Podcast appearances and mentions of helen alvare

Thirty years ago, in both Evangelium Vitae and his Letter to Women, John Paul II issued a clear call for the genius of women to be “more fully expressed in the life of society as a whole, as well as in the life of the Church” (Letter to Women10). Throughout his papacy, in fact, JPII emphasized women's “prophetic character,” calling on them to be “witnesses” and “sentinels” — guardians of the sacred gift of life and the order of love (Mulieris Dignitatem 29; Homily at Lourdes2004).This vision for women, clarified and proclaimed in the late twentieth century especially, has yet to be fully realized. Catholics in contemporary America face distorted narratives about women from both poles of our divided culture. By revisiting and extending John Paul II's thought we come upon the opportunity to offer a positive countervision to, on the one hand, the growing anti-feminism in some Catholic circles and, on the other hand, the widely-held perception that the Church is anti-woman.The McGrath Institute for Church Life is hosting a conference that aims to help develop that positive countervision.“True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture” will take place March 26 to March 28, 2025, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. It boasts a stellar roster of speakers, including Helen Alvare, Sr. Ann Astell, Erika Bachiochi, Angela Franks, Sarah Denny Lorio, Sr. Theresa Alethia Noble, Leah Libresco Sargeant, and my guest today, Abigail Favale. Abigail and I are colleagues in the McGrath Institute, and she is the conference convener and orgranizer.Registration for the “True Genius” conference is now open, and we have links to more conference information and registration available in our show notes. Show Notes:“True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture” conference information and registration “Can the Feminine Speak?” by Abigail Favale, article in Church Life Journal “Hildegard of Bingen's Vital Contribution to the Concept of Woman,” by Abigail Favale, article in Church Life Journal“No Woman Is Only Woman: Distilling the Feminine Genius from Stereotypes,” interview with Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble on The Catholic WomanChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Paul Kengor reviews the history of the Church's war against slavery. Mona Charen explains how Hamas uses Israel's humanity against it and Helen Alvare discusses religious liberty after the sexual revolution.

Paul Kengor reviews the history of the Church's war against slavery. Mona Charen explains how Hamas uses Israel's humanity against it and Helen Alvare discusses religious liberty after the sexual revolution.

EP059: Helen AlvareGovernments are increasingly insisting that religious institutions hire and retain employees opposed to their mission. Politicians repeatedly attempt to force Catholic hospitals, churches, and schools to contradict their religious beliefs. What's their end goal? Why is it so important for us to protect the Catholic identity of these institutions? Helen Alvare has the answers. BONUS: Mary puts Helen in the hot seat, getting her quick reactions to the separation of church and state, “love is love,” the sexual revolution, and MORE!Watch Helen's latest EDIFY video here.Get a copy of Helen's book, Religious Freedom after the Sexual Revolution, here.Read the Bishops' document on transgenderism here.Follow us on social media! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Editor's Note:  This is a re-broadcast.  It was originally published in June 2021.Welcome to The Endow Podcast! This podcast is a forum for women to foster conversations about the intellectual life and intentional community for the cultivation of the feminine genius. On this episode, Simone Rizkallah, Director of Program Growth, interviews Helen Alvare on her personal vocation, religious freedom, and family life.Helen Alvaré is a Professor of Law at Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University, where she teaches Family Law, Law and Religion, and Property Law. She publishes on matters concerning marriage, parenting, non-marital households, and the First Amendment religion clauses. She is faculty advisor to the law school's Civil Rights Law Journal, and the Latino/a Law Student Association, a Member of the Holy See's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life (Vatican City), a board member of Catholic Relief Services, a member of the Executive Committee of the AALS' Section on Law and Religion, and an ABC News consultant. She cooperates with the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations as a speaker and a delegate to various United Nations conferences concerning women and the family.In addition to her books, and her publications in law reviews and other academic journals, Professor Alvaré publishes regularly in news outlets including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and CNN.com. She also speaks at academic and professional conferences in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Australia.Prior to joining the faculty of Scalia Law, Professor Alvaré taught at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America; represented the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops before legislative bodies, academic audiences, and the media; and was a litigation attorney for the Philadelphia law firm of Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young.Professor Alvaré received her law degree from Cornell University School of Law and her master's degree in Systematic Theology from the Catholic University of America.  Thanks for listening!Support the Endow PodcastWhat's on your mind and heart? Let us know by connecting with The Endow Team on social media!Facebook at www.facebook.com/endowgroupsInstagram at www.instagram.com/endowgroupsWant to start your own Endow Group? Learn more by visiting our website at www.endowgroups.org or reach out to us at info@endowgroups.org. We look forward to serving you!

We take a closer look at the Synod on Synodality's working document with Stephen White, and Samuel James breaks down the 5 “types” of Christians we typically see in pop culture. Al examines what the missing sub story tells us about the news media and we talk with Helen Alvare about religious liberty after the Sexual Revolution.

Could the Fourteenth Amendment be an avenue to end legal abortion in America? Experts discuss how the Constitution can guarantee protection for the unborn on the federal level. Plus, legal scholar Helen Alvare reflects on next steps for the pro-life movement. EWTN Pro-life Weekly with Prudence Robertson airs every Thursday night at 10 PM ET and re-airs on Sundays at 10:30am ET and Tuesdays at 1:30pm ET.

“Usually when I debate on this topic,” said pro-life advocate Helen Alvare, “I feel like I'm behind a podium speaking French and the other person is behind a podium speaking Finnish. There's no common ground.” Part of the reason there is no common ground in the abortion debate is that our pro-abortion family and friends don't understand our arguments and we don't understand theirs. Wyoming Catholic College philosopher, Dr. Michael Bolin allows his students to puzzle over what might be the best philosophical argument for abortion rights: Judith Jarvis Thomson's “A Defense of Abortion” published in the journal Philosophy & Public Affairs in 1971—about 18 months before Roe v. Wade was decided.

Marriage hour:  Helen Alvare, author and law professor, joins Trending with Timmerie discussing how feminism impacts dating relationships today   (2:01) and how feminism impacts the idea of marriage being permanent (19:38). Embracing Failure (38:21). How to pray for your marriage (42:59).  Resources mentioned :    Helen M. Alvaré's book Religious Freedom After the Sexual Revolution: A Catholic Guide https://www.amazon.com/Religious-Freedom-after-Sexual-Revolution/dp/0813234972    Love is for Life from the Irish bishops: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=5276

EP035: Erika BachiochiIn this episode of The EDIFY Podcast, feminist scholar Erika Bachiochi shares her story and how the witness of other Catholic men and women (including EDIFY speaker Helen Alvare!) led her to become the strong pro-life Catholic and powerful voice for women's rights that she is today.Learn more about Erika by clicking here.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - John 16:29-33 - In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) Cardinal Arinze on pro-abortion politicians  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv3MRyKfEHA&t=1s House speaker finally denied Holy Communion  https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/why-the-long-wait  3) Fewer and fewer children grow up with two married parents in the household. Divorce rates remain high. Cohabitation is common and acceptable, lessening commitment. How has the government encouraged these detrimental trends? Why are they worsening? Helen Alvare, professor of law at George Mason University, explains  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zot4In1_Meg 4) Father Ripperger: Spiritual Warfare and Communism: Protest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAemFy-bg5M Father Ripperger: Spiritual Warfare and Communism: Crisis  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbneiENz3pE&ab_channel=SensusTraditionis

Helen Alvare discusses the role of the family and its intersection with faith and law.EP018: Helen AlvareHelen Alvare, a distinguished law professor and author, sits down with Scot to share her previous experience as the spokeswoman for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and her wisdom on how Catholics can be hopeful in the face of unfavorable laws and judicial rulings. Helen shares why she focuses on core issues such as religious freedom, parental rights, healthy feminism, the importance of women and their role in the family and society.Helen's newest book, Religious Freedom after the Sexual Revolution, can be found here. Her first book, Putting Children's Interests First in U.S. Family Law and Policy: With Power Comes Responsibility, can be found here.Please click here for more biographical information on Helen. If you haven't seen Helen's EDIFY video, please watch it at EDIFY.us.

Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, a notorious fortifier of abortion laws in the U.S., will retire at the end of this term. Legal expert Helen Alvare and Stephen Billy of the Charlotte Lozier Institute join us to share their thoughts and explain why women don't need abortion to succeed. Lauretta Brown of the National Catholic Register shares what she has recently uncovered about the new Health and Human Services Task Force on “Reproductive Health.” A pro-abortion activist took an abortion pill on live television, starting the process of killing her unborn child – Prudence Robertson Speaks Out. A New York based group successfully won a lawsuit to stop the construction of a new Planned Parenthood facility in Brighton, NY. The group's lawyer joins us for this week's Pro-life Focus. EWTN Pro-Life Weekly with Prudence Robertson airs on EWTN every Thursday night at 10 pm ET. It re-airs on Sundays at 10:30 am and Tuesdays at 1:30 pm ET.

As Father Mike Schmitz gears up to headline the March for Life 2022 in January, we revisit with him during this special end of year show discussing the continued success of his Bible in a Year podcast now with his own billboard in Times Square! We also share some of the most pivotal moments of the year discussing the Dobbs case with Archbishop Cordileone, Jeanne Mancini, legal scholar Helen Alvare, and the dire situation in Afghanistan with RFI's Eric Patterson. Father Roger Landry also offers an inspiring homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God this weekend! Catch the show every Saturday at 7am ET/5pm on EWTN radio!

Interview with Helen Alvare on the Supreme Court Challenge to ‘Roe v. Wade

Interview with Helen Alvare on the Supreme Court Challenge to ‘Roe v. Wade

Welcome to The Endow Podcast! This podcast is a forum for women to foster conversations about the intellectual life and intentional community for the cultivation of the feminine genius. On this episode, Simone Rizkallah, Director of Program Growth, interviews Helen Alvare on her personal vocation, religious freedom, and family life.Helen Alvaré is a Professor of Law at Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University, where she teaches Family Law, Law and Religion, and Property Law. She publishes on matters concerning marriage, parenting, non-marital households, and the First Amendment religion clauses. She is faculty advisor to the law school's Civil Rights Law Journal, and the Latino/a Law Student Association, a Member of the Holy See's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life (Vatican City), a board member of Catholic Relief Services, a member of the Executive Committee of the AALS' Section on Law and Religion, and an ABC News consultant. She cooperates with the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations as a speaker and a delegate to various United Nations conferences concerning women and the family.In addition to her books, and her publications in law reviews and other academic journals, Professor Alvaré publishes regularly in news outlets including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and CNN.com. She also speaks at academic and professional conferences in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Australia.Prior to joining the faculty of Scalia Law, Professor Alvaré taught at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America; represented the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops before legislative bodies, academic audiences, and the media; and was a litigation attorney for the Philadelphia law firm of Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young.Professor Alvaré received her law degree from Cornell University School of Law and her master's degree in Systematic Theology from the Catholic University of America.  Thanks for listening!Support the Endow PodcastWhat's on your mind and heart? Let us know by connecting with The Endow Team on social media!Facebook at www.facebook.com/endowgroups Instagram at www.instagram.com/endowgroupsWant to start your own Endow Group? Learn more by visiting our website at www.endowgroups.org or reach out to us at info@endowgroups.org. We look forward to serving you!

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Bishop Olmsted reflects on division and how we're called to respond, Joyce Coronel joins us to talk about maintaining friendships when you don't agree politically and we welcome Ron Johnson and Helen Alvare during our news update. Today's broadcast is brought to you in part by Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes of the Diocese of Phoenix. www.dopccfh.org

In 2017, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services collaborated on a seven part series on Catholic Social Teaching called CST 101. This program features the third principle of CST 101: Rights and Responsibilities  (RT-3:30)                             Following the lead of persons featured in the video (Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Helen Alvare and Bill O’Keefe), Jim Grant will comment on this principle and suggest ways to more faithfully put it into practice.

In 2017, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services collaborated on a seven part series on Catholic Social Teaching called CST 101. This program features the first principle of CST 101: Life and Dignity of the Human Person. (RT-3:28)                                Following the lead of persons featured in the video (Bishop Robert Barron, Jonathan Reyes and Helen Alvare), Jim Grant will comment on this principle and suggest ways to more faithfully put it into practice.

SUBSCRIBE to the NEW daily podcast on your favorite podcasting apps! What does it mean to be a feminist? Attorney and law professor Helen Alvare joins Trending with Timmerie heard daily on Relevant Radio to discuss. Food for thought as we celebrate 100 years of a woman's right to vote and women's equality. Listen to Timmerie's daily show 4pm PT | 7pm ET on Relevant Radio at or the Relevant Radio app https://relevantradio.com/listen/trending SUBSCRIBE to the NEW daily podcast on your favorite podcasting apps! Relevant Radio App https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/ iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trending-with-timmerie/id1517519356 Google https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWxldmFudHJhZGlvLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9wb2RjYXN0cy90cmVuZGluZy9mZWVk?ved=0CBQQ27cFahcKEwiYgMm9obnqAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBQ Spottify https://open.spotify.com/show/7a6OKt4zQcRYpj0SR42Fbl iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-trending-with-timmerie-65366488/ Host Timmerie to run a workshop in your area https://www.radiotrending.com/booktimmerie

The coronavirus pandemic crisis is stretching on and the United States is in dire straits. Infections are surging in the south and west and there's doubt about whether schools can open safely for the new school year. Megan McArdle says the lags of this disease are contributing to serious policy disasters and many states are falling victim to normalcy bias, where, if it doesn't look like chaos, it's harder to persuade people and public officials to take appropriate action to prevent the situation from deteriorating. Dorian Warren says it is ultimately shameful that the United States is failing at virus mitigation. Then, Helen Alvare joins the panel to talk about the Supreme Court's final decisions. Was this term a major disappointment for conservatives? Chief Justice John Roberts promised to call balls and strikes, but might he be working towards a more long-sighted goal? Finally: Mexico's president visited President Trump in Washington this week, and Jose Diaz Briseno of Reforma talks about the state of their relationship. Is it correct to call President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador a leftist? And is he, like many other world leaders, doing his best just to appease and not influence President Trump?

On "EWTN News Nightly" tonight: The Supreme Court issues rulings today regarding Catholic schools and the Little Sisters of the Poor. We have a report, plus analysis from Helen Alvare of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Also: Lawmakers are questioning how Planned Parenthood received $150 million from the Paycheck Protection Program. Our team is on Capitol Hill with the latest. And Pope Francis celebrates Mass on the anniversary of the first trip of his pontificate.

Due to the recent heavy rains that hit the Chicago, Mary FioRio's away to deal with damages and flooding, but she is alright and okay.  This is a re-air from last week, May 11th and one of her most popular shows.  Thank you and we have a special message in the show to keep our loyal listeners aware of her upcoming guest.  Thank you and stay healthy and safe. It's Monday and the day after Mother’s Day loyal listeners, and Mary Hallan FioRito is here with us once again, hoping you all had a good Mother's Day. Today, Mary interviewed Professor Helen M. Alvare, Professor of Law at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law in Arlington, VA. Professor Alvare teaches property law and family law, and is also an expert on religious liberty issues. Mary and Professor Alvare discussed last week's Supreme Court oral arguments involving the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Sisters' religious and moral objections to funding contraceptives and abortifacient drugs in their health insurance plans, the particular  harms of hormonal contraception to women's health, as well as other religious liberty issues currently pending.  For more information on Mary Hallan FioRito and Professor Helen Alvare, visit online at:   Mary FioRito:   https://eppc.org Professor Helen Alvare: https://www.law.gmu.edu/faculty/directory/fulltime/alvare_helen and https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/what-the-supreme-court-needed-to-hear-about-catholic-institutions

Law professor Helen Alvare joins Trending with Timmerie. They discuss why truth and God are so difficult to grasp with today's busy schedule. They cover the two most difficult talking points that feminism has used to confuse women. Also discussed: marriage, children, careers, and competition in the workforce. Listen to Timmerie's daily show on Relevant Radio or the Relevant Radio app https://relevantradio.com/listen/trending Host Timmerie to run a workshop in your area https://www.radiotrending.com/booktimmerie

It's Monday and the day after Mother’s Day loyal listeners, and Mary Hallan FioRito is here with us once again, hoping you all had a good Mother's Day. Today, Mary interviewed Professor Helen M. Alvare, Professor of Law at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law in Arlington, VA. Professor Alvare teaches property law and family law, and is also an expert on religious liberty issues. Mary and Professor Alvare discussed last week's Supreme Court oral arguments involving the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Sisters' religious and moral objections to funding contraceptives and abortifacient drugs in their health insurance plans, the particular  harms of hormonal contraception to women's health, as well as other religious liberty issues currently pending.  For more information on Mary Hallan FioRito and Professor Helen Alvare, visit online at:   Mary FioRito:   https://eppc.org Professor Helen Alvare: https://www.law.gmu.edu/faculty/directory/fulltime/alvare_helen and https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/what-the-supreme-court-needed-to-hear-about-catholic-institutions

What does it mean when Jesus says He will “always” be with us? Helen Alvare will offer a reflection on this and what it means in terms of our earthly relationships as she previews her upcoming talk at the Diocese of Fargo’s Redeemed Women’s Conference.

What does it mean when Jesus says He will “always” be with us? Helen Alvare will offer a reflection on this and what it means in terms of our earthly relationships as she previews her upcoming talk at the Diocese of Fargo’s Redeemed Women’s Conference.

Last week in Reykjavik, Iceland, The Women Leaders Global Forum gathered to recognize and celebrate women making a positive difference in the world. The “Trailblazer Award” honored women who've won high political office. Others were recognized for their work in easing various stigmas and discrimination women face around the world. There was even a category for female Nobel Prize Laureates—an award on top of an award, if you will.          While I am happy to say congratulations to them all, I couldn't help but think of the amazing women who are at least as worthy of recognition yet are never mentioned at any of these secular events.          The women I am thinking of have at least one thing in common: In their various causes and through very different work, they speak up for those who, in our culture, have no voice: the unborn, those with disabilities, or victims of the sexual revolution. In doing so, they stand courageously against powerful cultural norms. If they worked on behalf of culturally acceptable causes, their names would be celebrated with the others.          Obianuju Ekeocha, or “Uju” as her friends call her, is the founder and president of Culture of Life Africa. A Nigeria-born biomedical scientist, she's devoted her life to promoting the sanctity of life, the beauty of marriage, and the blessing of family in Africa.          In fact, Uju is one of the main leaders of the pro-life movement on that continent. Her bold declarations in defense of the unborn and against progressive sexual ethics is confronting what she calls Western ideological imperialism. By the way, Uju will be speaking at our 2020 Wilberforce Weekend this May, and trust me, you won't want to miss it.          Another heroine to know: Rachael Denhollander. This gymnast-turned lawyer brought down USA Gymnastics doctor and serial abuser Larry Nassar. In doing so, she enabled hundreds of his victims to have a voice, and is now spending her time as a wife, a mother and a crusader for the dignity of women and girls, especially calling the church to take sexual abuse seriously. We recently interviewed her on the BreakPoint Podcast.          Then there's Lila Rose, president and founder of Live Action. Lila is one of the most influential voices in the modern pro-life movement, and the unquestioned media leader. From her undercover work exposing Planned Parenthood to her defense of the pro-life cause in mainstream media, she's a powerhouse—and proof that the pro-life movement is, in many ways, being led by a younger generation.          There's Katy Faust, an author, a children's-rights activist, and founder of the organization Them Before Us. She's challenging one of the foulest lies of the sexual revolution: that the desires of adults trump the rights of children, especially their right to have a mom and dad. In one of our recent “What Would You Say?” videos, she debunks the popular but poisonous idea that love is the only thing required to make a family. She'll also be at our next Wilberforce Weekend.          Making the same case at the scholarly level is Helen Alvare, associate professor of law at George Mason University and a champion of life and the family in the legal sphere. She's one of the intellectual heavy-hitters of our time—including in amicus briefs to the Supreme Court—that marriage is worth preserving, children deserve parents, and unborn life is worth protecting.          I feel like the author of Hebrews here. I'm running out of time to talk about Reggie Littlejohn, founder and president of Women's Rights Without Frontiers, and the world's leading opponent of sex-selective and forced abortion in China. And of course, Emily Colson and Joni Eareckson-Tada, who have dedicated their lives to honoring the dignity of those with disabilities, especially in recent years, leading battle against selective abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia. Through books and speaking they've made the case, like few else can, that a society that welcomes the vulnerable is a beautiful place worth living in.          These women are forces of restoration. Not only do they deserve recognition for the incredible work they do. They deserve recognition because the causes they represent and the groups for whom they speak aren't popular in this culture. God bless these worthy women. If I were on an award committee, they'd have my vote.

Helen Alvare is a one of those people in the world that oozes wisdom and sound theological insight. Because of this, I fielded various questions from YOU (my amazing listeners) for Helen in this interview. We discuss vocation, Alfie Evans, law school, Helen's role models, motherhood, prayer life -- just to name a few. Enjoy these 10 rapid fire questions with Helen Alvare! Go on over to www.leahdarrow.com for Helen's favorite books. www.womenspeakforthemselves.com Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

This week on Family Policy Matters, NC Family President John L. Rustin talks with Helen Alvare, a family law professor at George Mason University’s Scalia Law School. They discuss her new book, Putting Children’s Interests First in American Family Law: With Power Comes Responsibility.  

“Every virtue, every firm habit to do good is far more powerful than any vice that pulls us away from the true joy of God. Mercy is giving people more love than they deserve which is exactly what God does for us” -Damon Owens Episode 13 – Modesty As an Act of Charity with mom of 7 boys, Susan Husband, definitely stirred up some chatter on facebook when it released back in the Spring. Several comments really struck a chord with us in the way that stirred our hearts to keep the conversation going. There are a lot of women out there who have been hurt by this conversation on modesty and it has been causing women to feel as though they are carrying the entire weight of the issue. Men and women really are both truly wounded with all that goes with this issue. Men are bombarded and women are blamed.We were thrilled to have Damon help us dig into the truths of who we are in God’s family and how we can apply these truths into our everyday choices of not only what we are wearing but mostly how we present ourselves and how we feel about ourselves.  Please consider supporting our Podcast Our Guest:   Damon Owens, an international speaker and evangelist for over 20 years, is the founder and executive director of joytob. Following four-years as the first executive director of the Theology of the Body Institute in Philadelphia, he served as Chairman of the 2016 International Theology of the Body Congress. In 2002 after 16 years in the technology sector, he sold out of his firm and founded Joy-Filled Marriage New Jersey, and New Jersey Natural Family Planning Association, non-profit organizations dedicated to building a marriage culture through training, seminars, and conferences. Damon and his wife Melanie taught Natural Family Planning (NFP) for 14 years, and served as NFP Coordinators for the Archdiocese of Newark (NJ). A Certified Speaker for the Theology of the Body Institute, National Trainer for Ascension Press, and presenter at the 2015 World Meeting of Families, Damon keeps a full international speaking schedule at conferences, marriage seminars, universities, high schools, seminaries, and parishes on the good news of marriage, sexuality, Theology of the Body, Theology of the Family, adoption, and NFP. Damon currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife Melanie and their eight children. You can also connect with Damon on Facebook and Twitter     Show Notes:  Battle for the Body: Exorcising the Manichaean Demon and Reclaiming the Sacred Theology of our Body Podcast by Christopher West Integrity Restored Data on Porn: 51% of Americans regularly use pornography and over 80% of 15-17 year olds have been exposed to hard core pornography Helen Alvare (from Episode 9)quoted Giusanni about sadness and despair being opposite emotions. Sadness is OK because it is still rooted in hope, despair is not rooted in hope. Communion and Liberation – Luigi Giusanni   SPECIAL MUSIC by Teresa Peterson – pre-order her new Album, Faithful You can see her music video for Faithful here on Youtube    Call to Action –  See the other person’s heart and not their outerwear. Seeing and understanding that mercy is love’s second name. Let us ask the Lord to give us the Grace to see others the way He sees them.  Scripture –  “13 Jesus said to her, “Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” – John 4:13-15 Saint Quote – “It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” – St. John Paul II  

Last week we got to sink our teeth into a new episode on the last of our four pillars, freedom. Helen Alvare did a fantastic job at giving us so much to start chewing on and this is our opportunity to build on and start finding some ways to apply these principles to our everyday lives in our domestic churches. Megan and Becky take listener questions and comments to lead the conversation this week.  The hosts talk about practical ways to introduce the concept of true freedom to children of various ages and also about how we can approach our fertility in light of potential health risks. Show Notes: Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children By Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr., Freda McKissic Bush Unprotected: A Campus Psychiatrist Reveals How Political Correctness in Her Profession Endangers Every Student By Miriam Grossman The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography By Matt Fradd Fight the New Drug: www.fightthenewdrug.org http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/birth-control-linked-to-significantly-lower-quality-of-life http://verilymag.com/2017/05/cdc-fabm-effectiveness-natural-family-planning http://www.factsaboutfertility.org/about/executive-team/ http://jenniferfulwiler.com/2007/08/coumadin-clotting-disorders-and-contraception-oh-my/ http://jenniferfulwiler.com/2013/05/never-say-never-and-other-thoughts-on-having-more-kids/

There's so much bad information out there when it comes to faith and the family in general, and living a fully Catholic life in specific. That's why we invited Helen Alvare to join us in the Luxurious Corner Booth. Helen is a noted Catholic speaker, author, evangelist and lawyer...and she is a professor of law at George Mason University in Washington, DC specializing in family and religion. If you're looking for good information about faith and the family, you'll get it here!

"Not a Zero Sum Game: Freedom for Women, for the Family, and for Religion" For the good of women and the good of society, Christians must engage in a hard conversation: what does women’s freedom truly include? Known for her work in getting the voice of real women heard in the public square, Helen Alvaré will tackle the issues facing women and the family today. About Helen Alvaré Helen Alvaré is a Professor of Law at George Mason University School of Law, where she teaches Family Law, Law and Religion, and Property Law. She publishes on matters concerning marriage, parenting, non-marital households, abortion, and First Amendment religion clauses. She is a consultor for the Pontifical Council of the Laity, chair of the Task Force on Conscience Protection of the Witherspoon Institute, and cooperates with the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations as a speaker and a delegate to various United Nations conferences concerning women and the family. In addition to her publications in law reviews and other academic journals, Professor Alvaré publishes regularly in publications such as the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, the Weekly Standard, and the Washington Examiner. Professor Alvaré received her law degree from Cornell University School of Law and her master’s degree in Systematic Theology from the Catholic University of America.

Summary of today's show: The HHS mandate of the Affordable Care Act is an unprecedented infringement on religious liberty, according to a wide cross-section of religious leaders and political observers. Scot Landry talks to Kim Daniels, an attorney who specializes in religious liberty issues and coordinator for Catholic Voices USA, about the HHS mandate and other attempts to infringe on religious liberty during this Fortnight for Freedom called by the US bishops. Daniels will be one of the panelists on the Fortnight for Freedom town hall airing on CatholicTV and WQOM tonight at 8pm. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry Today's guest(s): Kim Daniels, Coordinator for Catholic Voices USA Links from today's show: Today's topics: Religious Liberty and the HHS Mandate 1st segment: Scot said tonight Cardinal Sean will be hosting on the live town hall meeting at CatholicTV at 8pm on the topic of religious liberty. On of the presenters joining is Kim Daniels, an attorney working on religious liberty issues and is a coordinator for Catholic Voices USA and lives in Maryland. Scot said he met Kim when he attended a meeting in Washington, DC, of Catholic Voices USA. Kim said the group is lay Catholics who stand up and talk about our faith and why we love it, making the Church's presence felt in the public square. They don't speak on behalf of the bishops, but do speak authoritatively because they know their faith well. It's an outgrowth of a similar successful group in England last year that began before the Pope's visit. Scot said Catholic Voices is launched while we're fighting to defend our religious freedom. Kim said they saw a need for lay Catholics to be out there on this issue.They want as many lay Catholics talking about it as possible because it's important we tell everyone how it's under siege today. Scot asked Kim to provide background on the HHS mandate. She said it's part of the Affordable Care Act. Last August, the Dept. of health and Human Services put out a regulation that all employers provide insurance for contraceptive services under the ACA or face a fine. The only exemption was for a narrow definition of churches. Church-related organizations were not exempted. In January this year the president affirmed that this was going to be the rule and then later proposed an “accommodation” which was only an accounting trick. For the first time, religious believers would be forced to provide a good or service that violates their faith. Kim said the problems with the “accommodation” includes the idea that insurers would be forced to provide the coverage rather than the employers, but of course the costs would be passed along to employers. The employers would still be forced to participate. Also, many church organizations are self-insurers. Kim said religious liberty is our first freedom. One of the central reasons people came to this country was to escape religious persecution and that's what the first amendment was about. For Catholics especially, it's important, because it it's the glue that holds civil society together. Catholics found civil society institutions that stand between individual and government and provide the glue for society. Scot asked what makes the HHS mandate so bad. Kim said the mandate has an extremely narrow definition of what counts as a religion. You're a religious organization if you primarily employ people of your faith and promotes your faith. If reduces religion to freedom of worship within the four walls of the house of worship, not freedom of religion. Mother Teresa would not qualify for the exemption. Scot said we don't serve other because they're Catholic. We serve others because we're Catholic. That's what defines us as Catholic. Free exercise isn't freedom of worship, but freedom of religion, which is prayer, belief, and action, and more. Kim said look at the list of the Catholic organizations that have signed on to lawsuits against the HHS mandate: publishers, colleges, nursing homes. For every corporal work of mercy, you can find an organization that has signed on. Scot said some people believe Catholics have been targeted specifically. Cardinal George of Chicago said this is an unprecedented requirement that we be forced to act contrary to what we believe. This has never happened in the US. Kim said we know there's been plenty of religious bigotry in history. It's important to remember here that what's going on is that people are being forced to pay for something that violates their deeply held religious beliefs. Once this precedent is set, you can violate beliefs in other places as well. A good example is conscientious objection to serving in war. That could be threatened. Scot said when there are laws passed, there's usually a robust set of exemptions for different groups. Scot said the Affordable Care Act has many exemptions, but the exemption for Catholics was so narrow it violates our religious liberty. Scot asked Kim how exemptions work in laws like these? Kim said we have a longstanding bipartisan census in favor of religious liberty and exemptions for religious conscience. President Clinton signed int o law the religious freedom restoration act. Ted Kennedy had written to Pope Benedict that he was in favor of strong exemptions for Catholics. But what happened here is the Obama administration has set all that aside. Scot said the troubling part of this is that the Secretary of HHS came out with a list of preventative care that's covered under the law that included contraception and abortifacients, when real preventative care wasn't included. Kim said wouldn't it be great to have free health club memberships or blood pressure medicine or the like? But instead contraception, sterilization and abortifacients are. That shows they are presenting pregnancy as a disease to be prevented. Kim noted that the Amish got an exemption from the Affordable Care Act as did millions of people who were grandfathered. 2nd segment: Scot said on this issue, Catholics of all stripes were all united that this was a massive violation of religious freedom. Kim said when the mandate first came down, she heard people talking about in her parish in a way that you don't see normally. They saw it as an attack on them and it's created a solidarity. The lawsuits show a wide array of groups participating from small to large and across the viewpoint spectrum. An important development last week saw the Catholic Health Association, which had supported the Affordable Care Act, came out against the HSS mandate and the supposed accommodation. Kim said the institutions that will not provide the objectionable goods and services will be subject to fines of $100 per day per employee. For large organizations and small ones that is significant. It will lead some to shut their doors. Others will reduce their services. It will have a big impact on our network of schools and social service providers. Scot has asked if there's a precedent for fines that are so crippling? Kim said this is what's unprecedented: That the government is forcing us to make that choice between our religious beliefs and paying these crippling fines. Because we are an institutional church, we work through groups we form, not just through individuals, it affects us uniquely. It's not just a Catholic issue, but it particularly affects us. Scot said there are about 200 Catholic universities in the US, about 7,000 secondary and elementary schools, 1,400 long-term healthcare centers, and hundreds of hospitals. The most important thing for the common good is not the the number of institutions, but the people who are served here. Kim said the key issue to remember is that at the end of the day this will harm the poor, kids in schools, those served by Catholic services. Kim said when the government says to some that they are not meeting the narrow exemption, it involves the government coming in and defining whether they are religious. The government becomes entangled in the practice of our religious faith. Scot said this violates the separation of church and state. Kim said it goes to the Establishment clause. It's setting up a regulation that determines what it means to be religious. Scot asked Kim to respond to the claim that the Church is trying to impose its views on others, including employees who don't agree. Kim said the Church only seeks to retain the constitutional right to propose it's views as a full participant in public life. It's the government is coming in to tell the Church what it should believe about contraception and abortion.Kim said contraception is cheap and widely available and the government could take many steps to provide it easily without forcing religious believers to violate their beliefs. People coming to work for the Church know or can easily know what the Church believes coming in the door. Kim said when the Catholic Health Association came out against the mandate, they made this argument. Scot said he's also heard that the Catholic Church is trying to hurt Obama's re-election campaign. Kim said the plaintiffs in the lawsuits have all different political views. If anyone is trying to politicize this issue, it's the Obama administration. Scot said that's another slogan he's heard, that this is a War on Women. Kim said it's clear that it's a manufactured war. It's patronizing for the administration to claim that religious freedom isn't as important to women. 30,000 women have signed up for an inititiative to say this. Kim and her neighbor Helen Alvare, who is a prominent pro-life Catholic, started this initiative on the grassroots level, sending it out to their friends without a big budget or infrastructure. She's heard of women taking up the initiative on their own to stand up for their religious liberty. Scot read the open letter from the website called “Don't Claim to Speak for All Women”: We are women who support the competing voice offered by Catholic institutions on matters of sex, marriage and family life. Most of us are Catholic, but some are not. We are Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Many, at some point in our careers, have worked for a Catholic institution. We are proud to have been part of the religious mission of that school, or hospital, or social service organization. We are proud to have been associated not only with the work Catholic institutions perform in the community – particularly for the most vulnerable — but also with the shared sense of purpose found among colleagues who chose their job because, in a religious institution, a job is always also a vocation. Those currently invoking “women's health” in an attempt to shout down anyone who disagrees with forcing religious institutions or individuals to violate deeply held beliefs are more than a little mistaken, and more than a little dishonest. Even setting aside their simplistic equation of “costless” birth control with “equality,” note that they have never responded to the large body of scholarly research indicating that many forms of contraception have serious side effects, or that some forms act at some times to destroy embryos, or that government contraceptive programs inevitably change the sex, dating and marriage markets in ways that lead to more empty sex, more non-marital births and more abortions. It is women who suffer disproportionately when these things happen. No one speaks for all women on these issues. Those who purport to do so are simply attempting to deflect attention from the serious religious liberty issues currently at stake. Each of us, Catholic or not, is proud to stand with the Catholic Church and its rich, life-affirming teachings on sex, marriage and family life. We call on President Obama and our Representatives in Congress to allow religious institutions and individuals to continue to witness to their faiths in all their fullness. Scot said it's a beautiful letter. He's said the issue can turn in this country if women stand up and say that NARAL and NOW don't speak for them. Women aren't one-issue voters who only care about abortion and contraception. Kim said it's patronizing for the Obama administration to call this a women's issue because it involves contraception, abortion, and sterilization. Scot said 43 Catholic institutions filed a lawsuit on one day in late May, adding to 11 previous lawsuits. Kim said it was an unprecedented coordination of lawsuits among Catholic groups. As a civil rights matter it's striking to see organizations come together to file suit across the country to show that it matters to all of us. It's also important it was filed then because the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act is imminent. Plus the clock is ticking: Catholic organizations need to purchase insurance. Scot said some in Boston thought the Archdiocese of Boston should have filed a lawsuit too. There are 195 dioceses and parches in the US. He asked what about groups that didn't file a lawsuit? Kim said the suits are directed against just the mandate. There are lots of reasons while you would have some plaintiffs sign on and others not sign on and why you would file in the some places and not in others. It's mainly a tactical question. Scot asked how long it will take to see this resolved. Kim said it depends on what happens in the next few weeks and months on these issues. You could see them happening in the next year. Scot asked how the 43 lawsuits might be affected by the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act itself. If the Court rules the law constitutional or only part of it is unconstitutional, the lawsuits will move forward. If the court rules against the whole Act, then it's an immediate win for the plaintiffs and we return to the status quo of strong religious freedom protections. Scot asked what the likelihood for that is. Kim said her sense is the Court will strike down part of the Act and these cases will move forward in court and they will win. Scot asked Kim what she hopes to come from the Fortnight for Freedom. She wants her own kids to see Catholic standing together on an important issue. It's also a wakeup call about what's going on with religious liberty. Even if it seems like it's removed in Washington, the Fortnight can bring this home to parishes. Scot said he's been thinking about those who gave their lives in our history for the sake of religious freedom. What message would Kim have to the listeners on why we should educate ourselves and do something about this now? Kim said religious liberty isn't always attacked in a grand way, like bombing of churches and Christians being murdered. What we have here is the slow whittling away of our religious liberty. But this will really affect all os u. It will set the precedent in the law that religion is what happens within the four walls of a house of worship.

Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O'Connell Today's guest(s): Honorable Maura Doyle, Supreme Judicial Court Clerk for Suffolk County, and Carolyn Carideo Today's topics: The Catholic Lawyers Guild and the annual Red Mass Summary of today's show: Scot is surrounded by lawyers as he and Fr. Mark welcome the Honorable Maura Doyle and Carolyn Carideo for a frank and humorous discussion of the Catholic Lawyer's Guild, living as a Catholic lawyer in Massachusetts, and the annual Red Mass for lawyers at the Cathedral this Sunday. Also, looking at this Sunday's Mass readings on forgiveness and the parable of the workers in the vineyard. 1st segment: Scot said Fr. Mark is the judicial vicar for the Archdiocese, but he's also chaplain of the Catholic Lawyer's Guild as the vicar. This weekend, the Guild has a big event. The highlight of their year is the Red Mass, which is this Sunday with Cardinal Seán at the cathedral. Scot asked Fr. Mark what similarities there are between canon law and civil law. Fr. Mark said the philosophy of law is the same everywhere and comes to the seeking of justice. But the differences between canon and civil law are very great, including the rigidity of sentencing. Where the highest law in canon law is the salvation of souls, it allows a lot of flexibility in application. We see similarities in situations where canon law is trying to do the same things as civil law, like in the governing of property. Scot said a great aspect of our country is that we are a country of laws and a people who respect the law. In eastern Massachusetts, we also have many Catholic lawyers. Our guests today are Maura Doyle and Carolyn Carideo, one an experienced lawyer and a newer lawyer. 2nd segment: Scot welcomed Maura Doyle, who is clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in Suffolk County, and Carolyn Carideo. Maura has been involved with the guild for about 20 years. The guild started around 1987. Scot asked Maura about her experience and title. She said she is the Trial Court Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court. It's the oldest court of continuous existence in the Western Hemisphere and was created in 1692. It was created for the purpose of traveling to Salem to deal with the witch trials, and after it became involved in those trials they acquitted or overturned every case. This trial court had jurisdiction over the entire state for capital cases. The Clerk is an elected position and has been that way since the mid-1800s. At the time the court was becoming so busy hearing capital cases throughout the state that the State created a new superior court with jurisdiction over all capital cases, although the supreme judicial court could still hear murder cases. Prior to her service at the Supreme judicial court, she was a trial lawyer for 11 years in the federal court. She was also an adjunct faculty at Suffolk University. Carolyn has been practicing law since 2007. In 2003, after working in various industries, she went back to school for law at night at Suffolk University. She practices real estate law. She works in a family-owned real estate business. Scot asked how many of her classmates got into real estate or property law. She said not many and even she had been wary to jump out on her own in 2007 and stayed with her current job. Maura is Carolyn's aunt and godmother and performed the swearing-in when Carolyn became an officer of the court and a member of the bar. Maura gave special attention to Carolyn at the swearing-in above all the others who were present and getting sworn in to Carolyn's embarrassment. Maura said 3,000 people pass the bar in Massachusetts because of all the law schools. This November, Maura will have reached 30,000 lawyers sworn in during her career. Maura said the practice of law is an honorable profession, one of only three that require an oath (doctors, lawyers, and theologians), and she is troubled when she sees young lawyers minimize the accomplishment and profession. Fr. Mark said the Catholic Lawyers Guild has had a series of article in the Pilot. Two weeks ago, it was on the in which it was argued that the morality of the juror depends on that oath. You cannot separate religion from the oath. Maura said the is the oldest in the US: I (repeat the name) solemnly swear that I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any false, groundless or unlawful suit, nor give aid or consent to the same; I will delay no man for lucre or malice; but I will conduct myself in the office of an attorney within the courts according to the best of my knowledge and discretion, and with all good fidelity as well to the courts as my clients. So help me God. Maura said everyone present is required to stand during the oath because it is what you become at that moment, not something you do for a living. She said there was an effort recently to make the oath politically correct so she said no. Every lawyer going back to 1686 has made this oath. Scot noted that a few give the many a bad name and people have a generally bad idea of lawyers. What does she tell young lawyers? Maura said the Honorable Frank O'Connor would tell the new lawyers that everyone has a joke about lawyers, but everyone would also say that they want to get rid of every lawyer but one—their own. People associate lawyers with litigiousness of society, but they also do so much more than that. They advocate for the voiceless, mend relationships, try to achieve justice, help people put the pieces of their lives back together. 3rd segment: Scot asked Carolyn why Catholic lawyers should become members of the guild. She said a lot of what you might think of as your lawyer-self might make it impossible to be both. But your faith affects all of your life, including being an attorney. Even if its something that's been fallen away from, learning to embrace their Catholicism will bring them peace and help them find the justice they've been trained to seek. It's also a source of wisdom and community among people who've been living the same sort of life. Being Catholic is in your bones. It wouldn't define you as apart from your peers. But if you embrace it, it can make you a better lawyer. Fr. Mark said the speaker at their banquet was John Garvey, now president of Catholic University of America. He said if you don't bring the principles of your Catholic faith to your life as a lawyer, what are you bringing? What are you basing your morality on? Maura said she's found newer lawyers today are very impressed with themselves. They don't realize that civility and professionalism are important. Courtesy, respect, and civility are part of the Golden Rule. It's important and society has often forgotten a lot of the manners and professional courtesies. A word should be your bond, but newer lawyers won't take the word, but want it in writing to use against you later. Scot said hopefully being a Catholic makes you a better lawyer or whatever profession. Carolyn said the lawyers are also fighting against a lot of the ways TV shows and movies portray lawyers. In reality, most lawyers, even those on opposite sides of cases, have a fraternity and are friendly to one another. Maura said in the oath ceremony, she stresses that they are to be peacemakers, not hired guns. Abraham Lincoln that a lawyer, as a peacemaker, has a superior opportunity to be a good man. Scot asked who can join the Catholic Lawyers Guild. Anyone from law school students to the most experienced lawyers can join. There isn't a formal program yet for new laws, but there's a wealth of experience among the membership. Fr. Mark said it's not formal mentoring, but they do have more experienced lawyers reaching out to new lawyers serving in a high-powered work environment. As a chaplain, Fr. Mark attends Board of Directors meetings and represents the cardinal to them and ensures they remain authentically Catholic. On the Saturday of Palm Sunday each year, they have a day of reflection for the Guild. Maura said they also have a Spring lecture, and in the last couple of years it's been at the John Adams Courthouse. It can be a variety of topics. Recently, it was a canon lawyer who spoke on the history of the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite, which fascinated the civil lawyers. This year was Billy Bulger talking about his new book on John Michael Curley. Maura said young lawyers have a hard time transitioning on how to live their faith within their professions without compartmentalizing them. She said it needs to be brought to their attention that there is a crossover because the laws and rights are predicated on the 10 Commandments. All of those things emanate from religious belief. Some young lawyers don't see that. Fr. Mark said it's good to see the judges and lawyers and new lawyers on a level playing field talking about their faith. 4th segment: Scot said this Sunday is the Red Mass, a gathering of lawyers with Cardinal Seán as celebrant. It's at 11:30 at the Cathedral. Fr. Mark said the Mass is an ancient custom and many of the dioceses in the US have Red Masses. The biggest one is in Washington and the 9 Supreme Court justices attend, the 5 Catholics and the 4 non-Catholics as well. That's where Cardinal Seán came to appreciate the Red Mass. The Red Mass is called that because of the vestments. It goes back to ancient times when lawyers wore red. Doctors have the White Mass. Cardinal Seán always gives a “be proud to bring your faith to work” homily. After the Mass is a banquet at the Seaport Hotel about 1pm where Chief Justice Philip Rapoza will speak. Tickets for the reception are still available at the door or they can be purchased online. Chief Justice Rapoza of the Appeals Court is a very devout Catholic, Maura said. He is Chief Justice of the Interim Appellate Court in Massachusetts. The Interim Appellate Court was created in 1972 to lessen the amount of appeals on the Supreme Judicial Court. He's been a judge at several levels and became Chief Justice of the court in 2006. At one point he was also a special judge appointed by the United Nations to an international criminal court for crimes against humanity in the island-nation of East Timor, a former province of Indonesia. They've had some great speakers over the years: Helen Alvare, Justice Antonin Scalia, Gov. Casey of Pennsylvania and more. 5th segment: Now, as we do every week, we look forward to this coming Sunday's Mass readings to help us prepare to celebrate together. Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o'clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.' So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o'clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?' They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.' When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.' He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?' Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Scot asked Carolyn what jumps out to her from these. She said it seems no contracts were signed. But really, what she sees is that we need to mind our own business and not worry about what the next guy is doing. Don't be trying to be a better Catholic than the next guy. Have your own path and mind your own faith. When you focus away from your own self, you can go astray. Maura said in the first reading it's the idea of forgiveness that jumps out. In practicing law, just because you have an opposing counsel, they are not the enemy. You need to have forgiveness for those who oppose you. Also, don't point out the speck in your brother's eye, when you have a log in your own. In these days, there's a lot of self-centeredness. Everyone thinks they're being taken advantage of. There's also a minimalism where people think they could have done less to get the same wage. Work is not just a burden but is a service. The parable is about how God acted and we should rejoice because God has been generous to those who have lately received his grace. Fr. Mark said God gives the answer to the Gospel in the first reading. It's the idea of what God thinks is fair. God's idea of fairness is God treating everyone equally. The guy who waits until 5 to get work is the weakest and least capable. But God treats them with as much respect as the strongest and most capable. Scot said in reading the parable putting ourselves in each of the roles can be revealing. If you're the last one picked, you're anguishing over being able to provide for your family. It teaches us to be generous and grateful.