Urbi et Orbi

"Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

'Tis the holy season of Lent, & beyond that today in particular is the Feast of the Annunciation, the glorious celebration of the day on which the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin & announced to her the Good News that a Savior was to be born for the forgiveness of sin. To Mary fell the colossal responsibility of bearing the Christ Child, but to her eternal credit & our overwhelming joy, she gladly accepted her commission from the God of her fathers; the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob; the great I Am. I have been joyous all day, being perhaps not as solemn as the occasion might warrant, but smiling. It was this joy that lead me to the remembrance of Monty Python's "The Spanish Inquisition," which then further enhanced my joy. I thank the Lord for this day.

The Four Weapons
1. fear
2. surprise
3. ruthless efficiency
4. an almost fanatical devotion to the pope*
5. nice red uniforms

*Of course, one of the defining features of the real Spanish Inquisition is that it was not under papal authority, but instead answered to the Crowns of Castile & Aragon. Titus Oates, the perjurer & anti-Catholic zealot, would feel quite at home in the United Kingdom, where anti-Catholicism seems to be the national pastime & an entirely acceptable prejudice. But, as far as British slander against Catholics goes, the mischaracterization of the Spanish Inquisition as being almost fanatically devoted to the papacy is small potatoes.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
Barenaked Ladies, "One Week" from Stunt (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: One week 'til SKApril '14. The ska songs are chomping at the bit.