The Golden Age Cometh

The Golden Age Cometh: Fr. C. John McCloskey III considers our new “Catholic Moment”: the Catholic Church is the only option for serious Christians in the U.S.A.

THURSDAY, 05 JULY 2012

The Golden Age Cometh

By Fr. C. John McCloskey III

21 My friend, the late Fr. John Richard Neuhaus, was a Lutheran minister from Canada and a great Christian witness who converted to Catholicism. I was privileged to be at his ordination to the priesthood. Fr. Neuhaus proclaimed in one of his books the advent of a “Catholic Moment” for the United States. As it turns out, he was twenty-five years or so ahead of his time. But perhaps today’s “Catholic Moment” is not exactly the kind that he foresaw. Neuhaus (along with George Weigel and Michael Novak) was generally positive about the American experiment and its “exceptionalism,” especially in contrast with decaying and now largely post-Christian Europe. In 1996, however, responding to the infamous Planned Parenthood v. Casey Supreme Court decision, Neuhaus published an essay by Russell Hittinger in First Things, which concluded: In effect, the Court makes it impossible to have anything other than a procedural common good as a motive or purpose for political activity. There is a real possibility that the moral and religious motivations of some citizens will become not only actionable at public law, through constitutional suits challenging legislation informed by such motives, but also actionable at private law. Unless the elected representatives of the people can compel the Court to refrain from invalidating political activity merely on the basis of the citizens’ moral or religious motivation, the task of reform is blocked. Should that continue, the option remaining to right reason is the one traditionally used against despotic rule: civil disobedience. Fast forward now to 2012. Hittinger appears vindicated, especially following the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold Obamacare, although the lawsuits against the infamous HHS Mandate and the results of the November 2012 elections still lie before. Given the despotic HHS administrative diktat, American Catholics may now find that the right to religious freedom founded in the First Amendment may no longer apply to them and their institutions. In fact, it’s possible that even the free practice of the faith may be moving toward de jure or de facto nonexistence. Like Christians under the rule of Islamic governance or during the Roman Empire before Constantine’s edict of toleration, there may come a time when American Catholics become secondhand citizens at best, at risk of imprisonment or worse at the whim of the magistrates. We should continue to pray that such a day won’t come. But it is not impossible. Yes: It can happen here!      The welcoming arms of Bernini’s Colonnade seen from St. Peter’s dome I should clarify whom I am including when I use the word “Catholic” because, of course, there is much confusion in this area. I believe the best definition – full assent to the Faith – is neatly summarized in the RCIA’sReception for Baptized Christians into the Church: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.” Readers may judge from the polls how many among us really qualify as Catholics according to this definition, considering the high number of divorces and remarriages, the dwindling of Catholic births and baptisms, the vertiginous drop in Mass attendance, etc. But there are certainly far fewer than the 70 million or so often quoted, just extrapolating from the percentage of votes by nominal Catholics for candidates with views clearly opposed to Catholic moral teaching (and who presumably live accordingly). May they all soon return to the Church, as unlikely as that may now seem. Currently, one in every ten Americans is a lapsed Catholic. And each year, for every one convert to the Church, three leave the fold. But this is precisely where the going gets good for the Church in the United States. Increasingly, the Catholic Church is the only option for serious Christians here. Traditional Protestant denominations are shrinking and Evangelical Christians in many cases are attracted to the sacramental system of the Church and its authoritative teachings. We get their best, and they get our worst, who do not want to live up to the full range of demands on the Christian life. The seminaries are now generally sound, vocations are on the rise, and the episcopate is mostly made up of men in line with the evangelizing Catholicism of Bl. John Paul and the deep liturgical teachings of Pope Benedict. Catholic radio is increasingly present almost everywhere. Catholic publishing continues to grow on- and off-line. The Cardinal Newman Society colleges grow each year and with time will replace the apostate former “Catholic” universities, whose now-diluted Catholicism we don’t need. Liturgies in our parishes are now more traditional – in many places the Lord is once again worshiped in a more reverent setting and adored in the centered tabernacle. Finally, we face life-changing threats to the practice of our Faith, which, paradoxically, has its positive side. That may be our great opportunity to bear witness, as did the first Christians, and to draw converts, even if it means martyrdom. I say: Bring it on, if it be God’s will. Just think of the reward! In any case, it would not be the first time we’ve had to face and overcome such challenges. The best still lies ahead.   Rev. C.J. McCloskey III is a Church Historian in his hometown of Washington, D. C. and a fellow of the Faith and Reason Institute.   © 2012 The Catholic Thing. All rights reserved. For reprint rights, write to:info@frinstitute.org   The Catholic Thing is a forum for intelligent Catholic commentary. Opinions expressed by writers are solely their own.

Why Catholics make the sign of the cross

Why Catholics make the sign of the cross

Six overlooked ways in which making the ancient sign opens Catholics to life-transforming graces

By Bert Ghezzi - OSV Newsweekly, 3/25/2012

Pope Benedict XVI makes the sign of the cross during a 2010 general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. CNS photo by Paul Haring

I used to make the sign of the cross casually as a nice gesture for beginning and ending my prayers. But about a decade ago, probably nudged by the Holy Spirit, I took it more seriously.  

I began to sign myself more frequently with faith and reverence. I did not think much about it, but after a year I noticed that I seemed to be doing measurably better in my Christian life. I was praying with more passion, resisting my bad inclinations somewhat more effectively, and relating to others more kindly.  

When I asked myself what had produced these positive results, I decided the only thing I was doing differently was praying the Sign of the Cross more fervently. Pretty good, I thought, for just signing myself reverently, and I realized that the Sign of the Cross is not merely a pious gesture. It is a powerful prayer. So I studied about it in Scripture, the Church Fathers and saints, and Catholic teaching.  

In my study, I discovered six perspectives on the Sign of the Cross that revealed why making it opens us to life-transforming graces. I share them here, confident that once you grasp them, you will make the gesture with more faith and experience its great blessings. 

Mini-creed

The Sign of the Cross is a profession of faith in God as he revealed himself. It serves as an abbreviated form of the Apostles’ Creed. Touching our forehead, breast and shoulders, we declare our belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are announcing our faith in what God has done — the creation of all things, the redemption of humanity from sin and death, and the establishment of the Church, which offers new life to all. When we sign ourselves we are making ourselves aware of God’s presence and opening ourselves to his action in our lives. That would be enough, wouldn’t it? But there is much, much more. 

Six Signings

I invite you right now to imprint in your heart these six truths about the Sign of the Cross by making it with me six times, each time applying one of the perspectives.     First, let’s sign ourselves professing our faith in God.   Second, let’s mark our selves remembering that we died with Christ in baptism.   Third, let’s make the sign to declare that we belong to Christ and that we will obey him.   Fourth, let’s sign ourselves to embrace whatever suffering comes and to celebrate our suffering with Christ for the Church.   Fifth, let’s make the sign of the cross as a defense against the devil and as an offensive advance of God’s kingdom against him.   Sixth, let’s make it to crucify our flesh and to put on Christ and his behaviors.   I often go through these signings in my morning prayer and recommend that you try it, too.

Renewal of baptism

First-century Christians began making the sign of the cross as a reminder and renewal of what happened to them when they were baptized. It still works the same way for us. When we sign ourselves we are declaring that in baptism we died sacramentally with Christ on the cross and rose to a new life with him (see Rom 6:3-4 and Gal 2:20). We are asking the Lord to renew in us those baptismal graces. We are also acknowledging that baptism joined us to the body of Christ and equipped us for our role of collaborating with the Lord in his work of rescuing all people from sin and death. 

Mark of discipleship

At baptism the Lord claimed us as his own by marking us with the Sign of the Cross. Now, when we sign ourselves, we are affirming our loyalty to him. By tracing the cross on our bodies, we are denying that we belong to ourselves and declaring that we belong to him alone (see Lk 9:23). The Church Fathers used the same word for the Sign of the Cross that the ancient world employed to indicate ownership. The same word named a shepherd’s brand on his sheep, a general’s tattoo on his soldiers, a householder’s mark on his servants, and the Lord’s mark on his disciples. So signing ourselves recognizes that we are Christ’s sheep and can count on his care; his soldiers, commissioned to work with him in advancing his kingdom on earth; and his servants, dedicated to doing whatever he tells us. 

Acceptance of suffering

Jesus promised us, that suffering would be a normal part of a disciple’s life (see Lk 9:23). So, when we mark our bodies with the sign, we are embracing whatever pain comes as a consequence of our faith in Christ. Making the sign is our “taking up the cross and following” him (Lk 9:23). But at the same time it comforts us with the realization that Jesus, who endured the crucifixion for us, now joins us in our suffering and supports us. Signing ourselves also announces another significant truth: With St. Paul, we are celebrating that our afflictions as members of the body of Christ contribute to the Lord’s saving work of perfecting the Church in holiness (see Col 1:24). 

Move against the devil

When the devil sent Jesus to the cross, he mistakenly believed he had won a great victory. Instead, the Lord surprised him with an ignominious defeat (see 1 Cor 2:8). From the first Easter morning through the present, the sign of the cross makes the devil cower and flee. So on one level, making the sign is a defensive move, declaring our inviolability to the devil’s influence. But more importantly, the sign is also an offensive weapon, helping us reclaim with Christ all that Satan lost at the cross. It announces our cooperation with him in the indomitable advance of the kingdom of God against the kingdom of darkness. 

Victory over the flesh

In the New Testament, the word flesh sums up all the evil inclinations of our old nature that persist in us even after we die with Christ in baptism (see Gal 5:16-22). Making the sign of the cross expresses our decision to crucify these desires of the flesh and to live by the Spirit. Like tossing off a dirty shirt or blouse, making the sign indicates our stripping ourselves of our evil inclinations and clothing ourselves with the behaviors of Christ (see Col 3: 5-15). 

The Church Fathers taught that the Sign of the Cross diffused the force of powerful temptations such as anger and lust. 

So no matter how strongly we are tempted, we can use the Sign of the Cross to activate our freedom in Christ and conquer even our besetting sins. 

Bert Ghezzi is the author of numerous books, including “The Sign of the Cross: Recovering the Power of the Ancient Prayer” (Loyola Press, $9.99).

See also:

• Icon of supreme love

• Cross-section of crosses and their significance

Tags:Church history, devotions, prayer, Sign of the Cross, spirituality

WOMAN OF STRENGTH

 

MUJER DE FUERZA vs MUJER FUERTE

La mujer de fuerza hace ejercicio todos los días para mantener su cuerpo en forma... pero la mujer fuerte se arrodilla a rezar para mantener su alma en forma.
La mujer de fuerza no le tiene miedo a nada... pero la mujer fuerte muestra valor en medio de su temor.
La mujer de fuerza nunca deja que nadie le gane, pero la mujer fuerte da lo mejor de sí a todos.
La mujer de fuerza comete errores y evita repetirlos en el futuro... pero la mujer fuerte se da cuenta de que los errores en la vida pueden también ser bendiciones de Dios y se apoya en ellos...
La mujer de fuerza pisa con seguridad... pero la mujer fuerte sabe que Dios la atajará si cae...
La mujer de fuerza se muestra confiada... pero la mujer fuerte muestra la gracia (de Dios) en su cara...
La mujer de fuerza tiene fe en que su fuerza durará todo lo necesario... pero la mujer fuerte tiene fe en que cuando lo necesite adquirirá la fortaleza.

Carta apostólica en forma de Motu proprio Porta fidei, 10 octubre 2011- Benedicto XVI

 

CARTA APOSTÓLICA
EN FORMA DE MOTU PROPRIO

PORTA FIDEI

DEL SUMO PONTÍFICE
BENEDICTO XVI

CON LA QUE SE CONVOCA EL AÑO DE LA FE

1. «La puerta de la fe» (cf. Hch 14, 27), que introduce en la vida de comunión con Dios y permite la entrada en su Iglesia, está siempre abierta para nosotros. Se cruza ese umbral cuando la Palabra de Dios se anuncia y el corazón se deja plasmar por la gracia que transforma. Atravesar esa puerta supone emprender un camino que dura toda la vida. Éste empieza con el bautismo (cf. Rm 6, 4), con el que podemos llamar a Dios con el nombre de Padre, y se concluye con el paso de la muerte a la vida eterna, fruto de la resurrección del Señor Jesús que, con el don del Espíritu Santo, ha querido unir en su misma gloria a cuantos creen en él (cf. Jn 17, 22). Profesar la fe en la Trinidad –Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo– equivale a creer en un solo Dios que es Amor (cf. 1 Jn 4, 8): el Padre, que en la plenitud de los tiempos envió a su Hijo para nuestra salvación; Jesucristo, que en el misterio de su muerte y resurrección redimió al mundo; el Espíritu Santo, que guía a la Iglesia a través de los siglos en la espera del retorno glorioso del Señor.
2. Desde el comienzo de mi ministerio como Sucesor de Pedro, he recordado la exigencia de redescubrir el camino de la fe para iluminar de manera cada vez más clara la alegría y el entusiasmo renovado del encuentro con Cristo. En la homilía de la santa Misa de inicio del Pontificado decía: «La Iglesia en su conjunto, y en ella sus pastores, como Cristo han de ponerse en camino para rescatar a los hombres del desierto y conducirlos al lugar de la vida, hacia la amistad con el Hijo de Dios, hacia Aquel que nos da la vida, y la vida en plenitud»[1]. Sucede hoy con frecuencia que los cristianos se preocupan mucho por las consecuencias sociales, culturales y políticas de su compromiso, al mismo tiempo que siguen considerando la fe como un presupuesto obvio de la vida común. De hecho, este presupuesto no sólo no aparece como tal, sino que incluso con frecuencia es negado[2]. Mientras que en el pasado era posible reconocer un tejido cultural unitario, ampliamente aceptado en su referencia al contenido de la fe y a los valores inspirados por ella, hoy no parece que sea ya así en vastos sectores de la sociedad, a causa de una profunda crisis de fe que afecta a muchas personas.
3. No podemos dejar que la sal se vuelva sosa y la luz permanezca oculta (cf. Mt 5, 13-16). Como la samaritana, también el hombre actual puede sentir de nuevo la necesidad de acercarse al pozo para escuchar a Jesús, que invita a creer en él y a extraer el agua viva que mana de su fuente (cf. Jn4, 14). Debemos descubrir de nuevo el gusto de alimentarnos con la Palabra de Dios, transmitida fielmente por la Iglesia, y el Pan de la vida, ofrecido como sustento a todos los que son sus discípulos (cf. Jn 6, 51). En efecto, la enseñanza de Jesús resuena todavía hoy con la misma fuerza: «Trabajad no por el alimento que perece, sino por el alimento que perdura para la vida eterna» (Jn6, 27). La pregunta planteada por los que lo escuchaban es también hoy la misma para nosotros: «¿Qué tenemos que hacer para realizar las obras de Dios?» (Jn 6, 28). Sabemos la respuesta de Jesús: «La obra de Dios es ésta: que creáis en el que él ha enviado» (Jn 6, 29). Creer en Jesucristo es, por tanto, el camino para poder llegar de modo definitivo a la salvación.
4. A la luz de todo esto, he decidido convocar un Año de la fe. Comenzará el 11 de octubre de 2012, en el cincuenta aniversario de la apertura del Concilio Vaticano II, y terminará en la solemnidad de Jesucristo, Rey del Universo, el 24 de noviembre de 2013. En la fecha del 11 de octubre de 2012, se celebrarán también los veinte años de la publicación del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, promulgado por mi Predecesor, el beato Papa Juan Pablo II,[3]con la intención de ilustrar a todos los fieles la fuerza y belleza de la fe. Este documento, auténtico fruto del Concilio Vaticano II, fue querido por el Sínodo Extraordinario de los Obispos de 1985 como instrumento al servicio de la catequesis[4], realizándose mediante la colaboración de todo el Episcopado de la Iglesia católica. Y precisamente he convocado la Asamblea General del Sínodo de los Obispos, en el mes de octubre de 2012, sobre el tema de La nueva evangelización para la transmisión de la fe cristiana. Será una buena ocasión para introducir a todo el cuerpo eclesial en un tiempo de especial reflexión y redescubrimiento de la fe. No es la primera vez que la Iglesia está llamada a celebrar un Año de la fe. Mi venerado Predecesor, el Siervo de Dios Pablo VI, proclamó uno parecido en 1967, para conmemorar el martirio de los apóstoles Pedro y Pablo en el décimo noveno centenario de su supremo testimonio. Lo concibió como un momento solemne para que en toda la Iglesia se diese «una auténtica y sincera profesión de la misma fe»; además, quiso que ésta fuera confirmada de manera «individual y colectiva, libre y consciente, interior y exterior, humilde y franca»[5]. Pensaba que de esa manera toda la Iglesia podría adquirir una «exacta conciencia de su fe, para reanimarla, para purificarla, para confirmarla y para confesarla»[6]. Las grandes transformaciones que tuvieron lugar en aquel Año, hicieron que la necesidad de dicha celebración fuera todavía más evidente. Ésta concluyó con la Profesión de fe del Pueblo de Dios[7], para testimoniar cómo los contenidos esenciales que desde siglos constituyen el patrimonio de todos los creyentes tienen necesidad de ser confirmados, comprendidos y profundizados de manera siempre nueva, con el fin de dar un testimonio coherente en condiciones históricas distintas a las del pasado.

LEER EL RESTO DEL DOCUMENTO: Carta apostólica en forma de Motu proprio Porta fidei, 10 octubre 2011- Benedicto XVI



'via Blog this'

Benedicto XVI: "Es posible que la humanidad conozca la verdadera alegría"

MARTES 31 DE MAYO DE 2011

"Es posible que la humanidad conozca la verdadera alegría"

En el libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles se narra que, tras una primera violenta persecución, la comunidad cristiana de Jerusalén, exceptuando los apóstoles, se dispersa en las regiones circundantes y Felipe, uno de los diáconos, llega a una ciudad de Samaria. Allí predicó a Cristo resucitado, su anuncio estuvo acompañado por numerosas curaciones, así que la conclusión del episodio es muy significativa: “Y hubo una gran alegría en aquella ciudad” (Hch 8,8). Cada vez nos impresiona esta expresión, que en esencia nos comunica un sentido de esperanza; como si dijera: ¡es posible! Es posible que la humanidad conozca la verdadera alegría, porque allá donde llega el Evangelio, florece la vida; como un terreno árido que, llegado por la lluvia, rápidamente reverdece. Felipe y los demás discípulos, con la fuerza del Espíritu Santo, hicieron en los pueblos de Palestina lo que había hecho Jesús: predicaron la Buena Noticia y realizaron signos prodigiosos. Era el Señor el que actuaba por medio de ellos. Así como Jesús anunciaba la venida del Reino de Dios, los discípulos anunciaron a Jesús resucitado, profesando que Él es Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, bautizando en su nombre y expulsando toda enfermedad del cuerpo y del espíritu.

“Y hubo una gran alegría en aquella ciudad”. Leyendo este pasaje, espontáneamente se piensa en la fuerza sanadora del Evangelio, que a lo largo de los siglos ha “lavado”, como río beneficioso, a tantas poblaciones. Algunos grandes Santos y Santas han llevado esperanza y paz a ciudades enteras -pensemos en san Carlos Borremeo en Milán, en la época de la peste; en la beata Madre Teresa de Calcuta; y en tantos misioneros, cuyos nombres Dios conoce, que han dado la vida por llevar el anuncio de Cristo y hacer florecer entre los hombres la alegría profunda. Mientras los poderosos de este mundo buscaban conquistar nuevos territorios por intereses políticos y económicos, los mensajeros de Cristo iban por todas partes con el objetivo de llevar a Cristo a los hombres y a los hombres a Cristo, sabiendo que sólo Él puede dar la verdadera libertad y la vida eterna. También hoy la vocación de la Iglesia es la evangelización: tanto de las poblaciones que todavía no han sido “regadas” por el agua viva del Evangelio; como de aquellas que, aun teniendo antiguas raíces cristianas, necesitan linfa nueva para dar nuevos frutos, y redescubrir la belleza y la alegría de la fe.

Queridos amigos, el beato Juan Pablo II ha sido un gran misionero, como documenta también una muestra preparada estos días en Roma. Él relanzó la misión ad gentes y, al mismo tiempo, promovió la nueva evangelización. Confiamos la una y la otra a la intercesión de María Santísima. Que la Madre de Cristo acompañe siempre y en todas partes el anuncio del Evangelio, para que se multipliquen y se amplíen en el mundo los espacios en los que los hombres reencuentran la alegría de vivir como hijos de Dios.

(Regina Coeli en la Plaza de San Pedro. Ciudad del Vaticano, 29-5-2011)

Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » Wisdom and the Convergence of Chaos

I just found this article, which I'd like to shar with you. Do read to the end.

Thanks!

Wendy

Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » Wisdom and the Convergence of Chaos

Wisdom and the Convergence of Chaos

Photo by Oli Kekäläinen

I recently listened on the radio to a news story about a serial killer somewhere on the loose in New York. My first reaction was anger at the stupidity of this generation. Do we seriously believe that constantly glorifying psychopathic killers, mass murderers, vile rapists, and war in our "entertainment" has no effect on our emotional and spiritual well-being? A quick glance at the shelves of a movie rental store reveals a culture so dumbed down, so oblivious, so blinded to the reality of our internal sickness that we actually believe our obsession with sexual idolatry, horror, and violence is normal.

I have written more at length about this already, quoting a study on the effects of video game violence:¹

…the content of much entertainment media, and the marketing of those media combine to produce "a powerful desensitization intervention on aglobal level." …the modern entertainment media landscape could accurately be described as an effective systematic violence desensitization tool. Whether modern societies want this to continue is largely a public policy question, not an exclusively scientific one. —Iowa State University study, The Effects of Video Game Violence on Physiological Desensitization to Real-Life Violence; Carnagey, Anderson, and Ferlazzo; article from ISU News Service; July 24th, 2006

And we are shocked when we hear about copy-cat school andrandom shootings? When we hear about soldiers taking innocent lives? When we see more and more young parents committing infanticide? Are we really that stupid—are we this naive? Yes, because people are generally more interested in watching mindless television than falling to their knees and asking God to fill the gnawing vacuum in their hearts. Perhaps the reason they don’t is because the Western Church has fallen mostly silent, not only on the disturbing moral issues of our day, thereby providing almost no guiding moral light in the darkness, but on the need to "repent and believe the Good News." There is a Great Vacuum indeed, and it is being filled with the spirit of the world.²

There has been such a dumbing down of this generation that, a few years ago in prayer, I sensed the Lord say that even the faithful in the Church do not realize how much we have been duped and how far we have fallen.³ While we have more knowledge at our fingertips than any generation previous, what we are truly lacking today is wisdom. Indeed, says Pope Benedict, there is an "eclipse of reason."⁴

THE CONVERGENCE OF CHAOS

There is a reason I have strongly encouraged readers to consecrate themselves to Mary, to quickly board the Ark. It is because of the convergence of chaos that relatively few seem to be aware of. I am speaking of the castrophic events unfolding hourly in Japan; the growing threat of nuclear war with Iran; the rise of a new currency and coming collapse of the American economy; the growing internationalfood crisis; the soaring price of fuel; the ongoing mass deaths of animals and bees worldwide; the increasing number of large earthquakes; the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases; the alarming intervention of the State in religious and personal freedom; the genetic meddling with our species; and the rapiddecline of moral values. It has many Christians I know fasting and weeping… while others are yawning as they flip through the channels of the dumb-box. What a remarkable sign of the times! Is that what Jesus meant when He said it would be "as it was in the days of Noah"?

In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. (Matt 24:38-39)

Kept in ignorance by the mainstream media and captivated by the endless parade of gadgetry, Charlie Sheen rants, and the latest American Idol controversy, many do not realize that we have reached a boiling point of evil across the globe.⁵ Just as genocide suddenly burst upon the country of Rwanda after repeated warnings from the Blessed Mother⁶, so too, many do not realize how close the world is to coming undone. The pope’s have warned that there is, in fact, a concerted effort by "secret societies" to bring about this global chaos.⁷

You are aware indeed, that the goal of this most iniquitous plot is to drive people to overthrow the entire order of human affairs and to draw them over to the wicked theories of this Socialism and Communism… —POPE PIUS IX, Nostis et Nobiscum, Encyclical, n. 18, DECEMBER 8, 1849

…that which is their ultimate purpose forces itself into view—namely, the utter overthrow of that whole religious and political order of the world which the Christian teaching has produced, and the substitution of a new state of things in accordance with their ideas, of which the foundations and laws shall be drawn from mere naturalism. —POPE LEO XIII, Humanum Genus, Encyclical on Freemasonry, n.10, Apri 20thl, 1884

THE GREAT CULLING

There is a sobering parallel warning to this: the overthrow of "the entire order of human affairs" is also an overthrow of humanityitself. Far from a conspiracy theory is the fact that there are major world leaders and organizations, not the least the United Nations, who are intent on reducing world population in order to procure "sustainable development." Funny how people are more willing to believe in sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster than they are in public documents, statements, and actions that outline thisdemonic strategy. For example, The Club of Rome, a global thinktank concerned with population growth and dwindling resources, drew a chilling conclusion in its 1993 report:

In searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill. All these dangers are caused by human intervention, and it is only through changed attitudes and behavior that they can be overcome. The real enemy then, is humanity itself. —Alexander King & Bertrand Schneider. The First Global Revolution, p. 75, 1993.

There is an alarming ignorance of the dangers at play in our times, fomented in part by such distorted ideologies, where man is the enemy and God is irrelevant.

A humanism which excludes God is an inhuman humanism. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, Caritas in Veritate, n. 78

The real monster is a "culture of death" that has crept up over thecenturies through the sophistries of Marxism, atheism, scientism, rationalism, materialism, Freudianism, radical feminism, Darwinianism, etc. While many have reduced this monster to just abortion or euthanisia, there are other lethal forces at work through menacing technological and biological weapons that even the United States Department of Defence has admitted exist.⁸

…we must not underestimate the disturbing scenarios that threaten our future, or the powerful new instruments that the “culture of death” has at its disposal. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, Caritas in Veritate, n. 75

Benedict’s predecessor was also succinct about a "massive program" to reduce the world population:

The Pharaoh of old, haunted by the presence and increase of the children of Israel, submitted them to every kind of oppression and ordered that every male child born of the Hebrew women was to be killed (cf. Ex 1:7-22). Today not a few of the powerful of the earth act in the same way. They too are haunted by the current demographic growth… Consequently, rather than wishing to face and solve these serious problems with respect for the dignity of individuals and families and for every person’s inviolable right to life, they prefer to promote and impose by whatever means a massive programme of birth control. —POPE JOHN PAUL II,Evangelium Vitae, “The Gospel of Life”, n. 16

Fasting. Weeping. Conversion. Penance. Intercessory prayer. Isn’t this what the Mother of God has been begging for through her messages this past century?⁹ Did she appear to have tea with her children, or to call them to help bring the world back from the abyss?

TRUTH OR CONSPIRACY THEORY?

There are many theories swirling about every day as to how this population control is already being achieved—from a technological manipulation of tectonic plates, to the intentional release of pandemics, to the start of a nuclear war, to the more obvious programme of birth control, abortion on demand, and "mercy" killings. And these theories are not as "far-out" as people may think, simply by virtue of the fact that these technologies do exist.¹⁰ However, where many of the so-called "conspiracy theorists" go wrong today, is that they give too much credit to men; too much credence to a belief that everything bad that happens is part of a man-made conspiracy. The missing perspective is a spiritual one. In that regard, there is a co-ordinated effort—and has been for 2000 years—by Satan, to destroy the Church and much of the world with her. In that regard, men have often become instruments of evil, at times without fully realizing the greater demonic plan they are participating in.

The new messianists, in seeking to transform mankind into a collective being disconnected from his Creator, will unknowingly bring about the destruction of the greater portion of mankind. They will unleash unprecedented horrors: famines, plagues, wars, and ultimately Divine Justice. In the beginning they will use coercion to further reduce population, and then if that fails they will use force. —Michael D. O’Brien,Globalization and the New World Order, March 17th, 2009

They will use force, because ultimately, the Church will stand in their way. That’s why we continue to see the religious liberty of Christians under assault today "in ways not seen since the Nazi and Communist eras," says Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver.

A society where faith is prevented from vigorous public expression is a society that has fashioned the state into an idol. And when the state becomes an idol, men and women become the sacrificial offering. —Archbishop Chaput in the first session of the 15th symposium for the Canon Law Association of Slovakia, Spisske Podhradie, Slovakia, August 24th, 2010; "Living within the truth: Religious liberty and Catholic mission in the new order of the world"

Without a belief in fixed moral principles and transcendent truths, our political institutions and language, he says, become "instruments in the service of a new barbarism. In the name of tolerance we come to tolerate the cruelest intolerance…" This lack of a "moral consensus" led Pope Benedict to warn last Christmas that "the very future of the world is at stake."¹¹

And yet, we have a Church and public largely asleep to this reality, like the ten virgins at the strike of midnight.

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. (Matt 25:5)

One can hardly exaggerate the seriousness of our times, and thus, the purpose of this writing is to shake the reader awake (if he is indeed sleeping). We are far beyond "business as usual." The times call for our hearts to be right with God and to be living in a state of grace, that is, a soul ready to meet the Creator at any moment. I am not speaking about becoming morose and sullen; rather, flying quickly into the freedom of being a son and daughter of the Most High. It is a flight from sin and worldly attractions that drag the soul down. A soaring into the world of light and hope and peace that this world cannot give.¹²

We should never despair despite the realities before us. The Lord remains fully in control, even though at times darkness seems to be overcoming the light. God will limit evil, and in fact, bring a greater good from it.

Even the demons are checked by good angels lest they harm as much as they would. In like manner, Antichrist will not do as much harm as he would wish.—St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part I, Q.113, Art. 4

WISDOM

When Pope Benedict was a cardinal, he spoke about the Church being "numerically reduced," and was accused of being a pessimist. He replied, rather, that it was merely a "healthy realism."¹³ The Church teaches that we should maintain a healthy spirit of realism, always keeping hope on the horizon and our eyes open.

According to the Lord, the present time is the time of the Spirit and of witness, but also a time still marked by "distress" and the trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers in the struggles of the last days. It is a time of waiting and watching.—Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 672

As Jesus put it, "be wise as serpents and simple as doves."¹⁴

In this modern whirlpool of information we call the internet, truth is swirling alongside a plethora of conspiracy theories, lies, and the deceptions of many "false prophets".¹⁵ What we truly need is not more knowlege, per se, but wisdom. Wisdom is a gift of the Spirit that gives knowledge its foundation, helping us to understand what is important, what is true and good, and how to act accordingly.

Wisdom’s garland is fear of the Lord… Knowledge and full understanding she showers down… (Sirach 1:17)

There are two ways that we receive wisdom. The first, is by a proper fear of the Lord, a holy respect for Him and His commandments:

If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will bestow her upon you… (Sirach 1:23)

God does not "throw pearls to swine"; conversely, a humble and repentant heart will receive wisdom.

The second is to ask for it. I presently cannot think of another Scripture that is so clear in its promise to give a specific gift if we simply ask for it:

…if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord… (James 1:5-7)

This article is also intended to underscore the urgency inconsecrating yourself to Jesus through Mary. Through this entrustment, the Mother of Wisdom will also help bring about this salutary gift of wisdom so needed in these tumultous days.

Repentance from sin, praying daily for wisdom, and consecration to Mary—three concrete steps you can take to prepare for these times.

Receive a free book to guide your consecration to Jesus through Mary:

BACK TO CALIFORNIA!

Mark Mallett will be speaking and singing in California on the upcoming Divine Mercy weekend from April 29th – May 2nd, 2011. For times and places, see:

Mark’s Speaking Schedule

Please remember this writing apostolate with your financial gift and prayers.
Thank you!

FOOTNOTES:

1. cf. The Great Vacuum [↩]
2. cf. Vatican expert: "Moral Relativism Paves Way For Satanism" [↩]
3. see The Cosmic Surgery and The Great Deception [↩]
4. cf. On The Eve [↩]
5. cf. The Pope: Thermometer of Apostasy [↩]
6. cf. The Seven Seals of Revolution [↩]
7. cf. Global Revolution! [↩]
8. cf. The Land is Mourning [↩]
9. cf. The Flaming Sword [↩]
10. cf. The Land is Mourning [↩]
11. cf. On the Eve [↩]
12. cf. John 14:27 [↩]
13. see article On the Future of Christianity [↩]
14. Matt 10:16 [↩]
15. cf. Deluge of False Prophets; Matt 24:11 [↩]

PUBLISHED IN: | ON APRIL 12TH, 2011 |

Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » Wisdom and the Convergence of Chaos

I just found this article, which I'd like to shar with you. Do read to the end.

Thanks!

Wendy

Mark Mallett » Blog Archive » Wisdom and the Convergence of Chaos

Wisdom and the Convergence of Chaos

Photo by Oli Kekäläinen

I recently listened on the radio to a news story about a serial killer somewhere on the loose in New York. My first reaction was anger at the stupidity of this generation. Do we seriously believe that constantly glorifying psychopathic killers, mass murderers, vile rapists, and war in our "entertainment" has no effect on our emotional and spiritual well-being? A quick glance at the shelves of a movie rental store reveals a culture so dumbed down, so oblivious, so blinded to the reality of our internal sickness that we actually believe our obsession with sexual idolatry, horror, and violence is normal.

I have written more at length about this already, quoting a study on the effects of video game violence:¹

…the content of much entertainment media, and the marketing of those media combine to produce "a powerful desensitization intervention on aglobal level." …the modern entertainment media landscape could accurately be described as an effective systematic violence desensitization tool. Whether modern societies want this to continue is largely a public policy question, not an exclusively scientific one. —Iowa State University study, The Effects of Video Game Violence on Physiological Desensitization to Real-Life Violence; Carnagey, Anderson, and Ferlazzo; article from ISU News Service; July 24th, 2006

And we are shocked when we hear about copy-cat school andrandom shootings? When we hear about soldiers taking innocent lives? When we see more and more young parents committing infanticide? Are we really that stupid—are we this naive? Yes, because people are generally more interested in watching mindless television than falling to their knees and asking God to fill the gnawing vacuum in their hearts. Perhaps the reason they don’t is because the Western Church has fallen mostly silent, not only on the disturbing moral issues of our day, thereby providing almost no guiding moral light in the darkness, but on the need to "repent and believe the Good News." There is a Great Vacuum indeed, and it is being filled with the spirit of the world.²

There has been such a dumbing down of this generation that, a few years ago in prayer, I sensed the Lord say that even the faithful in the Church do not realize how much we have been duped and how far we have fallen.³ While we have more knowledge at our fingertips than any generation previous, what we are truly lacking today is wisdom. Indeed, says Pope Benedict, there is an "eclipse of reason."⁴

THE CONVERGENCE OF CHAOS

There is a reason I have strongly encouraged readers to consecrate themselves to Mary, to quickly board the Ark. It is because of the convergence of chaos that relatively few seem to be aware of. I am speaking of the castrophic events unfolding hourly in Japan; the growing threat of nuclear war with Iran; the rise of a new currency and coming collapse of the American economy; the growing internationalfood crisis; the soaring price of fuel; the ongoing mass deaths of animals and bees worldwide; the increasing number of large earthquakes; the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases; the alarming intervention of the State in religious and personal freedom; the genetic meddling with our species; and the rapiddecline of moral values. It has many Christians I know fasting and weeping… while others are yawning as they flip through the channels of the dumb-box. What a remarkable sign of the times! Is that what Jesus meant when He said it would be "as it was in the days of Noah"?

In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. (Matt 24:38-39)

Kept in ignorance by the mainstream media and captivated by the endless parade of gadgetry, Charlie Sheen rants, and the latest American Idol controversy, many do not realize that we have reached a boiling point of evil across the globe.⁵ Just as genocide suddenly burst upon the country of Rwanda after repeated warnings from the Blessed Mother⁶, so too, many do not realize how close the world is to coming undone. The pope’s have warned that there is, in fact, a concerted effort by "secret societies" to bring about this global chaos.⁷

You are aware indeed, that the goal of this most iniquitous plot is to drive people to overthrow the entire order of human affairs and to draw them over to the wicked theories of this Socialism and Communism… —POPE PIUS IX, Nostis et Nobiscum, Encyclical, n. 18, DECEMBER 8, 1849

…that which is their ultimate purpose forces itself into view—namely, the utter overthrow of that whole religious and political order of the world which the Christian teaching has produced, and the substitution of a new state of things in accordance with their ideas, of which the foundations and laws shall be drawn from mere naturalism. —POPE LEO XIII, Humanum Genus, Encyclical on Freemasonry, n.10, Apri 20thl, 1884

THE GREAT CULLING

There is a sobering parallel warning to this: the overthrow of "the entire order of human affairs" is also an overthrow of humanityitself. Far from a conspiracy theory is the fact that there are major world leaders and organizations, not the least the United Nations, who are intent on reducing world population in order to procure "sustainable development." Funny how people are more willing to believe in sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster than they are in public documents, statements, and actions that outline thisdemonic strategy. For example, The Club of Rome, a global thinktank concerned with population growth and dwindling resources, drew a chilling conclusion in its 1993 report:

In searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill. All these dangers are caused by human intervention, and it is only through changed attitudes and behavior that they can be overcome. The real enemy then, is humanity itself. —Alexander King & Bertrand Schneider. The First Global Revolution, p. 75, 1993.

There is an alarming ignorance of the dangers at play in our times, fomented in part by such distorted ideologies, where man is the enemy and God is irrelevant.

A humanism which excludes God is an inhuman humanism. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, Caritas in Veritate, n. 78

The real monster is a "culture of death" that has crept up over thecenturies through the sophistries of Marxism, atheism, scientism, rationalism, materialism, Freudianism, radical feminism, Darwinianism, etc. While many have reduced this monster to just abortion or euthanisia, there are other lethal forces at work through menacing technological and biological weapons that even the United States Department of Defence has admitted exist.⁸

…we must not underestimate the disturbing scenarios that threaten our future, or the powerful new instruments that the “culture of death” has at its disposal. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, Caritas in Veritate, n. 75

Benedict’s predecessor was also succinct about a "massive program" to reduce the world population:

The Pharaoh of old, haunted by the presence and increase of the children of Israel, submitted them to every kind of oppression and ordered that every male child born of the Hebrew women was to be killed (cf. Ex 1:7-22). Today not a few of the powerful of the earth act in the same way. They too are haunted by the current demographic growth… Consequently, rather than wishing to face and solve these serious problems with respect for the dignity of individuals and families and for every person’s inviolable right to life, they prefer to promote and impose by whatever means a massive programme of birth control. —POPE JOHN PAUL II,Evangelium Vitae, “The Gospel of Life”, n. 16

Fasting. Weeping. Conversion. Penance. Intercessory prayer. Isn’t this what the Mother of God has been begging for through her messages this past century?⁹ Did she appear to have tea with her children, or to call them to help bring the world back from the abyss?

TRUTH OR CONSPIRACY THEORY?

There are many theories swirling about every day as to how this population control is already being achieved—from a technological manipulation of tectonic plates, to the intentional release of pandemics, to the start of a nuclear war, to the more obvious programme of birth control, abortion on demand, and "mercy" killings. And these theories are not as "far-out" as people may think, simply by virtue of the fact that these technologies do exist.¹⁰ However, where many of the so-called "conspiracy theorists" go wrong today, is that they give too much credit to men; too much credence to a belief that everything bad that happens is part of a man-made conspiracy. The missing perspective is a spiritual one. In that regard, there is a co-ordinated effort—and has been for 2000 years—by Satan, to destroy the Church and much of the world with her. In that regard, men have often become instruments of evil, at times without fully realizing the greater demonic plan they are participating in.

The new messianists, in seeking to transform mankind into a collective being disconnected from his Creator, will unknowingly bring about the destruction of the greater portion of mankind. They will unleash unprecedented horrors: famines, plagues, wars, and ultimately Divine Justice. In the beginning they will use coercion to further reduce population, and then if that fails they will use force. —Michael D. O’Brien,Globalization and the New World Order, March 17th, 2009

They will use force, because ultimately, the Church will stand in their way. That’s why we continue to see the religious liberty of Christians under assault today "in ways not seen since the Nazi and Communist eras," says Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver.

A society where faith is prevented from vigorous public expression is a society that has fashioned the state into an idol. And when the state becomes an idol, men and women become the sacrificial offering. —Archbishop Chaput in the first session of the 15th symposium for the Canon Law Association of Slovakia, Spisske Podhradie, Slovakia, August 24th, 2010; "Living within the truth: Religious liberty and Catholic mission in the new order of the world"

Without a belief in fixed moral principles and transcendent truths, our political institutions and language, he says, become "instruments in the service of a new barbarism. In the name of tolerance we come to tolerate the cruelest intolerance…" This lack of a "moral consensus" led Pope Benedict to warn last Christmas that "the very future of the world is at stake."¹¹

And yet, we have a Church and public largely asleep to this reality, like the ten virgins at the strike of midnight.

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. (Matt 25:5)

One can hardly exaggerate the seriousness of our times, and thus, the purpose of this writing is to shake the reader awake (if he is indeed sleeping). We are far beyond "business as usual." The times call for our hearts to be right with God and to be living in a state of grace, that is, a soul ready to meet the Creator at any moment. I am not speaking about becoming morose and sullen; rather, flying quickly into the freedom of being a son and daughter of the Most High. It is a flight from sin and worldly attractions that drag the soul down. A soaring into the world of light and hope and peace that this world cannot give.¹²

We should never despair despite the realities before us. The Lord remains fully in control, even though at times darkness seems to be overcoming the light. God will limit evil, and in fact, bring a greater good from it.

Even the demons are checked by good angels lest they harm as much as they would. In like manner, Antichrist will not do as much harm as he would wish.—St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part I, Q.113, Art. 4

WISDOM

When Pope Benedict was a cardinal, he spoke about the Church being "numerically reduced," and was accused of being a pessimist. He replied, rather, that it was merely a "healthy realism."¹³ The Church teaches that we should maintain a healthy spirit of realism, always keeping hope on the horizon and our eyes open.

According to the Lord, the present time is the time of the Spirit and of witness, but also a time still marked by "distress" and the trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers in the struggles of the last days. It is a time of waiting and watching.—Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 672

As Jesus put it, "be wise as serpents and simple as doves."¹⁴

In this modern whirlpool of information we call the internet, truth is swirling alongside a plethora of conspiracy theories, lies, and the deceptions of many "false prophets".¹⁵ What we truly need is not more knowlege, per se, but wisdom. Wisdom is a gift of the Spirit that gives knowledge its foundation, helping us to understand what is important, what is true and good, and how to act accordingly.

Wisdom’s garland is fear of the Lord… Knowledge and full understanding she showers down… (Sirach 1:17)

There are two ways that we receive wisdom. The first, is by a proper fear of the Lord, a holy respect for Him and His commandments:

If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will bestow her upon you… (Sirach 1:23)

God does not "throw pearls to swine"; conversely, a humble and repentant heart will receive wisdom.

The second is to ask for it. I presently cannot think of another Scripture that is so clear in its promise to give a specific gift if we simply ask for it:

…if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord… (James 1:5-7)

This article is also intended to underscore the urgency inconsecrating yourself to Jesus through Mary. Through this entrustment, the Mother of Wisdom will also help bring about this salutary gift of wisdom so needed in these tumultous days.

Repentance from sin, praying daily for wisdom, and consecration to Mary—three concrete steps you can take to prepare for these times.

Receive a free book to guide your consecration to Jesus through Mary:

BACK TO CALIFORNIA!

Mark Mallett will be speaking and singing in California on the upcoming Divine Mercy weekend from April 29th – May 2nd, 2011. For times and places, see:

Mark’s Speaking Schedule

Please remember this writing apostolate with your financial gift and prayers.
Thank you!

FOOTNOTES:

1. cf. The Great Vacuum [↩]
2. cf. Vatican expert: "Moral Relativism Paves Way For Satanism" [↩]
3. see The Cosmic Surgery and The Great Deception [↩]
4. cf. On The Eve [↩]
5. cf. The Pope: Thermometer of Apostasy [↩]
6. cf. The Seven Seals of Revolution [↩]
7. cf. Global Revolution! [↩]
8. cf. The Land is Mourning [↩]
9. cf. The Flaming Sword [↩]
10. cf. The Land is Mourning [↩]
11. cf. On the Eve [↩]
12. cf. John 14:27 [↩]
13. see article On the Future of Christianity [↩]
14. Matt 10:16 [↩]
15. cf. Deluge of False Prophets; Matt 24:11 [↩]

PUBLISHED IN: | ON APRIL 12TH, 2011 |