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.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Vinny’s Corner

· July 5-July 27 Tour de France[3]

Celebrate France’s biggest sporting event this month — the Tour de France. The official kick-off takes place on the island of Corsica then crosses onto France’s mainland. Cruise the French countryside as you follow the grand event. Or if you can’t make it abroad, head to one of America’s top bicycling cities.

· Bucket Item trip: Pilgrimage: Manoppello Italy: Basilica of the Holy Face “Veronica’s Veil”

· Saturday Litany of the Hours Invoking the Aid of Mother Mary

· Foodie: Pollo al Mattone (Italian Roast Chicken Under a Brick)

o Lasagna Awareness Month

§ Catholic Recipe: Cassoulet

· Spirit hour: Villa Vallombrosa Wine

o World Rum Day-My Dad was stationed in Barbados when in the Navy

§ National Pecan Pie Day-Douse it in Bourbon

· Let Freedom Ring Day 5 "Freedom from Cowardice" by Fr. Rick Heilman

JULY 12 Saturday

St. Veronica-Simplicity Day

Matthew, Chapter 10, Verse 26

“Therefore, do not be AFRAID of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.

Christ’s message here is to have courage under persecution.

Yes, if they killed Christ what will they do to us.

Look at what is going on in the Middle East, there is no doubt it will be here, but Christ reassures us to do not be afraid.

In Acts 8:1-8 we see that there was a severe persecution of the followers of Christ in Jerusalem promulgated by Saul, who by the grace of God was converted and became the apostle to the gentiles Paul. We must not give up hope and we must pray for our persecutors; perhaps Christ will send us another Paul.

Therefore, do not be afraid, for everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, and Christ has told us the He will raise us on the last day. (John 6:40)

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.

Copilot

Certainly! Here's a Catholic reflection on Mark Chapter 10, focusing on its lessons about fear and being afraid:

📖 Mark Chapter 10 — Overview

Mark 10 is rich with teachings from Jesus as He journeys toward Jerusalem. Key episodes include:

1. Teaching on Marriage and Divorce (vv. 1–12)

2. Jesus Blesses the Children (vv. 13–16)

3. The Rich Young Man (vv. 17–31)

4. The Third Passion Prediction (vv. 32–34)

5. James and John’s Ambition (vv. 35–45)

6. Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (vv. 46–52)

😨 Lessons on Fear and Being Afraid — Catholic Perspective

1. Fear of Losing Control (vv. 17–22)

The rich young man approaches Jesus sincerely but walks away sad when told to give up his possessions. His fear is not of Jesus, but of losing control, comfort, and security.

Catholic Insight: This reflects the spiritual danger of attachment. Fear of letting go can block us from receiving the greater treasure—eternal life. The Catechism teaches that detachment from riches is necessary for discipleship (CCC 2544).

Lesson: Fear of sacrifice must be overcome by trust in Christ’s promise: “You will have treasure in heaven.”

2. Fear of Inadequacy (vv. 23–27)

When Jesus says it’s hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom, the disciples are “exceedingly astonished” and ask, “Then who can be saved?”

Catholic Insight: This is the fear of not being enough. Jesus responds with hope: “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.” (v. 27)
Salvation is not earned—it is grace. The Church teaches that God’s grace enables what we cannot do alone (CCC 1996–2001).

Lesson: Fear of failure is answered by divine mercy. What is impossible for us is possible for God.

3. Fear of Suffering (vv. 32–34)

As Jesus predicts His Passion, the disciples are “amazed” and “afraid.” They follow, but with trembling hearts.

Catholic Insight: This fear is natural—but Jesus does not rebuke them. Instead, He reveals the cross as the path to glory. Catholic spirituality embraces this paradox: suffering united to Christ becomes redemptive (cf. CCC 618).

Lesson: Fear of suffering is not weakness—it’s an invitation to deeper trust. Christ walks ahead of us, carrying the cross first.

4. Fear of Being Overlooked (vv. 35–45)

James and John ask for places of honor. Their ambition may mask a deeper fear: being forgotten or left behind.

Catholic Insight: Jesus redefines greatness as service. He calls His followers to imitate Him, who came “not to be served but to serve” (v. 45).
True greatness in the Kingdom is found in humble love, not status.

Lesson: Fear of insignificance is healed by the call to self-giving love.

5. Fearless Faith (vv. 46–52)

Blind Bartimaeus cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite being rebuked, he persists. Jesus heals him and says, “Your faith has saved you.”

Catholic Insight: Bartimaeus models bold, fearless faith. He is not afraid to cry out, to be seen, or to follow Jesus “on the way”—a phrase that hints at the way of the cross.

Lesson: Fear must give way to faith that acts. God responds to the cry of the humble.

✝️ Final Reflection

Mark 10 teaches that fear is part of the journey of discipleship—fear of loss, failure, suffering, insignificance. But each fear is met by a deeper truth:

· God’s grace is sufficient

· Christ walks ahead of us

· The cross leads to glory

· Faith casts out fear

St. Veronica[1]

According to Tradition, when St. Veronica saw Jesus’ fall beneath the weight of the cross, He carried to his pending crucifixion, she was so moved with pity she pushed through the crowd past the Roman Soldiers to reach Jesus. She used her veil to wipe the blood

and sweat from His face. The soldiers forced her away from Jesus even as He peered at her with gratitude. She bundled her veil and did not look at it again until she returned home. When she finally unfolded the veil--history does not clarify exactly what kind of material the veil was made from--it was imprinted with an image of Christ's face. Some stories have alluded to St. Veronica being present at the beheading of St. John the Baptist. Others claim Veronica (Bernice) was a woman whom Jesus cured from a blood issue before His arrest in Jerusalem. There is no reference to the biography of St. Veronica in the canonical Gospels. Her act of kindness and charity is represented in the Sixth of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross. St. Veronica is believed to be buried in the tomb in Soulac or in the church of St. Seurin at Bordeaux, France. Her veil (the Veronica) is kept at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican at Rome

Simplicity Day[2]

” In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

We live in a complicated world; with taxes and devices and every imaginable complication the world can provide. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just take some time to keep things simple? To winnow life down to the bare essentials and hold onto it like the precious thing it is? Simplicity Day encourages you to do just that, to let go of all of life’s complications and live a day… simple. Simplicity Day was born out of a need to be free from the complications of the world and to allow ourselves to just be simple. Celebrate life through simplicity by turning off your devices, getting rid of complicated things and just let life be about living for a day. One of the great conundrums of the modern world is that the more opportunities and options you have the less happy you’re going to be. Some of the happiest people in the world have been determined to be those who live in uncivilized areas concerning themselves only with what they’re going to eat that day and where a good place to sleep is. We can learn much from them, though few of us would want to go to such extremes. However, we can all benefit from just cutting out the things that make our lives difficult. Simplicity Day is about getting rid of these complications and culling from your life what doesn’t bring you joy.

How to Celebrate Simplicity Day

· Step away from the computer and find a sunny nook with a cup of tea and a book to pass the time.

· Walk in the forests or through fields and just feel the sun on your skin and the sounds of birds and insects. These moments will be the ones that can truly set you free. During these long moments take the time to relax and consider how you want to proceed in your life.

· What can you cut out that buries you under complications that bring no benefits? Are there people or things you can remove that will make your life a little happier each day by the removal of these complications?

· These questions can lead you to a simpler, happier life. Wouldn’t it be nice to have peace of mind? Simplicity Day can lead the way.

Bible in a Year-Day 23

We continue reading today Genesis 43-44, Job 35-36, and Proverbs 4:10-19. Fr. Mike highlights the transformation of Judah's heart and how his change shows us that we too can change regardless of our past.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Holy Priests, Consecrated, & Religious notice I haven’t found a link to someone living to emulate-any suggestions-please post.

· Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Day 6

· Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary