I don't know how I feel if a member of my family was held by this group. But I see why it is wrong to pay ransoms. They will only use the money to finance their murderous ways and their victims will be nameless and faceless to us but mourned just as much as those whose deaths were recorded for propaganda reasons.
If anyone is inclined, please pray the Rosary today for the intention of those who are persecuted and held hostage. Some of us have agreed to do this at 3pm today in solidarity with persecuted Christians throughout the world and especially in the Middle East.
The Order of Our Lady of Mercy/Ransom was founded to offer ransom for Christians held captive by Muslims. I don't know what I would do if a loved one was held hostage.
I pray the rosary daily for the persecuted and the terrorized, Christian and non-Christian alike. Thanks for reminding all of us to do that.
Terry I have been meaning to tell you that while it is disturbing I love the photo you chose for the top of your blog. It is so fitting with everything going on in the world right now. I remember when this happened that we wondered what it might portend. Now we know.
This post reminded me of something I read in Warren Carroll's short history of the Spanish Civil War. During the fighting, the Alcazar in Toledo was taken by the Communist revolutionaries. The 16 year old son of Col. José Moscardó e Ituarte, the governor of the Toledo Province, was captured. They called the father demanding a ransom and he asked to speak to his son who asked what he should do. His father replied. “Commend your soul to God and die like a patriot, shouting,‘¡Viva Cristo Rey!' and ‘¡Viva Cristo Rey!’ The Alcázar does not surrender.” His son said, "I can do that." He was executed a month later in retaliation for an air raid. Would that we all have that kind of courage. Those who have their eyes fixed on God know that this life is short. We are like the lilies of field here today and gone tomorrow. May we commend our souls to God every day and not be disturbed even by the worst our enemies can do to us offering our lives for their conversion. I suspect that's what John Foley, Catholic husband and father, did as he faced death. May all these martyrs rest in the arms of Jesus after hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Thanks for the story from the Spanish Civil War - the 16 year old and his father. I was reading a bit about the martyrs in Mexico in the '20's. Such amazing witnesses. We need them to give us the courage to remain faithful.
After reading about Our Lady of Ransom, I wonder if I would have the courage to offer myself in exchange for a beloved family member. I am, after all, an old lady, and what better way to go (quicker too) than to "lay down one's life for a friend." But I don't think I'm brave enough to do it with my eyes open -- maybe a quick bullet outside and abortion mill when I didn't know it was coming.
Please comment with charity and avoid ad hominem attacks. I exercise the right to delete comments I find inappropriate. If you use your real name there is a better chance your comment will stay put.
The father of two children. I remember reading almost 10 days ago that he was the next one after Steven Solokoff.
ReplyDeleteMay they all rest in peace.
Lord Jesus have mercy on them and on us all.
I don't know how I feel if a member of my family was held by this group. But I see why it is wrong to pay ransoms. They will only use the money to finance their murderous ways and their victims will be nameless and faceless to us but mourned just as much as those whose deaths were recorded for propaganda reasons.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is inclined, please pray the Rosary today for the intention of those who are persecuted and held hostage. Some of us have agreed to do this at 3pm today in solidarity with persecuted Christians throughout the world and especially in the Middle East.
The Order of Our Lady of Mercy/Ransom was founded to offer ransom for Christians held captive by Muslims. I don't know what I would do if a loved one was held hostage.
DeleteI pray the rosary daily for the persecuted and the terrorized, Christian and non-Christian alike. Thanks for reminding all of us to do that.
Terry I have been meaning to tell you that while it is disturbing I love the photo you chose for the top of your blog. It is so fitting with everything going on in the world right now. I remember when this happened that we wondered what it might portend. Now we know.
DeleteThis post reminded me of something I read in Warren Carroll's short history of the Spanish Civil War. During the fighting, the Alcazar in Toledo was taken by the Communist revolutionaries. The 16 year old son of Col. José Moscardó e Ituarte, the governor of the Toledo Province, was captured. They called the father demanding a ransom and he asked to speak to his son who asked what he should do. His father replied. “Commend your soul to God and die like a patriot, shouting,‘¡Viva Cristo Rey!' and ‘¡Viva Cristo Rey!’ The Alcázar does not surrender.” His son said, "I can do that." He was executed a month later in retaliation for an air raid. Would that we all have that kind of courage. Those who have their eyes fixed on God know that this life is short. We are like the lilies of field here today and gone tomorrow. May we commend our souls to God every day and not be disturbed even by the worst our enemies can do to us offering our lives for their conversion. I suspect that's what John Foley, Catholic husband and father, did as he faced death. May all these martyrs rest in the arms of Jesus after hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the story from the Spanish Civil War - the 16 year old and his father. I was reading a bit about the martyrs in Mexico in the '20's. Such amazing witnesses. We need them to give us the courage to remain faithful.
DeleteAfter reading about Our Lady of Ransom, I wonder if I would have the courage to offer myself in exchange for a beloved family member. I am, after all, an old lady, and what better way to go (quicker too) than to "lay down one's life for a friend." But I don't think I'm brave enough to do it with my eyes open -- maybe a quick bullet outside and abortion mill when I didn't know it was coming.
Delete