tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107595732012-01-30T23:15:14.370+11:00<i>"The chalice of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the Lord? For we, being many, are one bread, one body: all that partake of one bread."</i> (1 Cor 10:16-17)<br><br> – <a href="http://onebread.blogspot.com/2011/01/about-this-blog.html">About this blog</a> –Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.comBlogger10521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-28541052489425829702012-01-30T23:15:00.000+11:002012-01-30T23:15:14.390+11:00

It came as a bit of a shock (and quandary) when I belatedly noticed that my fictional heroes were not quite the shining heroes I thought they were. I was reading the series, The Belgariad, to my eldest (twelve) when we both realized that certain tenets of the heroes did not sit well with us. One hero is a thief, for example, while another has no trouble lauding how well the main hero, a young boy

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-8165724680410615862012-01-28T23:47:00.001+11:002012-01-28T23:47:55.536+11:00

I shamelessly borrow those words of urgency to the need for Christian unity, as Pope Benedict enjoins us to take every opportunity towards it. No Christian can sit this out; the world desperately needs the powerful witness of one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. It won't be easy, but it can't be set aside either.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-61378941612433872412012-01-21T01:25:00.002+11:002012-01-21T01:25:50.641+11:00

.. who is recovering from surgery. We need more men like him around!

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-7778370429634778332012-01-20T23:56:00.002+11:002012-01-21T00:00:19.378+11:00

Perhaps one of the most neglected scandals today is that which comes from the disunity of Christians:  “How can we give a convincing witness if we are divided?”. It was in the perspective of the New Evangelization on Wednesday morning, 18 January, that the Pope introduced the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – from Wednesday, 18 January until Wednesday, 25 January – during which prayers will be

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-53507979067731473252012-01-12T19:15:00.000+11:002012-01-12T19:15:42.513+11:00

On the basis of the cited video from GMA news, this article is way off the mark (to put it mildly). There is nothing in the video about infertile couples, nor about mortal sin, nor about telling other religions what they can or cannot do. That report was about the recent statements of Archbishop Cruz concerning same sex marriage, and the address by Pope Benedict XVI to the diplomatic corps on

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-3539775400653983222012-01-05T09:58:00.006+11:002012-01-05T10:03:25.946+11:00

Today's readings celebrate the marvelous love of God through Jesus Christ. In his encounter with Nathanael (Jn 1:43-51), Jesus declares,  ‘You will see greater things than that. .. I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’ The last ties in with Jacob's dream of a ladder stretching between heaven and earth, with

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-24738164783889447482012-01-04T08:55:00.017+11:002012-01-04T09:21:35.185+11:00

Today's Gospel reading (Jn 1:35-42) shows how the ordinary can become an encounter with Jesus. As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi,’ – which means Teacher –’where do

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-25536930130762093502012-01-01T09:35:00.001+11:002012-01-01T09:37:00.435+11:00

Awhile back I heard or read about le`hem ha panim, I think from Catholic Answers live (podcast) -- the bread of the presence, or the bread of the face. This article is good reading on this subject, which comes up in today's readings in the feast of Mary, Mother of God. In the first reading, the priestly blessing is formulated that Aaron and his sons are to use: May the Lord bless you and keep

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-74783676157559485062011-12-30T14:36:00.001+11:002011-12-30T14:36:29.548+11:00

.. to consider byond soundbytes. This post identifies sobering points to ponder.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-6580645815445762272011-12-28T09:21:00.002+11:002011-12-28T09:30:22.014+11:00

What would drive a king to order the slaughter of all male toddlers two years and under across a number of districts? What would drive his soldiers to carry out the deed amidst the objections and wailing of the mothers and fathers who are unable to stop the massacre? What did the bystanders do? What was going through their minds?    And then one would ask: was God also a bystander? How could he

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-50234079552771235802011-12-23T08:49:00.002+11:002011-12-23T08:51:45.581+11:00

From today's readings (Lk 1:57-66): The father asked for a writing tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ .. At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. ‘What will this child turn out to be?’

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-83189377498617389362011-12-22T08:33:00.002+11:002011-12-22T08:37:23.614+11:00

Today's Gospel is almost entirely the Magnificat, that canticle of the Blessed Mother that rejoices in God's grace and mercy.   That the Blessed Mother speaks of God routing "the proud of heart" is probably key in this canticle, as such disposition seems unlikely to elicit piety, whereas this canticle precisely shows the humility of the Blessed Mother -- immediately after the praises that St

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-79005901731272651682011-12-21T22:41:00.001+11:002011-12-21T22:41:41.934+11:00

Why was Elizabeth so filled with joy at Mary's greeting? Because the Holy Spirit filled her with joy. That passage (Lk 1:39-45) is filled with words like blessed, leapt for joy and similar words of rejoicing (a loud cry, honoured). And Elizabeth does not even have to hear the news from Mary about the Word made flesh in her womb, the unborn Son of God. Mary is blessed for her belief in the Lord's

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-12287477440785997772011-12-11T23:45:00.001+11:002011-12-11T23:45:16.505+11:00

The Anchoress repeats what we should already know: our relationship with God is based on constantly saying YES to his love -- to our advantage.   Christmas need not be about stress, according to some mommy wisdom that also makes it more meaningful.   Father Ryan Erlenbush explains how John the Baptist is and isn't Elijah. From my own reflections on today's readings, I must recommend considering

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-40327661867614121092011-12-08T23:24:00.000+11:002011-12-08T23:24:13.048+11:00

Today's Gospel reading comes from that scene with Gabriel announcing the Incarnation to Mary. Why is that the reading for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Because the Incarnation of Christ is the reason for the Immaculate Conception. In order to prepare the way for Christ, Mary must be made particularly ready to receive in her womb the Son of God. We who are baptized Christians are

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-45189978145301354922011-12-03T09:02:00.001+11:002011-12-03T09:03:16.840+11:00

This article on solidarity and subsidiarity was an eye-opener for me. It explains something that I only had a rudimentary understanding of, and a fuzzy hunch about. It got me thinking about my role as father of a household, and what mistakes I have been making. While blogging is good for evangelization (assuming you did it well), as is joining in discussion forums, I was absenting myself from

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-25252140192176290222011-11-27T09:51:00.004+11:002011-11-27T09:58:38.728+11:00

(Lyrics here.)

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-9720963178577357942011-11-26T07:42:00.000+11:002011-11-26T07:42:51.925+11:00

From today's readings (from Universalis):   ‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-61324298615612344222011-11-21T23:49:00.002+11:002011-11-21T23:52:13.840+11:00

I'd been riding on a high since menALIVE weekend for more than two weeks now, but of course I'm not quite in a fairy tale, so I haven't yet lived happily ever after. There are still lows with the highs, but I have noticed in me a remarkably positive response to the lows. I recover faster, my perspective now being fairly upbeat and forward-facing. Then it happened: a slight meltdown in the

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-87514938448768804742011-11-21T23:32:00.000+11:002011-11-21T23:32:04.969+11:00

What, Then, Is Prayer? Pope Benedict invites the young of Benin:   What, then, is prayer? It is a cry of love directed to God our Father, with the will to imitate Jesus our brother.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-8018363161634808242011-11-19T00:14:00.000+11:002011-11-19T00:14:17.095+11:00

The readings are about prayer, I think. Not the text that goes into prayer, but what it really means: relationship:   2558 "Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-45603060214850567102011-11-13T13:07:00.001+11:002011-11-13T13:07:21.205+11:00

that every parent should consider.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-81365303004055293822011-11-13T07:55:00.000+11:002011-11-13T07:55:57.367+11:00

The Gospel today is on the parable of the talents. We're probably all familiar with the fundamental message of using the talents we are given for the Kingdom, but there's a bit more that I realized just today. When the master finds his two servants having made some profit, he declares "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you can be faithful in small things, I will trust you with

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-40621115311703761272011-11-10T12:49:00.000+11:002011-11-10T12:49:06.963+11:00

When indeed..

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-65900136375446643522011-11-10T10:15:00.000+11:002011-11-10T10:15:53.777+11:00

Prayer: the best way to start, pull through and end each day.. Sort of like water for the dry, weary land that my life would be otherwise.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-3500865397106320872011-11-06T23:16:00.000+11:002011-11-06T23:16:35.882+11:00

is an awesome movement in the Church today. I completed the Men Alive weekend at our parish this weekend and it has awakened, emboldened, enlightened, humbled, encouraged and revived me -- before it is too late! Praise God! One of the things I discovered was that God has been trying to tell me something for such a long time now. In fits and starts, I have been leaving the plow, neglecting and

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-75342334165125786822011-10-28T12:40:00.000+11:002011-10-28T12:40:26.710+11:00

.. and Deacon Bickerstaff explains (very well) why.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-49067410913777775832011-10-21T23:49:00.002+11:002011-10-21T23:49:37.733+11:00

Got our marching orders!

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-69035712231697272562011-10-20T21:38:00.001+11:002011-10-20T21:40:01.307+11:00

Simply uplifting and awe-inspiring art! Many thanks to Patrick Madrid for having shared this a while back.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-27396387335683477842011-10-19T14:23:00.002+11:002011-10-19T14:23:58.371+11:00

How can human beings have sunk so low? What did C.S. Lewis write in Prince Caspian? “Wouldn’t it be dreadful if some day in our own world, at home, men started going wild inside, like the animals here, and still looked like men, so that you’d never know which were which?” I know a lot of Chinese folks, and I wouldn't presume to paint them with a broad brush. But the folks who caused or allowed

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-9194838570408083132011-10-07T16:54:00.002+11:002011-10-07T21:58:50.971+11:00

and to reflect upon. (Update: I note that Msgr. Pope expounds in his own way five truths that might have been written about differently by Fr. Richard Rohr. I am aware of the latter being quoted as saying or having apparently written some heterodox ideas. So a warning to those who might follow that link: Msgr. Pope's writing seems fine and orthodox to me, but Fr. Richard Rohr seems suspect.)

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-15840369985791104312011-10-07T16:11:00.001+11:002011-10-07T16:11:38.464+11:00

His 2005 address at a graduation was featured on tv this morning, and the word "dogma" caught my attention. He advises the graduates to not be prisoners of someone else's thinking. And that is true, he's onto something there, and I hope he truly understood his own words. Dogma would be a mandated doctrine, but so are laws of the land, policies of your employers, even laws of Physics. People

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-6370058261769146212011-10-03T01:17:00.000+11:002011-10-03T01:17:18.907+11:00

.. in proper perspective (source: Sandro Magister, Chiesa News). Nothing like the Magisterium of the Church digging into 2000 years of wisdom and teaching to weigh in on what the Church means!  The 'we' is the whole community of believers, today and in all times and places. And so I always say: within the community of believers, yes, there is as it were the voice of the valid majority, but there

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-34308430057071976462011-09-28T00:58:00.000+10:002011-09-28T00:58:50.215+10:00

His address to the well-oiled machinery of the Church in Germany has so much to say! Please read it! It complements my previous post, and he points to a deeper crisis of faith even where the facade of the Church may appear strong and vigorous. The spirit of suspicion and rebellion in the Church today certainly betrays a lack in all departments of faith, hope and love. For example, I recently

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-36684972954438946202011-09-28T00:30:00.000+10:002011-09-28T00:30:35.442+10:00

His final address to German Catholics highlights what the world needs so badly to see with the eyes of faith, that is, that if we truly want to save the world as our Christian mission requires, we must continue to set ourselves apart, and invite the world to be similarly consecrated, to God. Many would see this as an opportunity to call down the Church hierarchy whom they see as being embroiled

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-35562563664915778622011-09-27T23:41:00.000+10:002011-09-27T23:41:22.620+10:00

This story is more than just the iPod, as it applies to any device that we plug into while unplugging from our surroundings. The irony seems lost on at least some people who, while happy to unplug and listen to the birds around them, if any, prefer to drown out the noises of human beings around them. Of course, it is rather unpleasant when people nearby are loudly talking on cellphones (another

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-18285330959308402562011-09-23T22:40:00.000+10:002011-09-23T22:40:51.368+10:00

Having been an avid reader of LifeSiteNews.com, I can attest that their work is worthy of support. Please support them financially if you can, in addition to praying for the success of their work.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-57154286938338252052011-09-21T12:51:00.000+10:002011-09-21T12:51:31.827+10:00

“But worldly sorrow brings death…” On Distinguishing a Good and Healthy Guilt From Morbid and Harmful Guilt -- by Monsignor Charles Pope, is an excellent illumination of something that everyone needs to understand about guilt. Truly insightful.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-50544505188373167442011-09-14T13:19:00.002+10:002011-09-14T13:21:29.860+10:00

Truly incredible and a good reason to pray! There is both consistency and inconsistency in this judge's decision. She reveals a consistently diminutive view of what human life is worth, unborn or not, but she also reveals the moral equivalence of abortion and infanticide. However, she is inconsistent in her role as judge, applying her interpretation of society's opinion, rather than the laws of

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-82425982199883501302011-09-01T01:16:00.001+10:002011-09-01T01:16:50.666+10:00

The readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary time are sobering in one crucial aspect: if we do not correct our brother or sister who is in grave sin, we risk their salvation as well as ours. That's not really surprising when things are considered in the context of our "debt of love" to one another, i.e., the second greatest commandment, but sobering nonetheless! If we were up to this challenge,

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-47763296166997384462011-08-27T07:59:00.001+10:002011-08-27T08:05:48.399+10:00

Something struck me about how this is being sold to the public. The pitch goes like this: the bill does not favor artificial contraception over natural family planning, so it's really up to couples to judge for themselves. In other words, the government and the bill's proponents are being neutral. Set aside for now the fact that so-called reproductive health services, products and education will

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-54438414677486721482011-08-22T01:35:00.008+10:002011-08-22T02:11:07.786+10:00

This reflection on the keys given to Peter, written by Fr. Jose, makes me uneasy. Especially this part: The truth is we don’t have to be offered this power of keeping the gate. We already have that power to open or close the kingdom of God to ourselves and to each other. We already have the keys to let ourselves in or to shut one another out of the kingdom or presence of God dwelling within us.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-49861186028451380732011-08-22T00:18:00.000+10:002011-08-22T00:18:04.190+10:00

Photos of Martyrdom: Anti-Catholic Protestors Taunt Pilgrims in Madrid | CatholicVote.org Blessed JPII, pray for the pilgrims, pray for their detractors. St. Josemaria Escriva, pray for Spain!

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-74198257345162623572011-08-21T23:39:00.000+10:002011-08-21T23:39:17.394+10:00

Well that was awkward. Read the Gospel reading yesterday to my sons (at bedtime): Matthew 23:1-12. Then I go the part where it says "You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven." .. :-| Uh, boys.. lemme explain that a bit..

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-51070570323359017162011-08-14T23:33:00.000+10:002011-08-14T23:33:35.809+10:00

I have never been comfortable referring to myself as one of the faithful, knowing that everyday, some wrongdoing of mine, i.e., sin, belies a claim of being one of the faithful, if ever I made that claim. So pardon me if I am wary of groups who refer to themselves as the faithful and then dissent from the Magisterium in the same open letter that reads like the demands made of elected officials.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-42646255535584073012011-06-21T13:21:00.000+10:002011-06-21T13:21:45.654+10:00

This story (Herald Sun) about a hospital bungle -- neglecting to apply for an extension to keep sperm samples frozen for assisted reproduction -- sparked a thought. Losing the sperm samples "shatters families' baby dreams", indeed. Even in the comments, people seem to stumble upon the wrongness of this, the wanton destruction of something with innate value. And yet, what about embryos, frozen or

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-75025434675576517182011-06-20T00:12:00.000+10:002011-06-20T00:12:48.257+10:00

A tale of two IVF doctors from EWTN News. And while nothing is simple, I do believe that a thorough consideration of every aspect and implication can yield clarity. The linked article can provide some of that.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-13858284120043223182011-06-12T02:07:00.000+10:002011-06-12T02:07:38.826+10:00

I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist of Patrick's question earlier (he's 9). Very thought-provoking, and the answer actually reveals that God is way ahead of that question when He simply said "I am who am" to Moses. What name can be given to the uncreated God? Sure, you can name creatures or progeny, but who can name the divine Creator? Even more amazing are the names He took when He became

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-71623413057505651192011-06-05T00:13:00.000+10:002011-06-05T00:13:36.665+10:00

I was watching this video of the beatification of Blessed John Paul II and I was struck by a thought while Pope Benedict XVI was kneeling in front of the coffin of the Blessed JPII in prayer. In pagan Rome, it was made lawful (and mandatory) that the emperor be declared a god to be worshipped. In Catholic Rome, JPII was declared to now be among those blessed to forever worship God and serve him

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-17003087708593028252011-06-04T23:07:00.000+10:002011-06-04T23:07:28.545+10:00

is not an unimpressive list of such milestones of civilization that one has to marvel at some of the shrill criticisms she gets. But that's to be expected, I suppose: we tend to see and cite the negatives much more than the positives, especially in a cynical age such as this. But any sincere critic should see things collectively before weighing in. A spade is a spade, of course, and that goes

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-41072111196879117652011-05-23T23:29:00.001+10:002011-05-23T23:35:03.808+10:00

Very succinct observations and very powerful insights (LifeNews).

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-64221020704747400972011-05-21T01:10:00.002+10:002011-05-21T01:10:46.556+10:00

.. and, if I may suggest, blogging. ;-)

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-1541320344462247132011-05-02T22:42:00.001+10:002011-05-02T22:42:22.971+10:00

Papa Benedict VI pays tribute to JPII in the way we should venerate the heroes of our faith: honoring them, so that all receive honor in the body, to the glory of God and the edification of all the faithful.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-26935404685487893742011-04-21T11:01:00.000+10:002011-04-21T11:01:22.234+10:00

Cathlab episode 68 (mp3 with notes) starts with a concise report on both moral as well as medical issues surrounding IVF. No one should cast aspersions on those who have sought recourse in IVF, and certainly not on those who were conceived using IVF. But what is known about the nature of the marital act and human reproduction, and about the outcomes of IVF, should not be ignored. Both should be

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-87554129453885609772011-04-14T12:58:00.000+10:002011-04-14T12:58:04.326+10:00

From NCRegister.com -- and why they should, I think. Jennifer Fulwiler gives an excellent teaser of Simcha Fisher's critique of what Jocelyn Nubel wrote in support of Planned Parenthood. Jennifer nails it by quoting Archbishop Fulton Sheen:  To a great extent the level of any civilization is the level of its womanhood. When a man loves a woman, he has to become worthy of her. The higher her

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-43571153343387899342011-04-14T00:12:00.000+10:002011-04-14T00:12:57.864+10:00

LifeSiteNews.com reports on this man whose love of life and levels of hope are sadly incomprehensible to what are becoming truly cynical societies in many affluent countries.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-25803614688198943692011-04-13T23:24:00.001+10:002011-04-13T23:37:01.230+10:00

While meditating on that episode at Cana, where Jesus changed water to wine during a wedding feast, a new thought struck me about our Lady's behavior. She told Jesus that the hosts had run out of wine, and the words of his response: "My hour has not yet come." What does his mother say? Does she tell him "son, listen to mother" or "please" or "as you wish"? No, she just tells the servants: "Do

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-12894659025312873062011-04-09T00:53:00.000+10:002011-04-09T00:53:49.739+10:00

Let that sink in, then listen to this podcast from Catholic Answers with Jeff Cavins as the guest.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-41176345488033599142011-04-09T00:33:00.000+10:002011-04-09T00:33:09.123+10:00

I'm okay, you're okay, we're okay? No, no, and no. Okay is not enough. Something mentioned in a forum I attended last night was the problem that many Catholics had, which would apply in or outside of Australia: we think that we're only called to be nice. No, nice is not enough. We need to be good -- holy -- so that we are more fit for every good work. Something I'd learned from the Called and

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-34114771544183201122011-03-27T00:24:00.000+11:002011-03-27T00:24:11.631+11:00

No, it's not a lenten fast. I am tempted to say that "life is getting in the way" but that would imply that this blog is not part of my life. I'd like to think that it is, infrequent as the posts are, because evangelization is part of my mission. And yet, as I tell my kids often, spending too much time speaking could mean not spending enough time listening. (Being a lecturer, and lecturing them

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-22891384249243574122011-03-15T14:30:00.000+11:002011-03-15T14:30:20.169+11:00

This report from LifeSiteNews.com (and the report it refers to) is troubling, to say the least. Proposed legislation is currently being debated in the Philippines where some form of sex education is mandated from Grade 5 and up. The bill does not mention parental input and opt-out rights, but it does mention government agencies who will design such a curriculum. What would happen if those

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-50067174057375767392011-02-26T01:36:00.000+11:002011-02-26T01:36:04.458+11:00

I came to some insights tonight while considering the arguments of proponents of the so-called "reproductive health" and "responsible parenthood" bill. I tend to argue from the perspective of harm because that is more readily tangible and simpler to describe. It is also easier to support on the basis of many scientific studies available online. On the other hand, a staunch advocate of

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-24699019311846452362011-02-17T23:56:00.000+11:002011-02-17T23:56:55.786+11:00

Kelle Hampton tells a beautiful story about the birth of her younger daughter, Nella Cordelia.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-84585332731598945052011-02-14T22:57:00.002+11:002011-02-14T22:57:35.773+11:00

Touchstone Archives: Children of the Reformation is a thought-provoking read. I think a few questions are left unanswered though, such as how today's pastors, recovering the orthodox Christian ethos, might navigate their way through the very factors that caused their forebears to fumble on such crucial matters. But someone has probably written about that already someplace.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-15506521895077771622011-01-27T00:52:00.003+11:002011-01-27T01:10:48.928+11:00

My understanding of this topic is far from thorough, so this may not make much sense. But the two non-equivalent concepts came to mind today, for no particular reason, then a few other thoughts came to mind. A covenant is supposed to be an exchange of selves, whereas a contract is an exchange of goods or services perhaps. Catholics, in particular, have a very strong sense of two things: marriage

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-39518838176633776892011-01-23T22:04:00.004+11:002011-01-23T22:09:31.002+11:00

Today's Second and Gospel Readings jumped out at me because my wife has just told my children that she is not Catholic. They haven't asked too many questions about it yet, but it will come, and it won't be easy to navigate these waters.  I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-72011085456984960042011-01-20T13:26:00.000+11:002011-01-20T13:26:16.077+11:00

.. for turning away gay couple [LifeSiteNews.com]. This jumped out at me: Judge Rutherford acknowledged that the Bulls had good reason to want to preclude what they regarded as immoral sexual activity in their home, but commented, “Whatever may have been the position in past centuries it is no longer the case that our laws must, or should automatically reflect the Judaeo-Christian position.”

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-42055627669769626522011-01-20T13:14:00.000+11:002011-01-20T13:14:33.286+11:00

.. which he ascribes pithily to this verse in Acts 2:42: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” [CatholicCulture.org]

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-48772835828274401302011-01-19T13:14:00.000+11:002011-01-19T13:14:25.094+11:00

.. thanks to NaproTechnology [LifeSiteNews.com].

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-40444093825004357832011-01-19T13:12:00.000+11:002011-01-19T13:12:11.512+11:00

.. but they report much more. God have mercy on the Church, and thank God for Pope Benedict XVI!

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-65605737710800729432011-01-13T00:24:00.001+11:002011-01-13T00:25:05.776+11:00

.. according to Eric Sammons, is to focus the benefits in sharing their faith. This is almost a note-to-self for me because I can get carried away by what's under the hood. Sometimes I can't help myself; the details provide so much insight and can be absolutely amazing. But .. it's about evangelizing, so it's not about what excites me, but what might excite the audience.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-53503376172871807672011-01-11T00:35:00.001+11:002012-01-12T14:11:45.016+11:00

As I have recently informed family and friends recently about this blog, it is probably appropriate to explain a few things about this blog. Why? I started this blog years ago as I began to journey deeper into my Catholic faith. This was mostly prompted by my having fallen in love with, married and now have four children with an Evangelical Protestant. But that was just the beginning. Back in

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-82250430527255053122011-01-10T14:42:00.000+11:002011-01-10T14:42:24.660+11:00

.. from Opus Dei. [Thanks to Rich Leonardi for the link]

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-10846608710066509752011-01-06T14:39:00.000+11:002011-01-06T14:39:46.636+11:00

-- since you can't legislate without a debate of the merits from either side. [Washington Post, Matthew J. Franck]

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-84314326463462640122011-01-06T14:15:00.000+11:002011-01-06T14:15:55.686+11:00

.. from John C. Wright's Journal is a must-read. [Hat tip to Mark Shea for this gem.]

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-25108970442143355992011-01-05T20:16:00.001+11:002011-01-05T20:16:25.260+11:00

From today's Office of Readings: man passes away, like a shadow. Nothingness, although he is busy: What keeps me busy? It is incredibly easy these days to be constantly doing something. This age of technology presents man with so many possible distractions, but only one thing is important, a certain Martha was told once. Why do I blog so much when there is so much more to gain in praying the

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-53093610756331258122011-01-04T13:33:00.000+11:002011-01-04T13:33:00.766+11:00

.. an interview with Jeffrey Tucker (NCRegister.com) where this jumped at me:   .. with liturgical music. Church music uses free rhythm that always points upwards in the same way that incense is always rising. This assists our prayer. Secular styles of music, in contrast, use rhythms that elicit temporal thoughts and emotions. Rock music points to nothing outside of itself, so it does not belong

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-49233080048317499212011-01-04T13:09:00.000+11:002011-01-04T13:09:08.424+11:00

.. and researchers can’t figure out why (Jill Stanek). Perhaps because, as other researchers have found, the problem is behavioral.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-1133430290291264562011-01-03T13:14:00.001+11:002011-01-03T13:14:38.686+11:00

My 11-year old son and I went to Mass this morning (Monday) because we were unable to receive Holy Communion yesterday, having missed the hour-long fast. I did tell him that it was not obligatory that he receive at every Sunday Mass, although it would be good whenever possible. He said he understood, but insisted that he wanted to receive today. This was no small thing because we would otherwise

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-12601417585680634562011-01-03T11:11:00.003+11:002011-01-03T11:43:08.070+11:00

in a historic service (Telegraph). Many would say that such conversions are unnecessary, but I think that it is always about conversion. Hearts must turn to God in such a way that the communion of saints in Christ is not just a loose confederation of like-minded Christians. Christ alludes to his unity with the Father (Jn 17) in what can only be a perfect unity. Such unity can brook no

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-7730642704504820112010-12-30T23:19:00.005+11:002010-12-30T23:32:33.573+11:00

On Christmas eve, the Holy Father gave a special address to the UK where he said,   Our thoughts turn back to a moment in history when God's chosen people, the children of Israel, were living in intense expectation.   They were waiting for the Messiah that God had promised to send and they pictured him as a great leader who would rescue them from foreign domination and restore their freedom.   

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-5808471376484027602010-12-25T02:23:00.000+11:002010-12-25T02:23:09.829+11:00

At the family Christmas vigil a few hours ago, Fr. Michael told us the story of what was to be a perfect Christmas Mass set up by a new parish priest. But there was a mishap involving the children playing Mary and Joseph, and the doll they were carrying to the manger. Despite the priest's consternation, all was well that ended better, for the following day, the sight of the doll in the manger,

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-16355661600933481702010-12-21T17:30:00.002+11:002010-12-21T17:30:33.797+11:00

The Professor is in, and there's so much of it to chew on.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-18853179528140627482010-12-21T01:39:00.003+11:002010-12-21T01:39:57.452+11:00

So says a group of New Zealanders who are calling out the government on policies that can be perceived to encourage abortion of those found in utero to likely suffer from Down syndrome. In highlighting how far this has already gone, they cite "around 90 per cent of these babies in some western countries having their lives terminated in utero."

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-84884936628682201322010-12-21T01:39:00.001+11:002010-12-21T01:39:06.629+11:00

No, that was a rhetorical question. Some people will print whatever they please. (You know, Uncle Diogenes is really good with pithy, funny and insightful. If you like 'em, please support them at Catholic Culture.)

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-60484532646942205142010-12-20T00:39:00.001+11:002010-12-20T00:45:12.722+11:00

Please join their Radio Club (pledge drive ongoing). I have been a Catholic Answers podcast listener for over three years now. Catholic Answers has enriched my faith, they have done so for countless others, and may continue doing so in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ across radio and the Internet. They answer questions, they offer hope and clarity, they give encouragement and support. We

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-88634708911509898582010-12-15T22:58:00.000+11:002010-12-15T22:58:11.567+11:00

I was checking on the gotquestions.org answer on the difference between the spirit and the soul, and I was bothered by this simple assertion in it that says "humanity is naturally evil". I have sent them questions about this, since it calls to question the God who created humanity. I suggested using St. Paul's assertion that sin came into the world through one man, and sin is the taint of evil on

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-31667215600464354112010-12-14T00:32:00.000+11:002010-12-14T00:32:39.241+11:00

.. from time to time at least, I must remind them that many who start out as Catholics later claim that they never got anything out of the Church. And I am reminded of this passage: We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn. (Mt 11:17). There is a first, perhaps a second reading, plus the Psalms and a Gospel reading at each Mass. The prayers in the Mass themselves

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-87585937279493852010-12-10T12:29:00.000+11:002010-12-10T12:29:13.100+11:00

As lucid a discussion as I can ever find in such a short space. It is a must-read for all, especially those who *think* they know what it's about (as I did!).

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-20446967165527986382010-12-08T13:03:00.001+11:002010-12-08T13:03:45.886+11:00

In other words, what's wrong with Sola Scriptura? Mark Shea at his best.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-39193714958114623922010-12-08T12:22:00.000+11:002010-12-08T12:22:19.108+11:00

A must read (to begin with).

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-26986740086166341352010-12-08T01:40:00.000+11:002010-12-08T01:40:25.163+11:00

That's the spirit of, um, Christmas Present (a knuckle sandwich).

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-47491247898370268232010-12-08T00:24:00.000+11:002010-12-08T00:24:05.673+11:00

From Sandro Magister. Pray for Christians that face persecution in the Middle East!

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-34397209472151509942010-12-05T00:51:00.000+11:002010-12-05T00:51:30.354+11:00

That's from the commemorative Mass of St. Andrew Dung Lac and companions, martyrs. The entrance antiphon says "We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For to us who are saved the word of the cross is the power of God." Now 1 Cor 1:18 says "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." So why the discrepancy?

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-33396242370589409972010-11-22T01:24:00.007+11:002010-11-22T02:03:30.215+11:00

So AFP reports that the Pope now allows condom use to reduce risk of HIV (reported here at TheAustralian.com.au), but in fact, he did not say that:  There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward recovering an awareness

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-14992582136499975002010-11-20T15:22:00.000+11:002010-11-20T15:22:04.488+11:00

Abortion is wrong, but this is worse.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-87169235137197045912010-11-18T22:53:00.001+11:002010-11-18T23:10:03.926+11:00

GotQuestions starts off by laying down its foundations: "We strongly believe that the Bible is to be our guide for faith and practice. While we recognize the value of church traditions, we refuse to accept any tradition that is not clearly supported by the Word of God." This is my response: The books and letters of the nascent Christian Church were written over a long period of time, from St.

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-89334224497081393002010-11-18T22:37:00.001+11:002010-11-18T22:38:24.874+11:00

My sister points to this site, Catholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism, and its questions that have gotten her confused. I'll try and sneak in my answers to the site's questions about Catholicism (from a Protestant perspective) and invite all who might wander in to chime in as you please. I'm not a trained Bible scholar nor a theologian, but I'll give it a go with what

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-69375272388150006502010-11-18T12:47:00.001+11:002010-11-18T12:48:21.044+11:00

Fr. Michael Sweeney has written two articles on this so far, and they are must-reads: Part 1: Introduction & Collaboration Between Laity and Hierarchy and Part 2: The Church is Neither an Absolute Monarchy nor a Democracy. There are probably rumblings about Church structure and governance in most parishes, especially in western/affluent countries. Some would even link this to the sex abuse

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10759573.post-35897818119610437852010-11-18T00:32:00.000+11:002010-11-18T00:32:45.878+11:00

From Archbishop Charles Chaput. (Link to Catholic Exchange)

Jeff Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766263101941796485noreply@blogger.com0