Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many good ways in which You are touching our hearts during this holy season of Lent.

Msgr. Pope on the Great Reversal

"One of the strong traditions of Scripture is of the great reversal that will one day come for many. I have been sobered by it when I consider how blessed I have been in this life; I have been consoled by it when I struggle to understand why some people seem to suffer so much more than I or others do.

"Life seems a very uneven proposition if we only look at our side of the equation. Only God sees the whole picture. To some extent, though, He has revealed that those who suffer much in this life will be rewarded in the life to come; there will be a great reversal.

"The theme of the great reversal is most fully developed in the New Testament where the understanding of the life to come is also most developed. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the reality of the Great Reversal and on the importance of storing up treasure in Heaven.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Many Who Are Last Shall Be First: A Meditation on the Great Reversal Declared in Scripture (25 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"In Jesus I have met the one who is able to bring out the best in me." - Pope Francis

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the creative vision You offer artists in the various genre.

Helping Families Find Wholeness and Holiness

Let me tell you about a remarkable woman named Cubby LaHood. She died of cancer a few weeks ago, at the young age of 59, near her home in suburban Washington, D.C. I read about her in the pages of the Catholic Standard in a story by Mark Zimmermann, the editor. She and her husband, Dan, opened their home to disabled youngsters three decades ago. They treated them like their own, and were loving stepparents to scores of them. Her funeral filled their parish church with mourners and warm tributes - and a few that were slightly irreverent.

Her given name was Annalise, but everyone called her Cubby, the nickname she had had since childhood. (It came from one of the Mickey Mouse Club's"“Mouseketeers" - remember? - and as childhood nicknames often do, stayed with her forever.) Cubby LaHood was no saint, said her 22-year-old daughter, Mary Frances, one of the eulogists at the funeral; she smoked and drank beer, Mary Frances said. But she sure knew how to treat disabled children.

That began after the birth of Joe (now 31), one of their own children, when they made their own home available to the handicapped. The commitment only deepened a couple of years later when another son, Francis, was born disabled himself and subsequently died, just a few minutes old.

Cubby had the help and support of Dan all the way. "She always said 'yes,'" was the way he put it. Soon they were calling their ministry St. Joseph's House, and were taking on all comers: those in wheelchairs, some who couldn't express themselves, some who needed help with their food. "Saying yes meant offering respite care so families could get a rest," Zimmermann wrote in his story. "Saying yes sometimes meant holding and loving a screaming child through the night."

Margaret Kolm, ministry coordinator in the Washington Archdiocese's Department of Special Needs, put her tribute in writing. Cubby LaHood, she said, "helped many families find the way back to wholeness, and sometimes even holiness, through her conviction that with love - God's love - all things are possible."

Cecilia Cooley, whose daughter Caitlin found a haven at St. Joseph's House before her death in 2001, hailed both Cubby and Dan for dealing with "wheelchairs, walkers, feeding tubes, seizures, medications, tantrums." There were "trips to the doctor's office and hospitals to visit the sick…This was all in a day's work." She noted: "St. Joseph's House was the lifeboat, the community that gave us hope, taught us that each life is indeed a gift and that we could weather any storm."

Cubby LaHood, she said, "helped turn my tragedy into a celebration of life."

Along the way Cubby taught lessons to all the residents of St. Joseph's House, and helped them in their preparation for the sacraments. She had certainly gotten the Christopher message, especially the belief that "you are one of a kind, created by God with innate dignity and ability."

Just two days before the October funeral for Cubby LaHood, a teenage girl with Down syndrome named Gina Baldini, a regular at St. Joseph's House, bounded up to none other than Pope Francis himself, hugging him for all she was worth when she reached him.

You just knew that somewhere Cubby was smiling.

This essay is a this week's "Light One Candle" column, written by Jerry Costello, of The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.)

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of chocolate.

Jonathan Ryan on Time and Human Limits

"We are convinced that we could make our present better if we just had a time machine in which to go back and change our past. Whether it's that agonizing moment we stumbled over our words while talking to our high school crush or the nagging feeling we chose the wrong major in college, we all have moments that make us want to scream 'do over.'

"The question is, would everything really change for the better, or are we deluding ourselves?"

In a recent commentary, writer Jonathan Ryan reflected on the perspective of time vis-à-vis God's perspective.

To access Mr. Ryan's complete post, please visit:

U.S. Catholic: What if you could change the past? '11/22/63' and human limits

Reflection Starter from Psalm 27

"The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life's refuge;of whom should I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1

Congratulations Tamara and Out of Control Allstars!!!

Congratulations to granddaughter Tamara whose competitive cheerleading team, Out of Control Allstars from Seekonk, MA, recently participated in the "Battle at the Capital" Cheer & Dance Competition at National Harbor Maryland (in Harbor, MD).

The Youth group placed second out of eight teams, the Juniors placed first out of nine teams (National Champions) and the Seniors also placed first, out of eight teams (National Champions). (Tamara participates in each of these three groups.)

Well done, Tamara!!! Well done, Out of Control Allstars!!!

"Transfigure Us, O Lord"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Bob Hurd's "Transfigure Us, O Lord":

Second Sunday of Lent

Today the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Lent. The assigned readings are Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 9:28-36. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 27 (Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 27 The Lord is my Light my Salvation I shall not be afraid

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.

Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying.

While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him."

After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Second Sunday of Lent (February 21, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Second Sunday of Lent (February 21, 2016)

Community in Mission: The Cross is a Fruit-Bearing Tree - A Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent (20 FEB 16)

The Sacred Page: Beginning a New Exodus: 2nd Sunday of Lent (18 FEB 16)

Be as One: Waking up to see Christ - reflection on the transfiguration by Father Steven LaBaire (20 FEB 16)

Word on Fire: The Glorified Body (Cycle C * Lent * Week 2)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: The Glory in Sight: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Second Sunday of Lent (12 FEB 16)

The Dispatch: From Temptation to Transfiguration (21 FEB 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: An Offer You Can Refuse (Second Sunday of Lent C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Seeing Things (Second Sunday of Lent C)

The Word Embodied: Temptations (Second Sunday of Lent C)

Historical Cultural Context: Visions of Transfigurations (Second Sunday of Lent C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Cyril of Alexandria (Second Sunday of Lent C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Second Sunday of Lent (19 FEB 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for gentle breezes.

Msgr. Pope on the Human Tendency toward Illusion

"We live in largely skeptical times, steeped in a relativism, in which many scoff at the idea that we can know the truth or even that there is a truth to be known. Never mind that in so doing they are in fact making a truth claim of their own! But the ability to perceive one's own logical inconsistencies is not is not a common trait these days.

"Nevertheless, despite the tenor of our times, it does not follow that we should overcorrect by declaring certainty about everything, or even most things, we know. Illusion remains a pervasive human problem. And, as we shall see, illusion is more of a moral problem than an epistemological one. The problem of illusion does not mean there is no truth to be found or known; rather, it means that the human mind, and will wounded by sin have a tendency to entertain illusion."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on illusion, including our tendency "to draw a conclusion quickly, based only on limited evidence, so that we appear to know what we're talking about."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: But Men Have Shown They Prefer the Darkness: A Meditation on the Human Tendency toward Illusion (14 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"You have asked me for a word of hope: what I have to offer you has a name: Jesus Christ." - Pope Francis

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of mountains.

Bishop Tobin on the Worth of Catholic Schools

"The theme of this year's Catholic Schools Week identified our Catholic schools as 'Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,' words that describe very concisely the mission of Catholic education. And in truth, I'm sure that most people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, recognize the enormous contributions that Catholic schools have made and continue to make to our Church and community.

"And yet, the very title of this article suggests that Catholic schools may be at a tipping point; that they are facing formidable headwinds that threaten their progress, even their existence."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the importance of Catholic schools.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

Without A Doubt: Are Catholic Schools Worth Saving? (4 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Edmund Burke

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." – Edmund Burke

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of inspirational literature.

Lent: Spring Training for the Soul

Ever thought of Lent as spring training for the soul? The odds are against it, I know, and I admit I've never thought of it that way. More important here and now, however, is the fact that Father Joe Breighner not only thought about it, but wrote about it, too. And like most of the things he writes about, darned if it doesn't make sense. (I've written about Father Joe before; he's the columnist for the Catholic Review in Baltimore. He used to have a radio program called Ask Father Joe, and there he held forth freely on whatever came up.)

As it happens, Lent has a number of things in common with spring training, among them the amount of time it takes (give or take a few days). This year Lent goes for most of February and March, beginning on Feb. 10, and winding up on Holy Saturday, March 26.

But more to the point, there's something that gets to the heart of the matter: Lent and spring training are all about getting back to basics. In baseball, the basics are hitting, pitching and fielding. In Lent, they're prayer, fasting and giving to the poor. The person who ignores those fundamentals is like the baseball player who tries to limber up without paying attention to the basics of the sport: he's likely to get nowhere fast.

"Just because we know the way doesn't mean we go that way," Father Breighner writes. "We always come back to basics."

He offers insights into one of those "basics," praying. "Prayer is different for all of us," he says. "Some like to pray in silence, and others like noisy places. Some like to sit at the front of the tabernacle, and others visit the presence of God within themselves. One size does not fit all."

The same thing goes with fasting, and here Father Breighner offers a personal reflection. "I thought fasting was simply a matter of making myself miserable," he writes. But that turns out to be not the meaning at all.

"Fasting is not a matter of 'giving something up' as 'letting things go.'  We let go of our addictions to food, sex, anger, wanting and craving. We go into the desert of our own insides, and discover that when we let stuff go we are in the presence of God…Lent takes me back to basics, if I let it."

Finally there is almsgiving, giving to the poor. Of course, there's more to it than that. Give to the poor and worthy charities, by all means, but give of your time and energy as well.

"I'm convinced," Father Joe writes, "that the greatest gifts are not about how much we give, but how much of ourselves" is involved. That's all the difference, and it's a vital point.

Father Breighner reminds us of another important distinction. "It was easy to be a believer on Easter Sunday," he writes. "It wasn't as easy on Good Friday."  And he takes us from there:

"Much of life, I'm convinced, is lived on Good Friday. But if we take time to pray, if we take time to fast, and if we take time to give alms - giving of what we have and who we are - we will discover a moment of resurrection."

And that, in a sentence, is what Lent is all about. It's just a matter of getting back to basics. Spring training, that is - for the soul.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column, written by Jerry Costello, of The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.)

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Antonin Scalia

"God has been very good to us. One of the reasons God has been good to us is that we have done Him honor." - Justice Antonin Scalia

"Hail to the Chief"

As we continue of celebration of Washington's Birthday (celebrated in a number of states as Presidents' Day), I offer this version of the United States Marine Band presenting "Hail to the Chief":

Thank you for the suggestion, Myrna!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many good things You have done, whether we are aware of them or not, through each President of the United States.

Fr. Longenecker on Padre Pio and Our Lenten Observance

"With Padre Pio's relics visiting Rome for the Year of Mercy we're reminded of his amazing biography and how infused his whole life was with the miraculous. . . .

"The one thing which is most devastating for the Catholic faith is modernism. Modernism is like a watery soup full of various unappetizing and inedible  bits floating round in it, but the bottom line is that modernism is religion without the supernatural. It is a form of faux Christianity that has reduced Christ's sacrifice to martyrdom, his miracles to inspiring stories and his resurrection to a myth.

"If religion isn't supernatural then it's not really religion. As a plain speaking Australian once said about liberal Protestantism, 'That’s not a religion mate. That’s a set of table manners.'

"The same can be said about modernism in Catholicism.

"Chesterton said 'Every age is converted by the saint who is most unlike it.' Therefore one of the best saints to counter modernism is Padre Pio who was a thoroughgoing supernaturalist. Padre Pio's life was a constant witness to the reality of heaven and hell and the need to view this life as a pilgrimage to our heavenly home.

"Lent is the time to renew our awareness of the spiritual battle . . . .

In a recent commentary, Father Dwight Longenecker (parish priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Greenville, SC) reflected on several quotations from Padre Pio through which Padre Pio offered insights on a number of spiritua truths.

To access Fr. Longenecker’s complete post, please visit:

Standing on my Head: Ten Lessons from Padre Pio for Lent (9 FEB 16)

Background information:

Dwight Longenecker - Catholic priest and author

Reflection Starter from George Washington

"The ways of Providence being inscrutable, and the justice of it not to be scanned by the shallow eye of humanity, nor to be counteracted by the utmost efforts of human power or wisdom, resignation, and as far as the strength of our reason and religion can carry us, a cheerful acquiescence to the Divine Will, is what we are to aim." - George Washington (in a letter to Burwell Bassett, Sr., 25 April 1773)

Linda Ronstadt: "My Funny Valentine"

As we continue our celebration of Valentine's Day, I offer this version of Linda Ronstadt singing "My Funny Valentine" (from the 1937 Rodgers and Hart musical Babes in Arms):

Thank you, Myrna, for the suggestion, and Happy Valentine's Day!

First Sunday of Lent

Today the Church celebrates the First Sunday of Lent. The assigned readings are Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Romans 10:8-13, and Luke 4:1-13. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 91 (Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 91 Be with me Lord when I am in trouble

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry.

The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."

Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live on bread alone.'"

Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, "I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me."

Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written: 'You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.'"

Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' and: 'With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus said to him in reply, "It also says, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'"

When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: First Sunday of Lent (February 14, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: First Sunday of Lent (February 14, 2016)

Community in Mission: But at Your Command I Will Lower the Nets – A Homily for the 5th Sunday of the Year (13 FEB 16)

Aleteia: Deacon Greg Kandra: What We Give Up: Homily for February 14, 2016, 1st Sunday of Lent (13 FEB 16)

The Sacred Page: Lent as Spiritual Warfare: 1st Sunday of Lent (11 FEB 16)

Be as One: Learning from temptation - Gospel reflection by Father Steven LaBaire (13 FEB 16)

Word on Fire: Three Questions from the Desert (Cycle C * Lent * Week 1)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Forty Days: Scott Hahn Reflects on the First Sunday in Lent (8 FEB 16)

The Dispatch: Temptation in the Desert and the Divinity of Christ (14 FEB 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: You Are My Beloved (First Sunday of Lent C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: The Testing of Jesus (and Israel and Us) (First Sunday of Lent C)

The Word Embodied: Temptations (First Sunday of Lent C)

Historical Cultural Context: The Devil Made Me Do It! (First Sunday of Lent C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by John Chrysostom (First Sunday of Lent C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: First Sunday of Lent (13 FEB 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many graces You give us during these times of spiritual battle.

Msgr. Pope on Spiritual Warfare

"As we begin Lent, we do well to recall that we are engaged in a great and dramatic battle for our souls. The opening prayer for Ash Wednesday Mass makes use of the image of a military 'campaign' and mentions weapons and battle: Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. The First Sunday of Lent lays out the tactics of the devil in terms of temptation, and relates how we must be prepared to refute and resist such things.

"Every ancient prayer manual and guide to spirituality until about fifty years ago had at least one large section devoted to what was known as Pugna Spiritualis (spiritual battle or spiritual warfare). In more recent decades, many spiritual books have either downplayed or completely deleted references to spiritual battle or spiritual warfare.

"Many modern approaches to faith, religion, and spirituality prefer to emphasize consoling themes rooted in self-esteem and affirmation. To be sure, the authentic faith can and does offer great consolation, but the truest and deepest consolation often comes after one has persevered along the sometimes-difficult path, along the 'narrow way' of the cross. But too many today, in the name of affirmation and pseudo-self-esteem, are all too ready to excuse or even support grave moral disorders rather than fight them.

"It is true that the Holy Father would have us focus on mercy this year. And so we should. But, paradoxically, mercy is a tactic of battle. Satan would 'love' nothing more than for us to hold grudges and intensify our divisions through prideful resistance. He would prefer that we despair of God's mercy or despair that it is even possible for us to live apart from sinful habits. Thus mercy is a tool of tactical genius; it breaks the cycle of negativity and sin and robs Satan of victories and of souls, snatching them back from the downward spiral of anger and despair."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the reality of spiritual warfare facing the Church and her people during these times.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: An Early Lenten Meditation on Spiritual Warfare (10 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Every Christian community should be an oasis of charity and warmth in the midst of a desert of solitude and indifference." - Pope Francis

Team s from Vermont and Maine Place in Snow Sculpting Competitions

Snow sculpting teams from Vermont and Maine did well in recent snow sculpting competitions.

Team Vermont achieved first place at the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado, and Team Maine achieved fifth place at the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Media reports:

KCNC-TV: USA Wins Gold At International Snow Sculpture Championships In Breckenridge (1 FEB 16)

Burlington Free Press: Vermont team wins international snow-sculpture event in Colorado (2 FEB 16)

Bangor Daily News: 'Crying Wolf' pays off for Maine snow sculpture team at nationals (12 FEB 16)

Background information:

Breckenridge Resort Chamber: Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships

U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition

Facebook: United States National Snow Sculpting

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings/opportunities You are offering us as we participate in the holy season of Lent.

Mark Shea on God's Gift of Lent

"Many of my Protestant friends are uncomfortable with Lent. 'It's all about mortification and self-discipline when we know that the Risen Jesus is joyful and alive!' they say. 'We don't need to mortify ourselves to please God. That's why Jesus died for us, so we don't have be 'good enough'. Moreover, Catholics call it a 'holy season' and Paul says in Colossians 2:16-17 that we shouldn't observe any day as special. So hasn't the Church disobeyed the Bible by doing the Lenten thing?'

"Before we talk about Lent as a supposed way of 'being good enough' for God, let's begin with this last objection first: that the Lenten season is somehow unbiblical. Now with all due respect, this seems to me to miss the whole point, not only of Paul's warning in Colossians, but of being a human being. For consider how we behave in all the areas of life we don't stick in the religion bin for special treatment.

"We observe birthdays and anniversaries, for instance. Are we denying God's word in doing so? Or are we simply doing what all humans do when they have occasion to celebrate or honor something? Likewise, we observe anniversaries, National Save-the-Endangered-Squid Week, Mother's Day and moments of silence for victims of the Challenger disaster. Why? Because a basic human way of honoring and loving something is to set aside a span of time in reserve for it. It's why we have story times for our kids and romantic times with our spouses and quiet times with God. It wouldn't be the same without such a time of focused attention.

"Now Lent is a 40 day quiet time in which we are called to do nothing more or other than focus on the sufferings of Jesus in same way. Just as birthdays cause us to zero in on the happy occasion of birth and the remembrance of November 22, 1963 gives us pause to contemplate the life and death of President Kennedy, so Lent calls us to attend carefully to the Christ Who denies himself for our sakes, goes into the wilderness and confronts evil in preparation for his great saving work. . . ."

In a recent commentary, writer Mark Shea reflects on how Lent is a good time for reflection on the saving work of Jesus and on how we can better follow Him.

To access Mark's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Mark Shea: God's Gift of Lent (10 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Abraham Lincoln

"Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." – Abraham Lincoln

World Day of the Sick

Today, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church observes the 24th World Day of the Sick. The theme for this year is "Entrusting Oneself to the Merciful Jesus like Mary: 'Do whatever he tells you'" (John 2:5). World Day of the Sick is a time, in the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, to "to reflect upon the mystery of suffering and above all to make our communities and civil society more sensitive to our sick brothers and sisters."

To access Pope Francis’ message for this year's observance of World Day of the Sick, please visit:

Message of Pope Francis for the 24th World Day of the Sick 2016

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of light as it reflects off Your creation as the sun rises.

Br. Timothy Danaher, O.P., on Silence During Lent

"Imagine that the ghost of Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher, appeared to you in a dream. So you ask him, 'Sir, what do you suggest I do for Lent this year? I'm already late in choosing.' Before vanishing, he might reply solemnly with his famous words:

'If I were a physician, and if I were allowed to prescribe just one remedy for all the ills of the modern world, I would prescribe silence. For even if the Word of God were proclaimed in the modern world, how could one hear it with so much noise? Therefore, create silence.'

"How much silence do you have in your life? That question is directly connected to the impatience, anxiety, and distraction we feel on a daily basis.

"Silence is an age-old secret - not even exclusively Christian - with enormous benefits."

In a recent commentary, Brother Timothy Danaher, O.P., reflected on the value of silence as a spiritual practice during the holy season of Lent.

To access Br. Timothy's complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: A Silent Lent (11 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Thomas Edison

“Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.” – Thomas A. Edison

On Celebrities Who Are Catholic

"The Lenten season is upon us, as the world's Catholics are observing Ash Wednesday and giving up one or two (or three...) vices for the proceeding 40 days. . . .

"Among them are celebrities who you might not have known grew up in -- and, for some, even still practice -- the faith."

As the Church observes Ash Wednesday, the Stamford, CT, Advocate is offering a photo article (in the "Entertainment" section) highlighting a number of actors, politicians, musicians, sports figures and other celebrities who are or have been Roman Catholic.

To access the complete article, please visit:

Stamford Advocate: Celebrities who you might not have known are Catholic (10 FEB 16)

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the holy season of Lent. The assigned readings are Joel 2:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 51 (Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-14, 17).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Reflections on today's observance:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Ash Wednesday (February 10, 2016)

Community in Mission: How Real Are Your Ashes? Five Meanings of the Ashes We Receive Today (9 FEB 16)

Deacon Greg Kandra: "Fixer Upper": Homily for February 10, 2016, Ash Wednesday (9 FEB 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many opportunities to encounter You as we live each day.

Bishop Tobin on Listening to God

"'If we knew how to listen to God, we would hear him speaking to us. For God does speak. He speaks in his Gospels. He also speaks through life - that new gospel to which we ourselves add a page each day.'

"When I was in the minor seminary in the 1960s, my spiritual director gave me a neat little book called 'Prayers,' written by French priest and theologian Michel Quoist. The quote listed above is taken from this well-known book which I've had on my bookshelf for well over fifty years now."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the importance of trying to find God in the people and events we encounter each day.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

Without A Doubt: If We Knew How to Listen to God (21 JAN 16)

Reflection Starter from Thomas à Kempis

"Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God." - Thomas à Kempis

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for February

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for February are:

Universal Intention (Care for Creation): “That we may take good care of creation - a gift freely given - cultivating and protecting it for future generations.”

Evangelization Intention (Asia): “That opportunities may increase for dialogue and encounter between the Christian faith and the peoples of Asia.”

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the graces You have planned for us in the upcoming holy season of Lent.

Randy Hain on Fighting Our Indifference

"One only has to watch the news or follow the events of the day online to feel completely overwhelmed. Some of the challenges facing the world include ever-increasing threats to our Catholic faith. The Church is being accosted on all sides and the culture wars are raging. Christians are being persecuted and even murdered around the world, especially in the Middle East. We are locked in an ongoing series of ongoing battles over abortion, euthanasia, marriage and immigration. The Church has battled the evil of satanic 'black masses' in Boston and Oklahoma City the last few years and there is a satanic monument recently erected in Detroit. There is a crisis in vocations to the priesthood and in some areas of our country, parishes are nearly empty. These are real issues which demand a response."

In a recent commentary, writer Randy Hain, Senior Editor for The Integrated Catholic Life, reflected on we can respond when facing challenges that seem overwhelming.

To access Mr. Hain's complete post, please visit:

Integrated Catholic Life: Fighting Our Own Indifference (4 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the example You gave us during your public life.

Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, on Dealing with Difficult People

"How should we deal with difficult people?

"Some people in our lives may be difficult simply because they challenge us. Or they may be difficult because they are different. Or they may be difficult because we live with them (and close proximity amplifies foibles). Or they may be difficult because we are difficult and something about us just rubs them the wrong way.

"Or they may just be difficult.

"Regardless, by growing in holiness we can learn to accept the inconvenient, the incongruent and the bothersome (people and events) in our life not just as necessary nuisances but as gifts."

In a recent commentary, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, F.S.P., reflected on how we can follow the example of Jesus in dealing with difficult people in our lives.

To access her complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: 5 Ways Jesus Dealt With Difficult People (2 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from St. Josephine Bakhita

"Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!" - Saint Josephine Bakhita, whose memory the Church celebrates today (8 February)

"Praise To The Lord The Almighty"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of the London Philharmonic Choir presenting "Praise To The Lord, The Almighty":

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; and Luke 5:1-11. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 138 (Psalm 138:1-5, 7-8).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 138 In the sight of the angels I will sing Your praises Lord

The Gospel reading is as follows:

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."

Simon said in reply,"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets."

When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,who were partners of Simon.

Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men."

When they brought their boats to the shore,they left everything and followed him.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (February 7, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (February 7, 2016)

Community in Mission: But at Your Command I Will Lower the Nets - A Homily for the 5th Sunday of the Year (6 FEB 16)

The Sacred Page:Awe and Apostolate: The Readings for the 5th Sunday in OT (2 FEB 16)

Be as One: Getting beyond "I'm not good enough" - this week’s Gospel reflection by Father Steven LaBaire (6 FEB 16)

Word on Fire: Duc In Altum! (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 5)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Into the Deep: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (1 FEB 16)

The Dispatch: We are called to be fishers of men (7 FEB 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: Am I Worthy? (5th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Getting Sent? (5th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Embodied: Open to Transcendence (5th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: The "Call" of Disciples (5th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Augustine of Hippo (5th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the special blessings You bestow on each parish community.

Msgr. Pope on Parishes in Changing Communities

"For my first assignment as a priest I was sent to a large parish located in a suburb just inside the Washington Beltway. At the time it was flourishing, with four well-attended masses each Sunday. The people there loved their parish and spoke with devotion of the former pastor who, though he had died a dozen years before, loomed large in the memories of both Church and neighborhood. He was from that generation of pastors who had an almost kingly status. He stood 6'4" and his physical stature was matched by his personality. He was so strong a leader and had such a booming voice that people swore you could hear him from outside the Church when he preached. Parishioners loved or feared him; city/county officials respected him and knew that little would be politically feasible without his support.

"When I arrived, the congregation consisted mostly of older families headed by World War II veterans, many of them retired. They had worked at blue-collar and white-collar jobs, government jobs and industrial jobs at the nearby Navy Yard. They were proud and remembered the sacrifices it had taken to build the parish 'after the War.' Indeed, the parish was one of those 'factories' we used to build. The grammar school, a three-story solid brick structure, had once been filled with 1500 children. The church seated over a thousand and in the halcyon days of late 1950s and early 1960s the rectory housed five priests; the convent was built for 25 religious sisters and was full. Right next door was the high school, staffed by another religious order. In all, the parish stretched two blocks along the main street of that town. Thousands moved through its facilities each day.

"But by the time I arrived in the late 1980s an era was ending. The demographics of the neighborhood had already begun to change in the early 1970s. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on why it is important for parishes to meet the challenges of changing demographics and on how they may do so.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: The Parish Church in a Changeable Community: Some Basic Requirements for Survival (1 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"God wants to live amidst his sons and daughters. Let us make space for him in our hearts." - Pope Francis

The Apollo Club: "It's De-Lovely"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Apollo Club and The George Maurer Group presenting "It's De-Lovely":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for inspirations to and oppotunities to praise You and thank You.

Dennis Emmons on Ember Days and Rogation Days

"If you are a Catholic under age 50, you might not be familiar with two long-practiced penitential periods known as Ember days and Rogation days. For centuries, these days were among the most solemn times of the Church year. Periods of intense penitential practices, they took on the flavor of Lent, including obligatory fasting, almsgiving and abstinence. For 15 centuries, Ember days have been part of the Church, and Rogation days can be traced back to pagan Rome."

In a recent commentary, writer Dennis Emmons reflected on the meaning of the Church's observvance of Ember Days and Rogation Days.

To access Mr. Emmons' complete essay, please visit:


OSV Newsweekly: Giving thanks for the fruits of the earth (3 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Fulton Sheen

"The real test of the Christian is not how much he loves his friends, but how much in loves his enemies." - Venerable Fulton J. Sheen (in That Tremendous Love)

Dean Martin: "Walking In A Winter Wonderland"

As we in New England continue our snow storm experience, I offer this version of Dean Martin singing "Walking In A Winter Wonderland":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which young Catholic are embracing their faith.

On the Coolness of Being Catholic

"When I was 17 years old I wanted to convert to Buddhism. Raised by a Catholic family and forced to attend religious education classes until I was almost 13, I’d had enough of what I perceived to be an overly-conservative institution that relied on 'Catholic guilt' and strict adherence to doctrine.

"So, I sought out a way to be spiritual; a way to be a good person without being handed a rule book on how to do it. Buddhism seemed like it fulfilled this need. However, a year later I found myself a college freshman on the campus of one of the largest Jesuit universities. A year after that, I was confirmed in the Catholic Church, marking a complete 180 from my momentary fling with Buddhism.

"Despite my own spiritual journey back to Catholicism - a journey which is similar to that of many other young adults, many media reporters are claiming Millennials, such as myself, are rejecting religion in droves. If anything, Millennials are aligning themselves with a new and perhaps more effective way of practicing their faith."

In a recent commentary, Shanna Johnson, a student at Loyola University Chicago, reflected on why being Catholic "is cool again" and on how this is reflected in the actions of Millennials.

To access Ms. Johnson's complete post, please visit:

U.S. Catholic: Blogs: Being Catholic is cool again (January 2016)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

"Just as little children learn to speak by listening to their mothers and lisping words after them, so also by keeping close to our Savior and meditating on and observing His words, actions and affections we learn by His grace to speak, act and will like Him." - Saint Francis de Sales

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 82 in C major ("The Bear")

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Joseph Haydn's "Symphony No. 82 in C major" (the Bear symphony) as played by the the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic (conducted by Jerzy Maksymiuk):

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for quality television programs of all genres.

Philip Kosloski on the Importance of Names

"What’s in a name? Do names really have power? Does it matter what I name my child? These are questions very few people ask in a culture of informality and where there is a quest to have the most unique (and popular) name possible. In the process, names have lost much of their beauty and power.

"This is unfortunate, because the ability to name sits at the very fabric of our existence. In fact, our duty to name is a command that was given to us at the very beginning of Creation.

"What are we to do? How can we recover a reverence towards names?"

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on the importance and meaning of names.

To access Philip's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs; Philip Kosloski: The Name is the Icon of the Person (2 FEB 16)

Reflection Starter from Rosa Parks

"Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others." - Rosa Parks

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for good mentors You place in our lives.

Father Bill’s Struggles Made Him a Better Priest

Twenty years ago, Bill K. was at the end of his rope. Forty-seven years old, the drinking that had always been a problem in his life threatened to engulf him. He worked odd jobs that paid him at the end of the day, and that bought him enough alcohol to get through the night. The faith that had been a vital part of his life was gone; he was adrift with nothing in his sights.

"There was an emptiness in me, an idea that I was not enough," he said in a later reflection. "It was a feeling I had chased all through my drinking years: trying to be enough, trying to belong."

By the time death took him in 2015, that had all changed. He had put his life together again as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He had begun to ask for and accept the help of others. And best of all, he had returned to the faith he once knew and was making a vast difference in the life of those around him: he was Father Bill Kottenstette, head of the Catholic Newman Center at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. He had come full circle.

"Father Bill was a wonderful pastor," a close friend said. "The fact that he was older really helped. He had been through a lot. You tend to look up to somebody a little bit more when they've walked the walk."

Hannah M. Brockhaus put Father Bill's story together for Our Sunday Visitor. Born in Denver in 1941, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1959 after graduating from high school. Despite early problems with drinking while in the seminary, he was ordained in 1973. But the problem persisted, and he was released from the Jesuits to focus on his recovery. He didn't stick with treatments, however, and finally ended up away from the church, doing odd jobs.

That was when Father Bill joined Alcoholics Anonymous, landed in Kirksville, and began working at a drug and alcohol rehab center. He was also active in AA, accepted a pastor's invitation to live in the rectory, became involved again in the church, and ultimately was "re-ordained" and took the Newman position at Truman State.

And suddenly he was home, right where he belonged. He loved his student-friends, and they certainly loved him. His "goofy" sense of humor, of bemusement linked him to his buddies, the collegians he constantly probed. One student recalled that Father Bill was consumed with the question of living the faith in the present moment - always asking, she remembered, "What are you going to do today?" It was as if he were asking, "How will you live your life today? How will you improve your world?"

A recent graduate said that by the time she knew him he had heard it all, either from his own experiences or from the tales he had heard. Students could talk to him, just as they are, she said. He liked that, and they loved that in him.

Above all, his own best friend said, he would tell his listeners that God loved them, and the key to knowing that was to love yourself first. "He helped the kids to see that the priest was a human being," Chris Koch said. "He was himself with them."

Father Bill had learned the lesson himself, learned it the hard way. And it stayed with him for the rest of his life.

This essay is this week's "Light One Candle" column, written by Jerry Costello, of The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.)

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Norman Rockwell

"When I go to farms or little towns, I am always surprised at the discontent I find. And New York, too often, has looked across the sea toward Europe. And all of us who turn our eyes away from what we have are missing life." - Norman Rockwell

Bangor, ME, Police Facebook Writer Receives Humor Writing Award

"The mastermind behind the Bangor Police Department’s Facebook page has been honored for his writing about the daily humorous aspects of police work.

"Sgt. Tim Cotton was recognized by the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop as Humor Writer of the Month for February 2016. Bombeck was a nationally syndicated humor columnist until her death in 1996. The workshop is overseen by the University of Dayton, her alma mater."

A recent Bangor Daily News article reported on Sergeant Cotton and the award presented to him.

To access the complete Bangor Daily News report, please visit:

Bangor Daily News: Bangor police Facebook page author earns humor writing accolade (2 FEB 16)

Related article:

The Boston Globe: Maine police offer mid-Atlantic advice on how to handle a snowstorm - (22 JAN 16)

Background information:

Facebook: Bangor Police Department

Bangor Police Department

City of Bangor

Wikipedia: Bangor, Maine

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of our Blessed Mother, Mary.

Daniel Stewart on the Courage of St. Francis de Sales

"St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, was one of the greatest evangelists and most powerful confessors during the Counter-Reformation. His writings on Catholic spirituality still inspire the faithful today and his words still resonate across the centuries. Yet there was a time when Francis was entirely incapacitated by doubt and fear.

"When Francis de Sales was a young man at college in Paris, he began to hear discussions and debates on predestination and the nature of salvation. This was during the late 16th century when Calvinism was devouring large parts of Western Christendom. Young Francis was swayed by some of the harsher interpretations of predestination and began to doubt his salvation. Convinced he was one of the damned, Francis began to feel terrible anguish. He fell into a deep depression and was even bedridden for a time.

"But Francis did not despair completely. He made his way to the Church of St. Etienne-des-Grè and found there the statue of the Black Madonna of Paris, 'Notre Dame de Bonne Délivrance;' Our Lady of Good Deliverance. Here he prayed the Memorare prayer and truly was delivered from his crippling doubt. In place of this doubt, Francis was filled with the simple assurance that 'God is Love.'"

In a recent commentary, writer Daniel Stewart reflected on St. Francis and his journey from doubt and despair.

To access Daniel's complete post, please visit:

Catholic Exchange: St. Francis de Sales: A Profile in Courage (25 JAN 16)

Reflection Starter from 1 Corinthians

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of literacy.

Operation Breakthrough Ministry

"As she arrives at the back door of Operation Breakthrough, escorted by one of the center's employees, Sister Corita Bussanmas is greeted like a visiting celebrity. It's not for several minutes that she finally makes her way through the phalanx of friends, colleagues, and workers at the center, and heads for a basement office to be interviewed.

"In 1971, Sister Bussanmas, along with Sister Berta Sailer, founded Operation Breakthrough, a large day-care center on the east side of Kansas City, Mo. Since then, it has grown into the largest single-site early education and social service provider in the state, touching the lives of  thousands of people."

A recent Christian Science Monitor article reported on Operation Breakthrough's history and ministry and on the efforts of Sr. Corita and Sr. Berta, both Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the process.

To access the complete Christian Science Monitor report, please visit:

Christian Science Monitor: Corita Bussanmas 'saw a need and tried to fill it' (28 JAN 16)

Background information:

Operation Breakthrough

Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reflection Starter from Horace Mann

"Resolve to edge in a little reading every day, if it is but a single sentence. If you gain fifteen minutes a day, it will make itself felt at the end of the year." - Horace Mann