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Preserved Sinless from the Moment of Humanity December 8th, 2009 by Robert J. Gieb Just after the beginning of the season of Advent, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Church gives us a front row seat both to the tragic story of the pride and disobedience that led to the fall of man and to the story of faith and humble obedience that culminated in our redemption. The readings selected by the Church for this feast set before us the story of man’s sin, and God’s plan to save man from his sin. A plan that includes “the...

Featured Term (selected at random):FEAST OF THE VISITATION Annual commemoration of Mary's visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth. First celebrated by the Franciscans in 1263 at the initiative of St. Bonaventure. Then, during the Western Schism, it wqas extended to the whole Church by Popes Urban VI (reigned 1378-89) and Boniface IX (reigned 1389-1404) to obtain an end to the schism. the feast is now celebrated on May 31. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

From the womb of divine grace was born the original human being, the height of creation's journey.

In the Preterist view, God has canceled every covenant with Israel. There is no future or significance for the Jewish people or Israel as a nation. There is no fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. There is no reign of Messiah from a throne in Jerusalem. All of God’s promises to Israel have been nullified. Israel has been replaced by the church. —Dr. Robert Heidler The above assessment of preterism is inaccurate, mistaken, erroneous, wrong, incorrect, false, bogus, and misinformed. Have I missed anything? How about flawed and untrue? One would call Heidler’s understanding of preterism as it relates to...

What if They Don't Believe? Today's Scripture "What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" (Romans 3:3, KJV) Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Have the opinions of others caused you to water down your dreams? There will always be critics and naysayers in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don't have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don't set the limits for your life–you do. It's not what others say about you that...

The Impartial Power of God "By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" —Hebrews 10:14 We trample the blood of the Son of God underfoot if we think we are forgiven because we are sorry for our sins. The only reason for the forgiveness of our sins by God, and the infinite depth of His promise to forget them, is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the result of our personal realization of the atonement by the Cross of Christ, which He has provided for us. ". . . Christ Jesus ....

A Season of Hope December 7th, 2009 by Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. Faith, hope, and love. St. Paul, in I Corinthians 13:13, says these three are the bottom line. They are called the theological virtues, the qualities that make us most like God.We hear plenty about faith and love. But when is the last time you heard a rousing homily on hope? Why is hope important? And what is it precisely?To accomplish great things in life, you need a future goal that is big enough to keep you motivated. The promise of a diploma makes college students stay up late writing...

<p>Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims the United States is attempting to thwart the return of mankind's savior, according to reports from Al Arabiya, a television news station based in Dubai.</p> <p>Ahmadinejad reportedly claims he has documented evidence that the U.S. is blocking the return of Mahdi, the Imam believed by Muslims to be the savior.</p>

Featured Term (selected at random):AMICE A short, oblong vestment of white linen worn beneath the alb to cover the shoulders of the priest while celebrating Mass. Now optional in the Latin Rite. When putting on the amice, the priest says, "Put on my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation in order to repel the assaults of the devil." (Etym. Latin amictus, garment, mantle, cloak; from amicire, to throw around.) All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

As a Romney supporter and blogger I have very seldom written about faith and religion, whether in the general sense or as it applies to Mitt Romney as a presidential candidate. I’ve always known Romney’s religion to be a stigma to some. I’m sure it is even a boon to others, especially those who share his faith. Today, in remembrance of the 2nd anniversary of Romney’s speech “Faith in America”, I’m going to take a rare moment to share my thoughts on subject. Full disclosure: I am a life-long member of the LDS (Mormon) church. Now let’s proceed. I consider...

Jn.3:3 - ...Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. A definite and non-compromising statement straight from the lips of the Incarnate Word of God Himself. Jesus did not say you must be white, or you must be black, or you must be red, or you must be yellow. He did not say you must be intelligent, or you must be uneducated, or you must be heavy, or you must be skinny. The Lord did not say you must be Baptist, or you must be Catholic, or you must be Hindu, or you must be...

A friend wrote me about a school principal, a religious sister, speaking to a parent and requesting school funds. The gentleman was described as an "ultra-Catholic." My friend asked me: "What is that, do you know?" Evidently, the "non-ultra" principal thought it all right to siphon needed cash from the "ultra" parent. No strings were attached. Once the funds were donated, the non-ultra establishment would go its non-ultra way. The ultra was good for his cash, if he still had any. His ideas were, well, ultra. Clearly, I cannot resist taking a stab at defining what a modern ultra-Catholic...

“My primary problem with the Preterist view,” Robert Heidler, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary writes, “is that it is a blatant example of replacement theology.” If you want to end a debate over eschatology when you can’t make a cogent biblical case for your position, just charge your opponent with holding to replacement theology. What is “replacement theology,” sometimes called “supersessionism”? Here’s a typical dispensational definition: Replacement Theology: a theological perspective that teaches that the Jews have been rejected by God and are no longer God’s Chosen People. Those who hold to this view disavow any ethnic future for...

Vision for Overflow Today's Scripture Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation . . . —2 Corinthians 7:10 Today's Word from Joel and Victoria What is the vision you have for your life? Do you see yourself rising higher? Do you see yourself increasing and growing in the blessing of God? Friend, if we are going to live the abundant, overflowing life that God has promised us, we have to have a vision for it. We have to see ourselves so blessed and so filled that we overflow on to the people around us. We should have so much...

Repentance "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation . . ." —2 Corinthians 7:10 Conviction of sin is best described in the words:My sins, my sins, my Savior, How sad on Thee they fall.Conviction of sin is one of the most uncommon things that ever happens to a person. It is the beginning of an understanding of God. Jesus Christ said that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict people of sin (see John 16:8 ). And when the Holy Spirit stirs a person’s conscience and brings him into the presence of God, it is not that person’s...

Saint Ambrose Pardoning TheodosiusPIERRE SUBLEYRAS1699-1749 St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church December 7 c. 340-97 Born in Trier, Germany, son of Ambrose, the praetorian prefect of Gaul, he was taken back to Rome when a child on the death of his father, he became a lawyer there noted for his oratory and learning. His success led Ancius Probus, praetorian prefect of Italy, to name him his assessor, and Emperor Valentinian appointed him governor of Liguria and Aemilia with his capital at Milan about 372, a position he filled with great ability and justice. In 374 the death of Auxentius, bishop...

No one desires a cross. No one. We all want affirmation and recognition. We pursue security and life. We all need affection and friendship. But no one wants a cross. Of course we love the cross upon which our wonderful Savior died for us. We all love and appreciate that cross. But no one wants a cross for themselves. No one. But the cross is what we are called to. A sinner realizes he is lost. The Spirit illuminates to him just Who Jesus is, and that sinner believes that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to eternal...

The answer seems too simple: other alleged divine writings are not from God because they are not among the 66 books of the Bible and, in fact, they contradict the Bible...

I have been asked by numerous individuals as to how I manage to get through the Bible in one years time. It is a task I attempt to undertake every year, and I must admit that often times I find myself bunching up a few books around the end of the year to accomplish my task. There are many schedules put out every January by various Christian Churches and organizations that will guide you in accomplishing such an endeavor. I am sure those who attend church regularly will find that their Church offers a schedule every December. Unfortunately, what...

"My Rainbow in the Cloud" "I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" —Genesis 9:13 It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right-standing relationship with Him, and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn’t God save me? He has accomplished and provided for my salvation, but I have not yet entered into a relationship with Him. Why doesn’t God do everything we ask? He has done it. The point is— will I step into that covenant relationship?...

A Silence That Contemplates and Adores The Apologetic Prayers of the "Ordo Missae" ROME, DEC. 4, 2009 (Zenit.org).- In this article, Father Mauro Gagliardi, a consultor of the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, explains the importance and meaning of the "apologetic prayers" said during the celebration of the holy Mass. These "apologetic prayers" are the ones that the priest recites quietly -- in "secret" -- before God, to participate more consciously and worthily in the divine mysteries that he celebrates on behalf of the whole Church. The faithful accompany these prayers with reverent, external silence and...

Featured Term (selected at random):PAENITEMINI Apostolic constitution of Pope Paul VI, issued in 1966, by which the canonical norms of fast and abstinence were changed. While changing the norms, the Pope made it clear that divine law requires all the faithful to do penance. Accordingly the purpose of the new regulations was not to weaken the practice of penance but to make it more effective. The Church, therefore, "while preserving--where it can be more readily observed--the custom (observed for many centuries with canonical norms) of practicing penance also through abstinence from meat and fasting, intends to ratify with her prescriptions...

"Rich-ieee!" the gleaming Caribbean ex-addict sings my name as the worship music soars and pounds to start the service. We embrace and I can feel the crazy coming off of him. We stand back and I look wildly into his wild-eyed grin, yelping, "Yeah! God likes the crazy people!" And he yelps back, "Rich-ieee! Because we'll get crazy for him!"And I let out a cackling bipolar howl as the music blares. This man knows something about "crazy." He decided to get clean only after a drug deal got him thrown into the trunk of a car; driven into a field...

For 27 years I have had the opportunity to visit vast and varied regions of the world because of my employment with an airline. I can travel virtually free anywhere my airline goes, and practically free on most other carriers because of generous reciprocal agreements. This perk has afforded me the opportunity to be an ambassador for my country and my "peculiar" state. No matter where in the world I go, when people ask me where I come from and I tell them Utah, the next words out of their mouths are almost always the same: "So you must be...

"The Temple of the Holy Spirit" ". . . only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you" —Genesis 41:40 I am accountable to God for the way I control my body under His authority. Paul said he did not "set aside the grace of God"— make it ineffective ( Galatians 2:21 ). The grace of God is absolute and limitless, and the work of salvation through Jesus is complete and finished forever. I am not being saved— I am saved. Salvation is as eternal as God’s throne, but I must put to work or use...

Time Line: Spring 2010 through Fall 2017 Countdown to 666 Ascension Thursday (Iyar 29/Sivan 1 - which could be the day of the Rapture – at sunset?) is on May 13, 2010. Exactly 60 inclusive days later is Av 1 (July 11), the last solar eclipse of three solar eclipses for three years running – all on Av 1. Rosh Hashanah (Tishri 1) is 60 inclusive days after Av 1 on September 9, 2010. Kislev 1 (November 8, 2010) is 60 inclusive days after Rosh Hashanah...

As we continue our discussion about the Book of Mormon translation, some members may be troubled that the process doesn't match their conceptions of how they thought the process worked. For members who were unaware of the seer stone in the hat, at least two questions or concerns may arise: 1) Is it strange that Joseph used a stone in a hat? 2) Why have we have always been told that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim? To answer the first question we might also ask: Is it strange that a man could rise from the dead, walk on water,...

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - The Gospel of Luke records that, as he was dying on the cross, Jesus showed his boundless mercy by praying for his killers this way: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Not so fast, say contributors to the Conservative Bible Project. The project, an online effort to create a Bible suitable for contemporary conservative sensibilities, claims Jesus' quote is a disputed addition abetted by liberal biblical scholars, even if it appears in some form in almost every translation of the Bible... Experts who have devoted their careers to unraveling the ancient texts...

(St. Francisco Borgia performing a deathbed exorcism, by Francisco Goya) There is a particular reason why we Catholics invoke the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary when we say, "Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen." In addition to Scripture's repeated reminders that the devil is actively seeking the spiritual destruction of as many men and women as he can possibly destroy, many of the great saints (too many to be numbered here) have attested to the fact that the evil one is allowed by God to harass people with all kinds...

Helen Radkey sits in her tiny Millcreek apartment amid images of Buddha and Egyptian sun gods, good-luck charms, sacred texts, tarot cards and a makeshift shrine to a Catholic saint, complete with a relic. Her refrigerator is awash in photos of children, grandchildren and friends from around the country and across the globe. Both bedrooms are piled high with box after box of file folders, evidence of her decadeslong drive to undermine the LDS Church's temple ritual in which living Mormons are baptized for a person who has died. Each folder contains the name and personal information of an individual...

The LDS Church now has in place a computer program it believes may halt -- or at least slow -- the submission of incorrect, inappropriate or dubious information into its massive collection of genealogical records. "The new version of FamilySearch is a technological deterrent to improper submissions," LDS spokesman Scott Trotter said Thursday. "For example, users must certify that the names they are submitting are of family members." Mormons submit the lion's share of the historical data, either from private or public sources, typed singly or "extracted" from a list. Thousands of names are entered into the system every day...

NASHVILLE - A cinnamon bun bearing the likeness of Mother Teresa may be a miracle for the local coffeehouse merchandising it, but the world's most famous nun finds it in poor taste. In a personally signed letter from Calcutta, India, Mother Teresa asked Bongo Java coffeehouse to stop merchandising its now-famous "nun bun." "My legal counsel . . . has written asking you to stop, and now I am personally asking you to stop," she wrote in a letter dated March 25 and received this week by owner Bob Bernstein. But Bernstein said yesterday that he has no plans to...

Featured Term (selected at random):CIBORIUM A covered container used to hold the consecrated small Hosts. It is similar to a chalice but covered and larger, used for small Communion hosts of the faithful. It is made of various precious metals, and the interior is commonly gold or gold-plated. Also synonymous with baldachino as the dome-shaped permanent canopy over a high altar, supported by columns and shaped like an inverted cup. (Etym. Latin ciborium; from Greek kib_rion, cup.) All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

It seems like every few years someone’s routine life experiences are interrupted by the sudden appearance of something that requires both a vivid imagination and a heaping portion of faith. These occurrences don’t take place exclusively in Massachusetts, but we’ve certainly had our share of them. The latest in a seemingly endless string of chuckle-inducing incidents happened recently to a 44 year-old medical secretary from Methuen. Engrossed in her usual chores at home last week, Mary Jo Coady’s eyes suddenly focused on, of all things, the underside of her household steam iron. And there it was. What to most of...

Women religious contacted by the Arizona Daily Star for an article on the current apostolic visitation used the opportunity to criticize the Vatican and express their dissent from Catholic teaching. “We are closing schools and churches and they are asking the diocese to spend money on this type of thing?” said Sister Lil Mattingly, a Maryknoll Missioner. “We try very hard to review our own lives and how Jesus is calling us to live, but I'd like to call on Rome to work on that.” Franciscan Sister Elizabeth Ohmann added, “Are we going contrary to Rome's teachings? I say, 'Yes,...

Pave the Way for Victory Today's Scripture "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:3, NIV) Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Did you know that every morning you have the opportunity to set the tone for your whole day? When you put God first and decide to go out with a grateful attitude and a positive frame of mind, you'll not only feel better, but you're going to draw in the good things of God. You are paving the way for success...

The Law of Opposition "To him who overcomes . . ." —Revelation 2:7 Life without war is impossible in the natural or the supernatural realm. It is a fact that there is a continuing struggle in the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual areas of life.Health is the balance between the physical parts of my body and all the things and forces surrounding me. To maintain good health I must have sufficient internal strength to fight off the things that are external. Everything outside my physical life is designed to cause my death. The very elements that sustain me while...

On the night Campbell elected the youngest openly gay mayor in America, hundreds rallied in Vallejo to protest their mayor following his remarks about gays and heaven. Demonstrators bearing rainbow flags and signs outside Vallejo City Hall Tuesday night directed their ire at Osby Davis for his comments in a New York Times' article about the growing political clout of Evangelicals. Davis, who narrowly (and we mean narrowly) defeated gay rival Gary Cloutier in 2007, told Scott James that those pearly, beatific gates would remain shut for gays. "... they are in fact committing sin and that sin will keep...

Part Four:   Lord, Teach Us To Pray Fifth Petition:  “ Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive Those Who Tresspass Against Us” Table of Contents     This is no ordinary petition to God asking for His mercy. We not only ask Him to be merciful to us, but we dare place a condition and a norm on God’s forgiveness. What is this condition and norm? It is the practice and the measure of our forgiveness to others. What are we being told? We are being told that unless we are merciful to others, God will not be merciful to us. We further...

REXBURG -- A large media campaign involving billboards and mass mailings has been launched in eastern Idaho. Its goal is to draw women away from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The "Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons" campaign was started by the Truth in Love Ministry in Nampa, and its focus is on "witnessing to Mormons" and showing them the "truth of God's words" through "loving means." This week a billboard was placed at the intersection of Yellowstone Highway and Seventh South in Rexburg showing a woman holding her head next to the words "Feeling Worthy?"...

Benedict XVI has announced that the World Day of the Sick will be celebrated this liturgical year on February 11, the 25th anniversary of the institution of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers. The Pontiff drew attention to the essential nature of pastoral service for the sick and asked those who are ill "to pray and offer up their sufferings for priests" in this Year of the Priest. For February 11, the Pope said, the Church would like to "raise awareness in the ecclesial community of the importance of pastoral service in the vast world...

squir-me-neu-tics (skwûrm'mə-n��'tĭks) n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) 1. the science of misinterpretation, esp. of the Scriptures, to such a degree that it causes listeners with any common sense to squirm. 2. misinterpretation of the Scriptures so absurd that it causes one to question whether or not it could possibly be for real. Well, it's once again time for our old friend "pastor" Steven Anderson. In case you forgot, some time ago Steven bought us a comprehensive theology of masculine bathroom etiquette. Now Steven blesses us with this tidbit of theological wizardry on why Jesus wore pants and...

Featured Term (selected at random):ATTRITIONISM The doctrine that imperfect contrition, i.e., sorrow for sin not from perfect love, is sufficient for valid absolution in the sacrament of penance. Luther (1483-1546) attacked it as "repentance of the gallows" out of fear of God. but the Council of Trent declared that attrition is a morally good preparation for the sacrament of penance. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17). There is a certain church that I pass on my way home from work every day. Like most churches, this church has a sign out by the road. I have already expressed my extreme frustration with church signs elsewhere, so it should come as no surprise that I am always keeping...

The health-care debate has provided its share of teachable moments. The one at hand has little to do with health care. The catalyst, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, supports government-guaranteed health care. However, its support hinges on an amendment barring government funding of abortions. The bishops' stance infuriated Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D., R.I.). "You mean to tell me the Catholic Church is going to be denying those people lifesaving health care? I thought they were pro-life," he told the Catholic News Service. Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, R.I., pointed out that the bishops do support lifesaving health care for...

Having an Overflow Mentality Today's Scripture "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11, NIV) Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God wants us to have His very best. He doesn't want us to just barely get by in life; He wants us to thrive and overflow with His goodness. Notice what our part is as His children - we have to be willing and obedient. It's not just doing what the Word of God says; you've got to do it with the right attitude. It's one thing to give because you...

"Not by Might nor by Power" "My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power . . ." —1 Corinthians 2:4 If in preaching the gospel you substitute your knowledge of the way of salvation for confidence in the power of the gospel, you hinder people from getting to reality. Take care to see while you proclaim your knowledge of the way of salvation, that you yourself are rooted and grounded by faith in God. Never rely on the clearness of your presentation, but as you...

Part Four:   Lord, Teach Us To Pray Fourth Petition:  “ Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” Table of Contents     This is the turning point in the Our Father. Where the first three petitions were directed to the glory of God, from now on they are concerned with our needs. The Church’s tradition finds two levels of request for nourishment in this petition. We ask for the food we need for our souls, and the sustenance we need for our bodies. Spiritual Nourishment When St. Pius X issued his decree on frequent Holy Communion, he explained that frequent means daily reception...

On the "Singer of Charity" "Only One Task Is Entrusted to Every Human Being" VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address during today's general audience in St. Peter's Square. * * * Dear brothers and sisters, In a previous catechesis I presented the figure of Bernard of Clairvaux, the "Doctor of Sweetness," great protagonist of the 12th century. His biographer, friend and admirer was William of Saint-Thierry, on whom I will pause in this morning's reflection. William was born in Liege between 1075 and 1080. From a noble family, gifted with a lively...

Some see the signs in natural disasters or political news, others in apocalyptic visions at the movie theatre. Whatever the inspiration, a growing online community is devoted to tracking the imminent arrival of the Rapture.