Monday, January 31, 2011

The Catholic Defender: The Protection of Women

Recently, I wrote about the growing problems associated with the rise of the "fatherless" and the impact this is having on families, on American society.

The war being waged against the family has several lines being drawn in the sand. I am so thankful for my Mother who loved me and wanted to give me the foundation I needed to accept the narrow road.

I went to a Catholic School (St. John La Lande, Blue Springs Missouri) during my grade school years. I am thankful for the Priests and lay volunteers as I know they helped give my Mother a strong foundation.

I think the message took hold of me despite the fact that I was raised in the turbulent 1960's and the rise of the sexual revolution. Unfortunately, a serious result of the sexual revolution is the attack of the American family. Women are seen more as objects as opposed to being a human being, a child loved by God.

I have always loved the image of Mother Mary and the Christ Child as Jesus and Mary points to that love between a Mother and child. Mary's image of wholesomeness, modesty, purity should be the example set for young women growing up.

Society should be creating an environment that protects women in our society, men standing up in defense and protecting the integrity of the weaker sex.

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) brought women into the 20th century, but the results are tragic. They have become sex objects which enslaves women and destroys men causing untold harm against the family and society.

Lives are becoming a statistic of the sexual revolution. The slave trade today is primarily found in young women whose lives are destroyed for the gratification of godless, sinful men.

Because of this abuse, it is reasonable to note the rise of women who profess to be lesbians, who lost any care for men. Many of them were abused growing up or are the results of a society that has lost it's soul.

Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry all for the depraved mind's free speech. Romans 1:22 states, "While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man..."

Pornography captures the very soul of a person appealing to the lust of the heart. When the heart is in kindled by desire, it is difficult to say no when confronted with opportunity. Like roaring lions, the depraved stalk prey to satisfy their lustful illusions.

Women fall prey to such stalkers sometimes becoming just like them losing all sense of value, wanting and searching for relationships, commitments, they offer up their sovereignty losing their self respect. The following Stats come from RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network):

1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape).1

17.7 million American women have been victims of attempted or completed rape.1

9 of every 10 rape victims were female in 2003.2

While about 80% of all victims are white, minorities are somewhat more likely to be attacked. Lifetime rate of rape /attempted rape for women by race:1 •All women: 17.6%

•White women: 17.7% •Black women: 18.8% •Asian Pacific Islander women: 6.8%

•American Indian/Alaskan women: 34.1%

•Mixed race women: 24.4% Men About 3% of American men — or 1 in 33 — have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.1

•In 2003, 1 in every ten rape victims were male.2

•2.78 million men in the U.S. have been victims of sexual assault or rape.1 Children 15% of sexual assault and rape victims are under age 12.3

•29% are age 12-17.

•44% are under age 18.3

•80% are under age 30.3 •12-34 are the highest risk years.

•Girls ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. 7% of girls in grades 5-8 and 12% of girls in grades 9-12 said they had been sexually abused.4

•3% of boys grades 5-8 and 5% of boys in grades 9-12 said they had been sexually abused. In 1995, local child protection service agencies identified 126,000 children who were victims of either substantiated or indicated sexual abuse.5

•Of these, 75% were girls. •Nearly 30% of child victims were between the age of 4 and 7. 93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker.6

•34.2% of attackers were family members.

•58.7% were acquaintances.

•Only 7% of the perpetrators were strangers to the victim.

Effects of Rape Victims of sexual assault are:

7 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.

6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.

26 times more likely to abuse drugs.

4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

The decline of the family effects the ability for people to see the truth of God and his ways.

We have got to change the direction our society has been accepting and bring back the family, the first institution created by God to bear children and grow society.

I have four leading Ladies in my life, Mary, my spiritual, Mother, my earthly Mother who is with the Lord, Gigi, my wife, and Petra Marie, my Daughter. I am enriched because of the ladies in my life.

Rebellion enjoys company, we need to tell the Devil, "thanks, but no thanks! With so many children being raised in a fatherless household, where is the leadership to turn things around?

The Church must pick up the walking wounded and help them heal.

Christ wants all to be saved, we need to change the image of women as sex objects and restore the virtue of holy women dedicated to serving our Lord keeping a pure example of our Lady and the Saints.
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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Ronan Keating - If Tomorrow Never Comes


This is possible to view from some countries, & is awesome, it's the one I really want for the Blog article below. So for those who can't see it ... eat your heart out !
... I'm sorry ! Really

If Tomorrow Never Comes...


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My gorgeous husband, just sent this song to me via email. Made me cry... Then I wanted to share the impact it had on me, with all of you minus the wet nose.

For all those of you in my life, please KNOW that you are treasured. Life gets so busy, & I miss those moments when I should have communicated my delight in you. You are a GIFT, God's gift to Himself, the world & me ...Thanks for being my gift ! My life would not be the same without you. I want so badly for you to feel appreciated in my presence. As though being with me makes you bloom. Giving permission to become MORE yourself, less strained from trying to be someone you are not & God never meant you to be. But peacefully self-assured in the safety of my Love & ultimately God's. Please forgive me for the times I have been less than I could be. I want to be Life-Giving. I want to Love properly. ( Jesus, help me, I need to be who I was created to be, help me to relax into this role of the Gift called: Me :) Here's the big request: please pray for me...

So thanks, Special People. I thank God for your presence my life... you are awesome.

To my Darling Gorgeous Husband...

rickyhawkins.wordpress.com
My Dragon-Slayer

I Love you Babes, & can't bear the thought of life without you! ( "Lord, hear our prayer" :) Thank You Jesus! )

This song is life changing, it helped to clear up my thinking, getting me to refocus on what really matters ... so, "play it again Sam".

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Catholic Defender speaks at Jefferson City Capital Building

This past week was a great wild ride that began with my driving 10 hours from Copperas Cove Texas to Humansville Missouri where I met Dr. Gregory Thompson and some friends from Michigan.

The long months of preparation getting ready for the March for life Rally at Jefferson City were about to unfold.

Dr Gregory Thompson (America Asleep kNOw more) was one of the main organizers of the event.

I would meet Mrs Kathie Forck (40 Days for Life) who was the other principle organizer.

Mrs Forck had said, "We want abortion to be unthinkable, even if it is legal... We need to bring chastity and purity back into this country".

Dr. Thompson had a couple of friends from Ohio who also came to speak at the event. Coach Daubenmire, a close friend to Dr. Gregory Thompson and a member of America Asleep kNOw More, was attacked by the ACLU for praying with his football team before a game.

It was reported that about 600 people participated in the Rally supporting life from the moment of conception until natural death.

The cross leading the way in this picture was the same cross used by Dr. Gregory Thompson when he was among 88 faithful Catholics arrested at Notre Dame.

Fr. Vincent Bertrand, a priest of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, reported that two abortion faculties had recently closed down.

That drew delightful applause from the crowd. People from throughout the State of Missouri braved the cold and deep snow fall to participate in the Rally. There will be more to follow! Several States held similar pro-life Rally's across the Country. The March in Washington D.C. drew hundreds of thousands of people.


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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

My response to a friend

UPDATE! I originally posted this in December. I expected some blow back from Christian fundamentalists but not from Chris. He took some gratuitous shots at me on his show of January 3rd and, on Skype has accused me of everything from hate and anti-semitism to slander and name calling. He also attacks me for using Catholic doctrine to specifically rebut his claim that all Christians believe as fundamentalists do. How else would I go about disproving his claim? He asserts that Catholic doctrine is un-Biblical but provides no evidence to support this ridiculous assertion.

Chris's claims about me are all clearly and demonstrably false. You have only to listen to my audio clips below. I admonished him for making some very hurtful and uncharitable generalizations. However, his assertion that I attacked his faith is utter nonsense. listen for yourself.

In closing, let me just say that I hope Chris continues on his journey of faith and I ask you all to continue to listen to his extraordinarily well produced show.



Last night, I was supposed to do an interview with my friend Christopher Fredrickson of the Paul Revere show. First, let me start by giving the show an enthusiastic plug and invite you to listen as often as you can.

The interview didn't take place as it happened that both of us were feeling a little under the weather.

The intention of last night's show segment was to allow me to comment on some remarks he made on a recent program. The remarks I am referring to cover the 24 minute span from 4:22 to 28:32.

Though his remarks cover just those 24 minutes, it takes me 2 hours to respond. I do so in 2 parts. Part 1 and Part 2. I tried to respond honestly and in Christian love but no doubt, some feathers will be rattled.

Enough material is covered to probably make 50 shows or articles.

I'll be hear waiting for the blow back!


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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

John Paul the Great

They are calling him John Paul the Great, and it is pretty tough to argue. Now, he is one step closer to sainthood.

What a model of holiness this man was. What a reflection of Jesus.

This humble servant of God was the third longest serving Pope in the storied history of the Catholic Church (Saint Peter, Pius IX) which may have been hard to imagine when he followed John Paul I who served a mere 34 days.

What most of us will remember from this giant of a man is his gentle spirit, his undying devotion, his boundless fear and his constant admonition echoing the words of Jesus; "Be not afraid" In the end, we remember the man who emulated his Lord by patient suffering.

What John Paul II personified was a walking, talking refutation of Catholic haters who would paint the Pope as arrogant, sinful and worldly. Billy Graham once called John Paul II the "moralist man on earth" and, if anything, it was an understatement. JP II exemplified everything it is to be a true Christian- goodness, purity, courage, forgiveness and humility. The world became a poorer place when he left us in April of 2005.

We can now rejoice that his cause of sainthood has taken another step. On May 1st (The feast of the Divine Mercy), John Paul II will be beatified by Pope Benedict XVI.

A documented miraculous cure of a French nun stands as Heaven's confirmation that this blessed servant of God stands in the Father's presence serving. We are so happy for you, Pope John Paul the Great and cannot wait to call you saint as you take your place in that great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1).

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Monday, January 24, 2011

To all readers

Your feedback on the new site design would be appreciated. Http://www.deepertruthblog.com


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Chicago exorcist: The ‘evil one’ is very real - Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago exorcist: The ‘evil one’ is very real - Chicago Sun-Times


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Sin!

Sin!
A must read..........

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Finger Wagging

You know that silly saying: "Point a finger & you'll have 4 pointing back" ?

One day God hit me between the eyes with that one ! He gave me an understanding that has remained with me to this day, & changed my whole philosophy. I used to be the type of person who went around seeing the sins of others. judging them, criticizing, pointing my finger... accusing. & then it hit me !

The Devil is the "accuser of the brethren" Rev 12:10 ... just who was I imaging ??? The Living God ? Love Incarnate ?  Maybe... NOT ! When I had a finger pointing a someone else,  ... did you hear me ? ... when I had a finger pointing at someone else... 4 were pointing back...

The Scripture speaks about yeilding a harvest, some ..................... ( ) fold; some.... ( ) fold; well, my pointing was 4 fold in MY direction ! come on now ... you know what I'm talking about!?we all do this ...we all do this. So, there I was, feeling self-righteous, you know, seeing where OTHER people were going wrong... where THEY needed correction...where I could show them a thing or two! Where I'd realized something they hadn't yet... I'd a major pride issue... :) I thought I was something special... & realizing that I knew something THEY didn't, made ME feel better... superior...

I didn't realize that it was a grace to see sin in myself. I didn't realize it was a GRACE to see MY sin. See, I was going to Jesus ... (& everybody else...!) ... with Their sin... Confession doesn't work that way ... I have to go to God with MY sin... not my neighbor's. I have to go to God with MY sin, ...& say, Father, forgive ME ... for I have sinned.

It's like that parable, you know, the one where the man owes the King a huge amount & is forgiven, & then he goes out & throttles a fellow servant & has him thrown in prison for owing a debt... (sigh) ... yes... I'm ashamed to admit it ! That guy is ME !!! The accuser, who only sees someone ELSE's sin, & points it out!

Now, I not talking about judging in the sense of being salt & light, in the sense of seeing clearly & standing firmly on the side of Truth. Because the Truth will set us free. I'm not talking about false compassion, where we say, " who am I to judge?" an obvious sin, incompatible with the Scriptures. NO!

I'm talking about choosing to point out others sin, whilst forgiving my own ... I'm talking about seeing another's fault & NOT MY OWN. Seeing the REASONS I may have been less than perfect, but holding ANOTHER to account for his ! As though Others should be Saints, whilst I have many reasons why this same measure should not be expected of me. I mean, here is this accuser, being forgiven ,,, having a HuGE debt cancelled with the King, & daring to condemn another!

hmmm... not a pretty picture.

You know, God showed me how hypocritical I was! How I, was to accuse myself... I said,how I was to ACCUSE MYSELF, & receive forgiveness, mercy, magnanimity... & HUMBLY seeing the faults of others, bring before the Father asking for mercy on their account, you know, how Jesus did, when He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know NOT what they do". Luke 23:34. (Not: 'Father, condemn them for they Know better' !!!!)

wow...

When I point a finger, I realize how bad I am... what do I mean? Well, I came to realize, BY GRACE,... He showed me... that, when I see another's fault, I must realize it is MUCH worst in my own life in some form... in Some way, I am more accountable for this sin... that maybe, I did not pray for this person, or situation as I should... maybe I was supposed to intercede, & slept instead... fasted... wept, before the throne of God for HIS KINGDOM to come, for HIS WILL to be done... that every time I was less than I could be... I was at fault. All the grace had been given, & I had failed to inspire, to convert, to beg for forgiveness for another's sin.... I'd failed to "cover the nakedness" of my brother in  Christ.

When faced with such mercy... the only response is mercy, humility, reverence.  God is SO merciful with us. He is So merciful with US! I can't even begin to fathom it! He pours out His grace on US... stinking accusing, filthy rags... & He blesses & adorns us with every jewel... He makes us His spotless Bride. Not because we are worthy & wonderful. But because HE IS ! Because He is Good, & redeems us, & we can accept this gift & respond... we can accept this gift ... & respond... or we can turn away  point fingers at one another.  "To he who has been given much, much is expected". Luke 12:48

Well, I was so humbled by this revelation of who I was & what I was doing ... & who I'd been imaging...   & WHO God IS... I... I felt such amazement at this realization of PURE LOVE & generosity,  magnanimity ... the King of the UNIVERSE... if I went to Confession, He forgave, He didn't judge me.  He was the ONLY one fit to do so, & HE chose not to... "let he who is without sin, cast the first stone" John 8:7 ... well, who is without sin, but Jesus? The Lamb without blemish. Our Pascal Sacrifice. If HE chose NOT to judge... then who am I to ???  who am I to strut & swagger as if I have things buttoned up & others don't... showing such pompous pride & boastful bragging... Lord ! Jesus! Forgive me, a sinner! Lord depart from me for I am a sinful man. Lord I know who You are & I know who I am ... You, are Faithful & True... I am unfaithful ...

In You, Beloved, I too can be faithful... but without you, I am bound to fail & revert to a shameful image of the accuser, the dark one. Jesus ! I Trust in YOU !!!! You came to save. Here I am. I come to do Your Will!! Let me see my own sin before I see another's, & if I am to see another's, let me plead for mercy on his behalf, & route out anything that is in me that is not of You. That I may walk in Your Truth & Love, Your Life-giving Love. That I may be a bridge builder, a man after Your Own Heart, an Intercessor, a lamb offered in  reparation; a Breath of Life, that I may not cause others to stumble, but to be enlivened, to be inspired, to be ALL they can because they can look & say "Jesus lives... I  believe !  ... because I can see Him shining through this life before me."

Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving me! For being so Merciful that you did not crush me with Your judgment, although You could have! But for allowing the Holy Spirit, the Lord & Giver of Life to convict me of sin, to convict me of my OWN sin... that another's does not seem so bad ! & to do so in a way that brings Life & not Death; freedom & not a cures that binds.  But a flight of the Spirit, Heavenward... alleluia. I bless You Lord! Thank You for Your Mercy. Your great Love that won our redemption. Lord, YOU have made me a spotless bride. This was not something I could have attained to with all the human effort alone, but with Your Grace, You lifted me... with Your great Love, You took pity on me, & lifted me to Your cheek. Beloved, may I honor You in return. May I Love You with a Love worthy of Yourself... may I Love You with ALL of me. May I die to self to give life to others. May I be Your beautiful bride who is faithful, humble & kind hearted. Imaging You perfectly. May I be pure, & Loving, & true. May I be like You...

Thanks for Your Faithfulness... I Love You, Jesus.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VqRlO3wa1A&feature=player_detailpage]



Saturday, January 22, 2011

Site redesign

Just letting DTB followers know that we are in the process of a dramatic new redesign of the site both for function and appearance. We hope you like it!



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Friday, January 21, 2011

*BEST OF DTB #50* The Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are Seven: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Fortitude, Counsel, Piety and fear of the Lord. I am asking the other writers here at Deeper Truth Blog to help me in explaining them. Just pick one and run with it! I have decided to start with Wisdom.

Wisdom, I believe is, is exemplified in the other 6, because Wisdom holds them in balance. All of the other 6 are connected to Wisdom, in some way. In fact, the Bible tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Psalm 111:10).

Wisdom is that paragon virtue that allows someone to see clearly through all of the haze. When God asked Salomon to choose a gift , Salomon chose Wisdom. A wise choice (irony intended).

We live in a world where Wisdom has never been more needed and has never been in shorter supply. Wisdom is not simply the accumulation of information. Some people are very intelligent but lack the ability to efficiently process the vast amounts of information they possess. An over appreciation for one's own intellect is a very dangerous thing.

In fact, some of the wisest people that have ever lived were viewed as intellectual lightweights by their own generations. The world is not impressed with Wisdom because Wisdom isn't flashy.
In this world, appearances are what matter and people are drawn less by the substance of a speaker than by the power of his oration, less by the intrinsic value of a person than by their physical appearance and less by the solitude of a peaceful heart than by the lure of money and gold.

Wisdom sees all these things in their real value and understands that what the soul truly desires for eternity is infinitely more valuable than what tantalizes the eyes for a moment.

Here are certain things that I believe prevent people from progressing in Wisdom (other than the obvious- not asking for it).


Fear of the Lord.
The best place to start is the beginning and, as I mentioned earlier, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. That fear should be a healthy fear, not an irrational one. One should not imagine God as a mean old man who simply cannot wait to strike you down the minute you make a mistake. Yet, one should also be mindful that God is God. His Justice and Sovereignty are mitigated by His overflowing love and mercy but not eliminated by them. The wise man constantly forms His mind to the knowledge that he stands ever in God's presence and that God- not men- will be his judge. When caught in the crossfire of two supervisors with conflicting instructions, you would cede to the higher authority, right? After all, obeying the higher authority will save you from being fired by the lower one but not the other way around.

Likewise, the Bible tells us that we are foolish if we disregard the fear of God- for any reason!

Matthew 10:28

28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.


Perspective
So many times, we base our decisions on what we see right now, without consideration of the possible long term implications of our decisions. This is true both of reward and of consequence. Sin is often nothing more than choosing what we want now at the expense of what we really want.

Wisdom enables us to see the true value in all things rather than be dazzled by the shine of the moment, or become despondent over our present trials. In essence, Wisdom is a demonstration of faith in the fact that God alone knows and understands us perfectly and sees what we have experienced, are experiencing and will experience. Having this knowledge, we can be wise enough to know that His will is always the best choice regardless of the situation.

Wisdom allows us to discern and discernment is the path to truth. Wisdom is not suspension of knowledge, rather, it is the correct use of knowledge. It is not in always knowing the answer, that makes us succeed in life. It is in knowing who has the answers and being obedient.

Realizing that no earthly joy is worth the pains of hell and that no earthly pain is too much a price for the joys of heaven is what separates the wise man from the fool. The fool learns too late that when this life ends, eternity begins. The fool is preoccupied what what this world can give him and that causes him endless anxiety. The wise man's mind is at peace.

Wisdom recognizes the paradoxical fact that one who seeks only his own happiness will never posses it while he who seeks to please God and deny himself, will find life.


Matthew 16
24* Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? 27
Preparation.

The Bible tells us that the wise man builds his house on the rock.


Matthew 7
24* "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 27 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."
It is not that the wise man enjoys the storm, or doesn't hope it passes over. It is just that it is the foolish man sings and dances and fails to prepare, even as he is being warned that the storm is coming. An unfortunate, but very literal example of this occurred in 1969, when 24 people decided to have a party even as a Category 5 hurricane closed in on them.

Introspection and humility

It is Wisdom that allows a man to take an honest inventory of himself and make the needed course changes to his life. The wise man uses his experience to become a better person and lead others to a better life.

A healthy skepticism

Finding the balance between gullibility and cynicism is a key to wisdom. Learning that what sounds too good to be true, often is and learning to train one's instincts are important. However, one must be on guard against reading motives from innocent actions.

In closing, Wisdom is the ability to see the world as it really is. It is the eyes that let us detect spin, see through empty promises and reduce the complexities of life into simple choices of right and wrong. Wisdom allows us to see Satan's trickery even when masked behind the good intentions of friends.

Matthew 16

21* * From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." 23* But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance * to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men."


May we all pray for this gift.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

*BEST OF DTB #49* The Catholic Defender: Tradition


Jesus Christ established the Catholic Faith commissioning it to go to all the Nations to Baptize them and to teach them all that he commanded them to teach.
The Catholic Church has done so for nearly 2,000 year and will continue to do so until the Lord returns.
There is so much to the biblical text on this subject, that we are to imitate the Apostolic teaching.
The challenge is to see how the truth of God has been handed down so that we have this great truth today. Here are just a small sample of what the Church has said in the beginning:
"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15).


St. Paul
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us" (2 Thessalonians 6:6-7).
Much of St. Paul's letters speak to the Church following the Apostles teaching.
So many times I talk to some of my Non-Catholic friends and they will have issues with Tradition. Here are some early Church Fathers who wrote on the subject:

Ignatius of Antioch

Follow your bishop, every one of you, as obediently as Jesus Christ followed the Father. Obey your clergy too as you would the apostles; give your deacons the same reverence that you would to a command of God. Make sure that no step affecting the Church is ever taken by anyone without the bishop’s sanction. The sole Eucharist you should consider valid is one that is celebrated by the bishop himself, or by some person authorized by him. Where the bishop is to be seen, there let all his people be; just as, wherever Jesus Christ is present, there is the Catholic Church (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

In like manner let everyone respect the deacons as they would respect Jesus Christ, and just as they respect the bishop as a type of the Father, and the presbyters as the council of God and college of the apostles. Without these, it cannot be called a Church. I am confident that you accept this, for I have received the exemplar of your love and have it with me in the person of your bishop. His very demeanor is a great lesson and his meekness is his strength. I believe that even the godless do respect him (Letter to the Trallians 3:1-2 [A. D. 110]).

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

When finally he concluded his prayer, after remembering all who had at any time come his way – small folk and great folk, distinguished and undistinguished, and the whole Catholic Church throughout the world – the time for departure came. So they placed him on an ass, and brought him into the city on a great Sabbath (The Martyrdom of Polycarp 8 [A.D. 110]).

St. Irenaeus

The Catholic Church possesses one and the same faith throughout the whole world, as we have already said (Against Heresies 1:10 [A.D. 189]).

Since therefore we have such proofs, it is not necessary to seek the truth among others which it is easy to obtain from the Church; since the apostles, like a rich man [depositing his money] in a bank, lodged in her hands most copiously all things pertaining to the truth: so that every man, whosoever will, can draw from her the water of life. For she is the entrance to life; all others are thieves and robbers. On this account we are bound to avoid them, but to make choice of the things pertaining to the Church with the utmost diligence, and to lay hold of the tradition of the truth. For how stands the case? Suppose there should arise a dispute relative to some important question among us. Should we not have recourse to the most ancient churches with which the apostles held constant intercourse, and learn from them what is certain and clear in regard to the present question? For how should it be if the apostles themselves had not left us writings? Would it not be necessary [in that case] to follow the course of the tradition which they handed down to those to whom they did commit the churches? (ibid. 3:4).


Tertullian

Where was Marcion then, that shipmaster of Pontus, the zealous student of Stoicism? Where was Valentinus then, the disciple of Platonism? For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago – in the reign of Antoninus for the most part – and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherus, until on account of their ever restless curiosity, with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelled (On the Prescription Against Heretics 22,30 [A.D.200])

Clement of Alexandria

A multitude of other pieces of advice to particular persons is written in the holy books: some for presbyters, some for bishops and deacons; and others for widows, of whom we shall have opportunity to speak elsewhere (The Instructor of Children 3:12:97:2 [pre-A.D. 202]).

Even here in the Church the gradations of bishops, presbyters, and deacons happen to be imitations, in my opinion, of the angelic glory and of that arrangement which, the Scriptures say, awaits those who have followed in the footsteps of the apostles and who have lived in complete righteousness according to the gospel (Stromateis 6:13:107:2 [post-A.D. 202]).

Hippolytus

When a deacon is to be ordained, he is chosen after the fashion of those things said above, the bishop alone in like manner imposing his hands upon him as we have prescribed. In the ordaining of a deacon, this is the reason why the bishop alone is to impose his hands upon him: He is not ordained to the priesthood, but to serve the bishop and to fulfill the bishop's command. He has no part in the council of the clergy, but is to attend to his own duties and is to acquaint the bishop with such matters as are needful. . . . On a presbyter [priest], however, let the presbyters impose their hands because of the common and like Spirit of the clergy. Even so, the presbyter has only the power to receive [the Spirit], and not the power to give [the Spirit]. That is why a presbyter does not ordain the clergy; for at the ordaining of a presbyter, he but seals while the bishop ordains. (Apostolic Tradition 9 [ca. A.D. 215]).

Irenaeus

For even creation reveals Him who formed it, and the very work made suggests Him who made it, and the world manifests Him who ordered it. The Universal [Catholic] Church, moreover, through the whole world, has received this tradition from the Apostles (Against Heresies 2:9 [A.D. 189]).

True knowledge is the doctrine of the Apostles, and the ancient constitution of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists in every place, and has come even unto us, being guarded and preserved, without any forging of Scriptures, by a very complete system of doctrine, and neither addition nor curtailment [in truths which she believes]; and [it consists in] reading [the Word of God] without falsification, and a lawful and diligent exposition in harmony with the Scriptures, both without danger and without blasphemy… (ibid. 4:33 [A.D. 189]).

Tertullian

For wherever both the true Christian rule and faith shall be shown to be, there will be the true Scriptures, and the true expositions, of all the true Christian traditions (The Prescription of Heretics 19 [A.D. 200]).

Clement of Rome

Our Apostles knew through our Lord Jesus Christ that there would be strife for the office of bishop. For this reason, therefore, having received perfect foreknowledge, they appointed those who have already been mentioned, and afterwards added the further provision that, if they should die, other approved men should succeed to their ministry (Letter to the Corinthians 44:1 [A.D. 95]).

Ignatius of Antioch

You must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 8:1 [A.D. 110]).

Irenaeus

It is possible, then, for everyone in every Church, who may wish to know the truth, to contemplate the tradition of the Apostles which has been made known throughout the whole world. And we are in a position to enumerate those who were instituted bishops by the Apostles, and their successors to our own times: men who neither knew nor taught anything like these heretics rave about. For if the Apostles had known hidden mysteries which they taught to the elite secretly and apart from the rest, they would have handed them down especially to those very ones to whom they were committing the self-same Churches. For surely they wished all those and their successors to be perfect and without reproach, to whom they handed on their authority (Against Heresies 3:3:1 [A.D. 180-199]).

It is necessary to obey those who are the presbyters in the Church, those who, as we have shown, have succession from the Apostles; those who have received, with the succession of the episcopate, the sure charism of truth according to the good pleasure of the Father. But the rest, who have no part in the primitive succession and assemble wheresoever they will, must be held in suspicion (ibid 4:26:2).

Tertullian

Moreover, if there be any [heresies] bold enough to plant themselves in the midst of the apostolic age, so that they might seem to have been handed down by the Apostles because they were from the time of the Apostles, we can say to them: let them show the origin of their Churches, let them unroll the order of their bishops, running down in succession from the beginning, so that their first bishop shall have for author and predecessor some one of the Apostles or of the apostolic men who continued steadfast with the Apostles. For this is the way in which the apostolic Churches transmit their lists: like the Church of the Smyrnaeans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John; like the Church of the Romans where Clement was ordained by Peter. In just this same way the other Churches display those whom they have as sprouts from the apostolic seed, having been established in the episcopate by the Apostles. Let the heretics invent something like it. After their blasphemies, what could be unlawful for them? But even if they should contrive it, they will accomplish nothing; for their doctrine itself, when compared with that of the Apostles, will show by its own diversity and contrariety that it has for its author neither an Apostle nor an apostolic man. The Apostles would not have differed among themselves in teaching, nor would an apostolic man have taught contrary to the Apostles, unless those who were taught by the Apostles then preached otherwise.

Therefore, they will be challenged to meet this test even by those Churches which are of much later date – for they are being established daily – and whose founder is not from among the Apostles nor from among the apostolic men; for those which agree in the same faith are reckoned as apostolic on account of the blood ties in their doctrine. Then let all heresies prove how they regard themselves as apostolic, when they are challenged by our Churches to meet either test. But in fact they are not apostolic, nor can they prove themselves to be what they are not. Neither are they received in peace and communion by the Churches which are in any way apostolic, since on account of their diverse belief they are in no way apostolic (The Demurrer Against the Heretics 32:1 [A.D. 200]).

Clement of Alexandria

After the death of the tyrant, the [Apostle John] came back again to Ephesus from the Island of Patmos; and, upon being invited, he went even to the neighboring cities of the pagans, here to appoint bishops, there to set in order whole Churches, and there to ordain to the clerical estate such as were designated by the Spirit (Who is the Rich Man that is Saved? 42:2 [inter 190-210 A.D.]).

Firmilion of Caesarea

But what is his error, and how great his blindness, who says that the remission of sins can be given in the synagogues of the heretics, and who does not remain on the foundation of the one Church which was founded upon the rock by Christ can be learned from this, which Christ said to Peter alone: "Whatever things you shall bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth, they shall be loosed in heaven;" and by this, again in the gospel, when Christ breathed upon the Apostles alone, saying to them; "Receive the Holy Spirit: if you forgive any man his sins, they shall be forgiven; and if you retain any mans sins, they shall be retained." Therefore, the power of forgiving sins was given to the Apostles and to the Churches which these men, sent by Christ, established; and to the bishops who succeeded them by being ordained in their place (Letter to Cyprian 75:16 [A.D. 255-256]).

From the Bible and the Church, tradition came down from our Lord to us through his Church:




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The Catholic Defender: Philadelphia Doctor Charged with murder

Today, I am writing you from the office of Dr. Gregory Thompson as we prepare for the upcoming event at Jefferson City State Capital Building. Fox News reported the Dr. Kermit Gosnell story.

FoxNews.com

Dr. Kermit Gosnell, 69, made millions of dollars over 30 years, performing as many illegal, late-term abortions as he could, prosecutors said (MyFoxPhilly.com).

An abortion doctor who catered to minorities, immigrants and poor women was charged with eight counts of murder in the deaths of a patient and seven babies who were born alive and then killed with scissors, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Dr. Kermit Gosnell, 69, made millions of dollars over 30 years, performing as many illegal, late-term abortions as he could, prosecutors said. State regulators ignored complaints about him and failed to visit or inspect his clinic since 1993, but no charges were warrented against them, District Attorney Seth Williams said.

Gosnell, his wife and eight other colleagues were arrested overnight Tuesday following a grand jury investigation, MyFoxPhilly.com reports.

According to the district attorney's office, Gosnell is facing murder in the third degree for the death of 41 year old Karnamaya Mongar. The patient died Nov. 20, 2009, when she was overdosed with anesthetics prescribed by Gosnell, according to the station.

District Attorney Williams said during a press conference Wednesday that Gosnell "induced laber, forced the live birth of viable babies in the sixth, seventh, eighth month of pregnancy and then killed those babies by cutting into the back of the neck with scissors and severing their spinal cord".

The District Attorney also said patients were subjected to squalid and barbaric conditions at Gosnell's Women's Medical Society.

Authorities went to investigate drug-related complaints at the clinic last year and stumbled on what Williams called a "house of horrors".

"There were bags and bottles holding aborted fetuses scattered throughout the building", Williams said. "There were jars, lining shelves, with severed feet that he kept for no medical purpose".

The clinic was shut down and Gosnell's medical license was suspended after the raid.

Workers, some of whom were also charged with murder, were untrained and unlicensed, including a high-school student who performed anesthesia with potentially lethal narcotics, Williams said.

Gosnell has been named in at least 10 malpractice suits, including one over the death of a woman who died of sepsis and a perforated uterus.

"I am aware that abortion is a hot-botton topic", Williams told reporters. "But as district attorney, my job is to carry out the law. A doctor who knowingly and systematically mistreats female patients, to the point of them dies in his so-called care, commits murder under the law".

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/19/philadelphia-abortion-doctor-charged-counts-murder/#ixzz1BVY9T0YS

We are facing the great evil of our times. Every 20 seconds statistically, an unborn child is killed in America. We better wake up if it is not too late already. The writing may already be on the wall. Please pray for our Nation and the world.

Bill O'Riely, I often love the factor, but I agree with one who wrote in to your show saying: "A fetus is not 'potentially' a human being, but rather, a fetus is a human being with potential"








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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Catholic Defender welcomes God's Girl to deepertruth

God's Girl, I want to welcome you to deepertruth, this is a great place to be to share and explain our holy Catholic Faith.

I encourage you to share your stories of faith and conversion.

These stories inspire all of us and it reminds us of the Great Commission Christ gives His Church to go to all the nations.

The following is a video that honors you and your husband living in Africa:



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Intro from God's Girl

God’s Girl
Although my Grandfather was always Catholic,
he truly realized the value of his Faith once he’d had a scare form a Heart Attack. Realizing he was a coffin dodger he started swatting for his finals & decided to get in the Game and become a really good Catholic! He was a fascinating man who held us children captivated with Giant Tortoise Story’s; marathon walks striding along the Beach; scientific quizzes as we rowed down the river,
“What bird is that my girl?” his booming voice commanding an intelligent response!

Gran, an Anglican had a marvelous relationship with St. Anthony. Truly, if something couldn’t be found & St. Anthony seemed deaf to our pleas, Gran would be called to ask St. Anthony on our behalf & straight away a victory would be had! To this day she never ceases to impress all who ask her to intercede, now she is a part of the “cloud of witnesses” Heb.12:1.

My Mother anchored our family in the Love of God & His Church. Mum grew up Anglican since Grampa never went to Mass in the early days. Attending Catholic High School, Mum loved the strength of the Catholic position, firm & unwavering. When she asked the Anglican pastor about their belief in their ‘Eucharist’ she was told, “Well, if you are High Anglican you can believe it is the Body of Jesus, & if you are Low Anglican you can believe it is just a symbol, it’s up to you.” … this stand was unimpressive. Teenagers’ are great at recognizing a weak argument! On this ground Mum converted at 16 and was received into the Church. She knew this was a critical point. She knew she wanted to receive Jesus Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity in Truth, not ‘may be, baby’.

Born & Brought-up Catholic. I am the middle born of 3 girls. At around the age of 1, I almost died of infection & was in Infectious Diseases Hospital, isolated & strapped to a little cross for 3 months with a drip into my jugular vein. My teeth went back into my gums, & I had to relearn to walk & talk, I had been so ill. Mum had a wonderful spirituality& would teach us girls to give away our most favorite toy for the poor at Christmas and to value the pain of loving with our whole heat, of giving until it hurt, dying to self to give life to others. My favorite was my Singing Doll.

Dad converted to The Faith when I was a teenager. So, in the early days there would sometimes be a skirmish Sunday mornings, as Dad would be staying at home, whilst Mum tried to get the 3 of us to Mass. My sisters would often rebel & I’d give in, mostly because I felt sorry for Mum, not because I had discovered the infinite value of the Sacraments. I’ve always gone to Sunday Mass. & I’m sure my Mum blessed me for it! Her prayers & blessings overtook me one day. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

I received Jesus in Holy Communion as a little thing, & was Confirmed at 11 years old. We moved a lot, & the new parish Confirmed school leavers. The Church would rather we were Confirmed before the trial of puberty, so as to be strengthened by the Sacrament before the battle. Mum wanted me to join in the Catechism Class. I’d miss the bus, take another route home & do my best to avoid going. She’d be upset & ask me why I was doing this… I explained that the Class was killing my Faith. It was like a coloring-in class, there was no real Church Teaching, it was horrid! I think many teens are in this boat & empathize with them. Church Teaching is so rich, & teens, even littlies can understand it, because it Lives! We must never withhold the strength & truth of Church Teaching from children or anyone, because it is beautiful & the Truth sets us free. The Bible says: “the pillar and foundation of Truth is the Church.” 1 Tim.3:15.

During my Nursing Training, I had some dreams of Jesus. These stirred me, although I was still under the impression that people who were mad for Jesus were “Jesus Freaks” … little did I imagine, I’d one day be at the top of His Fan Club ! One of the dreams involved a Large Boat or Ship or even an Ark, with Jesus on board saving people who were lost at sea & bringing them on board.

“I’m Catholic, BUT I believe in contraception” I cringe to recall claiming. I specialized during my training as a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Community Health Nurse& Psychiatric Nurse & then in Family Planning. My best results were in Family Planning! I mistakenly believed the Church was against reasonable spacing of little ones… which is not at all the case! Contraception & Natural Family Planning is worlds apart, the difference takes pondering, it is subtle. One goes with Nature, the other, against. I did not understand the danger of living this dual life, being in the Church but not 100%. Due to ignorance & lack of catechesis, I was receiving Communion yet was spiritually contracepting the life of grace God wanted to give me. I knew He loved me, but felt Him far away & imagined Him ‘very busy’.

Then a special thing happened & Jesus drew me into His Arms & held me close. I read ‘True Life In God’, & Jesus suddenly became a living breathing Person, not just a Spirit over up there somewhere. I could hear His Voice & feel His Breath, His Touch. The Teachings of The Church became fascinating & I bowed in humble submission to them all, in awe of the wisdom they held. I came to see the truth of Jesus words to Peter, Mt.16: 17-19 “it is not flesh & blood that has revealed this to you, but My Father in Heaven…” . Jesus was showing us that there is a wisdom, the human mind cannot grasp, it comes straight from God. A Hot Line… and this was the Rock He would build His Church upon, The Office of Peter. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom…” The wisdom of Pope Paul IV in refusing Catholics contraception, is becoming visible today. Science proves it time & again, from statistics of Divorce being around 54% in contracepting couples versus 0.002% among couples using Natural Family Planning, that’s 2 couples out of 1000 couples as opposed to more that half of all weddings among the contracepting group! Then the Pathology resulting from contraception is frightening, Cancer, strokes, heart attacks, death! God said in Deut. “I set before you life & death, blessing & curse… choose life therefore that it may go well with you.”

Church Teaching is proved, time & again… it was not “flesh & blood that revealed it, but My Father in Heaven”. But before it is proven, it takes faith, (…surprise!) & Scriptures tell us, “…without faith, it is impossible to please God”. Papal Infallibility is one of these faith tests. We can be like a little child, safe in the arms of our God & Mother Church, trusting & not worrying as long as we rest in this wisdom.

On Catholic Engaged Encounter, shortly after my interior conversion, my future husband, although not yet Catholic, & I were the only defenders of Church teaching against contraception. We were married at a Pilgrimage Shrine in the bush, Our Lady Tabernacle of the Most High. My beloved who was making Rosaries & defending Church Teaching, 9 months later would become Catholic. We got back from honeymoon, & a French Mauritian friend said to him (please do the accent, ) “ahh, I have a boooook for you!” I cringed as she brought out “Rome Sweet Home”, I thought, give the guy a break, that is so pushy! But to my delight, he loved it. He read it twice in one night, woke up & read it again, & said he was becoming Catholic. He entered the Church on Pentecost Sunday, along with our Brother-in-Law & baby nephew who was baptized. God gave a beautiful sign, that day, a triple rainbow hung directly over the Church in their honor. …T