JUNE 21, 2026

“Here’s irony for you . . . The driver goes the shortest distance when you throw it.  The putter flies farthest, followed by the sand wedge.”

–Tommy Bolt, winner of the 1958 U.S. Open.

Eighteen (18) holes to go. After 3 rounds, Wyndham Clark still leads. I do not wish him to win. He behaved like an a$$ at last year’s Open at Oakmont, and I have not moved on.

Others are within striking range. Scottie Scheffler is 2nd. Sam Stevens surged, faded, and then just sat there. Theegala, Kim, and Schauffele are close. Rory McIlroy surged again, faded again, and is done. Stick a fork in him.

We shall see. When Sunday dawns, it will be Wyndham Clark’s tournament to lose. Let;s hope he does. And let’s hope also that no locker rooms must pay the price.

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Having completed the Octave of the Sacred Heart, we now enter the longest season of the Christian calendar, the Sundays after Trinity, in which we shift our focus away from the events of Our Lord’s life to the dogmatic teaching of the Church.

But first, a word or two about the traditional numbering of Sundays after Trinity might be in order. In much of the Church, these Sundays are numbered after Pentecost. However, in the English tradition, well before the 16th century reformation, these Sundays were numbered after Trinity Sunday. While each Sunday celebrates Our Lord’s Resurrection, each Sunday also celebrates the creation of light (thus the beginning of creation). The Resurrection of Our Lord, and our new creation in Him are the work of the Holy Ghost as well. So each Sunday reinforces the work of the Holy and undivided Trinity in creation as well as our salvation.

Historically, the Proper Preface (said after the Sursum corda and before the Sanctus and Benedictus) on these Sundays was that of the Trinity, and in the Office, the canticle Quicunque vult (The Athanasian Creed) was read, again reinforcing the importance of the Blessed Trinity in the life of the Church. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer continued the traditional English practice whereas more recent liturgical alterations numbered Sundays after Pentecost, emphasizing the work of the Holy Ghost. While this is not wrong, it does seem to place an undue influence on the Spirit, and may explain some of the more egregious doctrinal innovations of the past fifty years or so.

The Epistle for today is from the first general epistle of S. Peter, marking a shift from those of S. John read over the past several weeks. Those who recite the office of Compline will find a familiar passage: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith. These verses found in the service of Compline remind us that when we sleep, we open ourselves up to the spiritual world unrestrained. When we slip into unconsciousness, we let go of control over our thoughts. 

S. John Climacus in his “Ladder of Divine Ascent” discusses the various reasons we sleep (natural state, too much food, prolonged fasting, demonic temptation), as well as the things that might happen to us in a state of sleep (dreaming, experiencing angelic visions or demonic phantasies). The best way in which to prepare oneself for a restful night is to fall into sleep with prayer and meditation.

Our adversary endeavors to derail any spiritual progress we make during the day through unfettered access to our imagination at night. However, through the discipline of prayer and the invocation of our guardian angel we can be confident that as we fall asleep, we will be protected spiritually. Notice that S. Peter advocates that we resist our adversary “firm in our faith.” That is, we cannot simply wish Satan away. Only as we grow in a life of disciplined virtue can we have victory over his advances.

The goal of this Trinity season is to grow not only in our knowledge of the faith but in the life of virtue. By informing the will and participating in the grace of the sacraments, we will become more earnest and vigilant as we progress towards our true end, eternally transfixed upon the Beatific Vision and participating in the life of the Divine Nature.

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Today is Fathers’ Day, and I hope that all fathers are properly feted and appreciated.  Fathers are important, and unfortunately, our society increasingly  dismisses their importance, as the traditional family model of a father and a mother is judged to be not sufficiently “inclusive”.  What poppycock! 

Whether a daughter or a son, a father has much to impart to a child’s upbringing.  I know that in my own case, I am inspired and guided by my own Father’s example.  Though he left this Earth 17 years ago, there is not a day I do not think of him, wondering how he might address the issues I face.

Not all children have the luxury of having a father in their lives, or that the man in their lives is a good father.  But it is my hope that the day comes soon when our society returns to the basics, the belief and understanding that all children are best prepared for life by living in a loving home with their father and mother.  Children—all children—deserve no less.

GFK