Overheard in the Sacristy

What should science trump?

By Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted | March 10, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

On Monday, March 9, President Obama signed an executive order that provides federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. This means that American taxpayers will now be paying for the killing of human beings at a very early stage in their lives (as embryos), so that scientific research can make use of them for experiments that may or may not yield positive results.

We U.S. taxpayers will now be forced to pay, whether we wish to or not, for the killing of our youngest brothers and sisters on the dubious hypothesis that their murders might, in the future, benefit others. Why did President Obama make this decision?

Should science trump ideology?

Our president’s rationale is that science should trump ideology. In other words, that ideology should not have the upper hand in making decisions about who pays for research; science should. We Americans, he says, should trust scientists more than we trust ideologues. But who is our president calling ideologues? Those whom he is calling “ideologues” include the following:

• Pope Benedict XVI and all faithful Catholics around the world;
• People of faith from all major religions who believe that human life, especially at its most innocent and vulnerable stage, needs to be protected, not killed for the sake of older human beings; and
• All people of good will who oppose the killing of one group of human beings in order to benefit another group.

“Science should trump ideology” is a code phrase that means science should trump the Fifth Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” It is contending that science should trump the right to life of a certain class of human beings, those who are at the embryonic stage of life. Science, according to our president, does not need to be at the service of the human person or subject to morality. How is this position not influenced by an ideology, which is the very thing our president claims he is seeking to avoid? Is this good for America? Is this what we Americans want our taxes to be used for?

Politics over science and ethics

Let’s be clear about what this presidential decree is about. It is not about overcoming a prohibition against embryonic stem cell research. Tragically, such research is already legal in many places in our country. Already billions of dollars of California taxpayers are funding such heinous research. So our president is not overturning laws that prohibit such research. It is already legal.

What President Obama is doing is forcing all American taxpayers to pay for this homicidal research. He is forcing us who pay taxes to be complicit, in an involuntary yet real way, in this unethical enterprise. All of this is done so that “science can trump ideology.”

Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said this: “President Obama’s new executive order on embryonic stem cell research is a sad victory of politics over science and ethics. This action is morally wrong because it encourages the destruction of innocent human life, treating vulnerable human beings as mere products to be harvested. It also disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life. Finally, it ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem cell science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support.”

What should be the response of Catholics to this action?

First, we must beg forgiveness for this horrendous sin of our nation. Like the Prophet Daniel, we need to say in all humility and shame (9:4fc), “Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws… Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day.”

Second, we Catholics must join with others of good will and make our voices heard across our land, at the White House, on Capitol Hill, in our state Legislatures and in the media. We must not stand by idly while our neighbor’s life is at stake. The dignity of a human person does not depend upon his or her age, developmental stage, or ability to function. Every human being has inherent dignity because God has created us with an eternal soul. No one has the right to extinguish this gift of life but God alone.

Third, we need to point out why such destructive research is especially pointless at this time when ethical means are available, such as the following:

• Great advances are being made in reprogramming adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells (the journal Science hailed this as the scientific breakthrough of the year);
• Adult and umbilical cord blood stem cells are increasingly being used to reverse serious illnesses and even help rebuild damaged organs.

Fourth, we must pray and fast for an end to this horrendous decision and an end to all attacks on innocent human life. Jesus told us that some evils can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. In this season of Lent, this gives us added reason to do penance in union with our prayers for the protection of all human life.

Fifth, we must not lose hope. False rhetoric such as “science must triumph over ideology” will not stand the test of time. Such counterfeit reasoning and slick cover-up of the truth will not have the last word. Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (Cf. Jn 10:10). In Him, who died to take away sin and rose to restore our life, we place our hope. This hope will never disappoint.

I am mounting a personal campaign to return the word “groovy” to popular usage in order to pacify aging hippies in the church and government. I may even use it in a homily or two. For example: “Wasn’t it groovy that angels came to minister to Jesus in the desert?”

Shortly after class, an economics student approaches his economics professor and says, “I don’t understand this stimulus bill. Can you explain it to me?”

The professor replied, “I don’t have any time to explain it at my office, but if you come over to my house on Saturday and help me with my weekend project, I’ll be glad to explain it to you.” The student agreed.

At the agreed-upon time, the student showed up at the professor’s house. The professor stated that the weekend project involved his backyard pool.

They both went out back to the pool, and the professor handed the student a bucket. Demonstrating with his own bucket, the professor said, “First, go over to the deep end, and fill your bucket with as much water as you can.” The student did as he was instructed.

The professor then continued, “Follow me over to the shallow end, and then dump all the water from your bucket into it.” The student was naturally confused, but did as he was told.

The professor then explained they were going to do this many more times, and began walking back to the deep end of the pool.

The confused student asked, “Excuse me, but why are we doing this?” The professor matter-of-factly stated that he was trying to make the shallow end much deeper.

The student didn’t think the economics professor was serious, but figured that he would find out the real story soon enough.

However, after the 6th trip between the shallow end and the deep end, the student began to become worried that his economics professor had gone mad. The student finally replied, “All we’re doing is wasting valuable time and effort on unproductive pursuits. Even worse, when this process is all over, everything will be at the same level it was before, so all you’ll really have accomplished is the appearance of doing something when all we did was the destruction of what could have been truly productive action!”

The professor put down his bucket and replied with a smile, “Congratulations. You now understand the stimulus bill.”

Thanks to Catholic Cavemen!

From the desert to the sea. Oreo and I are hitting the surf this week.

Call me crazy, but I expect good meal service at any sit-down restaurant. (Fast food is a lost cause.)

I eat about 75% of my meals out. Cooking for one, for me, is wasteful. Frozen food spoils on me!

Today I ate breakfast and dinner at two different reaturants. One, a breakfast-and-lunch only neighborhood cafe. The other, a sports bar chain. The only similariy was the extremely poor service. They might as well have met me at the door and said, “No soup for you!”

I worked at 10-hour day today, and I have an expectation of minimally good service for the precious few moments of relaxation I squeeze into the day. At least refill my ice tea in a timely manner please.

My catch phrase henceforth shall be: “No tip for you!”

A Day in the Life.

Today seemed very different, but, at the same time, very familiar.

The morning started with my Altar Server telling me that half my face seemed swollen as though I had had a stroke. [Begin sarcasm] Wonderful! I thought. [End sarcasm] I took a look in the mirror and yes, the left side of my face was swollen. I think I have an abscessed tooth. Pressure on my upper jaw brought pain. [Begin sarcasm] Great! I thought. [End sarcasm] How will I find a dentist to treat me on a Friday? Call my primary care I thought. So I did. Of course his number is on speed dial. But his service isn’t. Since it was before his office hours I had to leave a message. Biretta on. 8:00 a.m. Sharp! “Introibo ad altare Dei.”

Offering it up.

“Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.” OK. First Mass finished. Second Mass in fifteen minutes. “Maybe the doctor will call and leave a message.” [sarc on] “Yeah. Right!” [sarc off]

OK. Second Mass finished. Coffee time…dark roast…mocha cappuccino…extra shot of caffeine…mmmmm. Doc doesn’t call.

First (scheduled) meeting of the day: Christmas décor. Nativity here. Poinsettias here. Tree here. Wreath here. Candles inside. Lights outside. See how easy?

“Father. Two cases of calendars are missing,” says the Exec. Assist. “That’s the last thing I need to worry about today. Our Lady of Guadalupe procession at 5:00 p.m., City to close the streets. Bilingual Mass at 6:00 p.m. Reception at 7:30p.m. Pinata at 8:00” mumbles Himself to Himself. “Homily. Prayers of the Faithful. Etcetera. Etcetera. Etcetera.” Where’s my coffee? OK. “I’ll look around.”

I walk to the front office. BIG MISTAKE!

Offering it up.

“Padre. Quiero hablar contigo.” “Bien.” “El 2 de noviembre—el Dia de los Muertos—te di 40 dolares para misas para mi esposo. He oido su nombre solamente dos veces.” …So I get out the Mass Intention book and giver her the dates for 10 Masses to be said for the husband’s soul. (Four bucks, not bad in this economy.) May he rest in peace.

I go back to the front desk where one parishioner tugs at my sweater, another speaks loudly into my ear. I suddenly felt like Luke 8:45-48. [Reader: Your assignment...]

Offering it up.

I walk back to my office having forgotten why I had made my way to the front. “Did you find the calendars?” asks the Exec. Assist. “Oh. That’s why I was up front.” I reply.

I search every room of the parish complex…no calendars. Well, they were nice. $10 on the open market I’d say. OOOOO…$1250…[insert light bulb image here] Fundraising Idea!

I once again mumble…homily..prayers…pinata.

Offering it up. No…call the doctor again…get meds…better living through chemicals…the pain grows with every passing minute. OFFER IT! OK. OK. Offering it up.

Spanish homily. Check.

Prayers of the Faithful. Check.

[Mental note] Give homily to Exec. Assist. She can translate it to English.

Lunchtime. Go home. Snooze. Can’t snooze; face hurts too much. Offfffffferrrrringggg!

Call doctor. Check.

“I’m sorry. He’s been very busy with patients,” says the sweet voice. “Wait, honey…I am a patient,” replies the swollen-faced old padre. “I will eagerly await his call. Thank you,” says the rapidly aging cleric. “Off…off…off…Why hast Thou forsaken me?”

Is it too late to go to Urgent Care? Yeah. Too late.

5:00 p.m. Procession. Decorated float. Virgin Mary. St. Juan Diego. One Knight of Columbus Honor Guard. U.S. Flag. Mexico Flag. Guadalupe Standard. Candles. Little Juan Diegos. Strollers. Faithful. Peoria Police Escort. “Santa Maria, Madre de Dios.” People honk. Priest and Deacon following. People honk. I wave.

Yay. The doctor called. Left message. Pick up meds after Mass. Yay.

6:00 p.m. Mass numero tres today. Organ. Bells. Honor Guard. Crucifer. Virgin Mary. San Juan Diego. Deacon. Priest. Faithful. “La Guadalupana, La Guadalupana, La Guadalupana de Tepeyac.” Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Bilingual homily. Trilingual Mass. O, Sanctissima. Sanctus. Sanctus. Sanctus. Agnus Dei. Ave Maria. [No need in offering it up...no pain...I'm in heaven] Corpus Christi. Thank yous abound. Benedicat vos Omnipotens Deus. “Adios, Reina del Cielo”

7:59 p.m. Take one three times a day for seven days. Monitor your glucose. Happy Holy Days. (There was a menorah in the window.)

8:15 p.m. Menudo. Posole. Pan Dulce. Birotes. Enchiladas. Hot Dogs. Chocolate. Salsa. Etcetera. Etcetera. “Hey, where’s the pinata?”

Must blog.

Must blog.

Must blog.

“Many Souls Released from Purgatory Today” should be the headline…still offering.

UPDATE Saturday 121308

Thank you all for your prayers and kind comments. The swelling and a bit of pain is simply an annoyance, for there is still much work to be done in the Vineyard of the Lord. I’m headed to the parish for confessions and evening Mass. A visit before the Blessed Sacrament is also on the agenda. May God continue to bless you all.

At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones.

Children are born believers in God, academic claims

Children are “born believers” in God and do not simply acquire religious beliefs through indoctrination, according to an academic.

By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent

Dr Justin Barrett, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Anthropology and Mind, claims that young people have a predisposition to believe in a supreme being because they assume that everything in the world was created with a purpose.

He says that young children have faith even when they have not been taught about it by family or at school, and argues that even those raised alone on a desert island would come to believe in God.

“The preponderance of scientific evidence for the past 10 years or so has shown that a lot more seems to be built into the natural development of children’s minds than we once thought, including a predisposition to see the natural world as designed and purposeful and that some kind of intelligent being is behind that purpose,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. [...]

“A nation that kills its children has no future.” — Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Since I am the CEO of an Arizona corporation (St Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Peoria) I received this email:

Fellow Business Executives:

As the CFO of this business that employs 140 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama will be our next President, and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, I figure that the Clients will have to see an increase in our fees to them of about 8% but since we cannot increase our fees right now due to the dismal state of our economy, we will have to lay off six of our employees instead. This has really been eating at me for a while, as we believe we are family here and I didn’t know how to choose who will have to go.

So, this is what I did. I strolled thru our parking lot and found 8 Obama bumper stickers on our employees’ cars and have decided these folks will be the first to be laid off. I can’t think of a more fair way to approach this problem. These folks wanted change; I gave it to them.

If you have a better idea, let me know.