General Pettygree Goes To Emmaus

 General Pettygree Goes to Emmaus

"Padre O'Hara, I am sincerely grateful for the beautiful and hopeful Easter Service over which you presided today. Would that everyone could have heard your remarks about the resurrection of Jesus, his love for all of us and that life does not end for us at death."

"Thank you General Pettygree. Yes, at death, we do not pass into oblivion or non-existence. As one proof of the validity of his messages, his teachings and promises have spread around the world for two millennia and continue doing so to this day. Only truth can last that long."

"Quite so."

"We could partly say, Sir, that the spreading of this good news began about sixty stadia (7 miles) from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. There on the day of the resurrection of Jesus, two of his disciples were discussing his trial and execution. They were stricken by his humiliating treatment, the apparent ending of his mission and the utter collapse of hope when a stranger joined them in the evening asking...."

"What are you discussing as you walk along?"

They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?"

And he replied to them, "What sort of things?"

They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him."

"But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive."

"Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see."

And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.

As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.

With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. 

Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" ... "The Lord has truly been raised.... and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread."

Amazing and wonderful! Believe that Jesus:

Loves you more than you can imagine or understand.

Wants you to know Him more. So...

Reduce distractions, screen time, avoidance and old negative beliefs to do so. Reexamine with an open mind. E.G. In the sciences of astronomy and paleontology, many former convincing beliefs have changed with new facts and thinking. 

Will whisper/inspire you via your new silence, study, Church attendance and through others.

No one needs to be perfect. No one is.

Will show you evidence if you ask. Ask, even if you don't believe or don't want to believe.

Say, Lord, I don't know if you exist, but I truly want to know if you do.  Please show me.

Will forgive anything if you repent. Anything.

Wants you in Heaven for eternity.

IT IS TIME

HE IS WAITING FOR YOU

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Scripture verses are from the 2026 edition of Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and proclaimers of the Word. Luke 24:13-35.

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2025 MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

Randall DeBruyn Adaptation

1

Adeste fideles, laeti triumphantes,

venite, venite, in Bethlehem

Natum videte, regem Angelorum.

Venite adoremus, venite adoremus,

venite adoremus, Dominum.

2

Sing choirs of Angels, sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest.

O come, let us adore Him, o come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

3

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,

Jesus, to thee be all glory giv'n;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

O come, let us adore Him, o come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

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Your Invitation to know or know Him better is now. 

A profoundly good idea. It is time.

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For further consideration, see:

https://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2025/09/gen-pettygrees-crash-landing-battle.html

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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2024

 

Baby Jesus!

The reason for the Christmas Season

and the rest of our lives. 

He quietly grew....

Into a carpenter to build a planetary way of life and....

Artwork: His Madonna: T. E. Rosenthal

A fisher of mankind for that way of life

on Earth and eventually in Heaven.

Get to know Him by asking Him about it.

He will be happy to connect with you right where you are regardless of your circumstances. Then, be open to promptings from your own thoughts, information and others. - Be available.

CLOSING REMARK

It is very important to create  daily quiet time  away from distractions and every electronic screen demanding our precious and unrecoverable time. The amount of visual noise we allow permits little, if anything, to get through to us. Did you know the average amount of daily screen time is approximately seven hours for adults and eight hours for minors? 

Also see:

https://www.catholicscomehome.org/

Merry Christmas  Everyone,

Bill P.

A Christian work in progress.

Merry Christmas 2023 and Always

 

This painting arrived as a Christmas card a few days ago. It is the most beautiful depiction of love and adoration of Jesus by heavenly angels and his Mother Mary I've seen. 

Linger here for a few minutes this season in contemplation please. What is important? What are your thoughts and feelings about it including your relationship and engagement now and in the future with Jesus?

You are invited to post your thoughts in Comments.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bill

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BOMBARDMENTS TODAY

Readers are most likely familiar with prodigious WWII naval bombardments and the destruction intended ashore. Numerous Pacific Theatre battles may come to mind as the Allies recovered lost islands and territories into August 1945.

However, D-Day's thunderous salvoes sent into Normandy on June 6, 1944 may come more easily to mind. I recently watched The Longest Day again thinking about terrible destruction, death, shock and deafness intended for coastal defenders. It consumed every fiber of their being. How could it not?

It got me to thinking about the minute by minute bombardment consuming us daily. What is it doing to us? Why do we allow it --- such as?

Overdoing texting, emailing, social media, screen time at and off of work, video games, addictions, pursuit of experiences, television, workaholic and/or newsaholic behaviors, too busy for interaction with family and friends, the disappearance of quiet time and more. How about allowing cell phones to disturb family chow time, sleep or precious unrecoverable time with our children/grandchildren? 

My Marketing Director, Michael,  tells a story about an ice skating practice. He sat in the stands watching his child skate. His cell phone was intentionally someplace else so he could be in the moment with his offspring. However,  a nearby mom was immersed constantly on a cell phone. Her daughter then had an issue with a skate. The mom did not hear multiple pleas for mom's help because screen time was more important. Michael soon got the mom's attention.

One more thing as Easter nears. The most important negative dynamic is....

There is insufficient silence for us to hear the voice of Jesus in many different ways. 

"And get to know me."

"Come and follow me."

It's Time To Go Home.

Every Blessing and Happy Easter Everyone!

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CLOSING REMARKS WHICH MAY APPLY FOR YOU

It’s Time To Come Home Whether You

·         Retired from the Catholic or your Faith tradition (Understandable)

·         Have remained home since Covid (You aren’t alone)

·         Want to learn about Catholicism (Founded 2,000 years ago in the year 33)

·         Hear an almost silent voice inviting you (Saying come)

·         Aren’t sure, distrustful, hurt, don't believe or too busy (Come anyway)

·         Think Catholicism is unbiblical (It is scripturally biblical)

Don’t think you are welcome (You Are Welcome!)  

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General Pettygree's Retreat To Corinth

A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLESTORY

Date: May 1941
Location: North of Athens, Greece
Situation: Race to Corinth

Solo Scenario Test: Imagineered From History

Reason: Preparing for a four-player game in March
Rules: Blitzkrieg Commander II (Home Version)
Miniatures: 15mm (Pettygree, etc. are 28mms)

We Use What We Have 

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TURN 1

"Well Pettygree? What's the story?

"Our situation General Frisby is to continue moving south, staying ahead of the pursuing Germans, pass through The Isthmus of Corinth into The Peloponnesus and arrive at its southern ports to evacuate Greece."

"Another Dunkirk then, if we aren't careful!"

"I don't think so, Sir. The Armoured Brigade followed by the infantry and artillery are well ahead of the Germans. In fact...."

"They are downslope from us halted on the road blocked by trees waiting for the lorries to close up."

"I see them. Well done. But what of Gerry?"

"According to recent reconnaissance by one of our Gloster Gladiators...."

"Their van leads with Mark III Panzers armed with short 50mms. The rest of their Motorized Battlegroup with infantry and artillery follows considerably behind."

Rules Note: The Motorized Battlegroup failed to activate for several turns though they had a high probability to do so.

"Look Sir, the Armoured Brigade is underway. The A 9s have pulled away from the slower A10s. They will probably beat the Germans to the Corinth road intersection."

"And the lorries Pettygree?"

"Hesitating, I'm afraid."

"Get them moving."

Explanation

Before Turn 1, the Germans won the throw to move first every turn. 

Their Van with Mark IIIs needed a 2D6 = 2-9 throw to activate and enter the table as shown. A next throw needed a 2-8 to continue activating. This failed. Thus, the entire German Battlegroup stalled on the entry road after the tanks moved 30cms. Reason: The panzers blocked the rest of the Battlegroup in a long traffic jam.

British Armour needed a 2D6 = 2-8 throw to activate, followed by a 2-7 to keep going and a 2-6 to activate for a third and final phase. One of our Home Rules allows British and Italians a one-time rethrow in the event of an activation failure per turn. 

Allied lorries moved only once during Turn 1 because their second attempt to activate on a 2-7 even with one rethrow stopped them with only a 20cm progress along the road. 

Normally activation throws are reduced (-1, -2, etc.) the farther units are away from their commanding officers. Not so when on a road.

TURNS 2-3

"Wo sind die Englander?" ("Where are the English?")

15mm Command Decision Mark III from Brigade Games

"Da Sie sind!" ("There they are!")

The lead Commonwealth AFV.

15mm Command Decision A-9 tank from Brigade Games

"Charlie, any Germans in sight?"

"No, Tom. We'll turn to the right here. The Corinth intersection is next." 

"So far so good, then?"

"Right you are mate."

Charlie and Tom use a convenient 30mm long red dowel to move.

Meanwhile, Allied lorries moving 20cm per phase are catching up.

Explanation

Germans: On Turn 2, the panzers failed to activate holding back the rest of their Battlegroup. They needed a 2D6 = 2-9 throw. Not hard to do, but.... On Turn 3 the panzers activated twice moving 30cms x 2 = 60cms down the road. However, the rest of the Battlegroup needing a 2D6 = 2-10 failed to activate and remained off table. Not very Blitzkriegish, eh? 

Commonwealth: AFVs and lorries moved down the road slowing with eventual activation failures. However, they made good progress. Charlie and Tom wish the A-10 tanks were right behind them but at 22cms per phase, they are lagging behind. 

TURNS 4-8

THE RACE TO THE CORINTH TURN

Charlie and Tom pull their A 9s off the Corinth Road positioning in the classic hull down tactic exposing only turrets to the enemy. They know the Germans are coming. 

Slower A 10s pass behind them. All turrets are turned to face the foe should he appear.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth lorries have caught up and...

Commonwealth tanks are ready to engage the panzers whilst protecting the retreating lorries. In the distance....

Panzers are heard beyond a nearby rise.

They soon leave the road taking up hull down positions to assess circumstances but....

Time has run out. They pull out to fire and stop the enemy retreat.

Their Motorized Battlegroup led by Panzerjager self-propelled guns are close behind.

FINALE

One Panzerjager self-propelled gun destroyed by enemy tank fire.

Panzer 50mm gunnery knocked out one A 10.

Then an A 9 was taken out. 

Soon another A 9 and A 10 would be knocked out.

As German motorized infantry now out of their trucks headed for the road. They took inconclusive fire from the A 9 behind the pines.

After four Commonwealth tanks were knocked out, two Mark IIIs penetrated into the lorrie column. Seven vehicles had already passed by. The ones shown would not.

FINAL REMARKS

1. Activations favored the Germans firing early. Typically a Commonwealth tank was knocked out with another being suppressed --- unable to fire in its turn.

2. This solo game was a test for a four-player game. As turns progressed, it became evident that at least two players would most likely only be driving vehicles while the other two would be racing for the Corinth Road and finally open fire at game end. Naturally things could have turned out differently but it is more important for me as a host to provide a game where all players get to move units and throw combat dice.

3. This scenario is a good solo or two-player game.

4. It was fun to get out my North Africa Commonwealth and German forces and transporting them to Greece. They have been boxed for far too long. Ditto for our house version of Blitzkrieg Commander II.

5. Don Featherstone once said something like this. The solo gamer can play at his own satisfying speed over a long period of time and even go back to rework things. This game started in early February and was completed in early March 2022. Don had it right.

6. Thank you for looking in. Comments welcome.

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The Pillbox Conclusion

 A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLESTORY

THE PILLBOX CONCLUSION

Date: Spring 1943 

Location: North Africa, Northeast Tunisia Near Bizerte
Situation: The Pillbox
Imagineered From History Using What We Have
Solo Tabletop Game Using Home Rules and 28mm Miniatures

Click on photos to enlarge them.

See previous chapters here:

https://northafricancampaigning.blogspot.com/2021/12/near-bizerte-tunisia-pillbox.html

CHAPTER 4 --- GERMAN SITUATION

"Was solte ich sage am radio?

"What shall I say on the radio?"

"Englander wagon kommen --- links" 

English vehicle coming --- left."

"Wir müssen es sehen."

"We must see it."

"Was werden wir tun Herr Major? 

"What will we do Major?"

"Natürlich, werden wir hier bleiben in (lächeln) diese grösse Festung!"

"Naturally we will remain here in (smiles/smirks) this great fortress!"

The Pillbox

"Ich sehe nichts. Nein. Sie sind da!"

"I see nothing. No. They are there!"

"Shoot!"

"Verdammen!"

"Damnation!"

CHAPTER 5 --- THE ALLIED ATTACK

Right Flank

"Tally Ho Havoc! We must draw enemy fire so our other chaps can attack the Pillbox more easily.  Maximum speed now!"

"That was close, Tim." 

"Havoc stop! That ruin will give us hull down cover from the pillbox."

"Jacko, I'm gobsmacked we got this far!"

"We'll wait a bit then hurry on joining our chaps at the next cover."

"If you sez so, Jack."

"Where the deuce is Havoc?"

"This ain't much cover Jack."

"Press on Tim. More speed or I'll know why."

"Sergeant Buckmaster! Huzza! Havoc's here"

"Put a sock in it Latham!"

"It's Borg Sergeant. Latham an' Grimm are dead."

"Right, maintain firing on the pillbox. Keep their heads down and confused. Havoc lay fire into that Jerry gun position." 

Left Flank --- Colonel Brand's Mobile Force

"Alright men. 30 and 50 caliber fire into the pillbox. Bring the machine gun forward. If our fire, plus Buckmaster with Havoc and the 75mm in the halftrack back at the village doesn't knock out that pillbox...."

"Look Sir!"

"Nobody could survive that contained explosion."

CHAPTER 6 --- PARLEZ

"Das Ende, Herr Major?"

"The end, Major?"

"Ja. Alles zu Ende kommen."

"Yes. Everything comes to an end."

"Nicht schiessen!"

"No shooting!"

"Halt. Nicht schiessen!"

"Stop. No shooting."

"My name is Colonel Brand. Your back is to the sea mere hundreds of yards from here. The rest of the Fifth Panzer Army surrendered several days ago. Your situation is hopeless. To prevent further and useless effusion of blood Sir, I demand your immediate surrender."

"I am Major Trachtenberg. You have us at a disadvantage Colonel. My terms are...."

"No terms Major other than captivity and care for your wounded."

"Ja. I accept. For us the war is over."

"Very well Major Trachtenberg. Form your vehicles at the edge of the village, assemble your men and we'll lead you to the closest prisoner of war camp."

"Well lads, we'll be lead'n the Germans to the POW camp. Ain't that sumth'n?"

"Chuffed we are Jacko!

"Well done lads. I'm proud of you."

"My dear readers, this brings my Battlestory, The Pillbox, to a close."

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CLOSING REMARKS

Hopefully General Pettygree engaged your imaginations with interesting miniatures, situations, dialogue and personalities.

The Germans were very low on ammunition and morale sank after the pillbox was destroyed. They diced for a reaction resulting in Evade. However, there was no place to evade. The beach was only a few hundred yards away.

Thank you for looking in. The General would appreciate your remarks below. Meanwhile, we are signing off until next time, God willing.

Respectfully yours,

Bill P.,  Chronicler for The Adventures of General Pettygree

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