Friday Morning Musing on a Spiritual Work of Mercy...

...specifically -- To Bear Wrongs Patiently. 

Many of us would like everyone else to practice the golden rule: Do unto others what you would have them do unto you! 

But do we practice it?

The human tendency and a great temptation might be called the iron rule: Do unto others what they do to you. If someone brings a knife to a fight, you take a gun is the philosophy of our modern pagans. 

The biblical admonition of an "eye for an eye" was actually a rule that limited the punishment for wrongdoing. If someone committed a crime against another person, the punishment had to be balanced. You couldn't kill someone for robbing you. What sounds harsh was actually a brake on the human tendency to seek revenge.

Affirm a Mom Today: You May be a Lifeline!

One of our Les Femmes contributors, Jamie, is running a series (We are the Face of Motherhood) on postpartum depression and anxiety with stories from real moms. I recommend you share it with the young mothers in your life as an encouragement.

We live in challenging times when society has not only abandoned the family, but is attacking it in the name of Planned Parenthood, gender ideology, and political correctness. That is nothing new.

Vatican Prep for Next Year's Synod

Synod council urges further discussion, preparation before October 2015 meeting

Vatican prep for next year's Ordinary Synod

Those of us who love the Bride of Christ must also be preparing for the Synod by daily prayer for the participating bishops and for all the activities going on, especially by dissent groups agitating for change. We are in a crucial time for the Church and many of our clerical leaders have a questionable agenda. 

It would be fruitful to read about Church politics and intrigue in the 13th century when Catherine of Siena was so busy trying to bring peace and unity to the Church. I just listened to Sigrid Undset's biography of the great saint and Doctor of the Church on tape. It is considered the best modern biography of St. Catherine. 

Many of Catherine's experiences and battles for the Church reminded me of our own time. She was a fearless defender of the faith who spoke the truth to power. Of course she first engaged in heroic prayer and fasting in preparation for her "bridegroom's" instructions to her. 

I heartily recommend the book and urge you to pray for the Synod through St. Catherine's intercession.