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Iran invites Joe Biden’s triumph
By: Hira Menon
Tags: United States, Iran, Donald Trump, Joe Biden

Days after news sources named Joe Biden the following leader of the United States, there were reports that Iran was making a move related atomic program. It likewise gave the idea that Iran invited Biden’s triumph.

The effect of Joe Biden’s political decision in Iran is by all accounts more noteworthy than Trump’s in Iran. Rouhani, in the interim, invited Biden fully expecting a more liberal arrangement towards Iran. Numerous Iranians’ desires for a superior future after the marking of an atomic arrangement among Iran and world forces in 2015 were run three years after US President Donald Trump disregarded the notable arrangement.

The Islamic State of Iran has invited Biden’s prosperity and his new vision for Iran. The full degree of Iran’s impedance in the US official political race isn’t yet known, yet one filthy strategy included sending compromising messages to Florida and Arizona electors “Trump allies” have been accounted for, Video shows Iranian criminals thought to send unlawful voting form papers in absentia utilizing taken citizen information, and the Director of National Intelligence cautioned that Iran had gotten elector information.

Rouhani, observing Biden’s triumph, said it was a significant open door for the United States to address its previous slip-ups. The assertion could be deciphered as a ploy by the system to facilitate the weight on the Iranian individuals even with extreme monetary difficulty.

Then again, Joe Biden said that he would reestablish the Iran atomic arrangement if Iran grappled with consistency and security. This invited Iran’s aspiration to have a US president who treated them with consideration. Then, Israeli President Netanyahu has clarified that it is unimaginable to expect to restore the Iran atomic arrangement, which compromises Israel’s presence.

Biden said the “huge weight” strategy had fizzled and demanded it had prompted heightening pressures, with the alliance rejecting that Iran was currently bound to have an atomic weapon than before Trump got down to business. He said he would join the arrangement if Iran agreed yet would not lift sanctions until it did as such. Mr. Biden will start exchanges to address the worries.

Despite the fact that Iran and Russia have been consistently blamed for attempting to meddle in US races recently, this has not been successful. The political race occurred and was won by Joe Biden. Iran appeared suddenly and entered a condition of happiness as they invited Biden’s triumph. They trust he will have the option to shoulder the weights that Trump has put on him that have caused Iran’s financial decrease. Trump’s arrangement toward Iran, in the interim, has been cruel and merciless with the withdrawal of the Iran atomic arrangement with significant forces in 2018.
British-Australian academic says Iran detention was ‘long and traumatic’
By: Joie Cooper
Tags: British, Australia, Iran, Kylie Moore Gilbert, Iranian

“I have nothing but respect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warm-hearted, generous and brave people,” she said in a statement.

“It is with bittersweet feelings that I depart your country, despite the injustices which I have been subjected to. I came to Iran as a friend and with friendly intentions, and depart Iran with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened.”

Kylie Moore-Gilbert has consistently denied accusations of espionage since her arrest in Iran in September 2018. She had been serving a 10-year sentence but was released in a swap for three jailed Iranians, Tehran said. Dr Moore-Gilbert’s family said they were “relieved and ecstatic” that she was free.
Regarding Persia
Tags: Iran, Persia, United Nations, Nuclear Weapons

celebrating WILPF

In my view Persia intends to keep having nuclear power (a done deal), which will feed into the same grid that powers the rest of Mesopotamia, on up through Turkey etc. as HVDC expands.

Tehran also has ambitions to be a source of nuclear fuel, exotic medical isotopes and so on. I support this ambition and encourage continued cooperation with the global medical business community on achieving these goals, circumventing sanctions to whatever extent feasible. Lots of Iranians here in Oregon, welcome to stay.

Iran does not want nuke weapons, says it doesn’t (has a Fatwah against them) and agrees to be closely inspected (certified clean) to prove it’s not working on them, because this way it has moral high ground against the loser nuke heads and their great satan bullying ways. Having a nuke would put a target on its back and justify that Israeli strike. In the meantime, it’s fun just razzing Israel for being another loser nukehead, a disgrace to whatever religion it pretends to espouse.

So much easier to not put your entire foreign policy on a hypocritical basis, where you say one thing, but secretly do something else. That’s what the infidels do. Iranians have less cognitive dissonance. They’re strong in science and nuclear power is not, never was, the right of the US to arbitrate (as it is, the Eisenhower administration gave Iran its first baby nuke plant, more like the one we have at Reed College down the street).

What Iranians fantasize about is the day when the nuke stockpiles are fully criminalized (that day is here according to many) and they’ll be joining the international teams of inspectors authorized to break down the doors of any corporations that harbor Dr. Evil types (psychopaths, bad physicists…) and try to keep WMDs for their private use. The world will be supportive of this hunting down of those Dr. Evil types. Great way to be a hero. You can get a PhD in it.
Iran applauds the triumph of Joe Biden
By: Benjamin Richards
Tags: United States, Iran, Joe Biden

Days after media outlets appointed Joe Biden as the next U.S. president, there were rumours that Iran was pursuing nuclear program-related action. It also seemed that Iran welcomed the victory of Biden. In Iran, the influence of Joe Biden’s election tends to be greater than that of Trump in Iran. In expectation of a more liberal approach towards Iran, Rouhani, meanwhile, welcomed Biden.

After the signing of a nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in 2015, many Iranians’ dreams for a better future were dashed three years after US President Donald Trump left the historic deal alone.

Biden’s popularity and his new vision for Iran have been embraced by the Islamic State of Iran. The full extent of Iran’s interference in US presidential elections is not yet known, but one dirty tactic involved sending threatening emails to “Trump supporters” voters in Florida and Arizona has been confirmed, video shows Iranian thieves suspected to be sending illegal ballot papers in absentia using stolen voting data, and the Director of National Intelligence warned that Iran had obtained a vote da.

Celebrating Biden’s win, Rouhani said it was a precious opportunity for the United States to correct its mistakes in the past. In the face of significant economic hardship, the statement may be viewed as a trick by the regime to ease the pressure on the Iranian people.

On the other side, Joe Biden said that if Iran came to terms with conformity and peace, he would restore the Iran nuclear agreement. It welcomed the aspiration of Iran to have a US president who treated them kindly. Meanwhile, Israeli President Netanyahu has made it clear that the nuclear deal with Iran, which threatens the survival of Israel, cannot be restored.

Biden said the strategy of ‘big leverage’ had failed and insisted that it had contributed to escalating tensions, with the coalition denying that Iran was now more likely than before Trump took office to have a nuclear weapon. If Iran complied, he said he would enter the agreement but would not lift sanctions until it did so. In order to resolve the concerns, Mr Biden will begin negotiations.

Although Iran and Russia have repeatedly been accused of attempting to intervene in the US elections earlier this month, this has been unsuccessful. The election was held and Joe Biden won it. As they welcomed Biden’s triumph, Iran came out of nowhere and entered a state of ecstasy.

They hope that he will be able to withstand the pressures Trump has put on him that have triggered the economic downturn in Iran. Meanwhile, with the withdrawal of the Iran nuclear agreement with major powers in 2018, Trump’s stance towards Iran has been harsh and ruthless.
Iran’s Strong Ties with Al-Qaeda is Not Something New to Deal With
By: Krish Mathew
Tags: Al Qaeda, Iran, Us, New Deal, Ircg

I want to share my stand with what I read today. There are some mutual interests held by Iran and Al-Qaeda. Tehran is drawn to the organization because they both see America as their greatest threat, and many successful terrorist attacks against the US have been carried out by the organisation. Al-Qaeda also poses a threat to the Gulf states that Iran considers to be international rivals. Al-Masri was most likely supported by the theocratic Iranian establishment with the means to carry out his operations against the US and the Gulf states.

Looking at it, Three Iranian organizations are likely to have been involved in supporting Al-Qaeda for a long time: the IRGC, the elite Quds Force and the Ministry of Intelligence. Personally, The proof shows, and is indisputable, Iran’s partnership and cooperation with Al-Qaeda.
Netanyahu reveals to Joe Biden, not to re-visitation Iran atomic arrangement
By: William Black
Tags: Iran, Joe Biden, Us, Israel, Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent an unmistakable message to US President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday that he won’t re-visitation the 2015 Iran atomic arrangement, which was surrendered by President Donald Trump. Netanyahu, who is additionally involved in a political tempest in Israel, has straightforwardly restricted Joe Biden’s recommendation that the Iran atomic arrangement could be continued if Iran concocts a casual air. It before long becomes evident that Joe Biden needs an alternate methodology as opposed to Trump’s way to deal with Israel and Iran.

President-elect Joseph R. Biden has promised to move rapidly to rejoin the Iran atomic arrangement while Iran re-visitations of consistency and establishes a steady climate. Iran’s atomic arrangement was expelled two years back by President Donald Trump and he conceived a “most extreme weight” plan that would put Iran under more prominent monetary and weaponry sanctions. Be that as it may, this time it would appear that Joe Biden needs an alternate face.

Biden, who will get down to business on January twentieth, said he would rejoin the arrangement if Tehran initially continued exacting consistency, and would work with the different stakeholders to “fortify and extend”, viably backing the arrangement and pushing for other adjustment exercises in Iran. The arrangement, reached with the world forces and Iran, he needed to restrict Tehran’s atomic program to forestall Iran to make atomic weapons, and it tends to be an open door for Iranian pioneers to alleviate the financial assents.

Worries about Iran’s atomic aspirations have for some time been tested by the United States and significant forces, with Israel assuming a key job. Another significant concern is the thing that Israel considers Iran to be a developing political and military impact in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Exploiting territorial clashes and political holes, Iran is expanding on what Israel sees as its growing force in the area.

“Try not to return to the old atomic arrangement. We need to hold fast to a non-bargain strategy to guarantee that Iran doesn’t create atomic weapons,” Netanyahu said. Netanyahu additionally applauded Israel for its position and its solid resistance to Iran creating atomic weapons. Israel has unequivocally restricted the 2015 Joint Plan between the world forces and Iran. Netanyahu said it was “unsatisfactory” for Iran to have the atomic force and that it would risk Israel’s presence and security in the Middle East.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran presently gauges in excess of 2,440 kilograms, in excess of multiple times the cutoff set by the 2015 atomic arrangement with significant forces. Then, the arms ban on Iran finished a month ago and military and maritime tasks started.
The Next Covert Operation in Iran
By: Pouyan K. Jan
Tags: Biden, Iran, Trump, War, Saudi Arabia

A Dangerous miscalculation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unprecedented visit to Saudi Arabia, facilitated by Secretary of State Pompeo, is all about coordination: a possible covert operation, potentially targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. For the Saudis, time is running out. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman will have more to lose from the US rejoining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iran nuclear deal, and ending the war in Yemen.

On one hand, while Netanyahu desires a conflict to kill the JCPOA, the cost of a direct strike is too high. Iran-backed groups are positioned in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. This encirclement serves as a deterrent against a direct Israeli attack on the Iranian mainland. On the other hand, while Iran hawks in Washington prefer a last-minute conflict to prevent the revival of the deal, a direct American strike will be too costly: translating to political suicide for “America First” Republicans.

According to the New York Times, the White House has so far ruled out an overt American operation. For the Trump team, the only remaining solution seems to be outsourcing the implementation of any covert operation to its allies in the region. In this light, Israeli and US officials are most likely in Riyadh to provide their assurances to MBS, hoping for no Iranian retaliation prior to Jan. 20th. This development helps explain the recent US regional posturing vis-à-vis sending in the B-52s.

Europe is well-aware of these possible miscalculations. European officials have recently met to discuss cooperation with the Biden team on preserving the JCPOA. According to the Guardian, German officials are already considering Europe’s response amid a possible strike against Iran. It remains to be seen if the Biden camp can prevent Israeli and Saudi attempts to derail the next administration’s diplomatic outreach to Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranians have been bracing for impact. Last week, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence released documents that blamed Saudi Arabia for the 2018 Ahvaz military parade terrorist attack. Last night, Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s main oil facility. The timing is no accident. Iran is conveying a warning: any covert operation in Iran will trigger a quick overt Iran-led retaliation. Tehran will quickly blame one of the US’ regional allies. Against this background, Iran’s leadership will most likely assess that the Saudis are an easier target and are less likely to retaliate. At last, it is imperative to note that while Iran has ordered its allies to stand down, the defeat of Trump has increased its risk tolerance. Will we see yet another dangerous miscalculation in the region?
“The Future of Iran’s Al Qaeda Relations Under Biden is Something to Look Forward”
Tags: Al Qaeda, Iran, Us, Biden

“The Future of Iran’s Al Qaeda Relations Under Biden is Something to Look Forward” Ahmadtan ·Nov 24, 2020

Here’s something interesting about what I read today. The number of files relating to Al-Qaeda and its cooperation with some governments, first and foremost Iran, that is about to be closed may come to an end and looking at its meaning, The alliance, and employment strategy followed by Iran with Al-Qaeda.

Consequently, it’s something to observe even more. In the meantime, the new US administration is expanding the removal of forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, rendering them favorable arenas for Iranian militias working on the ground to propagate militant operations in both countries.
Israel assaults Syria, focusing on Iranian powers subsequent to discovering explosives on the fringe
By: William Black
Tags: Middle East, Iran, Israel, Syria

On Wednesday, Israel assaulted Syria with an expect to kill Iranian powers, who it accepted planted explosives on the outskirt. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war screen, affirmed that at any rate ten individuals were executed in Israeli air assaults including five Iranians from the first-class Quds Force, just as in any event two-minute men. Despite the fact that Syrian authorities, who spoke to the union of the two provincial powers backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s standard, kept the presence from getting Iranians or Lebanese among the setbacks. The Syrian state-possessed media office detailed that three military staff kicked the bucket and one got injured in the assault.

Israeli strikes explicitly focused on establishments worked by the Quds Force, the first-class military unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and by the Iran-upheld Hezbollah volunteer army. Israeli military representative Jonathan Conricus said that his nation focused on eight locales to hit, covering a wide zone, going from the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan Heights to the edges of Damascus. He added that Israel’s objectives likewise incorporated an Iranian base camp at Damascus global air terminal, a “mystery military site” where Iranian military designations and the seventh Division of the Syrian military, took asylum.

Israel utilized the assault to send an away from Assad and the Iranian system of its readiness for a hostile guarded battle, regardless of the venturing down of US President Donald Trump. Likewise, Israel needed to uncover the association of Iranian powers in Syria, which Assad authoritatively won’t acknowledge.

Syrian media named the ongoing assault as “Israeli hostility”. Israel has a background marked by assaulting the Iranian-moved local army in Syria in the course of recent years, yet the current assault has been the most precise as far as targets and vastest as far as to reach. Western insight sources considered it a shadow battle to lessen Iran’s impact in the district.
6. Iranian Double Feature
By: Dennis Hui
Tags: Iran, Movie Review, World Cinema, World Tour Of Cinema

A Separation

2011, directed by Asghar Farhadi

Fair use

This film is messy, but in a good way. Masterfully crafted and written, there’s no surprise it won Iran’s first Oscar for Best Foreign Picture. The drama is primarily a conflict between two families of different social classes. The central family is upper middle class, doing well enough that the wife wants to move with their precocious daughter to be educated abroad. The husband wants to stay in Iran because he is caring for his elderly father who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The argument leads the mother to seek a divorce, which the court roundly rejects in the first scene of the film. Hence, they separate.

Without his wife at home, the husband hires a home caretaker for the grandfather, whose condition is worsening. The caretaker is a poor woman, and her deep religious faith is tested by the menial, yet demanding job, which includes changing the grandfather’s pants when he soils himself. The caretaker’s husband is in debt, hot-headed, and possibly also mentally ill. Moreover, she is four months pregnant. Nevertheless, she is a financially dependent on the job, so she pushes forward. When a tragic event happens near the 1/3rd point of the film, the social fabric frays and tensions boil to the surface — conflicts of class, but also of gender and religion.

When credits roll, I took some time to think about who was right and who was wrong. The correct, but admittedly not neat, answer is: some were right sometimes; some were wrong sometimes. I will say that the family that we follow throughout the film are definitely not the heroes of the story. And, the father specifically makes some incredibly selfish and mean choices to the other family and his own. Ultimately, it is complicated, and that’s an insight about life from the film.

Iran’s authoritarian government was apparently unhappy with the film’s “dirty” depiction of Iranian society. Truth be told, the theme of class stratification can be applied seamlessly to a U.S. American setting. So can the gender and religion conflicts, to certain extents.

As a lawyer by my day job, the depiction of the Iranian court system was quite jarring — although I’m not sure how entirely accurate it was. For one thing, there are no lawyers. Parties appear and make their cases before a judge, who seems to hold absolute power. Whether the legal dispute is a divorce or a charge of murder, the courtroom is a tiny office in a crowded, dilapidated government building. The bureaucratic surroundings are like those of your county liquor board office than a court of law. I know Iran’s justice system dispenses a form of religious law, even though I am not at all familiar with it. That doesn’t seem to play much a role in this film, but the role of religion is at play in the ending when one character uses another’s religiosity against them.

I saw A Separation on DVD from the Arlington Public Library. You can find it on streaming platforms.
Tensions between Iran and the US can flare up as IRGC upgrades to a multi-purpose warship
By: Akshay Prasad
Tags: Iran, United States

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s elite armed forces wing, announced its latest multi-purpose warship to the world on Thursday. The vessel, named after Abdollah Roudaki, the slain naval commander of the Guard, is 150 metres long. The photos of the vessel were made available via the IRGC’s official website via SEPAH News, which during its inauguration showed it sailing through the waters of the Gulf.

The guard ship’s photographs showed that it was able to hold and fire surface-to-surface and anti-aircraft missiles. The vessel also carried four small speedboats, the kind used by the Guard in the Arabian Gulf for patrol purposes. The boat was also armed with machine guns and had a helicopter landing pad.

Many observers assumed that this was Iran’s response to US forces patrolling water bodies in the area through its Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet. Iran wanted to launch a powerful warship to defeat US aircraft carriers that routinely sail through the waters of the Middle East and to fight Israel’s increasing presence in the region, under the shadow of the United States.

It would be wrong to say that the new Iranian warship, which is 332 metres (1,092 feet) long, is stronger than the US Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. But in the case of a dispute, it would give the latter a touch of rivalry.

IRGC commander Ali Reza Tangsiri said the new warship was launched because his forces needed deep-water patrols to move beyond the Gulf waters. The Guard normally monitors the waters of the Arabian Gulf, while the Iranian navy keeps watch over and beyond the Gulf of Oman. Our privilege is our presence and tasks in the Indian Ocean,” Tangsiri said.”
Iran breaks 2015 atomic arrangement, however, says open to follow rules on the off chance that the US lifts sanctions
Tags: Iran, Iaea, Arrangement

Iran breaks 2015 atomic arrangement, however, says open to follow rules on the off chance that the US lifts sanctions Ahmadtan Nov 20, 2020·2 min read

On Tuesday, the UN atomic guard dog, the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) affirmed that Iran has outperformed its allocated uranium-improvement limit. The evaluation did recently demonstrated that Tehran abused its responsibility to the 2015 atomic arrangement. In its ongoing report, the IAEA expressed: “On 14 November 2020, the Agency confirmed that Iran started taking care of UF6 into the as of late introduced course of 174 IR-2maxes at the Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) in Natanz.”

According to the current arrangement, Iran can gather enhanced uranium with just original IR-1 machines, to work the underground plant. Yet, the IAEA revealed that the Islamic Republic had been placing uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas feedstock into cutting edge IR-2m machines. According to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPoA, which US President Donald Trump left in May 2018, Iran could just use around 6,000 IR-1s. IAEA authorities found that Tehran has been utilizing 174 of its IR-2ms, and it has over 1,000 of those, which is a route over the breaking point.

Post the assessment of Iran’s atomic locales, including Natanz, where it has introduced its underground atomic plant, IAEA communicated disappointment towards Tehran’s clarifications for how and why certain precluded atomic particles were found at destinations which ought not to have been available. Iran later admitted to the break of the atomic arrangement, legitimizing the move was a reasonable response to US extreme assents, which injured its economy.

In a meeting distributed on Tuesday the Iranian unfamiliar clergyman, Javad Zarif explained Iran’s way to deal with conversations with a Biden organization. He stated: “If the US actualizes its duties under the UN security chamber goal 2231, we will execute our responsibilities under the JCPoA. This should be possible naturally and needs no exchanges. Yet, in the event that the US needs to rejoin the JCPoA, at that point we will be prepared to haggle how the US can reemerge the arrangement.”

With Joe Biden succeeding Trump as the US President, the Iranian pioneer communicated trust in getting sanctions lifted and renegotiating the atomic arrangement. Dissimilar to Trump’s arrangement to apply the most extreme tension on Iran and push it towards detachment for the execution of atomic limitation, Biden proposed a “sound way back to tact.” Biden emphatically accepted that the 2015 accord, “hindered Iran from getting an atomic weapon”, thus he communicated his ability to reemerge the understanding.
A Return to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Would be Devastating
By: Krish Mathew
Tags: Iran, Joe Biden, Nuclear

A Return to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Would be Devastating Krish Mathew ·Nov 20, 2020

Here’s my stand toward the current situation between Iran and USA. It is lucky for the Iranian leaders that Biden is still in favour of rejoining the nuclear pact. After all when Biden was vice president in the Obama administration, the agreement was reached. Moreover, his comments regarding the nuclear agreement suggest that after he steps into the White House, rejoining it would be a top priority.

Consequently, The US rejoining the JCPOA would, however have a significant effect on regional security and peace. First of all, this will mean lifting many of the existing sanctions against Tehran and allowing the government to rejoin the global financial system. Looking at it, it’s something interesting more than I thought.
Israel Launches Airstrikes in Syria in Response to Explosive Devices Found on Border
By: Joie Cooper
Tags: Borders, Syria, Iran, Israel, Airstrikes

Israeli Air Force F-15 planes. Photo: Reuters / Amir Cohen.

Israel Launches Airstrikes in Syria in Response to Explosive Devices Found on Border Joie Cooper ·Nov 18, 2020

Israel launched air raids against what it called a wide range of Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria on Wednesday, sending a signal that it will pursue its policy of striking across the border despite US President Donald Trump’s election defeat.

Israel said it was retaliating for what it called an Iran-sponsored operation in which Syrians planted explosives near an Israeli military base in the Golan Heights.
Have Nothing to Hide & Nothing to Fear
By: Xavier Woon
Tags: Christianity, Leadership, Parenting, Family, Catholic

No guilts, no problems

Image by Edward Lich from Pixabay

Reflection Mark 14:53–72

Around 608 BC during the reign of King Jehoiakim, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to prophesize against the Jews and their evil ways. The priests and prophets demanded that the prophet Jeremiah be put to death for such prophesy. In reply, the prophet Jeremiah simply placed himself in their hands and asked them to do what was good and right (Jer 26:1–14). Similarly, Jesus did what God instructed. He spoke against the transgressions of the religious authorities. Like Jeremiah, He also offered no resistance when the authorities accused him of wrongdoing. In fact, in their attempt to accuse Him, they seemed to be more confused when they found no fault with Him. In contrast, Peter, who earlier declared boldly in front of Jesus that he would not desert Him, was defensive when a maid recognized him. He even resisted being associated with his Lord as though He was a criminal.

Corporate Leadership

Jesus’ conscience was clear as He stood trial. There was nothing to hide from. In fact, His life was a testimony of righteous living. The religious authorities, however, looked righteous outwardly. The fact that they tried very hard to find testimony against Jesus showed that there was nothing wrong with what Jesus did since the beginning. Likewise, in the corporate world, there are instances where an innocent worker could be victimized due to no fault of his. He could be the scapegoat for a project gone wrong. A good leader does not hide anything. If he has done wrong, he admits it quickly. If he did no wrong, he stands firm on the facts and in doing what is right. Eventually, the truth will be revealed. Zig Ziglar, an American author & motivational speaker said, “With integrity, you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.” — XW

Family Leadership

In Jesus’ days, if a leader were condemned to die, his followers would probably follow their master’s path. Hence, Peter was quick to deny his association with Jesus lest he was condemned as well. It was as if Peter had done wrong in being with Jesus. Children behave likewise. They are quick to point fingers at each other if something goes wrong. For example, they blame their siblings if the glass is broken, the milk is spilled or the last piece of delicious cookie magically “disappears”. Their survival instincts are triggered to avoid being blamed, scolded, or caned. Parents can present them with the situation and the evidence in front of them. Then, make it clear the virtue parents hold dear, like being honest and telling no lies. Children, sensing that being honest can regain their parent’s love, are more likely to admit their wrong out of their own volition. James Faust, an American religious leader & politician said, “Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth-telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.” — XW

Next: Stay Calm Amidst Conflict
#6 Come Let Us Worship
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Inspiration, Art, Pope Francis, Catholic

Vatican Museum and Vatican News present this continuing art series — #6

“The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.”

These words of Pope Francis recall how the birth of Jesus has inspired generations of artists throughout history to evangelize through beauty. Every week the Vatican Museums and Vatican News offer a masterpiece from the pontifical collections, which are accompanied with a reflection from the Popes.
#5 Come Let Us Worship
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Church History, Art, History, Museums, Catholic

Vatican Museum and Vatican News present this continuing art series — #5

“The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.” These words of Pope Francis recall how the birth of Jesus has inspired generations of artists throughout history to evangelize through beauty. Every week the Vatican Museums and Vatican News offer a masterpiece from the pontifical collections, which are accompanied with a reflection from the Popes.

The iconography of this scene, one part of a large tryptic, is not exactly that of the Nativity. The main episode is that of the Washing of the Child Jesus, which is not described in the New Testament. It was spread mainly through the Golden Legend of Jacob from Varazze, and based on the apocryphal gospels. In the foreground, two women bathe the Child in a tub, as the Virgin Mary lies on straw, covered with a sheet, and Saint Joseph sits nearby in meditation.

Pope St. Paul VI — Christmas homily 1964

Photo courtesy of The Catholic Sun

“May you know today how to lovingly cuddle your children. May you know today how to associate with a little extra charity for the poor, the suffering, the derelict, the young, in a word, and you will have a sincere Christmas, a regenerating Christmas, a happy Christmas.”

(Under the direction of Paolo Ondarza

#BeautyThatUnites

Instagram: @vaticanmuseums @VaticanNews

Facebook: @vaticannews)

Ave Maria!
God Can Give You the Grace to Change
By: Jocelyn Soriano
Tags: Spirituality, Christianity, Religion, Self, Catholic

“All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.” — Flannery O’Connor

There are times when we think we are so lost we could never find the way to happiness anymore. There are times when we have tried so very hard only to fail again and again, and we no longer think that change is still possible, that there is still hope for us.

Do not be discouraged. Even if you feel so weak you can’t even get up on your own. Even if you see all your weaknesses and you can’t see how you could possibly be the person you wanted to be.

God has a plan for you. From the very beginning, He has thought of you and loved you. It is not by your own strength that you can do it, it is by God’s power.

Change will not be easy. But it is worth it. God can give you the grace. What seems impossible will be possible. When all else fails, God will carry you!

“…that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” — Ephesians 4, WEB
Sacrifice for A Worthy Cause
By: Xavier Woon
Tags: Leadership, Parenting, Christian, Family, Catholic

And others will follow you

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Reflection Mark 14:26–42

In the Garden of Eden, God ordered Adam not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen 2:16–17). However, Adam disobeyed God and ate the fruit from the tree (Gen 3:6). Because of his disobedience, he was expelled from the Garden. Through the sin of one man, the whole human race fell from grace. In a garden setting again, this time at Gethsemane, Jesus was to save the world through His obedience. It was to be a time of testing and Jesus asked His disciples to pray with Him. He needed their companionship but they were tired and fell asleep. Jesus knew His suffering would be great and wished that He did not have to go through it, but He submitted Himself to the will of God in obedience. He sacrificed Himself and took on the sins of the world so that men may be saved. From this sacrifice, the church grew from twelve to more than two billion Christians worldwide today.

Corporate Leadership

Jesus knew He had to sacrifice Himself. As a human, He realized the suffering would be great. However, He accepted and obeyed His Father’s will, knowing that the world was precious to God and He would sacrifice Himself to save it. Such an incident could happen in a company facing a crisis. For example, during an economic downturn, the workers could be told to bear cost-cutting measures or face retrenchment, and so on. They would feel injustice is done. On the other hand, if management takes the brunt of the cost-cutting measures, workers are less likely to complain. On the contrary, it engenders loyalty and obedience to the management who is willing to sacrifice first. Some workers may be inspired to do likewise for the company. David Kenyon Webster, US Army Officer, and writer said, “Those things which are precious are saved only by sacrifice.” — XW

Family Leadership

Through the disobedience of one man, the whole world suffered. Through the obedience of one man, the whole world is saved. Such is the irony of the human race –it has to learn through hardship. Instead of obedience to God in the first place, it would have avoided suffering through generations. It had to take the sacrifice of God’s only Son to bring salvation back to them. Upon reflection, parents also realize that this applies to themselves. When children are disobedient, parents seem to be in agony more than their children. However, as children grow up to be adults, they realize that they should have to more obedient to save themselves the suffering. They also realize how much their parents have gone through for their sake. Henri Frederic Amiel, a Swiss writer, said, “Sacrifice still exists everywhere, and everywhere the elect of each generation suffers for the salvation of the rest.” — XW

Next: Trust is The Start of Friendship
Feed Your Body & Soul
By: Xavier Woon
Tags: Leadership, Parenting, Christian, Catholic

Food with fellowship tastes better

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Reflection Mark 14:22–25

In the Jewish culture, sharing a meal meant fellowship among close friends. Moreover, this was the Passover Meal where they commemorated the days Moses led the Jews out of Egypt. Spiritually, it was also significant because God was leading His people out of slavery into salvation. What was unusual about this meal Jesus was sharing was that He mentioned that the bread they ate and the wine they drank were His body and blood. In Moses’ days, the Jews used young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD (Ex 24:5). Also, the Jews believed that the life of a living body was in its blood (Lev 17:11). Taken together, the meal Jesus had with His disciples meant more than a fellowship. He knew that this would His last meal with them on earth and He would be offered as a sacrifice to make peace between God and mankind.

Corporate Leadership

For the Jews, sharing a meal also meant sharing their joys and sorrows. During this time, close friends may share their thoughts about work, family, political situation, or spiritual matters. For Jesus, He shared His sacrifice and the trials His disciples had to undergo. Upon His death, He knew their fear and they would fail Him initially. In the corporate world, close friendship is not easily formed in office. It is usually during gatherings held beyond office hours that colleagues get to know each other as friends and share on matters that are closer to heart. A good leader makes this possible. He may invite them to an eating place, a barbecue, a home-cooked meal, and so on. It is during these times that colleagues open up their inner thoughts and feelings when they are in a more relaxed mood and friendship is strengthened. Laurie Colwin, an American writer said, “We know that without food we would die. Without fellowship, life is not worth living.” — XW

Family Leadership

For most cultures, having a meal means family time together. The mother cooks the meal; the father sits at the head of the table with the children. This is the time where parents may engage each other in conversation or get their children to tell them anything interesting. However, this family culture could be threatened by modern living. Television seems to be the focus of attention rather than life lessons from parents. Dinners could be eaten alone by children because parents are still in office. A mother’s balanced meal could be replaced by the convenience of fast food. The longer-term effects of not having at least a meal a day with family could result in the alienation of family members within the same household, the lack of values and etiquette passed on from one generation to the next, and the gradual deterioration of health in the younger generation. Eric Metaxas, an American author, speaker, and radio host said, “Home is — or should be — a place for companionship, for rearing children and having friends and family over for meals while the dog begs for scraps under the table.” — XW

Next: Sacrifice for A Worthy Cause
Are You Ready for Christmas?
By: Jocelyn Soriano
Tags: Life, Christianity, Christmas, Religion, Catholic

Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay

It’s been a long year with many challenges. But God has allowed us to come this far and very soon, we’d be celebrating Christmas. Here’s wishing you the best of the season. May Christ dwell upon your hearts and may you never let go of His Love.

Here are some of our articles about Christmas:

You Are Never Too Old For Christmas

This is that time of year to be like a child again. (Continue)

This Is Christmas

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

God could have come in all His glory,

with trumpets and angels and all,

blazing like fire,

dazzling like lightning

as terrible as the raging of the seas!

But on that Christmas Eve,

He came as a newborn child,

small and gentle,

humble and innocent

as harmless as a dove.

Why He came like this

I didn’t know,

until I looked at my own fears

and wounds.

(Continue…)

Bible Verses About Christmas

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14, WEB

The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’ He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.” — Luke 1:30–32, WEB

“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. — Luke 1:35, WEB

(Continue…)

Inspirational Quotes For Christmas

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” — Laura Ingalls Wilder

“A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;

It makes no noise at all,

But softly gives itself away.”

— Eva Logue

(Continue…)

The Hope of Christmas

Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash

Christmas is hope. And hope is that Light that is born amidst the darkness of the world.

In that little manger, a child was born for us. A child whose innocence is an answer to our many sins, whose frailty is a response to our pride, and whose purity is an emblem of healing for all our guilt.

(Continue…)

This Christmas, Let Us Remember that God Is with Us

Photo by Mariana B. on Unsplash

Christmas reminds us that it isn’t our failures that matter, because there is One who can save us and make us whole again.

Christmas reminds us that it isn’t our wounds that should overwhelm us, because there is One who can heal us and give us life.

(Continue…)

God Still Lives Among Us

Photo by Walter Chávez on Unsplash

It is often hard to believe how God can be with us if we cannot even see Him. How many times have we sighed, “If we could only see Him, everything will be alright.”

But could God really be so far away?

(Continue…)

Merry Christmas everyone! God bless you and your loved ones.

Yours,

Jocelyn Soriano

Publisher and Editor, Catholic Refuge
Catholic Parish Launches Phone Bank in Effort to Reach Parishioners Affected by COVID Pandemic
By: St. John Paul Ii Parish - Maine Catholic News
Tags: Volunteering, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Catholicism, Catholic

December 23, 2020

SCARBOROUGH — — Phone bank project launched this week by St. John Paul II Catholic Parish aimed at outreach to parishioners affected by coronavirus pandemic.

Volunteers from throughout St. John Paul II Catholic Parish’s three churches began calling their fellow parishioners this week in an effort to connect with those especially affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“St. John Paul II Catholic Parish is comprised of almost 4,000 families, many of whom are unable to attend Mass due to COVID-related health concerns and the numerical limit placed on those allowed to worship in person due to the pandemic,” said spokesman Ryan Bilodeau. “Our phone bank initiative allows the parish to reach out to those disenfranchised at this time by channeling the generosity of our parishioners in a way that is safe for everyone since the work being done is from their own homes.”

The aim of the phone bank is to check in on parishioners from across Southern Maine and to inquire about how the parish can best meet the spiritual needs of those who can’t be with us in person at church during this unprecedented time. Any pastoral requests made by parishioners will be logged and communicated to parish staffers. Those interested in helping with the virtual the phone bank event from the safety of their own home are encouraged to sign up on the parish website http://jp2me.org.

St. John Paul II spokesman Ryan Bilodeau thanked parishioners assisting with the virtual phone bank,“We are so appreciative of those volunteering to help with our St. John Paul II Parish virtual phone bank as we attempt to check in on so many of our parishioners who are relegated to their homes due to COVID. This effort will truly help us as a parish in our efforts to unite closer as the Body of Christ. And as we simultaneously update our records through these calls, we will be better equipped to reach out to our parishioners in the future.”

In July, St. Bartholomew Parish in Cape Elizabeth, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Scarborough, and St. John and Holy Cross Parish in South Portland joined to form the new St. John Paul II Parish. The three churches maintained their individual names under the common patronage and intercession of St. John Paul II.

The mission of St. John Paul II parish is to live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ as disciples called to evangelize, inspire, and make of the Church a welcoming, supportive environment. For more information, visit http://www.jp2me.org.
Homeschooling Tips for Parents from Catholic Educators
By: Steve Virgadamo
Tags: Steve Virgadamo, Catholicism, Catholic

While growing up, children dreamed of becoming astronauts, lawyers, doctors, superheroes, actors, lawyers, etc. However, no one ever dreamed of becoming an emergency homeschooler. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people from different parts of the world have learned to appreciate real-life superheroes such as parents and healthcare providers.

Parents, despite their many duties, still find time to educate their children. They have to prepare meals, do house chores, exercise, and raise their children. Apart from encouraging sharing and modeling good behavior, parents have to homeschool their children during this pandemic.

Despite the pandemic, teachers continue to offer their services using online tools and interactive technology. They continue to prepare lesson plans and give assignments to their students. To parents, monitoring and directing online learning can be challenging. However, it doesn’t mean that homeschooling is impossible. Here are homeschooling tips for parents from catholic educators.

Parents Need To Understand Their Role

Parents aren’t trained or qualified to teach students professionally. However, they need to understand that God has given them the responsibility to nurture and educate their children. According to the Catholic Church’s Catechism, nurturing and educating kids is a duty that parents should accept with pride.

Have a Plan and a Routine

When parents ask their children to sit down for a homeschooling session, the chances are that the kids will complain or resist. Therefore, parents should come up with a plan or a routine to avoid resistance. As a result, the kids get to understand what needs to be completed within a given time frame.

Parents should ensure that the plan or routine is attainable and have realistic objectives. A plan with realistic objectives can boost the kid’s confidence or give them a sense of accomplishment. The goal of homeschooling should be to engage children to achieve success and not discourage them from learning. Parents should ensure that they have several routines to prevent boredom.

Ease Up a Little

Even though a structured schedule can help students remain focused, allowing them to enjoy breaks and various activities has its advantages. For instance, activities such as stacking blocks and Legos are both educational and entertaining.

Parents need to focus more on the success of their children instead of failures. While homeschooling, parents should also encourage creativity. Following the above tips can help parents raise their kids better and develop their academic skills.