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. "
Starring: Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Ava Gardner, Hildegard Knef Studio: 20th Century Fox Genre: Adventure / Romance / Moral Drama
⭐ Plot Summary
Wounded and stranded on safari at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, writer Harry Street (Gregory Peck) drifts between fevered dreams and painful clarity as he confronts the truth of his life. Surrounded by the African wilderness and believing death is near, Harry revisits the loves, ambitions, and failures that shaped him—especially his passionate, haunting relationship with Cynthia (Ava Gardner), the woman whose loss he never recovered from.
Beside him is Helen (Susan Hayward), steadfast and self‑sacrificing, whose devotion forces Harry to face the difference between the life he lived and the life he could have lived. Through sweeping flashbacks—Paris, Spain, Africa—the film becomes a meditation on wasted talent, the ache of regret, and the possibility of redemption before the final hour.
It’s a lush, emotionally searching mid‑century drama—romantic, reflective, and morally resonant.
🎭 Cast Highlights
Actor
Role
Notes
Gregory Peck
Harry Street
Brooding, introspective, and quietly tormented; a man wrestling with his own legacy.
Susan Hayward
Helen
Loyal, grounded, and courageous; the film’s moral center.
Ava Gardner
Cynthia
Magnetic, impulsive, and unforgettable; the embodiment of lost love.
Hildegard Knef
Countess Liz
Elegant and enigmatic; adds texture to Harry’s emotional journey.
🕊️ Catholic & Moral Themes
1. The examination of conscience at the edge of death
Harry’s fevered reflections mirror the soul’s reckoning before judgment—what was loved, what was wasted, what was left undone.
2. Talent is a stewardship, not a possession
Harry’s greatest sin is not immorality but squandered gift. The film quietly affirms that vocation carries responsibility.
3. Love that sacrifices redeems what regret cannot
Helen’s fidelity becomes the unexpected grace in Harry’s final trial, revealing that mercy often arrives through the steadfast love of another.
🍸 Hospitality Pairing
A story of memory, regret, and unexpected grace calls for something warm, contemplative, and quietly restorative.
“The Kilimanjaro Ember”
Bourbon or aged whiskey
A touch of honey
A dash of bitters
Served over a single large ice cube
Strong, reflective, and warming—like a fire lit against the cold snows of a life reconsidered.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. (Luke 2:8-9)
·Start February 20 (or 21st in a leap year) to end on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation
NIC’s Rich/Poor tour-This one has a beautiful contrast: the smallest, wealthiest Catholic-rooted nation in the world versus one of the largest, poorest, and most spiritually dynamic.
💎 Luxembourg vs India
Cathedrals of Abundance / Chapels of Awakening
Luxembourg stands as the wealthiest nation on earth — a polished, compact Catholic inheritance shaped by finance, stability, and quiet prosperity. India, just above Papua New Guinea on the GDP ladder, is a vast, restless, spiritually volcanic land where Catholicism survives as a minority but burns with missionary fire. Together, they reveal the extremes of the Church’s global presence: abundance without urgency, and awakening without comfort.
🇱🇺 Luxembourg — Wealthy, Stable, and Culturally Catholic
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$140,000 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Luxembourg Ranks Highest
Financial Powerhouse: Global banking, investment funds, and EU institutions.
Political Stability: Low corruption, high trust, and strong governance.
Small but Efficient: A microstate with world-class infrastructure.
Multilingual Workforce: French, German, Luxembourgish, and English.
High Living Standards: Universal healthcare, generous social protections.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
Membership: ~70% nominally Catholic (though practice is low).
Structure: One archdiocese covering the entire country.
Heritage: Ancient abbeys, Marian shrines, and Benedictine influence.
Modern Reality: Cultural Catholicism dominates; active practice is modest.
Immigrant Presence: Portuguese Catholics form a vibrant portion of parish life.
Cultural Catholicism: Identity without discipleship.
Vocations: Very few native priests.
Demographic Shifts: Immigration reshapes parish life.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue
Luxembourg is a journey into cathedrals of abundance — where the faith is preserved in stone and statute, yet waits quietly for hearts to awaken beyond comfort.
🇮🇳 India — Vast, Poor, and Spiritually Explosive
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$9,000 USD (2024)
🧮 Why India Ranks Low
Massive Population: Wealth spread thin across 1.4 billion people.
Rural Poverty: Agriculture-dependent livelihoods.
Infrastructure Gaps: Uneven healthcare, education, and sanitation.
Economic Inequality: Urban tech hubs vs rural deprivation.
Social Complexity: Caste, religion, and regional disparities.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
Membership: ~20 million Catholics (~1.5% of population).
Structure: 174 dioceses across Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara rites.
Missionary Fire: Schools, hospitals, and social outreach everywhere.
Liturgy: Rich inculturation — Indian music, dance, and vestments.
Witness: Catholics often lead in education, charity, and healthcare.
⚠️ Challenges
Persecution: Rising hostility in some regions.
Poverty: Limits parish resources and formation.
Migration: Youth leaving rural areas for cities or abroad.
Caste Tensions: Converts often face social backlash.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue
India is a journey into chapels of awakening — where the Gospel is proclaimed in crowded streets, village huts, and ancient Eastern rites, carried by a Church that grows through suffering and service.
🕊️ Editorial Reflection
Luxembourg and India reveal the Gospel’s paradox in its sharpest form. Luxembourg is wealthy beyond measure, yet spiritually quiet — a cathedral of abundance where faith rests in memory and heritage. India is materially poor but spiritually alive — a chapel of awakening where the Church grows through sacrifice, courage, and relentless service.
One has everything except urgency. The other has nothing except fire. Both are part of the same Body.
The Rich vs Poor Tour reminds us that the Church is not measured by GDP but by grace — and grace often burns brightest where comfort is scarce.
February 20 Friday
after Ash Wednesday
Francisco & Jacinta Marto
Deuteronomy, Chapter
1, Verse 19
Then we set out from Horeb and
journeyed through that whole vast and FEARFUL
wilderness that you have seen, in the direction of the hill country of the
Amorites, as the LORD, our God, had commanded; and we came to Kadesh-barnea.
Chapel of Holy Cross
Kadesh-barnea means “The holy place of the desert of wandering”[1]
Sometimes the Lord asks us to go out into the desert for it is in the desert
that we can; like Abraham and Moses, have an encounter with the living God.
Deserts are fearful places and are full of rocks, pointy things, snakes,
spiders and the indescribable beauty of God’s creation. By encountering God in
the desert, we learn that the very same stones that somehow get in our shoes
and make progress impossible are the very same stones that lay foundations,
bridges, and roads.
In the desert we can search for God; avoid of our
distractions and find Him. In the desert we can write out our sins and confess
them to God. In the desert we can shed our old lives like the snake sheds its
skin and find a new perspective for life. It is during this time alone with; He
that IS; we make a spiritual change of clothes. In the desert we can make an
all-night vigil and with the coming of the new day we can proclaim as in the
Negro spiritual: When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O
Lord, have mercy on me. For it is in the desert that we can quit deluding
ourselves and be doers of the word and not hearers only. For it is in the
desert with can find the strength to keep ourselves unstained by the world and
find that pure and undefiled religion is to care for others in their
afflictions.
The chapel was inspired and commissioned by local rancher
and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who had been inspired in 1932 by the
newly constructed Empire State Building to build such a church. After an
attempt to do so in Budapest, Hungary (with the help of Lloyd Wright, son of
noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright) was aborted due to the
outbreak of World War II, she decided to build the church in her native region.
The chapel is built on Coconino National Forest land; the late Senator Barry
Goldwater assisted Staude in obtaining a special-use permit. The
construction supervisor was Fred Courkos, who built the chapel in 18 months at
a cost of US$300,000. The chapel was completed in 1956. The American Institute
of Architects gave the Chapel its Award of Honor in 1957. In the sculptor's
words, “Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the Chapel has a universal
appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that
God may come to life in the souls of all men (and women) and be a living
reality.” In 2007, Arizonans voted the Chapel to be one of the Seven Man-Made
Wonders of Arizona, and it is also the site of one of the so-called Sedona
vortices (New Age Pagan stuff).
Today go on a hike
pray for those afflicted with the Spirit of the world and for our Priests and
religious. Below is the link for my hiking meditation: feel free to use it to
go out to a deserted place to pray for those you care about.
What
the desert ultimately exposes is the quiet truth we spend most of our lives
avoiding: evil is not first “out there,” but crouched at the thresholds of our
own habits, compromises, and unexamined desires. Wandering becomes holy when we
stop pretending and start confronting. The wilderness teaches that God does not
remove the serpents, the sharp stones, or the long distances; instead, He
trains us to walk with a steadier step, to discern the hiss of the tempter from
the whisper of the Spirit, and to recognize that every hardship becomes
material for the road He is building beneath our feet. The desert is where we
stop negotiating with the world’s illusions and begin consenting to God’s
reality.
And
places like the Chapel of the Holy Cross remind us that confrontation is not
always loud. Sometimes it is a Cross anchored into the spine of the earth, a
quiet defiance carved into stone. When you hike today, let the landscape teach
you how to stand: not as a man bracing for battle, but as one who has already
surrendered to the only One who conquers. Pray for those who have forgotten who
they are, for priests who carry the weight of spiritual combat, and for the
courage to let God strip away whatever keeps you from being fully His. The
desert does not merely reveal evil — it reveals the strength God gives to face
it.
Between
May 13 and October 13, 1917, three children, Portuguese shepherds from
Aljustrel, received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a
city 110 miles north of Lisbon. At that time, Europe was involved in an
extremely bloody war. Portugal itself was in political turmoil, having
overthrown its monarchy in 1910; the government disbanded religious
organizations soon after. At the first appearance, Mary asked the children to
return to that spot on the thirteenth of each month for the next six months.
She also asked them to learn to read and write and to pray the rosary “to
obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.” They were to pray for
sinners and for the conversion of Russia, which had recently overthrown Czar
Nicholas II and was soon to fall under communism. Up to 90,000 people gathered
for Mary’s final apparition on October 13, 1917. Less than two years later, Francisco
died of influenza in his family home. He was buried in the parish cemetery
and then re-buried in the Fatima Basilica in 1952. Jacinta died of influenza
in Lisbon, offering her suffering for the conversion of sinners, peace in the
world and the Holy Father. She was re-buried in the Fatima Basilica in 1951.
Their cousin, Lucia dos Santos, became a Carmelite nun and was still living
when Jacinta and Francisco were beatified in 2000. Sister Lucia died five years
later. The shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is visited by up to 20 million people a
year.
Pardon
Prayer taught by the Angel of Peace to Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia in Fatima
during his first apparition in 1916.
Prayer:
My
God,
I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee!
I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do
not love Thee.
Amen.
This
prayer was given by the Angel of Fatima to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta.
Prayer:
Oh Most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I adore Thee profoundly.
I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity
of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world,
in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and
indifferences by which He is offended.
By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I beg the conversion of poor sinners.
Amen.
February 20th Bls. Francisco Marto & Jacinta Marto[4]
Fr. Mike reflects on Jeremiah’s sorrow for the people of
Israel while reminding us that the one thing we ought to find glory in, is in
understanding and knowing God. In our reading of Ezekiel, we hear about God's
ongoing promise to restore Israel. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 9, Ezekiel 39,
and Proverbs 15:1-4.
Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from George
Washington
George
Washington was a man fit to be king. In fact, he was offered the crown by the
victorious Americans after the cessation of the American War of
Independence. He was one of the richest men in colonial America and a
successful general who commanded a great deal of respect and followed the
teachings of the Age of Enlightenment. While George refused to rule as a king,
he was less hesitant to share his insights on matters relating to health,
wealth, and politics. “I hope I
shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most
enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington
·Health Should Be a Top Priority
President
George Washington believed that our health should be one of the most important
priorities in life. President Washington really knew the value of health in our
lives. Because without our health, it’s almost impossible to live life to the
fullest. In order to enjoy and carry out day-to-day tasks, we need to be able
to walk, breathe on our own, lift objects, have fun and so much more. Shortly
before his passing, the former President wrote that “Health was amongst (if not
the most) precious gift of Heaven, and without it we are but little capable of
business, or enjoyment.”
·Be An Active & Healthy Leader
Not many know that George
Washington was actively involved in the military, serving for a span of over 40
years. It was his heroic and strategic service in the United States
military where he became known as the Father of our Country. While in the
military, George Washington was constantly on his feet, leading his people
through battles, and persevering under pressure. Leadership is known to be
associated with improved relationships, increased mood, positive outlook,
increased self-confidence, and many more positive attributes. If you want to
impact the health of other people, as well as yourself, then it’s best to lead
by example. The types of social, emotional, and mental health benefits that
being a leader can bring are endless!
Get Fit for Life’s Battles
According to the record
books, George Washington was a strong, well-built man. He grew up with an
athletic frame and with a 6’2 stature, he was described by his military
partner as “175 pounds paddles with well-developed muscles, indicating great strength.”
Another description of him by historian David McCullough explains how he stood
out as a soldier and general for his strapping appearance. This type of build
really helped him out when he had to fight his opposers or climb the Natural
Bridge. Whether Washington was riding a horse for hours on end, or getting
pierced by 4 musket balls, his great strength aided him through it all. You
never know what daily battles you might have to face, but lifting weights is always a huge
advantage to face what lies ahead!
Eat A Variety of Healthy
Foods
America’s
first President was able to enjoy many different cuisines because he
was so wealthy. He ate fish such as sturgeon, along with many
different fruits like cherries, and protein packed nuts. George Washington was
fortunate to own many farms and facilities that enabled him to consume plenty
of nutrient rich foods. Though you don’t have to be rich to be healthy! Fruits,
vegetables, and different sources of protein can be bought at reasonable
prices. These foods are jam-packed with nutrients that protect the heart
against certain diseases, cancers and even strokes. They also aid in muscle growth
and repair while strengthening the immune system.
Get Active Outside
George Washington took an
interest in farming and American agriculture very early on. He was passionate
about making the agriculture industry better for his people. This included a
lot of rehabilitation on his farm on Mount Vernon. Although he wasn’t the one
actually doing the farming, we can still learn from the health benefits that
comes with this activity. Farming and gardening contribute to mental clarity and
stress relief. According to the CDC, physical benefits associated with this
moderate-intensity activity contribute to reductions in obesity, diabetes, high
blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and colon cancer.
Adopt A Furry Friend
Did you know that George
Washington loved dogs and bred them? His journals were infused with numerous
breeding accounts that included his own special “Virginia Hound” breed. Using
these dogs, he indulged sometimes two or three times a week in one of his favorite
pleasures: fox-hunting. Having a furry companion by your side greatly
influences your health in many ways from boosting the immune system to
increasing your quality of life. Take a look at all of the health and
fitness benefits of owning a furry friend here!
Go Dancing!
Not only did George
Washington like to move on the battlefield, but he liked to get down on the
ballroom floor too. During the American Revolution, balls were often held where
the General “danced upwards of three hours without once sitting down,” General
Greene stated in 1779. He was seen gracefully dancing with elation spread
across his face. It’s no wonder that he was so content since dancing is known
to boost mood and confidence! Dancing has many physical and mental health
benefits. Those include improved heart and lung function, muscle tone,
strength, endurance, as well as stronger bones, improved balance and social
skills. Learn how busting a move can be incredibly beneficial to your
health here!
Read A New Book
We all know the peaceful
effects that reading can have on us during a rainy day. But surprisingly, reading has a lot of other health benefits
for the average Joe. George Washington was an avid reader in his day. Owning
more than 1,200 books, he turned to them to improve his political,
militant, and agricultural prowess. You could say George Washington was
self-educated from all the time he spent gathering the important information
that made him so successful. According to York University researchers, reading
helps boost brain power and memory, reduce stress, increase longevity, and even
create feelings of empathy. So pick up a good book to expand your
knowledge and increase your imagination!
Be Social
We all know how much
healthy friendships benefit our mental health by keeping us happy and
healthy. Not only was George Washington great at running the country, but
he was an excellent communicator. He loved having company over for parties
as well as connecting with the ladies! Besides dancing, you could find him
engaging in meaningful conversations with his companions throughout
the night. Many studies show that having people to connect
with can keep your brain sharp and enrich your life by adding years to it!
Friends also reduce stress, decrease risk of stroke, and can help beat the
common cold!
Always Persevere
One of the most honorable
things about former President George Washington was the fact that he was a man
of character. His self-control in such a challenging time
period allowed him his courage to shine through on the battlefield.
He persevered under pressures of militant lifestyle, while keeping his
integrity intact. Even though he failed many times, he stayed positive and kept
pushing through. Resilience has a way of impacting our health for the better,
and is especially required when things get tough. By staying positive and
moving forward we improve our emotional, mental, and physical health.
Happy emotions contribute to a healthier immune system! Not to mention the
personal benefits such as increased confidence, motivation, and success.
Do
not be afraid of those who kill the
body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
[6]Sheraton, Mimi. 1,000 Foods
To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover's Life List (p. 892). Workman Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
🎞️ Secrets of a Secretary (1931)
Starring: Claudette Colbert, Herbert Marshall Studio: Paramount Pictures Genre: Drama / Romance / Society Intrigue
⭐ Plot Summary
When her wealthy father dies unexpectedly, Helen Blake (Claudette Colbert) discovers he was secretly bankrupt. Overnight she falls from high society into the working world, taking a job as secretary to the refined but enigmatic Lord Danforth (Herbert Marshall).
As Helen navigates predatory suitors, shifting loyalties, and the collapse of her former life, she must discern who is trustworthy, who is using her, and what kind of woman she will become now that the illusions of privilege have been stripped away.
It’s a polished, emotionally intelligent Pre‑Code drama—quiet, sharp, and morally observant.
🎭 Cast Highlights
Actor
Role
Notes
Claudette Colbert
Helen Blake
Smart, poised, and emotionally grounded; early-career sophistication.
Herbert Marshall
Lord Danforth
Elegant, ambiguous, and quietly magnetic.
Georges Renavent
Henri
Adds texture to the social intrigue.
Ned Sparks
Harold
Dry humor and world-weary commentary.
🕊️ Catholic & Moral Themes
Three themes rise naturally from the film’s arc:
1. Identity must be built on truth, not status
Helen’s fall from privilege exposes how fragile false identities are. Her dignity emerges only when she embraces reality rather than image.
2. Work is not a punishment — it is a path to integrity
The film treats labor with respect. Helen’s willingness to work becomes the crucible in which her character is refined.
3. Discernment is essential when power and charm intertwine
Lord Danforth’s intentions remain ambiguous for much of the story. Helen’s journey mirrors the spiritual need to test spirits, motives, and appearances.
🍸 Hospitality Pairing
A story about losing illusions and discovering authentic strength deserves a drink with elegance and restraint.
“The Quiet Resolve”
Dry champagne (a nod to Helen’s former world)
A splash of elderflower
A thin ribbon of lemon peel
Light, refined, and quietly strong — just like Helen’s transformation.
Best Place to visit in February: St Augustine, Florida
I think this is a fine and elegant gem! The easy-on-the-eye historic city was founded in Florida’s northeastern coast in 1565 and is filled with Spanish heritage, historic landmarks, gorgeous beaches and a romantic, laid-back vibe.
I found the weather to be mild and very pleasant this time of year, with 8 hours of sunshine per day and much less humidity than the summer months. It’s also off-season which means I found better rates on accommodation and far fewer crowds and tourists to contend with too – bonus!
Although the ocean wasn’t quite warm enough to swim comfortably, I relaxed on the beach and attended the events including the lively Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, the fun and family-friendly Old City Pirate Fest and the elegant St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival.
Taking a wander down St George Street which was filled with a collection of art galleries, independent shops, and fine restaurants.
Learning about the history at Oldest House Museum and discovering what life was like in St Augustine years ago.
Drinking the water from Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Eternal Hope at The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park!
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
Deuteronomy is
narrated, for the most part, by Moses. Yep, thatMoses. Some people
actually say Moses wrote the book, but most scholars think that the writer(s)
were just using Moses the character as a means to get their message across.
Attributing the text to a hugely important cultural figure would give it more
power, right? Think about if someone today came out with "George
Washington's Lost Will." There'd be controversy, but you can bet that book
would sell.
Once you sift through
all the nitty-gritty laws and rules, the main message is that the Israelites
should worship one god (6:4) in one place (14:25). That god is God, and—even
though it's never named in the book—that place is Jerusalem. This message comes
along with a retelling of the Exodus story, the tales of
the Israelites in the book of Numbers, and the rules and regulations that will
help the Israelites recapture their culture's essence.
Moses conveys all
this through some pretty rousing and finger-pointing pep talks. Basically, the
previous generation of Israelites failed big time, refusing to fight for the
Promised Land. But after forty years of desert-wandering, a new generation
brings new hope. And if these Israelites obey God, then they'll conquer the
Promised Land. The whole book takes place at the Jordan River, while Moses
motivates and warns them. Obey and win; disobey and lose—big time.
Why Should I Care?
Deuteronomy is the
key to the entire Hebrew Bible. It's the bridge between the stories in Exodus
and Numbers, the laws in Leviticus, and the narratives in Joshua, 1 and 2
Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. All of the Bible before Deuteronomy has been, in a
narrative sense, leading up to the Israelites entering the Promised Land.
They've fought, been enslaved, seen God's fire, messed up, died, and been given
the law. Now, in Deuteronomy, they're on the edge of the Promised Land, so
close to their goal. But don't get too excited—Moses, their leader, makes them
take a really long pause. He wants them to take a deep breath to
reflect on where they've been (and think about what's to come). What better way
to do that than by retelling the story? And hey, if nothing else, Deuteronomy
gives you a really good cram tool if you somehow missed the first four books of
the Bible.
Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of Moses. The book
explains to the Israelites how to make a success of their life. To be a success
we must as General Patton said,
“Lead, follow, or
get the hell out of the way.”
After appointing Elders this was Moses advice to them; fear
no one except God. The greatest of our church is that we when we are troubled
and don’t know what to do we can always approach Him in prayer and seek the
advice of his elders (Mary and the Saints) anywhere we are. If we desire, we
may also approach our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and bring any case
that is too difficult for Him to hear and He will answer us. Likewise, we may
approach a priest in confession or connect with a local parish spiritual
director. How great is our God that He does not abandon us? Furthermore, there
is a multitude of great Catholic websites and organizations where there are
elders of the church who can assist us in our difficult moments.
Copilot’s Take
Moses’ command in Deuteronomy 1:17 is not only about
rendering fair judgment; it is a masterclass in confronting evil. Evil thrives
wherever fear governs—fear of people’s opinions, fear of conflict, fear of
losing status, fear of standing alone. Moses tells the elders to fear no one
but God because only the fear of God breaks the power of every lesser fear.
This is why the previous generation collapsed: they saw giants in the land and
let terror rewrite their theology. Moses refuses to let the next generation
repeat that mistake. To confront evil, he says, you must first confront the
fear inside you. Ordered fear—fear of God—creates the courage to name evil,
resist it, and stand upright when others bend.
And Moses doesn’t leave them alone in the fight. “If a case
is too difficult, bring it to me,” he says. Evil often hides in complexity,
confusion, and intimidation, but God never asks us to face it without help. The
Church gives us the same assurance: Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, the
confessional, the saints, spiritual directors, and the whole communion of
believers stand with us when the battle feels too heavy. Lent is precisely this
training ground. It teaches us to confront evil not with rage or bravado, but
with clarity, humility, and the steady courage that comes from fearing God
alone. When we bring our hardest cases to Him, evil loses its power, and we
learn again that no desert, no temptation, and no darkness is stronger than the
God who walks with us.
IN those days Ezechias was sick even
to death, and the prophet Isaias, the son of Amos, came unto him, and said to
him: Thus, saith the Lord: Take order with thy house, for thou shalt die and
not live. And Ezechias turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord,
and said I beseech Thee, O Lord, remember how I have walked before Thee in
truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight.
And Ezechias wept with great weeping. And the word of the Lord came to Isaias,
saying: Go and say to Ezechias: Thus, saith the Lord the God of David thy
father: I have heard thy prayer, and I have seen thy tears: behold I will add
to thy days fifteen years: and I will deliver thee and this city out of the
hand of the king of the Assyrians, and I will protect it, saith the Lord Almighty.
GOSPEL.
Matt. viii. 5-13.
At that
time: When Jesus had entered into Capharnaum, there came to Him a centurion,
beseeching Him, and saying: Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy,
and is grievously tormented. And Jesus saith to him: I will come and heal him.
And the centurion, making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou
shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be
healed. For I also am a man subject to authority, having under me soldiers; and
I say to this, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he cometh, and to my
servant, Do this, and he doth it. And Jesus, hearing this, marveled, and said
to them that followed Him: Amen I say to you, I have not found so great faith
in Israel. And I say to you that many shall come from the East and the West,
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of
heaven: but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior
darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the
centurion, Go, and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the
servant was healed at the same hour.
Prayer.
O God, Who by sin art
offended, and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people,
making supplications to Thee, and turn away the scourges of Thy anger, which we
deserve for our sins.
Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly
hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God, who
fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now
valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail
against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and
dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe. Be with me,
O mighty Prince! That I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit,
whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful
King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having
triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels,
praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels
after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen.
Bible in a Year Day 232 Glory in Knowing God
Fr. Mike reflects on Jeremiah’s
sorrow for the people of Israel while reminding us that the one thing we ought
to find glory in, is in understanding and knowing God. In our reading of
Ezekiel, we hear about God's ongoing promise to restore Israel. Today’s
readings are Jeremiah 9, Ezekiel 39, and Proverbs 15:1-4.
THE TREE OF HAPPINESS
(Cont.)
King
Richard was glad to see all the Grand knights and their sons preparing for the
Quest. Why even Sir Michael sent for his God-son Gabriel to be part of the
great quest. Gabriel was the son of Henry, Sir Michael’s brother. Henry was not
a member of the royal court and lived deep in the forests of Utopia. Henry had
renounced his birthright, by his marriage to a simple peasantry woman, named
Diane, who was known not only for her beauty but also for her intelligent mind
and loving ways. Diane and Henry had raised Gabriel quite different from the
other young men of Utopia. He was taught all the great sciences of the time,
and his father trained him in the Knightly arts. He was a young man of strength
in both mind and body. That was why Sir Michael chose him to be his Sergeant at
Arms on the great crusade to find the Tree of Happiness.
When
Gabriel got the word that he was to go with his uncle he was in his most
favorite places to be. He was in the upper most branches of the oldest oak tree
in the forest. It was said of the tree that it was used as a meeting place for
Mass when St. Dennis first brought Utopia to the church over 500 years ago and
if this was true it would make the tree at least 600 years old. Gabriel always
loved it here. This was his special place. This was the place where he spoke
with his creator. It was here he developed his strength of mind and by climbing
the great tree he also developed his physical strength.
After
Gabriel joined Sir Michael, King Richard and the rest of the Crusaders visited
many faraway lands in search of the Tree of Happiness. They fought many battles
(which are stories themselves) and they learned the value of friendship, duty
and the worth of selfless service. The king and his Knights found themselves
returning to the beliefs of the church and strangely found themselves happy
although suffering in hardships together. After five years of searching, they found
themselves approaching Utopia having never found the Tree of Happiness and
having a sense of failure. Gabriel now a Knight himself, found they were
approaching the tree of St. Dennis, his special place, in the middle of a
terrible storm. As they approached the tree, Gabriel mentioned to King Richard
how this tree was a special place to him, and they camped there for the night
to wait out the storm. Gabriel had just finished mentioning this to King
Richard when a great bolt of lightning struck the great tree splitting it.
Sadly, later that night Gabriel went to bed.
In
the morning Gabriel, Sir Michael, King Richard, and the company of Knights
approached the split tree. As they approached, they discovered buried within
the tree a crucifix that had been attached to the tree and the tree had grown
around it. The crucifix was the cross of St. Dennis which had the following
words inscribed upon it, “Upon this tree (cross) God hung in payment for our
sins and love for us. THIS is the true Tree of Happiness.”
Today Diane T.
Havermale succumbed to pancreatic cancer in February 2015; She is loved and
remembered by her seven children: Claire, Christopher (Gabriel), Candace, Dara,
Rachel, Nicole and Vincent (Michael). Please pray for her intentions and those
who struggle with cancer.
[4]Sheraton, Mimi. 1,000 Foods
To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover's Life List (p. 892). Workman Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
🎞️ The Good Bad Girl (1931)
Starring: Mae Clarke, James Hall, Marie Prevost Studio: Columbia Pictures Genre: Drama / Romance / Crime
⭐ Plot Summary
The story centers on Marcia Cameron (Mae Clarke), a young woman trying to outrun a past tied to the gangster Dapper Dan Tyler. She marries the respectable Bob Henderson, hoping to reinvent herself. But the past refuses to stay buried. When Dan resurfaces and circumstances tighten around her, Marcia must choose between fear and truth, between the shadows she once lived in and the life she longs to build.
It’s a compact, emotionally charged pre‑Code drama—lean, fast, and morally pointed.
🎭 Cast Highlights
Actor
Role
Notes
Mae Clarke
Marcia Cameron
Vulnerable yet resilient; filmed the same year as The Public Enemy.
James Hall
Bob Henderson
The “good man” whose love is tested by truth.
Marie Prevost
Trixie Barnes
Warm, witty, and grounding—classic Prevost.
Robert Ellis
Dapper Dan Tyler
A smooth, dangerous presence from Marcia’s past.
🕊️ Catholic & Moral Themes
This film practically begs for a moral reading. Three themes rise to the surface:
1. You cannot build a new life on a lie
Marcia’s attempt to hide her past mirrors the spiritual reality that unconfessed wounds eventually demand attention.
2. Love must be courageous, not fragile
Bob’s struggle reflects the difference between loving an ideal and loving a person. True covenantal love requires truth, not image.
3. Redemption requires stepping into the light
Marcia’s arc echoes the Gospel pattern: grace is offered, but courage is required.
🍸 Hospitality Pairing
A film about shedding the past and choosing honesty deserves a drink with clarity and bite.
“The Clean Break”
Gin
Grapefruit (Mae Clarke’s 1931 signature nod)
Honey syrup
Lemon twist
Simple, sharp, honest—just like Marcia’s final choice.
Posts
