Monday, January 5, 2026

Monday Night at the Movies

🔸 January 2026 – Conscience & Vocation

Jan 5 – Shadowlands (1994)
Jan 12 – Three Godfathers (1948)
Jan 19 – I Confess (1953)
Jan 26 – The Wrong Man (1956)

**🌅 Jan 5 — Shadowlands (1994)**

C. S. Lewis, Joy Davidman, love, suffering, and the mystery of God’s nearness

Sources: Plot and thematic details from Roger Ebert’s review, Synopsis & Reviews summary, and Wikipedia’s film overview.

1. Summary

Shadowlands tells the true story of C. S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins), the Oxford don, Christian apologist, and author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and his unexpected, late-in-life love for Joy Davidman (Debra Winger), a Jewish-American poet and intellectual.

Lewis begins the film as a brilliant but emotionally insulated bachelor—lecturing on suffering, writing confidently about God’s purposes, and living a predictable life with his brother Warnie. His world changes when Joy, after years of correspondence, visits England with her son Douglas. Her wit, honesty, and emotional directness disrupt Lewis’s carefully ordered life.

Their friendship deepens into love, first through a civil marriage of convenience to allow her to stay in England, and later through a real sacramental union when Joy is diagnosed with terminal cancer. As she suffers, Lewis’s tidy theological explanations collapse. He must confront the rawness of grief, the cost of love, and the mystery of a God who does not shield us from pain but meets us within it.

The film ends with Lewis caring for Douglas after Joy’s death, finally understanding that love and suffering are inseparable—and that joy, once received, is never truly lost.

2. Catholic Lessons

A. Love Makes Us Vulnerable—and That Is Holy

Lewis begins the story armored by intellect. Joy’s presence cracks that armor.
Lesson: The Christian life is not about avoiding pain but receiving love as gift, even when it wounds.

B. Suffering Is Not a Theory

Lewis’s tidy lectures on pain collapse when Joy becomes ill.
Lesson: Catholic tradition insists that suffering is not explained—it is accompanied. Christ does not give an answer; He gives Himself.

C. Marriage as Covenant, Not Convenience

Their civil marriage is practical; their later sacramental marriage is profound.
Lesson: True marriage is a vow made in the shadow of the Cross, not the glow of comfort.

D. Grief as a School of Holiness

Lewis learns that grief is not the opposite of faith but its proving ground.
Lesson: “Blessed are those who mourn” is not sentiment—it is a promise of divine nearness.

E. The Communion of Saints in Daily Life

Joy’s influence remains after her death—shaping Lewis, comforting Douglas.
Lesson: Love does not end; it changes form. The saints remain present through the love they gave.

3. Drink or Meal Pairing (Hospitality Arc)

This film is contemplative, winter-lit, and emotionally weighty. The pairing should feel like warmth in a cold Oxford room—simple, honest, comforting.

🍷 Drink: “The Oxford Hearth”

A warm, reflective drink for a film about love and loss.

4 oz red wine
1 oz brandy
1 tsp honey
Warm gently (do not boil)
Serve in a small mug

It’s quiet, steady, and consoling—like Lewis reading by the fire.

🍲 Meal: A Winter Supper for Two

Something Joy might have cooked in a small English kitchen:

Roast chicken with herbs
Mashed potatoes or buttered root vegetables
Stewed apples with cinnamon
Crusty bread for the table

This is the kind of meal that embodies presence—nothing fancy, everything sincere.

Christopher’s Corner last chance to see the Rockets

· November 8-January 5 The Rockettes Christmas

o Let’s go girls! Those sky-high kicks, those naughty smiles -- oh, it certainly wouldn’t be a notoriously fun November without the Rockettes. During the holiday season, the legendary dance company kicks it into high gear with five shows a day, seven days a week. See the grand show unfold in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented at Radio City Music Hall.

· 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.

· Try: Alinea

· Bucket List trip: Mauritius

· Spirit Hour: Gifts of the Magi

· Plan winter fun:

Soak in hot springs
Hit the snow slopes
Ride a snowmobile
Go for a dog sled ride
Ride a hot air balloon

🕯️ Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 11: USA 70‑Degree Year Journey

Dates: January 5–12, 2026
Theme: Gulf Coast Epiphany Light
Route: Ponce → San Juan → Tampa → Clearwater → St. Petersburg
Style: Coastal pilgrimage, Epiphany octave, gentle winter warmth
Climate Alignment: Daily highs 70–73°F

💰 Estimated Cost Overview

Category	Estimated Cost
Lodging (7 nights)	~$780 (mid‑range hotels)
Food (daily meals)	~$260
Transit (flight + rental car)	~$210 (SJU → TPA + compact rental)
Symbolic extras	~$80
Total Estimate	~$1,330

🛏️ Lodging Options

· Clearwater Beach: Opal Sands Resort, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

· St. Petersburg: The Avalon, Hollander Hotel

🌠 Day 1 – Monday, January 5

Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tampa
Symbol: Epiphany Dawn
Ritual Prompt: “Let the Light rise in the heart.”
Evening Mass in the historic downtown church.
🥗 Foodie Stop: Columbia Café at the Tampa Riverwalk (~$25)

🌴 Day 2 – Tuesday, January 6 (Epiphany Day)

Location: Clearwater Beach
Symbol: Shore of Revelation
Ritual Prompt: “Christ is made manifest—walk in His light.”
Sunrise beach walk + Epiphany water blessing.
🍲 Foodie Stop: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (~$30)

🌅 Day 3 – Wednesday, January 7

Location: Sand Key Park
Symbol: Quiet Illumination
Ritual Prompt: “Light grows in silence.”
Coastal hike + journaling.
🥘 Foodie Stop: Backwater’s on Sand Key (~$25)

🎨 Day 4 – Thursday, January 8

Location: Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Symbol: Beauty as Revelation
Ritual Prompt: “Let beauty teach the soul.”
Reflect on sacred themes in art.
🍷 Foodie Stop: Stillwaters Tavern (~$35)

🌌 Day 5 – Friday, January 9

Location: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle
Symbol: Apostolic Light
Ritual Prompt: “Stand where the apostles stand.”
Daily Mass + candle lighting.
🧺 Foodie Stop: Bodega on Central (~$15)

🌿 Day 6 – Saturday, January 10

Location: Weedon Island Preserve

Symbol: Hidden Paths
Ritual Prompt: “Walk the path God reveals.”
Boardwalk hike through mangroves.
🍽️ Foodie Stop: Noble Crust (~$30)

🌠 Day 7 – Sunday, January 11 (Epiphany Octave)

Location: Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor
Symbol: Light for the Nations
Ritual Prompt: “Carry Epiphany into the world.”
Sunday Mass + blog reflection: “Carrying the Star Forward.”
🍷 Foodie Stop: Island Way Grill (~$40)

✨ This leg extends the Epiphany glow across the Gulf Coast—sunrise rituals, cathedral light, coastal silence, and the gentle 70‑degree warmth that anchors your yearlong pilgrimage rhythm.

JANUARY 5 Monday-St. John Neumann

Twelfth Night Evening Prior To Epiphany

Psalm 2, verse 11

Serve the LORD with FEAR; exult with trembling, accept correction lest he become angry and you perish along the way when his anger suddenly blazes up. Blessed are all who take refuge in him!

To fully understand this verse, we must know who the writer is referring to. In verse 10 the writer states “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear. Our God is a just God and to those who have been given much; much is required. Kings (and the 1 percent’ers) to be wise must humble themselves. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle then for a rich man to get into heaven. The "Eye of the Needle" has been claimed to be a gate in Jerusalem, which opened after the main gate was closed at night. A camel could only pass through this smaller gate if it was stooped and had its baggage removed.[1]

I also with this verse picture Mary Magdalene. Mary who by many accounts was a very rich woman financed our Lord’s ministry. We see in this verse the shadowing of her kissing of His feet and at the same time the hardening of Judas’ heart: who on seeing her act of love and wanting riches refused to humble himself and died in his pride.

Does Christ desire us to serve with Fear and trembling?

I noticed the other day that my two dogs when I come in are so excited about seeing me that they tremble with excitement. I think our God wants our hearts and our desires. I think we should have the humble fear that a loved child has for his or her parents, full of love and respect and that we should be excited too. So, let us approach each day with the kind of excitement that makes us tremble ready to do the will of God.

Copilot’s Take

Psalm 2 opens a paradox woven through all of Scripture: fear that is not terror but reverence; trembling that is not dread but awe; correction that is not humiliation but the path to life. The psalmist addresses kings—those who imagine themselves secure, self‑sufficient, untouchable. The warning is not cruelty but mercy, a reminder that the only safe place for any human heart, whether crowned or common, is humility before God.

Mary Magdalene embodies this “fear and trembling” of love—kneeling, weeping, offering what she has, unashamed to be small before the One who is infinitely greater. Judas, by contrast, reveals the refusal of correction. Unable to bear littleness, he clings to his own judgment, his own plan, his own purse. One heart trembles with devotion; the other hardens with pride.

Even the image of creatures trembling with joy mirrors Scripture’s own witness. Throughout the Bible, bodies react to the presence of the Holy: Moses hides his face, Isaiah cries out, Peter falls to his knees, John collapses as though dead. Awe is never merely an idea; it is an embodied response to God. When love is real, it shakes a person to the core.

Christ desires this kind of holy fear—a wonder that awakens the soul, a trembling born of longing, a reverence rooted in love. Not the fear of a slave before a tyrant, but the fear of a child who knows the Father is both tender and mighty. To serve the Lord with fear is to serve Him with a heart alert, humbled, and eager—ready to drop every burden, stoop low, and pass through the narrow gate into life.

St. John Neumann & Twelfth Night: A Bridge to Epiphany

As Twelfth Night settles and the vigil of Epiphany begins, St. John Neumann stands as a living commentary on Psalm 2. He was not a king, nor a member of the wealthy elite; he was a small, quiet, bookish immigrant priest who trembled—not in fear of failure, but in awe of the mission God placed before him.

He served the Lord with fear by refusing to trust in his own strength.
He served with trembling by embracing tasks far larger than himself.
He accepted correction by letting God redirect his life again and again.

Neumann crossed an ocean with no promise of ordination. He walked miles through snow to bring the sacraments to scattered Catholic families. He built schools not because he had resources, but because he had faith. His trembling was the trembling of love an eagerness to give everything to the One who had given him everything.

And this is the heart of Epiphany.

The Magi trembled as they approached the Child.
Herod trembled for a very different reason.
One fear leads to worship; the other leads to destruction.

Epiphany reveals the dividing line:

Those who humble themselves find refuge. Those who cling to power perish along the way.

St. John Neumann chose the way of the Magi—humble, generous, obedient, joyful. His life teaches us that the safest place to stand is always beneath the light of Christ, even when that light exposes our smallness.

So on this Twelfth Night, as the Christmas season reaches its luminous threshold, we pray for the grace to tremble like lovers, not like fugitives; like children running to the Father, not rulers clutching their crowns. May we enter Epiphany with the same eagerness Neumann carried into every schoolhouse, every parish, every snowy road: a heart ready to serve, ready to kneel, ready to adore.

The Twelfth Night[2]

But what exactly are the Twelve Days of Christmas? They are the days between Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany that constitute an unbroken period of joy and celebration. Epiphany is considered the twelfth day of Christmas (in fact it is sometimes called "Twelfth Day") while the Eve of Epiphany is called "Twelfth Night." Shakespeare's play, "Twelfth Night," takes its name from the Vigil because during this period festivals (such as the Feast of Fools or the Feast of the Ass) used to be held in which everything was turned upside-down -- a little like the reversed identities of the characters in the play. These "preposterous" observances, incidentally, were a joyful mimicry of the inversion of almighty God becoming a lowly man, of the King appearing as a humble infant.

The twelve nights of Christmas were primarily a time of rest from unnecessary labor and joyful prayer. On each of these nights the Christmas tree lights and the Christmas candle would be lit, while the family would gather around the manger to recite prayers and sing carols and hymns. Similar services are held in some churches during these nights as well.

Twelfth day of Christmas is represented by the Twelve Drummers drumming in the song which of course represents the twelve points of the Apostles Creed. It is interesting to note that these 12 points are indeed pointing to the abode of God and that our Lord is the gate of heaven.

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.

6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,

9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,

10. the forgiveness of sins,

11. the resurrection of the body,

12. and life everlasting.

Additionally, the 12^th Station of the Cross Jesus dies. Today would be a good day to do the Eucharistic Stations of the Cross.

Activities for the Twelfth Day of Christmas[3]

At the time of St. John Neumann's episcopate there was a strong anti-Catholic sentiment in Philadelphia and having had two churches burned and another barely saved, priests were advising the Bishop, not to proceed with introducing the 40 Hours of continual adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, believing it would somehow increase the hostility already directed against the Church. The Bishop had a decision to make and then something happened to make up his mind to proceed with the devotion of the 40 Hours of Adoration:

One night, he was working very late at his desk and fell asleep in his chair. The candle on the desk burnt down and charred some of the papers, but they were still readable. He awoke, surprised and thankful that a fire had not ignited. He fell on his knees to give thanks to God for protection, and heard His voice saying, "As the flames are burning here without consuming or injuring the writing, so shall I pour out my grace in the Blessed Sacrament without prejudice to My honor. Fear no profanation, therefore; hesitate no longer to carry out your design for my glory." He introduced the practice of 40 Hours Devotion at the first diocesan synod in April 1853, and the first devotions began at St. Philip Neri Parish, an appropriate place since that St. Philip had begun that very devotion in the city of Rome. The holy Bishop then introduced the program for the whole diocese, so that each parish would have Forty Hours Devotion during the course of the year. He wrote a booklet for the devotions and obtained special indulgences for the faithful attending them. The Forty Hours Devotion was so successful it spread to other dioceses. At the Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1866, the Forty Hours Devotion was approved for all Dioceses of the United States. Excerpted from St. John Neumann and the 40 Hours Devotion by Joseph Mary

We suggest that today would be an excellent time to make a family holy hour (or holy half hour) at an adoration chapel or in your parish church. If you can't make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament your family can pray this litany at home. The activity can by brought to conclusion by singing Christmas carols and enjoying Christmas cookies and the Christmas bread, Vanocka.

St. John Neumann - Day Twelve[4]

John Neumann was born in Bohemia on March 20, 1811. Since he had a great desire to dedicate himself to the American missions, he came to the United States as a cleric and was ordained in New York in 1836 by Bishop Dubois. In 1840, John Neumann entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). He labored in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1852, he was consecrated bishop of Philadelphia. There he worked hard for the establishment of parish schools and for the erection of many parishes for the numerous immigrants. Bishop Neumann died on January 5, 1860; he was beatified in 1963.

· Day Twelve activity (Visit to the Blessed Sacrament)

· Day Twelve recipe (Vanocka)

Bible in a Year Day 188 The Book of the Law

Fr. Mike introduces us to the Book of Proverbs, while reflecting on the lack of devotion Israel has shown towards God and the Book of the Law. Much like God gave the Book of the Law to Israel, he's given the Bible to us to continue following him faithfully. Today's readings are 2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 33, and Proverbs 7.

Daily Devotions/Practices

· Today's Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: True Masculinity

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_of_a_needle

[2]http://www.holytrinitygerman.org/xmascustoms.html

[3]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1262

[4]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2019-01-05

**🎬 That Wonderful Urge (1948)**

Tyrone Power & Gene Tierney — a screwball romance about truth, reputation, and conversion of heart

Sources: Plot and cast details from Wikipedia and IMDb summaries.

1. Summary

That Wonderful Urge (1948) is a lively screwball comedy starring Tyrone Power as Thomas Jefferson Tyler, a sharp investigative reporter, and Gene Tierney as Sara Farley, a wealthy grocery-store heiress.

Tyler has been publishing a series of unflattering exposés about Sara under the headline “The Life and Loves of Sara Farley.” To get closer to the truth, he disguises himself as a small‑town newspaper manager named “Tom Thomas” and befriends her, discovering she is far more grounded and sincere than his articles suggested.

When Sara discovers his deception, she retaliates by telling the press they are married and that she gave him a million dollars. The lie destroys his job and reputation. Chaos follows: jail time, public humiliation, and a libel suit. But in the courtroom, the judge’s remarks force both of them to confront their real feelings.

The film ends with reconciliation—Tom arrives at her home to confess his love, and Sara responds with the final line:

“Let’s get married again.”

2. Catholic Lessons

A. Truth Is a Moral Obligation, Not a Tool

Tom’s deception is “for a story,” but it violates the dignity of the person.
Lesson: The Eighth Commandment is not suspended for cleverness or professional ambition.

B. Reputation Is a Form of Stewardship

Sara’s revenge—publicly lying about marriage and money—shows how fragile and sacred reputation is.
Lesson: Calumny and detraction wound the Body of Christ; repairing them is an act of justice.

C. Conversion Requires Humility

Both characters must admit fault:

Tom for deceit
Sara for retaliation
Lesson: Reconciliation begins when both sides name their sin without excuse.

D. Love Requires Seeing the Whole Person

Tom’s early articles reduce Sara to a caricature. Only when he listens does he discover her humanity.
Lesson: Christian love begins with attention—seeing the person, not the stereotype.

E. Marriage as a Covenant, Not a Headline

The film’s final joke—“let’s get married again”—works because the audience has watched them move from manipulation to mutuality.
Lesson: Marriage is not a PR stunt; it is a sacrament built on truth, forgiveness, and self-gift.