tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34428812012-01-03T06:33:09.023-06:00IntegrityAn examination of John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation <i><b>Christifideles Laici ("CFL")</i></b>.JACKnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-1060444297824433482003-08-09T10:51:00.000-05:002003-08-09T10:51:37.706-05:00Well, what is this? Could it be? Yep, it is. Click here and update your bookmarks, folks.JACKnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-1055953666102592812003-06-18T11:27:00.000-05:002003-06-18T22:07:48.033-05:00Shutting Down Integrity
I've been thinking about this for some time now, and I think it is time to end Integrity. I know, some of you slyly will point out that not much will change then, seeing as I rarely post anymore as it is. I've long strayed from my original purpose in starting this blog -- an effort to look at ChristiFideles Laici and help highlight the full nature of the lay vocation. JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-948050052003-05-23T17:21:00.001-05:002003-05-23T18:02:31.000-05:00A New Pistons Era?Last night my beloved Detroit Pistons lost a third straight game to the New Jersey Nets and stand ready to be swept. But I can't stop smiling. Much like team President Joe Dumars. Because the biggest victory of the night happened a half hour before tip-off when the stars aligned and the Pistons got the number 2 pick in the NBA Draft! Darko will be a Piston! (By all JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-934237342003-04-28T16:41:00.000-05:002003-04-28T16:41:59.340-05:00Thoughts On Mercy
Amy Welborn has posted some thoughts on mercy prompted by this past Sunday being Divine Mercy Sunday. She asks her readers to consider whether they truly believe in mercy for themselves. That reminds me of a long-running thought of mine about a sentence we say at every Mass: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." It is a JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-924595842003-04-11T19:39:00.000-05:002003-04-11T19:39:35.543-05:00As PromisedFrom a cab on Lake Shore Drive.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-924084322003-04-10T23:55:00.000-05:002003-04-10T23:55:52.530-05:00Technology Is IncredibleUnbelievable. If I have done this right, I have just posted to Integrity without a computer and from the comfort of my couch. Maybe tomorrow from a cab.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-912847602003-03-24T10:03:00.000-06:002003-03-25T21:12:21.000-06:00Update On The War
Although it isn't unsual for this blog, Integrity has been quite for some time now. I'm sure a few of you -- maybe -- are wondering about my thoughts on the war. Well, it's what I think about most these days, so I figured I would offer an update.
As many of you are aware, I was not convinced by the available evidence that this invasion met the just war criteria. I still JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-904381892003-03-09T23:00:00.000-06:002003-03-09T23:00:49.746-06:00Coming to Chicago? Stay With Monks
An interesting story from today's Sun-Times about the Benedictine monastery in the city of Chicago and the bed and breakfast that they run.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-902803862003-03-06T21:59:00.000-06:002003-03-06T21:59:09.746-06:00What This Average Citizen Wanted To Hear The President Say
For the past several months I have felt like a fish out of water. I'm conservative in my philosophy, Republican in my voting. But when it comes to the question of whether war against Iraq is justified, I find myself on the same side -- if not for the same reasons -- as mostly liberal Democrats. Based on what I know to date, I remain JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-900963092003-03-03T23:48:00.000-06:002003-03-03T23:50:26.000-06:00Therese
I promised that I would post this a few days ago, but got delayed. If you find yourself often complaining how there are no good movies out there, check out this website for the upcoming movie, Therese, a feature-length film about St. Therese of Lisieux by Luke Films that is scheduled for theatrical release in October 2003. Say a prayer for their efforts to bring this movie to theaters,JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-896691592003-02-24T16:17:00.000-06:002003-02-24T16:24:47.000-06:00A Question Bound To Irk People
I'm sure I will get flames for this, but I think it's worth thinking about: does just war theory support a preemptive strike by Saddam in order to protect his country from attack by the United States? I would suggest that the case, frankly, is probably stronger (on the imminence prong at least) for preemptive action by Saddam than the U.S. Now before I get a JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-893530252003-02-18T22:45:00.000-06:002003-02-20T19:00:51.000-06:00Dynamic vs. Static
I know it seems like I am the token anti-war apologist in St. Blog's. (Apologies to McGuinness, but I like the term for shorthand.) I post on the possibilities for war for two reasons: (1) because I'm trying to work out my own thoughts on the subject, and (2) I'm trying to raise questions that I fear many aren't considering when they reach their own conclusions about JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-890160082003-02-12T23:13:00.000-06:002003-02-12T23:21:20.000-06:00Before I Leave For My Business Trip
Let me bring to your attention to the Association of Students at Catholic Colleges and their blog. I received an email from their President, Tom Harmon, who asked if I could put the word out. It looks like a good endeavor, and as I owe much of my growth in faith to Protestant campus organizations, I'm eager to support Catholic ones. That said, I do wonderJACKnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-888823052003-02-10T18:59:00.000-06:002003-02-10T19:10:11.000-06:00Last War Post For Now
For those of you who follow Integrity -- are there any such people these days? -- you know that I've been thinking about this just war question a lot. Same today. In part, because I've been wondering if I was too testy in an email to Emily Stimpson and over on Mark Shea's site earlier today. If I was, I apologize to both of them.
But I've been bothered by a trend thatJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-888124392003-02-09T15:03:00.000-06:002003-02-09T15:11:09.000-06:00The Nuclear Question
I've reflected some on my discussions of yesterday with "Bobbert" (see entry below) and on this article by George Weigel. In that article, Weigel reflects on what constitutes reaching the "last resort" when dealing with the threat of nuclear attack.
I think Weigel makes a very valid point when he suggests that if “last resort” "is to have real meaning for statesmen, just JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-887826182003-02-08T21:50:00.000-06:002003-02-08T21:57:02.000-06:00These Questions Aren't Easy
Mark Shea's blog has been having a pretty active discussion of the impending Iraq war at this comments box. Just to show how there are serious arguments on both sides I thought I would post some links to an exchange between "Bobbert" and myself:
Here are the some ten posts in their chronological order. Not easy to say where the stronger argument rests. Both of usJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-887669012003-02-08T14:02:00.000-06:002003-02-08T18:56:08.000-06:00On The Impending War With Iraq
A lot of discussion has been happening around St. Blog's about the impending war with Iraq. (Yes, although I am hopeful it can still be avoided, I suspect military action will start in March.) Apparently, I am in the distinct minority in not being convinced that this war action would be just.
Notice I said just. I didn't say inevitable, necessary, or any of theJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-886228412003-02-05T20:03:00.000-06:002003-02-05T20:06:35.000-06:00American Idol 2
Okay, I think I am going to have to start posting predictions, because the two that I figured would get through to the next round did: Julie DeMato and Charles Grigsby. For the record, I voted for Charles. He's got a great voice. Now how could anyone think that Kimberly would win over Julie. (Face facts, folks -- they both have good voices, but Julie has a bit more .. shall JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-882293012003-01-29T16:02:00.000-06:002003-01-29T16:02:32.910-06:00I Never Knew Daytime TV Was ...
I've been home sick the past two days. (Of course, with my job that doesn't mean the work stops.) It appears the party-favor of choice at a friend's Super Bowl party was a virus. Anyway, after my deal closed earlier today, I turned on the television to watch some tv and wandered over to the Discovery Channel's Perfect Partner. Can't say I have ever heard JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-878457492003-01-22T10:10:00.000-06:002003-01-22T10:15:47.000-06:00How Feminists Were Duped By Roe v. Wade
Many today will write about the tragedy of the many unborn children who lose their lives because of abortions. But there is another aspect to the abortion debate that has always puzzled me. I have never been able to understand how abortion rights became the sacred cow for feminism. It seems entirely antithetical given that at the heart of all that is JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-862345242002-12-18T14:36:00.000-06:002002-12-19T10:48:11.000-06:00Thoughts On Boston
Up to now I have resisted posting any thoughts on Cardinal Law's resignation. For the most part, what is there to be said that hasn't been said countless times before? (Some bloggers should take note of that.) But the recent ridicule inflicted on Kairos Guy by G. Popcak has prompted some thoughts. Karios Guy, clearly expressing the frustration of a man who finds himself atJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-850859042002-11-25T20:27:00.000-06:002002-11-25T20:28:42.000-06:00You Know You're A Lions Fan When ...
... you turn on the game in the third quarter, see that the Lions are up by ten, and know -- with complete certainty -- that the Lions are going to lose the game. There has never existed an NFL team with greater skill at finding ways to lose football games than the Lions. If M&M (the GM and the Coach) didn't already deserve the axe at the end of the season JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-846156262002-11-16T03:09:00.000-06:002002-11-16T03:17:17.000-06:008 Mile
I just got back from the movies. Yes, I went to see 8 Mile. I know, some of you won't approve and may frown at my love for rap music. (My music tastes are very ecclectic and run the gamut.) Eminem's lyrics may be horrid at times, but there is no denying his skills. But I didn't go to see the film because of Eminem. I went because it was filmed in Detroit. Movies haven't been kind JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-841063362002-11-06T02:09:00.000-06:002002-11-06T02:53:02.000-06:00Michigan Reflections
For the first time in my life I feel some relief that I don't live in Michigan. Strange feeling given that it is my birthplace and beloved home. For those who don't know anything about Michigan politics, Granholm's election was no surprise. She led in polls from start to finish. Frankly, most expected her to win by more. And Michigan has never been a Republican state. JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-840400332002-11-04T21:43:00.000-06:002002-11-04T21:43:09.340-06:00Some Thoughts
I recently heard someone say a quote attributed to the late Bishop Sheen: "Christ spent thirty years obeying, three years teaching, and three hours redeeming." I have found the quote utterly fascinating. I've begun to wonder whether too often we see these events of Christ's life as disconnected, or that the first two for some reason should be discounted. I say this in no way toJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-840370732002-11-04T20:42:00.000-06:002002-11-04T21:44:43.000-06:00Making A Surprise Reappearance
Yes, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. I have returned to St. Blog's to make a few more posts (and then to slip back into hiatus for a while). First, let me say a thank you to the twenty or so loyal readers who visit Integrity each day. It is uplifting to know that, for whatever reason, a number of you in St. Blog's find enough value in what is posted JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-826335312002-10-07T07:36:00.000-05:002002-10-07T20:47:17.000-05:00St. Escriva, the Red Mass, and Vineyard Parables
Preface: I've gotten a few emails recently chiding me for my lack of posts on CFL. To a certain extent I accept the criticism. And I plan to get back to CFL very soon. Bottom line, though, those reflections take more time to produce. And, sometimes to move the dialogue on the vocation of laity forward it is easier to draw from other sources JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-822943812002-09-29T21:40:00.000-05:002002-09-29T22:16:34.000-05:00The No-Kneeling Rule
I know I am late to the party in commenting on this, but some recent posts on a few blogs and an NCR article sparked some thoughts on the subject of the directive that kneeling is not the licit posture for receiving communion in the United States.
For the life of me, I don't understand how this rule ever came up as topic of consideration. Maybe it's a big problem at JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-817277972002-09-17T11:19:00.000-05:002002-09-17T11:19:21.783-05:00Lawyers Making Sense?!
A lot of sites around St. Blog's are discussing Dreher's recent NRO article on libel/defamation suits. Throughout the flurry of activity in the comment boxes on these sites, you will find a number of comments from a handful of us lawyers. And they all strike a similar theme: (1) libel/defamation cases are difficult to prove, especially where the claimed damage is damageJACKnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-813808432002-09-09T19:49:00.000-05:002002-09-09T19:49:22.223-05:00Have To Love Blogger
Blogger ate my last post. But it did so in a fashion that prevents me from editing it by screwing up the edit hyperlink. I will try and fix it, but knowing Blogger, that may take some time.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-813804852002-09-09T19:39:00.000-05:002002-09-09T19:39:53.510-05:00More On The Fathers
Fellow blogger Locdog (see I linked you) has posted many comments below and on his own blog about my comments relating to the Church Fathers' view of baptism and my questions as to why Glen rejects their understanding of baptism (which he recognizes as being salvific). Now, I was tempted to not make a formal post in response to Locdog's arguments. Mostly, because my JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-813423042002-09-08T23:30:00.000-05:002002-09-09T13:52:38.000-05:00More On Baptism
Glen Davis has posted a reply to the recent posts by Sean and me regarding the meaning of baptism. I need to take some time to digest it, but some quick thoughts.
Glen starts with scripture and posits that the Bible states that salvation stems from placing one's faith in Jesus. He cites several passages of scripture to support this. Part of the difficulty, I think, is that JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-812794432002-09-07T10:30:00.000-05:002002-09-07T10:30:52.350-05:00I Will Make You A Deal
Clearly, Nihil Obstat must have posted about Integrity again because my site statistics have a few too many referral references from N.O's blog for that not to be the case. Oh, I'm sure the post makes sure to insult me with some overblown remark instead of merely pointing out some typos. Hey, Nihil, I'll make you a deal. I don't have time to proof-read this blog so JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-811789242002-09-05T02:07:00.000-05:002002-09-05T02:27:37.000-05:00The Fathers And John 3:5
Sean Gallagher and I have been having an interesting conversation with Glen Davis about the differences in the Catholic and pentecostal understandings of baptism and, in particular, John 3:5.
Recently, Sean added a reflection on John's use of "water" in his Gospel. I thought that I would add a post to our discussion on how some of the early church Fathers interpreted JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-811237332002-09-03T22:48:00.000-05:002002-09-03T22:54:01.000-05:00Best Legal Drama On Television
Hands down, it is The Guardian. All of you Law And Order devotees, catch your breath. I love that show, but come on: it's been on for eons and, as enjoyable as it is, it is running dry. Besides, as brilliant as it can be, it's not a pure legal drama. Ah, The Order part. So setting that to the side, The Guardian is wonderful. Simon Baker's understated JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-811211122002-09-03T21:47:00.000-05:002002-09-03T21:47:33.673-05:00Tales Of A Bachelor And The Supermarket
Random thoughts from my trip to the Jewel:
There is no such thing as "fresh" fruit and vegetables for a single person. Or at least they lose that state between the time you put them in the fridge and when you take them out to use them.
More men would wash their hair more often if manufacturers would sell shampoo in a bottle that a man could put in his JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-811124992002-09-03T18:23:00.000-05:002002-09-03T18:47:06.000-05:00Joining The Conversation
With the kind indulgence of both Sean Gallagher and Glen Davis, I have joined their dialogue. For those not following it, Sean and Glen have started a dialogue reflecting on the essentials of Christianity from both a Catholic and pentecostal perspective. Their current thread is focusing on who is a Christian, with the current subtopic being baptism. For the full JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-808188182002-08-28T06:20:00.000-05:002002-08-28T06:23:50.000-05:00Prayers
Earlier this month I posted a piece regarding Catholic devotional life and the direction my prayer has taken over the years. I invited comments from people regarding the structure and form of their prayer and devotional life. As mentioned last week, I've converted my prayer book into an electronic file, mainly so I could print it out and have a text that was easy to read. In the JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-807878512002-08-27T14:15:00.000-05:002002-08-27T18:19:39.000-05:00Last Installment On The Dreher Piece
Dale Price has an interesting take on the back-and-forth about the Dreher piece. He disagrees with my take that it results, in part, from a clash of cognitive approaches, suggesting instead that it is a clash of those who emphasize cardinal versus theological virtues.
First, a point of clarification about my original piece. I did not mean to suggest with JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-806022982002-08-23T00:27:00.000-05:002002-08-23T00:37:02.000-05:00Compassion v. Reason
A lot of hub-bub has been written recently about Dreher's piece in the WSJ. I've contributed my share to the war-of-words that is occurring in comment boxes all over St. Blog's. Personally, I understand the frustration Rod expresses. I would love to see the problems of the Catholic Church in America resolved too. And, yes, I would love to hear the Vatican tell us what JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-806010722002-08-22T23:52:00.000-05:002002-08-22T23:52:42.830-05:00An Explanation
No posts recently. The explanation: I have been taking time off to allow me to convert my handwritten prayer book into an electronic file. It was becoming difficult for me to read and unusable. Well, the conversion is done and it's some 150 pages long! Given that the original was no more than 60 pages, you can imagine how small the print was! In the next few days I may post JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-798791372002-08-06T00:43:00.000-05:002002-08-06T00:45:37.000-05:00The Devotional Life
A number of bloggers have been discussing prayer and various devotions, particularly the Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary. I have to agree with this thought on Disputations: if a devotion isn't helping you advance in holiness, then maybe you shouldn't keep that devotion.
When I rediscovered my Catholic faith during college, I began to explore the many devotions JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-798759662002-08-05T23:19:00.000-05:002002-08-05T23:24:01.000-05:00On Being a Shepherd
A long time ago, I commented that one of the things the bishops ought to do in the wake of the recent scandals was to reflect on their role as shepherds and rededicate themselves to it. I thought this would be a positive way to address their own responsibilities; not the mea culpa everyone was clamoring for, but a positive step forward nonetheless. During my time before theJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-798609722002-08-05T16:25:00.000-05:002002-08-05T16:27:44.000-05:00Is It Even Worth My Time?
It seems that Nihil Obstat has egg-shell thin skin. Let me be very open about my opinion of Nihil Obstat's site. I don't like it. I know blogging tends to gravitate towards nitpicking of the work of others and deconstruction of their arguments. But N.O.'s site is silly. The author is living in a dream world where one's credibility is determined by the ratio of JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-795296162002-07-28T21:13:00.000-05:002002-07-28T21:15:14.000-05:00New Link
I just discovered (via Tim Drake's blog) that Stuart, a friend and classmate of mine from HLS, has a blog: The Buck Stops Here.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-795259742002-07-28T19:17:00.000-05:002002-07-28T19:41:11.000-05:00The Laity And The Re-Evangelization
Reflections on CFL: Paragraph 33
I think it is fitting that we are reflecting on paragraph 33 of CFL during the close of World Youth Day 2002. The theme of WYD this year is: "You are the salt of the Earth ... You are the light of the world ..." This is a call not just to the young, but to the whole of the laity. As the Pope comments here in CFL, we all JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-795176792002-07-28T14:31:00.000-05:002002-07-28T14:38:13.000-05:00Bzz! Wrong Answer, Nihil Obstat!
Once again, it appears N.O. has tired of limiting his posts to comments on the spelling and grammar errors of St. Blog's members. Now, apparently N.O. is in charge of defining the proper use of the blogging medium. Sorry, N.O., but dozens of posts every day is not the defining characteristic of blogs. If you knew some of the pre-history to the Blogger era of JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-792763712002-07-22T18:17:00.000-05:002002-07-25T20:52:23.000-05:00Whoa! Is That A New Post?!
Yes, loyal reader, it is. I checked the stats counter just before signing into Blogger. I was amazed. Despite my not posting anything of substance for over a month, a good number of you still drop by each day to see if there is anything new on Integrity.
Thanks for your patience. Over the past month, I've been out of pocket due to vacations, weddings and JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-786944682002-07-08T13:14:00.000-05:002002-07-08T13:14:41.243-05:00It's Official!
Yes, Nihil Obstat finally has a post pointing out an error found on Integrity. Some three weeks ago, I used the word "wet" instead of "whet" in the phrase "whet your appetite". ( I mentioned long ago that I type what I hear.) Of course, I noticed the error several weeks ago, but I have been too busy to post to Integrity and felt it unnecessary to correct it. Nihil Obstat must JACKnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-781235252002-06-24T02:00:00.000-05:002002-06-24T02:03:35.000-05:00Ovation
Either the Ovation Network knows I'm up late trying to get work done before a busy new week, and is tempting me to procrastinate, or it only airs this show in the wee hours of the morning. What am I referring to? A BBC program on the collabortion of Virgin Records and an Abbey of monks to produce a Gregorian chant CD. It's a fascinating look -- both funny and serious -- at the JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-780094522002-06-20T22:49:00.000-05:002002-06-20T22:52:00.000-05:00Fulfilling Best Man Duties
I'm the best man for a life-long friend and his wedding is coming up this July 13th in Gross Pointe Farms, Michigan. Well, I just got off the phone with him and he informed me of two bits of distressing news. First, the reception hall has backed out and will no longer be able to hold his reception for 200+ guests. Second, their scheduled organist for the wedding JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-779653802002-06-19T23:21:00.000-05:002002-06-20T18:56:36.000-05:00Best Fifteen Bucks I Have Spent In A Long Time
As many of you know, I'm always in search for resources that can help lay Catholics live out their mission and vocation more fully. There are a number out there (e.g., CFL, the writings of Bl. Escriva), but to date I have never come across one I considered extremely helpful for the day-to-day efforts at living out the call to holiness.
That was,JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-779636972002-06-19T22:38:00.000-05:002002-06-19T22:44:35.000-05:00Updates To Links
I have made a few updates and done some pruning of the permanent links to the left. In addition to Maureen (mentioned below) and Catholic Light, make sure to visit what is fast becoming one of my favorite blogs: Disputations.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-779630122002-06-19T22:21:00.000-05:002002-06-19T22:21:40.120-05:00Welcome!
To anyone arriving via Maureen McHugh's A Religion of Sanity: welcome! Reflections on CFL can be conveniently accessed from the list in the grey column to the left. To my regular readers I offer an apology for the slowdown in posts. I'm still struggling to get the work build-up from my vacation under control, making for many long days at the office (and, from the looks of it, JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-779622132002-06-19T22:02:00.000-05:002002-06-19T22:02:06.933-05:00News From Chicago
I have only lived in the Archdiocese of Chicago for coming up on two years. Still, I have grown to respect and admire Cardinal George and his approach to things. Follow this link for a press release regarding the Archdiocese of Chicago's implementation of the Charter. In my opinion, eminently reasonable. Tells people the Archdiocese of Chicago is working to implement the JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-779093462002-06-18T18:09:00.000-05:002002-06-19T00:01:13.000-05:00I Had Better Be Careful
Those who read Integrity carefully are probably aware that I make my fair share of typos and grammatical errors, but try to correct those I discover. (One of the problems of being someone who writes what he hears.) Well, there's a new watch dog on the prowl in St. Blog's, Nihil Obstat, standing ready to correct the rest of us when we slip up. I sure hope N.O. has some JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-778173002002-06-16T15:24:00.000-05:002002-06-16T22:08:32.000-05:00I'm Back
Well, I am back from vacation and will be posting new reflections on CFL shortly. I had a chance to catch EWTN's wrap-up special on the Dallas conference. (Probably the best way to watch it, anyway.) I will keep my comments brief as I didn't see most of the proceedings and haven't read the documents (and don't intend to).
From what I saw, the conference was a waste and an effort JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-775360042002-06-09T15:14:00.000-05:002002-06-09T15:14:20.473-05:00Sorry, But I've Been Busy
I am sure many of you have been waiting to see the next reflection on CFL. Unfortunately, things have been very busy at work this week, trying to get everything under handle before my vacation starts this weekend. Although I hope to have a series of posts after work tomorrow, frankly, I don't know if that will happen. So don't be surprised if Integrity remains JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-775359892002-06-09T15:13:00.000-05:002002-06-09T15:48:24.000-05:00Cardinal George's Column In The Catholic New World
Anyone who can get a print copy of it should read Cardinal George's most recent column in the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago, The Catholic New World. (The online version tends to be a week behind. Hopefully, they will post the column before the Dallas Conference.) His column is one of the most insightful I have read about the scandalJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-774432622002-06-06T20:49:00.000-05:002002-06-06T20:49:17.020-05:00Now That's Rich
I just got a telephone call from my alma mater (University of Michigan) hitting me up for a donation. What was the pitch? Some new chair they want to endow? A new curriculum initiative? Nope. I was told I should help my university because rankings are based in part on how much support alumni provide. Please! I'm supposed to open my checkbook because you want to improve JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772954522002-06-03T13:16:00.000-05:002002-06-03T13:17:40.000-05:00Article From First Things
A while back, I mentioned this article written by a good friend and law school classmate of mine. The article is now available here at the First Things website.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772759192002-06-03T00:05:00.001-05:002002-06-03T00:05:22.310-05:00Latin Scripture Quote Of The Day
""Ego sum panis vivus, qui de caelo descendi. Si quis manducaverit ex hoc pane, vivet in aeternum; panis autem, quem ego dabo, caro mea est pro mundi vita."" (Evangelium Secundum Ioannem 6:51.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772759082002-06-03T00:05:00.000-05:002002-06-03T00:05:02.670-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Elizabeth of Hungary. You can learn more about her here. (Yes, the Hungarian people have been blessed with several lay saints.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772311302002-06-01T17:25:00.000-05:002002-06-01T17:26:43.000-05:00Emails and The Readers' Reflections Feature
Wow, I've received more email since my Friday posts than I probably have at any other point during the life of Integrity. Let me just thank all of you who wrote. As I said in a previous post, I think Friday's comments were accurate but read as if I am more disillusioned than I am.
Also, you will notice the Readers' Reflections link that appears JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772104342002-06-01T00:07:00.000-05:002002-06-01T00:07:12.180-05:00Forthcoming Encyclical
EWTN's The World Over reports that the pontiff is working on a new encyclical whose subject is the Eucharist. Now, if that isn't a reason to pray for the pope's continued health, I don't know what is. What a treasure it would be and, from EWTN's report on the pope's comments about it, a helpful thread to understanding all of the pope's encyclicals. JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772095912002-05-31T23:38:00.000-05:002002-05-31T23:42:26.000-05:00Pretty Glum, Huh?
Just re-read that last post. Boy, pretty glum. I don't deny still feeling the post reflects some of my mellowing with respect to the blogging phenomenon, but it sure reads like a downer. Nothing like a 7-0 victory for my Wings to put a good spin back on things. I do have an idea and, with the help of readers, I hope it will work. As soon as YACCS lets me create an account JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-772007942002-05-31T18:20:00.000-05:002002-05-31T18:31:56.000-05:00Maybe I'm Just Depressed ...
... but I have been reconsidering this whole blogging endeavor. For the fifty or so of you who drop by each day, don't worry. I fully intend to continue posting to Integrity until we have gone through all of CFL. After that, well, we will have to see.
There are a number of reasons for this. To be honest, one of the first ones was the lack of feedback I received JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-771314632002-05-30T00:10:00.000-05:002002-05-30T00:10:26.016-05:00Latin Scripture Quote Of The Day
"Videns autem centurio, qui ex adverso stabat, quia sic clamans expirasset, ait: "Vere homo hic Filius Dei erat."" (Evangelium Secundum Marcum 15:39.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-771312232002-05-30T00:01:00.000-05:002002-05-30T00:01:34.696-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Two for the price of one today. Today's lay saints are St. Isidore the Farmer and his wife, St. Maria Torribia. You can learn more about both of them here and here.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-771084772002-05-29T12:52:00.000-05:002002-05-29T12:53:56.000-05:00Feedback Update
I want to thank the two readers who took the time to email me their comments on Integrity. Although two isn't a great sample, they are the ones who responded. Both had the same basic comment: they visit for the reflections on CFL and wish they were posted with greater frequency. Everything else is just trimmings. I have been hoping to establish a more regular schedule for JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770701762002-05-28T12:45:00.000-05:002002-05-28T12:46:21.000-05:00Pick-up Lines
Emily Stimpson finds the Catholic pick-up lines developed by Envoy Magazine lacking. I'd agree, although I thought the "Confess here often?" one was funny. Alright, Emily, as a twenty-something single Catholic male, I will do my part and ... point to a list of already written Christian pick-up lines at Catholic-Pages.com. (You didn't think I was going to draft a list myself, didJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770664152002-05-28T10:58:00.000-05:002002-05-28T10:58:54.000-05:00The Half-Way Point And Feedback
We have reached the half-way point in our reflections on CFL. I think it is a good time to pause and evaluate how things have gone so far.
To do that, I need your feedback. From the start, I understood that Integrity, with its unique purpose and focus on examining CFL, would have a very different life than most others at St. Blog's. My readership is lower. I JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770631552002-05-28T09:15:00.000-05:002002-05-28T21:03:31.000-05:00Been Away For A Bit?
Haven't been to Integrity in a bit? Or want to see what you missed over the long weekend? Well, stay a spell, scroll down and check out what's been posted since your last visit. In addition to today's reflection on CFL's Paragraph 32, two other reflections have been posted: On Paragraphs 28 and 29 (find out why St. Maximilian Kolbe's witness is so important) and On JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770537702002-05-28T01:14:00.000-05:002002-05-28T01:14:41.023-05:00The Laity's Co-responsibility For The Church's Mission: An Introduction
Reflections on CFL: Paragraphs 32
We have reached Chapter Three of CFL. Previous chapters focused on the dignity of the lay faithful and their paticipation in the Church's communion. Now the pontiff turns his attention to the lay faithful's participation in the Church's mission.
"We return to the biblical image of the JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770537542002-05-28T01:13:00.000-05:002002-05-28T01:13:50.180-05:00Latin Scripture Quote Of The Day
"Beati pacifici, quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur." (Evangelium Secundum Matthaeum 5:9.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770537292002-05-28T01:12:00.000-05:002002-05-28T01:12:57.803-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Louis IX, king of France. You can learn more about him here.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770342752002-05-27T15:09:00.000-05:002002-05-29T16:34:43.000-05:00Lay Associations and Pastors
Reflections on CFL: Paragraphs 30 and 31
As we discussed in the last reflection, the laity have a freedom to associate in groups. We've seen a number of groups form in reaction to the current scandal. In Boston, for example, there is the Voice of the Faithful. I'll leave critique of that group to other bloggers. Instead, I just note that Cardinal Law's cautionsJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770330872002-05-27T14:33:00.000-05:002002-05-27T15:05:03.000-05:00Memorial Day and Fr. Capodanno
Today's Memorial Day. I can't say I have ever treated it much differently than any other government holiday. That said, things seem a bit different this year. My father served in the U.S. Navy and my brother currently serves as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
I know many Christians who cannot comprehend how people of faith serve in our Armed JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770326482002-05-27T14:18:00.000-05:002002-05-27T14:19:18.000-05:00Latin Scripture Quote Of The Day
"Accurrens autem Philippus audivit illum legentem Isaiam prophetam et dixit: "Putasne intellegis, quae legis?". Qui ait: "Et quomodo possum, si non aliquis ostenderit mihi?". Rogavitque Philippum, ut ascenderet et sederet secum." (Actus Apostolorum 8:30-31.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-770321722002-05-27T14:02:00.000-05:002002-05-27T14:02:38.953-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Monica. Most of you should be familiar with her story, but you can read more about her here.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769908362002-05-26T10:52:00.000-05:002002-05-26T10:52:43.356-05:00Latin Scripture Quote Of The Day
"In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum." (Evangelium Secundum Ioannem 1:1.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769907382002-05-26T10:48:00.000-05:002002-05-26T11:01:14.000-05:00Reflection Updated
The last reflection on CFL has been finished. If you have been waiting for it, click here to go to the post.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769820112002-05-26T01:16:00.000-05:002002-05-26T01:16:48.930-05:00My Letter To Cardinal George
When I attended the recent Chicago Forums, I went as an observer. Mainly, I wanted to get a sense of what others were thinking and feeling about this scandal. I also went to be able to report back here on what happened.
Recently, though, I have decided that I needed to add my voice to the mix. So I drafted and sent a letter to Cardinal George in order to JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769818752002-05-26T01:10:00.000-05:002002-05-26T01:22:20.000-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Victor of Marseilles. You can learn more about him here.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769725112002-05-25T18:55:00.000-05:002002-05-25T18:56:33.000-05:00Does Anyone Else Find It Odd ...
... that, with all the calls from some for us to face the truth head on and call it as it is, they have chosen the cryptic "The Situation" to refer to the scandal?JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769673272002-05-25T15:19:00.000-05:002002-05-25T15:19:01.480-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Notburga. You can read more about her here.
P.S. Yes, I know the last reflection on CFL is incomplete. I'll finish it, but the Wings game is on right now.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769408002002-05-24T17:52:00.000-05:002002-05-26T10:46:36.000-05:00Unique And Irrepeatable
Reflections on CFL: Paragraphs 28 and 29
In this next section of CFL the pope explores the ways the laity participate in the life of the Church, both individually and as a group.
But his introduction to the section is of particular note. For it shows once again the personalist philosophy that is the foundation for JPII's understanding of the world. The pope tells us JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769347252002-05-24T14:37:00.000-05:002002-05-25T15:25:08.000-05:00Why I Don't Watch Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly's latest column for World Net Daily is on, of course, the Catholic Church. It is yet another reminder of why I no longer watch the man's shows or buy into his self-promotion.
When the O'Reilly Factor first appeared on the air I watched it with great devotion. It was a breath of fresh air. But as time went on -- and O'Reilly's popularity grew -- IJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769219732002-05-24T08:16:00.000-05:002002-05-24T08:16:45.836-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Philip Howard. You can learn more about him at these two sites.
P.S. I have fixed the archives. So feel free to check out the old posts again. (Don't know why it keeps taking them down.)JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769087662002-05-23T22:04:00.000-05:002002-05-23T22:14:01.000-05:00New Link And Goodnight
Most people find Integrity through one of two or three portals. So when Man Bites Blog appeared in the list of referral sites, I had to check it out. Now how could I not like a Blog that combines two things I love: the Church and sports. (I have to agree with his assessment that the Wings-Avs series is shaping up to be a classic. Of course, as a true Detroiter, that isJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769042212002-05-23T19:52:00.000-05:002002-05-23T19:53:31.000-05:00Illinois vs. Indiana
Hmm, I used to think that St. Blog's was dominated by Hoosiers. Now, I'm beginning to wonder. Could it be that Illinois claims the greatest share of us? Let's see: there's me, Summa Contra Mundum, In Formation, Oremus, and, based on her posts today, I think a case can be made to include Fool's Folly in our totals.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-769037072002-05-23T19:36:00.000-05:002002-05-23T19:36:46.163-05:00It's Not Easy Being Me
Plenty of "Who Are You?" quizzes on the net, but this one intrigued me (and suprised me with the results):You are Kermit!Though you're technically the star, you're pretty mellow and don't mind letting others share the spotlight. You are also something of a dreamer.Take the What Muppet Are You? Quiz!JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768973592002-05-23T16:20:00.000-05:002002-05-23T18:48:51.000-05:00At Least The Lawyer Was Thinking
From the Weakland settlement agreement:"7. As a condition precedent to the payment of the sum set out in paragraph 1, Paul J. Marcoux agrees not to publish and not to disclose to any third party, including, without limitation, any newspaper, any electronic media, reporters, and any other individual, or to release for publicity any of the allegations which he has JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768928842002-05-23T14:13:00.000-05:002002-05-23T14:28:53.000-05:00Of Course, She's Wrong
Amy and her husband have tag-teamed in defense of her husband's post earlier this week on rumors that a Cardinal is an active homosexual. I don't intend to post on this subject after this, but -- at least as far as the criticism I levied -- she and her husband's defender have got it wrong.
I don't deny the possibility that the rumors are true or that they could have JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768915042002-05-23T13:34:00.000-05:002002-05-23T19:46:09.000-05:00Rediscovering The Meaning Of Parishes
Reflections on CFL: Paragraphs 25 through 27
This past weekend, I commented on the importance of the parish in the midst of the neighborhood. Fittingly, our next section of CFL looks at the lay faithful's participation in the life of the Church as expressed in the life and mission of the particular Church and its smaller unit, the individual parish.
SomeJACKnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768811482002-05-23T08:24:00.000-05:002002-05-23T08:24:18.983-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Normally, I choose a blessed or saint to honor and introduce each day. I thought I would make an exception this morning and present to you the story of Venerable Pierre Toussaint. (Can't think of a better last name for a saint in the making, either.) Say a prayer for the glorification of this holy servant of God.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768629042002-05-22T20:06:00.000-05:002002-05-22T20:06:12.513-05:00This Could Be Interesting
Those of you who are regular readers of Integrity know that I am always searching for things that help the lay Catholic live out his part in the mission of Jesus Christ. Recently, I came across a copy of this little book: The Everyday Apostle, by Fr. Edward F. Garesché. I haven't read it yet. It's the Table of Contents, with headings like "The Apostleship of JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768419342002-05-22T10:06:00.000-05:002002-05-22T11:26:05.000-05:00Newspapers On The Chicago Forums
I've noticed that a lot of bloggers have already linked to the Chicago Sun Times' coverage of last nights forums. I had to laugh when I read the article. Oh, don't get concerned, the article is fine, but it should be clear to anyone who attended the Holy Name Cathedral forum it speaks about that the reporter stayed less than half an hour. The quotes she offersJACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768413352002-05-22T09:47:00.000-05:002002-05-22T13:43:40.000-05:00Field Report From Holy Name Cathedral
Yesterday, I attended one of the forums sponsored by the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago. The forums were held throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago in order to give the laity and others an opportunity to have their voice heard with respect to Archdiocese policies regarding clerical misconduct and sexual abuse. The forums were also meant to be a vehicle JACKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442881.post-768303572002-05-22T00:46:00.000-05:002002-05-22T00:46:21.626-05:00Today's Lay Saint
Today's lay saint is St. Ladislas, a king of Hungary. You can learn more about him here.JACKnoreply@blogger.com0