It's a tough time out there for a lot of people obviously, and the events of recent months make it surpassingly clear that we are confronting evil.

We know that evil presence is there and that we all suffer from it: "Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

We also know what we must do: "But this kind is not cast out but by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:20).

I invite all FReepers to share in this fast tomorrow and to donate something to benefit the victims of the Taliban, al-Qaeda, Hamas or other terrorist organizations.

I'm afraid I have moved from wanting peace to wanting His Terrible Swift Sword for JUSTICE!

Even so, Lord Jesus...

COME!

I'm there, thanks

bump / stomach growl

I believe that peace will only come after we have finished using the sword that the Lord has placed in our hands.

In the meantime, we should help the people who have been devastated by evil.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! ...Patrick Henry

Thanks for the post -- the struggle continues!

Patrick Henry knew that peace would only come to America if we fought a war first to establish justice.

The Pope realizes the same thing about the war on terrorism and has said as much, by declaring America's actions in Afghanistan "measured and just."

I, like him, hope that the war is successfully prosecuted as soon as possible with the least lost of innocent life. So far so good. I pray our good fortune continues and we finally excise the entire terrorist cancer.

Bump for day of prayer and fasting.

God bless.

I'm afraid I have moved from wanting peace to wanting His Terrible Swift Sword for JUSTICE!

Even so, Lord Jesus...

We agree..I will join in prayer tomorrow for justice and for Gods will in this situation..as for sending money their way...OHHHHHH NO..A reporter was stoned to death by "the children" that had just been "liberated"

There are needy children all around the world.Send money to India,Mexico..Africa..but at this point ..untill the Muslims "turn from their wicked ways"..no donation

BTW I was telling our Hannah about yours last night and we talked about Grace...Hope amazing is growing like a weed>)

Many thanks for the reminder!

Thanks for posting this.

For a list of all threads bumped to the Catholic_list

A fasting reminder, for those interested. Also:

HOLY LAND CHRISTIANS TO OBSERVE DAY OF FASTING ON FRIDAY

Interview with Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine

JERUSALEM, (ZENIT.org-Fides).- Christians in the Holy Land will observe a fast for peace this Friday, called for by John Paul II.

In an interview, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, papal nuncio in Jerusalem and apostolic delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, described to the Vatican agency Fides the atmosphere in the region on the eve of the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

--Q: Archbishop Sambi, how can fasting help a world that has been involved in years of warfare?

--Archbishop Sambi: This initiative of Holy Father is providential. Fasting and prayers for peace serve to purify minds and hearts. Fasting purifies the sentiments and opens the heart to others.

This is particularly important for those engaged in a war. There is a danger that war may turn into a "job." But people who make war their profession, kill other people and they kill hope. For the Holy Land, this day of fasting is very important.

In the Holy Land, we need a fast from fighting. Here, day after day, we live with both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, all the tragedy of war. By fasting and praying we can reflect on how to build a better world, which will not be built with terrorism, hatred or revenge.

A better future can only be found on the path of respect for the rights and duties of both peoples and on the path of justice. War closes horizons, whereas reciprocal respect and justice opens them.

In the Holy Land, Orthodox Christians and Protestants have joined Catholics in responding with gratitude and willingness to the Pope´s call for a day of fasting and prayer for peace. The day before the day of fasting, the Pope will meet a group of bishops from the Holy Land.

The Pope has called a group of bishops of the different Catholic rites in Jerusalem for a meeting with him in Rome on Dec. 13. This is an eloquent sign of the loving concern with which the Pope follows the sad events in the Holy Land, and in the life of the Church, here, in this land, where the Church was born.

The Pope sees religions working for peace; the world sees religion as reasons for war.

With this initiative the Holy Father intends precisely to help all religions understand that an essential element of their mission is to be instruments of peace, never of war and destruction.

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patent

Thanks for posting ...

PetersNet has a couple of very good links on the Pope's exhortation and the fasting protocols ... top left-hand corner.

Without prayer we can't win - BTT

Thanks for the bump, and the info.

Without prayer we can't win - BTT

What is it that you Catholics are hoping that fasting will acomplish; peace on earth? I also noticed a Matthew quote about casting out demons. What do you hope to cast out?

Thanks for the ping, wideawake!