By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
While commenting on Sunday's gospel before praying the Angelus yesterday in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged the doubt and confusion many Christians have toward the Resurrection but reassured them that Christ does indeed "break down the wall of death."
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"The past must be abandoned to God's mercy, the present to our fidelity, the future to divine providence."
St. Francis de Sales
For Reflection:
How can preoccupation with past transgressions and worry over future possibilities rob us of fidelity to the present moment? How does fidelity to the present moment increase our hope? How does reliance on God's mercy and providence increase our hope?Â
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"We shall steer safely through every storm, as long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed in God."
St. Francis de Sales
For Reflection:
What four qualities does St. Francis de Sales tell us we need to steer with hope through all of life's storms? Which one do I most need to acquire? What are some practical ways I can do so? See the next three Grace Lines for some saintly insights.
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"We know we have souls. But we seldom consider the precious things that can be found in this soul, or who dwells within it, or its high values. Consequently, little effort is made to preserve its beauty. All our attention is taken up with the plainness of the diamond's setting, that is, with these bodies of ours."
St. Teresa of Avila
For Reflection:
What one thing can I specifically do today to preserve the beauty of my soul?
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We get so much mail from parents and educators who are concerned about the impact of occult fiction on the minds of our youth, that Johnnette decided to devote a week's worth of shows to this subject. These shows will air next week, April 11-15. I will appear on several of the shows along with renowned writer,
Michael O'Brien.
This is a great series, especially for parents, because it takes a comprehensive look at this troubling trend and gives viewers an idea of what to watch out for when choosing good titles for themselves or their loved ones. We delve deeply into this subject, exposing the occult in all kinds of literature, movies, and even games. In addition, Michael does a masterful job of explaining why this dark literature is so dangerous to the minds and morals of our children. He also explains the difference between Christian fantasy such as J. R. R. Tolkien's
Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis'
Chronicles of Narnia and books like the Harry Potter series.
A whole show with Michael is devoted to discussing Harry Potter, and I discuss the dangers of
Twilight with Johnnette and Fr. Ed on another episode.
This is a must-see week of shows!
Women of Grace airs at 11:00 a.m. EST and encore at 11:30 p.m. EST.
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Most glorious Lord of life that on this day
Didst make Thy triumph over death and sin,
And having harrowed hell didst bring away
Captivity thence captive us to win;
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin
And grant that we, for whom Thou didst die
Being with Thy dear blood clean washed from sin,
May live forever in felicity.
And that Thy love we weighing worthily,
May likewise love Thee for the same again;
And for Thy sake that all like dear didst buy,
With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear love, like as we ought,
Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
Edmund Spenser (1553- 1598)
For Reflection:
JESUS LIVES! How am I experiencing His life in me on this glorious day?
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Even though homosexual activists like to say their population amounts to as much as five percent of the population, a recent study finds the number to be closer to just 1.7 percent.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
In the event of a government shutdown, which could take place tonight unless lawmakers reach a deal on the federal budget within the next few hours, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has published a list of facts about what citizens can expect:
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A controversy has erupted over the use of Catholic school students as props during a hearing conducted by state legislators in Providence, Rhode Island on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty that is not backed by the Vatican.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The Most Rev. Michael Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has issued a pastoral letter in which he addressing the problem of Catholics who cohabit, saying they are living in a state of mortal sin and should not receive the sacraments until they make their union acceptable to Jesus Christ.
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