Catholic Church

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – John 15:9-11 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

By Fr. Bryce Lungren, Crisis Magazine – Even when trying to fall asleep, I’d simply repeat, Thank you, Jesus. The success I’ve found with this has been profound. I have no doubt that thanking Jesus is powerful in and of itself. But is there more going on here? I think so… This whole phenomenon has caused me to think deeper on the nature of gratitude. Most of us already know the power of intentional thanksgiving, both in the spiritual life and in our outlook on life. But this nighttime novelty made me wonder where the faculty of gratitude resides. …

By Tristan Justice, The Federalist -Last week, Fox News reported the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), “a national organization affiliated with around 200 independent chapters” including Columbia University, raked in “a six-figure donation from a nonprofit bankrolled by the George Soros network.”… According to Influence Watch, the group orchestrates student activism on university campuses, accuses Israel of committing genocide, and compares Palestinians to black Americans under the Jim Crow era.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – Florida’s new heartbeat law that prohibits abortions on unborn babies who have a detectable heartbeat at 6 weeks takes effect today… The pro-life law will save thousands of babies from abortions and end Florida’s status as an abortion destination in the southeast. Florida is surrounded by states with pro-life laws in effect that protect babies and help women and the abortion industry has been directing customers to Florida for abortions instead of helping women and unborn children… As a result, thousands of babies are expected to be saved from abortion and will get a chance at life.

By Russell Shaw, EWTN News – Evidently timed to coincide with the heating up of the presidential race, a movie called Civil War made its debut in theaters across the country in March. It is premised on the fantastic notion of Texas and California teaming up to wage war against a usurping three-term president. But although Americans are far removed from anything like that, extreme divisiveness truly is part of our current national life as reflected in our politics.

By Nick Mordowanec, Newsweek – Texas bishop who has not been shy about criticizing Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s immigration views said in a new interview that the subject matter is being used for political gain and is going against the teachings of the Catholic Church and views espoused by Pope Francis… Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, where he has been since 2013, previously chastised Texas officials’ efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border—including the placing of razor wire amid wider efforts to arrest and detain illegal migrants without federal jurisdiction—as “transparently political” and part of a “broader, brutal, historical project in Texas to criminalize and police people who migrate.”

By Stephen P. White, The Catholic Thing – The words we use to describe our politics and parties – liberal, conservative, etc. – don’t always translate very well into ecclesial life. They don’t always translate, but they sometimes do, or nearly do, which makes their application to the Church tantalizing, even as it leads to problems and confusion along the way. “Liberal” and “conservative” are convenient handles for describing, say, certain prominent modes of interpretation of the Second Vatican Council.

By Tim Sullivan, The Associated Press – Across the U.S., the Catholic Church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the modernizing tide sparked in the 1960s by Vatican II are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change, with the promise of eternal salvation replaced by guitar Masses, parish food pantries and casual indifference to church doctrine.

By Matthew Boyle, Breitbart – Embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, who will face a historic vote next week in the House of Representatives to remove his gavel and strip him of the Speakership, is plummeting among Republicans and supporters of former President Donald Trump and surging among Democrats and supporters of Democrat President Joe Biden… When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) calls the privileged resolution on a motion to vacate Johnson from the Speakership, Democrats intend to vote to save Johnson’s job by voting for the motion to table Greene’s resolution. ….

By Michael Hichborn, Lepanto Institute – Since 2016, the Lepanto Institute has written about the Quid Pro Quo lobbying efforts of both the USCCB and CRS on behalf of federal aid and development agencies… In May of 2016, we provided details regarding a joint-letter the USCCB and CRS sent to Congress requesting nearly $6 billion to be allocated for the USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). At the heart of our concern was the fact that USAID and PEPFAR together consist of the world’s largest suppliers of contraception and condoms. ….