"Hope is patience with the lamp lit."
Tertullian
For Reflection:
In the face of seemingly impossible circumstances, do I patiently endure with hope or do I give in to discouragement and fear? What one spiritual strategy can I employ to keep my "lamp lit?"
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"Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase."
St. Rose of Lima
For Reflection:
What is the relationship between afflictions and the height of grace? Do I make use of such opportunities or do I rail against them?
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"It is a noble achievement for a Christian to have no disputes with anyone. But if by any circumstance or temptation, a dispute arises, let him try to remain composed, even if this means losing."
Anonymous
(Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)
For Reflection:
How often am I willing to walk away from a confrontation? Do I remain composed by exercising patience? Am I willing to "lose" in charity rather than press my advantage through pride?
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CC asks:
"Can you do something to straighten out this New Age Kolbrin Bible (supposedly salvaged from an arson in 1184 from Glastonbury Abbey). The 5 first set/books called the Bronzebooks & the last 5 books Coelbooks.....Related to this subject - while you're at it - an explanation is needed about: Zecharin Sitchin; Irish/Celtic Ten Lost Tribes; Nirbiru!"
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Pope Benedict XVI's eldest brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, has written a book about his famous brother which will debut on September 12, the eve of the Pope's visit to Germany.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Outrage is growing in the evangelical community over an announcement by Campus Crusade for Christ, one of the nation's most prominent Christian ministries, to take the name of Christ out of its name because it was "getting in the way" of accomplishing their mission.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A coalition of Christian clergy, including representatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, met with President Barack Obama on Wednesday to plead with him to keep cuts to social programs off the table in debt crisis negotiations.
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"Never rebuke while you are still indignant about a fault committed - wait until the next day, or even longer. And then, calmly, and with a purer intention, make your reprimand. You will gain more by a friendly word than by a three hour quarrel."
St. Josemaira Escriva
For Reflection:
Wow! For the grace to do exactly that! May God grant me mercy, patience, and wisdom!
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for another practical insight about patience.)
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement that strongly opposes the recommendation of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate coverage of surgical sterilization and all FDA-approved birth control in private health insurance plans nationwide.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The FBI is assisting in the investigation nearly three dozen cases of vandalism involving statues at Roman Catholic churches in New Jersey that local police are calling hate crimes.
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