Beer and Pretzels

I appreciate his mention of beer and pretzels. Inspired me to go out and get some pretzels!



Pax et bonum

The Catechism on Homosexuality

Chastity and homosexuality

2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,¹⁴¹ tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered."¹⁴² They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

2359 Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.

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America - Lonely People

This is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite groups from my youth.

I used to play it - but hadn't done so in years. I rediscovered the old sheet music I had for it - from 22 years ago! - and started playing it the other day. I just spent a while tonight working on a picking pattern.

Ah.



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Pete Seeger Collection

One of my musical heroes is Pete Seeger. Yes, I didn't always agree with him on all issues, but I did on many, and I admired his courage in standing up for what he believed. Plus, he's a great folk musician and an inspiration to me.

So it was with high anticipation I ordered the Smithsonian Folkways Collection, which has music from through out his career and a really nice book with explorations of his life and music.

I've read the text, and am working my way through the six cds.

It was well worth the price.

Pax et bonum

Franciscan Economics ...

Franciscan "economics" calls for us to live simply. We have to meet our needs and those of our families, certainly, but excess, accumulating unneeded wealth, etc., are not part of our charism.

Something to consider, though, is where we spend the money we do have. Are we supporting local, small, family-owned businesses, or corporate giants that harm the small and local? If we can buy local, why go to Amazon, big box chains, and other such places? They are undermining small businesses - look at what has happened to small bookstores, for example.

Do we buy Starbucks (there are many ethical reasons not to!) rather than coffee from the local coffee shop? Or even better (and cheaper) do we support ethical coffee companies and make our own?

We have to keep in mind how those companies produce the products we buy. Do they exploit workers? Do they pollute? And what do they do with their profits? Do they support immoral purposes and organizations?

In our spending, we have to keep in mind the good of others, and what is best for them and society.

Along that line, if we have excess, we are called to share that with others. We can donate money, our time, our gifts, to help others.

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Why Catholics Can’t Be Pro-Choice

Why Catholics Can’t Be Pro-Choice: Catholics cannot support abortion. The most reasonable position on abortion is to outlaw it, and our Faith clearly teaches that abortion is a serious evil. ...



Thank you Catholic Answers

Is Swearing a Sin?

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