From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   The great stumbling block--bad example   
      
   Jesus warns us of the terrible responsibility that we must set no   
   stumbling block in the way of another, that is, not give offense or   
   bad example that might lead another to sin. The young in faith are   
   especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be   
   passing on the faith. Jesus teaches that righteousness involves   
   responding to every situation in life in a way that fulfill's God's   
   law, not just externally but internally as well. Jesus says that evil   
   desires spring from the heart. That is why the sin of adultery must   
   first be dealt with in the heart, the place not only of the emotions,   
   but the mind, will, thought, and intentions as well.   
      
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   July 1st - St. Oliver Plunkett   
   Also known as   
     ▪ Oileabhéar Pluincéad   
     ▪ Oliver Plunket   
      
   Memorials   
     ▪ 1 July   
     ▪ 10 July in some parts of Ireland   
      
   d. 1681   
   Born in Loughcrew in County Meath, Ireland on November 1, 1625. In   
   1647, he went to study for the priesthood in the Irish College in   
   Rome. On January 1, 1654, he was ordained a priest in the Propaganda   
   College in Rome.  Due to religious persecution in his native land, it   
   was not possible for him to return to minister to his people. Ordained   
   priest in Rome, Oliver taught in Rome until 1669,   
   when he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.   
   Archbishop Plunkett soon established himself as a man of peace and,   
   with religious fervor, set about visiting his people, establishing   
   schools, ordaining priests, and confirming thousands.   
      
   1673 brought a renewal of religious persecution, and bishops were   
   banned by edict. Archbishop Plunkett went into hiding, suffering a   
   great deal from cold and hunger. His many letters showed his   
   determination not to abandon his people, but to remain a faithful   
   shepherd. He thanked God "Who gave us the grace to suffer for the   
   chair of Peter."   
      
   The persecution eased a little and he was able to move more openly   
   among his people. In 1679 he was arrested and falsely charged with   
   treason. The government in power could not get him convicted at his   
   trial in Dundalk. He was brought to London and was unable to defend   
   himself because he was not given time to bring his own witnesses from   
   Ireland. He was put on trial, and with the help of perjured witnesses,   
   was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn. With deep   
   serenity of soul, he was prepared to die, calmly rebutting the charge   
   of treason, refusing to save himself by giving false evidence against   
   his brother bishops. Oliver Plunkett publicly forgave all those who   
   were responsible for his death on July 1, 1681. On October 12, 1975,   
   he was canonized a saint.   
      
      
   Saint Quote:   
   Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to   
   construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations   
   of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be   
   its foundation.   
   --St. Augustine   
      
   Bible Quote   
   And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into   
   your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. Therefore now he is not a servant,   
   but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.  (Galatians 4:6-7)   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   All of this abortion carnage brings to mind a poem by Alexander Pope   
    on the Human response to evil.   
      
   Evil is a monster of such hideous mien   
   That to be hated needs but to be seen   
                   But seen too often   
                   Familiar with her face   
                   First we pity   
                   Then endure   
                   And finally embrace.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)