Project BLACK MAMBA: Allhallowtide

'Tis All Hallows' Eve (A.K.A. Hallowe'en, thru Scots), the vigil of All Saints' Day: All Hallows' Eve-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, Bishop, O.S.B. (circa 924-994, A.K.A. of Ratisbon), the "Great Almoner:" Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Tommaso Bellacci, Religious, O.F.M. (1370-1447, of Florence; Anglicized as Thomas Bellacci): Blessed-link ūnus, Blessed-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Irene Stefani, Religious, M.C. (1891-1930; nicknamed Nyaatha, "mother of mercy"): Blessed-link ūna, Blessed-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight, verses eighteen thru twenty-five;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-six, verses one(b) & two(a/b), two(c/d) & three, four & five, & six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter thirteen, verses eighteen thru twenty-one.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today's Gospel compares the Kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. It seems to be a law of the spiritual life that God wants good things to start small and grow over time.

We're tempted to say, "You're God. Just get on with it. Do it." But why would God work the way he does? We might attempt a few explanations. It is a commonplace of the Bible that God rejoices in our cooperation. He wants us to involve ourselves—through freedom, intelligence, creativity—in what he is doing. And so he plants seeds, and he wants us to cultivate them.

"Francis, rebuild my Church." Heck, God could have rebuilt his Church, but he wanted Francis to get involved. God could have renewed the spiritual life of Christianity through a great infusion of grace, but he inspired Anthony to leave everything behind and go live alone in the desert.

There's something else. When things start small, they can fly under the radar for a time, while they gain strength and heft and seriousness. And those involved can be tested and tried.

Video reflection by Father Jack Ledwon: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter thirty (verses one thru thirty-three);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter thirty-one (verses one thru thirty-one).

Commentary: VI: The Words of Agur (30:1-6), VII: Numerical Proverbs (30:7-33), VIII: The Words of Lemuel (31:1-9), & IX: The Ideal Wife (31:10-31).

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Taco Tuesday: "The Reformation at 500"

Commentary: This is the first multi-person episode of The Popish Plot that I principally wrote; we do use a script, around which we then improvise. (Previously, I'd written my solo episodes.) I intended the title to be "The Reformation @ 500; or, the Miracle of Unity." Instead, the title is "The Reformation at 500," with "Halloween" also listed on screen, & no on-screen mention of "The Miracle of Unity." The Popish Plot is a collaborative effort, to its great benefit, & it is good for me to learn to play well with others, but I'm also going to need to take steps to ensure that my work is presented as intended.

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Hallowe'en

Simon Russell Beale, "Corporal Stare" from The Pity of War: Songs and Poems of Wartime Suffering (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: "Corporal Stare" is a poem authored by Robert Graves (1895-1985); read here by Simon Russell Beale, it is as haunting as the eponymous non-commissioned officer. The lance corporal above was named Thomas Alfred Payne. What became of him after this photograph was taken I cannot say.

Back from the line one night in June,
I gave a dinner at Bethune—
Seven courses, the most gorgeous meal
Money could buy or batmen steal.
Five hungry lads welcomed the fish
With shouts that nearly cracked the dish;
Asparagus came with tender tops,
Strawberries in cream, and mutton chops.
Said Jenkins, as my hand he shook,
"They'll put this in the history book."
We bawled Church anthems in choro
Of Bethlehem and Hermon snow,
With drinking songs, a jolly sound
To help the good red Pommard round.
Stories and laughter interspersed,
We drowned a long La Bassée thirst—
Trenches in June make throats damned dry.
When through the window, suddenly,
Badge, stripes, and medals all complete,
We saw him swagger up the street,
Just like a live man—Corporal Stare!
Stare! Killed last May at Festubert.
Caught on patrol near the Boche wire,
Torn horribly by machine-gun fire!
He paused, saluted smartly, grinned,
Then passed away like a puff of wind,
Leaving us blank astonishment.
The song broke, up we started, leant
Out of the window—nothing there,
Not the least shadow of Corporal Stare,
Only a quiver of smoke that showed
A fag-end dropped on the silent road.

Have a happy Hallowe'en, everyone, & remember, I pray thee, that the dead are not so far from we the living as we like to pretend. They are our brothers & sisters, we are their sons & daughters. We & they are more the same than we & they are different. One day, all the dead will rise, saints & sinners alike, & we shall all stand together before the great & terrible judgment seat of the Lamb of God.

Bonus! Song ' This Morning

Meaghan Smith, "It Snowed" via iTunes (free) Holiday Sampler (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Because, well, it did.

The Rebel Black Dot Hallowe'en Song o' the Day

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "Devil's Night Out" (live) from Live from the Middle East (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"In his favorite club, in his favorite seat,
I saw the Devil, wingtip shoes on his feet,
Porkpie hat on his head, he was diggin' the beat,
And the band ripped like demons when he screamed, 'Turn on the heat!'

"Well, the Devil was drinkin' and dancin' up a storm,
The band was so hot, my beer got warm,
Just when I thought it would all cool down
That evil motherfucker screamed, 'Burn this place down!'…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the festival of Saint Marcellus the Centurion, Martyr (died circa 298, of Tangier), martyred in the reign of the emperors Maximian & Diocletian: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Asterius of Amasea, Bishop (circa 350-410): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Gerard of Potenza, Bishop (died circa 1118, A.K.A. Gerard La Porta): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Benvenuta Bojani, Virgin, T.O.S.D. (1254-1292, of Cividale): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Alphonsus Rodríguez, Religious, S.J. (1532-1617): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Not to be confused with his contemporaneous fellow Jesuit Alonso Rodríguez, S.J. (1526-1616), who though a priest & spiritual writer has not been canonized as saint: Wikipedia-link. Extra confusing because St. Alphonsus Rodríguez is A.K.A. Alfonso Rodríguez & Alonso Rodríguez is A.K.A. Alphonsus Rodríguez. Living myself as a Michael Wilson in the late twentieth & the early twenty-first centuries, I understand what it is not to have a distinctive name.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight, verses twelve thru seventeen;
Psalm Sixty-eight, verses two & four, six & seven(a,b), & twenty & twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter thirteen, verses ten thru seventeen.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel gives us a wonderful story Jesus of performing a miracle, something he still does today. I want to draw your attention to an extraordinary book by Protestant scholar Craig Keener titled Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts. The most surprising section of the book contains his reports of some of the millions of miracles that come, even today, from all over the world.

I’ll relay to you just one case from Keener’s book. Ed Wilkinson’s 8-year-old son was found to have two holes in his heart. Surgery was scheduled and, while he was waiting, Ed prayed, but he was struggling with doubts. When his son asked whether he was going to die, his father was honest with him.

Ed’s pastor decided to hold a prayer service for the boy, during which hundreds gathered to pray for his recovery. The day of the surgery arrived, and Ed was told the surgery would take four to six hours. After about a half hour, the surgeon entered the waiting area, and Ed feared for the worst. Instead, the doctor had inexplicable news: there were no holes in the boy’s heart. They had simply closed up.

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

†

Bible Study—The Bible Timeline, Session 18: Messianic Fulfillment, Part 1 of 3
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter seven, verses eleven thru fifty;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter eight (verses one thru fifty-six);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses one thru fifty.

Commentary: I'm a week behind & trying desperately to catch up before tonight's Session 19.

IV. The Ministry in Galilee: Raising of the Widow's Son (7:11-17), the Messengers from John the Baptist (7:18-23), Jesus' Testimony to John (7:24-35), the Pardon of the Sinful Woman (7:36-50), Galilean Women Follow Jesus (8:1-3), the Parable of the Sower (8:4-8), the Purpose of the Parables (8:9-10), the Parable of the Sower Explained (8:11-15), the Parable of the Lamp (8:16-18), Jesus & His Family (8:19-21), the Calming of a Storm at sea (8:22-25), the Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac (8:26-39), Jairus's Daughter & the Woman with a Hemorrhage (8:40-56), the Mission of the Twelve (9:1-6), Herod's Opinion of Jesus (9:7-9), the Return of the Twelve & the Feeding of the Five Thousand (9:10-17), Peter's Confession about Jesus (9:18-21), the First Prediction of the Passion (9:22), the Conditions of Discipleship (9:23-27), the Transfiguration of Jesus (9:28-36), the Healing of a Boy with a Demon (9:37-43a), the Second Prediction of the Passion (9:43b-45), the Greatest in the Kingdom (9:46-48), & Another Exorcist (9:49-50).

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-eight (verses one thru twenty-eight);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-nine (verses one thru twenty-seven).

Commentary: V: Second Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (concluded, 28:1-29:27).

The Explorers' Club, № DLXXV

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The End of the Battles of the Isonzo, Part VIII
24 October-19 November 1917: The Battle of Caporetto (Twelfth Isonzo)—An Austro-Hungarian & German assault, utilizing poison gas & the latest Western-Front stormtrooper tactics, smashed the Italian lines, sparking a general retreat that brought the front within sight of Venice; over a quarter of a million Italians became prisoners of war; a young Erwin Rommel was decorated with the "Blue Max."

Lest we forget.

Commentary: Caporetto has been called "the greatest defeat in Italian military history" & for the last century "Caporetto" has been an Italian byword for a terrible disaster & defeat.

For more on the Prussian award with the French name, the Pour le Mérite, informally known as the "Blue Max" ("Blauer Max"), see: № CDLXII.

Project BLACK MAMBA: XXX Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Book of Exodus, chapter twenty-two, verses twenty thru twenty-six;
Psalm Eighteen, verses two & three, three & four, forty-seven, & fifty-one;
The First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter one, verses five(c) thru ten;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-two, verses thirty-four thru forty.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, our Gospel for today puts us on very holy ground, since it features the Word of God himself telling us what stands at the heart of the law. The Pharisees pose, as a kind of game, the following question: “Which commandment is the greatest?” It was a favorite exercise of the rabbis to seek out the “canon within the canon,” the law that somehow clarified the whole of the law.

So Jesus gives his famous answer: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

It’s finally about love, and the love of God and neighbor are inextricably bound to one another. If we follow the law, but don’t love, we’re wasting our time. If we love God, but hate our neighbors, we’re wasting our time.

Why are the two loves so tightly connected? Because Jesus is not just God. He is the God-man, the one in whom divinity and humanity come together. Therefore, it’s impossible to love him as God without loving the humanity that he’s created and embraced.

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.

Mass Journal: Week 44
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

Grace is the power of God alive within us. It heals the wounds that our sins have created & helps us maintain moral balance. Grace helps us to persevere in the pursuit of virtue. It enlightens our minds to see & know which actions will help us become all God has created us to be. Grace inspires us to love what is good & shun what is evil. Grace is not a magical illusion. It is mystical & real. I come to Confession to reconcile with myself, with God, & with the community. Confession is not just a cleansing experience; it is also a strengthening experience. Confession is an opportunity for you & God to work together to form a-better-version-of-yourself. It also increases our desire for holiness, & that is a desire we should fan with all our energy.

Otherwise, 29 October would be the festival of Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem, Bishop (circa 99-216): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Colman mac Duagh, Bishop & Abbot (circa 560-632, A.K.A. of Kilmacduagh), founder of the Kilmacduagh Monastery: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Monastery.

Commentary: Colman mac Duagh means "Colman, son of Duagh." Kilmacduagh, means "church of the son of Duagh," i.e., the church founded by mac Duagh.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Gaetano Errico, Priest (1791-1860), founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Missionaries.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Chiara Badano, Virgin (1971-1990, A.K.A. Chiara Luce, meaning "clear light"): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Lord's Day

Matt Redman, "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" from 10,000 Reasons (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The muses picked "10,000 Reasons" this morning, praise the Lord & bless His Name!

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part III

Friday, 27 October was the festival of Saint Abraham the Poor, Hermit (died circa 372, A.K.A. the Child, the Simple): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Frumentius, Bishop (died circa 383, of Ethiopia), the "Apostle of Ethiopia," considered the first Abun: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abun.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Abbán (circa 570-620, A.K.A. Eibbán, Moabba): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twas also the festival of Blessed Bartholomew of Vincenza, Bishop, O.P. (circa 1200-1271, A.K.A. of Braganca): Blessed-link ūnus, Blessed-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of That Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter seven, verses eighteen thru twenty-five(a);
Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verses sixty-six, sixty-eight, seventy-six, seventy-seven, ninety-three, & ninety-four;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses fifty-four thru fifty-nine.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, the famous call of the Vatican II fathers to "read the signs of the times" is grounded in Jesus' exhortation in the Gospel for today. Followers of Jesus are meant to look at the world with clear eyes, to see what is happening, to be attentive. But this attention is of a particular type. It is not the attention of the scientist or the philosopher or the politician—though it can include those. It is an attention to the things of God.

I have often argued that many of us today are still enthralled to a Deist view of God, whereby God is a distant and aloof first cause of the universe, uninvolved with the world he has made. But Thomas Aquinas taught that God is in all things, "by essence, presence, and power" and that God providentially cares for every aspect of his creation. Therefore, we should expect to see signs of his presence and activity in nature, in history, and in human affairs.

And once we see, we are meant to speak! In a way, followers of Jesus are not looking at the signs of the times for their own benefit, but rather that they might share their prophetic perspective with everyone else. So look around, look with attention, look with the eyes of faith!

Video reflection by an unidentified fellow from the Archdiocese of San Antonio: U.S.C.C.B.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Interlude

'Tis the Feast of Saints Simon & Jude, Apostles (floruit first century; the Zealot, the Cananean; A.K.A. Thaddeus): Apostles-link, Apostle-link Sierra & Wikipedia-link Sierra, & Apostle-link Juliett & Wikipedia-link Juliett.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

As in the case of all the apostles except for Peter [22 February, 29 June], James [25 July], & John [27 December], we are faced with men who are really unknown, & we are struck by the fact that their holiness is simply taken to be a gift of Christ. He chose some unlikely people: a former Zealot, a former (crooked) tax collector, an impetuous fisherman, two "sons of thunder," & a man named Judas Iscariot.

It is a reminder that we cannot receive too often. Holiness does not depend on human merit, culture, personality, effort, or achievement. It is entirely God's creation & gift. God needs no Zealots to bring about the kingdom by force. Jude, like all the saints, is the saint of the impossible: Only God can create His divine life in human beings. And God wills to do so, for all of us.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

The name of St. Simon usually appears eleventh in the list of the apostles. Nothing is known of him except that he was born at Cana & is surnamed "the Zealot."

St. Jude, also called Thaddeus, was the apostle who asked the Lord at the Last Supper why he had manifested himself only to his disciples & not to the whole world (John, 14:22).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Abdias of Babylon, Bishop (floruit first century, also spelt Obadiah): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Godwin of Stavelot, Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 690): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Feast of Ss. Simon & Jude
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter two, verses nineteen thru twenty-two;
Psalm Nineteen, verses two & three & four & five;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter six, verses twelve thru sixteen.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today's Gospel recounts Jesus selecting and appointing the Apostles. Bible scholar and theologian N.T. Wright has explained why Jesus commissioned twelve disciples as Apostles.

Wright tells us that when a first-century Jew spoke of the arrival of God's kingdom, he was taken to mean something very specific. He was announcing that the Temple was going to be restored, that the proper worship of Yahweh would be obtained, that the enemies of Israel would be dealt with and that, above all, the tribes of the Lord would be gathered and, through them, the tribes of the world.

Recall the great vision from the second chapter of Isaiah: "The mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain.… All nations shall stream toward it." This is why Jesus chose twelve disciples, evocative of the twelve tribes. They would be the prototype and the catalyst for the gathering of Israel and hence the gathering of everyone. They would be the fundamental community and sign of unity.

Video reflection by Jacob Williamson: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-six (verses one thru twenty-eight);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-seven (verses one thru twenty-seven).

Commentary: V: Second Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (cont'd, 26:1-27:27).

Project BLACK MAMBA: XXIX Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Long Road Back, Part II

Sunday, 22 October was the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of This Week
Mass Readings—Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-five, verses one, four, five, & six;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one, three, four & five, seven & eight, & nine & ten;
The First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter one, verses one thru five(b);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-two, verses fifteen thru twenty-one.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in our Gospel Pharisees try to catch Jesus on the horns of a dilemma. Jesus deftly escapes from the trap with one of his famous one-liners: “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Clever, but much more than merely clever. In some ways, it is the implicit resolution of this very vexing problem.

We should not read this one-liner as though there is a clearly demarcated political realm that belongs to the Caesars of the world and a clearly demarcated spiritual realm that belongs to God. And we certainly shouldn’t read it in the modern mode—that the public arena belongs to politics, while religion is relegated to the private dimension.

No, this won’t do, precisely because God is God. Not a being in or above the world, not one reality among many; God is the sheer act of being itself, which necessarily pervades, influences, grounds, and has to do with everything, even as he transcends everything in creation.

God is the deepest source and inspiration for everything in life, from sports to law to the arts to science and medicine. God is love itself. Everything comes from God and returns to God.

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.

Mass Journal: Week 43
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

I am a sinner & I need to be saved. I need to be saved from myself & from my sin. There are many people who love me deeply—parents, siblings, colleagues, & neighbors—but they cannot save me. I need a savior. It is the clarity of this realization that is life changing. This is what makes me eligible for membership in the Catholic Church. Jesus didn't come for the healthy; he came for the sick, & he established the Church to continue his work (cf. Mark, 2:17). I am imperfect, but I am capable of change & growth. We are all imperfect but perfectible. The Church holds me in my weakness, comforts me in my limitations, endeavors to heal me of my sickness, & nurtures me back to full health, making me whole again. And throughout this process, the Church manages to harness all my efforts & struggles, not only for my own good, but for the good of the entire Church & indeed humanity. This is just a tiny part of the incredible mystery of the Church.

Otherwise, 22 October would have been the festival of Saint Mellon, Bishop (died circa 314): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also have been the festival of Saint Bertharius, Abbot & Martyr, O.S.B. (circa 810-883, of Monte Cassino), martyred by Saracens: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also have been the festival of Saint John Paul II, Pope (1920-2005, the Great), two hundred sixty-fourth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

A couple quotes from Saint Pope John Paul II, whose feast day is October 22.

"Freedom is not the ability to do anything we want. Rather, freedom is the ability to live responsibly the truth of our relationship with God & with one another."

"The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being."

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day: Go Blue!

The University of Michigan Marching Band, "Porgy and Bess" from Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue (The Last Angry Wolverine)

Commentary: I know, of all the indignities Michigan football has suffered—most of them self-inflicted—one of the most egregious is having to play Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, every darned year. I'm outraged, I tells ya, outraged!

The Rebel Black Dot Hallowe'en Song o' the Day

George Duning, "The Spell (Shep Hooked)" from Bell, Book, and Candle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (The Last Angry Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part I

This long road back seems all the longer as it has taken us so long even to set out upon the road.

Saturday, 21 October was the festival of Saint Hilarion, Hermit (circa 291-371, of Gaza, the Great), around whose hermitage was built the Saint Hilarion Monastery, A.K.A. the Tell Umm el-'Amr: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Monastery.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Ursula, Virgin, & Companions, Martyrs (died circa 383), martyred at Cologne by the Huns; patroness, not foundress, of the Ursulines, formally the Order of Saint Ursula, & the Angelines, formally the Company of Saint Ursula: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O.S.U. & Wikipedia-link Angelines.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Wendelin, Hermit & Abbot (circa 554-617, of Trier), around whose company of hermits was later built the Benedictine Abbey of Tholey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Twas also the festival of Blessed Giuseppe Puglisi, Priest & Martyr (1937-1993, nicknamed "Pino"), martyred by the Mafia against whom he preached passionately: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of That Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter four, verses thirteen, sixteen, seventeen, & eighteen;
Psalm One Hundred Five, verses six & seven, eight & nine, & forty-two & forty-three;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses eight thru twelve.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in today's Gospel Jesus tells us how to deal with persecution. When does the Church stop being persecuted? When the Lord returns, and not before.

From the earliest days until the present, the community of Jesus Christ has been the focus of the world's violence. The Church will announce, until the end of time, that the old world is passing away, that a new world of love, nonviolence, and life is emerging. This announcement always infuriates the world of sin. Always. The twentieth century was the bloodiest on record—and the one with the most martyrs.

Here's Jesus' encouragement: "When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say."

What do we do in the meantime? We maintain a detachment from the world that is passing away, our eyes fixed on the world that will never end. And we speak. Confidently, boldly, provocatively. The message of the Gospel, the dying and rising of the Lord.

Video reflection by Ellen Mady: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Prelude

'Tis the festival of Saint Evaristus, Pope (died circa 107, also spelt Aristus), fifth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Cuthbert of Canterbury, Bishop & Abbot (died circa 760): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Fulk of Pavia, Bishop (1164-1229, A.K.A. of Piacenza): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Celine Chludzińska Borzęcka, Religious, C.R. (1833-1913), co-foundress (alongside her own daughter) of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.R.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter six, verses nineteen thru twenty-three;
Psalm One, verses one & two, three, four, & six (& Psalm Forty, verse five);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses forty-nine thru fifty-three.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, the statement of Jesus that we have in the Gospel for today is frightening: “I have come to cast a fire upon the earth; how I wish it were already kindled.” He’s throwing fire down, much like the God who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

Okay, so how do we make sense of all this? I thought the angels on Christmas morning said that he had come as the Prince of Peace? Jesus is the Incarnation of the God who is nothing but love, but this enfleshment takes place in the midst of a fallen, sinful world. Therefore, it will appear as something threatening, strange, off-putting.

The world, on the Biblical reading, is a dysfunctional family. When Jesus comes, he necessarily comes as a breaker of the peace, as a threat to the dysfunctional family. Now we can begin to understand that strange language about setting three against two and two against three.

This is why Jesus wants to cast a consuming fire on the earth. He wants to burn away all that is opposed to God’s desire for us. He has to clear the ground before something new can be built. Is this utterly painful? YES!

Video reflection by Father Don Miller, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-four (verses one thru thirty-four);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-five (verses one thru twenty-eight).

Commentary: III: Sayings of the Wise (concluded, 24:1-22), IV: Other Sayings of the Wise (24:23-34), & V: Second Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (25:1-28).

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Wordy Wednesday: "The Bible, Read It, Mark Is Short"

The Rebel Black Dot Hallowe'en Song o' the Day

Champions of Breakfast, "Gravedancer" from Pleasure Mountain (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"D-D-D-Down, I mean under the ground,
All the skeletons wait for someone to raise them up,
Up-up-up-up, I mean above the ground,
There's a wizard with a tome that is gonna freak you out.

"Everybody up, everybody up,
Everybody get onto your feet
For a zombie break beat,
Everybody up, everybody up,
Everybody turn to the left,
Then the right.

"We could dance all night!
Let the magic music move your feet,
We could rock all night!
Ghosts ride the whip to the undead beat…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Late to the Long Road Back

'Tis the festival of Saint Tabitha (floruit first century, A.K.A. Dorcas): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saints Crispin & Crispian, Martyrs (died circa 286), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian: Martyr-link P-I-N, Martyr-link P-I-A-N, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy, Bishop (circa 1455-1492), the "White Martyr of Munster:" Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales (died 1535-1679), martyred in the reign of the kings Henry VIII, James VI & I, Charles I, & Charles II; the queen Elizabeth I; & the lord protector Oliver Cromwell: Martyrs-link XL & Wikipedia-link XL.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter six, verses twelve thru eighteen;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-four, verses one(b), two, & three; four, five, & six; & seven & eight;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses thirty-nine thru forty-eight.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in today's Gospel we meet a prudent steward who serves his master wisely. I would like to say something about prudence and wisdom. In the Middle Ages, prudence was called "the queen of the virtues," because it was the virtue that enabled one to do the right thing in a particular situation.

Prudence is a feel for the moral situation, something like the feel that a quarterback has for the playing field. Justice is a wonderful virtue, but without prudence, it is blind and finally useless. One can be as just as possible, but without a feel for the present situation, his justice will do him no good.

Wisdom, unlike prudence, is a sense of the big picture. It is the view from the hilltop. Most of us look at our lives from the standpoint of our own self-interest. But wisdom is the capacity to survey reality from the vantage point of God. Without wisdom, even the most prudent judgment will be erroneous, short-sighted, inadequate.

The combination, therefore, of prudence and wisdom is especially powerful. Someone who is both wise and prudent will have both a sense of the bigger picture and a feel for the particular situation.

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bible Study—Penance
The Letter to the Romans, chapter thirteen (verses one thru fourteen).

Commentary: Obedience to Authority (13:1-7), Love Fulfills the Law (13:8-10), & Awareness of the End of Time (13:11-14).

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-two (verses one thru twenty-nine);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-three (verses one thru thirty-five).

Commentary: II: First Collection of the Wisdom of Solomon (concluded, 22:1-16) & III: Sayings of the Wise (22:17-23:35).

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 341.6 lbs
This weigh-in: 342.8 lbs.
Difference: +1.2 lbs.

Well, at least I'm consistent. It's a terrible consistency, but at least in this case it represents two steps forward & one step back, which I suppose is better than one step forward & two steps back. I blame this week's results on a weekend trip to Xanadu, which featured disruption to my schedule & diet & plentiful desserts. I freely admit that at this juncture I simply lack the willpower not to eat my mother's chocolate chip cookies whenever she bakes them.

There's nothing for it but to begin again & strive to do better.

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
"Weird Al" Yankovic, "I Love Rocky Road" from "Weird Al" Yankovic (The Last Angry Blob)

The Rebel Black Dot Hallowe'en Song o' the Day

Dick Dale & His Del-Tones, "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" from King of the Surf Guitar (The Last Angry Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Prelude

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop, C.M.F. (1807-1870), founder of the Claretians, formally the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.M.F.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a Spanish Roman Catholic archbishop & missionary, & was confessor of Isabella II of Spain. He founded the (sic) congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly called the Claretians.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

By age twenty-one Anthony had been educated & was in much demand for his skill as a weaver. While suffering because of poor health, Anthony imagined himself as a Carthusian monk. He went to the bishop for advice. The bishop suggested that he first to to the diocesan seminary & then, if he wished, leave & become a monk. Anthony followed this advice & enjoyed seminary life. He founded a society of missionaries, & after being named bishop of Cuba, he won renown for his pastoral zeal. After returning to Spain, he continued to work for the Church. he died at Fontfroide in France in 1870.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Senoch, Abbot, O.S.B. (died 576): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Giuseppe Baldo, Priest (1843-1915), founder of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Mary & the Little Daughters of Saint Joseph: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter five, verses twelve; fifteen(b); seventeen, eighteen, & nineteen; twenty(b); & twenty-one;
Psalm Forty, verses seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, ten, & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses thirty-five thru thirty-eight.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in today's Gospel Jesus urges us to be ready for his second coming. It reminds me of John the Baptist preparing us: "Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path." He is saying that his job is to prepare for the mighty coming of the Lord. A change is coming, a revolution is on the way, a disaster (the destruction of the old) is about to happen. Prepare the way of the Lord.

And what is the manner of preparation? It is a baptism of repentance. Baptism—an immersion in water—reminded first-century Jews of the exodus, passing through the Red Sea, leaving the ways of slavery behind.

And repentance (metanoia), going beyond the mind that you have. How our minds are conditioned by the fallen world! How our expectations are shaped, stunted by what has gone before. The world of Tiberius and Pilate and Herod and Caiaphas has shaped our imagination. It's time, John is saying, for a new mind, a new set of eyes, a new kind of expectation. God is about to act!

Be ready!

Video reflection by Father David Muñoz, O.M.I.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Anthony Mary Claret
The Book of Isaiah, chapter fifty-two, verses seven thru ten;
Psalm Ninety-six, verse three;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses fourteen thru twenty.

†

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty (verses one thru thirty);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-one (verses one thru thirty-one).

Commentary: II: First Collection of the Wisdom of Solomon (cont'd, 20:1-21:31).

The Rebel Black Dot Hallowe'en Song o' Yesterday

23. Oktober 2017
Screamin' Jay Hawkins, "Little Demon" from The Crazy World of Screamin' Jay Hawkins (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Down in the valley on the foggy hill rock,
Stood a pretty little demon blowing his top,
Fire in his eyes and smoke from his head,
You got to be real cool to hear the words he said,
He did a [scatting],
That cat was mad!

"He had steam in his soul for the one he loved so,
He had death on his mind 'cause my demon let him go,
He gonna run through the world 'til he understand his pain,
Somebody help him get his demon home again,
He did a [scatting],
That cat, that cat was mad!…"

The Rebel Black Dot Hallowe'en Song o' Today

"Weird Al" Yankovic, "Nature Trail to Hell" from "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Coming this Christmas to a theater near you,
The most horrifying film to hit the screen,
There's a homicidal maniac who finds a Cub Scout troop
And he hacks up two or three in every scene.

"Please don't reveal the secret ending to your friends,
Don't spoil the big surprise,
You won't believe your eyes
When you see—

"Nature Trial to Hell!
Nature Trial to Hell!
Nature Trial to Hell!
Nature Trial to Hell in 3-D!…

"See severed heads that almost fall right in your lap,
See that bloody hatchet coming right at you,
No, you'll never see hideous effects like these again
'Til we bring you Nature Trial to Hell, Part 2.

"So bring the kids along, it's good, clean family fun,
What have you got to lose?
If you like the six o'clock news,
You'll love—

"Nature Trial to Hell!
Nature Trial to Hell!
Nature Trial to Hell!
Nature Trial to Hell in 3-D!…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Ridiculously Late Edition

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint John of Capistrano, Priest, O.F.M. (1386-1456): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a Franciscan friar & catholic priest from the Italian town of Capestrano, Abruzzo. Famous as a preacher, theologian, & inquisitor, he earned himself the nickname "the Soldier Saint" when in 1456 at age seventy he led a crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the siege of Belgrade. Elevated to sainthood, he is the patron saint of jurists & military chaplains.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

St. John was born in Capistrano in 1386. He studied law at Perugia & for a time was governor of that city. He entered the Order of friars Minor &, after ordination to the priesthood, he led an untiring apostolic life preaching throughout Europe both to strengthen Christian life & to refute heresy.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ignatius of Constantinople, Bishop & Abbot (circa 798-877): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Arnold Rèche, Religious, F.S.C. (1838-1890, A.K.A. Julian-Nicolas Rèche): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter four, verses twenty thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses sixty-nine & seventy; seventy-one & seventy-two; & seventy-three, seventy-four, & seventy-five;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses thirteen thru twenty-one.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today in our Gospel Jesus tells of a rich man who has been so successful that he doesn't have enough space to store his harvest. So he tears down his barns and builds bigger ones. But that very night, he dies—and all of it comes to naught. "Thus it will be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God."

No matter how good, how beautiful a state of affairs is here below, it is destined to pass into non-being. That sunset that I enjoyed last night—that radiantly beautiful display—is now forever gone. It lasted only a while. That beautiful person—attractive, young, full of life, creative, joyful—will eventually age, get sick, break down, and die.

An image that always comes to mind when I think of these things is the gorgeous firework that bursts open like a giant flower and then, in the twinkling of an eye, is gone forever. Everything is haunted by non-being. Everything, finally, is a bubble.

But this is not meant to depress us; it is meant to redirect our attention precisely to the things that are "above," to the eternity of God.

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. John of Capistrano
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter five, verses fourteen thru twenty;
Confer Psalm Sixteen, verse five(a);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-two.

The Explorers' Club, № DLXXIV

Operation AXIOM: The World War
12 October-3 November 1917: The Germans won victories on land & sea in the Baltic, conquering the West Estonian Archipelago (Saaremaa/Ösel, Hiiumaa/Dagö, Muhumaa/Mohn, & Vormsi/Worms) from the Provisional Government via Operation Albion (12-20 October) & defeating both the Russian Navy & a Royal Navy submarine flotilla in the Battle of Moon Sound (16 October-3 November).

Lest we forget.

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Lord's Day

The O.C. Supertones, "Shut Up" from Supertones Strike Back (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"No time for mediocrity,
Convenience or practicality,
He went all out for us,
Say what you will, I'll answer to my God!

"I'm a freak, they say I've lost my mind,
But I know I've never seen so clearly,
When I speak, they say I've gone too far this time,
Which let's me know that I have not gone nearly…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day: Go Blue!

The University of Michigan Marching Band, "I Can't Turn You Loose" from A Saturday Tradition (The Last Angry Wolverine)

Commentary:

"And so, this afternoon, while we still can…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest, C.P. (1694-1775), founder of the Passionists, formally the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.P.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was an Italian mystic & founder of the Passionists. His lifelong conviction: that God is most easily found in the Passion of Christ.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Paolo Francesco Danei was born in Italy in 1694, the second of sixteen children. Because of his father's financial difficulties, Paul had to leave school to help support his family. At age twenty, Paul joined the Venetian army that was defending the faith. After a year, he went back to a life of prayer & penance. Then God called him to form a group of men dedicated to preaching parish missions. These men, called Passionists, would preach the mystery of Christ crucified—the mystery of the Father's love—in hopes that Christians would turn from their sins & rededicate their lives to Christ.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Irene of Tomar, Virgin & Martyr (circa 635-653), martyred on the orders of the jealous, spurned suitor Britald: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Acca of Hexham, Abbot & Bishop, O.S.B. (circa 660-742): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter four, verses one thru eight;
Psalm Thirty-two, verses one(b) & two, five, & eleven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses one thru seven.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in today's Gospel Jesus deals with our fears. What is the greatest fear that we have? Undoubtedly, the fear of losing our own lives; we fear the death of the body. Jesus is telling us not to worry about those paper tigers that can only affect the body and its goods.

All of the body's goods come to nothing compared to the supreme good of life with God. Therefore God alone should we truly fear—doing his will should be our exclusive concern.

Let me state this more positively. When I am in love with God, when I am "fearing" him above all things, I am rooted in a power that transcends space and time, a power that governs the universe in its entirety, a power that is greater than life and death.

More to it, this power knows me intimately and guides me according to his purposes: "Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid." Because of this I have nothing to fear from anything or anybody here below.

Video reflection by Alejandro Orbezo-Elizaga: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter sixteen, verse five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-four thru twenty-seven.

†

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty (verses one thru thirty).

Commentary: II: First Collection of the Wisdom of Solomon (cont'd, 20:1-30).

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

"Weird Al" Yankovic, "Happy Birthday" from "Weird Al" Yankovic (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"And a pinch to grow an inch!"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the festival of Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf & Isaac Jogues, Priests, & Companions, Martyrs, S.J. (died 1642-1649, A.K.A. the North American Martyrs), martyred by Iroquois, specifically by Mohawks: Martyrs-link ūnus, Martyrs-link duo, & Wikipedia-link North American Martyrs; Martyr-link Juliett Bravo & Wikipedia-link Juliett Bravo; Martyr-link India Juliett & Wikipedia-link India Juliett; Martyr-link Alpha Delta & Wikipedia-link Alpha Delta; Martyr-link Charlie Golf & Wikipedia-link Charlie Golf; Martyr-link Golf Lima & Wikipedia-link Golf Lima; Martyr-link Juliett Lima & Wikipedia-link Juliett Lima; Martyr-link November Charlie & Wikipedia-link November Charlie; & Martyr-link Romeo Golf & Wikipedia-link Romeo Golf.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

John & his companions were cruelly slain by the Iroquois… near Georgian Bay. His companions were Isaac Jogues, Antoine Daniel, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, Noël Chabanel, Jean de Lalande, & René Goupil—all Jesuits. Jean de Brébeuf converted seven thousand Indians & composed a dictionary & catechism in the Huron language.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

St. Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649) was a French-born Jesuit missionary & martyr of New France who arrived in America in 1625 to evangelize Native Americans. He lived among the Huron for over fifteen years under difficult & challenging circumstances. In 1648 the Iroquois launched a war of extermination against the Huron, their traditional enemies. Refusing to flee when their Huron village was attacked, Brébeuf & his assistant, Gabriel Lalemant, were captured the following year & tortured to death by the Iroquois. Brébeuf was canonized in 1930 with seven other missionaries who are collectively called the North American Martyrs.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Frideswide, Abbess, O.S.B. (circa 650-735, A.K.A. Frithuswith, etc.), foundress of an abbey on the site of what was later St. Frideswide's Priory & later still Christ Church, Oxford: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Priory & Wikipedia-link Christ Church.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, Priest & Martyr (1947-1984), martyred by the Polish Communists in the reign of Wojciech Jaruzelski: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter three, verses twenty-one thru thirty;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty, verses one(b) & two, three & four, & five & six(a,b);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter eleven, verses forty-seven thru fifty-four.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today we celebrate the missionaries and martyrs St. John de Brébeuf and St. Isaac Jogues. The spirit of God grows in us only in the measure that it is risked in love. God, after all, is love. Not the hoarding of being, but the giving away of being.

In the measure that we strive to preserve our life and security by hanging on, we in fact lose the little that we have. It is brutal, unforgiving, but simply in the nature of things spiritually. You see it in the life of Jesus, which culminates in death on the cross. You see it, invariably, in the lives of the saints.

St. Thomas More risked reputation, home, family, the esteem of his friends, and ultimately his life; St. Isaac Jogues had his fingers chewed off by the people he was trying to convert, returned to France, and then went back to his death; Mother Teresa left the comfort of her convent for the worst slums in the world.

And on and on it goes. Cling to your life and you will lose it; invest it, throw it away in love, and you will get it back thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.

Video reflection by Father Don Miller, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Memorial of Ss. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, & Companions
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter four, verses seven thru fifteen;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-six, verse five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-eight, verses sixteen thru twenty.

†

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter nineteen (verses one thru twenty-nine).

Commentary: II: First Collection of the Wisdom of Solomon (cont'd, 19:1-29).

Adventures in the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday, "Ask a Stupid Question on the Rosary"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Less Than Jake, "The Space They Can't Touch" from (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"So remember, you're still bulletproof,
Remember, the face stares back at you,
No matter what they say, no matter what they do,
It can't be taken away from you,
It can't be taken away and that's the truth…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day!

The Aquabats!, "Waterslides!" from Charge!! Special One Year Anniversary Edition (Captain Thumbs Up!)

Commentary!: We once again have running water. All's well that ends well.

The Queue

How God Hauled Me Kicking and Screaming into the Catholic Church is interesting, but I'm not sold on the book being the proper means by which to accomplish my evangelizing goals. Is that prudence or cowardice speaking?

Eugene Hausmann is a deacon of my very own Diocese of Lansing. neat!

Recently
Edward Sri & Curtis Martin, The Real Story: Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible
Gary Chapman with Randy Southern, The 5 Love Languages for Men: Tools for Making a Good Relationship Great
Kevin Lowry, How God Hauled Me Kicking and Screaming into the Catholic Church

Currently
Eugene Hausmann, Catholics Go by the Bible: Biblical Sources of Catholic Theology & Liturgy

Presently
Norman Davies, Vanished Kingdoms: The Rise and Fall of States and Nations ***paused***
Matthew Kelly, Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God's Dream for You
Sherry A. Weddell, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus
William E. Simon Jr., Great Catholic Parishes: How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
Bishop Robert Barron, Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture
Mike Aquilina, Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers
Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism
Xavier Rynne, Vatican Council II
John W. O'Malley, What Happened at Vatican II
Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love)
Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity)
Richard Price, Clockers
Sir Richard Francis Burton, translator, "Sinbad the Sailor" from The Arabian Nights
Sir Ernest Shackleton, South: A Memoir of the Endurance Voyage
William F. Buckley Jr., The Unmaking of a Mayor
Margaret MacMillan, Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World
John le Carré, A Legacy of Spies

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist (died circa 84): Evangelist-link ūnus, Evangelist-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Gospel & Wikipedia-link Acts.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The early Church Fathers ascribed to him authorship of both the Gospel according to Luke & the book of Acts of the Apostles, which would mean Luke contributed over a quarter of the text of the New testament, more than any other author.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

There are only a few certain facts about St. Luke's life. We know him best as the author of the third gospel & of the Acts of the Apostles. A Greek himself, he wrote the story of Jesus & the Christian community for Gentile readers. He also accompanied St. Paul [25 January, 29 June] on some of his journeys & shared in his sufferings. Probably a physician, Luke may have pioneered as an early member of the church at Antioch. He aimed his books to persuade Gentiles that the Christian story was true. So he made it more accessible to them by filling his gospel with accounts of Christ's openness & mercy. Tradition says Luke lived a long life without marrying & that he died at age eighty-four.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Justus of Beauvais, Martyr (circa 278-287), a boy of nine, martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian; a cephalophore: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Head.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Julian of Mesopotamia, Hermit (floruit fourth century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of St. Luke
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verses ten thru seventeen(b);
Psalm One Hundred Forty-five, verses ten & eleven, twelve & thirteen, & seventeen & eighteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter ten, verses one thru nine.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, our Gospel shows us what Jesus wants his followers to be doing and how they ought do it. We are a missionary church. We are sent by the Lord to spread his word and do his work. The Gospel is just not something that we are meant to cling to for our own benefit; it is seed that we are meant to give away.

Prayer is not incidental to ministry. It is not decorative. It is the lifeblood of the Church's efforts. Without it, nothing will succeed; without it, no ministers will come forward. At all times pray, pray, pray.

Poverty and simplicity of life are prerequisites to the effective proclamation of the Gospel. Anthony, Benedict, Chrysostom, Francis and Clare, Dominic, Ignatius, Mother Teresa—across the board, the most effective proclaimers of the Gospel are those who rely on the providence of God and strip themselves of worldliness.

What is the first thing that the minister should do upon entering a city? "Cure the sick there." Christ is Soter, healer of both body and spirit. The second great task of the Church is to proclaim that "the reign of God is at hand." The Church is an announcing, proclaiming, evangelizing organism.

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter eighteen (verses one thru twenty-four).

Commentary: II: First Collection of the Wisdom of Solomon (cont'd, 18:1-24).

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 343.8 lbs
This weigh-in: 341.6 lbs.
Difference: -2.2 lbs.

We're reached a new low, which sounds like ill tidings, but in the topsy-turvy world of Operation ÖSTERREICH it's actually a boon. I lost two & one-fifth pounds (2.2 lbs.) in the last week, the second consecutive loss after the previous week's three & one-fifth pounds (3.2 lbs.). The trick will be stringing together a third consecutive weight drop, as the last time I lost weight over two consecutive Weekly Wednesday Weigh-ins I followed that up by gaining weight over the following week.

I've lost eight & one-fifth pounds (8.2 lbs.) since the first Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in, & nine & two-fifths pounds (9.4 lbs.) since the high point, which, again, is counter-intuitively a bad thing, on 13 September.

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
"Weird Al" Yankovic, "Grapefruit Diet" from Running with Scissors (The Last Angry Fatso)

Commentary:

"Who's that waddlin' down the street,
It's just me, 'cause I love to eat,
Fudge and Twinkies and deviled ham,
Who's real flabby? Yes, I am.

"Every picture of me's got to be an aerial view,
Now my doctor tells me there's just one thing left to do.

"Grapefruit diet (Diet!),
Throw out the pizza and beer!
Grapefruit diet (Diet!),
Get those jelly doughnuts out of here!
Grapefruit diet (Diet!),
Might seem a little severe!
Grapefruit diet (Diet!),
I'm getting tired of my big, fat rear!
Go, Fatty!…"

Bonus! Songs o' This Perilous Day!

MU330, "Stagnant Water" from MU330 (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: There is no running water at my house. In a way, we're now at a more primitive level than our forebears in pioneer days, because even if they didn't have hot & cold running water they could always access a hand-powered pump, & we don't even have that. We're supposed to be back in business, utilizing the latest in mid-twentieth-century technology by tomorrow—Wednesday–afternoon, but I am not looking forward to the morning scramble to get up, get ready, & get out the door in a house with neither working faucets nor flushing toilets.

"Weird Al" Yankovic, "First World Problems" from Mandatory Fun (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: "Weird Al" helps keep these things in the proper perspective.

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr (circa 35-107), martyred in the reign of the emperor Trajan: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Letters.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was an early Christian writer & bishop of Antioch. En route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters. This correspondence now forms a central part of the later collection known as the Apostolic Fathers. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology. He was the first to use the phrase "catholic church" in writing, which is still in use to this day.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Ignatius was a convert to Christianity. When he was named the second bishop of Antioch, Syria, Ignatius became a successor of Saint Peter [22 February, 29 June]. in 107, Emperor Trajan tried to force Christians to renounced their religion. Ignatius allowed soldiers to bind him in a rickety cart & lead him to Rome for martyrdom. As his cart rolled into town, local bishops & Christians came to meet & encourage gim. On the journey, Ignatius wrote seven letters to the churches he left behind. The letters give insight into the growth of theology. He asked his people to gather around the Eucharist & to care for "the widow, the orphan, the oppressed, as well as those in prison, the hungry, & the thirsty" (Letter to the Church at Smyrna, 6:2). Ignatius was devoured by wild beasts in the Roman amphitheater.

Words of Ignatius of Antioch, martyr of the early Church. His feast day is October 17.

"Christianity is not a matter of persuading people of particular ideas, but of inviting them to share in the greatness of Christ. So pray that I may never fall into the trap of impressing people with clever speech, but instead I may learn to speak with humility, desiring only to impress people with Christ himself."

"We recognize a tree by its fruit, & we ought to be able to recognize a Christian by his action. The fruit of faith should be evident in our lives, for being a Christian is more than making sound professions of faith. It should reveal itself in practical & visible ways. Indeed it is better to keep quiet about our beliefs, & live them out, than to talk eloquently about what we believe, but fail to live by it."

'Tis also the festival of Saint John the Dwarf, Priest & Abbot (circa 339-405, A.K.A. John Kolobus): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Richard Gwyn, Martyr (circa 1537-1584, Anglicized as Richard White), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link XL & Wikipedia-link XL.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter to the Romans, chapter one, verses sixteen thru twenty-five;
Psalm Nineteen, verses two & three & four & five;
The Gospel according to Luke chapter eleven, verses thirty-seven thru forty-one.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, Jesus concludes today's Gospel by prescribing giving alms as a key to holiness. I've quoted to you before some of the breathtaking remarks of saints and popes about almsgiving: Leo XIII says, "Once the demands of necessity and propriety have been met, the rest of your money belongs to the poor." John Chrysostom says, "The man who has two shirts in his closet, one belongs to him; the other belongs to the man who has no shirt."

The deepest root of all of this is in the prophets, who continually rail against those who are indifferent to the poor. The prophets teach us that compassion is key to biblical ethics, feeling the pain of others in our own hearts. We're not dealing with an abstract Aristotelian moral philosophy, but rather with something more visceral.

This is precisely why the two great commandments are so tightly linked: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and love your neighbor as yourself." In loving God you feel the feelings of God, and God is compassionate to the poor and oppressed. That's all the argument that a biblical person needs.

Video reflection by Father Paul D. Seil: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch
The Letter to the Philippians, chapter three, verse seventeen thru chapter four, verse one;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twelve, verses twenty-four, twenty-five, & twenty-six.

†

Bible Study
The Book of Habakkuk, chapter one (of three; verses one thru seventeen);
The Book of Habakkuk, chapter two (verses one thru twenty);
The Book of Habakkuk, chapter three (of three; verses one thru nineteen);
Psalm Fifty-one (verses one thru twenty-one);
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-eight (verses one thru eight).

Commentary: The Prophet's Complaint & Its Answer (Habakkuk, 1:2-2:20) & Canticle (3:1-19); the Miserere: Prayer of Repentance (Psalm 51) & Hymn of a Grateful Heart (Psalm 138).

Bible Study—Proverbs in a Month
The Book of Proverbs, chapter seventeen (verses one thru twenty-eight).

Commentary: II: First Collection of the Wisdom of Solomon (cont'd, 17:1-28).

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Flogging Molly, "Salty Dog" from Swagger (The Last Angry Man)