Baby-boomers Cause Social Security Crisis in Amercia

 

Lets take a moment to think about the Social Security Crisis. Social Security was a program established to care for the elderly, a safety net. The program was designed to have "The Many" (active working people) contribute to care for "The Few" (elderly). Yet the baby-boomers participated in and promoted to such an extreme in abortion, they killed so many, that "The Many" is now too small to care for the elderly.

The average birthrate in America is 1.2 children per married couple. This is to say, for every 2 people, they are replaced by 1. How can this reproductive rate sustain a program that requires an increasing reproductive rate, yet even more importantly, how can a society sustain itself when it continues to shrink?

Abortion is a killing ideology...... it not only kills the innocent child, the woman's soul, and is killing America.

When will the world open their eyes....... The only cure is "A Culture of Life!"

Three Benedictine Pillars for the Lay Person

Three Benedictine Pillars for the Lay Person

Over the past 25 years I have met with thousands of people who have felt that their life was not fulfilling, empty in some way, or at least, felt a sense of loss. It appeared after meeting with many of them that they didn’t have a planned structure to their life, actually they just flowed with the motion of the culture. As I asked them what their plan of life was, or how they structured their physical and spiritual day, most were at a loss for words. I couldn’t help but think that if they only had a plan established, some direction to balancing their life, they could grow, find significant fulfillment, and foster a sense of peace from within.

For centuries the Benedictine’s have adopted a way of life that includes three pillars:

1.                  Prayer

2.                  Work

3.                  Study

Each day consisted of elements that supported the three pillars. Their day begins and ends with structured prayer, and incorporates prayer time at specific intervals throughout the day.

Physical work is always included because we all gain benefit from physical exertion.

And to keep our mind stimulated and our psyche enriched, study of at least an hour or two day is a must.

This formula has benefited and sustained so many people: monks, nuns, priests, popes, and saints over the centuries. This method of balancing the earthly day have been tried and proven successful.

Why don’t we incorporate such a method for our own lives? Actually, doing so can be quite simple. The key is to actually develop a plan of incorporating this structure into our daily life and them implementing the plan.

In the beginning one could do the following:

Upon Awakening and Prior to Bedtime

Spend 15 minutes talking to God. You might want to pray the liturgy of the hours, read scripture, or just talk to God and listen for his response.

Mid-Day

Many of us have jobs where there is some degree of physical labor so this won't be a problem. Actually I can’t think or anyone who doesn’t have a way of partaking in some physical labor.

Evening

Identify a subject, a topic, or any area of interest that you might have and begin to study it, formally. You might want to begin learning Spanish, or studying the Saints, or geography. The idea is to stimulate the mind to learn something new, something that will help enhance your understanding of the world, yourself, and others. It is essential that we continue to stimulate the mind.

This simple formula can be used as a staring point and then be tailored to meet your needs as you progress in the journey of life. What is important is that the formula has a balance of the three pillars and that you identify what in each category produces fruit in your life. It isn’t meant to be a required task, but a framework that nourishes our mind, body and soul.

Give it a try, begin tomorrow……. Begin today formulating your plan and see how your life will immediately begin to change and the reward will be eternal.

Deacon Pat

Catholic Persecution

Homily – Deacon Pat

Luke 21:5-19 (33rd Sunday Ordinary Time)

We just heard in Luke’s Gospel some disturbing words. Jesus tells us:

1. Many will come in Christ’s name, but don’t be deceived.

2. There will be wars and insurrections.

3. Nations will rise against nations.

4. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues.

5. And you will be persecuted because of your faith.

He even stated that some of your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn against you, and some will even want to put you to death! Then he states: “But not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will save your lives.” So what is the message for us today? Well, I think we should begin with reflecting on this issue of persecution.

Are Catholics persecuted in our world today?

Are we persecuted for being catholic right here in Redding?

I think the answer to these questions and to the reality that surrounds our lives, has a lot to do with our current state in life, the truthful evaluation if we are seriously living an authentic Catholic Life. If we sincerely believe in the person and existence of Jesus Christ, his message, his teachings, then wouldn’t we expect to be in conflict with many of the people who in our world today? The same people who reject religion, reject morality, and immerse themselves in sin.The very things that happened during the time of Christ, and the time of the early church are still happening today. There really is a war between good and evil!

If you hate abortion, the death to innocent children, the life-long emotional and spiritual scaring to the parents who abort, and you voice your disapproval – that immediately makes you a target of the misguided pro-choice people.

If you proclaim the church teaching on homosexuality and the sinfulness of not restraining abnormal impulses, you are then chastised for being intolerant, judgmental, and inhumane by gay activists.

If you speak out or object to the Pagan approach our government takes regarding the education of our children on moral issues, you will be ostracized, demeaned, and persecuted.

If you voice your discontent regarding the pornography that has become commonplace within Television, and Movies approved for children as young as 13 –You are quickly dismissed for being a radical and an extremist.

These are but a few examples, there are many more, and persecutions take on many different shapes and forms.

My question to you is: Do you find yourself persecuted for your beliefs? If so, isn’t that what should be expected for a Catholic living in a world with such a distorted view. If Not, if you don’t find yourself amongst the persecuted, does that mean that you don’t look much different from the world around you. Does that mean that your life, your actions, and your relationships don’t visibly conflict with the immoral, unjust, and corrupt society that represents such a large portion of our world today?

Yes, this is a strong message. And it takes great humility to look at ourselves truthfully. To avoid self-justification, rationalization, and to honestly evaluate and judge. To judge ourselves in such a way as Christ would look at us.

The Gospel message today is strong and intense, but if you listen carefully, it also contains a promise of good news. Jesus promised that you are not to fear, that when persecuted and confronted, when asked to defend your beliefs and actions, there would be no need to prepare a defense a head of time, For Christ himself will give you wisdom. In other words, he will arm you with the truth, His truth. Yet, even with such truth, Jesus warns us that we will still be judged unfairly, we will be persecuted, that is our cross, but it doesn’t change the truth. We are to cling to the truth, the teachings passed onto us through the Bishops, united with our Holy Father and the Magesterium, then we have the wisdom of Christ Himself.

Christ tells us: “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Are you hated by anyone, if so, I hope it is because of your faith and what our faith stands for……  Wasn’t Jesus hated by Many?

I can remember a few years ago, speaking to an elderly priest, a holy man, actually a monastic hermit, and about our journey here on earth, our Christian journey. He stated that the world that we live in is like a river, and the current that flows within the river is like the culture that surrounds us. He stated that as Christians, especially Catholics, we must constantly swim against that current; that is what living a life of virtue, of good character, of Christian values, demands of us; to fight against the sin of the world. Yet, as soon as we stop fighting, as soon as we loose our fervor, as soon as become complaisant, we quickly become absorbed into the current, and begin to flow with the culture within it. This wise, holy man pointed out; It takes no effort to flow with the culture, because even dead fish will float downstream.

I will close with these simple but powerful questions; Are you swimming against the immoral, unjust, and sinful culture? Are you persecuted by those around you because of your faith, your belief in Christ, and your faithful adherence to the teachings of our church?

Or, are you….. just floating along……..

The message today in not one of Depression and Despair, but one of Hope, Truth, and Assurance. Today, many will hear reassurance that their fight against evil, their persecutions, and their endless struggles against immorality is exactly what Christ proclaimed would occur. It is exactly what Christ promised if we were to join the ranks of Christians. For others: who humbly and honestly identify that they have little to no persecution in their lives, might just hear a wake-up call, a call to action, a call to begin participating in the fight against evil.

The Gospel is “The Good News” for all who believe and accept it.

For all who embrace it.

For all who choose to pick up the cross and Live it!

A New Knighthood

The world is full of talented failures -- people who either didn't live up to their abilities, or who did, but in a way that diminished their humanity and their character.

God made us to be better than that. And our nation and our Church need His people to be better than that. Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10). Wisdom -- not merely the knowledge of facts or a mastery of skills, but wisdom about ourselves, other people, and the terrain of human life -- this is the mark of a whole person. We already have too many clever leaders. We need wise leaders. And the wisest leaders ground themselves in humility before God and the demands of God's justice.

People my age would do well to remember that. The reason is pretty simple: The older we get, the more clearly we see -- or think we see -- what's wrong with the world. It also gets harder to admit our own role in making it that way.

Over my lifetime, I've had the privilege of working with many good religious men and women, and many good lay Christian friends. Many of them have been heroic in their generosity, faith, and service. Many have helped to make our country a better place. And yet I think it's true -- I know it's true -- that my generation has, in some ways, been among the most foolish in American history. We've been absorbed in our appetites, naïve about the consequences of our actions, overconfident in our power, and unwilling to submit ourselves to the obligations that come with the greatest ideals of our own heritage.

Most generations of Americans have inherited a nation different in degree from the generations that preceded them. Our young people will inherit an America that is different in kind -- a nation different from anything in our past in its attitudes toward sexuality, family, religion, law, and the nature of the human person; in other words, different and more troubling in the basic things that define a society. My generation created this new kind of America. Soon we will leave the consequences to our children. Where the leadership and moral character of my generation failed, the next generation needs to succeed.

The task of Christian moral leadership that will occupy much of their lives in the future will not be easy. Guarantees of religious freedom are only as strong as the social consensus that supports them, but Americans often take their religious freedom for granted. Religious faith has always played a major role in our public life, including debate about public policy and law. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly guarantees this freedom. But that guarantee and its application are subject to lawmakers and the interpretation of courts. And lawmakers and courts increasingly attack religious liberty, undermine rights of conscience, and force references to God out of our public square.

This shift in our culture is made worse by mass media that, in general, have little understanding of religious faith and are often openly hostile. As religious practice softens in the United States over the next few decades, the consensus for religious freedom may easily decline. And that has very big implications for the life of faithful Catholics in this country.

Given all that, how do we live faithfully as Catholics going forward in a culture that's skeptical, and even hostile, toward what we believe?

Knighthood is an institution with very deep roots in the memory of the Church. Nearly 900 years ago, one of the great monastic reformers of the Church, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, described the ideal Christian knights as Godly men who

shun every excess in clothing and food. They live as brothers in joyful and sober company [with] one heart and one soul. . . . There is no distinction of persons among them, and deference is shown to merit rather than to noble blood. They rival one another in mutual consideration, and they carry one another's burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ.

Bernard had few illusions about human nature, and he was anything but naïve. Writing at the dawn of the crusading era, in the early 12th century, he was well aware of the greed, vanity, ambition, and violence that too often motivated Europe's warrior class, even in the name of religious faith.

Most of the men who took up the cause of aiding eastern Christians and liberating the Holy Land in the early decades of crusading did so out of genuine zeal for the Cross. But Bernard also knew that many others had mixed or even corrupt and evil motives. In his great essay "In Praise of the New Knighthood," he outlined the virtues that should shape the vocation of every truly "Christian" knight: humility, austerity, justice, obedience, unselfishness, and a single-minded zeal for Jesus Christ in defending the poor, the weak, the Church, and persecuted Christians.

Our life today may seem very different from life in the 12th century. The Church today asks us to seek mutual respect with people of other religious traditions and to build common ground for cooperation wherever possible.

But human nature -- our basic hopes, dreams, anxieties, and sufferings -- hasn't really changed. The Christian vocation remains the same: to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and, in following Him, to defend His Church and to serve her people zealously, unselfishly, and with all our skill. As St. Ignatius Loyola wrote in his "Spiritual Exercises" -- and remember that Ignatius himself was a former soldier -- each of us must choose between two battle standards: the standard of Jesus Christ, humanity's true King, or the standard of His impostor, the Prince of This World.

There is no neutral ground. C. S. Lewis once said that Christianity is a "fighting religion." He meant that Christian discipleship has always been -- and remains -- a struggle against the evil within and outside ourselves. This is why the early Church Fathers described Christian life as "spiritual combat." It's why they called faithful Christians the "Church Militant" and "soldiers of Christ" in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Church needs men and women of courage and Godliness today more than at any time in her history. So does this extraordinary country we call home in this world; a nation that still has an immense reservoir of virtue, decency, and people of good will. This is why the Catholic ideal of knighthood, with its demands of radical discipleship, is still alive and still needed. The essence of Christian knighthood remains the same: sacrificial service rooted in a living Catholic faith.

A new "spirit of knighthood" is what we need now -- unselfish, tireless, devoted disciples willing to face derision and persecution for Jesus Christ. We serve our nation best by serving God first, and by proving our faith with the example of our lives.

Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

The Catholic Church Always Leaves The Door Open - Should We?

 

Homily on Luke 15: 1-10

 

In this Gospel reading we hear of Jesus dining with the sinners and tax collectors.

And the Pharisee’s are scandalized by this, why?

Even their title, Pharisee, (Par-oosh—eea) means in Hebrew to be set apart.

This was the wisdom of the day that came from the Mosaic Law.

You separated yourself from the sinner; you shunned the sinner, for two reasons.

1.      If you didn’t, he may never fully realize the extent of how wrong his sin is and keep doing it.

2.      If you didn’t shun the sinner, his bad influences might start to affect you.

And to a degree, we still do this.

Saint Paul warns us in his letter to the Corinthians to be careful about the company we keep, and not to surround ourselves with friends who will discourage us from the spiritual life.  

In the early Church there was a renegade bishop who was putting forth false teachings even after repeated warnings from the apostles.

In one of Saint John’s letters he tells the people not to have anything to do with him, and that John has “given him over to Satan,” in other words, Excommunicated him.

But the difference between the Pharisee’s and Jesus, the difference between the Pharisee’s and the apostles, is that Jesus and the apostles always gave people the chance to repent.

The Pharisee’s didn’t.

In this gospel today, Jesus doesn’t deny that these people are sinners.

He indirectly calls them “lost” by means of the “one sheep,” and the “one silver coin.”

Jesus isn’t doing a warm fuzzy here.

He’s not denying the existence or the seriousness of sin.

But he is giving the sinner the invitation to repent.

I’ve always loved the sacrament of reconciliation, but I especially love the sacrament in regard to those who have seriously fallen away from the church.

I can recall not too many years ago having an in-depth conversation with one of my brothers (I have 5 of them).

I remember explaining what confession was and how it was a gift from God, and what it actually does within our soul.

I was surprised that although he had been a catholic his whole life, he actually knew very little about the sacrament.

Then I remember just how little I knew about my faith prior to my conversion of heart.

Just calling oneself a catholic doesn’t mean that you understand your faith.

I remember using the visualization of a chalice with him.

I explained that our sins are like rocks placed into the chalice.

And as the blood of Christ (Grace) is poured into the chalice, it cannot penetrate the sin, but rather rolls around it, and the chalice can never be completely full due to the rocks, due to our sins.

But by confession, by removing the rocks, by removing our sins, the blood of Christ, his grace, cannot only completely fill the chalice, but there is nothing to limit the amount that is being offered.

I can remember talking to my brother for about 45 minutes on confession and how a complete, well prepared, and truly contrite confession can change your life forever.

He got it……

For the first time in his life, he understood.

And then, the next day he called his local priest, made an appointment, and then gave a “true” confession, his first in 25 years, and probably his first “true” confession ever.

I can recall his telephone call to me the next day.

He stated that after he honestly confessed his sins, all of them, even the really embarrassing ones, and received absolution, he felt the weight of the world lifted off of his soul.  

He stated that he felt the rocks crumble, and that he was filled with such overwhelming peace, he felt pure, and empowered to turn away from all those things that had separated him from living a truly good life, a real Christian Life!

He stated that for the first time he felt something special when he prayed.

He stated that now, when he read scripture, it spoke to him louder than ever before.

It was now personal, he could feel God.

He stated that he had been awakened and was esthetic with joy.

He was having a Conversion right before me, a conversion of the heart.

It was by removing the rocks and allowing God’s grace to penetrate within him, that his spirit had been renewed, that spirit that had fallen asleep.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing.

But before one can be forgiven, they must identify their own wrong doings and want to be forgiven.

At times we must be that beacon of truth; we must speak the truth to those around us.

Yes, we all have a duty to hold the sinner accountable.

We all have a duty not to be permissive in our speech or behavior towards certain beliefs or activities.

But we always have to leave a door open for the sinner to return through.

And I have to say that is why I love being Catholic, and that is why I don’t think I could ever be anything but a Catholic.

I remember a comedian who once said: “I’m a Catholic, but I haven’t been to Mass for seven years.

I don’t give the Church my money.

I never go to confession.

I love being a Catholic because……. they never kick you out.”

Now while he was making a joke, there is some truth in what he said.

The Catholic Church always leaves the door open for repentance.

Every sacrament is an invitation to grow in holiness.

Every sacrament is an invitation to grow in the image and likeness of God.

Every sacrament is an invitation to change our lives.

Not unlike Our Holy Mother Church, we are to:

Always speak the truth,

Hold firm to our beliefs, our truly catholic beliefs as supported by Rome,

At times even call a spade a spade when it is done for the good of one’s soul,  

And surround ourselves with people who will help us grow spiritually.

We might even need to temporarily sever relationships when one is acting contrary to the faith and refuses to repent.

But, the door to reconciliation always remains open for the one who truly desires forgiveness.

This is our Faith.

This is our church.

This is…… the Good news!

Mount Lassen - My Spiritual Climb

Here is Mount Lassen, Less than an hour drive from Redding, California.

 The summit is at an elevation of 10, 500 feet.

Yes - It is still considered an Active Volcano.

May 22, 1915 - The final and most major eruption, as seen from Anderson, California. 

Anderson is 40 miles from the summit.

The trail-head begins at an elevation of 8500 feet.

And peaks at 10,500 feet.

Check out My Spiritual Climb

For Men Only !

The Famous PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)

Are You Man Enough?

The real question is: Are you man enough for a spiritual adventure that just might change you life?

Along with the “Men of Faith” Catholic Men’s Group, Deacon Pat Kearns from "Our Lady of Mercy Parish"  in Redding CA. from the Sacramento Diocese will lead another Spiritual “In-Motion” Retreat  while backpacking on the famous and beautiful Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

A group of Men (16 years old and above) will journey along the trail while incorporating spiritual exercises and manly adventures.


Each Day will consist of:

Morning and Evening Prayer

A teaching by Deacon Pat or another clergy on aspects of “Manly Character”

“An Hour of Silence” meditating on the lesson of the day while hiking

Evening Group Reflection and Sharing

As well as fellowship, laughing, joking, fishing, eating, campfires, and nourishment that feeds the soul.


When: Labor Day Weekend. The group will meet at Our Lady Of Mercy Parish in Redding CA on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 in the afternoon and caravan to the drop off point. The Spiritual Adventure will end on Monday, September 6th 2010 (Labor Day) midday.


Where: The Pacific Crest Trail Near Castle Crags State Park.

Cost: There is no cost. You are only required to supply your own food and supplies.

Information: For more information you can log onto www.catholic-men.blogspot.com or feel free to contact Deacon Pat Kearns at:   e-mail:    patkearns@sbcglobal.net.

Now more than even, Catholic Men need to unite, create friendships, support each other, and obtain spiritual nourishment in a method conducive to authentic manhood, as Godly Men!

Sarcasm

I have been thinking about Sarcasm and people who are sarcastic. 

I have a difficult time with Sarcasm, often not realizing, at least not initially, that someone is actually being sarcastic.

Have you ever noticed that many other cultures don't understand sarcasm.... they don't find sarcasm humorous at all. Actually, what is funny about the content of sarcasm?

Sarcastic statements are usually demeaning, rude, unflattering, mean, and spiteful. Yet they are disguised with a smiling face and administered camouflaged  for the evil they represent.

I have often pondered the idea that the person who finds themselves using sarcasm usually has within them an anger or resentment that cannot be self-contained and flows out onto others through sarcasm.

I have yet to know a healthy, happy and balanced individual who is sarcastic. 

Yet I have known, and even witnessed in myself (at times of imbalance) sarcasm that is a direct reflection of the turmoil that existed from within.

If we have a tendency to use sarcasm, we should take a close look at the words that we actually use and what we are saying. Take away the smile, and the choreographed timing, the intent and the words are just down right mean. Where is that anger and meanness coming from?

Sarcasm is just a tool to socially disguise our negative feelings of others and the world around us. Yet how many of you actually like be the the recipient of sarcasm? I don't! Do you?

The next time a so-called friend is being sarcastic, lets ask that person why they are so miserable. Let's help them see the meanness in their words and actions, and be a force of light and truth to the world around us.

All or Nothing

When it comes to issues of faith and morals, Catholicism is an All-or-Nothing proposition, because that's what our relationship with God needs to be. 

I have meet so many that say I am Pro-Life "But," or I am Catholic "But." 

There is no "Buts." 

You either are something or you are not, plain and simple, be true to yourself... be true to others, call it the way you really are.

You are either a Christian or not, you are either a Protestant, "A Protester" or not, you are either a Catholic or not....That is it!

Learn about Obedience and Peace (Homily This Weekend)

I have the honor of preaching again this weekend (6th Sunday of Easter) at the Saturday Evening Mass (5pm) and Sunday in Shingletown (12pm). 


The theme of the homily, inspired by Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 and  Jn 14:23-29 will be on Obedience and Peace.

If you would like a transcript of the homily, please visit my Homily Blog.

My Prayerful Quest Climbing Castle Craggs Mountain

I planned a day to climb a mountain, just me and my thoughts, a day as of old, a climb as a prayerful journey to feel God's presence. Here is "Castle Craggs" near Redding California, and I climbed it this morning as a spiritual journey.

Early in the morning I arrived at the Park.

The hike is a relatively short hike, 2.7 miles each way, only a 5.4 mile hike, but it climbs 2000 feet and is considered a "Strenuous" Hike.

I began the hike just as the sun was beginning to shine.

The trail was well maintained.

It didn't take long to begin to see a few glimpses of the destination point.

I was the only person on the trail in the early morning, what a great opportunity to share my thoughts and questions with God.

As I climbed, it become more and more beautiful.

There were many areas that trees had fallen onto the trail and a detour was needed.

In the distance I could see Mount Shasta, snow covered, the massive mountain almost blended right into the sky.

Castle Dome

As I ascended, the rock formations were not only huge, but magnificent!

With the ever increasing elevation, objects began to take on a whole new appearance.

Then the trail began to be a little more tricky and difficult.

Don't you just love the trees that settle themselves in areas of protection.

The air was so crisp and clear and there was such a silence that your thoughts were almost audible. 

I felt a surreal feeling of being high in the sky and surrounded with peace.

This was a great place to take a quick break, eat a power bar, 

drink some water, and just take in the God's creation.

And then back on the trail I encountered snow.

And then the snow was gone and the trail was once again visible.

The more I climbed, the larger details were exposed and I was able to see a much grander picture.

And then I made it to the Top. 

King of the mountain, 

at least King for the moment, 

but actually humbled by the experience.

The view of Mount Shasta from the summit.

Another summit view.

The view and surrounding area was breathtaking.

You could see for miles in all directions.

.....and then I began my decent from that holy and peaceful place, 

the summit, the highest place, the closest to God that I would reach today.

As I descended I began to summarize my reflections, my thoughts, and my inspirations......

It quickly became apparent, God sent his spirit to me today and spoke to me deeply, connected with my soul and refreshed my being....... I am forever grateful and humbled by His power and saving grace.

Here is a short video of some of my thoughts and reflection during the prayerful journey..