Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Summary of the Video
The video teaches that evil is real, personal, and active in the world, but God’s power is infinitely greater. Evil wounds, tempts, and disrupts the order God created, yet it cannot rival God. The believer’s task is not fear, but clarity, vigilance, and confidence in Christ’s victory. The message emphasizes resisting temptation, rejecting the devil’s lies, and standing firm in God’s authority.
CCC on Evil — Core Teachings
- Evil is a distortion of God’s order, entering the world through the free choice of angels and humans (CCC 385–395). brotherhoodofascension.com
- The devil is real, a fallen angel who chose against God (CCC 391). Catholic Digest
- Satan’s power is limited — he is only a creature and cannot prevent God’s plan (CCC 395). Catholic Digest
- God permits evil only to bring about a greater good, as seen most clearly in the Cross (CCC 412). Catholic Digest
- Humanity inherits a wounded nature through original sin, which summons us to spiritual battle (CCC 403–406). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Confronting Evil — Integrated Reflection
The CCC teaches that confronting evil begins with truth: naming the reality of sin, the devil, and our own woundedness. Evil is not an equal opponent to God; it is a finite rebellion already defeated by Christ. Our battle is fought through obedience, repentance, sacramental life, and confidence in God’s sovereignty. The believer confronts evil not by dramatizing darkness but by standing in the light, trusting that God bends even evil toward redemption.
JUNE 2 Tuesday
2 SAMUEL, Chapter 23, Verse 3-4
The God of Israel spoke; of me the
Rock of Israel said, “One who rules over humankind with justice, who rules in
the FEAR of God, is like the light at
sunrise on a cloudless morning, making the land’s vegetation glisten after
rain.”
The Rock
of Israel (Hebrew: צור ישראל,
Tzur Yisrael) is a concept in Judaism that alludes to God, and in
Zionism and politics, to the cultural and historical heritage of the Jewish
people and the foundation of the State of Israel.[1]
God
fearing leaders are life giving and not life taking for they have a Holy Fear
of God. Traditionally in Judaism there are seven names given for God. The seven
names of God that, once written, cannot be erased because of their holiness are
the Tetragrammaton, El, Elohim, Eloah, Elohai, El Shaddai, Tzevaot.
Tetragrammaton
is YHWH or I am that I am.
El
simply means God and is used in the names of IsraEL, AngEL.
Elohim
means He is power of powers Eloah is the singular form of Elohim.
Elohai
mean “My God”.
El
Shaddai means “God Almighty”
Tzevaot
means “God the armies of Israel”.
Names are important. Most of us remember the
elementary school playground and the mean names kids called each other. Author
and speaker, Kary Oberbrunner[2],
states that we all have a secret name that the One who made us gives us.
Oberbrunner said, “My name is Kary, and I have a girl’s name.” He was no
stranger to mean names on the playground. He went on to say that each of us has
three names:
Our
birth name – the name assigned to us when we arrive in this world
Our
given names – the names assigned to us as we walk through the world. These
names can be positive and negative, ranging from successful, beautiful, star
athlete to those names assigned by mean kids, like concentration camp victim,
stupid, addict.
Our
secret name – the name granted to us by God Oberbrunner said the problem is our
birth names and given names don’t ever fill up the void inside us. We pretend
and wear masks.
What would God call you? When Christ called his apostles; He revealed to some of them God’s name for them. Sons of Thunder for John and James and for Simon son of John, He called him Peter which means “Rock”.
Copilot’s
Take
A leader who
fears God becomes a stabilizing force in a chaotic world. Holy fear doesn’t
shrink a man; it orders him. It keeps his authority rooted in justice rather
than ego. That’s why Scripture compares such a man to sunrise after rain—he
brings clarity, warmth, and life wherever he stands. Evil leadership drains;
God‑fearing leadership restores.
The divine
names listed reveal why Israel guarded language with such reverence. Each name
is a declaration of God’s supremacy over every false power. YHWH asserts that
God alone defines reality. El Shaddai proclaims that His strength is unmatched.
Tzevaot announces that the battlefield belongs to Him, not to darkness. When a
man knows who God is, he stops being intimidated by what evil pretends to be.
The
reflection on names cuts straight to identity. The world hands out labels
shaped by wounds, failures, or other people’s fears. These “given names” often
become internal chains. But the name God speaks is always a commissioning.
Peter was renamed for mission. James and John were renamed for spiritual
combat. God names men according to the battles they’re meant to fight, not the
wounds they’ve endured.
This is why
confronting evil begins with reclaiming identity. Evil’s first tactic is always
renaming—accuser, failure, addict, disappointment. Once a man accepts the wrong
name, the enemy doesn’t need chains; he has agreement. But when a man receives
the name God speaks, he becomes unmanageable to darkness. Holy fear becomes his
backbone. Identity becomes his armor. Mission becomes his clarity.
The deeper
question beneath the passage is simple and demanding:
What name
does God speak over me?
Not the one
the world shouted, not the one wounds whispered, but the one the Rock of Israel
assigns. A man who lives from that name becomes like sunrise after rain—steady,
clarifying, life‑giving, and impossible for evil to intimidate.
Apostolic Exhortation[3]
Veneremur Cernui – Down in
Adoration Falling
of The Most Reverend Thomas J.
Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix,
to Priests, Deacons, Religious and the Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Phoenix
on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
My beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Part II
III.
Worthy Reception of Holy Communion – Conforming our life with Christ.
64.
There are situations when we can honor God more by abstaining from Holy
Communion than by satisfying a personal desire to sacramentally receive Him in
communion. I know of a Catholic mother who because she did not want to show
irreverence or contempt for what is truly the Body and Blood of Christ,
abstained from Holy Communion for several years because she was living in an
irregular marriage. This was the case even though she still faithfully attended
Mass with her children each week and was a regular Eucharistic adorer at her
parish because of her deep faith and devotion to Christ present in the
Eucharist. She, nonetheless, would not present herself for Communion. She was
raised to understand that Christian believers should avoid receiving Holy
Communion unworthily. Aware of the scriptural admonitions and the teachings of
the Church she would offer up her sacramental encounter with the Lord and make
instead a spiritual communion each Sunday. So much was her young son clearly
edified by her quiet example of faith and fidelity that he became a moral
theologian and now teaches moral theology at a Catholic seminary.
65.
In this perennial teaching that is scriptural and clear, Holy Communion is
meant to be the consummation of the loving union between Jesus the Bridegroom
and His Bride the Church, between Him and each believer. The Church invites
everyone to the Wedding Banquet while at the same time commits herself to
helping everyone arrive properly dressed in a purified baptismal garment, lest
the greatest Gift – the Eucharist – becomes his or her spiritual destruction.
66.
For this reason, the Church requires Catholic leaders who have publicly
supported gravely immoral laws such as abortion and euthanasia to refrain from
receiving Holy Communion until they publicly repent and receive the Sacrament
of Penance. Not all moral issues have the same weight as abortion and
euthanasia. The Church teaches that abortion or euthanasia is an intrinsically
grave sin and that there is a grave and clear obligation for all Catholics to
oppose them by conscientious objection.
“In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to ‘take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law or vote for it’” (Evangelium Vitae, 73). The Aparecida document, which Pope Francis is acknowledged as one of the main authors during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, teaches clearly: “We hope that legislators [and] heads of government … will defend and protect [the dignity of human life] from the abominable crimes of abortion and euthanasia; that is their responsibility…. We must adhere to ‘eucharistic coherence,’ that is, be conscious that they cannot receive Holy Communion and at the same time act with deeds or words against the commandments, particularly when abortion, euthanasia, and other grave crimes against life and family are encouraged. This responsibility weighs particularly over legislators, heads of governments, and health professionals.”
67.
In the current political climate of our country, the Church can be easily
accused of favoring one party and singling out politicians of a certain party
with such a teaching. However, the Church is only faithfully reaffirming its
perennial teaching on the Eucharist and the worthy reception of Holy Communion
which applies to every single person. Eucharistic coherence means that our
“Amen” at Holy Communion includes not only the recognition of the Real Presence
but also a communion bound together by embracing and living Christ’s entire
teaching handed down to us through the Church.
68.
The Holy Eucharist is the ongoing Redemption of the world through Christ’s real
presence among and within us. The Lord Jesus in the Eucharist in whom we
believe and from whom we are sustained, wants to bring our whole life into
communion with Him, so that we may not only live because of Him but also live
for Him and with Him. Jesus also wishes to live through us, to love through us
and to preach and serve through us. For Jesus to do so, we need to make the
Eucharist the source and summit of our whole life, allow Him to fill us with
awe and wonder, to live with a great faith in Him and His words and follow Him
more closely along the path that leads to eternal life.
Which are the fruits of the Holy Ghost? They are the twelve following:
1. Charity.
2.
Joy.
3. Peace.
4. Patience.
5. Benignity.
6. Goodness.
7. Longsuffering.
8. Mildness.
9. Faith.
10. Modesty.
11.
Continency.
12.
Chastity.
These fruits should be visible in the Christian, for thereby men shall know that the Holy Ghost dwells in him, as the tree is known by its fruit.
Notice I have placed the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in stairstep fashion so we may reflect on them seeing that by concentrating on each step of our growth in the spirit we may progress closer and closer to our heavenly Father. Today we will be focusing on the eighth step which is Patience.
Bible in a
year Day 332 Barnabas
and Paul's Mission
Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion experienced by the
early Christians as they struggled to integrate the Gentiles into the Church.
We also hear more about Barnabas, missionary companion of St. Paul, who was
named by God as the "Son of Encouragement." Lastly, Fr. Mike delves
into the history surrounding paganism and hedonism in pre-Christian Corinth and
the need to encourage the Greeks to leave their old ways of worship. Today's
readings are Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 3-4, Proverbs 27:23-27.
June 2 — Litany of Trust
“From the fear that trusting You
will leave me more destitute, deliver me, Jesus.”
There
is a fear that hides beneath even the strongest exterior—the fear that
surrendering to God will cost more than it gives. It whispers that trust is
dangerous, that obedience will strip a man of security, that letting go will
leave him empty‑handed. This lie is subtle because it dresses itself as
prudence. It tells the believer to hold back “just a little,” to keep a reserve
of control, to hedge his bets in case God does not come through.
But
Scripture reveals a different story. Every man who trusted God—Abraham, Moses,
Joseph, Peter—was not diminished but enlarged. Trust did not impoverish them;
it freed them from the poverty of self‑reliance. God does not ask for surrender
so He can take; He asks for surrender so He can give. The Cross is the proof:
Christ pours Himself out not to leave us destitute, but to fill us with a life
we could never build on our own.
In
my own life, Lord, I confess how often I cling to control out of fear. I worry
that if I trust too deeply, I will lose what little stability I have. I fear
that obedience will cost more than I can bear. I imagine that surrender will
expose me, weaken me, or leave me unprotected. But this is not Your way. You
are not a thief. You are the Giver of every good gift. Deliver me from the fear
that Your will leads to scarcity instead of abundance.
Jesus,
teach me the freedom of the saints. Teach me to trust without calculation.
Teach me to release my grip on outcomes, possessions, and expectations. Teach
me to believe that Your providence is not fragile, that Your generosity is not
limited, and that Your care for me is not conditional. Teach me to see every
moment of surrender as an invitation into deeper strength.
From the
fear that surrender will leave me unprotected, deliver me, Jesus.
From the lie that I must secure my own future, deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that Your will leads to loss instead of life, deliver me, Jesus.
From the anxiety that obedience will cost too much, deliver me, Jesus.
From the instinct to cling instead of trust, deliver me, Jesus.
Jesus, I
trust that Your providence is never scarcity.
Jesus, I trust that You will not abandon the man who surrenders to You.
Jesus, I trust that generosity flows from Your Heart, not away from it.
Jesus, I trust that obedience opens doors I cannot see.
Jesus, I trust that You will make me a man who fears nothing but losing You.
Around the Corner
In the shadow of
Arizona’s famed Camelback Mountain, theà, named after the Goddess of light,
serves as a haven where guests can indulge in simple pleasures and extravagant
moments sky high. With breathtaking views and lively DJ energy, théa sets the
stage for an unforgettable evening that transports you to the sun-drenched
shores of the Mediterranean.
The menu explores the vast preparations of Mediterranean
mezze, pasta and coastal seafood with dips, flatbreads, perfectly prepared
vegetables and marinated protein skewers, all designed to be shared. théa’s
cocktail program is equally as rooted in fresh and house-made ingredients that
combine the classic with the unexpected. But the cocktails are not to be
outdone by one of the country’s most extensive rosé collections.
As the sun sets over the horizon, theà’s contagious energy
lingers in the open air, beckoning you back for more, whether for a lively
dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch. Immerse yourself in the laid-back
sophistication of this unique restaurant in Phoenix.
June is National
Steakhouse Month
Go out for
Steak or order online grass-fed
beef
In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original
Steakhouse, opened its doors for the first time with a menu focused solely on
its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu
continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib. With
an emphasis on hearty flavors, The Stockyards' “New West Cuisine” embraces
the culture and culinary trends of the Southwest, utilizing the freshest and
highest quality indigenous ingredients in new and innovative ways. To date, The
Stockyards remains a part of local history and a favorite gathering place for
Arizonans.
National Headache Awareness Week 1-7 June[4] aims to shed light on the significant impact headaches have on everyday life. Celebrated in early June, this awareness week draws attention to the millions who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches. The event plays a crucial role in driving conversation and support around this often-overlooked health issue. The primary reason for celebrating this week is to increase awareness and promote understanding. Many people are unaware of how severe and frequent headaches can be for those who experience them.
By sharing knowledge, the goal is to reduce stigma and encourage empathy for those affected. Another important reason behind this week is to encourage sufferers to seek proper treatment. Many suffer silently, thinking their pain is unavoidable or that it’s not severe enough to warrant attention. National Headache Awareness Week aims to change that by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the symptoms and seeking help
National
Fishing and Boating Week June 2-8
National Fishing and Boating Week
began in 1979 as National Fishing Week. Its main goal was simple: get more
people hooked on fishing. In 2002, this week got a significant boost when
President George W. Bush declared it a national holiday.
This declaration recognized fishing
and boating as pastimes and as important parts of American culture and
lifestyle.
Pray Day 1 of
the Novena for our Pope and Bishops
Catholic Recipe: Overnight Basic Italian
Bucket List: Sleep in a Chateau
Spirit Hour: Bordeaux
Wine of course
Foodie-Jambon
de magret de canard
And Rocky Road
Daily Devotions
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.
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Restoring
the Church
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
Rosary
HEAVEN CAN WAIT (1943)
Don Ameche • Gene Tierney • Charles Coburn
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
A Technicolor comedy wrapped in velvet irony,
Heaven Can Wait is not merely a light romance.
It is a meditation on memory,
on the sins a man thinks damn him,
and the quiet mercies that redeem him despite himself.
It is the story of a charming sinner who believes he belongs in Hell,
a woman whose fidelity outshines his failings,
and a lifetime of small choices that reveal
what a man truly loved.
And then the judgment comes —
not with fire,
but with the surprising gentleness of truth.
1. Production & Historical Setting
Lubitsch in Full Grace
Released in 1943, Heaven Can Wait stands at the height of the Lubitsch Touch —
a style defined by elegance, suggestion, and moral subtlety.
While the world was at war, Lubitsch crafted a film about the interior war of a man’s conscience.
Technicolor as Moral Contrast
The lush color palette is not decoration.
It is irony.
A bright world filled with a man who believes his soul is dim.
Don Ameche: The Charming Penitent
Ameche’s Henry Van Cleve is the quintessential American rake —
not wicked,
just weak,
and painfully honest about it.
His humor disarms,
but his self‑accusation reveals a man who knows he has fallen short.
Gene Tierney: The Steady Light
Tierney’s Martha is not naïve.
She sees Henry clearly —
his flaws, his charm, his wandering impulses —
and loves him anyway.
Her fidelity becomes the film’s quiet theology:
love that endures becomes judgment in your favor.
Charles Coburn: The Devil with a Raised Eyebrow
Coburn’s “His Excellency” is no monster.
He is amused,
curious,
and unexpectedly fair.
Hell, in Lubitsch’s hands, is not flames —
it is the question:
Was your life truly without love?
2. Story Summary
A Man Who Volunteers for Damnation
Henry Van Cleve dies and walks straight to Hell,
convinced he has earned it.
The Devil is skeptical.
So Henry tells his story.
A Life of Small Sins and Great Affection
We see Henry as a mischievous boy,
a flirtatious young man,
and a husband who loves deeply
but strays in small, foolish ways.
A Marriage Tested, Not Broken
Martha leaves him once —
not because she stops loving him,
but because she cannot bear his carelessness.
Her return is the film’s moral hinge:
forgiveness is not weakness;
it is discernment.
A Lifetime Measured in Love, Not Failure
Henry’s story is not about scandal.
It is about a man who knows he could have been better
and a woman who saw the good in him anyway.
The Final Judgment
When Henry finishes,
the Devil smiles.
A man who loved faithfully —
even imperfectly —
does not belong in Hell.
Heaven can wait,
but it will not wait forever.
3. Spiritual & Moral Resonances
A. Sin Is Often Smaller Than the Shame We Carry
Henry’s failings are real,
but his self‑condemnation is harsher than God’s.
The film reminds us:
humility is holy;
self‑loathing is not.
B. Fidelity Redeems More Than Perfection
Martha’s steadfastness is not naïve devotion.
It is the moral center of the story.
Love that endures becomes a witness in your defense.
C. Memory Is a Moral Mirror
Henry’s life review is not punishment.
It is clarity.
A man must see himself truthfully
before he can receive mercy truthfully.
D. Judgment Is Not Always What We Expect
The Devil is fair.
Heaven is patient.
And the truth is this:
a life marked by love is never wasted.
E. Grace Arrives Through the People Who Loved Us
Martha’s love becomes Henry’s absolution.
In the economy of grace,
the witness of one faithful heart
can outweigh a lifetime of small sins.
4. Hospitality Pairing — A Night of Warm Memory
Cigar: A smooth Connecticut shade — gentle, reflective, forgiving.
Drink: Brandy or cognac — warm, nostalgic, the taste of old stories retold.
Plate: Butter cookies, fruit, something domestic and comforting.
Atmosphere: Soft lamplight, an open journal, the sense of reviewing one’s life with honesty and gratitude.
5. Reflection Prompts
- Where have I exaggerated my own guilt instead of seeking grace.
- Who has loved me with a fidelity I did not fully deserve.
- What memories still need to be reinterpreted through mercy, not shame.
- Where have I confused weakness with wickedness.
- What would my life review reveal about what I truly valued.
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