Operation AXIOM: Yes, M!ch!gan!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary:

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

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

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Michigan's Statehood

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

Saints + Scripture: Conversion of Saint Paul

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

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

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

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

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

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

Skammentary:

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

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

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

Saints + Scripture: Better Late Than Never

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

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

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

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

†

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

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

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

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

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

Operation ÖSTERREICH

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

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

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

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

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

Saints + Scripture

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

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

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

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

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

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

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

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

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

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

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

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

Commentary:

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

Saints + Scripture: Legal Protection of Unborn Children

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

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

Quoth the missalette:

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

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

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quoth the missalette:

The following readings are suggested from among the many options.

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

†

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

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

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

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

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

The Explorers' Club, № DXCV

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

Lest we forget.

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

Saints + Scripture: III Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

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

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

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

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

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

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

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

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

Hillsong Worship, "What a Beautiful Name" via iTunes (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Death could not hold You,
The veil tore before You,
You challenged the boast of sin & grave,
The heavens are roaring
The praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again!
You have no rival,
You have no equal,
Now & forever God You reign!
Yours is the Kingdom,
Yours is the glory,
Yours is the Name above all names!…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Robbie Williams & Jon Lovitz, "Well, Did You Evah!" from Swing (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Funny is funny, even when it celebrates an unethical sexual ethic.

"Ah, it's a lovely dress. You think I could talk her out of it?"

Operation AXIOM

Seventy-six years ago to the day, 20 January 1942, the Wannsee Conference, a meeting of Nazi governmental & party officials chaired by S.S.-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich, was held to ensure inter-agency cooperation in the execution of the "Final Solution to the Jewish Question," the Nazis' euphemistic name for the attempted genocide of all the Jews in Europe—the Shoah, or the Holocaust. The Wannseekonferenz was not the kickoff of the Shoah, that had been underway since the Nazi seizure of power in Germany in 1933 & had accelerated with the conquest of Poland in 1939. But Wannsee did initiate a new phase in the "Final Solution," involving the deliberate allocation of significant resources to the mass transportation of populations from the conquered Eastern European territories to purpose-built extermination camps, expressly for the purpose of killing all the Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. What records we do have of the conference—the Nazis attempted to destroy all transcripts of the discussions, not in the panicked days before final defeat in 1945, but from the very moment the conference adjourned—indicate that it was not a fiery series of speeches meant to whip the assembled bureaucrats into a frothy killing frenzy, but a cold, dispassionate analysis of the logistical & administrative means necessary to slaughter human being on an industrial scale. We dare never forget! The Wannsee Conference was held to plan the Shoah, the extermination all the Jews in Europe, on 20 January 1942, seventy-six years ago today.

I've marked the occasion by re-watching the 2001 television movie Conspiracy: Wikipedia-link & I.M.D.B.-link.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Fabian, Pope & Martyr (circa 200-250, A.K.A. Flavian), twentieth (XX) Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff & Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Fabian is famous for the miraculous nature of his election, in which a dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit's unexpected choice to become the next pope.

'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Sebastian, Martyr (circa 256-288), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian, where now stands the church of San Sebatiano al Palatino, laid to rest in the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, atop which sits the basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le mura: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Palatine, Wikipedia-link Catacombs, & Wikipedia-link outside the Walls.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

According to traditional belief, Sebastian was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. He is commonly depicted in art & literature tied to a post or tree & shot with arrows. Despite this being the most common artistic depiction of Sebastian, he was, according to legend, rescued & healed by [St] Irene or Rome [22 January]. Shortly afterwards he went to Diocletian to warn him about his sins, & as a result was clubbed to death.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

The legend of Saint Sebastian is important in art & there is a vast iconography. Scholars now agree that a pious fable has Sebastian entering the Roman army because only there could he assist the martyrs without arousing suspicion. Finally he was found out, brought before Emperor Diocletian, & delivered to Mauritanian archers to be shot to death. His body was pierced with arrows, & he was left for dead. But he was found still alive by those who came to bury him. He recovered, but refused to flee. One day he took up a position near where the emperor was to pass. He accosted to emperor, denouncing him for his cruelty to Christians. This time the sentence of death was carried out. Sebastian was beaten to death with clubs. He was buried on the Appian Way, close to the catacombs that bear his name.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Féchín of Fore, Priest & Abbot (died circa 665; also spelt Féichín, A.K.A. Mo-Ecca; Fore is Fhobhair in the Irish, Anglicized as Fobar), founder & inaugural abbot of Fore Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Henry of Uppsala, Bishop & Martyr (died circa 1156; A.K.A. Henrik, Heikki), martyred by the already excommunicated murderer Lalli: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Basil Moreau, Priest, C.S.C. (1799-1873), founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the Marianites of Holy Cross, the Sisters of Holy Cross (Notre Dame), & the Sisters of Holy Cross (Montreal): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.S.C., Wikipedia-link M.S.C., Wikipedia-link Notre Dame, & Wikipedia-linkMontreal.

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

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel, relatives of Jesus claim that he is mad, and scribes blaspheme him, charging that he is possessed by Beelzebul. You know, in cases like this, the basic problem is always the fearful ego. Ego-addicts know that sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If you want to protect the ego and its prerogatives, you must oppress and demoralize those around you.

There is a very unsubtle version of this method: you attack, put down, insult, and undermine those around you. This is the method of the bully. But the religious version is much subtler and thus more insidious and dangerous. It takes the Law itself—especially the moral law—and uses it to accuse and oppress. "I know what’s right and wrong; I know what the Church expects of us; and I know that you are not living up to it."

And so I accuse you; I gossip about you; I remind you of your inadequacy. Mind you, this is not to condemn the legitimate exercise of fraternal correction or the office of preaching. But it’s a reminder to not be sucked into the slavery of ego addiction. We must stay alert to this and avoid it at all costs.

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

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Fabian
The First Letter of Peter, chapter five, verses one thru four;
Psalm Forty, verses eight(a) & nine(a);
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty-one, verses fifteen, sixteen, & seventeen.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Sebastian
The First Letter of Peter, chapter three, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses twenty-eight thru thirty-three.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Proverbs, chapter twenty (verses one thru thirty).

Commentary: First Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (cont'd; Proverbs, 20:1-30)

Proverb o' the Day (20:30)

Evil is cleansed away by bloody lashes,
and a scourging to the inmost being.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"I believe in order to understand; & I understand, the better to believe."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast day: 28 August)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the festival of Saint Germanicus of Smyrna, Martyr (died circa 156), martyred in the reign of the emperor Antoninus Pius: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Pontianus of Spoleto, Martyr (circa 156-175), martyred in the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, buried within the Basilica of San Ponziano: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Church.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Bassianus of Lodi, Bishop (circa 320-413), participant at the Council of Aquileia (381) & the Synod of Milan (389), buried within Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Aquileia & Wikipedia-link Milan; & Wikipedia-link Cathedral.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Wulfstan of Worcester, Bishop, O.S.B. (circa 1008-1095), founder of the Great Malvern Priory: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Priory.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter twenty-four, verses three thru twenty-one;
Psalm Fifty-seven, verses two, three & four, & six & eleven;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses thirteen thru nineteen.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel recounts Jesus selecting and appointing the Apostles.

Bible scholar and theologian N.T. Wright has explained why Jesus commissioned twelve disciples as Apostles. Wright tells us that when a first-century Jew spoke of the arrival of God’s kingdom, he was taken to mean something very specific. He was announcing that the Temple was going to be restored, that the proper worship of Yahweh would obtain, that the enemies of Israel would be dealt with, and that, above all, the tribes of the Lord would be gathered and through them the tribes of the world.

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

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

"No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother."
—St. Cyprian (circa 200-258, feast day: 16 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Garbage, "The World Is Not Enough" from Best of Bond… James Bond 50th Anniversary Collection (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"The world is not enough,
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love,
And if you're strong enough,
Together we can take the world apart, my love,
The world is not enough!
The world is not enough!
No, nowhere near enough,
The world is not enough!"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the festival of Saint Prisca, Martyr (floruit first century), martyred in the reign of the emperor Domitian, foundress of Santa Prisca Church on the Aventine: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Church.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Volusianus of Tours, Bishop (died circa 497): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saints Faustina & Liberata of Como, Virgins, O.S.B. (died circa 580), biological sisters: Saint-link Foxtrot, Saint-link Lima, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Margaret of Hungary, Virgin, O.P. (1242-1271): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Grand-niece of St. Hedwig of Silesia [16 October], niece of Ss. Elizabeth of Hungary [17 November] & Agnes of Prague [2 March], & sister of St. Kinga of Poland [24 July] & Bl. Yolanda of Poland [11 June].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter eighteen, verses six thru nine & chapter nineteen, verses one thru seven;
Psalm Fifty-six, verses two & three, nine & ten(a), ten(b) & eleven, & twelve & thirteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses seven thru twelve.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel we read about crowds coming to Jesus for healing and deliverance from unclean spirits. We hear that people brought the sick from all over the region, as well as those troubled by unclean spirits—and all of them were cured.

Now I realize that we today might be a bit skeptical of such miraculous healings. But it’s hard to deny that Jesus was known as a healer and a miracle worker. And there is abundant evidence that the performance of miracles was a major reason why the first preachers were taken seriously.

Have there been miracle workers and miraculous places up and down the centuries? Yes indeed. But the Church has customarily done this work through its hospitals and clinics, through figures such as John of God [8 March], Catherine of Siena [29 April], and Teresa of Calcutta [5 September]. But the Church also serves through its sacraments, which heal sin-sick souls.

This is the apostolic dimension of the Church’s life, and without it, it would no longer be the Church. Parishes, parish priests, missionaries, servants of the poor and sick—the whole apostolic life of the Church is represented here.

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

"We must be convinced of the necessity of having a living, authentic, & active faith. That is all the more true today, when we face so many difficulties. It is not enough to have a vague, weak, or uncertain faith."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, feast day: 11 October)

Commentary: Confer Matthew, 7:21-23 & Revelation, 3:14-16.

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday: "You Only Live Twice"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Kari Jobe, "Forever" (live) from Majestic (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Kari is pronounced "Carrie" & Jobe is pronounced "Job," as in the Book of Job. The whole point of standardized spelling is so that persons know how words are pronounced, thus easing &, 'tis hoped, increasing communication 'twixt persons.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot (circa 251-356; A.K.A. the Great, of the Desert, of Thebes, et al.), most renowned of the Desert Fathers, whose temptation is oft-depicted in art; also associated with the Tau Cross: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Desert Fathers, Wikipedia-link Temptation, & Wikipedia-link St. Anthony's Cross.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

For his importance among the Desert fathers & to all later Christian monasticism, he is also known as the Father of All Monks. Christian ascetics previously retreated to isolated locations at the outskirts of cities. Anthony is notable for having decided to surpass this tradition & headed out into the desert proper.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

The life of Anthony will remind many people of St. Francis of Assisi [4 October]. At twenty, Anthony was so moved by the Gospel message, "Go, sell what you have, & give to the poor" (Mark, 10:21b), that he actually did just that with his large inheritance. He is different from Francis in that most of Anthony's life was spent in solitude. He saw the world completely covered with snares, & gave the Church & the world the witness of solitary asceticism, great personal mortification, & prayer. But no saint is antisocial & Anthony drew many people to himself for spiritual healing & guidance.

'Tis also the festival of Our Lady of Pontmain (apparition 17 January 1871, A.K.A. Our Lady of Hope): Madonna-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Sulpicius the Pious, Bishop (died circa 647, A.K.A. Sulpicius II of Bourges): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Roseline of Villeneuve, Religious, O.Cart. (circa 1263-1329; also spelt Rosalina, Rossolina): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter seventeen, verses thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-seven, & forty thru fifty-one;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-four, verses one(b), two, & nine & ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses one thru six.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel shows an angry Jesus healing a man with a withered hand. Whenever the Bible speaks of the divine anger, which it does a lot, it is talking poetically about God’s passion to set things right. God doesn’t go in and out of emotional states. He doesn’t fall into snits. He longs to establish justice on the earth and stands athwart those forces opposed to his purpose. This is precisely what Jesus does toward the Pharisees in today’s Gospel.

The episode concerns the idea of justice. Now what is justice? I love Plato’s simple definition: justice is rendering to each his due. It is fairness, or, to use more biblical language, "righteousness." It means doing the right thing. To state it negatively, it is not to cheat, not to take advantage of, not to deny someone his rights.

A steady teaching of the Bible is that God stands for justice and wants us to stand for it too. Jesus says, "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness." These are words that have inspired social reformers from William Wilberforce to William Lloyd Garrison to Martin Luther King to John Paul II. Let’s reflect on them today.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Anthony
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter six, verses ten thru thirteen;
Psalm Sixteen, verse five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nineteen, verses sixteen thru twenty-six.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty (verses one thru eighteen);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter seventeen (verses one thru twenty-eight);
The Book of Wisdom, chapter fifteen, verses eighteen & nineteen;
The Book of Wisdom, chapter sixteen (verses one thru twenty-nine).

Commentary: Gratitude & Prayer for Help (Psalm 40), First Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (cont'd; Proverbs, 17:1-28), & Second Example Resumed (Wisdom, 15:18-16:15) & Third Example: A Rain of Manna for Israel instead of the Plague of Storms (16:16-29).

For those keeping score at home, the oft-interrupted & -resumed second example is: Animals Punish the Egyptians & Benefit the Israelites.

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

Commentary: Do Not Judge Another (Romans, 14:1-12) & Do Not Make Another Stumble (14:13-23).

Proverb o' the Day (17:3)

The crucible for silver, & the furnace for gold,
but the tester of hearts is the LORD.

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

"Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast day: 28 August)

Commentary: Mine own experience testifies to the timeless wisdom of St. Augustine's words.

God's Comic
Practical (read: satirical) tips for effective ecumenical dialogue from The Babylon Bee: "How to Get Along with Christians from Other Denominations".

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 344.4 lbs
This weigh-in: 342.6 lbs.
Difference: -1.8 lbs.

We're not yet back to where we were before the holidays, but 'tis progress all the same. Onward!

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
"Weird Al" Yankovic, "Inactive" from Mandatory Fun (The Last Angry Sloth)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Sarah Blasko, "Spanish Ladies" from the A.M.C.'s Turn: Washington's Spies—Original Soundtrack, Season 1 E.P. (The Last Angry Sea Dog)

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the festival of Saint Priscilla of Rome, Martyr (died circa 95), martyred in the reign of the emperor Domitian, foundress & namesake of the Catacomb of Priscilla: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Saint-link trēs; Wikipedia-link Catacomb.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Marcellus I, Pope & Martyr (died 309), thirtieth (XXX) Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperors Maxentius & Maximinus II: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Berard of Cabrio, Priest, & Companions, Martyrs, O.F.M. (died 1220), martyred personally by the caliph Yusuf II: Franciscan Protomartyrs-link, Martyr-link Bravo, Martyr-link Alpha, Martyr-link Oscar, Martyr-link Papa, & Wikipedia-link V.

Commentary: Also martyred was the lay brother St. Adjutus. Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

In 1219, with the blessing of Saint Francis [4 October], Berard left Italy with Peter, Adjuste, Accurs, Odo, & Vitalis to preach in Morocco. En route in Spain, Vitalis became sick & commanded the other friars to continue their mission without him. They tried preaching in Seville, then in Muslim hands, but made no converts. They went on to Morocco where they preached in the marketplace. The friars were immediately apprehended & ordered to leave the country; they refused. When they began preaching again, an exasperated sultan ordered them executed. After enduring sever beatings & declining various bribes to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ, the friars were beheaded by the sultan himself on 16 January 1220. These were the first Franciscan martyrs.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Joseph Vaz, Priest, C.O. (1651-1711), the "Apostle of Ceylon" (Sri Lanka): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter sixteen, verses one thru thirteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses twenty, twenty-one & twenty-two, & twenty-seven & twenty-eight;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter two, verses twenty-three thru twenty-eight.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to recognize him as Lord. Acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus means that your life has to change. For many this is liberating good news. But for others, it is a tremendous threat. If Jesus is Lord, my ego can’t be Lord. My religion can’t be Lord. My country, my convictions, and my culture cannot be Lord.

The Resurrection is the clearest indication of the Lordship of Jesus. This is why the message of the Resurrection is attacked, belittled, or explained away. The author of Acts speaks of "violent abuse" hurled at Paul. I have a small taste of this on my YouTube forums. We all should expect it, especially when our proclamation is bold.

This reveals a great mystery: we are called to announce the Good News to everyone, but not everyone will listen. Once we’ve done our work, we should move on and not obsess about those who won’t listen. Why do some respond and some don’t? We don’t know, but that’s ultimately up to God.

Video reflection by Sister Peggy Gorman, R.S.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm thirty-nine (verses one thru fourteen);
The Book of Proverbs, chapter sixteen (verses one thru thirty-three).

Commentary: The Vanity of Life (Psalm 39) & First Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (cont'd; Proverbs, 16:1-33).

Bible Study—Pauline Letters
The Letter to the Romans, chapter twelve (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Letter to the Romans, chapter thirteen (verses one thru fourteen).

Commentary: New Life in Christ (Romans, 12:1-8), Marks of the True Christian (12:9-21), Being Subject to Authorities (13:1-7), & Love for One Another (13:8-14).

Proverb o' the Day (16:6)

By kindness & piety guilt is expiated,
and by the fear of the LORD man avoids evil.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"To show great love for God & our neighbor we need not do great things. It is how much we put in the doing, that makes our offering something beautiful for God."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the Day

Leon Thomas III & Victoria Justice, "Countdown" from Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit T.V. Show (The Last Angry Man)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Michael Jackson, "Man in the Mirror" from Bad (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
I'm asking him to change his ways,
And no message could have been any clearer:
If you wanna make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and make a change…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Late Edition

'Tis the festival of Saint Paul the First Hermit (circa 227-342; A.K.A. of Thebes, the Anchorite): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Paul was reportedly born in Egypt, where he was orphaned at age fifteen. He was also a learned & devout young man. During the persecution of Decius in Egypt in the year 250, Paul was forced to hide in the home of a friend. Fearing a brother-in-law would betray him, he fled to a cave in the desert. His plan was to return once the persecution ended, but the sweetness of solitude & heavenly contemplation convinced him to stay. He went on to live in that cave for the next ninety years.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Maurus, Abbot, O.S.B. (512-584), founding abbot of Glanfeuil Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Pierre of Castelnau, Religious & Martyr, O.Cist. (died 1208, Anglicized as Peter), martyred by the Cathers (A.K.A. the Albigensians), which was the proximate cause of the Albigensian Crusade: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Crusade.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Arnold Janssen, Priest, S.V.D. (1837-1909), founder of the Society of the Divine Word, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, & the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, the "Pink Sisters:" Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.V.D., Wikipedia-link S.Sp.S., & Wikipedia-link S.Sp.S.A.P.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter fifteen, verses sixteen thru twenty-three;
Psalm Fifty, verses eight & nine, sixteen(b/c) & seventeen, & twenty-one & twenty-three;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter two, verses eighteen thru twenty-two.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel people ask Jesus why he doesn’t encourage fasting among his followers. Jesus’ answer is wonderful: "How can the guests at a wedding fast while the groom is still with them?" (That’s a typically Jewish style, by the way: answering a question with another question.)

This great image of the wedding feast comes up frequently in the New Testament, most obviously in the wedding feast at Cana narrative. And it is echoed in the Tradition. Jesus is the wedding of heaven and earth, the marriage of divinity and humanity; he is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride. In him, the most intimate union is achieved between God and the world.

Could you imagine people fasting at a wedding banquet? Could you imagine going into an elegant room with your fellow guests and being served bread and water? It would be ridiculous! So says Jesus: "As long as the groom is with them, how could they fast?" The mark of the Christian dispensation is joy. Exuberance. Delight. God and the world have come together. What could be better news?

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

Saint Quote o' the Day

"You have within you everything that you need to purchase the Kingdom of Heaven. Joy will be purchased by your sorrow, glory by your humiliation, & eternal life by your passing death."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast day: 28 August)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Make-It Monday: "Prayer Organization"

The Explorers' Club, № DXCIV

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Russian Civil War, Part I
9 January 1918 (Old Style: 27 December 1917): The Volunteer Army, a central formation of the "White Army," was formally announced, under the leadership of generals Mikhail Alekseyev, former chief of the imperial staff, & Lavr Kornilov (of the eponymous Affair); based in the city of Rostov-on-Don, the army from the outset strove to form a united anti-Bolshevik front with the Don Cossacks.

Lest we forget.

Commentary: "The Explorers' Club," № DLXIV—The Kornilov Affair: Wayback Machine.

Porject BLACK MAMBA: II Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
The First Book of Samuel, chapter three, verses three(b) thru ten & nineteen;
Psalm Forty, verses two, four, seven & eight, eight & nine, & ten;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter six, verses thirteen(c), fourteen, fifteen(a), & seventeen thru twenty;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses thirty-five thru forty-two.

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

Friends, in our Gospel for today, we hear John the Baptist proclaim, in response to meeting Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

One of the earliest heresies that the Christian church fought was Marcionism, the conviction that Jesus should be interpreted in abstraction from the Old Testament. But the categories that the Gospel writers used to present Jesus as the Christ were, almost exclusively, drawn from the Hebrew Scriptures.

In John’s prologue, the passage before today’s reading, we read that the Word of God’s covenantal love, which was addressed to Abraham, Moses, and David, has become flesh in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is the covenant in person. But throughout Israel’s history, the covenant between God and humanity is always accompanied by sacrifice.

That brings us to today’s reading, where John the Baptist offers one of the most important interpretive keys of the New Testament: Jesus will play the role of the sacrificial lambs offered in the temple, and through a sacrifice, take away the sins of the world.

One reason that people today have such a difficult time appreciating Jesus is that we have become, effectively, Marcionites. To really understand the Christological language of John, we need to understand the great story of Israel.

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 eleven (verses one thru thirty-six).

Commentary: Israel's Rejection Is Not Final (Romans, 11:1-10), the Salvation of the Gentiles (11:11-24), & All Israel Will Be Saved (11:25-36).

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

Two thousand years ago, a small group of people captured the attention & intrigued the imagination of the entire Western world. At first, these people were thought to be of no consequence, the followers of a man most considered to be nothing more than an itinerant preacher. But when this man was put to death, a dozen of his followers rose up & began telling people about his life & teachings. They began telling the story of Jesus Christ. They were not the educated elite of their time, they had no political or social status, they were not wealthy, & they had no worldly authority, yet from the very beginning people were joining this quiet revolutionary group one hundred at a time. This small group of people were the first Christians. They were the original followers of Jesus of Nazareth & the first members of what we known as the Catholic Church.

Otherwise, 14 January would be the festival of Saint Macrina the Elder (died circa 340): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: St. Macrina was the mother & mother-in-law of Ss. Basil the Elder & Emmelia (30 May) & grandmother of Ss. Basil the Great (2 January), Peter of Sebaste (9 January), Gregory of Nyssa (10 January), Macrina the Younger (19 July), & Naucratius (?).

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Odo of Novara, Priest, O.Cart. (circa 1105-1200): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Petrus Donders, Priest, C.Ss.R. (1807-1887; Anglicized as Peter Donders, A.K.A. Peerke Donders): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Saint Quote o' This Day

"Instead of death & sorrow, let us bring peace & joy to the world."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)

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

Robert Kochis, "The Summons" from You Are Near (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: This Sunday's readings are all about God's call, how He calls each of us into relationship with Him & with each other—into His radical, reckless love.

"Will you come & follow Me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know & never be the same?
Will you let My love be shown?
Will you let My Name be known?
Will you let My life be grown in you & you in Me?…"

Maybe the Lord God is calling you to waste your life this year? Aleteia-link.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Long Road Back, Part II

Thursday, 11 January was the festival of Saint Hyginus, Pope (died circa 142), ninth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch, Hermit & Abbot (circa 429-523, A.K.A. of Cappadocia), founder of the Monastery of St. Theodosius: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Monastery.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Vitalis of Gaza, Hermit (died circa 625): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twas also the festival of Blessed William Carter, Martyr (circa 1548-1584), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link LXXXV & Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Scripture of That Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter four, verses one thru eleven;
Psalm Forty-four, verses ten & eleven, fourteen & fifteen, & twenty-four & twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses forty thru forty-five.

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

Friends, our Gospel for today has to do with Jesus’ healing of a leper. Leprosy frightened people in ancient times, just as contagious and mysterious diseases frightened people up through modern times. But, more than this, leprosy rendered someone unclean and therefore incapable of engaging in the act of worship. It is not accidental that the person who should do the examining of the patient in ancient Israel should be the priest.

The man who knelt before Jesus and begged for a cure was not simply concerned about his medical condition; he was an Israelite in exile from the Temple—and hence he was a very apt symbol of the general condition of scattered, exiled, wandering Israel. In curing him, Jesus was, symbolically speaking, gathering the tribes and bringing them back to the worship of the true God.

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

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

"God gives each one of us sufficient grace ever to know His holy will, & to do it fully."
—St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556, feast day: 31 July)