Random thoughts on a hot Thursday afternoon

• Chris Jackson has such a way with words. I used to think Anthony Abbate was an interesting alternative to the Trad Inc. beard-and-whisky-look-at-us-we're-so-manly crowd. Yes, he laid the stereotypical loud mouth New York Italian act on so thick it seemed like he was playing a bit part in a bad TV show.  On the other hand, he had a real job which was refreshing. In the past six months whenever I read his stuff on Twitter I've had a feeling that something-- well, two things really, are off.  Chris Jackson writes about one of the things here.  
  
  
  
  
  
• Did you know that Sudan is on its third civil war? The first one was from 1955-1972. The second was from 1983-2005, and the current war started in  April of 2023. In fact, there's over 100 armed conflicts going on in the world right now.  The world is not suddenly on fire.  The fire has been burning since the Fall of Adam. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
• This may blow some people's minds but if the pope is not speaking ex cathedra you are not bound by pain of mortal sin to pay attention to every word that falls from his lips.  To use a ridiculously broad example, if the Holy Father says "I think Arabian horses are the best pets. Everyone should have one, " that does not mean you should buy one or get rid of your dog. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Easter Vigil was fantastic this year. There were 37 baptisms and confirmations at the cathedral so Rocky and I went to the Franciscan Monastery instead. The homily was great. The music was beautiful. Every year I think I can't do another vigil, and when we do, I'm always so grateful that we did.
  
  
  
  
• Have you noticed that nobody on social media seems to be happy with Catholic converts? The liberal Catholics are afraid that the new Catholics aren't flaky enough. The conservatives and trads almost all posted sarcastic stuff like  "Welcome home. It's a mess. Now shut up."  
  
  
  
  
  
• This is interesting. I can't imagine the Vatican court will say "Oopsie, the resignation was invalid."