The Areopagus 12-21-09
posted by Phil Lawson
12-21-09
Over the weekend, the Vatican announced that our late and beloved Pope John Paul II had been declared “venerable.” In layman’s terms this means that those charged with investigating his life—as a part of a process likely leading to his being declared a saint—have determined that he lived a life of “heroic virtue.” The next step is investigating the various miraculous claims associated with his intervention---which may or may not have already occurred. If a miracle is substantiated, then he will be declared “Blessed” and beatified. The final step after that is the process of canonization—or sainthood. Got all that?
Either way, it’s an exciting process, especially for those, myself included, who are called the “JPII Generation”-having grown up with his as our Holy Father.
I remember years ago being at the Golda Meir Library at UW-Milwaukee one day and stumbling upon a traveling exhibit to the life of John Paul II. This was probably around 1998. I remember being very impressed with this man’s life—growing up during WWII, living under Communism, working with the Solidarity Movement in Poland, the assassination attempt on him, his background as a poet, playwright, and actor…the list goes on and on. Seeing that exhibit, was another step on my journey back to Catholicism. The influence he had while tied to this earthly world continues from Heaven.
Phil’s Tidbits:
Sports Illustrated recently published a photo of a man, Kevin Fast, pulling a 208-ton CC-177 Globemaster III transport plane. He pulled the plane 28’ 10 ½ “ to set a Guinness World Record. Even more impressive? He’s an ordained Lutheran Minister in Ontario. I suspect he has some “powerful” sermons…maybe?
I admit to not being overly familiar with actor Jeff Bridges—but I came across an interview with him in the Wall Street Journal with this delightful quote:
Interviewer: You’ve been married to the same woman for 32 years. Rule No. 1 for staying together in Hollywood?
Bridges: Don’t get a divorce. That will keep you together, you know.
What more needs to be said?
http://www.inforumblog.com/?p=2684
This website chronicles an increasing number of attacks on Christian Churches around the world—and not just in Africa and the Middle East—but including one in New York.
A Christmas message from the Pope to a gathering of children (and a glimpse into his own tender heart):
Pontiff to Children: Approach Christ Without Fear
Tells Them That Jesus Is Glad to Hear From Them
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI encouraged the youth of Italian Catholic Action to not be shy about approaching Christ, as he is very interested in hearing from them.
The Pope affirmed this today in a traditional Christmas meeting with a delegation of the youth organization, urging them to take as a role model the biblical figure of Zacchaeus, "the man who meets the Lord and welcomes him with joy."
"You too are a little like Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree because he wanted to see Jesus," the Holy Father said. "But the Lord, looking up, noticed him immediately, in the midst of the crowd.
"Jesus sees you and hears you even though you are little, even if the grown-ups do not take account of you as you would like."
"Always imitate the example of Zacchaeus," Benedict XVI continued, "who immediately came down from the tree, full of joy he welcomed him into his house and did not cease to celebrate him!"
The Pope spoke to the children of Jesus as a friend who "comes to meet you and calls you!"
"He is the Son of God, he is the Lord whom you see every day in the images in churches, along the street, in houses. He speaks to you always of the love that is 'greater,' able to give itself without limit, to bring peace and forgiveness," the Pontiff added.
"Only Jesus' presence in your lives gives complete joy, because he is able to make everything always new and beautiful," the Holy Father said. "He never forgets you."
This seems like a fitting way to conclude the last Areopagus prior to Christmas. Peg Hammill is the director of Pro Life Wisconsin—I have been blessed to know and be inspired by her for quite a few years now. She recently penned this beautiful tribute to her Mom.
Reflection on motherhood
Jane O’Brien of Oconomowoc, mother of Pro-Life Wisconsin state director Peggy Hamill, passed away Dec. 11 at the age of 91. Jane was one of Pro-Life Wisconsin’s most loyal supporters. In 1999, Peggy had the following reflection published in a number of newspapers. In memory of her mother and in honor of all mothers, especially the mother of the Christ Child, Peggy would like to share it with you. Memorials to Pro-Life Wisconsin, Gifts for Life, are gratefully appreciated. To make an online Gift for Life donation, click here.
Reflection on Motherhood
How often have I heard my mother say, “Don’t worry. The Lord will provide.” Her life has been a living out of this belief. The Gospel of Life has been a way of life for her. This gospel proclaims that life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death. If we humbly subject ourselves to the will of our Heavenly Father, we will be provided for. Mom never refused this gift of life; always trusting in God. According to God’s plan, she and my dad were blessed with 11 children.
What a contrast this is to today’s prevailing feminist mindset. These people aggressively promote contraception, sterilization and abortion as liberating and empowering to women. They mock and pity women who are “burdened” with one or more children. Tragically, their false enlightenment has led many women into darkness.
I praise God for the empowering faith example of my mother. I thank the Lord for mercifully protecting me from falling into the bondage of contraception.
What a privilege it has been for my husband and me to welcome 10 miracles into the world. We look forward to a heavenly meeting with the 11th child we lost through miscarriage. All of our children have enriched our lives so much. We are so proud of each and every one of them. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to experience the awesome providence of God. The word of the Lord says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33.
To all mothers and mothers-to-be: Don’t worry. The Lord will provide if you follow His will and fully trust in Him. I know; my Mom told me so.
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Merry Christmas & God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Over the weekend, the Vatican announced that our late and beloved Pope John Paul II had been declared “venerable.” In layman’s terms this means that those charged with investigating his life—as a part of a process likely leading to his being declared a saint—have determined that he lived a life of “heroic virtue.” The next step is investigating the various miraculous claims associated with his intervention---which may or may not have already occurred. If a miracle is substantiated, then he will be declared “Blessed” and beatified. The final step after that is the process of canonization—or sainthood. Got all that?
Either way, it’s an exciting process, especially for those, myself included, who are called the “JPII Generation”-having grown up with his as our Holy Father.
I remember years ago being at the Golda Meir Library at UW-Milwaukee one day and stumbling upon a traveling exhibit to the life of John Paul II. This was probably around 1998. I remember being very impressed with this man’s life—growing up during WWII, living under Communism, working with the Solidarity Movement in Poland, the assassination attempt on him, his background as a poet, playwright, and actor…the list goes on and on. Seeing that exhibit, was another step on my journey back to Catholicism. The influence he had while tied to this earthly world continues from Heaven.
Phil’s Tidbits:
Sports Illustrated recently published a photo of a man, Kevin Fast, pulling a 208-ton CC-177 Globemaster III transport plane. He pulled the plane 28’ 10 ½ “ to set a Guinness World Record. Even more impressive? He’s an ordained Lutheran Minister in Ontario. I suspect he has some “powerful” sermons…maybe?
I admit to not being overly familiar with actor Jeff Bridges—but I came across an interview with him in the Wall Street Journal with this delightful quote:
Interviewer: You’ve been married to the same woman for 32 years. Rule No. 1 for staying together in Hollywood?
Bridges: Don’t get a divorce. That will keep you together, you know.
What more needs to be said?
http://www.inforumblog.com/?p=2684
This website chronicles an increasing number of attacks on Christian Churches around the world—and not just in Africa and the Middle East—but including one in New York.
A Christmas message from the Pope to a gathering of children (and a glimpse into his own tender heart):
Pontiff to Children: Approach Christ Without Fear
Tells Them That Jesus Is Glad to Hear From Them
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI encouraged the youth of Italian Catholic Action to not be shy about approaching Christ, as he is very interested in hearing from them.
The Pope affirmed this today in a traditional Christmas meeting with a delegation of the youth organization, urging them to take as a role model the biblical figure of Zacchaeus, "the man who meets the Lord and welcomes him with joy."
"You too are a little like Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree because he wanted to see Jesus," the Holy Father said. "But the Lord, looking up, noticed him immediately, in the midst of the crowd.
"Jesus sees you and hears you even though you are little, even if the grown-ups do not take account of you as you would like."
"Always imitate the example of Zacchaeus," Benedict XVI continued, "who immediately came down from the tree, full of joy he welcomed him into his house and did not cease to celebrate him!"
The Pope spoke to the children of Jesus as a friend who "comes to meet you and calls you!"
"He is the Son of God, he is the Lord whom you see every day in the images in churches, along the street, in houses. He speaks to you always of the love that is 'greater,' able to give itself without limit, to bring peace and forgiveness," the Pontiff added.
"Only Jesus' presence in your lives gives complete joy, because he is able to make everything always new and beautiful," the Holy Father said. "He never forgets you."
This seems like a fitting way to conclude the last Areopagus prior to Christmas. Peg Hammill is the director of Pro Life Wisconsin—I have been blessed to know and be inspired by her for quite a few years now. She recently penned this beautiful tribute to her Mom.
Reflection on motherhood
Jane O’Brien of Oconomowoc, mother of Pro-Life Wisconsin state director Peggy Hamill, passed away Dec. 11 at the age of 91. Jane was one of Pro-Life Wisconsin’s most loyal supporters. In 1999, Peggy had the following reflection published in a number of newspapers. In memory of her mother and in honor of all mothers, especially the mother of the Christ Child, Peggy would like to share it with you. Memorials to Pro-Life Wisconsin, Gifts for Life, are gratefully appreciated. To make an online Gift for Life donation, click here.
Reflection on Motherhood
How often have I heard my mother say, “Don’t worry. The Lord will provide.” Her life has been a living out of this belief. The Gospel of Life has been a way of life for her. This gospel proclaims that life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death. If we humbly subject ourselves to the will of our Heavenly Father, we will be provided for. Mom never refused this gift of life; always trusting in God. According to God’s plan, she and my dad were blessed with 11 children.
What a contrast this is to today’s prevailing feminist mindset. These people aggressively promote contraception, sterilization and abortion as liberating and empowering to women. They mock and pity women who are “burdened” with one or more children. Tragically, their false enlightenment has led many women into darkness.
I praise God for the empowering faith example of my mother. I thank the Lord for mercifully protecting me from falling into the bondage of contraception.
What a privilege it has been for my husband and me to welcome 10 miracles into the world. We look forward to a heavenly meeting with the 11th child we lost through miscarriage. All of our children have enriched our lives so much. We are so proud of each and every one of them. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to experience the awesome providence of God. The word of the Lord says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33.
To all mothers and mothers-to-be: Don’t worry. The Lord will provide if you follow His will and fully trust in Him. I know; my Mom told me so.
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Merry Christmas & God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
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