7 Quick Takes Friday (set #153)

7 Quick Takes Friday

This week: Fireworks at the Synod on the Family in Rome. CS Lewis looked at why simply leading a “good” life is not enough. A wonderful video on the beauty and power of Mass. A mother tells of the impact Obamacare has had on her family. A scary-looking looking 3D printed weapon. Fr. Greg Boyle recounts the work of Homeboy Industries with gang rehabilitation. A prayer for a happy death.

— 1 —

The Synod on the Family is in process, now and in a year from now. Unfortunately, it has severely lacked transparency and been hijacked to a position contrary to infallible, unchangeable Catholic teaching by a minority of delegates. Father Zuhlsdorf has named it Latrocinium (the “Robber Synod”). The good news is the bishops in attendance have essentially revolted to stop such manipulations. The fall-out is far from over. Jimmy Akin has a good summary: Good news from the Synod of Bishops!.

One major “public face” of the synod has been a renegade Cardinal (to be completely honest) who has focused on Catholics “remarried” outside the Church and has made scandalous (yes, that is the right word) proposals. Unfortunately, Pope Francis has not shut this down so a great deal of confusion has been sown among the faithful as this Cardinal proceeds on a worldwide media blitz. The media love him (which alone should set off alarm bells).

Raymond Arroyo (EWTN World Over) recently interviewed Cardinal Raymond Burke. The questions and responses are both very, very good. Highly recommended.

Father Zulshdorf has a good combined commentary with Ed Peters (perhaps the best canonist we have) on the interview. See it in Play by Play: Card. Burke’s video interview recap!

— 2 —

Why be Christian or even believe in God? Is not the same end fundamentally reached by simply leading a “good” life? No, not at all. CS Lewis addressed this topic in an essay entitled Man or Rabbit?. Here it comes alive, wonderfully narrated and illustrated:

— 3 —

The beauty and power of Mass. Why? Our Lady of Mount Carmel in San Diego produced this very nice piece:

Spotted by Patrick Archbold

— 4 —

Patty Curran’s story is long (37 minutes), sad, but not uncommon. Obamacare is hurting millions and placing millions more in jeopardy. As bad as it is now, it will get much worse after (1) the 2014 mid-term elections, then (2) after the 2016 presidential elections, or (3) as soon as the government stops covering the losses of insurance companies forced to participate in it. This is a disaster caused by radical ideology.

— 5 —

This scary-looking weapon is really cool. It was made mostly on 3D printers. I, along with every other guy, need one of these!

— 6 —

Fr. Greg Boyle founded Homeboy Industries to help former gang members. Father gave this TEDx presentation 2 years ago on compassion and kinship.

Spotted by Billy Kangas

— 7 —

A Prayer for a Happy Death

O God, great and omnipotent judge of the living and the dead, we are to appear before you after this short life to render an account of our works. Give us the grace to prepare for our last hour by a devout and holy life, and protect us against a sudden and unprovided death. Let us remember our frailty and mortality, that we may always live in the ways of your commandments. Teach us to “watch and pray” (Luke 21:36), that when your summons comes for our departure from this world, we may go forth to meet you, experience a merciful judgment, and rejoice in everlasting happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!


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