Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Explorers' Club, № DCXV

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Armenian Genocide, Part III
21-29 May 1918: The Battles of Abaran (21-29 May), Sardarabad (22-28 May), & Karakilisa (25-28 May)—The Ottomans moved to exploit the power vacuum left in the Caucasus by the collapse of Tsarist authority & subsequent Soviet withdrawal; Armenian militia paid a step price to repulse the Ottoman advance; Armenia followed Georgia & Azerbaijan by declaring independence on 28 May.





Lest we forget.

Saints + Scripture: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

'Tis the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Madonna-link ūna, Madonna-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
[This] feast celebrates the visit of Mary, the Mother of God, with the Child Jesus in her womb, to her cousin [Saint] Elizabeth [5 November]. The visit took place when Elizabeth was herself six months pregnant with the forerunner of Christ, Saint John the Baptist [24 June, 29 August].
Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Book of Zephaniah, chapter three, verses fourteen thru eighteen(a);
or, the Letter to the Romans, chapter twelve, verses nine thru sixteen;
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twelve, verses two & three, four(b/c/d), & five & six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru fifty-six.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today’s Gospel tells of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. I’ve always been fascinated by Mary’s "haste" in this story of the Visitation. Upon hearing the message of Gabriel concerning her own pregnancy and that of her cousin, Mary "proceeded in haste into the hill country of Judah" to see Elizabeth.

Why did she go with such speed and purpose? Because she had found her mission, her role in the theo-drama. We are dominated today by the ego-drama in all of its ramifications and implications. The ego-drama is the play that I’m writing, I’m producing, I’m directing, and I’m starring in. We see this absolutely everywhere in our culture. Freedom of choice reigns supreme: I become the person that I choose to be.

The theo-drama is the great story being told by God, the great play being directed by God. What makes life thrilling is to discover your role in it. This is precisely what has happened to Mary. She has found her role—indeed a climactic role—in the theo-drama, and she wants to conspire with Elizabeth, who has also discovered her role in the same drama. Like Mary, we have to find our place in God’s story.
Video reflection by Fr. Roger Lopez, O.F.M. (Franciscan Media): U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.


'Tis also the festival of Blessed Giacomo Salomoni, Priest, O.P. (1231-1314, Anglicized as James Salomone): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Robert Thorpe, Priest & Martyr (circa 1560-1591), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link LXXXV & Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Papal Quote o' the Day
"Prayer is the breath of the Mystical Body. It is conversation with God. It is the expression of the soul's love & its striving toward the Father."
—Pope Bl. Paul VI (1897-1978, feast day: 26 September)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"So that is all that Jesus wants from us, He does not need our accomplishments, only our love. He thirsts for love."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"I have found heaven on earth, since heaven is God, & God is in my soul."
—St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906, feast day: 8 November)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Ben Folds, "Annie Waits" from Rockin' the Suburbs (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:
"Annie waits for the last time,
Just the same as the last time,
Annie waits for the last time,
Just the same as the last time,
Annie waits, but not for me."

Bonus! Song o' the Day

Jim Gaffigan, "Seasons" from Cinco (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Apropos of an online quiz I encountered this morning, asking which was respondents' favorite season, spring or fall:
"Fall, people love fall. 'It's my favorite season!' It's not a competition. 'My favorite season, that I'm voting for in America's Next Top Season, is fall.'"

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Saints + Scripture

'Tis the festival of Saint Joan of Arc, Virgin & Martyr (circa 1412-1431, the "Maid of Orléans"), martyred in the reign of the English king Henry VI: Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link.


Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Luke Kirby, Priest & Martyr (circa 1549-1582), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link XL & Wikipedia-link XL.

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds Thomas Cottam (S.J.), William Filby, & Lawrence Richardson, Priests & Martyrs (died 1582), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, three of the Martyrs of Douai: Martyr-link Tango Charlie & Wikipedia-link Tango Charlie, Martyr-link Whiskey Foxtrot & Wikipedia-link Whiskey Foxtrot, Martyr-link Lima Romeo & Wikipedia-link Lima Romeo; Martyrs-link Douai & Wikipedia-link Douai.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
The First Letter of Peter, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-seven, verses twelve & thirteen, fourteen & fifteen, & nineteen & twenty;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses thirty-two thru forty-five.

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

The daily e-mail containing Bishop Barron's reflection on today's readings had not arrived in my e-mailbox by the time of publication. This post will be amended should the Word on Fire e-mail ever arrive.

Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel James and John ask Jesus to place them in high places in his kingdom. They are asking for two of the classic substitutes for God: power and honor. Power is not, in itself, a bad thing, and the same is true of honor. Thomas Aquinas said that honor is the flag of virtue. It’s a way of signaling to others something that’s worth noticing.

So what’s the problem? The problem is that they are asking for these two things in the wrong spirit. The ego will want to use power, not for God’s purposes or in service of truth, beauty, and goodness, but for its own aggrandizement and defense. When honor is sought for its own sake or in order to puff up the ego, it becomes dangerous as well.

So what’s the way out? “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” When you serve others, you are accessing the power of God and seeking the honor of God.
Papal Quote o' the Day
"Radical changes in world politics leave America with a heightened responsibility to be, for the world, an example of a genuinely free, democratic, just, & human society."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"I know that all the eagles of heaven have pity on me & that they guard & defend me, putting to flight the vulture-like temptations which would destroy me."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!"
—St. Joan of Arc (1412-1431, feast day: 30 May)

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 338.0 lbs
This weigh-in: 336.0 lbs.
Difference: -2.0 lbs.

The weekly goal is to lose two pounds: Check. I now weigh as much as I did three weeks hence, when the Weekly Wednesday Weight-in resumed after—"after"? More like "in the midst of"—the Easter feeding frenzy. Onward!

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
Jim Gaffigan, "Belt" from Cinco (The Last Angry Belt-torturer)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Ben Folds, "Rockin' the Suburbs" from Rockin' the Suburbs (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:
"I'm rockin' the suburbs,
Just like Michael Jackson did,
I'm rockin' the suburbs,
Except that he was talented,
I'm rockin' the suburbs,
I take the checks and face the facts
That some producer with computers
Fixes all my shitty tracks…

"I'm rockin' the suburbs,
Just like Quiet Riot did,
I'm rockin' the suburbs,
Except that they were talented,
I'm rockin' the suburbs,
I take the checks and face the facts
That some producer with computers
Fixes all my shitty tracks…"

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Saints + Scripture: The Most Holy Trinity — Sun, 27 May

The Long Road Back

Sunday, 27 May was the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: Trinity-link, Wikipedia-link Trinity, & Wikipedia-link Trinity Sunday.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
Trinity Sunday celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit.
Scripture of This Week
Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter four, verses thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-nine, & forty;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses four & five, six & nine, eighteen & nineteen, & twenty & twenty-two;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-eight, verses sixteen thru twenty.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, here is the curious thing about the Trinity: at one and the same time, it is the most extraordinary and the most ordinary of Christian doctrines, simultaneously the most inaccessible and the most obvious.

On the one hand, there is a highly developed, technical language regarding this great mystery. On the other hand, the most ordinary Catholic simply and regularly invokes the Trinity every time he crosses himself.

Our Gospel for Trinity Sunday is taken from the very end of Matthew’s Gospel. The risen and glorified Lord speaks to the new Israel of the Church: "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This is not an ordinary prophet speaking. This is the very Word of the Father, the exact replica of the Father’s being.

Jesus then tells them to go forth and to do the work of gathering in, of drawing people into the very dynamics of the divine life. Now, how all of this fits together theoretically is indeed a fascinating question, but we should never allow the arcane language of theology to obscure the revolutionary meaning of the Trinity: it is a summons to mission, a call to action.
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 Twenty-two
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:
When making a decision, the Native Ameican people used to ask themselves how their decision would affect their people seven generations from now. One hundred years from now, none of us will be here. Let us always remember that in the whole scheme of things, the Church is on loan to use for a very brief time[; &] yet in that brief time we determine the Church our children & grandchildren will inherit. In this way, God has appointed us to take care of the vineyard—the Church. This is a responsibility we should take seriously In Matthew's Gospel (Mt. 21:33-41) we are given a vision of what happens when servants are overcome with pride & arrogance.


Otherwise, 27 May would have been the festival of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 605, the "Apostle to the English," also spelt Austin), abbot of the Abbey of Saint Andrew: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, YouTube-link The True Enlightenment, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also have been the festival of Saint Bruno of Würzburg, Bishop (circa 1005-1045, A.K.A. of Carinthia): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Great-nephew of the bishop & martyr St. Bruno of Querfort [15 October].

'Twould also have been the festival of Blesseds Edmund Duke, Richard Hill, John Hogg, & Richard Holiday, Priests & Martyrs (died 1590, A.K.A. the Dryburne Martyrs), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, four of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link Echo Delta, Martyr-link Romeo Hotel-India, Martyr-link Juliett Hotel, Martyr-link Romeo Hotel-Oscar, & Wikipedia-link Dryburne; Martyrs-link LXXXV & Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Papal Quote o' That Day
"Today we praise God, not for a specific mystery, but simply for Himself, 'for His immense glory,' as declared in the liturgical hymn. We praise Him & we thank Him because He is Love, & because He calls us to enter into the embrace of His communion which is eternal life."
—Pope Francis (born 1936, reigning since 2013)
Little Flower Quote o' That Day
"I seek the beauty of heaven. I was ready to become a prisoner in order to give this heavenly beauty to other souls."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' That Day

—St. Caesarius of Arles (468-542, feast day: 27 August)

Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
Taco Tuesday: "Countdown to 'Made for Happiness'"

'Tis the festival of Saint Maximinus of Trier, Bishop (died circa 349), who attended the Synod of Serdica & fiercely opposed the Arian heresy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Synod & Wikipedia-link Heresy.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Eleutherius of Rocca d'Arce, Pilgrim (floruit twelfth century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Brother of Ss. Grimoaldus [29 September] & Fulk [22 May].

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Richard Thirkeld, Priest & Martyr (died 1583), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Martyrs of Douai: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Douai & Wikipedia-link Douai.

Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
The First Letter of Peter, chapter one, verses ten thru sixteen;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one, two & three(a/b), & three(c/d) & four;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses twenty-eight thru thirty-one.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today’s Gospel exhorts us to see the radicality and rewards of Jesus’ call to discipleship, which cuts through so many of the social conventions of his time and ours. He urges us to see that everyone—rich and poor, men and women, those on the inside and those on the outs—is summoned to discipleship, and that this summons is the most important consideration of all. It is the better part, to use Jesus’ words; it is the one thing necessary.

St. Augustine was right: “Lord, you have made us for yourself; therefore, our heart is restless until it rests in thee.” We are all wired for God. There is a hunger in us that nothing in this world can possibly satisfy. Only Jesus can lead us to the heavenly banquet; and that’s why we must follow him.
Video reflection by Father Gene Ulrich: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Papal Quote o' This Day
"Science can purify religion from error & superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry & false absolutes."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' This Day
"It is true that Love knows no such word as 'impossible,' for it deems 'all things possible, all things allowed.'"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' This Day
"When you see that I am brought to my last moments, place me naked upon the ground just as you saw me the day before yesterday; & let me lie there after I am dead for the length of time it takes one to walk a mile unhurriedly."
—St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226, feast day: 4 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Robbie Williams, "Swing Supreme" from Swings Both Ways (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: "Swing Supreme" is a swing-style re-arrangement of Williams's own single "Supreme." So I've read; I've never heard "Supreme," nor any of the other songs from Sing When You're Winning.
"When there's no love in town,
A new century is bringing you down,
All the places you have been,
Trying to find a love supreme,
A love supreme…"

Monday, May 28, 2018

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Memorial Day

Operation AXIOM: Decoration Day
Paul Roebling, Jay Ungar, & David McCullough, "Ashokan Farewell/Sullivan Ballou Letter" from The Civil War" Original Soundtrack Recording (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:
"July the fourteenth, Eighteen Sixty-one, Washington, D.C.

"Dear Sarah,
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days, perhaps tomorrow, & lest I should not be able to write you again I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no more.

"I have no misgivings about or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, & my courage does not halt or falter. I know how American civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, & how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood & suffering of the Revolution, & I am willing, perfectly willing, to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this Government & to pay that debt.

"Sarah, my love for you is deathless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence can break. And yet my love of country comes over me like a strong wind & bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battlefield. The memory of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me & feel most deeply grateful to God, & you, that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up & burn to ashes the hopes, future years when God willing we might have lived & loved together & see our boys grown up to honorably manhood around us!

"If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults & the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, you foolish I have sometimes been! But, O Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth & flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you in the brightest day & the darkest night, always, always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek it shall be my breath, or the cool air on your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. O Sarah, do not mourn me dead! Think I am gone & wait for me, for we shall meet again."


Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
Marian Monday: "Mary, Mother of the Church"

'Tis the festival of Blessed Lanfranc of Canterbury, Bishop, O.S.B. (circa 1005-1089, A.K.A. of Pavia, of Bec): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Margaret Pole, Martyr (1473-1541, née Plantagenet; Countess of Salisbury), martyred in the reign of the English king Henry VIII: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds Thomas Ford, Robert Johnson, & John Shert, Priests & Martyrs (died 1582), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, three of the Martyrs of Douai: Martyr-link Tango Foxtrot & Wikipedia-link Tango Foxtrot, Martyr-link Romeo Juliett & Wikipedia-link Romeo Juliett, Martyr-link Juliett Sierra & Wikipedia-link Juliett Sierra; Martyrs-link Douai & Wikipedia-link Douai.

We also remember Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Confessor (1766-1853): Venerable-link ūnus, Venerable-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
The First Letter of Peter, chapter one, verses three thru nine;
Psalm One Hundred Eleven, verses one & two, five & six, & nine & ten(c);
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-seven.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel a rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. There is something absolutely right about the young man, something spiritually alive, and that is his deep desire to share in everlasting life. He knows what he wants, and he knows where to find it.

Jesus responds to his wonderful question by enumerating many of the commandments. The young man takes this in and replies, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my childhood." So Jesus looks at him with love and says, "Go and sell what you have and give to the poor. After that come follow me."

God is nothing but love straight through, and therefore the life of friendship with him, in the richest sense, is a life of total, self-forgetting love. Jesus senses that this young man is ready for the high adventure of the spiritual life; he is asking the right question and he is properly prepared.

But at this point, the young man tragically balks. The spiritual life, at the highest pitch, is about giving your life away, and this is why having many possessions is a problem.
Video reflection by Msgr. James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Papal Quote o' the Day
"The world you are inheriting is a world which desperately needs a new sense of brotherhood & human solidarity. It is a world which needs to be touched & healed by the beauty & richness of God's love."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"Let us not grow tired of prayer: confidence works miracles."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Today, the Majesty of God is surrounding me. There is no way that I can help myself to prepare better. I am thoroughly enwrapped in God. My soul is being inflamed by His love. I only know that I love & am loved. That is enough for me. I am trying my best to be faithful throughout the day to the Holy Spirit & to fulfill His demands. I am trying my best for interior silence to be able to hear His voice…"
—St. Maria Faustyna of the Blessed Sacrament (1905-1938, feast day: 5 October)

Sunday, May 27, 2018

The Explorers' Club, № DCXIV

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Spring Offensive, Part II
21 March-5 April: Operation Michael—The Germans advanced farther, faster than at any other point since 1914, taking thousands of British P.O.W.s & advancing forty miles in some places; the Entente countered with a brilliant tactical choice, surrendering indefensible ground devastated in the Battle of the Somme while reinforcing & successfully defending the vital strategic positions of Amiens & Arras.






Lest we forget.

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


Audrey Assad, "Holy, Holy, Holy" from Inheritance (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:
"…God in Three Persons,
Blessed Trinity."

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Bonus! Trinity Song o' the Day


Sufjan Stevens, "Holy, Holy, Holy" from Songs for Christmas (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:
"Only Thou art holy,
There is none besides Thee,
Perfect in power,
Perfect in power,
In love, and purity.

"Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name,
In Earth and sky and sea,
There is a sign at the sight of Thee,
There is none besides Thee,
God in Three Persons,
God in Three Persons,
God in Three Persons,
Blessed Trinity."

Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
Vlog Post: "Summer Vacation"

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest, C.O. (1515-1595), founder of the Oratorians, formally the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, & the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity of Pilgrims & Convalescents: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.O.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
"Third Apostle of Rome," after Saints Peter & Paul, Saint Philip Neri was an Italian priest noted for founding a society of secular clergy called the Congregation of the Oratory.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Eleutherius, Pope (died circa 189, also spelt Eleuterus), thirteenth (XIII) Bishop of Rome, who worked against the Montanist heresy: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff & Wikipedia-link Heresy.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Peter Sanz, Bishop & Martyr, O.P. (1680-1747), one of the Martyr Saints of China: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link CXX & Wikipedia-link CXX.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter of James, chapter five, verses thirteen thru twenty;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-one, verses one & two, three & eight;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses thirteen thru sixteen.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus declares that the kingdom of God belongs to children. "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

How so? Well, children are like stars or flowers or animals, things that are what they are, unambiguously, uncomplicatedly. They are in accord with God’s deepest intentions for them. The challenge of the spiritual life is to realize what God wants us to be—to find out what is in line with the deepest grain of our being—and thereby come to the same simplicity and directness in our existence.

Let me put this another way: children haven’t yet learned how to look at themselves. Why can a child immerse himself so eagerly and thoroughly in what he is doing? Because he can lose himself; because he is not looking at himself, conscious of the reactions, expectations, and approval of those around him. The best moments in life are when we lose ourselves in the world and just are as God wants us to be.
Video reflection by Harry Dudley, D.Min.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Mass Readings—Memorial of Saint Philip Neri
The Letter to the Philippians, chapter four, verses four thru nine;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse two;
or, Psalm Thirty-four, verse nine;
The Gospel according to John, chapter seventeen, verses twenty thru twenty-six.

Papal Quote o' the Day
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day (+ Bonus! Saint Quote o' the Day)
"I love You, Jesus, & bear in mind the words of St. John of the Cross: 'The least act of pure love is of more value than all the other works put together.'"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"As the soul is the life of the body, so the Holy Spirit is the life of our souls."
—St. Peter Damian, Doctor of the Church (1007-1073, feast day:)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day: SKAfter Party

Starpool, "Try Living In This World" from the Stpl E.P.0001 E.P. (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:
"Try living in this world,
Try dealing with this, girl,
Instead of the mixed up mind inside your head,
Try living in this world,
Try dealing with this, girl,
Instead of the little lies you spread…"

Friday, May 25, 2018

The Rebel Black Dot Marine Wildlife Song o' the Day


Dan Potthast, "Sharks" from Sweats and Meats (The Last Angry Man)

Saints + Scripture: Better Late than Never

The Popish Plot
Fermentation Friday: "The Venerable Bede"

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest & Doctor of the Church, O.S.B. (circa 672-735): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Doctors.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
St. Bede wrote the history of the Christian churches in England, & of England generally; its main focus is on the conflict between the pre-Schism Roman Rite & Celtic Christianity. it is considered one of the most important original references on Anglo-Saxon history.
'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Gregory VII, Pope, O.S.B. (circa 1015-1085, A.K.A. Hildebrand of Sovana), one hundred fifty-seventh (CLVII) Bishop of Rome,who defended the liberty of the Church in the Investiture Controversy: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff & Wikipedia-link Controversy.


Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
Gregory is perhaps best known for this part he played in the Investiture Controversy, his dispute with Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor that affirmed the primacy of papal authority & the new canon law governing the election of the pope by the College of Cardinals.
'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, Virgin, O.Carm. (1566-1607, A.K.A. Caterina de' Pazzi): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link.


Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, O.Carm. was an Italian Carmelite nun & mystic. She was affectionately known as "The Passion Flower of the Eucharist," St. Mary Magdalene was taught mental prayer, also known as meditation, at the tender age of nine, at the request of her mother.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Zenobius of Florence, Bishop (337-417): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Aldhelm of Sherbonne, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 639-709): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Gerard of Lunel, Hermit, T.O.S.F. (circa 1275-1298, also spelt Géri, A.K.A. Roger): Blessed-link ūnus, Blessed-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Formerly observed on 6 may, but we here at Project BLACK MAMBA are now convinced 25 May is preferable, even though 'tis already a crowded date.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter of James, chapter five, verses nine thru twelve;
Psalm One Hundred Three, verses one & two, three & four, eight & nine, & eleven & twelve;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses one thru twelve.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in our Gospel today, Jesus defines the fundamental sacredness of marriage. I’m convinced that the deep sacramental and religious meaning of marriage—even within the Church—has been, in recent years, dramatically compromised. We say that marriage is a vocation, but do we mean it?

We can look at human sexual relationships at a number of different levels. Two people can come together purely for physical pleasure, for economic reasons, or for psychological companionship. And we might witness two people coming together out of authentic love.

But none of these levels is what the Bible means by marriage. When I was doing parish work I would invariably ask young couples, "Why do you want to get married in church?" Most would say something like, "Because we love each other." But I would reply, "Well, that’s no reason to get married in church."

They usually looked stunned, but I meant it. You come to church to be married before God and his people when you are convinced that your marriage is not, finally, about you; that it is about God and about serving God’s purposes; that it is, as much as the priesthood of a priest, a vocation, a sacred calling.
Video reflection by Lucia Luzondo, J.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Bede the Venerable
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter two, verses ten(b) thru sixteen;
Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verse twelve;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter seven, verses twenty-one thru twenty-nine.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Gregory VII
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty, verses seventeen, eighteen(a), twenty-eight thru thirty-two, & thirty-six;
Psalm One Hundred Ten, verse four(b);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses thirteen thru nineteen.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter seven, verses twenty-five thru thirty-five;
Confer Psalm One Hundred Forty-eight, verses twelve(a) & thirteen(a);
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses thirty-one thru thirty-five.

Papal Quote o' the Day
"Social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"I am always discovering in [the Gospels] new lights & hidden mysterious meanings. I know & I have experienced that 'the Kingdom of God is within us.'"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit."
—St. Lucy (283-304, feast day: 13 December)

Thursday, May 24, 2018

The Rebel Black Dot Narwhal Song o' the Day


Haberdashery, "The Narwhal Suite" from Illuminated Road (The Last Angry Man)

Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
Theology Thursday: "The Holy Spirit Is Not…"

'Tis the festival of Saints Donatian & Rogatian, Martyrs (died 299, of Nantes), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, victims of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link Delta, Martyr-link Romeo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger, Priest (circa 521-597): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Son of St. Martha [4 July]. Called "the Younger" to distinguish him from St. Simeon Stylites the Elder [5 January].

'Tis also the festival of Saint David of Scotland, Confessor (circa 1084-1153, King David I): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Son of St. Margaret of Scotland [16 November].

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds Mario Vergara, Priest (P.I.M.E.), & Isidore Ngei Lo Kat, Martyrs (died 1950), martyred by Burmese Baptist guerillas: Martyr-link Mike Victor & Wikipedia-link Mike Victor, Martyr-link India November Lima Kilo & Wikipedia-link India November Lima Kilo; Martyrs-link Beatification.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter of James, chapter five, verses one thru six;
Psalm Forty-nine, verses fourteen & fifteen(a/b), fifteen(c/d) & sixteen, seventeen & eighteen, & nineteen & twenty;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses forty-one thru fifty.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in our Gospel, Jesus speaks, with incredible bluntness, about cutting off one’s hand and foot and plucking out one’s own eye. If these things are a block to your salvation, get rid of them, for it is better to enter life maimed than to enter Gehenna with all of your limbs and members.

The hand is the organ by which we reach out and grasp things. The soul is meant for union with God, but instead we have reached out to creatures, grasping at finite things with all of our energies.

The Lord also speaks of the foot. The foot is the organ by which we set ourselves on a definite path. We are meant to walk on the path which is Christ. Do we? Or have we set out down a hundred errant paths, leading to glory, honor, power, or pleasure?

We are designed to seek after and look for God. Have we spent much of our lives looking in all the wrong places, beguiled by the beauties and enticements of this world? And are we willing to pluck out our eye spiritually, to abandon many of the preoccupations that have given us pleasure?
Video reflection by Fr. Roger Lopez, O.F.M. (Franciscan Media): U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Papal Quote o' the Day
"And this is the job of the catechist: constantly to go forth to others out of love to bear witness & to talk about Jesus & to proclaim Jesus. This is important because the Lord does it; it is the Lord that impels us to go forth."
—Pope Francis (born 1936, reigning since 2013)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"He is compassionate & filled with gentleness, slow to punish, & abundant in mercy, for He knows our frailty, He remembers we are only dust."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling & scatter there Thy cheerful beams."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast day: 28 August)

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The Explorers' Club, № DCXIII

Operation AXIOM: The World War
24 April 1918: On the last day of the Hindu-German Conspiracy Trial, Ghadar Party president Ram Chandra was assassinated by fellow defendant Ram Singh; the conspiracy involved German intrigues with Indian & Irish nationalists, gunrunning (the Annie Larsen Affair), & the tension 'twixt America's alliance with the British Empire & Americans' sympathy for Indian independence from the British Raj.





Lest we forget.

Saints + Scripture

'Tis the festival of Saint Michael of Synnada, Bishop (died circa 826, A.K.A. the Confessor), exiled for his opposition to Byzantine iconoclasm: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Iconoclasm.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint William of Rochester, Martyr (died circa 1201, A.K.A. of Perth), martyred on pilgrimage by his adopted son, David the Foundling: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Giovanni Battista de' Rossi, Priest (1698-1764, Anglicized as John Baptist Rossi): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds Józef Kurzawa & Wincenty Matuszewski, Priests & Martyrs (died 1940), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, two of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link Juliett Kilo & Wikipedia-link Juliett Kilo, Martyr-link Whiskey Mike & Wikipedia-link Whiskey Mike (list, № 78); Martyrs-link CVIII & Wikipedia-link CVIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter of James, chapter four, verses thirteen thru seventeen;
Psalm Forty-nine, verses two & three; six & seven; eight, nine, & ten; & eleven;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses thirty-eight thru forty.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today in the Gospel John complains to Jesus that some people not of their group were driving out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus responds: “Don’t prevent them.…whoever is not against us is for us.” What a wonderful, generous attitude!

John was undoubtedly angry that someone outside of their little circle was going to get credit. If you think that this sort of thing only happened in biblical times, you haven’t spent too much time around the Church! I’m a proud churchman, and I love and admire all of the great people who do so much for Christ’s kingdom, and for very little compensation. But I’ve also been around long enough to see this problem on parish staffs, in diocesan offices, within rectories, and among parish communities. We get so tied up in our little games and protecting our turf, and making sure things go according to the bureaucratic structures that we have established, that we forget what the mission is about.

What Jesus saw was that the mission is what matters. Bringing God’s love to the world, being a conduit of grace: that’s what matters. All of our personal glory, position, privilege—all of that is finally a matter of indifference.
Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Papal Quote o' the Day
"This is how the word of God describes the working of the Spirit: first He rests on each & then brings all of them together in fellowship. To each He gives a gift, & then gathers them all into unity."
—Pope Francis (born 1936, reigning since 2013)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"For me, prayer means launching out from the heart toward God; a cry of grateful love from the crest of joy or the trough of despair: it is a vast supernatural force that opens out my heart & binds me close to Jesus."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"To make room in our life for the Eucharistic Lord, so that He can change our life into His—is that asking too much?"
—St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942, feast day: 9 August)

Narwhal Day

In the timeless words of Professor Farnsworth, "Good news, everyone!" 'Tis Narwhal Day, the most narwhalsome day o' the year! Yes, Narwhal Day, that glorious day when all & sundry reflect on & sympathize with the narwhal, the very oddest of whales, far-famed for its curious "horn" (in actuality a tusk) which in times past was often displayed in cabinets of curiosity (Wunderkammer) as a unicorn's horn. The narwhal is transcendent proof that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

The Ancient & Proper Observance of Narwhal Day
First, the recitation of "The Oath of Narwhal Day;"
Second, the wearing of gray clothing;
Third, the hearing of "Sympathy for the Narwhal" by D.J. Seaghost, an ally of The Aquabats!

The ancient & proper observance need not be observed in any particular order. The recitation of the oath is an internal act; recite it as a jest or a lark only at your own peril, for a man is only as good as his word; it is in sympathizing with the narwhal that Narwhal Day finds its highest purpose. The wearing of gray is an external act, signally to others one's the sympathy for the narwhal & inviting them to experience the same. The hearing of "Sympathy for the Narwhal" is a communal act, for Narwhal Day is as much a day of celebration as it is as day of sympathizing; the narwhal will frolic & so should we. So should we? So shall we!


The Oath of Narwhal Day
The narwhal is a noble, pitiable creature,
A magnificent, monstrous visage.
An asymmetrical tooth for a horn,
Or sometimes two, or sometimes none,
Half again as long as the beast.

I swear my sympathy for the narwhal.
I will not lie and convince it all is well,
But I will be a friend to the narwhal.
The mocking dolphins and the snobby manatees
Will get their well-earned comeuppance,
And the narwhal will frolic all day.

I dream this dream of the narwhal
And celebrate it in all its oddball, improbable glory,
On this the eighteenth Narwhal Day.


the Narwhal (Monodon Monoceros)—also narwal or narwhale


The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Narwhal Day
D.J. Seaghost, "Sympathy for the Narwhal" from The Aquabats! and Horchata Records Present Rice Capades Music Sampler, Vol. 1 (Captain Thumbs Up)

Commentary: It is "Sympathy for the Narwhal" that opened my eyes, my mind, & my heart to the need to sympathize with the noble narwhal, to marvel at its strangeness, to celebrate its oddball glory. There would be no Narwhal Day without "Sympathy for the Narwhal." D.J. Seaghost is a longstanding ally of The Aquabats! & The Aquabats! are responsible for the release of the Rice Capades compilation sampler; so, in a very real way, as if The Aquabats! had not already given us all so much, especially those of us who are aging Aqua-Cadets, The Aquabats! inspired Narwhal Day.
"Wow!"




The Wayback Machine Tour of Narwhal Day (since '03)
Narwhal Day '17Narwhal Day '16Narwhal Day '15
Narwhal Day '14Narwhal Day '13Narwhal Day '12
Narwhal Day '11Narwhal Day '10Narwhal Day '09
Narwhal Day '08Narwhal Day '07a & Narwhal Day '07bNarwhal Day '06
Narwhal Day '05Narwhal Day '04Narwhal Day '03

Commentary: Narwhal Day was first observed on 23 May 2001. The Secret Base has been published since February 2002, & the second Narwhal Day was observed on 23 May 2002, yet there was no mention on Narwhal Day on The Secret Base. There is no excuse for the oversight, but I suppose that instead of being frustrated by my younger self's failure to seize the opportunity, I should extend to him the same sympathy I extend to the narwhal.

Sympathetic Narwhal Day, everyone!

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 337.0 lbs
This weigh-in: 338.0 lbs.
Difference: +1.0 lbs.

I've gained precisely one pound in each of the last two weeks, from three hundred thirty-six to three hundred thirty-seven to three hundred thirty-eight—no fractional components, only integers. Of course, all that's neither here nor there. The trend is moving in the wrong direction & a course correction is necessary.

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
Jim Gaffigan, "Whales" from Mr. Universe (The Last Angry Whale)

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Countdown to Narwhal Day: One…


One more day!

Bonus! Marine Wildlife Song o' the Day!
The Aquabats!, "The Shark Fighter!" from Hi-Five Soup! (Captain Thumbs Up!)

Commentary!:
"I'm a shark fighter, I fight sharks,
I fight 'em in the water 'cause that's where they are…"

Saints + Scripture

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious, O.S.A. (1381-1457): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
In many Catholic countries, Rita came to be known as the patroness of abused wived & heartbroken women. One day when she was about sixty years of age, she was meditating before an image of Christ crucified, as she was long accustomed to doing. Suddenly a small wound appeared on her forehead, as though a thorn from the crown that encircled Christ's head had loosed itself & penetrated her own flesh. For the next fifteen years she bore this external sign of stigmatization & union with the Lord.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Bobo of Provence, Hermit (died 986, also spelt Beuvon, Bovo): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Dulce Pontes, Religious, S.M.I.C. (1914-1992, A.K.A. Maria Rita Lópes Pontes de Souza Brito, Irmã Dulce Pontes), foundress of the Charitable Works Foundation of Sister Dulce (A.K.A., in Portuguese, Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O.S.I.D.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter of James, chapter four, verses one thru ten;
Psalm Fifty-five, verses seven & eight, nine & ten(a), ten(b) & eleven, & twenty-three;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses thirty thru thirty-seven.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus presents a child as the model for his disciples. Jesus lays out for his disciples what is going to happen to him in Jerusalem, how he will be rejected, tortured, and killed. Oblivious to this, the disciples are discussing who among them is the most important. For Jesus, the path to greatness lies on the road to Calvary, to self-forgetting love; for the disciples—and for most people of most ages—it lies along the road to ego inflation.

What is the antidote? A child is proposed as a kind of living icon to these ambitious disciples. We notice first how Jesus physically identifies with the child, sitting down at his level and placing his arms around him. It is as though he is saying that he himself is like a child. How so? Children don’t know how to dissemble, how to be one way and act another. They are what they are; they act in accordance with their deepest nature.

Why was this story of Jesus’ identification with children preserved by all of the synoptic Gospels? Somehow it gets close to the heart of Jesus’ life and message.
Video reflection by Sister Sharon Erickson, R.S.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Rita of Cascia
The Letter to the Philippians, chapter four, verses four thru nine;
Psalm Forty, verse five(a);
or, Psalm One, verse two(a);
or, Psalm Ninety-two, verses thirteen & fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter six, verses twenty-seven thru thirty-eight.

Papal Quote o' the Day
"The longing of Christ's Heart [that all be one] must be our invitation. We must dedicate ourselves anew to the task of establishing among Catholics a firm & abiding love & witness to that unity which is the first mark of the Church."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, feast day: 11 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"The greatest of all is that He has shown me my littleness & how, of myself, I am incapable of anything good."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Be children of the Church."
—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821, feast day: 4 January)

The Rebel Black Dot Narwhal Song o' the Day


Aaron Burnett, "Narwhal" from Canadian Critters (The Last Angry Man)

Monday, May 21, 2018

The Rebel Black Dot Narwhal Song o' the Day


David Polansky, "Narwhal" from Animal Alphabet Songs (The Last Angry Man)

The Queue

I didn't read the complete The Complete Stories. In fact, I only read about one third of them & returned the book to the library with ten days left on the loan. This is not because I disliked Flannery O'Connor's writing. On the contrary, several of the stories I would describe as sublime, others as mediocre, & not a one as poor—but all of them grotesque, relentlessly so. I'll pick up the National Book Award-winning Complete Stories again, perhaps reading another third, & then someday return a second time for the last third.

Meanwhile, back to non-fictional, specifically ecclesiastical reading. Great Catholic Parishes isn't particularly spiritual reading, but it is practical, a research study into best practices that help great Catholic parishes flourish. I currently have the honor of serving as the chairman of the parish council at Holy Redeemer, & recently was flown to suburban Baltimore to attend the Rebuilt Conference; so, thinking specifically & intentionally about how we as a parish can better serve the Lord & fulfill the Great Commission is right up my alley.

After Great Catholic Parishes, next in the queue are Pope Francis's brand-new Guadete et Exsultate & Paul VI's seminal Humanae Vitae, celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this summer.

Recently
Father John Riccardo, Heaven Starts Now: Becoming a Saint Day by Day
Matthew Kelly, Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God's Dream for You
Flannery O'Connor, The Complete Stories

Currently
William E. Simon Jr., Great Catholic Parishes: A Living Mosaic—How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive

Presently
Norman Davies, Vanished Kingdoms: The Rise and Fall of States and Nations ***oft delayed***
Pope Francis, Guadete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad)
Pope Blessed Paul VI, et al., Humanae Vitae: 50th Anniversary Edition
Sherry A. Weddell, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus
Bishop Robert Barron, Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture
Mike Aquilina, Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers
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)
Scott Hahn, A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God's Covenant Love in Scripture
Rosario Carello, Pope Francis Takes the Bus and Other Unexpected Stories
Father Mathias D. Thelen, Biblical Foundations for the Role of Healing in Evangelization
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

Countdown to Narwhal Day: Two…


Can ye feel the sympathy? Only two days 'til the most narwhalsome day o' the year, Narwhal Day!

Saints + Scripture: VII Week in Ordinary Time

'Tis the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church: Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the Catholic Community of Flint bulletin:
Pope Francis has declared the feast of "the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church" on the Monday after Pentecost each year.
The decree was promulgated on 3 March 2018, just over two months ago. In Church time, that is last-minute notice. Unusually for a Memorial (third in rank, beneath Feasts & Solemnities), the daily e-mail from the U.S.C.C.B. contained only the readings for the Memorial, not the readings for the weekday in Ordinary Time (or feria). This is not standard procedure, which I attribute to the short liturgical notice, making this first Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church a bit of a catch-as-catch-can affair.

Mary, Mother of the Church is a moveable feast; so, it won't be celebrated on this date (21 May) next year, 2019, but will vary along with the date of Pentecost, which varies along with the date of Easter.


'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, & Companions, Martyrs (died 1915-1937, A.K.A. the Martyrs of the Mexican Revolution): Martyr-link Charlie Mike & Wikipedia-link Charlie Mike, Martyrs-link ūnus & Martyrs-link duo; Wikipedia-link La Cristiada.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
St. Christopher Magallanes, along with twenty-one other priests & three lay companions, were martyred between 1915 & 1937, by shooting or hanging, throughout eight Mexican states, for their membership in the Cristero movement.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Godric of Finchale, Hermit (circa 1065-1170): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, Martyr, O.F.S. (1907-1943), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter of James, chapter three, verses thirteen thru eighteen;
Psalm Nineteen, verses eight, nine, ten, & fifteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses fourteen thru twenty-nine.

Mass Readings—Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
The Book of Genesis, chapter three, verses nine thru fifteen & twenty;
or, the Acts of the Apostles, chapter one, verses twelve, thirteen, & fourteen;
Psalm Eighty-seven, verses one & two, three & five, & six & seven;
The Gospel according to John, chapter nineteen, verses twenty-five thru thirty-four.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today we celebrate the brand new Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

We hear in today’s Gospel that, as he was dying on the cross, Jesus looked to his mother and the disciple whom he loved, and he said to Mary, "Woman, behold, your son," and then to John, "Behold, your mother." We are told that "from that hour the disciple took her into his home."

If Mary is the one through whom Christ was born, and if the Church is indeed Christ’s mystical body, then she must be, in a very real sense, the mother of the Church. She is the one through whom Jesus continues to be born in the hearts of those who believe. This is not to confuse her with the Savior, but it is to insist on her mission as mediator and intercessor. At the close of the great "Hail Mary" prayer, we Catholics ask Mary to pray for us "now and at the hour of our death," signaling that throughout one’s life Mary is the privileged channel through which the grace of Christ flows into the mystical body.

God delights in drawing secondary causes into the dense complexity of his providential plan, granting to them the honor of cooperating with him and his designs. The handmaid of the Lord, who is the mother of the Church, is the humblest of these humble instruments—and therefore the most effective.
Video reflection by Msgr. James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Christopher Magallanes & Companions
The Book of Revelation, chapter seven, verses nine thru seventeen;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twelve, verses twenty-four, twenty-five, & twenty-six.

Papal Quote o' the Day
"The future is in your hearts & in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task, at once difficult & uplifting, of working with him in the building of the civilization of love."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005; feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"Our Lord has granted me the grace never to fear the conflict; at all costs I must do my duty."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Be joyful, & keep your faith & your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do & heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us."
—St. David (500-589, feast day: 1 March)

Sunday, May 20, 2018

The Explorers' Club, № DCXII

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Spring Offensive, Part I
21 March-5 April 1918: Operation Michael—The Germans, bolstered by fifty divisions transferred to the Western Front after the victory on the Eastern Front, launched an all-out offensive aimed at driving the British Expeditionary Force into the sea & the French to the negotiating table, making widespread use of "stormtrooper" tactics & including the combat debut of a German tank, the A7V.





Lest we forget.

Countdown to Narwhal Day: Three…


This is the week! But three days remain 'til Narwhal Day! Narwhal Day is fun for all ages!

Saints + Scripture: Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday

'Tis the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday: Pentecost-link & Wikipedia-link.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
[Pentecost] commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles & other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This event represents the birth of the catholic Church.
Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday: Mass during the Day
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter two, verses one thru eleven;
Psalm One Hundred Four, verses one & twenty-four, twenty-nine & thirty, & thirty-one & thirty-four;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter twelve, verses three(b) thru seven, twelve, & thirteen;
or, the Letter to the Galatians, chapter five, verses sixteen thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty, verses nineteen thru twenty-three;
or, the Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses twenty-six & twenty-seven & chapter sixteen, verses twelve thru fifteen.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in our Gospel for today, drawn from St. John’s account, Jesus shows his disciples the wounds of his Crucifixion, and then he offers them shalom (peace). It is the juxtaposition of the wounds and the shalom that carries power. The wounds alone would leave us afraid, convinced of our sin but not of a way out. The shalom alone would leave us with cheap grace, a too easy way out.

And this is precisely why, immediately after uttering that word and showing those wounds, Jesus sends the disciples on a mission of forgiveness: "Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men’s sins they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.’"

The Church receives its essential mission and identity as the bearer of the divine forgiveness. We have been entrusted with speaking the
shalom of Jesus to a fallen and hopeless world. But it’s not cheap grace that we share. We participate in Jesus’ mission of showing his wounds as well. The Church refuses to explain sin away or make excuses for it or call it by another name. But when those wounds are revealed, it offers peace.
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 Twenty-one
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:
In every age, there are a small number of men & women who are prepared to turn their backs on popular culture & personal gain to embrace heroically the life Jesus outlines in the Gospels. These people fashion Catholicism into a lifestyle, they listen attentively to the voice of God in their lives, & they passionately pursue their personal adventure of salvation. As a result, they capture the attention & the imagination of everyone who crosses their path.


Otherwise, 20 May would be the festival of Saint Lucifer of Calgiari, Bishop (died circa 370), who vigorously opposed the Arian heresy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Heresy.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Ælfthryth of Crowland, Virgin (died circa 835, A.K.A. Alfreda, Etheldrytha): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Bernardino of Siena, Priest, O.F.M. (1380-1444, the "Apostle of Italy"), who popularized devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus thru the IHS Christogram: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, YouTube-link The True Enlightenment, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Holy Name & Wikipedia-link IHS.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed María Crescentia, Religious (1897-1932, "Sister Sweetness," A.K.A. María Angélica Pérez): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Papal Quote o' the Day
"The truth is not always the same as the majority decision."
—Pope John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005; feast day: 22 October)
Little Flower Quote o' the Day
"I am not dying, I am entering into Life…"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Heart of Jesus, I ask You for a special blessing for Chile, given that it is God’s will that I die here. Gladly I offer You the sacrifice for the peace & tranquility of this nation."
—Bl. María Crescentia (1897-1932, feast day: 20 May)