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: Melvyn Douglas, Merle Oberon, Burgess Meredith Director: Ernst Lubitsch
⭐ What Makes This Film Special
This is Lubitsch in his late‑period mode — lighter, airier, and more psychologically playful than his pre‑Code work. Instead of the sparkling sexual innuendo of Trouble in Paradise, you get a comedy of manners built around emotional hesitation, marital drift, and the strange ways people rediscover each other.
Douglas is at his best here:
smooth but not smug
wounded but never pathetic
witty without ever breaking the emotional truth of the scene
Merle Oberon brings a cool, refined presence that plays beautifully against Douglas’s warmth. And Burgess Meredith — as the neurotic, self‑absorbed pianist — is the perfect destabilizing force.
๐งญ Plot in a Nutshell
A married woman (Oberon) develops hiccups — a classic Lubitsch metaphor for emotional blockage — and visits a psychoanalyst. There she meets a temperamental pianist (Meredith) who draws her into a flirtation that threatens her marriage to her steady, affectionate husband (Douglas).
The comedy comes not from slapstick but from the elegant dance of misunderstandings, hesitations, and the subtle ways people test the boundaries of loyalty.
๐ก Themes
1. The Fragility of Contentment
Lubitsch suggests that marriages don’t fall apart from catastrophe but from boredom, routine, and the desire to feel “interesting” again.
2. The Comedy of Self‑Discovery
Oberon’s character isn’t malicious — she’s simply trying to understand herself. The film treats this with gentleness rather than judgment.
3. The Douglas Touch
He plays the husband as a man who refuses to fight dirty. His dignity becomes the film’s moral center — and ultimately its romantic engine.
4. Lubitsch’s Moral Playfulness
No one is a villain. Everyone is a little foolish. And love, in the end, is something you choose again, not something you merely possess.
๐ท A Hospitality Pairing
This film pairs beautifully with something light, civilized, and slightly effervescent — a nod to the hiccup motif and the emotional carbonation of the story.
Suggested pairing:
A chilled white (Riesling or Gewรผrztraminer)
Light European snacks — olives, almonds, a soft cheese
A quiet evening where conversation can drift as easily as the film’s tone
✨ A Spiritual Reflection
The film quietly affirms that fidelity isn’t just about resisting temptation — it’s about remembering the goodness of what you already have.
Douglas’s character embodies Romans 12:10 without ever quoting it: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”
He honors his wife even when she is uncertain of herself, and that honor becomes the path home.
oStart your day by embracing a bit of science with some online research on rare diseases. Educate yourself on the importance of awareness and support for those battling uncommon illnesses. Transition into a creative mode by designing a custom floral arrangement to brighten your space. Reflect on the symbolism of flowers while indulging in a decadent chocolate souffle. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the details.
oAs the day progresses, find time for relaxation and rejuvenation; celebrate Public Sleeping Day with a cozy nap or simply by lounging in bed with a good book. Recharge your mind and body. As you awake refreshed, ponder the impact of proper rest on your overall well-being.
oContinue your journey by exploring your creativity through essay writing. Reflect on personal experiences or delve into topics that spark your curiosity. Embrace the power of self-expression.
oEmbrace sustainability by participating in Skip the Straw Day. Enjoy your favorite beverage without single-use plastic, and contemplate the small changes that can make a big difference in environmental conservation.
oConclude your day with a celebration of individuality and self-care.
Create a vegan lipstick look that makes you feel empowered and confident. Add a touch of uniqueness to your day and celebrate your personal style.
oOverall, let the diverse themes of the day inspire you to embrace knowledge, creativity, rest, expression, community, sustainability, and self-love. Celebrate the little moments in life and find joy in the unexpected.
Pilgrimage JERUSALEM
It’s the move every pilgrim makes: from the place of calling (Galilee) to the place of surrender, sacrifice, and resurrection (Jerusalem).
It mirrors the Gospels, the liturgical year, and the inner journey of Lent. So I’ll continue your pilgrimage guide in the exact same format you used.
Pilgrimage — Next Stage: Jerusalem
๐จWhere We Stay
Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center (Catholic, safe, central, excellent rooftop views) Website: https://www.notredamecenter.org/
Directly across from the New Gate of the Old City
Easy walking to the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, and Mount of Olives
Quiet, clean, and ideal for prayer
Alternative: Casa Nova Jerusalem (Franciscan, simple, inside the Old City)
✝️Where We Attend Mass
Church of the Holy Sepulchre Search: Holy Sepulchre Mass Schedule (bing.com in Bing)
Secondary options:
Notre Dame Chapel
St. Anne’s Church (near Bethesda Pools)
Latin Patriarchate Cathedral
๐️Daily Itinerary & Symbolic Acts
March 1 – Arrival in Jerusalem
๐Symbolic Act: “Setting Your Face Toward the Cross”
Enter the Old City through the New Gate
Walk to the Holy Sepulchre for silent prayer
Offer your days in Jerusalem for deeper surrender Mass: Holy Sepulchre Stay: Notre Dame Center
March 2 – Mount of Olives
๐ฟSymbolic Act: “Learning to Watch and Pray”
Visit the Mount of Olives overlook
Pater Noster Church
Dominus Flevit (Jesus weeps over Jerusalem)
Garden of Gethsemane & Church of All Nations Mass: Gethsemane Stay: Notre Dame
March 3 – Via Dolorosa
๐️Symbolic Act: “Walking in His Footsteps”
Begin at the Antonia Fortress
Walk the Stations of the Cross slowly
End at the Holy Sepulchre
Pray at Calvary and the Tomb Mass: Holy Sepulchre Stay: Notre Dame
March 4 – Mount Zion
๐ฅSymbolic Act: “Receiving the Fire of the Spirit”
Upper Room (Cenacle)
Dormition Abbey
St. Peter in Gallicantu (Peter’s denial) Reflect on courage, failure, and restoration Mass: St. Peter in Gallicantu Stay: Notre Dame
March 5 – Bethlehem
⭐Symbolic Act: “Returning to the Beginning”
Church of the Nativity
Grotto of the Nativity
Shepherds’ Field Offer your life again at the place where God became small Mass: Church of the Nativity Stay: Notre Dame
March 6 – Ein Karem
๐ธSymbolic Act: “Leaping for Joy”
Church of the Visitation
Church of St. John the Baptist Reflect on vocation, joy, and the courage of Mary Mass: Visitation Stay: Notre Dame
March 7 – Free Day / Optional Desert Experience
๐️Symbolic Act: “Into the Wilderness” Options:
Wadi Qelt (Jericho desert)
Monastery of St. George
Dead Sea float
Quiet prayer day at Notre Dame Mass: Notre Dame Chapel Stay: Notre Dame
March 8 – Departure
๐ Symbolic Act: “Carrying the Cross Into Daily Life”
Final prayer at the Holy Sepulchre
Whisper: “Lord, lead me from this empty tomb into new life.” Mass: Holy Sepulchre Stay: Notre Dame (checkout)
FEBRUARY 28 Saturday of The First Week of Lent-Ember Day
Deuteronomy,
Chapter 5, Verse 4-6
Face
to face, the LORD spoke with you on the mountain from the midst of the fire,while I was standing between the LORD and you at that time, to announce
to you these words of the LORD, since you were AFRAID of the fire and would not go up the mountain: I am the LORD
your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt,out of the house
of slavery.
Today reflect on how our labor can
be slavery or it can be a joy. In the end you are responsible for your own
happiness. The fire on the mountain was not an impediment to the Israel people
coming to God; it was their excuse. The secret of success is finding out our
vocation from God and following it. When we follow God’s guidance to the do the
work he has intended for us, we are like the tree that Moses saw that brought
him into the service of the Lord. We will burn but not be consumed! Then, when
others see our work and wonder at our joy in slavery to the Lord they too will
come to know that “His burden is light.” (Mt. 11-30)
Many
years ago, I too—like Israel—was afraid of the fire and refused to go up the
mountain. Yes, I was called to the priesthood, and yes, I was afraid. I made
every excuse: I am not worthy… I want a wife… I want children. I turned
away, and the life I thought would be a joy proved hollow. Yet the Lord did not
abandon me. He never rebuked me; only I have rebuked myself. And still, He has
drawn good even from what I shattered through selfishness. This is the
challenge of the Cross: when we fall—and we will—we must rise, take it up
again, and drink the cup the Lord has given us to the dregs. How committed are
you to discovering and following Jesus?
My sheep hear my voice, says the
Lord; I know them, and they follow me. (Jn: 10:27)
Copilot’s Take
The people of Israel stood before the mountain and let fear become their
excuse. They were not driven back by the fire of God but by the small, interior
voice that whispered, “Stay where you are; do not climb.” That same
pattern still governs the human heart. Evil rarely arrives as a dramatic force;
it begins as hesitation, avoidance, or the quiet refusal to step toward the
good. To confront evil, then, is not first to battle darkness “out there,” but
to resist the temptation to remain spiritually motionless. It is to choose
obedience over comfort, truth over self‑protection, and the upward path even
when the fire of God feels overwhelming.
Those who confront evil faithfully do so not by theatrics or anger but by
courage in small, hidden acts of fidelity. They walk toward the fire because
they trust the One who calls them. They refuse to let fear dictate their
vocation. They take up the Cross again after every fall, knowing that evil is
defeated not by human strength but by perseverance in grace. When others see
this quiet courage—this willingness to burn without being consumed—they
discover that holiness is not reserved for the fearless but for the faithful.
And in that witness, many find the strength to follow the Shepherd’s voice and
climb the mountain themselves.
Saturday of The First Week of Lent-Ember Day
EPISTLE,
i. Thess. v. 14-23.
BRETHREN: We beseech you, rebuke the unquiet, comfort the feeble-minded,
support the weak, be patient towards all men. See that none render evil for
evil to any man: but ever follow that which is good towards each other, and
towards all men. Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In all things give
thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concern ing you all.
Extinguish not the spirit. Despise not prophecies. But prove all things: hold
fast that which is good. From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves. And
may the God of peace Himself sanctify you in all things: that your whole
spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of Our
Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel
and Prayer the same as those of to-morrow.
Station "With St. Peter
And the Lord hath chosen thee this day
to be His peculiar people (1st lesson)
It is Ember Saturday. Oremus, flectamus genna! Let us pray, and in spirit
kneel at the tomb of St. Peter, the great priest and supreme shepherd of
Christ's flock, and let us listen with reverence to the words of his successor
Pius XI "On the Priesthood," for on this day, in hundreds of
cathedrals, apostolic hands will be laid on young levites, levites "who
have chosen the Lord, this day, to be their God, and to walk in His ways and
keep His ceremonies, and precepts and judgments, and obey His commands"
(epistle).
"The human race has always felt the need of a priesthood: of men who
have the official charge to be mediators between God and humanity, men who
should consecrate themselves entirely to this mediation as to the very purpose
of their lives; men who are set aside to offer to God public prayers and
sacrifices in the name of human society. For human society as such is bound to
offer to God public and social worship. It is bound to acknowledge in Him its
supreme Lord and first beginning, and to strive towards Him as to its last end,
to give Him thanks and to offer Him propitiation.
"The Apostle of the Gentiles perfectly sums up what may be said of
the greatness, the dignity and the duty of the Christian priesthood: 'Let a man
so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the
mysteries of God.' The priest is the minister of Christ--an instrument, that is
to say, in the hands of the divine Redeemer. He continues the work of the
redemption in all its world-embracing universality and divine efficacy, that
work which wrought so marvelous a transformation in the world. Thus the priest,
as is said with good reason, is indeed 'another Christ'; for in some way, he is
himself a continuation of Christ. 'As the Father hath sent Me, I also send
you,' is spoken to the priest; and hence the priest, like Christ, continue to
give 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good
will.'" (From the Encyclical Letter of His His Holiness Pope Pius XI.)
Let us pray, then, for all who in these days will be raised to this high
and responsible position "that the God of peace may sanctify them in all
things; that their whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved
blameless, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (epistle); that the
Lord may make them worthy laborers in His vineyard; that the Holy Spirit may
fill them with Pentecostal fire and apostolic fortitude for the great work of
"incorporating all things in Christ."
St. Peter, rock of the Church, bearer of the keys of God's kingdom, great
priest of Jesus Christ, holy shepherd of His flock, bless those who are about
to become fishers of men.
Prayer Source: Orate
Fratres/Worship: A Review Devoted to the Liturgical Apostolate, The Liturgical
Press
Bible in a
year Day 241 Daniel
and the Den of Lions
As we read the epic story of Daniel in the den of
lions, Fr. Mike points out Daniel's valor and faithfulness in the midst of his
powerless. We also learn the meaning of Daniel's vision of the four beasts and
the ancient of days. Finally, Fr. Mike explains the prophetic significance of
Jeremiah's vision of good and bad figs. Today's readings are Jeremiah 24-25,
Daniel 6-7, and Proverbs 16:5-8.
The winds of March point to the power of God's Spirit
working in us. We need to listen and respond to the gentle breezes of the
Spirit; but will we, or will we be too distracted? The rebirth of spring
reminds us of the energy of nature so that we ask ourselves whether we waste or
wisely use energy –electricity, oil, gas, etc. Can we and should we continue to
use nonrenewable fossil fuels, often with accompanying air pollution, at the
rate we do? Or will the environmental ills we cause today call us in the future
as a society to use wind and solar energy?
The entire month of
March is the liturgical season of Lent which is represented by the liturgical color
violet or purple — a symbol of penance, mortification and the sorrow of a
contrite heart. All saint days that are usually Memorials are shifted to
Optional Memorials during the season of Lent.
A Time of Penance and Promise
Here
and there in the stark March landscape, a few plants and trees are beginning to
give evidence of the new life that winter’s frost and chill had concealed from
our eyes. The Church’s vibrant new life has been obscured, too, by the
austerity of the penitential season of Lent. But that life is indisputable, and
it will burgeon forth on Easter as Christ coming forth from his tomb!
During
this month we will continue our journey to the cross with our acts of
penitence. We will reflect on our mortality ("Remember man thou art
dust") and the shortness of life ("and to dust thou shall
return"). We will heed the call, "Now is the acceptable time, now is
“the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).” Just like Our Lord's earthly life
every moment of our lives is leading up to the last moment—when for eternity we
will either go to God or suffer the fires of hell. During this month we will go
from the suffering of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday. We will trade
the purple of penance for the white of victory and resurrection.
Let us
not tire of doing our good works and penance but continue with the enthusiasm
of the catechumens on their way to Easter and Baptism. May our Lenten
observance be a joyful journey — and not a forced march.
As the
weeks of Lent progress let us not tire of doing our good works and penance but
continue with the enthusiasm of the catechumens on their way to Easter and
Baptism. May our Lenten observance be a joyful journey — and not a forced
march.
“This
patronage must be invoked as ever necessary for the Church, not only as a
defense against all dangers, but also, and indeed primarily, as an impetus for
her renewed commitment to evangelization in the world and to
re-evangelization,” wrote St. John Paul II in Redemptoris Custos (Guardian
of the Redeemer).
John
Paul II further said, “Because St. Joseph is the protector of the Church, he is
the guardian of the Eucharist and the Christian family. Therefore, we must turn
to St. Joseph today to ward off attacks upon the real presence of Christ in the
Eucharist and upon the family. We must plead with St. Joseph to guard the
Eucharistic Lord and the Christian family during this time of peril.”
·Daytona, Florida-Bike Week February
27-March 8-Rev up for a week of diesel and fun at Daytona Bike Week.
The annual motorcycle rally attracts some of the fiercest bikers, clad in
leather (and sometimes little else) to celebrate the freedom of the open road.
·Las
Fallas in Valencia, SpainMarch 1-19 Enjoy a high-spirited fiesta in Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city.
The annual bash, held in commemoration of Saint Joseph, sees neighborhoods
transformed into lively parties over a boisterous five-day period.
·Holi
in IndiaMarch 2nd Celebrate Spring
with a dash of color. The annual Holi festival in India inspires revelers to
hit the streets, playfully throwing powdered colors on each other. Once your
clothes are doused with all sorts of hues, you’ll understand why this is called
a festival of colors.
·Patrick’s Day March 17thDon your friendliest green for St.
Patrick’s Day. Boston is the place to be, with the city’s official St.
Patrick’s Day Parade drawing anywhere from 600,000 to 1 million people every
year.
This film sits at a fascinating crossroads: von Stroheim’s icy precision, Duryea’s trademark wounded swagger, and Hughes’ deceptively bright charm. Mann is still early in his noir evolution, but the psychological shadows are already deep.
๐ Plot Summary
Set in the world of vaudeville touring acts, the story follows Flamarion, a disciplined, emotionally isolated sharpshooter whose act depends on absolute control — of his weapons, his timing, and the people around him.
His assistant Connie Wallace is dazzling, flirtatious, and hungry for escape. Her husband Al, also part of the act, is charming but alcoholic, unreliable, and increasingly in her way.
As the story unfolds:
Connie senses Flamarion’s loneliness and begins to draw him in.
Flamarion, who has lived a life of cold precision, experiences desire and vulnerability for the first time.
Connie manipulates him into believing that eliminating Al would free them both.
A staged “accident” during the act becomes the turning point — a moment of sin disguised as spectacle.
Connie abandons Flamarion once he has served her purpose, leaving him spiritually shattered.
The film circles back to a confessional frame: Flamarion recounting the story from a place of ruin, guilt, and clarity.
The film blends:
obsession
manipulation
moral blindness
the hunger for love
the cost of self‑deception
It’s a noir built not on shadows in alleys, but shadows in the human heart.
๐️ Moral & Spiritual Resonance
1. The Danger of Self‑Deception
Flamarion believes he is immune to human weakness — until he isn’t.
His downfall begins the moment he convinces himself that desire can coexist with moral compromise.
It’s the classic noir warning: the lie you tell yourself is the one that destroys you.
2. The False Light of the Femme Fatale
Connie is not simply wicked; she is the embodiment of a spiritual counterfeit — a promise of freedom that leads to bondage.
Her allure exposes the places where Flamarion’s heart was unguarded.
3. Confession as the Path Back to Truth
The film’s framing device — Flamarion recounting his story after the collapse — mirrors the sacramental rhythm: sin → consequence → clarity → confession.
His final honesty is the first moment of real freedom he’s ever known.
๐ท Hospitality Pairing
A noir like this calls for something intimate, shadowed, and emotionally honest — a meal that mirrors the film’s themes of illusion, desire, and revelation.
Meal
Dark mushroom ragout over buttered noodles — earthy, rich, and slightly smoky
Roasted beets with vinegar and herbs — a visual echo of blood and consequence
A small square of bittersweet chocolate — desire with an edge
Drink
A dry, tannic red (Cabernet or Syrah) — structured, brooding, uncompromising
Or a non‑alcoholic option: black tea with a twist of lemon — sharp, cleansing, clarifying
Symbolic Touch
Dim the lights and place a single object on the table — a metal utensil, polished and cold — a quiet nod to Flamarion’s gun, the instrument of both his pride and his downfall.
oRise and shine! Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel the adventures ahead. Whip up some toast, bacon, eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee – celebrate The Big Breakfast Day in style. As you savor each bite, consider the importance of protein in your diet. Pack a protein-packed snack for an on-the-go boost later in the day to honor National Protein Day.
oFeeling nostalgic? Throw it back with some retro tunes playing in the background. Dress in your favorite vintage outfit and groove to the music – Retro Day is all about embracing the past. Take a moment to appreciate the simpler times and maybe even challenge your friends to a retro-themed trivia game.
oIn the midst of the fun, don’t forget to indulge your taste buds with some delicious chili. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, National Chili Day is the perfect excuse to whip up a big pot and share with your loved ones. Pair it with a glass of Kahlua to toast to friendship and good times on National Kahlua Day.
oFeeling adventurous? Explore the outdoors and embark on a polar bear plunge to mark International Polar Bear Day. Embrace the cold water and revel in the refreshing feeling afterwards. As you dry off, why not whip up a batch of strawberry smoothies to celebrate National Strawberry Day? It’s a refreshing way to cap off your chilly adventure.
oAs the day winds down, wind up your creativity with a fun Pokemon-themed craft. Create your favorite Pokemon out of paper or clay to commemorate National Pokemon Day. Unleash your inner artist and let your imagination run wild.
oTo end the day on a sweet note, treat yourself to a warm slice of khachapuri, a traditional Georgian cheese bread, on Khachapuri Day. Indulge in this cheesy delight and savor the unique flavors.
oAnd there you have it – a jam-packed day celebrating a medley of weird national holidays. So go forth and make the most of these offbeat celebrations!
Nic’s Rich/Poor Tour
๐ Jordan
vs Sri Lanka
Crossroads of Covenant / Island of Resilience
Jordan and Sri Lanka sit at the very center of the world’s economic ladder — not wealthy, not destitute, but suspended between stability and struggle. Jordan is a desert kingdom shaped by covenant, hospitality, and the weight of biblical geography. Sri Lanka is a wounded island, recovering from crisis after crisis, yet carrying a deep spiritual resilience that refuses to die. Together they form the hinge of the global pilgrimage — the middle point where the world’s story turns.
๐ฏ๐ด Jordan — Stable, Pressured, and Historically Sacred
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$13,000–$14,000 (2024)
๐งฎ Why Jordan Sits at the Center
Resource‑poor but politically stable
Massive refugee burden from Syria, Iraq, and Palestine
Tourism anchored in sacred geography (Jordan River, Mount Nebo, Petra)
Strategic location between conflict zones
Economy balanced between aid, services, and remittances
✝️ Christian Landscape
Ancient roots: early desert monasticism, baptismal sites
Small minority: ~2–4% Christian
Catholic presence: Latin, Melkite, and Maronite communities
Interfaith coexistence: Christians as bridge‑builders
Pilgrimage: Bethany Beyond the Jordan
⚠️ Challenges
Water scarcity
Economic stagnation
Youth unemployment
Refugee pressure on parishes
๐ฟ Pilgrimage Cue
Jordan is a crossroads of covenant
— a land where God has spoken for millennia, and where the Church survives quietly through hospitality, memory, and steadfastness.
๐ฑ๐ฐ Sri Lanka — Wounded, Devout, and Spiritually Resilient
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$13,000–$14,000 (2024)
๐งฎ Why Sri Lanka Sits at the Center
Post‑crisis recovery after economic collapse
Tourism rebuilding
Agriculture and textiles anchor the economy
Ethnic and religious complexity
Large diaspora sending remittances
✝️ Catholic Landscape
~7% Catholic — unusually high for South Asia
Deep Marian devotion (Our Lady of Madhu)
Church as healer after civil war
Youthful parishes with strong devotional culture
Martyrdom: Easter 2019 bombings
⚠️ Challenges
Economic hardship
Political instability
Religious tensions
Migration draining young talent
๐ฟ Pilgrimage Cue
Sri Lanka is an island of resilience
— a Church that rises again and again, carrying wounds with dignity and turning suffering into intercession.
๐️ Editorial Reflection
Jordan and Sri Lanka form the hinge of the world’s story — the midpoint between wealth and poverty, comfort and crisis, memory and rebuilding.
Jordan is a crossroads of covenant — ancient, steady, and quietly faithful. Sri Lanka is an island of resilience — wounded, musical, and defiantly hopeful.
One preserves sacred memory. The other embodies sacred endurance. Both stand at the center of the global pilgrimage, reminding us that the middle of the world is not mediocrity but balance — the place where the extremes meet.
FEBRUARY 27 Friday of the
First Week of Lent-Ember Day
Moses’
use of the word fear here not in the
sense of “be terrified,” but rather “manifest reverence or awe.” Christ’s
mission of love was to move our hearts from reverence or awe of pure love: A
love in which the heart of the beloved longs to do good works secretly in
emulation of the God that is good to saint and sinner alike. Our church often
instructs us to increase in ourselves Faith, Hope and Charity.
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to
give and not to count the cost…to labor and not to ask for reward, except to
know that I am doing your will. (Saint Ignatius, Prayer for Generosity)
Lord, let me not fear
death with an empty fear, but
with a wise and holy fear. An empty fear does not make men any better, but a
wise and holy fear urges them to
improve their lives. I will prepare for death by trying today to please you
more and more in my thoughts, desires, words and actions. If I live this day as
You desire, I shall be ready at any moment, and death will be nothing worse
than Your loving call. Amen[1]
Copilot’s
Take
Lent
sharpens the soul by returning it to the things God has already shown us. What
Moses calls “fear” is really the discipline of remembering—holding fast to the
moments when God revealed Himself so clearly that they became anchors for a
lifetime. That kind of reverence steadies a man. It keeps his heart from
drifting into self‑reliance or forgetfulness, and it forms the quiet strength
that Christ later perfects: the strength to do good unseen, to love without
applause, to imitate the Father in the hidden places where holiness is actually
forged.
A day
like this—an Ember Day—presses that truth even deeper. It asks whether our
lives still reflect the God we claim to remember. Holy fear becomes the
interior posture that keeps us awake, honest, and ready. It is not dread but
clarity: the awareness that every thought, word, and action can be shaped
toward God if we choose it. When a man lives that way, death no longer
threatens him; it simply meets him as the moment when the One he has tried to
please finally calls him home.
BE
merciful, O Lord, to Thy people, and as Thou makest them devout to Thee,
mercifully refresh them with kind assistance.
EPISTLE.
Ezech. xviii. 20-28.
Thus,
saith the Lord God: The soul that sinneth, the same shall die: the son shall
not bear the iniquity of the father, and the father shall not bear the iniquity
of the son: the justice of the just shall be upon him and the wickedness of the
wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked do penance for all his sins, which
he hath committed, and keep all My commandments, and do judgment and justice,
living he shall live, and shall not die. I will not remember all his iniquities
that he hath done in his justice which he hath wrought, he shall live. Is it My
will that a sinner should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should be
converted from his ways, and live?
But
if the just man turn himself away from his justice, and do iniquity according
to all the abominations which the wicked man useth to work, shall he live? all
his justices which he had done, shall not be remembered: in the prevarication,
by which he hath prevaricated, and in his sin, which he hath committed, in them
he shall die. And you have said: The way of the Lord is not right. Hear ye,
therefore, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is not right, and are not
rather your ways perverse?
For
when the just turneth himself away from his justice, and committeth iniquity,
lie shall die therein: in the injustice that he hath wrought he shall die. And
when the wicked turneth himself away from his wickedness, which he hath
wrought, and doeth judgment and justice: he shall save his soul alive. Because
he considereth and turneth away himself from all his iniquities which he hath
wrought, he shall surely live, and not die, saith the Lord Almighty.
GOSPEL.
John v. 1-15.
At
that time there was a festival-day of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Now there is at Jerusalem a pond, called Probatica, which in Hebrew is named
Bethsaida, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick, of
blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water. And an angel
of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond: and the water was moved.
And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water, was
made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under. And there was a certain man
there, that had been eight-and-thirty years under his infirmity. Him when Jesus
had seen lying, and knew that he had been now a long time, He saith to him:
Wilt thou be made whole? The infirm man answered Him: Sir, I have no man, when
the water is troubled, to put me into the pond. For whilst I am coming, another
goeth down before me. Jesus saith to him: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. And
immediately the man was made whole: and he took up his bed and walked. And it
was the Sabbath that day. The Jews therefore said to him that was healed: It is
the Sabbath, it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed. He answered them: He
that made me whole, He said to me: Take up thy bed, and walk. They asked him
therefore: Who is that man who said to thee: Take up thy bed, and walk? But he
who was healed, knew not who it was. For Jesus went aside from the multitude
standing in the place. Afterwards Jesus findeth him in the temple, and saith to
him: Behold thou art made whole: sin no more, lest some worse thing happen to
thee. The man went his way and told the Jews that it was Jesus Who had made him
whole.
Have you ever heard about
the Ember days, observed for most of the history of the Church prior to the
late 20th century? If you haven’t, don’t feel bad. Like many traditional
practices in the Church laden with deep meaning, Ember days have been chucked down
the Catholic memory hole. But fear not! This is why God created the Internet:
so, we can find all the neat things about Catholicism that are worth
knowing and sharing.
Four times a year, the
Church sets aside three days to focus on God through His marvelous creation.
These quarterly periods take place around the beginnings of the four natural
seasons that “like some virgins dancing in a circle, succeed one another with
the happiest harmony,” as St. John Chrysostom wrote. These four times are each
kept on a successive Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and are known as “Ember
Days,” or Quatuor Tempora, in Latin. The first of these four
times comes in Winter, after the the Feast of St. Lucy; the second comes in Spring, the week after Ash Wednesday;
the third comes in Summer, after Pentecost Sunday; and the last comes in Autumn,
after Holy Cross Day.
The Ember days are true
Catholic tradition dating actually dating back to the Apostles, (Pope Leo The
Great claims it was instituted by the Apostles). Pope Callistus (217-222)
in the “Liber Pontificalis” has laws ordering all to observe a fast three times
a year to counteract the hedonistic and pagan Roman rites praying for:
By the time of Pope
Gelasius, (492-496), he already writes about there being four times a years,
including Spring. He also permitted the conferring of priesthood and
deaconship on the Saturdays of Ember week. This practice was mostly
celebrated around Rome, from Pope Gelasius’ time, they began to spread
throughout the Church. St. Augustin brought them to England and the
Carolingians into Gaul and Germany. In the eleventh century, Spain
adopted them. It was not until Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) that these Ember
days were prescribed for the whole Catholic Church as days of fast and
abstinence. He placed these “four mini-Lents” consisting of three days;
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
The purposes of these
“mini-Lents” were to pray, fast and to thank God for the gifts He gives us
through nature.
They follow the four seasons of the year with the beauty and uniqueness
of each particular season. They are here for us to teach us to use, with
moderation, what God gives us through nature, and to also share these gifts
with the poor.
So,
what does this mean for you?
Well,
because of the changes in Church law, not a whole lot. At least not officially.
The mandatory observation of Ember days was excised from Church practice during
the pontificate of Pope Paul VI. But as a voluntary practice,
there is much that is salutary in observing the Ember days of the Church.
I don’t know about you,
but as a typically indulgent American, I’ve never been very good at fasting.
Lately, I’ve noticed more and more people are advocating fasting as a
countermeasure in today’s troubling times. This is the first year I will be
observing these fasts, and I’ve got to tell you, I’m already pretty
famished and a bit punchy. But the way I see it, there’s no point in
continuing to put off the inevitable penance that I’m going to have to do for
being a big, fat sinner. To say nothing about making reparations for the
increasingly hostile darkness of a world steeped in its own sins. Fasting isn’t
going to get easier at some point in the future when I get “holier.” In fact,
I’m guessing the latter isn’t going to happen until I master the former. I
don’t think there’s ever been a time where fasting and penance are more needed
than right this moment. We can’t rely on others to do it for us. Gotta
cowboy up and put our mortification where our mouth is. What do you say?Who will be
hungry with me?!
Lent is the
penitential season of approximately 40 days set aside by the Church in order
for the faithful to prepare for the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Death
and Resurrection. During this holy season, inextricably connected to the
Paschal Mystery, the Catechumens prepare for Christian initiation, and current
Church members prepare for Easter by a recalling of Baptism and by works of
penance, that is, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Even in the early
Church, Lent was the season for prayerful and penitential preparation for the
feast of Easter. Though the obligation of penance was originally only imposed
on those who had committed public sins and crimes, by medieval times all the
faithful voluntarily performed acts of penance to repair for their sins.
Ash Wednesday is
the clarion call to “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mk 1:15). For the next
forty days, the faithful willingly submit to fasting and self-denial in
imitation of Our Lord’s forty-day fast in the desert. It is in these dark and
still nights, these desert-times, that the soul experiences its greatest
growth. There, in the inner arena, the soul battles the world, the flesh and
the devil just as Our Lord battled Satan's triple temptation in the desert. His
battle was external, for Jesus could not sin; our battle is interior, but with
a hope sustained by the knowledge of Christ’s Easter victory over sin and
death.
His victory is
our renewal, our “spring” — which is the meaning of the Anglo-Saxon word,
“lengten” or Lent. In this penitential season we have the opportunity to make
an annual spiritual “tune-up”, a 40-day retreat with Our Lord. Have we allowed
worldly cares and the “daily drama” to obscure our call to holiness? Have
self-love and materialism eroded our relationship with God? Then let us renew
our efforts, and through our Lenten observance, discipline the body and master
it as we “follow in the footsteps of the poor and crucified Christ” (St.
Francis of Assisi). Activity
Source: Original Text (JGM & MG) by Jennifer Gregory Miller and Margaret
Gregory
Part and parcel of the breakdown of
a family begins when the family no longer shares a communal meal. The strongest
families are those who meet daily for the breaking of the bread and have an
established time of the day when everyone is expected to eat together whether
that meal is a breakfast, lunch or supper. When we “say grace” before (or
after) our meals, we transform our family or lone meals into “sacraments” of
God’s banquet. A meal shared in this manner is shared with God himself. In this
way every meal, then, is a celebration of God’s creation and his providence.
Traditional Grace before meals
“Bless
us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy
bounty. Through Christ, our Lord, Amen
There are many and varied
ways in which sin and evil are presented to us in an attractive way.
Freeing My Own Self from the Power of Evil
·Through
his passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus has broken the power of the Evil
One. When the influence of evil is perceived in one's own life, it most
frequently comes about from personal sin. Family members suffer because of the
sin of an individual member of the family. It is through the sacred power that
the Lord has placed in his Church that the evil of sin is conquered.
·Through
medicine, psychology and other human means, suffering can often be alleviated.
But Jesus in his Church, has given us basic helps that are often neglected.
·In
our day the Sacrament of Reconciliation has fallen into disuse. There exists a
power in this sacrament to break the power of the Evil One and sin that is not
possible otherwise.
·Our
faith in the Eucharist is weakened. In this sacrament is the power and presence
of Jesus Himself. Persons who have actually needed exorcism from the power of
the Evil One have been cured by sitting in church in the presence of the
Blessed Sacrament, an hour each day, for one or two months. These were very
difficult cases.
·Our
Blessed Mother has been designated by God as the one who crushes the head of
the serpent (Gen. 3:1s). The Rosary is a very powerful means of protection and
salvation. Many sons and daughters have been saved from the power of sin and
the loss of faith through the perseverance of their parents in saying the Holy
Rosary.
We
are composed of body and soul, “every part of the body is an expressive
instrument of the soul. The soul does not inhabit the body as a man inhabits a
house, it lives and works in each member, each fiber, and reveals itself in the
body’s every line, contour and movement.” Our bodies communicate respect or
contempt. By our gestures and the way, we comport ourselves we confirm his
presence. We are “ensouled” bodies as much as we are embodied souls. We should
always move as the Church directs us: sit, stand, bow, kneel, strike the
breast, make the Sign of the Cross, all in due time. The scriptures speak of
several postures of prayer: 1) Standing 2) Kneeling 3) bowing 4) prostrating.
Standing gives the expression to the
prayers of our heart. Standing is a sign of vigilance and action acknowledging
that we are the warriors of God, as a soldier on duty. A Knight always stood in
the presence of the King or Judge. Standing was a sign of deference and trust.
We acknowledge that none of our weapons or self-defenses can repel Him for He
alone is all powerful and all knowing. We are vulnerable in His presence.
Military officers know that comportment has serious consequences. Soldiers tend
to live up, or down to the way they carry themselves. That’s why there are
strict rules about how a soldier should stand when at attention. Bad posture is
bad for the spine and communicates disrespect for us and others. Standing
expresses the filial liberty given us by the risen Christ, who has freed us
from the slavery to sin.
Bowing or
genuflecting is an
act of showing recognition of our God. It is adoration. In bowing or
genuflecting we show our faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the
sacrament of the altar. To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Kneeling is the prayer posture of mothers,
rulers, lepers, and Jesus himself. Kneeling is the side of worship that is at
rest and is quiet; “I bow my knees before the Father”. (Eph. 3:14) Kneeling
expresses the recognition of our humility before the Almighty Lord (Phil 2:10).
Kneeling is associated with reverence, submission and obeisance. Kneeling
renders a person defenseless and unable to flee and shows a trust in a power
beyond the merely human.
Sitting-We spend a lot of time in church
sitting; by this position we show our receptiveness and our willingness to
listen and take the Word of God.
In prostration a person lies face down upon the
ground. We are connected to the earth from which we came. Prostrations are
reserved for most solemn moments, such as the ordination of a bishop or priest.
Remember our Lord prostrated Himself in the garden of Gethsemane. The posture
indicates the candidate’s inadequacy for the task to which he has been called.
Recall our Lord asking the Father to take to cup…but not my will but thine. Our
body expresses self-emptying.
Stations of the Cross and Soup Supper
Using red lentils can
remind us of the martyrdom of St. Polycarp or any other martyr.
Catholic Recipe: Red Lentil Soup
INGREDIENTS
1
1/2 c red lentils
8
c Meat stock
2
md Size onions
2
tb Butter
1/2
tb Flour
1
c Milk
3
Egg yolks
1
tb Salt
1/2
ts Black pepper
6
Slices of bread
2
tb Oil
Origin: Turkey
DIRECTIONS
1- Wash the lentils. Put
them in meat stock and 1 cup of water. Cook for 35-40 minutes until they are
tender. Pass them through a sieve.
2- Melt the butter in
another saucepan. Add chopped onions and fry them lightly for 7-8 minutes. Add
flour. Brown for 1 minute more. Add them to the meat stock with the lentil
puree. Add salt and pepper and let simmer.
3- Beat the egg yolks with
cold milk. Add to the boiling soup mix well. Turn the heat off as soon as it
starts boiling. Serve with bread cubes fried in oil.
Recognizing
that God the Father created man on Friday the 6th day I propose in
this blog to have an entry that shares on how to recreate and renew yourself in
strength, mind, soul and heart.
Being a catholic during the
Carnival season does not mean you cannot has fun but it also requires that you
use prudence and reason-maintain your backbone.
Your
Posture says a lot about you-stand tall have an erect bearing.
FM 20-21: War
Department Field Manual, 1946
Posture Training
GENERAL
PRINCIPLES OF
POSTURE TRAINING. There is no one “best posture” for all men because the
physical architecture of individuals differs according to the bony structure
they inherit. Therefore, to develop the best posture for each member of any
given group certain general principles must be applied intelligently to the
group as a whole as well as to each man. These principles are:
To teach the characteristics of good posture.
b. To provide an opportunity to “feel” or practice good posture.
c. To have the men practice proper posture until it feels more comfortable than
poor posture.
d. To motivate the men to acquire it as a habit.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF GOOD POSTURE. The first step in posture training is to teach what
good posture is. Many men have a misconception as to what constitutes good
posture. For example, they arch the lower back, thrust out the chest and
retract the shoulders in an exaggerated manner, or they spring their knees
backward. The characteristics of good posture are head balanced and erect,
chest held high without tension, abdomen flat, shoulders back and relaxed,
lower back only slightly curved, and knees straight but not stiff. Instructors
should explain and demonstrate the position of the various parts of the body in
proper posture.
TRAINING FOR GOOD
POSTURE. The men must be provided with opportunities to feel and
to practice good posture. Many individuals feel more natural while maintaining
a bad posture. Certain muscle groups must have special training to maintain
good posture without undue fatigue. The exercises below will provide this
training. The emphasis upon proper posture must not be confined to physical
training periods only. A good military bearing must be insisted upon until the
men assume it from habit.
MOTIVATING GOOD
POSTURE. Regardless of the amount of exercise and instruction
they get; men habitually assume good posture only if they want to.
That is why motivation is so important.
At the beginning,
a short talk should be given, illustrated if possible, on reasons for
cultivating good posture. Good posture has many values for the soldier. First,
a soldier is often judged by his appearance – the man with good posture looks
like a soldier, he commands attention. Secondly, it is an accepted
psychological fact that good posture is associated with good morale – a man
with a good posture feels better and is more positive. A man with poor posture
cannot feel as positive, consequently he may develop a negative and discouraged
attitude. Thirdly, good posture permits the body to function most efficiently.
This is because the opposing muscle groups balance, thus maintaining the bony
structure in a balanced position. The correct bony alignment provides for the
correct positions of the internal organs. The correct positions of the organs
assist them in the performance of their various functions. Less strain and
tension is placed upon bones, muscles, ligaments and organs.
The instructors
should always be excellent examples of good posture. They must be enthusiastic
about it and “sell it” to the men. Men with excellent posture should be
complimented. They should be reminded when they exhibit poor posture. This
should be done without nagging, and with humor, if possible.
Visual aids
should be utilized. A few pictures of good posture and a few signs at familiar
places will remind the men to emphasize good posture. These help to motivate
many of the men.
Posture judgments
help to motivate the men. The four posture silhouettes above are highly valid
standards by which to make such judgments. It takes a few minutes to judge 100
men, especially if they are inspected in small groups. They should also be judged
occasionally when off guard. Announcing the platoon with the best average
posture may stimulate friendly rivalry.
POSTURAL
EXERCISES
GENERAL. The ten
exercises below are designed to develop the postural muscles. All of these
exercises have SLOW CADENCE and two-count movements. They are especially
valuable for use in the “strength
course.”
EXERCISE 1
Starting
Position. Attention. Movement:
Swing arms forward and upward to full stretch overhead and at
the same time rise high on toes.
Swing arms sideward and downward slowly and press back hard.
At the same time retract chin and let heels drop to the ground. Avoid an
exaggerated arch in lower back.
EXERCISE 2
Starting
Position. Trunk leaning forward about 60°, arms hanging downward
loosely from shoulders. Movement:
Swing arms sideward and backward vigorously, retracting chin
forcefully and flattening upper back. Hold this position momentarily.
Recover to starting position.
EXERCISE 3
Starting
Position. Standing, fingertips touching shoulders, arms in front
of chest, and elbows downward. Movement:
Move upper arms outward and backward, with elbows hugging sides. Hold
the position a full second while trying to force arms further around and back.
At same time, retract head and attempt to stretch upward.
Recover to starting position.
EXERCISE 4
Starting
Position. Kneeling on the mat, trunk bent sharply forward, hands
behind head. Movement:
Still leaning forward, straighten upper back and press elbows and head
backward. At the same time pull in chin.
Recover to starting position.
EXERCISE 5
Starting
Position. Sitting on the floor, knees raised, trunk bent forward,
and arms stretched forward. Movement:
Still leaning forward, swing arms upward and backward. At the
same time pull in chin.
Recover to starting position.
EXERCISE 6
Starting
Position. Lying face down on the floor, with elbows at sides and
fingertips on shoulders. Movement:
Rotate arms
outward and pull elbows in hard to sides. At the same time pull in chin and
lift head about 6 inches from the floor. Hold this position a full second.
Recover to
starting position.
EXERCISE 7
Starting
Position. Bending forward about 45°, elbows horizontally sideward
from shoulders, forearms bent forward, palms down, thumbs just in front of
shoulders. Movement:
Straighten elbows
and swing arms slowly but hard sideward and backward. At the same time retract
head.
Make small
circles about a foot in diameter, elbows circling upward and backward. Press
arms backward and retract head. Movement is slow.
(2) After completing sufficient repetitions, recover to starting position.
Make small
circles about a foot in diameter, hands circling upward and backward. Press
arms backward and retract head. Movement is slow.
After completing
sufficient repetitions, recover to starting position.
EXERCISE 10
Starting
Position. Arms overhead. Movement:
Pull arms slowly
downward until fists are beside shoulders. Pull as though chinning.
Recover to
starting position.
Bible in a
year Day 240 Remaining
Humble
Fr. Mike touches on Proverbs 16:3, which is about
giving everything in our lives to the service of the Lord. He also emphasizes
how important it is to humble ourselves before the Lord, so to avoid becoming
like the false prophets Jeremiah talks about today. Today's readings are
Jeremiah 23, Daniel 4-5, and Proverbs 16:1-4.
[7] Hahn, Scott, Signs of Life; 40 Catholic Customs
and their biblical roots. Chap. 10. Posture.
Sundown (1941) — Overview
๐ฌ Basic Film Details
Director: Henry Hathaway
Studio: United Artists
Genre: Wartime adventure / espionage drama
Runtime: ~90 minutes
Stars:
Gene Tierney as Zia
Bruce Cabot as Bill Crawford
George Sanders as Major Coombes
Harry Carey as Dewey
This was early in Gene Tierney’s career—just before Laura (1944) would make her iconic. Here she’s luminous, mysterious, and commanding in a role that mixes exoticism with moral gravity.
Set in British East Africa during WWII, the story centers on a remote outpost where British officers discover that Nazi agents are smuggling arms to local tribes, hoping to stir rebellion and destabilize the region.
Into this tense environment steps Zia (Gene Tierney)—a striking, enigmatic woman of mixed heritage who seems to know more about the arms trade than she initially reveals. Her loyalties are unclear, and her presence unsettles both the officers and the local political balance.
As the plot unfolds:
Zia’s past is revealed to be deeply tied to the region’s tribal politics.
The British officers—especially Bruce Cabot and George Sanders—struggle to discern friend from foe.
A climactic confrontation exposes the Nazi plot and forces Zia to make a sacrificial, identity‑defining choice.
The film blends:
espionage
colonial tension
wartime urgency
personal redemption
It’s atmospheric, morally layered, and visually striking—especially the desert cinematography.
๐️ Moral & Spiritual Resonance
1. Identity and Truth
Zia’s struggle with her heritage mirrors the human struggle to reconcile past, present, and calling. Her eventual clarity becomes a kind of conversion moment—choosing truth over survival.
2. Courage in the Shadows
Much of the film’s drama happens in hidden motives and quiet decisions. It’s a reminder that moral courage often happens long before the battle begins.
3. Light in the Desert
The desert setting becomes symbolic: barren, exposed, purifying. Characters are stripped down to their essentials. It’s a Lenten landscape—testing, revealing, refining.
๐ท Hospitality Pairing
Given the film’s setting and tone, here’s a pairing that fits your ritual‑hospitality framework:
Meal
North African–inspired lentil stew with warm spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon)
Flatbread brushed with olive oil
Dates or dried apricots for a simple, desert‑evocative sweetness
Drink
A dry red with earthy notes—something that feels sun‑baked and grounded
Or, for a non‑alcoholic option: mint tea, served hot, simple, and cleansing
Symbolic Touch
A single candle in a darkened room—echoing the film’s theme of light in a hostile landscape.
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