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. "
✨ What Is Truth? Pilate to Christ and the Color Revolution
📖 The Ancient Confrontation
Pilate’s question—“What is truth?”—was not a search for wisdom but a dismissal of Christ’s witness. He stood at the intersection of power and conscience, unwilling to risk his position for the sake of truth. The crowd demanded crucifixion, and Pilate yielded, washing his hands of responsibility.
Here, truth was subordinated to expediency, relativized by politics, and silenced by fear.
🌍 The Modern Parallel
In today’s civic upheavals—often called color revolutions—truth is contested in the same way:
Narrative Warfare: Competing sides claim legitimacy, each insisting their version of events is “true.”
Crowd Dynamics: Mass mobilization forces rulers to act, even against their own judgment.
Relativism vs. Conviction: Expediency bends to pressure, while conviction holds fast to principles that cannot be negotiated.
Truth as destabilizer: Just as Christ’s testimony unsettled Pilate’s calculus, revolutionary movements destabilize regimes by insisting on truths—justice, freedom, dignity—that cannot be dismissed.
Pilate’s shrug echoes in leaders who dismiss popular cries as “subjective noise,” while Christ’s calm testimony reminds us that truth destabilizes every regime built on expediency.
🍷 Hospitality Overlay
Truth is not only debated in courts or streets—it is embodied in communal acts:
A shared meal becomes a witness to dignity.
A liturgical gathering proclaims truth beyond politics.
A devotional calendar anchors truth in cosmic and ancestral rhythms.
Where Pilate walked away, hospitality invites us to stay, to listen, and to embody truth together. Meals, Mass, and symbolic overlays become living revolutions of truth—quiet but enduring.
🕊️ Closing Reflection
Pilate’s question remains the hinge of history. In every revolution, in every gathering, the choice is the same:
To dismiss truth as relative, yielding to expediency.
Or to bear witness to truth as absolute, transforming history through conviction and communion.
The Gospel leaves the question open—but points us toward the answer already spoken by Jesus: Truth is found in Him, and those who belong to truth hear His voice.
📬 Stay Connected
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👉 Subscribe now to receive the next entry directly in your inbox and join the conversation on truth, pilgrimage, and hospitality.
The
Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)
tells the story of Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict working
together—sometimes clashing, sometimes harmonizing—to save a struggling
Catholic school. The film offers Catholic lessons on faith, perseverance,
charity, and the power of community love.
🎬 Movie Summary
Setting: An
inner-city Catholic parish school, St. Mary’s, run by nuns under Sister Mary
Benedict.
Main
Characters:
Father Charles “Chuck” O’Malley (Bing Crosby), a
progressive priest.
Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), a devoted and
traditional nun.
Conflict: The
school building is deteriorating and faces condemnation. Sister Benedict hopes
a wealthy businessman, Horace Bogardus, will donate his new building next door
to the parish. Father O’Malley is more pragmatic, considering closure.
Subplots:
Mary Gallagher, a struggling mother, enrolls her
daughter Patsy, who battles academic failure and shame.
Sister Benedict falls ill with tuberculosis and must
be transferred, though she is not told the full truth to preserve her spirit.
Bogardus, initially selfish, is moved to acts of
charity and ultimately donates his building to the school.
Resolution: Despite
hardships, the school is saved, Patsy finds hope, and Sister Benedict departs
with faith intact.
✝️ Catholic Lessons
Drawing
from Catholic spirituality and biblical principles, the film conveys several
enduring lessons:
Faith
and Providence: Sister Benedict’s unwavering trust in God reflects Matthew 17:20—faith as small
as a mustard seed can move mountains. Her belief that God will provide teaches
reliance on divine providence.
Perseverance
in Mission: The sisters’ determination to keep the school alive embodies Catholic teaching
on vocation—remaining steadfast in service despite obstacles.
Charity
and Conversion: Bogardus’ transformation from selfishness to generosity illustrates the
Catholic call to conversion and the healing power of good works (cf. James
2:17).
Community
and Love: The collaboration between Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict, despite
differences, shows how love and respect build unity. This echoes 1 Peter 4:8:
“Above all, love each other deeply”.
Education
as Formation: The insistence on academic integrity (Patsy failing honestly rather than being
passed) highlights Catholic values of truth, discipline, and moral character in
education.
Suffering
and Redemptive Hope: Sister Benedict’s illness and quiet acceptance reflect Catholic teaching on
redemptive suffering—bearing trials with faith and offering them to God.
🌟 Why It Endures
The
Bells of St. Mary’s remains
beloved because it blends warm humor, human struggle, and spiritual depth.
It portrays Catholic life not as rigid rules but as a living faith—where
perseverance, charity, and love transform both individuals and communities.
Copilot-In The
Bells of St. Mary’s, Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict embody the
Catholic conviction that faith, charity, and perseverance can redeem even the
hardest situations. The school is saved not by force, but by
conversion—Bogardus, the businessman, is moved to generosity, and a struggling
child finds hope through honest discipline. The film’s lesson is clear: God’s
providence works through human cooperation, and redemption is possible when
hearts are softened.
Yet,
as Bill O’Reilly points out in his Sunday reflection, Catholic preaching today
often emphasizes encouragement over warning. The Gospel itself reminds us that
many may choose paths that lead to damnation, though modern homilies rarely
dwell on Gehenna. O’Reilly contrasts this gentleness with the Puritan
fire-and-brimstone tradition, noting that while threats of hell once dominated
sermons, today’s Church leans toward mercy and invitation.
Still,
the tension remains: if evil goes unpunished, if miscreants never repent—as
O’Reilly highlights in his book Confronting Evil—then justice
itself seems hollow. Catholic teaching insists that mercy and judgment are
inseparable. The warmth of The Bells of St. Mary’s shows the
Church at its most pastoral, but O’Reilly’s meditation reminds us that without
the reality of final judgment, the story of salvation loses its moral weight.
Bill
O'Reilly-At Mass on Sunday, the Gospel posited that a significant amount of
people will go to hell, so they might want to wise up before it’s too
late. Interestingly, a Gallup survey says about 60 percent of Americans
believe in damnation, Evangelicals leading the league.
The
priest sermonized about the prospect of Gehenna, but gently. These days,
the Catholic Church rarely pounds home theological negativity, preferring to
encourage good behavior from the pulpit.
It’s
tough enough to get folks in the pews. Telling them a fire pit may await
doesn’t make it easier.
The
hell thing, of course, has been around since human beings harnessed fire to
cook food and keep warm. Back at the first Thanksgiving time, the Puritan
sermonizers spent hours threatening their flock with eternal suffering if their
knee socks were too low. Plymouth was a tough place.
In
the modern world, miscreants are running wild seemingly without restraint. None
of the 15 horrendous human beings profiled in my book “Confronting Evil”
repented. Not one.
To
me, it just doesn’t stack up that a person can consistently harm others with no
final judgment or consequence. I hope that is not the case.
Because
if it is, we are all living in a meaningless world without true justice. And
that would be a hell of a thing.
See
you this evening for the No Spin News.
Christopher’s Corner
·Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
oNational Donair Day calls for a hearty meal that satisfies your cravings. You can try making your own at home or support a local eatery that serves this tasty treat.
oPlant a tree, start a compost bin, or simply take a walk in nature and soak in the greenery around you.
oNational Lard Day might seem a bit unconventional, but you can still join in on the fun by trying out a recipe that incorporates this ingredient. Whether it’s frying up some crispy treats or adding a dollop to your baking, embrace the day’s theme in your culinary adventures.
§Lard or Tallow?
oUp next is National Health Savings Account Day. Take a moment to review your health finances and see if there are ways to save or optimize your healthcare spending. It may not sound glamorous, but a little financial check-up can go a long way in the long run.
oLastly, embrace the beauty of Immaculate Conception by taking a moment to appreciate the wonders of life and the world around you. Reflect on the day’s journey through time, delicious treats, gratitude for hard work, environmental consciousness, culinary experiments, financial health, and soothing sounds. It’s been a day filled with odd and unexpected celebrations, but isn’t that what makes life interesting?
🕯️ Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 7: USA 70-Degree Year Journey
Dates: December 8–14, 2025 Theme: Pilgrimage by the Sea Route: San Diego → La Jolla → Mission San Luis Rey → Balboa Park → Coronado Style: Coastal pilgrimage, Advent reflection, Eucharistic hospitality Climate Alignment: Daily highs 68–72°F
💰 Estimated Cost Overview
Category
Estimated Cost
Lodging (6 nights)
$600 (mid-range hotel or retreat house) OR ~$420 (military lodging)
Food (daily meals)
$210
Fuel/Transit
$80 (local drives, trolley passes)
Symbolic extras
$75
Total Estimate
$965 (civilian) / $785 (military)
🛏️ Lodging Options
Civilian: Hotel del Coronado (optional splurge), mid-range hotels near Balboa Park or La Jolla.
The church grows
because of the grace of God established a principle that Christ accepts all
whether gentile or Jew as long as they remain faithful to the beatitudes and
the teachings of the church with a firmness of heart. Antioch and Syria were
the seedbed of the saints and martyrs in this time as it is now. Be firm.
Copilot’s Take
On December 8, the
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Church celebrates Mary as the pure
vessel of grace, conceived without sin, who’s unwavering “yes” to God became
the foundation of salvation history. Acts 11:23–24 reminds us that the Church
grows not by human effort alone but by the grace of God, and Barnabas, filled
with the Holy Spirit, rejoices to see this grace alive in Antioch, urging the
faithful to remain firm in heart. Mary embodies this same firmness—her fidelity
to God’s call is total, her heart steadfast, her life a witness to the
universality of Christ’s embrace of Jew and Gentile alike. Just as Antioch
became a seedbed of saints and martyrs, Mary’s immaculate beginning became the
root of holiness for all generations. The message of this day is clear: rejoice
in grace, remain faithful, and be firm in heart, following Mary’s example and
Barnabas’s encouragement, so that the Church may continue to grow in holiness
and unity.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
DECEMBER 8. ON this and the
following eight days the Church celebrates, with particular solemnity, the
immaculate conception of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, who, from all eternity,
was chosen to be the daughter of the heavenly Father, the spouse of the Holy
Ghost, the Mother of the divine Redeemer, and, by consequence, the queen of
angels and of men. The consideration of these prerogatives convinced the most
enlightened fathers and teachers of the Catholic Church that she was conceived
immaculate, that is, without original sin. It is very remarkable that among the
shining hosts of saints who have, in every century, adorned the Church no one
wrote against this belief, while we find it confirmed by the decisions of the
holy fathers from the earliest times. Pope Pius IX., forced, as it were, by the
faith and devotion of the faithful throughout the world, finally, on December
8, 1854, sanctioned, as a dogma of faith falling within the infallible rule of
Catholic traditions, this admirable prerogative of the Blessed Virgin. It is,
therefore, now no longer, as formerly, a pious belief, but an article of the
faith, that Mary, like the purest morning light which precedes the rising of
the most brilliant sun, was, from the first instant of her conception, free
from original sin.
In the Introit of the
Mass the Church sings: "Hail, holy parent, who as a happy mother brought
forth the King Who rules heaven and earth from eternity to eternity."
" My heart hath uttered a good word, I speak my works to the King."
Prayer.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to bestow on Thy servants the gift of heavenly
grace, that, for those to whom the Blessed Virgin's maternity was the beginning
of salvation, the votive solemnity of her immaculate conception may procure
increase of peace. Amen.
EPISTLE. Prov. viii. 22-35.
The Lord possessed Me in the
beginning of His ways, before lie made anything from the beginning. I was set
up from eternity, and old before the earth was made. The depths were not as
yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet
sprung out: the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established:
before the hills I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth, nor the
rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was present:
when with a certain law and compass He enclosed the depths: when He established
the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: when He compassed the sea
with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their
limits: when He balanced the foundations of the earth, I was with Him forming
all things; and was delighted every day, playing before Him at all times;
playing in the world, and My delights were to be with the children of men. Now,
therefore, ye children, hear Me: Blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear
instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth Me,
and that watcheth daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors. He
that shall find Me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.
Explanation.
This lesson is, in the literal
sense, a eulogy on the divine and uncreated wisdom, which before all things was
in God; through which all things were made, disposed, and preserved; which
rejoices in its works, and calls upon all its creatures, especially on men, to
render to it love and obedience. Most of what is here said is also to be
applied to Mary, of whom it may with truth be said that, as the holiest and
most admirable of all creatures, she occupies the first place in the heart of
God. Therefore the Church also refers to her those words of the wise man:
" I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the first born of all
creatures."
GOSPEL. Luke i. 26-28.
And in the sixth month the angel
Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin
espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the
virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full
of grace: the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
33 days to
Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[1]
On this 17th day, to have a mind filled
with victory through humble obedience to your will.
Copilot:
To
cultivate a mind filled with victory through humble obedience to God's will,
consider these spiritual practices and reflections:
Daily Spiritual Practices
Prayer for Guidance: Start your day with
a prayer asking God for the wisdom to understand His will and the humility
to follow it. Prayers like the Prayer of Surrender or St. Ignatius' Prayer
for Generosity can be particularly powerful.
Meditation on Scriptures: Reflect on
passages that emphasize victory through obedience and humility. For
example, Philippians 2:5-11 describes Christ's humility and obedience,
leading to ultimate victory.
Strengthening Obedience and Humility
Sacraments: Regular participation in the
sacraments, especially the Eucharist, provides grace and strength to
follow God's will.
Spiritual Reflection: Spend time
reflecting on areas in your life where you can grow in humility and
obedience. Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts and
progress.
Reflecting on Victory through Obedience
Acts of Service: Engage in acts of
service and kindness, seeing them as opportunities to practice humility
and obey God's call to love others.
Gratitude Practices: Cultivate a mindset
of gratitude by acknowledging the victories and blessings in your life,
both big and small, that come from following God's will.
Example Prayer for Humble Obedience
Here’s a
prayer to help you seek victory through humble obedience:
Heavenly Father, Grant me the grace
to humbly obey Your will in all things. Fill my mind with the wisdom to
understand Your guidance, And the strength to follow it with a humble heart.
May Your will be done in my life, Leading me to victory through faith and trust
in You. Amen.
·Today in honor of the Holy Trinity do the Divine Office giving your day to God. To honor God REST: no shopping after 6 pm Saturday till Monday. Don’t forget the internet.
·Spirit Hour: White wine pairing for today’s feast Pinot Grigio: Its bright acidity is a classic pairing that cleanses the palate from the fried cutlet.
Dec 7 – Departure & Threshold Drive • Morning: Final reflection at Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe – Mass Times • Drive west toward Florida’s Gulf Coast • Lodging: Fort Myers – La Quinta Inn (~$89/night) • Meals: ~$55/day (casual breakfast + seafood supper) • Symbolic Act: Journal blessing – “Guide my steps into creation’s wonder”
Dec 8 – Everglades Encounter (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) • Mass: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church – Immaculate Conception Mass • Explore: Everglades National Park – mangroves, coral reefs, untouched wildlife • Lodging: Homestead – Fairway Inn (~$72/night) • Meals: ~$60/day (local Cuban breakfast + Everglades tour snack + dinner) • Tickets: Everglades airboat tour ~$50 • Symbolic Act: Prayer of stewardship for fragile ecosystems
Dec 9 – Gulf Coast Sanctuary (Naples) • Visit: Naples Botanical Garden – Tickets ($25) • Lodging: Red Roof Inn Plus Naples Downtown (~$85/night) • Meals: ~$65/day (garden café lunch + Gulf seafood supper) • Symbolic Act: Gratitude note for creation’s abundance
– Advent horizon meditation • Lodging: Naples (~$85/night) • Meals: ~$55/day (light breakfast + pierside dinner) • Symbolic Act: Leave a seashell with a prayer written inside
Dec 11 – Sarasota Artistic Communion • Visit: The Ringling Museum of Art – Tickets ($25) • Lodging: Sleep Inn Sarasota North (~$79/night) • Meals: ~$60/day (breakfast + museum café lunch + Italian dinner) • Symbolic Act: Sketch or photograph Marian light
Dec 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe • Mass: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church – Mass Times • Lodging: Tampa – Quality Inn & Suites (~$82/night) • Meals: ~$65/day (Mexican feast in honor of Guadalupe) • Symbolic Act: Place flowers or a candle in honor of Guadalupe
Dec 13 – Tampa Bay Civic Joy (St. Lucy’s Day) • Visit: Tampa Museum of Art – Tickets ($20) • Lodging: La Quinta Inn Tampa Near Busch Gardens (~$88/night) • Meals: ~$60/day (breakfast + museum café lunch + Cuban dinner) • Symbolic Act: Light a candle in honor of St. Lucy
• Lodging: Clearwater Beach Hotel (~$95/night) • Meals: ~$65/day (breakfast + seaside lunch + celebratory Gaudete supper) • Symbolic Act: Journal on “Gaudete – Rejoice always” and leave a small token of joy (flower, shell, or note) in a public place
💰 Cost Snapshot (Dec 7–14 Extension)
Lodging (7 nights): ~$590
Meals (8 days): ~$480–$520
Tickets/Activities: ~$145–$170
Transport (car + gas): ~$350–$400 ➡️Total per person: ~$1,600–$1,700 for the extension
Among those first seven men who were called to serve was St.
Stephen the Martyr, whose feast we celebrate on December 26. It’s not
surprising then is it that St. Stephen is the Patron Saint of Deacons. So,
what’s the significance of the Office of Permanent Diaconate in the modern
church? It’s a centuries-old ministry that was abandoned by the early church
around the fourth century but was revived as a result of the Second Vatican
Council, which decreed that it be opened to “mature married men”, which was later
clarified to mean men over the age of 35. While the early members of the
diaconate (from the Greek diakonos, “servant”) were primarily concerned with
ensuring the general well-being of the widowed and orphaned among them, modern
day deacons can be found carrying out their ministerial responsibilities in
parishes, hospitals and prisons, tending to the abused and battered, the
mentally ill, the homeless and victims of discrimination. They are in large
cities, small towns and rural communities, holding the hands of the sick and
the dying, bringing the light of Christ into the darkest corners of our world.
In a parish setting, a deacon’s general role is to assist the pastor in
carrying out his pastoral responsibilities. As an ordained cleric, a deacon can
preside at the sacrament of baptism; proclaim the Gospel and preach; preside at
funerals, graveside services, and wake services; witness marriages, and of
course, distribute Holy Eucharist. He cannot preside at mass which, of course,
would include praying over the gifts of bread and wine that they may become the
Body and Blood of the Lord, a privilege reserved for those ordained as priests.
Nor can a deacon preside in celebrations of the sacrament of penance or
anointing of the sick. With over 18,000 ordained deacons in the United States
alone, these men, along with their wives and families, continue to serve the
people of God.
Copilot’s Take
On December 7,
the Second Sunday of Advent coinciding with the Vigil of the Immaculate
Conception and Pearl Harbor Day, the Church recalls the call of the first seven
deacons in Acts 6:5–7, men chosen for their faith and service to the community.
Their ministry, embodied most fully in St. Stephen the Martyr, reminds us that
the diaconate is a vocation of humble service, bridging altar and street,
sacrament and suffering. Revived by the Second Vatican Council, the permanent
diaconate today extends Christ’s compassion into hospitals, prisons, parishes,
and homes, where deacons baptize, proclaim the Gospel, witness marriages, and
accompany the dying. Though they cannot consecrate the Eucharist or absolve
sins, their witness lies in embodying Christ the Servant, holding the hands of
the marginalized and reminding the Church that true discipleship is measured
not in power but in service. In this Advent season of waiting and preparation,
the diaconate stands as a living sign of hope, calling each of us to discern whether
we too are acceptable to the community, filled with faith, and obedient to the
Church’s mission.
"God
blessed the seventh day and made it holy" (Gn 2:3)
15. All human
life, and therefore all human time, must become praise of the Creator and
thanksgiving to him. But man's relationship with God also demands times of
explicit prayer, in which the relationship becomes an intense dialogue,
involving every dimension of the person. "The Lord's Day" is the day
of this relationship par excellence when men and women raise their song
to God and become the voice of all creation.
This is precisely
why it is also the day of rest. Speaking vividly as it does of
"renewal" and "detachment", the interruption of the
often-oppressive rhythm of work expresses the dependence of man and the cosmos
upon God. Everything belongs to God! The Lord's Day returns again and
again to declare this principle within the weekly reckoning of time. The
"Sabbath" has therefore been interpreted evocatively as a determining
element in the kind of "sacred architecture" of time which marks
biblical revelation. It recalls that the universe and history belong to God;
and without a constant awareness of that truth, man cannot serve in the world
as co-worker of the Creator.
Second Sunday of Advent
The voices of Isaiah and John the Baptist tell us to
prepare.
“As the
journey of Advent continues, as we prepare to celebrate the nativity of Christ,
John the Baptist's calls us to conversion and sounds out in our communities. It
is a pressing invitation to open our hearts and to welcome the Son of God Who
comes among us to make divine judgement manifest. The Father, writes St. John
the Evangelist, does not judge anyone, but has entrusted the power of judgement
to the Son, because He is the Son of man. “And it is today, in the present,
that we decide our future destiny. It is with our concrete everyday behavior in
this life that we determine our eternal fate. At the end of our days on earth,
at the moment of death, we will be evaluated on the basis of our likeness or
otherwise to the Baby Who is about to be born in the poor grotto of Bethlehem,
because He is the measure God has given humanity. “Through the Gospel John the
Baptist continues to speak down the centuries to each generation. His
hard-clear words bring health to us, the men and women of this day in which even
the experience and perception of Christmas often, unfortunately, reflects
materialist attitudes. The 'voice' of the great prophet asks us to prepare the
way for the coming Lord in the deserts of today, internal and external deserts,
thirsting for the water of life which is Christ.” — Benedict XVI[3]
Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896.
HAVING taught us on the first Sunday of
Advent to sigh with the prophets for the redemption through Christ, the Church
on this day reminds us, in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, of the joyful
promises of God for the salvation of the gentiles, and of Jesus Christ s actual
coming, in order to quicken our desire for it, and to produce in us an alacrity
in making ready our hearts by penance and love.
For this reason, she says in the Introit
of the Mass: “People of Sion, behold the Lord shall come to save the nations,
and the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard in the joy of your
heart.” “Give ear, O Thou that rulest Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a
sheep.”
Prayer.
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready
the ways of Thine only begotten Son, that by His coming we may be worthy to
serve Thee with purified minds.
EPISTLE. Rom. xv. 4-13.
Brethren: What things so ever were
written, were written for our learning: that through patience and the comfort
of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of comfort
grant you to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus Christ:
that with one mind, and with one mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of
Our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath
received you unto the honor of God. For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of
the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the
fathers. But that the gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy, as it is
written: Therefore, will I confess to Thee, O Lord, among the gentiles, and
will sing to Thy name. And again, He saith: Rejoice, ye gentiles, with His
people. And again: Praise the Lord, all ye gentiles; and magnify Him, all ye
peoples. And again, Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse; and He that
shall rise up to rule the gentiles, in Him the gentiles shall hope. Now the God
of hope fill you all with joy and peace in believing that you may abound in
hope, and in the power of the Holy Ghost.
What are we to learn by this epistle?
To be grateful to God for having called
us, by His grace, to the true faith, and for having received us into the bosom
of His holy Church. Again, we are taught that by envy, discord, pride, and
hatred we lose our salvation. Finally, St. Paul refers us to the Scriptures for
instruction.
Why do the Holy Scriptures profit us?
1. They teach, correct, and instruct
us in justice, that we may serve God faithfully, and be ever ready for good
works.
2. They sustain our patience in
suffering, and our hope of eternal life, by many promises, and by the example
of Jesus Christ and His saints.
Why is God called the God of patience,
comfort, and hope?
1. Because He looks with patience and
long-suffering upon our sinful lives.
2. Because He gives us grace to carry
our cross with patience and joy and removes our despair by spiritual
consolation.
3. Because He gives us hope that
after this life, we shall possess Him, the object of our desire.
Aspiration.
O God of
patience, comfort, and hope fill our hearts with joy and peace, and grant that
we may become perfect in all good works by faith, hope, and charity, and that
we may attain the promised salvation.
GOSPEL. Matt. xi. 2-10.
At that
time: When John had heard in prison the works of Christ, sending two of his
disciples, he said to Him: Art Thou He that art to come, or look we for
another? And Jesus making answer said to them: Go and relate to John what you
have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the
deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the Gospel preached to them: And
blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in Me. And when they went their
way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What went you out
into the desert to see? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to
see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they that are clothed in soft
garments are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? a prophet?
Yea, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written:
Behold I send My angel before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.
Why was St. John cast into prison?
Because he rebuked King Herod, who was
living in adultery with the wife of his stepbrother. This teaches us that we
should not be deterred from our duty, though great suffering and misfortune
should thereby befall us. Is it not nobler and more profitable to our salvation
to be a martyr for truth, as St. John was, rather than to gain favor with the
world by timidly looking on, or by deceitful flattery?
Why
did St. John send his disciples to Jesus?
St. John sent his disciples to Christ so
that they, too, might be convinced that He was the Messiah.
Superiors and parents should learn from
this to see that their dependents and children are well instructed in the
faith.
Why
did Christ merely say to the disciples of St. John: Go and relate to John what
you have heard and seen: the blind see, the lame walk?
Because they ought to have been convinced
from the miracles He wrought, which were the fulfilment of the prophecies, that
He was the promised messiah.
What
was the object of the question, “What went you out to see?” which Our Savior
asked?
1. To praise the constancy of St.
John, who was not to be deterred from exercising his sacred functions either by
the commands of Herod or through fear of imprisonment and death.
2. To approve the austere life of St.
John, that we should thereby be encouraged to crucify the flesh and to do
penance.
Why
did Our Savior say that St. John was more than a prophet?
Because he was destined to see the
messiah, to preach to men, and declare Him to be the Savior of the world. And
as he was a messenger of God, to announce the coming of Christ and prepare His
way, he was called an angel (Malachi. iii. T).
Why
did Jesus add, “Blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in Me”?
On account of those who would be
scandalized, at His humility, His poverty, His ignominious suffering and death
upon the cross, and who would, accordingly, despise and reject Him; although
the more He humbled Himself for them the more they ought rather to love and
honor Him.
Why
does the Church set before us this gospel?
In order that we, like the disciples of
St. John, may, by His works, recognize Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and that
we may make ourselves worthy of the grace of redemption by doing penance
earnestly and firmly, thus preparing the way of the Lord in our hearts.
Consolation in Adversities and Afflictions
What can and
should console us in adversity?
1. A firm belief that everything is
ordered by God’s wise providence, and that no evil can befall us except by His
permission, who never allows us to suffer more than is for our good.
2. That if we call upon Him in
adversity God will help us, whenever it is expedient for our salvation. Thus,
to encourage us He says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver
thee” (Ps. xlix. 15); and, “If God be for us, who is against us?” (Rom. viii.
31); and “Can a woman forget her infant so as not to have pity on the son of
her womb? and if she should forget, yet will not I forget thee: behold, I have
graven thee in My hands” (Isaias xlix. 15, 16).
3. That it is useless to resist
Divine Providence, for all who have done so have been filled with shame and
ignominy, “Who hath resisted Him and hath had peace?” (Job ix. 4.)
4. That our sufferings when borne
with patience and submission lose their sharpness and bring us merit and
reward. “For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation,
worketh for us, above measure exceedingly, an eternal weight of glory” (n. Cor.
iv.17).
Vigil
of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Besides being the feast
day of St. Ambrose, today is the Vigil of the Immaculate
Conception. And, consequently, today is traditionally a day of fasting
and partial abstinence from meat.
For today, we as traditional Catholics are called upon to fast and to refrain
from eating any flesh meat, except with the one principal meal allowed on a day
of fasting. Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and
fowl. Also forbidden are soups or gravies made from them. Salt and freshwater
species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and shellfish are permitted. On
this day one, normal-sized meal and two smaller meals that do not equal the
normal meal are allowed. Eating between meals, however, is prohibited although
fruit juices and milk are allowed. The two smaller meals can not contain flesh meat.
History
of the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception:
On November 30, 1879, Pope Leo XIII added the Vigil of
the Immaculate Conception to the Universal Church's calendar, increasing the
number of liturgical vigils from 16 to 17, which not including Holy Saturday,
consisted of "the eves of Christmas, the Epiphany, the Ascension,
Pentecost, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, the eight feasts of the
Apostles, St. John the Baptist, St. Laurence, and All Saints." At this
time, the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception was not yet a fast day. These 17
vigils mentioned were still in place at the time of the writing of the Catholic
Encyclopedia in 1909.
On July 25, 1957, Pope Pius XII transferred the fast
in the Universal Church from the Vigil of the Assumption to the Vigil of the
Immaculate Conception on December 7, even though he had previously abrogated
the Mass for the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception. Thus, this day starting in
1957 was a day of mandatory fasting and abstinence. This is preserved in the
laws in force in 1962 for instance.
By 1962, the laws of fasting and abstinence were as
follows as described in "Moral Theology" by Rev. Heribert Jone and
adapted by Rev. Urban Adelman for the "laws and customs of the United
States of America" copyright 1961: "Complete abstinence is to be
observed on all Fridays of the year, Ash Wednesday, the Vigils of Immaculate
Conception and Christmas. Partial abstinence is to be observed on Ember
Wednesdays and Saturdays and on the Vigil of Pentecost. Days of fast are all
the weekdays of Lent, Ember Days, and the Vigil of Pentecost." If a vigil
falls on a Sunday, the law of abstinence and fasting is dispensed that year and
is not transferred to the preceding day. Father Jone adds additional guidance
for the Vigil of the Nativity fast: "General custom allows one who is
fasting to take a double portion of food at the collation on Christmas Eve
(jejunium gaudiosum)."
The Importance of the Immaculate Conception:
The Immaculate Conception is a dogma of the faith
stating that Mary was conceived sinless in the womb of her mother Anne, and
Mary remained without sin throughout her entire life. Remember, Mary is not
just an average woman but the Mother of God; she is extraordinary (Luke 1:42).
She is, by no means, divine in anyway, but she certainly is the greatest of all
saints. She is the perfect model of charity. Let us try and imitate Mary by
wearing her Brown Scapular and praying the Rosary. To imitate Mary, is to grow
closer to Jesus Christ, Our Savior.
Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum:
An interval of a few
months will again bring round that most happy day on which, fifty years ago,
Our Predecessor Pius IX., Pontiff of holy memory, surrounded by a noble crown
of Cardinals and Bishops, pronounced and promulgated with the authority of the
infallible magisterium as a truth revealed by God that the Most Blessed Virgin
Mary in the first instant of her conception was free from all stain of original
sin. All the world knows the feelings with which the faithful of all the
nations of the earth received this proclamation and the manifestations of
public satisfaction and joy which greeted it, for truly there has not been in
the memory of man any more universal or more harmonious expression of sentiment
shown towards the august Mother of God or the Vicar of Jesus Christ.
On
this 16th day, to have a heart filled with spiritual courage that
resists yielding to the world, the flesh or the pride of Satan for the love of
God only.
Copilot:
To cultivate a heart filled with
spiritual courage that resists yielding to the world, the flesh, or the pride
of Satan, solely for the love of God, consider these spiritual practices and
reflections:
Daily Spiritual
Practices
1.Prayer and Meditation: Dedicate
time each day to pray and meditate, seeking strength and guidance from God.
Prayers of devotion, such as the Rosary or the Prayer to St. Michael, can
fortify your resolve.
2.Scripture Reading: Reflect on
passages that emphasize spiritual courage and resistance to temptation.
Examples include Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God) and James 4:7-10.
Strengthening Spiritual
Courage
1.Sacraments: Regularly participate
in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, to receive
grace and spiritual strength.
2.Spiritual Mentorship: Seek
guidance from a spiritual director or mentor who can provide support and
accountability.
Reflecting on Love for
God
1.Acts of Charity: Engage in acts of
love and service for others, seeing these actions as expressions of your love
for God.
2.Gratitude Journaling: Keep a
journal of daily blessings and moments of grace, cultivating a heart of
gratitude and deepening your love for God.
Example Prayer for Spiritual
Courage
Here’s a prayer to help you seek
spiritual courage and resist temptation:
Dear
Heavenly Father, Grant me the courage to stand firm in my faith, Resisting the
temptations of the world, the flesh, and the pride of Satan. Fill my heart with
love for You above all else And guide me in Your truth and righteousness. May
Your strength be my shield and Your love my guide, As I strive to live for Your
glory alone. Amen.
Bible in a Year Day 160 Jesus Warns the People
Fr. Mike guides us through Jesus' warning of persecution to the people of
Israel as we near the end of Mark's Gospel. He also touches on how Jesus'
behavior in the Garden of Gethsemane should serve as an example to us, and
explains why Judas' betrayal was so heartbreaking. Today's readings are Mark
13-14 and Psalm 68.
Today we
honor the victims of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, an American Naval Station.
The attack is often cited as the catalyst for American involvement in the
Second World War, given that President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on
Japan the following day. At 8am on December 7th, 1941, without prior warning,
the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked a Naval Station at Pearl
Harbor, located on Oahu, Hawaii. The base was attacked by 353 Japanese
fighter planes. In total, 2,403 people perished, another 1,178 were injured,
four U.S. Navy battleships were sunk, and 188 aircrafts were destroyed.
The aim of the attack was to immobilize the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which
would allow Japan to advance into Malaya and Dutch East Indies. On August
23, 1994, the United States Congress passed Public Law 103-308 to designate
December 7 of each year as the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day Facts & Quotes
·Within
hours of the attack, Canada was the first nation to declare war on Japan. The
United States declared war the following day.
·The
Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal was established by the United States Congress
on November 5, 1990. U.S. Armed Forces veterans and civilians who served,
were injured or killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor were eligible to
receive the medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the attack.
(Public Law 101-510, 104 Stat. 1721 and Public Law. 104-201, 110 Stat.
2654)
·The
USS Arizona Memorial was built in 1962 to mark the resting place of the 1,102
sailors and marines who died on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl
Harbor.
·...commemoration
of the attack on Pearl Harbor will instill in all people of the United States a
greater understanding and appreciation of the selfless sacrifice of the
individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during World
War II... (Public Law 103-308)
·Yesterday,
December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of
America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the
Empire of Japan. - President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This speech by
President Roosevelt is widely cited and referred to as the Infamy Speech or
Pearl Harbor Speech.
Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day Top Events and Things to Do
·Visit
Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu Island in Hawaii.
·Spend
some time learning about the Second World War and the US involvement that began
after Pearl Harbor.
·Attend
a remembrance ceremony at your local naval club, army base, naval base, or
museum of war.
·Watch
movies about Pearl Harbor and World War II. Here are some
recommendations:
1) Pearl Harbor (2001)
2) Saving Private Ryan (1998)
3) Inglorious Basterds (2009)
4) Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
5) Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
6) Empire of the Sun (1987)
7) The Longest Day (1962)
8) Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
9) Schindler's List (1993)
10) The Pianist (2002)
Aloysius
H. Schmitt was born in St. Lucas, Iowa on December 4, 1909, and was appointed
acting chaplain with the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on June 28,
1939. Serving on his first sea tour, he was hearing confessions on board
the battleship USS Oklahoma when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
on December 7, 1941. When the ship capsized, he was entrapped along
with several other members of the crew in a compartment where only a small
porthole provided a means of escape. He assisted others through the
porthole, giving up his own chance to escape, so that more men might be
rescued. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal posthumously for his
courage and self-sacrifice. St. Francis Xavier Chapel, erected at Camp
Lejeune in 1942, was dedicated in his memory. The destroyer escort USS SCHMITT
was laid down on February 22, 1943, launched on May 29, 1943, and was
commissioned on July 24, 1943. The USS Schmitt was decommissioned and
placed in reserveon June 28,1949
and struck from the Navy list on May 1,1967.
For hundreds of years, lighting a candle has been a
way to show respect for those that have died. This beautiful gesture shows that
although someone may be gone from this world, their memory will endure, and the
light of their flame will continue to inspire and guide others. Worldwide
Candle Lighting Day is a celebration of solidarity and memory. It’s a day on
which people around the world gather to light candles for children who have
died and to show that they will always be loved and never forgotten. The candles
are lit at the same time in every time zone, meaning that a consistent warm
glow passes around the planet for a full 24-hour day.
The History of Worldwide Candle Lighting Day
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day was a gift to the
bereavement community from The Compassionate Friend. The Compassionate Friend’s
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day started in the United States in 1997 as a small
internet observance in honor of children who lived tragically short lives for
any number of reasons, from sickness, to accidents, to war, but has since
spread throughout the world. Nowadays, hundreds of formal candle lighting
events are held in many different countries and thousands of informal candle
lightings are conducted in homes as families gather in quiet remembrance of
children who have died, but will never be forgotten. many organizations join in
to observe this holiday, some f which are local bereavement groups, churches,
funeral homes, hospitals, hospices, children’s gardens, schools, cemeteries,
and community centers, and remembrance services have ranged in size from just a
few people to nearly a thousand over the years since the creation of this
special day. All of this just goes to show how necessary it was to set this day
aside for this purpose.
How to Celebrate World Candle Lighting Day
As mentioned before, this day is celebrated with a
quiet elegance: at 7 p.m. local time, people light candles for one hour to
remember their loved ones. It is a moving occasion that bypasses geographical
and cultural divides. As everyone lights their candles at seven pm local time,
far-flung parts of the world get illuminated in turn, so that eventually the
light has moved all around the globe. If you have experienced the loss of a
child in your lifetime, this is a good moment to honor his or her memory by taking
part in the candle lighting. You could also invite some close family members to
spend this time with you and light their own candles for the late child.
This doesn’t only have to be a sad occasion,
however. Children’s lives are mostly filled with fun and laughter, so
reminiscing about all of the things the child you are honoring managed to enjoy
before he or she passed may should serve to lighten the atmosphere up a little
bit. Of course, nothing will ever make up for the loss of a child, but there is
some solace to be taken in the fact that the child’s life was a good one,
however short. No matter whether you’ll be lighting a candle at home or joining
a gathering Worldwide Candle Lighting Day it is a way to show love and
community.
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