A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
This morning was warm, inviting me to resume a beloved ritual of basking in the light of the rising sun while practicing the S.A.V.E.R.S. routine. Providentially, I grabbed The Mindful Catholic for the reading portion of the routine as I suspected it would inspire me to get back on track with my early morning New Year's resolutions. This book found me at my friend's house recently when my eyes were directly drawn to the title, amid so many other eye-catching titles on the crowded shelves. Seeing me looking it over, my friend (the author Ashlee Cowles) said, "I've been saving that book for you! A few years ago I sent you a photo of it with a note that I had set it aside for you." It, along with several other copies, had arrived at Ashlee's doorstep unexpectedly as review copies, and she knew it was just my cup of tea. If Bishop Caggiano's quote on the cover is any indication, it's a perfect fit for the SAVERS routine: "The Mindful Catholic provides sound technique to help one grow in personal awareness and self-discipline." Habits like this morning routine and Calendar Class are just two of many potential aids for life-long learners who want to swim out beyond the mucky, shallow waters of life into the deep beyond. "Narrow is the mansion of my soul," writes St. Augustine, "Enlarge it."
Liturgical: Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB
"Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD— but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake— but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire— but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
Sanctoral: The Roman Martyrology commemorates the Old Testament Prophet, Elisha, the successor of Elijah. His feast day is observed by the Carmelites who claim descent from Elijah and Elisha who lived on Mount Carmel. He is also called Eliseus.
Human: Flag Day (U.S.A.)-- What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, in the midst of the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols and slogans—rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles; “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few. The first flag had 13 stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes for the 13 original colonies. Now there are 50 stars, one for each state in the Union, but the 13 stripes remain. Although many people believe that Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first flag, there is no proof of that. Flag Day was first celebrated in 1877, on the flag’s 100th birthday.
Natural: US Atomic Energy Commission announced the discovery of the neutrino, an atomic particle with no electrical charge– 1956. There's a link to Italy here! It's interesting, trust me. And there are some pretty important practical applications as well. Finally, here's a fun way to understand neutrino oscillations and why they defy our human logic. If you are intrigued by this, here's another intro video on why we should be studying this at all.
Italian Word of the Day: Pelo (hair / fur)
Quote: "You can't focus on God if you can't focus."
-Peter Kreeft, from his introduction to The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Gregory Bottaro
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