseless.
Let us remember that this is to be expected. Remember John 15:20.
Buddhist extremists brutally attack Catholic church in Sri Lanka
More than 1,000 Buddhist extremists armed with clubs, swords and stones ferociously attacked a Catholic church in the town of Crooswatta, Sri Lanka on December 6, destroying the altar, statues and pews.L’Osservatore Romano reported that Father Jude Denzil Lakshman, pastor of Our Lady of the Mystical Rose, said “I still can hear their shouts in my ears, ‘Cut him to pieces, kill him’.”
The attack took place after the 7 p.m., Sunday Mass, leaving several parishioners wounded. “It is obvious that the attack was well-planned and that the mob waited for us to come out after Mass,” Father Lakshman said.
One parishioner told the Archdiocese of Colombo that as the congregation was leaving the evening Mass, they saw a mob coming towards them.
The parishioner added that the mob “set fire to Fr. Lakshman’s car and then someone attempted to strike him with a sword,” but a young man heroically pulled him away.
Live Action Films is one of the brightest spots in our culture in the past 10 years. This is a group that is on the front lines of the most important human rights issue facing the world today. UCLA student Lila Rose has created something that is bringing awareness and change.
Their latest series just kicked off uncovering the lies told in “counseling” at Planned Parenthood clinics. Watch this first episode.
If you value what this group of energetic and effective young people is doing, then spread the word – and if you are ready to put your money where your beliefs are – shoot over to their site and donate a little something too. I did.
Here is and interesting fact. “New FBI statistics on hate crimes show a nine percent increase in crimes against religious groups in 2008 and an almost 25 percent increase in reported hate crimes against Catholics. Ref
With all the “yes we can” and bringing everyone together and all sorts of other platitudes fed to us by the current administration, we would have expected to see an increase in civility. In fact, we have seen quite the opposite. Hate crimes are on the rise. I think that maybe the difference is that those committing the hate crimes are usually the ones complaining that they are the targets. It sure has gotten interesting, hasn’t it.
It would be wise if our elected officials would attend to this issue. The most fundamental right in our society is for a person to believe as their conscience leads them. It is more fundamental than the right to speech or to vote or any of the other civil liberties – it is a definition of liberty itself – to believe and act according to what one’s conscience indicates as right and just. In fact, this right ranks second only to the right to life. Of course, we already know the administrations stand on the right to life.
So if the primary fundamental right is negotiable, and the second fundamental right is under attack, what are we to believe about the current leaders of our society?
If you have not gone to the Manhattan Project to sign your agreement, now is the time. Click the banner to go now.
The Manhattan Declaration is a call to action for all Christians to defend:
1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.
It is for Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians together. More than 180,000 have signed it so far. Take a stand go and sign it – be a part of this common Christian action.
My wife and I are starting a new business – Kyrie Brand. It is based on the idea that we are surrounded by, identify with, and even wear a variety of brands. The idea of Kyrie Brand is that we should be marked or “branded” for the Lord (Kyrie means Lord in Greek).
We have also found that sometimes there are great t-shirts that scream Christianity. These are great, in the right place. But sometimes, what we need is something that is appropriate to more occasions, something more subtle – perhaps an ichthys in place of a tiger or Nike swoosh on a polo shirt. Here is what is on the website about branding and the concept:
To brand means to label or mark. There are plenty of brands in our world today: BMW, Nike, Coke and DKNY, just to name a few. These are all brands that people willingly display as something that identifies them. Kyrie Brand was founded with that thought in mind. If we are willing to display our fondness for these material items, should we not be as willing to display our love of God? We wanted apparel that tastefully brands us as Christians, without being presumptuous or gaudy. Our shirts and accessories are of high quality materials and we take the greatest care and thought in our designs and embroidery to bring you classic styling, so you can mark yourself for the Lord!
The site also has men’s and women’s shirts, tote bags, as well as original posters, and decorative tiles to brand your home or office.
Check it out, and let us know what you think.
I watched this one at Mark Shea’s. It reminds me of some of the more creative biblical exegetes (and most things on the History Channel). Enjoy.
Mother Theresa Quote - As long as we make the best effort we are capable of, we cannot feel discouraged by our failures. We cannot claim any successes either. We should give God all the credit and be extremely sincere when we do so.
I have taken two political polls recently. One via phone where AP (Associated Press) was the sponsor and then a Zogby political poll for whom the sponsor was not specified. Both left a foul taste in my mouth.
The AP poll was a bit disgusting – they wanted to know if they ran more ads stories attacking my congressman, would that change whether I would vote for him or not. Frankly, I found the concept completely disgusting that a news group would be deciding what stories to pursue by whether it would take out a congressman or not.
Both polls used a simple-minded perspective on political perspectives using a unidimensional understanding – you are either liberal or conservative. It is time that these folks start looking and thinking in a more sophisticated way – there is more than left or right. I am not a party affiliation, I am a man with views that are more complex than they want to present. It reflects poorly on those who are thinking about the future of our nation that they cannot look at the world as having more than one dimension.
Does society have a common vision?
Is a common vision needed for a society to survive?
Can we maintain a union if we are not united?
What unites us?
What does it mean to be united?
Is trust needed to be united?
What does it mean to trust?
Whom do we trust?
Whom do we not trust?
Why?
If you do not trust someone, can they lead you?
Will you follow someone you don’t trust?
If we cannot agree on whom we trust, can we share a leader?
Is there a deeper level of agreement?
What is it?
Is it enough?
Can people trust you?
Everyone?
Do we have common goals?
What is your goal?
Do we share a common destination?
What is your destination?
What is your purpose in life?
What is our purpose in life?
Is there anything you would be willing to die for?
What does it mean to lead and to follow?
Whom would you follow?
Whom do you follow?
Why?
John Allen Muhammad is scheduled to die tonight by lethal injection in Virginia. He is responsible for the murders of 10 people in the D.C. area in 2002. His crime was heinous, murdering indiscriminately in cold blood.
It is a dark mark on our nation that we treat people in this manner. There is no excuse for what this criminal did, but there is also no excuse for our society to execute him. The laws allowing for execution in the United States are unjust. These laws do not prevent crime or keep society safe. The only motive served is vengeance, which is not a part of justice. Like other parts of the culture of death, we are taking unto ourselves judgments that we should not make. All life is sacred – even that of a criminal.
Make no mistake, I understand that a society has a right to use the death penalty, but that right is not a moral carte blanche. To take that life, a society must have good reason, and vengeance is not morally acceptable. That reason is lacking here, and so we collectively bear the shame of this sin.
Here is a challenge worthy of your consideration from The Death Penalty in Our Times | Archdiocese of Washington:
In the end we are invited to stand together with the Pope and Bishops in their prudential judgment on the matter of captial [sic] punishment. We may be emotionally glad to see the likes of John Allen Muhammad ushered out but in the end we should have serious questions about what we are really doing here. Our Pope and bishops ask us to ponder such things and to stand with them against such death oriented solutions. Why not, in time of war, stand with them in their strategy?
Today, let us pray for four things:
h/t to Paul at Thoughts of a Regular Guy
Daily News: Anglican Province Accepts Pope’s Offer: NCRegister
The Traditional Anglican Communion’s province in Great Britain has become the first to accept Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Constitution for Anglicans.
All its members voted unanimously to come into communion with Rome under the terms of the new provision, which allows them to retain their Anglican patrimony.
Nancy Pelosi and her deceptive ilk are at it again, trying to sneak one by the American people. Voice your opposition to this deception. Call your congressional rep TODAY!
Phone your U.S. House member AGAIN —
urge a NO vote on the pro-abortion “Rule” on H.R. 3962 before Friday!
WASHINGTON (UPDATED Nov. 4, 2009) —
Pro-abortion Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Ca.) is planning to try to ram the massive health care bill (H.R. 3962, previously H.R. 3200) through the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The most critical roll call will occur on a procedural vote — called “the Rule” — that is expected to occur late on Friday, November 6, or Saturday, November 7.
National Right to Life is urging every pro-life citizen to immediately TELEPHONE the Washington, D.C. office AND the in-district office of his or her representative in the U.S. House of Representatives with a clear and firm message: “I am a constituent, and I urge you to vote NO on the Rule on the health bill, H.R. 3962, because it does not allow the House to vote on the pro-life Stupak Amendment [pronounced STEW-pak]. The so-called pro-life language that Speaker Pelosi has put into the bill is completely phony. We are not fooled. A vote for this Rule is a vote to set up a new nationwide federal health insurance program, called the “public option,” that will be authorized to pay for abortion on demand with federal funds. The only pro-life vote is NO on the Rule on H.R. 3962.”
Even if you have already called and written your federal representatives about the health care bills, it is critical that you call again now. Pelosi’s party currently controls the House by a margin of 256-177 — but if as few as 40 Democrats are persuaded to vote with Congressman Stupak in opposition to the “closed rule,” it would be impossible for Pelosi to ram the abortion-funding H.R. 3962 through the House. Time is short.
To read NRLC’s November 2 letter to U.S. House members, explaining in detail the pro-abortion problems with the bill, click here.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
In order to register your opposition to Speaker Pelosi’s strong-arm tactic, the “closed rule,” that would allow passage of the pro-abortion H.R. 3962, please click the red phone above and then enter your zip code into the “Call Now” box. You will be shown the phone number of the person who represents you in the U.S. House of Representatives, along with specific suggested “talking points” for what you should say to the staff person who answers your call. NOTE: The best times to call the Washington, D.C., office of your representative is generally between 9 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time.
Encourage like-minded friends and family members to also make such calls.
After you enter your zip code, review the short talking points, then make your call. After the call, you will also be given the option of sending a short “feedback” report to National Right to Life by e-mail, telling us what response you received from the congressional staff person. These feedback reports are invaluable to the National Right to Life legislative team as they work day and night against enactment of this pro-abortion legislation. However, don’t worry if you don’t get an answer to your question – the most important thing is that your representative’s staff registers that you want the representative to vote NO on the pro-abortion “Rule” on H.R. 3962, and that you INSIST on adoption of the real pro-life amendment, the Stupak Amendment.
NOTE: If you wish to also fax a letter to your representative in opposition to the “rule” that would allow passage of the pro-abortion H.R. 3962, click here to reach the page that, once you enter your zip code, will lead you to detailed information about your representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, including (in most cases) his or her fax number. Faxed letters are an excellent way to register your opinion. (But do NOT rely on U.S. mail to communicate with your federal representatives, because time is too short.) This link will also give you phone numbers for your representative’s in-district offices. For maximum effect, phone your message to the nearest local office, during local business hours, as well as to the Washington, D.C., office of your representative, between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time. The same page will offer you information on how your representative has voted on the key pro-life issues that have come up in the past.
National Right to Life, Inc.
512 10th St., NW
Washington, DC 20004-1401
Here is some information from Fr Z at What Does The Prayer Really Say?:
First, remember that you can gain indulgences on All Souls and the days following.Second, 5 November is a first Thursday. You can gain a plenary indulgence during this year for Priests.
Third, would it not be a good idea in this Year for Priests, during the week after All Souls, for this 1st Thursday, to pray in a special way for the souls of deceased priests?
What an outstanding idea! I hope you will join me in making a special effort to pray for our deceased priests. Don’t forget to spread the word!
