Here is this week's installment of "Five Faith Friday" which contains five, faith-based things I found interesting and am sharing on Friday.
What News Is Scary --
That President Biden's Education Secretary nominee Miguel Cardona said that schools have a “responsibility” to allow biological males to play in girls sports if they identify as transgender. The push for this not only goes against natural law but also common sense and against women's rights. People who are confused about their gender need to be loved and educated, not catered to at the expense of everyone else. The single best resource I've experienced as it regards to transgenderism is this video from Father Mike Schmitz where he discusses the difference between one’s perception of gender and gender reality. Gender stereotypes have altered our perception of what it means to be a man or a woman, but it is unhealthy to expect reality to conform to our perceptions. If there is someone in your life struggling with gender identity, or any other brokenness, Father Mike encourages you to be there for them.
Which Event I'm Excited About --
"The International Catholic Bible Summit" featuring an amazing line-up of 70+ presenters including: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Chris Stefanick, Danielle Bean, Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid, Mark Hart, Father Josh Johnson, Christopher West, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Jason Evert, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Bobby & Jackie Angel, and dozens of diverse, dynamic experts I trust and admire. The event is being held next week (Feb 11-13) and registration is free!!! They’re going to be approaching Scripture from every angle and showing you how to make important connections in your day-to-day life and answer questions such as:
- How to find unshakeable hope and peace no matter what you're going through
- How to break open the Bible and hear what God is saying to you right now
- The keys to unlocking a deeper personal and family prayer life
- Where to turn in times of suffering
- The keys to overcoming doubt and share your faith with others
- How to find balance and recalibrate your family with the Word of God...and much more!
What Designation Stood Out To Me --
The labeling of well-respected organizations such as the Family Research Council, Alliance Defending Freedom, and the Ruth Institute as "hate groups" by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) while at the same time they say that "Designating Antifa as Domestic Terrorist Organization Is Dangerous, Threatens Civil Liberties." Apparently being pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-family is now seen as hate. Here's how it works... if you don't agree with someone you call them a bigot or someone that preaches hate. It's very sad. Here is a article about what the SPLC did.
What Sacramental I Was Introduced To --
The Sacred Heart Badge. That link contains a great summary of the history, origination, and associated prayer. Here is a picture of what the Sacred Heart Badge looks like. This badge also ties directly into First Fridays and First Saturdays. What are First Fridays and First Saturdays? This article is a great place to start and this video is absolutely fantastic if you prefer to learn via video.
What Book I Read --
"First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the Church and the Trinity" by Scott Hahn. I've been on a Scott Hahn kick recently! His materials are so theologically sound, Biblically based, but also readable. This was was no different. 4.9 stars out of 5 on Amazon! "Delving into the Gospels, Hahn shows that family terminology--words like brother, sister, mother, father, and home--dominates Jesus' speech and the writings of His first followers, and that these very words illuminate Christianity's central ideas. As he explores the fatherhood of God, the marriage of the Church to Christ, and the all-enveloping role of the Holy Spirit, Hahn deepens readers' understanding of the sacraments, teaches them how to create a family life in the image of the Trinity, and demonstrates the ways in which the analogy of the family applies to every aspect of Catholicism and its practices--from the role of "father" embodied by the ancient patriarchs and contemporary parish priests, to the comfort and guidance offered by the brothers and sisters who comprise the Communion of Saints, to the nurturing embrace of Mary, the mother of all Christians."
Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and your family!
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