Comment from Understand the Times:

Once again we see that the pope is endorsing the emerging church and the promotion of contemplative practices. Read the following article and if you can find that what we are saying is not true please let us know.

This goes for those in Calvary Chapel and other movements who are open to emerging church beliefs and that are headed towards Rome.

It is obvious that the Counter Reformation is still in place. Wake up - those of you who say you are evangelical and Protestant. The time before you join with Rome is limited.

Those of you who live according to the Word of God and stand up against Rome can expect to be persecuted. The Inquisition has not ended. Be prepared.

August 17 - Pope reflects on Mary's example before heading to WYD

Article: Roman Catholic Church And The Last Days

Pope Benedict used his Aug. 17 general audience to reflect on Mary's example of prayer and meditation, just before he travels to Madrid to celebrate World Youth Day with over 1 million young people.

"Mary teaches us how necessary it is to find in our days, with all of its activities, moments to gather our thoughts in silence and meditate on what the Lord wants to teach us, on how he is present and acts in the world and in our life."

"Mary fully lived her existence," he said, "her daily duties, her mission as a mother, but she knew how to hold within herself an interior space for reflecting on the word and will of God, on what was occurring within her, on the mysteries of the life of her Son."

Since the way to heaven involves following God's will for our lives, he added, it's necessary for individuals to listen to and discern God's voice, which requires silence and meditation.

Pope Benedict explained that meditation involves creating "in ourselves a situation of contemplation, of interior silence, to reflect, to assimilate the mysteries of our faith and what God operates in us; and not just the things that come and go."

He noted there are many ways to learn how to meditate and offered several practical suggestions, such as reflecting on a brief Scripture verse and talking to a spiritual director.

"Reading and reflecting on what we have read, trying to understand it, what it is saying to me, what it says today, to open our spirit to what the Lord wants to tell us and teach us," he said.

The Pope recommended praying the Rosary, which he called "a prayer of meditation" that invites the faithful to reflect deeply on the life of Christ.

He also suggested focusing on private words or reflections that come during the celebration of the Eucharist, which enables "an intense spiritual experience" and can help a person enter into meditation.