Saints + Scripture

'Tis the Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest (1815-1888, A.K.A. Don Bosco), founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco, formally the Society of Saint Francis de Sales; the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; & the Association of Salesian Cooperators; developer of the Salesian Preventive System; & publisher of the Salesian Bulletin: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.D.B., Wikipedia-link F.M.A., Wikipedia-link A.S.C., Wikipedia-link System, & Wikipedia-link Bulletin.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Son of Venerable Margherita Occhiena Bosco.

Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Priest, Confessor, Founder, "Father & Teacher of Youth." While working in Turin, where the population suffered many of the effects of industrialization & urbanization, he dedicated his life to the betterment & education of street children, juvenile delinquents, & other disadvantaged youth. He developed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method that became known as the Salesian Preventive System.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Encouraged during his youth to becoem a priest so he could work with young boys, John was ordained in 1841. His service to young people started when he met a poor orphan & instructed him in preparation for receiving Holy Communion. He then gathered young apprentices & taught them catechism. After serving in as chaplain in a hospice for working girls, John opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Several wealthy & powerful patrons contributed money, enabling him to provide two workshops for the boys, shoemkaing & tailoring. By 1856, the institution had grown in one hundred fifty boys & had added a printing press for publication of religious & catechetical pamphlets.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Marcella, Religious (325-410): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Aiden of Ferns, Bishop (circa 550-632; also spelt Aedan; formerly Anglicized as Hugh; A.K.A. Máedóc, Mogue): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, Religious, T.O.S.F. (circa 1473-1533, A.K.A. Louisa Albertoni Cetera): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter twenty-four, verses two & nine thru seventeen;
Psalm Thirty-two, verses one & two, five, six, & seven;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter six, verses one thru six.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel develops a theme that is uncomfortable. It tells how the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus. Authentically religious people, authentically spiritual people, will almost always be opposed. The logic behind this is simple and unanswerable: we live in a world gone wrong, a world turned upside down; therefore, when someone comes speaking the truth to us, we will think that they are crazy and dangerous.

Think for just a moment what would happen to you if you consistently and publicly spoke the word of God to our culture. If you spoke out against abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, human trafficking, rampant materialism, and ideological secularism, what would happen to you? If you presented, in a full-throated way, the full range of Catholic social and moral and spiritual teaching, what would they do to you? Today’s Gospel offers a clue.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of Saint John Bosco
The Letter to the Philippians, chapter four, verses four thru nine;
Psalm One Hundred Three, verse one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eighteen, verses one thru five.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"A scrap of knowledge about sublime things is worth more than any amount about trivialities."
—St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church (1225-1274, feast day: 28 January)

Bonus! Song o' the Day
The Daughters of Mary, "Hail Holy Queen" from De Profundis (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 346.0 lbs
This weigh-in: 345.0 lbs.
Difference: -1.0 lbs.

While I cannot say that three hundred forty-five pounds is objective good, color me pleasantly surprised; I'd honestly expected to gain weight over the last week. I overate anything & everything in the last seven days. So, not to have gained three or four pounds is good news. Still, experience has shown how easy it is to lose two pounds per week (2 lbs./week); so, only losing one, even if it is better than gaining weight, isn't good enough. I dare not wait for Lent to begin to begin my Lenten fast. Here comes the suffering, but remember, Mike, suffering can be good for the soul.

Remember From Russia, with Love's (my friend, not the Ian Fleming novel) quote:

"Nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels."

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
"Weird Al" Yankovic, "Addicted to Spuds" from Polka Party! (The Last Angry Blimp)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Sex Bom-omb, "Garbage Truck" from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (The Last Angry Man)

Saints + Scripture: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the festival of Saint Felix IV, Pope (died 530, actually Felix III), fifty-fourth (LIV) Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. The numbering of the Popes Felix is a mess. Pope St. Felix I [30 December] reigned in the third century; Antipope Felix II pretended in the fourth, & his memory is sometimes conflated with a faithful martyr, Felix [29 July], accounting for the miscounting; Pope St. Felix III [1 March] was the truly only the second Pope Felix; & Pope St. Felix IV [30 January] was truly only the third Pope Felix. To further muddy the already murky waters, a fifteenth century antipope styled himself Felix V.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti, Virgin, T.O.R. (1585-1640, A.K.A. Clarice Mariscotti), foundress of the Oblates of Mary: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Zygmunt Pisarki, Priest & Martyr (1902-1943), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (list, № 78); Martyrs-link CVIII & Wikipedia-link CVIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter eighteen, verses nine, ten, fourteen(b), twenty-four, twenty-five(a), & thirty thru chapter nineteen, verse three;
Psalm Eighty-six, verses one & two, three & four, & five & six;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter five, verses twenty-one thru forty-three.

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

Friends, the centerpiece of today’s Gospel is Jesus healing the hemorrhaging woman. Having a flow of blood for twelve years meant that anyone with whom she came in contact would be considered unclean. She couldn’t, in any meaningful sense, participate in the ordinary life of her society.

The woman touches Jesus—and how radical and dangerous an act this was, since it should have rendered Jesus unclean. But so great is her faith that her touch, instead, renders her clean. Jesus effectively restores her to full participation in her community.

But what is perhaps most important is this: Jesus implicitly puts an end to the ritual code of the book of Leviticus. What he implies is that the identity of the new Israel, the Church, would not be through ritual behaviors but through imitation of him. Notice, please, how central this is in the New Testament. We hear elsewhere in the Gospels that Jesus declares all foods clean, and throughout the letters of Paul we hear a steady polemic against the Law. All of this is meant to show that Jesus is at the center of the new community.

Video reflection by Father Joseph Gatto: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-four (verses one thru twenty-seven);
The Book of Sirach, chapter three (verses one thru thirty);
The Book of Sirach, chapter four, verses one thru ten.

Commentary: God's Past Favor & Israel's Present Need (Psalm 44); Duties toward Parents (3:1-16), Humility (3:17-28), & Alms for the Poor (3:29-4:10).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Charity is the form, mover, mother, & root of all the virtues."
—St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church (1225-1274, feast day: 28 January)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics, "My Dear" from It's About Time (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Sweet child,
Don't force a smile,
If the ways things are have got you mad,
Get up and do what you can to lend a helping hand,
I know it's easy to turn our heads away,
Take refuge in our lives & not make change today.

"And I know sometimes
The world can be so hard,
And reach down to find
The good in your heart,
And bring light to dark,
All you need to do is see
That only love can help us overcome
Everything…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Robbie Williams, "Mr. Bojangles" from Swing When You're Winning (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"…Mr. Bonangles, come back and dance,
And dance,
And dance,
And dance,
Please dance,
Come back and dance again, Mr. Bojangles."

Saints + Scripture

'Tis the festival of Saint Sulpitius Severus, Priest (circa 363-425): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Neither to be confused nor conflated with the bishop of Bourges, St. Sulpitius I Severus [died 591, also 29 January], who is not be be confused with the later bishop of Bourges, St. Sulpitius II the Pious [died 641, 17 January].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Dallán Forgaill, Martyr (circa 530-598), martyred by pirates during a raid on the Inishkeel monastery, author of the hymn "Rop tú mo Baile" ("Be Thou My Vision"): Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Hymn.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Servant of God Juniper, Religious, O.F.M. (died 1258, A.K.A. Brother Juniper): Servant-link ūnus, Servant-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Francis Taylor, Martyr (circa 1550-1621, A.K.A. Proinnsias Táiliúr), Lord Mayor of Dublin, martyred in the reign of the king James VI & I, one of the Irish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Irish & Wikipedia-link Irish.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter fifteen, verses thirteen, fourteen, & thirty & chapter sixteen, verses five thru thirteen;
Psalm Three, verses two & three, four & five, & six & seven;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter five, verses one thru twenty.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel shows Jesus driving the unclean spirit from the Gerasene demoniac. What we see here on vivid display is Jesus the miracle worker.

Modern thinkers tend to be wary of this dimension. For instance, Thomas Jefferson took a straight razor to the pages of the Gospels and cut out everything that smacked of the supernatural—miracles, exorcisms, and so on. The problem, of course, is that he had to make an absolute mess of Mark’s Gospel, which is positively chock-a-block with such things.

Jefferson’s contemporary, the great modern philosopher David Hume, wrote a powerfully influential text against miracles. He claimed that since the laws of nature were set, miracles were, strictly speaking, impossible. Accounts of them, he concluded, were the result of the foggy or wishful thinking of primitive people.

But though God typically lets the universe run according to its natural rhythms and patterns, what is to prevent God from shaping it and influencing it occasionally in remarkable ways, in order to signal his purpose and presence?

Video reflection by Msgr. James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

†

Bible Study—Pauline Epistles
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter four (verses one thru thirty-one);
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter five (verses one thru twenty-six);
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter six (of six, verses one thru eighteen);
The Letter to Titus, chapter one (of three, verses one thru sixteen);
The Letter to Titus, chapter two (verses one thru fifteen);
The Letter to Titus, chapter three (of three, verses one thru fifteen).

Commentary: IV. Faith & Liberty (cont'd): God's Free Children in Christ (Galatians, 4:1-7), Do Not Throw This Freedom Away (4:8-11), Appeal to Former Loyalty (4:12-20), & an Allegory on Christian Freedom (4:21-31); V. Exhortation to Christian Living: The Importance of Faith (5:1-6), Be Not Misled (5:7-12), Freedom for Service (5:13-26), & Life in the Community of Christ (6:1-10); & VI. Conclusion: Final Appeal (6:11-18).

I. Address: Greeting (Titus, 1:1-4); II. Pastoral Charge: Titus in Crete (1:5-16); & III. Teaching the Christian Life: Christian Behavior (2:1-10), Transformation of Life (2:11-3:8a), Advice to Titus (3:8b-11), & Directive, Greetings, & Blessings (3:12-15).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"The principal act of courage is to endure & withstand dangers doggedly rather than to attack them."
—St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church (1225-1274, feast day: 28 January)

The Popish Plot
Saintly Sunday: "St. Thomas Aquinas"

7,777 | The Explorers' Club, № DXCVI

This is the seven thousand seven hundred seventy-seventh post published here at The Secret Base of the Rebel Black Dot Society, since 21 February 2002, three weeks shy of sixteen years ago. That very first post was inauspicious: Wayback Machine. Why commemorate the seven thousand seven hundred seventy-seventh post? Why not the seven thousandth or the eight thousandth? One, I missed the seven thousandth post, entirely failing to note whenever it occurred in 2017, & there is no guarantee that ye, I, or indeed any of us will be alive to see the eight thousandth post. (Do not take life for granted!) Two, where is it written that we ought only mark roundly numbered anniversaries & occasions? Three, seven is the number of perfection in sacred Scripture, which is what really captured my imagination about The Secret Base's seven thousand seven hundred seventy-seventh post.

Here's to a a great, fun, gratifying, disappointing, frustrating, & hopefully worthwhile first seven thousand seven hundred seventy-seven posts, & here's to the next seven thousand seven hundred seventy-seven! I'll see you at fifteen thousand five hundred fifty-four (15,554*).

Operation AXIOM: The World War
John McCrae, M.D. (1872-1918), the Canadian army surgeon & poet; an artilleryman, he had fought in the Second Boer War; taught for a decade as a professor at Vermont & McGill University; & co-authored a 1912 medical textbook; the iconic Great War poem "In Flanders Fields" was inspired by the 1915 death of a comrade-in-arms; he died of pneumonia with meningitis on 28 January 1918.

Lest we forget.

*Actually, I hope to see ye tomorrow at post № 7,778.

Saints + Scripture: IV Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter eighteen, verses fifteen thru twenty;
Psalm Ninety-five, verses one & two; six & seven; & seven, eight, & nine;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter seven, verses thirty-two thru thirty-five;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-one thru twenty-eight.

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

Friends, in our Gospel Jesus came to Capernaum and entered the synagogue on a Sabbath, where he began to teach. Then it says that the "people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes." The ordinary teachers would have appealed to their own teachers and authorities, and finally to Moses and the Torah, which were unassailable.

Now what would prevent the people from saying that he was just crazy? Well, watch what happens next. Into the synagogue there rushed a man with "an unclean spirit." And he knows who Jesus is: "I know who you are—the Holy One of God."

But then Jesus demonstrates his authority: "‘Quiet, come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit convulsed him with a loud cry and came out of him." The claim to God’s own authority is now ratified by showing power over the spiritual realm.

And now they—and we—have to make a decision. Are we with him or are we against him? If he is who he says he is and who he demonstrates himself to be, then we have to give our lives to him.

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

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins (Ascension): Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D. (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Breaking the Bread.

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

The first Christians were not perfect; nor were the saints. They lived in communities that were torn by strife in ways remarkably similar to what we are experiencing today, & they struggled with the brokenness of their own humanity in the same way You & I do. But they were dedicated to the basics. The first Christians intrigued the people of their time. So did the saints, & so do ordinary people who embrace the Christian life today. In the great majority of cases they don't do anything spectacular. For the most part they commit themselves to doing simple things spectacularly well & with great love, & that intrigues people. We need to intrigue the people of our time in the same ways. Whom does your life intrigue? Not with spectacular accomplishments, but simply by the way you live, love, & work.

Otherwise, 28 January would be the festival of Blessed Charlemagne, Confessor (742-814), Holy Roman Emperor, King of the Franks: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church, O.P. (1225-1274), the "Angelic Doctor" & the "Great Synthesizer:" Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

At five he was given to the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino in his paretns' hope that he would choose that way of life & eventually become abbot. In 1239 he was sent to naples to complete his studies. It was here that he was first attracted to Aristotle's philosophy. By 1243 Thomas abandoned his family's plans for him & joined the Dominicans, much to his mother's dismay. On her order, Thomas was captured by his brother & kept at home for over a year. Once free, he went to Paris & then to Cologne, where he finished his studies with [St.] Albert the Great [15 November]. The Summa Theologiae, his last &, unfortunately, uncompleted work, deals witht he whole of Catholic theology. He stopped work on it after celebrating Mass on 6 December 1273. When asked why he stopped writing, he replied, "I cannot go on… All that I have written seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen & what has been revealed to me." He died 7 March 1274.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Joseph Freinademetz, Priest, S.V.D. (1852-1908): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Olympia Bida, Martyr (1903-1952, A.K.A. Ohla Bida), martyred in the reign of the Communist dictator Joseph Stalin: Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link (list).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Believing is an act of the intellect assenting to the divine truth by command of the will moved by God through grace."
—St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church (1225-1274, feast day: 28 January)

Operation AXIOM | The Stars My Destination

Thirty-two years ago to the day, 28 January 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) exploded during launch, killing her crew of seven: Commander Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, Pilot Michael Smith, Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist Judith Resnik, Mission Specialist Ronald McNair, Payload Specialist Gregory Jarvis, & Payload Specialist Christa McAuliffe. Scobee, Onizuka, Resnik, & McNair had previously flown on the Space Shuttle; Smith, Jarvis, & McAuliffe were on their maiden spaceflights.

The disaster was caused by the failure of an O-ring on one of the Challenger's two Solid Rocket Boosters. The O-ring contractor had warned N.A.S.A. against launching in the unusually cold temperatures on the morning of 28 January, but N.A.S.A. overruled the contractor, whose senior management then relented, against their own engineers' concerns. The disaster was not only foreseeable, but foreseen. N.A.S.A. violated numerous of its own procedures in going ahead with the doomed launch.

The Challenger's mission, STS-51-L, which was to deploy a communications satellite & conduct observations of Halley's Comet, was more high profile than most Space Shuttle missions as 'twas the first flight of the Teacher in Space Project, with public schoolteacher Mrs. McAuliffe having been selected as an astronaut specifically for the ambitious educational outreach. She was to teach remotely from space via closed-circuit television. Your humble narrator was among the many schoolchildren around the country watching the launch live on television when the unthinkable happened. The Challenger disaster made a considerable impression on popular culture & was commemorated with an on-screen tribute at the beginning of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, released later in '86. Colonel Onizuka, the first Asian-American astronaut, had a shuttlecraft used in several episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation as a namesake.

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded seventy-three seconds after liftoff, killing all seven of her crew, 28 January 1986, thirty-two years ago today.

The Wayback Machine Tour of the Challenger Disaster
Wayback Machine '17
Wayback Machine '16

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

Rend Collective, "Build Your Kingdom Here" from Homemade Worship by Handmade People (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"You made us for much more than this,
Awake the Kingdom seed in us,
Fill us with the strength & love of Christ…"

Operation AXIOM | The Stars My Destination

Fifty-one years ago to the day, 27 January 1967, the crew of the first manned Apollo mission, Apollo 1—Command Pilot Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, the second American to fly in space; Senior Pilot Edward H. "Ed" White II, the first American to conduct an Extravehicular Activity (E.V.A.) "spacewalk;" & Pilot Roger B. Chaffee, preparing for his first spaceflight—perished in a fire within their Command Module capsule, atop its Saturn IB rocket at Cape Kennedy's (as Cape Canaveral was then known) Launch Complex 34 for a launch rehearsal test. The fire, electrical in nature, was exacerbated by the many highly-flammable materials within the Command Module, as well as the Module's high-pressure, pure-oxygen atmosphere. The high atmospheric pressure also prevented the astronauts from evacuating their swiftly immolating craft, a fatal design flaw that was changed on all subsequent Apollo Command Modules.

Grissom was one of the original "Mercury Seven" astronauts; his two successful spaceflights were Mercury-Redstone 4 (the Liberty Bell 7, which sank during recovery) & Gemini 3 (commanding the Molly Brown, the only named Gemini capsule—so named as a response to the sinking of the Liberty Bell 7). White, a University of Michigan alumnus, was among the "New Nine," Astronaut Group 2, & had previously flown aboard Gemini 4, spacewalking. Chaffee, a native Michigander, was selected in Astronaut Group 3, four of whom walked on the Moon.

The crew of Apollo 1 died in a catastrophic fire during a ground test that had not been considered hazardous, 27 January 1967, fifty-one years ago today.

The Wayback Machine Tour of the Apollo 1 Disaster
Wayback Machine '17
"The Explorers' Club," No. XXXV (2007)

Saints + Scripture

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin, C.S.U. (1474-1540), foundress of the Angelines, formally the Secular Institute of Saint Angela Merici (historically, the Company of Saint Ursula), out of which grew the Ursulines, formally the Order of Saint Ursula: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.S.U. & Wikipedia-link O.S.U.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

She founded the Company of Saint Ursula in 1535 in Brescia, in which women dedicated their lives to the service of the Church through the education of girls.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Julian of Le Mans, Bishop (floruit third century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Natalis of Ulster, Abbot (died 564; A.K.A. Naile, Naal): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Vitalian, Pope (died 672), seventy-sixth (LXXVI) Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Paul Joseph Nardini, Priest, T.O.S.F. (1821-1862), founder of the Nardini Sisters, formally the Poor Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Sisters.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter twelve, verses one thru seven(a) & ten thru seventeen;
Psalm Fifty-one, verses twelve & thirteen, fourteen & fifteen, & sixteen & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter four, verses verses thirty-five thru forty-one.

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

Friends, the story at the heart of our Gospel for today is the storm at sea. Karl Barth said that the stormy waters in all of these cases stands for das Nichtige, the nothing, that which stands opposed to God’s creative intentions, difficulties both interior and exterior, difficulties physical, psychological, and spiritual.

The disciples in the boat are, as I’ve often said, evocative of the Church, making its way through time and space. And those waters are symbolic of everything that besets the members of the Church. To stay within the emotional space of the story, this must have been a terrible storm, to have terrified experienced sailors. This is no small problem, no minor difficulty.

Do you know the de profundis prayer? It comes from Psalm 130: "Out of the depths, I have cried to you, O Lord. O Lord, be attentive to the voice of my pleading." It is the prayer we should offer at the darkest times of life, when we find ourselves lost and in the shadow of death, when, in our desperation, we feel utterly incapable of helping ourselves.

Video reflection by Harry Dudley, D.Min.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Angela Merici
The First Letter of Peter, chapter four, verses seven(b) thru eleven;
Confer Psalm One Hundred Forty-eight, verses twelve(a) & thirteen(a);
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses thirty-four(b) thru thirty-seven.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family."
—St. Angela Merici (1471-1540, feast day: 27 January)

Code Name: CHAOS
At the beginning of the week now ending, we debuted the new title of the daily post dedicated to the saints of the day & Scripture of the day, both the daily Mass readings & my personal Bible study—"Saints + Scripture." "Saints + Scripture" replaces the title "Project BLACK MAMBA," though the endeavor's code name remains Project BLACK MAMBA. Why the change? First, it must be noted that I love code names. Life is simply more fun when things are given code names. I've long held to that view & I still do. That said, the purpose of Project BLACK MAMBA is twofold, to grow closer to Christ myself & to assist others in growing closer to Christ. I grew concerned that the title BLACK MAMBA was working at cross-purposes with the project itself. Sure, I understand what BLACK MAMBA means, but do others? Is the BLACK MAMBA code name likely to yield greater internet search results for The Secret Base? (This blog is, from time to time, bigger—more popular—in France than it is here in these Unites States. Merci, mes amis!) Code names exist to obscure or otherwise disguise a venture's purpose or goal, & I became convinced that this was essentially contrary to BLACK MAMBA's purpose.

So, why "Saints + Scripture"? My thought was simply to call these posts what they are, a daily exploration of the lives of the saints—our sisters & brothers in Christ who faced all the same temptations as we do & many other difficulties peculiar to their own times & places, who competed well for the faith, who fought the good fight, who finished the race, who kept the faith, & who have now won the prize we all seek—& the Word of God in the sacred Scriptures. Saints & Scripture. I initially preferred "Saints & Scripture," & that is how "Saints + Scripture" is meant to be read, "saints & scripture," not "saints plus scripture." But the plus sign is not just a plus sign, it also resembles a Greek cross, & that aesthetic appeal ultimately won me over. Yes, I prized form over strict function; sue me. (I also experimented with the Latin cross variant, "Saints † Scripture," but as you've seen the Greek cross carried the day.)

My fervent hope is that Project BLACK MAMBA continues to a help to you as "Saints + Scripture."

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

The Wombats, "Girls/Fast Cars" from The Wombats Proudly Present: This Modern Glitch (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The actress & Stanford alumna Skyler Samuels (girl) & the Alfa Romeo 4C (fast car).

"I'm a man of simple tastes,
No whiskey or caviar,
And what I feel is what I say,
I'm not trying to be smart.

"I like girls, girls and fast cars!
You too will feel this shallow
When one melts your little heart,
They melt, they melt, they melt your little heart!…

"I'm a man of simple taste,
No chewing on fat cigars,
And what I feel is what I say,
I'm not trying to be smart.

"I like girls, girls and fast cars!
It's cheap and its pathetic,
But you can't hate me just because
I like girls, girls and fast cars!…"

Wayback Machine '15 & Wayback Machine '17. Looking back, it strikes me as odd that "Girls/Fast Cars" was not the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. at any point in 2016. No wonder 'twas such a widely detested year!

Saints + Scripture: Better Late Than Never

9 Days to Life: Day Nine
For God's peace to fill the hearts of all who travel upon the path of abortion.

'Tis the Memorial of Saints Timothy & Titus, Bishops (died circa 96), receipts of three eponymous epistles from Saint Paul: Saints-link ūnus & Saints-link duo, Saint-link Timothy & Wikipedia-link Timothy, & Saint-link Titus & Wikipedia-link Titus; Wikipedia-link First Timothy, Wikipedia-link Second Timothy, & Wikipedia-link to Titus.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Close companions of the Apostle Paul [25 January, 29 June] & bishops of the Catholic Church in its earliest days. Both men received letters from St. Paul, which are included in the New testament.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Timothy had a Greek father & a Jewish mother named Eunice. Being the product of a "mixed" marriage, he was considered illegitimate by the Jews. It was his grandmother, Lois, who first became Christian. Timothy was a convert of Paul's around the year 47 & later joined him in his apostolic work. He was with Paul at the founding of the Church in Corinth.

Titus has the distinction of being a close friend & disciple of Paul, as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek, apparently from Antioch. Even thought Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision at Jerusalem. Titus is seen as a peacemaker, administrator, & great friend. Paul's second letter to Corinth affords us an insight into the depth of his friendship with Titus, & the great fellowship they had in preaching the gospel. When Paul was having trouble with the community at Corinth, Titus was the bearer of Paul's severe letter & was successful in smoothing things out. (Wikipedia-link Second Corinthians)

'Tis also the festival of Saint Paula, Abbess (347-404, of Rome; A.K.A. the Widow): Saint-link ūna, Saints-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Mother of Ss. Eustochium [28 September] & Blaesilla [22 January].

'Tis also the festival of Saint José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, Priest, T.O.S.D. (1840-1914), the "Gaucho priest:" Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Michał Kozal, Bishop & Martyr (1893-1943, also spelt Michaël), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter one, verses one thru eight;
or, the Letter to Titus, chapter one, verses one thru five;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one & two(a), two(b) & three, seven & eight(a), & ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter four, verses twenty-six thru thirty-four.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that "when it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants." 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 to involve us, through freedom, intelligence, and creativity, in what he is doing. And so he plants seeds, and he wants us to cultivate them.

Consider what God said to St. Francis: "Francis, rebuild my Church." God could have rebuilt his Church without Francis, but he wanted him to get involved.

When things start small, they can fly under the radar while they gain strength and heft and seriousness. Also, those involved can be tested and tried. Suppose you want to do something great in the life of the Church and you pray and God gives you massively what you want. You might not be ready, and your project will peter out. So be patient and embrace the small invitations.

Video reflection by Father Praveen Lakkisetti: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Memorial of Ss. Timothy & Titus
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter one, verses one thru eight;
or, the Letter to Titus, chapter one, verses one thru five;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one & two(a), two(b) & three, seven & eight(a), & ten;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter ten, verses one thru nine.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-two (verses one thru twelve);
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-three (verses one thru five);
The Book of Sirach, chapter two (verses one thru eighteen).

Commentary: Longing for God's Presence in the Temple (Psalms 42-43), the beginning of the Second Book (Psalms 42-72); Duties toward God (Sirach, 2:1-18).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)

The Popish Plot
Fermentation Friday: "Infusions"

Operation AXIOM: Yes, M!ch!gan!

Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice
("If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you")

One hundred eighty-one years ago to the day, 26 January 1837, Michigan was admitted to the Union as the twenty-sixth of the United States. Under the prevailing conditions of the Missouri Compromise, Michigan's admission as a free state balanced Arkansas's 1836 admission as the slave state. The Michigan Territory's state constitution was approved by a convention in 1835, but Congressional approval was delayed until after the resolution of a border controversy with the State of Ohio, which saw the "Toledo Strip" awarded to Ohio & what is now called the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) given to Michigan as compensation.

Michigan is unique among the several states in being composed of two peninsulas (thus, the state motto at the top of this post). In addition to Michigan being surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, there are almost sixty-five thousand lakes & ponds within these pleasant peninsulas. Within sacred Michigan, one is never more than six miles from a natural water source nor more than eighty-five miles from a Great Lake. The name Michigan originates in an Ojibwe language word, mishigamaa, usually translated as "large water."

I have bemused memories of the sesquicentennial celebration of Michigan's statehood in 1987, when I was in elementary school. To this day, the word "sesquicentennial" makes me smile. Last year, 2017, saw the bicentennial of the University of Michigan (Wayback Machine). Let us all look forward to the bicentennial of the State of Michigan, due in 2037, should the Good Lord permit this world to perdure.

Michigan was admitted to the Union, 26 January 1837, one hundred eighty-one years ago today.

Bonus! Song o' Michigan's Statehood
John Linnell, "Michigan" from State Songs (The Last Angry Wolverine)

Commentary:

"O Michigan! Exemplar of unchecked replication,
O Michigan! O Michigan! the tank the fishes are in,
Expansionist in spirit, in letter borders obtain,
Don't hold us back! Don't hold us back! We must eat Michigan's brain!
Now, grow back, Michigan, we miss you again!"

The Wayback Machine Tour of Michigan's Statehood
180 Years—2017

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Michigan's Statehood

Sufjan Stevens, "Say Yes! to M!ch!gan!" from Michigan (The Last Angry Wolverine)

Commentary:

"If I ever meant to go away,
I was raised, I was raised,
In the place, in the place,
Still I often think of going back,
To the farms, to the farms,
Golden arms, golden arms
Start to remind me.

"If the lakes took the place of the sea…"

"Still I never meant to go away
I was raised, I was raised,
In the place, in the place,
Still I often think of going back,
To the farms, to the farms,
Golden arms, golden arms.
Tried to change the made in Michigan,
I was raised, I was raised,
In the place, in the place,
Oh, to remind me."

Saints + Scripture: Conversion of Saint Paul

9 Days for Life: Day Eight
For an end to the use of the death penalty in our country.

'Tis the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (circa 36): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Conversion of Paul the Apostle was an event in the life of Paul the Apostle that led him to cease persecuting early Christians & to become a follower of Jesus.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-two, verses three thru sixteen;
or, the Acts of the Apostles, chapter nine, verses one thru twenty-two;
Psalm One Hundred Seventy-seven, verses one(b/c) & two;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter sixteen, verses fifteen thru eighteen.

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

Friends, today we reflect on the significance of the conversion of St. Paul. Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus was an answer to this question: when would God gather the nations and through Israel bring his rule to the whole world? When Paul met Jesus he realized that the promises of God had been fulfilled, that the expectations of the prophets had been met—but in a most unexpected and extraordinary way.

He knew from his tradition that God, through Israel, would deliver the world from sin, gather the nations, and establish peace and justice everywhere. That was the hope. The usual version of that hope was something like an avenging military and political ruler like Solomon or David, or a great lawgiver and leader like Moses.

What Paul saw in Jesus was someone greater than Moses, Solomon, or David—and someone wholly unexpected. God is establishing his justice, his right order, his way, through a crucified and risen criminal, and now returned from the dead? Forgiveness, compassion, nonviolence, having no truck with the ways of death? This is God’s justice, and it judges all of the fallen powers and kingdoms of the world.

Video reflection by Father Pat McCloskey, O.F.M. (Franciscan Media): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Dwynwen, Hermit (died circa 460; also spelt Dwyn, Donwen, et al.): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Poppo of Stavelot, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 977-1048, A.K.A. of Deinze), as abbot the "second founder" of the Imperial Abbey of Stavelot-Malmedy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Prince-Abbot.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Those who love to be feared, fear to be loved."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)

The Popish Plot
Theology Thursday: "The Reformation @ 500: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "The Route That I Took" from Pin Points and Gin Joints (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"Without really knowing I took all the wrong routes,
A misguided monster in the Doc Marten boots,
In the wrong directions, against all of the grains,
Got off at all the wrong stops, back onto all the wrong trains…

Without suggesting to you the routes I took were never wrong,
I took a look & still I took & somehow I stayed strong,
And I just stayed on the course with very few deviations,
One or two situations, some other odd altercations,
When my days were too dark, well, I had something to sell,
I am carnival barker with some stories to tell,
There'll be apologies made at every fork & each bend,
And I'm so glad that I stayed & I will—

"Stay to the end, stay to the end,
Glad I took a good look at the route that I took,
Stay to the end, stay to the end,
Glad I took a good look at the route that I took."

Saints + Scripture: Better Late Than Never

9 Days for Life: Day Seven
May those who long for a child of their own be filled with trust in God's loving plan.

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor of the Church, C.O., O.M., O.F.M. Cap. (1567-1622), the "Gentleman Saint;" author of the classic Introduction to the Devout Life; co-founder of the Visitation Sisters, formally the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary: Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, Doctor-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Introduction & Wikipedia-link V.H.M..

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He is noted for his deep faith & gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation. Also known for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction & spiritual formation.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Francis was destined by his father to be a lawyer so that the young man could eventually take his elder's place as a senator from the province of Savoy in France. For this reason Francis was sent to Padua to study law. After receiving his doctorate, he returned home &, in due time, told his parents he wished to enter the priesthood. Francis was ordained & elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, then a center for the Calvinists. Francis set out to convert them, especially in the district of Chablais. By preaching & distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true catholic doctrine, he had remarkable success. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, "A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Felician of Foligno, Bishop & Martyr (circa 158-250), martyred in the reign of the emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds William Ireland, S.J., Priest; & John Grove, Martyrs (died 1679), martyred in the reign of the king Charles II, victims of the perjurer Titus Oates's "Popish Plot" hoax: Martyr-link Whiskey India, Martyr-link Juliett Golf, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Popish Plot.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Wincenty Lewoniuk & Companions, Martyrs (died 1874, A.K.A. the Martyrs of Pratulin, the Martyrs of Podlasie), martyred for refusing to convert to Russian Orthodoxy in the reign of the emperor Alexander II: Martyr-link; Martyrs-link XIII & Wikipedia-link XIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses four thru seventeen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses four & five, twenty-seven & twenty-eight, & twenty-nine & thirty;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter four, verses one thru twenty.

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

Friends, our Gospel for today is the parable of the sower and the seed. It has to do with the growth and development of the kingdom of God. We hear that Jesus began to teach by the sea and that a very large crowd gathered around him. This is Jesus speaking to the whole world.

He then presents the parable of the sower: A sower goes out to sow, and as he sows, some of the seed falls on the path, where the birds eat it up; some falls on rocky ground, where it is scorched in the sun; some falls among thorns, where its life is choked off; and some falls on rich soil, where it bears fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.

Keep in mind that Jesus himself, in person, is the seed sown. Jesus is the Logos that wants to take root in us. This seed is sown far and wide, through all sorts of means, but in you, let the seed be sown deep, where it can’t be stolen, scorched, or choked.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Francis de Sales
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses eight thru twelve;
Psalm Thirty-seven, verse thirty(a);
The Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses nine thru seventeen.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-one (verses one thru fourteen);
The Book of Sirach, chapter one (of fifty-one; verses one thru twenty-nine).

Commentary: Thanksgiving after Sickness (Psalm 41), end of the First Book (Psalms 1-41); Praise of Wisdom (Sirach, 1:1-29), Sirach A.K.A. the Wisdom of Sirach or the Book of Ecclesiasticus.

Bible Study—Pauline Epistles
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter one (of six; verses one thru twenty-four);
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter two (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter three (verses one thru twenty-nine).

Commentary: I. Address: Greeting (Galatians, 1:1-5); II. Loyalty to the Gospel (1:6-10); III. Paul's Defense of His Gospel & His Authority: His Call by Christ (1:11-24), the Council of Jerusalem (2:1-10), Peter's Inconsistency at Antioch (2:11-14), & Faith & Works (2:15-21); & IV. Faith & Liberty: Justification by Faith (3:1-14), the Law Did Not Nullify the Promise (3:15-22), & What Faith Has Brought Us (3:23-29).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not that his work should be despised in his presence. Now God is present everywhere, & every person is His work."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 342.6 lbs
This weigh-in: 346.0 lbs.
Difference: +3.4 lbs.

Well, that's not good. Naught for it now but to learn the lesson (yet again) to avoid those foods & drinks (& most importantly, the quantities of same) which add to my ponderous bulk &, as a bonus, do not provide even the temporary happiness they promised. Onward!

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
"Weird Al" Yankovic, "My Bologna" from "Weird Al" Yankovic (The Last Angry Snacker)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Topol, Paul Whitsun-Jones, Maurice Lane, & Villagers, "To Life" from Fiddler On the Roof (The Last Angry Man)

Saints + Scripture

9 Days for Life: Day Six
May those near the end of their lives receive medical care that respects their dignity & protects their lives.

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Vincent, Deacon & Martyr (died circa 304; of Saragossa, of Huesca), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Vincent was offered release if he would consign Scripture to the fire. Vincent refused. Speaking on behalf of his bishop, he informed the judge that they were ready to suffer everything for their faith, & they that could pay no heed either to threats or promises.

'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin, T.O.S.F. (1838-1918, of Moloka'i; A.K.A. Barbara Koob, "Mother Marianne"): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Marianne was [renowned] for her charitable works. In 1883 she relocated with six other Sisters to Hawai'i to care for persons suffering Hansen's Disease on the island of Moloka'i.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Messalina of Foligno, Virgin & Martyr (died circa 250), martyred in the reign of the emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo, Bishop & Abbot (circa 607-667; also spelt Ildefonsus, Hildefuns), who participated in the Eighth Council of Toledo (653) & the Ninth Council of Toledo (655): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link VIII Council & Wikipedia-link IX Council.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Nikolaus Groß, Martyr (1889-1945, also spelt Gross), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter six, verses twelve(b) thru fifteen, seventeen, eighteen, & nineteen;
Psalm Twenty-four, verses seven, eight, nine, & ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses thirty-one thru thirty-five.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus identifies us as his disciples. So what do we discover about ourselves? First, that we are a chosen race. As I’ve said many times, our culture puts a huge premium on choice, our choice, personal choice. We care, above all, about freedom, self-direction, and autonomy.

But the Bible is eminently clear that what matters above all is not our choice but God’s choice. We Christians, we followers of Jesus, have been chosen by God for God’s purposes. And this choice is not a matter of reward, as though we are being singled out because of our gifts. Just the contrary.

Your life is not about you. Your will nestles in an infinitely higher will. Your mind is an ingredient in an infinitely more capacious mind. And so the primary question of your life is not, "What do I want?" but rather, "What does God want?"

Video reflection by Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel, S.T.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Vincent
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter four, verses seven thru fifteen;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Marianne Cope
The Book of Tobit, chapter twelve, verses six thru fourteen(a);
Psalm Thirty-four, verse two;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses thirty-one thru forty-six
(or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses thirty-one thru forty).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Have patience will all things, but first of all with yourself."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Robbie Williams, "I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen" from Swing When You're Winning (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: How much human misery comes from every Tom, Dick, & Harry wanting to play the king, wanting to call the shots? The fight of this life is to master oneself, not to master others.

"I will talk & Hollywood will listen,
See them bow to my every word,
Mister Spielberg, look just what you're missing!
Doesn't it seem a little absurd?
Bow at my every word?…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Rachel Platten, "Fight Song" from Wildfire (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"And I don't really care if nobody else believes,
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me…"

Saints + Scripture: Legal Protection of Unborn Children

'Tis the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children: U.S.C.C.B.-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

As individuals, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, &/or giving alms. Another way to take part is through participating in special events to observe the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Quoth the missalette:

The Bishops of the United States have designated today as a day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life & of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.

9 Days for Life: Days One thru Five
Day Five: May each person suffering from the loss of a child through abortion find hope & healing in Christ.
Day Four: May all people embrace the truth that every life is a good & perfect gift, & is worth living.
Day Three: For victims & survivors of human trafficking.
Day Two: For the end to abortion.
Day One: May a culture of life grow ever stronger in our communities.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Bertwald of Ramsbury, Bishop, O.S.B. (died 1045; also spelt Brithwald, etc.; A.K.A. of Glastonbury, of Sarum): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed William Patenson, Priest & Martyr (died 1591), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter five, verses one thru seven & ten;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses twenty, twenty-one & twenty-two, & twenty-five & twenty-six;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses twenty-two thru thirty.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel speaks plainly of Satan and sin. And in light of today’s anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision, we still feel the echoes. When we look realistically at the society around us, we can become pretty discouraged. The conservative estimate regarding the number of abortions since Roe v. Wade is 58,000,000. That’s almost ten times Hitler’s holocaust. Assisted suicide is now legal in a half dozen states, including California, and the death penalty remains a blight on a half dozen others. And most people in our culture now feel that these states of affairs are simply a fact of life. The culture of death, as St. John Paul II called it so bluntly, seems to be on the march.

But I want everyone to attend to what the prophet Habakkuk tells us: "Write down the vision clearly on the tablets…for the vision…will not disappoint." What is he talking about? He’s describing the arrival of salvation to a people who had grown weary and desperate, convinced that God had abandoned them. And he is urging them to have faith, to trust.

And so on this somber anniversary, we continue to raise our voices and to walk according to faith. Our vision will not disappoint.

Video reflection by Msgr. James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Quoth the missalette:

The following readings are suggested from among the many options.

Mass Readings—Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
The Book of Isaiah, chapter thirty-two, verses fifteen thru eighteen;
Confer Psalm Seventy-two, verse seven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses one thru twelve(a).

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Wisdom, chapter seventeen (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Book of Wisdom, chapter eighteen (verses one thru twenty-five);
The Book of Wisdom, chapter nineteen (of nineteen; verses one thru twenty-two).

Commentary: Fourth Example: Darkness Afflicts the Egyptians, While the Israelites Have Light (Wisdom, 17:1-18:4) & Fifth Example: Death of the Egyptian First-born; the Israelites Are Spared (18:5-19:22).

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter fifteen (verses one thru thirty-three);
The Letter to the Romans, chapter sixteen (of sixteen; verses one thru twenty-seven).

Commentary: Please Others, Not Yourselves (Romans, 15:1-6); the Gospel for Jews & Gentiles Alike (15:7-13); Paul's Reasons for Writing So Boldly (15:14-21); Paul's Plan to Visit Rome (15:22-33); Personal Greetings (16:1-16); Final Instructions (16:18-23); & Final Doxology (16:25-27).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Priests have received from God a power that He has given neither to angels nor to archangels. …God above confirms what priests do here below."
—St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church (circa 349-407, feast day: 13 September)

The Explorers' Club, № DXCV

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Russian Revolution, Part VIII
18-19 January 1918: The Russian Constituent Assembly, the ambition of reformers & revolutionaries since the Revolution of 1905, met for thirteen hours until overthrown by Red Guards, who declared the Bolshevik-led All-Russian Congress of Soviets the country's supreme governing body; eleven months of revolution had exchanged Romanov dynastic autocracy for Bolshevik Soviet autocracy.

Lest we forget.

The Wayback Machine Tour of the Russian Revolution
№ DXXXIX: The February Revolution (Part I)
№ DLVI: The Kerensky Offensive (Part II)
№ DLIX: The July Days (Part III)
№ DLXIV: The Kornilov Affair (Part IV)
№ DLXXVII: The October Revolution (Part V)
№ DLXXXIII: Russian Constituent Assembly elections (Part VI)
№ DLXXXVIII: Armistice on the Eastern Front (Part VII)

Saints + Scripture: III Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Book of Jonah, chapter three, verses one thru five & ten;
Psalm Twenty-five, verses four & five, six & seven, & eight & nine;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter seven, verses twenty-nine, thirty, & thirty-one;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses fourteen thru twenty.

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

Friends, our Gospel today is Jesus’ inaugural address, setting the tone for the whole of his preaching. Mark tells us that he was proclaiming the Good News of God, and that this was "the time of fulfillment."

Something was being brought to completion. What was it? It was everything that the Old Testament had spoken of. Jesus gathered up in his person everything that Israel was about—and this is why his presence was so compelling and why following him was of paramount importance. This is why he says, "Repent and believe in the gospel." The Good News is him. So now it’s time to make a decision.

Friends, this is the whole story. Everything else is commentary. We are meant to see ourselves in Simon and Andrew, in James and John. When Jesus passes by, we have to respond. The time is now. They got this, and that’s why they responded so promptly.

Now here’s the catch: to follow him means to do what he does, to call other people to the kingdom. "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." That line is addressed to all of us, to all the baptized, to all the disciples.

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

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins (Ascension): Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D. (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Breaking the Bread.

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

The story of Jesus Christ is the most powerful in history & has directly or indirectly influenced every noble aspect of modern civilization. But amid the hustle & bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to become distracted & distance ourselves from this story. From time to time, someone comes along who reminds us of the spellbinding power the Gospel has when it is actually lived.

Otherwise, 21 January would be the festival of Saint Publius, Bishop & Martyr (circa 33-112, of Malta), martyred in the reign of the emperor Trajan: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Agnes, Virgin & Martyr (circa 291-304, of Rome), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution; martyred at the site of the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone & buried in the Catacombs of Saint Agnes, atop which sits the basilica of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura: Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution; Wikipedia-link in Agone, Wikipedia-link Catacombs, & Wikipedia-link outside the Walls.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Almost nothing is known of this saint except that she was very young—twelve or thirteen—when she was martyred in the last half of the third century. Various modes of death have been suggested—beheading, burning, strangling. Agnes was condemned, executed, & buried near Rome in a catacomb that was eventually named for her. The daughter of Constantine built a basilica in her honor.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Bríga of Kilbride, Abbess (floruit sixth century; also spelt Brigid, A.K.A. of Killbrige), foundress of the monastery at Oughter Ard: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Monastery.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Meinrad, Hermit & Martyr (circa 797-861), martyred by Richard & Peter, brigands who beat him to death once they discovered he possessed nothing worth stealing: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Alban Roe, Priest & Martyr, O.S.B. (1583-1642), martyred in the reign of the king Charles I, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyr-link XL & Wikipedia-link XL.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace & virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve."
—St. Agnes (circa 291-304, feast day: 21 January)