Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part I

Today, 13 January is the Optional Memorial of Saint Hilary, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (circa 310-368, of Poitiers), the "Hammer of the Arians:" Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Father of St. Abra (12 December).

Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

This staunch defender of the divinity of Christ was a gentle & courteous man, devoted to writing some of the greatest theology on the Trinity, & was like his Master in being labeled a "disturber of the peace." In a very troubled period in the Church, his holiness was lived out in both scholarship & controversy.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Remigius, Bishop (circa 437-533, of Rheims; also spelt Remi, etc.), the "Apostle of the Franks," who baptized Clovis I, King of the Franks, on 25 December 496: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Son of St. Cilinia (21 October), brother of St. Principius of Soissons (25 September), & uncle of St. Lupus of Soissons (19 October).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Mungo, Bishop (circa 518-614, A.K.A. Kentigern): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Son of St. Theneva (18 July). St. Kentigern's Church, Lanark: YouTube-link & Wikipedia-link.

"Let Glasgow flourish."

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Veronica of Milan, Religious, O.S.A. (circa 1445-1497, A.K.A. of Binasco): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter nine, verses one thru four, seventeen, eighteen, & nineteen; & chapter ten, verse one;
Psalm Twenty-one, verses two & three, four & five, & six & seven;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter two, verses thirteen thru seventeen.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel recounts Jesus’ banqueting with Matthew and his friends after he calls him to be a disciple. The very first thing that Jesus does is to invite Matthew into intimacy with him, reclining around a table for a meal with friends.

In this account, the Pharisees see Matthew’s intimacy with Jesus and they comment, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Notice that it never occurs to them that the influence might move from Jesus to the sinners rather than from the sinners to Jesus.

And then Jesus’ wonderful comment: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” He is admitting that Matthew and his fellows are sinners. He is not in the least “soft” on sin. But he has come to bring precisely such people into intimacy with him.

Video reflection by Deacon Bernard Nojadera: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Hilary
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses eighteen thru twenty-five;
Psalm One Hundred Ten, verse four(b);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses thirteen thru nineteen.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"May the will of God be wrought in all of us, and let Him do unto us all as seems to Him best, according to His perfect knowledge."
—St. Mungo (c. 518-614, feast day: 13 January)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Robbie Williams, "Millennium" from I've Been Expecting You (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I was looking for an image to accompany this R.B.D.S.O.T.D., using the search term "millennium." From there, 'twas just a hop, skip, & a jump to Conan O'Brien's timeless "In the Year 2000" bit.

Also, a look back at the last time "Millennium" was the R.B.D.S.O.T.D., late last year: Wayback Machine "Millennium" & Wayback Machine "You Only Live Twice".

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

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

Commentary: Maybe I'm all alone here, but I really go enjoy Robbie Williams's music.

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the festival of Saint Tatiana of Rome, Virgin & Martyr (died circa 226), martyred in the reign of the emperor Alexander Severus: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Benedict Biscop, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 628-690, A.K.A. Biscop Baducing), abbot of Saint Augustine's Abbey & founder & inaugural abbot of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link St. Augustine's & Wikipedia-link Monkwearmouth-Jarrow.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Religious, C.N.D. (1620-1700), foundress of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.N.D.

Commentary: In the Canadas, St. Marguerite's festival is an obligatory Memorial.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter eight, verses four thru seven & ten thru twenty-two(a);
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses sixteen & seventeen & eighteen & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter two, verses one thru twelve.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel focuses on the faith of the four men who brought the paralytic to Jesus for healing. How often the Bible compels us to meditate on the meaning of faith! We might say that the Scriptures rest upon faith and remain inspired at every turn by the spirit of faith.

Faith is an attitude of trust in the presence of God. Faith is openness to what God will reveal, do, and invite. It should be obvious that in dealing with the infinite, all-powerful person who is God, we are never in control.

One of the most fundamental statements of faith is this: your life is not about you. You’re not in control. This is not your project. Rather, you are part of God’s great design. To believe this in your bones and to act accordingly is to have faith. When we operate out of this transformed vision, amazing things can happen, for we have surrendered to "a power already at work in us that can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine." Even a tiny bit of faith makes an extraordinary difference.

Video reflection by Paula Trigo-Galan: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Saint Quote o' the Day
From "Heroes' Words" in 54-Day Basic Training in Holiness by Father Richard Heilman:

"We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason: nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable."
—St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church (1090-1153, feast day: 20 August)

The Explorers' Club, № DXCIII

The Stars My Destination
John W. Young, U.S.N. (1930-2018), ninth man to walk on the Moon—A six-time astronaut during a forty-two-year career with N.A.S.A., a member of Astronaut Group 2 (the "New Nine"), Young flew the first manned Gemini mission, Gemini 3; twice flew to the Moon (Command Module pilot of Apollo 10 & Commander of Apollo 16); & was the first man to pilot the Space Shuttle (Commander of S.T.S.-1).

Commentary: During Gemini 3, Young also became the first man to smuggle a corned beef sandwich into space.

Requiescat in pace.

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Sufjan Stevens, "Flint (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)" from Michigan (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"…Even if I die alone,
Even if I die alone,
Even if I die alone,
Even if I die alone,
Even if I die."

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the festival of Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop (circa 333-398), the "Father of the Fathers," one of the three Cappadocian Fathers, who attended the First Council of Constantinople (381) which amended & reaffirmed the Nicene Creed: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Cappadocian Fathers; & Wikipedia-link Council & Wikipedia-link Creed.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. St. Gregory was the son of Ss. Basil the Elder & Emmelia (30 May), grandson of St. Macrina the Elder (14 January), & brother of Ss. Macrina the Younger (19 July), Naucratius (?), Basil the Great (2 January), & Peter of Sebaste (9 January).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Agatho, Pope (died 681), seventy-ninth Bishop of Rome, who assented to the Third Council of Constantinople (680-681): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff; & Wikipedia-link Council.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Gregory X, Pope (circa 1210-1276, A.K.A. Teobaldo Visconti), one hundred eighty-fourth Bishop of Rome, who convoked the Second Council of Lyon (1274): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff; & Wikipedia-link Council.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter three, verses one thru ten, nineteen, & twenty;
Psalm Forty, verses two & five, seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, & ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-nine.

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

Friends, in the Gospel of Mark today, we see Jesus in action. We are reading from the section of Mark’s first chapter that gives us a sort of "day in the life" of Jesus. And it is quite a day! Our Gospel opens just after the dramatic expulsion of a demon in the Capernaum synagogue. After entering the house of Simon, Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law.

Notice that he takes her by the hand and brings her to her feet so that she can be of service. What does sickness do to us? It draws us in around ourselves. Once she is cured, Simon’s mother-in-law commences to serve, to be for the other. Then the entire town comes to his door. He spends the whole evening curing presumably hundreds who were variously afflicted.

Mark presents Jesus as a healer, soter, which just means "the bearer of the salus" or health. In him, divinity and humanity have come together; in him, the divine life and divine power are breaking through. God’s deepest intentions appear—what God plans for us in the kingdom to come is now historically anticipated.

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

†

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter nine (verses one thru thirty-three);
The Letter to the Romans, chapter ten (verses one thru twenty-one).

Commentary: God's Election of Israel (Romans, 9:1-18), God's Wrath & Mercy (9:19-29), Israel's Unbelief (9:30-10:4), & Salvation Is for All (10:5-21).

Saint Quote o' the Day
From "Heroes' Words" in 54-Day Basic Training in Holiness by Father Richard Heilman:

"Be kind to all & severe to thyself."
—St. Teresa of Ávila, Doctor of the Church (1515-1582, feast day: 15 October)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Wordy Wednesday: "Rebuilt, or Making Inviting Parishes"

Operation ÖSTERREICH: Post-Christmas Edition

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 340.0 lbs. (13 December 2017)
This weigh-in: 344.4 lbs.
Difference: +4.4 lbs.

Given all the Christmas cookies devouring & rich feasting of the last four weeks, especially the copious amounts of candy received as a family stocking tradition, & the pop I drank to soothe my throat while battling a mild but tenacious bout of the post-Xanadu dreadful sick, I'm somewhat pleasantly surprised to have only gained four & two-fifths pounds. That's not good, but it could easily have been much, much worse.

I don't hold with New Year's resolutions, which is why the Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in resumed in October '17. That said, with the holidays now past & the dreadful sick sloughed off, it's time to get back to work—just as soon as I finish these Reese's Pieces I'm eating.

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
The Klezmonauts, "Santa Gey Gezunderheit" from Oy to the World: A Klezmer Christmas (The Last Angry Elf)

Commentary: "Gey Gezunderheit" is Yiddish for "go in good health," cf. the German "gesundheit."

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Big D and the Kids Table, "(We All Have to) Burn Something" from How It Goes (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary: "(We All Have to) Burn Something" is similar to Real Can of Yams's "Christmas Should be Lasting All Year Long," in that the title is different from a phrase oft repeated in the lyrics. The refrain in "Christmas Should be Lasting All Year Long" is

"Christmas should last all year long,"

while

"Christmas should be lasting all year long,"

is only sung once, at the very end. In the same fashion, the words so often repeated in "(We All Have to) Burn Something" are

"We all gotta burn something."

The words

"We all have to burn something"

are never actually sung.

"Well, she had a boyfriend, so I'm told,
Played a dumb sport, did the drama show,
Her parents screamed, 'On your knees!'
Trapped to bond every day like never,
I know, I know things should get better,
Ah, nah, not another bad week!
But boy, boyfriend, yeah, he cheated,
Something about her being mistreated,
In her eyes she was only twenty percent there,
And little by little by little,
She lost her interest little by little,
At an age, young age, she had to burn something!

"Aw, we all gotta burn something.
Yeah, we all gotta burn something.
See, we're all, we're all just burning something.
Yeah, we all gotta burn something!…"

The Victors | Project OSPREY: Team 102, Games 1-17

It's been over a year since the last basketball post was published on The Secret Base, just before Team 101 began B1G play. That paucity of commentary is my fault & I am indeed sorry, especially since those 2016-2017 valiant Wolverines won the B1G Tournament in most dramatic fashion after an aeroplane crash (!) & advanced as far as the Sweet Sixteen in the N.C.A.A. Tournament.

The above image is from Michigan Basketball's twitter feed, the towels & "Big Heads" being distributed to the first X number of fans who arrived at the Crisler Center for last Saturday's (6 December) noontime game against the feisty Fighting Illini of Illinois, a 79-69 victory. I covet!

Below are all the games that the 2017-2018 squad of valiant Wolverines, Team 102, have played. I wasn't able to watch all the games, but I did see the majority. In particular, I missed the first two B1G games, played in early December, part of an asinine new scheme whereby every club in the league played two games (one home, one away) weeks earlier than normal, so that league play can end a week early, so that the B1G Tournament can be held at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Last year's B1G Tourney was held in Washington, D.C., even though there aren't any B1G schools in the District of Columbia & this year's B1G Tourney is being held in New York City, even though there aren't any B1G schools in New York State. Just for the record, I hate this. If the B1G continues to turn its back on its Midwestern roots, it is only a matter of time before the taxpayers & fans of the Midwest turn their backs on the B1G. Even beyond the paramount matter of Midwestern loyalty (or lack thereof), there are serious sporting considerations to the conference's slavish devotion to the East Coast: With over a week's layoff between the end of the B1G Tourney & the commencement of the N.C.A.A. Tourney, will the rusty B1G clubs be picked off by clubs from other conferences who have not suffered the same period of enforces idleness? Is the conference kneecapping its own members' ability to be competitive at the most crucial time of year? Of course, in this, as in so many other boneheaded &/or otherwise misbegotten decisions, no one at the B1G asked my opinion.

Friday, 3 November 2017 @ Crisler Center
Exhibition
Michigan 82-50 Grand Valley State
0-0, B1G 0-0

Saturday, 11 November 2017 @ Crisler Center
Maui Invitational—Maui on the Mainland
Michigan 86-66 North Florida
1-0, B1G 0-0

Monday, 13 November 2017 @ Crisler Center
Michigan 72-65 Central Michigan
2-0, B1G 0-0

Thursday, 16 November 2017 @ Crisler Center
Michigan 61-47 Southern Mississippi
3-0, B1G 0-0

Monday, 20 November 2017 @ Lahaina Civic Center [a neutral site]
Maui Invitational
L.S.U. 77-75 Michigan
3-1, B1G 0-0

Tuesday, 21 November 2017 @ Lahaina Civic Center [a neutral site]
Maui Invitational
Michigan 102-64 Chaminade
4-1, B1G 0-0

Wednesday, 22 November 2017 @ Lahaina Civic Center [a neutral site]
Maui Invitational
Michigan 68-60 V.C.U.
5-1, B1G 0-0

Sunday, 26 November 2017 @ Crisler Center
Michigan 87-42 U.C. Riverside
6-1, B1G 0-0

Wednesday, 29 November @ Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center
A.C.C./B1G Challenge
(№ 13) North Carolina 86-71 Michigan
6-2, B1G 0-0

Saturday, 2 December @ Crisler Center
Michigan 69-55 Indiana
7-2, B1G 1-0

Monday, 4 December 2017 @ (Sponsor) Arena
Ohio State 71-62 Michigan
7-3, B1G 1-1

Saturday, 9 December 2017 @ Crisler Center
Michigan 78-69 U.C.L.A. (O.T.)
8-3, B1G 1-1

Tuesday, 12 December 2017 @ Frank C. Erwin Jr. Center
Michigan 59-52 Texas
9-3, B1G 1-1

Saturday, 16 December 2017 @ (Sponsor) Arena [a neutral site]
Michigan 90-58 Detroit Mercy
10-3, B1G 1-1

Thursday, 21 December @ Crisler Center
Michigan 97-47 Alabama A. & M.
11-3, B1G 1-1

Saturday, 30 December @ Crisler Center
Michigan 76-51 Jacksonville
12-3, B1G 1-1

Tuesday, 2 January 2018 @ Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Michigan 75-68 Iowa
13-3, B1G 2-1

Saturday, 6 January 2018 @ Crisler Center
Michigan 79-69 Illinois
14-3, B1G 3-1

Next: (№ 5) Purdue @ Crisler Center.

This is a potentially murderous week, with the valiant Wolverines playing the undisputed two best clubs in the conference: the well-engineered Boilermakers within the friendly confines of the Crisler Center on Tuesday, 9 January, & then on the road against the (№ 4) dastardly Spartans of Michigan Agricultural on Saturday, 13 December.

Go Blue!

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Mustard Plug, "Skank by Numbers" (live) from Skapocalypse Now! (The Last Angry Man)

Skammentary:

"Next song is a new song. We're not even finished with it & I—I—I don't know the words, it's—it's so incredibly new. Don't know the words…

"One! Get off your seat,
Two! Stomp your boots to be beat,
Three! Wave your knees in the air,
Four! You better beware!…

"Skanking by numbers every day,
Skanking by numbers is the only way,
Just take off your shoes and take a chance,
Skanking by numbers is the only way to dance!…

"One! Get off your seat,
Two! Stomp your boots to be beat,
Three! Wave your knees in the way,
Four! You don't have a care!…

"One! Get off your seat,
Two! Stomp your boots to be beat,
Three! You better beware,
Four! Get out of your chair!

"I personally apologize. It'll be better next time."

Project BLACK MAMBA: I Week in Ordinary Time

Commentary: Welcome to Ordinary Time! "Ordinary" doesn't mean blah/boring/whatever, it means counting by numbers. What are we counting? The weeks in the brief sprint 'twixt from the Christmastide to Lent, & then again from the end of the Eastertide to Advent. Let the countdown (actually a "countup") begin!

'Tis the festival of Saint Peter of Sebaste, Bishop & Abbot (circa 340-391), who attended the First Council of Constantinople (381) which amended & reaffirmed the Nicene Creed: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Council & Wikipedia-link Creed.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. St. Peter was the son of Ss. Basil the Elder & Emmelia (30 May), grandson of St. Macrina the Elder (14 January), & brother of Ss. Macrina the Younger (19 July), Naucratius (?), Basil the Great (2 January), & Gregory of Nyssa (10 January).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Adrian of Canterbury, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 635-710, also spelt Hadrian), abbot of Saint Augustine's Abbey: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Berhtwald of Canterbury, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died 731; also spelt Brithwald, etc.), abbot of the monastery that became Saint Mary's Church before receiving the pallium as archbishop: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Monastery & Wikipedia-link Pallium.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Józef Pawłowski, Priest & Martyr (1890-1942), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (list, № 40); Martyrs-link CVIII & Wikipedia-link CVIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter one, verses nine thru twenty;
The First Book of Samuel, chapter two, verses one, four & five, six & seven, & eight(a/b/c/d);
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-one thru twenty-eight.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel finds Jesus encountering a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue at Capernaum. Isn’t it interesting that the first unclean spirit that Jesus confronts is in the holy place, the place of worship? And what marks this man? Though he is a single person, an individual, he speaks in the plural: "What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?"

The diabolic is, literally, a scattering power: diabalein. Sin separates us from one another—Sunde, related to sundering—but it also divides us interiorly, setting one part of the self against another. We’ve all experienced this: our minds are divided, our wills are split, and our emotions militate against our deepest convictions.

The authoritative voice of Jesus brings the man back to himself. And friends, this is precisely the effect that Jesus’ voice has had up and down the ages. When you allow his word to reach deep down within you, you get knitted back together. When Jesus becomes the clear center of your life, then your mind, your will, your emotions, your private life, your public life—all of it—finds its harmonious place around that center.

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

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm thirty-eight (verses one thru twenty-three);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter nine (verses one thru eighteen);
The Book of Wisdom, chapter thirteen, verses eleven thru nineteen;
The Book of Wisdom, chapter fourteen (verses one thru thirty-one);
The Book of Wisdom, chapter fifteen, verses one thru seventeen.

Commentary: Prayer of an Afflicted Sinner (Psalm 38); the Two Banquets (Proverbs, 9:1-18); the Carpenter & Wooden Idols (Wisdom, 13:11-14:11), the Origin & Evils of Idolatry (14:12-15:6), & the Potter's Clay Idols (15:7-17).

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight (verses one thru thirty-nine).

Commentary: Life in the Spirit (Romans, 8:1-17), Future Glory (8:18-30), & God's Love in Christ Jesus (8:31-39).

Proverb o' the Day (9:10)

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Saint Quote o' the Day
From "Heroes' Words" in 54-Day Basic Training in Holiness by Father Richard Heilman:

"Dost thou hold wisdom to be anything other than truth, wherein we behold & embrace the supreme good?"
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast day: 28 August)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Taco Tuesday: "Grow + Go"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Baptism

Daniel Schmit, Melanie Rea, & Co., "Come to the Water" from Mercy (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The Christ was without sin; why was He baptized? So that we, who are sinful might be cleansed of our sins, that our sins might be drowned & we might be born to new life in the Spirit.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Baptism of the Lord

'Tis the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Wikipedia-link Baptism & Wikipedia-link Feast.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Baptism of the Christ is the feast day commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by [St.] John the Baptist [24 June, 29 August].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-two, verses one thru four, six, & seven;
or, the Book of Isaiah, chapter fifty-five, verses one thru eleven;
or, the Acts of the Apostles, chapter ten, verses thirty-four thru thirty-eight;
or, the First Letter of John, chapter five, verses one thru nine;
Psalm Twenty-nine, verses one & two, three & four, & nine & ten;
or, the Book of Isaiah, chapter twelve, verses two & three, four(b/c/d), & five & six;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses seven thru eleven.

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

Friends, on this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, let us meditate on John the Baptist. Young John, the son of the priest Zechariah, grew up in and around the Temple, acquainted with its rituals. And he sensed that the true Messiah was on the horizon. And so he went away from the old Temple, but he continued to act as a priest of a new Temple.

He was baptizing people. Why this ritual? Well, in the Jerusalem Temple, a pilgrim would cleanse himself in a mikvah, a ritual bath, before he entered to make sacrifice. John was acting as a priest, and the River Jordan was his mikvah. But what—or, better, who—was the new Temple? Jesus who came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John. The heavens were torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descended on him.

This is Temple talk. When the high priest entered into the holy of holies, he was entering into the heavenly realm. The holy of holies was the place where the "heavens were torn open" and a humble human being could enter. So the point is that Jesus is himself the new holy of holies.

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

†

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter five (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Letter to the Romans, chapter six (verses one thru twenty-three);
The Letter to the Romans, chapter seven (verses one thru twenty-five).

Commentary: Results of Justification (Romans, 5:1-11), Adam & Christ (5:12-21), Dying & Rising with Christ (6:1-14), Slaves of Righteousness (6:15-23), an Analogy from Marriage (7:1-6), the Law & Sin (7:7-12), & the Inner Conflict (7:13-25).

Otherwise, 8 January would be the festival of Saint Apollinaris Claudius, Bishop (died circa 177; A.K.A. of Hierapolis, the Apologist): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Severinus of Noricum, Abbot (circa 410-482): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Lorenzo Giustiniani, Bishop, C.R.S.A. (1381-1455, Anglicized as Lawrence Giustiniani), first Patriarch of Venice: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Patriarch.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Occupy your mind with good thoughts, or the enemy will fill [it] with bad ones."
—St. Thomas More (1478-1535, feast day: 22 June)

The Explorers' Club, № DXCII

Operation AXIOM: The World War
8 January 1918: The Fourteen Points—In a speech before the United States Congress, President Woodrow Wilson laid out the U.S.'s war aims, based on research conducted by "the Inquiry," a study group led by Wilson confidant Edward M. House; the enumerated points were widely disseminated as Entente propaganda, even dropped as leaflets behind Central Powers lines to encourage surrender.

Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Epiphany of the Lord

'Tis the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: Pontiff-link, Epiphany-link, Wikipedia-link Epiphany, & Wikipedia-link Wise Men.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

This feast commemorates principally (but not solely) the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, & thus Jesus's physical manifestation to the Gentiles.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty, verses one thru six;
Psalm Seventy-two, verses one & two, seven & eight, ten & eleven, & twelve & thirteen;
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses two, three(a), five, & six;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter two, verses one thru twelve.

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

Friends, the Gospel for the feast of the Epiphany contains some elemental theological themes. One of them has to do with the relation between Christianity and the nations.

We hear something extraordinary. Magi from the East left their home country in search of a newborn king whose star they had observed at its rising. Why, precisely, would people leave their own country in order to worship a foreign king at his birth?

So this odd story should get our attention. Magi—kings, astrologers—seek out a foreign king who somehow, nevertheless, belongs to them. We’re actually coming close to the heart of the Biblical revelation. Of all the nations of the world, God chose to make of Israel a beacon to the world, so that through Israel all might be gathered.

Yes, a king would be born for the Jews, but he wouldn’t be for the Jews alone. This Messiah would be the King of kings, a light to all the nations. The Messiah, therefore, would represent the overcoming of the nations, the transcendence of the disputes between peoples and cultures that had so tragically marked human history, and the opening up of a new possibility.

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.

†

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter three (verses one thru thirty-one);
The Letter to the Romans, chapter four (verses one thru twenty-five);
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter four, verses sixteen thru eighteen;
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter five, verses one thru ten.

Commentary: The Jews & the Law (cont'd; Romans, 3:1-8), None Is Righteous (3:9-20), Righteousness through Faith (3:21-31), the Example of Abraham (4:1-12), & God's Promise Realized through Faith (4:13-25); & Living by Faith (2 Corinthians, 4:16-5:10).

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

There is genius in Catholicism, if we will just take the time & make the effort to humbly explore it. If you & i are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. If sixty-seven million Catholics in the United States stepped it up a notch, something incredible would happen. So let's decide, here & now, today, to begin to explore the genius of our faith, to be part of the solution, & to step it up a notch.

Otherwise, 7 January would be the festival of Saint Lucian of Antioch, Priest & Martyr (circa 240-312), martyred in the reign of the emperors Maximinus II & Licinius, a victim of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Kentigerna, Hermit (died circa 734, also spelt Caintigern, etc.): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Sister of St. Comgan [27 February] & mother of St. Filian of Munster [20 June].

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Knud Lavard, Martyr (circa 1096-1131, Anglicized as Canute Lavard), Duke of Jutland/Schleswig; marytred by his cousin, Magnus the Strong, in the reign of his uncle, the king Niels of Denmark: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, Priest, O.P. (circa 1175-1275, Anglicized as Penyafort), co-founder, though he was a Dominican, of the Mercedarians, formally the Royal, Celestial, & Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy & the Redemption of the Captives: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O. de M..

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Find at least one good point in the other person & build from there. An understanding love—a love that sees the good in others—will be your goal."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Epiphany

Toby Keith, "We Three Kings" from iTunes Holiday Sampler (The Last Wise Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint André Bessette, Religious, C.S.C. (1845-1937; A.K.A. of Montreal, Alfred Bessette, "Brother André"), who initiated construction of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Oratory.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a lay brother of the Congregation of [the] Holy Cross & a significant figure of the Roman Catholic Church among French-Canadians, credited with thousands of reported miraculous oil healings associated within his pious devotion to Saint Joseph [19 March, 1 May].

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

At twenty-five, André applied for entrance intot he Congregation of the Holy Cross. After a year's novitiate, he was not admitted because of his weak health. But with an extension & the urging of Bishop Bourget, he was finally received. He was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, with additional duties as sacristan, laundry worker, & messenger. "When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door, & I remained forty years," he said.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Felix of Nantes, Bishop (circa 515-584): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Peter of Canterbury, Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 614), inaugural abbot of Saint Augustine's Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Carlo of Sezze, Religious, O.F.M. (1613-1670; Anglicized as Charles of Sezze, A.K.A. Giancarlo Marchioni): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter Y, verses Z;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-seven, verses twelve & thirteen, fourteen & fifteen, & nineteen & twenty;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses seven thru eleven;
or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter three, verses twenty-three thru thirty-eight
(or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter three, verses twenty-three, thirty-one thru thirty-four, thirty-six, & thirty-eight).

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

Friends, today's Gospel tells the story of the baptism of Jesus. The first thing we must keep in mind about the baptism of Jesus was that it was embarrassing. Here is the one that the first Christians maintained was the Son of God, the sinless lamb who takes away the sins of the world, the Word made flesh. So why is he seeking a baptism of repentance?

There is no way around it: John was working in the country north of Jerusalem, along the banks of the Jordan river. And his theme was unambiguous: repent. Those who came to him were coming to have their sins dealt with; they were admitting their guilt.

As is usually the case with the Bible, there is an irony in the fire. Before ever a word passes Jesus’ lips, he is teaching, in fact communicating the heart of the faith, by this stunning reversal. In this gesture, God lays aside his glory and humbly joins us in our sinfulness, standing with us, assuming our burden.

Video reflection by Deacon Bernard Nojadera: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. André Bessette
The First Book of Kings, chapter nineteen, verses four thru nine(a) & eleven thru fifteen(a);
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-two.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"More & more, make your homes places of love & peace."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 13th Day o' Christmas

Sufjan Stevens, "I Saw Three Ships" from Songs for Christmas (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: The thirteenth day? That's right, bonus Christmas!

"I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day,
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

"And what was in those ships, all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships, all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

"The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day,
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning."

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop, C.Ss.R. (1811-1860, A.K.A. Jan Nepomucký Neumann): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Shrine.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He is the first United States bishop (& to date the only male citizen) to be canonized. While Bishop of Philadelphia, Neumann founded the first Catholic diocesan school system in the United States.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

John Neumann was born in what is now the Czech Republic. After studying in Prague, he came to New York at twenty-five & was ordained a priest. He did missionary work in New York until he was twenty-nine, when he joined the Redemptorists & became its first member to profess vows in the United States. At forty-one, as bishop of Philadelphia, he organized the parochial school system into a diocesan one, increasing the number of pupils almost twentyfold within a short time. Well known for his holiness & learning, spiritual writing & preaching, on 13 October 1963, John Neumann became the first American bishop to be beatified.

And subsequently canonized in 1977. St. John Neumann should not to be confused with his English contemporary, Bl. John Henry Newman (1801-1890, feast day: 9 October).

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

'Tis also the festival of Saint Telesphorus, Pope & Martyr (died circa 138), eighth Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperor Hadrian or the emperor Antoninus Pius: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Simeon Stylites the Elder, Hermit (circa 390-459): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Cera of Kilkeary, Abbess (died 679; numerous variant spellings, A.K.A. of Ireland): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter three, verses eleven thru twenty-one;
Psalm One Hundred, verses one(b) & two, three, four, & five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses forty-three thru fifty-one.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Nathaniel recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. Like Nathaniel, once we make the decision for Jesus, once we determine that he is the supreme good, then every other claimant to supremacy must fall away. As I’ve argued many times before, every one of us has something or some set of values that we consider greatest. There is some center of gravity around which everything else turns.

Perhaps it is money and material things. Perhaps it is power and position. Perhaps it is the esteem of others. Perhaps it is your country or your political party or your ethnic identity. Perhaps it is your family, your kids, your wife, your husband.

None of this is false; and none of these things are bad. However, when you place any of them in the absolute center of gravity, things go awry. When you make any of them your ultimate or final good, your spiritual life goes haywire. When you attach yourself to any of them with an absolute tenacity, you will fall apart.

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. John Neumann
The Book of Isaiah, chapter six, verses one thru eight;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verse two;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-eight, verses sixteen thru twenty.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Everything depends on how we love one another."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 12th Day o' Christmas

Mexicani Marimba Band, "Twelve Days of Christmas" from iTunes, Holiday Sampler (The Last Jolly Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious, S.C. (1774-1821, A.K.A. Mother Seton), foundress of the Sisters of Charity & Saint Joseph's Academy & Free School: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.C. & Wikipedia-link Academy.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

She was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. She established the first Catholic girls' school in the nation in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she also founded the first American congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Mother Seton is one of the keystones of the American Catholic Church. She founded the first American religious community for women, the Sisters of Charity. She opened the first American parish school & established the first American Catholic orphanage. All this she did in the span of forty-six years while raising her five children. She died January 4, 1821, & became the first American-born citizen to be beatified (1963) & then canonized (1975). She is buried in Emmitburg, Maryland.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Áedh of Kildare, Bishop & Abbot (died circa 639; also spelt Aidus, Áed Dub mac Colmáin), King of Leinster: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Rigobert of Rheims, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 743): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Angela of Foligno, Religious, T.O.S.F. (1248-1309), the "Mistress of Theologians:" Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter three, verses seven thru ten;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one, seven & eight, & nine;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses thirty-five thru forty-two.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus invites his first disciples to come and stay with him. I think that this command of Jesus is a bit like an initiation ritual. In order to prepare themselves for a lifetime of discipleship, his followers must first pass through an intensive period of spiritual formation, much like a novitiate in a monastery or training camp in football or boot camp in the army. During this concentrated time, they were to learn, in their bones, the essentials of this new way of life. So the disciples learn a new way of radical dependency upon God.

Now what does all of this have to do with us? You say, "I’m a 50-year-old man with a wife and kids and job and responsibility; I can’t very well go drifting off in a boat, trusting in the providence of God."

True enough, but you can, for instance, go on a retreat every year. Spend a week once a year at a monastery or a retreat center, living the spiritual life intensely; live Lent more severely and more radically this year, perhaps undertaking a difficult fast or giving alms until it hurts. These are things that any of us can do.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
The Book of Deuteronomy, chapter ten, verses eight & nine;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses twenty-five thru thirty.

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm twenty-three (verses one thru six).

Commentary: The Lord, Shepherd & Host (Psalm 23).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Be faithful in little things, for in them lies our strength."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 11th Day o' Christmas

Sufjan Stevens, "Silent Night" from Songs for Christmas (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: Instrumental, brief but sweet, a most apropos sound for a silent night.

Operation AXIOM — Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Twenty-five years ago to the day, 3 January 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine debuted with the pilot episode/T.V. movie "Emissary," becoming the first Star Trek show not created by Gene Roddenberry. D.S.9 would run for seven seasons of one hundred seventy-six episode, ending on 2 June 1999 with the T.V. movie "What You Leave Behind."

Deep Space Nine is my favorite of all the Star Trek series, in no small part because I feel not only affinity for but an ownership of D.S.9. I was on board with Deep Space Nine from the opening shot of "Emissary." I'd seen episodes of the original Star Trek when I was a little kid, but didn't come to appreciate it 'til I was a teenager, an older teenager. I loved & followed The Next Generation, but I didn't start watching it 'til the fourth or fifth season & then went back & caught up. Not so with D.S.9. I was there from the beginning & all the way through to the bitter end, which wasn't easy since I was away from home & in college during the sixth & seventh seasons (Fall '97 through Spring '98 & Fall '98 through Spring '99). I eagerly anticipated every new episode D.S.9 & watched each one with my brother & our father. Each new episode was a small but significant event in our family. Deep Space Nine is a brilliant, brilliant television show, but it's also more than that to me—it always has been & it always will be. I'm a Trekkie, but even more than that I'm a Niner.

Eternal thanks to my Beloved Brother for reminding me of the anniversary, which otherwise might have passed by unremarked, tragically. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine debuted on television, 3 January 1993, twenty-five years ago today.

Bonus! Song o' the Day
The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine—Theme" from The Music of Star Trek (The Last Angry Niner)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus: Holy Name-link ūnus, Holy Name-link duo, Holy Name-link trēs, Wikipedia-link Holy Name, & Wikipedia-link Feast.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

In Roman Catholicism the month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. It commemorates the naming of the child Jesus: "at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb" [Luke, 2:21].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Daniel of Padua, Deacon & Martyr (died 168), martyred in the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anterus, Pope & Martyr (died 236), nineteenth Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperor Maximinus Thrax: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verse twenty-nine thru chapter three, verse six;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one, three(c/d) & four, & five & six;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-four.

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

Friends, our Gospel for today contains one of the most important and misunderstood lines in all of Christian Scripture. Spying Jesus, John the Baptist says, "Behold the Lamb of God." In a very casual survey, I asked a number of people what this phrase means, and the answer I typically got was this: it means that he is gentle and humble and good, like a lamb.

But for a first-century Jew, the phrase had little if anything to do with that: it had to do with sacrifice. It meant that Jesus was someone who was destined to be sacrificed as a sin offering to God.

John the Baptist’s characterization of Jesus as the Lamb of God has to do with Temple sacrifice. He will be the one who offers the final and definitive sacrifice which reconciles divinity and humanity. He will offer something to the Father which will deal finally with the problem of sin, and in this we will find our salvation.

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

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
The Letter to the Philippians, chapter two, verses one thru eleven;
Psalm Eight, verse two(a/b);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-one thru twenty-four.

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

Commentary: The Fate of Sinners & the Reward of the Just (Psalm 37); Attitude toward the Lord (Proverbs, 3:1-12), the Value of Wisdom (3:13-24 & 35), & Attitude toward Fellow Men (3:25-34).

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter two (verses one thru twenty-nine).

Commentary: The Righteous Judgment of God (Romans, 2:1-16) & the Jews & the Law (2:17-29).

Proverb o' the Day (3:5-6)

Trust in the LORD will all your heart,
on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful of Him,
and He will make straight your paths.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love & humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life & love Him as you love Him & serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 10th Day o' Christmas

Relativity, "Silent Night" from Joy to the World! (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: Sung first in English, then in German.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops & Doctors of the Church (circa 329-379, A.K.A. of Caesarea & circa 325-390; A.K.A. of Nazianzus, the Theologian), two of the three Cappadocian Fathers: Doctors-link; Doctor-link Bravo ūnus, Doctor-link Bravo duo & Wikipedia-link Bravo; Doctor-link Golf ūnus, Doctor-link Golf duo & Wikipedia-link Golf; & Wikipedia-link Cappadocian Fathers.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Basil received normal education in Caerasea Mazaca in Cappadocia (modern-day Kayseri, Turkey). There he met Gregory of Nazianzus, who would become a lifetime friend. Together, basil & Gregory went to Constantinople for further studies, including the lectures of Libanius.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

After studying various modes of religious life, he founded what was probably the first monastery in Asia Minor. He is to monks of the East what Saint Benedict [11 July] is to the West; & Basil's principles influence Eastern monasticism today. Though not recognized greatly in his lifetime, his writings rightly place him among the great teachers of the Church. Seventy-two years after his death, the Council of Chalcedon described him as "the great Basil, minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth."

St. Basil was the son of Ss. Basil the Elder & Emmelia (30 May), grandson of St. Macrina the Elder (14 January), & brother of Ss. Macrina the Younger (19 July), Naucratius (?), Peter of Sebaste (9 January), & Gregory of Nyssa (10 January).

St. Gregory Nazianen was the son of Ss. Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder (1 January) & Nonna (5 August) & the brother of Ss. Gorgonia (9 December) & Caesarius (?).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Mainchín of Limerick, Bishop (floruit seventh century; also spelt Munchin; A.K.A. the Wise, Mainchín mac Setnai): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Marie-Anne Blondin, Religious, S.S.A. (1809-1890, A.K.A. Esther Blondin), foundress of the Sisters of Saint Anne: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.S.A..

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru twenty-eight;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one, two & three (a/b), & three(c/d) & four;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses nineteen thru twenty-eight.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel John the Baptist identifies himself as "the voice of one crying out in the desert." How often the great heroes of the Biblical revelation have to spend time in the desert: Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, Paul. Even Jesus himself spends forty days and nights in the desert before commencing his ministry.

They have to wait through a painful time, living a stripped-down life, before they are ready. What does the desert symbolize? Confrontation with one’s own sin; seeing one’s dark side; a deep realization of one’s dependency upon God; an ordering of the priorities of one’s life; a simplification, a getting back to basics. It means any and all of these things.

But the bottom line is that they are compelled to wait, during a time and in a place where very little life seems to be on offer. But it is precisely in such deserts that the flowers bloom. Moses becomes a great leader; Abraham is the father of many nations; Joseph becomes the savior of his people; John the Baptist is the forerunner of the Messiah; Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles—all of this flowering was made possible by the desert.

Video reflection by Father Charles Slisz: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Memorial of Ss. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianen
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter four, verses one thru seven, eleven, twelve, & thirteen;
Psalm Twenty-three, verse one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-three, verses eight thru twelve.

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

Commentary: Salutation (1:1-7), Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:8-15), the Power of the Gospel (1:16-17), & the Guilt of Mankind (1:18-32).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Let no one ever come to you without coming away better & happier."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Taco Tuesday: "Deacons Today"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 9th Day o' Christmas

Barenaked Ladies, "I Saw Three Ships" from Barenaked for the Holidays (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: Man alive, I just can't wait for those Wise Men to get here!

"I saw three ships come sailing in,
(On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day)
I saw three ships come sailing in,
(On Christmas Day in the morning)!

"And all the bells on earth shall ring,
(On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day)
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
(On Christmas Day in the morning)!

"Let us all rejoice again,
(On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day)
Let us all rejoice again,
(On Christmas Day in the morning)!

"I saw three ships come sailing in,
(On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day)
I saw three ships come sailing in,
(On Christmas Day in the morning)!"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 8th Day o' Christmas

London Brass, "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" from Christmas with London Brass (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: The music to "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" was written by Franz Xavier Gruber (1787-1863); the original German lyrics, not used in this instrumental rendition, were written by a priest, Fr. Joseph Mohr (1792-1848).

The Victors: Team 138, Game 13 — Outback Bowl

Monday, 1 January 2018 @ (Naming Rights) Stadium [a neutral site]
South Carolina 26-19 Michigan
8-5, B1G 5-4

Late in the third quarter, the valiant Wolverines led the gamey Gamecocks 19-3. South Carolina outscored Michigan 23-0 in the last seventeen minutes of the game. This was the second game of the year in which Team 138 committed five turnovers, including two that prevented Michigan scores & two that enabled South Carolina scores. The valiant Wolverines had one competent offensive drive, & otherwise struggled throughout, even before the epidemic of turnovers. That was an disgraceful a exhibition as anything in the Rich Rod or Hoke the Joke years.

I posted the following to my FaceSpace "wall":

Tim Drevno, Pep Hamilton, & all of Michigan Football's offense staff needs to be fired, & Jim Harbaugh must accept an immediate 80% pay cut. If he will will not, then Harbaugh must be fired.

This was the second game of the year in which the valiant Wolverines committed five turnovers. Peoples-Jones had muffed punt returns before; so, why was he allowed to do so again? The coaching staff are unpardonably arrogant & do not learn from their mistakes. This is unacceptable for Michigan Football. Harbaugh must accept the conditions outlined above, or Harbaugh must be fired.

#GoBlue!

Freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones, a wide receiver & kick returner, had muffed punt returns before & been pulled from games for muffing punt returns. yet there he was in the bowl game, returning punts. He muffed a punt, allowing the ball to bounce off his face mask, resulting in a South Carolina possession deep in Michigan territory, & immediately thereafter another gamey Gamecocks field goal to go up a full touchdown over the valiant Wolverines. Peoples-Jones, a talented but very, very raw player, has a history of muffing or otherwise mishandling punt returns; so, in a critical situation, why was he put in a position to do so yet again?

Redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Peters was a disaster throughout, throwing the ball way over the heads of his receivers, or bouncing it off the turf at their feet, rarely ever giving anyone the chance to make a catch. On the rare occasions that he threw an accurate pass that hit his receivers in the hands, they, including Peoples-Jones, dropped it. At the end of the game, Peters threw the ball around so recklessly (including throwing two interceptions) that he looked worse than John O'Korn against Michigan Agricultural.

Michigan has personnel (player) problems, that much is clear. But we also have a plainly deficient coaching staff, who make boned-headed & inexplicable play calls with startling regularity. On one particularly ill-conceived play, Michigan used a tight end, Sean McKeon, as a running back, & he predictably fumbled the ball; why was a tight end used on that play instead of a running back? MGoBlog reports that Coach Harbaugh admits Michigan "had the wrong personnel in" on the McKeon fumble play: MGoBlog-link. Yes, the players failed to execute even basic plays, but the coaches also called plays that hadn't a snowball's chance in an inferno of working. We cannot "recruit" & "develop players" our way out of bad coaching, such as inserting a tight end in as a running back & not calling timeout to sort out whom should & whom should not be on the field before said tight end fumbles the hand off. Changes need to be made on the sideline. If Coach Jim Harbaugh is unwilling to fire overpaid assistants who are clearly incompetent, then he himself needs to go. No one individual is bigger than the team, & that includes the head coach. "The team. The team. The team."

Again, today's total collapse in the Outback Bowl was as disgraceful, disheartening, & just plain unacceptable as any embarrassment of the Rich Rodriguez or Brady Hoke years. Harbaugh is paid No Fun League-type money. For what? To go 8-5 for the year, 1-5 in three years against Ohio State & M.A.C.? Also, for the second time in Harbaugh's three-year tenure, the valiant Wolverines finished the season by losing three of their last four games.

The Wayback Machine Tour of The Victors: Team 138 (8-5, B1G 5-4)
September 2017
Game 1: Florida
Game 2: Cincinnati
Game 3: Air Force
Game 4: Purdue

October 2017
Game 5: M.A.C.
Game 6: Indiana
Game 7: Penn State
Game 8: Rutgers

November 2017
Game 9: Minnesota
Game 10: Maryland
Game 11: Wisconsin
Game 12: Ohio State

Go Blue!

Our Bowling League
In additional to being disgraceful, disheartening, & unacceptable, today's embarrassing loss also ruined the B1G's chance to go undefeated in the 2017-2018 college football bowl season. After starting 7-0, the B1G finishes 7-1. The "Fighting Harbaughs" found yet another way to make today's loss that much more painful. Sorry, gang.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Mary, the Holy Mother of God

The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
'Tis the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: Madonna-link ūna, Madonna-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ, whom Christians see as the Lord, Son of God.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

The Council of Ephesus in 431 defended Mary's title of Theotokos—God-bearer. Today we celebrate that Mary is the Mother of God. Through her, Christ our salvation was born. In Christ, Mary has also become our Mother.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
The Book of Numbers, chapter six, verses twenty-two thru twenty-seven;
Psalm Sixty-seven, verses two & three, five, six, & eight;
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter four, verses four thru seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses sixteen thru twenty-one.

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

Friends, on this feast of Mary the mother of God, I would like to emphasize specially the word today’s Gospel associates with her: treasured. "Mary treasured these things and reflected on them in her heart." She pondered them, turned them over, sought out their causes, saw their implications, allowed them to work their way into the marrow of her bones.

Bl. John Henry Newman said that this treasuring quality of Mary makes her the patroness of theology. He furthermore observed that theology is one of the marks of a healthy Catholicism. Augustine, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Dante, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Newman himself, and John Paul II are all Marian figures in this sense.

So when you know your mission, be astonished by what God has done, and never stop treasuring it.

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

Bonus! Song o' Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Christine Mason, "The Seven Rejoices of Mary" from Christmas Hope (The Last Jolly Man)

Mass Matters
For most of 2017, I was on-track to attend three hundred sixty-five Masses, one for each day of the year. That ambition was derailed in December, with the necessary disruption of visits from & with far-flung family (weather & sickness also contributed, but those are excuses, not legitimate explanations). I am constantly paranoid that I attend Mass just to make up the numbers, as the devil whispers in my ear, but in my soul I know this not to be true, because life is better & I am better the more often I participate in & partake of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Three sixty-five in 2018? We are all unidirectional time travelers; so, there's but one way to find out.

2008: 32
2009: 33
2010: 32
2011: 37
2012: 45
2013: 63
2014: 130
2015: 293
2016: 261
2017: 351
2018: 1…

Saint Quote o' the Day

"We will be the happiest people in the world if we belong to God."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)