Thanks to 357 Magnum we have exclusive photos and video footage of the White Wolf Mine, somewhere in Arizona:
If you use the new fangled lectionary, chances are you heard the Parable of the Talents this morning at Mass. Remember the story? A man goes on a long journey and entrusts three servants with his money, five Talents to one, two to another and one to the last.
When the man returns he makes an accounting, and the first two servants do well, they've increased the money entrusted to them, but the third hasn't. He hid his talent in the ground and returns it, only to get a ferocious response, "You wicked and slothful servant!"
The parable's often interpreted as a cautionary tale in favor of good stewardship; use the various things God's blessed us with wisely for the growth of his kingdom, at interest. So don't be shy, fill in that pledge card!
All well and good, if underwhelming, and the treatment of the last servant seems harsh. Why is he so wicked? It makes little sense until we consider the number of the treasure.
The five Talents represent the five books of the Law, the Pentateuch, which are described by two Talents, the commandments to love God and neighbor, "on which hang all the Law and the Prophets." This is embodied in the one Talent, in God, Jesus who is the fulfillment of Law and Prophecy.
No wonder, then, that the sum of the treasure amounts to eight, the number of eternity, new creation, and resurrection, Christ rose on Sunday, the eighth day. The treasure entrusted to his servants is ultimately nothing less than God himself, the indwelling presence of Christ.
Now we understand the wickedness of the final servant. Imagine, on the last day, when God returns and demands an accounting, a reckoning, "What did you do with the treasure I gave you, with myself?" The time for lies and excuses is over and we reply, "I hid it in the dirt, I buried you." At that point Dies Irae, and outer darkness awaits.
Pray for mercy and the increase of the grace which has been given us, nothing less than the indwelling presence of Christ. So that, at the end, when the Man comes around, he will welcome us into the joy of his kingdom.
Here endeth the Lesson,
LSP
There's also the amazingly awesome, incredible, faked up rubbish rip off worth every penny SILOS. You can buy a beautiful made in China tin mug at the Silos for around 10 bucks, which is value because the mug's got Magnolia written on it. Owning the beautiful mug not only makes Chip and Joanna even richer, but adds you to their marketing team, for free! Except that it's not free, you've paid $10 for the privilege.
Silos aside, the Zoom convention went well enough and it was fun to see some of the Deep South clergy and laity; a faithful crew. As I was pondering this blessing, and working up sermon notes while a Nigerian bishop bellowed over the Zoom link, the PFC called in.
He's on a mission somewhere in Korea and having fun protecting the border against the commies. Well done, kid, a happy soldier's a happy father.
In related news, somewhere around a million people descended on DC to march for 45, freedom, and the integrity of our election in the face of a perceived, I'd argue actual, billionaire funded leftist coup. They didn't loot, burn or attack anyone. They were attacked by hate filled leftist revolutionaries.
Curious, isn't it, that all the violence is coming from the left. Shouldn't it be the other way around, given that Trump's literally Hitler and his supporters Nazis? But that's not the case. Patriot doesn't = National Socialist. Does Democrat = Bolshevik? Not necessarily, but the Donkey's strangely silent in the face of the violence and hatred it's encouraged for at least four years.
LSP
Next day? Not so much, as construction crews ripped up the neighborhood like a sledgehammer and industrial scale leafblowing tore through the tranquility of the morning.
Well, whoever said life'd be easy? I remember no such promise and we repaired to Bishop Arts for a grilled cheese sandwich. It was full of people ignoring the "6' distance!" signs on the pavement and having fun in the springlike weather.
You wouldn't have known, for a second, that our Republic was hanging by a thread under the threat of massive, industrial scale vote rigging and that our democracy was an ephemeral scam, a smokescreen hiding a transnational kleptocracy.
No, everyone was happy and rightly so. The Climate, our Old Enemy, smiled upon us. Maybe she'd been paid off in some weird carbon credit, pay-to-play version of Danegeld. Whatever, all was good.
I think this is excellent. Via Borepatch:
The citizens of the United States have a different relationship with the Military than many countries do. The Military is seen as being part of the citizenry (and actually vice versa, as a reading of the Second Amendment will show). In many countries the military is seen as separate and distinct from the populace.
This isn't unique - the same dynamic has long been in play certainly in the Anglosphere, and other nations as well (c.f. Switzerland). This has resulted in the Military being seen as high status, and commanding broad respect through society.
It's the soldier, not the reporter who has given us
Freedom of the Press.
It's the soldier, not the poet, who has given us
Freedom of Speech.
It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the
Freedom to Demonstrate.
It's the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the
Right to a Fair Trial.
It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and
whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag.
- Father Dennis O'Brien, USMCAnd so in the United States, today is the celebration of Veteran's Day. The rest of the Anglosphere (and other places) hold today as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, recalling the Millions slaughtered in the Great War which ended 95 years ago today. America does not need a Remembrance Day, as we have our own Memorial Day holiday (an outgrowth of the American War of Southern Independence a half century earlier than the War To End All Wars).
As a result, there's less sadness here. On these shores, today is a day for the living, not for the dead. We see signs at small restaurants saying "Veterans Eat Free", which would be difficult for those asleep in Flanders' Fields.
But even here it's worth a moment's reflection on the War where Europe committed suicide, when a whole generation was butchered and damned. And how they nearly took us with her, then and 20 years later. It's rarely the politicians who caused the problem who bleed.
Thanks to all who served, including Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Dick, nephew Daniel, The Queen Of The World's son, our Son-In-Law (currently deployed), and last but by no means least our very own ASM826. The citizens - of whom you were once part and to which you returned - are grateful indeed that this nation does not fear its own Armed Forces.
Grateful. Yes indeed,
LSP
Happy Birthday, USMC, respect to all those serving and veteran. Speaking of which, I got a call from a churchwoman who was worried about her son being deployed to an island near Japan. She felt bad about feeling so undone by the thing, "I guess I'm not a good Marine Mom! He's still my baby."
OK, it's not the Spartan approach, but more than understandable. I reassured her; thousands of Mothers are feeling exactly what you feel, you're not alone. But be strong, that helps your boy. Of course I spoke from experience, the Private's mom wasn't too pleased he'd emigrated to South Korea.
Without delving into psychology and the difference between the sexes, both women were and are proud of their sons. Good for them, they raised patriots who are serving their country. Again, respect, be strong. And I don't say that lightly.
While we're at it, it's also the anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Here's the tune:
Congrats to the USMC, the military, and the Mothers of our soldiers.
God bless you all,
LSP
Esper's fired, and we have to ask why this pathetic leftist bureaucrat was ever in charge of anything military. Well, now he's not. Dominoes fall?
Carry on,
LSP
