Saddam Hussein Executed

"SADDAM HUSSEIN EXECUTED" is pasted on every news source imaginable right now. With what emotion do we respond to this?
There are certain events that test one's ethics as dictated by the Church. Of course you have the obvious examples of finding twenty dollars and deciding what to do with it, or making sure to avoid dishonesty. However, what about other situations that don't depend on your actions but on your opinion? Last year the many members of the faithful found themselves questioning the issue of Terri Schiavo, wondering about the implication of being pro-life in such a case.
Now we find ourselves being faced with the case of Saddam Hussein's execution. It is an integral part of our Catholic faith to show respect for the dignity of the human person which includes respect for life. To truly be pro-life, not as society defines the word but as the Church does, the death penalty must be viewed as a last resort in keeping a population safe. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the following:

(CCC 2267) Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.

If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people's safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.

Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm - without definitely taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself - the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity "are very rare, if not practically non-existent."

Let us then examine the case of Saddam Hussein. Was his execution necessary to protect people's safety? Would another punishment have been equally as effective while still respecting the life of one of God's creatures? If you find yourself torn in answering these questions, I am sure you are not alone. So how is it that we can possibly respect the dignity of the human person even though that person did not respect the dignity of others? Grace. If we ask for it, we are given the grace to form an ethically and morally upright opinion on the matter at hand. In doing so, I pray that those who find it within themselves to do so, pray for the soul of Saddam Hussein and those that played a hand in his execution and to trust in God's loving mercy.

The 14 Days of Christmas

Yes, it's supposed to be twelve, but calendars change with the passing years and for that reason, so the number of days in the Christmas Liturgical Season. This year, with Christmas starting on a Monday, the last day of the Christmas Season (Epiphany Sunday) is actually 14 days away, on January 7th. Now, I'm pretty sure I have that right, but if it's wrong, email me and let me know so I can make a public apology for being a newly-confirmed Catholic convert, ha ha.

Today is also the Feast of St. John the Apostle, also known as St. John the Theologian, the "Beloved Disciple" and Mary Magdalene (according to Dan Brown, how wrong can you be?!). He, like his brother James, was a fisherman called to follow Jesus. He went on to write my favorite of the New Testament Gospels, The Gospel According to John. Let us all take in Mother Mary like St. John did when Christ gave her to us as a spiritual mother.

A comment from saintoftheday.com...
"It is a long way from being eager to sit on a throne of power or to call down fire from heaven to becoming the man who could write: “The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16)."

Remember to keep saying "Merry Christmas!"

Are You Catholic-Smart? (short quiz!)

Okay, it's time to see if you're Catholic-Smart or not with our short little quiz! Sit back, relax, and then flex that brain muscle and see if you can get the right answers or not! Good luck...hope your Catechesis was everything it should have been ;)

Instructions: Keep track of your answers on a post-it or scratch sheet of paper. Once you've written down your answer for each question, click the link at the bottom labeled "See How You Did!" and compare. The questions increase in difficulty as you go along. The darker the shade of blue, the more difficult the question is. Enjoy! 5 questions await you!

1. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of God.

• a) True
• b) False
• c) Kind of

2. In nomine Patris et fillii et... ?

• a) Mater Dei
• b) Holy Spirit
• c) Spiritus Sancti

3. The Pope is the _____ __ ______ on earth.

• a) Holy of Rome
• b) Vicar of Christ
• c) Leader and Teacher

4. Kepha, Cephas, and Petros are all Aramaic and Greek names that were applied to Peter by Christ. They also mean _______ which is used as such by Christ when He establishes Peter's primacy in the Church. "You are Kepha, and on this Kepha I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18)

• a) cornerstone
• b) love
• c) rock

5. The Roman Missal was first promulgated in 1570 by who?

• a) The Council of Missal
• b) St. Pius V
• c) St. Boniface

Good Luck! Now "See How You Did!" by click here! More Catholic-Smart Quizzes in the future! If you have an idea for a question or five for the next Catholic-Smart Quiz, email them to us.

Smile! The Lord is on His Way!

Today is a day for smiling! The Lord is on His Way and will be here on Monday! Think about it...those who lived before the actual birth of Christ had no idea he was coming then (except for a few who had an inkling, *wink)! Unlike the people of that time period, we have the awesome honor of knowing that he is coming on Christmas Day!

Of course I'm not speaking in physical manifestations. Christ will likely not walk into your living room and sit with you on Christmas morning. And yet at the same time, that's exactly what's going on. To Christ in each member of our family this Christmas is to see God's creation for what it mirrors, for what it truly is. It's to be in the world but not of the world. So when you're opening presents and eating Christmas dinner, remember that in everyone there is God smiling back at us. And even though we don't know his actual date of birth, we celebrate his awesome journey to this Earth with all that we've got! And we should!

Consider this, some of the best music ever composed is Christmas music! And if it's not Christmas music, it's music in honor of God. And how many times a year do we go out of our way to put a tree in our living rooms and decorate it with lights and ornaments? Never! Advent is the season to prepare in all the ways we can for the awesome coming of our Lord! We must be busy with that preparation and know that "If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all." (St. Peter Canisius). Don't feel overwhelmed this week as you prepare, buying gifts and cooking, etc. December 21st is Saint Peter Canisius' feast day and what a day to have! Just three days before Christmas, Saint Peter Canisius must be honored to be remembered as an inspiration for trusting God in doing much, even with little.

I won't even begin to go into all of the jobs and things Saint Peter Canisius did in his lifetime, that's an essay in itself! He was an amazing man, a prominent Catholic in the counter-reformation in Germany, and Dutch (this is special because Jennifer's mother is dutch, ha ha). May we all be like Saint Peter Cansius and live out these final days of preparation for Christmas with no anxiety. Pax Christi.

In His Image: Dominion & Doggies

“Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.’” (Gen 1:26)

I see something almost every single day that makes me think of this passage, and in particular, of our duty as the children of God. He made us in his likeness by giving us dominion over the creatures of the earth, which means we have a responsibility to take care and respect those creatures. If we are to be made in His image, after His likeness in this way, then we must remember to have dominion like God would, not destroy the earth and its animals. This post has been in me for quite awhile and this morning I saw something that finally said to me “write the article, write it now.” (not literally)

These “somethings” that I see almost every day are squirrels, dogs, deer, opossum, raccoons, birds, dead on the side/middle of the road. These are the creatures we have been charge with treating like God treats all of his creation, justly with respect and love. This morning in particular I saw a dog, probably 35 lbs., lying on the side of the road. It had a chain connected to its collar (I’m guessing that’s where it was connected). Being a huge dog lover, I almost broke down right there. To think that (most likely) someone had that dog chained in the back of their pickup in such a way that it could still jump out (chain and all!) makes me physically ill. Now that dog, who could have been a loving family pet or trusty sidekick is dead on a major roadway.

Every time I see an animal dead on the side of the road I make the sign of the cross. I don’t know why but part of me wishes I could bless that animal with all the due respect and love God charged me with giving. I’ve hit animals before, yes, and I feel awful afterwards. In my life I’ve hit a squirrel, a bird and a raccoon. I feel deeply responsible (on behalf of man) for their lives.

So where does this leave us? We have torn down forests, destroying their homes to build highways and byways. We pollute their waters and their air. We drive them into extinction. And at the same time, many buy family pets and take good care of them, loving them as a child, protecting them from harm. And yet others abuse animals and treat them with gross-negligence (i.e. transporting them in pick-ups without secure collars, etc.). I don’t have answers, but we have to do something. Perhaps we can all start at a local pound or animal shelter organization. Volunteer for a day or adopt a pet. Maybe it starts even more personal than that. Go out of your way to set up a bird feeder, show a little more affection to a family pet, donate to a shelter or vet, etc. And if you see someone doing something inhumane to an animal, don’t just stand there, call someone, talk to that person, make it your business because it is.

God charged us with dominion over his creation. He created us in his image so that we may treat his creatures as he treats them. With respect, love and kindness. God Bless you and all the creatures of this beautiful world.

Saint Mary Paula di Rosa

Brescia, Italy today:

On the evening of December 15, 1848, in the midst of the First Italian War, the sisters of the Handmaids of Charity were tending to the sick in a military hospital in Brescia, Italy. Soldiers of the opposing force began pounding on the doors to the hospital demanding to be let in. While the doctors scattered and tried to hide in a panicked frenzy, Sister Mary Paula di Rosa and six other sisters opened the doors to the soldiers. When the men standing outside found their way blocked with a large crucifix and candles being held by the sister, they retreated from the doors in shame.
Today, December 15, is the feast day of St. Mary Paula di Rosa. Let us all look to her as a testimony to what can be accomplished by boldly displaying our faith in moments of darkness. As we approach the Christmas season, let us also realize the gift we have been given of our faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and that with God truly all things are possible.

GDISGUD

Today on the way to work, I saw several license plates I found interesting. On the top of my list was "GDISGUD" and "UWNTGOD". Great license plate messaging! More and more when I look around I see people with rosaries hanging on their rear-view mirror, or fish emblems on bumpers, Christian-themed bumper stickers, window stickers, etc. I've also noticed numerous small businesses adding crosses and fish to their company logos!

It's a great sign in what often seems to be a dark time lacking all integrity and morals. It seems to me that those who have faith are becoming less and less afraid to show it publicly. I remember when I used to work in a Christian bookstore, a man once came up to the counter with a fish auto-emblem. He looked at me, laughed and said "I guess it's time to commit." I've thought about that moment many, many times since then and I understand why for some it's a deeper commitment than just having faith around other faithful. It becomes a public commitment when someone puts a sticker or sign up saying "I'm a Christian" to all around.

But I also realize that perhaps it shouldn't be so hard to do. We should all move forward with our lives and mission without fear of publicly announcing our faith. I'm not saying put an ad in the NY Times... but maybe a bumper sticker or auto-emblem, cross on your business card or crucifix hanging around your neck is a good place to start? Pax Christi.

Movie Review: The Nativity Story

Jenny's Review:

The Nativity Story is one of the few family movies that the whole family actually enjoys. There is no "we're bringing the children to see it," only "we're all going to see it." It is entertaining, accurate (however Joseph is a little on the young side), and beautiful. The wise men were a comical highlight in the movie. Their friendly banter added levity to their role in the film.

This movie is also ideal for a date, believe it or not. Seeing this movie can bring to light that Mary and Joseph are timeless role models speaking to chastity and love, not antique myths heralding outdated ideals. The way in which Joseph gives of himself to Mary, and Mary's humble surrender to God and her husband's loving care leads the modern couple to evaluate their obedience to God's plan.

Minimum age: 8 - There are two scenes of mild, non-graphic violence related to the killing of the children in Bethlehem, and a scene of a teenage girl being taken from her parents by Roman soldiers.

Movie Rating: 5/5

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Bryan's Review:

This movie is everything a Hollywood film should be and then some. Beyond the great cast, amazing scenery, and well-crafted dialogue, this film treats biblical events and situations with a true reverence. The Annunciation is handled really, really well... as are Joseph's dreams. I was a little nervous about the scenes with angels, but they were handled amazingly, as was the nativity scene, which brought tears to the eyes of several people in the theater!

This movie is intriguing, it's NOT boring (I've read people claiming it to be boring, but I haven't been so pleasantly entertained in awhile), it's funny (when appropriate) and more than anything it speaks to you. I for one have been thinking about my role as a future husband and father since last night when I saw the film. I can't put into words how inspiring it was to see Joseph's role put into film like that. I was in awe, I still am.

Minimum age: 8 - Along with what Jenny said, the birthing of both John the Baptist and Jesus show the women in quite realistic situations, this could scare or confuse your little ones a bit, but with some minor explaining it might be just fine. (*note: it's not "graphic," just facial expressions by Elizabeth and Mary. Nothing is seen, but there is some yelling)

Movie Rating: 5/5

Mary Has A Little Lamb

I was riding home last night and as I turned into my neighborhood I was thinking about today, about how it's the Feast of the Immaculate Conception... and wow, I was truly touched. I was touched because I immediately had flashbacks to two years ago when I was so confused spiritually. It was at that time that a voice brought me into the Church, the voice of Mary. She was so loving, she wanted me there. And so, as I drove I wondered how people leave the Church and practice faiths and traditions that don't revere our Blessed Mother.

I couldn't see how it was possible.

That's how central and important The Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual mother, is to me. I can't imagine a world without her to call out to, to plea to, to hold in my heart with such love... all given to me from her son, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And so, Mother Mary definitely has a little lamb in me. Like so many others I flock to her for direction, and her instructions are always the same, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:5) Thank you Jesus for giving us your amazing mother as our own! Thank you!

Prayer to Saint Anne: Dear Saint, we know nothing about you except your name. But you gave us the Mother of God who called herself handmaid of the Lord. In your home you raised the Queen of Heaven and are rightly the model of homemakers. In your womb came to dwell the new Eve uniquely conceived without sin. Intercede for us that we too may remain free from sin. Amen. (From Patron Saint Index)

Yeah, I'm Catholic. Bring It On.

During my conversion, as it was getting closer and closer to Easter, the criticism of me becoming Catholic intensified. At one point someone very dear to me was quite harsh and my only outlet for advice at that exact moment was my sponsor, living four states away and attending seminary at the time. I wrote him a text message with my cell phone and told him how harsh that person was being to me, how critical, and he wrote back...

"They Crucified Jesus."

It was easily the most profound text message I have ever received. Of course, by "they" he didn't mean the person who was at the time "crucifying" me. He was referring to the spirital "we", as in people who do not have faith in Christ's redemptive message. Those three little words, "They Crucified Jesus" was more than enough to change my mindset regarding others attacking my faith forever.

Yes, Christ was crucified. The world he came to love and have love him instead crucified him on a cross. They mocked him, spat at him, beat him and stole from him, then they murdered him. He was the center of ridicule and in many ways stil is. Actually, in all of the same ways he still is. People still crucify Christ every minute of every day, if not with legislation or law, then with how they treat others and their lack of faith.

They crucify Christ when they crucify his Church. That's why we must bear our crosses everyday. Because we too are crucified by an often cruel society. It was when I read that text message that my eyes were forever opened and I was truly humbled. And from that day forward, I welcome with open arms ridicule and opposition. Because as Christ suffered on the cross, so do I when I have faith in him.

I once read an article that I've sense long lost and can't seem to find again. It was a Catholic talking on a radio interview I believe. The Catholic, who I think was clergy, spoke about how, even if he wasn't Catholic and was looking for a faith, that he'd find Catholicism. He said that he would look for a Church spat upon by the world, as Christ was. A Church ridiculed, as Christ was. A Church whipped and beaten, as Christ was. A Church crucified, as Christ was. And there, when trying to find such a Church, he would find the Catholic Church. It's a beautiful article...if you know what I'm talking about, please email me and let me know where I can read it again.

In closing... Yeah, I'm Catholic. Bring It On. I can take it. Christ suffered for me and I will suffer for Him. It's how I react to criticism that defines me in that moment. And while I'm not perfect, I do my best to accept it with open arms. Pax Christi.

Life-giving blood, life-saving blood

Happy Advent, discerningSainthood readers! We are now entering into the new liturgical year in the Church, and preparing ourselves for the great celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the holidays approach, the virtue of generosity within us all seems to blossom. I believe this outpouring of generosity is an answer to the call to a charitable life we receive year-round. It seems to come full circle as we contemplate the love with which God graced us when he sent His Son to Earth as our Redeemer. As we further contemplate the love of Christ, we are also reminded of the sacrifice he made for us, and the great blessing we have of being able to enter into that loving sacrifice when we partake in the Eucharist. Christ freely gives his blood to us as spiritual nourishment.

All over the country there is always a great shortage of blood in blood banks during the holiday season. At a time when so many of God's children are in need of such life-saving supplies, we as Christians are compelled by the call to charity to give of ourselves in any capacity we can. For those of you who are able to donate blood, please do so at a local blood bank. As Christ freely gives his life-giving blood to us, we must freely give our life-saving blood to those who desperately need it. For those of you who are unable to donate, please help to set up a blood drive in your school, workplace, or other community organization.

For more information or to find a place to donate near you, visit www.givelife.org.