Update: After thinking over everything, I will continue blogging
Original Post: I have just received an anonymous comment saying that this person has contacted the Archdiocese of Chicago because of my posts on this blog. Here is part of the comment: "Please be advised that I have contacted the archdiocese of Chicago and advised them to review printouts from your website regarding comments you have made pertaining to Bishop Flynn and also your manner of generally conducting yourself on the site."
O, how it distresses me that someone seeks to come to my blog to bring discord. Has everyone forgotten the teachings of Christ! Mercy not judgment is the answer.
What have I said about Archbishop Flynn? I have said, that while he remains a successor to the apostles, he is has done things I greatly disagree with, and because of that, I chose not to consider the seminary in Minnesota. Readers can read my post on Archbishop Flynn. I never encouraged disobedience! I simply, greatly disagreed with some of his actions. Mother Angelica did even more than this when she criticized Cardinal Mahony and encouraged no obedience. I simply stated my own personal opinion. Remember, this is my personal blog, where I can state my opinions because of the great liberties of this wonderful country.
Anonymous continued: "I can only suggest now that you take a deep breath and decide whether to keep fighting about these issues or simply stop what you are doing."
I ask, what have I done wrong. I have seen problems in the world and addressed them. I have sought to evangelize and save souls. I do include prayers, saint information, devotions, and my own personal feelings too. What have I done wrong???? And for that, I am being condemned. So, to any that I have offended, forgive me. In light of these comments, I plan to take a break from blogging for the next few days.
1 Peter 4:13-14:
"Dearly Beloved: Rejoice in the measures that you share Christ's sufferings. When his glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God's Spirit in its glory has come to rest on you"
Beatitudes:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Gospel of Matthew 5:3-10
23 comment(s):
You have my prayers Moneybags.
Stay strong my friend. Don't let any bitter busy bodies get you down. Many saints new they could be killed for spreading the good word but that did not keep them from doin what they had to do.
If i were you i wouldn't stop blogging. Whats this punk gonna do when you're preaching from the pulpit, anonymously walk you off? When you become a priest, you will find people trying to knock you down. Don't let it get to you, you'll regret it if you do.
Please don't stop blogging. You only tell the TRUTH and many "Catholics" nowdays can't follow it. The road into heaven is narrow and your words are helping me get closer to Jesus, Mary, the Saints and the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Thank You!
Please don't let this person bully you! Your site has been a real encouragement to me, a blessing and at times a bit of an education for me and I'm sure others as well.
Please don't stop posting.
MB,
I know you have to do what you feel is best in this situation. I regret seeing this kind of thing happen.
When they get a glimpse of the first post on my upcoming new blog, only the Lord knows who all they'll complain to about me. Ha!
His blessings to you, MB.
Oh, my prayers!! Please continue if you feel it best, but do what is best for you. Peace and blessings.
Perhaps you already are, but I suggest you take this as a test from God.
Keep the Faith and Be Not Afraid, For the Truth Shall Set You Free!
MB,
I certainly agree with the previous comment. This is a test from God. He is allowing satan to try and discourage you. Remember, satan doesn't want you to become a priest and will try just about anything to keep it from happening. I say, "Phooy on satan...he is defeated!"
I hope while they are reading your blog they are also reading the comments...you have helped many people become stronger Catholics, to become closer to the Lord and explain alot of the teaching of the Catholic church in very understandable terms.
I hope they realize what a blessing you would be to the Church. The church needs more priests who actually follow the teachings and less liberal minded ones.
Moneybags,
You are in my prayers. I pray that the Lord will give you wisdom in this situation and I am sure that you are planning to discuss this with your spiritual director who will be the best one to advise you in this situation.
I will also pray for the individual involved who is attempting to stir up trouble for you. It sounds like he/she needs to develop the virtue of charity.
In the love of Jesus & Mary,
Jean
You are in my prayers now more than ever. You will come out on the other side!
Moneybags,
I'll definitely be keeping you close to me in prayer. Please know that your blog is one of the most devoted and should you stop, it will be a loss to many Catholics and non-Catholics who read your blog.
Please pray over this and perhaps get some support from your spiritual advisor/confessor.
The Holy Father's speech at Regensburg brought many to complain but he was calm, humble and unafraid.
Like Benedict, be not afraid!
I hope you won't take too long off from the blogosphere. I enjoy "A Catholic Life" and I'd miss it. Personally, I don't think you've done anything wrong. I'm more inclined to question the motives of the e-mailer than I am to question your motives.
Do what you feel is best, but know that I have learned so very much about our faith from you. You are a big part of my life and I would miss you very much. God Bless You :-)
I don't think the Archdiocese will care, Moneybags; you are entitled to your own opinion, and you are not their spokesperson (yet) as you are not enrolled in one of their seminaries. Be strong.
Moneybags--I wouldn't necessarily stop blogging because of an annonymous poster. Only stop if you are asked to do so by a legitimate superior.
You are in my prayers.
Looks like "anonymous" has won by intimidation. C'mon, Moneybags. If that's all it takes to beat you into silence then you'd better toughen up. What would you do if, as an ordained priest, you stood up for Truth and had wild threats thrown at you - turn tail and run?
You've done nothing wrong.
Moneybags,
Don't stop blogging. Just ignore Anonymous.
As long as you keep posting the Truth (which you have) you have nothing to fear.
By the way I agree with Mother Angelica; Cardinal Mahoney is crap!
Don't let the coward win. Whoever that coward is, they should be ashamed of themselves. You should not let yourself be cowed by those afraid of the Light.
Dang, i had a couple of spelling mistakes in my post earlier. I hate that. Thats what happens when you get up early for work and come home late.
Now that the initial furor over this reporting has died down, may I compliment you on your most recent posts? You are displaying a new found sense of appropriateness with the content of these posts. They are respectful, moderate and still achieve your goal of attempting to educate and edify. I am offering my compliments because it shows maturity when you take these actions.
I have only one last suggestion. As the operator of this site, you have a responsibility to be the moderator. Some of the recent comments by people who are trying to support you are not appropriate, and they will continue to reflect badly on you unless you note that such comments are wrong. I am speaking primarily about people who call Cardinal Mahony "crap" and other such immature remarks. Since you are the person here who wants to lead and become a priest, this would be an excellent time to remind everyone that such comments are disrespectful to the Church and are not in keeping with the Catholicism that they are so loudly proclaiming.
Thank you for making some changes to your site. I hope it continues to be respectful and moderate.
Anonymous, I believe any kind of profanity is wrong. However, instead of deleting such comments, I allow them to remain. Why? Because I believe the First Amendment allows such freedom of expression. I have only deleted a very, very small number of comments in the history of this blog because I highly value the freedom of expression guranteed by our Constitution. I may disagree with a comment, but I think that deleting a comment is wrong in most cases.
I am glad that you support my recent posts.
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