The great stumbling block--bad example

Jesus warns us of the terrible responsibility that we must set no
stumbling block in the way of another, that is, not give offense or
bad example that might lead another to sin. The young in faith are
especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be
passing on the faith. Jesus teaches that righteousness involves
responding to every situation in life in a way that fulfill's God's
law, not just externally but internally as well. Jesus says that evil
desires spring from the heart. That is why the sin of adultery must
first be dealt with in the heart, the place not only of the emotions,
but the mind, will, thought, and intentions as well.

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July 1st - St. Oliver Plunkett
Also known as
  ▪ Oileabhéar Pluincéad
  ▪ Oliver Plunket

Memorials
  ▪ 1 July
  ▪ 10 July in some parts of Ireland

d. 1681
Born in Loughcrew in County Meath, Ireland on November 1, 1625. In
1647, he went to study for the priesthood in the Irish College in
Rome. On January 1, 1654, he was ordained a priest in the Propaganda
College in Rome.  Due to religious persecution in his native land, it
was not possible for him to return to minister to his people. Ordained
priest in Rome, Oliver taught in Rome until 1669,
when he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.
Archbishop Plunkett soon established himself as a man of peace and,
with religious fervor, set about visiting his people, establishing
schools, ordaining priests, and confirming thousands.

1673 brought a renewal of religious persecution, and bishops were
banned by edict. Archbishop Plunkett went into hiding, suffering a
great deal from cold and hunger. His many letters showed his
determination not to abandon his people, but to remain a faithful
shepherd. He thanked God "Who gave us the grace to suffer for the
chair of Peter."

The persecution eased a little and he was able to move more openly
among his people. In 1679 he was arrested and falsely charged with
treason. The government in power could not get him convicted at his
trial in Dundalk. He was brought to London and was unable to defend
himself because he was not given time to bring his own witnesses from
Ireland. He was put on trial, and with the help of perjured witnesses,
was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn. With deep
serenity of soul, he was prepared to die, calmly rebutting the charge
of treason, refusing to save himself by giving false evidence against
his brother bishops. Oliver Plunkett publicly forgave all those who
were responsible for his death on July 1, 1681. On October 12, 1975,
he was canonized a saint.


Saint Quote:
Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to
construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations
of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be
its foundation.
--St. Augustine

Bible Quote
And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into
your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. Therefore now he is not a servant,
but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.  (Galatians 4:6-7)


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All of this abortion carnage brings to mind a poem by Alexander Pope
 on the Human response to evil.

Evil is a monster of such hideous mien
That to be hated needs but to be seen
                But seen too often
                Familiar with her face
                First we pity
                Then endure
                And finally embrace.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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