I honestly was shocked when I read this article:
http://news.aol.com/article/church-welcomes-guns-at-july-4-bash/514621
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 5) - A Kentucky pastor is inviting his flock to bring guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.
New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church June 27, a Saturday. An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety.
The New Bethel Church in Louisville, Ky., has invited gun owners to bring their handguns to church the Saturday before July 4th. Here, Pastor Ken Pagano sits in the church sanctuary and discusses the event
"We're just going to celebrate the upcoming theme of the birth of our nation," said pastor Ken Pagano. "And we're not ashamed to say that there was a strong belief in God and firearms — without that this country wouldn't be here."
The guns must be unloaded and private security will check visitors at the door, Pagano said.
He said recent church shootings, including the killing Sunday of a late-term abortion provider in Kansas, which he condemned, highlight the need to promote safe gun ownership. The New Bethel Church event was planned months before Dr. George Tiller was shot to death in a Wichita church.
Kentucky allows residents to openly carry guns in public with some restrictions. Gun owners carrying concealed weapons must have state-issued permits and can't take them to schools, jails or bars, among other exceptions.
Pagano's Protestant church, which attracts up to 150 people to Sunday services, is a member of the Assemblies of God. The former Marine and handgun instructor said he expected some backlash, but has heard only a "little bit" of criticism of the gun event.
John Phillips, an Arkansas pastor who was shot twice while leading a service at his former church in 1986, said a house of worship is no place for firearms.
"A church is designated as a safe haven, it's a place of worship," said Phillips, who was shot by a church member's relative for an unknown reason and still has a bullet lodged in his spine. "It is unconscionable to me to think that a church would be a place that you would even want to bring a weapon."
Phillips spoke out against a bill before the Arkansas General Assembly that would have permitted the carrying of guns in that state's churches. The bill failed in February.
Pagano, 50, said some members of his church were concerned that President Obama's administration could restrict gun ownership, and they supported the plan for the event when Pagano asked their opinion.
Marian McClure Taylor, executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches, an umbrella organization for 11 Christian denominations in Kentucky, said Christian churches are promoters of peace, but "most allow for arms to be taken up under certain conditions."
Taylor said Pagano assured her the event would focus on promoting responsible gun ownership and any proceeds would go to charity.
"Those two commitments are consistent with the high value the Assemblies of God churches place on human life," she said in an e-mail message.
Pagano is encouraging church members to bring a canned good and a friend to the event. He said guns must be unloaded for insurance purposes and safety reasons.
He said the point was not to mix worship with guns, though he may reference some passages from the Bible.
"Firearms can be evil and they can be useful," he said. "We're just trying to promote responsible gun ownership and gun safety."
END STORY
Now don't get me wrong...I'm a 2nd amendment advocate, although I don't own guns myself. However, to specifically celebrate the 2nd amendment by outwardly bringing handguns into a house of worship; I don't know, does this seem off to anyone else???
On the lighter side of the news, Lori and I got the gazebo up in the backyard and I stole James' bicycle to get supplies at the drug store instead of driving. Man, did I have fun - haven't ridden a bike since about 11th grade, I guess. I may have to get my own bike and get myself back into shape with it.
Pax et Bonum,
Thomas
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Daily Mass Readings
Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20
Tobit 13:2, 6-8
Mark 12:38-44
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
"Pro-life"???
How ironic that, under the banner of “preserving life”, a man gets murdered in his own house of worship.
Dr. George Tiller, a high-profile provider of late-term abortions, was gunned down in his Wichita church, Reformation Lutheran, where he was serving as usher. The early speculation is that the suspect, Scott Roeder of Kansas City, Kansas was a “pro-life” activist.
How does one promote respect for the dignity of human life at the barrel of a gun??? Where does the cycle of violence end? Will it end when Scott Roeder is convicted and executed? Will it end with the next late term abortion? Will it end with the next clinic bombing? Will it end when Tiller’s replacement arrives at the clinic? Killing is wrong, whether it be by late-term abortion, gunshot wound, or lethal injection. If you want to characterize yourself as “pro-life”, you can’t simply pick and choose the lives you believe deserve protection. Every human being, from womb to tomb, from embryo to George Tiller, possesses an inherent right to life. It is not for us to judge whether someone is worthy of that right.
Dr. George Tiller, a high-profile provider of late-term abortions, was gunned down in his Wichita church, Reformation Lutheran, where he was serving as usher. The early speculation is that the suspect, Scott Roeder of Kansas City, Kansas was a “pro-life” activist.
How does one promote respect for the dignity of human life at the barrel of a gun??? Where does the cycle of violence end? Will it end when Scott Roeder is convicted and executed? Will it end with the next late term abortion? Will it end with the next clinic bombing? Will it end when Tiller’s replacement arrives at the clinic? Killing is wrong, whether it be by late-term abortion, gunshot wound, or lethal injection. If you want to characterize yourself as “pro-life”, you can’t simply pick and choose the lives you believe deserve protection. Every human being, from womb to tomb, from embryo to George Tiller, possesses an inherent right to life. It is not for us to judge whether someone is worthy of that right.
Some thoughts from people a lot smarter than me:
- “’Vengeance is mine, I will repay’ says the Lord” – Romans 12:19
- "The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will acclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation...” – Pope John Paul II
- “Did Jesus come only to the innocent, or is there a way that we can stand in the dignity of all human life, even those among us who have done terrible crimes?” – Sister Helen Prejean
- “If one contends, as we do, that the right of every fetus to be born should be protected by civil law and supported by civil consensus, then our moral, political and economic responsibilities do not stop at the moment of birth.” - Joseph Cardinal Bernadin
- “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” – Mohandas K. Gandhi
- “Those who seek a pro-life culture must accept that we will never persuade all 300 million American to agree with us. A pro-life culture can only be built from the ground up, person by person.” – Congressman Ron Paul.
Pax et Bonum,
Thomas
Daily Bible Readings
Tobit 1:3, 2:1a-8
Psalm 112:1-6
Mark 12:1-12
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Winds of Pentecost
We can't always see how the Spirit works in our lives. He nudges, breathes on us, urges us forward, waits for us to take our action. Wind - we cannot see it, per se, but we can witness its effects; the gentle movement of our hair in a light breeze, a palm tree bent over from the hurricane's gale, the flicker of a candle next to an open window.
The Spirit moves in these secret circles, stirring up the fires of our faith, breezing us into action, keeping us strong when we think our strength is gone. My faith had been lackadaisical for awhile (look at the inconsistency of my blogging!) In the last week, without planning much of it, I went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, got enrolled in Brown Scapular, applied for the local Ancient Order of Hibernians division, brought my dad to Mass, and had a wonderful brunch with an old friend today.
I'm also excited because my dad and I enjoyed our outing so much that we are going attend a Latin Mass next week - something I have never experienced. Really looking forward to it!
The Spirit has breathed on the embers of my seemingly dormant faith and - for the time being - a cozy little fire is crackling on the hearth!
Come Holy Spirit!
Pax et Bonum,
Thomas
Daily Mass Readings
Acts 2:1-11
Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7
John 20:19-23
The Spirit moves in these secret circles, stirring up the fires of our faith, breezing us into action, keeping us strong when we think our strength is gone. My faith had been lackadaisical for awhile (look at the inconsistency of my blogging!) In the last week, without planning much of it, I went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, got enrolled in Brown Scapular, applied for the local Ancient Order of Hibernians division, brought my dad to Mass, and had a wonderful brunch with an old friend today.
I'm also excited because my dad and I enjoyed our outing so much that we are going attend a Latin Mass next week - something I have never experienced. Really looking forward to it!
The Spirit has breathed on the embers of my seemingly dormant faith and - for the time being - a cozy little fire is crackling on the hearth!
Come Holy Spirit!
Pax et Bonum,
Thomas
Daily Mass Readings
Acts 2:1-11
Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7
John 20:19-23
Monday, May 4, 2009
I felt you touch me, Lord
Just grateful to be alive, grateful for my family - my wife, my children. Grateful for you, my Risen Christ and the gift of vocation you have given me, even if I am unsure what that wholly entails!
I look past my primary vocation of husband and father so many times that I forget it is a vocation at all. It is sacramental and holy, and I have to try not to take it for granted. It is the the day-to-day that I can become most intimate with you, my Brother Jesus. I must do better to hear the whispers, instead of trying to tune in to thunderclaps that may not come.
Francis and Clare help to to hear!
Pax,
Thomas
Daily Mass Readings
Memorial of Saint Athanasius
Acts 9:31-42
Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
John 6:60-69
I look past my primary vocation of husband and father so many times that I forget it is a vocation at all. It is sacramental and holy, and I have to try not to take it for granted. It is the the day-to-day that I can become most intimate with you, my Brother Jesus. I must do better to hear the whispers, instead of trying to tune in to thunderclaps that may not come.
Francis and Clare help to to hear!
Pax,
Thomas
Daily Mass Readings
Memorial of Saint Athanasius
Acts 9:31-42
Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
John 6:60-69
Friday, March 6, 2009
Another step...
Last night on the spur of the moment, I decided to "give up" my beard for at least the remainder of Lent.
It wasn't easy shaving, let me tell you. I had been growing it out for almost 2 months. I loved to groom it, to shape it, to play around with it absentmindedly. I looked at it in the mirror every chance I got. I was very proud of it. And all that is why it had to go.
I spent more time fiddling around with that thing than taking care of the house, playing with my kids, spending quality time with my wife (who hated it, by the by). It became a source of ridiculous obsession, of self-absorption, which is exactly what someone like me ought to be avoiding, especially during Lent.
The time I spent grooming my lovely beard will be better spent.
Daily Mass Readings
Ezekial 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5:20-26
It wasn't easy shaving, let me tell you. I had been growing it out for almost 2 months. I loved to groom it, to shape it, to play around with it absentmindedly. I looked at it in the mirror every chance I got. I was very proud of it. And all that is why it had to go.
I spent more time fiddling around with that thing than taking care of the house, playing with my kids, spending quality time with my wife (who hated it, by the by). It became a source of ridiculous obsession, of self-absorption, which is exactly what someone like me ought to be avoiding, especially during Lent.
The time I spent grooming my lovely beard will be better spent.
Daily Mass Readings
Ezekial 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5:20-26
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Taking some steps...
One of the things we're called to do during Lent is to sacrifice. Give up "the good stuff" for 40 days and become more Christ-like. What good, however, does it do us if we don't fill our perceived void with something good for someone else?
Our parish is having its annual Lenten Mission. There are presentations by various parish and diocesan personnel, to be discussed in small groups the following evening. Our Adult DRE asked if I would facilitate one of these faith sharing groups. "Perfect!", I thought. "I will be able to share my vast store of theological, philosophical, and pastoral knowledge with some of the 'flock' and bring them to a better place with God! Just what I need. Just what the parish needs!" Alright, maybe I was not THAT snotty about it, but sometimes my ego does enjoy hearing it self bellow. Anyway, I told Diane I'd do it and met with her this evening.
When I found out what would be involved, my bellow died with a whimper.
In the folder of materials Diane gave me was a list of what a facilitator in this type of group is not. The facilitator is not to teach, preach, moralize, solve problems, or theologize...you know, all the things I envisioned myself doing when I was first asked. The group facilitator is to encourage the spiritual growth of the group, to encourage the group to share their faith, to listen well, and be affirming. The group is not there for my take on the previous night's presentation - they are there to faithfully explore how God was speaking to them through the presentation, how it affected them, how they think it affects the parish community. My job is to guide the process...and pretty much shut up, with my giant ego in check.
Perhaps the sacrifice I am being called to this Lent is just that...to let other people do the talking and listen for a change. I need to strive to be more understanding than to be understood. I've centered my spiritual walk almost exclusively on myself for the past couple of years. And perhaps that is precisely the problem. It is in giving that we receive, in loving that we are loved...all that good stuff in the Prayer of St. Francis. Perhaps I ought to try to put that prayer into practice instead of merely reciting the words.
Amen, indeed.
Pax et Bonum,
Tom
Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19
Matthew 6:7-15
Our parish is having its annual Lenten Mission. There are presentations by various parish and diocesan personnel, to be discussed in small groups the following evening. Our Adult DRE asked if I would facilitate one of these faith sharing groups. "Perfect!", I thought. "I will be able to share my vast store of theological, philosophical, and pastoral knowledge with some of the 'flock' and bring them to a better place with God! Just what I need. Just what the parish needs!" Alright, maybe I was not THAT snotty about it, but sometimes my ego does enjoy hearing it self bellow. Anyway, I told Diane I'd do it and met with her this evening.
When I found out what would be involved, my bellow died with a whimper.
In the folder of materials Diane gave me was a list of what a facilitator in this type of group is not. The facilitator is not to teach, preach, moralize, solve problems, or theologize...you know, all the things I envisioned myself doing when I was first asked. The group facilitator is to encourage the spiritual growth of the group, to encourage the group to share their faith, to listen well, and be affirming. The group is not there for my take on the previous night's presentation - they are there to faithfully explore how God was speaking to them through the presentation, how it affected them, how they think it affects the parish community. My job is to guide the process...and pretty much shut up, with my giant ego in check.
Perhaps the sacrifice I am being called to this Lent is just that...to let other people do the talking and listen for a change. I need to strive to be more understanding than to be understood. I've centered my spiritual walk almost exclusively on myself for the past couple of years. And perhaps that is precisely the problem. It is in giving that we receive, in loving that we are loved...all that good stuff in the Prayer of St. Francis. Perhaps I ought to try to put that prayer into practice instead of merely reciting the words.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury,pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;to be understood as to understand;to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen, indeed.
Pax et Bonum,
Tom
Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19
Matthew 6:7-15
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The "Good" War?
The war in Iraq, in my eyes, has been quite easy to judge as far as morality goes: it was and is wrong. America invaded under false pretenses, there were no WMD's to be found, and let's face it, we wanted that oil! We've stayed far long after we were wanted or needed, and through our occupation, we've spawned a terrorist movement that never before existed in Iraq. Easy - The Iraq war is wrong. All the newspapers said so, all the pundits and talking heads on TV said so, even FOX news admitted it after awhile. It is easy to speak in opposition against something when you have a lot of company.
What of the war in Afghanistan, though? What of our other war?
Well - that's the "good" war isn't it? Afghanistan is the country where bin Laden is hiding, and where the Taliban operates from. That's where women have to wear burkas and men must wear their beards a certain length. That's the country where everyone hates Americans, where they celebrate the 9/11 attacks, isn't it? We must...
We must, what?
What specifically are we fighting for in Afghanistan. What is the good end we hope to achieve? Remove the Taliban from power, you say? We accomplished that on perhaps the third day of the bombing campaign almost 8 years ago. "Get" bin Laden, perhaps? Perhaps. But what will we do with him once we get him? Kill him outright, thereby creating a martyr figure far more dangerous than a frail, disavowed Saudi hiding in a cave? Put him on the world stage for a highly publicized trial that will showcase his jihad for al Qaeda and al Qaeda wanna-bes worldwide? Is it for humanitarian reasons? No. If we measured humanitarian aid by sheer numbers who need it, we ought to have our armies in the Sudan (but that's another blog).
It's none of that, really. We wish to exact revenge for the 9/11 attacks. Period.
After that day, we as Americans were forced to admit the vulnerability of our country. We were made to be afraid. And someone would pay, by God.
How specifically do we exact this revenge by turning our mighty weapons against a people who can't bake bread? How does lobbing cruise missiles at remote Afghan villages in the dirt, hoping we hit something, honor our fallen citizens? How can we as human beings justify the killing of innocents, simply because it was done to us first? How can we accept "collateral damage" when the vast majority of the casualties are just that? How do we fight a just war against a lawless enemy, with no home base, no accountability, no real military assets, and most importantly, no fear of our superior military or the consequences of war against us?
The Cold War stayed cold because of the threat of mutually assured destruction. America continues a Cold War mentality against an enemy that does not fear destruction. I heard an analogy at the beginning of the War on Terror that is incredibly apt, although it was dismissed at the time. Fighting against this enemy is like fighting a nest of wasps with a well-made baseball bat: You'll handily destroy the nest, sure, but then what? You're enveloped by thousands of ill-tempered, freshly homeless stinging insects. You'll swing and may even swap a few...but that won't matter much when you're covered in stings and full of the accumulated poison.
My point is simple. War is outdated. War no longer works. War succeeds in ironically emboldening and perpetuating that which it hopes to end. In the words of Gandhi, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." If we really wish this war to end, what we can we do, really? Do we continue our "destroy-the-nest" tactic that will slowly deteriorate our troops with thousands of accumulated stings? Or perhaps - we give our enemies less of a reason to be our enemies.
The Gospel is a good place to start.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"
- Matthew 5:9
Furthermore, there is a group of families - families of 9/11 victims - who have admirably found the true strength to turn the other cheek. They are n=known as The September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, and they have a fairly comprehensive blueprint aimed at ending the war and keeping the peace in Afghanistan. The bullet points of their recommendations are:
1. Set a swift timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO military forces, to be substituted by U.N. forces for short-term security.
2. Immediately cease air strikes on targets in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
3. Support negotiations between all parties involved in the conflict, including Afghan women leaders.
4. Reform humanitarian aid and reconstruction funding efforts to prioritize Afghan organizations over foreign contractors. Ensure that funded projects address the needs and requests of Afghans and are not simply pet projects of foreign donors.
5. Invest in long-term aid that increases self-reliance such as sustainable agriculture efforts.
6. Immediately discontinue the use of Provincial Reconstruction Teams, which are costly, inefficient, and have militarized the aid process.
7. Standardize, increase, and publicly document compensation to Afghan families and communities affected by U.S. military actions.
8. Sign the treaty to ban cluster bombs, pay for cluster bomb and landmine cleanup in Afghanistan, and pledge never to use these weapons again.
(Thanks to John Dear's column at National Catholic Reporter)
Please visit the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows' website and see these steps detailed, with more of their ideas on peaceful activism here:
http://www.peacefultomorrows.org/
Pax et Bonum,
Thomas
Daily Mass Readings
Hebrews 11:1-7
Psalms 145:2-5, 10-11
Mark 9:2-13
What of the war in Afghanistan, though? What of our other war?
Well - that's the "good" war isn't it? Afghanistan is the country where bin Laden is hiding, and where the Taliban operates from. That's where women have to wear burkas and men must wear their beards a certain length. That's the country where everyone hates Americans, where they celebrate the 9/11 attacks, isn't it? We must...
We must, what?
What specifically are we fighting for in Afghanistan. What is the good end we hope to achieve? Remove the Taliban from power, you say? We accomplished that on perhaps the third day of the bombing campaign almost 8 years ago. "Get" bin Laden, perhaps? Perhaps. But what will we do with him once we get him? Kill him outright, thereby creating a martyr figure far more dangerous than a frail, disavowed Saudi hiding in a cave? Put him on the world stage for a highly publicized trial that will showcase his jihad for al Qaeda and al Qaeda wanna-bes worldwide? Is it for humanitarian reasons? No. If we measured humanitarian aid by sheer numbers who need it, we ought to have our armies in the Sudan (but that's another blog).
It's none of that, really. We wish to exact revenge for the 9/11 attacks. Period.
After that day, we as Americans were forced to admit the vulnerability of our country. We were made to be afraid. And someone would pay, by God.
How specifically do we exact this revenge by turning our mighty weapons against a people who can't bake bread? How does lobbing cruise missiles at remote Afghan villages in the dirt, hoping we hit something, honor our fallen citizens? How can we as human beings justify the killing of innocents, simply because it was done to us first? How can we accept "collateral damage" when the vast majority of the casualties are just that? How do we fight a just war against a lawless enemy, with no home base, no accountability, no real military assets, and most importantly, no fear of our superior military or the consequences of war against us?
The Cold War stayed cold because of the threat of mutually assured destruction. America continues a Cold War mentality against an enemy that does not fear destruction. I heard an analogy at the beginning of the War on Terror that is incredibly apt, although it was dismissed at the time. Fighting against this enemy is like fighting a nest of wasps with a well-made baseball bat: You'll handily destroy the nest, sure, but then what? You're enveloped by thousands of ill-tempered, freshly homeless stinging insects. You'll swing and may even swap a few...but that won't matter much when you're covered in stings and full of the accumulated poison.
My point is simple. War is outdated. War no longer works. War succeeds in ironically emboldening and perpetuating that which it hopes to end. In the words of Gandhi, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." If we really wish this war to end, what we can we do, really? Do we continue our "destroy-the-nest" tactic that will slowly deteriorate our troops with thousands of accumulated stings? Or perhaps - we give our enemies less of a reason to be our enemies.
The Gospel is a good place to start.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"
- Matthew 5:9
Furthermore, there is a group of families - families of 9/11 victims - who have admirably found the true strength to turn the other cheek. They are n=known as The September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, and they have a fairly comprehensive blueprint aimed at ending the war and keeping the peace in Afghanistan. The bullet points of their recommendations are:
1. Set a swift timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO military forces, to be substituted by U.N. forces for short-term security.
2. Immediately cease air strikes on targets in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
3. Support negotiations between all parties involved in the conflict, including Afghan women leaders.
4. Reform humanitarian aid and reconstruction funding efforts to prioritize Afghan organizations over foreign contractors. Ensure that funded projects address the needs and requests of Afghans and are not simply pet projects of foreign donors.
5. Invest in long-term aid that increases self-reliance such as sustainable agriculture efforts.
6. Immediately discontinue the use of Provincial Reconstruction Teams, which are costly, inefficient, and have militarized the aid process.
7. Standardize, increase, and publicly document compensation to Afghan families and communities affected by U.S. military actions.
8. Sign the treaty to ban cluster bombs, pay for cluster bomb and landmine cleanup in Afghanistan, and pledge never to use these weapons again.
(Thanks to John Dear's column at National Catholic Reporter)
Please visit the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows' website and see these steps detailed, with more of their ideas on peaceful activism here:
http://www.peacefultomorrows.org/
Pax et Bonum,
Thomas
Daily Mass Readings
Hebrews 11:1-7
Psalms 145:2-5, 10-11
Mark 9:2-13
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