Sunday, February 22, 2026

As we enter this Lenten season, I invite you to support and share the new Coffee with Christ audiobook, now available on Audible

Play More Cards Day^{^[1]}

Cards get a bad rap sometimes—and true, there are cards games that can be very addictive if not kept under control. But cards can also be the source of great entertainment for friends who just want to hang out and spend some time together, laughing and relaxing. In general, however, playing cards is fun, and as with most fun things that relax us, it’s typically a good idea to do more of them and let your brain take a break from the stress it’s used to for a change. This is where Play More Cards Day comes in. Play More Cards Day was created in 2013 by Bicycle Cards, the biggest producer of playing cards in the United States. The company began producing their cards in 1885, and they have since had sizable roles in various important historical events. For example, during World War II, the deck was designed as a puzzle, which when put together, became a map. This map was supposed to help potential prisoners make their way to safety once they escaped. Wars also prompted Bicycle Cards to create waterproof cards that would not peel, rip or fall apart after coming into contact with water or moisture. During the Vietnam War, the ace of spades printed on Bicycle Cards’ playing cards was thought to have severe psychological effects on the Viet Cong, which viewed it as a symbol of death and infinite bad luck for their activities. Initially, this rumor was false, but as time went by and American soldiers continued to use Bicycle Cards’ ace of spades as their symbol, it eventually did become a relevant part of Vietnam War psychological warfare symbolism.

How to Celebrate Play More Cards Day

The simplest, as well as the most fun way to celebrate this day, is to, in fact, play more cards. Do you have a favorite card game? If not, find out what you like best by trying out a few different card games. Some people find playing a card game in which you have no partner or team especially fun and challenging, while others prefer the company of another teammate to help them out if they get in a fix, like the Polish cards game Hola. If you’re a person who values peace and quiet above all other things, playing solitaire with real cards as opposed to just clicking on them could prove entertaining. Choose whichever card game you want to play on this day, the only requirement is that you have a good time. Another great way to make sure a party (even a small one) is a success is to have various foods to snack on. If you’re all to be touching cards, it would probably be best of the snacks you choose were not too greasy so as not to dirty the cards. With baked chips becoming all the more popular compared to regular deep-fried chips, that could turn out to be a much easier criterion to meet than it seems. And if all else fails, you and your friends can simply take a break from the game to fill up on something tasty, and them go right back to what you were doing.

Deck of Cards^{^[2]}

Song by Tex Ritter

Friends, this is Tex Ritter with a strange story about a soldier boy and a deck of cards. During a North African campaign, a bunch of soldier boys had been on a long hike, and they arrived in a little town called Casino."

The next morning being Sunday several of the boys went to church. A Sargent commanded the boys in church, and after the Chaplain had read the prayer the text was taken up next. Those of the boys who had a prayer book took them out, but this one boy only had a deck of cards, and so he spread them out. The Sergeant saw the cards and said, "Soldier, put away those cards." After the services were over the soldier was taken prisoner and brought before the Provost Marshall.

The Marshall said, "Sargent, why have you brought this man here?"

"For playing cards in church, sir."

"And what have you to say for yourself, son?"

"Much, sir." replied the soldier.

'The Marshall said, "I hope so, for if not, I shall punish you more than any man was ever punished."

The soldier said, "Sir, I have been on a march for about six days, and I had neither Bible nor Prayer Book, but I hope to satisfy you, Sir, with the purity of my intentions."

With that the boy started his story.

"You see, Sir, when I look at the Ace it reminds me that there is but one God. The deuce reminds me that the Bible is divided into two parts: The Old and New Testaments. And when I see the trey I think of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. When I see the four, I think of the four evangelist who preached the Gospel. There was Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And when I see the five it reminds me of the five wise virgins who trimmed their lamps. Ten of 'em; five who were wise and were saved; five were foolish and were shut out. And when I see the six it reminds me that in six days God made this great heaven and earth. And when I see the seven it reminds me that on the seventh day God rested from His great work. When I see the eight, I think of the eight righteous persons God saved when he destroyed this earth. There was Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives. And when I see the nine, I think of the lepers our Savior cleansed, and nine of the ten didn't even thank Him. When I see the ten, I think of the Ten Commandments God handed down to Moses on a tablet of stone. When I see the King, it reminds me that there is but one King of Heaven, God Almighty. And when I see the queen, I think of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is Queen of Heaven. And the jacks, or knaves, it's the devil. And when I count the number of spots on a deck of cards, I find three hundred sixty-five the number of days in a year. Fifty-two cards, the number of weeks in a year. Four suits, the number of weeks in a month. Twelve picture cards, the number of months in a year. Thirteen tricks, the number of weeks in a quarter. So, you see, Sir, my pack of cards serve me as a Bible, almanac, and prayer book."

"Friends, I know this story is true, because I knew that soldier."

[1]https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/play-more-cards-day/

[2]Deck of Cards lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Claire’s Corner

· Can’t wait for spring?

· Head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to see the largest floral festival in the Southwest which features an explosion of color from more than 500,000 spring-blooming blossoms, thousands of azaleas and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees

· 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.

· On February 22, 1931, Jesus appeared to Faustina as the King of Divine Mercy.

Spirit hour: Best February Cocktails

Bucket Item trip: Self-Guided Bernese Oberland Traverse

Free Open-Source Software Month Money

· Try: Shrimp Scampi

How to celebrate Feb 15

National Bake for Family Fun Month

Claire’s Perfect Weather World Tour

🌄 Week 8 — Cape Town, South Africa
“Mountains, Vineyards & Ocean Light”
February 22–28, 2026
Base: Sea Point — Atlantic Coast Promenade

🌦️ Overview
Late February in Cape Town is warm, dry, and golden — 70–75°F, low humidity, and long evenings of soft Atlantic light. Table Mountain, vineyards, penguins, and historic churches make this a week of beauty, ascent, and quiet reflection.
Theme: creation’s grandeur, mountain pilgrimage, and the wine‑symbolism of Eucharistic joy.

📅 Daily Outline with Embedded Links

📌 Feb 22 — Arrival (First Sunday of Lent)

Flight: Johannesburg → Cape Town via FlySafair

Mass: St. Mary’s Cathedral — catholicct.org.za

Lodging: Premier Hotel Cape Town (premierhotels.co.za in Bing) (~$150/night)

Meals: ~$55/day

Symbolic Act: “Beginning the Mountain Fast” — write one sacrifice you offer this week

Fun: Try malva pudding for dessert

📌 Feb 23 — Table Mountain (Monday)

Visit: Table Mountain Cableway — tablemountain.net

Walk: Dassie Walk or summit paths

Mass: Evening Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Symbolic Act: “Lift My Eyes to the Hills” — pray Psalm 121 at the summit

Fun: Spot the dassies (rock hyrax) sunning on the boulders

📌 Feb 24 — Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope (Tuesday)

Visit: Cape Point — sanparks.org (sanparks.org in Bing)

Walk: Lighthouse trail + Cape of Good Hope overlook

Mass: Simon’s Town parish

Symbolic Act: “Ends of the Earth” — reflect on mission at the southern tip of Africa

Fun: Take the iconic photo with the Cape of Good Hope sign

📌 Feb 25 — Boulders Beach Penguins (Wednesday)

Visit: Boulders Penguin Colony — sanparks.org (sanparks.org in Bing)

Mass: St. Simon the Fisherman, Simon’s Town

Symbolic Act: “Small Creatures, Great Joy” — thank God for creation’s humor

Fun: Watch the penguins waddle like tiny ushers late for Mass

📌 Feb 26 — Stellenbosch Vineyards (Thursday)

Visit: Stellenbosch Wine Route — wineroute.co.za

Tasting: Tokara, Lanzerac, or Spier

Mass: Evening Mass in Stellenbosch

Symbolic Act: “Fruit of the Vine” — reflect on Eucharistic imagery in the vineyards

Fun: Try a pinotage, South Africa’s signature wine

📌 Feb 27 — Kirstenbosch Gardens (Friday)

Visit: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden — sanbi.org (sanbi.org in Bing)

Walk: Tree Canopy Walkway (“The Boomslang”)

Mass: Evening Mass in Cape Town

Symbolic Act: “Walk in the Garden with God” — pray among the proteas

Fun: Find the giant tortoises near the lower lawns

📌 Feb 28 — Sea Point Promenade & Farewell (Saturday)

Visit: Sea Point Promenade — sunrise walk along the Atlantic

Mass: Saturday Vigil at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Symbolic Act: Leave a written prayer of gratitude at the shoreline

Fun: Try a rooibos latte at a seaside café

💰 Cost Snapshot (Per Person)

Lodging (6 nights): ~$900

Meals (7 days): ~$385–$420

Tickets/Activities: ~$80–$150

Local Transport: ~$120–$180

Flight (Johannesburg → Cape Town): ~$70–$140
➡️ Total: $1,555–$1,790

February 22 First Sunday of Lent, Called “Invocabit”

Chair of Saint Peter-Billy Graham-Washingtons Birthday-Be Humble

Deuteronomy, Chapter 1, Verse 28-29

What shall we meet with up there? Our men have made our hearts melt by saying, ‘The people are bigger and taller than we, and their cities are large and fortified to the sky; besides, we saw the Anakim (Giant) there.’” But I said to you, “Have no dread or FEAR of them.

What are the giants in your life?

Debauchery, theft, murder, adultery, greed malice, deceit, extravagance, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, recklessness all come from within.

These giants are not out there; there in here; in the heart. The hearts fears make giants. Love is the cure. Love endures Love hopes. Love does small tasks. Love is like a water drop that outlasts the mountain, wearing it away. Love stands defiant before the giants in your life. In and through love we come to discover the giants in our life were shadows all along.

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there’s light shining somewhere nearby.

(Ruth Renkle)

Live each day as if it were your last. Death brings an end to all, and man’s life suddenly passes away like a fleeting shadow.

Lord, for those in mortal sin, death is the gateway to hell, but for those in sanctifying grace, it is the pathway to Heaven. Let my greatest desire in life be to live in such a way that I can die fearlessly at any moment. Let me fear sin more than death or any other earthly harm. Amen^.[1]

Copilot’s Take

Fear has a way of enlarging whatever stands before us. Israel looked at the Anakim and saw giants, but the real collapse had already happened inside—their hearts melted before a single stone was thrown. Lent exposes that same truth in us. The enemies we imagine “out there” are usually the ones we’ve allowed to grow within: resentment, lust, pride, envy, self‑indulgence. These are the giants that whisper defeat before the battle begins. But love—patient, steady, unhurried—undoes them. Love doesn’t match their size; it outlasts their noise. It reveals that most giants are only shadows cast by our own fear.

To confront evil, then, is to reclaim the interior ground where fear tries to reign. It is to let grace make the heart firm again, to fear sin more than suffering, and to live with the kind of readiness that makes death a doorway rather than a threat. Shadows cannot harm the one who walks in the Light. Lent invites us to step toward that Light with a courage born not of bravado but of love—love that refuses to run, refuses to exaggerate the darkness, and refuses to forget that God is always larger than whatever looms before us.

ON KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[2]

CHAPTER II

DIES CHRISTI

The Day of the Risen Lord
and of the Gift
of the Holy Spirit

The eighth day: image of eternity

26. By contrast, the Sabbath's position as the seventh day of the week suggests for the Lord's Day a complementary symbolism, much loved by the Fathers. Sunday is not only the first day, it is also "the eighth day", set within the sevenfold succession of days in a unique and transcendent position which evokes not only the beginning of time but also its end in "the age to come". Saint Basil explains that Sunday symbolizes that truly singular day which will follow the present time, the day without end which will know neither evening nor morning, the imperishable age which will never grow old; Sunday is the ceaseless foretelling of life without end which renews the hope of Christians and encourages them on their way. Looking towards the last day, which fulfils completely the eschatological symbolism of the Sabbath, Saint Augustine concludes the Confessions describing the Eschaton as "the peace of quietness, the peace of the Sabbath, a peace with no evening". In celebrating Sunday, both the "first" and the "eighth" day, the Christian is led towards the goal of eternal life.

· Devotion of the Seven Sundays: St Joseph-5^th Sunday

First Sunday of Lent, Called “Invocabit”. [3]

THIS, Sunday is called Invocabit from the first word of the Introit. All the Sundays of Lent and those from Easter to Pentecost take their names from the Introits of the Mass. In the Introit of this day, we are told: He shall cry to Me, and I will hear him; I will deliver him and glorify him; I will fill him with length of days. He that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High shall abide under the protection of the God of heaven (Ps. xc. 15, 16, 1).

Prayer of the Church

O God, Who dost purify Thy Church by the yearly observance of Lent, grant to Thy servants that what they endeavor to obtain of Thee by abstinence they may secure by good works.

EPISTLE, Cor. vi. 1-10.

Brethren: We do exhort you, that you receive not the grace of God in vain: for He saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee: and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold now is the acceptable time: behold now is the day of salvation; giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed: but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labors, in watching’s, in fasting’s, in chastity, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet known: as dying, and behold we live: as chastised, and not killed: as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing, and possessing all things. By this epistle the Church admonishes us to profit by Lent as a season of grace, to spend it in earnestly combating sin and in the diligent performance of good works.

GOSPEL. Matt. iv. 1-11.

At that time: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry. And the tempter coming, said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Who answered and said: It is written, not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, and set Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thy self-down; for it is written that He hath given His angels charge over Thee, and in their hands shall they bear Thee up, lest perhaps Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. Jesus said to him: It is written again: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil took Him up into a very high mountain: and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and said to Him: All these will I give Thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is written: The Lord thy God shalt thou adore and Him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left Him: and behold angels came and ministered to Him.

Our Savior was led by the Holy Ghost into the desert there to prepare by fasting forty days and nights for His holy ministry.

Here the tempter approaches and seeks to betray Him. After He had overcome the Evil One’s angels came and ministered to Him: by which we learn that they who overcome temptations enjoy the consolation and assistance of the angels. This should encourage us to combat joyfully to the end.

What is temptation?

Temptation is an inducement to transgress the commandments of God. Temptation comes from our own concupiscence (James i. 14) for the flesh lusteth against the spirit (Gal. v.17.)

How does the devil tempt us?

He moves the natural concupiscence to such sins as he sees men particularly inclined to, and then deceives and confuses the man’s mind, that he may not see clearly either the temporal loss, or the dishonor and danger of sin. He can, however, do nothing but what God permits. St. Augustine therefore compares him to a chained dog that can hurt only those who put themselves within his reach.

Does God also tempt us?

St. James says (i. 13), Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God; for God is not a tempter of evils, and He tempteth no man; But He allows us to be tempted, sending us manifold trials.

Does God permit us to be tempted beyond our strength?

No; for He combats with us and gives you always as much strength as is required to conquer temptations, and even to gain advantage from them (i. Cor. x. 13).

When do we consent to temptation?

When we decide of our own free will to do the evil proposed; as long as we resist, however little, we do not consent.

What are the best means to overcome temptation?

1. Humility and prayer.

2. The consideration of the suffering which follows sin, and of the happiness which awaits those who resist temptation.

3. Invoking the aid of the Blessed Virgin, our guardian angel, and all the saints.

4. Praying devoutly, lead us not into temptation, and calling on the holy name of Jesus.

Lenten Calendar[4]

Read: Today’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’s journey into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Reflect: Every day, but particularly in Lent, Christians must face a struggle, like the one that Christ underwent in the desert of Judea, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil, and then in Gethsemane, when he rejected the most sever temptation, accepting the Father’s will to the very end.

It is a spiritual battle waged against sin and finally, against Satan. It is a struggle that involves the whole of the person and demands attentive and constant watchfulness.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, March 1, 2006)

Pray: Say something from your heart.

Act: With Jesus’s response of “One does not live on bread alone” in mind, think of what ways you can feed your spiritual life this Lent. Decide to do something during this Lenten season that will nurture your relationship with God. Consider reading one of the Psalms on Saturdays, challenge yourself to fast from speaking any negative or critical word on Fridays, or do an act of generosity on Mondays.

Christ is the model for our fasting

Christ in the desert, and the kinds of temptations we can expect to encounter.

"Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God".

1. The devil tries to tempt us with the bread of fleshly desire.

"Now is the acceptable time" to "ration" our self-indulgence, our worship of physical culture, and to feed our souls with the Divine Word. This temptation calls for the mortification of self.

2. The "pinnacle of the temple", recalls the pride of usurping God's power, of trying to live beyond His reach. We must topple ourselves from the pinnacle of pride and lift ourselves up by prayer to the pinnacle of God Himself.

3. The "kingdoms of the world," are those who covet mere earthly "glory." To offset this temptation there must be almsgiving or devoting one's talents to the service of one's neighbor.

The Epistle exhorts us not to receive "in vain" this plan of personal reformation, first by warning, then by encouraging us in the eternal struggle between Christ and Antichrist.

Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood

Aids in Battle[5] The Power of God’s Word

When Our Lord overcame the Devil in the wilderness, He quoted Scripture. In Scripture, the Devil and his demons go by several names and are portrayed by several vivid images, each one pointing to some important aspect of their nature and activity. To know these names and images is to understand better the kind of opponents we face in spiritual warfare.

· The Devil, literally, “one who hurls [himself] across” the path of God’s plan; Mt 4: 1.

· Satan, literally, “adversary, attacker”; Job 1: 6; Mt 4: 10.

· Beelzebul, the prince of demons, the name of a pagan Canaanite god meaning “the Prince-God”; the Jews interpreted the word as “prince of demons” because they identified false gods with demonic spirits; Mt 12: 24– 27. The form Beelzebub, used in some Bible translations, is a contemptuous adaptation of the name that means “Lord of the flies”; see also Baalzebub as a reference to the Canaanite god in 2 Ki 1: 2– 6.

· The Serpent, the malicious intruder in the Garden of Eden who led our first parents into sin; Gn 3: 1; Rv 12: 9.

· Demon, from the ancient Greek term for a lesser deity; St. Paul identified such pagan gods with demonic spirits; 1 Cor 10: 20– 21.

· Unclean spirit, in the sense of morally unclean or impure; Mt 10: 1.

Devotion to the Trinity[6]

The Trinity is the sum, substance, subject and object of our prayer. We are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. One God, who is three persons, is a mystery too deep for anyone to fathom. St. Teresa of Avila had a vision on the Trinity she stated, “What was represented to me were three distinct persons, for we can behold and speak to each one. Afterward I reflected that only the Son took human flesh, through which this truth of the Trinity was seen. These persons love, communicate with, and know each other…and this is a very great truth…In all three persons there is no more than one will, one power, and one dominion, in such a way that one cannot do anything without the others.”

St. John Paul II stated also, “God in his deepest mystery is not a solitude but a family, since he has in himself fatherhood, sonship, and the essence of family, which is love.” We are created for the sake of love.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (234) the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of the truths of faith". The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin".

God the Father sent the Son so that we might receive the Spirit. God became what we are, so that we might become what He is. He assumed our nature, so that we might share in His. Heaven is nothing other than the sharing, that communion, and it has begun with our baptism. All the sacraments and all Catholic liturgy are about the Blessed Trinity. We have been taken up into the life of the Trinity, even now. We do not have to wait to live in heaven, Heaven has come to us—though we still await the day of consummation, when we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (Jn. 3:2). Our very nature speaks of the trinity through our Mind, emotions and will. Will to serve!

St. Faustina[7]

On February 22, 1931, Jesus appeared to Faustina as the King of Divine Mercy. Jesus chose her to deliver to the modern world a message as old as eternity. It is the message of his love for all people, especially sinners. Jesus said to Faustina, "Today I am sending you with my mercy to the people of the whole world." It is his desire to heal the aching world, to draw all people into his merciful heart of love.

He asked her to have a picture painted of him as she saw him — clothed in white, with red and white rays of light streaming from his heart. The rays represent the blood and water that flowed from the side of Jesus on the cross. Under the image are the words, "Jesus, I trust in you." Many people did not believe Faustina at first. The sisters in her own convent thought that Jesus could not possibly have selected her for this great favor. After all, she was an uneducated peasant girl. Her superiors often refused to give her permission to carry out Jesus' requests. Church theologians, too, doubted her word. Jesus told Faustina that he loved her obedience and that his will would be done in the end. Faustina was canonized by the first Polish pope, John Paul II, on April 30, 2000. The first Sunday after Easter was declared Divine Mercy Sunday.

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. It brings to mind the mission of teacher and pastor conferred by Christ on Peter, and continued in an unbroken line down to the present Pope. We celebrate the unity of the Church, founded upon the Apostle, and renew our assent to the Magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, extended both to truths which are solemnly defined ex cathedra, and to all the acts of the ordinary Magisterium.

AI Overview: According to Catholic belief, the person currently sitting on the "Chair of St. Peter" is Pope Francis, as he is considered the successor to St. Peter and therefore holds the authority symbolized by the chair; the claim that he is a "fraud" is not supported by the Catholic Church and is considered a contentious view held by some individuals who disagree with his teachings or policies.

Billy Graham[8] b. 11-07-1918—d. 02-22-2018

· The devil certainly wants you to give in to temptation and do what is wrong, because his main goal is to turn us away from God. When we yield to temptation, you can be sure we make the devil happy.

· But the devil isn’t directly responsible for every temptation we face, nor can we blame him when we give in and do wrong. Temptations come to us in many ways—but when we give in to them, we alone are responsible for what we’ve done. The Bible says, “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed” (James 1:14).

· Remember, it isn’t a sin to be tempted; even Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn away from God’s plan (see Matthew 4:1-11). But it is sin to give in to temptation and go our own way instead of God’s way. Every sin is an act of rebellion on our part, telling God we think our way is better than His way. But that is a lie, for God’s way is always best.

· Don’t fight your temptations alone; if you do, you will fail. Instead, ask God to help you by giving you the courage and inner strength to turn away. Begin by asking Christ to come into your life, forgiving and cleansing your sins and coming to live within you by His Spirit.

· Then learn to walk with God every day, through prayer and fellowship with other believers and reading the Bible. The Bible says, “God is faithful. … When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). `

Bible in a Year Day 235 Lying Prophet’s

Fr. Mike focuses on the prophet Jeremiah’s continued sorrow and explains how lying prophets bring forth destruction. He invites us to examine what lies in our lives are bringing destruction. We also continue reading about Ezekiel’s vision, and see the glory of the Lord return to the temple. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 14-15, Ezekiel 43-44, and Proverbs 15:13-16.

Washington’s Birthday[9]

In John McCain’s book Character is Destiny the 1st President of the United States is McCain’s example of a man who demonstrates for us the characteristic of SELF CONTROL.

(Do you think this is what lent is all about?)

Self-control is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and desires in the face of external demands in order to function in society. (Matt DeLisi)

George Washington was a warrior and a mensch. Washington was a self-made man who learned to govern himself before he governed our great country. Washington was a passionate man by nature, yet he was famous for his reserve and graciousness to others. Washington worked on himself very hard to control his temper and to not be sensitive to criticism. It was a lifelong struggle and at times he was given to fits of anger. His passion was a two-edged sword that either cut for him or against him. His passion was also the source of his great courage. History records his fury in battle where he wore out two horses and stood in defiance of withering fire and having his coat tore by four musket balls. Washington did not just tell his men to stand fast and face the enemy but set the example; leaping headlong into battle and the men followed. Washington disciplined his passionate nature with iron will and self-control. Washington wrote, “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present” and, “Labor to keep alive in your breast the little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”

He strove to be a man of unquestionable dignity and manners. He was modest and wore clothes that were fine and neat but never showy. He was consciously groomed and was seldom discourteous to anyone, of higher or lower station in life. He knew his strengths as well as his weaknesses; there was no hubris in him.

“He understood the nature of his countrymen as well as he understood his own. He knew we are all flawed, that we must always be alert to the danger of ungoverned appetites and must strive to control and improve our nature. He understood his country at its birth needed a leader of towering honor, wisdom, and selflessness, whose appearance must fit the role as well as his character, did. And through the constant application of his self-control, he inhabited that role as no one has again, and became, in fact, the father of our country. He imprinted his character on this nation, and in that sense, we are all his descendants, a people famous for our constant struggle to improve. We are never so removed from the failings of our nature that we cannot stand more improvement, but neither are we so removed from Washington’s magnificent example that we dare not dream we can achieve it.”

Son of the Republic[10]

In America, we have until now had no fear in worshiping our God in holiness and righteousness. In fact, the model in America since its founding has been one of “Many religions, but one covenant”.

We are certainly a blessed people because we as a whole have not abandoned the covenant, nor shall we if the vision of George Washington at Valley Forge is true. In it he saw that Americans would remain true to our creator.

"Son of the Republic…Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful is the third, but in this greatest conflict the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land and the Union."

With these words the vision vanished, and I (Washington) started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown to me the birth, progress, and destiny of the United States.

Be Humble Day[11]

Humility may be the most difficult of all the virtues to truly attain. There seems to be a paradox in that claiming to have humility may be an act of pride. Some people might be prideful in their humility… or something like that. Either way, Be Humble Day focuses on humbling yourself. There is no boasting allowed on Be Humble Day. Choosing not to brag about your successes and abilities can prove to be much more difficult than one might anticipate, as the culture surrounding us is often centered on self and the successes achieved by an individual. Throughout the age’s philosophers and the average Joe alike have pondered humility and what it means to be truly humble. It is a difficult question to answer and the final answer may never fully present itself. But perhaps the seeking of humility is more important than the achieving. In a fascinating twist of irony, the person responsible for the founding of Be Humble Day is unknown. Whoever it was clearly took humility seriously and didn’t bother to brag about starting a recognized day of celebration. Perhaps the person was so humble that they didn’t even stop to think they might have instigated something that would reach so far.

Observing Be Humble Day

The observance of Be Humble Day can be gone about in many ways, but all the avenues of observance should maintain the quietness associated with humility. There should be no loud proclamations of the fact that you’re celebrating Be Humble Day, as that would ruin the point. The first step is simply to bear in mind to be humble. If you keep that focus, then the rest may follow along after quite simply. Remember: don’t focus on your own greatness and the achievements you’ve made. Be Humble Day is also about encouraging others and focusing on their achievements and giving a friend or co-worker the props, they deserve is an excellent way to keep in the spirit of Be Humble Day. If you’re looking for further inspiration and more ways to dig deeper into humility on Be Humble Day then perhaps considering these quotes from some great minds (a title foisted upon them by others, not one they themselves took in keeping with humility) will assist you in your journey.

The Christian thinker C.S. Lewis, best known for his beloved Chronicles of Narnia book series, said that “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” A perfect quote for Be Humble Day. Criss Jami, an American poet and philosopher observed that “The biggest challenge after success is shutting up about it.” And if you think you know something then stop for a minute and consider the words of Albert Einstein: “A true genius admits that he/she knows nothing.” If Albert Einstein can admit that he knows nothing, then perhaps there is hope for all of us to be humbler in our everyday lives. Opportunities to humble ourselves pass us by every day, and Be Humble Day is the perfect inspiration to sit up and notice these chances to better ourselves and to make the world a more pleasant place for the people around us.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Increase of Vocations to the Holy Priesthood.

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary

[1] Paone, Anthony J., S.J. My Daily Bread, Confraternity of the Precious Blood.

[2]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=419

[3] Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896

[4]http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/march-10.cfm

[5]Thigpen, Paul. Manual for Spiritual Warfare. TAN Books.

[6] Hahn, Scott, Signs of Life; 40 Catholic Customs and their biblical roots. Chap. 34. Devotion to the Trinity.

[7]http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-10-05

[8]https://billygraham.org/answer/does-the-devil-cause-every-temptation-we-face/

[9] McCain, John; Salter, Mark. Character Is Destiny.

[10] http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/washington/vision.html

[11]https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/be-humble-day/

The Stranger (1946) — Orson Welles

Film‑Noir • Crime • Mystery

Full‑Length Public‑Domain Feature

1. Essential Film Details

Category	Information
Director	Orson Welles
Writers	Anthony Veiller; story by Victor Trivas
Starring	Orson Welles, Edward G. Robinson, Loretta Young
Studio / Distributor	International Pictures / RKO
Runtime	95 minutes
Release Year	1946
Notable Distinction	First Hollywood film to use actual Holocaust documentary footage
Genre	Film‑Noir, Crime, Mystery, Post‑War Suspense

2. Plot Summary

A war‑crimes investigator named Mr. Wilson (Edward G. Robinson) is hunting the elusive Nazi mastermind Franz Kindler, architect of the camps. Kindler has erased every trace of his identity—except for one obsession: clocks.

Wilson releases Kindler’s former associate, hoping he’ll lead him to the fugitive. The trail ends in a quiet Connecticut town where Kindler now lives as Charles Rankin, a respected schoolteacher engaged to Mary Longstreet, daughter of a Supreme Court justice.

As Rankin repairs the ancient church clock and prepares for marriage, Wilson closes in. Kindler murders his former comrade to protect his secret, manipulates Mary psychologically, and tries to maintain his façade of moral respectability. The final confrontation takes place in the belfry—where the clock he restored becomes the stage for justice.

3. Thematic & Moral Reflection (Your Catholic‑Formation Lens)

A. Evil Hides in Ordinary Clothes

Welles shows how evil rarely appears monstrous. It blends in, teaches schoolboys, attends dinner parties, and marries into good families. This is the same insight the Church gives about sin: it disguises itself as normalcy, competence, or charm.

B. The Danger of Naïve Goodness

Mary is not foolish—she is good. But goodness without vigilance becomes vulnerable. Her journey mirrors the spiritual life: the need to discern spirits, to test what appears virtuous, and to trust the truth even when it wounds.

C. The Investigator as a Moral Archetype

Mr. Wilson is a cinematic St. Michael figure—calm, relentless, truth‑seeking. He represents the Church’s role in naming evil clearly, refusing to be gaslit, and pursuing justice even when society wants to move on.