Where's the Navy Mr. President

Tonight I listened to Larry King on the radio for CNN. He is an excellant interviewer and had both the govenors of Louisianna and Mississippi on several times. The Governors are in shock and as lost as their constituants. From all accounts both states were poorly prepared for a disaster of this magnitude. Highways are out, electricity out, no food, no drinking water, no medicine, no shelters --nothing available for over 1,000,000 of our fellow citizens.

These states have been aware of the pending time bomb of a huge hurricane for ever.And now it has happened and may very well happen again this hurricane season--or next.

When the tidal wave wiped out Indonesia, we had out navy and its ships there pronto. Tanker were supplying fresh water. food was being delivered, medical care was available--all courtesy of the United States.

It is hurricane season, forecasters for months have been showing the storms lining up. In fact as I write another tropical storm is forming.

WHY WAS OUR OWN MILITARY NOT DIVERTED TO THIS AREA--OR NEAR BY ON STANDBY FOR THIS TRAGEDY? THERE ARE ONLY 7,000 NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS IN MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANNA.

The reason for the bold type is my frustration with our government. We need to have sufficient troops both Federal and State to handle our own crisis. This is a monumental mistake--or gamble if you will, and I'm afraid hundreds of lives will be lost because of it. I realize we are stretched thin fighting that terrorist war, but that is no excuse for leaving our own shores in such a vulnerable position.

I heard a weather scientist admit today that he knew this type of damage was posible because of the shear size of Katrina. Well--he was right, the Feds were wrong and unprepared, and part of our country may never be the same again.

And---for several hurricane seasons, more and more storms are forming so this is not going to be an isolated incident.

I wouldn't leave my puppy Yodi stranded in this way and our President and Governors should not leave it's citizens this way either. This is not right.

I'm all over the place today until this--

Maybe it is time for a spiritual retreat, maybe I just need more time to reflect. I feel like my life is running 100mph and there are some curves ahead with unknown consequences.
It seems as though once I set my focus on one project, it ignites several more ideas. When this happens I get scattered and the whole creative process breaks down.Yuk!
I was doing some internet research and came upon a blog site for a Jesuit novice who just finished his first year.My mind flashed back several decades to that time in my own life. One cannot but hope that in all the prevailing years that one has made a difference positively in the lives of others. Being a member of the society and as a soldier in the army of Christ offers many opportunities for service. But I will be the first to admit that while creativity and intelligence is a requisite for formal orderly existence in the army, it is also a two sided sword. Discipline and obedience is required. And obedience can stiffle many even of the best layed plans.
The need to encounter the heathens and instill Christianity in "GODS" people necessitates often dangerous and hostile conditions. Intelligence is required to find solutions for the goal at hand. But without "GOD" , his angels, the saints, and a host of prayers--all could be lost in a second. And--despite the forementioned --there are many Jesuit martyrs throughout history.
Today however, the liberal leaning order has fallen dangerously close to loosing their footing as they ally themselves with secular institutions in a way to do their work, but also stay ingrained in a philosophy that impedes the armies original intentions. Going into detail is not important here, but let me be clear in one ideal--"GOD" grants creativity and only partially accepts obedience to others--[outside himself]--if the end results are justified. When obedience hinders the eventual long term outcome then it is time to re-evaluate ones own vows and go it alone.

We live in a world where good can be easily overcome by evil. It is a war for not only Christian ideals, but the very souls of mankind. Good and darkness are engaged and discipline far outweighs obediance at this time."GOD" save us all.

The yearly plight of this novice to integrate his talents into the structure has been an interesting read--worthy of an e-mail. And it has provided me with insight.

"GOD" always seems to be involved however I fumble along. Yodi knows.

Wake up call or warning

When a massive storm like Katrina is barreling down on our country, it is time to pause and reflect on how helpless we really are. We don't have control over our physical surroundings anymore than an anthill on the sidewalk.

We cannot trust the government, our neighbors, our family, or our own devices--but spend our whole live pretending we do.

There is only one who we can trust. who has our best wishes in mind. Are these storms wake up calls or warnings? Ponder that thought before you say your prayers tonight.

Time for bed Yodi. Rest in his grace and I will see you in the morning

Influence, Infestation, Possession

In any war casualties are an unfortunate cost to bothe the victor and the vanquished. It is no different in the war between darkness and light, Satan and "GOD"

We live in a fallen world and were born into a war that has raged since the beginning of recorded time. We may live to see its end and the complete distructiion and downfall of Satan's kingdom here on this planet--or we may not. The important thing that I want to relay to all my readers is this one fact--YOU ARE PERSONALLY AFFECTED BY THIS WAR.

Being a strong Christian who lives your faith will not prevent Satan from attacking you. You must constantly be on the lookout for signs in youself and those around you for his influence. He will not come for you in a direct manner. He will not tell the truth. He will attempt to influence you and your actions. He will interfer with your life. He will use you as a tool however he pleases in his quest to destroy mankind, destroy you, and drag all down to the pit of hell with him. He hates you.He has time on his side with you. As strong as you feel you are is the one tool he use the most. Evil influence will begin to pervade your life. What was once offensive will become normal.

Whenever you have an urge to go against your conscience, it is Satan behind the urge. Satan is behind all strife , arguments, dissention, cruelty, pornography, addictions, afflictions---anything that is out of balance in your life and others is from the influence of Satan. He is the master deceiver and manipulator. That is why many feel that there is no Satan and there is no hell.

Confronting Satan will cause a part of you to be destroyed if you are not properly shielded. If you recognize in your own life signs of Satans influence, you must immediatly seek out help from your church and those in it who are strong in their faith. They will instruct you in biblical and moral teachings, help you develop strong morals and faith in your life, and help you cast light on this darkness that has influenced you. Satan will back away and light will shine in your life--but he will always be lurking in the shadows with another temptation that will allow his influence to once again gain a foothold and control in your life. The war will still be ongoing even if you thwarted one attempt.

Satan choose some people for infestation. We don't know exactly how he chooses these individuals. A common thread seems to be that those chosen actually went looking for him in either a direct or indirect way. Involving yourself in the occult practices is one way. Seeking out familiar spirits or mediums is another. He will tempt you to go deeper in these areas and away from your faith and church. You will come under the spell of occult addiction if you get involved with it. Infestation will result in actual supernatural events occuring in your life. You will see spirits, you will see magic come to life.

Possession takes place when the infestation stage progresses to the actual demons taking over your body, mind, and facilities. This stage rarely occurs. When it does, and after a complete investigation by the church, medical doctors, and psycholgists, have determined that there is possession, then the Bishop where the person resides will enlist a team including a priest trained in exorcism to rid the person of the possession by expelling the demon or demons involved. This process is not always successful, the possessed may physically die, the attending exorcists may die--this is warfare on the frontline with no holds barred.

Confronting evil by drawing it into the light will wear out physically, emotionally, and spiritually the priest involved. it will take time for recovery and in every single instance, a part of the priest is destroyed. This subject is not light hearted, is not funny, and is deadly serious. Souls are at risk.

I have included the entire Roman Rite of Exorcism with this post. Read through it. My purpose here is to bring to light exactly what is happening on an increasing basis today in society. Satan has invaded the government, families, countries--all areas of mankind. He has developed attitudes and allies at all levels. He will be defeated, but I'm concerned about how many casualties will be spent during the process. Don't let yourself, family, friends, or associates be one of them.


(This is the Official Rite for expelling demons from people certified as being possessed by authorized Catholic priests.)
RITE OF EXORCISM
The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and implore God's help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water. After this he kneels and says the Litany of the Saints, exclusive of the prayers which follow it. All present are to make the responses.

LITANY OF THE SAINTS
The Litany of the Saints is used in ordination, Forty Hours', processions, and other occasions. Both the Roman Ritual and the Roman Pontifical direct that the first three invocations be repeated. The music for this litany is given in the music supplement. The invocations are sung (or recited) by the chanters or the priest; the responses by all.


P: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.

P: Christ, have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.

P: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.

P: Christ, hear us.
All: Christ, graciously hear us.

P: God, the Father in heaven.
All: Have mercy on us.

P: God, the Son, Redeemer of the world.
All: Have mercy on us.

P: God, the Holy Spirit.
All: Have mercy on us.

P: Holy Trinity, one God.
All: Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us,*
* After each invocation: "Pray for us."

Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
St. Michael,
St. Gabriel,
St. Raphael,
All holy angels and archangels,
All holy orders of blessed spirits,
St. John the Baptist,
St. Joseph,
All holy patriarchs and prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. James,
St. John,
St. Thomas,
St. James,
St. Philip,
St. Bartholomew,
St. Matthew,
St. Simon,
St. Thaddeus,
St. Matthias,
St. Barnabas,
St. Luke,
St. Mark,
All holy apostles and evangelists,
All holy disciples of the Lord,
All holy Innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
St. Vincent,
SS. Fabian and Sebastian,
SS. John and Paul,
SS. Cosmas and Damian,
SS. Gervase and Protase,
All holy martyrs,
St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Ambrose,
St. Augustine,
St. Jerome,
St. Martin,
St. Nicholas,
All holy bishops and confessors,
All holy doctors,
St. Anthony,
St. Benedict,
St. Bernard,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis,
All holy priests and levites,
All holy monks and hermits,
St. Mary Magdalen,
St. Agatha,
St. Lucy,
St. Agnes,
St. Cecilia,
St. Catherine,
St. Anastasia,
All holy virgins and widows,

P: All holy saints of God,
All: Intercede for us.

P: Be merciful,
All: Spare us, 0 Lord.

P: Be merciful,
All: Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.

From all evil, deliver us, 0 Lord.*
* After each invocation: "Deliver us, 0 Lord."

From all sin,
From your wrath,
From sudden and unprovided death,
From the snares of the devil,
From anger, hatred, and all ill will,
From all lewdness,
From lightning and tempest,
From the scourge of earthquakes,
From plague, famine, and war,
From everlasting death,
By the mystery of your holy incarnation,
By your coming,
By your birth,
By your baptism and holy fasting,
By your cross and passion,
By your death and burial,
By your holy resurrection,
By your wondrous ascension,
By the coming of the Holy,
Spirit, the Advocate,
On the day of judgment,

P: We sinners,
All: We beg you to hear us.*
* After each invocation: "We beg you to hear us."

That you spare us,
That you pardon us,
That you bring us to true penance,
That you govern and preserve your holy Church,
That you preserve our Holy Father
and all ranks in the Church in holy religion,
That you humble the enemies of holy Church,
That you give peace and true concord to all Christian rulers.
That you give peace and unity to the whole Christian world,
That you restore to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from
the truth, and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,
That you confirm and preserve us in your holy service,
That you lift up our minds to heavenly desires,
That you grant everlasting blessings to all our benefactors,
That you deliver our souls and the souls of our brethren, relatives, and
benefactors from everlasting damnation,
That you give and preserve the fruits of the earth,
That you grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed,
That you graciously hear us, Son of God,


At the end of the litany he (the priest) adds the following:
P: Antiphon: Do not keep in mind, 0 Lord, our
offenses or those of our parents, nor take vengeance on our sins.


P: Our Father
who are in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earh as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
All: But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 53

P: God, by your name save me,
and by your might defend my cause.
All: God, hear my prayer;
hearken to the words of my mouth.

P: For haughty men have risen up against me,
and fierce men seek my life;
they set not God before their eyes.
All: See, God is my helper;
the Lord sustains my life.

P: Turn back the evil upon my foes;
in your faithfulness destroy them.
All: Freely will I offer you sacrifice;
I will praise your name, Lord, for its goodness,

P: Because from all distress you have rescued me,
and my eyes look down upon my enemies.
All: Glory be to the Father.

P: As it was in the beginning.

After the psalm the priest continues:

P: Save your servant.
All: Who trusts in you, my God.

P: Let him (her) find in you, Lord, a fortified tower.
All: In the face of the enemy.

P: Let the enemy have no power over him (her).
All: And the son of iniquity be powerless to harm him (her).

P: Lord, send him (her) aid from your holy place.
All: And watch over him (her) from Sion.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

God, whose nature is ever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving kindness.

Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once and for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your only-begotten Son into the world to crush that roaring lion; hasten to our call for help and snatch from ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and likeness. Strike terror, Lord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. Fill your servants with courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their trust in you, and say with Pharaoh of old: "I know not God, nor will I set Israel free." Let your mighty hand cast him out of your servant, (The name of the person), so he may no longer hold captive this person whom it pleased you to make in your image, and to redeem through your Son; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Then he commands the demon as follows:

I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the coming of our Lord for judgment, that you tell me by some sign your name, and the day and hour of your departure. I command you, moreover, to obey me to the letter, I who am a minister of God despite my unworthiness; nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of God, or the bystanders, or any of their possessions.

The priest lays his hand on the head of the sick person, saying:

They shall lay their hands upon the sick and all will be well with them. May Jesus, Son of Mary, Lord and Savior of the world, through the merits and intercession of His holy apostles Peter and Paul and all His saints, show you favor and mercy.

All: Amen.

Next he reads over the possessed person these selections
from the Gospel, or at least one of them.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

P: The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St. John.
All: Glory be to you, 0 Lord.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. John
(John 1:1-14)
As he says these opening words he signs himself and the possessed on the brow, lips, and breast.

When time began, the Word was there, and the Word was face to face with God, and the Word was God. This Word, when time began, was face to face with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him there came to be not one thing that has come to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not lay hold of it. There came upon the scene a man, a messenger from God, whose name was John. This man came to give testimony to testify in behalf of the light that all might believe through him. He was not himself the light; he only was to testify in behalf of the light. Meanwhile the true light, which illumines every man, was making its entrance into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through Him, and the world did not acknowledge Him. He came into His home, and His own people did not welcome Him. But to as many as welcomed Him He gave the power to become children of God those who believe in His name; who were born not of blood, or of carnal desire, or of man's will; no, they were born of God. (Genuflect here.) And the Word became man and lived among us; and we have looked upon His glory such a glory as befits the Father's only-begotten Son full of grace and truth!

All: Thanks be to God.

Lastly he blesses the sick person, saying:

May the blessing of almighty God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
come upon you and remain with you forever.
All: Amen.

Then he sprinkles the person with holy water.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Mark
(Mark 16:15-18)
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He that believes and is baptized will be saved; he that does not believe will be condemned. And in the way of proofs of their claims, the following will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents in their hands, and if they drink something deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and these will recover."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke
(Luke 10:17-20)
At that time the seventy-two returned in high spirits. "Master," they said, "even the demons are subject to us because we use your name!" "Yes," He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall like lightning that flashes from heaven. But mind: it is I that have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and break the dominion of the enemy everywhere; nothing at all can injure you. Just the same, do not rejoice in the fact that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice in the fact that your names are engraved in heaven."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke
(Luke 11:14-22)
At that time Jesus was driving out a demon, and this particular demon was dumb. The demon was driven out, the dumb man spoke, and the crowds were enraptured. But some among the people remarked: "He is a tool of Beelzebul, and that is how he drives out demons!" Another group, intending to test Him, demanded of Him a proof of His claims, to be shown in the sky. He knew their inmost thoughts. "Any kingdom torn by civil strife," He said to them, "is laid in ruins; and house tumbles upon house. So, too, if Satan is in revolt against himself, how can his kingdom last, since you say that I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul. And furthermore: if I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul, whose tools are your pupils when they do the driving out? Therefore, judged by them, you must stand condemned. But, if, on the contrary, I drive out demons by the finger of God, then, evidently the kingdom of God has by this time made its way to you. As long as a mighty lord in full armor guards his premises, he is in peaceful possession of his property; but should one mightier than he attack and overcome him, he will strip him of his armor, on which he had relied, and distribute the spoils taken from him."

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty Lord, Word of God the Father, Jesus Christ, God and Lord of all creation; who gave to your holy apostles the power to tramp underfoot serpents and scorpions; who along with the other mandates to work miracles was pleased to grant them the authority to say: "Depart, you devils!" and by whose might Satan was made to fall from heaven like lightning; I humbly call on your holy name in fear and trembling, asking that you grant me, your unworthy servant, pardon for all my sins, steadfast faith, and the power - supported by your mighty arm - to confront with confidence and resolution this cruel demon. I ask this through you, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who are coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire.

All: Amen.

Next he makes the sign of the cross over himself and the one possessed, places the end of the stole on the latter's neck, and, putting his right hand on the latter's head, he says the following in accents filled with confidence and faith:

P: See the cross of the Lord;
begone, you hostile powers!
All: The stem of David,
the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to your holy name, humbly begging your kindness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean spirit now tormenting this creature of yours; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Exorcism

I cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every Satanic power of the enemy, every spectre from hell, and all your fell companions; in the name of our Lord Jesus +Christ. Begone and stay far from this creature of God.+ For it is He who commands you, He who flung you headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. It is He who commands you, He who once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan, you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death, you robber of life, you corrupter of justice, you root of all evil and vice; seducer of men, betrayer of the nations, instigator of envy, font of avarice, fomentor of discord, author of pain and sorrow. Why, then, do you stand and resist, knowing as you must that Christ the Lord brings your plans to nothing? Fear Him, who in Isaac was offered in sacrifice, in Joseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell. (The three signs of the cross which follow are traced on the brow of the possessed person). Begone, then, in the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy + Spirit. Give place to the Holy Spirit by this sign of the holy + cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

God, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own image, look down in pity on this your servant, N., now in the toils of the unclean spirit, now caught up in the fearsome threats of man's ancient enemy, sworn foe of our race, who befuddles and stupefies the human mind, throws it into terror, overwhelms it with fear and panic. Repel, 0 Lord, the devil's power, break asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. By the sign + (on the brow) of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body. (The three crosses which follow are traced on the breast of the possessed person). Keep watch over the inmost recesses of his (her) + heart; rule over his (her) + emotions; strengthen his (her) + will. Let vanish from his (her) soul the temptings of the mighty adversary. Graciously grant, 0 Lord, as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrorized over us, may himself retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render you the service which is your due; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Exorcism

I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator, by the Creator of the whole universe, by Him who has the power to consign you to hell, to depart forthwith in fear, along with your savage minions, from this servant of God, N., who seeks refuge in the fold of the Church. I adjure you again, + (on the brow) not by my weakness but by the might of the Holy Spirit, to depart from this servant of God, N. , whom almighty God has made in His image. Yield, therefore, yield not to my own person but to the minister of Christ. For it is the power of Christ that compels you, who brought you low by His cross. Tremble before that mighty arm that broke asunder the dark prison walls and led souls forth to light. May the trembling that afflicts this human frame, + (on the breast) the fear that afflicts this image + (on the brow) of God, descend on you. Make no resistance nor delay in departing from this man, for it has pleased Christ to dwell in man. Do not think of despising my command because you know me to be a great sinner. It is God + Himself who commands you; the majestic Christ + who commands you. God the Father + commands you; God the Son + commands you; God the Holy + Spirit commands you. The mystery of the cross commands +you. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and of all the saints commands + you. The blood of the martyrs commands + you. The continence of the confessors commands + you. The devout prayers of all holy men and women command + you. The saving mysteries of our Christian faith command + you.

Depart, then, transgressor. Depart, seducer, full of lies and cunning, foe of virtue, persecutor of the innocent. Give place, abominable creature, give way, you monster, give way to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. For He has already stripped you of your powers and laid waste your kingdom, bound you prisoner and plundered your weapons. He has cast you forth into the outer darkness, where everlasting ruin awaits you and your abettors. To what purpose do you insolently resist? To what purpose do you brazenly refuse? For you are guilty before almighty God, whose laws you have transgressed. You are guilty before His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you presumed to tempt, whom you dared to nail to the cross. You are guilty before the whole human race, to whom you prof erred by your enticements the poisoned cup of death.

Therefore, I adjure you, profligate dragon, in the name of the spotless + Lamb, who has trodden down the asp and the basilisk, and overcome the lion and the dragon, to depart from this man (woman) + (on the brow), to depart from the Church of God + (signing the bystanders). Tremble and flee, as we call on the name of the Lord, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. The Word made flesh + commands you; the Virgin's Son + commands you; Jesus + of Nazareth commands you, who once, when you despised His disciples, forced you to flee in shameful defeat from a man; and when He had cast you out you did not even dare, except by His leave, to enter into a herd of swine. And now as I adjure you in His + name, begone from this man (woman) who is His creature. It is futile to resist His + will. It is hard for you to kick against the + goad. The longer you delay, the heavier your punishment shall be; for it is not men you are condemning, but rather Him who rules the living and the dead, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire.

All: Amen.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the prophets and apostles, God of the martyrs and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of heaven and earth, who are truly a King, whose kingdom is without end; I humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver this servant of yours from the unclean spirits; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Exorcism

Therefore, I adjure you every unclean spirit, every spectre from hell, every satanic power, in the name of Jesus + Christ of Nazareth, who was led into the desert after His baptism by John to vanquish you in your citadel, to cease your assaults against the creature whom He has, formed from the slime of the earth for His own honor and glory; to quail before wretched man, seeing in him the image of almighty God, rather than his state of human frailty. Yield then to God, + who by His servant, Moses, cast you and your malice, in the person of Pharaoh and his army, into the depths of the sea. Yield to God, + who, by the singing of holy canticles on the part of David, His faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King Saul. Yield to God, + who condemned you in the person of Judas Iscariot, the traitor. For He now flails you with His divine scourges, + He in whose sight you and your legions once cried out: "What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torture us before the time?" Now He is driving you back into the everlasting fire, He who at the end of time will say to the wicked: "Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." For you, 0 evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die. An unquenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursed murderers, father of lechery, instigator of sacrileges, model of vileness, promoter of heresies, inventor of every obscenity.

Depart, then, + impious one, depart, + accursed one, depart with all your deceits, for God has willed that man should be His temple. Why do you still linger here? Give honor to God the Father + almighty, before whom every knee must bow. Give place to the Lord Jesus + Christ, who shed His most precious blood for man. Give place to the Holy + Spirit, who by His blessed apostle Peter openly struck you down in the person of Simon Magus; who cursed your lies in Annas and Saphira; who smote you in King Herod because he had not given honor to God; who by His apostle Paul afflicted you with the night of blindness in the magician Elyma, and by the mouth of the same apostle bade you to go out of Pythonissa, the soothsayer. Begone, + now! Begone, + seducer! Your place is in solitude; your abode is in the nest of serpents; get down and crawl with them. This matter brooks no delay; for see, the Lord, the ruler comes quickly, kindling fire before Him, and it will run on ahead of Him and encompass His enemies in flames. You might delude man, but God you cannot mock. It is He who casts you out, from whose sight nothing is hidden. It is He who repels you, to whose might all things are subject. It is He who expels you, He who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth shall come a sharp sword, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire.

All: Amen.
All the above may be repeated as long as necessary, until the one possessed has been fully freed.

It will also help to say devoutly and often over the afflicted person the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed, as well as any of the prayers given below.

The Canticle of our Lady, with the doxology; the Canticle of Zachary, with the doxology.

P: Antiphon: Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Canticle of Our Lady
(The Magnificat)
(Luke 1:46-55)
P: "My soul extols the Lord;
All: And my spirit leaps for joy in God my Savior.

P: How graciously He looked upon His lowly maid!
Oh, see, from this hour onward age after age will call me blessed!
All: How sublime is what He has done for me,
the Mighty One, whose name is `Holy'!

P: From age to age He visits those
who worship Him in reverence.
All: His arm achieves the mastery:
He routs the haughty and proud of heart.

P: He puts down princes from their thrones,
and exalts the lowly;
All: He fills the hungry with blessings,
and sends away the rich with empty hands.

P: He has taken by the hand His servant Israel,
and mercifully kept His faith,
All: As He had promised our fathers
with Abraham and his posterity forever and evermore."

P: Glory be to the Father.
All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon: Magi from the East came to Bethlehem
to adore the Lord;
and opening their treasure chests
they presented Him with precious gifts:
Gold for the great King, incense for the true God,
and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Meanwhile the home is sprinkled
with holy water and incensed. Then the priest says:

P: Our Father
who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth
As it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation.
All: But deliver us from evil.

P: Many shall come from Saba.
All: Bearing gold and incense.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May he also be with you.

Let us pray.

God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Responsory: Be enlightened and shine forth,
0 Jerusalem, for your light is come;
and upon you is risen the glory
of the Lord Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.

P: Nations shall walk in your light,
and kings in the splendor of your birth.
All: And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Let us pray.

Lord God almighty, bless +this home,
and under its shelter let there be health,
chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness,
mildness, obedience to your commandments,
and thanksgiving to God
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
May your blessing remain always in this home
and on those who live here;
through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

P: Antiphon for Canticle of Zachary:

Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom,
for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan;
the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials;
and the guests are gladdened with water made wine,
alleluia.

Canticle of Zachary(Luke 1:68-79

P: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!
He has visited His people and
brought about its redemption.
All: He has raised for us a stronghold of salvation
in the house of David His servant,

P: And redeemed the promise He had made
through the mouth of His holy prophets of old
All: To grant salvation from our foes
and from the hand of all that hate us;

P: To deal in mercy with our fathers
and be mindful of His holy covenant,
All: Of the oath he had sworn to our father Abraham,
that He would enable us

P: Rescued from the clutches of our foes
to worship Him without fear,
All: In holiness and observance of the Law,
in His presence, all our days.

P: And you, my little one, will be hailed
`Prophet of the Most High';
for the Lord's precursor you will be to prepare His ways;
All: You are to impart to His people knowledge
of salvation through forgiveness of their sins.

P: Thanks be to the merciful heart of our God!
a dawning Light from on high will visit us
All: To shine upon those who sit in darkness
and in the shadowland of death,
and guide our feet into the path of peace."

P: Glory be to the Father.
All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon:

Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom,
for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan;
the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials;
and the guests are gladdened with water made wine,
alleluia.

Then the celebrant sings:

P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son
to all nations by the guidance of a star,
grant that we who now know you by faith
may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty;
through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Athanasian Creed

P: Whoever wills to be saved
must before all else hold fast to the Catholic faith.

All: Unless one keeps this faith whole and untarnished,
without doubt he will perish forever.

P: Now this is the Catholic faith:
that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in unity;
All: Neither confusing the Persons one with the other,
nor making a distinction in their nature.

P: For the Father is a distinct Person;
and so is the Son;
and so is the Holy Spirit.
All: Yet the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit possess one Godhead,
co-equal glory, co-eternal majesty.

P: As the Father is, so is the Son,
so also is the Holy Spirit.
All: The Father is uncreated,
the Son is uncreated,
the Holy Spirit is uncreated.

P: The Father is infinite,
the Son is infinite,
the Holy Spirit is infinite.
All:
The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal,
the Holy Spirit is eternal.

P: Yet they are not three eternals,
but one eternal God.
All: Even as they are not three uncreated,
or three infinites,
but one uncreated and one infinite God.

P: So likewise the Father is almighty,
the Son is almighty,
the Holy Spirit is almighty.
All: Yet they are not three almighties,
but they are the one Almighty.

P: Thus the Father is God,
the Son is God,
the Holy Spirit is God.
All: Yet they are not three gods,
but one God.

P: Thus the Father is Lord,
the Son is Lord,
the Holy Spirit is Lord.
All: Yet there are not three lords,
but one Lord.

P: For just as Christian truth
compels us to profess that each Person
is individually God and Lord,
so does the Catholic religion forbid us
to hold that there are three gods or lords.
All: The Father was not made by any power;
He was neither created nor begotten.

P: The Son is from the Father alone,
neither created nor made, but begotten.
All: The Holy Spirit is from
the Father and the Son,
neither made nor created nor begotten,
but He proceeds.

P: So there is one Father, not three;
one Son, not three;
one Holy Spirit, not three.
All: And in this Trinity one Person
is not earlier or later,
nor is one greater or less;
but all three Persons are co-eternal
and co-equal.

P: In every way, then,
as already affirmed,
unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be worshiped.
All: Whoever, then, wills to be saved
must assent to this doctrine of the Blessed Trinity.

P: But it is necessary for everlasting salvation
that one also firmly believe in the incarnation
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
>All: True faith, then, requires us
to believe and profess
that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
is both God and man.

P: He is God, begotten of the substance
of the Father from eternity;
He is man, born in time of the substance of His Mother.
All: He is perfect God, and perfect man
subsisting in a rational soul and a human body.

P: He is equal to the Father
in His divine nature,
but less than the Father in His human nature as such.
All: And though He is God and man,
yet He is the one Christ, not two;

P: One, however, not by any change
of divinity into flesh,
but by the act of God assuming a human nature.
All: He is one only,
not by a mixture of substance,
but by the oneness of His Person.

P: For, somewhat as the rational soul
and the body compose one man,
so Christ is one Person who is both God and man;
All: Who suffered for our salvation,
who descended into hell,
who rose again the third day from the dead;

P: Who ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty,
from there He shall come to judge
both the living and the dead.
All: At His coming all men shall rise
again in their bodies,
and shall give an account of their works.

P: And those who have done good shall
enter into everlasting life,
but those who have done evil into everlasting fire.
All: All this is Catholic faith,
and unless one believes it truly and firmly
one cannot be saved.

P: Glory be to the Father
All: As it was in the beginning.

Here follows a large number of psalms which may be used by the exorcist at his discretion but these are not a necessary part of the rite. Some of them occur in other parts of the Ritual and are so indicated; the others may be taken from the Psalter. Psalm 90; psalm 67; psalm 69; psalm 53; psalm 117; psalm 34; psalm 30; psalm 21; psalm 3; psalm 10; psalm 12.

Prayer Following Deliverance

P: Almighty God,
we beg you to keep the evil spirit
from further molesting this servant of yours,
and to keep him far away,
never to return.
At your command, 0 Lord,
may the goodness and peace
of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer,
take possession of this man (woman).
May we no longer fear any evil
since the Lord is with us;
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

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Main Index

(C) 1999 Catholic Doors Ministry

When does an unborn baby feel pain?

My friend Leo from the Ice Palace blog posted a topic about this question that has racked my emotions and caused me to ponder this question from the depths of my soul.

I came up with the following answer not based upon scientific evidence but on something far greater in proof. I'm using my intellect and years of studying my creator. By studying "GOD" I mean observing exactly what he is and how he operates from the information he has supplied me about himself."GOD" creates will, "GOD" creates potential, he creates posibility, he creates solutions to unleash potential, and he creates the end result. That is a lot of creating. Life unfolds for each of us in this order. "GOD" starts out willing us into physical existence. And he created the process for it to happen. And the process has all our potential for be created in every step of the way. In order to survive in a physical environment he created pain and the system for its use by each one of us. Sometimes in conjunction with others such as our birth mothers.

The following is a reply to a post by Leo on the American Patriot forum. I believe this to be a correctly reasoned account of the pain we all feel from two cells to our mortal end. Watch out for the looney wagon and some guys in white jackets and a big butterfly net-- Yodi. And the evil doctors following close behind.

I'm not a scientist or medical doctor, so some could argue with my analysis of the question "when does an unborn bady feel pain?"

At the moment of conception we are everybit physically what we will ever become. We may only have two cells--but oh what cells those are. They immediatly begin receiving genetic commands to divide and become the various organ and skeleton system that will result in a body.

But setting the body aside for a moment, let's explore the spiritual side of our being. When we are concieved, we are not deprived of any tool needed for our survival. There may be genetic breakdowns that result in the physical malfunction and death of these two cells or four cells or four billion cells--whatever amount of cells we happen to be at at the time of physical death. But WE are still whole as a person.

At twol cells in size we lack the physical material that makes up a central nervous system and nerve endings,so-- "GOD" provided them for us in the form of our mother. So--we had the essence of what we would become that was still in a spiritual form [being realized one cell at a time] and we had the surrogate neve cells and central nervous system of our mother to act on our behalf.

Pain is a warning system that "GOD" invented for us---to make us react and pull away from dangerous situations. He decided that our entire body needed this protection and so placed the sensors where they would accomplish the just end they were designed for. Since we are atttached to mom, she is the first line of defense for us with her own system. It is her job to make all the necessary moves to remove us from danger. Since we already exist fully as spirit/soul I believe that part of us is aware of the danger and reacts according to the will of "GOD" in the way that the spirit/soul reacts to pain and suffering. The only difference a person has who physically dies at two cells and one that dies of old age is the physical life experience. Not all of "GODS" creations enjoy a full physical life experience on earth. Some get short circuited along the path. But they are not less than others.

Getting back to pain. If an evil doctor conspires with an evil mother to end the physical life of her unborn baby, pain is felt in many areas. Physically by mom, spiritually by the baby, spiritually by the angels, spiritually, by our savior, and "GODLY" by our creator. There are many levels and areas of pain being experienced when the evil doctor mutilates and tears about the unborn baby.

I would argue also that their is a strong possibility that even two cells may experience pain. Inside every cell exists the code for our entire body. Somewhere in that code is the unrealized physical development of a nervous system and nerve endings and the potential for the physical pain to be felt. So I believe it is felt there as well--in an unmeasurable way.

Now many would say that I'm completely illogical with this post. That everything I mentioned is pure speculation on my part. Well then--prove me wrong.

If I am so blessed to enter heaven and be with the other spirit/souls, I believe they will acknowledge what I have written. I believe that when "GOD" wills the creation of another human being, that there is more present than scientific instruments and scientists are able to define or measure. How much does a soul weigh for example? The evil doctor probably hasn't a clue. "GOD" does--and it is priceless.

Liberals Contradictory Moral Philosophy

Did you watch the three-hour Peter Jennings--{RIP} special on April 5 that explained why intelligent--right-thinking people believe Jesus was just a misguided do-gooder with political aspirations?

Did you notice the part where the Apostle Paul was written off for his supposed "puritanical intolerance"?

Maybe you skipped the Jennings "documentary" because you knew it wasn't going to be worth the time.

But--I know you endured the constant barrage of media reports disparaging Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" as an anti-Semitic gore-fest –- even as it was leading a whole nation to phenomenal new depths of understanding about who Jesus was and what He endured for the sake of us all.

There is a new desperation among liberals as the try to convince themselves that the resurgence of logical thinking in America doesn't threaten their position and influence in the society. I listen in amazement at the preposterous criticisms leveled against conservatives in general and Catholics and their Christian brothers and sisters--in particular.

It would be a tribute to the thespian skills of liberal celebrities [Hollywood stars--such as "Hanoi" Jane Fonda, Barbara Streisand,] and-- politicians such as John "war hero" Kerry,"news" reporters--etc.] that they can say what they do with a straight face –- except--that they apparently believe every word of it!

They seem totally oblivious to the contradiction between their criticisms and the beliefs that make one a liberal.

Take--for example--an e-mail I received from someone I'll call "Ted," who wrote to criticize Catholics for seeking to influence American culture and for sending missionaries to countries where other religions predominate.

"Some people don't want you manipulating their culture and preying on their emotionally weak members," he said. "We don't want you [expletive] with our society in the USA any more than the Iraqis or the Afghans want you trying to force your beliefs and social mores on them." I don't even know this guy nor do I know how he discovered my e-mail address. But once the light gets shown in the dark corners of liberal camps--they get nervous.

I'm always intrigued that liberals don't see the contradiction in their condemning Catholics or our Christian brothers and sisters for trying to influence individuals and society toward what we believe is right and good.

Every liberal I've ever met said moral absolutes don't exist. That means there are no moral rules that apply to everyone--everywhere--all the time.

In general--they argue that values are relative. "What's right or wrong in one culture may not be right or wrong in another," they say. "What's right or wrong for one individual may not be right or wrong for another."

When they specifically reject Catholic moral values--they say things like "That's just your opinion," "Catholics shouldn't force their values on others," and "Catholics shouldn't try to change other people's beliefs."

Those are curious comments--coming from people who say there aren't any standards of right or wrong that apply to everyone--everywhere--all the time.

Try asking a liberal critic questions like these:

"If each person has to decide what's right and wrong for himself, why do you insist that something wrong for you also is wrong for me?"

"If my moral values are just my opinion, aren't your values just opinion too? Why should your opinion be any better than mine?"

"If no one should tell someone else that their beliefs are wrong, why are you telling me I'm wrong?"

Don't expect any answers. There aren't any.

The liberal denies moral absolutes--but in fact he believes very strongly that some things are absolutely right or wrong.

Take, for example, his idea that Catholics or our Christian brothers and sisters-- are wrong to try to change other people's religious beliefs. Is that wrong for everyone--everywhere--all the time? Is it possible it might ever be right for someone? If not--then that's a moral absolute –- something the liberal denies is real!

Let's make the point more forcefully by asking a more serious question: What about the rape and murder of a child? Is that wrong for everyone--everywhere--all the time? Is it possible it might ever be right for someone to rape and murder a child? Then why isn't that a moral absolute?

Two critical questions for a liberal are "If we both agree that there are some things that are right or wrong for everyone--everywhere--all the time –- what makes your absolutes true and mine false?" and "What can you give me--other than your opinion--to prove that what I'm doing is wrong?"

The most serious problem America faces is that no one can explain how we can know what is true when it comes to religion and morals. Even Catholics are hard pressed to explain how a pluralistic society with many different religions and worldviews can come to enough agreement about right and wrong to establish a just government and legal system.

The liberal's moral philosophy suffers from a fundamental contradiction. He doesn't practice what he preaches. He can't explain why any value or action he despises is wrong for anyone else. He denies moral absolutes when it comes to "GODS" values--but in fact he holds fast to his own moral absolutes.

It's fuzzy thinking like this that is driving America deeper and deeper into social and moral chaos. It's on the basis of such non-sense that liberals think they will lead America into a new Age of Enlightenment.

Can you explain how a pluralistic society with many different religions and worldviews can come to enough agreement about right and wrong to establish a just government and legal system?

However-- If you can't--you ought to be concerned.

This is aserious problem that needs more flashlights and more people asking reasonable questions.

I'm outfitting Yodi with one of those "miner lights"--the kind you wear around your head with the big flashlight bulb protruding from your forehead. As he snoops around on our walks, I hope he uncovers a few liberals that I can ask a few more questions to. For example--"have you noticed how quiet the parks are these days"? With over 40,000,000 abortions --- there are a lot fewer children to climb those big trees. But that will be the focus of another bunch of flashlights. Stay tuned.

Meeting and confronting Satan on the internet

I don't know why I was naive enough to let down my guard on the internet. I suppose it is because it is inpersonal. I have a keyboard and a screen that is 15 inches wide in front of me--not an actual person or demon.

I have spent just over a year and hundreds of hours conversing over cyberspace with a wide range and audience. In my minds eye I form pictures and personas of those who I converse with. I have no idea whether they are real or fiction. I already assumed that many are not what they claim to be. But I always gave the benefit of doubt as the converstions flowed on.

But--when I became serious about internet ministry work and the benefit of using cyberspace to teach and help others--as if it were a cyberspace St. Paul's Parish---I became aware of another presence hiding behind the screen. This was an evil, manipulative presence. I prayed and meditated what next to do. It isd one thing to be in counsel with an actual human being where interpersonal counseling is in the flesh. And--where all my senses can be utilized in discenment. but--a computer screen? How does one discern that?

So I began using the only tools available to me. Visual signs of the screen. Inside the visual signs are the written words of those on the other end of cyberspace. I could ask questions and interpret responses. And I could compare responses over time to look for signs of Satan behind the script.
The same tests that apply in person, I have applied in cyberspace.

The next problem that arises is how to call him and his demons out into the open. How does one shine the bright light of Christ into the hidden corners of the conversations? Satan does not have the virtues of mankind. Although not many humans display all the virtues--or even some at any time. The intent of Satan and the intent of a person are different. So I look for intent behind conversations. Over time Satan shows his intent. Since he has influence over those on the other end of the cyber--conversation, he uses it. But--he still must use the facilities of the other person to weave his web of deceit and lies. He can influence the other person but he cannot totally possess the other person without immediatly showing his true nature out front. It is in the humanity of his puppet that he can be found.That humanity--even if it is only a small part still shinning--where he can be recognized.

More on this later---

Don't be afraid Yodi. Once we have the demons out in the open, we will go from there.

Witnessing to liberals

WARNING:
If you are a liberal, athiest, or agnostic--please stop reading here. This information is intended for conservative Catholics and their Christian brothers and sisters. You may find this information disturbing, thought provoking , or anger inducing. This is not the purpose --as this information is intended for a target audience, whose faith demands witnessing under all circumstances. There are other topics in these forums that you should now go to.

Liberal Christians typically seek to adapt religious ideas to modern science. Their goal is to make Christianity "relevant" to modern man. By elevating science to supreme authority, they assume the Bible is a fallible human document, approach Scripture with an antisupernatural bias, and dismiss miracles as the fantasies of ignorant people in biblical times who did not understand the laws of nature. They also view humanity as fundamentally good, with no real sin problem.

Jesus is not viewed as God incarnate or as a divine Savior. Rather, He was a man supremely full of God and was characterized by ethical and moral excellence. He is an example to – and moral teacher of – the human race. He didn't die on the cross for our sins, but His death nevertheless has an uplifting "moral influence" on people (setting an example of sacrifice).

God's primary attribute is said to be love. His holiness, judgment, and wrath are practically ignored. Thus, it is not surprising that liberal Christians hold out the hope of immortality for all people. The idea that any will spend eternity in hell is rejected.

Confronted with such a plethora of unbiblical ideas, conservative Christians might wonder how to begin in evangelizing their liberal counterparts. Following are some guidelines I have found helpful when dialoguing with liberal Christians.

Be loving. Liberal Christians sometimes view evangelicals as narrow-minded and unloving. For this reason it is all the more important that all of your personal encounters with liberals be marked by love. Be courteous, tactful, kind, and humble.

Debunk the caricatures liberal Christians often have regarding evangelicals. As a case in point, some liberal Christians think typical evangelicals believe in the dictation theory of inspiration (the view that God literally dictated the Bible word for word to the biblical writers). Emphasize that typical evangelicals reject this view.

At the same time, however, be ready to explain and defend the correct view of inspiration. Biblical inspiration may be defined as God's superintending of the human authors so that, using (rather than bypassing) their own historical situations, personalities, and writing styles, they composed and recorded without error His revelation to humankind (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21). (Space forbids a detailed apologetic defense of inspiration, but good resources are available for this.)

A necessary consequence of this view of inspiration is that the authority of Scripture cannot be separated from the authority of God. Whatever the Bible affirms, God affirms. Since the written revelation from God has been recorded under the Spirit's direct superintendence, that revelation is authoritative – just as authoritative as the One who gave it.

Now, besides dealing with inspiration, you should also address the liberal view that because the four gospel writers had theological motives (the intent to convince readers of Jesus' deity, for example), their historical testimony is untrustworthy. This is clearly faulty reasoning. As scholar Craig Blomberg put it, "The fallacy...is to imagine that telling a story for a purpose, even in the service of a cause one believes in passionately, necessarily forces one to distort history. In our modern era, some of the most reliable reporters of the Nazi Holocaust were Jews passionately committed to seeing such genocide never repeated."

Another caricature you may need to deal with is the liberal's misperception that evangelicals interpret Scripture too literally. Point out that evangelicals do not hold to a "wooden literalism" – the kind that interprets biblical figures of speech literally. Explain that what is understood to be symbolic and what is taken literally should be based on the biblical context itself – such as when Jesus used obviously figurative parables to communicate spiritual truth.

Emphasize that a literal approach to Scripture recognizes that the Bible contains a variety of literary genres, each of which have certain peculiar characteristics that must be recognized in order to interpret the text properly. Biblical genres include the historical (e.g., Acts), the dramatic epic (e.g., Job), poetry (e.g., Psalms), wise sayings (e.g., Proverbs), and apocalyptic writings (e.g., Revelation). Point out that an incorrect genre judgment will lead one far astray in interpreting Scripture.

Even though the Bible contains a variety of literary genres and many figures of speech, the biblical authors most often employed literal statements to convey their ideas. And where they use a literal means to express their ideas, the Bible expositor must employ a corresponding means to explain these ideas – namely, a literal approach. Such an approach gives to each word in the text the same basic meaning it would have in normal, ordinary, customary usage – whether employed in writing, speaking, or thinking. Without such a method, communication between God and humankind is impossible.

A third caricature you may have to deal with is the notion that evangelicals are unaware of – or are not willing to deal with – so-called contradictions in the Bible. Challenge this charge. Put the burden on the liberal, and ask him or her to cite specific contradictions. Use resources like Gleason Archer's Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties and Norman Geisler's When Critics Ask to demonstrate that there are alternative explanations that make good sense.

Debunk the liberal's charge that miracles are the fantasies of ignorant people in biblical times who did not understand the laws of nature. People in biblical times did know enough of the laws of nature to recognize bona fide miracles. As C. S. Lewis put it, "When St. Joseph discovered that his bride was pregnant, he was 'minded to put her away.' He knew enough biology for that. Otherwise, of course, he would not have regarded pregnancy as a proof of infidelity. When he accepted the Christian explanation, he regarded it as a miracle precisely because he knew enough of the laws of nature to know that this was a suspension of them."

Moreover, Lewis observed, "when the disciples saw Christ walking on the water they were frightened: they would not have been frightened unless they had known the laws of nature and known that this was an exception. If a man had no conception of a regular order in nature, then of course he could not notice departures from that order." Nothing can be viewed as "abnormal" until one has first grasped the "norm."

Don't let the liberal get away with saying that science "disproves" the biblical miracles. Science depends upon observation and replication. Miracles – such as the Incarnation and the Resurrection – are by their very nature unprecedented events. No one can replicate these events in a laboratory. Hence, science simply cannot be the judge and jury as to whether or not these events occurred. The scientific method is useful for studying nature but not super-nature.

Scientists are speaking outside of their proper field when they address theological issues like miracles. R. C. Sproul observes, "Today when somebody steps outside of his area of expertise, people tend to follow and believe him. That is the basis of much advertising. For example, a baseball star may appear on television and promote a particular brand of razors. If that star were to tell me how to hit a baseball, he would be speaking with authority. But when he tells me the best razor blade to buy is a certain brand, then he is speaking outside of his area of expertise." Scientists do the same type of thing in regard to miracles.

The skepticism of liberal Christians notwithstanding, there is good reason to believe in the biblical miracles. One highly pertinent factor is the brief time that elapsed between Jesus' miraculous public ministry and the publication of the gospels. It was insufficient for the development of miracle legends. Many eyewitnesses to Jesus' miracles would have still been alive to refute any untrue miracle accounts (see 1 Cor. 15:6). One must also recognize the noble character of the men who witnessed these miracles (e.g., Peter, James, and John). Such men were not prone to misrepresentation, and were willing to give up their lives rather than deny their beliefs.

There were also hostile witnesses to the miracles of Christ. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead--- for example, none of the chief priests or Pharisees disputed the miracle (John 11:45-48). (If they could have disputed it-- they would have.) Rather, their goal was simply to stop Jesus (vv. 47-48). Remind the liberal that because there were so many hostile witnesses who observed and scrutinized Christ, successful "fabrication" of miracle stories in His ministry would have been impossible.

Demonstrate that nature and Scripture, properly interpreted, do not conflict. God has communicated to humankind both by general revelation (nature, or the observable universe) and special revelation (the Bible). Since both of these revelations come from God – and since God does not contradict Himself – we must conclude these two revelations are in agreement with each other. While there may be conflicts between one's interpretation of the observable universe and one's interpretation of the Bible, there is no ultimate contradiction.

We might say that science is a fallible human interpretation of the observable universe while theology is a fallible human interpretation of the Scriptures. If the liberal challenges the idea that science can be fallible, remind him or her of what science historian Thomas Kuhn proved in his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions – that is, science is in a constant state of change. New discoveries have consistently caused old scientific paradigms to be discarded in favor of newer paradigms.

Here is the point: it is not nature and Scripture that contradict; rather, it is science (man's fallible interpretation of nature) and theology (man's fallible interpretation of Scripture) that sometimes fall into conflict. Hence the liberal cannot simply dismiss certain parts of the Bible because "science and the Bible contradict."

Also keep in mind that the allegation that the Bible is not scientifically accurate is sometimes related to the Bible's frequent use of phenomenological language. Ecclesiastes 1:5, for example, refers to the sun "rising and setting." From a scientific perspective, the sun does not actually rise or set. But let's be fair. This is the same kind of language weather forecasters use. "Rising" and "setting" are accepted ways of describing what the sun appears to be doing from an earthly perspective.

Demonstrate that Jesus was not a mere example or moral teacher. No mere "example" or "moral teacher" would ever claim that the destiny of the world lay in His hands, or that people would spend eternity in heaven or hell depending on whether they believed in Him (John 6:26-40). The only "example" this would provide would be one of lunacy. And for Jesus to convince people that He was God (John 8:58) and the Savior of the world (Luke 19:10) – when He really wasn't – would be the ultimate immorality.

Certainly, if Jesus had intended to teach doctrines compatible with liberal Christianity, He was a dire failure as a teacher. Indeed, His words led all those who followed Him during His earthly ministry in the precise opposite direction than He supposedly intended. All His followers ended up believing in miracles, that man is a sinner, that Jesus died on the cross to save them, and so forth.

In proving that Christ is the divine Messiah He claimed to be, one good approach is to demonstrate Jesus' fulfillment of messianic prophecies in the Old Testament – including ones He couldn't have conspired to fulfill, such as His birthplace (Mic. 5:2), being born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14), and the identity of His forerunner (Mal. 3:1). (This is what first got my attention back in the 1970s when I was attending a liberal church.) Since liberals respect science, mention that the science of statistics shows there is something like a 1 in 1017 chance of one man fulfilling just eight of the hundreds of messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. Peter Stoner, author of Science Speaks, provides an illustration to help us understand the magnitude of such odds:
Suppose that we take 1017 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote using their own wisdom.

Jesus fulfilled not just eight but hundreds of messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. Besides this, Jesus is referred to by the names of deity (e.g., "God," Heb. 1:8; "Lord," Matt. 22:43-45); has all the attributes of deity (e.g., omnipotence, Matt. 28:18; omniscience, John 1:48; omnipresence, Matt. 18:20); did the works of deity (e.g., creation, John 1:3; raised the dead, John 11:43-44); and was worshiped as deity (Matt. 14:33). You should thoroughly familiarize yourself with these and the many other biblical evidences for Jesus' deity.

Don't be surprised if the liberal suggests that Jesus is just "one of many ways to God." If they propose this theory, you should contrast the doctrine of God (the most fundamental of all doctrines) in the various religions. Jesus, for example, taught that there is only one personal God who is triune in nature (Matt. 28:19). Muhammad taught that there is only one God, but that God cannot have a son. Confucius was polytheistic (he believed in many gods). Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita (a Hindu scripture) believed in a combination of polytheism and pantheism (all is God). Zoroaster taught religious dualism (there is both a good and a bad god). Buddha taught that the concept of God was essentially irrelevant. Obviously, these religions are not pointing to the same God. If one is right, all the others are wrong.

Emphasize that Jesus claimed that what He said took precedence over all others. Jesus said He is humanity's only means of coming into a relationship with God: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). One either accepts or rejects this claim, but no one can deny that it is exclusive.

Emphasize that Christianity is a religion of history. The apostle Paul warned the religious men of Athens of an impending objective event: the divine judgment of all humanity. And he based this warning on the objective, historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31). It was this historical resurrection that instilled such boldness in the disciples. Initially, when Jesus was arrested, "all the disciples forsook Him and fled" (Matt. 26:56). But following Jesus' resurrection, these fearful cowards became steel bulwarks of the faith. They remained unflinching in their commitment to Christ, even in the face of great personal danger and death.

There have been various attempts (especially by liberals) to explain away the resurrection of Christ. One of the most popular of these is that Jesus' followers made up the resurrection story.

In response, point out how hard it is to believe that these followers – predominantly Jewish and therefore aware of God's stern commandments against lying and bearing false witness – would make up such a lie, and then suffer and give up their own lives in defense of it. Moreover, if Jesus' followers concocted events like the Resurrection, wouldn't Jesus' critics have then immediately come forward to debunk these lies and put an end to Christianity once and for all?

It is worth noting that the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 speaks of Christ's resurrection as part of a confession that had been handed down for years. First Corinthians was written around A.D. 55, a mere 20 years after Christ's resurrection. But many biblical scholars believe the confession in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 was formulated within a few years of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Paul noted that the resurrected Christ appeared to more than 500 people at a single time, "most of whom are still alive" (1 Cor. 15:6). If Paul had misrepresented the facts, wouldn't one of these 500 have come forward to dispute his claims? From a historical perspective, it seems clear that the evidence for the Resurrection is as strong as (or stronger than) the evidence we have for any other accepted event of ancient times.

Emphasize that Christianity ultimately is a relationship, not a religion. Christianity is not just a set of doctrines or creeds – a "dead orthodoxy." Rather it involves a personal relationship with the living Lord of the universe. This is the most important truth you will want to leave the liberal to ponder because this is the ingredient of true Christianity that the liberal "Christian" is most painfully lacking.
Jesus said His words lead to eternal life (John 6:63). But for us to receive eternal life through His words, they must be taken as He intended them to be taken. A liberal reinterpretation of Scripture that fails to recognize man's sin (Luke 19:10) and yields another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:3-4; Gal. 1:6-9) will yield only eternal death.

The paradox underlying the liberal attempt to make Christianity "relevant" is that for everyone to whom Christianity is "made relevant" (those who believe miracles are unscientific), there are likely thousands for whom it is made irrelevant. For, indeed, the liberal version of Christianity lacks an authentic spirituality to help people and give them hope in the midst of life's problems. Former liberal Christian Alister McGrath said that, among other things, liberalism's "pastoral weakness became especially evident to me." He said "liberalism had little to offer in the midst of the harsh pastoral realities of unemployment, illness, and death."

In addressing the spiritual bankruptcy of liberalism, you can use the liberal's recognition of God's love as a launch-pad to emphasize that God loved humankind so much that He sent Jesus into the world to die on the cross to rescue humankind from hell. Be sure to note that Jesus – love incarnate – spoke of God's wrath and the reality of hell in a more forceful way than any of His disciples ever did (see, e.g., Matt. 25:46). Hence, God's love is not incompatible with the reality of hell. Jesus affirmed that His mission of love was to provide atonement for human sin (for which there is plenty of empirical evidence in our world) by His sacrificial death on the cross (Mark 10:45; John 12:23-27).

Inform the liberal that if he or she really wants to experience the love of God, the place to begin is a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Then tell him or her about your relationship with Jesus. There's no better way to close a discussion with a liberal Christian than by giving your testimony, focusing on how your personal relationship with Jesus has changed your life forever.

Thanks for sitting still long enough to get this lesson Yodi. Even through the "big bang" from that old wreck passing by--you never lost sight of the message.

To Reform or start over.

Is it more productive to start off with a clean slate and have the latitude to do things right from the beginning--or rehabilitate a failed system that is rotting from within?

In rehabilitating an old disfunctional system, one must educated the participants as to what is wrong and motivate them to change for their own good.

In starting over from scratch with a clean slate--one can immediatly have a fresh approach that alligns squarely with the intent and demands of the original blueprint.

The problem as I see institutions is that they become rotten and poisoned at the hands of their leaders. The members or participants either are unwilling to oversea the leadership, trust the leadership far more than they deserve, or fail to acknowledge mans inherant weakness when it comes to power and control. It does not take long for the leaders to begin considering their own needs above and beyond the needs of the organization and reason the system exists to begin with. soon the interests and needs of the members or participants fail to become the reason for the organization.

This can apply to all areas of a society--government, education, religion, public works, national defense, public welfare---any area where society establishes an institution to organize and fulfill the needs of its members.

When an institution loses itself to the selfish needs of its leadership, the members and participants soon loose hope and only those with a weakened self will remain confident in the success of the endeaver. All those who sense rot remain members in name only. Their participation becomes robot like with no belief that the planned results will really bear fruit.

The blueprint may hold the perfect plan but the machinery to accomplish it becomes less and less efficient as the rot strangles its ability to perform.

I'm leaning towards the clean slate approach. Trying to reform an old rotted system made up of robots for members and self centered leaders in charge takes more luck than skill. It seems like it is better to have a new vibrant organization meeting the true needs of its members and participants, than a gigantic lifeless monolith on the brink of collapse.This can be said of every institution of our society.

I see Yodi wagging his tail. he must be in agreement.

Souls are at stake here

Question: When is it right to speak your mind?

Answer: Whenever love is at stake.

Question: How is this verified?

Answer: Whenever a reply chastises the messenger rather than address the message.

Question: What is meant by "love" in the above example?

Answer: The will of "GOD"

I once had a conversation with an athiest. She not only denied the existence of "GOD", but she also denied the existence of Satan. She told me that there was no supreme creator but that we are all creators. She told me that there was no such thing as good or evil but that it all depended upon your perspective.She used a lot of other jargon that was meant to inform me of how things really were in this aquarian age.

The conversation was mostly one sided as she intended to set me straight as far as religion-"GOD"-creation-sin-right-wrong-and the meaning of life was concerned.

When Ihad listened to her for about 30 minutes and after she had informed me that we [our dimension] had entered a "new age", I asked her if all that she said was her opinion or whether she had some facts to base her philosophy on. At that point she called me a few choice swear words and accused me of being a puppet for the pope and his make believe religion. I was stunned and set back on my heels by this sudden attack on me and my faith.I left without giving my side of the story.I was left speechless. The wind was out of my sails--exactly what Satans helpers wanted.

That incident happened over 10 years ago and since that time I have steered clear of the new agers. I now realize that i was wrong. I should have engaged her in verbal combat and layed out my beliefs along with why I belief my faith and my church is the truth. I should have prayed loudly for her soul and demanded the beast show itself. But I didn't.

I now realize that my encounter with this woman and my questions were acting like a bright light shining in a dark tunnel of deceit. This woman was devoid of Christ but full of the influence of Satans demons. It was not the woman attacking me or my faith-but the demons using her vocal chords and demeaner to do so. Does that sound paranoid or schizophrenic on my part? To many many many it does. Satan and his influence has all but been diminished to the same sphere where all the secular enlightened folks put their fairy tales, old wives tales, and urban legends. He likes it that way.

Which brings me back to my original question. When is it right to speak your mind?

How about you Yodi? I notice you don't have a problem voicing your opinion. Could you teach me how to bark a little louder? Souls are at stake here.

AND THE LUTHERANS?

Satan has had so much luck with the Episopal church in accepting homosexuality both within the clergy but within marriage, that he has added the Lutherans to this years goal. Thank goodness one synod voted this down. I didn't know you could vote on which of "GODS" commands to obey. Did you?

From fallen church leaders to risng energy costs

Quote:

“His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, has today accepted Monsignor Eugene Clark’s resignation from his position as Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Although Monsignor Clark continues to deny the allegations against him, he offered his resignation for the good of Saint Patrick’s and the Archdiocese. He will not be celebrating Mass or the sacraments publicly until this matter has been resolved.”

Living a lie and fooling others. Now that would be a more efficient statement and would not leave the reader wondering why the Rector resigned. Common knowledge throuhout the diocese has placed Msr. Clark with a number of women over the years. All rumore of course. Evidently one of the rumors surfaced in the personage of a married parishoner with whom he has had a long standing adulterous relationship.

Yes, Msr.--it is for the good of saint Patricks that you resign. It is time for you to retreat and take stock of your vows and mortal sins. I hope your actions spurs other church leaders in similar situations to also do the right thing. I hope it does not take someone coming forward for them to choose the right actions--as in your case.

NEIGHBORHOOD FORUM HOTBUTTONS

There is nothing like a hot button topic or string of them to bring the peanut gallary into view. The issue of homosexuality and sex education really had the place abuzz yesterday. Since we have declared war against Satan in society and government, it will be interesting to view the reactions in the forum as future articles stir the blood of our members. The hope is that they become so aggitated by the facts being printed before their eyes, that they will take a proactive part as partners against the great deceiver. I wonder who will decide to attack the messenger--rather than the message? I suppose I will just have to wait and see.

ENERGY COSTS

I remember living in a home that used heating oil in the furnace. With diesal fuel prices hitting near $3.00 a gallon, one must pause and consider all those poor souls who will see the cost of heating their homes this winter skyrocket. If one has a 1,000 gallon tank--they will be asked to pony up near $3,000.00 for a fill up. Will armed guards need to ride along with the fuel truck driver as he makes his rounds? There will be more value in the fuel cargo of one truck than the vaults of most banks on a given day!!

ENERGY BLACKMAIL

Does anybody wonder if the sudden doubling of oil related products have anything to do with the Iraq occupation? The same factors that are being blamed for the high prices of oil have been around for over 20 years. Low refinery capacity, unrest in the middle east, high consumption. I find it hard to believe that oil would reach $66 a barrel [up from $20] without there being a measure of retaliation taking place for our actions in the middle east. The last time we invaded [albiet with a coalition] in desert storm--oil never shot up like this. Let us just say I'm suspicious. We may now need to divert some of the money set aside to rebuild Iraq--to the needy folks in America who will need to heat their homes this winter.I wonder what the chance of that happening are?

DOES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAVE CONTROL--

Of the individual states National Guards? It appears that Illinois and Pennsylvania intend to sue over the defense departments plan to remove air national guard planes from some states and re-position them in others. I thought we were a Republic of states. Maybe the Civil War settled that 150 years ago and I have been living in a country that was a --RINO. Republic in name only.

What do you think Yodi. Just as I thought--So What?

Whose church is it?

It is the duty of every person who professes to a religion to become active in their faith. It is through activity where your faith becomes real.

To live your faith is to know your faith. With corruption and apostasy being two componants of a church that has been held hostage by leadership left to its own devices-it is paramount that the faithful assume positions of watchdogs over the clergy. Our savior taught us that it is justified to enter the temple of worship and chastise those who used their positions as a means to enrich their own egos through pursuit authority rather than positions of servitude. A corrupted leadership has by definition lost its ability to police itself. Until corruption has been removed and dignity restored--the faithful must assume the mantle of overseer.

When the clergy openly defies the teachings and traditions in favor of their own perverted lifestyles--then it is just for the faithful to call attemtion to their failings and demand their removal. And by removal I don't mean re--assignment--I mean. defrocking and excommunication. The canon law has the machinations for this end,but it is so rusty from misuse or non-use--that it is now up to the faitful to loudly apply the oil to the gears and a fire to the process.

The church is where mankind practices and perfects his salvation--not a place for proping up the failures and fancy of men who have lost their calling. Failure b y the leaders to act must result in empty temples for those who believe that the keyes to their kingdoms were somehow quaranteed. It is better to restore the altar to a cave than to allow satan to influence the Eucharist in a cathdedral of empty spirit.

Become a loud squeeky wheel that refuses to be silenced. Become a activist in your parish and diocese. Those outside the communion of the church must also stand vigilant watch over your own place of worship. Trust not the ministers and pastors to your salvation or those of your religious community. Be vigilant to the needs of your family and friends in Christ. A war for theirs and your soul is being waged and it is time for warriors to come forth clothed in armor and prepared to actively defend the faith from evil and to cast out leaders who have been lost to their own demise.

Who are you following and which path are you on? It is time to shed the scales of complacency that blinds one to the truth.

The act of liking people

Charity can be defined in some fairly broad terms. In modern day it has meant the act of "giving alms". In other words, when we think of charity we think of the Catholic Relief, Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Way, or some other organization we join or "give to", in order to satisfy a Christian tenat of being charitable.

Charity however-- develops from within. It first must manifest from a point of self love. We must first love ourselves to develop charitable traits. I don't mean we must "like" ourselves--I mean we must love ourselves as Christ taught. This is a love that springs forth from the soul and has no preconceived ideals or objectives other than its expression. Once this is expressed from within--we can then begin to practice charity outward into mankind. And-- this outward charity will not depend upon "liking" another or any prejudicial state we might find others in--it simply means loving them as Christ would.

You see--Charity is Christ in action.It flows from our souls to other souls, nurishing the physical, and spritual aspects of all outside ourselves.

This is the selfless charity needed which builds the strong bonds of brotherhood among all men.Once we arrive at "charity" our lives become ones of service in Christ.

Attaining this state of charity should be of primary interest to all who claim service to our creator. The practice of prayer, meditation, self sacrifice, pentance, and works-- builds the character and sharpens the spirit to begin inboding this practice. When one focuses on the love of our Savior--in prayer and meditation, we begin the process of transformation into charity.

Sometimes when Yodi looks me directly in the eye, I see the reflection of this charity. it surely must be a essence of the creative spirit of "GOD"

I now must pass on a deep and profound message to all who read these little essays. I'm personally involved in a metamorphus of my own spiritual ministry. It takes on a revolutionary trait when I find myself at odds with church structures that are contrary to tradition and themselves become obstacles in my path towards service.

Organizations now exist of Roman Catholic priests and layman who are at odds with many of the failures of church leadership. Although we have taken oaths of obediance to Bishops and Religious, we believe that our true oath is to our savior jesus Christ. The following is a message that sums up my own discust--but also that of millions upon millions of faithful who have been held hostage by the rot within church leadership.

A FEW BLUNT WORDS TO CATHOLICS

Before you explore any other pages on our site, please take a moment to read the following statement, which was prepared by one of the priests guiding RCF. We ask this so that you may clearly understand what the Roman Catholic Faithful are doing, and what we stand for.

A very, very long time ago a pagan Greek philosopher suggested that 90% of you would not like what I'm about to say, but I do ask you to read it all and I pray that you will consider it honestly. First you must realize that we are living in the most evil of all the ages. Read your newspaper. I will take only one example - abortion. We have killed more children than any people in history, and no one else is even in the ballpark! Hitler, Stalin and the other monsters of history must peek through the flames of Hell and gaze in awe and professional admiration at the level of our barbarity. We have found a way to kill children and vote for those who protect the abortionist and we still go to Church on Sunday. We can read from the Bible about the terrible things God said about those who would harm His "little ones" and never connect those words to our own final judgment. I remember being horrified when I read in school about the Aztec Indians throwing children alive into the fire as a sacrifice to their god. How barbaric! But count the numbers. What is the output of the abortion clinics in this country each day? Who are the barbarians? Who are the monsters? At least the Aztecs will have the excuse that they thought they were serving God. What excuse will we have?

As followers of Christ and members of His Church we must stand in opposition to evil! There is a very real conflict, a "spiritual warfare" that the followers of Jesus are called to take up. This is revealed with crystalline clarity in all forms of revelation. God calls His followers to reject the ways of this world and follow him. This warfare is not for the weak or the faint of heart, and many are simply not capable. St. Thomas Aquinas said, "Grace builds on Nature." That is why the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert. A generation of slaves with a slave's mentality had to die off and a new people, strong and toughened by the harsh life of the desert had to rise up. Most Catholics today seem to be like those slaves. They are simply not capable of dealing with the truth. And the truth is that the evil that is everywhere in this world is also deep within the Church. Pope Leo the XIII noticed it and composed the "Prayer to St. Michael". Pope Paul VI proclaimed that the "Smoke of Satan has entered the sanctuary"! Throughout the history of the Church it has always been those who are within that have caused the most damage. Remember that Judas was a bishop and nearly all the heresies that have ravaged the Church throughout history have come from priests and bishops. In an earlier age we were better equipped to deal with this evil and protect the truth. No less a Saint than St. John Chrysostom said, "The floor of hell is paved with the skulls of bishops!"

This evil has festered and grown because it has been promoted and protected by a false spirituality with its roots in the "spirit of Vatican II". An astounding and diabolical pride has allowed us to turn away from the spiritual values that have made saints for 2000 years to embrace a false theology promoted by a false church and presenting a false god. This new god simply blesses whatever our desires, passions, and appetites crave. This god wants us to be happy and such things as sacrifice; penance and self-discipline are non-values. This is the god of the "group hug", "we are the church", and if you complain - "Don't be judgmental" This "god" is a god of love, but not the burning self-sacrificing love we see on the cross, but a phony and sick imitation, a daytime TV talk show morality, which is preached from too many pulpits and is fooling "even the elect"! It's a god for slaves and enslavement. It has found a home deep in the heart of the Church and the Church seems incapable of dealing with it!

If we wish to survive these days with our faith intact we should learn the lessons of history. We live in a time when the laity must rise up to save the true Church. This is very difficult because we are coming out of an age when the laity looked to the hierarchy for guidance. But as it was in the time of King Henry the VIII, you may follow your pastor or even your bishop and as a result find yourself outside the true Church. This is not an age that will suffer weak faith. Soon there will only be two kinds of Catholics - strong Catholics and ex-Catholics.

Leave "political correctness" to the false church. It's time for a little plain speech. Its time for a little truth! There are many homosexuals in the priesthood and in the hierarchy. Many of these are not living celibate lives, and they prey on others. They do not preach the truth of Jesus Christ because they could not do so without condemning themselves. They are in positions of authority in Chancery Offices and seek to add to their numbers by controlling vocations. They organize into "support groups" many of which are not oriented toward celibacy, but exist to provide "contacts" for sexual relationships. Priests are dying of AIDS at an alarming rate and some have even blamed the Church for not teaching them about "safe" sex in the seminary! (How safe can "safe" sex be, when Hell is the result!)? The Church has not shown any desire or ability to deal with this. Recently the Vatican told a priest and a nun to stop giving workshops across the country promoting the homosexual lifestyle. That's nice. But they have been giving these workshops for 20 long years!! How many souls have been lost and lives destroyed while the hierarchy did nothing! Maybe your newspaper today will carry the story about another multi-million dollar lawsuit involving a pedophile priest. The judgments are so high because juries are learning that bishops knew who the pedophiles were and allowed them to continue to destroy children. Bishops protected the pervert and provided innocent victims for him to prey upon. Bishops even hide perverts by trading them from diocese to diocese like baseball players! (You take mine, and I'll take yours.) Parents and good priests approach Church authorities with accusations and are ignored or referred to an inept committee. The goal of those in authority is simply damage control and covering it up. Recently I met with a very well known priest who was sent to represent the hierarchy in a terrible case of sexual abuse. His primary concern seemed to be to avoid publicity. I told him we would consider his request if he would answer two simple questions. First - Would he give me just one example of the Church intervening on its own to stop that particular form of abuse? - He didn't answer. Second - If we backed away and did not make this public and as a result of our choice another innocent person was attacked, would God hold us responsible for that terrible sin? He didn't answer that question either. It seems that the operative spirituality of the Church has become so weak that it is no longer capable of dealing with evil. It is a fact that authorities in the Church have allowed innocent lives to be destroyed and then have covered up the crime and protected the criminal! This has been done with the thinly veiled excuse that "we must protect holy mother church from scandal"! The tragic truth is this publicity and large lawsuits have done much more to protect the innocent than the Vatican, the National Council of Catholic Bishops or the Apostolic Delegate combined! And (with apologies to Vince Lombardi) the protection of the innocent is not the most important thing; it's the only thing! If it is necessary to protect one innocent child then I pray that every diocese in the country will be sued for every nickel it has and every sordid detail be put on the front page of every newspaper! The Church that I love and that Jesus promised would last until the end of the world is a Church that doesn't want to appear holy, it must be holy!

Allow me to return to that Greek philosopher and the 90%. Heraclitus was a philosopher and a warrior. During a lull in the battle he wrote a letter to the leaders of Athens regarding the soldiers he was receiving as replacements. He said that for every 100 men they sent 90 were useless. They were little more than battlefield clutter. Out of the 100, about 10 were fighters and the outcome of the battle rested on their shoulders. And maybe one, only one, was a true warrior. The spiritual warfare is no less warfare, and I believe the percentages apply. The vast majority doesn't want to know the truth. They just want things to be "nice" and the truth and the demands it would place on them as followers of Christ are unacceptable. I appreciate those who pray but if that's all you do, remember it says in the epistle of St. James that "Faith without works is dead and has no power to save you!" I would ask those 90% to consider joining the warrior class. You are needed! If you cannot - Then at least stay out of the way. The battle is tough enough without clutter. If you cannot fight this Goliath, at least stand back and make room for those who are going forward to sling their stones. The false charity and empty spirituality of those who mouth pious platitudes over the broken bodies and souls of the innocent is an affront to the martyrs and missionaries who gave their lives to share the true faith. I have seen, up close and personal, the heart-rending results of allowing predators to destroy children, families, and faith. A "drawing room" spirituality does not have the power to fight the malignant evil of this age. Delicate sensibilities must be sacrificed and hands dirtied in favor of a cross-centered faith! We are not fighting for principles or philosophies. We are fighting for SOULS and we must not lose!