The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Lord's Day

Francesca Battistelli, "If We're Honest" via iTunes (from If We're Honest) (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"Don't pretend to be something that you're not,
Living life afraid of getting caught,
There is freedom found when we lay our secrets down
At the Cross, at the Cross.

"Your bring your brokenness and I'll bring mine,
'Cause love can heal what hurt divides,
And mercy's waiting on the other side…"

Samstag, 14. Januar
The Proclaimers, "Don't Give It to Me" from Persevere (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I pray that I only find "Don't Give It to Me" funny because it reflects how I used to be, not how I am today.

"Now I'm not immune to misery myself,
But it's just a bore in somebody else,
If you weren't allowed to talk with yourself,
You would have nothing to say.

"Your life's full of misery?
Well take something for it,
Or try to ignore it,
Don't give it to me!…"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Hilary, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (circa 310-368): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was Bishop of Poitiers & is a Doctor of the Church. He was sometimes referred to as the "Hammer of the Arians." He worked to strengthen the Church in France & Spain. He also rebuilt many Roman churches, & erected the chapel of St. John Lateran. He rebuked the Emperor [Constantius II] for supporting heresy & consolidated the Church in Sandi, Africa, & Gaul.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Raised a pagan, he was converted to Christianity when he met his God of nature in the Scriptures. His wife was still living when he was chosen, against his will, to be the bishop of Poitiers in France. He was soon taken up with battling what became the scourge of the fourth century, Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. When Emperor Constantius ordered all the bishops of the West to sign a condemnation of (St.) Athanasius (2 May), the great defender of the faith in the East, Hilary refused & was banished from France to far off Phrygia. Eventually he was called the "Athanasius of the West."

It irks me that we do not honor all the Doctors of the Church with obligatory Memorials. There are only thirty-six of them, after all, & some of them even share a feast day—Ss. Basil the Great & Gregory of Nazianzus on 2 January, for example; surely this could be made to work!

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

Commentary: Let Glasgow flourish.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Veronica of Milan, Religious (circa 1445-1497): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter four, verses one thru five & eleven;
Psalm Seventy-eight, verses three, four(b,c), & six(c) thru eight;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter two, verses one thru twelve;

or, for 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.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

The Soggy Bottom Boys, "In the Jailhouse Now" from O Brother, Where Art Thou? Music from a Film by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Just another glorious morning laboring to save souls in the Genesee County Jail.

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the feast of Saint Benedict Biscop, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 628-690, A.K.A. Biscop Baducing): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, Abbot, O.Cist. (1110-1167): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Margeurite 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..

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter three, verses seven thru fourteen;
Psalm Ninety-five, verses six thru seven(c) & eight thru eleven;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses forty thru forty-five.

Individual Reading
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fifteen (verses one thru thirty-nine);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses one thru four.

Commentary: The Tradition of the Elders (15:1-20), the Canaanite Woman's Faith (15:21-28), the Healing of Many [Persons] (15:29-31), the Feeding of the Four Thousand (15:32-39), & the Demand for a Sign (16:1-4).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

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

Commentary: I parodied "To Life" on Monday, as Goodwife Envy & I left the church after the first of the week's three funeral Masses, heading to our separate cars, thereafter to meet Brother Envy for lunch:

"To lunch, to lunch, L'Chaim!
L'Chaim, to lunch, to lunch!"

I parodied affectionately, because I revel in "To Life's" proper lyrics.

"To our prosperity,
To our good health and happiness,
And most important—

"To life! To life! L'Chaim!
L'Chaim! L'Chaim! To life!…

"God would like us to be joyful
Even when our hearts lie panting on the floor,
How much more can we be joyful
When there's really something to be joyful for?…

I am particularly partial to the backhalf of the song, when the local Cossacks, normally the dread foes of the Anatevka community, join in the celebration:

"Zachava zdarovia,
Heaven bless you both, na zdorovie.
To your health, and may we live together in peace!
Zachava zdarovia,
Heaven bless you both, na zdorovie.
To your health, and may we live together in peace!
May you both be favored with the future of your choice!
May you live to see a thousand reasons to rejoice!…

"We'll raise our glass and sip a drop of schnapps
In honor of the great good luck that favors you,
We know that when good fortune favors two such men
It stands to reason that we deserve it, too!
To us and our good fortune!
Be happy! Be healthy! Long life!
And if our good fortune never comes,
Here's to whatever comes,
Drink L'Chaim! To life!

"To life!"

Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the feast of Saint Hyginus, Pope (died circa 142), ninth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Peter Apselamus, Martyr (died circa 311, A.K.A. Peter Balsam), martyred in the reign of the emperor Maximinus II: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

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

'Tis also the feast 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; Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter two, verses fourteen through eighteen;
Psalm One Hundred Five, verses one thru four & six thru nine;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-nine.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Ralph Stanley, "O Death" from O Brother, Where Art Thou? Music from a Film by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: Last week was a banner week for death. Later today, I'm to captain & altar-serve at my third funeral Mass this week. The faithful departed have been Mike Whiskey, the wife of a pal & brother Knight; Mike Lima, a brother Knight the pleasure of whose acquaintance I did not have, but who was only five years older than your humble narrator; & Mike Papa, a pal & brother Knight from a large, friendly clan, cornerstones of the parish. News & rumors have also been swirling around of other deaths within the broader circle of friends, acquaintances, & fellow parishioners.

For my part, I blow a raspberry at death, offering as a Bronx cheer the words of Saint Paul (25 January, 29 June) from his First Letter to the Corinthians (chapter fifteen, himself quoting the prophet Hosea):

⁵⁴ And when this which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility & this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about:

"Death is swallowed up in victory.
⁵⁵ Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Welcome to Ordinary Time

'Tis the feast of Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop (circa 333-395): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '16. Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

The son of two saints, Basil (the Elder) & Emmilia (jointly 30 May), young Gregory was raised by his older brother, Saint Basil the Great (2 January), & his sister, (Saint) Macrina (the Younger, 19 July), in modern-day Turkey. Gregory's success in his studies suggested great thigns were ahead for him. After becoming a professor of rhetoric, he was persuaded to devote his learning & efforts tot eh Church. By then married, Gregory went on to study for the priesthood & became ordained (this at a time when celibacy was not a matter of law for priests). He was elected Bishop of Nyssa in 372, a period of great tension over the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Briefly arrested after being falsely accused of embezzling Church funds, Gregory was restored to his see in 378, an act met with great joy by his people.

The good folks at Holy Family have also seen fit to publish a wee hagiography of St. Gregory Nazianzen (2 January)—oddly, listing 14 January as his feast day—having only hagiographied St. Basil the Great on their shared feast day. For my part, I have updated the appropriate BLACK MAMBA post: Wayback Machine '17.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Agatho, Pope (died 681), seventy-ninth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter two, verses five thru twelve;
or, the Letter to the Hebrews, chapter one, verses one thru six & chapter two, verses five thru twelve;
Psalm Eight, verses two(a,b) & five thru nine;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-one thru twenty-eight;
or, the Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses fourteen thru twenty-eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Real Can of Yams, "A Man, a Plan, a Canal, Panama" from Good or Suck! (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: I'm always slightly hesitant to pick as the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. a song in which I had a hand creating, either writing lyrics or playing my "hacksophone," but I awoke this morning with "A Man, a Plan, a Canal, Panama" dancing through my head & that is both my favorite & by far the best method for selecting the R.B.D.S.O.T.D.

"A man, a plan, a canal—Panama!
I miss my home and my dear old ma.
I like my job but I miss my bed.
I think a spider laid eggs in my head!
A man, a plan, a canal—Panama!
'I sure am proud of you, Son,' wrote my ma…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day

Sarah Blasko, "Spanish Ladies" via iTunes (from the Turn: Washington's Spies—Original Soundtrack, Season 1 E.P.) (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary:

"And let every man drink of his full bumper,
And let every man drink of his full glass,
We'll drink and be jolly, and drown melancholy,
And here's to the health of each true-hearted lass.

"We'll rant and we'll roar like true British sailors,
We'll rant and we'll roar along the salt seas
Until we strike soundings in the Channel of old England,
From Ushant to Scilly 'tis thirty-five leagues."

Project BLACK MAMBA: Baptism of the Lord

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry. This event is described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, & Luke. John's gospel does not directly describe Jesus's baptism. Along with the crucifixion of Jesus, most biblical scholars view it as one of the two historically certain facts about Him, & often use it as the starting point for the study of the historical Jesus.

The cover of the seasonal Missalette given me as part of my jail ministry (running from 27 November 2016 thru 28 February 2017, the First Sunday of Advent thru to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent) depicts not the Nativity, not the visit of the Magi, but today's feast, the baptism of the Lord Jesus by St. John the Baptist (24 June, 29 August).

'Tis also the feast of Saint Peter of Sebaste, Bishop & Abbot (circa 340-391): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Adrian of Canterbury, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 635-710): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Berhtwald, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died 731): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-two, verses one thru four, six, & seven;
or, the Acts of the Apostles, chapter ten, verses thirty-four thru thirty-eight;
Psalm Twenty-nine, verses one thru four, nine, & ten;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter three, verses thirteen thru seventeen.

The Explorers' Club, № DXXXI

Operation AXIOM: The World War
9 January 1917: The Battle of Rafa—The newly-formed Desert Column (British & A.N.Z.A.C. troops) encircled & subsequently overran the Ottoman fortifications near Rafa, on the frontier between the Sultanate of Egypt & the Ottoman Empire, expelling the Central Powers from the Sinai Peninsula & opening the way for the Entente Powers' advance into Ottoman Palestine.

Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Epiphany of the Lord

'Tis the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: Epiphany-link, Wikipedia-link Epiphany, & Wikipedia-link Magi.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Feast day that celebrates the revelation of God in His Son as human in Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally (but not solely) the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, & thus Jesus's physical manifestation to the gentiles.

Otherwise, 8 January would be the feast of Saint Apollinaris Claudius, Bishop (died circa 175, A.K.A. of Hierapolis, the Apologist): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the feast of Saint Lawrence Giustiniani, Bishop (circa 1381-1456): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty, verses one thru six;
Psalm Seventy-two, verses one, two, seven, eight, & ten thru 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.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Epiphany

Barenaked Ladies featuring Sarah McLachlan, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings" from Barenaked for the Holidays (The Last Wise Man)

Commentary: In the five years I've been keeping records of the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. festival of secular & sacred Christmas music, this is the most oft-repeated songs, chosen in three out of the five years. I apologize for nothing! Sarah McLachlan's voice is achingly beautiful throughout.

"God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born upon this day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.

"O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

"From God our Heavenly Father
This blessed angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.

"O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

"O star of wonder, star of night!
Star with royal beauty bright!
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

"Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign!

"O star of wonder, star of night!
Star with royal beauty bright!
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

"Glorious now, behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Worship Him, God Most High!…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, Priest, O.P. (circa 1175-1275, Anglicized Penyafort): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

A Spanish Dominican friar in the thirteenth century, he compiled the Decretals of Gregory IX, a collection of canon laws that remained a major part of Church law until the twentieth century. He is honored as the patron saint of lawyers, especially canon lawyers.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

In his early thirties he earned a doctorate in both canon & civil law. At forty-one he became a Dominican. Pope Gregory IX called him to Rome to work for him & to be his confessor. One of the things the pope asked him to do was to gather together all the decrees of popes & councils that had been made in [the] eighty years since a similar collection by Gratian. Raymond compiled five books called the Decretals. They were looked upon as one of the best-organized collections of Church law until the 1917 codification of canon law.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Lucian of Antioch, Priest & Martyr (circa 240-312), martyred in the reign of the emperor Maximinus II: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Kentigerna, Anchoress (died 734, A.K.A. Caintigern): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter five, verses fourteen thru twenty-one;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-nine, verses one thru six(a) & nine(b);
The Gospel according to John, chapter two, verses one thru eleven;

or, for St. Raymond:
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter five, verses fourteen thru twenty;
Psalm One Hundred Three, verse one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses thirty-five thru forty.

Individual Reading
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter ten (verses one thru twenty-three);
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter eleven (verses one thru twenty-one);
The Book of Amos, chapter five (verses one thru twenty-seven);
The Book of Amos, chapter six (verses one thru fourteen);
The Book of Malachi, chapter two, verses ten thru seventeen.

Commentary: God's Glory Leaves Jerusalem (Ezekiel, 10, inclusive), Judgment of the Princes (11:1-13) & Restoration of the Exiles (11:14-21); Third Word (Amos, 5:1-9), First Woe (5:10-17), Second Woe (5:18-27), & Third Woe (6, inclusive); & Sins of the People (Malachi, 2:10-17).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 14th Day of Christmas

London Brass, "The First Nowell" from Christmas with London Brass (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: "Ye olde" English spellings such as nowell are ever so delightfully charming!

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide Daily Double

Commentary: 5 January is the Twelfth Day of Christmas, or Twelfth Night, before the traditional observance of Epiphany on 6 January. The American bishops, in their wisdom, have moved the observance of many such holy days & observances to the nearest convenient Sunday, so as to encourage more of the faithful to observe the observance; thus, Epiphany can be celebrated on any Sunday betwixt 2 January & 8 January. Last year, 2016, Epiphany was celebrated on Sunday, 3 January. This year, due to Christmas Day itself falling on a Sunday, we have the longest possible Christmastide—Epiphany being celebrated on Sunday, 8 January—just as previously we had the longest possible Advent. You know what that means? Extra days of Christmas! Bonus Christmas! You're welcome.

Friday, 6 January is the Optional Memorial of Saint André Bessette, Religious, C.S.C. (1845-1937): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

More commonly known as Brother André, & since his canonization as Saint André of Montreal, was a lay brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross & a significant figure of the Roman Catholic Church among French-Canadians, credited with thousands of reported miraculous healings.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

At twenty-five, André applied for entrance into the 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, & messanger. "When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door, & I remained forty years," he said.

Today is the Optional Memorial of St. André Bessette in the United States; interestingly, in his native Canada, St. André's feast day is tomorrow, 7 January, & is an obligatory Memorial.

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

'Tis also the feast of Saint Peter of Canterbury, Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 614): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter five, verses five thru thirteen;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-seven, verses twelve thru 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 twenty-eight;
or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter three, verses twenty-three, thirty-one thru thirty-four, thirty-six, & thirty-eight;

or, for St. André:
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.

* * * * *

Friday, 30 December was the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph: J.M.J.-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. The Feast of the Holy Family is usually celebrated on the first Sunday following Christmas; however, in years such as 2016 when Christmas Day itself falls on a Sunday, so that the following Sunday is 1 January, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the Feats of the Holy Family is celebrated on 30 December.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Egwin of Evashem, Bishop, O.S.B. (died 717, A.K.A. of Worcester): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed Margaret Colonna, Abbess, O.S.C. (circa 1255-1284): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Sirach, chapter three, verses two thru six;
or, the Letter to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru twenty-one,
(or, the Letter to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru seventeen);
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight, verses one thru five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter two, verses thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, & nineteen thru twenty-three.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 13th Day of Christmas

Daniel Schmit, Mike Hilliker, & Tara Phillip, "Angels We Have Heard On High" from Christmas Hope (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary:

"Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!"

Project GLOWWORM

This afternoon, I disappointed a beautiful girl simply by being myself.

The phrase "simply by being myself" is not a euphemism meant to describe a situation wherein I caused disappointment through any social faux pas or malapropism; nae, I disappointed by the essential fact of my existence, that is, my not being someone else.

I pulled the Malibu Stacy, the Grandson of the Mousemobile into the filling station intent on purchasing a Red Bull, maneuvered around the open manhole—demarcated by an orange traffic cone—& encountered the cute blonde cashier standing outside, smoking a cigarette. She threw her hands up in excitement, making with her hands a sign I did not recognize. I parked the Malibu Stacy & walked into the filling station. She greeted me with a "Hey" that trailed off into disappointment as she realized I was not whom she thought I was. I apologized for not being whom she was expecting, but she dismissed it as a trifle, explaining in incomplete sentences that I sport "the same facial hair" as another bloke, a regular of the filling station/Kwik-E-Mart whose purchase of an unspecified item is cause for a minor celebration with the aforementioned raising of hands into an unfamiliar gesture. Whom am I to compete with that?

After I handed her the necessary greenbacks, I dug in my pocket for a coin & she pondered aloud that there might well be the requisite nine cents in the take-a-penny-leave-a-penny tray. My digging was rewarded by the furnishing of a quarter; I kept the nickel & dime & added the penny to the tray. I greatly prefer to leave a penny rather than to take a penny.

As I type these lines, my belly is full with the reheated dinner of pork chop, mashed potatoes, green peas, & milk upon which I dined when at last I returned home from back-to-back Knights of Columbus meetings, & I am savoring the last of the New Year's Eve sparkling wine—'tis Italian, not French, so it's not champagne. Life is good.

She really was quite beautiful.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide Daily Double

Thursday, 5 January is the Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop, C.Ss.R. (1811-1860): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

John Nepomucene Neumann, C.Ss.R., was a Catholic priest from Bohemia. He immigrated to the United States in 1836, joined the Redemptorist order, & became the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. He is the first United States bishop 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.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Telesphorus, Pope & Martyr (died circa 137), eighth Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperor Hadrian: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Simeon Stylites the Elder, Hermit (circa 390-459): 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) thru five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses forty-three thru fifty-one;

or, for St. John:
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.

* * * * *

Thursday, 29 December was the Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr (1118-1170): Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He engaged in conflict with Henry II, King of England, over the rights & privileges of the Church.

St. Thomas Becket is the patron of secular clergy, those clerics who are not members of religious institutes, e.g., the Dominicans, the Redemptorists, etc. My aim is to be a diocesan priest, which would make me secular clergy; so, I should acquire the habit of praying for his intercession on behalf of my vocation.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed William Howard, Martyr (1614-1680), 1st Viscount Stafford, martyred in the reign of the king Charles II, a victim of the perjurer Titus Oates's "Popish Plot" hoax: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses three thru eleven;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one, two, three, & five(b) thru six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru thirty-five.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 12th Day of Christmas

Sufjan Stevens featuring Marla Hansen, "Coventry Carol" from Silver & Gold (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: "Coventry Carol" is such an innocuous name. Let us never forget the horror of the Massacre of the Innocents.

The Queue

I failed in my ambition to rediscover Rediscover Jesus during Advent/before Christmas, not finishing the fortieth chapter by Christmas Eve, but I've now dusted it off. Like Rediscover Jesus, Resisting Happiness is branded as part of Dynamic Catholic's "Best Lent Ever" program & will serve as the basis of the 2017 Lenten daily video program. I'm not going to read Resisting Happiness before Lent, but will explore it day by day through the season. Neither my mother nor I were particularly pleased with 2016's "Best Advent Ever" video offerings (both of us agreed that our time had been wasted); so, here's hoping for better things from 2017's "Best Lent Ever."

Also, it is a goal of mine to read Belloc's How the Reformation Happened this year, which marks the five hundredth anniversary of the Lutheran revolt, A.K.A. the Protestant Reformation, a massive outbreak of heresy that has lead directly to the atheism so prevalent in these latter days.

Recently
John U. Bacon, Endzone: The Rise, Fall, & Return of Michigan Football
John U. Bacon, Three and Out: Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines in the Crucible of College Football
Matthew Kelly, Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation

Currently
Pope Francis, Amoris Lætitia (The Joy of Love) ***back to the salt mines***

Presently
Norman Davies, Vanished Kingdoms: The Rise and Fall of States and Nations ***paused***
Matthew Kelly, Resisting Happiness
Richard Price, Clockers
Sir Richard Francis Burton, translator, "Sinbad the Sailor" from The Arabian Nights
Sir Ernest Shackleton, South: A Memoir of the Endurance Voyage
Hilaire Belloc, How the Reformation Happened
William F. Buckley Jr., The Unmaking of a Mayor
Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism
Margaret MacMillan, Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide Daily Double

Wednesday, 4 January is the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious, S.C. (1774-1821), foundress of the Sisters of Charity, part of the Sisters of Charity Federation in the Vincentian-Setonian Tradition: Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.C.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, S.C., 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 4 January 1821, & became the first American-born citizen to be beatified (1963) & then canonized (1975). She is buried in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Áedh of Kildare, Bishop & Abbot (died circa 639, A.K.A. Aidus, Áed Dub mac Colmáin): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Rigobert of Reims, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died 743): Saint-link & 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;

or, for St. Elizabeth:
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.

* * * * *

Wednesday, 28 December was the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs: Martyrs-link ūnus, Martyrs-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

King Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem, so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Hryhoriy Khomyshyn, Bishop & Martyr (1867-1947), martyred in the reign of the general secretary Joseph Stalin: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter of John, chapter one, verse five thru chapter two, verse two;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-four, verses two thru five & seven(c,d) thru eight;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter two, verses thirteen thru eighteen.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 11th Day of Christmas

TobyMac featuring Leigh Nash, "Christmas This Year" via iTunes, (free) Single of the Week (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: I will never say that I don't love Leigh Nash's lovely, highly idiosyncratic voice.

"Holy, holy, holy,
God is coming near,
Unto us a Savior's born,
On a midnight clear…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide Daily Double

Tuesday, 3 January is the Optional Memorial of The Most Holy Name of Jesus: Holy Name-link ūnus, Holy Name-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Christ's name is chosen in heaven, & the Angel Gabriel announces it when he informs the Blessed Virgin of the Incarnation: "Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb & shalt bring forth a son, & thou shalt call his name Jesus." The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. "In the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, & under the earth" (Philippians, 2:10).

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

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) thru six;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-four;

or, for the Holy Name:
The Book of Exodus, chapter three, verses eleven thru fifteen;
Psalm One Hundred Thirteen, verse two;
The Gospel according to John, chapter fourteen, verses six thru fourteen.

* * * * *

Tuesday, 27 December was the Feast of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist (first century): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, Wikipedia-link Apostle, Wikipedia-link Evangelist, & Wikipedia-link Revelator.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

His is the name traditionally given to the author of the Gospel of John. The Apostle John was an historical figure, one of the "pillars" of the Jerusalem church after Jesus's death. He was one of the original twelve apostles & is thought to be the only one to have lived into old age & not be killed for his faith.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Maximus of Alexandria, Bishop (died 282): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twas also the feast of Saints Theodorus of Apamea, Martyr, & Theophanes of Nicaea, Bishop (circa 775-842 & circa 778-845), the Grapti ("written upon," i.e. branded), martyred in the reign of the emperor Theophilos: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link Bros., Saint-link & Wikipedia-link Bishop.

Commentary: As tragic as martyrdom is under all circumstances, it is especially poignant when it comes at the hands of fellow, heretical Christians in the murderous service of their heresy.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter of John, chapter one, verses one thru fourteen;
Psalm Ninety-seven, verses one, two, five, six, eleven, & twelve;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty, verses one(a) & two thru eight.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 10th Day of Christmas

Duvall, "Light of the Stable" from O Holy Night (The Last Jolly Man)

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 9th Day of Christmas

Relativity, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" from Joy to the World! (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: To my surprise & annoyance, around the parish I am often told that I am a good singer, which I am very clearly not. My brother, now there's a singer! Today's R.B.D.S.O.T.D. is proof.

"God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray:

"O tiding of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

"In Bethlehem, in Jury,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn,
To which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn.

"O tiding of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

"From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.

"O tiding of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

"The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm, and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
The Son of God to find.

"O tiding of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Joy!
Joy!
Joy!"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide Daily Double

Monday, 2 January is the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianen, Bishops & Doctors of the Church (circa 329-379, A.K.A. of Caesarea; circa 329-390, A.K.A. of Nazianzus): Doctor-link Bravo ūnus, Doctor-link Bravo duo, & Wikipedia-link Bravo; Doctor-link Golf November ūnus, Doctor-link Golf November duo, & Wikipedia-link Golf November.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Basil was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Cred & opposed the heresies of the early Christian church. He was known for his care of the poor & underprivileged.

Gregory, a fourth-century Archbishop of Constantinople, & theologian; he is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. He made significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek- & Latin-speaking theologians & is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian."

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

After studying various modes of religious life, [Basil] 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 [on] Eastern monasticism today was… as an orator. Though not recognized greatly in his lifetime, his writings rightly placing 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."

After his baptism at [age] thirty, Gregory gladly accepted his friend Basil's invitation to join him in a newly founded monastery. The solitude was broken when Gregory's father, a bishop, needed help in his diocese & estate. It seesm that Gregory was ordained a priest practically by force & only reluctantly accepted the responsibility. He skillfully avoided a schism that threatened when his own father made compromises with Arianism. At forty-one, Gregory was chosen suffragan bishop of Caesarea & at once came into conflict with Valens, the emperor, who supported the Arians.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Mainchín of Limerick, Bishop (seventh century, A.K.A. Munchin): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

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 thru four;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses nineteen thru twenty-eight;

or, for Ss. Basil & Gregory:
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter four, verses one thru seven;
Psalm Twenty-three, verse one;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-three, verses eight thru twelve.

* * * * *

Monday, 26 December was the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr & Deacon (first century), martyred in the reign of the emperor Tiberius: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

A deacon in the early Church at Jerusalem, he aroused the enmity of members of various synagogues by his teachings. Accused of blasphemy, at his trial he made a long speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him & was then stoned to death.

'Twas also the feast of Saint Zosimus, Pope (died 418), forty-first Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter six, verses eight, nine, & ten & chapter seven, verses fifty-four thru fifty-nine;
Psalm Thirty-one, verses three(c) thru four, six, eight(a,b), sixteen(b,c), & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.

The Explorers' Club, № DXXX

Operation AXIOM: The World War
Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin (1869-1916), Russian mystic & preeminent advisor to the Russian imperial family—even on the conduct of the war—due to his reputation as a faith healer of the young crown prince (Tsesarevich), Alexei; elaborately murdered at the Moika Palace in Petrograd (pre-war St. Petersburg) by a conspiracy led by Prince Felix Yusupov (1887-1967) on 30 December 1916.

Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Mary, the Holy Mother of God

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

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Were 1 January not a Sunday, 'twould also be the feast of Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi, Priest, C.R. (1649-1713): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings
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.

Mass Matters
2016 was the first year since 2010 in which I attended fewer Masses than the preceding year, but given the unprecedented frequency with which I attended Mass in that preceding year, 2015, I do not think this alone is reason enough to panic about the state of my immortal soul, not yet. I did not attend Mass on every Sunday of 2016, though on the two or three Sundays I missed I still met my obligation by attending the Saturday vigil Mass (which is Sunday, liturgically speaking). The Summer of '16 was rough; I found myself under diabolical attack & my daily Mass attendance suffered as a result; that forms a vicious cycle, because the sicker one feels the less likely one is to go to Mass, the very thing that could help one heal. I hope for better things in 2017, including admission into the seminary, God willing.

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

Mass Journal: Week 1
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

There are 1.2 billion Catholics in the world. There are sixty-seven million Catholics in America—that's at least fifteen million more than it takes to elect an American president. And every single day the Catholic Church feeds, houses, & clothes more [persons]; takes care of more sick [persons]; visits more prisoners; & educates more [persons] than any other institution on the face of the earth could ever hope to.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 8th Day of Christmas

Daniel Schmit, "Hail Mary" from Advent: A Season of Hope (The Last Jolly Man)

Bonus! Song of New Year's Eve

Betty Wand, Hermione Gingold, Leslie Caron, & Louis Jordan, "The Night They Invented Champagne" via iTunes (from Gigi: Music from the Original Motion Picture) (The Last Tipsy Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Octave of the Nativity

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, Pope (died 335), thirty-third Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He became pope in the era of Constantine the Great, when the public position of the Church so greatly improved, it is consequently to be regretted that there is so little authoritative information concerning Sylvester's pontificate.

'Tis also the feast of Saint John Francis Regis, Priest, S.J. (1597-1640): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: From the good old days on the collegiate debate circuit, I'm pals with a professor & several alumni from Regis University in Denver, named in the the saint's honor. Alas, Regis is one of those "Catholic" universities that has been seduced by worldly honors & prestige (Jesuit institutions have proved especially vulnerable to this seduction), turning its back on Christ & His Church, regarding the "Land o' Lakes Statement" as being more authoritative than Ex Corde Ecclesiae. St. Regis deserves better from his namesake; St. Regis, pray for your namesake!

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses eighteen thru twenty-one;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one, two, eleven, twelve, & thirteen;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses one thru eighteen.

Also, here is a brief article from the National Catholic Register explaining the beauty of celebrating the entire Christmastide, of not succumbing to the secular, commercialized silliness that pretends Christmas is over on 26 December: Six Days within Christmas-link.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of New Year's Eve

Sufjan Stevens, "Auld Lang Syne" from Silver & Gold (The Last Auld Man)

Commentary: I know many shall say "Good riddance!" to the Year of Our Lord 2016, but let us not pretend it was all bad. Think upon your days—was there no joy to be found? Was there no company of kith & kin to enjoy? Where there no arts to appreciate? No food & drink to satisfy? As we welcome the Year of Our Lord 2017, let us look back in clear-eyed gratitude for what yesterday has given us & look forward in adamant determination to an even better tomorrow.

"Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?

"For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne!
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne."

The Victors: Orange Bowl Aftermath

(№ 11) Florida State 33-32 Michigan (№ 6)
10-3, B1G 7-2

I've said it before & I live in genuine dread that I'll have to say it again, but Michigan will never win another game with Wilton Speight as our starting quarterback. He played horribly in the first three quarters, missing open receiver after open receiver, so that by the time we mounted a comeback, it was too high a mountain to climb.

We lost three out of our last four games, to end 2016 as total failures. We lost all three games in which we wore those stupid white pants. Real men wear yellow pants!

Go Blue!

Bonus! Song of the Day: Go Blue!

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

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 6th Day of Christmas

Daniel Schmit, "Joseph's Song" from Christmas Hope (The Last Jolly Man)

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 5th Day of Christmas

London Brass, "Away in a Manger" from Christmas with London Brass (The Last Jolly Man)

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 4th Day of Christmas

Sarah McLachlan, "Silent Night" via iTunes, (free) Holiday Sampler (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary:

"Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven above,
Heavenly hosts sing 'Alleluia!
'Christ the Savior is born!
'Christ the Savior is born!'…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 3rd Day of Christmas

David Archuleta, "Joy to the World" via iTunes, (free) Single of the Week (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: The music of this rendition of "Joy to the World" is pop schlock, but the the words are majestic & beautiful & Archuleta is an able singer.

"Joy to the world,
The Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her king,
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing.

"Joy to the world,
The Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy…

"He rules the world
With truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love…"

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the 2nd Day of Christmas

The Irish Rovers, "Good King Wenceslas" via iTunes (from An Irish Christmas) (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: 26 December is not the feast of Saint Wenceslas (that's on 28 September, when the weather is usually balmy), 'tis the feast of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr. So why is "Good King Wenceslas" traditionally chosen as the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. on the second day of Christmas? So glad you asked!

"Good king Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay all about deep and crisp and even…"

But that's not all. "Good King Wenceslas" is a beautiful carol for this blessed time of year due to the message it imparts to all who have ears to hear.

"…Therefore Christian men be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
He who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing!"

If you are reading these words, you have access to electricity & an incredible machine, a tool unimaginable to your grandparents in their youth. Ponder the many ways in which you have been blessed, both materially & spiritually, & consider how you might aid those you are poorer than you.

The Explorers' Club, № DXXIX

Operation AXIOM: The World War
23-29 December 1916: The Christmas Battles—Imperial Russian infantry used surprise & the cover of a snowstorm to attack across the frozen Tīrelis swamp & breach the "German Wall" defensive line near Riga, seizing the Germans' strongest fortifications & taking over 1,000 prisoners; the offensive stalled when the 17th Siberian Regiment mutinied, presaging the coming February Revolution.

Commentary: Two years hence, In "The Explorers' Club" episode № CDXXIV, I described the "Christmas truce" of 1914 as "impromptu, unofficial, sporadic, & quite possibly the most fondly remembered episode of the whole awful war." It has been mythologized, possibly to an unhealthy degree. As a counterpoint, whenever you hear mention of the Christmas truce of 1914, remember the Christmas Battles of 1916: the Russians deliberately attacked at Christmas, when the Germans thought they'd be busy celebrating the holiday season.

The Latvian War Museum has preserved &/or restored much of the Tīrelis swamp & forest battlefield, available today for tours as the Museum of the Christmas Battles.

Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA: The Nativity of the Lord

'Tis the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas): Nativity-link ūnus, Nativity-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Nativity of the Lord—Night
The Book of Isaiah, chapter nine, verses one thru six;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one, two, three, eleven, twelve, & thirteen;
The Letter to Titus, chapter two, verses eleven thru fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses one thru fourteen;

Nativity of the Lord—Dawn
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses eleven & twelve;
Psalm Ninety-seven, verses one, six, eleven, & twelve;
The Letter to Titus, chapter three, verses four thru seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses fifteen thru twenty;

Nativity of the Lord—Day
The Book of Isaiah, chapter fifty-two, verses seven thru ten;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one thru six;
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter one, verses one thru six;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses one thru eighteen,
(or, the Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses one thru five & nine thru fourteen).

Due to joyous circumstances beyond our control, Project BLACK MAMBA will be offline 'til the Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, Saturday, 31 December, at the earliest.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of Christmas Day

The Klezmonauts, "Joy to the World" from Oy to the World! A Klezmer Christmas (The Last Jolly Man)

The Victors | Project OSPREY: Team 101

I did not see any of Team 101's, the 2016-2017 squad of valiant Wolverines, first six games; I could have seen at least some of them if I had made a more strenuous effort, but (a) there are many competing demands for a finite amount of time & (b) before Thanksgiving I devote most of my sports-allocated leisure time to football, without apology. Team 101 looks much the same as 2015-2016's Team 100, in part because now graduated seniors Caris LeVert & "Spike" Albrecht missed so much of their respectively senior years to injury. Albrecht, the last contributor from the Final Four appearance in 2013, is now a grad transfer playing at Purdue; LeVert is in the N.B.A., coming off the bench for Brooklyn. Three sophomores transferred to other schools & will thus be sitting out this season—damnatio memoriae.

For one week, the valiant Wolverines were ranked in the A.P. Top 25—tied for № 25 with Florida State after defeating Marquette & S.M.U. to win the 2K Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City. After the home loss to South Carolina, that was the end of that; the subsequent defeat by Virginia Tech in the B1G/A.C.C. Challenge seemed to confirm the voters' assessment that the valiant Wolverines are not quite ready for prime time. It's a long season, though, & the Michigan men could well fight their way back into the Top 25. The goal, however, is to be in the Top 64 come time for the "Big Dance," "March Madness." It's not even Christmas; still plenty of time to learn how to play together & win together as a team.

Tuesday, 6 December / Crisler Center
Michigan 53-50 Texas
7-2, B1G 0-0

The victory over Texas was a slog; it would have been unbearable in defeat. However, credit must go to the valiant Wolverines for grinding out the victory. While hardly world-beaters, the epithetless Longhorns are a respectable opponent & it was good to pull out a victory in a game that had so many apparent parallels to the Virginia Tech loss.

Saturday, 10 December @ Pauley Pavilion
(№ 2) U.C.L.A. 102-84 Michigan
7-3, B1G 0-0

The victory over Texas not not much fun to watch; the defeat at the hands of U.C.L.A. was a heck of a lot of fun to watch. The first half was a ridiculous track meet, both clubs running, both clubs raining downs threes, neither side giving much thought at all to defense. The scored was tied, 50-50, at the half. I was giggling throughout the first half, along with the broadcast team. In the second half, well, we just couldn't keep up with the epithetless Bruins' offensive mojo. U.C.L.A. won the back half 52-34. Normally, I would be tickled pink if the valiant Wolverines scored eighty-four points in any contest. (This may have been the first time in the Beilein era that Michigan scored eighty-plus points & lost.) I'm in no way happy with the defeat, but the simple fact is that we ran into a buzzsaw; U.C.L.A. is the real deal.

Tuesday, 13 December / Crisler Center
Michigan 97-53 Central Arkansas
8-3, B1G 0-0

The good news is that the valiant Wolverines didn't let the epithetless Bruins beat them twice; between the cross-time-zone travel & the presumably lower level of the competition, Central Arkansas could have been a trap game, but the Michigan men came out firing on all cylinders, the offense picking up where it had left off at halftime against U.C.L.A.

Saturday, 17 December / Crisler Center
Michigan 98-49 Maryland Eastern Shore
9-3, B1G 0-0

The valiant Wolverines could have easily surpassed one hundred points had not Coach Beilein cleared the bench, allowing the practice squad players to play the last few minutes of the rout. Even then, had a few more breaks fallen their way, even the scrubs might have topped a century. Games like these are fun if your club is the one piling on the points; I don't know how valuable they are as preparation for the crucible of B1G play that lies ahead, but everyone deserves a few wins over powderpuffs.

Thursday, 22 December / Crisler Center
Michigan 68-62 Furman
10-3, B1G 0-0

Furman is an entirely different beast than either Central Arkansas or Maryland Eastern Shore, but the game would not have been nearly so close had the valiant Wolverines gone stone-cold shooting the long ball. From the early first half 'til the dying minutes of the second, the Maize & Blue missed twelve consecutive three-point shots. Most of those were not contested shots, but wide open looks that were simply missed. The valiant Wolverines, as a club, had a bad case of the yips, & it almost cost them the game. By way of contrast, Michigan was a perfect eighteen of eighteen from the charity stripe. Senior guard Derrick Walton Jr. hit a three-pointer in the late going that felt like a drink of water to a man dying of thirst in the desert; it gave the valiant Wolverines a multi-possession lead that changed Furman's endgame, effectively sealing the hard-fought victory.

Next: The B1G season-opener, on the road @ Iowa. I've not seen the tenacious Hawkeyes play, but from what I've heard on B.T.N. (the Big Ten Network), Michigan @ Iowa could well be a defense-optional, Michigan-@-U.C.L.A.-style shootout, though one hopes with a happier outcome. Conference play: welcome to the meat grinder.

Go Blue!

Bonus! Song of the Day

Barenaked Ladies, "Hanukkah Blessings" from Barenaked for the Holidays (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: The interwebs tell me sunset today is at 5:05 P.M., signally the beginning of Hanukkah (as well as, liturgically, Christmas Day). While I shall persist in my Christian duty to pray for the conversion of the Jewish people, I also wish one & all a blessed Hanukkah.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the feast of Saint Gregory of Spoleto, Priest & Martyr (died circa 304), martyred in the reign of the emperor Diocletian: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Irmina of Oeren, Abbess, O.S.B. (died circa 710, A.K.A. of Trier): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Ss. Irmina & Adela were sisters, or possibly mother & daughter (?).

'Tis also the feast of Saint Adela of Pfalzel, Abbess, O.S.B. (died 735): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Advent Weekend
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(b) thru twelve, fourteen(a), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses two thru five, twenty-seven, & twenty-nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses sixty-seven thru seventy-nine;

Nativity of the Lord—Vigil
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses one thru five;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses four, five, sixteen, seventeen, twenty-seven, & twenty-nine;
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter thirteen, verses sixteen, seventeen, & twenty-two thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses one thru twenty-five,
(or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five).

The Rebel Black Dot Song of Christmas Eve

Nat King Cole, "O Holy Night" from Christmas with Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin (The Last Jolly Man)

Commentary: The power, the majesty of Cole's voice gets me every time.

Operation AXIOM

Happy Festivus! We here at The Secret Base are very excited about the looming Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord & the attendant, two-week Christmastide (Jesus is the reason for the season, after all. It's not just a snappy rhyme, it's also the truth.), but we would also be very curious to hear your stories of how the Festivus observance went in your home. Was the Airing of Grievances cathartic or instead of relieving did it exacerbate existing tensions? How many rounds were necessary for the completing of the Feats of Strength? Any Festivus miracles?

The Wayback Machine Tour of Festivus
Festivus '15

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest (1390-1473, A.K.A. John Cantius): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He distributed to the poor all the money & clothes he had, retaining only what was absolutely necessary to support himself. He slept little, & on the floor, ate very sparingly, & was a total abstainer from meant after he became a doctor. During this life he performed various miracles, which were multiplied after his death at his tomb. He was canonized by Clement XIII in 1767. The Roman Breviary distinguishes him with three hymns; he is the only confessor not a bishop who is thus honored.

.'Tis also the feast of Blessed Hartmann of Brixen, Bishop (circa 1090-1164): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint John Stone, Religious & Martyr, O.S.A. (died circa 1539), martyred in the reign of the king Henry VIII, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link XL.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Advent Weekday
The Book of Malachi, chapter three, verses one thru four, twenty-three, & twenty-four;
Psalm Twenty-five, verses four, five(a,b), eight, nine, ten, & fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-six;

or, for St. John:
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verses one thru five;
Psalm One Hundred Twelve, verse one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter six, verses twenty-seven thru thirty-eight.

Individual Reading
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter thirteen, verses fifty-four thru fifty-eight;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fourteen (verses one thru thirty-six).

Commentary: V. Jesus, the Kingdom, & the Church: The Rejection at Nazareth (13:54-58), Herod's Opinion of Jesus (14:1&2), the Death of John the Baptist (14:3-12), the Return of the Twelve & the Feeding of the Five Thousand (14:13-21), the Walking on the Water (14:22-33), & the Healings at Gennesaret (14:34-36).