For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ---Ephesians 6:12
"The age of casual Catholicism is over; the age of heroic Catholicism has begun. We can no longer be Catholics by accident, but instead must be Catholics by CONVICTION." ---Fr. Terrence Henry TOR, Franciscan University of Steubenville
These look like ten excellent reasons for hope in the coming year, but I would add that we have two viable presidential candidates running for the Republican nomination who are Catholic. That's something you don't see often. In fact, I believe it's a first. And whereas Newt might be slumping in the polls, Rick Santorum is climbing rapidly. That, too, is hopeful!
Here's a link to last year's Top Ten Reasons For Hope by CatholicVote.org. Click HERE.
I know this is a day late... okay, two days late, but I've been traveling most of the Christmas holiday and purposely left my laptop at home. I didn't miss it.
Be sure to watch the whole video above. It's cute and hilarious. And although many churches are imitating this presentation on a smaller scale, THIS one is the ultimate to watch.
Since Newt Gingrich has become a serious contender for the presidency, lots of pundits have been sharing their opinions on the man...and his past. Most who have followed him closely for years have chosen not to be all that flattering. Peggy Noonan has been writing about him lately with both admiration and dread, as have George Will and several others.
My own opinion thus far is that I'm glad Newt is in the race, especially the debates, because he takes the discussion to a higher level. The personal baggage does not bother me, as Newt has undertaken the same religious path I took into the Catholic faith, and at the same time, entering the Church at Easter Vigil of '09. I am convinced of his sincerity and his love for the Eucharist. I share that.
The other baggage, being the career successes and failures, are fair game and should be vetted. Peggy Noonan feels we know too much about Newt to comfortably elect him. While I'm on the fence on electing Newt, I also share some of her concerns. I'm including the first three paragraphs of Peggy Noonan's latest column, and just to let you readers know, I agree with her only up to the middle of the last big paragraph near the very end (not included below) where she simply loses me. It sounds more like a description of Al Gore Jr. than Newt. Check it out.
The first potential president about whom there is too much information.
The Wall Street Journal: December 10, 2011
I had a friend once who amused herself thinking up bumper stickers for states. The one she made up for California was brilliant. “California: It’s All True.” It is so vast and sprawling a place, so rich and various, that whatever you’ve heard about its wildness, weirdness and wonders, it’s true.
That’s the problem with Newt Gingrich: It’s all true. It’s part of the reason so many of those who know him are anxious about the thought of his becoming president. It’s also why people are looking at him, thinking about him, considering him as president.
Ethically dubious? True. Intelligent and accomplished? True. Has he known breathtaking success and contributed to real reforms in government? Yes. Presided over disasters? Absolutely. Can he lead? Yes. Is he erratic and unreliable as a leader? Yes. Egomaniacal? True. Original and focused, harebrained and impulsive—all true.
Click on picture above for information about the author.
Also, I want to add that not everyone I link to below marches lock-step with me on every issue. But I link to them nonetheless because I think they are righteous. They have taken sides in their respective battles, political and/or religious, and have chosen wisely. May you do the same.
