And Now for the News of the Day - Firday, October 7

News for the Day

From Becoming A Devout Disciple

Here are today’s News briefs from around the world. Here is some information to read, to reflect upon. Each of these events and issues require our prayers. Remember that God has a plan for each believer, each faithful follower. 

Always direct love and generosity toward God. Strive to be good tenants of the vineyard. Do not betray God. Fidelity with God is essential for our spiritual health, spiritual well-being.

35 new deacons studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome were ordained at an October 6 ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica. Deacon means “one who serves” and the 35 new deacons will have the opportunity to do that within the ministry of the Sacred Liturgy, of the Word, and of charity.

There are reports that Syrian troops stormed villages close to the border with Turkey yesterday, hunting armed military defectors who fought back in clashes that left at least four soldiers and three others dead, activists said. This new wave of fighting in Syria’s restive northern region of Jabal al-Zawiya, was the latest sign of a trend toward growing militarization of the uprising. It is believed that former military defectors have joined the rebels and are now fighting against the government. The United Nations human rights office estimates almost 3000 people have been killed during the seven months of unrest in Syria.

NATO is being warned that an exit from Afghanistan will lead the women vulnerable to harsh treatment. A law to prevent violence against women is only being enforced in 10 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Young girls in rural Afghanistan are still married off as young as 12, some are sold to pay of debts. The United Nations estimated that at least 87 percent of Afghanistan women are victims of domestic abuse.

On this day October 7, 1963 President John F. Kennedy signed the documents of ratification for a nuclear test ban treaty with Britain and the Soviet Union.

On this day October 7, 1985 Palestinian gunmen hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean with more than 400 people aboard.

See that no one knows about this - December 3

"Let it be done for you according to your faith." Matthew 9:29

Newspaper headlines and lead paragraphs often capture my attention. There is nothing like a good, well publicized, and often polarized court room trial, the heated, intellectual cross-examinations, and sensational pictures and captions to motivate quips, puns, and one liners. Political reportage is very domestic, often too didactic. But, there are people who prefer articles about government agencies, government policies, government nuances. I look for new to make my eyes opens, my jaw to drop open. I look for news to scare me. A good newspaper story makes me afraid of my neighbors, makes me afraid to watch television,makes me afraid not to watch television. My entire being becomes briefly involved when I read newspaper headlines and lead paragraphs. How I like the inverted paragraph!

I am always on the look out for something to induce PG day dreams in which I am the witness on the stand, or at the next table or standing close to the wrong person at the right time or with the right person at the wrong time and either I photograph, film, or record a conversation or event accidentally and then I have to explain it and present it to the police and then during a sensational trial where I am the star witness. I am all ready with my imaginary comebacks, my imaginary sidelong glances,and my imaginary self-confidence and self-righteousness. A movie should be built around my imaginary battle with the cross-examiner.

These little reveries usually take place as I skim newspaper headlines as I am walking somewhere or riding on the subway. The truth about the state of the world is not as entertaining but is as equally frightening.

South Korea's new Defense minister threatened to bomb North Korea. The US unemployment rate rises to 9.8%. A murder suspect commits suicide in Los Angeles. American and civilian casualties rise in Afghanistan.

Each day there is some new tragedy, a murder, a rape, a vicious attack. Newspapers inform the public of the specifics of many of the crimes. There is never a lack of a news about a sudden, violent death.

This world provides many opportunities for prayer, many subjects in need of prayer, and many reasons to increase the prayer within our lives.