By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A leading Catholic educator expressed exasperation with the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) for its willingness to feature high-profile, left-wing speakers at its national convention. On the heels of last year’s keynote speaker, pro-abortion media icon Garrison Keillor, the NCEA has invited controversial Sr. Helen Prejean to serve in the same capacity this year.
“No test has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
For Reflection:
What virtues have I acquired in times of suffering? How have they provided a “way out” so that I was able to endure?
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A troubled teen performing at an open mic night in an Oregon club stabbed himself to death in front of a cheering audience who thought it was an act.
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A team of researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) released a study last week that found evidence that the constant distraction of smart phones and social networks like Twitter can hinder long-term memory and mental performance.
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The cause for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen is set to advance next month when Bishop Daniel J. Jenky of Peoria will present the Pope with the position paper summarizing the life and virtue of one of America’s most beloved television evangelists.
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Those of you who were shocked by our story last week about a new trend that celebrates boys who like to dress up as girls shouldn’t be too shocked to learn that the UK has approved a drug for children as young as 12 that will stunt the development of sexual organs to pave the way for eventual gender change surgery.
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare not for woe, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
For Reflection:
How have I seen this come true in my own life, especially after a time of sorrow and suffering? What does this tell us about God?
“Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and respectfully.”
1 Peter 3:15
For Reflection:
One way we can instill hope in others is to have our story of God’s mercy in our own life ready to share with them. What is one way God worked in your life that gave you hope in the midst of travail? Work at putting this into a two minute testimony so you will be “ever ready to reply.” Hint: Divide your story into three parts and pick the highlights from each. The three parts of your story should be “I was, Jesus did, I am”
(See tomorrow’s Grace Line for a passage you can use in your testimony.)
“I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
Romans 8: 38- 39
For Reflection:
According to St. Paul, what will be able to separate us from the love of God? Consider this: God loves us always, in spite of everything, no matter what. His mercy is greater than any sin, any transgression, any failure or weakness. His love is greater than any affliction, trial, or suffering. We have every reason to hope and trust in Him!
Have you made good use of your time of Lenten preparation? NOW is the perfect time to reflect and prepare for the great paschal mystery which will soon be upon us. In the link below, I share some food for thought for these final hours of Lent. Please take a few moments to listen. Join me in making these last days, the very best days of our Lenten journey!
