This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Vincit qui se vincit" is a Latin phrase meaning "He conquers who conquers himself." Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God. "
(Classic film clarity + moral resonance + hospitality pairing)
⭐ Core Facts
Director: Leo McCarey
Stars: Gloria Swanson (Gerry Trent), Ben Lyon (Tony Blake), Monroe Owsley (Jim Woodward)
Genre: Pre‑Code romantic comedy with leftover musical DNA
Source Material: Based on the story Obey That Impulse by DeSylva, Brown & Henderson
Runtime: 92 minutes (original release)
π Plot Summary (Clean, Tight, and Thematically Focused)
Act I — A New Year, A New Resolve
Gerry Trent, a successful dress designer, kicks out her unfaithful boyfriend Jim Woodward. She meets Tony Blake, an author whose philosophy—act on your impulses—she finds both amusing and attractive. Tony proposes immediately; she laughs, but the spark is real. Theme: The tension between impulse and prudence.
Act II — The Confession
Gerry decides she must confess her past affair with Jim before marrying Tony. He’s shaken but still committed. Moral tension: Truth told at the wrong time can wound even when it’s virtuous.
Act III — The Sister Problem
Gerry’s younger sister Joan returns from France—already secretly engaged to Jim. Gerry tries to break the engagement through comic misdirection, feigned madness, and finally pretending she still loves Jim. Pre‑Code twist: A woman weaponizing her own reputation to protect her sister.
Act IV — The Misunderstanding
Tony arrives just in time to see Gerry in Jim’s arms (a staged moment gone wrong). Heartbroken, he leaves for Europe. Gerry races to the ship, sneaks aboard, and the lovers reunite. Ending: A shipboard marriage—impulsive, romantic, and very McCarey.
✝️ Catholic Moral Reading (Tailored to Your Framework)
1. Truth vs. Timing
Gerry’s confession is morally correct but pastorally clumsy.
Lesson: Truth must be paired with prudence—Aquinas’ “right reason in action.”
Gerry’s honesty is virtuous; her impulsiveness is not.
2. Protecting the Innocent
Her fierce attempt to shield Joan from Jim’s predatory charm echoes the duty of fraternal correction.
She risks her own reputation to save her sister—an echo of sacrificial love.
3. Impulse vs. Discernment
Tony’s philosophy (“obey that impulse”) is charming but spiritually thin.
The film quietly critiques impulsivity by showing how easily it leads to misunderstanding and heartbreak.
The final reconciliation works because both characters move beyond impulse into commitment.
4. Mercy in the Final Act
Tony’s return to Gerry—despite hurt and confusion—embodies mercy over suspicion.
A small cinematic echo of the Prodigal Father’s readiness to forgive.
πΈ Hospitality Pairing (In Your Style)
Cocktail: “The Impulse”
A bright, slightly reckless pre‑Code drink that fits Gerry’s energy.
Gin (your bar stock)
Cointreau
Lemon
A dash of butterscotch schnapps (a nod to the film’s sweet‑and‑sour romantic tone)
Shake hard; serve up. Theme: Sweetness with a sting—just like Gerry’s honesty.
Snack Pairing: Parisian Cheese Plate
Joan returns from France; the film’s emotional hinge is her European innocence.
Brie, grapes, baguette slices
A small dish of honey Symbolism: Innocence, temptation, and the sweetness of reconciliation.
Summary, Catholic Lessons, and Hospitality Pairing
π¬ Summary of the Scene
Klaatu, the alien envoy sent to warn Earth about its violent trajectory, is shot by fearful humans. With Klaatu incapacitated, the robot Gort prepares to unleash devastating judgment on humanity. Helen Benson, entrusted with a cryptic phrase — “Klaatu barada nikto” — approaches Gort in trembling obedience. Speaking the words she does not fully understand, she halts Gort’s destructive mission. Gort retrieves Klaatu’s body, restores him to life, and the revived Klaatu delivers his final warning: humanity must choose peace or face consequences beyond its control.
✝️ Catholic Lessons
1. Obedience Without Full Understanding
Helen speaks the words not because she grasps their meaning, but because she trusts the one who gave them.
This mirrors the Catholic disposition of fiducia — trusting obedience.
Mary at the Annunciation
Joseph in his dreams
The disciples sent out two by two
Obedience becomes a channel of salvation.
2. Mercy Restrains Justice
Gort represents pure, unfiltered justice — unstoppable, impartial, terrifying.
Helen’s intercession introduces mercy into the equation.
Catholic moral theology insists that:
Justice without mercy becomes cruelty
Mercy without justice becomes permissiveness
The Cross is the perfect union of both.
3. Resurrection Imagery
Klaatu’s death, retrieval, and restoration evoke a Christ‑figure pattern — but with a crucial line in the film:
“The power of life and death is reserved to the Almighty Spirit.”
The film acknowledges a boundary: even advanced beings cannot usurp divine prerogatives.
4. The Prophetic Warning
Klaatu’s final message is essentially prophetic: Repent of violence or face the consequences of your own making.
This echoes:
Jonah in Nineveh
John the Baptist
Christ’s lament over Jerusalem
The film becomes a meditation on moral responsibility in a world armed with destructive power.
5. The Role of the Messenger
Helen is the hinge of the entire story.
She is:
Courageous
Humble
Obedient
A bridge between worlds
She models the vocation of every Christian: to carry a message of peace into a fearful world.
πΈ Drink Pairing
For this scene’s solemnity and moral weight, a drink that is simple, clear, and steady fits best.
Option 1: Gin & Lime
Crisp
Uncluttered
Reflective of Helen’s clarity of purpose
Option 2: Small Pour of Bourbon
Earthy
Grounding
A reminder of human frailty and courage
π½️ Meal Pairing
A scene about restraint, obedience, and the thin line between destruction and peace calls for something humble and honest.
Option 1: Bread & Soup
A simple, monastic pairing —
Lentil or barley soup
Crusty bread
Symbolizes humility, clarity, and the “daily bread” that sustains moral courage.
Option 2: Roast Chicken with Vegetables
A family‑table meal that reflects Helen’s role as protector and intercessor.
Warm, grounding, and communal.
oFeeling adventurous? Start your day with a leisurely walk outdoors. Embrace nature and soak in the fresh air. Next, dive into the cheesy goodness of your favorite cheese dishes to celebrate National Cheese Lovers Day. Indulge in a cheese platter or whip up a simple grilled cheese sandwich. Feeling peckish after all that cheese? It’s time to raise awareness for penguins. Learn more about these adorable creatures, watch a documentary, or support a penguin conservation organization.
oTake a break and savor a cup of coffee for National Coffee Break Day. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, black or sweet, take a moment to enjoy every sip. Pump up the jams for National Disc Jockey Day. Host a mini dance party at home, create your own DJ playlist, or simply groove to your favorite tunes.
Share positive messages on social media, practice kindness, or educate yourself about different cultures and beliefs. Capture all these memorable moments on National Camcorder Day. Record a day-in-the-life video, create a fun vlog, or revisit old footage to relive cherished memories.
oEnd your day on a sweet note by treating yourself to some buttery and crunchy buttercrunch to mark National Buttercrunch Day. Whip up a batch of homemade buttercrunch or pick some up from a local store. Each holiday offers a unique way to add fun and excitement to your day. So go ahead, mix and match these celebrations to create a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never forget. Enjoy!
π Candace’s Worldwide Vineyard Tour
Week 11: Spain — Rioja Region
Theme: Vine of Strength, Vine of Fire Dates: January 20–26, 2026 Base: LogroΓ±o • Haro • Ebro River Valley Seasonal Note: Winter barrel season — Tempranillo resting in oak, cellars glowing with quiet fire.
π️ Tuesday, January 20 – Arrival in LogroΓ±o
✈️ Travel: Fly into Bilbao Airport → 1.5 hr transfer to LogroΓ±o ($30 bus) π¨ Lodging: Hotel Calle Mayor ($110/night) π Evening: Pintxos walk along Calle Laurel π₯ Symbolic Act — “Fire of the Vine” Light a candle at the Concatedral de Santa MarΓa de la Redonda, asking for strength in the year’s unfolding.
π️ Wednesday, January 21 – Haro Station District
π Morning: Train to Haro (40 minutes) π· Visit: La Rioja Alta, S.A. ($35 tasting) π· Second Visit: Bodegas Muga (oak cooperage tour $30) π½️ Lunch: Haro town center ($20)
π± Symbolic Act — “Barrel Benediction” Place your hand on an aging barrel and pray for patience in long‑term hopes.
π️ Thursday, January 22 – Ysios & Laguardia
π️ Visit: Bodegas Ysios — iconic Calatrava architecture (~$40 tasting) π° Walk: Medieval walled town of LLaguardia π· Tasting: Underground cave cellars beneath the city ✨ Symbolic Act — “Stone & Flame” Write a short reflection on what foundations in your life need strengthening.
π₯ Evening: Toast with Rioja Gran Reserva π Symbolic Act — “Rioja Benediction” Bless the oak, the hills, and the fire of the vine.
π️ Monday, January 26 – Departure
π Return: LogroΓ±o → Bilbao ✈️ Depart: Bilbao Airport π Suggested Next Stop:
·Portugal (Douro Valley) — “River of Gold, River of Mercy”
·Chile (Maipo Valley) — “Vine of Andes Light”
·New Zealand (Marlborough) — “Vine of Purity, Vine of Wind”
π° Estimated Total Cost: ~$720 USD
Includes:
·6 nights lodging
·5–6 vineyard tastings
·Pintxos night
·Haro train
·Architectural winery tours
·Sunday Mass
January 20 Tuesday
Devotion to the HolyFace
Saint Sebastian, Martyr-Litany of Trust-9 days for Life-Penguin
1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verse 13-16
Now who is going to
harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good?
But even if
you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be AFRAID or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as
Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks
you for a reason for your hope,but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience
clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in
Christ may themselves be put to shame.
Archbishop Sheen
explained that suffering is an integral part of becoming a new person in Christ
by the giving up the self and ego in sacrifice to the other.
On the marriage of my oldest son his
little brother was asked to say something at the reception. Vincent got up (he
is 6’7”) and while all eyes were on him stated, “First Chris called Kate and
there was the telephone ring: then there was a bond establish and the trust
ring began: then after some time came the engagement ring: and naturally
followed the wedding ring: but Chris I have to warn you that after today there
is one more ring; for now begins the suffer ring.
Christian suffering begins at home: for
it is in the home the Lord develops the understanding heart when one discovers
the imperfections of the other and makes sacrifices seeking the good of the
other as other.
Copilot’s Take
Suffering for what is good becomes
strength when the Holy Face steadies the heart. Saint Sebastian shows that
wounds offered in love become witness, and Sheen reminds us that sacrifice is
the slow death of ego that makes room for Christ. Even Vincent’s wedding‑day
humor carries the truth: real love always enters the “suffer‑ring,” where two
imperfect people learn to choose the other over themselves. This is the quiet
martyrdom of the home—where patience, trust, and daily self‑gift form a
conscience that stays clear, a hope that stays visible, and a courage that
refuses fear.
Tuesday Devotion to the Holy FaceA day to steady your gaze on Christ. His Face
reveals truth, restores courage, and teaches you to stand firm without
hardness. Look at Him, and let Him make your own face clear, honest, and whole.
St. Sebastian[1]The name of
Sebastian is enveloped in a wreath of legends. By birth he was Milanese.
Perhaps the persecutor of Christians had left Milan, or had not yet arrived, or
had become momentarily more tolerant. Sebastian believed that here there was no
opportunity for combat, or that it had already passed. So, he went to Rome, the
scene of bitter opposition arising from the Christians' zeal for the faith.
There he suffered; there he gained the crown." St. Sebastian was widely
venerated during the Middle Ages, particularly as a protector against the
plague. Paul the Deacon relates that in 670 a great pestilence at Rome ceased
when an altar was dedicated in his honor. The Breviary account of the saint is
highly legendary; in part it reads: "Diocletian tried by every means to
turn Sebastian from the faith of Christ. After all efforts had proven
fruitless, he ordered him tied to a post and pierced with arrows. When everyone
thought him dead, a devout woman named Irene arranged for his burial during the
night; finding him still alive, she cared for him in her own house. After his
recovery he appeared again before Diocletian and boldly rebuked him for his
wickedness. Enraged by the saint's sharp words, the emperor ordered him
scourged until he expired. (Remember that
in our Lords scourging; He paid particularly for the sins of the flesh) His
body was thrown into a sewer."
·St.
Sebastian's Day is marked in Sicily and in Kerala, India with huge
celebrations. Try a Sicilian or Kerala dish for dinner tonight in honor of the
saint.
·If
you have an athlete in your family teach them the prayer to St. Sebastian.
God,
the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have
mercy on us!
God,
the holy Ghost, Have
mercy on us!
Holy
Trinity, one God, Have
mercy on us!
Holy
Mary, Queen of Martyrs, Pray
for us.
Saint
Sebastian, Pray
for us.
Invincible
Martyr, Pray
for us.
Knight,
noble by birth and fame, Pray
for us.
Glorious
warrior and martyr of Christ, Pray
for us.
Patron
and mirror of Christian soldiers, Pray
for us.
Despiser
of the world, Pray
for us.
Conqueror
of Satan, Pray
for us.
Comfort
of the dying, Pray
for us.
Consoler
of the afflicted, Pray
for us.
Announcer
of the word of God, Pray
for us.
Protector
and Patron of countries and cities, Pray
for us.
Saint
Sebastian, perfect in virtue and wisdom, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, lover of God and men, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, might in word and work, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, who didst strengthen the Christians in torments and death, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, who didst fortify those wavering in their faith,
Pray for us.
St.
Sebastian, who didst encourage the doubting to persevere to the end, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, who, in flamed with love of God, didst despise the pains inflicted
by the tyrant, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, surrounded by celestial light, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, instructed by the holy Angels, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, giving speech to the dumb, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, who for defending the truth wast wounded by arrows, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, who wast put to death with clubs, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, who wast crowned with eternal glory,Pray for us.
St.
Sebastian, great intercessor for us with God, Pray
for us.
St.
Sebastian, endowed with power from God to avert pestilence and all contagious
diseases, Pray
for us.
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord!
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb
of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us, O Lord!
Christ, hear us! Christ, graciously hear us!
Let
us pray. Mercifully look on our weakness, O almighty God; since the weight of
our own evil deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Thy blessed
martyr Sebastian be our protection Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who
with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end.
R. Amen.
Litany of Trust— Feast of Saint Sebastian
“Deliver me,
Jesus, from the fear that I am a burden.”
On the feast of Saint Sebastian, the Church remembers
a man whose body bore wounds that could not be hidden. He is not honored
because he was struck, but because he endured — because the places where he was
pierced became the places where God’s strength was revealed. His life reminds
us that wounds do not disqualify a person from love; they become the very
places where courage takes root.
This petition speaks into the fear that often grows in
the aftermath of suffering — the fear that our pain is too heavy for others,
that our story is too much, that our scars make us an inconvenience rather than
a person worthy of care. It is the fear that our needs will exhaust those
around us, or that our vulnerability makes us a weight they should not have to
carry.
Epiphany answers this fear with revelation.
The God who reveals Himself does not turn away from the wounded; He draws near.
Christ does not recoil from those marked by sorrow; He calls them beloved.
In His presence, the places we fear are “too much” become the places where His
compassion rests most gently.
To pray this line on Saint Sebastian’s feast is to
acknowledge that wounds — physical, emotional, or unseen — do not make us
burdens. They make us human. And humanity, in all its fragility, is never a
burden to God. Our needs do not overwhelm Him. Our pain does not repel Him. Our
story does not frighten Him.
This petition invites us to release the belief that
our suffering diminishes our worth. It calls us to trust that God holds us not
reluctantly but willingly, not out of duty but out of love. The One who carried
His own wounds carries us with tenderness, patience, and unwavering fidelity.
To pray these words on January 20 is to stand with
Saint Sebastian and discover that even the deepest wounds do not make us a
burden — they make us a place where grace can enter.
9 Days for Life is a "digital pilgrimage" of
prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person's life. A
multi-faceted novena highlighting a different intention each day provides
reflections, bonus information, and suggested actions. Join to receive the
novena through the 9 Days for Life app, daily emails, or daily texts. See below
for information on how else you can get involved! #9DaysforLife #OurPrayersMatter
Day
Five:
Intercession: May each person
suffering from the loss of a child through abortion find hope and healing in
Christ.
Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, Glory Be
Reflection: After more than four decades of
legalized abortion, many children’s lives have been ended, and many parents and
family members suffer that loss—often in silence. Yet God’s greatest desire is
to forgive. No matter how far we have each strayed from His side, He says to
us, “Don’t be afraid. Draw close to my heart.” Be assured that it is never too
late to seek God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Acts of
Reparation (Choose one.)
·Abstain
from meat today. If you are already abstaining from meat today, skip your
favorite snack, too.
·Pray
the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (www.usccb.org/divine-mercy-chaplet) for those who
are suffering the loss of a child through abortion, asking that they find
healing and peace.
Offer
some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for
today’s intention
Bible in a
Year Day 202 God's Judgment
As we continue journeying through the prophets, Fr. Mike helps us
understand the oracle concerning Tyre and also points out that God's judgment
will always be completed. Today we also begin reading the Book of Habakkuk and
learn about the five powerful woes we can all relate to. Todays' readings are
Isaiah 23-24, Habakkuk 1-2, and Proverbs 11:1-4.
Penguin
Awareness Day[5] was created to celebrate everybody’s favorite zoo animal! Find out
more about penguins, explore what others have to say about penguins, why not
visit your local zoo to share the penguin love! You don’t have to wait until
Penguin Awareness Day, because penguins can be loved all year long!
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