Ireland's new president, Catherine Connolly, has been considered one of the loudest voices against Israel for years. But with her entry into the country's highest office, this political line takes on a new quality and a new responsibility. Her stance towards the terrorist organisation Hamas, her rhetoric about Israel and her long-standing political alliances suggest that Europe is facing a serious shift in its Middle East policy. For Israel, this means that Dublin will become a political outpost for those circles that not only criticise the Jewish state, but also seek to delegitimise it.

During her election campaign, Connolly publicly stated that Hamas was ‘part of the Palestinian people’ and ‘legitimately elected.’ She initially refused to clearly condemn the massacres of Oct 7 2023, a day on which hundreds of Israelis were murdered, tortured or kidnapped. Only after widespread criticism did she backtrack, later describing the act as ‘absolutely unacceptable.’ But her assessment remained contradictory. In the same breath, she called Israel a ‘terrorist state,’ thereby placing perpetrators and victims on the same level.

This choice of words is not just a political stance, but has real influence: as head of state, Connolly shapes the international perception of Ireland. Her statements are heard in a Europe that has seen a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents since Oct 7 and where anti-Jewish narratives are increasingly fuelling violence.

For Israel, Connolly's election sends a warning signal: political voices that downplay Hamas or demonise Israel are gaining institutional weight. This also affects Jewish communities in Europe, which are coming under increasing pressure. The rhetoric of political leaders shapes social attitudes. When leaders adopt the narrative of the perpetrators, the threshold for aggression against the victims is lowered.

European history shows that enemy stereotypes rarely remain harmless. Over the centuries, Jews were expelled from dozens of countries: England, France, Spain, Portugal, Russia, the Arab world. Almost everywhere, political agitation was followed by social violence. Today, European Jews are once again witnessing demonstrations outside synagogues and hatred of Israel turning into open anti-Semitism.

David Lamb said:

But the sun being darkened does not mean that the bottomless pit is on the earth.

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You are correct that the bottomless pit does not need to be on earth. It could even be an opening to another dimension like some people think. There are about 40 places on the earth that are called “bottomless pits.” Some are just folklore or tourists traps, but about half of them are called “bottomless” because the depth has not been measured. It is possible that John just meant of exceeding depth and not bottomless, just like the Israelites are said to be as numerous and the grains of sands on the seashore several times, which is not literal.

BobRyan said:

false.

look up the phrase as used in Moses' writings. It always includes the TEN.

This is basic exegesis. Why abandon exegesis just for this topic??

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Please post a verse prior to Moses that shows the 10 commandments being given to any people. There is the Noahic law and Abraham covenant. None of which includes the 10 commandments.

Apple Sky said:

If the smoke from the bottomless pit darkens the sun where else would the pit be ?

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I repeat, the bottomless pit's location is not stated in Scripture. The fact that smoke from the pit darkens the sun does not mean that the pit is on the earth. Whatever shape are you now saying that the earth is if it is deep enough to include a bottomless pit? Clearly not a flat disc.

Apple Sky said:

We are on about the earth not the Lord.

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Yes, I know. But the psalmist said that because the Lord was at his (the psalmist's) right hand, he (again, the psalmist) would not be moved. My point was that if the psalmist could use those words "not be moved" about himself, without meaning that he would be motionless, why must the same words mean "motionless" when they refer to the earth? I don't know why you thought that I or the psalmist meant that the Lord would not be moved.

Guojing said:

So you still wanna insist that I am interpreting even though you cannot explain how.

Whatever.

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I explained how. You rejected it. So be it.

David Lamb said:

However do you work that out?

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If the smoke from the bottomless pit darkens the sun where else would the pit be ?

David Lamb said:

“I have set the LORD always before me; Because [He is] at my right hand I shall not be moved.” (Ps 16:8 NKJV)

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We are on about the earth not the Lord.

Apple Sky said:

So therefore the bottomless pit is on earth.

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However do you work that out? I said in the rest of my post, the part you did not quote: "Do you imagine that the sun is visible only from the earth? People still see the sun when they fly in planes or rockets."

Years ago a young priest displayed the following cartoon in one of his in-house lectures. I think I remember my (atheist) father saying there was some truth in it, so it's been around for a while as he died himself in 1979.

The Protestant Jesus is a shiny faced individual who is all glory and halos. The Catholic Christ is a battered suffering individual.

Obviously both sides need to meet in the middle, or if you like "the search for the historical Christ" (whatever that means).

I have noticed at my wife's Baptist Church for example most of the songs are about the glorified Christ (high and lifted up if you like).

Whereas the Catholic liturgy emphasises His suffering, the "Lamb of God".

Apple Sky said:

The earth is not moving.

1Ch 16:30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world
also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
Psa 93:1 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with
majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength,
wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is
stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Psa 96:10 Say among the heathen that the LORD
reigneth: the world also shall be established that it
shall not be moved: he shall judge the people
righteously.
Psa 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that
it should not be removed for ever.

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Does that mean that the earth is motionless? If it does, then what did the psalmist mean when he wrote:

“I have set the LORD always before me; Because [He is] at my right hand I shall not be moved.” (Ps 16:8 NKJV)

Did he mean that he would remain motionless for the rest of his life? Of course not. The same applies to the earth. Exactly the same words are used: "it be not moved." Not that it doesn't move, but that it will not be moved by some other force.

biblelesson said:

You didn’t make reference to any of the scriptures- focus not on scripture but on their own desires.

Scripture says;

Matthew 8:12 KJV
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 22:13-14 KJV
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 25:30 KJV
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Revelation 20:15 KJV
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire,

Revelation 20:10 KJV
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Jude 1:7 KJV
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire

Our feeling don’t matter - we don’t rewrite the Bible just because we don’t like what the word of God says. Our judgment of things don’t determine God’s truth. God tells us what truth is.

True love for a friend is telling that friend the truth - we don’t place ourselves on God’s throne and make ourselves of importance over God and His word.
Jude 1:23 KJV
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

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Every Word of God applies to everyone, Matt. 4:4, Luke 4:4, Deut. 8:3

What this means for example is that the damnation a n d eternal hell scriptures are directed to us all BUT apply to the tempter or his own and not the person. Just as Jesus rebuked Satan speaking through Peter or addressed thousands of devils in people in the Gospels.

As it pertains to this thread it means sins are not counted against Adam/Eve but were counted against the lawless acts of Satan in their dust bodies. Sins by thought, word and deed. Satan is the classic scapegoat

Carry forward to all

G-d has placed His people and His city at the centre of salvation history, and the congregation is called to be a witness, intercessor and watchman.

However, many churches claim that the topic of Israel is ‘political’ and therefore does not belong in worship services. This is not only a mistake, it is a dangerous spiritual blind spot. For if the church remains silent today, it leaves the interpretation of Israel to the secular media. Those who remain silent when the truth or Israel is attacked make themselves complicit.

It is as if parents refuse to talk to their children about sexuality or drugs, assuming that these are not topics for the home. But then they are surprised to discover that their children have long since formed their worldview from secular sources. The same is true of Israel: when the Congregation no longer teaches about it biblically, the world does, but without truth, without spirit, without G-d's perspective.

The result?

The congregation remains silent and history begins to repeat itself. For when the pulpit falls silent, the world takes over the interpretation and with it the lie. Thus, Christians allow themselves to be guided by secular narratives and unconsciously position themselves on the side of those who accuse Israel. History shows us with depressing clarity where silent faith can lead: in the 20th century, millions remained silent while G-d's people were persecuted and destroyed.

In the following lines about the parallels between the restoration of Israel then and now, you will see how strongly the Bible influences political events. It shows us that what is happening in Israel today is no coincidence, but part of G-d's plan of salvation, and that even political developments can prepare us for the return of Jesus.

David Lamb said:

The usual sun that we see from the earth.

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So therefore the bottomless pit is on earth.

The earth is not moving.

1Ch 16:30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world
also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
Psa 93:1 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with
majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength,
wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is
stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Psa 96:10 Say among the heathen that the LORD
reigneth: the world also shall be established that it
shall not be moved: he shall judge the people
righteously.
Psa 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that
it should not be removed for ever.

Apple Sky said:

So what sun was it darkening ?

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The usual sun that we see from the earth. Do you imagine that the sun is visible only from the earth? People still see the sun when they fly in planes or rockets.

David Lamb said:

But the sun being darkened does not mean that the bottomless pit is on the earth.

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So what sun was it darkening ?

I went looking for "Is there a digital telltale sign when an autopen is used for signatures?"

AI had this in response -

Yes, several digital telltale signs can indicate a signature was made by an autopen, even when viewed digitally. The primary methods for detection rely on forensic analysis of the physical characteristics that reveal a mechanical origin, which can be observed with magnification or digital analysis tools.

Key digital forensic signs to look for include:

Uniform Pressure and Line Width: A human signature naturally has variations in pen pressure, leading to differences in ink thickness and paper indentation. Autopens tend to apply constant, even pressure, resulting in lines of exactly the same width throughout the signature.

Abrupt Starts and Stops: Humans lift the pen smoothly from the page, creating a tapering effect. Autopens start from a static position and stop abruptly at the end of each stroke, which can cause a small blob or pooling of ink at these points.

Identical Reproduction: The most definitive sign is that an autopen produces an exact replica every time. By comparing a signature to other known samples from the same person, a forensic expert can determine if they are identical overlays, which indicates mechanical reproduction.

Lack of Flow/Shakiness: Autopen signatures may appear to have a "drawn" or slightly shaky look, especially in long, fast strokes, due to the mechanical movement, which is different from the natural flow of a human hand.

No Paper Indentation Variability: While digital images might not immediately show physical indentation, high-resolution scans can reveal the uniform depth of the groove the pen made in the paper, contrasting with the irregular depth of a genuine signature.

Ink Crossing Points: Under high magnification, genuine signatures will show a darker spot where one trace of ink crosses another, due to the double layer of ink. While some modern machines can replicate this to an extent, the trace is often too regular.

Ultimately, forensic handwriting experts use magnification, UV light, and comparison libraries of known autopen patterns to make a definitive determination. Modern high-end machines can make detection very difficult, so consulting a professional is the surest method for authentication.

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I think the experts will be able to decide which documents Mr. Biden actually signed himself and which were not.

Homily Sunday, November 30, 2025



Is 2:1-5

The Lord has only one goal:

"The Lord gathers all nations into the eternal peace of his kingdom."



"Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of God."



The meeting place in the Lord is in his Heart, filled with Love.



Come! Let us enter into the Heart of God and receive his Love!



Rm 13:11-14a

"You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep."



Let us live now in the joy of God!



Mt 24:37-44

Jesus gives examples of good and evil with the few earthly examples he had in his time. Let us remember, he leads us to the realities of heaven.



He says: “Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left.”



These two men are on a mission. They work in the fields. One will go evangelize elsewhere, the other will continue evangelizing where he is.



To be vigilant means, wherever we are, and whatever the mission or work, let us remain in God's loving Heart.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.

For weeks, signals from Washington have been increasing: for the US government under President Donald Trump, Rafah is considered a model area in which the reconstruction of the ‘new Gaza zone’ should begin. The idea sounds orderly on paper, a humanitarian corridor, initial infrastructure, later the repatriation of selected civilians. But in Israel, this pressure is not triggering any movement. On the contrary: the security leadership emphasises that under the current conditions, there can be no transition to reconstruction.

The reason is not technical in nature. It is moral, security-related and political at the same time. Two fallen Israeli hostages are still in the hands of the terrorist organisation Hamas. As long as they do not return home, any step towards a post-war phase would be a painful sacrifice and a dangerous signal. A state that does not bring its sons home loses the internal stability that sustains it in existential crises.

Added to this is a second, equally clear point: Hamas continues to refuse to surrender its arsenal of weapons. Without complete, irreversible disarmament, not symbolic, not partial, reconstruction would have the same effect as in the years after 2007: the international community pays for the cement blocks, and Hamas uses them to build tools for the next war. Israel has learned this reality the hard way, and it now determines every decision.

Nevertheless, operations continue in the south. The IDF is working in the area east of Rafah, which is completely under Israeli control: clearing tunnels, destroying booby traps, removing rubble, building temporary infrastructure for possible camps. These are necessary preparations – but no political commitment. More engineering units are expected to advance into the area next week. Water pipes, power lines, a minimum of functionality but none of this changes the fact that Israel will not be pushed into phase B.

It is well known that the US is simultaneously attempting to establish an international disarmament mechanism. However, so far no countries are willing to send soldiers to Gaza to deal with Hamas. No European country, no Arab state, no regional coalition. Everyone knows what it would mean to stand between Israel and a terrorist organisation that is still armed: it would not be a peace mission, but a full-contact mandate against a structure that can only be removed from Gaza by military means.

Washington recognises the dilemma. However, it hopes that Israel will be able to assume responsibility for the future of the civilian population sooner. Jerusalem sees another dilemma: reconstruction that begins before complete disarmament would enhance Hamas's political standing and strengthen its military position. Anyone who invites the terrorist organisation to regenerate itself once again in the shadow of international structures will produce the next escalation and endanger both Israel and the international troops that are to operate there later.

Behind the scenes, tensions are rising. According to consistent reports, pressure from Washington is growing daily. Official and unofficial channels are trying to persuade Jerusalem to make a quick decision. But the Israeli security apparatus remains unshakeable: first, the fallen hostages must return home. And only when Hamas is disarmed can there be talk of a post-war phase.

The strategic reality is clear: without the complete removal of weapons and the return of every single Israeli soldier killed in action, Gaza will not remain ‘new’. It will remain a place whose future is not defined by international declarations, but by Israel's ability to act. And it is precisely this ability to act that Israel is defending today against terrorist organisations, against illusions and also against diplomatic pressure.

Postvieww said:

Yes a young woman was murdered and many people were denied rights. The Biden administration was responsible for much damage to the justice system. Care to talk about the then Capital police person who planted two pipe bombs on Jan 6 and then went on to work at the CIA?

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You mean a traitor. May she rot where all traitors rot.

I'd have thought the digital coding would be different if a person signs something online, and an autopen signs it, even if they appear to be identical.

I'm talking about the actual assembly or machine language, but then that's only my guess.

I'm assuming there would be instructions for the autopen to operate and possibly the experts can isolate those so they know which are which.

Apple Sky said:

So what sun was darkened ?

King James Bible
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. Revelation 9:2

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But the sun being darkened does not mean that the bottomless pit is on the earth.