The Rebel Black Dot Song of New Year's Eve (the Seventh Day of Christmas)
Barenaked Ladies, "Auld Lang Syne" from Barenaked for the Holidays (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMABA

Today is the memorial of Pope Saint Sylvester I (d. 335): Pontiff-link Unus, Pontiff-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the bulletin:

During his pontificate were built the great churches founded at Rome by Constantine, e.g., the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Old St. Peter's Basilica, & several churches over the graves of martyrs.

Scripture of the Day
The First Epistle of John, chapter two, verses eighteen thru twenty-one;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one & two, eleven thru thirteen;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses one thru eighteen.

Merry Christmas!

The Victors

It's always great to be a Michigan Wolverine, as the chant says, but yesterday was a particularly exquisite day. In basketball, the valiant Wolverines won, the dastardly Spartans lost, & the hated Buckeyes lost. In football, what I had considered to be a pipe dream, the fevered hope of desperate, slightly unhinged Maize & Blue faithful came to fruition: Jim Harbaugh was announced as the twentieth head coach of the Michigan football club. Yes, indeed, a most auspicious day to be a Michigan Wolverine.

Go Blue!

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial* of Saint Egwin of Evesham, O.S.B.† (d. 717), bishop: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: *There are at least three classes of feasts: solemnities, obligatory memorials, & optional memorials. I cannot at present parse the distinctions, but I aim to learn more & hope to be able to explain the differences in the none-too-distant future. Hazarding a guess, I would call St. Egwin's Day an optional memorial.

Scripture of the Day
The First Epistle of John, chapter two, verses twelve thru seventeen;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses seven thru ten;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses thirty-six thru forty.

Commentary: Again, Sunday's Gospel was Luke, 2:22-40 & Monday's was Luke, 2:22-35. I am slightly annoyed by this closeness of repetition, but I also know that that annoyance is something from which I have a lesson to learn, something the Lord wishes to teach me along the way of the pilgrimage that is this earthly exile. I pray for an unclosed heart, soul, & mind, to be the more receptive to the Word.

Regarding Sunday's plethora of choices, at Holy Redeemer we read from Sirach, the long form of Colossians, & the long form of Luke.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Sixth Day of Christmas
The Klezmonauts, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" from Oy to the World: A Klezmer Christmas (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: This rendition is instrumental, with a Hollywood Western favor, but the nature of The Secret Base makes it easier for me to quote the lyrics than the notes.

"God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing ye dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born upon this day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!…"

Merry Christmas!

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Thomas Becket (1118-1170), bishop & martyr: Martyr-link Unus, Martyr-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the bulletin:

He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He engaged in conflict with Henry II of England over the rights & privileges of the Church & was murdered by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral (emphasis original). Soon after his death, he was canonized by Pope Alexander III.

Scripture of the Day
The First Epistle of John, chapter two, verses three thru eleven;
Psalm Ninety-six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru thirty-five.

Commentary: Yesterday's Gospel was Luke, 2:22-40 (short form, 2:39-40).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Fifth Day of Christmas
Michael Bublé, "Silent Night" from Christmas (T.L.A.M.)

Merry Christmas!

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph: Family-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the bulletin:

The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus of Nazareth; his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary; and his foster father, Saint Joseph, as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.

Scripture of the Day
The Book of Sirach, chapter three, verses two thru six, fourteen thru sixteen;
or The Book of Genesis, chapter fifteen, verses one thru six & chapter twenty-one, verses one thru three;
Psalm One hundred twenty-eight, verses one thru five;
or Psalm One hundred five, verses one thru six, eight & nine;
The Epistle to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru twenty-one;
(the shorter form Colossians, 3:12-17 is also permitted);
or The Epistle to the Hebrews, chapter eleven, verses eight, eleven & twelve, seventeen thru nineteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru forty;
(the shorter form Luke, 2:39-40 is also permitted).

Commentary: I read at Mass on Saturday afternoon (I have questions as to whether this actually qualifies as a vigil Mass & thus satisfies the attendees' Sunday obligation, but that's a matter of canon law for much higher up the food chain than your humble narrator) & did not know which Scriptural combination I'd be reading aloud, so I had to practice four readings instead of the usual two. This is a bit of a mess, methinks.

Merry Christmas!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Fourth Day of Christmas
Mahalia Jackson, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!" from Toys for Tots: 25 All-Time Christmas Favorites (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: As Miss Jackson is reported to have said, "I sing God's music because it makes me feel free. It gives me hope."

"Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and sinner reconciled.'

"Joyful all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the sky, (sic)
With angelic hosts proclaim,
'Christ is born in Bethlehem!'
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn king!'

"Christ by highest heaven adored,
Christ the ever-lasting Lord…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the Feast of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist (1st century), the "Beloved Disciple," brother of Saint James the Greater: Apostle-link Unus & Apostle-link Duo; Wikipedia-link Apostle, Wikipedia-link Evangelist, & Wikipedia-link of Patmos.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

He became the "beloved disciple" & the only one of the Twelve who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion. He stood faithfully at the cross when the Savior made him the guardian of His Mother.

Scripture of the Day
The First Epistle of John, chapter one, verses one thru four;
Psalm Ninety-seven, verses one & two, five & six, eleven & twelve;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty, verses one(A) & two thru eight.

Merry Christmas!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Third Day of Christmas
Duvall, "Go Tell It On the Mountain" from O Holy Night (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Like Nirvana's "Breed" & Dropkick Murphys' "(F)lannigan's Ball," this rendition of "Go Tell It On the Mountain" should only be played at high volume, i.e., just that little bit too loud.

"Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born!…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr (1st century), deacon: Martyr-link Unus, Martyr-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

Stephen's name means "crown," & he was the first disciple of Jesus to receive the martyr's crown. Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian Church. The apostles found that they needed helpers to look after the care of the widows & the poor.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapters six & seven.

Mass Readings
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter six, verses eight thru ten & chapter seven, verses fifty-four thru fifty-nine;
Psalm 31, verses three(CD) thru four, six & eight(AB), sixteen (BC) & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.

Merry Christmas!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Second Day of Christmas
Sufjan Stevens, "The Friendly Beasts" from Songs for Christmas (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: All Creation sings the praises of the King of Kings, Emmanuel.

"Jesus, our brother, strong and good,
Was humbly born in a stable rude,
And the friendly beats around Him stood,
Jesus, our brother, strong and good…"

Project BLACK MAMBA | Operation AXIOM

Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, A.K.A. Christmas: Savior-link Unus, Savior-link Duo, Wikipedia-link Christmas & Wikipedia-link Nativity. Joy to the world! The Lord is come! The Savior is born!

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Night
The Book of Isaiah, chapter nine, verses one thru six;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one thru three, eleven thru thirteen (& Luke, 2:11);
The Epistle to Titus, chapter two, verses eleven thru fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses one thru fourteen.

Mass Readings—Dawn
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses eleven & twelve;
Psalm Ninety-seven, verses one, six, eleven & twelve;
The Epistle to Titus, chapter three, verses four thru seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses fifteen thru twenty.

Mass Readings—Day
The Book of Isaiah, chapter fifty-two, verses seven thru ten;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one thru six (three[C]);
The Epistle to the Hebrews, chapter one, verses one thru six;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses one thru eighteen.

Commentary: Some kin are coming into town, so for the next several days it will be exceedingly difficult to stay current with the daily Mass readings—like today's triple helping!—, much less any personal reading; so, I am taking a sabbatical until their departure, after which I shall commence reading the Gospel according to John.

Merry Christmas!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of Christmas Day
Duvall, "Joy to the World" from O Holy Night (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: This rendition of "Joy to the World" is instrumental, featuring wailing, dare I even say bitchin', guitar, but you all know the words:

"Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her King!…"

Urbi et Orbi | Autobahn

I am returned from "Midnight Mass," which this year was moved an hour earlier to eleven o'clock. I ferried a woman I know from the parish, Mike Bravo, & her son, Echo Bravo, to & from Mass, which of course greatly lengthened my travel time. I mention this neither to complain nor to boast, merely to convey to you the power of prayer. I keep a Saint Christopher prayer card in the Lumi, the Distaff Son of the Mousemobile & at the beginning of my day's travels I recite the prayer printed on it, which includes the line: "Teach me, O Lord, to use my car for others' need." Ask & ye shall receive. I am afforded many such opportunities, & with each I more & more grateful for His mercies. Praise be to the God of hosts!

Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night! The Christ is born!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of Christmas Eve
Nat King Cole, "O Holy Night" from Christmas with Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, [&] Dean Martin (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: You were made for holiness. You were made for communion with the Almighty, to dwell with Him in glory forever & ever, amen. We tell ourselves we are less than we are. We sell ourselves short every hour of every day. This one night of the year at least, rejoice! Rejoice, & let your soul feel its worth.

"Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appeared and the soul felt it's worth!
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

"Fall on your knees!
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine,
O night, when Christ was born…"

Project BLACK MAMBA | Operation AXIOM

Today is the vigil of the Nativity of the Lord, A.K.A. Christmas Eve.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Book of Malachi.

Mass Readings—Morning
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(B) thru twelve, fourteen(a), sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses two thru five, twenty-seven, twenty-nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses sixty-seven thru seventy-nine.

Commentary: Today's Old Testament reading is the same as this past Sunday's, 21 December, the fourth Sunday of Advent.

After the last several days of progressing methodically thru the first chapter of Luke, a single, solitary verse remains un-proclaimed, verse eighty. Poor verse eighty! I include it here for mine own satisfaction, certainly not intending to question the wisdom of the bishops in excluding verse eighty.

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation in Israel.

"The child" is the Baptist, John. The birth of John's cousin, the Lamb of God & the Lion of Judah, is not recounted 'til the second chapter of Luke.

Mass Readings—Vigil
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses one thru five;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses four & five, sixteen & seventeen, twenty-seven, twenty-nine;
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter thirteen, verses sixteen & seventeen, twenty-two thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses one thru twenty-five.

Commentary: Alternately, the shorter form of Matthew, 1:18-25 could be read. Matthew, 1:1-17 was the daily Gospel reading for last Wednesday, 17 December; 1:18-25 was also the Gospel reading for last Thursday, 18 December.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Bing Crosby, "I Wish You a Merry Christmas" from Christmas with Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, [&] Dean Martin (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint John of Kanty (1390-1473), A.K.A. John Cantius, priest: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: The saints are back in this week's parish bulletin. From the same:

Saint John from Kanty didn't found a school of mysticism or live in a monastery but in a manner unique for his day, he demonstrated how one could live the Gospel in everyday life through service to the Church & one's fellow man. He drew constant inspiration from a deep devotion to Christ's Passion & a profound love for our Savior's Blessed Mother.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-eight (of twenty-eight).

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Malachi, chapter three, verses one through four, twenty-three & twenty-four;
Psalm Twenty-five, verses four through five(AB), eight through ten, fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses fifty-seven through sixty-six.

The Explorers' Club, № CDXXIV

Operation AXIOM: The World War
24-25 December 1914: The Christmas truce—impromptu, unofficial, sporadic, & quite possibly the most fondly remembered episode of the whole awful war.





Lest we forget.

Commentary: The photograph below illustrates one of the difficulties of publishing "The Explorers' Club." The image is titled, or, if that seems too lordly, its file name is Christmas-1914-truce-2.jpg. Yet it is plainly not a photograph of the Christmas truce of 1914. The British or Imperial soldier with the bandage on his neck is wearing a Brodie helmet, which was not yet designed as of Christmas 1914 & was not used in combat 'til 1916. The German is wearing an iconic Stahlhelm, also not issued to front-line troops 'til '16.



I am reliant on my own judgment as to which images are suspect, the chief limit on my ability to fact-check being time. The aim of "The Explorers' Club" has ever been to inspire the audience's own explorations of the subjects addressed; spreading misinformation would be deleterious to this objective & if ever I have used a faulty or misleading image such use has been unintentional. I beg your patience & indulgence.

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Hunger of Ultrecht† (d. 866), A.K.A. Hungerus Frisus, bishop: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Today is also the memorial of Blessed Jutta of Disibodenberg, O.S.B.† (1091-1136), teacher of Saint Hildegard of Bingen: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-seven.

Daily Mass Readings
The First Book of Samuel, chapter one, verses twenty-four through twenty-eight;
The First Book of Samuel, chapter two, verses one, four through eight(ABCD);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses forty-six through fifty-six.

Commentary: Today's responsorial Psalm is not from the Book of Psalms, but is rather a song of praise that follows straightaway the first reading. The song is sung by Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel, in thanksgiving for her boy & her gift of him back to God, to be raised by the priests & dedicated to God's service.

The Gospel reading is the Blessed Virgin Mary's song of praise—the Magnificat or Canticle of Mary—sung to her cousin Saint Elizabeth, mother of Saint John the Baptist, shortly after the conception of the Lord Jesus. The theme continues: babies, babies, babies; praise, praise, praise!

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
The Klezmonauts, "Deck the Halls" from Oy to the World: A Klezmer Christmas (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMBA

Were today not the fourth Sunday of Advent, it would be the memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, S.J.† (1521-1597), priest, champion of the Counter-Reformation, & Doctor of the Church: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-six.

Daily Mass Readings
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one through five, eight(B) through twelve, fourteen(A), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses two through five, twenty-seven through twenty-nine;
The Epistle to the Romans, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-five through twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six through thirty-eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Pat Boone, "The First Noël" from Toys for Tots: 25 All-Time Christmas Favorites

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Dominic of Silos, O.S.B.† (1000-1073), priest & abbot: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-five.

Commentary: Acts has lost some of its wondrous momentum, as the swiftly-moving account of the early years of the Church has given way to a ponderous account of the persecution, imprisonment, & (eventual) martyrdom of Saint Paul. I know that these chapters are important & I remain prayerful that the Lord will unclose my eyes to their significance & applicability to my pilgrimage & the contemporary life of the Church. (Of course, that might not be too hard to see, as there are many today who are fearful of persecution by the increasingly militant secular & atheistic elements of American society. I think those fears somewhat overblown, but then I've always been a sanguine fellow, arguably even complacent.)

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter seven, verses ten through fourteen;
Psalm Twenty-four, verses one through four(AB), five & six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six through thirty-eight.

Commentary: Today's Gospel reading is the exact same as the fourth Sunday of Advent's, tomorrow's.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Sufjan Stevens, "Christmas in the Room" via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Holiday cheer is all well & good, but every now & again a somber, even sad Christmas song is what's called for.

Bonus! Song of the Day
Letters to Cleo, "Cruel to Be Kind" from 10 Things I Hate about You: Music from the Motion Picture (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Fifteen years on, 10 Things I Hate about You remains a brilliant film, one of my top two or three favorite cinematic adaptations of the Bard, with a brilliant soundtrack, showcasing the best aspects of popular music in the 1990s.

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Pope Saint Anastasius I† (d. 401), foe of the heretical writings of Origen & the heresy of Donatism: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Today is also the memorial of Blessed Pope Urban V† (1310-1370): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-four.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Judges, chapter thirteen, verses two through seven & twenty-four through twenty-five(A);
Psalm Seventy-one, verses three & four(A), five & six(AB), sixteen & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses five through twenty-five.

Commentary: The reading from Judges recounts the conception of Samson. The reading from Luke recounts the conception of Saint John the Baptist. With those readings & Christmas less than a week away, it's babies, babies, & more babies around these parts.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Guster, "¿Donde Esta Santa Claus?" via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary:

"¿Mamacita, donde esta Santa Claus?
¿Donde esta Santa Claus
And the toys that he will leave?
Mamacita, oh, where is Santa Claus?
I look for him because
It's Christmas Eve!

"I know that I should be a-sleeping,
But maybe he's not far away,
So out of the window I'm peeping,
Hoping to see him in his sleigh.

"I hope he won't forget
To pack his castanets!
To his reindeer say,
'On Pancho! (On Vixen!) On Pedro! (On Blitzen!)
¡Olé! (¡Olé!) ¡Olé! (¡Olé!)'
Santa Claus!…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Winebald of Heidenheim† (d. 768), Benedictine, abbot, & missionary to the Germans: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-three.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter twenty-three, verses five through eight;
Psalm Seventy-two, verses one & two, twelve & thirteen, eighteen & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses eighteen through twenty-five.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Michael Bublé & the Puppini Sisters, "Jingle Bells" from Christmas (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Neither quite as jumpin' nor as jivin' as the Puppini Sisters' own rendition of "Jingle Bells," Bublé's still swings & will drive you up off your duff & onto the nearest ersatz dance floor.

Michael Bublé: "Merry Christmas, Ladies."
The Puppini Sisters: "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bublé."
Michael Bublé: "Are you ready to sing a little 'Jingle Bells'?"
The Puppini Sisters, "Yeeeees!"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Hildegard of Bingen† (1098-1179), abbess & Doctor of the Church: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Today is also the memorial of Saint Lazarus of Bethany† (1st century), the brother of Saints Martha & Mary, the man who was raised from the dead by our Lord Jesus Christ (in the Gospel according to John, chapter eleven): Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Yesterday was the memorial of Saint Adelaide of Italy† (931-999), A.K.A. Adelaide of Burgundy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Yesterday's Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-one.

Yesterday's Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Zephaniah, chapter three, verses one & two, nine through thirteen;
Psalm thirty-four, verses two & three, six & seven, seventeen through nineteen, twenty-three;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-one, verses twenty-eight through thirty-two.

Today's Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-two.

Today's Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Genesis, chapter forty-nine, verses two & eight through ten;
Psalm Seventy-two, verses one through four(AB), seven & eight, & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses one through seventeen.

Commentary: I'm being more precise with the Psalms (with thanks to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' website) because my aim is to attend Mass every day this week; so far, so good! I read each day's Psalm in its entirety, but enjoy being able to describe the portion of each that is recited at Mass 'twixt the first & second readings.

Bonus! Song of the Day
David Parry & the London Philharmonic Orchestra, "Ride of the Valkyries" via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: By Richard Wagner, from his opera Die Walküre ("The Valkyrie"), part of the four-opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen ("The Ring of the Nibelung," A.K.A. the Ring cycle).

The Rebel Black Dot Hanukkah Song of the Day
Barenaked Ladies, "Hannukkah, Oh Hanukkah" from Barenaked for the Holidays (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Hanukkah began last night at sundown. Note to self: Read 1 & 2 Maccabees, beautiful parts of the Old Testament unceremoniously excluded from Sacred Scripture by our Protestant brethren, who take 1st century Pharisees, the fellows whom the Lord Jesus Christ so frequently denounced, as the final authorities on God's word to His people. Of course, those same Pharisees rejected Christ's ministry & kingship, so that Protestants accept the Pharisees' judgment on the O.T. but reject it on the New testament remains a logical inconsistency.

Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish cousins!

Autostrada

Two days ago, on the freeway, I, piloting the Lumi, the Distaff Son of the Mousemobile, blasted past a Fiat 500 Abarth sporting the vanity license plate ABART. On the exit ramp, the Abarth blasted past me, screeching to a halt at the red light at the end o' the ramp. To all appearances, ABART was going as fast on the ramp as he was on the freeway. When the light turned green, he screamed into a left turn, only to screech to a halt at the next red light. When the light turned green, he roared (well, buzzed) away. Motoring recklessly fast on the surface roads & dangerously slow on the freeways—what a jerk!

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Susan Egan, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" from Winter Tracks (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Susan Egan's performance as the voice of Megara in the Disney animated feature film Hercules accounts for between eighty & ninety per cent of my affection for the film, which otherwise is a beautifully animated travesty of Greco-Roman myth.

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Margaret of Fontana† (1440-1513), exorcist: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Today is also the memorial of Blessed Mary Frances Schervier† (1819-1876), foundress of the Poor Sisters of Saint Francis, a congregation of the broader Third Order of Saint Francis*: Blessed-link Unus & Blessed-link Duo, Wikipedia-link Franziska & Wikipedia-link Poor Sisters.

Commentary: *In describing the relationships between the myriad Franciscan orders, one almost cannot help but go far down the rabbit hole, so I'll go no further than the Third Order, cut my losses, & declare victory. Part of a joke I once heard from a priest: "There are three things that even God doesn't know: One, just how many orders of Franciscans there are…."

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Numbers, chapter twenty-four, verses two through seven, fifteen through seventeen(A);
Psalm Twenty-five, verses four through five(AB), six, seven(BC), eight & nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-one, verses twenty-three through twenty-seven.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Eddy Arnold, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" from Elf: Music from the Major Motion Picture (T.L.A.M.)

The Explorers' Club, № CDXXIII

Operation AXIOM: The World War
16 December 1914: The Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool, & Whitby—the bombardment by the German High Seas Fleet of the English coastline, an unsuccessful German attempt to lure a manageable division of the British Grand Fleet into battle & an unsuccessful British attempt to ambush the German squadron before it could return to port; one hundred thirty-seven souls perished, all on shore in England.









Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA

Were today not the third Sunday of Advent, it would have been the memorial of Saint John of the Cross† (1542-1591), priest & co-founder of the Discalced Carmalites, formally the Order of the Discalced Friars of the Order of the Blesses Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel: Saint-link Unus & Saint-link Duo, Wikipedia-link of the Cross & Wikipedia-link O.C.D..

Commentary: The church bulletin is silent on the saints this week. The text box that normally contains both the daily readings & the saint of the day this week contains solely the former. I shall write to the editor, enquiring the reason for this change.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter nineteen.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-one, verses one through two(a) & ten through eleven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses forty-six through fifty & fifty-three through fifty-four (the Canticle of Mary);
The First Epistle to the Thessalonians, chapter five, verses sixteen through twenty-four;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses six through eight & nineteen through twenty-eight.

Drink!
The last of the gift beers was imbibed fast night & five out of the six were winners. Even had all six bombed, I would still be indebted to Brother Nacho & his bride for their many gifts—the beer, their friendship, & their thoughtfulness.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Third Sunday of Advent
Duvall, "Angels We Have Heard On High" from O Holy Night (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Lucy (circa 283-304), virgin, martyred under the Emperor Diocletian: Martyr-link Unus, Martyr-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

The Emperor ordered her to burn a sacrifice to his image. When she refused, Paschasius sentenced her to be defiled in a brothel. The Christian tradition states that when the guards came to take her away, they could not move her even when they hitched her to a team of oxen. Bundles of wood were then heaped about her & set on fire, but would not burn. Finally, she met her death by the sword.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter eighteen.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Sirach, chapter forty-eight, verses one through four & nine through eleven;
Psalm Eighty;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter seventeen, verses nine(a) & ten through thirteen.

Drink!

As a gift to yours truly, Brother & Mrs. Brother Nacho brought back from their recent sojourn to the City of Brotherly Love a variety six-pack of beers. I love the Nachos, I love my present, & I have enjoyed four of the five beers I've imbibed. But a few lines printed on the label of the one I drank last night, called Adoration, roused my ire, striking me as an exemplar of everything I detest about craft-beer snobbery:

Pour slowly so as not to disturb the yeast sediment, but with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the rich bouquet.

Saying to me, face-to-face & without irony, that I should pour with vigor enough to create a luxurious head & release a rich bouquet is probably a good way to provoke me into throwing a bottle at your head. O.K., my super-ego wouldn't permit me to throw a bottle at anyone's head on such skimpy provocation, but the roguish desire to do so would be there.

I do not regard the name Adoration as blasphemous, merely pompous. Craft-beer douchebags! I have no inherent objection to craft beer, only craft-beer snobbery & douchebaggery (which does not seem to be a legitimate word, but you take my meaning).

Cheers!

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Michael Bublé, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" from Christmas (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Our Lady-link Unus, Our Lady-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

The Virgin of Guadalupe is considered the Patroness of Mexico & the Continental Americas. The Blessed Virgin Mary, under this title is popularly invoked as "Patroness of the Unborn" & a common image for the Pro-Life Movement.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter seventeen.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Zechariah, chapter two, verses fourteen through seventeen;
or, The Book of Revelation, chapter eleven, verse nineteen(a); chapter twelve, verses one through six & ten(ab);
The Book of Judith, chapter thirteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six through thirty-eight;
or, The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine through forty-seven.

Commentary: I have no idea what's going on with today's daily Mass readings. Options? No responsorial Psalm? Luke, 1:26-38 was the Gospel reading for Monday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I suppose celebrating two Marian feasts so close together produces overlap, if not confusion.

At this morning's Mass, Zechariah was read, as well as a Psalm. I still do not know what prompted the confusion in the bulletin.

Project MERCATOR | Urbi et Orbi

This evening, in a little under twelve hours' time, the choirs of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (Burton) & Saint Pius X Catholic Church (Flint) will present their annual Festival of Carols, at Saint Pius X (G-3139 Hogarth Avenue, Flint, Michigan, 48532). The festivities begin promptly at 7:00 P.M. & admission is gratis. Come enjoy the music & put yourself in the preparatory spirit of Advent. The Savior is coming!

Yours truly will be performing as a member of the Holy Redeemer contingent, but don't let that deter you. The rest of the singers are really quite talented.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Frank Sinatra, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" from Toys for Tots: 25 All-Time Christmas Favorites (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: I would happily further promote the Festival of Carols by choosing one of the songs to be performed as the R.B.D.S.O.T.D., but they are by necessity religious in nature, whereas attentive readers may recall that R.B.D.S.O.T.D. tradition is to feature secular Christmas music in the closing weeks of Advent & sacred Christmas music throughout the twelve days of the Christmastide.

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Pope Saint Damasus I (circa 305-384): Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

Damasus was the pope who commissioned Saint Jerome to translate the Scriptures into Latin, the Vulgate version of Bible. He also changed the liturgical language of the Church from Greek to Latin. He worked hard to preserve & restore the catacombs, the graves of martyrs, & relics.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter sixteen.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-one, verses thirteen through twenty;
Psalm One hundred forty-five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses eleven through fifteen.

Autobahn

Yesterday, I espied a Grand Blanc Community Schools bus bearing the license plate 007 x 313. I can assign not particular meaning to these numbers, I was simply amused, loving as I do the literary & cinematic adventures of James Bond, Agent 007, & remembering fondly my youth, when the whole of the southeastern quadrant of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as far north as Grand Blanc & the Thumb, was in the 313 telephone area code, which today is restricted to Wayne County (Metro Detroit).

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
Robert Goulet, "Jingle Bells" from Songs in the Key of Springfield (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Inspired by the I.B.C. television Christmas special, Bob Goulet's Old-Fashioned Cajun Christmas, from the feature film, Scrooged.

Robert Goulet: "Hi! You from the casino?"
Bart Simpson: "I'm from a casino."
Robert Goulet: "Good enough. Let's go."

Whalen Smithers: "I'm afraid Robert Goulet hasn't arrived yet, Sir."
Montgomery Burns: "Very well. Begin the thawing of Jim Nabors!"

Robert Goulet: "Are you sure this is the casino? I think I should call my manager."
Nelson Muntz: "Your manager says for you to shut up!"
Robert Goulet: "Vera said that?"

(singing)
"Jingle bells, Batman smells,
Robin laid an egg,
Batmobile lost its wheel,
And the Joker got away! Hey!"

"Thank you, thank you very much."
(sound of microphone twirling rapidly & striking Milhouse)
Milhouse Van Houten: "Ow!"
Robert Goulet: "Oh! I'm sorry, Kid."

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Our Lady of Loreto & the Translation of the Holy House† (relocated 1291, 1294, & 1295): Our Lady-link, Holy House-link, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: My reverence might not always seem "reverent," but this is because the Lord in His Providence created me to be a goofball & I strive to be authentic in my adoration of Him. Thus it is in earnest that I reiterate the following maxim: I like my religion like I like my politics—just that little bit crazy. After the fall of Acre (1291), angels lifted up & relocated to Italy the Christ's childhood home? I can dig it.

Today is also the memorial of Blessed Pietro Tecelano† (circa 1200-1289): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link (scroll down to "Pier Pettinaio").

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter fifteen.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty, verses twenty-five through thirty-one;
Psalm One hundred three;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses twenty-eight through thirty.

Project MERCATOR

Last even, I motored over to the house of Brother Nacho & Mrs. Brother Nacho, & with them & their two daughters, Bravo & Charlie, watched a trio of cinematic Christmas classics: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, & A Christmas Story. My belly shook like a bowl full of jelly. Ho, ho, ho!

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song of the Day
The Puppini Sisters, "Last Christmas" from Christmas with the Puppini Sisters (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: The Nachos can tell you why "Last Christmas" was chosen to kick off the R.D.B.S.O.T.D.'s annual celebration of secular Christmas music. "Kali ma!"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), to whom was revealed the Marian apparition known under the title Our Lady of Guadalupe: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

Juan Diego's native name Cuauhtlatoatzin ("one who speaks like an eagle") means one who speaks with great authority. It's fitting description. Because of Juan Diego's evangelization, an estimated nine million Indians converted to the Christianity of La Moreñita ("the beloved dark lady").

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapters thirteen & fourteen (because I did not finish yesterday's reading yesterday, but have already completed yesterday's & today's reading today).

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty, verses one through eleven;
Psalm Ninety-six;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eighteen, verses twelve through fourteen.

Commentary: I don't always go back & read the Mass readings on those days when I attend Mass. Yesterday, having heard the readings read at Mass, I did not read them. I read this Sunday's readings ahead of reading them aloud at the vigil Mass on Saturday.

I don't expect even sharp-eyed readers to have caught the following, because I only noticed it when I did today's reading: Sunday's O.T. reading was Isaiah, 40:1-5, 9-11; today's was Isaiah, 40:1-11; the only difference is Sunday's omission of verses 6-8. I started reading & thought, "Wait a second, didn't I just read this?" I was more familiar with the reading than I would otherwise be, due to my preparations to read aloud at Mass. I wonder how often this overlap/repetition occurs. Time shall tell, if I remain diligent.

Project GLOWWORM
After four weeks, I am declaring my beard returned. The whiskers themselves are still too short & so the beard is not yet satisfactorily full, but 'tis unmistakably my beard. 'Twas last week that it first started to assume the appearance of my beard, instead of just stubble. There is still a long way to go before a full return to glory, but I am patient. O happy day, I look like me again!

Autobahn
Last week, I espied a Fisker Karma. I could not but laugh at the rolling monument to Man's hubris/avarice/self-aggrandizement/pick whichever negative attribute you fancy.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
Gary Portnoy, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" (theme from Cheers) via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: The calm before the tinseled storm.

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got,
Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot,
Wouldn't you like to get away?…

"Sometimes you wanna go—

"Where everybody knows your name,
And they're always glad you came,
You want to be where you can see
That troubles are all the same,
You want to be where everybody knows your name…

"Be glad there's one place in the world—

"Where everybody knows your name,
And they're always glad you came,
You want to go where people know
People are all the same,
You want to go where everybody knows your name…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Immaculate-link Unus, Immaculate-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: 'Tis a holy day of obligation. Get thyself to Mass! From the church bulletin:

The Immaculate Conception of Mary is a belief of the Roman Catholic Church*, expressing the conviction that the Virgin Mary was free from original sin & filled with sanctifying grace from the moment of her conception in her mother's womb.

*It irks me when Catholics refer to Holy Mother Church as the "Roman Catholic Church." (However, I do love the pun "roamin' Catholic," referring to those who hop from parish to parish.) Yes, His Holiness the Pope derives his apostolic authority from being Bishop of Rome. Yes, I look forward to visiting, exploring, & possibly even residing in Rome, in & around the Vatican (a sovereign city-state enclaved within Rome). Yes, the vast majority of the world's Catholics, your humble narrator included, adhere to the Roman Rite used in the Latin Church. But neither the Roman Rite nor the Latin Church should be treated as synonymous with the Catholic Church. The Eastern Catholic Churches (the most populous of which are the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Syro-Malabar Church, & the Maronite Church) are just as Catholic as the Latin Church, even though they have their own liturgical traditions apart from the western Catholicism with which most of us are familiar. The Church calls herself the Catholic Church; to call her to Roman Catholic Church is to collaborate, in a small & unintentional way, with our Protestant brethren who demonize the "Church of Rome." The Church is headquartered in Rome, but her character is Catholic (universal), not Roman (specific).

It's also possible I'm making a mountain out of molehill, which I've been known to do.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twelve.

Daily Mass Reading
The Book of Genesis, chapter three, verses nine through fifteen & twenty;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one through four;
The Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter one, verses three through six & eleven through twelve;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six through thirty-eight.

Commentary: Because today is a holy day of obligation, the liturgy followed the longer Sunday format (including the readings: Old Testament (O.T.), responsorial Psalm, New Testament epistle, Gospel) rather than the abbreviated daily format (O.T., Psalm, Gospel). Beyond the shorter readings, the main differences are a shorter homily & less music in the daily liturgy, though Fr. Gary's homily today was more of the shorter, punchier daily variety despite the longer liturgy. That is not a complaint; I reveled in today's homily.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
Robert Kochis, "Immaculate Mary" via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary:

"We pray for our mother, the Church upon Earth,
And bless, sweetest Lady, the land of our birth,
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!…"

The Explorers' Club, № CDXXII

Operation AXIOM: The World War
8 December 1914: The Battle of the Falkland Islands—the annihilation of the German East Asia Squadron by a British Royal Navy squadron just off of Port Stanley; British casualties: ten fatalities & a score wounded; German casualties: almost nineteen hundred souls lost, four ships sunk—S.M.S. Scharnhorst, S.M.S. Gneisenau, S.M.S. Leipzig, & S.M.S. Nürnberg—& two ships captured, & later scuttled.







Lest we forget.



Commentary: The British battlecruiser squadron was dispatched in response to the German victory in the Battle of Coronel on 1 November 1914, the subject of "The Explorers' Club" episode № CDXVI: Wayback Machine.

The Victors | Project OSPREY
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
(№ 17) Michigan 68-65 Syracuse
6-1, B1G 0-0

As suspected, I didn't have the chance to see any of Tuesday's game, part of the successful A.C.C./B1G Challenge. Apparently the valiant Wolverines show under forty per cent for the night, but prevailed through strong (for us) rebounding & forcing plenty of turnovers: propaganda-link.

Saturday, 6 December 2014
N.J.I.T. 72-70 Michigan (№ 17)
6-2, B1G 0-0

One can only hope yesterday's well-earned defeat serves as a wake-up call to an unexpectedly, baselessly arrogant & lazy valiant Wolverines' squad & will thus be remembered as the ugliest chapter in the 2014-2015 season, not as the first harbinger of a disastrous year for the program. Sure, the epithetless Highlanders shot extraordinarily well, but that is in part because we played such lackluster defense. We truly deserved to lose yesterday's game, so on some level I'm glad we did.

Next Game
The epithetless Eagles of Eastern Michigan in the friendly confines of the Crisler Center. How many persons who aren't ardent Maize & Blue fans do you suspect have heard of the Crisler Center, but never having seen it written out (or, having seen it having not paid attention), presume that because of Ann Arbor's location & the erstwhile "Big Three's" statute in sacred Michigan, that the building is called the "Chrysler Center," after the American half of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles? Of course, who outside of the Michigan Nation is all that familiar with "Fritz" Crisler, namesake of Fritz Kreisler? But I digress.

On the following Saturday, the valiant Wolverines play their first true road game of the season—as visitor's to another club's home court, not as fellow sojourners on a neutral court—against the (№ 3) epithetless Wildcats of Arizona, of the ancient enemy, the Pac-12. This will be our conqu'ring heroes sternest challenge of the still-young season.

Go Blue!

Project BLACK MAMBA

Were today not the second Sunday of Advent, it would have been the memorial of Saint Ambrose† (circa 340-397), bishop & Doctor of the Church: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twelve.

Daily Mass Reading
The Book of Isaiah, chapter nine, verse one through five & nine through eleven;
Psalm Eight-five, verses eight through fourteen;
The Second Epistle of Peter, chapter three, verses eight through fourteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses one through eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Second Sunday of Advent
London Brass, "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" from Christmas with London Brass (T.L.A.M.)

Operation AXIOM

Seventy-three years ago to the day, 7 December 1941, "a date which will live in infamy," the Empire of Japan launched a sneak attack against Pearl Harbor, thus accomplishing what British desperation & German provocation could not, the entrance of the United States of America into the Second World War. The aerial & naval attack on Pearl Harbor was not intended to be a true sneak attack, but the timing with which Japan intended to declare war meant that Pearl Harbor was meant to be a legitimate act of war only in the most technical sense. This was of a piece with Japan's history over the preceding half-century, from the Sino-Japanese War to the Russo-Japanese War to the First World War. The Japanese miscalculated, misjudging the American character, & calling down destruction upon themselves & their land. By the end of the war the Imperial Japanese Navy would lie broken & rusting at the bottom on the ocean, the Imperial Japanese Army would lie buried in shallow graves on forsaken specks of islands throughout the Pacific, & the cities of Japan would be reduced to ash, burnt by fire chemical or, for the first time in the course of human event, nuclear. The generosity of the Americans is without equal or precedent; the wrath of the Americans is short-lived but peerless in its devastation. The Japanese Empire slit its own throat by bombing & torpedoing the American fleet at anchor in Pearl Harbor, seventy-three years ago today.

The Rebel Black Dot Evil Ex Song of the Day
Beck & Nigel Godrich, "Death to All Hipsters" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich (T.L.A.M.)



Commentary: Thanks for joining us for Scott Pilgrim Week. I hope you've enjoyed it, but even if you haven't, I certainly have.

"We are Sex Bom-Omb & we are here to watch Scott Pilgrim kick your teeth in!"

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Nicholas (270-343), bishop: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link St. Nick; Wikipedia-link Sinterklaas & Wikipedia-link Santa Claus.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, & thus became the model for Santa Claus. In 325, he was one of many bishops to answer the request of Constantine & appear at the First Council of Nicaea. There, Nicholas was a staunch anti-Arian & defender of the orthodox Christian position, & one of the bishops who signed the Nicene Creed.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter eleven.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter thirty, verses nineteen through twenty-one;
Psalm One hundred Forty-seven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nine, verse thirty-five through chapter ten, verse one, five(a), & six through eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Evil Ex Song of the Day
Beck & Cornelius, "Katayanagi Twins vs. Sex Bob-Omb" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified† (439-532), founder of the monastery of Mar Saba: Saint-link Unus & Saint-link Duo, Wikipedia-link Sabbas & Wikipedia-link Mar Saba.

Today is also the memorial of Saint Justinian† (6th century), hermit, abbot, & martyr: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter ten.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twenty-nine, verses seventeen through twenty-four;
Psalm Twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nine, verses twenty-seven through thirty-one.

The Rebel Black Dot Evil Ex Song of the Day
Nigel Godrich, "Roxy" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich (T.L.A.M.)

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint John Damascene (circa 676-749), monk, priest, Church Father, & Doctor of the Church: Saint-link Unus, Saint-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the church bulletin:

For over thirty years, Saint John combined a life of prayer with the defense of veneration of images, & with his other writings. His holiness expressed itself in putting his literary & preaching talents at the service of the Lord. His devotion to the Blessed Mother & his sermons on her feasts are well known.

A friend of mine has of late been singing the praises of Jesuit spirituality. I remembered I had once purchased The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius (of Loyola), co-founder of the Jesuits & first Superior General of the order, for a class & I knew I still had it, so a few weeks ago I ascended into the attic to dig through my box of old college books, with an eye toward loaning it to him if he did not already have it. Not only did I find the Spiritual Exercises, but also On the Divine Images: Three Apologies against Those Who Attack the Divine Images by Saint John of Damascus (Damascene). Now to find the time to study either, or preferably both.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter nine.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twenty-six, verses one through six;
Psalm One hundred eighteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter seven, verses twenty-one & twenty-four through twenty-seven.

Project OSPREY

The 2014 A.C.C.-B1G Challenge has ended in victory. Victory! The final tally: B1G 8-6 A.C.C.

The A.C.C. dominated the first decade of the Challenge, but has not won since '08. The Big Ten won in three straight years, '09-'11; the Challenge ended in a tie each of the next two years, '12 & '13; &, as decided in last night's games, this year the Midwest prevailed. I root for all Big Ten clubs in the A.C.C.-B1G Challenge, but I won't pretend to be above reveling in the misfortune of the valiant Wolverines' in-conference rivals who failed to uphold the conference's honor.

B1G Winners
The conniving Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska
The antediluvian Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
The wily Hoosiers of Indiana University
The scrappy Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota
The valiant Wolverines of the University of Michigan
The ill-starred Boilermakers of Purdue University
The ferocious Nittany Lions of Pennsylvania State University
The tenacious Hawkeyes of the University of Iowa

B1G Losers
The feisty Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois
The hated Buckeyes of THE ^{Ohio State University}
The dastardly Spartans of the Michigan Agricultural College
The terrible Terrapins of the University of Maryland
The plucky Wildcats of Northwestern University
The pesky Badgers of the University of Wisconsin

Go Blue!

The Rebel Black Dot Evil Ex Song of the Day
Nigel Godrich, Jason Falkner, & Justin Meldal-Johnsen, "Bass Battle" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich (T.L.A.M.)



Commentary: In defeating Todd Ingram (played by Brandon Routh), the cinematic Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera) proved he could defeat Superman (played by Brandon Routh in Superman Returns).

For those following along at home, that's:
Scott Pilgrim > Superman
Scott Pilgrim > Captain America
Scott Pilgrim > Human Torch

Scott Pilgrim might just be the most powerful comic book character in cinema.

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552), priest, missionary extraordinaire, & co-founder of the Jesuits, formally the Society of Jesus (S.J.): Saint-link Unus & Saint-link Duo, Wikipedia-link F.X. & Wikipedia-link S.J..

Commentary: The short passage on today's saint from the church bulletin:

The patron saint of missionaries & one of the founders of the Jesuit order, Saint Francis Xavier sought religious converts throughout Asia during the 1500s. Though he passed away at a relatively young age, Xavier had accomplished much in his life. In addition to being a founding member of the Jesuit order—the Society of Jesus was officially recognized by Pope Paul III in 1540—he baptized an estimated 30,000 people.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter eight.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twenty-five, verses six through ten(a);
Psalm Twenty-three;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fifteen, verses twenty-nine through thirty-seven.

The Victors

Brady Hoke must be has been fired: Go Blue!-link. 2011-2014: 31-20, B1G 18-14. The best thing I can say about Hoke is that his record was better than Rich Rod's 15-22, B1G 6-18, & that's about the most backhanded compliment imaginable. Good-bye, & good riddance.

Go Blue!

The Rebel Black Dot Evil Ex Song of the Day
Nigel Godrich, "The Grind" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich (T.L.A.M.)



Commentary: In defeating Lucas Lee (played by Chris Evans), the cinematic Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera) proved he could defeat both the Human Torch (played by Chris Evans in Fantastic Four & Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) & Captain America (played by Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, & Captain America: The Winter Soldier, et al.).

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Pope Saint Silverius† (died 537), who was subjected to the white martyrdom of exile by his (wicked?) successor, Pope Vigilius: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Today is also the memorial of Blessed Rafal Chylinski† (1694-1741), nicknamed from youth "the little monk:" Blessed-link Unus, Blessed-link Duo, & Polish Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter seven.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter eleven, verses one through ten;
Psalm seventy-two;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter ten, verses twenty-one through twenty-four.

Commentary: I am considering suspending the daily Mass readings, at least until I complete my personal project of reading the four Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles. This is also because I've been asked to "facilitate" a new Bible study group in the parish & we are presently diving deeply into Acts; additionally, I have a discernment meeting this weekend for which I've not yet completed the reading. On the other hand, f#*@ that noise! That sounds an awful lot like the discourse in Luke, chapter nine, verses fifty-seven through sixty-two. "No one who sets a hand to the plow & looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God." Work harder, Mike. More study. More reflection. More meditation. More, not less.

The Victors

Whilst we await the announcement of Brady Hoke's dismissal, one name Michigan fans should consider as his replacement is Bo Pelini. Sure, you laugh, but think about it. What would you give to win nine games, every year, like clockwork? Pelini will probably never lead a club to a national championship, but at this point I'm more concerning with returning to respectability than returning to dominance.

The only thing that might save Hoke's job at Michigan, to my way of thinking, is the interim status of the athletic director. Given that Michigan will be competing for top-tier candidates with Nebraska (the job from which Pelini was just fired for consistently winning nine games a year, but no Big Ten titles) & Florida (their mediocrity is like sweet candy), the A.D. might opt to leave Hoke in as a condemned caretaker, & then have the permanent A.D. (whom I'm sure the interim A.D. would like to be) conduct a proper coaching search once he's established. I fervently hope that is not a possibility, that this is just the fevered musing of my dark & paranoid brain.

Think seriously, is Harbaugh anything other than a pipe dream? I'd love for him to be our coach, but could we really lure him away from the No Fun League? Could he ever be counted on to stay & build, or would he always have one foot out the door looking to get back to the pros? I've never been a fan of Bo Pelini, but he does have Big Ten experience. Of course, there are many fish in the sea, many more than just Jim Harbaugh & Bo Pelini.

Go Blue!

Project OSPREY
I have a meeting tonight & my father uses the D.V.R. to record what seems like every single show on network television, so I doubt I'll be able to see the valiant Wolverines' A.C.C./B1G Challenge game against the epithetless Orange (formerly the Orangemen) of Syracuse tonight. Drat!

Go Blue!

The Rebel Black Dot Evil Ex Song of the Day
Dan the Automator, "Slick (Patel's Song)" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich (T.L.A.M.)



Commentary: Welcome to Scott Pilgrim Week here in the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. Why? Why the hell not?

Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the memorial of Saint Edmund Campion† (1540-1581), Jesuit, priest, & martyr, counted among the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: As an Anglophile who is Catholic thanks to the quarter of my heritage that is Irish (the three quarters that are English & Scottish were Protestant), I have particular affinity for those martyred under that monstrous dynasty, the House of Tudor, the victims of the atrocities those monsters committed against all who refused to bow to them as God's sole representatives on Earth.

Today is also the memorial of Blessed Charles de Foucald† (1858-1916), hermit & martyr: Blessed-link Unus, Blessed-link Duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter six.

Daily Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter two, verses one through five;
Psalm one hundred twenty-two;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eight, verses five through eleven.