"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar" 10/19/08

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar"
Issue Date: October 19, 2008 (29A)

BURNING QUESTION: Was the Blessed Mother a Virgin Forever?
FEATURED BLOG: Scripture Alone: What Does the Bible Say?
STORIES OF RECONCILIATION: Mission and Ministry in a Changing Social Order
PASTORAL HISPANA: Dad al Cesar que es del Cesar y a Dios lo que es de Dios

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 the famous story where Jesus tells the Pharisees to "repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." And in the heat of the current US election fever, it has brought out a lot of discussion this week about the way we Christians are expected to merge our political and moral thoughts to the issues that matter.

Fr. John Foley says there seems to be two realms, God’s and Caesar’s. Which do you live in? Father Clyde A. Bonar explains further that we are both a Christian and a Citizen. And Jesus charges us to live our Christian faith in every sphere of life — in business, in our civic duty, in our personal lives.

Father Phil Bloom explains that as Christians we cannot escape the duty of political involvement. Whether opposing the culture of death or any tyranny of the political order, Father Cusick reminds us that the Christian gives first allegiance to the laws of God. When faced with challenging issues, Fr. Philip Merdinger challenges you to ask yourself, "Is it lawful before God?"

It can be intimidating to get involved in today's controversial issues - even if it's just writing a "letter to the editor." But Fr. Campion P. Gavaler assures us that Christ keeps his promise
to be "God with us." He is the same God that, according to Father Joseph Pellegrino, used a pagan, Cyrus, and returned his people from exile. Today He uses us to return the world to its
natural state of union with its Creator. And to make this happpen, Father Alex McAllister says we need to constantly re-examine our faith and we need to study the Gospel.

ELECTIONS 2008. Two and a half weeks to the 2008 Presidential elections and many catholics are still undecided. But one thing is sure: most Americans want abortion restricted. A recent survey says 92% favor limits on legal abortions. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio writes that these are times when Christians have a duty boldly to insist that while Caesar is owed his due, we won’t stand by and silently watch him step on God’s toes. Bishop Robert Vasa, Diocese of Baker, reminds all that as you form conscience to discern the issues these election, know that not all issues are equal. And Cheryl Dickow posted a parishWorld blog with a very pointed and inquiring question, "Can a Catholic Vote Anti-Life?"

ECONOMY BLUES. The economy continues its uncertain swings and everyone is worried and anxious. For many people, God is just some kind of vague emergency service to be called upon when the going gets tough or when we have some kind of need. "Why Turn to Jesus when we are Suffering?" offers some faithful insights. Bo Sanchez has news for you, "God Has Nothing To Do With Our Poverty!" And when hard times hit, what should you tell your kids? Finally, we offer you a way to shift out of neutral. It's "4 Easy Steps To Get Motivated and Get Moving In Life."

THE BIBLE AND THE SYNOD. We continue with our coverage of the Bible in light of the Bible Synod currently being held in Rome. And so far, the Bishops have summarized their proposals on the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church into 19 items. Check out the list here. Also, if you're one of the many who struggle with the Bible, we offer you one of the most powerful articles we've seen on how to understand the Bible. This is a must-read. From the Vatican, Cardinal Bertone offers "A Secret for Making the Youth Read the Bible." And here's an interesting Bible question you've probably heard from your Protestant friends, "Was the Blessed Virgin Mary a Virgin Forever?"

In other news, Pope Benedict clarified this week that the Church isn't a human association as he notes St. Paul's emphasis on God's role. Plus a most common question among American CAtholics is answered here: Are civilly married couples considered cohabiting if not married in church?

STORIES OF HOPE. When Catholic music composer Jon Niven let God in, his apostolate took off. "Getting a LIFT From the Blessed Sacrament" tells his story. "Awesome Caller ID" is a stirring story about a pastor who called his wife from work late one night and the unexpected blessing that followed.

Finally, if you're looking to download Christian music to your MP3 player, we found some online sites where you can load your device with songs for minimum cost.

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

Keep the Faith. Peace.


Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

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"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

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" 10/05/08

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone"
Issue Date: October 5, 2008 (27A)

BURNING QUESTION: What are your Personal Bible Habits?
FEATURED BLOG: Why Confession?
FEATURED VIDEO: Catholic Vote 2008
PASTORAL HISPANA: Mi amigo que es Dios tenía una viña

Dear Friends,

We start our journey this week with Discussion Questions on the Sunday Readings for use by prayer groups or for individual prayer. Two weeks ago we had the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, last week the parable of the two sons who were asked to work in the vineyard and this Sunday the parable of the wicked tenants who killed the son of the vineyard owner.

Fr. Clyde A. Bonar, Ph.D. says the question is do we ignore God the same way the wicked tenants did in the parable? Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says we have been entrusted with the vineyard to bear fruit for others. It is a great honor and also a great responsibility. Fr. Phil Bloom chimes in saying God entrusts his vineyard to tenants and they are not just the powerful ones. You and I are the tenants.

Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B. says the crucial point of the homily is that Jesus, the now-vindicated Risen Lord, addresses each of us as tenants of God's vineyard today. The "vineyard," according to Father Cusick, is the Church which leads to the kingdom. And there is no salvation outside of the Church for those who deny their Catholic faith once having truly understood and embraced it. And in a moving podcast, Fr. Philip Chavez explains that this parable is a warning against rejecting the gifts of the Father.

This parable also tells us what Jesus thought about Himself. Fr. James Gilhooley explains that the agents who preceded Jesus were the prophets. Yet, exalted as they were, Jesus says there is only one Son of God and He is the Christ. In "Walls Come Tumbling Down - A Warning to America," Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. tells us that instead of killing the prophets, we ought to listen to them. Maybe we can begin honoring God rather than exiling Him. And Fr. John Foley, S.J. preaches that God sent his own son into the trap of human life not because life is perfect, but because love is.

LIFE & FAMILY. Sunday is Respect Life Sunday and a US Cardinal list three focuses for Catholics: Euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research and the threat of a federal bill that could obliterate 35 years of pro-life gains. In "You do what you have to do," an unwed mother's story of courage and strength is a Life story that just demanded to be told, and shared, and repeated. While Paul Dion, STL adds another dimension to the discussion with his personal story about how caring for his aging mother-in-law allows his family to "bring God into the space that exists under my roof."

“It is sinful” is Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto’s keynote speech to the National Association of Diocesan Gay and Lesbian Ministries meeting in Long Beach on Sept. 18, 2008. It is a clear picture of the teachings of the Church on maintaining the dignity of the family. And Pope Benedict caps it by saying, "With the help of God, marriage crises can be overcome."

WALL STREET CRISIS. As Congress goes back to the drawing board to consider the nation's finances after the failed bailout vote, the country's bishops have their own list of five principles they hope will be taken into account. We also bring you "10 Basics for Financial Peace of Mind in Tough Times," real world tips everyone can use in these trying times. And if the economy and the world has you in a frenzy, have you considered trying to turn to God for solace and peace of mind? And we bring you tips on how to find a job during a recession.

2008 ELECTIONS. We begin our coverage this week with a must-see video called "Catholic Vote 2008." This is not a Dem/Rep video. It is a call for all Catholics to form their conscience and vote. Watch the video and share it with everyone you know. The stakes are just too big this election cycle. And from the Vatican, a Bishop called on Catholics to stop dozing saying we need to wake up when it comes to politics, and stop leaving "God in the pew."

CATHOLIC NEWS. More from the Vatican, Pope Benedict made a big clarification. He said the importance that Paul gave in his letters to sacred Tradition proves false the claim the Apostle invented Christianity. He also reminded us that "Angels bring us great help and consolation." While in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a big victory for gaming tribes and the Catholic Church. He signed legislation that outlaws non-Indian bingo machines while
authorizing high-stakes bingo for charities and nonprofits.

YOUTH LIFE. October 4 is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Benedict exalted the saint as a role model for the youth. He also prayed to promote universities to be the home of an ever increasing witness to the Gospel. It's a response to the reality that many Catholic universities have been losing their identity over the last 40 years. The story is called "Our Youth, Our Universities."

Another event-filled week in our Catholic world. Have an enlightening and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

CLICK HERE to view any of our previous weeks' issues
CLICK HERE to receive a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to this weekly email

"Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you" 9/28/08

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
"Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you"
Issue Date: September 28, 2008 (26A)

BURNING QUESTION: "What is the Communion of Saints?"
FEATURED BLOG: Form your Conscience. Vote your Conscience!
PASTORAL HISPANA: ¿Palabras o Acciones?

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, the Readings talk about the parable of the two sons. One said "No" and did what he was told anyway. One said "Yes"and did nothing.

Father Cusick says many people profess to be scandalized by the hypocrites, backbiters, gossips and slanderers who go to church each week. Anyone who professes to be a Roman Catholic and yet does not worship according to the perfect prayer of Christ in the Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays is the equal of the Pharisees. But Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. says it should be obvious that Jesus is not suggesting that we ought to despise ritual and disregard moral codes. It is just as obvious that he not only wants us to say the right things like the first son. Because, as Fr. James Gilhooley explains, in the final roundup, it is only by deeds that we prove what we are. We should be like lighthouses - by definition they make no noise, they just shine.

Fr. Phil Bloom explains that there are two paths: one leads to sadness and one leads to purpose. Yet God welcomes those who say "yes" into his kingdom even if we used to be notorious sinners, Clyde A. Bonar explains. In "Why be good?" Fr. John Foley, S. J. talks about how sin really does mess up your life, letting it come apart at the seams. And in a moving podcast homily, Deacon Alex Jones talks about the seemingly unfair actions of God.

MOTHER TERESA, PADRE PIO AND MORE. This past Tuesday was the feast day of Padre Pio. So we bring you the secret story of Padre Pio's stigmata, a volume detailing the report of a Vatican investigator into the wounds of the Passion that the friar suffered. We also bring you an eye-opening interview with Mother Teresa. This is an excerpt of one of the last interviews with Mother Teresa in 1989. It offers a deep look at the working faith of this modern day saint.

From the Vatican, the Pope said everyone should "reconcile your differences before approaching the altar." He asks, "How then can we present ourselves at God's altar divided and distant from one another?" From the Philippines comes news that the Catholic country could be facing a 2-child policy soon. And Filipino-Americans are joining with Catholics from their native country to fight proposed legislation that would promote contraception and limit family size, while punishing conscientious objectors. And from Japan, it appears the country is going to see the first Catholic to ever become its prime minister take office very soon.

US PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS. I have never seen this country more polarized than this election cycle. And political discourse among friends and family have been hotter than ever. To bring civility back among friends, we thought we should bring you this: How To Debate Politics Like A Gentleman. Remember the old adage, “Never discuss politics or religion?” Well, those exactly are the hot topics this year. And Catholics are in the middle of it all. As much as 23% of Americans declare themselves as Catholics. Given that many of the defining political issues partake of a religious or moral nature, could there really be a Catholic Vote? And Fr. John Corapi SOLT, STD brings you this message: Form Your Conscience, Vote Your Conscience! To those who say otherwise, he asks, "Since when is Christian thought not permitted to influence a country that was founded on Christian principles? We share in the good and the evil of those we place in office."

STORIES OF HOPE. This week we bring you two true stories of Life. The first is about a man who deals with the grief of a son who was still-born. Many years later, he still mourns for the his baby that was not to be. And the second story is about a father and his autistic son who were washed out to the ocean. Initially they were together. Then the ocean currents pulled them apart. It's a touching story of survival and fatherhood.

TIGHTEN YOUR BELTS. As the US economy coughs, the whole world sneezes. And Benedict XVI is urging leaders to fight against extreme poverty, even if it means greater sacrifice as many countries face these economic difficulties. In the US, conspicuous consumption is out and frugality is in. An emerging national trend show more people now cook their own meals and eat at home to save money. And we bring you a very timely article: Penny Pinching: Advice for the Tightwads Among Us. Finally, we ask you to join us and Deacon Greg Kandra in "You are our Rock, O Lord": a prayer in times of economic crisis.

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

Keep the faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

CLICK HERE to view any of our previous weeks' issues
CLICK HERE to receive a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to this weekly email

"Are you envious because I am generous?” 9/21/08

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
"Are you envious because I am generous?”
Issue Date: September 21, 2008 (25A)

BURNING QUESTION: Is it more important to believe in God or to believe in the Church?
FEATURED BLOG: How to talk to your doctor about God
VOCATION NEWS: More men becoming priests at mid-life
PASTORAL HISPANA: Dios nos ama no por lo que hacemos sino por lo que somos

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, the Readings discuss the two great attributes of God in the Bible: Justice and Mercy. The point is that while God is both just and merciful, God’s mercy can and often does trump God’s justice.

The vineyard owner gave equal pay to everyone although they all worked different hours. The wages the owner pays his workers, Fr. John Foley, S. J. asks, were they a simple remuneration for labor or are they a gift from a fond heart? Is God fair? No, God is not fair! Fr. Clyde A. Bonar says God is generous!! God is mercy and love and forgiveness and goes well beyond being "fair."

Jesus is giving us an opportunity, according to Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B., to grasp that God's nature is to be extravagantly generous, beyond the rational rules of exchange. And Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio says Jesus actually gives us what we do not deserve – friendship with Him that opens out to eternal glory hereafter. He adds that the first takers for this offer have typically been those most aware of their need for mercy. And this is why the last have usually been first when it comes to the Kingdom of God.

The vineyard owner asks the workers, "Why do you stand here idle all day?" Fr. Philip Merdinger's podcast tells us that this Gospel verse is a call to evangelization. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says Jesus calls on all those who have received Him to share generously with all men what they themselves have received. Fr. Cusick adds that Jesus forgives us through confession and transforms us to become vehicles of conversion for others. God gets His divine jollies when He witnesses generosity in us and Fr. James Gilhooley explains it well.

Fr. Phil Bloom adds his bottom line: When we compare ourselves to others - thinking we should receive more - we become resentful and envious. When we focus on God's generosity, we become joyful stewards.

CHURCH OR GOD? Our Burning Question this week asks us what is more important, to believe in God or to believe in the Church? To help us understand this better, we bring you part 2 of our series on Demystifying Canon Law. This article explains that in response to the growing tide of new movements in the Church, Canon law does not dictate the form they will take, but arises in response to the Holy Spirit.

POPE AT LOURDES. The Pope had one of his most active preaching weekends ever as he visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France last weekend. In remarks to tens of thousands of pilgrims who braved cold and rainy weather to greet him, the pontiff said Mary is “the sign of the victory of love, of good and of God, giving our world the hope that it needs.” Reflecting on the need to accept the love of God, he said the only thing that separates a saint from a sinner is that a saint looks less at himself and more at Christ and his love. And addressing the Traditionalists in our Church, the Pope said “Every person, without exception, should be able to feel at home, and never rejected.” He added that the Latin Mass deserve "a place in the Church."

POLITICS, DIVORCE & QUINCEANERA. This week, Pope Benedict also clarified that as part of the Laity's need to instill Christ in the world, Christian laypeople have as part of their vocation the participation in politics. He likewise rejected easier divorce rules, saying the Roman Catholic Church could not recognize "irregular unions" of Catholics who divorce and remarry outside the church. And from the USCCB, a document is published this week that covers the ritual blessing for the Quinceanera, the coming-of-age celebration for Hispanic girls on their 15th birthday.

YOUTH BIBLE READING. After the Second Vatican Council, American Catholics dusted off their family Bibles and began charting the unfamiliar territory of personal Bible reading. And now Catholic youths are attempting to catch up to adults in reading Scripture. Leading this charge is Mark Hart, executive vice president for Life Teen. Popularly known as "Bible Geek," he shares his love of Scripture with today’s teens.

PRAYING FOR HEALING? Touched by an angel? A new survey of the USA's religious beliefs and practices finds 55% of all adults — including one in five of those who say they have no religion — believe they have been protected from harm by a guardian angel. Given this new reality, many families of sick people are struggling with how they can discuss God with their physician. We bring you the advice and tips from several physicians who study faith and medicine.

STORIES OF HOPE. A well known theologian explains how life is valuable at all stages by using a crumpled twenty dollar bill as a valuable teaching aid. And in another reflective story, we look at the Buzzard, the Bat and the Bumble Bee to illustrate inportant life lessons that can be gleamed from the flight patterns of these creatures of the sky.

YOUTH, VIDEO GAMES AND PARENTING. When to back off, when to step in? What we need to understand is that our job as parents is not to finish our kids or produce perfect kids. It's to start our kids. Take the case of video games. A recent survey shows 97 percent of young Americans -- girls included -- play video games. This illustrate just how ingrained video games have become in our youth culture. However, another study shows these games can actually make your kids better citizens. Can playing "Madden" or "World of Warcraft" encourage your kid to be more engaged in public life? Believe it or not, the answer is yes. And love it or not, Mom and Dad, technology isn’t going away. We bring you 5 Tech secrets all parents need to know.

Another busy week in our Catholic world. Have a blessed and safe new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

CLICK HERE to view any of our previous weeks' issues
CLICK HERE to receive a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to this weekly email

The Miracle of Democracy

By Wally Arida

NOVEMBER 5, 2008 - The beautiful miracle of democracy continues to unfold. And our presidential elections never cease to amaze the world. It is the epitome of the true meaning of the power of Democracy that despite the divisive, passionate – at times even nasty - political discourse we as a nation engaged in over the past months prior to the elections, we always come together once it’s all over and embrace our newly elected president as our country’s next chief of state.

President-elect Obama will be our new president. And as it happens every four years, we accept him as our duly-elected leader.

These elections did not mark the end of conservatism in America. On the contrary, these elections proved that the nation is still primarily centrist-conservative. While the margins in the popular vote was not a landslide, Obama won the elections because of the votes of many conservatives who went his way after hearing in his speeches the many conservative values that they know have made America great - lower taxes, individual responsibility, patriotism, faith, etc. We look to the future hoping President-elect Obama governs in the reconciliatory centrist manner he said he would in his campaign speeches.

Many, including myself, may disagree with his politics but our President-elect deserves our respect and good wishes as he leads us in navigating the many challenges we face as a nation. Today is a moment for celebration. Tomorrow the work starts because, as he eloquently said during his victory speech, this election is not the change we all talked about. This election is the start of the process of the change we need to make as a country. And we all need to play a part in it because it is you and I – represented by the government we elect – that comprise the United States of America.

Let us join each other in a moment of silence and pray that God may be our new president’s guide as he leads us through the next four years. God bless America and all it stands for. God bless us all.

Keep the faith. Peace.

WALLY ARIDA
Publisher & Editor in chief

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven"

BURNING QUESTION: Do you invite the poor to your banquet?
FEATURED BLOG: "Bless me, Father"
PASTORAL HISPANA: CONSTRUIR SOBRE TERRENO FIRME

Dear Friends,

We start our journey this week with Discussion Questions on the Sunday Readings for use by discussion groups, prayer groups, or for individual prayer.

In this Sunday's Readings, Jesus concludes his long Sermon on the Mount. Fr. John Foley says Jesus is arguing here for the entire, strong Sermon On The Mount, not just on what we hear this Sunday. From this famous Sermon came the Beatitudes, the new law of Christ, the Lord’s prayer, instructions on praying, attitudes about money, and the warnings about hypocrisy. And Fr. Alex McAllister SDS explains that we shouldn't be surprised that this Sunday's Readings comes with an allusion to the Last Day. He explains this in "When that day comes."

The parable of the wise man and the fool is what Jesus preaches this Sunday. We are presented with a choice: Will we follow Him and found our lives on His teachings? Or will we choose a weaker foundation for our lives? Fr. Clyde A. Bonar, Ph.D. preaches that "The Wise Man Builds His House On Rock." And we build this house by coming to Mass, with the bricks of prayers, and simple acts of kindness. While Demetrius R. Dumm, OSB says the house built on sand by the fool aptly illustrates the sad situation of a person who never really lives in accordance with the wisdom of God as revealed in Jesus. Fr. Philip Merdinger also illustrates this well in his podcast titled "There are before us two paths."

Fr. Romy Seleccion, MS reminds us that service brings out the heart of faith in our Christian life. And it is through our faith and genuine service that Jesus will allow us to enter the kingdom of heaven. While Fr. Joseph Pellegrino tells us that our very way of life is built on the rock of the Lord’s love. When we care about others, "we all belong to the Lord."

So, what's more important, Faith or Works? We also decided to bring you a Burning Question that loudly calls out this mission of service to all of us: "Do you invite the poor to your banquet?" Think about it. When was the last time you've done it? Check out this burning question, add your own stories and see what others are saying. Plus, we have another strongly related article to share with you all, "The Virtuous Life: How to practice humility."

LIVING IN TODAY'S WORLD. ParishWorld.net blogger Lenora Grimaud delivers an insightful reflection on relationships from a Christian point of view. She calls is "ATTRACTION: Ordered and Disordered." And Brent Kallmer's "The Glamour of Evil" delves into the secular choices women make in pursuit of the glamorous life and how hard it is to escape the intuition that, "God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion."

MORE CATHOLIC RENAISSANCE. We continue to purvey the good news that a Catholic Renaissance is indeed blooming today beginning with a report that "About 17% of World Is Catholic." Catholics still make up almost a fifth of the world's population, a ratio that has stayed steady with the start of the new millennium. Also, Scotland is reporting that it has now officially become more Roman Catholic than Protestant, with its congregations now outnumbering the Kirk for the first time since records began. From Korea, we are told that the number of Catholic priests and seminarians are increasing. While in Vietnam, Catholics are said to be more openly coming out in mass public movements - armed with crosses and crucifixes. Even famous actors like Martin Sheen are now openly admitting their Catholic faith. He did this in a recent magazine interview that we share with you here.

STORIES OF HOPE. Bo Sanchez is back this week with "Learn To Say No…So You Can Say A Bigger Yes To Life!" He explains how difficult people will teach you how to build your boundaries. And a dying writer's introspective on life's choices is the topic of this moving story, "If God granted me a little bit more of life.." Read it and share it with all of your friends.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC PLUS OUR INTERNET POPE. What’s in a lyric? Our article opines that it doesn’t have to be ‘Christian music’ to be Christian music. From James Taylor, to the Beatles, to U2 and Bruce Springsteen, check out the "Christian" in our pop songs and how they can also be pleasing to God. And finally see the latest internet project involving Pope Benedict's visit to World Youth Day.

Another exciting week in our Catholic world. Have a great and blessed coming new week.

Keep the faith. Peace.

Wally Arida

Publisher & Editor in chief