Goofball Edition
Volume XXV, Number 19 – November 18, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
This hard-working young man is Anthony Mencini and he is responsible for the Ocean-Bubble Metaphor near the end. I've got only fast-hitters today and I'm in a goofy mood, so, hey, ho, let's go...
Several days ago I began a strict 40-Day Fast which will end at midnight on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Under spiritual direction, I'm offering it for America and your intentions. You're welcome to join me in whatever way you like: fasting one day a week, Rosaries, novenas, offering the Daily Prayers to Save America, or giving up a big "little thing" (I gave up my beloved Snooze button!).
Count on ItIn my last message, I invited you to tell me your stories. You inspired me to undertake the 40 Day Fast. I shall reply to all of you, no matter how long it takes.
Fat Stacks of JoyOur annual Christmas appeal "to keep our doors open" is coming next month. If you're new, you should know that I only ask once a year, and it's always optional.
But we're about much more than mere survival: we're about reaching more souls than ever in 2022! Our theme this Christmas will be the unique joy we receive personally when God transforms your generosity into treasure in heaven. (If you want to make your annual contribution early, just click a link.)
Literally 5 SecondsBecause we've been around since the Dawn of the WeberNet, millions of non-practicing Catholics find our free materials through our excellent search engine placement. However, our brand-new Brown Scapular page needs a boost. If you want to help more people find us, please take (literally) 5 seconds to click the link below, take a peak, and then come right back. See you soon!
I Use One. I've Heard 'bout the OtherTo prevent the Big Tech Overlords from snooping on me, I've been using ExpressVPN for a while now, and it works great. I've also heard from friends that Covenant Eyes is an effective way to help overcome pornography addiction. (BTW--I've never taken a dime to recommend stuff.)
Unbelievable EndingYou may not be aware of our bestselling book by Marianne Collins, Woman. Her conversion story never fails to deeply affect men and women alike. It has perhaps the most extraordinary ending of any book I have ever read. (It's only $1 for evangelizin'):
Did you ever notice the word angel is embedded in the word evangelization?
A Singularly Unique Day in All of Human HistoryThis December 8th is also the last official day of the Year of Saint Joseph. If you haven't done so, please submit your personal intentions for the special Latin Mass we've arranged at the stunning Saint John Cantius in Chicago. I am personally bringing your intentions there on an encrypted flash drive. It's completely free, secure, and anonymous, so scroll down to the super-easy form on this page:
Ever since I began that 40-day fast, I've been working long hours with my son Xavier on a secret project, and I promise, you'll hear about it first, so please make sure to at least skim my next email.
"Marty!!!"We're going back to the future! Actually, we're not, because time travel is impossible (as much as I love that movie). For my new and longtime readers alike, here is one of my best email messages since this insane year began, from way back in March, with unusual insights into Saint Joseph plus a few really cool Saint Patrick quotes:
Just One Quote
"Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses."
- Saint John Vianney
Anthony Mencini, who is running our new Catholic Young Adult Network initiative, came up with this insight. He says we can imagine ourselves as mystically connected air bubbles floating in the ocean of God's Being. The more you and I pray and act in faith, the more water permeates through the membrane to fill our bubbles--and the more grace flows into everyone else's bubbles anywhere in the ocean. Holiness is when our bubbles are entirely full of water and become 'one' with the ocean of God.
I find Anthony's metaphor compelling because it deftly portrays a paradox: we do not lose our individuality when our soul is "filled" by God, while at the same time, the "ocean" conveys that we are all connected in the Mystical Body and our prayers and actions "fill" others. It also implies the danger of rejecting God (keeping Him out of your bubble). A bubble with too much air will rise to the surface, and in the end "pop" into permanent separation from God.
(The Colebrook Society is going gangbusters, by the way, and if God sends us the money to hire another Anthony, we can expand into five more cities next year!)
We Must Remember This...
Remember not to forget.
Forget What, Exactly?
I just can't remember.
Take a breath, my friend, and recollect yourself to raise your mind to God. Remember to read peacefully the meaning of every word in this prayer. Now, please join tens of thousands in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit...
Almighty Father, we offer our prayers
in the Holy Name of your Eucharistic Son, Jesus,
in atonement for the sins of the United States,
especially for the sin of abortion
and all sins of the flesh.
We humbly request that You fortify the
fearsome Guardian Angel of the United States,
along with your mighty Archangel Michael
and every angel assigned to their legions,
to save America in her time of distress.
May they teach us how to combat evil.
Eternal Father, deliver us as you delivered
your people by the parting of the Red Sea!
Eternal Father, just as your servant David
defeated Goliath with one smooth stone,
by the sweep of your mighty hand,
cast into the abyss forever
all those diabolical powers and principalities
which seek to dominate and degrade
our children, our neighbors, and our communities.
Direct us as you directed David's stone in battle.
Eternal Father, we beg You to remember always
the sacrifice of our holy martyrs of North America,
whose blood forever anointed
our very soil for Your divine purposes.
Eternal Father, honor the faith of our fathers and mothers
who have gone before us into your heavenly embrace,
and who intercede for victory on our behalf.
Eternal Father, honor the covenant
made by our bishops, who,
inspired by your prophetic grace,
solemnly consecrated our nation
to the Immaculate Virgin Mary
in every century since our founding.
By the infinite merits of the Blood of Christ,
offered everywhere and every day
in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout our states and territories,
keep the Mantle of Mary pinned
at every border to fully cover America,
a nation you, O God, brought forth
into salvation history through your divine will,
merciful grace, and providential protection.
O Almighty and Eternal Father, in union
with all of our Christian brothers and sisters
who offer fasts and prayers
for deliverance of America from evil,
we implore You to deeply immerse
every soul in our beloved nation
within an overflowing ocean of your Holy Spirit,
the Divine Spouse of Immaculate Mary,
and to thus vanquish the serpent, his demons,
and those who serve the evil one within our midst,
while bringing forth, we pray,
the new Great Awakening
and Illumination of Consciences.
Amen.
And Amen. That's the Mantle of Mary Prayer, the capstone of the three Daily Prayers to Save America.
And this hard-working young man is the smart aleck who wrote this message—twenty-five years and forty-five pounds ago.
You guys are the best!
With Christ the King,
Bud Macfarlane
Founder
