ICEMANforChrist

This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. 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. By “the power of the Holy Spirit” we can be witnesses and “communicators” of a new and redeemed humanity “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7 8). This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.

Exorcist Says - These are the Most Powerful Sacramentals

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Dara’s Corner-Know and follow the beatitudes of Christ.

Bucket List Trip: “The World” next port of call: Malaga, Spain
Foodie- 10 Best Typical Foods from Malaga
Spirit Hour: Arise my Love Cocktail

o How to celebrate Aug 20th

o Wake up to the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon. Embrace the day by indulging in a hearty bacon-infused breakfast. Crispy bacon strips, fluffy scrambled eggs with bacon bits, and a side of bacon-wrapped dates make for a delectable start.

o Protect yourself from pesky mosquitoes by whipping up a DIY mosquito repellent spray. Mix water, witch hazel, and a few drops of essential oils like citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus. Apply liberally before venturing outdoors to keep those buzzing bugs at bay.

o Savor the controversial yet irresistible Hawaiian pizza. Customize your own version with tangy pineapple, savory Canadian bacon, and gooey mozzarella. Whether you’re a purist or an adventurous foodie, give this polarizing pie a try.

o Tune in to your favorite radio station or create a personalized playlist. Dance around your living room, belt out your favorite tunes, or discover new music genres. Let the music transport you to another world of melodies and rhythms.

o Cap off the day with a slice of decadent chocolate pecan pie. Whether store-bought or homemade, this rich dessert is a fitting finale to a day filled with unique celebrations. Share a slice with loved ones or savor it all to yourself, embracing the sweet moments that life offers.

· 30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 6th ROSE: The Extraordinary Preacher, St Louis de Montfort, on the Rosary

o 30 Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger

§ European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaéum)

· MEDICINAL PLANTS Day 6 EYE DISEASES-Revealed by Heaven to Luz De María

· EUPHRASIA Anti-inflammatory, decongestant and eye reliever. Antibacterial and to treat conjunctivitis and sty. Euphrasia has ophthalmic properties:

· A disease is coming that will attack the eyes; for this, use the plant known as Euphrasia. Blessed Virgin Mary, 05.24.2017

AUGUST 20 Wednesday-Saint Bernard, Doctor of the Church

Luke, Chapter 23, Verse 40

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no FEAR of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?

This verse refers to the story of the good thief.

Theophilus of Alexandria: 'Crucifixion and the Good Thief'.[1]

The sun of righteousness appeared in the east and gave light to those who were in the darkness and in the shadow of death (Lk. 1:79) ...The powerful lion sprang up out of the wood; all the wild beasts hid in their dens…This, if you like, is the way of Our Lord Jesus Christ, when he saw the real enemy of the whole human race, who is the devil. For the devil invaded the whole earth, and afflicted everyone with many kinds of sins, which he spreads with these great scourges, namely, idolatry, robbery, vanity, fornication, theft, murder, slander, licentiousness, envy, hatred, contempt, anger, sorcery, pollution, fraud, arrogance, perjury, falsehood, corruption, prostitution, deceit and whatever is similar in them. These are the traps which the devil set for humanity, until he brought it to perdition and dispersed it. Well now. Let us consider in what way Christ the king made war against the devil until he released our souls from him and set them free. Let us begin, then, to penetrate the great treasure house full of the fruits of life.

· This is the great holy mystery of the wood of the cross, on which the True God, Jesus Christ, mounted out of love. When he descended into this world, he came to the people of Israel and preached to them saying: 'Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' (Mt. 4:17)

· But they paid no heed to his holy counsels. After this he performed all the signs of his divinity in their presence, miracles without number. He made the blind see, the lame walk and the deaf hear. He healed lepers. He brought the dead back to life. He drove out demons. He made paralytics stand on their feet and forgave their sins. He made tax gatherers repent. He straightened vainglorious hands. He evangelized the poor. He remitted the sins of adulteresses and purified them with his divinity, restoring them to a virginal state. It was because an adulterous woman was made worthy of this great grace that her hands anointed the feet of him who had created her. (Lk. 7 37-8) From the moment she participated in the purity of his divinity, the voice of God came to her. 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.' (Lk. 7:50)

· In spite of all these things accomplished by him in their presence, they did not give him credence, but seized him and delivered him to be crucified. Having brought him into the court of the High Priest, they treated him with contempt rather than honor. Then the word of scripture was fulfilled. They brought evils upon me instead of blessings, and hatred instead of my love.' (Ps. 108:5)

· What then are the evils which the people he created, the people who killed him, did to him? They are terrible to describe or to hear. My tongue trembles, my eye weeps, my spirit groans, my soul is distressed to utter them. It is God that they have seized, the Lord that they have bound. They have pierced with nails the hands of them who created them. They slapped the face of their Lord. They beat his head with their fists. They placed a crown of thorns on his head. They dressed him in a purple cloak. They gave him vinegar and gall. On this day they did all these things to him. They crucified him with two thieves. One of them, who was unworthy of the division of his divinity, said to the Lord, deriding him: 'If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.' (Lk 23:39).

· The other replied rebuking him with indignation: 'Do you not fear God? We are receiving the reward of our sins which we have committed, but this man has done nothing wrong.' And he said, 'Jesus. remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And Jesus said to him with great joy: 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.' The gate of Paradise has been closed since the time when Adam transgressed, but I will open it today, and receive you in it. Because you have recognized the nobility of my head on the cross, you who have shared with me in the suffering of the cross will be my companion in the joy of my kingdom. You have glorified me in the presence of carnal men, in the presence of sinners. I will therefore glorify you in the presence of the angels. You were fixed with me on the cross, and you united yourself with me of your own free will. I will therefore love you, and my Father will love you, and the angels will serve you with my holy food. If you used once to be a companion of murderers, behold, I who am the life of all have now made you a companion with me. You used once to walk in the night with the sons of darkness; behold I who am the light of the whole world have now made you walk with me. You used once to take counsel with murderers; behold, I who am the Creator have made you a companion with me. 'All these things I will pardon you because you have confessed my divinity in the presence of those who have denied me. For they saw all the signs which I performed, but did not believe in me. You, then, a rapacious robber, a murderer, a brigand, a swindler, a plunderer have confessed that I am God. That is why I have pardoned your many sins, because you have loved much (Lk. 7:47). I will make you a citizen of Paradise. I will wash your body so that it will not see corruption before I resurrect it with me on the third day and take you up with me. The other who has denied me will see you enveloped in glory, but he will be enveloped in pain and same. He will see you surrounded by light, but he will be surrounded by darkness. He will see you in a state of joy and happiness, but he will be in a state of weeping and groaning. He will see you enjoying ease and benediction, but he will be suffering oppression and malediction. He will see you refreshed by the angels, but he will be troubled by the powers of darkness. And in the midst of intense cold the worm that never rests will consume him. Not only did he not confess me, but after having denied me he reviled me. 'For this reason all will receive according to their works. For as I have already said to them explicitly and in public: Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.' (Mt. 10:32-3).

So now, brethren, what torment the man who denied the Lord brought upon himself? We should therefore watch over ourselves that we should not be led astray, that for the sake of things of this life, we should not be made strangers to him who has created us. Perhaps there is someone today who is denying God for the sake of riches because the love of money closes the eyes of those who are given to it. Such a person takes the part of Judas, He has sold the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. It is therefore good for us to direct our concerns towards the Lord since it is he who takes care of us. Let us now turn to the goal proposed to us by the cross. For the ladder which Jacob contemplated that was fixed to the ground and reached up to heaven on which the angel of the Lord ascended and descended (Gen. 28:12), is Our Lord Jesus Christ raised up on the wood of the cross.

Copilot-what does the Robot say:

This text is a profound meditation on divine mercy, justice, and the mystery of redemption through the cross. It beautifully expands on Luke 23:40, where the penitent thief rebukes the other and acknowledges Christ’s innocence and divinity:

“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence?’” — Luke 23:40, NIV

✝️ Theophilus’ Vision: Mercy Revealed on the Cross

Theophilus paints the crucifixion not merely as a moment of suffering, but as a cosmic battle between Christ and the devil—a war waged to liberate humanity from sin’s grip. His homily emphasizes:

Christ as the Light and Lion: Emerging from the east, Christ dispels darkness and confronts the devil, who has ensnared humanity in a web of sin.
The Cross as Ladder to Heaven: Echoing Jacob’s vision (Gen. 28:12), Theophilus sees the cross as the divine bridge between earth and heaven.
The Good Thief’s Redemption: In contrast to the mocking thief, the penitent one confesses Christ’s divinity and receives the promise of Paradise. His transformation—from criminal to companion of Christ—is a testament to grace.

You can read the full homily on Talmido or explore its background on Wikipedia.

🕊️ Reflection for Today

Theophilus’ message is timeless: even in the final moments of life, recognition of Christ and sincere repentance can open the gates of Paradise. The good thief becomes a symbol of hope for all who feel lost or unworthy.

His words also challenge us to examine our own lives:

Are we confessing Christ in the presence of others?
Are we resisting the temptations that blind us—like greed, pride, or contempt?
Are we climbing the ladder of the cross toward heaven, or clinging to the things of this world?

Bernard of Clairvaux[2]

Bernard, the second founder of the Cistercians, the Mellifluous Doctor, the apostle of the Crusades, the miracle-worker, the reconciler of kings, the leader of peoples, the counselor of popes! His sermons, from which there are many excerpts in the Breviary, are conspicuous for genuine emotion and spiritual unction. The celebrated Memorare is ascribed to him. Bernard was born in 1090, the third son of an illustrious Burgundian family. At the age of twenty-two he entered the monastery of Citeaux (where the Cistercian Order had its beginning) and persuaded thirty other youths of noble rank to follow his example. Made abbot of Clairvaux (1115), he erected numerous abbeys where his spirit flourished. To his disciple, Bernard of Pisa, who later became Pope Eugene III, he dedicated his work De Consideratione. Bernard's influence upon the princes, the clergy, and the people of his age was most remarkable. By penitential practices he so exhausted his body that it could hardly sustain his soul, ever eager to praise and honor God.

Patron: beekeepers; bees; candlemakers; chandlers; wax-melters; wax refiners; Gibraltar; Queens College, Cambridge.

Things to Do

· Because St. Bernard is the patron of candlemakers, a great project would be to learn how to make candles. Candles 101 discusses in brief about making homemade candles, rolled, dipped and molded. Practicing making candles now will help in preparing to make a family Christ Candle for Advent and Paschal Candle for Easter.

· From the Catholic Culture library: Preaching Conversion Through The Beatitudes: Bernard Of Clairvaux's Ad Clericos De Conversione and Pope Pius XII On St. Bernard Of Clairvaux, The Last Of The Fathers.

· Though of a rich and noble family St. Bernard continually asked the question: "For what purpose are you on earth?" Spend some time today in front of the Blessed Sacrament and ask yourself this question.

· This site — complete with words and midi files — features hymns written by St. Bernard.

· When you fall into sin ask for help of Christ via His “Shoulder Wound”.

· Learn more about the Cistercian Order founded by St. Bernard.

· Read more about the life of St. Bernard.

· St. Bernard of Clairvaux Dijon Chicken

Bible in a Year Day 64 Consequences of Sin

Fr. Mike explains why God would give the Israelites such drastic consequences for their sin, and how it reveals his divine plan and infinite mercy. Today's readings are Numbers 15, Deuteronomy 13-14, and Psalm 96.

Every Wednesday is Dedicated to St. Joseph

The Italian culture has always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass. You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make the day special.

· Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph

· Do the St. Joseph Universal Man Plan.

· Total Consecration to St. Joseph Day 9

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Reparations for offenses and blasphemies against God and the Blessed Virgin Mary

· Religion in the Home for Preschool: August

· Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary

📖 Introduction to Acts: A Catholic Perspective

The Acts of the Apostles, written by St. Luke, is a continuation of his Gospel and serves as a bridge between the life of Christ and the life of the Church. It chronicles the birth and expansion of the early Christian community, empowered by the Holy Spirit and led by apostles like Peter and Paul.

From a Catholic viewpoint, Acts is not merely historical—it’s theological and pastoral. It reveals how the Church, under divine guidance, confronts fear, persecution, and uncertainty with faith, courage, and communal strength.

😨 Lessons of Fear in Acts: Catholic Reflections

Fear in Acts is not condemned—it’s transformed. Here are key episodes and their spiritual lessons:

1. Pentecost and the Fear of Speaking Truth (Acts 2)

Context: The apostles, once timid and hiding, are emboldened by the Holy Spirit.

Lesson: Fear is overcome through divine empowerment. Catholics see Pentecost as the birth of the Church and a reminder that the Spirit gives courage to witness truth.

2. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)

Context: This couple lies about their offering and dies suddenly.

Lesson: Holy fear—a reverent awe of God—is essential. This passage teaches that deceit within the Church community has spiritual consequences. It's a call to integrity and reverence.

3. Persecution of the Apostles (Acts 4–5)

Context: Peter and John are arrested and threatened.

Lesson: Fear of worldly power is secondary to fear of God. Catholics are reminded that suffering for faith is a form of participation in Christ’s passion.

4. Stephen’s Martyrdom (Acts 6–7)

Context: Stephen preaches boldly and is stoned to death.

Lesson: Fear of death is transcended by hope in eternal life. His final words mirror Christ’s forgiveness, showing that love casts out fear.

5. Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9)

· Context: Saul is struck blind and terrified on the road to Damascus.

o Lesson: Fear can be the beginning of transformation. Catholics see Saul’s fear as the gateway to grace—his blindness leads to spiritual sight.

🙏 Catholic Themes on Fear in Acts

Holy Fear vs. Worldly Fear: Holy fear is a gift of the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2) and leads to wisdom. Worldly fear, when unchecked, leads to denial or betrayal.

Communal Support: The early Church faced fear together—through prayer, Eucharist, and shared possessions. This models Catholic parish life.

Martyrdom and Witness: Fear is not avoided but embraced as part of the Christian journey. Saints and martyrs echo the courage of Acts.

[1]http://www.christianforums.com/threads/homily-of-theophilus-of-alexandria-the-crucifixion-and-the-good-thief.7455640/

[2]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-08-20

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Friday September 15, we will enter into the ancient tradition of St. Michael’s Lent — forty days of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity, echoing the example of St. Francis of Assisi and his companions.

The Church has always understood such seasons as a time of spiritual sharpening: to break from distractions, to cultivate virtue, and to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ.

As Friday quickly approaches, here are five concrete ways to prepare for St. Michael's Lent:

Go to Confession – Reconciliation restores the soul and clears the way for grace.
Spend an extra 30 minutes in adoration this week – In the stillness before the Eucharistic Lord, we learn to hear His voice. What is He asking of you?
Prepare your “why” – Discern a particular intention(s) you will offer up in prayer and sacrifice. You will be recalling this intention throughout St. Michael's Lent.
Choose a worthy book – As you step away from the noise of media, feed your mind with truth, goodness, and beauty. Dust off a book or two from the bookshelf and make a daily reading schedule.
Ask the Lord to place someone on your heart – Seek out the man who needs fraternity and ask our Lord to open the doors for you to invite him to join you.

Candace’s Corner

· 10 coolest summer getaways in Arizona: Mountains, lakes and a chilly cave trek

· Foodie: Catholic Recipe: Wayside Inn Pie

o National Potato Day

§ National Soft Ice Cream Day maybe you’ll Joe Biden

· St. Anthony Novena 10-on thirteen consecutive Tuesdays.

· Pray Day 3 of the Novena for our Pope and Bishops

· Spirit Hour: 12 Refreshing August Cocktails

· Cultivate intelligent foresight in yourself

· Bucket List: Vineyard World Tour:

o Coeur de Terre

§ Willamette Valley

· "Faith cannot save without virtue"

· Matthew Perry’s Birth 1969

· How to celebrate Aug 19th

o In the afternoon, take to the skies in honor of National Aviation Day. Visit a nearby aviation museum to explore the history of flight or simply spend some time watching airplanes take off and land at a local airport. Feel the thrill of adventure and discovery as you immerse yourself in the world of aviation.

· 30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 5^th ROSE: Two Powerful Armors from Mother Mary, the Rosary and the Scapular

o 30 Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger

§ Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis L.)

· Comfrey Salve: Herbal Recipe

· MEDICINAL PLANTS Day 5 Nervous System-Revealed by Heaven to Luz De María

o Protects the brain from senile dementia, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Cognitive benefits, improved thinking, and memory. Regulates hypertension, asthma, depression, vertigo, and atherosclerosis. Ginko has the following properties related to the nervous system: GINKO BILOBA Scientific name: Ginkgo biloba L Family: Ginkgoaceae Known as: ginkgo o gingo

o The Blessed Mother announced to me a disease that will attack the nervous and immune system causing serious problems on the skin, for which she told me to use the leaf of the nettle and ginkgo plants. Luz de María Reflection, 11.10.2014

AUGUST 19 Tuesday in the Octave of the Assumption

World Humanitarian Day

Judges, Chapter 6, Verse 23

The LORD answered him: You are safe. Do not FEAR. You shall not die.

Unlike Gideon, whom this verse is about, most of us do not have an angel appear from heaven to tell us that we will not die and to not be afraid. Yet, we have something greater than an angel here; we have the Lord Jesus Christ telling us-Do not fear.

We are blessed because we are the receivers of the apex of God’s graces through Jesus Christ, His mother and the action of Divine Mercy. If you are afraid to start again or are discouraged by failure it is because you do not understand you can do nothing without Christ. Therefore, if you have sinned go to confession and receive His Body and Blood: being renewed. I remember in 2006 when I and my wife Mary were blessed with being able to make a trip to Israel. I was reflecting upon the grace I had received. I was thanking the Lord for I had touched the spot on the earth where He was born, and I had touched the spot where He had died, and I had touched the spot where He had ascended into heaven. I was prideful and thought how lucky I am. Then my Lord reminded me that a greater grace still awaits me and everyone in the Holy Eucharist. Be honest, humble yourself and make a sincere effort. Leave all else in His hands-saying: Jesus I Trust in You!

Pride wants immediate success. Be brave as Gideon and renew your intentions, make a resolution daily to do the will of God and seek to please Him.

Copilot

“Lessons on Fear: Gideon’s Encounter and Our Daily Call to Courage.”

🛡️ Lessons on Fear: From Gideon to You

Scripture: Judges 6:23 — “But the LORD said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’”

🔍 Lesson 1: Fear Often Accompanies Divine Encounters

Gideon feared he would die after seeing the angel of the Lord. His trembling was not weakness—it was the natural human reaction to the holy. But God’s first word was Peace.
Lesson: Fear is not a sign of failure—it’s an invitation to trust.

✝️ Lesson 2: We Have Something Greater Than an Angel

Unlike Gideon, we don’t need a celestial messenger. We have Jesus Christ Himself, who says: “Do not be afraid.”
Lesson: The Word made flesh speaks peace into our chaos. His presence is our courage.

🕊️ Lesson 3: Grace Is Greater Than Geography

If you touch

sacred places in Israel—Bethlehem, Calvary, the Mount of Ascension. Yet: A greater grace still awaits you—in the Holy Eucharist.

Lesson: Holiness isn’t just in holy places—it’s in holy surrender.

🧎 Lesson 4: Renewal Begins with Humility

Fear of failure often stems from pride’s demand for instant success. But the path of renewal begins with confession, communion, and daily resolution.
Lesson: Be brave like Gideon. Renew your intentions. Say: Jesus, I trust in You.

World Humanitarian Day^{^[1]}

World Humanitarian Day seeks to recognize the compassion and bravery of humanitarian workers. The day also serves to gain international cooperation to meet the needs of humanitarian work around the world. Humanitarian workers provide life-saving assistance consisting of first aid, nutrition, shelter and help rebuild after disaster has struck. These workers often battle violence, local diseases and hunger while attempting to save lives and provide relief to those most in need. World Humanitarian Day was designated by the United Nations in December of 2008 in an effort to honor the sacrifices of humanitarian workers. It is celebrated annually on August 19, a day that commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN Headquarters in Iraq.

Today is Afghan Independence Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Afghanistan on 19 August to commemorate the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 and relinquishment from British protectorate status. The treaty granted a complete neutral relation between Afghanistan and Britain. Wikipedia

Catholics in Afghanistan in 2015[2]

What Americans have, which very few people in the world do not, is a decision to make their country what they would like it to be and very real choice for their own future. I think many are losing sight of this. They can’t. We cannot lose any sign of this. Just as with America, we cannot ever lose sight of the foundational principles of our Creed, and what they mean.

· A Father who is in control.

· A Mother who can help us become Saints.

· A Son who gives us an inheritance.

· A faith that is solitary and unchangeable.

· Faith is universal to all the souls who embrace it.

· A faith that is unblemished from the lips of Christ.

· A faith that offers forgiveness, a true novelty among religions.

· A faith with a family.

· A faith with hope in the resurrection, and the future of this world and the next.

Our faith and our country are sacred, and we should remember that as much as they have in common, they complement each other. Today, I’m still proud to be an American and a Catholic. Today, and every day, I’ll live my life in service to defend the beliefs of both.

Catholics in Afghanistan in today[3]

The Christian community is very small in the Islamic country of Afghanistan, where Afghan people can be ostracized or can even face violence and death for professing the Christian faith.

There is a single Catholic Church, located in the Italian embassy in Kabul, which is operated under the Catholic mission sui juris of Afghanistan. In 2018, there were an estimated 200 Catholics in the country, many of them foreigners working in embassies.

Bible in a Year Day 62 Spies sent into Canaan

As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that the land of Canaan is occupied by a seemingly stronger force.