By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
As our nation approaches the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, people who were on the ground during that fateful day, ministering to the injured and the dying, are recounting what they saw and felt during the deadliest attack on the U.S. since Pearl Harbor.
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"When an evil thought is presented to the mind, we must immediately endeavor to turn our thoughts to God, or to something which is indifferent. But the best rule is, instantly to invoke the names of Jesus and Mary, and to continue to invoke them until the temptation ceases."
St. Alphonsus Liguori
For Reflection:
What advice does St. Alphonsus Liguori give for overcoming evil thoughts? What makes his suggestions effective? What makes invoking the names of Jesus and Mary especially effective? Which of these suggestions will I employ when I am tempted?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for one suggestion on how to overcome evil thoughts.)
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A new analysis by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that pregnant women who are assaulted by an intimate partner are at increased risk of giving birth to infants of reduced weight.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A radio station in Canada is sparking controversy with a new contest offering someone $35,000 worth of fertility treatments.
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Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Just days after
two major studies found unacceptably high levels of mental illness in the U.S. and Europe, the media have all but ignored a major study published in a prestigious British medical journal which found that abortion is associated with mental health problems.
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"An evil thought defiles the soul when it is deliberate and is consented to. Our Lord placed evil thoughts at the head of all crimes, because they are their principle and source."
St. John Baptist de la Salle
For Reflection:
Evil thoughts come to all of us. When are they a defilement to the soul (a sin) according to this quote? Why are evil thoughts the "head of all crimes?" How are they the "principle and source" of sinful actions?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for a way to overcome evil thoughts.)
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Two recently published studies show that mental health problems are on the way to becoming the largest health challenge of the 21st century for the populations of both the United States and more than 30 European nations.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The possibility of a baby born via sperm donation having more than 100 siblings is very real, and is causing concern among experts who are calling for more regulation of the industry.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A Catholic blogger recently discovered that two well-known ice hockey stars decided it would be a cool idea to use the venerable Stanley Cup trophy as a baptismal font for family members, a decision that sparked outrage among fan, but not for abusing the sacrament - for not showing proper respect to the Cup!
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"Do not say that you have chaste minds if you have unchaste eyes, because an unchaste eye is the messenger of an unchaste heart."
St. Augustine
For Reflection:
What is the connection between what we look at and what we do? How is it that the eye is the messenger of the heart? What fills my eyes? How can religious artwork in my home and in my office, in my car and in my area of recreation help me to remain chaste
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