On February 22, the long time evangelist Billy Graham died. He was 99 years old. Graham wasn't afraid to evangelize in a culture that was becoming progressively materialistic and secular.

His religious gatherings meant to spread the Word were called crusades up until September 11, 2001. After that terrorist attack on America, the events were referred to as "missions."

Graham began doing his work in 1947 and by the time he stopped he had been to 185 nations and lead 417 crusades. The gatherings were held in large auditoriums, civic centres and stadiums around the world. Thousands of people attended these evangelistic efforts to share the good news of the Gospel. At the end of his talk, Graham would always ask the people present to come forward and make Christ their saviour.
2

In today's reading from Genesis, we find some very practical and life sustaining advice that on the surface may not be so easily understood.

In name, Christianity is the largest religion in Canada. Roman Catholics have the highest number and in total 67% of the population identifies as Christian. However, the Canada of today, in terms of policies and laws is a secular nation. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms does refer to "the supremacy of God" and the national anthem makes mention of God. But it all ends with words on paper. In practice, Canada has no official religion.

In the Magnificat, the meditation for Saturday, Feb. 17, makes for a good spiritual guide for Lent. It's by Fr. Jacques Philippe who is a member of the Community of the Beatitudes (English link) and a well known spiritual advisor. The quote comes from his book titled, Called to Life.

We have already posted a number of articles about the clinical psychologist professor Jordan Peterson from the University of Toronto. He recently published a bestselling book called, Twelve Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. He became well known nationally and internationally for his You Tube videos where he opposed Canada's Bill C-16, An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code . This law essentially legalizes gender identity based on feelings.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has accepted in the subway system graphic sex advertisements to promote the idea for homosexual couples to have "all the sex they want". No doubt Torontonians recall that years ago Ashley Madison had advertisements on TTC streetcars that openly advocated adultery with these words: "Life is short.

We have two candidates running for the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) Party leadership, Doug Ford and Tanya Granic Allen, who have stated to undo Ontario's 2015 radical and controversial sex curriculum. It was developed in part by a convicted child predator Benjamin Levin. Ford and Granic Allen need our prayers and support. Both of them have not just promised to withdraw the radical sex curriculum, but also to stand up for families and defend parental rights.

In Parkland, Florida another horrific school shooting took place yesterday. It happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Seventeen students and teachers were murdered and many others injured by a 19 year old Nikolas Cruz. The assailant wore a gas mask, carried smoke grenades and magazines of ammunition. Cruz used an AR-15-style automatic weapon to do the killing.

We know that Cruz had been expelled from the school because of disruptive behaviour. He was mentally ill.

Today, being Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten journey to the cross. What appeared to be utter failure at Calvary miraculously turned out to be history's greatest moment. Christ's love and gift of self redeemed us all. This is the reason for Lent: to crucify sin, death and evil, and convert and embrace life in Christ.

The reading from Deuteronomy records the advice Moses gave to the people:

"Look, today I am offering you life and prosperity, death and disaster.

The Hymn to the Virgin Mary in the morning prayer this past Saturday, February 10, includes these truthful lines: "Exemplar of the virgin way/ Unto your Son, O Mary, pray/ To help us in these exile days/ And strengthen us in all ways."

We know that as Christians we're in exile. We're a fallen people because of sin. But we have been redeemed by Christ’s love and sacrifice on the cross. With the Garden of Eden, every generation, each human life is a pilgrimage home to the Creator.
1
Welcome To This Blog
Welcome To This Blog
A warm welcome to everyone to this blog. This blog is an effort by Lou Iacobelli, a Canadian and father who cares about life, family and Canada. My hope is that you will find this humble media project of evangelization useful. The aim to help educate and activate Christians and all people of good will with the overall goal of restoring Canada to a "culture of life." May you always be encouraged to seek the Truth as the first step in seeking understanding.
Deuteronomy 30,19
Deuteronomy 30,19
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity; I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.
labels
labels
Blog Archive
Blog Archive
About Me
About Me
Catholic father, grandfather and retired high school teacher. We're pro-life and pro-family. We believe in the right to life because without it there are no other rights. We stand for freedom of speech and the autonomy of the family.
Subscribe
Subscribe
1 Timothy 2:1-5
1 Timothy 2:1-5
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Loading
Dynamic Views theme. Powered by Blogger. Report Abuse.