July 25
"Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly."
-John 10:10
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Humanae Vitae and the #MeToo Movement
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDSIf Pope Paul VI was alive today, he would have every right to look at the #MeToo movement and say, “I told you so.” And he did – 50 years ago when he issued papal encyclical, Humanae Vitae, which put forth the Church’s teaching on love and marriage and on the use of artificial birth control. Since that time it has been called everything from puritanical to completely out-of-touch. But one thing it’s rarely been called is exactly what it turned out to be - the truth.
A Deacon/Doctor Confronts Humanae Vitae (Part One)
Deacon Patrick Mongan, MD and wife EllenBy Deacon Patrick Mongan, MD, MAPS
In this poignant three-part series, Deacon Patrick Mongan, MD, MAPS, husband of Catholic author Ellen Mongan, he documents the couple’s journey through doubt, skepticism, a tragic loss, depression, and ultimately to acceptance and admiration of one of the most controversial documents of modern times - Humanae Vitae.
Give us Life
July 24
“Will you not instead give us life; and shall not your people rejoice in you? Show us, O LORD, your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
How beautiful this hope is: our Lord gives life, and we are to rejoice in it! And what a wonderful week to hear this in preparation for the anniversary of Humanae Vitae tomorrow. How does He give us life? From the moment of conception throughout the ENTIRETY of our lives; He shows up and continues to pour life into us. And we are to REJOICE! How tough, though, it is to rejoice when life is a struggle; yet, we need to be reminded to keep rejoicing! Why? Because He wants us to, He tells us to, and He is giving us life even when it doesn’t feel like it. Our entire life is in His hands. What a profound truth!
Tonight, think of your life, and write down one thing you remember God having done for you. And remember to... REJOICE!
Aiding Humanity
July 24
"To be able to discover the actual will of the Lord in our lives always involves the following: a receptive listening to the Word of God and the Church, fervent and constant prayer, recourse to a wise and loving spiritual guide, and a faithful discernment of the gifts and talents given by God, as well as the diverse social and historic situations in which one lives."
-St. John Paul II
How Birth Control is Destroying Women’s Lives
Since the advent of birth control more than 50 years ago, women have repeatedly been told that the drugs and devices being offered to help them avoid pregnancy are “safe and effective.” We’re told that the “small percentage” of women who experience adverse reactions is so minimal the risks simply don’t outweigh the benefits.
Can a Pendulum Predict a Baby's Sex?
JH writes: “I cant find much on the topic but am curious if the pendulum wives tale (tie a ring on a string) to predict baby gender falls into a superstition/new age category to be avoided? I tried this recently and have found it to be very accurate on multiple occasions. If there is any validity to the results I'd like to believe there is a God given explanation that is scientifically based (even if yet discovered). . . ."
A Stand Up Gal in a Hook-up World
“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
Amazing Grace
Johnnette addresses Women of Grace Retreat participantsby Anne Gerard
My first‑ever experience attending the Women of Grace Retreat at The Malvern Retreat House was, in a word — AMAZING! The grounds of the center are tranquil and inviting, lending itself beautifully to assist the attendees in having an enriching and fulfilling experience.To Walk Humbly
July 23
“You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
At first glance, one may think this reading from Micah seems too easy to be enough; yet, after prayerful consideration, it really is that simple. It’s us who complicate it.
What about us interferes with the ease with which God calls us to obey? Well, everything, because of original sin. Think of Adam and Eve. Y’all, they had it pretty easy out there in the Garden. As long as they did what they were told, life was literally perfect. But they got greedy, and selfish, and distrustful. And boom, here we are, struggling to “do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with [our] God.” But how much more relieved do you feel knowing that this isn’t supposed to be so tricky and scary and tough? Really... all He wants is obedience, trust, and well, everything. And why not give it to Him? What in the world can we do without Him?! Let’s all take a pause and ask God this simple request: Lord, may You increase, and I decrease, so I get out of the way, and You can take over. Amen!
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