The iPadre Catholic Podcast

On June 29th, the cowardly Rhode Island State Senate approved a bill allowing civil unions among same-sex couples.  Governor Lincoln D. Chafee put the “gay” marriage issue at the top of his agenda upon his election last November.  This is an issue that has been fought long and hard and the Senate has entered this slippery slope.

Some Catholic politicians who are against “gay” marriage saw it as a compromise to please the crowds.  Yet, we all know that the homosexual activists will not be happy until they completely destroy the sacred covenant of marriage.  They feel that if marriage between two people of the same-sex is approved, it will become acceptable.  In fact, it may become acceptable, but it will never be moral.  We can legalize any immoral behavior, yet they will still remain immoral.  Law does not create morality, law is meant to protect people and society from immoral behavior.

I am really grateful for the outstanding leadership of my Bishop.  Bishop Tobin has been at the forefront throughout this battle and I am sure will continue fighting the “good fight of faith”.

The evil ramifications of this shameful and unjust law have already begun to surface.  Things that would ordinarily not be a problem will begin to surface.  One such issue is the power to officiate at one of these uncivil unions.  All clergy in the State of Rhode Island, in good standing are able to officiate.  In response to this, Bishop Tobin sent out the following Memorandum to the Priests and Deacons of the Diocese of Providence.

The recently approved “Civil Union” legislation in Rhode Island indicates that “officials empowered to certify persons in civil unions” include “every ordained clergy in good standing.” To avoid any potential confusion this new legislation might create for the Catholic community, I wish to emphasize the following:

Although the State of Rhode Island has now approved so-called “civil unions,” Catholic clergy of the Diocese of Providence are not permitted to officiate at, witness, participate in, or accommodate the “certification” of civil unions, or any ceremonies or activities related to that certification.

The civil unions approved by our state are morally objectionable.  They seek to simulate holy matrimony; they serve as an approbation of objectively sinful homosexual relationships; and they  may create confusion and scandal for the faithful.

I know that I can depend on your understanding and cooperation in this very important matter.  I you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your cooperation and for your faithful service to the Church.

With this in mind, maybe every Catholic should consider their own participation or support of these “civil unions”.  Anyone who is truly serious about their Catholic Faith must know that attending or supporting a “a sinful homosexual relationship” are themselves committing scandal and grave sin.  Jesus has some strong words for those who lead others into sin, or support people in their sins.  “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mt 9:42)  I would hope our Catholics take Our Lord’s words to heart!

Here is a great video by Fr. Barron!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1zr1LUOn4s

There is a great article in the Buffalo News about two Religious Brothers who are siblings and twins. They belonged to the Franciscan order for 65 years, entered on the same day and lived most of their lives assigned to the same Friaries. On June 2nd, they died only a few hours apart at 92 years old.

Read the whole article here.

Today, I was looking forward to a big day, something unprecedented in the news, you know, something that reads like this: “He’s Back – Jesus Returns”.  All kidding aside, I really didn’t think anything of it.  If you do a Google for dates the world is going to end, you’ll have enough to fill a pretty large dumpster.  If they keep guessing, someone is bound to hit the jackpot eventually.

It didn’t happen, or did it?  Although the world did not end and the final judgement hit the world as that misinformed dude over at Family Radio predicted, again.  But the reality is, the world has ended for some people and for these very same people Jesus has returned.  All of us know someone, either a close relative or friend, or some very distant acquaintance that we don’t really know at all met the Lord today.  Pick up the newspaper, or do an online search over at the professional obit people, and I can guarantee a large number of people saw Jesus Christ face to face and receive an immediate and particular judgment.  Every one of those people are either in “the blessed news of heaven-through a purification or immediately, –or immediate and everlasting damnation” (CCC 1022).

The stark reality is this: if Jesus comes today or in 10,000 years doesn’t matter at all.  What matters now is, are you ready if He comes for you today.  Most likely you will not hear a major commotion and blowing of trumpets and angels flying all of the place, you will close your eyes and immediately be in the presence of God and you destiny is sealed for all eternity.

So let me be a straight shooter.  If your living in sin, go to confession and get your life right before God.  If your living a good life, live a better life and if your living a very saintly life, your probably deluded and had better not think your doing so well.  “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand”, although we don’t know when each one of us will personally experience.  Just be ready, because Jesus Christ is coming for you and there is nothing that’s going to stop Him when your number is up!