Smoke in This Life Not the Next
Saturday, July 18 — Cheap Day
Virtue: Patience & Discernment
Cigar: (Simple) Maduro or Connecticut – humble, steady
Bourbon: (Simple) Benchmark or Early Times – honest, unpretentious
Reflection: “Where do I accept the mercy hidden in hardship?”
A “cheap day” is not a lesser day; it is a day stripped of ornament so the virtue can stand alone. Patience becomes clearer when comfort is minimal. Discernment becomes sharper when luxury is set aside. Tonight’s simple cigar and modest bourbon carry that same quiet lesson: sometimes the humbler pairing reveals the deeper truth. Not every smoke must be celebratory; some nights are meant for clarity rather than indulgence.
The old story of the suffering religious man is a mirror held up to our impatience. He begged God for release, believing death would free him from pain. He did not see that his prolonged sickness was mercy — a gentler purification than the fire he unknowingly chose. Offered the choice between one year of earthly suffering or three days in Purgatory, he selected the latter without hesitation. Yet after only an hour, he cried out that he had endured years. The angel’s reply was devastating: the intensity of the pain deceives you; an hour feels like years when grace is withheld.
His lament — the plea to return to earth and embrace any earthly suffering rather than one more hour of spiritual agony — reveals how blind he had been. What he tried to escape was the very thing protecting him. What he rejected was mercy disguised as hardship.
The moral is simple and severe: God’s hardest gifts are often His gentlest protections. Earthly suffering, endured with faith, may spare us far greater pains. Patience, trust, and perseverance are safer than any shortcut. Tonight’s question rises from the humble smoke: Where do I accept the mercy hidden in hardship, trusting that what feels heavy may be saving me in ways I cannot yet see.
JULY 18 Saturday Seventh Week of Pentecost
St.
Camillus De Lellis-St. Ann Day 2-Nelson Mandela Day
Psalm 112, Verse 1
Hallelujah! Blessed
the man who FEARS the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands.
This psalm is detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by obedience to the commandments. Among their blessings are children, wealth that enables them to be magnanimous, and virtue by which they encourage others. The just person is an affront to the wicked, whose hopes remain unfulfilled.[1]
Hallelujah is a conjunction of two Hebrew words which mean “Praise the Lord”. Yes, praise God for men who have Holy fear and follow his commands for such person’s help to create a Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Hallelujah! If you know such people, follow, and emulate them.
Copilot’s Take
Psalm 112 opens with a
cry of praise that is also a summons: Hallelujah! Blessed the man who fears
the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. Holy fear is not trembling
but orientation — the interior posture that keeps a man aligned with God’s
wisdom. To fear the Lord is to recognize His holiness, His justice, and His
fatherly authority. It is the reverent clarity that steadies the heart when the
world grows loud or confusing.
The psalm describes the
blessings that flow from such fidelity. The man who delights in God’s commands
becomes a source of stability for others. His household flourishes, his
generosity expands, and his virtue encourages those around him. He becomes a quiet
contradiction to the wicked, not by aggression but by integrity. His life
exposes the emptiness of evil simply by being faithful. This is the kind of man
who builds the Kingdom of Heaven on earth — one act of obedience at a time.
The witness of St.
Camillus de Lellis reinforces this truth. Camillus confronted suffering not
with despair but with service. His holy fear led him to care for the sick with
heroic charity, transforming hospitals and hearts alike. His life teaches that
obedience is not passive; it is active love. Fidelity to God’s commands becomes
fidelity to God’s people, especially the wounded and forgotten.
St. Ann, in her quiet
hiddenness, shows another dimension of holy fear. She formed holiness in the
home, shaping the young heart of Mary through steady faith and maternal
strength. Her obedience was not public but foundational. She reminds us that
the most powerful acts of fidelity often occur in silence — in the unseen
places where character is shaped and virtue is transmitted from one generation
to the next.
Nelson Mandela Day adds a modern witness to the same virtue. Mandela confronted injustice with perseverance, refusing to let bitterness define him. His courage was not rooted in anger but in a moral clarity that resembles holy fear — the conviction that truth must be honored even when the cost is high. His life shows that confronting evil requires both strength and humility, both resolve and mercy.
Together, these voices
call us to a deeper reverence for God’s commands. Holy fear is the virtue that
steadies the soul, strengthens courage, and clarifies conscience. It teaches us
to trust God’s wisdom even when His path is difficult, and to confront evil —
interior or exterior — with fidelity rather than fear. In the quiet of this
Saturday, the invitation is simple:
seek
the kind of obedience that builds blessing, strengthens virtue, and reflects
the holiness of the God you serve.
St.
Camillus de Lellis is
today’s saint. This saint was 6’ 6” and was born on May 25th and is
a man who was a man who found it difficult to control his passions but after
God intervene became a model for training against impure thoughts.
Interestingly my youngest is 6’6” was and was born on May 25th and
he is a wild man too, but his heart loves the Lord.
Novena
of St. Ann[2]
Daily Prayer to Saint Ann
O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with
compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily
burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly
beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your
special care.
Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it
before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue
to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me
the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the
saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.
Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .
O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at
the hour of my death. Good St. Ann, intercede for me.
SECOND
DAY
From the depths of my heart, good St. Ann, I
offer you my homage this day and ask you to shelter me under the mantle of your
motherly care. You know, good mother, how much I love you, how gladly I serve
you, how happy I am to praise you, how eager I am to call on you in time of
distress.
Good St. Ann be pleased to extend your helping
hand in all my wants. Listen to my prayers, for I place my trust in your
gracious bounty. Make all my thoughts and desires worthy and righteous.
Jesus, I thank You for all the graces which in Your infinite goodness You have lavished upon St. Ann; for having chosen her, among all women, to be Your grandmother on earth and exalted her in heaven with such great and miraculous powers. In the name of her merits, I humbly recommend myself to Your infinite mercy.
Nelson Mandela International Day[3]
Nelson
Mandela Day seeks to celebrate the political and social achievements of former
South African President Nelson Mandela. Mandela, who spent three decades in
prison for his political activism, became the first black president of the
Republic of South Africa in 1994. His presidency ended the long-standing
apartheid in which whites ruled over blacks and saw the birth of democracy
and equality among all citizens. He was also active in combatting poverty,
encouraging land reform, expanding health
services, supporting education and setting an example of peace,
anti-racism and human rights
adherence for other nations.
Nelson Mandela International Day was designated by the United Nations
and the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2009. It is celebrated on Mandela's
birthday, July 18th, in an effort to recognize the impact of Mandela's values
and his contribution to humanity. Mandela passed away in December of
2013 at the age of 95.
Nelson
Mandela International Day Facts & Quotes
Nelson
Mandela has received several awards including the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1993, the Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St. John and the Order
of Merit from the Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of Canada.
When
Nelson Mandela was born his name was Rolihlalala Mandela, which meant, to pull
a branch off a tree and troublemaker. He was given the name Nelson in school
when he was seven years old.
Nelson
Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and ended up spending over 27 years in
prison. He was eventually released from prison due to secret talks he had with
the president of South Africa at the time, F.W. de Klerk.
It
is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and
build. - Nelson Mandela
We
must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do
right. – Nelson Mandela
Things to do.
Devote 67 minutes of your day to helping others (volunteering, helping mom, cleaning, etc.). For 67 years, Nelson Mandela fought for humanity and on every July 18th, Mandela's birthday, the UN and the NMF ask citizens of the world to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others.
Watch
one of the movies detailing the life of Nelson Mandela or apartheid. Some
suggestions are Mandela: Long Walk
to Freedom (2013), Invictus
(2009), and Mandela and de Klerk (1997).
Nominate
someone or an organization that you think serves every day. If you think
they make a positive change in your community, you can nominate those you think
deserve acknowledgement as a Madiba Change Maker by sharing their stories on
social media with the hashtag #Time2Serve.
Spread awareness by using the hashtags #NelsonMandelaInternationalDay, #MandelaDay and #mandela.
Research
South African history to gain a better understanding of how the apartheid
system came about, what it entailed and learn more about the segregation in the
country. Books such as The History
of South Africa and South African History shed light on the colonial periods
and the beginning of state-run segregation.
Forgiveness-Nelson Mandela
John McCain portraits the life of “Nelson Mandela” as a
model for the power of Forgiveness. One can only forgive if they have the
capacity to love. Our study is based on developing our character by starting
with a foundation of love to which we develop a core of strength by being
hopeful, confident, Industrious and so forth. After we have advanced these
traits sufficiently, we need to apply our firm purpose and
work on having an understanding heart. Everything is based on love
and love is the key to understanding the trait of forgiveness.
John says of Nelson Mandela:
He was a prisoner who forgave his jailer, and helped his
countrymen forgive one another. Nelson Mandela believes “no one is born hating
another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his
religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be
taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its
opposite.” Africa has been saved from the ravages of racial hatred is
due, in large part, to Mandela’s noble character, among whose virtues has been
the ability to forgive the wrongs done to him and his people during the
oppression from apartheid. Mandela believes truly that love is the natural
condition of the heart, and that hatred is as much a burden to the hater as it
is to the hated. Mandela tried peaceful means to end apartheid but to no avail
and eventually turned to violence when no other means for saving his country
was within his power. He was eventually captured and jailed for 29 years. At
his trial he conducted his own defense; he argued that an all-white judicial
system could not possibly try black opponents of the system fairly. His
riveting closing statement from the dock has become one of the most celebrated
speeches in modern political oratory: “I have fought against white domination,
and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a
democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and
with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve.
But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
As apartheid began to crumble, Mandela was escorted to
meetings with the South African president that would eventually lead to
Mandela’s release and then to a genuine multiracial South African democracy.
Mandela was finally released in 1990 and was inaugurated the first truly
democratically elected South African president.
Around the Corner
My people will live in a peaceful country, in
secure dwellings and quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18
Bucket List trip: Rich
vs Poor Tour: 6-Macau
vs. 217-Madagascar
ranks among the top globally in GDP per capita—around $76,000—thanks to its booming casino-driven economy, small population, and low tax environment. While it offers high safety, rich cultural heritage, and strong public finances, quality of life is mixed due to high living costs, dense population, and environmental concerns. It's a place of striking contrasts: wealthy and vibrant, yet crowded and uneven in personal prosperity.
ranks 217th in GDP per capita—around $500—due to widespread poverty, limited infrastructure, and a fragile, agriculture-based economy. While it boasts extraordinary biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage, daily life is marked by poor access to healthcare, education, and basic services. The quality of life is low overall, but the island’s natural beauty and strong community traditions remain sources of resilience.
Verdict: Which is
Better?
Choose Macau if
you value urban amenities, access to Asia, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Choose Madagascar
if you're seeking natural immersion, lower costs, and a slower, more grounded
life—especially if you're involved in conservation, NGOs, or cultural
exploration.
For Catholic’s:
Macau offers a
structured, multicultural Catholic environment with rich liturgical life and
opportunities for theological study.
Madagascar
provides a vibrant, community-centered faith with strong missionary and social
outreach, rooted in local culture.
Choose Macau for
formation and tradition. Cost of Living: Higher than many Asian cities. A
single expat might spend $2,500–$3,500/month including rent.
choose Madagascar
for immersion and service. Cost: Around $1,500–$2,000/month depending on
lifestyle
Let
Freedom Ring Day 12 Freedom from Pornography
So, what can parents do to protect
their children from exposure to pornography?
First, parents should make use of the protections and
filters available to them. Since most of the digital device’s kids use are
portable (laptops, smartphones, and tablets), parents should consider device
filtering (as opposed to filters that work at the modem level). There are
several companies that offer this. Educate and Empower Kids names these
specifically as the best internet and phone filters of 2018:
K9Webprotection.com
Netnanny.com
Covenanteyes.com
Norton Family
Qustodio
120 Chapter 5
KidLogger
McAfee
Wigito
Surfie by Pure Sight
When
your child gains access to a digital device — their own, a friend, or at school
— it is time to start the discussion.
Maybe
you’re thinking this subject doesn’t apply to you. You’d never allow your
children to view pornography! Keep reading. Don’t make the mistake of thinking
your child will never be exposed to it – either by accident or intentionally.
Pornography is too easy for a child to stumble upon, or seek out, or be shown
by a friend. And it is toxic. Beyond the fact that it obscures the truth of
God’s plan for sex, it can do harm in ways you might not expect.
Saturday
Litany of the Hours Invoking the Aid of Mother Mary
Spirit Hour: Goa Nights
Daily Devotions
Unite
in the work of the Porters of St.
Joseph by joining them in fasting: Conversion
of Sinners
Litany
of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
Rosary
ANGEL (1937)
Marlene Dietrich • Herbert Marshall • Melvyn Douglas • Edward Everett Horton Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
Angel is one of Lubitsch’s most refined late‑1930s works — a chamber‑piece of longing, restraint, and adult emotional intelligence. Where other romantic dramas of the era lean into melodrama, Angel leans into silence: glances, pauses, doors half‑open, and the ache of what remains unspoken. Dietrich’s performance is a study in controlled yearning, and Lubitsch shapes the film around the tension between desire and duty, anonymity and identity, marriage and the fragile spaces between.
Lady Maria Barker is not a femme fatale here; she is a woman unseen. Her husband’s diplomatic obligations create a life of elegant loneliness, and her brief Parisian escape becomes a pilgrimage toward recognition — not fame, not passion, but simply being known. Melvyn Douglas’s Anthony Halton embodies warmth, spontaneity, and the intoxicating possibility of being chosen for who one is rather than the role one plays. Herbert Marshall’s diplomat is dignified yet blind, a man who loves deeply but notices too little. Edward Everett Horton, with his impeccable timing, supplies the Lubitsch undercurrent: wit that reveals truth rather than obscuring it.
Beneath the polished surfaces lies a moral thread: fidelity is not merely a vow but a practice; neglect is a quiet betrayal; and love requires presence, not position. In a world of formal dinners, diplomatic cables, and polite façades, Angel suggests that the heart’s deepest conflicts occur not in scandal but in silence.
1. Production & Cultural Setting
Lubitsch’s Mature Subtlety
By 1937, Lubitsch had perfected the art of suggestion — the emotional weight carried by a gesture, a pause, or a closed door.
Dietrich Beyond von Sternberg
This film marks a shift: Dietrich is luminous but human, vulnerable rather than mythic.
Pre‑War European Sophistication
The film reflects a Europe on the brink — elegance shadowed by uncertainty, relationships shaped by duty and diplomacy.
2. Story Summary
The Neglect
Lady Maria Barker lives in privilege but emotional absence, her husband’s work creating a marriage of polite distance.
The Escape
A visit to a Parisian friend leads to an anonymous encounter with Anthony Halton — a moment of recognition she has long been denied.
The Pursuit
Halton becomes determined to find the mysterious woman he calls Angel, unaware she is the wife of his old wartime friend.
The Collision
Fate brings all three together in London, where courtesy masks tension and every glance threatens revelation.
The Resolution
Maria chooses fidelity, but not passivity — her decision is a reclamation of dignity, presence, and the truth of her own heart.
3. Moral & Emotional Resonances
A. Neglect Is a Quiet Wound
Love cannot survive on duty alone; absence becomes its own form of betrayal.
B. Recognition Is a Human Need
Maria’s longing is not for passion but for visibility — to be seen, heard, and valued.
C. Desire Tests Integrity
Halton’s sincerity forces Maria to confront the difference between affection and commitment.
D. Marriage Requires Presence
Frederick’s awakening is subtle but real: love must be practiced, not presumed.
E. Restraint Can Be Heroic
The film’s emotional power lies in what is not done — the moral courage of choosing fidelity over escape.
4. Hospitality Pairing — A Night of Quiet Elegance
Drink: Champagne in a slender flute — celebratory yet restrained, the taste of possibility. Plate: Buttered brioche with a thin layer of apricot preserve — European, refined, softly indulgent. Atmosphere: Dim lamplight, a tidy sitting room, a single candle on the table. Symbol: A closed door — the reminder that boundaries can be acts of love.
5. Reflection Prompts
Where have I mistaken duty for presence in my relationships.
Which longing in my life is really a desire to be seen rather than to be changed.
Where is silence carrying more weight than words.
What boundary, gently set, could strengthen fidelity rather than weaken it.
How might restraint today become an act of love rather than fear.
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