Note from the Assistant Managing Editor:
We begin with a Lenten reflection from Pope Benedict XVI, who says that Lent is "not so much consistent with a law to observe as with the very Person of Christ." It is not simply a season of sacrificial checklists, but a time when Christ asks each one of us to "keep watch with me for one hour" (Mt 26:40).
Even I have fallen prey to the recent Lenten trend of giving up bad habits (like complaining) instead of something I like, even if it seems small (like chocolate). But "the notion of giving up sins as part of our Lenten resolution confuses the very nature or purpose of fasting, which is to deprive oneself of a good for the sake of a greater good — closeness to and ultimate union with God."
"Physical safety matters, but there are other threats of equal or greater importance — primarily to our real 'first priority,' the obligation to live in the truth." Lent is also a time where we can move out of the comfort of safety and take big risks for God. Why not get up a half hour earlier to pray? Why not sign up for a weekly Adoration hour? Why not start tithing 10% of your income? See "Safety Last."
Bishop Paprocki has provided a pastoral guide on gender identity. "Gender dysphoria is a real psychological condition, in which a biological male or female believes he or she is the opposite gender." His words are a great mercy for us; we need leaders who will be clear, strong, and outspoken when it comes to the truth.
A blessed Ash Wednesday to you all! - Meaghen Gonzalez |
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"The great mystery of our metaphysical situation is that we cannot even be wholly ourselves until we are reborn in Christ." - Dietrich von Hildebrand
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New Resources
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Beginning Our Lenten Journey - Pope Benedict XVI - from the General Audience
On this day, marked by the austere symbol of ashes, we enter the season of Lent, beginning a spiritual journey that prepares us for celebrating worthily the Easter Mysteries.
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Safety Last - Robert Royal - The Catholic Thing
A music critic once wrote about the Austro-American pianist Artur Schnabel that he was great because his motto seemed to be: "Safety last."
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The Right One for You? The True Love Character Test - Thomas Lickona - from How to Raise Kind Kids: And Get Respect, Gratitude, and a Happier Family in the Bargain
Even in the current culture, most young people still dream of being happily married someday — of finding someone they'd like to share their life with.
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Coming Out of the Closet - Father Jerry J. Pokorsky - The Catholic Thing
At times, priests reveal intimate secrets about themselves from the pulpit.
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Editorials of Interest:
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Editorials of Interest
Archbishop Charles Chaput Retires - CNA
His stances led to him being branded as a "culture warrior" and "political." Yet, he explained that his public stances were required of him as a responsible Catholic leader in the public square.
Beyond Amazonia - First Things
A reflection on the priesthood and celibacy.
Shedding Light on Progressivism's Dark Side - Public Discourse
A new book details the progressive movement's reliance on eugenics and race science as well as its effort to exclude the disabled, blacks, immigrants, the poor, and women from full participation in American society.
Suppress the Legion of Christ - Crisis Magazine
It shouldn't have been established in the first place, and the Vatican had more than enough reason to disband it twenty years ago.
More Than Our Appetites - First Things
While Fr. James Martin may not be teaching error on homosexuality, his work fails to express, or even take into account, Catholic teaching on a fundamental issue: what it means to be a person at all. The consequence of that failure is confusion.
L'Arche founder, Jean Vanier, guilty of abuse - CNS
Jean Vanier, founder of the ecumenical L'Arche communities used his status to have "manipulative" sexual relationships with at least six women, concludes an internal investigation commissioned by the organization.
Science, Sex, and Suicide - Public Discourse
Why would Scientific American urge a ban on therapies that may free some from an identity associated with greater depression and suicide, and yet never question "treatments" for gender dysphoria that lead to increased confusion, depression, and suicidal tendencies?
Uber/Lyft drivers on the abortion front lines - Catholic Stand
A woman came to the abortion clinic from nearly 2 hours away, and when her driver learned her drop-off point, he used all of those two hours to convince her to keep her child and choose life.
On Trials and Spiritual Abandonment - Catholic Exchange
May the Almighty be blessed in all things, and may His judgments be adored, for His infinite wisdom knows how to turn to our advantage what seems to us the loss of all things.
When you stop falling, you'll be in Heaven - Catholic Stand
No act of sorrow, no promise to do better next time, however heartfelt it might sound, will do us any good if we do not resolve and seriously endeavour to do better next time around.
Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman and St. Justin Martyr, pray for us |
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