On Holy Week and Triduum and Solar Eclipse

Some day I will have grandchildren, so I had to get my own copy of: My Book of the Church's Year! I know, excuses, excuses to buy books, especially children's books :) But Peter Kwawniewski echoes how I feel about giving children (and adults) the best books. Consider how we spend Lent with three practices: prayer, fasting, almsgiving. How beautifully Enid Chadwick shows that these are our weapons against the devil, the flesh, and the world respectively. She creates space to ponder the Mysteries of the Faith with all the details in her artwork.

This was perhaps the best Lent ever, bar our first when we were in RCIA; my niece is being received into the Church this Easter Vigil. Her marriage, too, is being convalidated. She will receive the Body and Blood of our Lord. So much to celebrate! Glory, glory to God! 

This Eastertide is special for another reason--signs from heaven. Fr. Ripperger has a wonderful reflection on the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, the fact that its path takes it through the towns of Jonah and Nineveh. If this isn't a call to repent and turn to the Lord, I don't know what would be clearer. I especially liked that at the end, Fr. Ripperger reminds us how God created. He calls upon the waters to bring forth the fish and the earth to bring forth plants and animals. But when He creates man, He says, "Let US create man in our Image." He points out that if you take a fish out of water, it dies; if you take a plant out of the earth, it dies; and so it follows that if you separate man from God, he suffers a spiritual death. Anyway, Fr. Ripperger packs a lot in 11 minutes. For a more detailed description of all the cosmological things going on, see: Guest post: Laramie Hirsch on the April 8 solar eclipse – Nurse Claire Says. Granted, I have a fascination with numbers and names and coincidences but I've come to believe that there are no coincidences, simply signs from God. We should do as He commands in the Garden of Gethsemane: Watch and Pray! A Blessed and Happy Easter to you! 

Check out these cool maps! I like the patterns they make, the letter A, which is the beginning of the alphabet (aleph; I'm reading a fascinating book Alphabetical: How Every Letter Tells a Story by Michael Rosen), or the X's where a place experiences two solar eclipses. Just don't ask me to explain the difference between annular and total solar eclipses :) 

An Anniversary, an Exhibition, and a Feast Day!

We just celebrated 29 years of marriage--that's half my life! I'm often amazed at how much more we are in love now and I must admit that it is supernatural. We've been together for a long time and the first decade before marriage was unholy. Yet, where sin abounded, grace did more abound (Rom 5:20). It is truly the grace of God that has brought us where we are, in love with Him and each other. Sunday Mass was offered for our intentions--the most precious gift we can give to each other. But we enjoy the many gifts the world offers as well and enjoyed our fish tacos at Taco Boy, beer for Michael and a hibiscus margarita for me.

We went to Sistine Chapel Exhibit downtown. It is really well done--if you get the VIP ticket, you will receive a book with all the paintings in the exhibit + commentary and it is high quality. Pope Sixtus originally wanted the life of the Apostles in the chapel but Michelangelo had a grander vision and aren't we lucky that the Pope gave him artistic freedom? He painted the ancestors of Christ (in triangles), not when they were grown ups with power, but as little children, all pointing to how Christ comes to us, as a Baby in a Holy Family. He also painted the prophets (Isaiah; loved all the details, down to his toes) and sibyls (women prophets from the East who foretold the coming of Christ--below, my favorite--the Delphic sibyl who is startled by the Word of God. She prophesized that the coming Messiah would be mocked with a crown of thorns). In all these paintings, there is movement. So beautiful. 

I loved these two panels below: The bronze serpent that the Israelites looked upon to be healed from snakebites foreshadows Christ on the Cross redeeming all mankind. And Judith slays the Babylonian king. In the readings for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven (celebrated Aug 15) we remember Judith--she is a type of Mary, who crushes the head of the serpent. It's a beautiful feast day, full of hope, because where she is, we hope to go as well.

Sandwiched between the Creation of Man (I do so love that we are all conceived in the mind of God before we're ever born! It even looks like the brain!) and the Last Judgment is the creation, fall, and the deluge account. Creation of Eve is the central panel (because it is the fall that brings to us so great a Redeemer). Michelangelo placed the first act of creation: Separation of Light from Dark next to the Last Judgment. Oh, yes, there is a heaven and a hell and it is for all eternity. Sobering.

We've been to the Sistine Chapel back in 90s when we were living in Belgium. I had gone for a conference in Southern Italy so Michael and I planned to meet in Rome after. Goodness, how did we manage without cell phones? The Italians were having a train strike so I was stuck and no way to let Michael know. Though I assumed he'd figure it out when he went to the train station to pick me up. I ended up taking a bus, which broke down, and had to wait for another, but I made it to Rome and what a relief to be reunited with Michael again. We had a wonderful time sightseeing for the next three days. How I wish we were Catholic back then because the more you know Scripture, the greater your appreciation for the tremendous art. What a treasure! Deo gratias!  

Sound of Freedom

I can't say enough good things about this movie: Sound of Freedom. It is so well-done. At first, I was nervous about watching a film about child-sex-trafficking because what if it were too graphic and I couldn't unsee those disturbing images, so Michael went to see it by himself while I was visiting my parents in Chicago. I love this about him--he does everything in his power to protect me. Yesterday evening we went together to watch it. What a story! I urge you all to go see it because it is such a powerful story of courage and sacrifice. When God calls you to do something, you have to do it. In the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary--Jesus presented at the Temple--we pray for the virtue of obedience no matter what the cost, but how many of us do? I am ashamed to say that deep down I'm a coward. Fear has always been my nemesis. It's something I strive to fight but it doesn't come easily. The only proper fear should be fear of the Lord.

The story focuses on two Honduran children--a little girl and her littler brother--who are offered a photo-shoot for modeling. It's just a ruse but the father brings them. He's told to pick them up at 7 pm. You just want to tell this father, "No, No, Don't. Leave. Them." You can imagine his horror at discovering that there are no more children when he comes to collect them. 

Enter Tim Ballard, who works for the Dept. of Homeland Security catching pedophiles but when a colleague asks him how many kids he has returned home, he finds a new direction. He's a father himself. Months away from being vested in his pension, with his wife's encouragement, he quits his job at DHS to save the children.

Of course, the movie is dramatic given that these children's lives are in peril and so also Tim's and his team's who are helping them become free. I really loved what Tim says to one of the guys he's trying to recruit. Forget about the 50. How about just one? It's what Mother Teresa often said--you don't have to save all the children. Just one child. And spoiler: I'm happy to tell you that they rescued over 50 children.

You can read more about the movie, what's real, what's made up here Sound of Freedom vs. the True Story of Tim Ballard (historyvshollywood.com) and be assured that there will be no horrifying scenes of child-sex abuse. But you will see beautiful performances by all, the suspense palpable. You want so much for Tim to be able to pull this off; you know there are no second chances. It's a good study for writing about difficult subjects too.

I can't remember all the statistics, but child-sex-business is over a $150 billion dollar industry and we in these United States are the largest consumer. We have to end this demand that sexualizes children. Preserve and protect their innocence. That's what real men do--they protect the weaker members of society. 

The ending shot is the same as the opening--a little girl slapping a drum and singing, and although we are relieved she's at home again, we know she's not the same. Nor her little brother. Their innocence was stolen.

After I wrote this I came across a message from our Lord Jesus to a seer: Jennifer - The World Has Entered the Time of Warning – Countdown to the Kingdom

My child, I come to you now with great urgency, for the world has entered into the time of warning. I do not speak of the time of My visitation, rather this is a time of warning that will usher in the period when all of humanity will be brought to its knees to see their souls as I see them. My child, those who fail to recognize this time — when evil is seeking to elevate itself, yet is being simultaneously pierced by the light of truth—will find themselves like the foolish virgins. I tell My children with great urgency that it is time to repent. It is time to recognize the hour you are living in.

I am a God of repetition. Mankind must turn away from evil and defend the truth. Those who turn away in ignorance will be as those who failed to heed the warnings of Noah. I say to My people: defend and protect my little ones. As I have warned before, the blood of the innocent is upon the world because too many have failed to defend and protect them. Woe to those who seek to harm My children in their sinful lust. Woe to those who seek to manipulate My Creation, My plan. It is time, my children, to come to the fountain of My mercy. Those who fail to seek the ocean of My mercy will come to the harbor of My justice. Turn away turn away from darkness and seek the light, for I am Jesus and My mercy and justice will prevail.

We are told to not despise the words of prophets, but to test everything; hold fast to what is good... (1 Thess 5:20-21). Truly, now is the acceptable time. Repent and believe in the Gospel (Mark 1:15).

Apocalypse?

This time, last year, was the beginning of the pandemic and I knew Laetare Sunday's High Mass would be canceled because Father didn't call the boys for Altar serving practice. Thankfully I was able to make my consecration to St. Joseph in the church. It was the last time I would be in our beloved Stella Maris church until it was reopened for public Masses again in May. Still, what a long Lent because of the many restrictions to avoid the spread of Covid. I have learned much, chiefly to not trust the so-called experts, but to rely on common sense and our Lord. 

2020 was truly a year of the apocalypse because it unveiled so much. Consider that many world leaders simulated a pandemic in Oct. 2019, how it's still being used to usher in a new world order, and even influence the outcome of US elections. And worst of all, our church leadership is just as worldly, going along with the recommendations that governments impose. The reason we're in this mess is because we've turned away from God Almighty. The devil is having a field day with his deceptions, distortions, and divisions. I wouldn't be surprised if there will be a vaccine mandate, a switch to digital-only currency, and a world where big corporations control everything. And we give them control willingly. RESIST! Let us pray to be renewed, especially our families because as Pope St. John Paul II said in a homily, "As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live." Let us emulate the Holy Family. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy Love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created and Thou wilt renew the face of the earth.

Silence and Prayer

I've gone through two surgeries in the past month and of all things, I miss writing the most. I can't do much of anything right now, except pray. It is my superpower. So please let me know any special intentions and I will pray. Right now, I offer a few thoughts but mostly some pictures of my convalescence, the many blessings. As you can imagine, Michael and the cats are a great comfort, as are many books. I did finish my chapter book, Max and Midnight. It's amazing how long these things take. Stories were polished in July, got art from Dagny in Aug, put it all together in Sept, and worked on cover/back in Oct. I managed to get it done a week after surgery #1 and 5 days before #2 knowing that any writing/typing would be difficult after. So please take a look. 

I was so pleased All Saints was a Sunday but I didn't go to All Souls Mass on Nov. 2nd. Instead, I sang along at home as Mass was livestreamed on youtube. The simple Gregorian chant was so beautiful and matched my ascetic mood. I also got out to vote and praying for the truth to be unveiled. Over and over, I am impressed with the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. God bless America. I find myself singing America the Beautiful a lot. 

There's not been a night that I don't cry. Pain is awful. Sleep is difficult. I have even managed to fall out of the recliner from feeling claustrophobic and trapped. I question whether this is God's will. My feelings can shift from peace to poverty in minutes. But thinking about favorite Scripture verses are a sure path to peace, like Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there's a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. I've taken off my sling/brace to type this post and I have to be extra vigilant with the cats' sudden movements. I cannot afford to tear the repaired tendons. I know I need to practice patience and humility. The silence has been good for me, brought tremendous clarity and closeness to our dear Savior. But as you can see, I succumb to the need to write and connect with you all. I should retreat again into the silence because I believe that is what God desires--it is a school of prayer and thanksgiving. Please pray for me and I, thee. Come, Lord Jesus. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

I find it fascinating that the original devotees at Carmel were actually disciples of the prophets Elijah and Elisha who honored the Virgin Mother who would bear the Messiah. Once God entered time through Mary and redeemed mankind on the Cross, they became Christians. Here are the beautiful meditations from Dom Prosper for today's Feast Day. On this day in 1251 AD, she appeared to St. Simon Stock and gave him the brown scapular, which so many of us wear to remind us of our own devotion to the mother of our Lord. She is the Queen Mother and we can appeal to her for all our needs. She fights continually on our behalf to bring us to Jesus. 

She brings us Christ and we return to Him through her. St. Bernard of Clairvaux tells us how. "God has willed that we should have nothing that did not pass through the hands of Mary." Wow! All the graces we receive from God are through her. She sings the Magnificat, "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..." I am convinced that the world will be reconciled through her to Christ, especially once I began to read some of the literature associated with her appearance to the three little children at Fatima. She appeared to them and told them to pray and fast for poor sinners.  

I have been so saddened to learn about the destruction of Christian churches and statues over the past couple of weeks in the US. I know Christians are persecuted elsewhere but I didn't expect this vandalism here. But this weekend, I was most sad to learn that the Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest churches ever built dedicated to the Wisdom of God, is going to be turned into a mosque. At least the sacred art was protected as a museum. Do take a look before it's destroyed. I'm afraid many of the churches in Europe are already museums. We must return to our Judeo-Christian roots before we lose our great heritage. 

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Apocalyptic Fiction, Nonfiction, and the Saints

Today is the Feast Day of St. Maria Goretti, whom I learned about when I was a child of 8 or 9 years. My mother told me about her, how heroic she was forgiving the man who assaulted her (without telling me any of the details--I had no vocabulary for anything sexual at the time). But over the years, this little saint has accompanied me and taught me so much and how blessed were we to have had the opportunity to venerate her relics several years back. She makes an appearance in my historical, as does St. Joan of Arc and I love having their guiding hands upon my own as I dive into final revisions. As you can imagine, forgiveness is a major theme. This book and this movie remain a favorite--appropriate for kids age 10 and up. 

I just finished A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller. It's in three parts--Fiat Homo, Fiat Lux, Fiat Voluntas Tua--and I enjoyed these three linked shorts tremendously. They all take place in a monastery in the American Southwest centuries after a nuclear holocaust in the 20th century. Since it was man's technology that caused the devastation, all books were destroyed. The monastery becomes a place for keeping not only church history but also a place to preserve knowledge via "booklegging" as well as the memorabilia of an engineer-turned-monk. You get to see the result of man destroying himself, his thirst for knowledge, his desire to transcend his lowliness, and the price he pays for an even greater knowledge. I love science fiction that asks big questions--man simply cannot save himself from his fallen nature. We need God.

Another book that has a feel like that of science fiction is Antichrist and the End Times by Fr. Joseph Iannuzzi. You might recall his wonderful lectures on angels and demons and living in the Divine Will  that I summarized. Well, I read this gem five years ago and am re-reading it again in light of all the crazy things happening in our world and I can't help but think that we are in for some awful trials and tribulations before the era of peace promised in the book of Revelations. This is the best book on eschatology I've ever read. Fr. Iannuzzi begins with Scripture, followed by the visions of saints and prophets, the signs of the times, the warnings and miracles and some thoughts on the final coming of Christ. Contrary to what you might think, this is NOT the end of the world. But the period of mercy is ending soon and with its end comes judgment. What is interesting is that there will be an illumination of conscience, that is, we'll see ourselves as God sees us and will have a chance to repent and come to Christ, begging forgiveness for our sins. And so I beg you to prepare yourselves, both spiritually and physically. Do not put off the good you want to do. Use your time, talents, and treasures wisely because life is short. When I started poking around the internet to see what new insights there might be, I came across Mark Mallett's blog. Wow! He, along with Daniel O'Connor (another teacher of living in the Divine Will), has made several videos on the book of Revelations. I've only seen one but they have one on each of the seven seals and they promise to be edifying. 

And so we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.