AmericanPapist Comments
It says they need Fr. Z and you to address them on Web 2.0 instead of whoever did address them on the matter.
"Transubstantiation", "Papal Authority", "Culture of Life", "Catechetics", and so on are not nearly as chantable, or screen-print-able as "Hope" and "Change", which are far vaguer ideas, and have a sensation of being prophetic because they do not need a prophet or a person with a vision. All they take is an idol, such as Obama, and then the individual takes that idle, and that simple chant to have the person embody everything they hope for, everything they want to change, and at that point, the person is untouchable, because a criticism of that idol, is a criticism of the person.
You can argue this for a lot of things, but with Obama it is noteworthy for the speed at which it has happened, and the ferocity it has engendered. The truth of the church seems to have in many circles gotten lost because of its depth, because of its interconnectivity and specific attributes.
Jesus was effective (well, aside from the Holy Spirit) because of his simplicity (though not ambiguity) in what he often said. "Blessed are the peacemakers." How unclear is that? That is something I need to return to myself in informing others, I need to be a little less quick to bust out an ontological this or an epistemological that, and speak solidly on Christ's teachings about the value of human life, inside and outside the womb.
When FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) is passed by Congress and signed by the President, the VP and Speaker of the House should be EXCOMMUNICATED. They should be warned beforehand but publicly excommunicated IF they endorse it since as Catholic Christians they must oppose abortion and not make it easier.
Of course Obama reaches people better than the bishops. The majority of voters voted for Obama. the majority of Catholic voters voted against their Bishops. It's their own fault. They've been downplaying their authority and encouraging dissent for decades. Everyone in this entire country wants change except these bishops - all they want (except for a brave few) is to not make any waves. It's disheartening.
Why are laymen, like the American Papist, and priests (but not Bishops and Cardinals) like Father John Trigilio seemingly more in tune with what ought to happen in situations like this? Why is it that they "get it" but the Bishops and Cardinals stammer on as if they do not?
Yesterday, during the Press Conference, Cardinal George seemed rather vague, wearied and less than confident in the midst of reporters questions asking for clarification on what ought to, and will be, done.
That troubles me...
Question? Isn't the whole purpose of the USCCB to try to make sure that Bishops act cohesively so that the laity won't be confused by different procedures in different parts of the country. Isn't one of their main reasons for existing to resolve situations like we have now where one bishop interprets canon 915 as obliging him to refuse the Eucharist to obstinate manifest sinners and another interprets it to mean that the obligation relies solely on the person presenting himself for communion? Why do they continually refuse to do their job and resolve this issue?
The bishops literally have supernatural abilities to handle these tough situations, and as Patrick pointed out it's the bishops who mumble and fumble for words while the laity see things clearly. I don't know why I let myself put any hope in these conferences when they're always just a bunch of hot air and never any action.
(I apologize for using multiple posts to vent)
Here is my suggestion "Public Excommunication." of high profile Catholics that do not adhear to Church doctrine.
A $640 million campaign fund and a compliant mainstream media make it a little easier to get your message across in our infotainment culture.
I vote with Fr. Trigilio for EXCOMUNICATE those people please! I hope our bishops will be brave enough to take a stand.
The remark of one Bishop about the capacity of Obama to reach people better than even the Bishops of our Faith reminds me of these words of Christ,
"For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light." (Luke 16:8).
I think we see this with Obama- his tone, rhetoric, and overall approach has effectively masked his true agenda. We can be very upbeat and positive about at least one thing- Obama has shown us that the American people are hungry for the Gospel. He was effective because he was able to counterfeit the Gospel, attract large masses of people (since people are naturally attracted to what is good), and then win their vote.
If there is such a thing as the phenomenon of "Obamamania" its only because people are already attracted to something good which they see in Obama. What is that good that so many are seeing, and how can we show people that it is the Word of God, resounding through Peter and the whole Church, rather than the voice of Obama that can truly satisfy their longings?
It seems to me that Obama exploited what Americans are really hungering for- conversion and renewal("change"), but was able to do so by disguising the fact that the real change required a change of heart, rather than a change of political parties.
The reason why communist and fascist regimes were so effective in persuading people is that they somehow are able to counterfeit the Gospel; their leaders (Hitler, Stalin and the like) were able to somehow tap the deepest yearnings of the heart, which would otherwise lead people to Christ and the Church. We must find the chord that Obama has struck and show people that it is in Christ, not Obama, that people have true hope- that what they are really searching for can be found in the teachings of our Faith.
We must show people that the agenda advanced by Obama is an afront to freedom, a counterfeit that is utterly superficial. In otherwords, we have to unmask him, first indirectly and generally, and then publically and directly.
Just some thoughts...
It seems to me that if the bishops don't excommunicate these scandalous pro-abort "Catholic" politicians, it sends the message that abortion is not the serious problem they claim it is. No wonder the laity is confused.
According to John Allen, the bishops told Cardinal George to issue a "prophetic" message in their name--but not to mention the scandal that has resulted from prominent supporters of abortion presenting themselves for photo-ops at the Eucharist. When FOCA passes overwhelmingly and those same politicians head for the NARAL meeting to get their awards, I expect the bishops will need to get out another "prophetic" message.
John V, good points.
I agree it is high time for Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden be publicly excommunicated. I think that it should be as public as their scandal has been. The bishops from their diocese should call the press ahead of time, and leak the information. Then, at the appointed time and day they should very dramatically excommunicate them. I have just the "model" they should use too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y...h?
v=ym6Qgj55e3Y
When FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) is passed by Congress and signed by the President, the VP and Speaker of the House should be EXCOMMUNICATED. They should be warned beforehand but publicly excommunicated IF they endorse it since as Catholic Christians they must oppose abortion and not make it easier.
Father John Trigilio
Okay. And if the Speaker does not put the FOCA bill on the House Calendar for a vote, you should wear a big "I Love Nancy" pin.
"Okay. And if the Speaker does not put the FOCA bill on the House Calendar for a vote, you should wear a big 'I Love Nancy' pin."
Yes, if she chooses not to promote evil, she should be lauded(?).
Katherine,
Are you actually holding your breath that Pelosi WONT put the FOCA up for vote, first thing??
Barring a direct ACT of God, she will.
At least be honest with yourself, BO at least, has been very honest, stating in several venues that FOCA is his first priority.
M~
Why don’t we review Rome’s history and COMMANDS?
This current HYPER-SCANDAL is compounded... with us not DEMANDING the excommunication of those culprits.
WHY DEMAND? Because such is the SPIRIT of the Law in light of this grotesque fact: a surgical attendant in an abortion is automatically excommunicated and… the brains-leaders-law designers- of the cold blooded slaughtering-record-genocide are not.
How will the USCCB be judged historically (not by you or me), down the road?
God defend us
December 28 is the feast of the Holy Innocents, the baby boys murdered by King Herod in Bethlehem shortly after Jesus' birth.
Why not designate Jan. 22 as the memorial for the over 48 Million American babies -- whom I call the "American Innocents" -- murdered by abortion since the decision in Roe v. Wade?
Katherine,
Are you actually holding your breath that Pelosi WONT put the FOCA up for vote, first thing??
Barring a direct ACT of God, she will.
You want some action on that? Loser pays $100 to Catholic Charities, sending a photocopy of the check to the winner. I'll let you define "first thing" to be as late as the end of the congressional summer recess.
When, not if, Obama attempts to pass FOCA, where will Doug Kmiec be? Hopefully calling the POTUS.
Kathrine,
I should one wear a pin pronouncing laudatory sentiments for someone not actively seeking to promote (ONE among many!) gravely evil bill? I don't think so.
Isn't Catholic Charities the one who gave a girl an abortion in Richmond, VA? To me, they're in the same boat as the CCHD.
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