In God We Trust
This entry was posted on February 24, 2008 12:29 PM and is filed under Freedom.
As I was sitting in Church this morning; listening to list of "special intensions" (in the Catholic Church, those are names or causes that are named by the reader, that the congregation is asked to say a special prayer for) I have noticed that "the troops" haven't been mentioned in a while. During the "special intentions" we are all asked to pray together for people on the list that is read, and given a few seconds of silence to offer a private prayer for our own special intention. Now, I am adding the troops to my personal prayers, as well as the other many people and programs I am praying for, ... and that's just not right.
As I sat in Church, I started to get angry, (ohhhhh great ... now I am gonna burn in Hell,) if it wasn't for the selfless acts from our incredible men and women serving overseas, this Church might one day become a masque for some radical wing of al Qaeda.
Don't laugh ... it's possible. This is how Hitler started. This is how bin Laden started and to think it couldn't happen here is careless.
I would hate to think that Americans are so cocky, and so confidante that we have everything under control, that we don't need to pray for our troops at every possible chance.
This country was formed and based on a belief in God ... it's on our money ... it's on our public buildings ... it's has been a part of our leaders speeches for over 200-years. We need God now more than ever.
After Mass I had a talk with the priest ... I have no idea if it will do any good, but at least now, he knows how I feel. Maybe next time a prayer for our troops is left out of the Mass, he'll look at me as I shake my head. If it continues, ... I'll find another Catholic Church that supports and appreciates the freedom of religion our troops provide.
SIDEBAR: Please don't think I am some kind of "Holy Joe." I am NOT. I go to Mass on Sundays because I need to go to Mass, not because I want to go to Mass. I need more prayers if you all can spare a few.
What I would love to hear at Sunday morning Mass ...
Dear God,
Please watch over our great men and women who are sacrificing so much, so we can live free, in peace, enjoying all the luxuries that life has to offer. Please watch over the families whose sons and daughters have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms ... please send a "sign" to your minister's, priest's, rabbi's and other religious leaders, who enjoy the freedoms of worship that our troops have provided for over 200-years. Dear Lord, inspire them to publicly pray for our troops, pray for peace, pray for victory over terrorism and tyranny, and to watch over the brave warriors who watch over America ... Amen.
Comments
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February 24, 2008 2:53 PM
Keith Maupin wrote:
Joe, I agree with you maybe 50%. What about they men that are fighting the battle in some hole some where that don't think they are remembered and be left behind. I am talking about the captured soldiers, Joe. Half my prayer is for them to be found and walk off the plane.
I am not a religious fanatic either but I prayer for them always. Especially Matt. We will get them home with God's grace.
Till they all come home,
Keith Maupin
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February 24, 2008 4:32 PM
Danna P wrote:
Dear Mr. Maupin,
Please know that there are many who continue to pray for Matt, and for all of you. While I lost my son in Iraq in May, 2006, I cannot imagine the stomach churning pain of not knowing. The inability to have closure is a burden few can bear. Our prayers continue for each of you. Matt's picture is on my refrigerator - a reminder to never forget.
Warmly,
Danna Palmer
Marine Mom
Cpl. Cory Leonard Palmer, USMC Recon KIA/DOW OIF 5/10/2006
PS - I know that Joe supports all of our troops and their families. He remembers Matt, you can be sure.
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February 24, 2008 4:43 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
Danna,
I came home from Mass today ... angry at the way the troops were passed over. I wrote today's blog while my hands were trembling with anger ... and now I see God working through you, and Keith and Lisa.
I feel so much better now, because of people like you.
Thank you,
Joe
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February 24, 2008 4:43 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
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February 24, 2008 4:32 PM
Danna P wrote:
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February 24, 2008 3:03 PM
Lisa wrote:
Your post is very thoughtful Joe! As many of us sat in services this weekend, we were probably sitting among congregation members who have mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters or themselves have been or are currently serving in the military themselves. What a difference it would make if church leaders would offer weekly prayer for those who are serving. As members we too can reach out to military members and their families in our respective churches.
It's a good thing you brought this up to the priest. God could use your words to stir his heart and inspire action.
Regarding your sidebar, I wouldn't be too concerned about being seen as a "Holy Joe". Jesus didn't die on the cross for holy people. He died for sinners, which we ALL are. The great news is God's forgiveness, presence in our lives now and eternal life which is awesome! And if saying this makes me a "holy roller", then oh well...
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February 24, 2008 3:17 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
Lisa,
What kind words and what a great post. I honestly believe that sometimes our troops are taken for granted and used only when it's convenient to support them.
The post from Keith Maupin reminds us all there that are even a few troops held in POW camps in the Middle East who go with prayers sometimes. Keith's son Matt is a hero.
Speaking up is what needs to be done. Sometimes our leaders need to hear from the silent majority. In America, we are really in charge if we use our voices.
Together, united, we can do anything ... silent and divided, we fall.
Joe
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February 24, 2008 3:17 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
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February 24, 2008 3:05 PM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
Ahhhh Keith,
I never forget about your great son Matt. He's always in my prayers. I still consider him one of the great troops overseas defending freedom.
God bless Matt Maupin, may he return home soon.
Joe
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February 24, 2008 4:01 PM
Anonymous wrote:
God,
Place Your hand of love, mercy, protection and strength on Matt Maupin. Please bring him home. May this family find Your peace and comfort in their waiting.
Thank you,
Amen.
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February 24, 2008 11:20 PM
Joanne McDonough wrote:
Joe,
It will make you feel better knowing that the troops are included in my church's intentions EVERY week. It is a Catholic Church as well. We will never forget them.
Glad you said something. Sometimes the most obvious is never thought of. Hope it helped.
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