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. "
🕊️ Creatures of Courage: A Catholic Reflection on Sgt Reckless
In the quiet folds of military history, a small Mongolian mare named Reckless carried more than ammunition—she bore witness to sacrificial love, endurance, and the mystery of creaturely grace. Her story, told in the video Sgt Reckless – Korean War Horse Hero, invites us to reflect not only on heroism but on the Catholic understanding of creation as a mirror of divine truth.
🐎 A Mare in the Midst of War
Reckless was no ordinary horse. Purchased by U.S. Marines during the Korean War, she was trained to carry 75 mm shells across treacherous terrain. During the Battle of Outpost Vegas, she made 51 solo trips in one day, under fire, wounded, and unrelenting. She was later promoted to Staff Sergeant and decorated with multiple honors.
But beyond the medals and battlefield valor, Reckless reveals something deeper: the capacity of creation to participate in redemptive action. She did not speak, but she served. She did not preach, but she bore burdens. In her silence, she became a sermon.
✝️ Catholic Themes in Her Witness
Sacrificial Love: Reckless’s wounds and endurance echo Christ’s own suffering. Her fidelity under fire mirrors the Paschal mystery—laying down one’s life for others.
Creaturely Participation: Catholic tradition honors animals as part of God’s good creation. From Balaam’s donkey to St. Francis’s sermons to the birds, we see that animals can reflect divine truths.
The Hidden Saints: Reckless reminds us of the “little ones” who serve without recognition. Her story is a parable of humility, courage, and grace.
📖 Scripture for Reflection
John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Job 12:7–10: “Ask the animals, and they will teach you…”
Romans 8:19: “Creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.”
🍷 Hospitality Cue
Consider hosting a simple meal in Reckless’s honor:
Bread and wine: echoing soldier’s rations, elevated in reverence.
Dried fruit and nuts: humble provisions that nourish in hardship.
Blessing: “Lord of all creation, we thank You for the silent witnesses of Your love. May we learn from Reckless to carry burdens with courage and serve with quiet grace.”
🕯️ Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, King of all creation, You reign not through power but through sacrifice. Teach us to see Your glory in the humble, the wounded, and the faithful. May we honor the creatures who serve, and may we become servants in Your name. Amen.
Yes—retired Army horses, especially ceremonial caisson horses, can be adopted through official military programs. The U.S. Army is currently retiring many of its horse units, and select horses are being placed with vetted civilian adopters.
🐴 How to Adopt a Retired Army Horse
🪖 1. Understand the Program
The U.S. Army’s Caisson Horse Adoption Program is designed to find compassionate homes for horses that served in ceremonial roles—especially those from funeral honor platoons. These horses are not sold; they are donated to approved individuals or organizations.
Eligible horses: Mostly ceremonial horses from Fort Irwin, Fort Huachuca, Fort Riley, Fort Sill, and Fort Hood.
Active units: Caisson platoons at Arlington National Cemetery, Joint Base San Antonio, and West Point will continue operating.
As of now, no horses are available from Fort Sam Houston, but updates are expected as other units complete their transition.
📝 3. Complete the Application
When a horse becomes available:
You’ll have 30 days to submit an adoption application.
Applications are reviewed by a board including veterinarians, commanders, and soldiers who served with the horse.
The horse’s medical records are provided to help you understand any care needs.
🧑🌾 4. Prepare for Responsibility
Adopting a retired Army horse is a serious commitment:
These horses may have special medical or behavioral needs.
You must provide adequate pasture, shelter, and veterinary care.
The Army prioritizes homes that honor the horse’s legacy—not just recreational use.
💬 5. Why It Matters
These horses are part of the Army family. They’ve served in solemn ceremonies, carried caskets of fallen soldiers, and stood in honor. Adopting one is not just a gift—it’s a form of stewardship.
🕊️ Catholic Hospitality Cue
If you adopt or host one of these horses:
Consider a naming ritual or blessing ceremony.
Pair with a meal of remembrance—bread, wine, and a reading from Job 12:7–10: “Ask the animals, and they will teach you…”
Casablanca is a wartime romance that explores sacrifice, moral clarity, and the tension between personal desire and the greater good—offering rich Catholic lessons in love, truth, and redemption.
🕊️ Summary of Casablanca
Set in 1941 Morocco during World War II, Casablanca centers on Rick Blaine, a cynical American who runs a nightclub in the neutral city of Casablanca. His world is upended when Ilsa Lund, a former lover, arrives with her husband Victor Laszlo, a resistance leader fleeing Nazi persecution. Ilsa seeks Rick’s help to secure escape papers for Laszlo.
Rick and Ilsa’s past romance resurfaces, but Ilsa is now committed to Laszlo’s cause.
Rick must choose between rekindling love or aiding Laszlo’s escape.
In a climactic act of sacrifice, Rick lets Ilsa go, helping her and Laszlo flee while he stays behind.
The film ends with Rick and Captain Renault walking off together, hinting at newfound purpose and moral clarity.
✝️ Catholic Lessons and Themes
Casablanca resonates deeply with Catholic moral and spiritual reflection:
1. Sacrificial Love Over Passion
Rick’s decision to let Ilsa go reflects agape—love that seeks the good of the other over self-gratification.
This echoes Christ’s sacrificial love: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
2. Moral Clarity in Ambiguity
The film’s setting—neutral Casablanca—is a metaphor for moral limbo.
Rick’s journey from neutrality to decisive action mirrors the Catholic call to reject moral relativism and embrace truth, even when costly.
3. Redemption and Conversion
Rick and Renault both undergo conversion: from cynicism to moral courage.
Their transformation reflects the Catholic belief in metanoia—a turning of the heart toward God and virtue.
4. The Cosmic “Hill of Beans”
Rick’s famous line—“It doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world”—underscores the Catholic idea that personal sacrifice can serve a higher, transcendent good.
5. Truth and Integrity
Ilsa’s struggle between love and duty reflects the tension between emotional truth and moral truth.
Catholic teaching affirms that doing right by doing wrong is never justified—a theme the film dramatizes with painful beauty.
oAre you ready for a day filled with surprises and sweetness? Start your day by channeling some inner joy and positivity. Dive into moments of nostalgia and share stories that warm your heart. Bake a simple cake or visit a local bakery, savoring each bite with pure delight. Embrace your pets or spend time with animals, connecting with their playful energy. Reflect on life’s ups and downs, finding gratitude even in challenging moments. Embrace the weird and wonderful day ahead, celebrating the joy of life and the little things that make it special.
Honor & Horizon | Wednesday, November 26 – Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Theme: Chastity, Love of Neighbor & the Grace to Prepare Coordinates: Departing Bahrain → Sailing toward Muscat, Sur, and the Arabian Sea
🕊️ Wednesday, November 26 – Offshore Bahrain
Title: Veil of Honor
Ritual: Pilgrims receive a white ribbon inscribed with “Chastity” to wear as a sign of reverent love
Scripture: Romans 12:10
Meal: Cardamom rice with rosewater chicken and pistachios
Reflection: “Honor is love with boundaries—it protects what is sacred.”
Hospitality Arc: Serve without being seen—offer reverence
🪨 Thursday, November 27 – Docked in Muscat
Title: Market of Mercy
Ritual: Pilgrims select one item from the souk to give away anonymously
Scripture: Matthew 6:3
Meal: Grilled lamb with cinnamon and dates, saffron couscous
Reflection: “Mercy is not transaction—it is gift.”
Hospitality Arc: Give without credit—let love be sincere
🕯️ Friday, November 28 – Sailing toward Sur
Title: Lanterns of Fidelity
Ritual: Pilgrims light lanterns and write one promise they intend to keep
Scripture: Psalm 119:106
Meal: Lentil and chickpea stew with preserved lemon
Reflection: “Fidelity is not perfection—it is perseverance.”
Hospitality Arc: Share a promise you’ve kept—and why it mattered
🌄 Saturday, November 29 – Docked in Sur
Title: Pilgrimage of the Heart
Ritual: Pilgrims walk coastal cliffs and reflect on one relationship they wish to honor
Scripture: Song of Songs 8:6
Meal: Tamarind-glazed fish with citrus and mint salad
Reflection: “Chastity is not denial—it is devotion.”
Hospitality Arc: Name someone you’ve honored—and how it changed you
🌬️ Sunday, November 30 – Sailing toward Arabian Sea
Title: Wind of Preparation 🕯️ Holy Day: First Sunday of Advent
Ritual: Pilgrims write one way they will prepare for Christ’s coming
Scripture: Romans 13:12
Meal: Cinnamon rice with roasted vegetables and pomegranate seeds
Reflection: “Preparation is not panic—it is readiness.”
Hospitality Arc: Ask someone how they prepare—and bless their answer
Mass Option: If near Muscat, attend Sunday Mass at Holy Spirit Church, Ghala Otherwise, host a lay-led liturgy or Advent reflection onboard
🕊️ Monday, December 1 – Offshore Arabian Sea
Title: Wreath of the King
Ritual: Pilgrims light the first Advent candle (purple for hope) and place evergreen sprigs in a communal wreath
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2
Meal: Herb frittata with mint tea and flatbread
Reflection: “Hope is not optimism—it is light in the dark.”
Hospitality Arc: Invite someone into your preparation—share your Advent ritual
🌅 Tuesday, December 2 – Sailing toward the horizon
Title: Eucharist of Readiness
Ritual: Sunrise Eucharist with Jesse Tree ornament (Ruth’s sheaf of grain)
Let LOVE be sincere; hate what is evil, hold
on to what is good;love one another with
mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
In other words, behave
like a Christian. You cannot separate leadership from relationships. Do not
assume that everyone will follow you or your ideas because you are a designated
leader or that your knowledge qualifies you to lead. People are not interested
in what you know but only if you really care. Therefore, be sincere; if you
really care about someone you will tell them what they need to know and not
necessarily what they like to hear. Paul in this chapter guides us on how to
lead through relationships.
2.Be loyal to colleagues and treat others like
brothers or sisters (v.10).
3.Give preference to others—honor the desires of
others above your own (v.10).
4.Be hospitable—look for ways to meet the needs
of others (v.13).
5.Return good for evil—act, don’t react, when
others hurt you (v.14).
6.Identify with others, treat other needs or
victories as your own (v.15).
7.Be open-minded towards others—seek to connect
with anyone you speak to (v. 16).
8.Treating everyone with respect is a compliment
to any person (v.17).
9.Do everything possible to keep peace—choose
wisely which hills to die on (v.18).
10.Remove revenge from your life—let God judge others; you love them. (vv.19-21).
Copilot’s Take
In the closing moments of Casablanca, Rick and Captain Renault
step into a new kind of friendship—one forged not by convenience, but by
conviction. What began as a cynical alliance becomes a quiet act of mutual
honor: Rick sacrifices personal love for a greater good, and Renault, moved by this
integrity, chooses solidarity over self-preservation. Their final walk into the
fog is more than cinematic—it’s a parable of Romans 12:10: “Love one another
with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.” Christian
leadership, like their unlikely friendship, is not about control or charisma
but about honoring others first, even when it costs us. In a world that rewards
power, Paul and Casablanca both remind us: the most beautiful
friendships begin when we choose to lead with love.
Wednesday in the Octave of Christ the King
·attend Mass daily or via EWTN or the internet.
·Mediate on the virtues of Mary (Humility,
Generosity, Chastity, Patience, Temperance, Understanding/love and
Wisdom. One for each day.
Chastity
is sexual self-control. It means placing sexual intimacy within one
relationship and one relationship only: marriage.
Although
we've used the word abstinence in this book and have encouraged you to abstain
from premarital sex, we actually prefer the term chastity when talking about
sexual morality.
Abstinence
is about what you cannot do (engage in sexual intimacy). Chastity is
about what you can do: lead a positive lifestyle that respects self and
others. For centuries, chastity has been an admired moral virtue. Author Pat
Driscoll defines chastity as sexual goodness living out the truth, beauty, and
goodness of human sexuality. In one of her pamphlets, God's Plan for Sex,
Driscoll boldly states Sex is great! and then lists some reasons why it is:
God created
sex, and it's wonderful.
God gave us
operating instructions for sex (in the Bible).
Only the abuse
of sex (through fornication, adultery, masturbation, etc.) is wrong.
Following
God's law brings joy.
Disobeying
God's law brings unhappiness and problems for ourselves and society.
God has given
us many ways to express our sexuality genitally (in marriage) and
non-genitally (outside of marriage).
Chastity
applies to everybody, unmarried people and married people. How?
For
unmarried people (both those planning to marry and those who intend to
remain single), chastity means staying pure in thought and deed, refraining
from sexual intercourse and other forms of deliberate genital arousal, and
expressing one's sexuality in non-genital ways.
For
married people, chastity means having sex only with your marriage
partner. This form of promised faithfulness between husbands and wives giving
themselves sexually only to each other, never to anyone else is also known as
fidelity. Chastity in marriage also means keeping sex open to life.
Celibacy
is a
special form of chastity. People with a religious vocation for example,
priests, brothers, and nuns take a vow of celibacy. As part of their deep
commitment to God and sacrificial service to God's people, they promise to lead
a life that excludes all forms of genital sexual intimacy.
It may seem strange that in a calendar
with only one annual cycle of readings, two of the Sundays share virtually the
same Gospel; and it may seem stranger still that these two Sundays occur
consecutively. The Gospel for the Last
Sunday of Pentecost, taken from St. Matthew, contains Christ's twofold
description of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the world. That same speech
reemerges the following week on the First
Sunday of Advent, though in the abridged form that appears in the Gospel
of Luke.
Why
this redundancy?
The answer to this question teaches us
much about the season of Advent. Advent
(from the Latin word for "coming") is generally considered to be the sober yet joyful time of preparation for
the Lord's nativity, and rightfully so. This is the beginning of the
Church year that corresponds to the
ages before Christ, when the world pined away in darkness, waiting for
the Messiah. It is also why the closer we come to the Feast of the Nativity,
the more we are called by the liturgy to reflect on the events that led up to
it, e.g., the Annunciation, the Visitation, and so on. And it is why the season
of Advent is marked by an ever-greater urgency in its prayers, begging the Lord
to come and tarry not. Yet like the closing Sundays after Pentecost, which
strike a predominantly apocalyptic note, the season of Advent also goads us to
prepare for the glorious Second Coming of the Lord at the end of
time. That is why the last and first Sundays of the liturgical year have the
same divine admonition: one is picking up where the other left off. This focus remains throughout Advent,
despite the season's increased attention on the Christ Child: in fact, during
Advent the traditional Roman Rite frequently speaks of both in the same breath.
This double commemoration of the first and second Comings makes sense, since
the prophets themselves never distinguished between the two.
Yet there is a more profound reason behind
the conflation. The Church is teaching us that in order to be ready for the
Lord's triumphant return as Judge of the living and the dead, we must prepare as our holy fathers once
did for His nativity. The lessons we learn from the season of Advent are to be
applied throughout our lives in preparation for our soul's Bridegroom. By
liturgically preparing for the Nativity of our Lord, soberly and vigilantly, we
prepare ourselves for the Final Judgment.
Thus, Advent is a season marked by pious gravitas.
Yet it should not be overlooked that it is also a time of restrained joy. The more we are prepared for our Lord's arrival,
the more we will truly welcome it, moving beyond our well-deserved sense of
unworthiness to an exultation in His arrival. In the collect for the Vigil of
the Nativity, for example, we read: "Grant that we who now joyfully
receive Thine only begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also, without fear, behold
Him coming as our Judge."
The goal that the Church holds up for us
during this important season is to
have our hearts so ready for Christ that they will do nothing but leap for joy
when we appear before Him. Let us therefore prepare for our Redeemer and our
beloved Judge by heeding St. Paul's advice through Advent, casting off the
works of darkness, putting on the armor of light, and draping ourselves in the
virtues and graces poured forth upon us by almighty God.
Many Catholics may be surprised to learn that the Advent wreath
actually came from Lutherans living in east Germany. Yet though this custom is
relatively recent as far as tradition goes, it has rightly earned a place of
prominence among our Advent customs. A simple wreath made of evergreen (yew or
fir or laurel) is adorned with four candles equidistant from each other. These
candles may be of any color: in some European countries they are all white,
though in the U.S. they generally correspond to the liturgical colors of the
four Sundays of Advent (three purple and one pink or rose).
In a dark room, a purple candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent,
another on the Second, the rose candle on the Third Sunday (in commemoration of
Gaudete Sunday), and the last purple candle on the Fourth Sunday. Thus, all
four candles will be lit for the week before Christmas.
There is no formal ceremony for the lighting of the wreath or for the
prayers that are said around it; there is not even an official Roman formula
for blessing the wreath. Catholic families simply pray together for a holy
preparation and a holy Christmas, concluding with a traditional Advent hymn.
The symbolism of the Advent wreath is simple but effective. The wreath, with
its crown-like character, reminds us of the King, while its circular shape
betokens the "fulfillment of time" that both Comings bring about. The
candles, on the other hand, represent the prophets whose inspired words pierced
the darkness under which mankind groaned while waiting for the Messiah; they
also represent the elects' hearts burning for Christ.
Advent Calendar
Another popular Advent custom, also from Germany,
creates a similar build-up of anticipation. Advent calendars are colorful
pieces of cardboard on which is depicted a many-windowed house. Behind the
shutters of each house is a picture or symbol that points to the coming of
Christmas. Beginning December 1, the children are allowed to open the shutters
of one window per day. Finally, on December 24, the front door of the house is
opened, showing the nativity.
The
Jesse Tree dates back to the Middle Ages and came from Europe. Even some
ancient cathedrals have Jesse Tree designs in their stained-glass windows. The
"tree" is usually a branch or sapling and is decorated with various
symbols that remind us of the purpose and promises of God from Creation to the
Birth of Jesus Christ. Jesse was the father of King David and God promised
David that his Kingdom would last forever. Two centuries after the death of
King David, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said: And there shall come
forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots:
and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and
of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2) Each Jesse Tree ornament
usually consists of a handmade symbol or drawing that represents one of the
major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief verse of Scripture from
that story.
Jesse Tree Ornaments
If you
decide to use one symbol each day during December, there are 24 symbolic
ornaments to make for your Jesse Tree, so each family member will need to make
several. Making the ornaments is a good project for Sunday afternoons during
Advent. To make an ornament, first read the Scripture verses for the day. Then
pick out one or two short verses that give the main idea. Copy these verses on
the back of the ornament. By this time, you will probably be thinking of
various ways to illustrate your Scripture verses. Use lots of creativity in
making your ornament! You can use pictures from magazines or old greeting
cards. Or draw pictures or symbols yourself. Color them with crayons, pencils,
markers or paint. Look around the house for bits and pieces that will make your
design beautiful! If you prefer to have a pattern already made, Caryn Talty, at
Organic Living for a Healthy Family, has created 26 excellent ornaments which she graciously offers free –
both full color and black and white.
Jesse Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)
December
1Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals,
earth
December
2Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
December
3Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple
with bite
December
4Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark,
animals, dove, rainbow
December
5Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols: torch, sword, mountain
December
6Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush
December
7Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 Symbols: kettle, ladder
December
8Joseph: Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15 Symbols: bucket, well, silver
coins, tunic
December
9Moses: Ex. 2:1-10 Symbols: baby in basket, river and rushes
December
10Samuel: 1 Sam. 3:1-18 Symbols: lamp, temple
December
11Jesse: 1 Sam. 16:1-13 Symbols: crimson robe, shepherd's staff
December
12David: 1
Sam. 17:12-51 Symbols: slingshot, 6-pointed star
December
13Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28 Symbols: scales of justice,
temple, two babies and sword
December
15Mary: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 Symbols: lily, crown of stars,
pierced heart
December
16John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8 Symbols: shell with water, river
On
December 17, the Church begins to intensify the preparation for Christmas with
the use of the "O" Antiphons during the Liturgy of the Hours. The
symbols for the Jesse Tree from December 17 to 23 are based on the
"O" Antiphons.
December
17Jesus is Wisdom: Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus in old Bibles) 24:2; Wisdom
8:1 Symbols: oil lamp, open book
December
18Jesus is Lord: Ex. 3:2; 20:1 Symbols: burning bush, stone tablets
December
19Jesus is
Flower of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3 Symbols: flower, plant with flower
December
20Jesus is Key of David: Isaiah 22:22 Symbols: key, broken chains
December
21Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: Psalm 19:6-7 (in older Bibles this will be
Psalm 18) Symbols: sun rising or high in sky
December
22Jesus is King of the Gentiles: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20 Symbols:
crown, scepter
December
23Jesus is Emmanuel: Isaiah 7:14; 33:22 Symbols: tablets of stone,
chalice and host
Activity
Source: Jesse Tree Kit, A by Betsy Walter, Pauline
Books and Media, Boston, MA, 1983
🌿 Day 5 – Love of Neighbor
33 Days to Eucharistic
Glory
Scripture: Romans 12:9–10
“Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on
to what is good. Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another
in showing honor.”
✨ Devotional Reflection
To love your neighbor as yourself is not a
slogan—it’s a summons. Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12 is not sentimental; it’s
sacramental. It calls us to sincere love, not flattery; to honor, not
hierarchy. This kind of love is Eucharistic: it pours itself out, anticipates
the needs of others, and refuses to retaliate.
In Casablanca, Rick’s final act is a
parable of this love. He sacrifices personal happiness for a greater good, and
Renault responds with unexpected solidarity. Their foggy walk into friendship
is not just cinematic—it’s Eucharistic. It’s what happens when love becomes
sincere, when honor is mutual, and when leadership bows to relationship.
🕊️ Chastity: The Soil of Sincere Love
Chastity is not repression—it’s reverence. It
teaches us to love rightly, to honor the dignity of others, and to express our
sexuality in ways that reflect truth and beauty. Whether single, married, or
celibate, chastity is the virtue that protects love from becoming possession.
It is the virtue that makes love of neighbor possible.
Unmarried: purity in thought and deed, expressing love
non-genitally.
Married: fidelity, openness to life, mutual self-gift.
Celibate: total consecration to God through the gift of self.
Chastity is the virtue that says: “I will not use
you—I will honor you.”
🌳 Jesse Tree Connection
Today’s Jesse Tree symbol might be Ruth’s sheaf
of grain—a sign of loyalty, sacrifice, and love of neighbor. Ruth’s story is
one of quiet fidelity: she leaves her homeland to care for Naomi, gleaning in
the fields with humility and grace. Her love is sincere, her honor
anticipatory. She is a living icon of Romans 12.
🛠️ Practices for the Day
Cultivate Empathy
Listen actively to others’ stories.
Walk in their shoes—honor their joys and sorrows.
Practice Kindness
Offer small acts of kindness.
Volunteer your time and presence.
Show Respect and Understanding
Acknowledge differences with grace.
Be patient, especially when it’s hard.
Support and Encourage
Offer help without being asked.
Celebrate others’ victories as your own.
Reflective Practice
Examine your attitudes toward others.
Pray for the grace to love sincerely and honor deeply.
🕯️ Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor with
sincerity and honor.
Let my love be chaste, my friendships Eucharistic, and my leadership rooted in
relationship.
May I walk into the fog of uncertainty with the clarity of Your love.
Like Ruth, may I glean with grace. Like Rick, may I sacrifice with conviction.
And like You, may I love to the end. Amen.
Bible in a Year Day 147 Temple Worship
Fr. Mike reinforces the power of God's presence in the Temple, and
the importance of worshipping God the way he desires to be worshipped. We also
begin to hear how Solomon starts disobeying God and setting himself up for
idolatry. Today's readings are 1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 7-8, and Psalm 66.
Every
Wednesday is Dedicated to St. Joseph
The
Italian culture has always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you
could make Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of
pizza or spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday
evening Mass. You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are
adventurous, you could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the
evening a family night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make
the day special.
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