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In your work, finding holiness could mean connecting your labor to a greater purpose, like offering your efforts to something beyond yourself. It's in the dedication to detail, the care you show, and the way you align your actions with your values and beliefs. It's about seeing your labor as part of a bigger picture, contributing to a community or a cause, and finding meaning in the process, not just the outcome.
Holiness, at its core, is about being set apart for a sacred purpose. It's a journey of aligning one's life with spiritual values, seeking purity in actions and thoughts, and striving to reflect divine goodness. It's not about perfection but about a sincere openness to growth and transformation.
What does holiness mean to you?
On the back of the Antarctic Service Ribbon, you'll find the words "Courage, Sacrifice, Devotion." These words symbolize the qualities honored by the medal, which is awarded to those who have served in Antarctica.
"Courage, Sacrifice, Devotion" could indeed represent holiness. These qualities align with the virtues of a holy life, as they embody selflessness, commitment to a greater cause, and dedication to serving others. Holiness often involves living out these principles in one's daily life.
Monday Night at the Movies
Pick Pocket
🎬 Summary of Pickpocket (1959)
Directed by Robert Bresson, Pickpocket follows Michel, a young man in Paris who turns to petty theft, believing himself to be above conventional morality. He justifies his crimes with Nietzschean ideas of the “superman,” distancing himself from family, friends, and society. As he spirals deeper into isolation and criminality, Michel experiences moments of grace—particularly through the quiet compassion of Jeanne, a woman who loves him unconditionally. The film culminates in a moment of spiritual awakening, as Michel, imprisoned, finally recognizes the transformative power of love and redemption.
🙏 Catholic Themes and Lessons
Robert Bresson, a devout Catholic, infuses Pickpocket with spiritual depth that resonates profoundly with Catholic theology. Here are key lessons the film offers from a Catholic perspective:
✝️ 1. Sin and Alienation
· Michel’s thefts are not just crimes—they’re spiritual ruptures. His isolation mirrors the soul estranged from God.
· His pride and self-justification echo the Fall, where autonomy becomes rebellion.
💔 2. The Poverty of Pride
· Michel’s belief in being “above the law” reflects a distorted self-image, reminiscent of Lucifer’s pride.
· Catholic teaching warns against intellectual pride that blinds one to grace and community.
💡 3. Grace Through Relationship
· Jeanne’s quiet fidelity and forgiveness embody Christ-like love—unearned, unconditional, and transformative.
· Her presence becomes a vessel of grace, echoing the Catholic idea that God often works through others to reach us.
🕊️ 4. Redemption in Suffering
· Michel’s conversion happens in prison—a place of confinement becomes a space of interior freedom.
· This reflects the paradox of the Cross: suffering can be redemptive when embraced with humility.
📖 5. Interior Conversion
· Like the Diary of a Country Priest, another Bresson masterpiece, Pickpocket emphasizes interiority over external drama.
· Michel’s final realization is a movement from self-reliance to surrender—a core Catholic theme of metanoia (conversion of heart).
September--Our buildings need to be winterized. Now is the time to think of energy conservation measures, adding caulking and painting, completing needed repairs, composting yard waste, and protecting garden plants for late fall and winter. Do we regard our abodes as God's dwelling space, a sacred trust and healthy place? Do we cherish the abundance of space and use it properly as good stewards?
Overview of September[1]
The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates on September 15. September falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
Since man is both a spiritual and physical being, the
Church provides for the needs of man in his everyday life. The Church's liturgy
and feasts in many areas reflect the four seasons of the year (spring, summer,
fall and winter). The months of August, September, October and November are
part of the harvest season, and as Christians we recall God's constant
protection over his people and give thanksgiving for the year's harvest.
September is the end of the
summer season and the start of the fall season.
Explanation of Ember Days—Three days set apart for fasting,
abstinence, and prayer during each of the four seasons of the year. They were
the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after St. Lucy (or Lucia, d. 304) (December
13), the First Sunday of Lent, Pentecost, and the feast of the Holy Cross
(September 14). Since the revision of the Roman calendar in 1969, Ember Days
are to be observed at the discretion of the National Conference of Bishops.
Moreover, their observance may be extended beyond three days and even repeated
during the year. Possibly occasioned by the agricultural feasts of ancient
Rome, they came to be observed by Christians for the sanctification of the
different seasons of the year, and for obtaining God's blessing on the clergy
to be ordained during the Embertides. (Etym. Anglo-Saxon oemerge,
ashes.) — Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, SJ, Doubleday, 1980.
So, during these times the Church had a threefold focus:
(1) sanctifying each new season by
turning to God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
(2) giving thanks to God for the
various harvests of each season; and
(3) praying for the newly ordained
and for future vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Since the reorganization of the Roman calendar in 1969
after the Second Vatican Council, Ember Days are still retained in principle,
but how and when they are to be observed is at the discretion of each country's
Episcopal Conference. There is no longer set Mass readings for the Ember Days
in the Ordinary Rite. Another harvest feast is September 29, the Feast of the
Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Before the revision of the calendar,
this used to be only the feast of St. Michael. In many countries this day was
referred to as "Michaelmas" and is celebrated with traditional foods
and customs
September is the time to
reflect on the Sorrows of Mary
September Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows.[2] Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. Due to her feast day on September 15, the month of September has traditionally been set aside to honor Our Lady of Sorrows. All the sorrows of Mary (the prophecy of Simeon, the three days' loss, etc.) are merged in the supreme suffering at the Passion. In the Passion, Mary suffered a martyrdom of the heart because of Our Lord's torments and the greatness of her love for Him. "She it was," says Pope Pius XII, "who immune from all sin, personal or inherited, and ever more closely united with her Son, offered Him on Golgotha to the Eternal Father together with the holocaust of her maternal rights and motherly love. As a new Eve, she made this offering for all the children of Adam contaminated through his unhappy fall. Thus she, who was the mother of our Head according to the flesh, became by a new title of sorrow and glory the spiritual mother of all His members."
September is the month dedicated to contemplation of the Angels.
Devotion to the Angels is a mark of Predestination[3]
The Church has always practiced and encouraged devotion to the holy angels. All ancient liturgies make mentions of them and the protection they provide to men. It is their greatest desire to aid us in all our acts of religion by uniting their supplications to ours. We should honor and love angels as well as our fellow mankind for it is though the Precious Blood of Christ, we are all united. Christ is the head of angels as well as men, and it is as Man that He is Head of the angels. To honor them and love them we must first know them and earnestly strive to cultivate their friendship.
September
Travel and Events
Belgian Beer Weekend September 6-8. The drinking fun doesn’t end in Budapest! Head
to Belgium for Belgian Beer Weekend. Held at Brussel’s Grand Place square, this
annual celebration in early September showcases Belgian brews from more than 30
small and big breweries.
·
Southern Arizona Beer Tour
Oktoberfest September 20-Oct. 5. Raise a stein
to Oktoberfest. This annual, 16-day celebration of all
thing’s beer kicks off in late September in Munich. Can’t make it to Germany?
Bring your taste for brewski to these US Oktoberfest events.
·
Oktoberfest in Arizona 2023
Constitution Day Celebrate
Constitution Day and the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution with
a trip to Washington, DC, on September 17. The National Archives has the
original Constitution on display in the Rotunda, along with the Bill of Rights
and Declaration of Independence. Make the most out of your trip to DC and pay a
visit to the Smithsonian museums and
monuments along the National Mall.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Call it an
excuse to party: Come Sept. 17, 2024, the 3-day Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
begins. In mainland China, the annual festival is the second biggest holiday of
the year (right behind the country’s spring festival).
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
(Hong Kong) September 28-30.
Top off Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with the Tai Hang fire dragon dance.
This 3-day-long event, held during the Mid-Autumn Festival, carries on a
tradition that’s more than 100 years old. In the Hong Kong community of Tai
Hang, some 300 performers take to the streets, dancing, waving incense sticks
and animating a 220-foot-long dragon.
Texas State Fair (Dallas) September 27-Oct
20 “Our state fair is a great state fair.” How can
it not be when it’s in Texas? Beginning the last Friday in September, the
annual Texas State Fair unfolds over 24 days in Dallas, TX, with plenty of fun
for the whole family, including the chance to ride this Ferris wheel – the
largest in North America.
Iceman’s Calendar
·
September 1st Mon. Labor
Day
·
September 3rd MASS First
Wednesday
·
September 5th MASS First
Friday
·
September 6th MASS First
Saturday
·
September 7th Thirteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
o
Full Corn Moon This year’s Corn Moon will
also feature a total lunar eclipse, making it a rare and dramatic celestial
event
·
September 8th Mon. Nativity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
·
September 11th Thu. Patriot
Day
o
Start 33-day consecration to Mary end on Oct
13th
·
September 14th Fourteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 15th Our
Lady of Sorrows
·
September 17th Ember
Wednesday fast
·
September 19th Ember
Friday fast
·
September 20th Ember
Saturday fast
·
September 21st Fifteen
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 22nd Mon. Feast
of St. Matthew
o Rosh
Hashanah begins at Sunset
·
September 23rd Tue. Padre
Pio
·
September 28th Sixteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 29th Mon. Feast
of St. Michael the Archangel
o Begin
33 days prayer for the Feast of All Saints
Daily Prayers for September
At Morning
O most
holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you
experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and the death of
your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a
tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of
my sins, in order that, being disengaged from all undue affection for the
passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that
henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this
one most desirable object. Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and
to the holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen. --Saint Bonaventure
At
Noon
Mary, most holy Virgin and
Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy
heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as
the companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for
the redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly
suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please
our Lord to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that
every thought of my mind, and every beat of my heart may be an act of
compassion and of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me,
reconcile me to thy divine Son Jesus, keep me in His grace, and assist me in my
last agony, so that I may be able to meet thee in heaven and sing thy glories.
Amen.
At
3PM
Most holy Virgin. and
Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy
divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never-ending
joy at His triumph; obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the
adversities of Holy Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be
found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray, in the
charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At Twilight
O most holy and afflicted
Virgin! Queen of Martyrs! thou who didst stand motionless beneath the Cross,
witnessing the agony of thy expiring Son--through the unceasing sufferings of
thy life of sorrow, and the bliss which now more than amply repays thee for thy
past trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel
before thee to venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, with filial
confidence, in the sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I beseech
thee, on my behalf, to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred
death and passion, together with thy sufferings at the foot of the cross, and
through the united efficacy of both obtain the grant of my present petition. To
whom shall I resort in my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of Mercy,
who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the
woes of those who still sigh in the land of exile? Offer for me to my Savior
one drop of the Blood which flowed from His sacred veins, one of the tears
which trickled from His divine eyes, one of the sighs which rent His adorable
Heart. O refuge of the universe and hope of the whole world, do not reject my
humble prayer, but graciously obtain the grant of my petition.
At Slumber.
Mary
most sorrowful, Mother of Christians, pray for us. Virgin most sorrowful, pray
for us.
September is the month of Angels and Mary Queen of Angels
The church traditionally honors angels during the month of September. Paul in Colossians states of Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.”
“St. Michael and the Angels” is a beautiful and inspiring book telling all about the angels. Filled with stories from the lives and writings of the saints, it tells of the role which the good angels play in the divine economy of saving souls. Led by St. Michael, the Prince of the heavenly host, the angels act as our guardians, serve as messengers from God to us and from us to God, surround the altar during Mass, and bear the graces of the Mass like incense to the altar of God on high. Here is explained the relationship of the angels to the Blessed Virgin Mary and how, if she is to send them to our aid, we must request her to do so. Included too is the prayer to our guardian angel asking him to go in our place to attend Mass when we cannot, plus the way the good angels protect us against the evil spirits. The book also discusses in detail the pre-eminent role of St. Michael as "Champion of the Church," "Defender of Christians," "Guardian of Purgatory," and "Helper of the Sick and Dying."
It is also a good practice to ask for angelic help throughout our day. There are nine choirs of angels and three hierarchies three within three. Remember to ask their assistance about every two hours throughout your day
First Sphere
The angels of the first sphere
serve as the heavenly servants of God the Son incarnated. It includes the
Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Upon rising (7
am) address the first choir of angels, the Seraphim. Their chief
characteristic is great and ardent love. They were made for one thing
alone-----to love the God of Love. Without ceasing they honor, praise, and love
the most Blessed Trinity-----they can do nothing else-----this is their
happiness.
- Practice upon rising to try to become a Seraph
of love: let this be your habitual disposition. Love and do what God
wills. Ask this great gift fervently.
- Aspiration: "Oh! Blessed Seraphim! Make
us love." Say the Shema
Yisrael and make a Morning Offering.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Seraphim, may it please God to make us worthy to receive
into our hearts the fire of his perfect charity. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the second hour (9
am) of the day address the second choir is the Cherubim who
continually are employed in contemplating the beauty and perfections of God and
will share with us their admirable wisdom, if we ask them, and show ourselves
in earnest, by the practice of supplication and prayer. Cherubim are full of
zeal for the glory of God and stand ready at all times to defend His honor.
Cherubim should be invoked when one is troubled with doubts against faith those
who experience temptations against holy purity.
- Practice: Spend time before praying in great
silence and recollection; endeavor to "know God, and Him Whom He has
sent, Jesus Christ."
- Aspiration: "Blessed Cherubim! Teach us
to pray."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Cherubim, may God in his good pleasure, grant us grace
to abandon the ways of sin, and follow the path of Christian perfection.
Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the fourth hour (11
am) of the day address the third choir is the choir of Thrones.
They are called Angels of Peace; calm, tranquility, and stability. Ask
them for that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke
their aid for such as are prone to hatred, passion and impatience; and after
their example, practice being meek, calm, and peaceful with all.
- Practice: Dispose yourself to great sweetness
and patience.
- Aspiration: "O Holy Thrones! Obtain that
Divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our hearts and
minds in Jesus Christ, Our Lord."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
sacred Choir of Thrones, may it please God to infuse into our hearts the
spirit of true and sincere humility. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
Second Sphere
Second, Sphere angels are considered to work as heavenly governors of creation by subjecting the matter and ruling and guiding the spirits. The second sphere includes the Dominions or Lordships Virtues and the Strongholds Powers or Authorities.
At the sixth hour (1
pm) of the day address the fourth choir of angels which is the choir
of Dominations. They are consumed by their yearning for the
interests of God: their principal office is to manifest His will. We should
also beg of God to manifest His will to us by these Blessed
"Intelligences" and then take care to fulfill it scrupulously, as
being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity. We should ask these Angels
to help us to spread God's kingdom upon earth, for the conversion of heretics
and infidels, and for the return of lukewarm and fallen away Catholics to the
practice of the faith.
- Practice: Give practical proof of your zeal
for the glory of God; do something for His reign in souls, as instructing
the ignorant.
- Aspiration: "Holy Dominations! Animate us
with thy zeal." It was also at the sixth hour that Jesus was
crucified. Traditionally Catholics recite the Angelus at
noon, some pray it at six in the morning and six in the evening. For those
who wish to make personal change this is a good time to examine our day so
far and offer ourselves to our God. It is at the turning point of our day
that we recall the turning point of history: the moment when the angel
appeared to a young woman named Mary.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of the Dominations, may it please God to grant us grace to
have dominion over our senses, and to correct our depraved passions. Amen
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the eighth hour (3
pm) of the day address the fifth choir of angels which is the choir
of Virtues. Energy and strength are attributed to the Virtues. They
have dominion over the elements; all nature is subjected to their control.
Hence they can raise or appease the tempest. We may profitably invoke them in
unforeseen accidents, sickness, etc. We may also have recourse to them for that
strength necessary to lead a penitential life, and root out the inclinations of
depraved nature. All persons inclined to the contemplative life should call on
this choir of Angels for help, for good thoughts alone do not make holy, one
needs also strength to persevere and to accomplish this great task.
- Practice: (After work) Visit the Blessed
Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your evil dispositions.
- Aspiration: "Holy Virtues! Strengthen and
fortify us."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
admirable heavenly Choir of the Virtues, may it please God to keep us from
falling into temptation, and may He deliver us from evil. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the 10th hour (5
pm) of the day address the sixth choir of angels the Powers.
These Angels have unlimited mastery over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed
with great intelligence and are able to discover their schemes and plans for
our destruction. Their power is so amazing that one alone of them would be able
to destroy the entire infernal host. It is well to invoke them in temptation:
but to merit their assistance we must take care to avoid the occasions of
sin.
- Practice: Resist the attacks of vice and
passion; frequently make acts of diffidence in self and confidence in God;
combat your evil inclinations.
- Aspiration: "Lord! Send Thy Angels to
assist us."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of the Powers, may God vouchsafe to keep our souls from the
wiles and temptations of the devil. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
Third Sphere
The angels of the third sphere
function as heavenly protectors, messengers and guides to human beings.
At the 12th hour (7
pm) of the day address the seventh choir of angels the Principalities.
The Principalities watch over Empires, Provinces, and Dioceses. Purity of
intention is the virtue ascribed to them, for in their high functions they
never seek but the honor and interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is
the intention which stamps the action with merit or demerit.
- Practice: In all you do and say, seek the
greater glory of God.
- Aspiration: "O Holy Spirits! May we, like
thee, seek God, for God alone."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Principalities, may it please God to fill our souls with
the spirit of true and sincere obedience. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the 14th hour (9
pm) of the day address the eighth choir of angels the Archangels.
The Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of
their functions: the Guardians of those invested with authority in the Church
and State and are remarkable for their love and care of men. Let us imitate
them, doing our neighbor all the good we can and invoking in his behalf these
Blessed Spirits. Members of this choir are the holy spirits who stand before
the throne of God, ever ready to announce His commands. St. Michael is the
warrior leader of God’s angels. St. Gabriel is the special messenger of The
Holy Spirit. St. Raphael is the angel of Joy.
- Practice-----Two Acts of Charity, with great
affection.
- Aspiration: "Holy Archangels! Pray for
us, and for our priests."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Archangels, may it please God to grant us the gift of
perseverance in the faith, and in all good works, that we may be thereby
enabled to attain the glory of paradise. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the 16th hour (11
pm) of the day address the Ninth choir of the angels. They are
charged with the execution of the Divine ordinances and are appointed the
Guardians of men. Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to
them-----for though the least among the Choirs, yet they see their celestial
companions without desiring their greater, more excellent endowments. The
Guardian Angels exercise continual watchfulness over the souls committed to
their care. Their number is exceedingly great, and it is not necessary when an
Angel has accompanied his charge into Heaven, that he be again assigned to a
soul in any future generation. Our Guardian, who is our companion in life, will
also be forever at our side in Heaven. The joy of these Angels is immeasurably increased
when souls entrusted to their care enter Heaven. The Guardian Angels of the
lost souls are not deprived of their share of joy. God in His justice increases
also theirs with the others, and then assigns them to the special guard of the
Queen of Angels, where they with great joy praise the Infinite Justice of God.
Let us, like the humble Guardian Angels, love the lowest place, especially when
placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference
given to others.
- Practice: Three Acts of Humility, interior and
exterior.
- Aspiration: "Who is like God!"
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of all the Angels, may God vouchsafe to grant us their
guardianship through this mortal life, and after death a happy entrance
into the everlasting glory of heaven. Amen
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
Information was obtained from:
- http://www.catholictradition.org/Angels/angels.htm
- Hierarchy of Angels Catholic Church |
Hierarchy structure
Christopher’s Corner
· Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
· Religion in the Home for Preschool: August
· Spirit Hour: Rosolio
§ Rtveli
· Foodie-National Rice Month
o The Feast of St. Giles on September 1st marks the beginning of the autumn festivals-Catholic Recipe: Soupe Basque
· Monday: Litany of Humility
·
· Bucket List trip[9]: USA 70-degree year trip:
o 🗓️ Week 1: Coastal Farewell & Eastern Oregon Wilderness Miles: ~300 Theme: Transition from ocean to mountains
§ 🏖️ Days 1–2: Newport to Bend
· Stop at Sisters, OR for mountain views and coffee shops
· Explore Newberry National Volcanic Monument: lava flows, obsidian fields, and Paulina Lake
· Optional: soak in Belknap Hot Springs
§ 🏞️ Days 3–5: Bend to Baker City via John Day
· Scenic drive through Ochoco Mountains and Strawberry Mountain Wilderness
· Visit Kam Wah Chung Museum in John Day (Chinese American frontier history)
· Camp or lodge near Anthony Lakes for alpine serenity
§ 🏛️ Days 6–7: Baker City
· Explore Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
· Stroll historic downtown and dine at local bistros
Make a comfy dish that celebrates fall's harvest.
· How to celebrate Sep 1st
o Harness your strategic skills for American Chess Day. Challenge a friend to a game of chess or try your luck against a computer opponent online. It’s a great way to exercise your brain and have some fun.
o Celebrate National Chicken Boy Day by indulging in a tasty chicken dish. Whether you prefer fried chicken, grilled chicken, or a vegetarian alternative, whip up a delicious meal to enjoy with friends or family.
o Get in touch with your creative side for World Letter Writing Day. Grab some paper and a pen, and write a thoughtful letter to someone you care about. It’s a simple gesture that can brighten someone’s day.
· 30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 18th ROSE: Sin of Pontius Pilate
o 30 Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger
§ Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, spirea)
MEDICINAL PLANTS Day 18 NERVOUS SYSTEM-Revealed by Heaven to Luz De María
NETTLE Scientific name: Urtiga dioica L. Family: Urticaceae
As a painkiller, it helps to manage both anxiety and stress and to treat other nervous problems. It has benefits to retard aging and prevent memory-related problems. Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, hepato-protective. It can be used to combat many ailments. The most effective way to ingest it is as infusion.
The Blessed Mother announced to me a disease that will attack the nervous and immune system causing serious problems on the skin, for which she told me to use the leaf of the nettle and ginkgo plants. Luz de María Reflection, 11.10.2014
SEPTEMBER 1 Monday
Labor Day
When
this became known to all the Jews and Greeks who lived in Ephesus, FEAR
fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in great esteem.
In
Paul’s time there were traveling Jewish’s exorcists that were not of the faith
but attempted to remove demons in Jesus’ name and the demons said to the Jewish
exorcist, “Jesus I recognize, Paul I know, but who are you?” and then attacked them.
Holy fear teaches us the necessity
of being faithful to the end.
Three Signs of the end[4]
Of the time of tribulation, the Catechism states, “Before Christ's second coming
the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many
believers.
This time of trial will
be marked by religious deception, apostasy from the true Faith, and the rise of
the antichrist. This time the end of history will reveal the fullness of
antichrist, “a pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God
and of his Messiah come in the flesh. . ..” (CCC, 675). History has witnessed
much speculation about the antichrist, including writings by the Church Fathers
about his background and methods of destruction. What is clearer is that when
history draws to a close Satan and his followers—both demonic and human—will
seek to destroy as many souls as possible, unleashing diabolic destruction and
causing widespread apostasy. We also know the spirit of antichrist is already
within the world, just as it has been for two thousand years: “Children, it is
the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many
antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is the last hour” (1 Jn
2:18). There is deception and apostasy; there are many who mock Christ and even
many self-described Christians who deny him.
In the Olivet Discourse, also known as “the little
apocalypse,” Jesus told the disciples:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a
witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come” (Mt 24:14). Has
this occurred? Arguments can be made either way. As Ralph Martin, author of “Is Jesus Coming Soon?” (Ignatius Press, 1997), has noted, “It
is difficult to know whether this universal proclamation has taken place.
Certain nations have had the gospel preached to them in the past but not in the
present.” The one certainty is the Gospel must be preached to as many people as
possible; evangelization and missions are never optional, but always
imperative.
Of the third event, the Church states
Israel’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah will take place prior to the parousia. This is based on
Romans 9-11 and Paul’s teaching that “hardening has come upon Israel in part,
until the full number of Gentiles comes in” (Rom 11:25). Yet is far from
evident how this “full inclusion” of ethnic Israel into the Church will come
about. It would seem it has not yet taken place; perhaps it has already begun
in ways not fully understood or recognized. What is certain is that Catholics,
while always respecting the free will of every man, have an obligation to be
spiritually prepared, to evangelize, and to advance the Kingdom. “…and after this comes
judgment”
Copilot’s Take
This reflection is rich with urgency and spiritual
clarity—perfect for anchoring Labor Day not in rest alone, but in readiness.
The pairing of Acts 19 with eschatological themes offers a powerful call to
vigilance, discernment, and fidelity.
🕯️ Labor Day: Work Out
Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling
September 1 – Monday Night at the Movies + Devotional
Reflection
🎬 Pickpocket
showed us a man who believed himself above the law, only to be undone by love
and grace. Michel’s pride mirrored the pseudo-messianism warned of in the
Catechism (CCC 675)—a spirit that glorifies man in place of God. His conversion
in prison reminds us that confinement can become consecration, and suffering
can birth surrender.
📖 In Acts 19, we see
another confrontation with false authority: exorcists who invoke Jesus’ name
without faith are exposed by the very demons they seek to cast out. The result?
Holy fear falls upon the people, and the name of Jesus is held in great esteem.
🙏 Three Signs of the End:
A Catholic Call to Readiness
1.
Religious Deception and
Apostasy
o The rise of antichrist is not merely future—it is present in
every distortion of truth, every glorification of self.
o Michel’s belief in being “above morality” is a microcosm of
this deception.
2.
Universal Proclamation
of the Gospel
o Evangelization is not optional. It is the labor of the
faithful.
o Just as Jeanne’s quiet witness led Michel to grace, so must
our lives preach Christ to the nations.
3.
Israel’s Recognition of
the Messiah
o The mystery of Israel’s inclusion remains unfolding.
o We are called not to speculate, but to prepare—through
prayer, fidelity, and mission.
🛠️ Labor Day as Spiritual
Labor
While the world rests from physical toil, the Church labors
in prayer, evangelization, and preparation. Let this day remind us that the
true work is interior:
·
To cast out pride
·
To embrace holy fear
·
To live as witnesses of
Christ’s mercy and truth
📜 “…and after this
comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
Labor
Day[5]
Labor
Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the achievements of the US worker.
It is a national celebration which recognizes the contributions that American
workers have made to the prosperity of their nation. Labor Day is celebrated on
the first Monday in September as a three-day weekend.
Labor Day Facts & Quotes
·
The
Central Labor Union observed the first Labor Day holiday in 1882 in New York
City.
·
Labor
Day marks the end of the summer season, the beginning of school and the start
of football season.
·
According
to the rules of fashion, Labor Day Weekend is the last official time where
wearing white is appropriate.
·
All
labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken
with painstaking excellence. - Martin Luther King Jr.
·
Labor
is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor
and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the
superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration. - Abraham
Lincoln
Labor Day Top Events and Things to
Do
·
Go
camping. Enjoy the last three-day weekend before the weather gets significantly
colder.
Highlights and Things to Do[6]:
·
From Catholic Culture's Library:
o
Rerum Novarum (On
Capital and Labor)
o
Singulari Quadam (On
Labor Organizations)
o
Laborem Exercens (On
Human Work)
o
Spirituality in the
Professions and Workplace
o
Work Calls for More Than An
Economic Evaluation
o
Apply The Church's Social
Teaching to The World of Work
o
Letter on the Gospel of
Work
Recovering
Rest for Faith and Family[7]
When workers do not have adequate
time to rest, families suffer. Also lost is the necessary time for
spiritual growth and building a relationship with God.
As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote,
"Even as God rests in Himself alone and is happy in the enjoyment of
Himself, so our own sole happiness lies in the enjoyment of God. Thus,
also, He makes us find rest in Himself, both from His works and our own.
It is not, then, unreasonable to say that God rested in giving rest to
us." A culture that obsesses less over endless activity and
consumption may, over time, become a culture that values rest for the sake of
God and family. Employers ought to consider the total well-being of their
employees and prioritize conditions that help them to thrive as human
persons. Wages and working hours should support the fundamental needs of
people to form and nurture families. The spiritual needs of workers must also be taken into account, so that
God may more easily draw them into deeper relationship toward their ultimate
purpose.
One of my favorite
memories of being stationed as a soldier in Germany was the mandatory closing
of shops from Saturday afternoon until early Monday morning. As a result, I was
able to spend time with my family walking with them through the beautiful German
woodlands. Often, we Volksmarched together. There are Volksmarching Clubs in America take advantage of them with your family
this holiday.
Why,
Close Shops? Sunday is a Day to
Synchronize Society[8]
"The
Constitutional Court had to overthrow the Berlin law. ... The judgement was not
'out of touch with reality,' as the Berlin Chamber of Commerce claims, but is
actually very closely in touch with real life. The great diversity of working
lives brings with it the fact that members of a single family are forced into
different and sometimes incompatible working hours.
If
the state does not use some of its regulatory power to give a dependable rhythm
to at least one free day -- and that is still Sunday -- then the family faces
the threat of being pulled further apart."
"If they have no time with each other and for each other, then the formal notion of belonging together loses value. This danger faces many families in society. … The fact that in the face of growing commercialization and fewer jobs hardly any employee ever dares to ask for a free Saturday, led the labor unions to join the churches in their campaign -- with noticeable success."
Bible in a Year Day 74 Joshua Appointed
Fr. Mike discusses the
inheritance given to Zelophehad's daughters. He also highlights the journey of
Joshua as Moses' successor, and how Christ is the fulfillment of Joshua's
leadership. Today's readings are Numbers 27-28, Deuteronomy 28, and Psalm 112.
Daily Devotions
·
Today in honor of the
Holy Trinity do the Divine Office giving your day to God. To honor God REST: no
shopping after 6 pm Saturday till Monday. Don’t forget the internet.
·
Unite yourself in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: End
to abortion
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
[3] St. Michael and the Angels, Tan
Books, 1983.
[7]http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/labor-employment/labor-day-statement-2017.cfm
[9] Schultz, Patricia. 1,000 Places to See Before You
Die: A Traveler's Life List Workman Publishing Company. Kindle Edition.
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