Bravest Thing (He Ever Did)

  There is always a certain amount of fear and trembling when I begin writing a piece on a somewhat unfamiliar subject. Perhaps all that will be demonstrated here is my ignorance and incompetence. To which I suppose my wife would reply: “You’d think you’d be used to that by now.” But I write this piece simply for the fact that Catholic trends, even good ones, need sober reflection and refinement. I  refer to the Exodus 90 program. [i] Earlier in 2020 – simpler times to be sure - I listened with interest to a podcast on Exodus 90. In it I heard that this program, which was founded in 2013, is an intense 90 day program based on prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. For 90 days men take cold showers, abstain from alcohol and most media, fast twice per week, give up snacks and desserts, meet weekly with a small group of participants, exercise regularly, all the while following a regimented prayer schedule. I applaud such a penitential spirit (though it seems that cold showers in the de

  The 12 Days of Christmas: A hidden catechesis for Catholics while they endured persecution in England (1558-1829). You can read more about it  here . This year I will be posting a Christmas song for each day. Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming Twelve stands for the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.  This Christmas I really wanted to extend the Christmas season by offering these short little blog posts. Far too often Christmas is all about the buildup, and then it fizzles away. I blame our secular culture for this. It should be the exact opposite. Well tomorrow, in the traditional calendar, is Epiphany. The three wise men come, bearing gifts for Our Saviour. What song shall I choose?  No, I did not choose We Three Kings, nor  Little Drummer Boy. I chose the Twelve Days of Christmas, of course. A confession: I never really liked the song Twelve Days of Christmas . It's so repetitive... though I suppose that's how one actually teaches the points of the Catholi

  The 12 Days of Christmas: A hidden catechesis for Catholics while they endured persecution in England (1558-1829). You can read more about it  here . This year I will be posting a Christmas song for each day. Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping Eleven is not your standard biblical number. On this day we recall the eleven faithful apostles of Our Lord. You know them too, right? I use the acronym BAPTISM (note: J is interchangeable with I). Figure it out from there. I asked my wife for a song recommendation. I noted that this day, for me, is the most depressing day of the year. It's back to work. It's dark. It's cold... how quickly the Christmas story is forgotten! Well, she said, "Oh, anything by Michael Buble!" As I gagged she then added, "Or by Manheim Steamroller."  Sorry, this day is already too depressing. How shall we remember the story of a baby who came to save us?  The First Noel by the Crash Test Dummies. Unfortunately, their old music video is no l

  The 12 Days of Christmas: A hidden catechesis for Catholics while they endured persecution in England (1558-1829). You can read more about it  here . This year I will be posting a Christmas song for each day. Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping The ten commandments are the theme of the day. You know them, right? Frontwards and backwards in under one minute? Such is the challenge my mom places on all her grandkids.  Today is a sad day. For Monday signals going back to work. That first day back is the most depressing day of the year. It always has been, and probably always will be. It is cold, dark, and one filled with a memory of a Christmas past, and little to look forward to for a month or two. The Sunday before can lead to too much thinking. But Christmas is not over. And the reason for Christmas continues to this day. With that in mind, I always turn to a stunningly beautiful song. Andrew T. Miller's One Blessed Night . It makes my heart soar. Enjoy!

The 12 Days of Christmas: A hidden catechesis for Catholics while they endured persecution in England (1558-1829). You can read more about it  here . This year I will be posting a Christmas song for each day. Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing The nine fruits of the Holy Ghost are for us to consider: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Let's see, we have entered a new year, and we're still hanging on to Christmas. Sounds like a good time for a combo-song. Bing Crosby and David Bowie: The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth).  This song is bizarre. The story behind it is awkward, to say the least. We have a punk singing with Bing Crosby. Both of them are uncomfortable. And yet... somehow, someway, it works.  As you know, Bing died a month later of a heart attack. Bowie died recently. And we're still searching for that Peace on Earth. 

  The 12 Days of Christmas: A hidden catechesis for Catholics while they endured persecution in England (1558-1829). You can read more about it  here . This year I will be posting a Christmas song for each day. Day 8: Eight Maids a-Milking The eight beatitudes are the message of the day. Today traditionally honours the circumcision of Christ. On the eighth day He was circumcised, as was the Jewish custom. It is the day He first shed His blood.  He shed His blood to save the world. I present Good Christian Men Rejoice , as sung by the Dominican Friars. The chorus goes, "Christ was born to save. Christ was born to save." As a bonus, my favourite song on the album, Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming :