#slay tortured saint boy

[confusedfeelsfangirl]

I saw everyone going wild over the newest Arcane episodes and was worried Viktor would be doing uncautionable shit but turns out at least up until now (episode 2) he’s tortured but still doing mostly good 😌✨ (okay it’s sort of fucked up but that’s how I like it 🥰)

[berivan-noctisia]

You resumed everything so perfectly I am crying

Also everybody keeps talking about the Law and how untouchable it is while everyone is just... Going around committing crimes against humanity like they breathe air lmaoooo???

Students nearly dying at the exam? Children should have studied harder. Students getting awfully beaten and horribly bullied? Losers. Students are going missing? A normal Tuesday. Corruption ? To be expected. Eugenics? As God intended. Slavery? Merciful. Murder? Like slapping a mosquito. BRO WTF flgfjgorkrkrrk man students might as well be getting coins per body count

Someone not having magic or being a decent human being? CALL THE POLICE!!!

LIKE. THAT'S WHERE YOU DRAW THE LINE? COME ON

Also the whole secret caves under the school??? That's cool AF tbh

Puzzled by how children and barely adults are being given that insane amount of political power so young, like wtf but also slay I guess, at least the youth is being taken somewhat seriously

Lemon makes us, delulu believers, feel seen. She's living the dream, in her head. You go girl. Slay.

Finn just wants a quite life, he's peak "fuck that insanely stressful elitist careerist lifestyle" of kids torturing themselves and each other, selling their soul to the Devil while at it, to get a status, he just wants a peaceful job and no problems. #IAmFinn

Rayne. 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇 The Man. The Hero. The Legend. The softest soul??? MY HEART 💘💘💘💘💘

Mash is best boy™️, the saint of muscles, compassion and honesty. He's a silly little guy. He's adorable. A baby. An angel. And he will send you to hell if you hurt people.

Also he was insane for being able to cook anything into puff creams or cream puffs, I have no idea in which order it should be written or whether that's the English name lmao

He was also insane for being so well emotionally regulated in that fucked up environment. The insane pressure of his and his father entire fates' on his shoulders? Never wavered in his beliefs, eating puff creams, getting his beauty sleep every day, as he should. Being bullied? Not giving a fuck. Being betrayed? Forgiving. Also??? Love??? Accepted, received and given back freely. He's there calling out people "cute", man finds it so cute his friends worry for him and sees right through them (when lance refuses to leave him alone with the owls), he loves his father, he loves his friends, he gifts them puff creams all the time, he doesn't hold grudges, he doesn't start fights unless he has to, he helps people (Abel) with their emotions (explaining why Abyss cares for him, because he offered something invaluable to him), he thanks people, he asks for permission, he COMPLIMENTS people, he lives for his passions and DGAF about people's opinions. Thanking people??? Saying sorry??? Being genuinely sorry??? Seeing the best in people??? Compassion??? Being understanding of people's situation??? Putting himself in their shoes when he can??? Believing in redemption??? Not an ounce of toxicity (like toxic masculinity) to be found in that boy's heart

Also, can we talk about Abyss and Abel??? I??? They??? 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈??? Abel offering more respect, love and compassion to Abyss than anyone else in his godawful entire life (in a really fucked up way)??? Abyss' sacrifice??? Abel's confusion??? Feelings, what is that??? Abel gently cradling Abyss and caring for him until he's safe and sound??? Abel following Abyss around and being a supportive BF as hell??? Going to the party for him??? Talking to girls when he panics???

(Grandpa and the cop are definitely having the most insane ennemies to """business bros""" relations while sipping tea together in the forest lmao what's the need to stick together 24/7??? Is the cop his bodyguard now??? Does he sleep at the house??? Is he even working anymore??? Does Grandpa cook for him??? Are they having deep philosophical debates in front of the fire sipping tea about how, yes, the whole Law and religious ordeal is bullshit??? Do they send small packages of puff creams to Mash once in a while??? Or other gifts??? Also why did the cop put grandpa's head on his lap when grandpa was unconscious???)

been watching mashle and oh my god, the eugenics???? the way lance's parents were so ready to give up their daughter??? no second thought???? just "why did this child have to be born to us?"???? um everyone talking in mash's face about how non-magic people are inherently worthless???? the triple line dude fucking making dolls out of people and somehow no one??? is??? checking him???? and then when questioned immediately jumping into "well humans are little more than mindless beasts and i will become a creator deity and reshape the world in my liking!"????? the, um, corruption in the government??? the way this story is so clearly "h*rry p*tter if it was actually funny"??? the slytherin coded characters are blood purists???? they took out hufflepuff??? one of the magia lupus' mage's powerset was just big shuriken???? another one is rip off kisame???? lance is a siscon and the first thing mash says is "that doesn't make it better"???? lemon is genuinely so fuckin funny??? dot is incel-coded but like in a funny way??? dot says that lance is playing life on "easy mode" cause lance has a good face??? dot likes tea??? dot has good manners??? everybody only has one spell they can use??? finn ames is like if you transported is regular human into this stupid ass world??? i think the old man and the cop have explored each others bodies.

[pamphletstoinspire]

Patron Saint of Boy Scouts St. George Feast Day: April 23rd Both Calendars

It is uncertain when Saint George was born and historians continue to debate to this day. However, his death date is estimated to be April 23 303 A.D.

The first piece of evidence of George's existance appeared within the works of the Bollandists Daniel Papebroch, Jean Bolland, and Godfrey Henschen's Bibliotheca Hagiographica Graeca. George was one of several names listed in the historical text, and Pope Gelasius claimed George was one of the saints "whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose actions are known only to God."

George was born to a Gerontios and Polychronia, a Roman officer and a Greek native of Lydda. Both were Christians from noble families of the Anici and George, Georgios in the original Greek, was raised to follow their faith.

When George was old enough, he was welcomed into Diocletian's army. by his late 20's, George became a Tribunus and served as an imperial guard for the Emperor at Nicomedia.

On February 24, 303 A.D., Diocletian, who hated Christians, announced that every Christian the army passed would be arrested and every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods.

George refused to abide by the order and told Diocletian, who was angry but greatly valued his friendship with George's father.

When George announced his beliefs before his peers, Diocletian was unable to keep the news to himself.

In an effort to save George, Diocletian attempted to convert him to believe in the Roman gods, offered him land, money and slaves in exchange for offering a sacrifice to the Roman gods, and made several other offers that George refused.

Finally, after exhausting all other options, Diocletian ordered George's execution. In preparation for his death, George gave his money to the poor and was sent for several torture sessions. He was lacerated on a wheel of swords and required resuscitation three times, but still George did not turn from God.

On April 23, 303 A.D., George was decapitated before Nicomedia's outer wall. His body was sent to Lydda for burial, and other Christians went to honor George as a martyr.

Saint George and the Dragon

There are several stories about George fighting dragons, but in the Western version, a dragon or crocodile made its nest at a spring that provided water to Silene, believed to be modern-day Lcyrene in Libya.

The people were unable to collect water and so attempted to remove the dragon from its nest on several ocassions. It would temporarily leave its nest when they offered it a sheep each day, until the sheep disappeared and the people were distraught.

This was when they decided that a maiden would be just as effective as sending a sheep. The townspeople chose the victim by drawing straws. This continued until one day the princess' straw was drawn.

The monarch begged for her to be spared but the people would not have it. She was offered to the dragon, but before she could be devoured, George appeared. He faced the dragon, protected himself with the sign of the Cross, and slayed the dragon.

After saving the town, the citizens abandoned their paganism and were all converted to Christianity.

Interesting Facts

1. Saint George stands out among other saints and legends because he is known and revered by both Muslims and Christians.

2. It is said Saint George killed the dragon near the sea in Beirut, thus Saint George bay was named in his honor.

3. Saint George's feast day is celebrated on April 23, but if it falls before Easter, it is celebrated Easter Monday.

4. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates three St. George feast days each year - April 23 as is expected, November 3, to commemorate the consecration of a cathedral dedicated to him in Lydda, and on November 26, for when a church in Kiev was dedicated to him.

5. In Bulgaria, his feast day is celebrated May 6 with the slaughter and roasting of a lamb.

6. In Egypt, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria calls St. George the "Prince of Martyrs" and celebrates on May 1. There is a second celebration November 17, in honor of the first church dedicated to him.

7. Saint George is the patron saint of England and Catalonia and his cross can be found throughout England.

8. In older works, Saint George is depicted wearing armor and holding a lance or fighting a dragon, which represents Christ's enemies.

Prayer for St. George

St. George,

Heroic Catholic soldier and defender of your Faith, you dared to criticize a tyrannical Emperor and were subjected to horrible torture. You could have occupied a high military position but you preferred to die for your Lord. Obtain for us the great grace of heroic Christian courage that should mark soldiers of Christ. Amen

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 23 April – St George (died c 303) also known as St George of Lydda,  Jirí, Jordi, Zorzo,  Victory Bringer – Martyr and Soldier.   St George was born c 256-285 in Palestine and was tortured and beheaded to death in c 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia, Roman Empire.   Patronages – • against herpes • against leprosy • against plague • against skin diseases • against skin rashes • against syphilis • agricultural workers • Aragon • archers • armourers • Boy Scouts • butchers • Canada • Cappadocia • Catalonia • cavalry • chivalry • Crusaders • England • equestrians • Ethiopia • farmers • field hands • field workers • Georgia • Germany • Greece • halberdiers • horsemen • horses • husbandmen • knights • lepers • Lithuania • Malta • Montenegro • Order of the Garter • Palestine • Palestinian Christians • Portugal • riders • Romanian Army • saddle makers • saddlers • Serbia • sheep • shepherds • soldiers • Teutonic Knights • 2 dioceses • 181 cities.

St George was a Roman soldier of Greek origin and officer in the Guard of Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith.   As a Christian martyr, he later became one of the most venerated saints in Christianity and was especially venerated by the Crusaders.   George’s parents were Christians of Greek background, his father Gerontius was a Roman army official from Cappadocia and his mother Polychronia was a Christian and a Greek native from Lydda in the Roman province of Syria Palaestina.

St George is commemorated and remembered as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and one of the most prominent military saints, he is immortalised in the myth of Saint George and the Dragon.  Due to his chivalrous behaviour (protecting women, fighting evil, dependence on faith and might of arms, largesse to the poor), devotion to Saint George became popular in the Europe after the 10th century.   In the 15th century his feast day was as popular and important as Christmas.   Many of his areas of patronage have to do with life as a knight on horseback.   The celebrated Knights of the Garter are actually Knights of the Order of Saint George.   The shrine built for his relics at Lydda, Palestine was a popular point of pilgrimage for centuries.

There is little information on the early life of Saint George.   Herbert Thurston in The Catholic Encyclopedia states that based upon an ancient cultus, narratives of the early pilgrims and the early dedications of churches to Saint George, going back to the fourth century, “there seems, therefore, no ground for doubting the historical existence of St. George”.    According to Donald Attwater, “No historical particulars of his life have survived, … The widespread veneration for St George as a soldier saint from early times had its centre in Palestine at Diospolis, now Lydda.   St George was apparently martyred there, at the end of the third or the beginning of the fourth century; that is all that can be reasonably surmised about him.”

On 24 February 303, Diocletian, who hated Christians, announced that every Christian the army passed would be arrested and every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods.   George refused to abide by the order and told Diocletian, who was angry but greatly valued his friendship with George’s father.   When George announced his beliefs before his peers, Diocletian was unable to keep the news to himself.   In an effort to save George, Diocletian attempted to convert him to believe in the Roman gods, offered him land, money and slaves in exchange for offering a sacrifice to the Roman gods and made several other offers that George refused.

Finally, after exhausting all other options, Diocletian ordered George’s execution.   In preparation for his death, George gave his money to the poor and was sent for several torture sessions.   He was lacerated on a wheel of swords and required resuscitation three times but still George did not turn from God.

George was decapitated before Nicomedia’s outer wall.   His body was sent to Lydda for burial and other Christians went to honour George as a martyr.

Saint George and the Dragon

There are several stories about George fighting dragons but in the Western version, a dragon or crocodile made its nest at a spring that provided water to Silene, believed to be modern-day Lcyrene in Libya.   The people were unable to collect water and so attempted to remove the dragon from its nest on several occasions.   It would temporarily leave its nest when they offered it a sheep each day, until the sheep disappeared and the people were distraught.  This was when they decided that a maiden would be just as effective as sending a sheep.   The townspeople chose the victim by drawing straws.   This continued until one day the princess’ straw was drawn.   The monarch begged for her to be spared but the people would not have it.   She was offered to the dragon but before she could be devoured, George appeared.   He faced the dragon, protected himself with the sign of the Cross and slayed the dragon.   After saving the town, the citizens abandoned their paganism and were all converted to Christianity.

Interesting Facts

Saint George stands out among other saints and legends because he is known and revered by both Muslims and Christians. It is said Saint George killed the dragon near the sea in Beirut, thus Saint George Bay was named in his honour. Saint George’s feast day is celebrated on 23 April but if it falls before Easter, it is celebrated Easter Monday. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates three St George feast days each year -23 April, 3 November, to commemorate the consecration of a cathedral dedicated to him in Lydda, and on 26 November for when a church in Kiev was dedicated to him. In Bulgaria, his feast day is celebrated 6 May with the slaughter and roasting of a lamb. In Egypt, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria calls St George the “Prince of Martyrs” and celebrates on 1 May.   There is a second celebration 17 November in honour of the first church dedicated to him. Saint George is the patron saint of England and Catalonia and his cross can be found throughout England including on the English and other Commonwealth flags.

In older works, Saint George is depicted wearing armour and holding a lance or fighting a dragon, which represents Christ’s enemies. 

  (via AnaStpaul – Breathing Catholic)

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

22nd Nov >> Mass Readings (USA)

  for

Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

 or

Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr.

Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Red) First Reading 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 The creator of the universe will give you back both breath and life. It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God’s law.    Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother, who saw her seven sons perish in a single day, yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord. Filled with a noble spirit that stirred her womanly heart with manly courage, she exhorted each of them in the language of their ancestors with these words: “I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.”    Antiochus, suspecting insult in her words, thought he was being ridiculed. As the youngest brother was still alive, the king appealed to him, not with mere words, but with promises on oath, to make him rich and happy if he would abandon his ancestral customs: he would make him his Friend and entrust him with high office. When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his life. After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the motions of persuading her son. In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: “Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated and supported you to your present age. I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them.”    She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command. I obey the command of the law given to our fathers through Moses. But you, who have contrived every kind of affliction for the Hebrews, will not escape the hands of God.” The Word of the Lord R/ Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15 R/ Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Hear, O LORD, a just suit;    attend to my outcry;    hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. R/ Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. My steps have been steadfast in your paths,    my feet have not faltered. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;    incline your ear to me; hear my word. R/ Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Keep me as the apple of your eye;    hide me in the shadow of your wings. But I in justice shall behold your face;    on waking, I shall be content in your presence. R/ Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Gospel Acclamation cf. John 15:16 Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Luke 19:11-28 Why did you not put my money in a bank? While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’ Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.’”    After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. The Gospel of the Lord R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. ——————-

Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr

(Liturgical Colour: Red) First Reading Hosea 2:16bc, 17cd, 21-22 I will espouse you to me forever. Thus says the LORD: I will lead her into the desert    and speak to her heart. She shall respond there as in the days of her youth,    when she came up from the land of Egypt. I will espouse you to me forever:    I will espouse you in right and in justice,    in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity,    and you shall know the LORD. The Word of the Lord. R/ Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17 R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear. or R/ The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord. Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,    forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty;    for he is your lord, and you must worship him. R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear. or R/ The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord. All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;    her raiment is threaded with spun gold. In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;    behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you. R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear. or R/ The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord. They are borne in with gladness and joy;    they enter the palace of the king. The place of your fathers your sons shall have;    you shall make them princes through all the land. R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear. or R/ The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia. This is the wise bridesmaid, whom the Lord found waiting; at his coming, she went in with him to the wedding feast. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 25:1-13 Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him! Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” The Gospel of the Lord R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

[itsclydebitches]

Buffy 3.07: “Revelations,” Morality, and a Healthy Dose of Hypocrisy

I’m massively late to this party (is twenty years fashionable??) but I’m watching Buffy for the first time and have feelings~ about “Revelations.”

For those who don’t recall or who haven’t seen the show, this is the episode where Xander ‘catches’ (aka spies) on Buffy and Angel together, and rather than confronting her about it and making even the slightest attempt to understand why she’d keep this secret (not that any of them did that regarding why Buffy ran away…), he immediately went to tell the whole Scoobie gang so they could stage an “intervention.” As you can imagine, it doesn’t go too well.

And as I’m sure you can tell, I’m not the biggest fan of Xander, or the gang’s characterization this season. I could write whole essays—and frankly I just might—on how they consistently treat Buffy like absolute shit. But that’s not this post. Right now I want to deconstruct the utter hypocrisy at work in this episode.

Seriously. WTF.

Ultimately the decision the gang comes to is that Buffy is blinded by her love of Angel, which is true, but the problem I have with this is that at no point do they or the narrative acknowledge that they’re all blinded by love, particularly when it comes to romance and supernatural situations. To name just a few: 

Xander has consistently been blinded by lust (cough*objectifying women*cough) and it has put him into circumstances where he’s nearly been eaten and/or killed, requiring that the others save him. It’s enough of an issue that they’ve made it into a running gag rather than acknowledging the problems inherent in Xander’s Nice Guy-ness. 

Giles can think of nothing but saving Jenny when she’s possessed by the demon that he created and later puts himself and the others in danger when he tries to avenger her death. 

Cordelia has a small moment (again played for laughs) where she thinks Xander has been turned into a deadly sea monster and promises to still love and take care of him, going so far as to buy him bath toys to play with. 

And then there’s Willow.

The above examples are just a small sample of moments where the gang is willing to put aside ‘the greater good’ for their own love interests—without extending that courtesy to Buffy—but for me the Willow/Oz pairing is easily the most overt comparison. Both Oz and Angel:

Were bitten by supernatural creatures and then turned into that creature. 

Are victims who in no way welcomed this change. 

Pose a threat to society because of their change. 

Have two distinct sides: Oz is not the wolf and Angel is not the demon.

The issue it that the characters continually muddle Angel’s personalities while keeping Oz’s distinct. (They want to make Angel into a metaphor for an abusive boyfriend SO BADLY and it doesn’t work). In “Beauty and the Beasts,” just two episodes before “Revelations,” for a while there’s some pretty damning evidence that Oz escaped his cage and killed someone, but at no point is he blamed for this. Everyone is unfailingly supportive, reminding him that he’s not the wolf and that they’ll do everything in their power to keep him safe. But why? Xander and the others made it very clear last season and in “Revelations” that they think Buffy should kill Angel (which, reminder, she did) because he’s a threat. The fact that he might sleep with Buffy and might find happiness and that might remove his soul again is enough to warrant his execution. But then there’s Oz who for three nights a month becomes a literal, not a hypothetical danger. Oz who could easily escape that cage (because if Hyde!Pete can rip it off why not a werewolf?). 

Oz who could not only kill people but turn them too (a lot like a vampire). Oz who has no cure for his affliction—the gang knows now that they can restore Angel’s soul should it be lost again. They can’t do anything for Oz except hope to keep him contained. All it would take it one mistake for him to do just as much damage as Angelus.

Or rather, all it takes is one idiot, selfish boy.

 Xander stands proud in “Revelations,” supposedly on the moral high ground, yelling at Buffy for putting them all in danger by keeping Angel a secret, and no one reminds him that he fell asleep while watching Oz. That he knew Oz was a danger, promised Willow he’d stay up all night, happily played the good friend/hero… and then immediately stretched out and deliberately went to sleep. That’s not an excusable ‘well he’s a teenager’ mistake. That’s Xander revealing that he doesn’t think Oz is a true threat… but Angel is.

So what’s the difference between them?

Oz’s violence is mindless, yes, while Angelus’ is calculated. And Angelus killed Jenny, which goes a long way towards explaining the gang’s hatred. It’s hard to look at the same face and acknowledge that it was a different person who committed the deed—Oz has it ‘easier’ in that his transformation is overt. His other side is a literal animal while Angelus wears Angel’s own face. But I think the hypocrisy goes deeper than this. At this point I’m convinced that Xander is still ‘in love’ with Buffy. Or, to put it more honestly, he wants what he can’t have. He and Cordelia never got along, but he wanted her because she was the hottest girl in school. He now has the hottest girl in school and wants Willow instead—but only now that she’s with Oz and unavailable. Oz isn’t a threat to Xander though because Willow wants Xander back. He’s not fighting Oz for Willow… like he’s been fighting Angel for Buffy. Since day one Xander has been beyond blunt about not liking Angel because Buffy actually likes him back and he’s wanted him out of her life since day one too. The fact that they now have legitimate reasons to be wary of Angel doesn’t change the fact that Xander wants him dead purely because he ‘won’ Buffy. He can claim it’s because of Jenny’s death, but I honestly don’t buy that for a second.

Xander wants Angel dead because he’s competition. Cordelia wants him dead because she cares more about her own safety than any moral nuance. Oz is indifferent to a lot of this, but if ANYONE should be sticking up for a guy dealing with supernatural shit outside of his control, it’s him (though of course he doesn’t). Willow only mildly sticks up for Buffy’s secret keeping to alleviate her own guilt over seeing Xander. And Giles…

Well, we come right back to this issue of blindness. At this point in the show Buffy is beginning to acknowledge nuance in her job: vampires are not inherently evil (Angel), sometimes they can do good things even if it’s for selfish reasons (Spike), sometimes it’s worth letting them go if they’re not a major threat (those Southern brothers), etc. Buffy is beginning to see gray in a job that was previously straight forward. Giles, meanwhile, still sees in black and white. He and the rest of the gang only view a vampire as ‘good’ when it serves their interests (Angel saving Willow, providing them with information, etc.) but once they’re no longer useful they should be put down. They shouldn’t be fought for like they would a real friend. Meanwhile someone like Oz is always good and should be protected regardless of the danger they pose (like leaving a window open…). Giles proves that he, like the rest of them, is unable to distinguish between Angel and Angelus like he does Oz and the Wolf when he says, “I must remind you that Angel tortured me. For hours. For pleasure.” No. Angel didn’t. Angelus did. But more importantly he follows that with,

“You have no respect for me, or the job I perform.”

That right there is the problem. The job Giles performs is to help Buffy kill supernatural creatures and beyond their love of Oz, Buffy is the only one acknowledging that not all supernatural creatures should be killed, indiscriminately. I believe that Buffy has a HUGE amount of respect for Giles himself (I adore these two honestly lol), but Giles is very traditional and blindly accepts that ‘how it’s always been done’ is the way things should be done. Buffy, meanwhile, has always questioned that. It used to be just in a ‘why can’t Slayers have a life outside of slaying?’ way. Now she’s positioned in direct contrast to Faith who kills not only without a thought, but also with great pleasure.

The rest of the gang needs to start acknowledging that both the job and their morals might need some tweaking. Buffy is no saint herself, but they need to help her work through all this, not yell at her for reveling in the exact same behavior they are all engaging in.

Hypocrisy at its finest.

And don’t even get me started on “Dead Man’s Party” <3

[dalliance-of-words]

America: The Home of the (Not so) Free - Updated Version

I want to write about love but I have a burning sensation coursing through my veins

because my neighbours next door are more martyrs than they are saints.

People ask why I care so deeply, “you’re Canadian, it doesn’t affect you”.

But the truth of the matter is that I am scared just like you.

I am scared for the kids in the LGBTQIA+

who will be growing up seeing their rights and human decency being taken away

because of their orientations other than simply straight.

I am scared for the women who live in fear of rape.

They can no longer get abortions because the men have too much to say.

I am scared for those who can no longer practice their religion in peace

Because in their minds, turbans equal violence but they’re holding a book not a bomb.

I am scared for the POC with tear stained cheeks with their hands up, holding a white flag.

Funny how it’s white, everything all seems white.

They say white is purity but there’s nothing pure about hating someone’s pigmentation.

Make America great again?

When was it great?

It was built on the bones and blood of the;

The Native Americans whose land you conquered and slayed

Slaves that you stole and tortured,

The immigrants who are called criminals just for searching for a better country to raise their families.

I’m crossing my fingers that the martyrs won’t start burning witches again,

That they won’t bring back the original meaning of ‘fag’.

The pain is exhausting but I can’t become numb because;

Remember the Pulse Nightclub?

It’s transgender killings and Leelah Alcorn writing down the torture that they caused her.

It’s purposefully using the wrong pronouns,

And another father being taken away because Mexicans are now separated by a soon to be wall that the martyrs expect to be built on pesos.

Why is it that the minorities are the punchline to every joke?

You tell me I’m too white to be offended and to learn how to take a joke.

Watching Selma and Get Out, and I’m crying

This is Ferguson.

Make America great again?

Make the KKK a terrorist group.

Say their names, because I am tired of another black man

Under a cop

“I can’t breathe” eleven times

One one

One too many

The tally should be zero

But instead it’s eleven times that no one cares.

Does the hoodie of a teenage boy make the perfect bodybag?

I’m prepared to be burn at the stake because a strong woman to them is a witch,

You may have poured the gasoline,

But I am the one who will strike the match.

[grrrlrrriot]

America: The Home of the (not) so Free

I want to write about love but I have a burning sensation coursing through my veins because my neighbours next door are more martyrs than they are saints.

People ask why I care so deeply, “you’re Canadian, it doesn’t affect you”.

But the truth of the matter is that I am scared.

I am scared for the kids in the LGBTQIA+ community who will be growing up seeing their rights and human decency being taken away from them because of their orientations other than straight.

I am scared for the women who live in fear of rape and assault, who can’t get abortions anymore because the martyrs now have a say over their uteruses.

I am scared for those who can no longer practice their religion in peace because turbans equal terrorist, they’re holding a book not a bomb.

I am scared for the POC with tear stained cheeks with their hands up, holding a white flag.

I am scared that children will grow up believing in the bigoted thoughts that the martyrs bring.

Make America great again?

When was it great?

It was built on the bones and blood of the;

Slaves that you stole and tortured,

The Native Americans whose land you conquered and slayed,

The immigrants who are called rapists just for searching a better country to raise their families.

I’m crossing my fingers that the martyrs won’t start burning witches again,

That they won’t bring back the original meaning of ‘fag’.

The pain is exhausting but I can’t become numb because;

Remember the Pulse Nightclub?

It’s transgender killings and Leelah Alcorn writing down the torture that they caused her.

It’s purposefully using the wrong pronouns,

And another father being taken away because Mexicans are now separated by a soon to be wall that the martyrs expect to be built on pesos.

Why is it that the minorities are the punchline to every joke?

You tell me I’m too white to be offended and to learn how to take a joke.

Watching Selma and Get Out, and I’m crying

This is Ferguson.

Make America great again?

Make the KKK a terrorist group.

Say their names, because I am tired of another black man

Under a cop

“I can’t breathe” eleven times

One one

One too many

The tally should be zero

But instead its eleven times that no one cares.

Does the hoodie of a teenage boy make the perfect bodybag?

I’m prepared to be burn at the stake because a strong woman to them is a witch,

You may have poured the gasoline,

But I am the one who will strike the match.

[pixxieliv]

America: The Home of the (not) so Free

I want to write about love but I have a burning sensation coursing through my veins because my neighbours next door are more martyrs than they are saints.

People ask why I care so deeply, “you’re Canadian, it doesn’t affect you”.

But the truth of the matter is that I am scared.

I am scared for the kids in the LGBTQIA+ community who will be growing up seeing their rights and human decency being taken away from them because of their orientations other than straight.

I am scared for the women who live in fear of rape and assault, who can’t get abortions anymore because the martyrs now have a say over their uteruses.

I am scared for those who can no longer practice their religion in peace because turbans equal terrorist, they’re holding a book not a bomb.

I am scared for the POC with tear stained cheeks with their hands up, holding a white flag.

I am scared that children will grow up believing in the bigoted thoughts that the martyrs bring.

Make America great again?

When was it great?

It was built on the bones and blood of the;

Slaves that you stole and tortured,

The Native Americans whose land you conquered and slayed,

The immigrants who are called rapists just for searching a better country to raise their families.

I’m crossing my fingers that the martyrs won’t start burning witches again,

That they won’t bring back the original meaning of ‘fag’.

The pain is exhausting but I can’t become numb because;

Remember the Pulse Nightclub?

It’s transgender killings and Leelah Alcorn writing down the torture that they caused her.

It’s purposefully using the wrong pronouns,

And another father being taken away because Mexicans are now separated by a soon to be wall that the martyrs expect to be built on pesos.

Why is it that the minorities are the punchline to every joke?

You tell me I’m too white to be offended and to learn how to take a joke.

Watching Selma and Get Out, and I’m crying

This is Ferguson.

Make America great again?

Make the KKK a terrorist group.

Say their names, because I am tired of another black man

Under a cop

“I can’t breathe” eleven times

One one

One too many

The tally should be zero

But instead its eleven times that no one cares.

Does the hoodie of a teenage boy make the perfect bodybag?

I’m prepared to be burn at the stake because a strong woman to them is a witch,

You may have poured the gasoline,

But I am the one who will strike the match.

[haoneidob]

hiring killers for "noah" my ex

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[vampireadamooc]

Lecture II: Suggestions And Perversions Of The Rite

2.3 - A New Nature Through New Blood

It was a primeval idea, of universal sway, that the taking in of another's blood was the acquiring of another's life, with all that was best in that other's nature. It was not merely that the taking away of blood was the taking away of life; but that the taking in of blood was the taking in of life, and of all that that life represented. Here, again, the heart, as the fountain of blood, and so as the center and source of life, was pre-eminently the agency of transfer in the acquiring of a new nature.

Herodotus tells us of this idea in the far East, twenty-four centuries ago. When a Scythian, he said, killed his first man in open warfare, he drank in his blood as a means of absorbing his fairly acquired life; and the heads of as many as he slew, the Scythian carried

Berwick's Daily Life and Origin of Tasmatnam, p. 89; cited in Spencer's Des. Soc., III., 43,

in triumph to the king; 1 as the American Indian bears away the scalps of his slain, today. Modern historians, indeed, show us other resemblances than this between the aboriginal American and the ancient Scythian.

The Jesuit founder of the Huron Mission to the American Indians, "its truest hero, and its greatest martyr," was Jean de Brebeuf. After a heroic life among a savage people, he was subjected to frightful torture, and to the cruelest death. His character had won the admiration of those who felt that duty to their gods demanded his martyrdom; and his bearing under torture exalted him in their esteem, as heroic beyond compare." He came of a noble race," says Parkman, 2 "the same [race], it is said, from which sprang the English Earls of Arundel; but never had the mailed barons of his line confronted a fate so appalling, with so prodigious a constancy. To the last he refused to flinch, and 'his death was an astonishment to his murderers.'"

"We saw no part of his body," wrote an eye-witness, 3 "from head to foot, which was not burned [while he was yet living], even to his eyes, in the sockets of which these wretches had placed live coals." Such manhood as he displayed under these tortures, the Indians could appreciate.

Hist., IV, 64

Jesuits in No Am. in 17th Cent., p. 389 f.

Ragueneau; cited by Parkman.

Such courage and constancy as his, they longed to possess for themselves. When, therefore, they perceived that the brave and faithful man of God was finally sinking into death, they sprang toward him, scalped him, "laid open his breast, and came in a crowd to drink the blood of so valiant an enemy; thinking to imbibe with it some portion of his courage. A chief then tore out his heart, and devoured it."

Not unlike this has been a common practice among the American Indians, in the treatment of prisoners of war. "If the victim had shown courage," again says Parkman, concerning the Hurons, "the heart was first roasted, cut into small pieces, and given to the young men and boys, who devoured it, to increase their own courage." 1 So, similarly, with the Iroquois. 2 And Burton says of the Dakotas: 3 "They are not cannibals, except when a warrior, after slaying a foe, eats, porcupine-like, the heart or liver, with the idea of increasing his own courage." Schomburgk, writing concerning the natives of British Guiana, says: "In order to increase their courage, and [so their] contempt of death, the Caribs were wont to cut out the heart of a slain enemy, dry it on the fire, powder it, and mix the powder in their drink." 4

Jesuits in No. Am., Introduction, p. xxxix.

Ibid., p, 250.

City of the Saints, p. 117. See also Appendix.

Reisn in Brit. Guian., II., 430, cited in Spencer's Des, Soc., VI., 36.

The native Australians find, it is said, an inducement to bloodshed, in their belief like that of the ancient Scythians that the life, or the spirit, of the first man whom one slays, enters into the life of the slayer, and remains as his helpful possession thereafter. 1 The Ashantee fetishmen, of West Africa, apparently acting on a kindred thought, make a mixture of the hearts of enemies, mingled with blood and consecrated herbs, for the vivifying of the conquerors. "All who have never before killed an enemy eat of the preparation; it being believed that if they did not, their energy would be secretly wasted by the haunting spirits of their deceased foes." 2 The underlying motive of the bloody "head-hunting" in Borneo, is the Dayak belief, that the spirits of those whose heads are taken are to be subject to him who does the decapitating. The heads are primarily simply the proof like the Indian's scalps that their owner has so many lives absorbed in his own. 3

A keen observer of Fellaheen life in Palestine has reported: 4

Trans, of Ethn Soc. new series, III., 240, cited in Spencer's Des. Soc, III., 36.

Beecham's Ashantee and the Gold Coast, p. 211; cited in Spencer's Des Soc., IV , 33.

See Tyler's Primitive Culture, I., 459; also Bock's Head Hunters of Borneo, passim.

Mis. Finn's "Fellaheen of Palestine" in Surv. of West. Pal. "Special Papers," p, 360.

"There is an ugly expression used among the fellaheen of South Palestine, in speaking of an enemy slain in war 'Dhabbahhtho bisnany' ('I slew him with my teeth') l; and it is said that there have been instances of killing in battle in this fashion by biting at the throat. In the Nablous district (Samaria), where the people are much more ferocious, the expression is, 'I have drunk his blood'; but that is understood figuratively."

An ancient Greek version of the story of Jason, telling of that hero's treatment of the body of Apsyrtos whom he had slain says: "Thrice he tasted the blood, thrice [he] spat it out between his teeth;" and a modern collator informs us that the scholiast here finds "the description of an archaic custom, popular among murderers." 2 This certainly corresponds with the Semitic phrases lingering among the Fellaheen of Palestine.

In the old German epic, the Nibelungen Lied, it is told of the brave Burgundians, when they were fighting desperately in the burning hall of the Huns, that they were given new courage for the hopeless conflict by drinking the blood of their fallen comrades; which "quenched their thirst, and made them fierce." 3

This is Mrs. Finn's rendering of it; but it should be "I sacrificed him with my teeth." The Arabic word is obviously dhabaha (أضحية), identical with the Hebrew zabhakh (לְזַבֵּחַ) "to sacrifice."

Lang's Custom and Myth, p. 95 f.; also Grimm's Household Tales p. lxvni.

Cox and Jones's Pop. Rom. of Mid. Ages, p. 310.

With their added life, from the added blood of heroes, they battled as never before.

"It strung again their sinews, and failing strength renewed. This, in her lover's passion, many a fair lady rued." 1

Is there not, indeed, a trace of the primitive custom thus recognized in all quarters of the globe of absorbing the life of a slain one by drinking in his blood, in our common phrase, "blood-thirstiness," as descriptive of a life-seeker? That phrase certainly gains added force and appropriateness in the light of this universal idea.

It is evident that the wide-spread popular belief in nature-absorption through blood-appropriation, has included the idea of a tribal absorption of new life in vicarious blood. Alcedo, a Spanish-American writer, has illustrated this in his description of the native Araucanians of South America. When they have triumphed in war, they select a representative prisoner for official and vicarious execution. After due preparation, they "give him a handful of small sticks and a sharp stake, with which they oblige him to dig a hole in the ground; and in this they order him to cast the sticks one by one, repeating the names of the principal warriors of his country, while at the same time the surrounding soldiers load these abhorred names with the bitterest execrations.

Lettsom's Nibel. Lied, p. 373.

He is then ordered to cover the hole, as if to bury therein the reputation and valor of their enemies, whom he has named. After this ceremony, the toqui, or one of his bravest companions to whom he relinquishes the honor of the execution, dashes out the brains of the prisoner with a club. The heart is immediately taken out, and presented palpitating to the general, who sucks a little of the blood, and passes it to his officers, who repeat in succession the same ceremony." 1 And in this way the life of the conquered tribe passes, symbolically, into the tribal life of the conquerors.

Burckhardt was so surprised at a trace of this idea in Nubia, that he could hardly credit the information concerning it; "although several persons asserted it to be a fact," he says; and he "heard no one contradict it." 2 As he learned it: "Among the Hallenga, who draw their origin from Abyssinia, a horrible custom is said to attend the revenge of blood. When the slayer has been seized by the relatives of the deceased, a family feast is proclaimed, at which the murderer is brought into the midst of them, bound upon an angareyg; and while his throat is slowly cut with a razor, the blood is caught in a bowl, and handed round amongst the guests;

Thompson's Alerdo Geog. and Hist. Dict. of America, I., 408; cited in Spencer's Des. Soc., VI., 19.

Travels in Numbia, p. 356.

every one of whom is bound to drink of it, at the moment the victim breathes his last" The forfeited life of the murderer here seems to be surrendered to, and formally appropriated by, the family, or clan, which he had, to the same extent, depleted of character and life.

A practice not unlike this is reported of the Australians, in their avenging the blood of a murdered person. They devour their victims; who are selected from the tribe of the murderer, although they may be personally innocent of the murder. The tribe depleted by the murder replaces its loss by blood which is life from the tribe of the murderer. Indeed, "when any one of a tribe [in New South Wales] dies a natural death, it is usual to avenge [or to cancel] the loss of the deceased by taking blood from one or other of his friends." 1 In this way, the very life and being of those whose blood is taken, go to restore to the bereaved ones the loss that death has brought to them.

Strange as this idea may seem to us, its root-thought, as a fact, is still an open question in the realm of physiological science. The claim is positive, in medical works, that insanity has been cured by the transfusion of a sane man's blood; 2

Trans, of Ethn. Soc., II, 246, and Angas's Austr. and New Zeal., I, 73, 227, 462, cited in Spencei's Des. Soc. Ill , 26.

See Dict. Med et Chir. Prat, Art. "Transfusion"; also Roussel's Transf. of Blood, pp. 78-88.

that a normal mind has been restored, through a normal life gained in new blood. Moreover, the question, how far the nature, or the characteristics, of an organism, are affected, in blood transfusion, by the nature, or the characteristics, of the donor of the transfused blood, is by no means a settled one among scientists. Referring to a series of questions in this line, propounded by Robert Doyle, more than two centuries ago, Roussel has said, within the past decade: "No one has been able to give any positive answers to them, based upon well-conducted operations"; and, "they still await solution in 1877, as in 1667." 1

Transf. of Blood, p. 19.

[tpanan]

My Wednesday Daily Blessings

November 22, 2017

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr (Catholic Observance)

Lectionary: 499

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31

It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law.

Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother, who saw her seven sons perish in a single day, yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord. Filled with a noble spirit that stirred her womanly heart with manly courage, she exhorted each of them in the language of their ancestors with these words: "I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed.

Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man's beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law."

Antiochus, suspecting insult in her words, thought he was being ridiculed. As the youngest brother was still alive, the king appealed to him, not with mere words, but with promises on oath, to make him rich and happy if he would abandon his ancestral customs: he would make him his Friend and entrust him with high office. When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his life. After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the motions of persuading her son. In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: "Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated and supported you to your present age. I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them."

She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: "What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king's command. I obey the command of the law given to our fathers through Moses. But you, who have contrived every kind of affliction for the Hebrews, will not escape the hands of God."

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15

"LORD, when your glory appears, my joy will be full."

Verse before the Gospel: John 15:16

Alelluia, Alelluia

"I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord."

Alelluia, Alelluia

Gospel Reading: Luke 19:11-28

While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately.

So he said, "A nobleman went off to a distant country  to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return.

He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce,

'We do not want this man to be our king.' But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, 'Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.'He replied, 'Well done, good servant!

You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.' Then the second came and reported, 'Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.' And to this servant too he said, 'You, take charge of five cities.' Then the other servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.' He said to him, 'With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant.

You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.'

And to those standing by he said, 'Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.'

But they said to him, 'Sir, he has ten gold coins.' He replied, 'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'"

After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.

**Meditation:

How does God establish his kingdom here on the earth? The Jews in Jesus' time had a heightened sense that the Messiah would appear soon to usher in the kingdom of God's justice, love, and peace on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Jesus, in fact, spoke in messianic terms of the coming reign of God. Perhaps his entry into Jerusalem would bring about such a change and overthrow of Roman domination.

Parable of the talents Jesus speaks to their longing for a new kingdom in the parable of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom. The parable reveals something important about how God works his plan and purpose with his people. The parable speaks first of the king's trust in his subjects. While he goes away he leaves them with his money to use as they think best. While there were no strings attached, this was obviously a test to see if the Master's workers would be industrious and reliable in their use of the money entrusted to them. The master rewards those who are industrious and faithful and he punishes those who sit by idly and who do nothing with his money.  

The essence of the parable seems to lie in the servants' conception of responsibility. Each servant entrusted with the master's money was faithful up to a certain point. The servant who buried the master's money was irresponsible. One can bury seeds in the ground and expect them to become productive because they obey natural laws. Coins, however, do not obey natural laws. They obey economic laws and become productive in circulation. The master expected his servants to be productive in the use of his money.

The Lord rewards those who faithfully use their gifts and talents for doing good by giving them more What do coins and the law of economics have to do with the kingdom of God? The Lord entrusts the subjects of his kingdom with gifts and graces and he gives his subjects the freedom to use them as they think best. With each gift and talent, God gives sufficient means (grace and wisdom) for using them in a fitting way. As the parable of the talents shows, God abhors indifference and an attitude that says it's not worth trying. God honors those who use their talents and gifts for doing good. Those who are faithful with even a little are entrusted with more! But those who neglect or squander what God has entrusted to them will lose what they have.

The Lord expects us to be good stewards of the gifts and graces he gives us There is an important lesson here for us. No one can stand still for long in the Christian life. We either get more or we lose what we have. We either advance towards God or we slip back. Do you seek to serve God with the gifts, talents, and graces he has given to you? The Lord Jesus offers us a kingdom of justice, love, and peace and he calls us to live as citizens of this kingdom where he rules as Lord and Master. Through his atoning death on the cross and through his resurrection victory, Jesus frees us from a kingdom of darkness where sin and Satan reign. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord gives us freedom to live as his servants and to lay down our lives in loving service of our neighbors (Galatians 5:1,13). Do you trust in God's grace to make good use of the gifts and talents he has given you?

**Prayer

"Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and mind and the master of my home and goods. Fill me with a generous and wise spirit that I may use the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give me for your glory and your kingdom."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Sources:

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use. Cite copyright & source: www.dailyscripture.net author Don Schwager© 2015 Servants of the Word

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – St Blaise (Died c 316) – Martyr 

 Today the Church remembers the life and witness of Saint Blaise, a 3rd century Armenian bishop who endured terrifying torments and surrendered his life rather than repudiate his profession of Faith.

Much of the life of Saint Blaise is history that has passed into legend but even these legendary accounts offer spiritual insight.

It is said that Blaise was renowned as a wonderworker, effecting miraculous cures. T  his would have been enough to attract attention but he was also not averse to calling out the Roman officials who ruled the region in which he lived, Cappadocia, for their tyranny and intolerance of Christian faith and practice.   The combination of a reputation for supernatural power and the courage of his convictions was not welcomed by Rome and the governor ordered Bishop Blaise to be arrested.   Blaise was able to elude capture and took refuge in the wilderness.   It was there in the caves of Cappadocia that his ministry and his mission continued.

There is an account of Saint Blaise that identifies not only his pastoral care for the Christian faithful but also for the animals of the wilderness.

It seems that a woman had witnessed her piglet carried off by a wolf and spoke of her plight to the bishop.   Saint Blaise called for the wolf, demanded her return the piglet to its rightful owner and reminded the wolf of the grave penalty that awaited a thief.   The wolf complied and returned the piglet to its owner- a credit to the bishop’s power of persuasion.   The woman would later return the favour to Saint Blaise when he was finally captured and imprisoned.   She brought to him candles to illuminate his dank and dreary cell.

This legend hints at how the saints represent, in their holiness, the restoration of a paradise lost and regained in Christ.   The ease and familiarity with which the Biblical character of Adam is believed to have communed with nature before the fall is recapitulated in Saint Blaise- he is a sign that anticipates the restoration of all things in Christ where the lion will rest with the lamb and in this case, the wolf will return stolen property to its rightful owner.

Saint Blaise has been invoked for centuries as a specialist in diseases of the throat.   The origin of this practice might be in the story of a child brought to the saint who was either choking or suffering from some other malady of the throat.   Saint Blaise blessed the boy and he was restored to health.

The practice of blessing throats on the Feast of Saint Blaise is a commemoration of this miracle, that crossed candles are often used to impart this blessing might also be a recollection of the kindness of the woman who gave candles to the saint as he languished in prison.

Saint Blaise was an extraordinarily popular saint during the Middle Ages in Europe. Presentations of his miraculous and mighty deeds were commonly represented in art and sculpture, and he was included in a listing of saints called the Fourteen Holy Helpers (or Auxiliary Saints), holy men and women who could be counted on as intercessors for all manner of maladies from madness to travelers in distress.   During times in which a sore throat could be a signal of an impending epidemic or an early death, the faithful were all too happy to accept the help of a heavenly specialist in such matters like Saint Blaise.

The legends regarding Saint Blaise report that his sojourn in the wilderness did not protect him for very long.   He was eventually arrested and brought to trial.   The judge advised him that only a pinch of incense offered to the image of Caesar and the gods of Rome could win him his freedom.   Blaise refused.   He was cruelly tortured and beheaded.

The Church does not mourn Saint Blaise, for we know that in Christ this world is not all that there is.   While tyrants like Caesar and his successors can threaten us with death, Christ promises us a life that like his own, is transformed through suffering and death, into resurrection.

The scriptures proclaim, “though they slay me I will trust in you.”

Saint Blaise did precisely this.   He trusted that Christ would not abandon him to the power of death nor allow his suffering to be meaningless.   Our lives might never be raised to the legendary status of Saint Blaise but we can trust in Christ as he did and live in hope that one day we will join him in communion with all the saints who have gone before us in faith and who, from their place in heaven, guide and protect us still. (Fr Steve Grunow)

(via AnaStpaul – Breathing Catholic)

[dalliance-of-words]

America: The Home of the (not) so Free

I want to write about love but I have a burning sensation coursing through my veins because my neighbours next door are more martyrs than they are saints.

People ask why I care so deeply, “you’re Canadian, it doesn’t affect you”.

But the truth of the matter is that I am scared.

I am scared for the kids in the LGBTQIA+ community who will be growing up seeing their rights and human decency being taken away from them because of their orientations other than straight.

I am scared for the women who live in fear of rape and assault, who can’t get abortions anymore because the martyrs now have a say over their uteruses.

I am scared for those who can no longer practice their religion in peace because turbans equal terrorist, they’re holding a book not a bomb.

I am scared for the POC with tear stained cheeks with their hands up, holding a white flag.

I am scared that children will grow up believing in the bigoted thoughts that the martyrs bring.

Make America great again?

When was it great?

It was built on the bones and blood of the;

Slaves that you stole and tortured,

The Native Americans whose land you conquered and slayed,

The immigrants who are called rapists just for searching a better country to raise their families.

I’m crossing my fingers that the martyrs won’t start burning witches again,

That they won’t bring back the original meaning of ‘fag’.

The pain is exhausting but I can’t become numb because;

Remember the Pulse Nightclub?

It’s transgender killings and Leelah Alcorn writing down the torture that they caused her.

It’s purposefully using the wrong pronouns,

And another father being taken away because Mexicans are now separated by a soon to be wall that the martyrs expect to be built on pesos.

Why is it that the minorities are the punchline to every joke?

You tell me I’m too white to be offended and to learn how to take a joke.

Watching Selma and Get Out, and I’m crying

This is Ferguson.

Make America great again?

Make the KKK a terrorist group.

Say their names, because I am tired of another black man

Under a cop

“I can’t breathe” eleven times

One one

One too many

The tally should be zero

But instead its eleven times that no one cares.

Does the hoodie of a teenage boy make the perfect bodybag?

I’m prepared to be burn at the stake because a strong woman to them is a witch,

You may have poured the gasoline,

But I am the one who will strike the match.