Just for discussion purposes. You are displeased with us for "picking and choosing" which parts of Augustine, or any Church Father are authoritative. Yet I get the distinct impression that if we were to declare Augustine infallible you would not be happy with that either.

No, I find it disgusting that you even bother with them. If they don't understand the Bible enough that they get a number of things wrong, Nothing they say is authoritative. Nothing. Men who try to rationalize scripture - not discerning the spiritual nor relying on the leading of God have no credibility whatever. You might as well ask Marylin Manson's opinion on scripture.

And the problem here is you may already have taken a Marylin Manson type opinion and don't know it because the people who make the statement arent wearing black robes and upside down crosses. They aren't as easy to spot because they don't have the Name Marylin Manson nor the tag that says "Satanist" stamped on a big placard hanging around their necks. One needs spiritual discernment - ya'll do this how?... Do you need to wait on the Catholic clergy to make that decision .. My Bible says I'm responsible for my walk, nobody else. Ya'll shuck it off willingly to someone else. Taking someone's word for face value just destroyed 0ver 6000 lives in NY not too long ago, plus collateral damage. Yet, you all would like us to just take everybody's word for it. Sorry, not that dumb.

Good afternoon, everybody. Sorry I'm late ... I'm off today and don't get online at home much.

Friday, October 12, 2001
My daughter Hannah's first birthday!

First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Gospel:

Joel 1:13-15 & 2:1-2
Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 8-9, 16
Luke 11:15-26

We are at Jesus' disposal. If he wants you to be sick in bed, if he wants you to proclaim His work in the street, if he wants you to clean the toilets all day, that's all right, everything is all right. We must say, "I belong to you. You can do whatever you like." And this ..is our strength, and this is the joy of the Lord.

-- Mother Teresa

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From wau.org ...

Throughout his Gospel, St. Luke painted vivid pictures of the devil's reality and power, but he was just as quick to show demons trembling in Jesus' presence, begging for mercy. In other words, as powerful as Satan is, Jesus is far more powerful.

As he has done since he first rebelled against God, Satan continues to roam the earth, seeking to rob God of his children's love and trust. We all experience this in the temptations we face every day. In many subtle and not-so-subtle ways, the devil tries to undermine the truths we've received in Scriptures and to weaken our trust in the Father's love and provision. Jesus, too, endured Satan's attempts to lure him to mistrust his Father, to desire power, to pursue the things of the world, or to be consumed with selfish ambitions (Luke 4:1-13). But, because of his steadfast love for God, Jesus triumphed over the enemy. Now, by the blood of his cross, Jesus has provided deliverance and freedom for all of us as we learn to rely on him.

Jesus loves to deliver us from evil. He loves setting his people free. But as powerful a thing as deliverance is, it's not enough for Jesus. For him, deliverance from the evil one is only a doorway to an even greater blessing. Jesus wants to deliver us so he can fill us with his very life. He wants to free us from bondage to sin so that we will be more open to the life, love, and power of the Trinity.

Today is a good day to ask yourself, "How do I view my life? What are the limits of my horizon?" Do you see yourself as a sinner who struggles to love God? Or are you a lover of God who needs to be set free from sin? How much hope do you have in your future? Do you see the vast potential for holiness and service God has placed in you? Or do you think you will just barely squeak into heaven? In your prayer today, let Jesus raise your sights. Let him convince you of his absolute victory over Satan so you can confidently take up all the blessings your Redeemer has won for you.

"Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to destroy Satan's power. Come, Lord Jesus, and fill every corner of my life. I want to be an overcomer with you."

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Have a great day, everyone. And pardon my shameless plug for my little birthday girl ...

Happy Birthday, Hannah!