Monday Night at the Movies
Double Feature
Leo McCarey, The Bells of
St. Mary's, 1945.
Frank Capra, It's a
Wonderful Life, 1946.
Christopher’s Corner
·
Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
·
Monday: Litany of Humility
o Start your day by shooting
some hoops. Grab a basketball and head to a nearby court for some Play
Basketball Day fun.
§ After breaking a sweat, let
your inner child out to play and watch some classic Disney movies. Walt Disney
Day is the perfect excuse to lose yourself in the magic of animated films.
·
Feeling charitable? Volunteer at a local animal shelter on National Mutt
Day. Give those furry friends some love.
o Next, educate yourself and
others on important global issues like the abolition of slavery.
§ Use the power of the
internet on World Computer Literacy Day to spread awareness. Celebrate the
achievements of individuals with special needs on Special Education Day by
supporting inclusive programs in your community. Feeling international? Slip on
some jandals for National Jandal Day in New Zealand and learn about a new
culture.
o Spread joy by engaging in
acts of kindness on National Build Joy Day.
§ Pop some corn and enjoy a
movie marathon for Business of Popping Corn Day. Treat yourself to some
delicious fritters on National Fritters Day. Shave with precision on Safety
Razor Day for that smooth feel. Feeling rebellious? Maybe skip that boring
class on National Skip School Day and have an adventure. Finally, take
advantage of online deals on Cyber Monday to treat yourself or start your
holiday shopping early.
CYBER MONDAY
Zephaniah, Chapter 3, verse 7
I said, “Surely now you will FEAR me, you will accept correction; They cannot fail to see all I have brought upon them.” Yet the more eagerly they have done all their corrupt deeds.
Zephaniah writes of the wickedness of Jerusalem and God’s desire for its leaders to accept His correction in the end it takes the act of God to set the world right. The prophet calls for the people of Judah to change their hearts for real change begins in the heart. Transformation happens from the inside out. John Maxwell[1] recommends we practice the following to enhance our own leadership:
1. Work in the areas of your strength. We are most intuitive in the areas of our gifts and interests.
2. Explore the opportunities in front of you. Our intuition comes most alive when we size up the options near us.
3. Discern root causes for the issues you face. Work to get past superficial answers and solve root issues.
4. Analyze past successes. Study your victories and see if you find a pattern that reveals how you won them.
5.
Listen to your gut. Effective leaders lead from their soul. Both your
heart and your head have answers.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[2]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 6
On this 6th day, seek with all your
strength to mortify your flesh.
Copilot:
Mortifying the flesh, or practicing self-denial and
self-discipline, is a spiritual exercise aimed at overcoming temptations and
focusing more on spiritual growth and devotion. It’s a tradition rooted in many
religious practices and can be approached thoughtfully and with respect to
one's personal limits and health. Here are some ways to practice this:
Fasting and Abstinence
- Regular
Fasts: Set aside specific days for fasting, where you limit your intake of
food and drink to focus on prayer and reflection.
- Abstinence
from Pleasures: Give up certain pleasures or comforts, like sweets,
entertainment, or social media, for a set period.
Acts of Discipline
- Regular
Prayer: Establish a disciplined prayer routine, dedicating specific times
of day for reflection and communion with God.
- Scripture
Reading: Commit to reading and meditating on the Bible daily, seeking
deeper understanding and spiritual insight.
Physical and Mental Control
- Exercise
Moderation: Practice moderation in all aspects of life, including food, drink,
and leisure activities.
- Control of
Thoughts: Work on controlling negative or distracting thoughts through
mindfulness and meditation.
Service to Others
- Charitable
Acts: Engage in acts of charity and service to others, prioritizing their
needs over your own comforts.
- Volunteering:
Regularly volunteer your time and skills to help those in need.
Reflective Practices
- Daily
Examination: Reflect on your actions and thoughts each day, acknowledging
areas for improvement and seeking forgiveness and strength.
- Journaling:
Keep a journal to track your progress, reflect on your spiritual journey,
and set goals for further growth.
Jesse Tree[3]
Jesse
Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)
·
December 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun,
moon, stars, animals, earth
·
December
2 Adam and Eve:
Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
Day
173
Incorporated into the Church,
the Body of Christ
1267 Baptism makes us members
of the Body of Christ: "Therefore . . . we are members one of
another." Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal
fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all
the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: "For
by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body."
1268 The baptized have become
"living stones" to be "built into a spiritual house, to be a
holy priesthood." By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ,
in his prophetic and royal mission. They are "a chosen race, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that [they] may declare the
wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous
light." Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all
believers.
1269 Having become a member of the Church, the person baptized belongs no longer to himself, but to him who died and rose for us. From now on, he is called to be subject to others, to serve them in the communion of the Church, and to "obey and submit" to the Church's leaders, holding them in respect and affection. Just as Baptism is the source of responsibilities and duties, the baptized person also enjoys rights within the Church: to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church.
1270 "Reborn as sons of
God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from
God through the Church" and participate in the apostolic and missionary
activity of the People of God.
The sacramental bond of the
unity of Christians
1271 Baptism constitutes the
foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet
in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ
and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion
with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are
incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians,
and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic
Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of
unity existing among all who through it are reborn."
An indelible spiritual mark . .
.
1272 Incorporated into Christ
by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the
Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to
Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing
the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
1273 Incorporated into the
Church by Baptism, the faithful have received the sacramental character that
consecrates them for Christian religious worship. The baptismal seal
enables and commits Christians to serve God by a vital participation in the holy
liturgy of the Church and to exercise their baptismal priesthood by the witness
of holy lives and practical charity.
1274 The Holy Spirit has marked
us with the seal of the Lord ("Dominicus character") "for the
day of redemption." "Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal
life." The faithful Christian who has "kept the seal" until
the end, remaining faithful to the demands of his Baptism, will be able to
depart this life "marked with the sign of faith," with his
baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God - the consummation
of faith - and in the hope of resurrection.
Cyber Monday[4] (another secular event)
This Christmas season
when you make out your gift list try to give a gift to those you love that
truly helps them to prosper!
Cyber Monday seeks to sell
massive quantities of goods through online stores at a sale price. Marketing
companies created the term Cyber Monday as a catchphrase to persuade people to
shop online. In 2014, Cyber Monday sales were a record 2.68 billion dollars,
making it one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Cyber Monday is not an
official holiday, but it is an international day recognized by consumers. The
term Cyber Monday developed naturally overtime as online sales following Thanksgiving
spiked. This was seen as an opportunity to brand the new shopping occasion;
much the same way black Friday was years earlier. Cyber Monday was first
originally held November of 2005. The day it is held varies from year to year,
but it is always held the Monday following Thanksgiving in the US.
Cyber Monday Facts & Quotes
Since 2010, Cyber Monday
has been the highest online spending day in the year in the US. Sales numbers
on Cyber Monday have gradually increased by at least $100 million each year
since the term was first coined. According to a survey by the National Retail
Federation, 90% of online shoppers surveyed said low prices were the most
important part of their shopping experience on Cyber Monday. The top 3 products
purchased online on Cyber Monday are: Apparel, books/DVDs/Videos/Games and
Consumer electronics. You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another
day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty
straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from
their gift-buying and donate what they can to charity.
– Bill Gates, creator of Microsoft.
Cyber Monday Top Events and Things
to Do
Buy something! You can buy just about anything online these days, so treat yourself or a loved one to something you have been saving up for. Chances are it is at a reduced price on Cyber Monday! Fill your online shopping cart with all the things you were thinking of buying at all retail shops. Total up the cost of all the things you were going to buy, and instead of buying them, donate that exact amount of money to a charity of your choice. Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag#CyberMonday, #CyberDeals and #DealsDealsDeals. Promote your favorite retailers over social media using their hashtags and by reposting their posts. Save your money today and wait until Giving Tuesday tomorrow to donate it all or use it to purchase items for donation.
International Day for
the Abolition of Slavery[5]
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery aims to end slavery in the world. Contemporary forms of slavery include sexual exploitation, forced marriage, trafficking of persons and recruitment of children for armed conflict. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are currently 21 million people enslaved in the world, a business that generates around 150 billion US dollars in illegal profits every year. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as a day to be celebrated every December 2nd. The day marks the 1949 adoption of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Facts & Quotes
·
The average cost of a slave globally is $90.
·
Human trafficking is the third largest
international crime industry after illegal drugs
and arms trafficking. It generates a profit of approximately 32 billion every
year.
·
1 million children
are enslaved worldwide.
·
Child slavery is a crime against humanity.
Humanity itself is at stake here. A lot of work still remains, but I will see
the end of child labor in my lifetime. – Kailash Satyarthi, Indian children’s
rights advocate and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Top Events and Things to
Do
·
Watch a movie about the horrors of slavery. Some
suggestions are: 12 Years a Slave (2014), Django Unchained (2014) and Amistad
(1997)
·
Donate to a charity
fighting to end slavery.
·
Spread awareness by using the hashtags
#InternationalDayforAbolitionofSlavery, #EndSlavery and #HumanRightsMatter.
·
Volunteer your time at a local rescue center for
victims of human
trafficking. These centers assist victims in sharing their stories,
regaining their lives and dignity, and helping to reduce this problem.
·
Read a book about the horrors of slavery. Some
suggestions are Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Beloved and Chains.
Walt Disney Day[1]
Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. This facility makes it the most versatile and explicit means of communication yet devised for quick mass appreciation.
The name Disney is known all over the world and is the brand name of characters and stories that are cherished and beloved the world over. Behind all of this wonder, the voices of Mickey Mouse and the seemingly endless parade of characters that the company put out was the vision of one man, Walter Elias Disney. Known to his friends, which he would consider all of us, as Walt. Walt Disney Day celebrates this incredible man and the joy and laughter he brought to the world. It is perhaps no mistake that Walt Disney was born in 1901, right at the turning of the century. He would go on to turn the entire world around, changing the face of cinema and entertainment through the introduction of his incredible cast of animated characters. Born in Chicago, Walt would move multiple times throughout his life, first in 1906 to a family farm in Missouri, again in 1911 to Kansas City where he would attend grammar school. His career as an artist and illustrator would get its start in 1919 when he returned from World War I during which he served as part of the Red Cross. It would be 1928 before Mickey Mouse came into the world, the result of a sketch being done while he was on a bus. It quickly became the centrepiece of the Disney Empire, which would grow rapidly to become one of the most important names in family entertainment in the world. 90 years later Disney is a name known around the world for its beloved characters, exciting theme parks, and most recently it’s ownership of Star Wars.
How to celebrate Walt Disney Day
The best way to celebrate Walt Disney Day is to get in and watch as many Disney films as you can cram into a single day, especially if you’ve never seen them before. If you’re one of those who grew up with Walt Disney as the heart of your childhood experience, then this is a perfect opportunity to take a walk down memory lane. Get together a bunch of themed food and sweets and enjoy your day with a group of friends, because Disney has always been about family.
Disney movies
are a well-known and well-loved part of most people's childhood. These stories
talk and teach us things, like believing in ourselves and follow our dreams.
Recently, the stories inspired courage and kindness, as well as forms of
"true love." But viewers may have missed something; these popular
Disney stories have religious messages.
1. Snow White is a Christian
princess.
Released
in 1937, the first animated story Disney made is actually about a Christian
princess. It may not be explicit, but Snow White was shown briefly, praying
with her head bowed down and hands clasped, asking for God's blessing to the
seven dwarfs that had shown kindness to her.
2. Simba is The Prodigal Son.
The
youngest son in the parable is just like Simba, King Mufasa's son who just
enjoys the life of a prince. But once he realizes the part he played in his
father's death, he runs away and lives with animals eating grubs. Discarding
the "Hakuna Matata" lifestyle, he goes back home to face the
responsibilities waiting for him.
3.
Rapunzel, in Tangled, symbolizes our humanity.
Like
many of the characters in the Bible, the trapped princess was able to live
through the darkness in her life and find the light that sets her free. Every
year following her kidnapping by the witch, who represents the devil, her
parents lit up the sky through lanterns helping her find her way back home. And
like God, they never got tired of doing it.
4.
God's grace in Cinderella.
We
might think of this heroin as not exactly the type to look up to: most the time
she just lets everyone tell her what to do. She may not have deserved the happy
ending she got, because she relied solely on her fairy godmother. However, the
point of God's grace is it's undeserved, as depicted in the Bible stories.
5.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame involves God the most.
This could be a bit of an exaggeration, as described in crosswalk.com. But remember, the beginning of the story tells of the villain wanting to kill a baby but stopped by the Church, one way the Holy Spirit works. The heroine later sings to God, how prayer should really be. Believing he's better than others, the villain constantly clashes with his faith. Whether it is intentional or not, aren't we glad Disney incorporates God and Christianity in its stories? These scenes are rarely seen in movies, so you might want to do a re-watch. You'll never see your favorite movies the same again.
[2]https://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=59303
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Restoring
the Church
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
·
Rosary
[1] John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership
Bible.
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