For the episcopalians.

On this Sunday, August 17th, 2025, the Catholic liturgy emphasizes Jesus as a figure who can bring about change and challenge existing norms. [1, 2]  

This theme is particularly highlighted in the Gospel reading from Luke 12:49-53: 

• "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" 

• "Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." 

• This passage describes how families may be divided due to their allegiances to Christ, highlighting the disruptive nature of his message and the potential for it to challenge even the closest relationships. [1, 3, 4, 5]  

The First Reading from Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 also provides a parallel to the challenges faced by those who speak God's truth. 

• Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern for speaking words that disheartened the people and were perceived as not seeking their welfare. 

• However, Ebed-melech, a court official, rescued him, demonstrating how courage and faith can overcome opposition. [1, 3, 6, 7, 8]  

Finally, the Second Reading from Hebrews 12:1-4 encourages believers to persevere in their faith, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the cross despite the shame. This passage emphasizes that facing opposition is part of the Christian journey, but that following Jesus can lead to joy and perfection of faith. [1, 3, 9, 10, 11]  

Therefore, the message of today's readings is that following Jesus can be disruptive to the established order, even within families. By trusting in God and persevering in faith, one can find strength and hope in the face of these challenges. [1, 12, 13, 14]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.catholic.org/bible/daily_reading/?select_date=2025-08-17[2] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day/2025/08/17.html[3] https://www.catholic.org/bible/daily_reading/[4] https://biblehub.com/q/how_is_jesus_both_divisive_and_unifying.htm[5] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156953592587273&id=181458447272&set=a.432918427272[6] https://www.bibleclaret.org/sunday-reflections/107-blogs/celebrating-the-word-of-god[7] https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-10-ebed-melech-a-work-of-rescue/[8] https://www.christianlibrary.org/authors/John_L_Kachelman_Jr/people-ot/ebed-melech.htm[9] https://religion.sadlierconnect.com/anonymous/view-resource/twl?productId=813&programSeriesId=91&programTocId=4107&resourceId=484713&hash=dW5kZWZpbmVk[10] https://biblehub.com/acts/5-40.htm[11] https://www.oahuchurch.org/podcast/refined-by-fire-overcoming-doubt[12] https://www.gbfranciscans.org/weekly-reflection/reflection-for-aug-17-2025[13] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156953592587273&id=181458447272&set=a.432918427272[14] https://www.ccu.edu/blogs/cags/category/devotionals/embracing-life-challenges-keeping-the-faith-during-difficult-times/

Henry McClure  
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Land bank

https://youtu.be/_1EzsjH2930?si=o7s527ghXuB-PSZk 

We have an alternative 

Henry McClure  
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Reread number one

It is generally considered problematic for a Chamber of Commerce to directly run a city. Here are five good reasons why:

1. Conflicts of Interest: Chambers of Commerce are primarily focused on promoting the interests of businesses and economic growth. This can create conflicts with broader public interests like environmental protection, social welfare, or urban planning, which a city government is responsible for balancing. For example, the Chamber might prioritize development for job creation while the city might prioritize preservation for historical character and quality of life.
2. Narrower Focus vs. Holistic Governance: City government addresses a wide range of issues affecting all citizens, including public safety, education, infrastructure, and social services. Chambers of Commerce, by their nature, have a narrower focus on economic development and business advocacy. This narrower focus could lead to neglect of crucial areas beyond business interests if the Chamber were to run the city.
3. Accountability and Representation: City governments are democratically elected and accountable to all residents. Chambers of Commerce, while often involving community engagement, are essentially private membership organizations and their leadership is not typically chosen through a public election process. This means they lack the direct accountability and broad representation necessary for effective city governance.
4. Special Interests and Lobbying: Chambers of Commerce are known for their advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of businesses to influence government decisions. While this is a legitimate function for a private organization, it raises concerns when the same entity is responsible for making and enforcing those decisions. This can blur the lines between special interests and the public good, potentially leading to decisions skewed towards business interests rather than the overall community's benefit.
5. Loss of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: The principle of separation of powers and the system of checks and balances are crucial for good governance. This involves dividing governmental responsibilities into distinct branches (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful. If a Chamber of Commerce were to run a city, it would essentially consolidate these powers, eliminating the important safeguards and potential for unbiased decision-making that come with separate branches of government. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://frankjkenny.com/strategies-for-rekindling-chamber-city-relations/

[2] https://frankjkenny.com/collaborating-with-city-government/

[3] https://www.terrelltexas.com/2023/08/28/what-in-the-word-does-a-chamber-of-commerce-do/

[4] https://theconversation.com/what-are-conflicts-of-interest-and-what-can-be-done-about-them-249983

[5] https://corporationsandhealth.org/corporations-conflicts-public-health/

[6] https://frankjkenny.com/collaborating-with-city-government/

[7] https://constitutioncenter.org/education/constitution-101-curriculum/6-separation-of-powers-and-federalism

[8] https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/separation-of-powers-commerce-law

[9] https://fiscalnote.com/blog/chambers-of-commerce-involved-with-local-government

[10] https://www.uschamber.com/chambers-of-commerce/your-chamber-of-commerce-a-guide-to-starting-and-growing-a-chamber-of-commerce

Henry McClure  
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Kidney's on the job.

"Detoxifying" the kidneys is not a concept that is widely supported by medical science in the way that "detox diets" or "kidney cleanses" are often marketed. Your kidneys are naturally designed to filter waste and toxins from your blood and excrete them through urine, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Therefore, the best way to support your kidneys and ensure they function optimally is through adopting a healthy lifestyle that promotes overall well-being. [1, 2, 3]  

Here are the key elements to support healthy kidney function: 

1. Stay hydrated 

• Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out waste products effectively. 

• Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day, although this may vary based on your individual needs and health conditions. 

• Lemon water, cranberry juice (100% pure, unsweetened), and herbal teas can also contribute to hydration and may offer additional kidney-friendly benefits. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]  

2. Maintain a healthy diet 

• Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

• Choose lean protein sources, like poultry, fish, and plant-based options like tofu and beans. 

• Limit your intake of high-sodium, high-sugar, and highly processed foods. 

• The National Kidney Foundation recommends (https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/10-common-habits-may-harm-your-kidneys) keeping sodium intake below 2,300 mg per day. 

• Incorporate foods known to be beneficial for kidney health, such as: 

 • Apples: High in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds. 

 • Berries: Rich in antioxidants that protect against kidney damage. 

 • Cauliflower: High in vitamin C and fiber, low in potassium. 

 • Cranberries: May help prevent urinary tract infections. 

 • Garlic and Onions: Offer flavor without adding salt and have anti-inflammatory properties. 

 • Olive Oil: A healthy fat that can reduce inflammation. 

 • Certain Teas: Green tea and black tea may be associated with a lower risk of developing kidney disease. [1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]  

3. Engage in regular physical activity 

• Exercise helps manage blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar, all important for kidney health. 

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. [7, 12, 13, 14, 15]  

4. Limit alcohol and avoid smoking 

• Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and strain the kidneys. 

• Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and can worsen existing kidney damage. [7, 13, 16, 17, 18]  

5. Manage blood pressure and blood sugar 

• High blood pressure and diabetes are major risk factors for kidney disease. 

• Work with your doctor to manage these conditions effectively through lifestyle changes and/or medication. [13, 19, 20]  

6. Get enough sleep and manage stress 

• Adequate sleep and stress management are important for overall health, including kidney function. [7, 12]  

Important considerations 

• If you have pre-existing kidney disease or are concerned about your kidney health, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a renal dietitian before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and medical history. 

• Be wary of unsubstantiated claims about "kidney detoxes" and supplements, as these may not be effective and could potentially be harmful. It's crucial to rely on evidence-based strategies for maintaining optimal kidney health. [2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 21, 22]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-cleanse[2] https://www.verywellhealth.com/kidney-cleanse-89121[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325391[4] https://www.texaskidneycare.com/how-to-detox-your-kidneys/[5] https://www.lifelinescreening.com/health-education/diet-and-nutrition/cleaning-up-your-kidneys[6] https://greaterbostonaddictioncenters.com/blog/best-drinks-for-kidney-health-recovery/[7] https://www.uab.edu/medicine/news/latest-news/5-tips-to-spring-clean-your-kidneys[8] https://www.prospectmedical.com/resources/wellness-center/best-foods-kidney-health[9] https://www.health.com/renal-diet-8720055[10] https://www.qualityinsights.org/best-foods-for-kidney-health[11] https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/10-common-habits-may-harm-your-kidneys[12] https://www.usenourish.com/blog/natural-remedies-for-kidney-disease[13] https://khccares.com/blog/lifestyle-changes-to-help-prevent-kidney-disease/[14] https://khccares.com/blog/lifestyle-changes-to-help-prevent-kidney-disease/[15] https://regalhospital.com/blogs/healthy-kidney-habits-2/[16] https://premierfamily.net/dietary-dos-and-donts-for-healthy-kidneys/[17] https://www.citizenshospitals.com/blogs/how-hydration-and-diet-work-together-for-kidney-health[18] https://californiakidneyspecialists.com/unlocking-kidney-health-tips-for-a-lifelong-wellness-journey/[19] https://www.durhamnephrology.com/impact-kidney-function/[20] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521[21] https://www.uab.edu/medicine/news/latest-news/5-tips-to-spring-clean-your-kidneys[22] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-kidneys

Henry McClure  
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