Bonus! Song o' Christmas Eve

Daniel Schmit featuring Melanie Rea, "O Holy Night" from Christmas Hope (The Last Angry Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Fourth Sunday of Advent

'Tis the Fourth Sunday of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(b) thru twelve, fourteen(a), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses two & three, four & five, twenty-seven, & twenty-nine;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-five, twenty-six, & twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight.

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

Friends, our Gospel today introduces the most elevated creature: Mary, the Mother of God. The Church Fathers often made a connection between Eve, the mother of all the living, and Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. In fact, they saw her as "the new Eve," the one who undid the damage done by Eve.

The angel’s greeting to Mary is important here: "Hail Mary, full of grace." Mary is greeted as someone who is able to accept gifts. Eve and Adam grasped; Mary is ready to receive. And Mary’s reply is also significant: "How is this possible, for I do not know man?" There is nothing cowed about Mary.

The angel explains to Mary: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…" At the heart of the spiritual life is the conviction that your life is not about you. The real spiritual life is about allowing oneself to be overwhelmed by the one who loves us. Mary is someone who is ready for the impossible, and this makes her the paradigm of discipleship. "Let it be done to me according to thy word." That’s an acquiescence to adventure.

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

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.

Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas): 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 to 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).

Commentary: Video reflection by Jeff Lesnefsky (Redeemed Online): uCatholic.

Mass Journal: Week 52
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

Does it not strike you as a great poverty of leadership that here in America we cannot put one person on the evening ews who can be acknowledged by Americans from coast to coast as a Catholic leader? Where is the "someone" who speaks for us? It is true that occasionally a bishop or cardinal effectively harnesses the media in his diocese & establishes a vibrant identity as a Catholic leader in his geographic area. It is also true that some lay Catholics who occupy positions of prominence in the business world, the entertainment world, or the political realm have successfully established a Catholic identity in different ways. But we have no national figures, not within the clergy & not among the laity. Does that not strike you as a massive poverty of leadership? Where is the Catholic leader who can speak to the people of our time in ways that are bold, brilliant, logical, articulate, & inspiring?

Commentary: Not to be argumentative, but since this week's reflection ends on an uncharacteristically down note, might I suggest Bishop Barron as at least a partial answer to Mr. Kelly's questions?

Video #1—Word on Fire, "Ethos"

Video #2—Word on Fire, "Testimony"

Otherwise, 24 December would be the festival of Saint Gregory of Spoleto, Priest & Martyr (died circa 304), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux, Bishop (died circa 403): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link (list).

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

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

Commentary: Our sources vary as to whether Ss. Irmina & Adela were sisters or mother & daughter. Another year has shed no additional light on their relationship.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Christ has no body now but yours."
—St. Teresa of Ávila, Doctor of the Church (15 October)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
A wee backlog of episodes due to the confluence of a busy posting schedule (we're good like that) & my last week-plus (nine days, 15-23 December) being spent traveling, with family, or traveling with family, to the detriment/deferral of BLACK MAMBA. Enjoy the smorgasbord!

The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday: "Ask a Stupid Question about Mary"

The Popish Plot—Scriptural Saturday: "It All Fits Together" + Bonus Episode: "His Name Is John"

The Popish Plot—Saintly Sunday: "Santa Stories, Part 1"

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 4th Sunday of Advent

Daniel Schmit & co., "Prepare the Way (Darell Evans Version)" from Advent: A Season of Hope (The Last Angry Man)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

She & Him, "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" from A Very She & Him Christmas (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary:

"Although it's been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you!"

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Susan Egan, "All Those Christmas Clichés" from Winter Tracks (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary:

"I've spend Christmas in Peoria,
Christmas in Schenectady,
Christmas in Las Vegas & L.A.,
And I always thought it couldn't matter less,
But lately, come December, I confess:

"I want a tree full of toys & tinsel,
I want a wreath on a red front door,
I want the elves in the yard
And each sentimental card
Dripping glitter on the floor.
I want a roof full of plywood reindeer,
I want a road full of horse-drawn sleighs,
All those Christmas clichés.

"I want to turkey with all the trimmings,
The turkey Mom hardly ever made,
I want the gulp & the tear
At the moment when I hear
Johnny Mathis being played.
I want a lake full of perfect skaters,
I want that fruitcake with sugar glaze,
All those Christmas clichés.

"Not to mention the snow,
Not to mention the choir,
Not to mention the candles in the window
And chestnuts roasting on the fire.

"Inside a house full of noise & laughter,
Along a street bathed in twinkling light,
I want the bells & the drums,
Mistletoe & sugar plums,
And kids to tuck in tight.
And as to the guy in the bright, red outfit,
Instead of flying off, he stays,
All those Christmas clichés.

"I want those overused, corny,
Endlessly lovely
Christmas clichés."

The Explorers' Club, № DLXXXIX

Operation AXIOM: The World War
20-21 December 1917: The Battle of Jaffa—At night, in the dark, amid heavy rainfall, British forces forded the Auju River (A.K.A. the Yarkon River), established a bridgehead, & at bayonet point forced an Ottoman withdrawal; the mud foiled any British pursuit; Jaffa itself had been taken the month before (16 November), but Ottoman artillery had remained within range to render the port unusable.

Lest we forget.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Sufjan Stevens, "Get Behind Me, Santa!" from Songs for Christmas (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary:

"Take it easy, what you got to be so absurd?
You make it sound like Christmas is a four-letter word,
It's a fact of life whether you like it or not,
So put your hands together & give it a shot.

"I hope that you take it to heart, boy,
It's Christmas time, ain't no clowning around,
And if you think you got something to prove, boy,
Santa Claus is coming to town…"

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

"Weird Al" Yankovic, "The Night Santa Went Crazy" from Bad Hair Day (The Last Angry Grinch)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

The Ninjas, "Codename: Christmas" from Platypus (The Last Angry Grinch)

Skammentary:

"There's this thing about you that I don't understand,
It seems to happen 'round this time of year,
Even though you're wonderful, I guess we disagree,
'Cause you say you lack the Christmas cheer.

"Well, I don't know how to write
Like I wish that I could do,
I don't know how to dance,
But I'll do it anyways for you,
I'll do it anyways for you…"

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Real Can of Yams, "Christmas Should be Lasting All Year Long" (live, recorded 30 December 2004) (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary:

"Christmas equals happiness,
I can't believe it's here,
But if Christmas equals happiness,
Then why is it once a year?

"It's Christmas time,
You're on my mind,
I can do no wrong!
I wish this could last,
It goes by so fast,
Christmas should last all year long!

"It's Christmas time,
You're on my mind,
I can do no wrong!
I wish this could last,
It goes by so fast,
(And that's why I believe,)
Christmas should last all year long!
(Christmas should last all year!)
Christmas should be lasting all year long!
I'm talking about Christmas!

"Thank you! We're Real Can of Yams, we love you!"

The Explorers' Club, № DLXXXVIII

Operation AXIOM: The World War—The Russian Revolution, Part VII
17 December 1917: A thirty-day armistice between the Central Powers & Bolshevik-led Russia, agreed on 15 December, came into effect, providing for a commission to be set up to restore postal & trade relations, & for negotiations to continue on a permanent peace treaty; Vierbund forces remained at-the-ready along the front, not yet able to be withdrawn & redeployed to the Western Front.

Lest we forget.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Third Sunday of Advent

'Tis the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Gaudete.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Third Sunday of Advent
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-one, verses one, two(a), ten & eleven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses forty-six, forty-seven, & forty-eight; forty-nine & fifty; & fifty-three & fifty-four;
The First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter five, verses sixteen thru twenty-four;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses nineteen thru twenty-eight.

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

Friends, today's Gospel presents John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way for Jesus. John speaks: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.'" He is saying that his job is to prepare for the mighty coming of the Lord. He is to build the highway that will facilitate his arrival. A change is coming, a revolution is on the way, a disaster [the destruction of the old] is about to happen. Prepare the way of the Lord.

And what is the manner of preparation? It is a baptism of repentance. Baptism—an immersion in water—reminded first-century Jews of the exodus, passing through the Red Sea, leaving the ways of slavery behind. God would humble the powers of their time as he once humbled Egypt & Babylon.

And repentance? It simply means going beyond the mind that you have. How our minds are conditioned by the fallen world! How our expectations are shaped, stunted by what has gone before. It's time, John is saying, for a new mind, a new set of eyes, a new kind of expectation.

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

Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.

Mass Journal: Week 51
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

The early Church was unstoppable, & as far as I can tell, it was because they followed this simple strategy. They believed that the values & principles of the Gospel were the best way to live. They nurtured friendships. They were deeply committed to a life of prayer. They were courageous in telling their story. They were generous & welcoming. Friendship is the original model of evangelization, & it is the the model that will triumph in the modern context. Friendship establishes trust & mutual respect, which together bring about the openness & acceptance that give birth to vulnerable dialogue. Only then can we begin addressing the questions that every human heart longs to answer: Who am I? Where did I come from? What am I here for? How do I do it? Where am I going? Friendship is the key to evangelization.

Otherwise, 17 December would be the festival of Saint Lazarus of Bethany (floruit first century; A.K.A. of the Four Days, the Resurrected), a personal friend of Jesus: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Brother of Ss. Martha & Mary of Bethany [29 July].

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Judicaël, Religious (circa 590-658, also spelt Judhael, etc.), king of Domnonée: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Sturmi of Fulda, Priest & Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 705-779, also spelt Sturm), the "Apostle of the Saxons," founder of the Abbey of Fulda: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint John of Matha, Priest, O.SS.T. (circa 1160-1213), co-founder of the Trinitarians, formally the Order of the Most Holy Trinity & of the Captives: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link.

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

"If you wold rise, shun luxury, for luxury lowers & degrades."
—St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church (13 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 3rd Sunday of Advent

Daniel Schmit & co., "Prepare the Way (Charlie Hall Version)" from Advent: A Season of Hope (The Last Angry Man)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

The Chinkees, "Christmas" from Peace through Music (The Last Angry Grinch)

Skammentary:

"Sometimes Christmas isn't like T.V.,
Some kids got no presents under their tree,
Their plates are empty, they've nothing to eat,
Holidays just remind them of what they haven't got.

"That's why, now, sometimes Christmas hurts!
(Sometimes, sometimes Christmas hurts)
Sometimes Christmas hurts!
(Sometimes, sometimes Christmas hurts)
Sometimes Christmas hurts!
(Sometimes, sometimes Christmas hurts)
Sometimes Christmas hurts!
(Sometimes, sometimes Christmas hurts)…"

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Reel Big Fish, "Skank for Christmas" from the Happy Skalidays E.P. (The Last Angry Grinch)

Skammentary:

"I don't want to roast chestnuts on an open flame,
Silver bells & tinsel won't make my day,
I didn't hang up my stockings above the fireplace,
But I've got my dancing shoes on & I'm running in place,
Baby, it's cold outside, but don't worry,
Once we start dancing we'll be warm in a hurry.
Let's go!…

"And of course, when I say 'skank' I'm talking about the ska dance, & nothing else. Merry Christmas!"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor of the Church, O.C.D. (1542-1591), co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites, formally the Order of the Discalced Carmelites of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel: Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O.C.D.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

John of the Cross is known for his writings. Both his poetry & his studies on the growth of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature & one of the peaks of all Spanish literature.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Spyridon, Bishop (circa 270-348; of Cyprus, of Corfu, of Tremithus; A.K.A. the Wonder-Worker): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Folcwin, Bishop (died circa 855, of Thérouanne; also spelt Folquin, etc.): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Nimatullah Kassab, Priest, O.L.M. (1808-1858, A.K.A. Youssef Kassab): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Advent Weekday
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-one, verses thirteen thru twenty;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-five, verses one & nine, ten & eleven, & twelve & thirteen(a/b);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses eleven thru fifteen.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel affirms the greatness of John the Baptist. I think it’s fair to say that you cannot really understand Jesus without understanding John, which is precisely why all four Evangelists tell the story of the Baptist as a kind of overture to the story of Jesus.

John did not draw attention to himself. Rather, he presented himself as a preparation, a forerunner, a prophet preparing the way of the Lord. He was summing up much of Israelite history, but stressing that this history was open-ended, unfinished.

And therefore, how powerful it was when, upon spying Jesus coming to be baptized, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God." No first-century Israelite would have missed the meaning of that: behold the one who has come to be sacrificed. Behold the sacrifice, which will sum up, complete, and perfect the Temple. Moreover, behold the Passover lamb, who sums up the whole meaning of that event and brings it to fulfillment.

And this is why John says, "He must increase and I must decrease." In other words, the overture is complete; and now the great opera begins. The preparatory work of Israel is over, and now the Messiah will reign.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. John of the Cross
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter two, verses one thru ten(a);
Psalm Thirty-seven, verse thirty(a);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter fourteen, verses twenty-five thru thirty-three.

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

"Though the path is plain & smooth for men of good will, he who walks it will not travel far, & will do so only with difficulty, if he does not have good feet: that is, courage & a persevering spirit."
—St. John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church (14 December)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday: "The Adventure of Advent"

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Weezer, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" from iTunes Holiday Sampler (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary: You know, I don't think I've ever eaten figgy pudding. By contrast, I have been known, on occasion, to partake of a cup of good cheer.

"We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year!

"Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin,
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

"O, bring us a figgy pudding,
O, bring us a figgy pudding,
O, bring us a figgy pudding,
And a cup of good cheer!

"We won't go until we get some,
We won't go until we get some,
We won't go until we get some,
So bring some out here!

"We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year!"

[brief guitar solo]

"We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year!

"We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year!"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Advent | The Long Road Back
Tuesday, 12 December was the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (apparitions, 9-12 December 1531): Madonna-link ūna, Madonna-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Virgin of Guadalupe is considered the Patroness of Mexico & the Continental Americas; she is also venerated by Naive Americans, on the account of the devotion calling for the conversion of the Americas. Replicas of the tilma can be found in thousands of churches throughout the world, & numerous parishes bear her name. Due to a claim that her black girdle indicates pregnancy on the image, the Blessed Virgin Mary, under this title is popularly invoked as Patroness of the Unborn & a common image for the Pro-Life movement.

Video, procession for Our Lady of Guadalupe & reflection by Bishop Robert Barron: Word on Fire.

Video reflection by Matthew Leonard of Scott Hahn's St. Paul Center: Journey through Scripture.

Scripture of That Day
Mass Readings—Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Book of Zechariah, chapter two, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
or, the Book of Revelation, chapter eleven, verse nineteen(a) & chapter twelve, verses one thru six(a) & ten(a/b);
The Book of Judith, chapter thirteen, verses eighteen(b/c/d/e) & nineteen;
or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses forty-six & forty-seven;
(Optional*) The Letter to the Galatians, chapter four, verses four thru seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight;
or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru forty-seven.

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

Friends, today we celebrate the great feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. What followed the apparition of Mary at Tepeyac is one of the most astounding chapters in the history of Christian evangelism.

Though Franciscan missionaries had been laboring in Mexico for twenty years, they had made little progress. But within ten years of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, practically the entire Mexican people, nine million strong, had converted to Christianity. La Morena had proved a more effective evangelist than St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Patrick, and St. Francis Xavier combined! And with that great national conversion, the Aztec practice of human sacrifice came to an end. She had done battle with fallen spirits and had won a culture-changing victory for the God of love.

The challenge for us who honor her today is to join the same fight. We must announce to our culture today the truth of the God of Israel, the God of Jesus Christ, the God of nonviolence and forgiving love. And we ought, like La Morena, to be bearers of Jesus to a world that needs him more than ever.

Video reflection by Deacon Miguel Santos: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

*The optional Second Reading was read at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (Flint), from their bilingual Missalette, but is not even listed as an option in the monolingual Missalette used at Saint Matthew Catholic Church (Flint). At Our Lady of Guadalupe, the First Reading was in Spanish, the Psalm (the Magnificat) was sung in alternating Spanish & English, the Second Reading was in English, the Gospel was in Spanish, & the homily was delivered twice, first in Spanish & then in English.

'Twas also the festival of Saint Finnian of Clonard, Abbot (circa 470-552; also spelt Fionnán, etc.; Latinized as Vennianus, etc.), founder of Clonard Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey & Wikipedia-link Abbots.

'Twas also the festival of Blessed Pius Bartosik, Priest & Martyr, O.F.M. Conv. (1909-1941, A.K.A. Ludwik Bartosik), martyred in the reign of the Führer Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link CVIII.

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

"Moreover, Christians are born for combat, whereof the greater the vehemence, the more assured, God willing, the triumph: 'Have confidence; I have overcome the world' (John, 16:33)."
—Pope Leo XIII

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent, Late Edition

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin & Martyr (circa 283-304, of Syracuse), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duae, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Saint Lucy's Day & Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

A disappointed suitor accused Lucy of being Christian, & she was executed in Syracuse, Sicily. She is one of eight women who, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.

Wikipedia-link Canon of the Mass.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Elizabeth Rose, Abbess, O.S.B. (died circa 1130), foundress of the Sainte-Marie-du-Rozoy convent: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Antonio Grassi, Priest, C.O. (1592-1671, A.K.A. Vincenzo Grassi): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Advent Weekday
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty, verses twenty-five thru thirty-one;
Psalm One Hundred Three, verses one & two, three & four, & eight & ten;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses twenty-eight, twenty-nine, & thirty.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is not offering us one more philosophy of God. He is offering us the view from the inside of the Trinity. And that is why we should respond to his compelling invitation: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

What everyone wants is rest, but not in the sense of relaxation. Rest here means achievement of joy. The great illusion is that joy will come from filling up the ego with goods. In fact, it will come from emptying out, from turning one’s life over to the direction of God.

We also find in today’s Gospel those extraordinary words: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me." Jesus himself is bearing the yoke that he speaks of since he is yoked to the Father, doing only what he sees the Father doing. Jesus is, in his innermost nature, the one who listens and obeys.

What he is saying, therefore, is to stand next to him, just as one ox stands next to the other as they pull together. Just as Jesus is yoked to the Father, so we should be yoked to him, obeying him as he obeys the Father.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Lucy
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter ten, verse eleven thru chapter eleven, verse two;
Psalm Thirty-one, verse six;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses one thru thirteen.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly & patiently to improving yourselves & society, making the world more human & fraternal."
—Pope St. John Paul II (22 October)

The Queue

I've heard the basics of Dr. Scott Hahn's conversion story from several of his many lectures available on C.D. & other media, but it was illuminating to read his own blow-by-blow account, along with Mrs. Hahn's perspective, since they both "crossed the Tiber" from anti-Catholic Protestantism to Catholicism—from anti-scriptural schism to the one, holy, catholic, & apostolic Church founded by Christ in the foundation of the Apostles. I found the style of Rome Sweet Home more to my liking than that of Kevin Lowry's How God Hauled Me Kicking and Screaming into the Catholic Church, but found in both accounts parallels to my own journey from anonymous pew potato to parish council president, a man of some renown & influence in my parish—a happenstance that surprises no one more than yours truly. Still, the fact remains that my kith & kin whom I wish to draw back to Christ's Church aren't wayward evangelicals or Protestants, but agnostics & atheists ranging from indifferent to hostile. I shall have to read different books for counsel on how best to be God's instrument in their return to the Faith of their childhoods.

I'm not going to begin any new books 'til Advent has given way to the Christmastide. The rest of Advent is going to be so busy I'll barely have time to breathe, let alone read. It will be all I can manage to keep up with Beautiful Hope, if even that.

Recently
Kevin Lowry, How God Hauled Me Kicking and Screaming into the Catholic Church
Deacon Eugene Hausmann, Catholics Go by the Bible: Biblical Sources of Catholic Theology & Liturgy ***abandoned***
Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

Currently
Matthew Kelly & Co., Beautiful Hope: Finding Hope Every Day in a Broken World

Presently
Norman Davies, Vanished Kingdoms: The Rise and Fall of States and Nations ***paused***
Matthew Kelly, Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God's Dream for You
Sherry A. Weddell, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus
William E. Simon Jr., Great Catholic Parishes: How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive
Bishop Robert Barron, Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture
Mike Aquilina, Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers
Xavier Rynne, Vatican Council II
John W. O'Malley, What Happened at Vatican II
Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love)
Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity)
Richard Price, Clockers
Sir Richard Francis Burton, translator, "Sinbad the Sailor" from The Arabian Nights
Sir Ernest Shackleton, South: A Memoir of the Endurance Voyage
William F. Buckley Jr., The Unmaking of a Mayor
Margaret MacMillan, Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World
John le Carré, A Legacy of Spies

Bonus! Song o' the Day

The Puppini Sisters, "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" from Christmas with the Puppini Sisters (The Last Angry Man)

Commentary: The snow appears to have stopped, but all through the afternoon the wind blew & the snow fell & fell & fell, the first blizzard of the winter making the roads genuinely perilous.

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Gene Autry, "Frosty the Snowman" from Toys for Tots: 25 All-Time Christmas Favorites (The Last Angry Grinch)

Operation ÖSTERREICH

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in
Last weigh-in: 341.4.0 lbs
This weigh-in: 340.0 lbs.
Difference: -1.4 lbs.

Two records have been set this week: This is a third consecutive weekly weight drop, the first triple occurrence of the current series of weign-ins, & this week's weight marks a new low. Woo hoo!

I do not expect this laudable trend to continue over the next several weeks, as the holidays shift into high gear, but expectations have already been defied up to this point; so, it is not with any confidence that I predict what will happen next. Onward!

Bonus! Lied von ÖSTERREICH
"Weird Al" Yankovic, "The White Stuff" from Off the Deep End (The Last Angry Cookie Monster)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Michael Bublé, "Holly Jolly Christmas" from Christmas (The Last Angry Grinch)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Barenaked Ladies, "Carol of the Bells" from Barenaked for the Holidays (The Last Angry Grinch)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Damasus I, Pope (circa 305-384), thirty-seventh Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He presided over the Council of Rome of 382 that determined the canon, or official list, of Sacred Scripture. He spoke out against major heresies in the church & encouraged production of the Vulgate Bible with his support for St. Jerome [30 September].

Wikipedia-link Council of Rome & Wikipedia-link Vulgate.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Daniel the Stylite, Hermit (circa 409-493): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Stylite.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Arthur Bell, Priest & Martyr, O.F.M. (1590-1643), martyred under the auspices of the Roundhead Parliament, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

Commentary: The Parliamentarian ("Roundhead") side of the English Civil War (1642-1651) was composed of a broad coalition of factions, with political views ranging from constitutional monarchism to proto-anarchism & religious views ranging from Anglicanism to Presbyterianism to Puritanism. Puritans formed the core of the New Model Army & thus imposed their congregationalist view of church governance on the whole country after Parliament's victory & the execution of King Charles I. Interesting to note that their belief in individual conscience before the Lord God did not extend to Catholics; the martyr Bl. Arthur was put to death for no crime other than simply being a priest.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Advent Weekday
The Book of Isaiah, chapter thirty-five, verses one thru ten;
Psalm Eighty-five, verses nine(a/b) & ten, eleven & twelve, & thirteen & fourteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter five, verses seventeen thru twenty-six.

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

Friends, our Gospel for today tells that wonderful story of the healing of the paralytic. People gather by the dozens to hear Jesus, crowding around the doorway of the house. They bring him a paralyzed man, and because there is no way to get him through the door, they climb up on the roof and open a space to lower him down.

Can I suggest a connection between this wonderful narrative and our present evangelical situation? There are an awful lot of Catholics who are paralyzed, unable to move, frozen in regard to Christ and the Church. This might be from doubt, from fear, from anger, from old resentment, from ignorance, or from self-reproach. Some of these reasons might be good; some might be bad.

Your job, as a believer, is to bring them to Christ. How? A word of encouragement, a challenge, an explanation, a word of forgiveness, a note, a phone call. We notice the wonderful urgency of these people as they bring the sick man to Jesus. Do we feel the same urgency within his mystical body today?

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Damasus I
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty, verses seventeen, eighteen(a), twenty-eight thru thirty-two, & thirty-six;
Psalm One Hundred Ten, verse four(b);
The Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses nine thru seventeen.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"If we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, then our hearts are filled with hope, our minds are washed in the light of truth, & we come to know the fullness of the Gospel with all its promise & life."
—Pope St. John Paul II (22 October)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Marian Monday: "Our Lady of Guadalupe"

The Explorers' Club, № DLXXXVII

Operation AXIOM: The World War
16 November-30 December 1917: The Battle of Jerusalem—British & Imperial forces defeated the Ottoman defenses & withstood numerous, determined counterattacks to secure a stout defensive line from Jaffa on the coast to the Judean Mountains; General Allenby entered the Old City on foot (11 December) as a gesture of respect for Jerusalem's sacredness to Jews, Christians, & Muslims alike.

Lest we forget.

Commentary: The Entente's conquest of the city marked the first time Christians had ruled the Holy City since the demise of the Crusader States in the thirteenth century. In some quarters, the response was downright hyperbolic, as in the image below comparing Allenby to Judah Maccabee.

Project BLACK MAMBA: Second Sunday of Advent

'Tis the Second Sunday of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Second Sunday of Advent
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty, verses one thru five, nine, ten, & eleven;
Psalm Eighty-five, verses nine & ten, eleven & twelve, & thirteen & fourteen;
The Second Letter to Peter, chapter three, verses eight thru fourteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses one thru eight.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel compels us to come to grips with the great Advent figure of John the Baptist. It’s really impossible to grasp the significance of Jesus without passing through the cleansing bath of John the Baptist. He provides a lens through which Jesus is properly interpreted.

John, we learn today, made his appearance as a preacher in the desert of Judea. Deserts are places of simplicity and poverty, places where distractions and attachments are eliminated—and hence where the voice of God can be heard. Wealth, pleasure, power, honor—and all of their avatars and priests—are shouting at us, luring us, tempting us. But what is God saying? We have to go to these silent and deserted places in order to hear.

What is the first thing that the prophet says? We read in another Gospel that he says, "Reform your lives!" In other words, "Repent!" This word cuts to the heart of every one of us, precisely because we all know that our lives are not where they are supposed to be. We have all fallen short of the glory of God; we have all fallen into patterns of self-absorption and addiction. So let us hear John’s word today: "Repent!"

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.

Video reflection by David: New Catholic Generation.

Mass Journal: Week 50
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

If the Catholic Church is to change, grow, thrive, & fulfill its mission in this modern climate, it will be for one reason: because we became a more spiritual people. Only then will this renewed spiritual health burst forth into authentic action. It would seem to me that education & evangelization are the keys to helping the whole Church to blossom. They are the pillars of renewal. It is impossible to know God & not love Him. It is equally impossible to experience God & not want others to experience Him as a result. Those who do not evangelize simply have not had an intimate experience of God. If you went into an ice cream parlor & there was no ice cream, you'd say, "There's a problem!" If you went to a chocolate shop & there was no chocolate, you'd say, "There's a problem!" The mission of the Church is to share the Gospel, & to teach, encourage, & challenge people to become more like Jesus Christ. So how is it that we can belong to a local church community that goes year after year with almost no outreach to the unchurched & underchurched in our area, with very few people becoming markedly more Christ-like, & not think there is a problem? Let me tell you, if this describes your church community, there's a problem!

Otherwise, 10 December would be the festival of Our Lady of Loreto & the Translation of the Holy House: Madonna-link, Holy House-link, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Holy House, Batman!

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Miltiades, Pope (died 314), thirty-second Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

'Twould also be the festival of Saints Edmund Gennings, Polydore Plasden, & Eustace White, Priests; & Swithun Wells, Martyrs (died 1591), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I, four of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link Echo Golf & Wikipedia-link Echo Golf; Martyr-link Papa Papa & Wikipedia-link Papa Papa; Martyr-link Echo Whiskey & Wikipedia-link Echo Whiskey; Martyr-link Sierra Whiskey & Wikipedia-link Sierra Whiskey; Martyrs-link XL & Wikipedia-link XL.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Sidney Hodgson, Martyr (died 1591), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Bl. Sidney was martyred alongside Ss. Edmund & Swithun, but is not counted one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales. That canon was never meant to be exhaustive, merely representative of the innumerable faithful Catholics put to death by the tyrannical Tudor & Stewart dynasties & their self-worshiping Church of England.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint John Roberts, Priest & Martyr, O.S.B. (1577-1610), founder of the community that eventually settled at Downside Abbey; martyred in the reign of the king Jams VI & I, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey; Martyrs-link XL & Wikipedia-link XL.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Whoever really loves his partner loves not only for what he receives, but loves that partner for the partner's own sake, content to be able to enrich the other with the gift of himself."
—Pope Bl. Paul VI (26 September)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 2nd Sunday of Advent

Daniel Schmit & co., "High Above" from Advent: A Season of Hope (The Last Angry Man)

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), to whom was revealed the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Guadalupe.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

On 9 December 1531, when Juan Diego was on his way to morning Mass, the Blessed Mother appeared to him on Tepeyac Hill, the outskirts of what is now Mexico City. When he opened his mantle for the bishop, the flowers fell on the ground & there remained impressed, in place of the flowers, an image of the Blessed Mother.

Video reflection from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: St. Juan Diego-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Valeria of Limoges, Martyr (floruit third century, also spelt Valerie), martyred by beheading, a cephalophore: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Cephalophore.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Gorgonia (died circa 375): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Daughter of Ss. Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder [1 January] & Nonna [5 August] & sister of Ss. Gregory of Nazianzus the Younger, Doctor of the Church [2 January], & Caesarius of Nazianzus [25 February].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Peter Fourier, Priest, C.R.S.A. (1565-1640), the "Good Father of Mattaincourt," founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame & the Congregation of Our Savior: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Advent Weekday
The Book of Isaiah, chapter thirty, verses nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, & twenty-three thru twenty-six;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-seven, verses one & two, three & four, & five & six;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nine, verse thirty-five thru chapter ten, verses one, five(a), six, seven, & eight.

Commentary: Video reflection by Father Thomas Sparacino: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-one;
Psalm Response: "In you, Lord, I have found my peace;"
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses twenty-five thru thirty.

Catholicism WOW! | Bier!
Have I mentioned lately how great it is being Catholic? Beer-nedict XVI Pint-ifex Maximus-link.

Commentary: The fellow immediately to the left of the giant papal nutcracker is Scott Hahn, Ph.D., one of the American church's finest lay theologians. We here at Project BLACK MAMBA try to bring you Professor Hahn's audio reflections on the Sunday Mass readings each week. Among the many other virtues of this photograph (i.e., giant papal nutcracker), I thought it might be nice for you to be able to put a face to his voice.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Among man's rights is that of being able to worship God in accordance with the right dictates of his own conscience, & to profess his religion both in private & in public."
—Pope St. John XXIII (11 October)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

Michael Bublé, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" from Christmas (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary: I had to brush a dusting of snow off the Malibu Stacy last night/this morning when I drove in for my weekly "hour" of Eucharistic adoration & again ninety minutes later when I drove back home. Barring a sudden & dramatic warming spell, I'll do so again when I drive to Holy Redeemer's second annual Christmas concert later this afternoon. Squee!

Bob is the fellow whose Eucharistic hour is after mine. Bob doesn't like the winter—not the cold, not the snow, none of it. Bob mentioned that snow had fallen while I was in the chapel. I responded, "Yea!" Bob scowled & replied, "Boo!"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Immaculate Conception

Advent
'Tis the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Madonna-link ūna, Madonna-link duae, Wikipedia-link Immaculate Conception, & Wikipedia-link Feast.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

This is the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary free from original sin by virtue of the foreseen merits of her son Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church teaches that Mary was conceived by normal biological means in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne [26 July], but God acted upon her soul, keeping it "immaculate."

Video reflection from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Immaculate Conception.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Book of Genesis, chapter three, verses nine thru fifteen & twenty;
Psalm Ninety-eight, verses one, two & three(a/b), & three(c/d) & four;
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter one, verses three thru six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight.

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

Friends, today we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Church Fathers consistently referred to Mary as the New Eve, which is to say, the one who reversed the momentum started by the mother of the human race. The Ave of the angel was seen as the reversal of Eva. While Eve grasped at divinity, Mary said "Let it be done unto me."

Here’s the liberating paradox: passivity before objective values is precisely what makes life wonderful. Allowing oneself to be invaded and rearranged by objective value is what makes life worth living. And this applies unsurpassably to our relationship with God. The message that your life is not about you does indeed crush the false self that would bend the whole world to its purposes, but it sets free the true self.

The Immaculate Conception itself is concealed in the privacy of salvation history, but the effects of it are on clear display in this Gospel. In the presence of the supreme value, we ought to say, along with Mary, "Be it done unto me!"

Video reflection by Laura Brill: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bonus! Song o' the Immaculate Conception
The Daughters of Mary, "Immaculate Mary" from De Profundis (The Last Angry Man)

'Tis also the festival of Saint Eutychian, Pope (died 283), twenty-seventh Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Romaric, Abbot (died 653, of Remiremont), founder of the Abbey of Remiremont: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Noël Chabanel, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (1613-1649), who survived the Iroquois massacres only to be martyred by an apostate Huron, one of the eight North American Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link VIII & Wikipedia-link VIII.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"One obtains from God all that one hopes from him!"
—St. John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church (14 December)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

"Weird Al" Yankovic, "Christmas at Ground Zero" from Polka Party! (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary:

"It's Christmas at ground zero,
The button has been pressed,
The radio just let us know
That this is not a test.

"Everywhere the atom bombs are droppin',
It's the end of all humanity,
No more time for last-minute shoppin',
It's time to face your final destiny.

"Well, it's Christmas at ground zero,
There's panic in the crowd,
We can dodge debris while we trim the tree
Underneath the mushroom cloud…"

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

The Puppini Sisters, "Step into Christmas" from Christmas with the Puppini Sisters (The Last Angry Grinch)

Commentary:

"Step into Christmas,
Let's join together,
We can watch the snow
For forever and ever,
Eat, drink, and be merry,
Come, come along with me,
Step into Christmas,
The admission is free…"

Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the festival of Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (circa 337-397, of Milan; A.K.A. Aurelius Ambrosius): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Traditionally, Ambrose is credited with promoting "antiphonal chant," a style of chanting in which one side of the choir responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni redemptor gentium, an Advent hymn. Ambrose was one of the four original Doctors of the Church.

Wikipedia-link Veni & Wikipedia-link Doctors.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Diuma, Bishop (died circa 658): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Charles Garnier, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (1606-1649), martyred by Iroquois, specifically by Mohawks; one of the North American Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link VIII & Wikipedia-link VIII.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Maria Giuseppa Rossello, Virgin, F.D.M. (1811-1880; Anglicizes as Mary Joseph, A.K.A. Benedetta Rossello), foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link F.D.M.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Advent Weekday
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twenty-six, verses one thru six;
Psalm One Hundred Eighteen, verses one, eight, & nine; nineteen, twenty, & twenty-one; & twenty-five, twenty-six, & twenty-seven(a);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter seven, verses twenty-one & twenty-four thru twenty-seven.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel asks how we apply the Lord’s teaching. "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse." This is the heart of it: if you are rooted in God, then you can withstand anything, precisely because you are linked to that power which is creating the cosmos. You will be blessed at the deepest place, and nothing can finally touch you.

But the one who does not take Jesus’ words to heart "will be like the fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined." When the inevitable trials come, the life built on pleasure, money, power, or fame will give way.

So the question is a simple one: where do you stand? How goes it with your heart? On what, precisely, is the whole of your life built?

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Ambrose
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses eight thru twelve;
Psalm Eighty-nine;
The Gospel according to John, chapter ten, verses eleven thru sixteen.

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

"I know well that the greater & more beautiful the work is, the more terrible will be the storms that rage against it."
—St. Maria Faustyna of the Blessed Sacrament (5 October)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday: "Mary, Did You Know?"

Commentary: The short answer is: Yes!

The Explorers' Club, № DLXXXVI

Operation AXIOM: The World War
6 December 1917: The Halifax Explosion—The city of Halifax, Nova Scotia was devastated & over two thousand persons killed when the French steamship Mont-Blanc, laden with volatile munitions, detonated after colliding with the Norwegian steamship Imo; the collision sparked a fire that quickly led to the largest man-made explosion in history, until the invention of the atomic bomb in 1945.

Lest we forget.

Bonus!
6 December 1917: The United States Navy destroyer U.S.S. Jacob Jones DD-61 was torpedoed & sunk by the Kaiserliche Marine submarine S.M. U-53; the U-53's captain, Hans Rose, was a submarine ace, having conducted a very successful commerce raiding patrol off the U.S. East Coast in 1916, while the U.S. was still neutral, including paying a courtesy visit to Newport, Rhode Island.