Lop Notes: April 2016

30 April 2016

Billy Joel: "Piano Man"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Billy Joel presenting "Piano Man":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of a sense of humor.

Finding God in Your Wife's Words and Actions

Matt Weber admits that he had lived a relatively trouble-free, "Andy Griffith Show/Leave It to Beaver" life until the day his stomach burst open at the age of 30. No, it didn't happen like a scene in an "Alien" movie. Rather, a high level of acid caused his stomach to perforate inside his body, which then allowed that acid to spill toward his other organs. Emergency surgery saved his life and also prompted some deep reflection on the topics of life, love, God, and especially marriage, being that Weber was a newlywed at the time.

He is now sharing his experiences in his new memoir Operating on Faith. But if you're thinking the book is a depressing, "Woe is me" tome, you'd be wrong. In addition to being poignant, spiritually wise, and an endearing love letter to his wife Nell, it's also very funny. Because Matt Weber can't not be funny.

The Catholic humorist, author and host of "The Lens" on CatholicTV.com joined me on Christopher Closeup recently to discuss all the excitement in his life. He had been having stomach issues for a year, but he didn't take them too seriously at first. He kept getting worse, though, and soon realized that for Nell, the "in sickness and in health" marriage vow would become a reality much sooner than either of them expected.

The care Nell provided for him not only gave Weber even deeper insight into the depth of her love and character, it taught him something about God. He said, "My wife is one of the best people in the world. She's my heart and she's my soul. In many ways, it's easy to pray to Jesus and have that relationship when you're sick and in need. But not everyone sees that in the caretaker, in your wife, in all the things that they do for you - that is that person living out the words, deeds and acts of Jesus Christ. I think my relationship with God was really strengthened in that I saw God and Jesus and everything that is good in the Bible, everything that we hear in the Gospel, played out in my wife's words, deeds, and actions."

Weber also revealed the reason he's able to inject humor into everything, even life's painful moments. He said, "Humor, to me, is one of the best ways to connect with people. I didn't want this book to just be a bunch of chapters of me whining about my pain. I wanted there to be moments in between where it's like, 'Things are not going well, but you can still find some joy.' I guess that's the way I approach most of life. You need to have joy in all components. I think the light, the candle in the darkness can be that joy, that joke, that laughter. When some things are really bad, to have a little joke there is a good way to bring things back down to a more positive level."

Weber concluded by noting that he hopes Operating on Faith will bring readers who've experienced pain back to that positive level: "Maybe you overcame cancer or maybe you are dealing with some major medical issues right now that are much worse than stomach surgery [and recovery]. I'm hoping that you can find some sort of support and some sort of faith and a loving component in the reading of this book - and along the way, get a couple of laughs in the process."

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

Background information:

Catholic TV: Matt Weber

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from J. R. R. Tolkien

"You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have." - J. R. R. Tolkien

24 April 2016

"Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of "Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life":

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You lift us through love.

Msgr. Pope on Righteous Anger

"Here in the Western world, we live in a culture that tends to treat anger as taboo. A common tactic to unsettle an opponent today is to accuse him or her of being angry. It is amazing how easily humiliated and/or defensive an adversary can become in response to such an accusation. Yes, it is remarkable how quickly the one accused of anger can feel the need to resort to denials such as these:

"1. I am not angry! (Note that this is usually said angrily, thus demonstrating its falsehood.)

"2. I'm not angry; I'm just frustrated. (Note that frustrated is just a nicer way of saying angry.)

"3. I'm not angry; You're the one who’s angry! (Note that the 'terrible' charge of being angry is denied instead of owned and appreciated as an expression of passion for something that matters.)

"4. Of course I'm angry, but who wouldn't be angry when talking to an idiot! (Note that in saying this, one is tacitly accepting the accusation while at the same time excusing it.)

"Rare indeed in the West is someone who will respond in a way that both admits anger and owns it as something positive and important. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on vengeful anger vis-à-vis righteous anger.

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

Community in Mission: The Passion of Anger and the "Miserable Truce" of the Modern Age (11 APR 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"A true ecological approach knows how to safeguard the environment and justice, hearing the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor." - Pope Francis

23 April 2016

Prince: "Purple Rain"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Prince presenting "Purple Rain":

May he rest in peace.

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for inspiring people to pray for us and for the ways in which You answer these prayers.

Joseph Pronechen on the Sacrifice of Father Thomas Byles

"Forget the made-up, special-effects dramas about the Titanic. The real special effects were like the heroic actions of Father Thomas Byles, one of the passengers who perished in that sinking.

"On April 14, the 104th anniversary of the Titanic hitting an iceberg, Father Byles was rightly memorialized in Brooklyn N.Y., where he was headed to celebrate the wedding Mass for his brother William and his bride Isabel Katherine.

"A plaque dedicated to Father Byles and his holy heroism on that 1912 night of April 14-15 was unveiled and blessed at St. Paul and St. Agnes Church, his brother’s parish. The event included Benediction and presentations on the life of Father Byles."

In a recent commentary, Joseph Pronechen, staff writer with the National Catholic Register, reflected on Fr. Byles' sacrifice and on the efforts to continue the remembrance of this sacrifice.

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

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Joseph Pronechen: Remembering Fr. Thomas Byles, One of the Heroes on the RMS Titanic (21 APR 16)

Reflection Starter from Laurence Gould

"I do not think the greatest threat to our future is from bombs, or guided missiles. I don't think our civilization will die that way. I think it will die when we no longer care; when the spiritual forces that make us wish to be right and noble die in the hearts of men. Nineteen notable civilizations have died from within, and not been conquered from without. It happened slowly, in the quiet and dark, when no one was aware." - Laurence K. Gould

22 April 2016

Earth Day

Today, 22 April, is the 46th anniversary of Earth Day, a day that was established to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. Initially the focus on Earth Day was on the United States, but, twenty years later, it became an international event.

This year there were and are a number events that have been or will soon be held throughout New England, the rest of the United States, and numerous other nations throughout the world. Some of these are sponsored by local (or other) governments, others by non-profit organizations, others involve citizens doing specific projects on their own.

Background information:

Earth Day Network: A Billion Acts of Green

Wikipedia: Earth Day

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources: Earth Day Every Day: Ten things you can do to help keep Vermont green

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of our planet, Earth, and for the many ways in which You encourage us to be good stewards of Your creation.

Br. Joseph Graziano, O.P., on Waht to Expect in Heaven

"What is heaven? There's the heaven of Bugs Bunny fame, where you get your requisite wings and harp as a celestial party favor at the pearly gates. Others might picture a peaceful, solitary cottage on the plains of heaven, but that seems to be a simple application of the American Dream to the question of eternity.

"Given the banality of some popular views of heaven, it is easy to see why some people don't find heaven interesting. Such a perspective would be impossible if we actually understood the promise of heaven. While we do not know the full story, here [a preview] of what awaits us in heaven."

In a recent commentary, Brother Joseph Graziano, O.P., reflected on some of what the blessed can look forward to in Heaven.

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

Dominicana: 7 Spoilers of Heaven: Previews of What is to Come (21 APR 16)

Reflection Starter from William Arthur Ward

"Wisdom is the habit of being so grateful for our blessings that we forget to be irritated by our inconveniences." - William Arthur Ward

20 April 2016

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You Light our lives.

A Paralyzed Priest's Heroic Virtue

Can a quadriplegic man be ordained a priest in the Catholic Church? Further, can the Church consider his cause for canonization?

The answer - somewhat surprisingly, perhaps - is "yes" on both counts. And you need look no further than an Augustinian named Father Bill Atkinson - now known formally as Father William E. Atkinson, OSA, Servant of God - to make the point. Father Bill's is quite the story, and it could do with a bit of retelling here.

The story has a quiet beginning. Bill Atkinson was born in Philadelphia on January 27, 1946; his parents would have six other children. After grammar school in Upper Darby, where he grew up, he enrolled in Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, graduating in 1963. Then he became an Augustinian, entering the order as a novice in 1964.

It was during his novice year that Bill had the tobogganing accident in New York State that would change his life. Hospitalized and near death, he eventually was stabilized but had to spend a year in rehabilitation in Philadelphia. The accident had left him a quadriplegic; the injuries to his spine meant he would be paralyzed in all four limbs. And he would spend his life in a wheelchair.

No matter; his Augustinian brothers rallied round. Year after year they saw to it that he went through all the preparation for the priesthood, and he was ordained by Cardinal John Krol (then Archbishop of Philadelphia) in 1974, nine years after his tobogganing accident. He celebrated his first Mass at Villanova University.

Then began 30 years at his alma mater, Msgr. Bonner High School. He was much more than a teacher there. He taught theology, true, but he was also assistant school chaplain; the senior class retreat coordinator, and moderator of the football team - all from his motorized wheelchair.

One day some years later a student heard him say "Half in and half out." He explained: "Today is my 38th birthday. I have now spent half my life in this wheelchair and half out of it."

Students loved his warm and slightly offbeat sense of humor - except in the classroom. There he was known as a strict disciplinarian, and had a reputation as an encouraging moderator and a compassionate confessor.

Father Bill spent the last two years of his life in a nursing home, always buoyed by the presence of his fellow Augustinians. They were with him when he died too, on a Friday afternoon in 2006 at the age of 60. His funeral was held at Villanova.

That's pretty much all there is to it - except that in 2014 some invited guests got together to discuss his life. They were there to answer to the challenge of a visitor from Rome: "Convince me that Father Bill lived a life of heroic virtue. Persuade me that he is a saint." And one by one they told him stories: of Father Bill's character, his fidelity, his ministry, his humor, his humility. By evening's end, his cause was under way.

Father Bill wrote little poems, too; always touching on his fate. Here are the first and final stanzas of "The Strength of Others": "'How'd you do it?' people would say; / So confining, day after day. / Having others around for constant care; / Ever wonder if life's unfair?…/ How'd I do it? Let me confide / Always with others right at my side; / Family and friends from the start / Gave me love in no small part."

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 John 8

"Jesus spoke to them. . . , saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

19 April 2016

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of spring days (including the variety of weather conditions that come with this season).

Dawn Carpenter on Economic Personalism

"No matter what your ideology, there is common disdain for market manipulators, fraud, and theft. There is little disagreement about the repugnance of taking advantage of senior citizens through deceptive investment schemes or conning vulnerable families into unsustainable mortgages. There is even growing consensus on the shamefulness of polluting factories and the exploitation of child labor in the far reaches of corporate supply chains.

"However, what is still unclear is what is to be done about these social sins. Here is where Christian business leaders have a distinct opportunity. Using a uniquely theological view of the human person, Christian leaders can see the moral ramifications of economic activity - and act and react with meaningful conviction. This approach, known philosophically as 'economic personalism,' provides a framework for balancing objective moral values and subjective economic valuation - so as not to reduce the human person to just another factor of production."

In a recent commentary, writer and banker Dawn Carpenter reflected on "Economic Personalism" as a person-centered filter for evaluating economic choices.

To access her compete post, please visit:

Catholic Stand: Economic Personalism: Tool for Morality in Markets (13 APR 16)

Reflection Starter from Thomas à Kempis

"Be thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be meant to receive greater." - Rev. Thomas à Kempis, C.R.S.A.

18 April 2016

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of rainbows.

John Horvat II on the Return of the Absent "Clockmaker"

"At a certain point in modern times, it was decided that God, the Creator of heaven and earth, should stay out of the business of running the world he created. Supposedly, men could do it much better without him.

"All this was done, mind you, with a certain amount of tact and propriety so as not to overly offend God or those who believed in him. It was decided that God would be given the title of the maker of a clock, where the clock was a great mechanical universe. As 'clockmaker,' all God had to do was wind up the original clock and leave. Men would take over from there.

"That is what happened at the dawn of modern times. All were suddenly consumed with the frenzied action of the Industrial Revolution. Progress and technology were installed upon God's empty throne and people everywhere worked to transform the world by constructing huge networks of big machines and devices that would control and conquer the nature God had created. Soon giant systems, huge factories and management practices churned out an astounding array of abundant goods and services as never seen before. People looked upon what they had done and proclaimed that the future would permit unlimited growth and happiness."

In a recent commentary, writer John Horvat II, vice president of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, reflected on the brokenness that occurs when people depend too much on technology and other modern systems instead of keeping all things in their rightful place in relationship to God.

To access his complete post, please visit:

Crisis Magazine: The Return of the Absent Clockmaker (23 MAR 16)

Reflection Starter from G. K. Chesterton

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." - Gilbert K. Chesterton

17 April 2016

"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of the Bowdoin College Chamber Choir (Brunswick, ME) presenting "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need":

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Wonder.

Msgr. Pope on Wonder (and Humility and Gratitude)

"A big problem today is that of rampant boredom. One would think, with all the diversions available to us, we would be one of the least bored generations in history. There are various forms of entertainment available to us quite literally at our fingertips: television, radio, the Internet, Netflix, video games, and more.

"Yet it still seems that we moderns are often bored. The reason for this, I think, is that we are overstimulated.

"The loud and frantic pace of even our recreational activities leaves most of us incapable of appreciating the subtler, gentler, and more hidden things of life.

"Dale Ahlquist, the great commentator on G.K. Chesterton, writes,

"There is no excuse for being bored. … And yet the modern world is bored. … Our entertainment grows louder, flashier, and more bizarre in ever more desperate attempts just to keep our attention.

"As G.K. Chesterton proclaims (in Tremendous Trifles, p.7): “The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.” There are no dreary sites, he declares, only dreary sightseers (Common Sense 101, p. 27).

"Boredom is a problem on the inside. And happiness, too, is an inside job. We should all seek the great gifts of wonder and awe. We should strive to appreciate God's glories and wonders, which are on display at every moment: in everything we see and in everyone we encounter."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on boredom vis-à-vis the gift of wonder (including the role of humility and gratitude) in appreciating God's gifts.

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

Community in Mission: There Has Been No Loss of Wonders, Only a Loss of Wonder - A Brief Summons to Awe (14 APR 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Each vocation in the Church has its origin in the compassionate gaze of Jesus, who forgives us and calls us to follow Him." - Pope Francis

13 April 2016

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness.

Leaving a Baby in God’s Hands

This is a story about the church. Our Church. It might be a Christmas story, because it has a baby in a manger. It might be an Easter story, because it has the happiest of endings. Or it might be an everyday story; you never know.

Best of all, it's a true story. We have that on the word of the man who told the story: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. He told it in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., at the National Prayer Vigil for Life, and it goes like this:

A mother left her newborn child in the manger of a nativity scene last December in a church near her home in Queens, New York - Holy Child Jesus Church in Richmond Hill, in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The mother, a young Mexican woman, told her story to a reporter a week later; let her take it up from there:

"I was so afraid, and, all alone in the house, suddenly went into labor. I must have been in excruciating pain for at least two hours… Finally the baby, a boy, came out. He didn't cry at first, so I was afraid he was not all right. I didn't know what to do… I wrapped him in a clean towel and started to look for someplace safe and warm…

"I just knew if I left him in God's hands, my baby would be okay. So, I ran into my church and put him in the empty crib. Then he started crying. I just hoped he was warm enough. I hid in the back of church, knowing Father would find my baby and the people would care for him. They did."

The mother was just 18, a child herself, in this country just a few weeks - lonely and frightened enough to leave her baby in the care of strangers. But as she said, the church was there. Cardinal Dolan, telling the story, considered some of the other possibilities.

"She could have been going to a parish which she found cold, unwelcoming and impersonal, where she did not feel safe, and where she would not have been inclined to turn in her crisis.

"Or, in those fretful minutes after her baby's birth, she might have run to a church only to find it bolted-up, with a sign on the door outside telling her - probably in English - to come back during office hours. Thank God that scenario remains only a 'might-have-been.'"

The baby was named Jose - just like Joseph, the husband of Mary. Alerted by a cry, someone found the child right away. Couples from the parish asked to adopt little Jose, but according to Father Christopher Heanue, speaking for the church, that much wasn't clear right away. If she found employment, the mother might keep the child, she said. What was clear, said a woman from the neighborhood, was that a loving community had given him its welcome. "This little boy is always going to be a part of this church," she said.

Cardinal Dolan capped the story with a perfect ending, one that captured the child's true destiny.

"Jose was never more at home than in the empty manger of their parish nativity scene," he said. "Because he, too, is a child of God."

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

Before you hit your reply button, consult God and your pillow." - posted on sign in front of the Mount Hope Community Baptist Church, Providence, RI

10 April 2016

"Blessing and Honour, Glory and Power"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of "Blessing and Honour, Glory and Power":

Third Sunday of Easter

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Revelation 5:11-14; and John 21:1-19. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 30 (Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 30 "Thanksgiving Hymn for Deliverance"

The Gospel reading is as follows:

At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples.

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."

They said to him, "We also will come with you."

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?"

They answered him, "No."

So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something."

So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.

So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord."

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.

Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord.

Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"

Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."

He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"

Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep."

Jesus said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."

Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Third Sunday of Easter (April 10, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Third Sunday of Easter (April 10, 2016)

Community in Mission: Back to the Future - A Meditation on the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter (9 APR 16)

Deacon Greg Kandra: "Love Does Not Have to be Perfect": Homily for April 10, 2016: 3rd Sunday of Easter (9 APR 16)

The Sacred Page: Do you love me? Do you really love me? 3rd Sunday of Easter (7 APR 16)

The Sacred Page: Peter the Shepherd & the Papacy (3rd Sunday of Easter) (6 APR 16)

Word on Fire: A Relentlessly Public Religion (Cycle C * Easter * Week 3)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Fire of Love: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday in Easter (1 APR 16)

The Dispatch: The risen Christ to the restored Peter: "Feed my sheep!" (9 APR 16)

Spirituality of the Readings:Do You Love Me? (Third Sunday of Easter C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Radical Obedience (Third Sunday of Easter C)

The Word Embodied: Peter (Third Sunday of Easter C)

Historical Cultural Context: Competition Among Disciples (Third Sunday of Easter C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Augustine of Hippo (Third Sunday of Easter C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Third Sunday of Easter (9 APR 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for being an active participant in our lives.

Msgr. Pope on the Book of Revelation as a Guide to What Is Happening in These Times

"In the Office of Readings this Easter season, we are reading from the Book of Revelation. This choice might seem surprising, but there are good reasons for it.

"While many suppose that the Book of Revelation is merely about the end of the world, it is about far more; it is also about what is happening right now. It was not written only for the end of the ages but for all ages. It is a book of glory that discloses the victory that Jesus has already won. Don't get lost in lots of exotic theories; Revelation is a book of glory that prophetically declares what is really going on.

"Its title in Greek is Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (Apokalupsis Jesou Christou), which literally means 'The Unveiling of Jesus Christ.' It is as if Jesus is pulling back the veil to show us what is really going on. He shows us the great drama of history and tells us that He has already won the victory. He declares that we should not to lose heart while the dust settles, while the wheat is separated from the chaff and the harvest is brought in."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the Book of Revelation as a guide to what is happening in these times and on how its message is an antidote to these happenings.

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

Community in Mission: The Book of Revelation Is a Sure Guide to What Is Really Going On (4 APR 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"The family is a good which society cannot do without, and it ought to be protected." - Pope Francis

09 April 2016

Port City Sound: "The Moment I Saw Your Eyes"

As this bless week draws to a close, I offer this version of Port City Sound (from Portland, ME) presenting "The Moment I Saw Your Eyes":

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for April

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for April are:

Universal Intention (Small Farmers): "That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor."

Evangelization Intention (African Christians): "That Christians in Africa may give witness to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious conflicts."

Thank You, Lord

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

Thrive in Joy This Easter

Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection, the event that makes it possible for us to rejoice in the fact that we will be able to see our family and friends again some day in heaven. That's a powerful and comforting thought for anyone who's lost a loved one - and who among us doesn't fit into that category.

Jay Fagnano and his wife Mary sure do. And they've experienced the most devastating loss possible: the death of a child, their son Nick. At the same time, I can't help but think of their story this Easter because it's also a story of hope due to an essay they found on Nick's computer after his death.

As reported by Brian K. Kravec on the website CatholicMom.com, it was the summer of 2014, and Nick was looking forward to attending the University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy, whose mission is "to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad."

Nick attended Mass at St. Brendan Church in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, with Jay and Mary, then joined some friends on Venice Beach to enjoy the sunny California day. Kravec writes, "Nick was in the ocean at approximately 2:20 p.m. when several rogue clouds drifted over the beach amid the clear, blue skies. And at least four direct lightning strikes touched the sand and water. There were thirteen lightning strike victims. Nick was the only fatality."

Jay and Mary, of course, were shattered at losing their son, who was known for his winning smile, friendly personality, and deep faith that caused him to radiate God's love. The deepness of that faith became even more evident when the Fagnanos discovered an essay on Nick's computer that he had written in 2013 as a freshman in college. It was called "The Reality of Heaven," and this is the passage that stood out:

"Regardless of heaven being beyond my comprehension, the afterlife that I want to be a part of involves joy, excitement, and gratitude, as we will finally be reunited with the loved ones that we have lost on earth. Perhaps 'rest in peace' is actually not the best term in relation to death; rather, a phrase such as 'thrive in joy' best represents how I will want to spend eternity."

Jay and Mary saw that essay as a charge to keep their son's name and legacy alive. They created the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation, which encourages and rewards character through education and recreation. One of their initiatives is a scholarship for "an incoming transfer student (just as Nick would have been) entering USC's Sol Price School." Another supports poor urban communities in the Dominican Republic because Nick, when he was a 13-year-old Little League player, organized a fundraiser after hearing that many young people there couldn't play baseball due to a lack of equipment.

Despite lighting a candle in the darkness of his grief, Jay still struggled with his faith until he heard a recent homily in which the priest said, "No matter what you have to face, whether it be adversity, sadness, or tragedy, if you utter these words, it will be ok . . . I believe."

Jay concluded, "That’s been the biggest challenge in my life since Nick's loss. I'm not sure I really did believe. But I do. I believe that Nick is 'thriving in joy' and someday we'll be with him and we will thrive in joy together."
This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column, written by Tony Rossi, of The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.

Background information:

Thrive In Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation

The Christophers

Reflection Starter

"There is a legend about two angels who were sent to earth to gather up the prayers of God's holy people. One was to gather into a basket all the prayers of petition and intercessions. The other angel was to collect all the prayers of gratitude.

"Some time later, the two angels returned to God. One had a basket heaped high and overflowing with countless petitions from men, women and children. The other angel was sad and heavy of heart because his basket was practically empty of people’s gratitude." - Source Unknown

03 April 2016

"There's a Wideness in God's Mercy"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy":

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Today the Church celebrates Second Sunday of Easter (also known as Sunday of Divine Mercy). The assigned readings are Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19; and John 20:19-31. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 118 (Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24).

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

YouTube: Psalm 118 - "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting."

The Gospel reading for the procession with the palms is as follows:

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."

But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe."

Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Reflections on this day and on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Second Sunday of Easter (April 3, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Second Sunday of Easter (April 3, 2016)

Community in Mission: From Fear to Faith - A Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter (2 APR 16)

Deacon Greg Kandra: Second Chances: "My Lord and My God": Homily for April 3, 2016, Divine Mercy Sunday (2 APR 16)

The Sacred Page: Divine Mercy Sunday! (31 MAR 16)

The Sacred Page: Divine Mercy and Doubting Thomas (2nd Sunday of Easter) (31 MAR 16)

Word on Fire: Peter, John, and Thomas (Cycle C * Easter * Week 2)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Breath of New Life: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Second Sunday of Easter (25 MAR 16)

The Dispatch: Divine Mercy Sunday: Preparation, Proclamation, Perseverance, and Purpose (2 APR 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: Easter Unbelief (Second Sunday of Easter C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Being Saved (Second Sunday of Easter C)

The Word Embodied: Forgiveness (Second Sunday of Easter C)

Historical Cultural Context: Believing Without Seeing (Second Sunday of Easter C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Augustine of Hippo (Second Sunday of Easter C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Divine Mercy Sunday (2 APR 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Your Mercy.

Msgr. Pope on Why the Resurrection Was a "Hidden Event"

"There is something of a hidden quality to the resurrection appearances that has always puzzled me. St. Peter gives voice to this when he says to Cornelius,

"God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:41 to 42).

"Note that Jesus did not appear openly to all but rather only to some. Why is this? It is so different from what most of us would do."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on God being love and on why, consequently, the Resurrection was very much a hidden event.

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

Community in Mission: Why Was the Resurrection Such a Hidden Event? (27 MAR 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Every Christian is a 'Christopher', that is, a bearer of Christ!" - Pope Francis

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Tom Lopatosky