ICEMANforChrist

This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. By “the power of the Holy Spirit” we can be witnesses and “communicators” of a new and redeemed humanity “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7 8). This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Dara’s Corner

Bucket List Trip: “The World” next port of call: Cannes, France
Foodie-Try Meal Prep

do something with roquefort

Spirit Hour: Mudslide

Dark ’n Stormy

Tom Hanks, born on July 9, 1956
Stop the soul sucking

5 Things to Do When You Are Betrayed by Another Catholic

Move Beyond Distrust

Our religious affiliation does not ensure that we act in a saintly manner — which is why confession so readily available.

Make a Decision

You can let this betrayal drag you down or you can use it to help you find a deeper faith and closer relationship to Christ.

Work Through the Emotional Baggage

As always, prayer is the best recourse. It is okay to go to God and tell him why you are seething. Of course, he already knows, but somehow the act of explaining it to him has a way of lightening the load.

Consider Your Unique Abilities

Our betrayals can, if we don’t let them destroy us, be a signal of what types of souls God wants us to help.

Remember the Ransom

In Les Miserables there is the iconic scene where the saintly old bishop, just after telling the police that Jean Valjean was actually given the silver he stole, says to the hardened criminal, “Jean Valjean my brother you no longer belong to evil. With this silver, I have bought your soul. I’ve ransomed you from fear and hatred, and now I give you back to God.”

Introduction to Philemon

The Letter to Philemon, though brief, is a profound and personal appeal from St. Paul that touches on themes of reconciliation, Christian identity, and the transformative power of love over fear—especially when viewed through a Catholic lens.

Summary of the Letter

Paul writes to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian and a spiritual son to Paul during his imprisonment. Paul appeals not with apostolic authority but with humility and affection, asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back—not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 16). Paul even offers to repay any debt Onesimus owes, modeling Christ-like self-giving love.

Catholic Perspective on Fear in the Letter

From a Catholic viewpoint, the letter subtly addresses fear—not directly, but through its moral and spiritual implications:

· Fear of Social Repercussions: In the Roman world, forgiving a runaway slave and treating him as a brother would have been socially radical. Paul’s appeal challenges Philemon to overcome fear of societal norms and act in accordance with the Gospel.

· Fear of Loss or Injustice: Paul acknowledges that Onesimus may have wronged Philemon, yet he invites him to relinquish any claim to vengeance or restitution. This echoes Christ’s call to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22).

· Love as the Antidote to Fear: Paul’s tone is pastoral and affectionate, not commanding. He writes, “I rather urge you out of love” (Philemon 9), embodying the Johannine principle that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). The letter becomes a lived theology of grace, where love transforms relationships and dissolves fear.

· Freedom in Christ: Onesimus, once a slave, is now “more than a slave, a brother” (Philemon 16). This redefinition of identity in Christ liberates both Onesimus and Philemon from the fear-based structures of domination and subjugation.

In essence, the Letter to Philemon is a quiet but powerful witness to the Gospel’s ability to overcome fear through love, mercy, and the dignity of every person in Christ.

Introduction to Ephesians[1]

Ephesians is the great Pauline letter about the church. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ, the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God’s plan of salvation known throughout the universe. Ephesians emphasize the unity in the church of Christ that has come about for both Jews and Gentiles within God’s household and indeed the “seven unities” of church, Spirit, hope; one Lord, faith, and baptism; and the one God. Yet the concern is not with the church for its own sake but rather as the means for mission in the world. The gifts Christ gives its members are to lead to growth and renewal.

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The Letter to the Ephesians, from a Catholic perspective, is a profound meditation on the mystery of Christ and the unity of the Church. It is traditionally attributed to St. Paul and likely written during his imprisonment in Rome. The letter is structured in two main parts: a theological reflection on salvation and unity in Christ (chapters 1–3), and a practical exhortation on how Christians should live out this unity in daily life (chapters 4–6).

Summary of Ephesians (Catholic Perspective)

Theological Themes (Chapters 1–3):

Unity in Christ: All people—Jews and Gentiles—are reconciled and united in Christ, forming one body, the Church.
Divine Plan of Salvation: God’s eternal plan is revealed in Christ, who is the head of the Church. This plan includes the adoption of believers as children of God and their incorporation into the household of God.
The Church as the Body of Christ: The Church is portrayed as a living organism with Christ as its head, emphasizing the spiritual unity and mission of the faithful.

Ethical Exhortations (Chapters 4–6):

Living in Unity and Love: Christians are called to humility, patience, and love, maintaining the unity of the Spirit.
Moral Conduct: Paul urges believers to live as children of light, avoiding sin and embracing virtues like kindness, forgiveness, and integrity.
Family and Social Roles: The letter outlines Christian responsibilities within households and communities, including mutual respect in marriage and honorable conduct in work.

Ephesians on Fear and Being Afraid

While Ephesians does not explicitly focus on fear in the way some other Pauline letters do, it addresses the spiritual condition that underlies fear—alienation from God—and offers a vision of peace and confidence rooted in Christ. From a Catholic viewpoint:

Fear is overcome by unity with Christ: The letter emphasizes that believers are no longer "strangers and sojourners" but "fellow citizens with the saints" (Eph 2:19). This new identity in Christ dispels fear by grounding the faithful in divine love and purpose.
Spiritual Armor as a Response to Fear: In Ephesians 6:10–20, Paul describes the "armor of God"—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—as spiritual defenses against evil. This imagery encourages courage and vigilance, not fear, in the face of spiritual trials.
Peace through Reconciliation: Christ "is our peace" (Eph 2:14), having broken down the dividing wall of hostility. This reconciliation with God and others is the antidote to fear, offering a foundation of trust and hope.

In essence, Ephesians invites Catholics to live fearlessly—not by denying the reality of suffering or evil, but by rooting their identity in Christ, who brings peace, unity, and strength through the Spirit.

JULY 9 Wednesday

Ephesians, Chapter 6, Verse 5-8

⁵ Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with FEAR and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ, ⁶ not only when being watched, as currying favor, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷willingly serving the Lord and not human beings, ⁸knowing that each will be requited from the Lord for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

“Slaves be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ” I often reflected on this verse while working constructing the South Pole Station especially on those days that were close to 80 below zero! Therefore, increase in faith, hope, and love.

“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Lk 12:32)

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Here's a Catholic summary of Ephesians Chapter 6, with a focus on its approach to fear:

📘 Ephesians Chapter 6 — Catholic Summary

1. Christian Duties in Relationships (vv. 1–9)

Paul begins with practical exhortations:

· Children are to obey their parents “in the Lord” (v.1), honoring them as the first commandment with a promise.

· Fathers are to raise children in the discipline of the Lord, not provoke them.

· Slaves and masters are instructed to act justly, with sincerity and mutual respect, knowing they both serve the same Master in heaven.

These teachings emphasize dignity, obedience, and justice rooted in Christ, not fear of human authority.

2. The Armor of God (vv. 10–20)

This is the heart of the chapter and one of the most vivid metaphors in the New Testament.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (v.11)

Paul describes the Christian life as spiritual warfare, not against “flesh and blood,” but against spiritual forces of evil (v.12). The armor includes:

· Belt of truth

· Breastplate of righteousness

· Shoes of the Gospel of peace

· Shield of faith (to quench the “flaming arrows” of the evil one)

· Helmet of salvation

· Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

😨 Fear and Ephesians 6 — A Catholic Perspective

Not Fear, But Readiness

Ephesians 6 does not promote fear—it acknowledges the reality of spiritual danger while calling the faithful to courage, vigilance, and trust in God’s power.

Key Catholic Insights:

· Spiritual Combat Is Real: The Church affirms the existence of spiritual warfare. As Catholic Exchange notes, the devil is real, but we are not to be paralyzed by fear. Instead, we are to be strengthened by grace, prayer, and the sacraments.

· Grace, Not Self-Reliance: The armor of God is not self-made. It is God’s gift, and we must put it on through prayer, virtue, and sacramental life.

· Prayer as the Weapon: Paul ends with a call to “pray at every opportunity in the Spirit” (v.18). In Catholic teaching, prayer is the lifeblood of spiritual strength, especially in times of fear or temptation.

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (v.10) — This is not a call to bravado, but to humble dependence on divine strength.

Let Freedom Ring-Day 3 “Freedom from Treason.”

(See Character is Destiny for opposing virtue: LOYALTY)

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, at a word from you the devil and his minions flee in terror. You are the source of all truth. You are the source of all strength. By the power of your Cross and Resurrection, we beseech you, O Lord To extend your saving arm and to send your holy angels. To defend us as we do battle with Satan and his demonic forces. Exorcise, we pray, that which oppresses your Bride, The Church, So that within ourselves, our families, our parishes, our dioceses, and our nation. We may turn fully back to you in all fidelity and trust. Lord, we know if you will it, it will be done. Give us the perseverance for this mission, we pray. Amen

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception ... pray for us

St. Joseph ... pray for us

St. Michael the Archangel ... pray for us

(the patron of your parish) ... pray for us

(your confirmation saint) ... pray for us

"Freedom from Treason" by Fr. Jim Altman

Dear family, the very word "treason" stirs a fundamental loathing within us toward the traitor. Nobody likes a traitor, a betrayer. Indeed, as to the greatest traitor of all time, the betrayer of the Son of God, Jesus Himself said "... woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Mt 26:24

The common understanding or definition of traitor is criminal disloyalty, typically to the state. It is a crime that covers some of the more extreme acts against one's nation or sovereign. Perhaps the most ancient figure that exemplifies treason is Brutus, who betrayed Julius Caesar, through whom Shakespeare had utter the famous words "et tu Brute?" - "and you, Brutus" - even you, Brutus, my friend? Remember such similar, chilling words, spoken 2,000 years ago, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Lk 22:48.

As Americans - at least before the current historical revisionism - we have known since schooldays what to think of treason. We were taught what to think through classic examples that, like every good parable, imparted to us the sense of right and wrong. On the one hand, we learned of the betrayal by Benedict Arnold, whose name has become synonymous with treason. Benjamin Franklin wrote that "Judas sold only one man, Arnold three million." On the other hand, we learned of the glorious sacrifice of Nathan Hale who, as he stood before the British gallows, uttered the renowned words "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Who can forget the brave witness of Faith of Bishop St. John Fisher who refused to apostatize himself before the malevolent King Henry VIII, whilst the rest of the cowardly episcopacy bent to the will of a mere human. Who can forget the more recent brave witnesses of the Mexican clergy-martyrs, like Blessed Miguel Pro, or the incomprehensibly brave 14-year-old boy, St. José Sánchez del Río.

It all fits together ... the secular revulsion we have toward the "Benedict Arnolds" of the world, and the revulsion we have toward the "Judases" who betrayed us in the Faith. It certainly explains the revulsion that the faithful had for the grave betrayal of the abuse scandal. It was bad enough that abuse occurred in the first place; it was immeasurably worse when certain members of the hierarchy covered it up, it was much worse than that when others who knew stood by and did nothing, and worst of all when some of the hierarchy themselves were perpetrators. The grave consequences to the faith of the faithful is well known.

But it is easy to blame those we readily identify as Judases. It is a lot easier to point the finger at other particularly evil traitors, but what about us? Let us never forget the parable Jesus taught about those who were convinced of their own righteousness. How often are we like the Pharisee who took up his position in the Temple "... and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity-greedy, dishonest, adulterous-or even like this tax collector." Lk 18:11

The fact is that we all have been traitors. In fact, we all are traitors, to a greater or lesser extent, maybe, but traitors nonetheless, every single time we betray the Sacrifice on Calvary, every time we sin, in what we have done and in what we have failed to do. We betray the Cross of Christ every time we refuse to pick up our cross and follow Jesus to our own personal Calvary. For today, let us look at what might be the most insidious way we betray Jesus in what we have failed to do.

As the great Archbishop Charles Chaput once said: "For Pope Benedict, lay people and priests don't need to publicly renounce their Catholic faith to be apostates; they simply need to be silent when their baptism demands that they speak out, to be cowards when Jesus asks them to have courage." So, what about us? What about our own treason?

Dear family, in our PC-poisoned culture, we are stigmatized, chastised and ostracized when we try to live out our Faith publicly. We are hammered by the proposition that we are being "judgmental" when we stand up for the Truths of our Faith. Yet, if we speak the unchanged and unchangeable Truth about sin, and endure the repercussions for speaking up and speaking out, should we not have the same attitude as Jesus to the temple guard, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" Jn 18:23

Let us pray this day to be free from treason - from highest treason - against Jesus our Lord, in what we do, but perhaps even more, in what we have failed to do, by remaining silent when our baptism calls us to arms, to stand up and speak out against sin in the world. Indeed, dear family, we will know we have gone spiritually blind when we can see nothing significantly wrong with something that God has called sin.

Prayer of Reparation

My Lord and my God, we have allowed the temptation of the devil to move our hearts to move our hearts toward treason. We have fallen into treason when we have not lived up to the call of our Baptism by not acknowledging You before others. We fear the persecution in every aspect of our lives, especially those things that impact on our income, or on our social relationships. In our weakness, we have been weak in Faith, and betrayed You like Peter in the courtyard, denying You far many more times. In so many ways, we fear the ill-will of man more than we fear the loss of Heaven. We turn to You Lord, in our weakness, and beg Your forgiveness for our countless betrayals. We love You, Lord, and we beg for the courage to say to others, "yes, I know Him Who is Lord of Heaven and Earth." We know, Lord, if You will it, it will be done. Trusting in You, we offer our prayer to You who live and reign forever and ever.

Prayer of Exorcism

Lord God of Heaven and Earth, in your power and goodness, you created all things. You set a path for us to walk on and a way to an eternal relationship. By the strength of your arm and Word of your mouth Cast from your Holy Church every fearful deceit of the Devil Drive from us manifestations of the demonic that oppress us and beckon us to faithlessness and fear. Still the lying tongue of the devil and his forces so that we may act freely and faithfully to your will. Send your holy angels to cast out all influence that the demonic entities in charge of fear have planted in your church. Free us, our families, our parish, our diocese, and our country from all trickery and deceit perpetrated by the Devil and his hellish legions. Trusting in your goodness Lord, we know if you will it, it will be done in unity with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen.

Litany of the Blessed Sacrament

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

God the Father in heaven, have mercy upon us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity, one God,

Jesus, present with us now in this holy sacrament. We adore you.

Jesus, who changed water into wine and blessed the wedding at Cana.

Jesus, who ate with sinners and tax collectors.

Jesus, who blessed the home of Martha and Mary.

Jesus, who sat at table with your friends at the Last Supper.

Jesus, who offered your body on the Cross for all.

Jesus, who blessed and broke bread for Cleopas and his companion.

Jesus, throned in the highest at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Jesus, have mercy upon us.

Jesus, bread of life.

Jesus, priest of the new covenant.

Jesus, manna from heaven.

Jesus, cup of blessing.

Jesus, food of eternal life.

In the gift of the eucharist,

we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again.

In the gift of the eucharist.

you satisfy our hunger.

In the gift of the eucharist,

you unite us into one body.

In communion,

may we receive you worthily.

In communion,

may we humbly adore you.

In communion,

may we pledge our lives to serve you.

In communion,

may we be strengthened to deeds of love and compassion.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

grant us peace.

Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,

and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’

Lord Jesus, Christ

we thank you that in this wonderful sacrament

you have given us the memorial of your passion:

grant us so to reverence the sacred mysteries

of your body and blood

that we may know within ourselves

and show forth in our lives

the fruits of your redemption;

for you are alive and reign with the Father

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

14^th Amendment to US Constitution ratified, July 9, 1868[2]

This amendment to the Constitution granted citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,” which included former slaves recently freed.

Under current law, U.S.-born children of unauthorized immigrants are automatically considered U.S. citizens. Select states and certain Federal lawmakers are hoping to change that. In an effort to end birthright citizenship – which has its origins in English common law – for children of unauthorized immigrants born in the United States, state and federal lawmakers have proposed everything from state-level legislation to a constitutional amendment. They claim that by repealing birthright citizenship, the United States will deter immigrants from coming to the United States and giving birth to what they term "anchor babies" through whom unauthorized family members allegedly then obtain legal status. Proponents for a repeal of birthright citizenship are drafting state-level legislation to deny privileges of U.S. citizenship to the U.S.-born children of unauthorized aliens. Because citizenship is within the purview of the federal government, and not the states, the proponents hope that doing so will ultimately trigger a Supreme Court review of the law.

Position of the Catholic Church

To address legitimate concerns surrounding immigration law enforcement in the United States, the Catholic Church believes that our country must pass immigration reform laws to ensure the rule of law, while simultaneously ensuring that the laws that rule are rooted in the reunification of family and respectful of the human dignity of the immigrants in our midst. The Church opposes the repeal of birthright citizenship because it would render innocent children stateless, depriving them of the ability to thrive in their communities and reach their full potential. The Church believes that a repeal of birthright citizenship would create a permanent underclass in U.S. society, contravening U.S. democratic tradition; undermining the human dignity of innocent children who would be punished though they did nothing wrong; and ultimately weakening the family. Because of this, the Church opposes efforts underway for its repeal.

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The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving the 14th Amendment centers on the issue of birthright citizenship and the limits of judicial authority—not yet on the constitutionality of the policy itself.

🏛️ The Case at a Glance

On June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to lift nationwide injunctions that had blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily.

What the Court Did:

· Did not rule on whether the executive order violates the 14th Amendment.

· Did rule that lower courts overstepped their authority by issuing nationwide injunctions.

· The decision allows the policy to take effect in 30 days in states that did not challenge it, while litigation continues in lower courts.

📜 The 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, states:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States…”

This clause has long been interpreted—most notably in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898)—to guarantee citizenship to nearly all born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.

😨 Catholic Perspective on Fear and the 14th Amendment

From a Catholic social teaching standpoint, this ruling raises serious moral and pastoral concerns:

1. Human Dignity and the Stranger

The Church teaches that every person, regardless of legal status, possesses inherent dignity (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 27). Policies that create fear or uncertainty for children born in the U.S. to immigrant parents may undermine this dignity.

2. Fear vs. Justice

Catholic tradition calls for just laws that promote the common good and protect the vulnerable. The potential rollback of birthright citizenship could instill fear in immigrant communities, especially among pregnant women and families, which contradicts the Gospel call to welcome the stranger (cf. Matthew 25:35).

3. Subsidiarity and the Role of the Courts

The ruling also touches on the principle of subsidiarity—that decisions should be made at the most local level competent to do so. The Court’s limitation on nationwide injunctions may reflect a legal application of this principle, but it also raises questions about access to justice for those not directly party to a lawsuit.

⚖️ What Comes Next?

· The constitutionality of Trump’s executive order will now be litigated in lower courts.

· For now, birthright citizenship remains intact, but its future is uncertain in states that did not challenge the order.

· Catholic leaders and advocacy groups are likely to continue defending the rights of immigrant families under the 14th Amendment.

Every Wednesday is Dedicated to St. Joseph

The Italian culture has always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass. You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make the day special.

· Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph

· Do the St. Joseph Universal Man Plan.

· Total Consecration to St. Joseph Day 5