Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Cursing The Cardinal

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Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan was not trying to "relate" to the majority who had audibly voted against having God in their platform when he gave the benediction for the Democratic National Convention.

He was not trying to "reach" them or relate to them with his prayer, he was talking to God from his heart.

Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned by others, including evangelicals, who would pray at public events:

Speak the truth, forget political correctness. Or trying to "reach the culture" by being synonymous with the culture.

Dolan, who had also given the benediction for the GOP Convention, asked God to bless President Obama, V.P. Biden, Congress, the Supreme Court and candidates Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan and to, "Make them all worthy to serve you by serving this country."

But it was his petition to God for the unborn that created a national angst among secularists: "Grant us the courage to defend it, life, without which no other rights are secure. We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected."


At that point Twitter and other social networks lit up---actually exploded. And they were not saying "Amen."

The "F" word was common, some tweets much worse. And they were being posted by those in the convention hall and as well as by those elsewhere watching on television.

They began, "Cursing the Cardinal."

It is often not popular to stand for truth.

While not specifically mentioning the word abortion or homosexual "marriage," which he opposes, the Cardinal continued, "Show us anew that happiness is found only in respecting the laws of nature and of nature's God. Empower us with your grace so that we might resist the temptation to replace the moral law with idols of our own making, or to remake those institutions you have given us for the nurturing of life and community."

Idols of our own making. Indeed.

Clearly those cursing the Cardinal have not found happiness. They seek affirmation in their sin.

The full impact of his prayer can only be felt by watching and listening. This is the video please watch it.

May God help us.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.