There is a National Magazine that would like you to believe that it carries on a serious conversation in both culture and politics. They even have a few writers that claim to be Catholic. In actual fact, from my perspective, they seem to have a group-think culture that does not like to hear opposing view-points or perspectives. I think they could be taken a little more seriously if they did not behave in such an adolescent manner. The habit of name calling is a school yard prank but they breath that air every day. Now their cover displays their name-calling habit proudly

One of their writers refuses to carry on anything close to reasonable discourse. I continuously take them to task for a discourse that, rather than dealing with what they write, will simply resort to "ad hominems." Normally I delete them, but I left the most recent one here to demonstrate how these people work. He called me squirrelly on another public blog, and labeled me prissy here. I believe he was comment #14. This is supposed to help me listen to his point of view?

Unfortunately, there are many Catholics who take what they write seriously, and even form their opinions of the Church on what they read there. This is a serious mistake. They have a right to their opinion, but it does not appear to me that this journal approaches their subject with anything resembling respect. And if they do that with a subject that I know so well, how am I supposed to recieve their opinion on other matters. I don't have to consider that anymore, I cancelled my subscription and have subscribed to "First Things" instead. For my money it is turning out to be a more enjoyable and respectful read.

posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. on 9:33 PM link

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posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. on 4:54 PM link

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Christ Conquers

You can read George Weigel's column at this web address each week. The November 27th article is stunning, especially the story about Fr. Mike of Siberia.

The idea of a “conquering” Christ makes some Christians nervous today. Yet one of the Church’s ancient hymns (and the signature tune for Vatican Radio) tells us, “Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat” -- Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ rules! At the beginning of a new liturgical year of grace, when the Scripture readings at Mass speak of the end times and the coming Kingdom of God, it’s not a bad idea to give a moment’s reflection to that sometimes uncomfortable phrase, “Christ conquers.”

Go read the whole article. It is an example how faith is not simply for today, but something we see fulfilled sometimes after a great deal of time and patience. Still Faith is what brings us through.

posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. on 3:19 PM link

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To Every Creature

Here is the PBLC Advent reflection for Tuesday December 3.

At the Formation house we used the readings for the feast, not the Advent weekday. What part of your life has yet to hear the good news? We are called to share the good news with every creature, but sometimes we limit its effect on us. Francis Xavier had an incredible zeal. How shall we imitate this aspect of our patron?

posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. on 9:36 AM link

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Canonization

Catholic World News reports:

On December 20, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints will read formal decrees regarding 19 candidates for beatification and canonization. These decrees will be formally approved by Pope John Paul II that same day.

This may be the day we are waiting for. The whole world will be waiting to hear of the beatification of Mother Theresa. Our little corner of the world is waiting to hear of the canonization of Blessed Maria de Mattias, foundress of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Her miracle was approved earlier this year.

posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. on 8:41 AM link

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