"Many are invited, but few are chosen" 10/12/08

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
"Many are invited, but few are chosen"
Issue Date: October 12, 2008 (28A)

BURNING QUESTION: Why don't you read the Bible?
FEATURED BLOG: Elections 2008 - Economy Matters, Life Matters
STORIES OF RECONCILIATION: 'I didn't want to come back here'
PASTORAL HISPANA: Aceptamos la Invitacion la Eucarista Dominical

Dear Friends,

We start our journey this week with Discussion Questions on the Sunday Readings for use by prayer groups or for individual prayer. This Sunday’s Gospel is about a party to die for. Jesus relates the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. The King invited every one, but many made excuses and didn't come.

Father James Gilhooley says Jesus compares living in His company to the equivalent of a grand party. And Father Clyde A. Bonar agrees. He calls God’s invitation as the hottest ticket in town. But, he warns that God does not say, "Come as you are." We need to wear our wedding garment and Father Alex McAllister says that garment is our personal conversion.

So, "How do we wear our Christianity?" Father Joseph Pellegrino challenges us. It is the same garment that begins to look somewhat soiled and shabby when we begin to probe our hidden prejudices. Father Cusick preaches that this also about believing in the Church but not practicing charity towards our neighbors. It's about the pride that can spoil even our best efforts as Father Demetrius R. Dumm explains it. While Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio opines that Sloth is the sneakiest of the seven deadly sins and this Sunday's parable addresses it.

Finally, Father John Foley, SJ explains it's all about receiving and giving. Jesus wants us to receive his life and then give it out to the world. And in a moving podcast, Fr. James Faman reflects on the First Reading from Isaiah when he says, "Behold our God."

BIBLE SYNOD. The Bishop's Synod called by the Pope to discuss the Bible is in full swing at the Vatican. its theme is "The Word of God in the life and mission of the Church" and all the bishops from the entire planet are in attendance. We bring you a special day-by-day coverage of the bible Synod. We also launched a Burning Question Series on the Bible. This week's challenging question is "Why don't you read the Bible?" What's your excuse? Share your thoughts with us.

ELECTION FEVER. We're about three weeks to the Presidential elections and many are still undecided. Father Thomas Berg pointedly asks our Catholic voters, "Does the economy really trump abortion this year?" This week also marks the the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Those debates marked the gravest crisis in our political history for the issues truly ran to the core. Slavery was the issue then and they ran back to what John Paul II called the question of “the human person.” Today's grave issue is Abortion. Is it really just
one more issue among many?

ECONOMIC CRISIS. As efforts continue to resolve the financial crisis, a number of commentators argue that it’s not only a lack of monetary capital but a lack of spiritual capital that has contributed to the problems. Can ethical principles help the troubled markets? Even families are feeling the pinch and more parents are reportedly moving in with their kids. The number of parentswho live with adult heads of households grew 42% from 2000 to 2007. And while anyone can suddenly lose their job in this environment, men are vulnerable to feelings of worthlessness when unemployed. Here are 11 suggestions for "Dealing With Unemployment like a Man."

CATHOLIC NEWS. From India, the violent attacks on Christians are reportedly "Worse Than Ever." Christians knew the attacks were coming, but no one knew they would be this deadly. From the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI renewed the position of the Catholic Church against the use of birth control and contraception. Also, amid growing political ferment over immigration policy in the United States, the Pope urged “brotherly love to the full” for migrants and refugees, calling them “the weakest and most defenseless … marginalized and often excluded by society.” And turning to St. Paul, he said even though the apostle never knew Christ in person, he knew the heart of Jesus, and that's what matters.

STORIES OF HOPE. In "Sparks of Faith," the best-selling novelist who wrote "The Notebook" & "Nights in Rodanthe" talks about how his Catholic faith guides his life and career. "Good Chills" tells the story of a young man who couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?? "LORD, PROP US UP" offers lesson from an old barn and why this old deacon always prayed, "Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side."

YOUTH & LIFESTYLE. Being an adolescent is not easy. This is the time when they experience a lot of pressure from people around them. Now, they're encouraged to have fun by being a member of a Catholic Youth Group. The youth are also asked if those who serve in Catholic youth ministry take care to present themselves as disciples of Jesus when they are online. Fianlly, we all know that snacking can be a dietary disadvantage or a nutritional edge. Here's how to make snacking work in your favor.

Another eventful day in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in Chief