|
| THE NAT'L CATHOLIC REGISTER ON-LINE HAS A NEW LOOK [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/11/2010 |
Check it out - www.ncregister.com
I'm not yet sure if I like it as I'm not always good with change but I'll give it a try.
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU?? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/11/2010 |
Today's gospel is a great way to start -
Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Come and follow Christ. We will answer - of course, we are!! But are we following as closely as we ought? Are we following so closely that we can see Him, smell Him and hear what He is saying? Or do we wander the path, hear him in the distance and have to play catch up when He turns a corner?
Let this year be the year of following Christ - so closely that our feet step in His, so close we can reach out and touch the hem of His robe knowing that there is healing, health and happiness.
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| Tuesday, January 12, 2010 |
|
|
| WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ON ELECTIVE C-SECTIONS [Pamela H. Pilch] |
| 1/12/2010 |
Despite medical advances and increasing access to improved obstetric care across the globe, surgical childbirths are still more risky for both mother and baby, according to an ongoing international survey by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A new report from the survey, which was published online today in the medical journal The Lancet, found that in Asia—in both developed and developing nations—cesarean section births only reduced risks of major complications for mother and child if they were medically recommended. Elected surgical deliveries, on the other hand, put both at greater risk.
More...
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| DON'T TRASH THE GOOD NAME OF AN ANGEL [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/12/2010 |
Angels are not well treated by the media. Sure, we may have enjoyed the light-hearted message of the old TV series "Touched by an Angel" but Martha Williamson (creator) and Roma Downey (actress) are not angels.
Some people liked the edginess of John Travolta's "Michael" which gave that archangel a penchant for smoking and sugar. He could also dance pretty well. But John Travolta is not an angel.
For myself, I found Touched by An Angel cloying and really did not like Michael (John Travolta is NO Michael - I know, don't ask me why but I know!).
Now, we have the movie "Legion" which has God losing faith in mankind and deciding that it is time for our destruction. It pits Michael and Gabriel against each other as the fight for our survival begins.
Okay, back to my post about time and the doomsday clock - God doesn't work this way. God will not send angels down in 'legions' to wipe the earth clean; angels are sent to protect us - lest we dash our foot against a stone.
I'm not too pleased with the arrival of this movie - and I don't think Michael or Gabriel are either. It really irks me when what is good and wonderful in the world (such as angels) and what is true about our faith (such as our belief in angels) is distorted and maligned by those and for those who don't believe in either.
But, I guess we should be used to it - wether it is the "Last Temptation of Christ" or Dan Brown - the Catholic faith and beliefs are easy fodder for lousy movies.
May St. Michael protect us!
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE "DOOMSDAY CLOCK"? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/12/2010 |
Created during the Cold War it is designed to make us aware of world situations that have the potential to bring us to ultimate destruction.
It is set to move again Jan. 14th and you can watch it on line - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34813961/
As compelling as it - the thought that the world's end is in our hands - God is still in charge.
This truth does not negate our responsibility to treat the earth with care and our fellow humans with even more care but we cannot add or remove a single minute from the end of the world. God knows when He is planning on returning and that is one secret that He's keeping.
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| Thursday, January 14, 2010 |
|
|
| ANY REMBRANDT'S HIDDEN IN YOUR BATHROOM? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/14/2010 |
Unlikely, but Catholic U.'s president found one while searching for paper towels.
Check out this way cool story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34840465#34840465 |
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| ANOTHER LOOK AT THE SITUATION IN HAITI - NOT LIKE PAT ROBERTSON [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/14/2010 |
From loyal reader Matt W. -
You posted Tom Hoopes relfections on Haiti along with Pat Robertson's ridiculous statements. If you'd like, Peter Wehner, of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, wrote a nice direct rebuttal to Robertson on National Review's blog:
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTliN2Y1YzU4NjUwMDkwZTZjYjFhZDM3NGNkZDk4MmI=
Thanks, Matt. Great piece. |
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| BODY IMAGE AND WOMEN AND GIRLS [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/14/2010 |
As someone who has been successful in losing weight, I still struggle with body image. I can easily get sucked into the thought that unless I am really skinny I am not beautiful.
Finding a healthy weight for yourself is key. I was able to lose 40+ lbs. of baby weight (15 pregnancies w/ 11 babies in 20 years will do that to you) by simple diet and exercise choices. I have been successful at keeping it off for over a year. I am now at a weight I can keep - I still exercise regularly and eat healthy but not to the degree I did when I was actively losing.
I saw this piece in the NY Times about a 'plus-size' model and had to read it. She's 5'9" and a healthy beautiful 165 lbs. and as a result is a size 12. A size 12 is plus-size???
That, in part, is what the article is about - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/fashion/14CRYSTAL.html?8dpc
Consider reading it - not only for yourself but also for your daughters. We need to teach ourselves and our daughters that a healthy weight should not be dictated by the runway or the red carpet.
Eating healthy can certainly allow for a snack once in awhile and a curve to the figure.
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| WE ARE PRAYING FOR HAITI AREN'T WE?? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/14/2010 |
The Register on-line, www.ncregister.com has a good piece by Tom Hoopes exploring what God might have against Haiti (by the way - nothing, God does not have anything against Haiti).
This editorial is a nice relief from the crazy talk of Pat Robertson who claims that the earthquake is the result of some deal with the devil or Rush Limbaugh who is using it so bash the President w/ racial comments about 'light-skinned' people!!
Absolute crazy talk but offensive as well. Pat Robertson's specifically as most of Haiti consider themselves Catholic - so Catholics are in cahoots with the devil?? And the premise that the devil in some way can control the weather, the earth and cause such calamaties.
What these people need is prayer above all and money if you can send any - www.crs.org or www.foodforthepoor.org and others. |
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| MUSIC AND BABIES - ALL GOOD - ESPECIALLY FOR PREMIES [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/15/2010 |
Check out this neat study:
http://www.livescience.com/health/mozart-effect-premature-babies-100113.html
Way to go Mozart!! |
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| SLEEP IS NECESSARY FOR ALL OF US - BUT ESPECIALLY OUR TEENS [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/15/2010 |
Check out this story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34811472/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/ |
| E-Mail
Author |
|
| HOW EASILY DO WE GIVE UP??? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 1/15/2010 |
Today's gospel - Mark 2:1-12 - tells the familiar story of the paralytic lowered down to Jesus. So many gospel reflections focus on the man who was healed but I like thinking of the friends.
Picture if you can this gospel as a modern day guy flick, not unlike Wedding Crashers or Hey, Dude Where's My Car? (two films I have not seen but can imagine).
Four friends hear of a miracle worker, they overhear conversations in the marketplace of the blind given sight. Could it be true? They talk amongst themselves and consider the fifth friend. Their friend since birth who cannot walk on his own. But they are friends. Drawn together perhaps by common experiences or shared stories. Perhaps their friend is the source of all the humor, the source of deep reflection or maybe just a good friend who gives a smile at the end of a long day - it does not matter why he is a friend. He is a friend in need and they can help him.
So, what are they going to do - haul this friend across town and make sure he sees Jesus.
They go and tell him of what they have heard and their plan. It is crazy? Carry him where? Hoping for what?? A cure, a miracle. He begins to hope from the moment they mention it but he can't help himself. To walk??!! Sure, he's up for the road trip!
They pick him and begin to walk. Over the cobbled streets, the dirt paths, through the marketplace and the house. They almost drop him twice, stop for a drink at least once and get chased by dogs.
Finally they are at the house but can't even believe it! The house can barely be seen for the crowds. What to do now?
They talk amongst themselves, for all practical purposes ignoring and talking over their friend. They have only one choice - go vertical, climb on top and lower him down!!
At this point, the friend might balk but hey, they've come this far, why not - what else could go wrong!??
Down he goes, with only a few bumps on the way. Finally, he sees Jesus! I am going to walk and then - what - the critics start in! Back off, the friends want to scream. Do you know how hard we worked to get him here??!!
Jesus takes care of everything - as He always does. Not only putting those jerks in their place but healing the friend. Imagine their shouts of joy, the back slaps, the chest bumps, the joy!!
They leave running - all of them - back through the streets, past the dogs, they stop for a drink and celebrate all day long. Their first adventure together - all of the walking?? Fishing, of course!
Point to take from this - how far will you go to get a friend, a sibling, a child to Christ?
|
| E-Mail
Author |
|
Return to top of page.
|
| Pastoral Solutions
Institute Resources |
|
| Recommended Reading |
|
| |
| Contributors |
|
| Links |
Coming soon...
|
This site designed and powered by the Ridgefield
Group. |
|
