During this election year, the Catholics really have to step up to the plate to defeat an incumbent who has and will continue to jeopardize our freedom of religion. Unfortunately, many Catholics are putting their politics ahead of their Faith. A lot of bishops and clergy are speaking up . . . but not enough considering what is at stake this election. Several of the non-Catholic conservative radio talk show hosts are confused by this because as one plainly said, "Isn't it a sin to vote for a declared evil?" The mandate against the Catholics and the democrats proclaimed platform of abortion and same-sex marriage goes against Catholic teaching . . . yet why isn't this being stated clearly from the pulpit?
One talk show host actually wondered if the Catholics were worried about their tax exempt status to speak out more firmly. If I'm remembering correctly, I believe the separation of church and state was to protect the church from the invasion of the government. Seems to me that with the mandate and fines proposed for any Catholic institution that doesn't provide birth control, etc. is a blatant invasion of the government and they have crossed the separation of church and state line. Frankly, I hear more concern from fellow parishioners after Mass than in Mass these days. I also hear from some parishioners who don't even fully understand what is at stake and are going for the lies being put forth by the anti-life factions in order to pull off a re-election.
It seems to me that whether or not the government can take away a tax exemption is a small thing in comparison to what the country will become if the government is allowed to shape our Catholic conscience by their mandates. Are we going to take the thirty pieces of silver and keep our mouths shut or are we going to have shepherds who will guard the flock rather than let us wander in and out of the laws of the church as we will and let the government guide our ways.
Our cat is still at the age where she can find new and interesting things to investigate. The other day, she discovered the fan. She wasn't sure about it but realized the air felt pretty good on a thick fur coat on a warm day. It kept her busy for about 20 minutes which was enough time for me to get some chores done without her 'help'. She has the bad habit of jumping up our legs when she wants attention. We are trying to train her to the errors of her ways but still have a few scratches to show for it.
