Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
While totally missing the real common denominator between the Penn State scandal and priest sex abuse – homosexual predation – the secular media is instead using the Penn State story as the vehicle for a new round of Church-bashing.
Despite a court-issued restraining order, a group of nurses who sued a New Jersey hospital for forcing them to assist in abortions say they are still being compelled to participate in the procedures.
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.”
Matthew 7:2- 3
For Reflection:
In the particular judgment, I will be judged in the same way I pass judgment on others? What do I think is the difference between “judging” in the scriptural sense and making healthy conclusions based on the behavior and example of others?
Another sex scandal has rocked our world and as Penn State tries to pick up the pieces of its badly tarnished reputation, it’s time for our nation to make up its mind about what kind of sexual boundaries we want to erect around our children.
The Church’s refusal to be forced by the state of Illinois to allow same-sex couples to adopt children has brought about a parting of the ways between Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois to part ways with the Diocese of Belleville in order to avoid being put out of business because of Church teaching.
With tensions between the Church and the Obama Administration at an all time high, President Barack Obama is said to have met “quietly” with New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan last week in an effort to “reach out” to faith leaders in advance of the 2012 election.
“I assure you, on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak.”
Matthew 12:36
For Reflection:
Ouch! How many unguarded or idle words have I spoken in my life? How many did I speak yesterday? How many have I spoken already today? Lord, put a sentinel at my mouth and a guard around my lips that I may hold my tongue when it ought to be held. Amen.
“If on the last day we would receive a merciful judgment, we must begin here below to be merciful to others.”
Bishop Fulton Sheen
For Reflection:
Do I show mercy to others? In what ways? Is there someone who needs to experience my mercy or forgiveness at this moment in my life? Who? How willing am I to extend it now? Will I? Why or why not?
“God wants that everyone be saved; no one is predestined to go to hell; Jesus died for everyone; and everyone is given sufficient grace for salvation.”
Gabriele Amorth
For Reflection:
How reassuring are these words! God desires my salvation, has sent His Son so it can be acquired, and is giving me the graces I need to attain it! What grace for salvation is He offering me today?
(Hint: What prompting of the Holy Spirit am I experiencing – the need for confession, a way to help a friend or loved one, an act of charity or almsgiving, etc.)
The scandal which cost legendary college football coach Joe Paterno his job this week, is now responsible for costing him the highest honor a civilian can receive – the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
