In a noteworthy change of personnel, if not of surname, the Vatican announced today that Monsignor Guido Marini will replace Archbishop Piero Marini as the pope’s Master of Ceremonies, meaning the official in charge of how the pope celebrates the Mass and the other rites of the church.
The outgoing Marini was long seen as a more permissive counterpart to the strong traditionalism at the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Vatican’s policy-setting agency on liturgical matters. Experts have noted the irony that large-scale papal liturgies organized on Marini’s watch are sometimes more innovative than a strict reading of official policy might permit.
http://ncrcafe.org/node/1353
***
And when I finish my celebratory End Zone dance I'll add some Snoopy dances too.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Gays who mock Church just stupid stooges
Just saw the photos of naked gays and perverts mocking the Church during their parade in San Francisco. *Yawn.*
I can't wait to see their faces when they realize that the joke is ultimately on them and how they've been used by folks with an interesting double agenda. IQ test time!!
I can't wait to see their faces when they realize that the joke is ultimately on them and how they've been used by folks with an interesting double agenda. IQ test time!!
Pres. Ahmadinejad's Comments about faith
The media does not just edit out the few faith based and God refering comments of Christians, they also put little value on the huge amount of reference to God and faith by people such as President Ahmadinejad. So I've edited out all of the politics so you can read his views on God and monothestic and family values. There's a lot here.
The entire transcript at this link (thank you to the blogger for providing this from The Washington Post):
http://quranbible.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/ahmadinejad-un-speech-full-of-fire-and-truth/
God and faith based passages:
AHMADINEJAD (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful, oh, God, hasten the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi and grant him good health and victory and make us his followers and those who attest to his rightfulness.
Mr. President, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased and grateful to the almighty to have the opportunity once again to attend this important universal forum.
Snip
I will also speak to you about the need for remedying the present situation, prospects for a brighter and more hopeful future, and about the appearance of the sublime and beauty, compassion and generosity, justice and blossoming of all the God-given human talents and the prominence of faith in God and realization of the promise of God.
Snip
One, organized attempts to destroy the institution of family and to weaken the status of women. Family is the most sacred and valuable human institution that serves as the center of the purest mutual love and affection amongst mothers, fathers and children, and as a safe environment for the nurturing of human generations and a fertile ground for the blossoming of talents and compassion.
This institution has always been respected by all peoples, religions and cultures. Today, we are witnessing an organized invasion by the enemies of humanity and plunderers to destroy this noble institution that is targeted by promoting lewdness, violence and by breaking the boundaries of chastity and decency.
The precious existence of women, as the manifestation of divine beauty and as the peak of kindness, affection and purity has been the target of heavy exploitation in recent decades by the holders of power and the owners of media and wealth.
In some societies, this beloved human has been reduced to a mere instrument of publicity and all the boundaries and protective shields of chastity, purity and beauty have been trampled. This is a colossal betrayal of human society, of succeeding generations and an irreparable blow to the pillar of social coherence, the family.
Snip
Dear colleagues, again, there is no doubt that the second and more important factor is some big powers’ disregard of morals, divine values, the teachings of the prophets and the instructions by the almighty God, as well as the rule of the (inaudible).
How can the incompetents, who cannot even manage and control themselves, rule humanity and arrange its affairs?
Unfortunately, they have put themselves in the position of God. They were in servitude to their own whims and the desire to have everything for themselves.
For them, human dignity and the lives, properties, and territories of others are no longer respected. Humanity has had a deep wound on its tired body, caused by impious powers, for centuries.
Today, the problems that people around the world face are mainly rooted in the disregard of human values and ethics, and also in the rule of the selfish and incompetent.
Friends, ladies, and gentlemen, the only sustainable way to the betterment of mankind is the return to the teachings of the divine prophets, monotheism, respect for the dignity of humans, and the flow of love and affection in all relationships, ties, and regulations, and to reform the present structures on this basis.
Snip
Is it not high time for these powers to return from the path of arrogance and obedience to Satan to the path of faith in God? Would they not like to be cleansed of the impurities, submit to the will of God and believe in him?
Faith in God means believing in honesty, purity, justice and compassion for others. They can be certain that they will benefit from purity, honesty, justice, and loving and respecting the human dignity.
They can also be certain that such values are more and more considered appropriate, valuable and beautiful by the nations of the world.
This is the invitation of all the divine prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, and Mohammed, peace be upon him. If they accept this invitation, they will be saved. And if they don’t, the same calamities that befell the people of distant past will befall them, as well.
According to the Holy Koran, one who does not answer the divine call should not think that he has weakened God on earth. He has no companion but God and he is clearly engulfed by darkness. They have nothing of their own and cannot escape from the dominion of the rule of God and his will.
In this important gathering, I have to remind them of the following words of the almighty which has been mentioned in the Holy Koran. Do they not look at the powers and governments which came before them? If the people of the past had actually possessed something, they would have kept it and would not have let you possess it now.
God destroyed them because of their sins and nobody could protect them against the will of god. These powers have to know that the thoughts and methods based on oppression and injustice are doomed to failure. Do they not see the signs of vigilance and resistance based on monotheism, philanthropy and the justice-seeking spirit of the nations of the world? Do they not notice that we are nearing the sunset of the time of empires? I hope that this invitation will have a practical answer.
Snip
Humanity has passed a perilous precipice, and the age of monotheism, purity, affinity, respecting others, justice and true peace-loving has commenced.
It is a divine promise that the truth will be victorious and the Earth will be inherited by the righteous. You who are free, believers and the people of the world, put your trust in God.
You who crave high values, wherever you are, try to prepare the grounds for the fulfillment of this great divine promise by serving the people and seeking justice.
Snip
Striving in this way to surrender rule to the righteous and perfect human, the promised one, is indeed the final cure for the wounds of humanity, the solution of all problems and the establishment of love, beauty, justice and a dignified life all over the world.
This belief and endeavor is the key to unity and the constructive interaction among nations, countries, the people of the world and all the true justice seekers.
Without any doubt, the promised one who is the ultimate savior, along with Jesus Christ and other holy saviors, will come. In the company of all believers, justice seekers and benefactors, he will establish a bright future and fill the world with justice and duty.
This is the promise of God, therefore it will be fulfilled.
Come, let’s play a part in the fulfillment of all this glory and duty. I wish for a bright future for all human beings and the dawn of the liberation of and freedom for all humans, and the rule of love and affection all around the world, as well as the elimination of oppression, hatred, and violence, a wish which I expect will be realized in the near future.
Thank you very much.
The entire transcript at this link (thank you to the blogger for providing this from The Washington Post):
http://quranbible.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/ahmadinejad-un-speech-full-of-fire-and-truth/
God and faith based passages:
AHMADINEJAD (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful, oh, God, hasten the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi and grant him good health and victory and make us his followers and those who attest to his rightfulness.
Mr. President, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased and grateful to the almighty to have the opportunity once again to attend this important universal forum.
Snip
I will also speak to you about the need for remedying the present situation, prospects for a brighter and more hopeful future, and about the appearance of the sublime and beauty, compassion and generosity, justice and blossoming of all the God-given human talents and the prominence of faith in God and realization of the promise of God.
Snip
One, organized attempts to destroy the institution of family and to weaken the status of women. Family is the most sacred and valuable human institution that serves as the center of the purest mutual love and affection amongst mothers, fathers and children, and as a safe environment for the nurturing of human generations and a fertile ground for the blossoming of talents and compassion.
This institution has always been respected by all peoples, religions and cultures. Today, we are witnessing an organized invasion by the enemies of humanity and plunderers to destroy this noble institution that is targeted by promoting lewdness, violence and by breaking the boundaries of chastity and decency.
The precious existence of women, as the manifestation of divine beauty and as the peak of kindness, affection and purity has been the target of heavy exploitation in recent decades by the holders of power and the owners of media and wealth.
In some societies, this beloved human has been reduced to a mere instrument of publicity and all the boundaries and protective shields of chastity, purity and beauty have been trampled. This is a colossal betrayal of human society, of succeeding generations and an irreparable blow to the pillar of social coherence, the family.
Snip
Dear colleagues, again, there is no doubt that the second and more important factor is some big powers’ disregard of morals, divine values, the teachings of the prophets and the instructions by the almighty God, as well as the rule of the (inaudible).
How can the incompetents, who cannot even manage and control themselves, rule humanity and arrange its affairs?
Unfortunately, they have put themselves in the position of God. They were in servitude to their own whims and the desire to have everything for themselves.
For them, human dignity and the lives, properties, and territories of others are no longer respected. Humanity has had a deep wound on its tired body, caused by impious powers, for centuries.
Today, the problems that people around the world face are mainly rooted in the disregard of human values and ethics, and also in the rule of the selfish and incompetent.
Friends, ladies, and gentlemen, the only sustainable way to the betterment of mankind is the return to the teachings of the divine prophets, monotheism, respect for the dignity of humans, and the flow of love and affection in all relationships, ties, and regulations, and to reform the present structures on this basis.
Snip
Is it not high time for these powers to return from the path of arrogance and obedience to Satan to the path of faith in God? Would they not like to be cleansed of the impurities, submit to the will of God and believe in him?
Faith in God means believing in honesty, purity, justice and compassion for others. They can be certain that they will benefit from purity, honesty, justice, and loving and respecting the human dignity.
They can also be certain that such values are more and more considered appropriate, valuable and beautiful by the nations of the world.
This is the invitation of all the divine prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, and Mohammed, peace be upon him. If they accept this invitation, they will be saved. And if they don’t, the same calamities that befell the people of distant past will befall them, as well.
According to the Holy Koran, one who does not answer the divine call should not think that he has weakened God on earth. He has no companion but God and he is clearly engulfed by darkness. They have nothing of their own and cannot escape from the dominion of the rule of God and his will.
In this important gathering, I have to remind them of the following words of the almighty which has been mentioned in the Holy Koran. Do they not look at the powers and governments which came before them? If the people of the past had actually possessed something, they would have kept it and would not have let you possess it now.
God destroyed them because of their sins and nobody could protect them against the will of god. These powers have to know that the thoughts and methods based on oppression and injustice are doomed to failure. Do they not see the signs of vigilance and resistance based on monotheism, philanthropy and the justice-seeking spirit of the nations of the world? Do they not notice that we are nearing the sunset of the time of empires? I hope that this invitation will have a practical answer.
Snip
Humanity has passed a perilous precipice, and the age of monotheism, purity, affinity, respecting others, justice and true peace-loving has commenced.
It is a divine promise that the truth will be victorious and the Earth will be inherited by the righteous. You who are free, believers and the people of the world, put your trust in God.
You who crave high values, wherever you are, try to prepare the grounds for the fulfillment of this great divine promise by serving the people and seeking justice.
Snip
Striving in this way to surrender rule to the righteous and perfect human, the promised one, is indeed the final cure for the wounds of humanity, the solution of all problems and the establishment of love, beauty, justice and a dignified life all over the world.
This belief and endeavor is the key to unity and the constructive interaction among nations, countries, the people of the world and all the true justice seekers.
Without any doubt, the promised one who is the ultimate savior, along with Jesus Christ and other holy saviors, will come. In the company of all believers, justice seekers and benefactors, he will establish a bright future and fill the world with justice and duty.
This is the promise of God, therefore it will be fulfilled.
Come, let’s play a part in the fulfillment of all this glory and duty. I wish for a bright future for all human beings and the dawn of the liberation of and freedom for all humans, and the rule of love and affection all around the world, as well as the elimination of oppression, hatred, and violence, a wish which I expect will be realized in the near future.
Thank you very much.
Episcopal Bishop resigns to become Catholic
A gentle and warm welcome to him. I am understanding the sadness and difficulty many face. I am sure he will receive much comfort from the study of the early Church and wish him all the best.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/69530.html
Clergy from the Diocese of the Rio Grande greeted Bishop Jeffrey N. Steenson with a standing ovation last week during a conference at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, N.M.
The expression of respect and affection for Steenson came five days after he released a “very difficult letter” announcing his intention to resign as bishop of the 8,000-member diocese in New Mexico and West Texas. Steenson said his “conscience is deeply troubled about where the Episcopal Church is heading.”
According to clergy in the room, the response was one of compassion for Steenson’s realization that he could no longer uphold the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church, which has lost dozens of congregations in recent years.
Snip
Now he has announced that he will join the Roman Catholic Church, which he called the “true home of Anglicanism.”
Snip
While Steenson did not confirm his intention to seek ordination in the Catholic Church, he did tell clergy that he plans to study early church history in Rome.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/69530.html
Clergy from the Diocese of the Rio Grande greeted Bishop Jeffrey N. Steenson with a standing ovation last week during a conference at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, N.M.
The expression of respect and affection for Steenson came five days after he released a “very difficult letter” announcing his intention to resign as bishop of the 8,000-member diocese in New Mexico and West Texas. Steenson said his “conscience is deeply troubled about where the Episcopal Church is heading.”
According to clergy in the room, the response was one of compassion for Steenson’s realization that he could no longer uphold the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church, which has lost dozens of congregations in recent years.
Snip
Now he has announced that he will join the Roman Catholic Church, which he called the “true home of Anglicanism.”
Snip
While Steenson did not confirm his intention to seek ordination in the Catholic Church, he did tell clergy that he plans to study early church history in Rome.
A fine book by Brian Welch (formerly of Korn)
I read the entire book by Brian "Head" Welch today, "Save Me From Myself." It's a great memoir and extremely moving. I can't say I'm surprised by his description of life as a heavy metal celebrity, since I know what goes on, but his candor is to be commended at the terrible price that is paid through addiction. His explanation that God can and does cure people of all addictions is truly inspiring and anyone who needs any encouragement ought to read this book. This book is a real gift and I'm grateful that he has given his witness and testimony, and I know that people who need help will receive it from reading this fine book. I feel like I know him and hope many good things for him going forward. I think as time goes on he will feel more discernment about how much God is really "hands on" directing his day to day, and settle down into a much more comfortable vibe that is not hypersensitive. God is always there, and the Holy Spirit dwells within, but he's not a micro manager *wink*. Talent and decision making comes from the person him or her self more that people who are newly given over to God realize. The difference is that they can make decisions and pursue their art from the firm foundation of love and grace by God. God is not making the decisions so much as he is providing the stage, the platform, to safely and sanely make decisions. I'm a laid back Catholic and I find the non denominational brothers and sisters are sometimes hyper sensitive to detailed communication with God *smile*. With time, like a loved spouse, one keeps company with God in lots of companionable silence and not the feeling that there must be tons of two way words and messages. God provides the space for decision making and living one's life, and is not so much a "Chinese or pizza?" kind of guy!
Reading the Bible and spending time in prayer keep the channels open and clear and allows the grace to flow. When the great saints had decisions to make (and there is great benefit in reading about the saints and their lives) they would pray, but rarely did they get explicit instructions from God. What they did receive was the openness to suggestion of the Holy Spirit, and the confidence that they could discern the good from the not so good. So when deciding, for example, where to build a monastery, the prayerful saints would let the Holy Spirit guide their feet, but not necessarily receive the road map and blueprint *wink*. God shows that there rarely is "only one answer" ... for example if a saint built a monastery in one location and it thrives, this does not mean that if he had chosen another location it would have failed. When one walks with God through the Holy Spirit one can discern and select on one's own among the many good choices and avoid the many bad choices. I love Brian's intensity and desire to communicate so frequently and in such detail with the Lord. I'm just saying that it is an extra pressure that not even the saints put upon themselves. For example, while speaking in tongues is a Biblical event it was a very rare event. Again, like I said, I'm a laid back life long Catholic and most of us see it more as that companionable silence highlighted by rich prayer life and scripture reading during the Mass. Anyway, if I was breaking bread with Brian, this is what I would counsel him if we were chatting. As it is, I highly recommend this book, both for one's own reading and also as a gift. It's an important book for being both inspirational and also cautionary of what many people face in the media machine... and how God is the answer and no addiction needs to be the final act... and despair does not need to live in anyone's heart, the Holy Spirit can push that despair and depression right out of anyone who lets the Spirit within.
Reading the Bible and spending time in prayer keep the channels open and clear and allows the grace to flow. When the great saints had decisions to make (and there is great benefit in reading about the saints and their lives) they would pray, but rarely did they get explicit instructions from God. What they did receive was the openness to suggestion of the Holy Spirit, and the confidence that they could discern the good from the not so good. So when deciding, for example, where to build a monastery, the prayerful saints would let the Holy Spirit guide their feet, but not necessarily receive the road map and blueprint *wink*. God shows that there rarely is "only one answer" ... for example if a saint built a monastery in one location and it thrives, this does not mean that if he had chosen another location it would have failed. When one walks with God through the Holy Spirit one can discern and select on one's own among the many good choices and avoid the many bad choices. I love Brian's intensity and desire to communicate so frequently and in such detail with the Lord. I'm just saying that it is an extra pressure that not even the saints put upon themselves. For example, while speaking in tongues is a Biblical event it was a very rare event. Again, like I said, I'm a laid back life long Catholic and most of us see it more as that companionable silence highlighted by rich prayer life and scripture reading during the Mass. Anyway, if I was breaking bread with Brian, this is what I would counsel him if we were chatting. As it is, I highly recommend this book, both for one's own reading and also as a gift. It's an important book for being both inspirational and also cautionary of what many people face in the media machine... and how God is the answer and no addiction needs to be the final act... and despair does not need to live in anyone's heart, the Holy Spirit can push that despair and depression right out of anyone who lets the Spirit within.
Red Sea volcano erupts, interesting image
The photograph of the Yemen volcano eruption shows two flames shooting upward from the cone of the volcano. Jabal al-Tair means Bird's Mountain? Interesting. Reminds me of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2: 2-3
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
***
After this happened the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and the disciples were able to speak each other's languages and also of foreigners gathered outside. It's also a reminder that the Holy Spirit comes as a fire when necessary, and not just as a docile dove.
How interesting... the Red Sea remembered for the flight of the Jews from Egypt, Christian symbolism of the Holy Spirit, and an Islamic country. The three Abrahamic religions.
Acts 2: 2-3
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
***
After this happened the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and the disciples were able to speak each other's languages and also of foreigners gathered outside. It's also a reminder that the Holy Spirit comes as a fire when necessary, and not just as a docile dove.
How interesting... the Red Sea remembered for the flight of the Jews from Egypt, Christian symbolism of the Holy Spirit, and an Islamic country. The three Abrahamic religions.
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