You Were Made for Greatness

USCCB Urges Action on Conscience Protection

On August 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an "interim final rule" that will require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, sterilization procedures, and related "patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity." These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to include without co-pays or other cost-sharing -- regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage.

Concerned Americans have until September 30 to send their comments to HHS.

• Write to HHS opposing their recent preventive services mandate.

On September 7, Cardinal DiNardo, chair of the bishops' Committee on Pro-LIfe Acitivities, urged Congress to support conscience protection legislation in light of this "unprecedented threat to religious freedom." Please add your voice to his:

• Write to Congress supporting the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (HR-1179).

Read more here.

h/t Marcel

Remember Death

Blogging has been really slow lately because we have so many awesome things going on at CCM, but after yesterday's Mass I was reminded of one of my favorite paintings and wanted to quickly share it with you:

The first reading yesterday was from Sirach 27: 30-28: 7 and the phrase that always reminds me of this painting is : Remember your last days, set enmity  aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!"

The painting is of St. Francis of Assisi contemplating a skull.  I love the simplicity of it and yet it evokes such profound and strong contemplative realities. "Remember death." The lighting is amazing.  The painting, though some may find at first glance to be slightly morbid because he's holding a skull, I find to be a powerful reminder to love God and neighbor, a reminder of our utter dependence on God, a reminder to resist sin, a reminder that He is Creator and we are creature - calling us to a greater humility and deeper relationship with Christ.  It's also a call to live completely for Jesus Christ who is our all in all - material things don't matter for they all pass away - all that matters is love.  Hence, St. Francis contemplates the skull, reminding himself to live for Christ, for one day he will die and go to meet the Master where he will be judged on his love.

"In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone." - St. John of the Cross