A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day...04-07-05...Some of the Words of Pope John Paul II

JohnHuang2;dutchess | JohnHuang2

[dutchess]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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Some of the words of Pope John Paul II

by JohnHuang2

With the death of Pope John Paul II, I'm giving politics a breather this somber week. I'm well aware that, on matters of faith and politics, not everyone saw eye-to-eye with him, or with any pope for that matter. Yet, on keynote Culture of Life issues, and on matters of family across the board, we shared much in common, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. In his teachings there was, on balance, much more that united than divided us. Evangelist Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, called him "the most beloved religious leader of our age -- far surpassing in popular admiration the leader of any faith." Wanda Franz, president of the National Right to Life Committee, put it this way: "Pope John Paul II was an unfaltering voice for the unborn, the disabled and the elderly and was a strong defender of the right to life. His stalwart opposition to the evils of abortion, infanticide and euthanasia was grounded in compassion and love and he will be deeply missed."

President Bush, who led the nation in mourning Saturday in a televised address, said this: "The Catholic Church has lost its Shepard, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home . . . Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak. And during the pope's final years, his witness was made even more powerful by his daily courage in the face of illness and great suffering."

On this solemn week, I thought I'd put together some of John Paul's most memorable quotes, as posted at WikiQuote.org:

The cemetery of the victims of human cruelty in our century is extended to include yet another vast cemetery, that of the unborn.

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Man always travels along precipices. His truest obligation is to keep his balance.

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The truth is not always the same as the majority decision.

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Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.

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The worst prison would be a closed heart.

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Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them in their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family -- the domestic church.

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An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded.

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When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society.

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When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ, who gives you the meaning of life. When you wonder what it means to be a mature person, look to Christ, who is the fulfillness of humanity. And when you wonder about your role in the future of the world, look to Christ

.

As you know, President Bush, who met with the pope three times during his first term, will be in Rome Friday to attend the funeral. He becomes the first U.S. president to do so. It is "my great honor, on behalf of our country, to express our gratitude to the Almighty for such a man," the President said Monday.

As a Bush supporter and a Catholic, I've never been prouder. Thank you, Mr. President.

And may the Holy Father rest in peace.

And that's...

My two cents

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 04-04-05...Military Monday 04-06-05...Hello Dolly! 04-07-05...Smiles from our Furry Friends

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03-29-05 ~ Hall of Fame #11

[dutchess]

[dutchess]

It's Thursday at the Finest...Please join us as JohnHuang2 gives a loving tribute to our pope...

[The Mayor]

April 7, 2005

Are You Struggling?

Read:
Hebrews 12:1-7

Consider Him who endured such hostility . . . , lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. -Hebrews 12:3

Bible In One Year: 2 Samuel 13-15

I was in my second year of widowhood and I was struggling. Morning after morning my prayer-life consisted of one daily sigh: "Lord, I shouldn't be struggling like this!" "And why not?" His still, small voice asked me from within one morning.

Then the answer came-unrecognized pride! Somehow I had thought that a person of my spiritual maturity should be beyond such struggle. What a ridiculous thought! I had never been a widow before and needed the freedom to be a true learner-even a struggling learner.

At the same time, I was reminded of the story of a man who took home a cocoon so he could watch the emperor moth emerge. As the moth struggled to get through the tiny opening, the man enlarged it with a snip of his scissors. The moth emerged easily-but its wings were shriveled. The struggle through the narrow opening is God's way to force fluid from its body into its wings. The "merciful" snip, in reality, was cruel.

Hebrews 12 describes the Christian life as a race that involves endurance, discipline, and correction. We never get beyond the need of a holy striving against self and sin. Sometimes the struggle is exactly what we need to become what God intends us to be. -Joanie Yoder

When God allows His chastening hand
To give us little rest,
His only purpose is our good-
He wants for us His best. -D. De Haan

We experience God's strength in the strain of our struggle.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges
Why Is Life So Unfair?

[dutchess]

God Bless Our Military
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess, Aquamarine; The Mayor or DollyCali and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~

We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions.

Please give us the strength, Lord, to get through each difficult and devastating day that faces each of us and our country. Protect and guide our Military that are now being called to duty, strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Maigrey.....................cousin OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette................son Blessed American........nephew Slip18.......................nephew anniegetyourgun..........nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin.......niece's husband sneakers..........................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew Dubya............................nephew StarCMC......................brother ValerieUSA..................2 sons Lakeside......................2 sons LakeLady.....................nephew Spruce.....................daughter Philman_36..............2 nephews bjcintennessee.......son, niece eaglesiniowa.....................son auboy.............................cousin Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend Katydidnt..........................son MontanaCowgirlCop.......brother Colorado Slim................nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews nelibeli...................nephew Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................active duty LongCut..................active duty cjk..........................active duty Trish.......................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue..................active duty Notwithstanding.....active duty thumperusn.............active duty Q6-God.....................active duty Q6-God...................twin brother Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx..................active duty Old Sarge................active duty CGblue...................active duty bigghurtt................active duty

scubachick.....................husband ladtx................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son gator girl.........................husband severa...............husband, brother Hostel................................cousin MozartLover..............son, nephew LBGA......................................son katykelly................................son cookcounty............................son SpookBrat..............nephew, cousin Doug from Upland...........son-in-law Himyar....................................son boxerblues........................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza................................husband kemathen7.........................husband Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson..................2 nephews TexKat.......................son, step-son Consort.......2 daughters,son-in-law Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew dixie sass........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons homeschoolmama.................nephew kneezles.................................son skimask.................................son Atomic Conspiracy.........half-brother Atomic Conspiracy................nephew Atomic Conspiracy....................niece Sunflowergal.........................grandson visualops..............................cousin Alouette.....................................son mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband Leofl...........................................son chena............................................son campfollower............................fiance LUV W............................................son painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad...................................son TheMayor...........................friends'son mhking.....................................cousin Misty4jc................................husband Bykrbayb........................................son Hope and Glory.............................son ak_daddoo..................................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife...............husband Walkenfree.....2 grandsons, 3 nephews Walkenfree...................1 granddaughter ariamne...............................2 cousins Zechariah_8_13......brother-in-law, cousin DirtyHarryY2K......daughter, son-in-law franklep..................active duty

[dutchess]

Good morning Mayor. Thanks for the coffee and devotion. Heading off to work. Have a great day!

[The Mayor]

Me too, and you too!

[deadhead]

Thank You, JH2. Lovely presentation, dutchess. Sadness in my heart. Loved and admired Pope John Paul II. God Bless Pope John Paul II. My brother had the opportunity to see the Pope at St. Peter's Basilica. Wish I had had a "peep of the Pope" I posted this photo with some of the words of the Pope here on Saturday, posting it again.

[MEG33]

Loving tribute, John..I am glad I lived during the time on earth of this Pope..I am a Protestant but truly feel the loss of a great man.

[MEG33]

Thank you, Mayor..

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Dutchess.

[Aeronaut]

John, this is one of your finest in my opinion. Thanks.

[iceskater]

Thank you both for this today.
I am not Catholic but I do mourn the Pope's passing. I have a friend who was fortunate to attend a mass when he was here in the US. She said the feeling of holiness that surrounded him was amazing and it stayed with her all that day and the next.

I hope the College of Cardinals heeds the Holy Spirit as they elect the next Pope. John Paul II has shown us how much the world needs a strong and faithful Pope.

[Pippin]

Hi, (((Dutchess))))

((((John))))

You both did a beautiful job!

[LadyX]

This beautiful tribute to an exceptionnl man of God is very much appreciated.
The excerpts were thoughtfully chosen to quietly frame his visions; and your illustrations, dutchess, are as always 'just right.'

We today, pausing to pay our respects, celebrate his truly outstanding life.

Surely there is much rejoicing in heaven
that his purpose on earth has been so well fulfilled!

[Texagirl4W]

A very moving and true tribute to Pope John II. I watched one of the many tributes to his life last night and am almost mesmerized by the greatness and human qualities of this man. He will be missed by many, and forgotten by few.

[Salvation]

John Paul II Gallery of Pictures [Photos]

[DollyCali]

what a respectful and thoughtful presentation of the Pope .. thank you both.. and The Mayor, I always appreciate your cup of faith fortification each morning. Thank you all.

From Poopie's offerings this morning

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[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

President George W. Bush waits as the citation is read for Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith's Medal of Honor before awarding it to Smith's 11-year-old son, David at the White House on April 4, 2005. Smith is the first official hero from the Iraq war to be presented the nation's highest recognition for bravery in combat. David's mother Birgit and stepsister Jessica also took part in the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser

David Smith, 11, accepts the Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush at the White House on April 4, 2005, on behalf of his father Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith who was killed in Iraq two years ago. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith’s family waits for the applause from the audience to die after President George W. Bush presented them with Smith’s Medal of Honor April 4, 2005, at the White House. (From left) Daughter Jessica, 18; wife, Birgit; and son David, 11, honor the two-year anniversary of Smith’s death by receiving the award from President George W. Bush. Smith died protecting his unit in Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser

Past Medal of Honor recipients attend a Medal of Honor ceremony in honor of the late Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith at the White House on April 4, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser

[LadyX]

While I am not a Roman Catholic, of probable interest to most here is a Free Republic thread last night on the pope entitled A POPE DESCRIBED AS 'FROM THE SUN' WAS BORN DURING ECLIPSE AND LEAVES WITH ONE.

To read it in its entirety and the comments generated, Click Here

Here is the first portion:

"He was born during an eclipse (May 18, 1920) and there will be an eclipse, a rare type of partial eclipse, Friday (April 8) on the day of his burial.

And so now eyes have turned more intently to an old prophecy attributed to the Irish monk St. Malachy O'Morgair -- who supposedly foresaw the entire succession of popes by using riddle-like nicknames, with the one fitting the 110th -- John Paul II -- being De Labore Solis, which means "from the labor of the sun."

Indeed, John Paul II was the Pope of Fatima -- where there was the famous "miracle of the sun" -- and reigned during an explosion of other supernatural claims involving solar miracles. Like the sun he came out of the East (Poland). Like the sun he visited countries all around the globe. There was a glow that emanated from him.

Of the sun, yes, and with a stature that means some kind of change of era is coming. This was a giant of a man. This was "Mary's Pope." It was the Pope of her secret. It was as if he was there to prevent or stave off a (long-overdue) chastisement and now he is gone.

The way he died could not have been more dramatic, the "culture of life" Pope dying two days after Terri Schiavo in a benchmark case on the value of life -- she prematurely put to death, in commotion, in terror, he dying with all the dignity with which the old, infirm, and disabled should die.

There was the Pope who had fought for Terri nearing the same end of the road (with even a feeding tube) but in a way that was natural and calm, in a state of prayer, such that he was able to tell his aides he was "happy" and that they too should be happy and then ending his life with Mass, more prayer, and the word, "Amen."

The very way he died was "prophetic." You can't get a much more pointed ending.

And then there is the Divine Mercy saint, St. Faustina, who quoted Christ as foreseeing a "spark" that would come from Poland and herald His "final coming." The Church is extremely and rightly wary when the Second Coming is claimed, but in this case it comes from a saint who was recently canonized -- by John Paul II.

Could it really be a case of approaching such monumental events? If not the Second Coming, a manifestation? Or is there much more yet to play out?" (continued)

====================================================

No matter what your religious faith or beliefs, it is interesting and thought-provoking.

[Temple Owl]

Amen!