"An evil thought defiles the soul when it is deliberate and is consented to. Our Lord placed evil thoughts at the head of all crimes, because they are their principle and source."
St. John Baptist de la Salle
For Reflection:
Evil thoughts come to all of us. When are they a defilement to the soul (a sin) according to this quote? Why are evil thoughts the "head of all crimes?" How are they the "principle and source" of sinful actions?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for a way to overcome evil thoughts.)
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Two recently published studies show that mental health problems are on the way to becoming the largest health challenge of the 21st century for the populations of both the United States and more than 30 European nations.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The possibility of a baby born via sperm donation having more than 100 siblings is very real, and is causing concern among experts who are calling for more regulation of the industry.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A Catholic blogger recently discovered that two well-known ice hockey stars decided it would be a cool idea to use the venerable Stanley Cup trophy as a baptismal font for family members, a decision that sparked outrage among fan, but not for abusing the sacrament - for not showing proper respect to the Cup!
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"Do not say that you have chaste minds if you have unchaste eyes, because an unchaste eye is the messenger of an unchaste heart."
St. Augustine
For Reflection:
What is the connection between what we look at and what we do? How is it that the eye is the messenger of the heart? What fills my eyes? How can religious artwork in my home and in my office, in my car and in my area of recreation help me to remain chaste
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Bishop Wieslaw Mering of the diocese of Wlocawek in Poland is protesting the hiring of a Satanic rock musician by a national television station where he will be featured as an "outstanding Polish singer."
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A single young woman who recently converted to Catholicism is making headlines for publicly celebrating the life of her unborn conjoined twins who doctors advised her to abort.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A diet doctor from North Carolina has created a
Facebook page known as "Jesus Daily" with the goal of converting 50,000 people this year, and more than eight million fans are already on board.
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"Purity? They ask. And they smile. They are the very people who approach marriage with worn-out bodies and disillusioned minds. How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: this man reads the life of Jesus Christ."
St. Josemaria Escriva
For Reflection:
Why does an unchaste life lead to "worn-out bodies" and "disillusioned minds?" Does my bearing and conversation speak of my relationship with Jesus Christ?
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"Avoid those who in your presence are not ashamed to make use of scandalous words, and expressions of double meaning."
St. John Bosco
For Reflection:
How can foul language, sexual jokes, and expressions of double meaning lead to sins against chastity? Am I guilty of these? Do I participate even by listening? What effect has it had on my desire to live a chaste life?
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