ICEMANforChrist: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Dara’s Corner

· How to celebrate Dec 10^th of December

o You wake up on a day filled with possibilities. Begin by indulging in a cold Lager

, celebrating the day dedicated to this beloved drink. Then, honor animals’ rights by exploring volunteer opportunities at a local animal shelter or researching cruelty-free brands.

o Next, channel the Nobel Prize spirit by learning something new. Attend a lecture, read a book by a Nobel laureate, or engage in a deep conversation with a friend. Move on to celebrating Human Rights Day by educating yourself on global human rights issues online or attending a virtual human rights workshop.

o Spend an afternoon organizing your bookshelf using the Dewey Decimal System, creating a sense of order and accomplishment. Reflect on the importance of knowledge organization and the power of libraries. Remember the souls of whales by supporting ocean conservation efforts, watching a documentary on marine life, or writing a poem in honor of these majestic creatures.

o End the day by exploring Thai culture and history to commemorate Constitution Day in Thailand. Cook a Thai dish, learn a few phrases in Thai, or watch a Thai film. Embrace the diversity of global traditions and celebrate the principles of democracy and unity. Cheers to a day filled with learning, reflection, and cultural appreciation.

🌍 Dara’s Corner: Aboard The World

Incarnation & Intimacy | December 10–16, 2025
Theme: Presence, Vulnerability & the Grace to Dwell
Coordinates: Docked in Colombo → Sailing toward the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia

🕊️ Day 1 — December 10 | Docked in Colombo

Title: Word Made Flesh

· Ritual: Pilgrims receive a small scroll with the words “And dwelt among us” and are invited to carry it close to their body

· Scripture: John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

· Meal: Spiced fish curry, coconut roti, mango pickle

· Reflection: “God did not send a message—He came in person.”

· Hospitality Arc: Invite someone into your space—physically or emotionally

🪨 Day 2 — December 11 | Sailing toward the Andaman Sea

Title: Clay of the Heart

· Ritual: Pilgrims mold a small figure from clay and place it in a communal nativity scene

· Scripture: Isaiah 64:8 — “We are the clay, You are the potter.”

· Meal: Red lentil dal with cumin rice and lime

· Reflection: “Incarnation is not theory—it is touch.”

· Hospitality Arc: Offer someone a gesture of embodied care—a hug, a hand, a shared task

🕯️ Day 3 — December 12 | Offshore Andaman Islands

Title: Light in the Womb

· Ritual: Pilgrims light a candle and place it inside a clay vessel, symbolizing Mary’s womb

· Scripture: Luke 1:31 — “You will conceive and bear a son…”

· Meal: Chickpea stew with ginger and cinnamon

· Reflection: “God’s glory began in hiddenness.”

· Hospitality Arc: Honor someone’s hidden labor—name what is unseen but essential

🌄 Day 4 — December 13 | Sailing toward Southeast Asia

Title: Pilgrimage of the Body

· Ritual: Pilgrims walk barefoot for one hour in silence, reflecting on the gift of the body

· Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19 — “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

· Meal: Tamarind tofu with pandan rice and cucumber salad

· Reflection: “The body is not shameful—it is sacred.”

· Hospitality Arc: Speak a blessing over someone’s body—its strength, its scars, its story

🌬️ Day 5 — December 14 | Approaching the Strait of Malacca

Title: Breath of the Infant

· Ritual: Pilgrims sit in silence for 15 minutes, focusing only on their breath

· Scripture: Genesis 2:7 — “God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.”

· Meal: Coconut milk soup with lemongrass and rice noodles

· Reflection: “Breath is not small—it is sacred.”

· Hospitality Arc: Sit with someone in silence—no fixing, no words

🕊️ Day 6 — December 15 | Docked in Singapore

Title: Dwelling Among Us

· Ritual: Pilgrims write one way they will make room for Christ in their home or heart

· Scripture: Revelation 3:20 — “I stand at the door and knock.”

· Meal: Laksa with tofu and bean sprouts, chrysanthemum tea

· Reflection: “Hospitality is not hosting—it is making room.”

· Hospitality Arc: Invite someone to dwell with you—even briefly

🌅 Day 7 — December 16 | Sailing toward Malaysia

Title: Eucharist of Intimacy

· Ritual: Sunrise Eucharist with shared fruit and hand-washing

· Scripture: Philippians 2:7 — “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.”

· Meal: Mango slices, ginger tea, sticky rice with coconut

· Reflection: “Intimacy is not intrusion—it is invitation.”

· Hospitality Arc: Share aloud one way you’ve been received—and one way you long to be

DECEMBER 10 Wednesday of the Second Week in Advent

Loretto (Mary’s House) Human Rights Day

Acts, Chapter 13, Verse 43

After the congregation had dispersed, many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain FAITHFUL to the grace of God.

The refusal to believe frustrates God’s plan for his chosen people; however, no adverse judgment is made here concerning their ultimate destiny. Again, Luke, in the words of Paul, speaks of the priority of Israel in the plan for salvation.[1]

Justification by Faith[2]

Paul summarizes Jesus’ mission by beginning with John the Baptist and stresses the failure of the Jewish people to recognize him. Yet, by grace and an act of faith, through baptism Jews can find justification with God and salvation with Him by the second person in the trinity; the son of God and not through the law but by grace.

Justification: Process or One-Time Deal?[3]

Romans 5:1 is a favorite verse for Calvinists and those who hold to the doctrine commonly known as “once saved, always saved:” Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This text is believed to indicate that the justification of the believer in Christ at the point of faith is a one-time completed action. All sins are forgiven immediately past, present and future. The believer then has, or at least can have, absolute assurance of his justification regardless of what may happen in the future. There is nothing that can separate the true believer from Christ—not even the gravest of sins. Similarly, with regard to salvation, Eph. 2:8-9 says:

For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast. For the Protestant, these texts seem plain. Ephesians 2 says the salvation of the believer is past—perfect tense, passive voice in Greek, to be more precise—which means a past completed action with present on-going results. It’s over! And if we examine again Romans 5:1, the verb to justify is in a simple past tense (Gr. Aorist tense). And this is in a context where St. Paul had just told these same Romans: For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Righteousness is a synonym for justice or justification. How does it get any clearer than that? Abraham was justified once and for all, the claim is made, when he believed. Not only is this proof of sola fide, says the Calvinist, but it is proof that justification is a completed transaction at the point the believer comes to Christ. The paradigm of the life of Abraham is believed to hold indisputable proof of the Reformed position.

THE CATHOLIC ANSWER: The Catholic Church actually agrees with the above, at least on a couple points. First, as baptized Catholics, we can agree that we have been justified and we have been saved. Thus, in one sense, our justification and salvation is in the past as a completed action. The initial grace of justification and salvation we receive in baptism is a done deal. And Catholics do not believe we were partially justified or partially saved at baptism. Catholics believe, as St. Peter said in I Peter 3:21, “Baptism… now saves you…” Ananias said to Saul of Tarsus, “Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” That means the new Christian has been “washed… sanctified… [and] justified” as I Cor. 6:11 clearly teaches. That much is a done deal; thus, it is entirely proper to say we “have been justified” and we “have been saved.” However, this is not the end of the story. Scripture reveals that it is precisely through this justification and salvation the new Christian experiences in baptism that he enters into a process of justification and salvation requiring his free cooperation with God’s grace. If we read the very next verses of our above-cited texts, we find the inspired writer himself telling us there is more to the story here. Romans 5:1-2 reads: Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. This text indicates that after having received the grace of justification we now have access to God’s grace by which we stand in Christ and we can then rejoice in the hope of sharing God’s glory. That word "hope" indicates that what we are hoping for we do not yet possess (see Romans 8:24). Ephesians 2:10 reads: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. There is no doubt that we must continue to work in Christ as Christians and it is also true that it is only by the grace of God we can continue to do so. But even more importantly, Scripture tells us this grace can be resisted. II Cor. 6:1 tells us: Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. St. Paul urged believers in Antioch—and all of us by allusion—“to continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43). Indeed, in a text we will look at more closely in a moment, St. Paul warns Christians that they can “fall from Grace” in Galatians 5:4. This leads us to our next and most crucial point. The major part of the puzzle here that our Protestant friends are missing is that there are many biblical texts revealing both justification and salvation to have a future and contingent sense as well as these we have mentioned that show a past sense. In other words, justification and salvation also have a sense in which they are not complete in the lives of believers. Perhaps this is most plainly seen in Galatians 5:1-5. I mentioned verse four above. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness.

The Most Important Thing

When Catholics read of Abraham "justified by faith" in Romans 5, we believe it. But we don't end there. For when Catholics read of Abraham "justified by works" in James 2 we believe that as well. For 2,000 years the Catholic Church has taken all of Sacred Scripture into the core of her theology harmonizing all of the biblical texts. Thus, we can agree with our Protestant friends and say as Christians we have been (past tense) justified and saved through our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But we also agree with our Lord that there is another sense in which we are being saved and justified by cooperation with God's grace in our lives, and we hope to finally be saved and justified by our Lord on the last day: I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt. 12:36-37).

All of this really comes down to faith without works is dead. Remember the last words of Mary in the bible “Do whatever He tells you.” All the singing and faith in the world must not drown out the love of God. Our faith if true; propels us to works of mercy and a sheer joy that celebrates life and defends life, liberty and happiness for ourselves and others.

Copilot’s Take

On December 10, the Church invites us to reflect on justification as both gift and journey. Acts 13:43 shows Paul urging believers to remain faithful to the grace of God, reminding us that grace is not static but requires perseverance. Protestants emphasize justification as a one-time act through faith, while Catholics affirm that baptism truly saves yet also initiates a lifelong process of cooperating with grace. This tension is resolved in the fullness of Scripture: we have been justified, we are being justified, and we hope to be justified on the last day. Human Rights Day underscores that faith must bear fruit in defending dignity and liberty, while Loretto—Mary’s house—reminds us that grace dwells in the ordinary spaces of life. True justification is not only about being declared righteous but becoming righteous through works of mercy, obedience to Christ, and steadfast hope in His coming.

Our Lady of Loretto[4]

The shrine of Our Lady of Loreto is located on the Adriatic coast of Italy, three hours from Rome. It is the third-largest shrine to Mary in Europe, next to Lourdes and Fatima. The ministry of the shrine is the hospitality shown to pilgrims especially through the sacrament of penance.

· The title "Our Lady of Loreto" is associated with the Holy House of Loreto in Italy, the house of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, miraculously transported by the angels from Palestine to Europe.

· The house of the Holy Family in Nazareth has always been the object of Christian veneration. Shortly after 313, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, built a basilica over this holy abode. The Saracens invaded the Holy Land in 1090, plundering and destroying Christian shrines, including Constantine’s basilica. Under the ruble, the Holy House was found intact.

· During the twelfth century, another basilica was built to protect the holy dwelling. In 1219 or 1220 St. Francis of Assisi visited the Holy House in Nazareth. So did King St. Louis IX of France, when he was leading a crusade to liberate the Holy Land.

· In 1263, when the Muslims overpowered the crusaders, the basilica was again destroyed but, once more, the Holy House was found intact.

· When the crusaders were completely driven out of the Holy Land in 1291, the Holy House disappeared.

· On May 10, 1291, a parish priest, Fr. Alexander Georgevich in the town of Tersatto, Dalmatia, (present-day Croatia) noticed the sudden appearance of a small building resting on a plot of land. Puzzled, he prayed about it, and in a dream saw the Blessed Virgin Mary, who explained that the structure was the house of the Holy Family, brought there by the power of God.

· In 1294, with the Moslem invasion of Albania, the house disappeared again. According to the testimony of shepherds, it was seen on December 10 of that year born aloft by angels over the Adriatic Sea. This time the Holy House came to rest in a wooded area four miles from Recanati, Italy. As the news spread fast, thousands flocked there, and many miracles took place at the site.

· Due to contrary circumstances, twice again the house was moved, finally coming to rest in the town of Loreto, Italy, its present location.

· As miracles continued to occur in connection with pilgrimages to the house, deputations were sent to Nazareth to determine its origins in 1292, in 1296, and in 1524. All three declared that the measurements of the house corresponded to the visible foundations of the house of Nazareth.

· In 1871 at the suggestion of Cardinal Bartolini, Professor Ratti of the University of Rome was given mortar and stones from the house at Loreto, and similar materials from houses in Nazareth. Ignorant of which was which, Prof. Ratti ascertained that the composition of the material from the house of Loreto while not original to Italy was identical to that of the material from Nazareth.

· Other striking facts about the house in Loreto are that it has no foundations. The walls rest on a plot that was part field and part road, a sure indication that it was not built there but placed there. The style of the house of Loreto is not Italian but Eastern. And the original door was on the long side of the house, indicating that it was a dwelling and not a church.

· Today a great basilica houses the dwelling of the holiest of families. From 1330, practically all the Popes have considered Loreto the greatest shrine of Christendom. Bulls in favor of the shrine were issued by Pope Sixtus IV in 1491 and by Julius II in 1507. While the miracle of the translation of the house is not a matter of faith, Innocent XII, in the seventeenth century, appointed a special Mass for the Feast of the Translation of the Holy House. Numerous saints have visited the house-relic.

· As pilgrims enter the small precinct, they read on the threshold, “Hic Verbum caro factum est” – “Here the Word became flesh”. Above the altar inside the holy house is an ancient statue of Our Lady holding the Infant Jesus, known as Our Lady of Loreto.

Things to Do

Why is Our Lady of Loreto connected with aviation? Read these two articles, Did angels really carry the Holy House of Mary to Loreto, Italy? at Catholic News Agency and Our Lady of Loreto and Aviation from "All About Mary" at the University of Dayton.
Find out the connection the University of Notre Dame has with Our Lady of Loreto.
Visit the website of Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto.
Here is further reading about the Basilica of the Holy House (Basilica della Santa Casa)
The Litany of Loreto originated from this Shrine. Read about the Litany of Loreto in Context.
See The Illustrated Litany of Loreto for visual meditation on the Litany of Loreto.

33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[5]

Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide

Day 19

On this 19^th day, Holy Queen of heaven, assist me, as you did the saints to my final perseverance.

Copilot:

The saints are often looked to as examples of extraordinary perseverance and faith. Their paths to achieving final perseverance varied, but there are some common elements that many shared:

1. Deep Faith and Trust in God: Saints often had a profound and unwavering faith, trusting in God's plan for their lives, even in the face of immense suffering and adversity.

2. Prayer and Sacraments: Regular prayer, participation in the sacraments, and a strong devotional life were crucial. They found strength and grace through these spiritual practices.

3. Humility and Surrender: Many saints embraced humility and surrendered their will to God. They sought to align their lives with God's will, accepting both joys and hardships with a spirit of humility.

4. Charity and Service: Living lives of service and charity, many saints dedicated themselves to helping others. This outward focus often helped them maintain perspective and strength.

5. Community and Support: Saints often found support and encouragement within their faith communities, which helped them stay committed to their spiritual journeys.

6. Resilience in Suffering: Many saints faced severe trials, including persecution, illness, or personal loss. Their resilience and ability to find meaning and strength in suffering helped them persevere.

Bible in a Year Day 162 Rehobo′am Seeks Counsel

Fr. Mike explains why it's better to seek counsel from those who don't necessarily always agree with us, using the experience of Rehobo′am as an example. He also touches on the failed leadership of Jerobo′am as he leads his people into false places of worship and idolatry. Today's readings are 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, and Song of Solomon 1.

Human Rights Day[6]

Human Rights Day commemorates the day on which the United Nations issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a document drafted by representatives from all regions of the world, which outlined fundamental human rights to be universally protected. The Declaration contains 30 articles that touch on rights to freedom, justice, peace, dignity, education and health care, amongst other rights. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations proclaimed the UDHR in an effort to help define equal rights that all humans on the planet deserve and can help the world achieve lasting freedom, justice and peace. Human Rights Day was officially declared by the United Nations in 1950. It is celebrated on December 10th each year and is marked by speeches and activities designed to bring attention to the issues surrounding the most pressing Human Rights issues worldwide.

Human Rights Day Facts & Quotes

· The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights was one of their first declarations and came about after the atrocities perpetrated upon humans during World War II were brought to light.

· Over the past decade, armed conflict has killed 2 million children, disabled another 4-5 million, left 12 million homeless and orphaned another million.

· Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln

· America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense... human rights invented America. - Jimmy Carter

· I have cherished the ideal a democratic and free society... it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. - Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa, who was imprisoned from 1964-1990.

Human Rights Day Top Events and Things to Do

· Educate yourself on current human rights fights such as genocide by terrorist groups, slavery and trafficking and child labor around the world.

· Get involved with a local human rights organization.

· Watch a documentary about human rights issues and violations. Some recommendations: Invisible Children (2006), Girl Rising (2013) and Nefarious (2011).

· The U.S. is not the only country to recognize the importance of religious liberty. The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights--a foundational document for international law, created by representatives from all over the world--recognizes this basic human right in Article 18: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance”. Clearly, the framers of this document relied on human reason and saw the need for governments to recognize this civil right.[7]

Jesse Tree[8]

Jesse Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)

December 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth

December 2 Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman

December 3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple with bite

December 4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark, animals, dove, rainbow

December 5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols: torch, sword, mountain

December 6 Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush

December 7 Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 Symbols: kettle, ladder

December 8 Joseph: Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15 Symbols: bucket, well, silver coins, tunic

December 9 Moses: Ex. 2:1-10 Symbols: baby in basket, river and rushes

December 10 Samuel: 1 Sam. 3:1-18 Symbols: lamp, temple