Try this next Sunday evening

Setup for Monday morning Mass as much as possible right at 6:55 PM or as I'm divesting following the 6:00 PM Mass and getting ready to go to 7:15 PM dinner.  This may be good for Sunday's because of how late dinner typically goes.  Last night I didn't leave the sacristy having setup for this morning's Mass until about 9:15 PM following Compline.  Compline, you'll remember, should come after setup, by the way.

Texted my bro for this morning.  That was good.

"Burial of Saint Lucy" Caravaggio

More rigorous homily prep needs to be in order.  This will pacify my own post-homily thraldom.   When I think I did I good job, I'm high as a kite; when I think I messed it up, I'm down in the dumps. Why not remove the surprise-factor and anticipate by solid prep that it's going to be a good one, every time instead of a guessing game.  "Is this one gonna be good or a stinker?"  That's kid's stuff.  Do the work.  Prepare better.

Publish in the bulletin the  Divine Office schedule for Feb 2?  More later.

I can't get over this Caravaggio of Saint Lucy.  I'm not normally huge on Caravaggio.  Incredible talent, no doubt; but I'm not always on his same wavelength as his interpretations of biblical scenes.  I guess I think he can be a bit over-hyped as the "be all and end all;" at least that's how I've noticed him hyped.

But, this one with St. Lucy is different.  It's devastating. It's her burial. I remember Caravaggio as typically depicting tension and struggle. But that's not here.  This is a post-mortem. She's been martyred. She's being laid to rest.  The painting almost looks unfinished. I think because it's dark where they laid her.  That may be it.  Caravaggio is typically awesome with light.  But light here has been scattered by herd death.  But it hasn't because she's perfect now.  Those who are with her are faithful.  Their sad.  But they have faith.  It's a tough one.  Different from other Caravaggios.

Also, in case you're wondering if yesterday I wrote any thank you notes—even a single one—the answer is yes.

And lastly, if you're also wondering whether the time indicated below corresponds to the time I closed my laptop, got up out of my seat and left to open the Church (or hop in the shower—if it's a Saturday) the answer is yes.