Marriage's Meaning "Given, Not Constructed"

L.A. Prelates Clarify That Redefinition Isn't Possible
LOS ANGELES, JUNE 16, 2008 (Zenit.org).- As California's approval of same-sex marriage was set to go into effect this evening, the bishops of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles reiterated that marriage cannot simply be redefined, since it comes from God.In a statement today, the prelates noted that "persons with a homosexual orientation 'must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity,'" referring to statements from the national episcopal conference."Accordingly," they continued, "the bishops condemn all forms of violence, scorn, and hatred -- whether subtle or overt -- against men and women who are homosexual. All people, regardless of sexual inclination, are called to holiness; and 'should be encouraged to take an active role in the faith community' and to live according to its teachings.'"But respect, compassion and sensitivity for homosexuals does not mean that marriage can be redefined, the bishops affirmed, since marriage "has a unique place in God's creation, joining a man and a woman in a committed relationship in order to nurture and support the new life for which marriage is intended.""The meaning of marriage is deeply rooted in history and culture, and has been shaped considerably by Christian tradition," they wrote. "Its meaning is given, not constructed."The Los Angeles prelates suggested that benefits are already given to same-sex couples, without a need for marital status."For example, individuals can agree to own property jointly with another, and they can generally designate anyone they choose to be a beneficiary of their will or to make health care decisions in case they become incompetent," they explained. "Other desired benefits such as sharing in a partner's health insurance could be made available without the drastic step of a cultural or legal redefinition of marriage.""Let us strengthen our resolve to respect the dignity of each human being and to protect the sanctity of marriage, asking God's guidance in our efforts to promote the common good central to a free and democratic society," the bishops concluded.Marriage licenses for same-sex couples were set to be issued today at 5 p.m. Unlike Massachusetts, the first state to approve same-sex marriage, California does not have a residency requirement for marriages performed in the state. Thus, it is expected that same-sex couples from across the nation will now seek to marry in California.However, a proposed constitutional amendment on the California ballot in November would undo the ruling and again ban same-sex marriage.

The Eucharist From The Outside Looking In

I'm coming to realize I am a closed minded fool! I don't give two thoughts to what the Catholic faith must look like from the outside looking in. Lets take the Eucharist!

The Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is truly and completely the Body, Blood, soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread. I say AMEN!!! But I've never thought what that statement looks like to someone looking in. Without faith in who the Eucharist is, us Catholics look like we're off our rocker!

The most honest question to ask is "How can a person be a piece of bread?". Well... I could point out scripture that help explain the Eucharist. Then quote Church fathers. But I won't right now. I'll just give the answer. It's a very simple answer. The answer is "I don't know".

So looking from the outside my response to that answer is shocking. Catholics don't know how Jesus can be a piece of bread, yet still believe in the Eucharist?

Looking at things from this perspective I'm starting to understand why non-Catholics think we're out in left field.

I think the problem is with the question. Or a word in the question. "How?" There are many, many, many, many things the Catholic Church cannot explain, in detail "how" God does things. For example, creation of time, space and matter. We know God did create these things, but not how. We know when God speaks, things happen. literally! But how exactly that happens, we can only speculate.

A bigger problem with the question is a lack of understanding of the Eucharist. What I mean is, the question itself miss-represents what the Catholic Church teaches. The question doesn't take into account a very important part of the understanding of the Eucharist. "under the appearance of bread"!!!

It's not "Catholics believe the Eucharist is a piece of bread that is Jesus Christ." That is stated the wrong way and confuses the true understanding in the Eucharist. It should say "Catholics believe the Eucharist is Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread."

Sometimes the question itself assumes things that aren't there.

Talk at ya Later

A constitutional amendment making marriage legal only between a man and a woman introduced in U.S. House

A constitutional amendment making marriage legal only between a man and a woman introduced in U.S. House
The Marriage Protection Amendment of 2008 needs your support!
June 4, 2008
Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia has introduced the Marriage Protection Amendment of 2008 (H.J. RES. 89). This amendment to the U.S. Constitution would make marriage legal only between a man and a woman.
If you haven't heard about this, it is because the liberal media opposes it. So if they simply refuse to report it, citizens will know nothing about it and will not act on it.
As you know, Massachusetts has already legalized marriage of homosexuals, while the California Supreme Court has ruled all laws restricting homosexual marriage illegal. In both places, the courts ruled by a one vote margin. The goal of homosexual activists is to see homosexual marriage legal in all 50 states.
Rep. Broun needs co-sponsors for H.J. RES. 89. Please contact you Representative and ask him or her to co-sponsor H.J. RES. 89. Homosexual activists are determined to force homosexual marriage on America by using activist liberal judges, like those in Massachusetts and California. A Federal Marriage Amendment will finally put an end to activist judges tampering with the will of the people.

Take Action!
Send an e-mail your representative asking him or her to co-sponsor H.J. RES. 89.
Our system will automatically detect if your representative is one of the 18 co-sponsors and present you with a suggested "thank you" e-mail. If he or she is not a co-sponsor, our system will present you with an e-mail message urging your Member of Congress to support H.J. RES. 89 - the Marriage Protection Amendment (2008).
This is urgent -- please act today! This is very important: Please forward this to all your family and friends. They are probably unaware of H.J. RES. 89 because the media hasn't reported on it.