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Monday Night at the Movies
π
Year One: The Way of
Witness — Conscience, Community, and Sacrament
Start: November 3, 2025
πΈ November 2025 – Poverty, Resurrection, and Hidden Grace
- Nov 24
– Mouchette (1967)
Robert Bresson's Mouchette (1967) is a stark, minimalist portrait of suffering and alienation, offering a deeply Catholic meditation on innocence, sacrifice, and the mystery of grace.
π¬ Film Summary: Mouchette (1967)
- Setting: A rural French village, bleak and isolating.
- Protagonist: Mouchette, a teenage girl burdened by poverty, neglect, and abuse.
- Plot Highlights:
- Mouchette cares for her dying mother and infant brother while enduring her father's cruelty and her school's rejection.
- A brief moment of joy at a fair is swiftly interrupted by her father's control.
- Lost in the woods, she encounters Arsène, a poacher who rapes her after a seizure.
- She returns home to find her mother dead and faces further humiliation from townspeople.
- After a series of degrading encounters, she walks to a pond and rolls herself into it—an act of suicide.
✝️ Catholic Lessons and Symbolism
Though Bresson’s approach is more anthropological than doctrinal, Mouchette is rich with Catholic resonance:
1. The Innocent Victim as Christ-Figure
- Mouchette’s suffering mirrors Christ’s Passion: she is misunderstood, abused, and ultimately sacrificed by society.
- Her gentle care for her brother and mother evokes Marian tenderness and sacrificial love.
2. The Mystery of Grace
- Bresson’s Catholicism is subtle but present. He believed in grace as a force that operates mysteriously, even amid despair.
- Mouchette’s final act—rolling into the water—can be read as a tragic baptism, a return to God through suffering.
3. The Number Three and Trinitarian Echoes
- The film uses symbolic triads (e.g., three dresses offered by the old woman) to evoke the Trinity and spiritual completeness.
4. Critique of Ritual Without Compassion
- The villagers’ mechanical religiosity contrasts with their cruelty. Bresson critiques empty ritual divorced from mercy.
- The churchgoers in black, the funeral preparations, and the shroud all evoke Catholic rites, but lack true charity.
5. Sacrifice and Redemption
- Mouchette’s suicide, though a mortal sin in Catholic teaching, is framed not as condemnation but as a mirror to societal failure.
- Bresson invites viewers to reflect on how communities create victims—and whether redemption is possible through empathy.
Christopher’s Corner
· Foodie: 30 Simple Recipes That Are Warm, Cozy, And Exactly What You Need This November
· Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
· Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born, 1864
· Spirit Hour: Snake in the glass
· Monday: Litany of Humility
o Start your day by stirring up some creativity with a unique talent showcase. Whether it’s juggling, singing, or telling jokes, celebrate your skills and those of your friends on Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day.
§ Keep the positive energy flowing by making fairy bread to share with loved ones on National Fairy Bread Day.
· Don’t forget to stay fueled with a sardine snack in honor of National Sardines Day.
o Take a moment to appreciate the flexibility and dedication of shift workers on International Shift Worker Sunday.
§ Support au pairs and their valuable contributions to families on International Au Pair Day.
· Finally, channel your inner adventurer by researching the mysterious D.B. Cooper case on D.B. Cooper Day.
π Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 5: USA 70-Degree Year Journey
Dates: November 24–December 1, 2025
Theme: Stillness and Advent
Route: Tucson → Verde Valley (Cornville base)
Style: Local pilgrimage, vineyard reflection, and liturgical descent
Climate Alignment: Daily highs 65–70°F
π° Estimated Cost Overview (Nov 24–Dec 1)
Category | Estimated Cost |
Lodging (7 nights) | $0 (home base) |
Food (daily meals) | $160 |
Fuel (local drives) | $40 |
Symbolic extras | $60 |
Total Estimate | $260 |
π―️ Day 1 – Monday, November 24
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Pilgrim’s Rest
Ritual Prompt: “Rest is holy—received, not earned.”
· Morning walk along Oak Creek
· Unpack symbolic items: candle, stone, journal, wine cork
· Light a candle for the journey’s memory
· π§Ί Foodie Stop: Simple home meal with bread and wine (~$20)
πΏ Day 2 – Tuesday, November 25
Location: Sedona (local pilgrimage)
Symbol: Threshold of Light
Ritual Prompt: “Advent begins in the dark—with a single light.”
· Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross for quiet prayer
· Begin Advent journal: “What do I long for?”
· π₯ Foodie Stop: Local cafΓ© or picnic with seasonal greens (~$20)
π· Day 3 – Wednesday, November 26
Location: Page Springs Vineyards
Symbol: Vine of Remembrance
Ritual Prompt: “The vine remembers the soil—rooted, returning, renewed.”
· Vineyard walk and wine tasting
· Reflect on the Eucharistic thread of the journey
· π Foodie Stop: Charcuterie and wine pairing (~$25)
π¦ Day 4 – Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving)
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Table of Gratitude
Ritual Prompt: “Gratitude is Eucharist—broken, shared, remembered.”
· Prepare a symbolic Thanksgiving meal
· Share stories, prayers, and toasts from the road
· π️ Stay: Home base
· π½️ Foodie Stop: Shared feast with local produce (~$30)
π Day 5 – Friday, November 28
Location: Jerome
Symbol: Descent and Ascent
Ritual Prompt: “The soul descends to rise—through shadow, through song.”
· Visit Holy Family Church and hillside ruins
· Write reflection: “What has been redeemed?”
· π₯ Foodie Stop: Haunted Hamburger or Clinkscale (~$25)
π️ Day 6 – Saturday, November 29
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Silence Before the Song
Ritual Prompt: “Before the carol, there is silence. Before the feast, the fast.”
· Morning fast or quiet retreat
· Prepare Advent wreath or altar
· π§Ί Foodie Stop: Simple soup and bread supper (~$15)
π Day 7 – Sunday, November 30 (First Sunday of Advent)
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Candle of Hope
Ritual Prompt: “Hope is the first flame—fragile, faithful, enough.”
· Light first Advent candle
· Attend Mass or Eucharistic celebration
· Write blog post: “From Borderlands to Bethlehem”
· π· Foodie Stop: Vineyard brunch or home communion meal (~$25)
𧳠Day 8 – Monday, December 1
Closing Day
Symbol: Benediction of the Journey
Ritual Prompt: “The journey ends in stillness—blessed, broken, beloved.”
· Final journal entry: “What I carry into Advent”
· Toast with symbolic drink (wine, cider, or limoncello)
· Begin planning next cycle: “Where will the light lead next?”
π 1. Aperitif – Candlelight Sip
Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
A bright, citrusy opener to toast the journey.
π Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail – Inside the Rustic Kitchen
π 2. Starter – Bread of the Road
Rustic Sourdough with Olive Oil and Herbed Salt
Simple, sustaining, and perfect for breaking together.
π Rustic Sourdough Bread – The Clever Carrot
π² 3. Soup – Creekside Stillness
Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Nutmeg
Warm and earthy, ideal for reflective stillness.
π Butternut Squash Soup – Cookie and Kate
π₯ 4. Salad – Greens of Longing
Arugula, Pear, and Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Seasonal and crisp, echoing Advent’s yearning.
π Arugula Pear Salad – The Fed Up Foodie
π 5. Main – Eucharistic Harvest
Roasted Chicken with Cranberry Compote and Wild Rice
A hearty centerpiece that honors abundance and memory.
π Cranberry Chicken and Wild Rice – Taste of Home
π§ 6. Cheese & Fruit – Remembrance Pairings
Goat Cheese with Fig Preserves and Grapes
Elegant and symbolic of vineyard reflection.
π Goat Cheese and Fig Preserves – Southern Living
π 7. Dessert – Hope’s Flame
Spiced Apple Tart with Whipped Cream
Sweetness of promise and Advent’s first light.
π Spiced Apple Tart – Sally’s Baking Recipes
NOVEMBER 24 Monday Octave of the King
33 Days-Sardine Day
Romans, Chapter 8, Verse 28
We know that all things work for good for those who LOVE God, who are called
according to his purpose.
The spirit filled life does not promise us success and that everything will be rosy, but it does free us from the law of sin and death. Paul tells us that there is a difference between Christian mentoring and worldly mentoring.
Spirit Filled Life[1]
Christians somehow even
in the mist of challenges have lives of liberty, hope and power because the
Holy Spirit guides our lives. This is the gift of the Father and the Son.
Observe how the Holy Spirit navigates life for us:
1.
He intercedes and groans for us (Rom. 8:22)
2.
He directs and testifies to us (John 16:13)
3.
He empowers and anoints for service (Acts 1:8)
4.
He searches and enables us to discern (Rom.
8:26)
5.
He confirms, and bears witness with us (Rom.
8:14)
Copilot’s Take
On this Monday in the Octave of the King, Romans
8:28 reminds us that even in the midst of uncertainty, those who love God are
never outside His purpose. The Spirit-filled life does not guarantee comfort or
worldly success, but it does offer a deeper freedom—a liberation from the law
of sin and death, and a life guided by the Holy Spirit. Like sardines pressed
together in oil, the faithful are preserved, anointed, and sent out in unity.
The Spirit groans with us, testifies to truth, empowers our service, discerns
the depths, and confirms our belonging. In this way, even the smallest
offering—like a humble sardine—becomes a symbol of divine purpose, communal
strength, and spiritual nourishment.
π️Monday-Octave
of Christ the King
A
Personal Retreat: From Solemnity to the First Sunday of Advent
Though
the Church does not formally observe an Octave of Christ the King, I propose a
personal retreat—eight days of spiritual dedication, inspired by ancient
Christian rhythms. The “eighth day” (octava dies) has long symbolized
resurrection, baptism, and new creation. From Constantine’s eight-day basilica
dedications to the joyful post-baptismal retreats of the fourth century,
octaves have marked sacred transitions. This retreat will serve as a bridge
from Christ’s kingship to Advent’s anticipation.
π Structure of the Retreat
- Daily Mass:
In person or via EWTN/online stream
- Virtue
Meditation: One Marian virtue per day—Humility, Generosity, Chastity,
Patience, Temperance, Understanding/Love, Wisdom
- Daniel Fast:
Monday through Saturday
- Physical
Stewardship: Daily movement via the Universal Man Plan
πΏ Day 1: Humility
“We
know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called
according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28
Humility
is not weakness—it is spiritual precision. It is the ability to see oneself
clearly, neither inflated nor diminished, and to live in right relationship
with God and others. Jesus modeled this perfectly: speaking truth to power,
washing feet, and embracing the cross without losing authority. Humility is the
foundation of assertiveness, self-worth, and spiritual maturity. It allows us
to listen without judgment, ask for help without shame, and lead without pride.
To
cultivate humility today:
- Listen deeply:
Let others speak without rushing to solve or correct.
- Practice
mindfulness: Accept your faults and gifts without harsh judgment.
- Be grateful:
Count your blessings and name them aloud.
- Ask for help:
Recognize when you need support and receive it with grace.
- Review your
pride: Gently name moments of vanity or smugness and offer them to God.
In
a world that prizes performance, humility is a radical act of trust. It says: I
am not the center, but I am beloved. I do not have all the answers, but I am
guided. I am not more or less than others—I am part of the Body.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to
Eucharistic Glory[2]
✨ Day 3 – Faithful to the Resurrection
Theme: Seek with all your soul to be faithful
to the resurrection of Christ.
To be faithful to the resurrection is to live as
if death has been defeated and hope has the final word. It is not merely a
belief—it is a way of being. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Eucharistic
glory, and today we are invited to anchor our lives in its power.
π Deepen Your Understanding
- Scripture Study: Meditate on 1 Corinthians 15 and the
resurrection accounts in the Gospels. Let the words shape your imagination
and renew your trust.
- Theological Reflection: Explore works like Surprised
by Hope by N.T. Wright to grasp the resurrection’s cosmic and personal
significance.
π Live Out Your Faith
- Prayer: Begin and end your day with prayer centered on
resurrection hope. Ask Christ to raise what feels dead within you.
- Service: Let resurrection faith move you outward. Serve
someone today—through kindness, presence, or practical help.
π️ Join the Body of Christ
- Worship: Attend Mass or stream a liturgy. Let the
Eucharist be your weekly resurrection encounter.
- Fellowship: Connect with others. Share your journey.
Consider forming or joining a small group to walk these 33 days together.
πͺ Reflective Practices
- Meditation: Sit in silence. Imagine the empty tomb. Let
the Spirit speak resurrection into your doubts.
- Journaling: Write about where you see resurrection in
your life—new beginnings, restored relationships, renewed courage.
Small Group Invitation
Want to walk this journey with others? Download the 33 Days to Eucharistic
Glory Study Guide and invite a few friends to join you. Resurrection is not
a solo path—it’s a communal rising.
Bible in a Year Day 144 David's Last Words
Fr. Mike looks into David's last words to his son Solomon and explains why it could have been hard for him to take David's advice. He also points out the important role of the mother of the king, and how this will foreshadow the role of Mary in the New Testament. Today's readings are 1 Kings 2, 2 Chronicles 2-3, and Psalm 62.
Sardine Day[3]
As an amazing source of B12 and Omega Fatty Acids, turning your nose up at sardines could prevent you from enjoying a delicious addition to your meal. Sardine Day is your opportunity to learn about these little fish and how you may already have been enjoying them without knowing. Sardines originally got their name from the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia. The English got this term from Grecian history, where the word was used to describe the red color of the fish and the region of the sea where they were popularized. A large number of nutrients found in this fish, combined with the efficacy with which they could be packaged and shipped turned them into an important trade item in the region for centuries.
Sardines are used in many dishes and are closely related to the anchovies
that are served with Caesar Salad and as a base flavor in Worcestershire sauce.
They’re also one of the main ingredients in “Gentleman’s Relish” a popular
sardine-based spread used in England for many dishes, or just served up on
buttered bread.
How
to celebrate Sardines Day
The best way to celebrate Sardines Day is to attempt to overcome your fear of this delicious fish. They typically come in tins, pickled or packed in oil, or even packed in with mustard to preserve them. Thousands of recipes exist that call for these fish in either their fresh or canned form. A traditional Caesar Salad starts with a sardine being pressed into the wood of the bowl it’s served in to provide a slightly fishy flavor, with those who prefer a stronger flavor having two sardines used.
They’re popularly served as part of a lunchtime snack, often with tomato
and fresh avocado on top of a crisp cracker and a sardine. They’re also
commonly added to soups and sandwiches to bolster their flavor. In fact, if
you’ve ever had soup with a fish-based broth, it is likely the sardine that was
used to create the fish stock. You’ve been enjoying sardines for ages, and
Sardines Day is a great opportunity for you to find out how much you love
sardines!
AI
Overview
National Sardine Day is
celebrated on November 24th to honor the small, oily fish that are related to
herrings. Sardines are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including:
·
B2
·
Niacin
·
Vitamin B12
·
Phosphorus
·
Calcium
·
Potassium
·
Iron
·
Selenium
·
Omega-3 fatty acids
·
Vitamin D
Sardines can be eaten in
many ways, including:
·
On their own
·
With crackers
·
Grilled
·
Pickled
·
Smoked
·
In salads
·
Tossed with pasta and marinara sauce
Sardines were once a
major food source in the Mediterranean islands, which is where the name comes
from. They have also become a cultural symbol in Portugal, representing
national identity and resilience.
Daily
Devotions/Practice
·
Today's
Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters
of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: An end
to the use of contraceptives.
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary.
[1]
John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible.
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