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Monday Night at the Movies
Becket (1964)
Becket (1964) tells the story of King Henry II and his friend-turned-rival Thomas Becket, whose loyalty to God and the Church ultimately costs him his life. The Catholic lessons center on fidelity to conscience, the independence of the Church, and the sanctity of martyrdom.
🎬 Film Summary
- Plot:
King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) appoints his close companion Thomas Becket (Richard Burton) as Archbishop of Canterbury, expecting him to be a compliant ally. Instead, Becket embraces his spiritual role with seriousness, defending the Church against royal interference.- Becket excommunicates nobles who violate Church law.
- He resists Henry’s attempts to control ecclesiastical matters.
- Their friendship collapses into bitter enmity.
- Becket flees to France, appeals to the Pope, and eventually returns to England, knowing he faces danger.
- Henry’s knights, interpreting the King’s anger as a command, murder Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.
- The film closes with Henry performing public penance at Becket’s tomb.
✝️ Catholic Lessons
Primacy of Conscience and Fidelity to God
Becket embodies the Catholic teaching that loyalty to God’s law must come before loyalty to earthly rulers. His transformation from worldly courtier to faithful archbishop highlights the power of conscience.Independence of the Church
The clash between Henry and Becket dramatizes the principle that the Church must remain free from secular domination. This echoes Catholic teaching on the autonomy of spiritual authority.Martyrdom as Witness
Becket’s death in the cathedral is a powerful example of martyrdom. The Church venerates him as Saint Thomas Becket, canonized in 1173. His sacrifice illustrates Christ’s words: “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).Ceremony and Tradition
The film’s liturgical scenes—such as Becket’s installation and excommunication rites—underscore the importance of Catholic ritual, symbolism, and tradition in defending the faith.Penance and Humility
Henry’s public flogging at Becket’s tomb shows the Catholic practice of penance, reminding us that even kings must humble themselves before God.
📖 Key Takeaways
| Theme | Catholic Lesson | Film Illustration |
|---|---|---|
| Conscience | Obey God above rulers | Becket sides with the Church against Henry |
| Authority | Church independence | Refusal to let crown dictate ecclesiastical law |
| Martyrdom | Witness to faith | Murder in Canterbury Cathedral |
| Ritual | Value of tradition | Installation and excommunication scenes |
| Penance | Humility before God | Henry’s public penance at Becket’s tomb |
In short: Becket dramatizes the eternal Catholic tension between worldly power and divine authority. It teaches that true honor lies in fidelity to God, even at the cost of friendship, position, or life.
Christopher’s Corner
· Jesse Tree ornament: Jesus is King of the Gentiles: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20 Symbols: crown, scepter.
· Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
· Monday: Litany of Humility
· How to celebrate Dec 22nd
o Get ready for a day of celebrating without limits! Start by embracing your inner mathematician with some brain-teasing puzzles or games. Challenge yourself or gather some friends to join in on the fun. Next, pay tribute to the forefathers by exploring your family history or learning more about your heritage. Share stories with loved ones or create a family tree to preserve your legacy.
o Feeling hungry after all that mental activity? It’s time to whip up some delicious date nut bread or cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try out a new recipe or host a cookie exchange with friends for a tasty treat. Finally, embrace the spirit of National Short Person Day by celebrating the unique qualities that make you stand out. Embrace your height (or lack thereof) and take pride in your individuality.
o So there you have it – a day filled with math, history, baking, and self-acceptance. Get creative, have fun, and make the most of these quirky national holidays!
🕯️ Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 9: USA 70-Degree Year Journey
Dates: December 22–28, 2025
Theme: Island of Light – Christmas in Paradise
Route: Honolulu → Pearl Harbor → Waikiki → North Shore → Kailua
Style: Island pilgrimage, Christmas reflection, Eucharistic hospitality
Climate Alignment: Daily highs 78–80°F
💰 Estimated Cost Overview
Category | Estimated Cost |
Lodging (6 nights) | $720 (civilian mid‑range) OR ~$480 (military lodging at Hickam AFB) |
Food (daily meals) | $240 |
Fuel/Transit | $100 (local drives, bus passes) |
Symbolic extras | $90 |
Total Estimate | $1,150 (civilian) / $910 (military) |
🛏️ Lodging Options
Civilian: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Military: Navy Lodge Hawaii – Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam
🌠 Day 1 – Monday, December 22
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
Symbol: Marian Anchor
Ritual Prompt: “Mary anchors the pilgrim in island light.”
Evening Mass at the Cathedral Basilica
🥗 Foodie Stop: Helena’s Hawaiian Food (~$25)
🏞️ Day 2 – Tuesday, December 23
Location: Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Symbol: Memory of Sacrifice
Ritual Prompt: “Sacrifice remembered, freedom cherished.”
Visit USS Arizona Memorial
Reflect on Eucharistic sacrifice and national memory
🍲 Foodie Stop: Nico’s Pier 38 (~$20)
🌌 Day 3 – Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Location: Waikiki Beach
Symbol: Light on the Shore
Ritual Prompt: “Christ’s light shines across the waters.”
Sunset vigil walk along Waikiki
Attend Christmas Eve Mass at St. Augustine by the Sea
🥘 Foodie Stop: Duke’s Waikiki (~$30)
🎄 Day 4 – Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
Location: Kailua Beach / St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Symbol: Incarnation in Paradise
Ritual Prompt: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Morning swim or walk at Kailua Beach
Christmas Mass at St. Anthony’s
🍷 Foodie Stop: Buzz’s Original Steakhouse (~$40)
🏄 Day 5 – Friday, December 26 (Feast of St. Stephen)
Location: North Shore (Waimea Bay, Haleiwa)
Symbol: Waves of Witness
Ritual Prompt: “Witness rolls like waves—bold, unbroken.”
Watch surfers at Waimea Bay
Reflect on St. Stephen’s martyrdom
🧺 Foodie Stop: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (~$20)
🌲 Day 6 – Saturday, December 27 (Feast of St. John the Evangelist)
Location: St. John Apostle & Evangelist Catholic Church
Symbol: Word of Love
Ritual Prompt: “Love is the Word that endures.”
Mass for St. John’s feast day
🍽️ Foodie Stop: The Pig & The Lady (~$35)
🎶 Day 7 – Sunday, December 28 (Feast of the Holy Family)
Location: Mary, Star of the Sea Parish
Symbol: Family by the Sea
Ritual Prompt: “The Holy Family dwells where love shelters.”
Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family
Blog reflection: “Christmas Tide in Paradise”
🍷 Foodie Stop: Alan Wong’s Honolulu (~$45)
DECEMBER 22 Monday of the Fourth Week in Advent
Romans, Chapter 1, Verse 5-8
Through him we have received the grace of apostleship,
to bring about the obedience of FAITH,
for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among
whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to
all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ. First, I give thanks to my God through Jesus
Christ for all of you, because your faith
is heralded throughout the world.
Christ has called all of us as Paul states to
holiness and apostleship.
The Challenge of Apostleship[1]
"The apostolate of the laity derives from their Christian vocation and the Church can never be without it." These words come from the opening lines of the “Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity” (Apostolicam Actuositatem). This particular document on the laity shows that the Church is dependent on the apostolate of all people. But the term “apostolate” seems so daunting; clearly the word is rooted in the idea of being an apostle. I tend to think back to the Twelve Apostles, which creates a certain amount of anxiety. How can I even think about living up to the great examples of these twelve? Yet they are our example, and our apostleship is essential to the life of the Church. In the Church we tend to use the word apostle quite a bit and in many different ways. It appears in terms such as: apostolic, apostolate, and apostleship. To find a secular answer, I looked up the word “apostle” in a Merriam-Webster dictionary. In using a dictionary, my hope was that I might come to a better understanding of what it means to be an apostle. The first definition that I came across for apostle was "one sent on a mission." This first meaning really helps expand the idea of the New Evangelization in simple terms. The discovery of this definition led me to formulate the following question: "What is our mission as baptized Catholics?" This is a very important question that has been the subject of major debate. A simple answer is that we are called to go out into the world around us and proclaim the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ. How this is accomplished is a decision that must be made by each one of us. We must find our own niche in the greater mission of Christ. We have been given a divine mission that we must go out and complete.
Copilot’s Take
On this Monday of the Fourth Week in Advent, Paul’s words in Romans remind us that apostleship is not reserved for the Twelve but is the vocation of all who belong to Christ. Through baptism, each of us has received a mission: to live in holiness and to proclaim the Good News in the world around us. The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity emphasizes that the Church cannot exist without the active witness of her members, and this truth can feel daunting when we compare ourselves to the first apostles. Yet the heart of apostleship is simple—it means being sent. Each believer is sent into his or her own sphere of life, whether family, work, or community, to embody and announce Christ’s love. Advent sharpens this call, inviting us to prepare not only for the coming of the Lord but also for the renewal of our mission. As Paul gave thanks for the faith of the Romans, so too we are called to give thanks for the faith that sustains the Church today, and to let our own witness be heralded through deeds of charity, hospitality, and devotion.
Spiritual Crib[2]
A special devotion that can be performed during Advent to prepare for the coming of the Infant Savior. It can be adapted for adults and/or children and applied as is appropriate to your state in life.
·
12th
day, December 22nd: ST. JOSEPH—Obedience
Today
you must try to please the Divine Infant by cheerful, and very prompt
obedience. Be obedient for the love of Jesus in great and little things or in
easy ones. Do nothing without permission.
Evening Antiphon
O King of the Gentiles and their desired One,
the Cornerstone that makes both one; Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out
of the dust of the earth.
God’s
Handiwork
🌿 Understanding
Holy
Mary’s understanding is often seen as her ability to perceive God’s will and
embrace mysteries beyond human comprehension. She models how faith and
discernment can guide us when logic alone falls short.
- Faithful Perception: Mary
accepted the angel’s message at the Annunciation, showing deep
understanding rooted in faith rather than doubt.
- Discernment: She pondered events
in her heart (Luke 2:19), reflecting on God’s mysteries with patience and
wisdom.
- Empathy: Her understanding
extended to others—she recognized the needs of the wedding guests at Cana
and interceded for them.
- Trust in Mystery: Even when she
did not fully grasp God’s plan, she trusted, showing that understanding is
not always intellectual but spiritual.
- Listening Heart: Mary’s openness
to God’s word and to the needs of others reveals a heart attuned to divine
and human voices.
- Guidance: She offered
understanding to the disciples after the Resurrection, strengthening their
faith and unity.
- Humility in Knowledge: Mary
never claimed mastery of divine mysteries; her understanding was marked by
humility and reverence.
- Patience with Uncertainty: She
teaches us that true understanding often requires waiting, pondering, and
trusting God’s timing.
❤️ Love
Mary’s
love is the foundation of her motherhood, discipleship, and intercession.
Catholic tradition highlights her love as pure, selfless, and always directed
toward God and neighbor.
- Maternal Love: Her tender care
for Jesus embodies the fullness of human and divine love.
- Selfless Service: She visited
Elizabeth in her pregnancy, showing love through action and presence.
- Sacrificial Love: At the foot of
the Cross, Mary’s love endured suffering, uniting her heart with Christ’s
sacrifice.
- Universal Love: She became
mother to all believers when Jesus entrusted her to John, extending her
love beyond family to the Church.
- Merciful Love: Mary’s
intercession reflects her merciful heart, always seeking to bring souls
closer to God.
- Love in Obedience: Her “yes” to
God was an act of love, surrendering her whole life to His will.
- Compassionate Love: She embodies
compassion, sharing in the joys and sorrows of humanity.
- Enduring Love: Mary’s love is
steadfast, never wavering even in trial, showing us that true love
perseveres.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[3]
Want
to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 31
On this 31st day the reception of the Eucharist gives
strength and resilience in the battle against the world, the flesh and the
devil
Copilot
The Eucharist provides Catholics with profound
spiritual strength and resilience to face the challenges posed by the world,
the flesh, and the devil. Here's how:
1. Divine
Grace: The Eucharist imparts divine grace that fortifies
the soul, providing the necessary spiritual strength to resist temptations and
overcome evil.
2. Union
with Christ: By receiving the Body and Blood of Christ,
believers are united with Jesus, who is the ultimate source of strength and
protection against spiritual battles.
3. Forgiveness
of Sins: The Eucharist helps in the forgiveness of venial
sins, purifying the soul and renewing the resolve to live a holy life, free
from the grip of sin.
4. Spiritual
Nourishment: The Eucharist nourishes the soul, providing
spiritual sustenance that enhances resilience and fortitude in the face of
trials and temptations.
5. Peace
and Calm: The inner peace that comes from receiving the
Eucharist helps to stabilize emotions and provides clarity, which is essential
for resisting the lures of the world and the flesh.
6. Moral
Clarity: Through the Eucharist, believers gain a deeper
understanding of Christ’s teachings, which serve as a moral compass, guiding
them to make righteous decisions.
7. Strengthening
Virtues: The grace received strengthens virtues such as
faith, hope, and charity, which are crucial in battling spiritual adversities.
8. Community
Support: Sharing in the Eucharist with the faith community
provides mutual support and encouragement, which bolsters individual resilience
against spiritual struggles.
9. Reflection
on Christ’s Sacrifice: The Eucharist is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and
victory over sin and death. This reflection inspires believers to draw strength
from His triumph in their own battles.
10. Holy
Spirit’s Guidance: The Eucharist invites the Holy Spirit to work more
fully in believers' lives, offering guidance and wisdom in spiritual warfare.
11. Focus
on Eternal Values: By participating in the Eucharist, believers are
reminded of eternal values, helping them to prioritize spiritual over worldly
desires.
12. Renewed
Commitment: Each reception of the Eucharist renews the
believer's commitment to living a life aligned with God’s will, strengthening
their resolve to resist the devil’s temptations.
13. Protection
and Defense: The Eucharist acts as spiritual armor, providing
protection and defense against the assaults of the devil and the allurements of
the world.
Through these ways, the Eucharist empowers believers
with the strength and resilience needed to face and overcome the spiritual
challenges posed by the world, the flesh, and the devil, guiding them to live a
virtuous and holy life.
Bible in a
Year Day 174 The Prophet Hosea
Fr. Mike takes a break from 2 Chronicles to enter into the book of Hosea. We
learn that Hosea was a prophet called to not only witness to God's words, but
to his actions as well. Fr. Mike also touches on hope in times of intense
healing, and how essential this virtue is when striving to live a life for
Christ. Today's readings are 2 Kings 5, Hosea 1-3, and Psalm 101.
Daily Devotions
·
Today's
Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters
of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Increase in Religious and consecrated life.
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
Quick Answer: Made for Each Other (1939), starring Carole Lombard and James Stewart, tells the story of a young couple who marry impulsively and then struggle with financial hardship, family tensions, and the near-death of their child. From a Catholic perspective, the film highlights lessons about the sanctity of marriage, perseverance in trials, sacrificial love, and the importance of faith and community support.
🎬 Film Summary
Plot:
John Mason (James Stewart), a young lawyer, marries Jane (Carole Lombard) after knowing her only one day. Their marriage faces immediate challenges: John’s domineering mother disapproves, his boss overlooks him for promotion, and financial struggles mount during the Depression.- Their baby falls gravely ill with pneumonia, requiring a serum flown in through a dangerous storm. Against all odds, the pilot delivers it, saving the child.
- The film closes with John finally being made partner at his firm, and the couple’s love affirmed through hardship.
Tone:
A mix of screwball comedy, domestic drama, and melodrama. It begins lightheartedly but shifts into serious themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience.
✝️ Catholic Lessons & Themes
Here are key Catholic insights that can be drawn from the film:
| Theme | Film Example | Catholic Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage as Covenant | John and Jane marry quickly but remain committed despite trials. | Marriage is not about convenience or social advancement but about fidelity and mutual support. |
| Sacrificial Love | John risks his career and pleads for his child’s life; Jane supports him despite disappointments. | True love requires sacrifice, echoing Christ’s self-giving love. |
| Family Struggles | The meddling mother-in-law nearly destroys their peace. | Catholic teaching emphasizes patience, forgiveness, and honoring family bonds even when strained. |
| Faith in Providence | The baby’s survival hinges on courage and providential timing. | Trust in God’s providence during crisis; human courage is often a channel of divine grace. |
| Dignity of Work | John’s struggle for recognition at the law firm. | Work is part of human dignity; perseverance in honest labor reflects Catholic social teaching. |
| Community Support | The pilot, farmer, and hospital staff all play roles in saving the child. | Catholic tradition stresses solidarity—no family survives alone; community is essential. |
🌟 Takeaway
The film dramatizes the Catholic vision of marriage and family life: love tested by hardship, strengthened by sacrifice, and redeemed through perseverance. It reminds us that grace often works through ordinary struggles—financial stress, illness, and family conflict—transforming them into opportunities for deeper faith and unity.
Sources: Wikipedia – Made for Each Other (1939 film) IMDb – Made for Each Other (1939) Vintage Showbiz – Made for Each Other (1939)
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