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Better to Smoke in This Life Than the Next
Apr 2 – Reflection
🪨 Virtue: Humility & Grounding
Some days aren’t elegant. Some days aren’t curated. Some days you smoke what you can afford and drink what you have. These days are important—they remind you that formation isn’t built on luxury but on willingness.
💨 Cigar: The $1 Stick
A cheap cigar is a spiritual tool.
It burns unevenly.
It tastes a little harsh.
It forces you to slow down, adjust, adapt, and accept imperfection.
It’s the perfect cigar for a man who knows he’s still being shaped.
🥃 Bourbon: Whatever’s on Hand
Tonight isn’t about refinement.
It’s about honesty.
A simple pour—no pretense, no performance—pairs with the $1 cigar like a confession pairs with a kneeler. It’s the kind of bourbon that reminds you: grace doesn’t require top shelf.
🔥 Purgatory Story: The Man Who Tried to Skip the Hard Parts
There was a man in Purgatory who kept asking the angels for the “advanced path,” the shortcut, the refined route. He wanted the polished lessons without the rough edges.
One day an angel handed him a small, crooked branch and said,
“Carve this.”
The man protested.
“It’s warped. It’s cheap. It’s not worthy of the work.”
The angel replied,
“Neither were you when God began carving.”
So the man sat down, took the crooked branch, and began shaping it.
And as he worked, he realized the truth:
Holiness begins with what’s in your hands, not what you wish you had.
When he finished, the branch had become straight—not because it was perfect, but because he had finally learned to work with imperfection.
🌑 Reflection: “What part of me needs to be humbled before it can be renewed?”
Today is not about excellence.
It’s about honesty.
It’s about letting the roughness of a $1 cigar and a simple bourbon expose the places where pride still hides.
It’s about accepting the crooked branch in your hands and carving anyway.
Rachel’s Corner Try “Bicerin”
· Spirit hour: Burgundy Wine in honor of St. Urban
· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
· 30 Days with St. Joseph Day 14
· Bucket List Trip: Finland
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
· According to Mary Agreda[15] in her visions it was on a Thursday at six o'clock in the evening and at the approach of night that the Angel Gabriel approached and announced her as Mother of God and she gave her fiat.
Today’s Menu is from Palm Springs
· Moroccan Salmon Quinoa & Vegetable Sauté
· Grain Bowl
Best Places to Visit in April
Palm Springs, California[16]
I love this place for the sun and hot weather this month, as temperatures reach 31 degrees. It has always been famous as a retreat for showbiz stars, retirees, and snowbirds escaping cold winters.
There is entertainment, spas, and shopping aplenty, as well as many retro-styled hotels
and about 100 golf courses. There are lots of other opportunities, especially for outdoor experiences.
The area is well-provided with hiking trails, but I highly recommend going on a fun Jeep adventure and cultural experiences like the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
I would also suggest going on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which rotates on its short journey to the Monte San Jacinto State Park.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: Palm Springs Visitor Information Center, 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, Phone: 800-347-7746 | 760-778-8418
My highlights…
- Strolling down the city sidewalks to discover the famous Palm Springs Walk of Stars, created in 1992.
- Checking out the Palm Springs Art Museum, which displays contemporary and modern art and I loved the stunning sculpture garden.
- Wandering through the Sunnylands and explore 12 acres of beautiful botanic gardens.
APRIL 2 Maundy
Thursday (Chrism Mass) Holy Thursday
World Autism Awareness
Day
I
rescued you from the power of Egypt and all your oppressors. I drove them out
before you and gave you their land.
And
I said to you: I, the LORD, am your God; you shall not FEAR the gods
of the Amorites in whose land you are dwelling. But you did not listen to me.
Sometimes people lose hope when they enter a strange land. John McCain highlights in his book Character is Destiny the hopefulness of John Winthrop who left the security of his native country to face the dangers of an unknown world to create and shape the character of a new civilization in America. Is there still hope in this country He helped found? Only if we have hope!
John was a puritan and followed the idea that they are to be in the world but not of the world. They should not love earthly pleasures, but neither should they shun the blessings of God. To be humble and grateful and give hope to others, by being faithful and encouraging in their own society. John believed men should strive to build a shining city on the hill by putting one’s duty to God and community before one’s own personal desires and to never despair.
He wrote and preached the sermon, “Model of Christian Charity” to give hope to others. He led always by example and never, never gave up hope.
Copilot’s Take
On Holy Thursday, the Lord speaks to His people the
same words He once spoke through Gideon: “I rescued you… I am the LORD your
God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites.” The Upper Room is the
new “strange land,” the threshold where fear could have ruled—betrayal looming,
darkness gathering, the powers of the world tightening their grip. Yet Jesus
does not answer evil with panic or retreat. He answers it with a table, a towel,
and a chalice. He confronts the coming night not by matching its violence but
by revealing the deeper power of self‑gift. The Eucharist is His declaration
that evil does not get the last word.
John Winthrop understood this same spiritual geometry.
Crossing into an unknown world, he warned his people that despair is the first
idol of a frightened society. A “city on a hill” is not built by those who fear
the gods of the land—comfort, cynicism, self‑preservation—but by those who bind
themselves to covenant. Holy Thursday is the Church’s original “Model of
Christian Charity”: Christ kneels, washes feet, and commands His followers to
love one another as He has loved them. This is not sentiment. It is formation.
It is the shape of a people who confront evil by refusing to become like it.
The Catechism teaches that hope is not optimism but a
theological virtue that “keeps man from discouragement” and “sustains him
during times of abandonment.” Holy Thursday is the night that tests hope most
severely. Judas leaves. Peter falters. The disciples scatter. Yet Christ
remains steady, offering His Body and Blood as the antidote to despair. In the
face of betrayal, He institutes communion. In the face of abandonment, He
establishes a covenant. In the face of evil, He gives Himself. This is the Christian
strategy for confronting darkness: fidelity, not fury; truth, not fear;
charity, not self‑protection.
McCain admired Winthrop because he understood that
character is destiny only when hope is chosen over despair. Holy Thursday
reveals the same truth on a divine scale. The Church confronts evil not by
overpowering it but by outlasting it—through sacrificial love, steadfast truth,
and the courage to remain faithful when the world grows strange. Tonight,
Christ shows us how to walk into the unknown: not afraid of the gods of the
land, not shaped by the shadows, but anchored in the covenant that began in the
Upper Room and continues at every altar. This is the hope that still has the
power to build a city on a hill.
Maundy Thursday
Chrism Mass[1]
Among the many liturgies celebrated during Holy Week, the Chrism Mass is one that few Catholics ever participate in. This is because the liturgy is always celebrated at the cathedral church of the diocese, presided over by the local bishop.
One of the
additional aspects of the Chrism Mass is the annual renewal of priestly
promises. With all of the priests of the local diocese present before the
bishop, they renewal their fidelity to him and to Jesus Christ.
Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper [2]
ON this day the Church commemorates the institution of the holy sacrifice of the Mass and of the Blessed Eucharist, or the Sacrament of the Altar. The Introit of the Mass of the day is as follows: We ought to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection, by Whom we have been saved and delivered. May God have mercy on us and bless us; may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us.
EPISTLE, i. Cor. xi. 20-32.
Brethren: When you come together into one place, it is not now to eat the Lord’s supper. For everyone taketh before his own supper to eat. And one indeed is hungry, and another is drunk.
GOSPEL. John xiii. 1-15.
Before the festival-day of the Pasch, Jesus knowing that His hour was come, that He should pass out of this world to the Father: having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto the end. And when supper was done (the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him), knowing that the Father had given Him all things into His hands, and that He came from God, and goeth to God: He riseth from supper, and layeth aside His garments, and having taken a towel, girded Himself. After that, He putteth water into a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. He cometh therefore to Simon Peter. And Peter saith to Him:
Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?
To show His humility and love, and to teach them how pure they should be in approaching the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Hence arose the pious custom that spiritual superiors and temporal rulers should on this day wash the feet of some of their subjects, usually of twelve poor persons, and afterwards serve them at table, or at least make them presents.
Why is it that only one priest in each church says Mass to-day, while the rest go to communion; and why is the Blessed Sacrament carried to the repository?
Because it was the day that penitents and catechumens were cleansed of their sins (and allowed to bathe again), Maundy Thursday is known in some parts of the world as "Clean" Thursday. The idea of cleanliness also extended to the rest of the faithful. In a time when bathing did not happen every day, Clean Thursday became the occasion for thoroughly cleansing the body in preparation for Easter. There is also a charming legend that after the bells are rung for the Gloria during the Mass of the Last Supper, "they fly to Rome" where -- depending on who is telling the story -- they either are blessed by the Pope and sleep on the roof of St. Peter's Holy Saturday night or are given Easter eggs to return with them on Sunday morning.
Holy Thursday[4]
Holy
Thursday is also known as Maundy
Thursday and is a celebration of the institution of the Eucharist and
the priesthood. There were originally three separate Masses for Maundy
Thursday.
The
first, no longer in use, is the Mass of
Remission, whereby the public penitents who had been doing special
penance during Lent were received back into the Church.
The
second is the Chrism Mass, when the bishop blesses the holy oils to be used
for the year.
The
third is the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, in
which the Church celebrates the institution of the Eucharist and the
priesthood. The special ceremonies for this exultant Mass (the Gloria returns
and white vestments are used) include the priest's washing the feet of twelve
men, the removal of the Eucharist to the Altar of Repose, and the stripping of
the altars. After the Blessed Sacrament is "laid to rest" in a
special tabernacle on the Altar of Repose, it is customary
for the church to stay open all night and for private devotion to take place.
The Altar of Repose[5]
When
the Eucharist is processed to the altar of repose after the Mass of the Lord's
Supper, we should remain in quiet prayer and adoration, keeping Christ company.
Popular
piety is particularly sensitive to the adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament
in the wake of the Mass of the Lord's supper. Because of a long historical
process, whose origins are not entirely clear, the place of repose has
traditionally been referred to as "a holy sepulcher". The faithful go
there to venerate Jesus who was placed in a tomb following the crucifixion and
in which he remained for some forty hours.
It
is necessary to instruct the faithful on the meaning of the reposition it is an
austere solemn conservation of the Body of Christ for the community of the
faithful which takes part in the liturgy of Good Friday and for the viaticum of
the infirmed. It is an invitation to silent and prolonged adoration of the
wondrous sacrament instituted by Jesus on this day.
In
reference to the altar of repose, therefore, the term "sepulcher"
should be avoided, and its decoration should not have any suggestion of a tomb.
The tabernacle on this altar should not be in the form of a tomb or funerary
urn. The Blessed Sacrament should be conserved in a closed tabernacle and
should not be exposed in a monstrance. After midnight on Holy Thursday, the
adoration should conclude without solemnity, since the day of the Lord's
Passion has already begun.
A
variation of this custom is to visit seven such shrines during the night in
imitation of the Sette Chiese of the Roman Stations (see Stations). This
custom was quite popular in American cities like Boston until the late 1960s.
Start a new tradition and visit churches in your area on this Holy Night
spending 15 minutes in prayer on each visit.
A
Holy Thursday tradition: Pilgrimage to seven churches[6]
·
Holy
Thursday is the feast that marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Holy
Triduum, which also includes Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. At
this Mass of the Lord’s Supper Catholics remember the Passover meal, when Jesus
instituted the sacrament of the holy Eucharist by sharing bread and wine with
his disciples, saying, “Do this in memory of Me.” “The faithful are invited to
continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable length of time
during the night, according to circumstance.”
·
The
Seven Churches Visitation is a tradition that grew out of this time of prayer
and adoration. Catholics remember when Jesus asked his disciples to stay and
watch with Him while they were in the garden. This tradition of mindful
watching is a sort of pilgrimage to various altars of repose, in different
churches that correspond to each of the seven places, or “stations,” that were
made by Jesus between the Last Supper in the Upper Room to His crucifixion on
the cross.
·
The
seven stations consist of: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22: 39-46),
Jesus bound and taken before Annas (John 18: 19-22), Jesus taken before the
High Priest, Caiaphas (Matthew 26: 63-65), Jesus taken before Pilate (John 18,
35-37), Jesus taken before Herod (Luke 23: 8-9; 11), Jesus taken before Pilate
again (Matthew 27: 22-26) and Jesus given the crown of thorns and led to his
crucifixion (Matthew 27: 27-31).
·
Upon
entering each church, pilgrims visit the altar of repose, kneel, make the sign
of the cross, read the appropriate scripture for each station and engage in
private prayer and adoration. Some may add other prayers as well. At the
seventh station, many will close their pilgrimage by opting to observe a Holy
Hour.
·
The
origin of the Seven Churches Visitation is typically credited to St. Philip
Neri and is practiced by Catholics around the world, including in Poland,
Mexico, Italy and the Philippines. The devotion can also be traced back to the
Station Churches of Rome, where the tradition is still practiced. More
information is also available in George Weigel’s book “Roman Pilgrimage: The
Station Churches.”
·
Some
will argue that the Holy Thursday pilgrimage has roots in the Book of
Revelation, in which the Seven Ancient Churches are visited by an angel. For
those who live in an urban area with several Catholic churches nearby, they may
want to visit seven different churches. However, those who live in a rural area
can still take part in the tradition by praying all seven stations. For
participating families with young ones, adaptations can be made for the sake of
time and parish availability. Pilgrims may choose to say prayers for two
stations at one location.
·
The
Seven Churches Visitation is a powerful way to spend time in adoration,
meditating on Christ’s sacrifice of love for the salvation of souls in
preparation for the joy of Easter. There is something special about visiting
churches late into the night. It is not just because of the opportunity to
visit other parishes, it’s because of intentionally seeking Christ to spend
time with Him and contemplating the gift of His love.
Holy
Thursday Top Events and Things to Do[7]
·
Take
a close look online of Michelangelo's The Last Supper. Notice what
each of the disciples is doing, and how Jesus is portrayed.
·
Watch
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) with Max von Sydow as Jesus.
Pay attention to the Last Supper scene.
Incense[8]
Catholic
tradition engages the whole person; all the senses and has been called at times
the religion of “bells and smells.” God created us as a unity of body and soul,
and we return ourselves entirely to him in worship. We worship him is spirit
and truth and, in our worship, we present our bodies as a living sacrifice.
Thus, the Churches worship engages all that we are both body and senses. We
contemplate during worship the mysteries of God using our total selves, our
hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smells. We ring bells to herald the Lord’s
appearance and we burn incense before his altar. Our worship is good and true,
but it is also beautiful.
The Mass is
a reenactment of the death of our Lord. It is thought-provoking to contemplate
that Pilate’s notice above Christ’s head, was printed in three languages
Hebrew, Latin and Greek. These three cultures in a sense represented the
characteristics of God.
The
Hebrew’s were God’s people and represented the GOOD of man and brought the idea that the person was created by God
and is more valuable than the universe.
Latin
the language of the Romans brought the idea that TRUTH is the highest value.
The
Greek culture brought the idea of BEAUTY
being the greatest value.
In
Christ’s death is represented all three values. That a good God died for man;
true to the end; and His shame was turned by love to beauty.
Via
the Masses worldwide we live out the words of the prophet Malachi 1:11,
“From the rising of the sun to its setting,
my name is great among the nations; Incense offerings are made to my name
everywhere, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says
the LORD of hosts.”
The
offering of incense was an essential duty of the priests of the Old Covenant,
and the ancient law took special care to prescribe its fragrances, vessels, and
rites. Jesus’ kinsman Zechariah was performing his priestly duty, burning
incense in the Temple, when the angel Gabriel appeared to him. This was the
hour of incense. Incense was the most emblematic form of worship; it was an
outward sign of the inner mystery that is true prayer. Incense is so closely
associated with worship that; it became the very image of infidelity to burn
incense to idols. To burn incense was and still is a richly symbolic act of
worship.
Timeline of Holy Week[9]
· Holy Thursday, Thursday Night, Early Friday Morning: • The first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and preparation for the Passover for Jesus and the disciples.
·
The
Last Supper
·
Agony
in the Garden of Gethsemane; the betrayal of Judas and the arrest of Jesus. •
·
Jesus
taken to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. Annas sends
Jesus to Caiaphas
·
Jesus
taken to the high priest Caiaphas’ home where the scribes, elders, and the
chief priests had gathered.
·
Peter
denies Jesus three times. •
·
Jesus
was kept overnight in a cistern below Caiaphas’ home.
Holy Week takes a
somber turn on Thursday. From Bethany, Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to the
Upper Room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That
evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared
to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus
demonstrated by example how believers are to love one another. Today, many
churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday
services. Then Jesus shared the feast of Passover with his disciples, saying:
“I
have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I
suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it [again] until
there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
As the Lamb of
God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of Passover by giving his body to
be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death.
During this Last Supper, Jesus established the Lord's Supper, or Communion,
instructing his followers to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in
the elements of bread and wine (Luke 22:19-20). Later, Jesus and the disciples
left the Upper Room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in
agony to God the Father. Luke's Gospel says that "his sweat became like
great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Late that evening in
Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by
the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the
whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus. Meanwhile,
in the early morning hours, as Jesus' trial was getting underway, Peter denied
knowing his Master three times before the rooster crowed.[10]
Tonight, if possible,
visit Him in the Bless Sacrament chapel between 9 P.M. and midnight for it was
on Holy Thursday between these hours that our Lord was in so much agony over us
that He sweat blood and he was most alone. Spend time with Him.
Eighteen Questions on the Paschal Triduum[11]
The following
eighteen questions address the most commonly received questions concerning the
Sacred Paschal Triduum, and may be freely reproduced by diocesan Offices for
Worship, parish Liturgy Committees, and others seeking to promote the effective
celebration of these most sacred days.
1.
When does the Triduum begin and
end? The Easter
Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday,
reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with Evening Prayer on
Easter Sunday.
2.
May another Mass besides the Mass
of the Lord’s Supper be celebrated on Holy Thursday? Ordinarily, no other Mass may be
celebrated on Holy Thursday. However, by way of exception, the local Ordinary
may permit another Mass in churches and oratories to be celebrated in the
evening, and, in the case of genuine necessity, even in the morning. Such
Masses are provided for those who in no way are able to participate in the
evening Mass.
3.
How are the Holy Oils, consecrated
and blessed at the Chrism Mass, to be received in the parish? A reception of the oils may take
place before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The oils, in suitable vessels, can
be carried in procession by members of the assembly.
4.
Is the Mandatum, the washing of
feet at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, required? No. The Roman Missal only
indicates, “After the Homily, where a pastoral reason suggests it [ubi ratio
pastoralis id suadeat], the Washing of Feet follows.”
5.
When should the Good Friday
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion take place? Normally it should take place in
the afternoon, at about 3:00 PM, to enable people to assemble more easily.
However, pastoral discretion may indicate a time shortly after midday, or in
the late evening, though never later than 9:00 PM. Depending on the size or
nature of a parish or other community, the local Ordinary may permit the
service to be repeated.
6.
May a deacon officiate at the
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion? Although
the Celebration of the Lord's Passion appears to be a service of the Word with
the distribution of Holy Communion, the Roman Missal does not permit a deacon
to officiate at the celebration. Historically, even though the Eucharist is not
celebrated on this day, the liturgy of Good Friday bears resemblance to a Mass.
At one time it was called the “Mass of the Presanctified” (referring to the
pre-consecrated hosts used at Communion, even when only the priest received
Communion). This is also reflected in the prescribed vesture for the priest:
stole and chasuble. The liturgy of Good Friday, as an integral part of the
Triduum, is linked to the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the
Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. While there may be cases where a parish with
multiple churches or chapels (e.g., mission churches or a cluster of parishes
under one pastor) might rotate the liturgies among the various locations, it
would not be appropriate for a community to celebrate only part of the Triduum.
7.
May any of the readings at the
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion be omitted? The Lectionary for Mass does not
indicate that any readings may be omitted at the Celebration of the Lord’s
Passion. All three readings (Isaiah, Hebrews, and the Passion according to
John) are required. It should be noted, however, for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s
Passion, the Lectionary indicates that while all three readings provided should
be used, there may be circumstances in which one or more of the readings at
Mass could be omitted: “Given, however, the importance of the account of the
Lord’s Passion, the priest, having in mind the character of each individual
congregation, is authorized to choose only one of the two readings prescribed
before the Gospel, or if necessary, he may read only the account of the
Passion, even in the shorter form. This permission applies, however, only to
Masses celebrated with a congregation.” Thus, the account of the Passion is
never omitted.
8.
Does the Church encourage any other
liturgical celebrations on Good Friday? On this day the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer
could appropriately be celebrated with the participation of the people in the
churches. Note that Evening Prayer is only prayed by those who do not
participate in the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion.
9.
Do devotions have a particular
importance on Good Friday? The
Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (2002) provides the proper
perspective in paragraphs 142-145. Clearly the central celebration of this day
is the Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. In no way should
manifestations of popular piety, either by the time or manner in which they are
convoked, substitute for this solemn liturgical action. Nor should aspects of
the various acts of piety be mixed with the Good Friday celebration, creating a
hybrid. In recent times, Passion processions, celebrations of the Stations
of the Cross, and Passion Plays have become more common. In such
representations, actors and spectators can be involved in a moment of faith and
genuine piety. Care should be taken, however, to point out to the faithful that
a Passion Play is a representation which is commemorative, and they are very
different from “liturgical actions” which are anamnesis, or the mysterious
presence of the redemptive event of the Passion.
10. How
does the Adoration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday begin? The Adoration of the Holy Cross
begins with one of two forms of the Showing of the Holy Cross. The First
Form begins as the deacon or another suitable minister goes to the sacristy and
obtains the veiled Cross. Accompanied by two ministers with lighted candles,
the veiled Cross is brought to the center of the sanctuary in procession. The
priest accepts the Cross and then, standing in front of the altar and facing
the people, uncovers the upper part of the Cross, the right arm, and then the
entire Cross. Each time he unveils a part of the Cross, he sings the
acclamation, Behold the wood of the Cross. In the Second Form of the Showing of
the Holy Cross, the priest or deacon goes to the church door, where he takes up
the uncovered Cross. Accompanied by two ministers with lighted candles, he
processes to the sanctuary, stopping at the door of the church, in the middle
of the church, and before entering the sanctuary, to sing the acclamation, Behold
the wood of the Cross.
11. How
is the cross venerated by members of the congregation on Good Friday? After the showing of the Cross, the
priest or deacon may carry the Cross to the entrance of the sanctuary or
another suitable place. The first person to adore the Cross is the priest
celebrant. If circumstances suggest, he takes off his chasuble and his shoes.
The clergy lay ministers and the faithful then approach the Cross. The personal
adoration of the Cross is an important feature in this celebration and every
effort should be made to achieve it. The rubrics remind us that “only one
Cross” should be used for adoration. If the numbers are so great that all
cannot come forward, the priest, after some of the clergy and faithful have
adored the Cross, can take it and stand in the center before the altar. In a
few words he invites the people to adore the Cross. He then elevates the Cross
higher for a brief period of time while the faithful adore it in silence. It
should also be kept in mind that when a sufficiently large Cross is used even a
large community can reverence it in due time. The foot of the Cross as well as
the right and left arm can be approached and venerated. Coordination with
ushers and planning the flow of people beforehand can allow for this part of
the liturgy to be celebrated with decorum and devotion.
12. When
should the Easter Vigil take place? The
Vigil, by its very nature, must take place at night. It is not begun before
nightfall and should end before daybreak on Easter Sunday. The celebration of
the Easter Vigil takes the place of the Office of Readings of Easter Sunday.
The Easter Vigil begins and ends in darkness. It is a nocturnal vigil,
retaining its ancient character of vigilance and expectation, as the Christian
people await the Resurrection of the Lord during the night. Fire is blessed and
the paschal candle is lighted to illumine the night so that all may hear the
Easter proclamation and listen to the word of God proclaimed in the Scriptures.
For this reason, the Solemn Beginning of the Vigil (Lucernarium) takes place
before the Liturgy of the Word. Since sunset varies at different locations
throughout the country, local weather stations can be consulted as to the time
of sunset in the area, keeping in mind that twilight concludes (i.e., nightfall
occurs) somewhat later.
13. What
considerations should be given for the paschal candle used at the Easter Vigil?
This candle should
be made of wax, never be artificial, be replaced each year, be only one in
number, and be of sufficiently large size that it may convey the truth that
Christ is the light of the world. The paschal candle is the symbol of the light
of Christ, rising in glory, scattering the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Above all, the paschal candle should be a genuine candle, the pre-eminent
symbol of the light of Christ. Choice of size, design, and color should be made
in relationship to the sanctuary in which it will be placed.
14. In
the case of mission churches and cluster parishes, can multiple paschal candles
be used for the Service of Light? The
Roman Missal, not envisioning the pastoral situation of mission churches or
cluster parishes, specifies that only one paschal candle is used. To
accommodate the particular circumstances, the Secretariat of Divine Worship
might suggest that the candles from the mission churches or other parish
churches could be present at the Easter Vigil, having been prepared in advance,
and blessed alongside the main candle (perhaps having deacons or other
representatives holding them). In keeping with the rubrics, for the lighting
and procession only one candle should be lit (the principal one, or the one
which will remain in that particular church). As the other candles in the
congregation are lit, the other paschal candles could be lit and held (but not
high, in order to maintain the prominence of the one principal candle) by
someone at their place in the assembly. Once all the candles are extinguished
after the singing of the Exsultet, the other paschal candles are put aside. On
Easter Sunday morning, those candles could be taken to each of the missions and
carried, lit, in the entrance procession at the first Mass at each church and
put in place in the sanctuary.
15. How
many readings should be proclaimed at the Easter Vigil? One of the unique aspects of the
Easter Vigil is the recounting of the outstanding deeds of the history of
salvation. These deeds are related in seven readings from the Old Testament
chosen from the law and the prophets and two readings from the New Testament,
namely from the Apostle Paul and from the Gospel. Thus, the Lord meets us once
again on our journey and, “beginning with Moses and all the prophets” (Lk
24:27) opens up our minds and hearts, preparing us to share in the breaking of
the bread and the drinking of the cup. The faithful are encouraged to meditate
on these readings by the singing of a responsorial psalm, followed by a silent
pause, and then by the celebrant’s prayer. Meditation on these readings is so
significant for this night that we are strongly urged to use all the readings
whenever it can be done. Only in the case of grave pastoral circumstances can
the number of readings be reduced. In such cases, at least three readings from
the Old Testament should be read, always including Exodus 14.
16. How
is the First Communion of the neophytes to be emphasized during the Easter
Vigil? The
celebrant, before he says, Behold the Lamb of God, may make a brief remark to
the neophytes about their first Communion and about the importance of so great
a mystery, which is the climax of initiation and the center of the Christian
life. This is a night when all should be able to receive Holy Communion under
both forms.
17. What
directions are given for the celebration of Masses on Easter Sunday? Mass is to be celebrated on Easter
Day with great solemnity. A full complement of ministers and the use of
liturgical music should be evident in all celebrations. On Easter Sunday in the
dioceses of the United States, the rite of the renewal of baptismal promises
may take place after the homily, followed by the sprinkling with water blessed
at the Vigil, during which the antiphon Vidi aquam, or some other song of
baptismal character should be sung. (If the renewal of baptismal promises does
not occur, then the Creed is said. The Roman Missal notes that the
Apostles' Creed, "the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church," might be
appropriately used during Easter Time.) The holy water fonts at the entrance to
the church should also be filled with the same water. On the subsequent Sundays
of Easter, it is appropriate that the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of
Water take the place of the Penitential Act.
18.
Where is the paschal candle placed
during Easter Time? The
paschal candle has its proper place either by the ambo or by the altar and
should be lit at least in all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of the
season until Pentecost Sunday, whether at Mass, or at Morning and Evening
Prayer. After Easter Time the candle should be kept with honor in the
baptistery, so that in the celebration of Baptism the candles of the baptized
may be lit from it. In the celebration of funerals, the paschal candle should
be placed near the coffin to indicate Christ’s undying presence, his victory
over sin and death, and the promise of sharing in Christ’s victory by virtue of
being part of the Body of Christ (see Order of Christian Funerals, no. 35). The
paschal candle should not otherwise be lit nor placed in the sanctuary outside
Easter Time.
Reverence for the Tabernacle
So let us worship God in His tabernacle for His goodness, truth and
beauty. When we talk about the tabernacle of the Lord we are talking about the
Bless Sacrament were Jesus is really present—body, blood, soul and divinity.
Yet, there is another tabernacle which we do not recognize easily. That is our
very bodies and those of others when we receive the Eucharist. We need to
acknowledge Christ is in others just as we genuflect before the tabernacle. He
must be worshipped! According to Church law, the tabernacle, which keeps the
consecrated Eucharistic hosts, should be “immoveable, made of solid or opaque
material, locked so that the danger of profanation may be entirely avoided.” We
also as a tabernacle should be immoveable in our faith, give others solid support
and lock our hearts from the love of the world. We should, apart from making
our regular attendance at Mass, drop by the church and make a short “visit” to
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The visit needn’t be long, just a few minutes
to greet Jesus and offer a silent prayer.
April Devotion: The Blessed
Sacrament[12]
Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to
special devotions. The Church traditionally encouraged the month of April for
increased devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. "The Church in the
course of the centuries has introduced various forms of this Eucharistic
worship which are ever increasing in beauty and helpfulness; as, for example,
visits of devotion to the tabernacles, even every day; Benediction of the
Blessed Sacrament; solemn processions, especially at the time of Eucharistic
Congresses, which pass through cities and villages; and adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament publicly exposed . . . These exercises of piety have brought
a wonderful increase in faith and supernatural life to the Church militant upon
earth and they are re-echoed to a certain extent by the Church triumphant in
heaven, which sings continually a hymn of praise to God and to the Lamb 'Who
was slain.'" --Pope Pius XII.
Prayer:
ACT OF ADORATION
I adore Thee, 0 Jesus, true God and true Man, here present in the Holy
Eucharist, humbly kneeling before Thee and united in spirit with all the
faithful on earth and all the blessed in heaven. In deepest gratitude for so
great a blessing, I love Thee, my Jesus, with my whole heart, for Thou art all
perfect and all worthy of love.
Give me grace nevermore in any way to offend Thee, and grant that I,
being refreshed by Thy Eucharistic presence here on earth, may be found worthy
to come to the enjoyment with Mary of Thine eternal and ever blessed presence
in heaven. Amen.
FAITH IN THE EUCHARIST
O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art really and corporally present in
the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. I adore Thee here present from the very
depths of my heart, and I worship Thy sacred presence with all possible
humility. O my soul, what joy to have Jesus Christ always with us, and to be
able to speak to Him, heart to heart, with all confidence. Grant, O Lord, that
I, having adored Thy divine Majesty here on earth in this wonderful Sacrament,
may be able to adore it eternally in Heaven. Amen.
PETITION
Believing that Thou, my God, hast in any way revealed to us--grieving for
all my sins, offenses and negligence’s--hoping in Thee, O Lord, who wilt never
let me be confounded--thanking Thee for this supreme gift, and for all the
gifts of Thy goodness--loving Thee, above all in this sacrament of Thy
love--adoring Thee in this deepest mystery of Thy condescension: I lay before
Thee all the wounds and wants of my poor soul, and ask for all that I need and
desire. But I need only Thyself, O Lord; I desire none but Thee--Thy grace, and
the grace to use well Thy graces, the possession of Thee by grace in this life,
and the possession of Thee forever in the eternal kingdom of Thy glory.
FOR THE PEACE OF CHRIST
O most sacred, most loving heart of Jesus, Thou art concealed in the Holy
Eucharist, and Thou beatest for us still. Now as then Thou sayest, "With
desire I have desired." I worship Thee, then, with all my best love and
awe, with my fervent affection, with my most subdued, most resolved will. O
make my heart beat with Thy heart. Purify it of all that is earthly, all that
is proud and sensual, all that is hard and cruel, of all perversity, of all
disorder, of all deadness. So fill it with Thee, that neither the events of the
day nor the circumstances of the time may have power to ruffle it; but that in
Thy love and Thy fear it may have peace. --Cardinal Newman
ACT OF LOVE
I believe Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament, O Jesus. I love Thee and desire Thee. Come into my heart. I embrace Thee, O never leave me. I beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, may the burning and most sweet power of Thy love absorb my mind, that I may die through love of Thy love, who wast graciously pleased to die through love of my love. --St. Francis of Assisi
ACT OF REPARATION
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, well known in connection with devotion to
the Sacred Herat of Jesus, led the way in making reparation to Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament for the coldness and ingratitude of men. This prayer of hers
can become our own as we attempt to make amends for our own and others' neglect
of the great Sacrament of His love, the Eucharist. O kind and merciful savior,
from my heart I earnestly desire to return Thee love for love. My greatest
sorrow is that Thou art not loved by men, and, in particular, that my own heart
is so cold, so selfish, so ungrateful. Keenly aware of my own weakness and
poverty, I trust that Thy own grace will enable me to offer Thee an act of pure
love. And I wish to offer Thee this act of love in reparation for the coldness
and neglect that are shown to Thee in the sacrament of Thy love by Thy
creatures. O Jesus, my supreme good, I love Thee, not for the sake of the
reward which Thou hast promised to those who love Thee, but purely for Thyself.
I love Thee above all things that can be loved, above all pleasures, and above
myself and all that is not Thee, promising in the presence of heaven and earth
that I will live and die purely and simply in Thy holy love, and that if to
love Thee thus I must endure persecution and suffering I am completely
satisfied, and I will ever say with Saint Paul: Nothing "will be able to
separate us from the love of God." 0 Jesus, supreme master of all hearts,
I love Thee, I adore Thee, I praise Thee, I thank Thee, because I am now all
Thine own. Rule over me, and transform my soul into the likeness of Thyself, so
that it may bless and glorify Thee forever in the abode of the saints. --Saint
Margaret Mary Alacoque
OFFERING
My Lord, I offer Thee myself in turn as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Thou hast died for me, and I in turn make myself over to Thee. I am not my own. Thou hast bought me; I will by my own act and deed complete the purchase. My wish is to be separated from everything of this world; to cleanse myself simply from sin; to put away from me even what is innocent, if used for its own sake, and not for Thine. I put away reputation and honor, and influence, and power, for my praise and strength shall be in Thee. Enable me to carry out what I profess. Amen. --Cardinal Newman
Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P.
O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc.,
Chicago, Illinois, 1954
Bible in a
year Day 274 Perseverance
in Opposition
Fr. Mike continues to
describe Nehemiah’s process of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and
encountering a variety of challenges in his calling. He explains that in doing
God's work, we will often face internal or external opposition which we must
meet with prayer and perseverance, trusting God entirely. Today’s readings are
Nehemiah 4-5, Esther 11-12, and Proverbs 20:27-30.
World
Autism Awareness Day[13]
World Autism Awareness Day
seeks to raise awareness of the autism spectrum disorders and improve the lives
of those currently living with autism. Autism refers to a lifelong brain
development disorder that affects social interactions, learning, routines and
communication. It is estimated that approximately 1% of the global population
is autistic. World Autism Awareness Day was designated by the United Nations
in 2007 in an effort to end stigmatization and discrimination against those with autism. World Autism Day is
celebrated annually on April 2nd and fits in with the UN's Agenda for
Sustainable Development, which promises to leave no one behind.
World Autism Awareness Day Facts
& Quotes
·
Autism
now affects 1 in 68 children
and 1 in 42 boys. Boys are 5 times more likely to have autism than girls.
·
Autism
costs a family $60,000 a year on average.
·
35
% of young adults (aged 19-23) with autism have not had a job or received
postgraduate education after leaving high school.
· Who do you think made the first stone spears? The Asperger guy. If you were to get rid of all the autism genetics, there would be no more Silicon. – Temple Grandin, world-renowned Autism spokesperson and university professor.
World Autism Awareness Day Top
Events and Things to Do
·
Wear
blue in order to support World Autism Day. The color blue is internationally
recognized as a symbol of support for World Autism Day and it is accompanied by
the catchphrase wear blue, April 2.
·
Watch
a movie about autism such as Fly Away, Sounding the Alarm and The
Story of Luke.
·
Light
up your home or your business in blue like many famous buildings or monuments
worldwide. There are many ways you can do this. It can be as simple as putting
blue plastic over floodlights to project the color blue on your home. You can
also use a blue Phillips light bulb, which can be bought at Home Depot.
· Take part in an Autism Speaks Walk that raises money for the cause. You can gather a team and walk in support of someone you know with autism or simply donate, walk and enjoy the day with thousands of others.
PRAYERS AND TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH
Seven
Capital Sins[14]
The
Catechism of the Catholic Church also refers to these sins as “capital sins”
and explains why they are the most dangerous. “Vices can be classified
according to the virtues they oppose, or also be linked to capital sins which
Christian experience has distinguished, following St. John Cassian and St.
Gregory the Great. They are called “capital” because they engender other sins,
other vices. They are pride, avarice [greed], envy, wrath, lust, gluttony and
sloth” (No. 1866).
1. Pride: an excessive love of self or the desire to be better or more important than others. “Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that ‘everyone should look upon his neighbor (without exception) as “another self,” above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity’” (No. 1931).
2.
Lust: an intense desire, usually for sexual pleasure, but also for money,
power or fame. “The God of promises always warned man against seduction by what
from the beginning has seemed ‘good for food … a delight to the eyes … to be
desired to make one wise’” (No. 2541).
3.
Gluttony: overconsumption, usually of food or drink. “The virtue of
temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food,
alcohol, tobacco or medicine” (No. 2290).
4.
Greed: the desire for and love of possessions. “Sin … is a failure in
genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain
goods” (No. 1849).
5.
Sloth (or Acedia): physical laziness, also disinterest in spiritual
matters or neglecting spiritual growth. “Acedia or spiritual sloth goes so far
as to refuse the joy that comes from God and to be repelled by divine goodness”
(No. 2094).
6.
Anger or wrath: uncontrolled feelings of hatred or rage. “Anger is a desire
for revenge … The Lord says, ‘Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be
liable to judgment’” (No. 2302).
7. Envy: sadness or desire for the possessions, happiness, talents or abilities of another “Envy can lead to the worst crimes. ‘Through the devil’s envy death entered the world’” (No. 2553).
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Restoring
the Church
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
[2]Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896
[8] Hahn, Scott, Signs of Life; 40 Catholic Customs
and their biblical roots. Chap. 23. Incense.
[12]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=756
[15] Venerable Mary of Agreda. The Mystical City of God:
Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with Illustrations (p. 770).
Veritatis Splendor Publications. Kindle Edition
Bulldog Drummond Comes Back (1937)
A kidnapping‑revenge thriller where loyalty, courage, and moral clarity collide in the shadows of pre‑war London.
Sources:
🎬 Production Snapshot
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Director: Louis King
- Release: 1937
- Screenplay: Edward T. Lowe Jr.
- Stars: John Barrymore (as the urbane Inspector), John Howard (as Drummond), Louise Campbell (as the kidnapped fiancée)
- Genre: Crime thriller / detective adventure
- Notable: A brisk, stylish entry in the Drummond series, blending gentleman‑adventurer charm with psychological menace. Barrymore’s performance adds gravitas and theatrical intelligence.
🧭 Story Summary
The film opens with a wound:
Phyllis Clavering, Drummond’s fiancée, is kidnapped by the enigmatic and vengeful Irena Soldanis, whose husband died during a previous Drummond case.
What follows is a cat‑and‑mouse pilgrimage through London:
- cryptic clues delivered with icy elegance
- traps designed to humiliate or break Drummond
- a psychological duel between a grieving widow and a relentless hero
- the police, led by Barrymore’s sardonic Inspector, always one step behind
Drummond is forced to confront not only danger but the moral shadow of his own past victories.
Every clue is a judgment.
Every step is a reckoning.
The climax brings justice — but not triumph.
The victory is real, yet tinged with the sorrow of a world where violence always leaves a residue.
🕰 Historical & Cultural Context
- Released in the late 1930s, the film reflects a world sliding toward war:
men of action, women of resolve, and villains shaped by grief rather than ideology. - The Drummond series embodied the British ideal of the gentleman‑hero — brave, witty, loyal — yet this entry complicates that ideal by showing the cost of heroism.
- Barrymore’s presence elevates the film into something more theatrical and psychological:
a meditation on justice, guilt, and the thin line between righteousness and obsession.
✝️ Catholic Moral Resonances
1. Justice Without Mercy Becomes Vengeance
Irena Soldanis is not a cartoon villain.
She is a widow.
Her grief has curdled into cruelty.
The film becomes a meditation on the Gospel truth:
“The measure you give will be the measure you get.”
Her pursuit of vengeance mirrors the spiritual danger of nursing old wounds until they become weapons.
2. The Hero’s Temptation: Self‑Righteousness
Drummond is brave — but not blameless.
His past actions, however justified, have consequences.
The film quietly asks:
What does it mean to be responsible for the unintended suffering your victories create?
This is the moral maturity of the Christian life:
courage tempered by humility.
3. Loyalty as a Virtue of the Will
Drummond’s companions — Algy, Tenny, and the Inspector — embody steadfastness.
Their loyalty is not sentimental; it is chosen, tested, and costly.
It echoes the fidelity of covenant love:
to stand with another even when the path is dark.
4. Evil as a Wound, Not a Monster
The film refuses to dehumanize its antagonist.
This is profoundly Catholic:
sin wounds, but does not erase the image of God.
Irena’s tragedy is not that she is wicked,
but that she cannot imagine a world where mercy is possible.
🍷 Hospitality Pairing
Drink
Earl Grey with Bergamot
Refined, aromatic, slightly sharp — the taste of London fog and clipped British resolve.
Snack
Shortbread & Blackberry Jam
Buttery stability with a dark, tart center — mirroring the film’s blend of charm and menace.
Atmosphere
- A dim lamp or low firelight
- A leather chair or blanket — something “club‑room” in tone
- Soft classical strings or a 1930s radio playlist
- A sense of brisk clarity:
a world where wit is a weapon and loyalty is a shield
🪞 Reflection Prompt
Where in your life are you tempted to repay hurt with hurt?
What past victory — professional, relational, or spiritual — still carries a shadow you haven’t acknowledged?
And what would it look like, in this season, to let mercy interrupt the cycle, so that justice becomes healing rather than harm?
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