Muslim Extremists in Nigeria Bomb Catholic Cathedral

By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist

The inauguration of Nigeria’s new Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has set off a new wave of violence against Christians by Muslim extremists in northern Nigeria, including a June 7 blast that killed 11 people and caused extensive damage to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

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My Secret Garden

Yesterday I was doing some weeding in my garden and there, once again, I came upon my archenemy — a prolific weed against which I wage a war. Sprouting tendrils from the mother plant, it creeps its way along the ground’s surface in search of one of my pretty blossoms and blooms.  Spying its prey, it coils itself around my dainty bloom, plants a root system nearby, and attempts to suck the life out of my lovely flower. Also, click here for all information related to flowers.

“Aha, “ I said. “We meet again!” And mustering up energy and strength, I waged a fierce battle, grabbed it by its vine and yanked it out, triumphant for the moment!

But before I too quickly raised a toast to victory, I knew the war had not been won. The weed would return. Yes, it would come back again, impervious to my latest win. In this war, vigilance was required, steadfastness of heart, fortitude and resolve, humility and perseverance. These would hold me firm in my fight, and help me sustain the zeal and vigor that I need.

Yes, with the help of grace, the battle will be won – maybe not in time, perhaps only in eternity, when I see Jesus face to face, and all is made new (Rev. 21:5).

Obedience

“Obedience unites us so closely to God that in a way transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His. If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God.”
St. Thomas Aquinas

For Reflection:
Why do I think prayer is not pleasing to God without obedience? Where have I been disobedient to God in the past, or now presently? To what extent have I seen my disobedience affect my prayer?

Offering Polarity Therapy in a Parish Setting is a Bad Idea

CH writes: “My question is about an energy therapy called ‘Polarity Therapy’. Polarity Therapy is being done at the Catholic Church of my friend. I assumed that it was an OK therapy for Catholics because the Catholic Priest in charge of the Church and Nuns allow it and have  treatments. I have doubts that it is an approved Catholic therapy.”

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Dear Bonnie…

A few days ago a member of my high school graduating class passed away.  Bonnie had always been the type of person who was on the periphery of events, parties, dances, and all of the social things that make up a high school experience.  In many ways, she was challenged – not intellectually but in other ways that can make teenage years tough.

Her last days sound as if they were as challenging as those earlier days.  And she left the world seemingly bereft of the parents whom she buried and any close personal friends.  Fortunately, another classmate was made aware of her death through a professional acquaintance.  He notified the rest of us. Read the rest…

Appeals Court Judges Appear Critical of ObamaCare Mandate

By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist

In what will be the most important decision yet on ObamaCare, a three-judge panel on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals charged with hearing a 26-state challenge to the health care reform law appeared uneasy during oral arguments yesterday with a requirement that forces Americans to buy healthcare or pay a fine.

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