Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the feast of Saints Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus (first century): Saints-link, Saint-link Juliett & Wikipedia-link Juliett, & Saint-link November & Wikipedia-link November.

Commentary: The men who, according to all four Gospels, laid the Lord in the tomb from which He would rise on Easter Sunday.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Aristedes the Athenian, Apologist (died circa 134): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '15.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, Bishop (circa 590-651): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter three, verses one thru nine;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses twelve thru fifteen, twenty, & twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter four, verses thirty-eight thru forty-four.

Personal Reading
The First Book of Samuel, chapter one (of thirty-one; verses one thru twenty-eight);
The First Book of Samuel, chapter two (verses one thru thirty-six).

Commentary: Elkanah & His Family at Shiloh (1:1-8), Hannah's Prayer (1:9-19a), Hannah Bears a Son (1:19b-23), Samuel Is Offered to God (1:24-2:11), Wickedness of Eli's Sons (2:12-17), the Lord Rewards Hannah (2:18-21), Eli's Futile Rebuke (2:22-26), & Doom of Eli's House (2:27-36).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Johnny Cash, "Sam Hall" from American IV: The Man Comes Around (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I'd be lying if I claimed today's choice of the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. wasn't inspired, tongue in cheek, by my reading of the Books of Samuel.

"Well, my name it is Sam Hall, Sam Hall,
Yes, my name it is Sam Hall, it is Sam Hall,
My name it is Sam Hall,
And I hate you, one and all,
And I hate you, one and all, damn your eyes!

"I killed a man, they said, so they said,
I killed a man, they said, so they said,
I killed a man, they said,
And I smashed in his head,
And I left him laying dead, damn his eyes!

"But a-swinging I must go, I must go,
A-swinging I must go, I must go,
A-swinging I must go,
While you critters down below
Yell up, 'Sam, I told you so!' Well, damn your eyes!…

"My name is Samuel, Samuel,
My name is Samuel, Samuel,
My name is Samuel,
And I'll see you all in hell,
And I'll see you all in hell, damn your eyes!"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the feast of Saint Jeanne Jugan, Religious, L.S.P. (1792-1879, A.K.A. Sister Mary of the Cross), foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link L.S.P.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Yes, the same Little Sisters of the Poor that the Obama Administration believes pose such a grave threat to the United States.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Stephen Nehmé, Monk (1889-1938): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter two, verses ten(b) thru sixteen;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-five, verse eight thru fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter four, verses thirty-one thru thirty-seven.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Aloe Blacc, "The Man" from Lift Your Spirit (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I'm not excited about Year Two under Coach Harbaugh, A.K.A. the Magical Unicorn of Our Dreams, no, not in the least.

"Stand up now and face the sun,
Won't hide my tail or turn and run,
It's time to do what must be done,
Be a king when Kingdom Come.

"Well, you can tell everybody,
Yeah, you can tell everybody,
Go ahead and tell everybody,
I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man…"

Bonus! Song of the Day

Less Than Jake, "Give Me Something to Believe In, Inc." from See the Light (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"Let me bring you back to the living,
Back to when you did more than exist,
Your compass is broken,
You call yourself broken,
You call yourself all-in, but you're losing your grip.

"O-o-o, give me something to believe in,
I'm waiting on a reason
Not to keep on floating along.
O-o-o, give me something to believe in,
So I can give you reasons
To wake yourself up and come in from the storm…"

Poetry Smackdown

"A Song to Mithras (Hymn of the 30th Legion: circa A.D. 350)"
by Rudyard Kipling

Mithras, God of the Morning, our trumpets waken the Wall!
'Rome is above the Nations, but Thou art over all!'
Now as the names are answered, and the guards are marched away,
Mithras, also a soldier, give us strength for the day!

Mithras, God of the Noontide, the heather swims in the heat.
Our helmets scorch our foreheads, our sandals burn our feet.
Now in the ungirt hour—now ere we blink and drowse,
Mithras, also a solider, keep us true to our vows!

Mithras, God of the Sunset, low on the Western main—
Thou descending immortal, immortal to rise again!
Now when the watch is ended, now when the wine is drawn!
Mithras, also a soldier, keep us pure till the dawn!

Mithras, God of the Midnight, here where the great bull dies,
Look on Thy children in darkness. Oh take our sacrifice!
Many roads Thou hast fashioned—all of them lead to the Light:
Mithras, also a solider, teach us to die aright!

Commentary: I've long been fond of "A Song to Mithras;" when we played Assassins on, off, & around the campus in Ann Arbor, back in those halcyon days at the turn of the millennium, I called my squad "The 30th Legion."

Objective PORCUPINE
Oddly, when I attempted to log-in to the FaceSpace this morning, I could not do so until I had "gone through my Google account" (whatever that means) & changed my password. I have continued to test this & I am simply unable to log-in the FaceSpace using Mozilla's Firefox, my usual browser. I have absolutely no difficulty accessing the FaceSpace through Apple's Safari browser.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Audrey Assad, "How Can I Keep from Singing" from Inheritance (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The title should read "How Can I Keep from Singing?," since it is clearly a question in the lyrics, not an ejaculation. What a beautiful, stirring hymn!

"My life flows on in endless song
Above Earth's lamentation,
I hear the sweet, tho' far-off hymn
That hails a new creation;
Thro' all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?…

"No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist (first century), martyred in the reign of the tetrarch Herod Antipas: Baptist-link ūnus, Baptist-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Church, having celebrated the earthly birthday of St. John the Baptist on 24 June, today honors the anniversary of his martyrdom. Besides our Lord & our Lady, St. John the Baptist is the only one whose birth & death are thus celebrated.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Richard Herst, Martyr (died 1628), martyred in the reign of the king Charles I: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter two, verses one thru five;
Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verses ninety-seven thru one hundred two;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter six, verses seventeen thru twenty-nine

or, for the Baptist:
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter one, verses seventeen thru nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verse ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter six, verses seventeen thru twenty-nine.

The Explorers' Club, № DXII

Operation AXIOM: The World War
27 August-18 September 1916: Romania, encouraged by Russian gains & Austro-Hungarian losses in the Brusilov Offensive, joined the Entente Powers through the secret Treaty of Bucharest (17 August); Romanian forces marched into Transylvania; a Bulgarian, German, & Ottoman column counterattacked from the south & captured the Romanian fortress at Turtucaia (2-6 September).

Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA: XXII Sunday in Ordinary Time

'Tis the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

Otherwise 28 August would be the feast of Saint Augustine, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (354-430, A.K.A. of Hippo): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15.

'Twould also be the feast of Saint Edmund Arrowsmith, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (1585-1628), martyred in the reign of the king Charles I, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link XL.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings
The Book of Sirach, chapter three, verses seventeen, eighteen, twenty, twenty-seven, & twenty-eight;
Psalm Sixty-eight, verses four thru seven, ten, & eleven;
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter twelve, verses eighteen, nineteen, & twenty-two thru twenty-four(a);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter fourteen, verses one & seven thru fourteen.

Commentary: On Friday mornings, I visit the Genesee County Jail & do my utmost to minister to the inmates. Our usual routine is to read with them & discuss the following Sunday's readings. On Friday, because one of the gentlemen asked about the Book of Sirach, we got to explain the differences 'twixt the Catholic Bible (A.K.A. the Bible) & the Protestant Bible; Sirach is one of the deuterocanonical books rejected by the Protestant "reformers." By what right, you ask? On their own illicit authority, at the peril of their own souls.

* * * * *

Saturday, 27 August was the Memorial of Saint Monica (circa 331-387, A.K.A. of Hippo): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

An early Christian saint & the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo (28 August). She is remembered & honored in most Christian denominations for her outstanding virtues, particularly the suffering caused by her husband's adultery, & her prayerful life dedicated to the reformation of her son, who wrote extensively of her pious acts & life with her in his Confessions.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed Roger Cadwallador, Priest & Martyr (circa 1568-1610), martyred in the reign of the king James VI & I, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-one;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses twelve, thirteen, & eighteen thru twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses fourteen thru thirty;

or, for St. Monica:
The Book of Sirach, chapter twenty-six, verses one thru four & thirteen thru sixteen;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter seven, verses eleven thru seventeen.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Lord's Day

Audrey Assad, "Fortunate Fall" from Fortunate Fall (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Assad has said that Fortunate Fall is based on her study of & meditation upon the writings of St. Augustine of Hippo. In addition to the title track, "Fortunate Fall," there is also a song titled "Felix Culpa," Augustine's Latin phrase variously translated as "happy fault" or "fortunate fall," & another titled "O Happy Fault." I do love a consistently-executed theme.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Sufjan Stevens, "Jacksonville" from Illinois (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The title of the album is also stylized as "Sufjan Stevens invites you to: Come On, Feel the Illinoise."

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the feast of Saint Alexander of Bergamo, Martyr (died circa 303), martyred in the reign of the emperor Diocletian, possibly a centurion of the Theban Legion: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Legion.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Bregwin of Canterbury, Bishop (died 764): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet, Religious, H.A.D. (1843-1897), foundress of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link H.A.D.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses seventeen thru twenty-five;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses one, two, four, five, ten, & eleven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses one thru thirteen.

Personal Reading
The Book of Ruth, chapter two (verses one thru twenty-three);
The Book of Ruth, chapter three (verses one thru eighteen);
The Book of Ruth, chapter four (of four; verses one thru twenty-two);
Introduction to the Books of Samuel.

Commentary: The Meeting (2, inclusive), Ruth Again Presents Herself (3, inclusive), & Boaz Marries Ruth (4, inclusive).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

William Shatner featuring Joe Jackson, "Common People" from Has Been (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"You'll never live like common people,
You'll never do whatever common people do,
You'll never fail like common people,
You'll never watch your life slide out of view
And dance and drink and screw,
'Cause there's nothing else to do…

"Sing along with common people,
Sing along and it might just get you through,
Laugh along with common people,
Laugh along, even though they're all laughing at you,
And the stupid things that you do
Because you think that poor is cool.

"They'll tear your insides out,
'Cause everybody hates a tourist…

"You will never understand
How it feels to live your life
With no meaning or control
And with nowhere left to go.
You're amazed that they exist
And they burn so bright
While you can only wonder why…"

Bonus! Song of the Day

Guster, "What You Wish For" from Lost and Gone Forever (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I pray most sincerely that I never get what I deserve.

"Woke up today
To everything gray,
And all that I saw just kept going on and on,
Sweep all the pieces under the bed,
Close all the curtains and cover my head.

"And what you wish for won't come true.
You aren't surprised, Love, are you?…

"And I will get what I deserve,
Keep all the secrets under the bed,
Open the curtains, forget what I said.

"And what you wish for could come true.
You aren't surprised, Love, are you?
So what you wish for could come true.
You act surprised, Love. Are you?"

Objective PORCUPINE

This afternoon, I took two steps to change my social-media habits. I posted the following to my FaceSpace "wall" & I deactivated my moribund Twitter account.

Earlier this summer, I spent a week off-line due to a lovely family reunion Up North. When I returned to the FaceSpace, I discovered that I hadn't really missed it. Thus, the following experiment: From now, Thursday, 25 August 'til Monday, 3 October, I will only log in to the FaceSpace once a week, on Monday morning. Will I feel out of the loop? More isolated from far-flung kith & kin? More connected to the persons around me in daily live? More attuned to the Lord? Let's wait & see.

Welcome to Objective PORCUPINE. Farewell.

This week marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the world wide web, which is apparently not quite the same thing as the internet. Who knew? Roll your eyes at my cretinism if you wish, but my eyes glaze over whenever computer science is discussed. Regardless of my disregard for the purely coincidental anniversary, methinks this a fine juncture at which to re-evaluate my use of those online tools that we as a society have taken to calling "social media," despite the evidence that indicates usage results in anti-social behaviors & tendencies. To wit, after two attempts at making use of the "microblogging" website Twitter, I'm throwing in the towel & washing my hands of the whole disreputable business. I have "deactivated" my account; if I do not "reactivate" it in the next thirty days, the Twitter informs me that it will be "deleted forever." Good riddance! I would have needed to borrow someone's laptop or smartphone to go online during this summer's wonderful week-long blackout. Will I be able, with ready access to the interwebs, to resist the temptation to log-in to the FaceSpace more than once a week? There's only one way to find out.

This blog (short for weblog), The Secret Base of the Rebel Black Dot Society, is fourteen years old, & counting. Maybe I'm just a stick in the mud who only likes "old school" social media.

Code Name: CHAOS
Objective PORCUPINE is scheduled to run through Monday, 3 October 2016. If successful, it could be extended indefinitely. (We must remember that Project BLACK MAMBA began as Objective BLACK MAMBA.) If PORCUPINE is extended indefinitely, would it be Project PORCUPINE or Operation PORCUPINE? I wonder.

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Louis, T.O.S.F. (1214-1270, A.K.A. King Louis IX of France): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Reigning from 1226 to 1270, Louis IX showed how a saint would act on the throne of France. He was a lovable personality, a kind husband, a father of eleven children, & at the same time a strict ascetic. St. Louis was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis & so is included in the family of Franciscan saints.

'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest, Sch.P. (1557-1648), founder of the Piarists, formally the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Sch.P.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Joseph's works of charity were for the instruction of neglected & homeless childredn, many of whom had lost their parents. Joseph joined a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine & gathered the boys & girls from the streets & brought them to school. He opened the first public, free school in Europe.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Alessandro Dordi, Priest & Martyr (1931-1991), martyred at the hands of the Shining Path Communists: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses one thru nine;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-five, verses two thru seven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-four, verses forty-two thru fifty-one;

or, for St. Louis:
The Book of Isiah, chapter fifty-eight, verses six thru eleven;
Psalm One Hundred Twelve, verse one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-two, verses thirty-four thru forty;

or, for St. Joseph:
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter twelve, verse thirty-one thru chapter thirteen, verse thirteen (or, the First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter thirteen, verses four thru thirteen);
Psalm Thirty-four, verse two;
or, Psalm Thirty-four, verse nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eighteen, verses one thru five.

Personal Reading
The Letter of James, chapter three (verses one thru eighteen);
The Letter of James, chapter four (verses one thru seventeen);
The Letter of James, chapter five (of five; verses one thru twenty);
The Book of Ruth, chapter one (of four; verses one thru twenty-two).

Commentary: Power of the Tongue (James, 3:1-12), True Wisdom (3:13-18), Causes of Division (4:1-12), Warning against Presumption (4:13-17), Warning to the Rich (5:1-6), Patience & Oaths (5:7-12), Anointing of the Sick (5:13-15), Confession & Intercession (5:16-18), & Conversion of Sinners (5:19-20); Naomi in Moab (Ruth, 1:1-18) & the Return to Bethlehem (1:19-22).

My intention after reading the brief Book of Ruth is then to tackle the First & Second Books of Samuel. If that goes well, it could well lead right into the First & Second Books of Kings & the First & Second Books of Chronicles. I feel slight—very slight—pangs for skipping the Books of Joshua & Judges, whereas I feel only relief over the decision to skip the Books of Leviticus & Deuteronomy. (If you'll recall, I struggled mightily through the back half of Exodus & the lion's share of Numbers.)

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Mu330, "Wide Awake" (live) from Oh Yeah! (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary: Today's R.B.D.S.O.T.D. is dedicated to the denizens of the Gateway to the West.

"We're Mu330, from Saint Louis, Missouri, the 'Mighty City by the Mighty Mississippi,' and we'd like to thank you for coming to the rock and roll show! I want to know, Saint Louis, are you ready to rock? I mean, are you really ready to rock and roll?…"

Bonus! Song of the Day

Hey Monday, "Wish You Were Here" from the Beneath It All E.P. (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Wish you were here,
Wish you well,
If you'd only share this hell…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle (first century): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, he has been identified with Nathanael (who appears in the Gospel according to John as being introduced to Christ by Philip). He was flayed alive & crucified, head downward.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Edward Kaźmierski, Martyr (1919-1942), martyred in the reign of the Führer Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Martyrs of World War II: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link CVIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Revelation, chapter twenty-one, verses nine(b) thru fourteen;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-five, verses ten thru thirteen, seventeen, & eighteen;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses forty-five thru fifty-one.

Personal Reading
Introduction to the Letter of James;
The Letter of James, chapter one (of five; verses one thru twenty-seven);
The Letter of James, chapter two (verses one thru twenty-six);
Introduction to the Book of Ruth.

Commentary: Address (1:1), Perseverance in Trial (1:2-11), Temptation (1:12-18), Doers of the Word (1:19-27), Sin of Partiality (2:1-13), & Faith & Works (2:14-26).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

The House Band, "Pharaoh" from Green Linnet Records: The Twentieth Anniversary Collection (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Call it England, call it Spain,
Egypt rules with the whip and chain,
Moses, free my people again,
We're all working for the Pharaoh.

"And it's Egypt land, Egypt land,
We're all living in Egypt land,
Tell me, Brother, don't you understand,
We're all working for the Pharaoh.

(instrumental interlude)

"Pharaoh, he sits in his tower of steel,
Around his feet the princes kneel,
Far beneath we shoulder the wheel,
We're all working for the Pharaoh."

Operation AXIOM

Yesterday, 23 August, was Black Ribbon Day, the American observance of the European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Stalinism & Nazism. We dare not forget that just a quarter of a century ago half of Europe, the heartland of Western civilization, lived under cruel oppression & ideological despotism. We dare not forget those who perished, lest we suffer their same fate, lest we stand by idly whilst others suffer that same baleful fate. The date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrip Pact in 1939.

"They Came First…"
by Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)

They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15.

Yesterday, 23 August, was also the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade & its Abolition. The date was chosen to commemorate the beginning of the Haitian Revolution in 1791. I urge my fellow Americans never to forget that the Confederate battle flag—the Confederate swastika—is not a symbol of "Southern heritage," but the banner of treason & slavery, of men who would turn their backs on their oaths of loyalty & kill their countrymen in order to play Pharaoh & keep other man in chains.

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin, T.O.S.D. (1586-1617): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Historians remember St. Rose of Lima for her piety & chastity. She was exceptionally beautiful. When she turned twenty, she was permitted to join the Third Order of St. Dominic. She continued a life of extreme prayer, fasting, & penance. On one occasion she burned her hands as a self-imposed act of penance. She was known to wear a heavy silver crown, with spikes that could pierce her flesh. The spikes reminded her of the crown of Thorns.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Philip Bezini, Confessor, O.S.M. (1233-1285): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Mariano García Mendez, Priest & Martyr, S.C.I. (1891-1936), martyred by Spanish Communists ("Republicans" or "Loyalists"), one of the Two Hundred Thirty-three Spanish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link CCXXXIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Second Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter two, verses one thru three(a) & fourteen thru seventeen;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses ten thru thirteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-three, verses twenty-three thru twenty-six;

or, for St. Rose:
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter ten, verse seventeen thru chapter eleven, verse two;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-eight, verses twelve(a) & thirteen(a);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter thirteen, verses forty-four thru forty-six.

Personal Reading
The Book of Revelation, chapter nineteen (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Book of Revelation, chapter twenty (verses one thru fifteen);
The Book of Revelation, chapter twenty-one (verses one thru twenty-seven);
The Book of Revelation, chapter twenty-two (verses one thru twenty-one).

Commentary: The Victory Song (19:5-10), the King of Kings (19:11-21), the Thousand-year Reign (20:1-10), the Large White Throne (20:11-15), the New Heaven & the New Earth (21:1-8), the New Jerusalem (21:9-22:5), & VII: Epilogue (22:6-21).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Johnny Cash, "The Man Comes Around" from American IV: The Man Comes Around (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I finished reading the Book of Revelation this morning, the first time I'd ever read Revelation; so, "The Man Comes Around" seemed fitting. I can now say that in the last two years I've read the whole New Testament. What next? To read it again, & then again, also reading the Old Testament here & there, the better to understand the Lord's salvific plan & the better able to share the Good News with all those I encounter.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Elvis Costello, "Alison" from The Very Best of Elvis Costello (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Saturday morning, as my parishioner partner & I raked last fall's leaves from around a non-parishioner's house & painted the front porch railing of another non-parishioner's house, we discussed the quandary of living out the faith in this fallen world, specifically as it applies to pop music. What does being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ mean for the thoroughly secular, sometimes directly contrary-to-the-Gospel music we loved before our stony hearts were replaced with living hearts? I do not have any definitive answers for you, but "Alison" has been an earworm, albeit a pleasant one, ever since.

"Alison,
I know this world is killing you,
O Alison,
My aim is true…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: "We're in 'Now' Now"

"The future starts today, not tomorrow." — Pope Saint John Paul II

'Tis the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady-link ūna, Our Lady-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Mary's queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary's Son would receive the throne of David & rule forever. At the Visitation, (St.) Elizabeth (5 November) calls Mary "mother of my Lord." As in all the mysteries of Mary's life, Mary is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus's kingship.

'Tis also the feast of Saint John Kemble, Priest & Martyr (1599-1679), martyred in the reign of the king Charles II, a victim of the Titus Oates's "Popish Plot" perjury, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Plot & Wikipedia-link XL.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Second Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter one, verses one thru five, eleven, & twelve;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one thru five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-three, verses thirteen thru twenty-two;

or, for the Queen of Heaven:
The Book of Isaiah, chapter nine, verses one thru six;
Psalm One Hundred Thirteen, verse two;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight.

Personal Reading
The Book of Revelation, chapter eighteen (verses one thru twenty-four).

Commentary: The Fall of Babylon (18, inclusive).

Urbi et Orbi
Though originally posted nearly four years ago, the hyperlinked piece from Eye of the Tiber—"Breaking Catholic news so you don't have to"—remains relevant, as last week I was witness to an apoplectic, incoherent denunciation of the most-recent translation of the Roman Missal, specifically the replacement in the Nicene Creed of the words "one in being with the Father" with the words "consubstantial with the Father": E.O.T.T.-link. I spend plenty of time around Crazy Church Ladies, but this was the just about the craziest I'd ever seen a Crazy Church Lady. For your physical safety & mental health, don't even get her started on the change of the prosaic word "cup" to the more majestic "chalice" during the consecration.

Yep, we're just one big, happy, holy, catholic, & apostolic Church.

The Explorers' Club, № DXI

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Battle of the Somme, Part IV
14 July-3 September 1916: The Battle of Delville Wood—British & Imperial forces, including the first deployment of South Africans to the Western Front, seized the Delville Wood, forming a salient in the German lines that could be used to launch further offensives, followed by seven weeks of close combat, with constant small-unit attacks & counterattacks amidst persistent rain & endless mud.

Lest we forget.

Bonus! Song of the Day

Cake, "The Distance" from Fashion Nugget (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"The arena is empty except for one man,
Still driving and striving as fast as he can…
But he's driving and striving and hugging the turns
And thinking of someone for whom he still burns.

"He's going the distance,
He's going for speed,
She's all alone (All alone!),
All alone in her time of need,
Because he's racing and pacing and plotting a course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse,
He's going the distance…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part VII

Today, 21 August is the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

Otherwise, 21 August would be the feast of Saint Pius X, Pope (1853-1914), two hundred fifty-seventh Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15.

'Twould also be the feast of Our Lady of Knock (1879): Our Lady-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of This Week
Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-six, verses eighteen thru twenty-one;
Psalm One Hundred Seventeen, verses one & two;
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter twelve, verses five thru seven & eleven thru thirteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter thirteen, verses twenty-two thru thirty.

* * * * *

Sunday, 14 August was the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

Otherwise, 14 August would have been the feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest & Martyr, O.F.M. Conv. (1894-1941), martyred in the reign of the Führer Adolf Hitler: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15.

'Twould also have been the feast of Saint Eusebius of Rome, Priest & Martyr (died 357), martyred in the reign of the emperor Constantius II: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of Last Week
Mass Readings
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty-eight, verses four thru six & eight thru ten;
Psalm Forty, verses two, three, four & eighteen;
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter twelve, verses one thru four;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses forty-nine thru fifty-three.

* * * * *

Sunday, 7 August was the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

Otherwise, 7 August would have been the feast of Saint Sixtus II, Pope, & Companions, Deacons, Martyrs (died 258), twenty-fourth Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperor Valerian: Martyr-link Sierra & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Companions.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15.

'Twould also have been the feast of Saint Cajetan, Priest, C.R. (1480-1547), founder of the Theatines, formally the Congregation of Clerics Regular of the Divine Providence: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.R.

Scripture of the Week Before Last
Mass Readings
The Book of Wisdom, chapter eighteen, verses six thru nine;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses one, twelve, & eighteen thru twenty-two;
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter eleven, verses one, two, & eight thru nineteen
(or, the Letter to the Hebrews, chapter eleven, verses one, two, & eight thru twelve);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses thirty-two thru forty-eight
(or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses thirty-five thru forty).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Lord's Day

Owl City featuring Britt Nicole, "You're Not Alone" via iTunes (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Some days I barely hold on,
When life drags me down, I want to let go.
When my spirit is weak,
You come to my aid and strengthen my soul…

"You rescued me
And I believe
That God is love,
And He is all I need
From this day forth for all eternity,
I'll never wander on my own
For I am Yours until You call me home,
I close my eyes and I can hear You say,
'You're not alone,
You're not alone'…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "You Left Right?" from Pin Points and Gin Joints (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary: "You Left Right?" is about the disillusionment that follows the presumably one-sided break-up of a romantic affair, but we appropriate it here for more generalized discontent (which is really just a byproduct of exhaustion, more physical than emotional).

"Sitting in the car with the engine off and I've got nowhere to go,
I need to be somewhere away from here to think…

"Never felt this fractured as I feel in all the days I've been alive,
I don't see myself collecting me too soon,
I sift and sort and come up short,
So far past my last resort…"

I'm always a fan of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, but sweet fancy Moses, I love Pin Points and Gin Joints!

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part VI

Today, 20 August is the Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot & Doctor of the Church, O.Cist. (1090-1153, A.K.A. of Clairvaux): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Changed the sacramental ritual of the Early Middle Ages into a new, more personally-held faith, with the life of Christ as a model & a new emphasis on the Virgin Mary. In opposition to the rational approach to divine understanding that the Scholastics adopted, Bernard would preach an immediate faith, in which the intercessor was the Virgin Mary.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Ronald of Orkney, Martyr (circa 1103-1158, A.K.A. Rögnvald Kali Kolsson), martyred by Vikings: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter forty-three, verses one thru seven(a);
Psalm Eighty-five, verses nine(a,b) & ten thru fourteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-three, verses one thru twelve;

or, for St. Bernard:
The Book of Sirach, chapter fifteen, verses one thru six;
Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verse twelve;
The Gospel according to John, chapter seventeen, verses twenty thru twenty-six.

* * * * *

Saturday, 13 August was the Optional Memorial of Saints Pontian, Pope, & Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs (died 235) eighteenth Bishop of Rome & the first antipope, martyred in the reign of the emperor Maximinus Thrax: Martyrs-link, Martyr-link Papa & Wikipedia-link Papa, & Wikipedia-link Hotel.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Two men died for their faith after harsh treatment & exhaustion in the mines of Sardinia. One had been pope for five years, the other an antipope for eighteen. They died reconciled. Pontian held a synod which confirmed the excommunication of the great theologian Origen in Alexandria. For this, Pontian was banished to exile by the Roman emperor. When (St.) Callistus I (14 October) was elected pope, Hippolytus accused him of being too lenient with penitents, & had himself elected antipope by a group. He remained in schism through the reigns of three popes. He was also banished to the island of Sardinia.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Maximus the Confessor, Abbot (circa 580-662): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter eighteen, verses one thru ten, thirteen(b), & thirty-one thru thirty-two;
Psalm Fifty-one, verses twelve thru fifteen, eighteen, & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nineteen, verses thirteen thru fifteen;

or, for Ss. Pontian & Hippolytus:
The First Letter of Peter, chapter four, verses twelve thru nineteen;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-four, verse seven;
The Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses eighteen thru twenty-one.

* * * * *

Saturday, 6 August was the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Transfiguration-link ūnus, Transfiguration-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Jesus & three of his apostles—Peter, James, & John—go to the mountain (the Mount of Transfiguration) to pray. On the mountain, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the prophets Moses & Elijah appear next to him & he speaks with them. Jesus is then called "Son" by a voice in the sky, assumed to be God the Father, as in the baptism of Jesus.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Hormisdas, Pope (450-523), fifty-second Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Daniel, chapter seven, verses nine, ten, thirteen, & fourteen;
Psalm Ninety-seven, verses one, two, five, six, & nine;
The Second Letter of Peter, chapter one, verses sixteen thru nineteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses twenty-eight(b) thru thirty-six.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "Wasted Summers" from Pin Points and Gin Joints (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"They took you on and took you under,
A nice new haircut and a number,
Here comes another wasted summer,
On and on it goes,
That's the way it goes…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part V

Today, 19 August is the Optional Memorial of Saint John Eudes, Priest, C.J.M. (1601-1680), founder of the Eudists, formally the Congregation of Jesus & Mary, & the Order of Our Lady of Charity: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.J.M. & Wikipedia-link O.D.N.C..

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a French missionary & priest, who founded the Congregation of Jesus & Mary & the Order of Our Lady of Charity, & was the author of the propers for the Mass & Divine Office of the Sacred hearts of Jesus & Mary.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Andrew Stratelates, Martyr (died circa 300), martyred in the reign of the emperor Maximian: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Louis of Toulouse, Bishop, O.F.M. (1274-1297): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter thirty-seven, verses one thru fourteen;
Psalm One Hundred Seven, verses two thru nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-two, verses thirty-four thru forty;

or, for St. John:
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses fourteen thru nineteen;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses twenty-five thru thirty.

* * * * *

Friday, 12 August was the Optional Memorial of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious, V.H.M. (1572-1641), foundress of the Visitation Sisters, formally the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link V.H.M.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Jane Frances was wife, mother, nun, & founder of a religious community. Saint Francis de Sales (24 January), who at the time was the bishop, became her (spiritual) director & best friend. She founded an institute of women which would be a haven for those whose health, age, or other considerations barred them from entering the already established communities.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed Innocent XI, Pope (1611-1689), two hundred fortieth Bishop of Rome: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter sixteen, verses one thru fifteen, sixty, & sixty-three;
or, The Book of Ezekiel, chapter sixteen, verses fifty-nine thru sixty-three;
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twelve, verses two, three, four(b,c,d), five, & six;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nineteen, verses three thru twelve;

or, for St. Jane Frances:
The Book of Proverbs, chapter thirty-one, verses ten thru thirteen, nineteen, twenty, thirty, & thirty-one;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-one;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses thirty-one thru fifty-five.

* * * * *

Friday, 5 August was the Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major: Basilica-link ūna, Basilica-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The feast commemorates the dedication by Pope (St.) Sixtus III (28 March) of the rebuilt Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore just after the First Council of Ephesus. This major basilica, located on the summit of the Esquiline Hill in Rome, is called the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Latin: Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris) because it is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Oswald of Northumbria (circa 604-642, A.K.A. King Oswald): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Nahum, chapter two, verses one & three & chapter three, verses one, two, three, six, & seven;
The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter thirty-two, verses thirty-five(c, d), thirty-six(a,b), thirty-nine(a,b,c,d,), & forty-one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-four thru twenty-eight;

or, for the Dedication:
The Book of Revelation, chapter twenty-one, verses one thru five(a);
The Book of Judith, chapter fifteen, verse nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter eleven, verses twenty-seven & twenty-eight.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part IV

Today, 18 August is the feast of Saint Helena (circa 248-328), mother of the emperor Constantine, discoverer of the True Cross: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link True Cross.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Martín Martínez Pascual, Priest & Martyr (1910-1936), martyred at the hands of Spanish Communists ("Republicans"): Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (Spanish).

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter thirty-six, verses twenty-three thru twenty-eight;
Psalm Fifty-one, verses twelve thru fifteen, eighteen, & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-two, verses one thru fourteen.

Personal Reading
The Book of Revelation, chapter sixteen (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Book of Revelation, chapter seventeen (verses one thru eighteen).

Commentary: The Seven Bowls (16, inclusive), Babylon the Great (17:1-6a), & Meaning of the Beast & Harlot (17:6b-18).

* * * * *

Thursday, 11 August was the Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin, O.S.C. (1194-1253, A.K.A. of Assisi), foundress of the Poor Clares, formally the Order of Saint Clare (the Second Order of Saint Francis): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O.S.C.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Clare was born in Assisi. At the age of eighteen she heard (St.) Francis (4 October) preach during a Lenten service in the church of San Giorgio at Assisi, & asked him to help her live after the manner of the Gospel. She left her family to follow Francis, & lived a simple life of poverty, austerity, & seclusion from the world, according to the Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order (Poor Clares).

'Twas also the feast of Blessed John Sandys, Priest & Martyr (circa 1552-1586), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I, one the the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter twelve, verses one thru twelve;
Psalm Seventy-eight, verses fifty-six thru fifty-nine, sixty-one, & sixty-two;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eighteen, verse twenty-one thru chapter nineteen, verse one;

or, for St. Clare:
The Letter to the Philippians, chapter three, verses eight thru fourteen;
Psalm Sixteen, verse five(a);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nineteen, verses twenty-seven thru twenty-nine.

* * * * *

Thursday, 4 August was the Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest, T.O.S.F. (1786-1859): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

To the incomparable exclusion of everything else he addressed himself to the greatest honor & glory of God & the salvation of souls. he accepted his obligation to holiness at an early age, & it took complete possession of him. He possessed the gift of being able to understand the soul of a man in an instant, &, without any lengthy explanations, to feel at once what spiritual trouble was afflicting it.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Lua, Priest (circa 554-609, A.K.A. Molua, of Limerick, of Killaloe): Saint-link ūnus & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty-one, verses thirty-one thru thirty-four;
Psalm Fifty-one, verses twelve thru fifteen, eighteen, & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses thirteen thru twenty-three;

or, for St. John, the Curé d'Ars:
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter three, verses seventeen thru twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter sixteen, verse fifteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nine, verse thirty-five thru chapter ten, verse one;

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Heidi Swedberg & the Sukey Jump Band, "Dream a Little Dream of Me" via iTunes (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Heidi Swedberg is also an actress, best known for playing Susan Ross, George Costanza's doomed fiancée, on Seinfeld. Amidst all the brilliant seasons of Seinfeld, George & Susan's agonizing romance remains my undisputed favorite. I am fond of this rendition of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" on its own merits, the Seinfeld connection is a bonus.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part III

Today, 17 August is the feast of Saint Eusebius, Pope (died circa 310), thirty-first Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Joan of the Cross, Religious (1666-1736, A.K.A. Jeanne Delanoue), foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Anne of Providence of Saumur: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. I doubt there're enough "ofs" in the congregation's name.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter thirty-four, verses one thru eleven;
Psalm Twenty-three, verses one thru six;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty, verses one thru sixteen.

Personal Reading
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter one (verses one thru twenty-six);
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter fifteen, verses, thirty-four thru fifty-eight);
The First Letter of Peter, chapter two, verses thirteen thru twenty-five.

Commentary: The Promise of the Spirit (Acts, 1:1-5), the Ascension of Jesus (1:6-12), the First Community in Jerusalem (1:13-14), & the Choice of Judas's Successor (1:15-26); the Resurrection Body (1 Cor., 15:36-49) & the Resurrection Event (15:50-58); & Christian Citizens (1 Pt., 2:13-17) & Christian Slaves (2:18-25).

* * * * *

Wednesday, 10 August was the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr (circa 225-258), martyred in the reign of the emperor Valerian: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a Roman deacon under Pope St. Sixtus II (7 August). Four days after this pope was put to death. Lawrence & four clerics suffered martyrdom.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed Amadeus of Portugal, Religious, O.F.M. (1420-1482): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter nine, verses six thru ten;
Psalm One Hundred Twelve, verses one, two, & five thru nine;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twelve, verses twenty-four thru twenty-six.

* * * * *

Wednesday, 3 August was the feast of Saint Aspren, Bishop (first century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed Augustin Kažotić, Bishop, O.P. (circa 1260-1323, A.K.A. Augustine Gazotich, etc.): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty-one, verses one thru seven;
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty-one, verses ten thru twelve(b) & thirteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fifteen, verses twenty-one thru twenty-eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

The Heavy, "Short Change Hero" (theme from Strike Back) via iTunes (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I want to enjoy the lyrics of "Short Change Hero," but the verdammt triple negatives rule that right out:

"This ain't no place for no hero,
This ain't no place for no better man,
This ain't no place for no hero,
To call home…"

Properly expressed:

"This is no place for a hero,
This is no place for a better man,
This is no place for a hero
To call home…"

My objection is not purely linguistic. It is because we Americans have so often fought for the right that we as a nation have almost always been so formidable in war. As Abraham Lincoln said, "right makes might," not the other way around.

Fortunately, the catchy music remains as "Short Change Hero's" ever-so-effective joy engine.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part II

Today, 16 August is the Optional Memorial of Saint Stephen of Hungary (circa 975-1038, A.K.A. King Stephen I): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

When he succeeded his father, Stephen adopted a policy of Christianization of the country for both political & religious reasons. He suppressed a series of revolts by pagan nobles. He asked the pope to provide for the Church's organization in Hungary—& also requested that the pope confer the title of king upon him.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Roch, Pilgrim, T.O.S.F. (circa 1295-1327, A.K.A. Rocco): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter twenty-eight, verses one thru ten;
The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter thirty-two, verses twenty-six thru twenty-eight, thirty, & thirty-five(c) thru thirty-six (b);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nineteen, verses twenty-three thru thirty;

or, for St. Stephen:
The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter six, verses three thru nine;
Psalm One Hundred Twelve, verse one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses fourteen thru thirty;
(or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses fourteen thru twenty-three).

* * * * *

Tuesday, 9 August was the Optional Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin & Martyr, O.C.D. (1891-1942, A.K.A. Edith Stein), martyred in the reign of the Führer Adolf Hitler: Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as St. Edith Stein, converted from Judaism to Catholicism in the course of her work as a philosopher, & later entered the Carmelite Order. She died in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz in 1942.

'Twas also the feast of Blesseds Michał Tomaszek & Zbigniew Adam Strzałkowski, Priests & Martyrs, O.F.M. Conv. (died 1991), martyred at the hands of Shining Path Communists: Martyr-link Mike Tango, Martyr-link Zulu Alpha Sierra, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter two, verse eight thru chapter three, verse four;
Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verses fourteen, twenty-four, seventy-two, one hundred three, one hundred eleven, & one hundred thirty-one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eighteen, verses one thru five, ten, & twelve thru fourteen;

or, for St. Teresa:
The Book of Hosea, chapter two, verses sixteen(b,c), seventeen(c,d), twenty-one, & twenty-two;
Psalm Forty-five, verse eleven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses one thru thirteen.

* * * * *

Tuesday, 2 August was the Optional Memorial of Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop (circa 283-371): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Eusebius was a bishop… in Italy. Along with Athanasius, he affirmed the divinity of Jesus against Arianism.

'Twas also the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest, S.S.S. (1811-1868), founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament & the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.S.S. & Wikipedia-link Servants.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Peter Julian was a French Catholic priest, founder of two religious institutes—(the) Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament & (the) Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. Promoted devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary & to the Eucharist, (such as) the Forty Hours.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty, verses one, two, twelve thru fifteen, & eighteen thru twenty-two;
Psalm One Hundred Two, verses sixteen thru twenty-three & twenty-nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fourteen, verses twenty-two thru thirty-six;
or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fifteen, verses one, two, & ten thru fourteen;

or, for St. Eusebius:
The First Letter of John, chapter five, verses one thru five;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verse two;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses one thru twelve(a);

or, for St. Peter Julian:
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter four, verses thirty-two thru thirty-five;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse nine;
The Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses one thru eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Kenny Rogers featuring The Whites, "I'll Fly Away" from Amazing Grace (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: We're burying my friend Bravo Sierra later this morning. We will miss her here in the ranks of the Church Militant, but are happy for her on her promotion to the Church Penitent (or even the Church Triumphant). Fly away, Crazy Lady (her vanity license plate read CRZE LDY); I hope to see you again when my time comes.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra featuring Asian Kung-Fu Generation, "Wake Up!" from Ska Me Forever (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary: Last Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday (10-12August), I woke up two hours earlier than normal to ferry a fellow I know to his court-mandated community service in Pontiac. Because of this—& my middle-of-the-night adoration shift, 3:00-4:30 A.M.—on Saturday (13 August), I slept in, missing out on another charitable opportunity. Drat! Thus, both yesterday & today (14-15 August) I attempted to re-balance the scales by sleeping in, banking additional sleep, as it were. On both occasions, I woke up before my alarm clock rang. Curses, foiled again! I suppose one of these days I should internalize the lesson that I command neither my days nor my nights, neither when I sleep nor when I wake.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part I

Today, 15 August is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady-link ūna, Our Lady-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

According to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, Mary was bodily taken up into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. The Catholic Church teaches as dogma that the Virgin Mary "having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body & soul into heavenly glory."

'Tis also the feast of Saint Altfrid of Hildesheim, Bishop, O.S.B. (died 874): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Vigil
The First Book of Chronicles, chapter fifteen, verses three, four, fifteen, & sixteen & chapter sixteen, verses one & two;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-two, verses six, seven, nine, ten, thirteen, & fourteen;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter fifteen, verses fifty-four(b) thru fifty-seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter eleven, verses twenty-seven & twenty-eight;

Day
The Book of Revelation, chapter eleven, verse nineteen(a) & chapter twelve, verses one thru six(a) & ten(a,b);
Psalm Forty-five, verses ten thru twelve & sixteen;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter fifteen, verses twenty thru twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru fifty-six.

Personal Reading
The Book of Revelation, chapter fourteen (verses one thru twenty);
The Book of Revelation, chapter fifteen (verses one thru eight).

Commentary: The Lamb's Companions (14:1-5), the Three Angels (14:6-13), the Harvest of the Earth (14:14-20), & the Seven Last Plagues (15, inclusive).

* * * * *

Monday, 8 August was the Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest, O.P. (1170-1221), founder of the Dominicans, formally the Order of Preachers: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O.P.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a Castilian priest & founder of the Dominican Order. Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers, among others.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Altmann of Passau, Bishop (circa 1015-1091): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Religious, R.S.J. (1842-1909), co-foundress of the Josephites, formally the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link R.S.J.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter one, verses two thru five & twenty-four thru twenty-eight(c);
Psalm One Hundred Forty-eight, verses one, two, & eleven thru fourteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter seventeen, verses twenty-two thru twenty-seven;

or, for St. Dominic:
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter two, verses one thru ten(a);
Psalm Ninety-six, verse three;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-two.

The Explorers' Club, № DX

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Endless Battles of the Isonzo, Part IV
6-17 August 1916: The Sixth Battle of the Isonzo—The Italians attacked, exploiting the Austro-Hungarian diversion of troops to the Trentino Offensive (A.K.A. the Battle of Asiago, 15 May-10 June) & to counter the Russians' Brusilov Offensive; the bridgehead established at Gorizia, on the Habsburg side of the Isonzo, boosted Italian morale, & lead to the formal declaration of war against Germany.

Lest we forget.

The Rebel Black Dot Songs of the Lord's Day

Francesca Battistelli, "If We're Honest" via iTunes (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Don't pretend to be something that you're not,
Living life afraid of getting caught,
There is freedom found
When we lay our secrets down
At the Cross,
At the Cross.

"So bring your brokenness and I'll bring mine,
'Cause love can heal what hurt divides
And mercy's waiting on the other side,
If we're honest,
If we're honest.

"It would change our lives,
It would set us free,
It's what we need to be…"

Samstag, 13. August
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, et al., "Downtown" via iTunes (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"She has her arms around your waist,
With the balance that will keep her safe.
Have you ever felt the warm embrace
Of a leather seat between your legs?…"

The Rebel Black Dot Summer Song of the Day

Fountains of Wayne, "It Must Be Summer" from Utopia Parkway (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: If there's a song of the cruel hot Summer of '16, it must be "It Must be Summer." The above photograph—the provocative nature of which is unintentional, at least on my end—is the first search result for "cruel hot summer."

"It must be summer,
'Cause the days are long,
And I dial your number,
But you're gone, gone, gone.
I set out searching,
But the car won't start,
And it must be summer,
'Cause I'm falling apart…"

The Rebel Black Dot Songs of the Day

Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" from Barenaked for the Holidays (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The lyrics of "We Three Kings" were central to a lesson on the Incarnation at today's catechetical training.

Mittwoch, 10. August
Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer, "This Was All a Bad Idea" from the Popsicle E.P. (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"You may be sad,
That's not that bad.

"You may be sad,
You may be nervous,
For maybe more than just one day,
That's not that bad…"

Dienstag, 9. August
William Shatner, "It Hasn't Happened Yet" from Has Been (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"I was crossing the snow fields in front of the capitol building.
It was Christmas, but I was alone.
Strange city, strangers for friends, and I was broke.
As the carillon sang its song, I dreamt of success.
I would be the best.
I would make my folks proud.
I would be happy.
It hasn't happened yet…

"When do I feel I haven't failed?
I've got to get it together, man!
It hasn't happened yet…"