Learning from Yom Kippur
3 years ago
...for Harry Potter that is. Only a short wait until midnight when the book is released to what will undoubtedly be a mad rush of those who have awaited this moment with avid anticipation. Laugh all you want, but I will be among them...within reason of course. No costume, and no camping out...and really, no waiting 2 hours for the book. I can always go back tomorrow if it looks like the line will take forever.Only a few more moments until the questions we've been asking are answered. I've steered clear of reviewers and those who couldn't wait to provide spoilers...(they're call spoilers for a reason - they SPOIL our enjoyment...so seriously, don't be such a spoilsport!)
For instance, what/where are the remaining horcruxes?
Is Snape really working for Voldemort or is he still loyal to the Order?
Are they returning to Hogwarts at all, or will Harry really not return?
Will Mr. Dursley's head (or Dudley for that matter) explode? (though I suspect that is just an amusing inquiry on my part)
Yes, yes, and will the "boy who lived" die in the end? (though I for one am more interested in the plotline than the eventual outcome right now...)
And finally, my real burning question, more important than all the rest...how long will I have to wait among underage wizards in costume to get my book? That, my friends, is the real question.
Baseball, apple pie and hotdogs...that is what we should have had for dinner before sitting in the park last night listening to the community orchestra. As we were walking to and fro, getting our "small" frozen yogurts at the Dairy King (not to be confused with the Dairy Queen mind you), we noticed a small community orchestra set up to play in the town park, most appropriately, a town square in fact. Approaching the scene, complete with an old fashioned popcorn cart, JW quite rightly observed that in front of us sat a real life picture-perfect portrait Americana at its best. With the kids running about while parents set up their lawn chairs, we decided to pop a squat on a park bench along the edge of the sidewalk. I must confess, I felt a little bit like the Gilmore Girls at that moment with the banter that often surfaces when JW and I are out - set in a town square only made it more Gilmore-esque. And true to form, small town America came to life (though a bit on the Wonderbread side of American life - we couldn't lie about that). Starting off with the National Anthem, the orchestra showcased its younger community members, high school and college students pursuing musical dreams. Meanwhile, little boys chased the girls, soccer balls were kicked around and the fountain sprayed on as it should on a nice summer evening.
Old and young alike, blankets strewn, bikes parked, dogs on a leash, strollers set aside...for an evening the cares of the world were gone. Children (and their parents) ran with wild abandon, enjoyed a bucket of popcorn, just took in the sights, sounds and smells of the evening. The earlier storm had left a cool breeze and billowy clouds that ignited the imagination - I'm pretty sure I saw a cloud that looked like a dog...or a dog that looked like a cloud. Above the symphony arose squeals and laughter from the exuberance of youth that outlasted us on that park bench. So off we went, back into our lives, stepping out of what would have surely inspired another Norman Rockwell masterpiece. Apple pie aside (and the baseball game won by sundown), a peaceful calm and joy took over the scene, if only for a moment. It is a moment to be cherished, for certain.
Though the image above was not the particular one the priest referenced during his homily this past weekend, it was as close to the image that I could find. The photo that had been etched in his memory forever was from a small gazette - it was of a black woman shielding a KKK member from harm when an angry mob had formed to retaliate against him. This was the photo he had us imagine as we placed ourselves back in time, into the story of the Good Samaritan, to understand exactly what the relations between the different segments of society were. Now, perhaps the parallel is a little harsher than deserved, but it most definitely provoked thought.
How many of us would defend another's life, especially a person who we were certain would not only not defend us, but would do us harm if given the chance? I must admit, it gave me a moment's pause. The image above was the first and only one I could find that was even remotely similar to the story I heard. As I was searching endlessly, the images that came up were horrific - I literally became nauseous at the sight of them, and was quick to delete my computer history. Could I turn around, then, and love a person that evoked such reactions? If we are to remain true to the Gospel teaching, that is exactly what we are called to do (though it might more closely follow Matthew 5:43 than the Good Samaritan story). Holy cow!
Again, I go back to that soft image of Jesus that we see portrayed so often today. It is not a "soft" Jesus that challenges us to love in this radical and completely selfless way. It is a man who knew what it was to pour out his life in love for people who beat him, spat upon him, and sentenced him to death. In short, He calls us to do no less than Him, but He also walks with us and gives us the grace we need if we are open to it. That's a big "if" in some moments of great risk...
As indicting as it was of our own prejudice and faithlessness, that was not the only thought to penetrate the Sunday morning haze in my mind. Going beyond your average Good Samaritan story analysis, the next person we were asked to imagine ourselves in the place of was the injured man. The next question: how often do we allow ourselves to be helped? In a culture that demands independence and individualism, the question is not only whether we help others, but whether we allow others to help us in a time of need.
It becomes a matter of ego and pride to say we can do it all, all the time. To be faithful to the community of Christ and our interconnectedness, it is just as important to humble ourselves and allow others into our vulnerability as it is to extend ourselves beyond our limitations to lift up another. It is a give and a take, or the community does not function. Again, I admit that I have my own failings in this regard as well. Faith doesn't always call us to be strong - sometimes it calls us to be broken, to share in the cross of Christ, to allow Christ to lift us up to redemption. That is humbling and often difficult in a society where we are taught that weakness is bad and we should "save face" at all costs.
So, the weekend began with an evening watching the 1995 A&E Pride & Prejudice with friends, during which time RB kept asking what was pride and what was prejudice. Well, I hope we answered him satisfactorily that evening. I, for one, had to re-think the whole matter after these thoughts rested awhile in my soul...
[Imagine Bono's dulcet tones here...or listen to them for real HERE (no need to download, just push play)!]
Ok, ok, I'm not really going to discuss the merits of the song either musically, philosophically, theologically, or any other "-ally." I'm just saying it is a gorgeous day outside. One of those perfect, not too hot, not too cold, crisp-bright-blue-sky-with-cottony-billowy-bright-white-clouds kind of day.
It's days like these that make me realize that I should always carry my camera with me. I was fortunate enough to be able to take an afternoon walk down a gravel trail in the middle of town, and though it was a short one, the beauty of creation still left me in awe of God. Experiences like that leave me a little torn - do I just let myself soak in the grandeur or do I try to capture one miniscule iota of it on film so I can always remember it? Today the clear (and only) choice was the first.
Taking a moment to breathe in the summer-scented air, revel in the cool shade of the trees, listen to a babbling brook (see? I'm not the only thing that babbles), gaze through the translucent waters of the "river" - to experience the harmony of nature and know that I am a special part of it, grander than all the grandeur of the rest of creation - that is a humbling thought. Moments like these remind me that I should make time for more moments like these.
Taking a moment to breathe in the summer-scented air, revel in the cool shade of the trees, listen to a babbling brook (see? I'm not the only thing that babbles), gaze through the translucent waters of the "river" - to experience the harmony of nature and know that I am a special part of it, grander than all the grandeur of the rest of creation - that is a humbling thought. Moments like these remind me that I should make time for more moments like these.
To immerse myself in even a half hour of God's creation unveils a new perspective on the world, though that perspective may not last as long as I like, or as it should. It does, however, remind me that everything, everything, is a gift from God. The coffee in my mug, the mug itself, the roof over my head, the chair I sit in, this computer - every last bit of it is a gift that comes forth from the gift God gave us in creation. Without that first moment, everything else would cease to be.
As much as these "things" are gifts, how much more so the people in our lives. After all, creation was made complete by the creation of man and woman - made in the image and likeness of God, though not Gods in themselves. How mindblowing and awesome a notion! Certainly makes a gal wonder if the choices she makes, from spending her money to spending her time and energy, are worthily reflecting that image and likeness.
It's a great relief to know that through the generosity of love from God in his Son, I don't have to get it right all the time or right away. The point is that my heart should be striving for perfection. And a day like today reminds me that perfection in that sense is often found in simplicity. It is in the simplest things that wonder and awe, and the grace of our Lord, are often showered upon us, quite apart from our own doing.
I always seem to be a little ... disappointed ... with the focus of the news media (let's face it - a lot of it is freakin' depressing and not a great portrait of modern humanity, not to mention it's slightly yellow color these days!). Since we are called to spread the Good News, you can hopefully understand why this becomes frustrating. So, in fairness to the newsmedia, I thought I'd highlight a news article that shows us a more generous picture of life in America.
It was just a typical day on the job at the Pizza Hut in Angola, Ind., for 20-year-old Jessica Osborne when out of the blue, she received a gift that would change her life: a $10,000 tip from one of her customers. "When I opened it up, I just — I thought maybe I read too many zeros and I lost my breath," Osborne said on "Good Morning America." "It was amazing."
Osborne got to know Becky and her family through their weekly pizza dinners, but she didn't realize that they had recently suffered a great tragedy. Becky's husband and eldest daughter were killed in a car accident, and she had been left with a large settlement. Once Becky heard about Osborne's broken dreams, she decided to use some of the money from the settlement to make them come true. "We decided we needed to help Jessica and she was there, we were there, and it just seemed like the right thing to do," Becky said.
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Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. Through the evidence of this service, you are glorifying God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution to them and to all others, while in prayer on your behalf they long for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
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Pizza Hut Waitress Gets $10,000 Tip
July 13, 2007
from ABC's Good Morning America
from ABC's Good Morning America
Photo credit: ABCNews
It was just a typical day on the job at the Pizza Hut in Angola, Ind., for 20-year-old Jessica Osborne when out of the blue, she received a gift that would change her life: a $10,000 tip from one of her customers. "When I opened it up, I just — I thought maybe I read too many zeros and I lost my breath," Osborne said on "Good Morning America." "It was amazing."The tip of a lifetime came from a family of regular customers. Every Friday, Becky and her family, who asked that their last name not be used, come in and order the same thing: a Meatlovers pizza, half pepperoni, half black olives and mushrooms. Becky said Osborne always came to the table with a smile on her face. "She was sweet and bright and cheerful and never complained," Becky said. "She was just a sweet waitress."
But Osborne had recently been let down by financial troubles that were keeping her ambitions at bay. She had enrolled in a local college but was forced to withdraw because of a lack of financial aid. She told Becky's family about the textbooks she had bought and kept in the trunk of her car and her dreams to become a photographer.
"I thought, 'This is a very generous person,'" Becky said, "and we enjoyed just talking to her, finding out about her life."
Osborne got to know Becky and her family through their weekly pizza dinners, but she didn't realize that they had recently suffered a great tragedy. Becky's husband and eldest daughter were killed in a car accident, and she had been left with a large settlement. Once Becky heard about Osborne's broken dreams, she decided to use some of the money from the settlement to make them come true. "We decided we needed to help Jessica and she was there, we were there, and it just seemed like the right thing to do," Becky said.
Osborne is deciding where to go to school, relieved that she now has the money to pay for it. For now, she's still getting over the shock of the much more than 15-percent tip. "It's unbelievable. It doesn't happen to people every day," she said. "I mean, I work at Pizza Hut!"
Hmmm, I know many a Detroit Tigers fan (and fans of other teams I'm sure) who'd be in agreement with God's sign...though perhaps not the foam finger. ;)
Ever have one of those days that just starts out so strangely that you have an odd feeling you can't shake all day? That's life today... I've had a hard time putting my finger on what exactly has been gnawing at me. Is it fear? Kind of. Is it sadness? A little. But it's not really any one emotion, I suppose - just a very unsettled feeling.
It could well just be the fact that I was awoken by the fighting of my neighbors this morning well before my usual moment to rise and shine, and the fact that the drama continued for hours into the day. I think as far as that goes, it's more the internal struggle of what my role is as their physical neighbor. On the one hand, I don't want to get involved - it really is not my business. But on the other hand, I feel called to do something. It just doesn't seem right to sit next door and listen to it all happen. I'm at a loss, truly, and maybe that is where the bit of sadness comes from.
Part of me also wonders how long life can be as good as it has been. I know, I know, God is good and unbelievably gracious, so it can continue to be good for far longer than I can imagine. And certainly, my perspective on the "good life" has changed over the years! Still, perhaps it is from watching another's life fall apart, but it begins to shake my faith in what I know of life.
I suppose these are the moments in which prayer is the only way out, moments where all you can do is rest in Jesus and realize that it is out of your own hands, and in His, and that is ultimately more satisfying than anything else. Still the fear remains, feeding on years of old bad habits of doubt and self-loathing. It's a comfort to know that the saintliest of saints had the same doubts. I know that it comes from a place that is not of God, and they say knowing is half the battle.
So as I lay down my weary head tonight, I pray that the morning will chase away the darkness of fear and sadness. A new dawn brings a new spirit of hope, and I just pray that others may begin to know the hope that lies in a faith in Christ. I can't imagine living in this world without that faith to be my rock.
MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that
I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire
in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I
may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be
lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"
It's been less than a month since the Vatican issued their specialized 10 Commandments for Motorists, and let's face it - I'm not sure I've seen any effect! Ok, ok, I'm not really sure I expected any. And truly, it's not only on the road that the 10 Commandments or the Golden Rule no longer apply. Let me take you on a short journey through my travels the last few days.
Point of interest #1: Church parking lot/road. I found myself at a new parish yesterday (that shall go unnamed), and was trying to maneuver my way about the area. I'm already leary of parking lots because I am convinced that people purchase horse blinders and just bully their way through them with no regard to pedestrians or other vehicles, but a church parking lot I thought might be a little better. Ha! The joke was on me - there was one mode of operation for everyone, and that was "I'm getting out of here, you can wait!" Elderly pedestrians were dodging cars, and not one car let another one in. All this in a parking lot. As we got onto the road, one driver literally parked his/her car in the middle of traffic so they either had to hit them, or let them in. I understand it can be frustrating to wait to turn left, but there are other optional directions one can take on that road to ease the congestion. Wanting to avoid all possible collision, I went merrily on my way the other direction. No need for all that stress on a Sunday!
Point of interest #2: The grocery store. So you think that road rage only applies to cars? Heck no! I'm in the grocery store, and called my mom for what I thought would be a quick question on how to prepare a certain food. I had every intention of it being a short call, but found out during the conversation that she'd had to go to the ER. Quick call no more, much to my own chagrin. Well, apparently, my cart was not pulled the side enough as I was shopping and talking, but instead of simply asking me to move, which I gladly would have, a man actually rammed my cart with his to get it out of the way. My look of shock and horror only reached his wife, who smiled apologetically. Lucky for him I was on the phone...well, probably lucky for me too, or I would have acted in a way that would not have been how I'd ideally want to react. I found vindication however, later in the store when his cart was blocking my way. Not to gloat, but I did not ram his cart - I simply said excuse me, looked him straight in the eye, and went on my way. Oh, he knew...he knew. :)
Point of interest #3: I-75 Northbound. Again, I know the morning commute can be frustrating. But buddy, the sign on the side of the road says "70 mph" and when the left lane is already well exceeding that, I'm sorry if other drivers don't have much patience for you zigzagging through traffic cutting everyone off. At those speeds, 2 feet is not enough room to merge into a lane - even if you are in an SUV. And the next time you feel the need to cut off the last car in a line of cars, check your mirrors to see that waiting 2 extra seconds would have gotten you into the lane of your heart's desire without aggravating another driver and/or creating an accident. It's not all about you, even if you do have the bigger car.I'll be back on the road in a little bit. While I'm sure there could be more stories to tell, I'll leave you with these few from the past 24 hours. You feel free to ponder your own moments and your own reactions. That's really all we can control, after all. :)
Not only did the 7-7-07 date elicit wedding glee from the enthusiastically engaged, but it also served as the release date of the New 7 Wonders of the World, voted on globally at the New7Wonders Foundation site. The Foundation was created in 2001 by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber, with a mission to "protect humankind's heritage across the globe." This venture was part of an effort by Weber and others to raise awareness of the decay of many of our world's most significant monuments and man-made structures. Their hope is not only to recreate some buzz around some significant historical and anthropological sites, but to raise money to preserve and/or rebuild these wonders as well. Find out more about their efforts here.
Well, voting is now over, and you can find the revised, er updated, ummm...well, the New 7 Wonders here.
They are:
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Christ Redeemer, Brazil
The Great Wall, China
Machu Picchu, Peru
Petra, Jordan
The Roman Colosseum, Italy
The Taj Mahal, India
The original Seven Wonders, chosen by Philon of Byzantium as a travel guide for fellow Athenians were:
Well, voting is now over, and you can find the revised, er updated, ummm...well, the New 7 Wonders here.
They are:
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Christ Redeemer, Brazil
The Great Wall, China
Machu Picchu, Peru
Petra, Jordan
The Roman Colosseum, Italy
The Taj Mahal, IndiaThe original Seven Wonders, chosen by Philon of Byzantium as a travel guide for fellow Athenians were:
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria
- The Temple of Artemis
- The Statue of Zeus
- The Colossus of Rhodes
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
- The Pyramids of Egypt
All had been built between 2,500 B.C. and 200 B.C., and only the Pyramids of Egypt remain. Sadly, not only were they not selected as part of the New7Wonders, they didn't even make the list of finalists.
Perhaps that, along with other concerns, led to a critical response regarding the project from UNESCO , the UN body for Culture. Among those concerns were 1)the desire of the foundation to rebuild and/or repair certain monuments, which would cause the destruction of the sites as a whole, and 2) the limiting of the voting to 7 sites, noting that cultural world has grown immensely from the time of Philon.
What do you think?
Warning: Below resides unsolicited advice and comments about parenting by me, admittedly not yet a parent. There. Now you know.
So, the past two days have given me pause to think about what may be my parenting future. No, no, not in the sense of questioning whether I want children, please - do you not know me at all?? Rather, it's questioning whether my child will hate me because I will choose to be their parent first, and their friend second. Wondering whether my child will understand that what they want isn't always what is best for them, and that at the age of 3 or 4, they need not be little adults - they should be and be treated as children.
Some of this could be a result of the child star phenomenon. Even Disney these days seems to be selling its teens (girls at least) with minimal clothing and dance moves that certainly don't belong in a stage show with an audience predominantly between the ages of 5 and 9. What message do we send these girls when we say that is how you gain popularity and notoriety? Certainly not one I'd want my children to receive. And let's not get me started on ABC Family...there are hardly any shows on there that I would deem family friendly anymore. I'm not sure what their "new kind of family" is, but it is not one in whose image I would shape my family. Between the drinking, rampant casual sex, and other questionable moral messages, I'd hardly call it a family-friendly channel. Just because you put the word in there, ABC, doesn't make it true. But I digress...sorry!
So, the past two days have given me pause to think about what may be my parenting future. No, no, not in the sense of questioning whether I want children, please - do you not know me at all?? Rather, it's questioning whether my child will hate me because I will choose to be their parent first, and their friend second. Wondering whether my child will understand that what they want isn't always what is best for them, and that at the age of 3 or 4, they need not be little adults - they should be and be treated as children.What, you may wonder, has given me cause to reflect about events which are not yet on the horizon? Observation, my friends...observation of parents who appear to be uninterested in being parents. Certainly, children should be given some freedom to develop their personalities, their creativity, and their talents. Call me crazy if you will, but I am not of the opinion that such freedom should be limitless. There is a difference between giving a child the freedom to run around outside at home and letting a child run around in a public place without making any attempt to shape their behavior in an appropriate way. For instance, church...I'm sorry, but it is not okay to let your child run around at will. At some point, they need to learn to be disciplined in their behavior - they need to learn where it is and is not okay to act in a certain way. Now, understandably, children are not going to always be silent and still. This doesn't mean that you don't make the attempt to correct and teach, or that you disregard the others around you because your child can do no wrong. Similarly, I would balk at the though of my child running around the mall, if for no other reason than safety alone!
As much as "letting kids be kids" doesn't mean giving them free reign to create mayhem, it does mean protecting them from influences that give them a false sense of maturity, especially the sexualization of children that I think occurs far too early these days. From clothing to music to television and movies, the images out there create far too sexual an image for children at too young an age. There is no reason - zero - that a child of five should be dressing in the same styles as someone in adulthood. Granted, some of the styles for adults are overly sexualized as well, but at least they have (well, ideally, anyway) a sense of what that sexuality is really for.
Some of this could be a result of the child star phenomenon. Even Disney these days seems to be selling its teens (girls at least) with minimal clothing and dance moves that certainly don't belong in a stage show with an audience predominantly between the ages of 5 and 9. What message do we send these girls when we say that is how you gain popularity and notoriety? Certainly not one I'd want my children to receive. And let's not get me started on ABC Family...there are hardly any shows on there that I would deem family friendly anymore. I'm not sure what their "new kind of family" is, but it is not one in whose image I would shape my family. Between the drinking, rampant casual sex, and other questionable moral messages, I'd hardly call it a family-friendly channel. Just because you put the word in there, ABC, doesn't make it true. But I digress...sorry! So, here's what I think it comes down to. I think the main thing is knowing the difference between being a loving, doting parent and one who idolizes their children either from a false sense of love or a lack of an interest in raising the child. There is a difference between the ooohing and aaaahing of parents over something genuinely cute that a child does (which tends to be evenly mixed in with frustration and discipline), and creating a sense of stardom for the child where everything they do is revered. There is a difference between allowing a child the freedom to develop their sense of self, and giving them freedom without restraint that relieves you of any parental duty.
Having a child is a great responsiblity - it involves teaching, counseling, forming a conscience and being a protector. And as much as I look forward to that role in the future, I do not enjoy taking on that role in situations where parents have decided to neglect their own responsibility. If you're out somewhere and you don't feel like being a parent for the night, please don't bring the children along!
As I was heating up my frozen dinner last night, little did I think that I would one day compare one of my organs to a microwave oven. I mean sure, there's the age old euphemism that refers to pregnancy as "having a bun in the oven," but I didn't ever think it might become somewhat literal! Shows you what I know. Science has once again mystified in its ... creative ... approaches to fertility and childbirth.And yet, the Canadian scientific community can, in fact, now boast that it has birthed a thawed baby. Well, perhaps I am being aloof about what may be a significant scientific breakthrough, though its moral implications may not be as ingenius as the science behind it. It seems that scientists have successfully created a viable living infant from an egg which, taken from the ovary early, was matured outside of the woman's body, frozen and then later thawed and impregnated and put back into the woman to be brought to term. Talk about the truth being stranger than fiction! This would have made a great sci-fi movie way back in the day...
If I understand correctly, the purpose behind the procedure is to provide pregnancy options for women suffering from diseases that either prevent their eggs from maturing or destroy the mature eggs, such as certain types of cancers. Now, the results have not yet been replicated, and there is no indication that a pregnancy would be successful in a woman suffering from cancer, so the even the scientific jury is still out. And being that I'm not a moral theologian, I can't really make a definitive statement as to what the moral implications are based on our teachings and theology.
There are some notable differences between this new development and current fertility options, though, that make me think that our Church will need to put a little more thought behind any position it may take. For one, this procedure is done with one singular egg - there is no mass production of embryos that result in abortive procedures during the process. It is directly fertilized and then implanted, again, for the purpose of bringing this one child to term. No multiple births, and from what I have read, no hormone treatments to boost fertility.
The only objection(s) it seems to me from my limited understanding is(are) that it removes the physical act of intercourse, the unitive property of the act that calls forth the joining of man, woman and Spirit, and leaves the procreative potential to the hand of God. To me, this is certainly an important enough objection to give pause to any thought of promoting this new procedure. However, I do not live the lives of the women who may find themselves limited in their ability to bring forth life due to illnesses that are out of their control. This is a desire that is deeply embedded in so many a feminine soul, it really should not be lightly dismissed.
If what I understand of this new development is correct, there remains many a grey area as relates to ethics and morality. With so many other horrors out there, I wonder if there is room for helping women bring their own children to term, albeit in a rather unusual way, when it a)does not result in the loss of lives of other children and b) involves the biology of the married couple who are trying to have a child. I look forward to hearing what the collective wisdom of our Church has to say.
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