8-29-06
Greetings!
This past Sunday, 2 journalists with FoxNews were released by their kidnappers in the Gaza Strip. They had been held for 2 weeks. A detail of their ordeal, not overly focused on, was their forced conversion to Islam. Apparently, they were forced at gunpoint to convert to Islam. The two journalists acquiesced.
A couple of things here….one, this was fairly common. Captives or conquered peoples by Islamic armies were offered the choice (at swordpoint) to convert to Islam or die. Secondly, conversion cannot be forced. It is man's free will that allows him to choose which path to follow. Recall the late great John Paul II's words, "The Church does not impose. It proposes." Man is then called to choose. Finally, and this is perhaps symptomatic of modern man, what would we say, or agree too, to save our own skin? (Now obviously, no one can know for certain how they would respond in such a life and death situation—but we pray and prepare ourselves---so that if such a situation would arise, we would be True). The two journalists were quick to deny their conversion's authenticity, given that it was forced. However, recall the young high school girl at Columbine, asked if she believed in Jesus—responded "yes" and was then shot. She could've said "no" and escaped, but she was true to God. Think about St. John the Baptist's martyrdom, today's Feast, he could've said a lot less and lived—but he was true to God. The list of those in Heaven who have refused to be untrue to their Lord is enormous. May we have the Grace to do likewise!
Phil's Tidbits:
Earlier this week we celebrated the feasts of St. Monica and her son St. Augustine on back-to-back days. As Fr. Louis stated in his homily Monday, Augustine abandoned the faith at age 19…some things don't change. Yet, through her mother's prayers and God's Grace, he came back and went on to become one of the greatest of saints.
Pope Bids Mothers to Persevere in Prayer
Presents St. Monica as Hope for Families
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 27, 2006 (
Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI proposed Sts. Monica and Augustine as two signs of hope for today's struggling families.
Although the mother and son lived in the fourth century, "their testimonies can be of great consolation and help for many families also of our time," the Pope said to the crowds gathered to pray the Angelus in the courtyard of the papal summer residence of
Castel Gandolfo.
The Holy Father said St. Monica, whose feast day is today, lived "her mission of wife and mother" with excellence.
She helped "her husband, Patricius, to discover, little by little, the beauty of faith in Christ and the strength of evangelical love," and after being widowed, dedicated herself to caring for her three children, the Pontiff said.
Benedict XVI said that St. Augustine made his mother "suffer with his rather rebellious temperament."
"As Augustine himself would say later," the Pope continued, "his mother gave him birth twice; the second time required a long spiritual labor, made up of prayer and tears, but crowned in the end by the joy of seeing him not only embrace the faith and receive baptism, but also dedicate himself entirely to the service of Christ."
The Pontiff added: "How many difficulties there are also today in family relationships and how many mothers are anguished because their children choose mistaken ways!"
St. Monica invites all these mothers "not to be discouraged, but to persevere in their mission of wives and mothers, maintaining firm their confidence in God and clinging with perseverance to prayer," the Holy Father said.
Truth seeker
The Holy Father highlighted Augustine's "impassioned search for truth."
The saint, "attracted by earthly beauty ... 'fell upon' it," said the Pope.
"Through a toilsome journey," the Holy Father continued, and with the help of his mother's prayers, Augustine "discovered in Christ the ultimate and full meaning of his life and of the whole of human history."
That is why Augustine, whose feast is on Monday, is a "model of the way to God, supreme truth and good," added the Pontiff.
Benedict XVI expressed the hope that St. Augustine may "obtain for us also the gift of a sincere and profound encounter with Christ," especially "for all those young people who, thirsty for happiness, seek it in mistaken ways and get lost in dead ends."
The Bishop of Rome entrusted to the Virgin Mary "Christian parents so that, like Monica, they will support their children on their way with their example and prayer, and young people so that, as Augustine, they will always tend to the fullness of truth and love, which is Christ."
The Pope added that Christ "alone can satisfy the profound needs of the human heart."
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John-Henry Westen poses an interesting question. With society moving away from capital punishment(a good thing), why do we allow it for the littlest one in the womb, but not for the rapist? (As most laws make exceptions for an abortion in the case if rape or incest). He's obviously not proposing we execute rapists..but think about the logic, or lack thereof in what we do.
Abortion in Cases of Rape: Why Not Kill the Guilty Rapist Before the Innocent Child
Editorial
By John-Henry Westen
In Canada and most other liberal countries capital punishment is outlawed and usually opposed by a healthy majority of the population. That is all well and good. I too oppose capital punishment in those nations where the penal system is sufficient to keep dangerous criminals out of harms way.
However, many of these so-called liberal countries, accept abortion, and most began their acceptance of abortion with accepting abortion in the hard cases of rape and incest.
However, in a civilized country we punish the guilty and not the innocent. So why are we suggesting capital punishment for the innocent unborn child rather than the guilty rapist?
We do not usually suggest criminal penalty for the children of those who commit crimes so why are we suggesting capital punishment for the child of the rapist?
Secondly, abortion is harmful to the women that undergo it. Childbirth is a natural function that women's bodies were made for. Abortion is not. Abortion is a traumatic event psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Why are we giving more trauma to the victim of rape by encouraging her to abort her child?
Carrying such a child to term has been for many women a help in coming to grips with the abuse they suffered. Many victims of rape and children born of such attacks have testified to these truths.
For more information on the harmful effects of abortion on women we suggest contacting Silent No More Awareness Campaign.
Here are a few excerpts from Pope Benedict XVI's interview with 4 journalists. His beautiful humility and love really come through:
(Responding to a question as to whether he has more trips planned):
I have to say that I've never felt strong enough to plan many long trips. But where such a trip allows me to communicate a message or where, shall I say, it's in response to a sincere request, I'd like to go -- in the "measure" that's possible for me.
Some are already planned: Next year there's the meeting of CELAM, the Latin American bishops' council, in Brazil, and I think that being there is an important step in the context of what Latin America is living so intensely, to strengthen the hope that's so alive in that part of the world. Then I'd like to visit the
Holy Land, and I hope to visit it in a time of peace. For the rest, we'll see what Providence has in store for me.
Q: Allow me to insist. Austrians also speak German and they are waiting for you at Mariazell ...
Benedict XVI: Yes, it's been agreed. Quite simply I promised them, a little imprudently. I really liked that place and I said: Yes, I'll come back to the Magna Mater Austriae. Of course, this became a promise that I will keep, that I will keep happily.
Q: I insist further. I admire you every Wednesday when you hold your general audience. Fifty thousand people come. It must be very tiring. How do you manage to hold out?
Benedict XVI: Yes, the good Lord gives me the necessary strength. When you see the warm welcome, you're obviously encouraged.
Q: Holy Father, you've just said you made a rather imprudent promise. Does that mean that, despite your ministry, despite the many protocols and limitations, you haven't lost your spontaneity?
Benedict XVI: I try, in any case. As much as things are fixed, I'd like to keep doing some things that are purely personal.
Q: Stories with humor in them too? In 1989 in Munich you were given the Karl Valentin Orden Award. What role does humor play in the life of a Pope?
Benedict XVI: I'm not a man who constantly thinks up jokes. But I think it's very important to be able to see the funny side of life and its joyful dimension and not to take everything too tragically.
I'd also say it's necessary for my ministry. A writer once said that angels can fly because they don't take themselves too seriously. Maybe we could also fly a bit if we didn't think we were so important.
Q: When you have an important job like yours, Holy Father, you are much observed. Other people talk about you. I was reading and I was struck by what many observers say: that Pope Benedict is different from Cardinal Ratzinger. How do you see yourself, if I may be so bold as to ask?
Benedict XVI: I've been taken apart various times: in my first phase as professor and in the intermediate phase, during my first phase as cardinal and in the successive phase. Now comes a new division.
Of course circumstances and situations and even people influence you because you take on different responsibilities. Let's say that my basic personality and even my basic vision have grown, but in everything that is essential I have remained identical. I'm happy that certain aspects that weren't noticed at first are now coming into the open.
Q: Would you say that you like what you do, that it isn't a burden for you?
Benedict XVI: That would be saying a bit too much, because it really is tiring. But in any case, I try to find joy here too.
(Commenting on the preparations for his visit to WYD in Germany):
I'd like to take this opportunity to say: I blush when I think of all the preparations that are made for my visit, for everything that people do. My house was freshly painted, a professional school redid the fence. The evangelical professor helped to do the fence. And these are just small details but they're a sign of the many things that are done.
I find all of this extraordinary, and I don't think it's for me, but rather a sign of wanting to be part of this faith community and to serve one another. Demonstrating this solidarity means letting ourselves be inspired by the Lord. It's something that touches me and I'd like to express my gratitude with all my heart.
[Translation of German original issued by the Vatican press office; adapted here]
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Announcements:
Date: Saturday, September 23rd, 2006
Topic: Gospel of St. Mark
Host: Dominic & Cecilia Gruetzmacher
Future: Saturday, October 21st; Saturday, November 18th; December (Cancelled)
The format for the day will be as follows:
3:30pm Welcome / snacks
4:00pm Discussion
5:30pm Potluck dinner
E-mail: dominicg@gmail.com
Dominic & Cecilia are a wonderful young Catholic couple. They're hosting a Catholic Reading Circle at their home in the Wausau area. It's a beautiful opportunity for growing in the faith with other Catholics.
God bless you!
Phil Lawson
For the latest info on St. Peter's, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!