Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You bestow on children, their families, and their teachers as they begin a new school year.

Amidst Decline Elsewhere, Some Catholic Parishes Thriving

"Being in the middle of the Bible belt means Christian churches of all denominations can be found on every corner of the city or on the outskirts of the rural county.

"However, only two Catholic churches operate in Hall County: St. Michael Catholic Church in Gainesville and Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch. And both churches appear to be bucking a national trend.

"In 2007, 23.9 percent of Americans identified as Catholic, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. By 2014, that share had fallen to 20.8 percent.

"Those figures do not ring true for the two Catholic churches. According to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, the number of Catholics in the Gainesville area is estimated at 29,000. And it is increasing, said Jenny Miles, who works in planning and research at the Archdiocese of Atlanta."

A recent article in The Times of Gainesville, GA, reported on the community outreach of parishes in Georgia and Connecticut and the fruit of this outreach.

To access the complete report, please visit:

The Times: Catholic churches battle drop in attendance but Gainesville churches increase numbers (27 AUG 16)

Background information:

Archdiocese of Atlanta (GA)

Diocese of Bridgeport (CT)

Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Flowery Branch, GA

Saint Michael Catholic Church, Gainesville, GA

Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, Stamford, CT

Thank you, Deacon Greg Kandra, for the tip!

Reflection Starter from St. Augustine

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." - Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose memory the Church celebrates on 28 August

"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":

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; and Luke 14:1, 7-14. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 68 (Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11). 

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 68 "Hope and Assurance from a Faithful God"

The Gospel reading is as follows:

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 28, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 28, 2016)

Community in Mission: You Have to Serve Before You Sit - A Homily for the 22nd Sunday of the Year (27 AUG 16)

Aleteia: Deacon Greg Kandra: 'Come, be my light': Homily for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (27 AUG 16) 

The Sacred Page: Guess Who's Coming for Dinner? 22nd Sunday in OT (24 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: The Wedding Banquet & the Resurrection of the Righteous: Mass Readings Explained (The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time) (24 AUG 16)

Word on Fire: Humility, Queen of the Virtues (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 22)

Catholic World Report: The Dispatch: Feasting with Humility (27 AUG 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: Let Love Live (22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Who Is Your Patron? (22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Engaged: Reversals of Fortune (22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Table Manners (22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Bruno of Segni (22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (27 AUG 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your Mercy.

Msgr. Pope on Catholic Teachings on the End Times

". . . The Catholic approach to the end times is different from that in certain (but not all) Protestant circles, especially the Evangelicals, who have a strong and often vivid preoccupation with signs of the Second Coming of Christ. Many of the notions that are expressed there are either erroneous or extreme. Some of these notions are rooted in a misunderstanding of the various genres of Scripture; others are caused by reading certain Scriptures in isolation from the wider context of the whole of Scripture; and some are rooted in reading one text while disregarding others that balance it.

"The Catholic approach to eschatology is perhaps less thrilling and provocative. It does not generate movie series like 'Left Behind' or cause people to sell their houses and gather on hillsides waiting for the announced end. It is more methodical and seeks to balance a lot of notions that often hold certain truths in tension with one another. . . .

"While we cannot know the exact time of His coming, there are things that both remind us of and signal His approach - if we have eyes to see them. These signs give indications only. The presence of such texts cannot be seen to overrule that He will come 'on a sudden' and that many will be caught unawares."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the Catholic view of the end times and on the need for, on our part, "humility, prayerful vigilance, readiness through obedience and the gift of holiness, along with an eager, longing heart for the Kingdom in all its glory."

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

Community in Mission: Essential Catholic Teachings on the End Times (22 AUG 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"An easy prayer to say every day: 'Lord, I am a sinner: come with your mercy'." - Pope Francis

U.S. Marine Band: "The Typewriter"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of the United States Marine Band (with typewriter soloist Kenny Wolin) presenting Leroy Anderson's "The Typewriter" (also known as "The Typewriter Song"):

Thank you, Lord

Thank you, Lord, that, as sung in Psalm 33, Your eyes are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for Your kindness.

Joseph Pronechen on a Pilgrimage Site in a Pennsylvania Ghost Town

"Imagine a once-thriving town with seven churches, businesses, schools, and working families - now with less than 10 residents. Imagine all but a handful of those homes and building once alive but now mostly razed. Imagine only one beautiful structure left. The only one that remains fully alive and thriving in the ghost town.

"Imagine no more because the municipality is Centralia, Penn., and the only one, thriving edifice is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. So flourishing, in fact, that it has been designated a holy pilgrimage site and was chosen to have a Holy Door of Mercy in the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia for the Jubilee Year of Mercy."

In a recent commentary, National Catholic Register staff writer Joseph Pronechen recently reflected Centralia's transition from a thriving town to a ghost town and on why the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church is thriving.

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

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Joseph Pronechen: The Strange Case of the Pilgrimage Site in a Pennsylvania Ghost Town (28 AUG 16)

Reflection Starter from St. Monica

"Nothing is far from God." - Saint Monica (whose memory the Church celebrates today, 27 August)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways You touch our hearts to teach us "life lessons."

Standing Tall for God and Life

"Look at the midget!"

Mary Oswald has heard all the catcalls, all the insults. They come with the territory. She shakes them off, even accepts them in a way - they are born, after all, in ignorance, and that's the way she meets them.

Mary Oswald concedes that she is "a small person," born with short legs, one short arm and no hands. Her birth defects were caused by the drug Thalidomide, but she refuses to let that define her. A staff member of the Legal Center for the Defense of Life in Morristown, New Jersey, she is staunchly a pro-life advocate, and has the awards and honors to prove it. Her appearance at the "Speaking of Faith" series sponsored by the Paterson Diocese was reported by Michael Wojcik in The Beacon, the diocesan newspaper.

Ms. Oswald felt nothing but love from her family during her growing-up years, and beyond. Her parents ignored the dire warnings of doctors at her birth, who predicted, for example, that she'd never sit up, or live beyond 30. (Both predictions, happily, proved groundless.) Her education was first-rate - graduation from Catholic high school, a bachelor's degree from the College of St. Elizabeth, and a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling from Seton Hall University, both in New Jersey,

Her parents gave her love throughout her life, Oswald said, a love that would produce five more siblings born after her. She began thinking about a pro-life career at the gentle urging of Sister Rosalie Curran of the Sisters of Charity, one of her faculty members at St. Elizabeth's. She landed a job with N.J. Right to Life, and never looked back.

"God has a plan for each of our lives," she said, echoing a Christopher principle. "As our faith teaches us, we aren’' created for this life but the next, when the blind shall see, the deaf shall hear, and the lame shall jump for joy. This is what give me great hope."

Throughout the interview before her audience - which was conducted by Father Paul Manning - she sat comfortably in a chair, answering questions posed by individual members. She admitted that it was difficult watching her sisters make plans for their marriages, but nonetheless she chose the single life. "I'm at peace with that," she said.

One of the onlookers at the program was Betsy Miller from a nearby parish, who was a member of the high school class that followed Oswald.

"Mary's talk was inspirational," she said. "I hope that my kids learn that God is always there for them in good times and bad. They need to hear these life lessons."

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 Psalm 145

"The LORD is just in all his ways, merciful in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth." - Psalm 145:17-18

Altar of Praise Chorale: "All Creatures of Our God and King"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of the Altar of Praise Chorale presenting "All Creatures of Our God and King":

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; and Luke 13:22-30. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 117 (Psalm 117:1-2). 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"

He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 21, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 21, 2016)

Community in Mission: Sober and Serious about Salvation - A Homily for the 21st Sunday of the Year (20 AUG 16)

Crossroads Initiative: Year C: Ordinary Time: 21st Sunday: Narrow Door to a Universal Church

Aleteia: Deacon Greg Kandra: Walking the balance beam: Homily for August 21, 2016, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (29 AUG 16) 

The Sacred Page: Will Many Be Saved? 21st Sunday in OT (19 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: Will Only a Few People be Saved?: Mass Readings Explained (The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time) (18 AUG 16)

Word on Fire: The Narrow Gate (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 21)

Catholic World Report: The Dispatch: How narrow is the way of the Cross? (19 AUG 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: Heaven’s Gate (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Insiders And Outsiders (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Embodied: Consoling Hope (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Insiders & Outsiders (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Anselm of Canterbury (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (20 AUG 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and all that it is.

Msgr. Pope on the Mass as a Formal, Sacred Meal

"There been much tension regarding the Mass as both a meal and a sacrifice. A necessary corrective was introduced in the past twenty years to rectify the overly strong emphasis, heavily advanced during the 1970s and 1980s, on the Mass as a meal. The purpose of the corrective was to bring back needed balance with the root of the Mass: the cross and the overall paschal mystery.

"While we cannot dismiss the idea of the Mass as a meal, we must understand what sort of meal it is. When most people today hear the word 'meal,' they do not think of a holy banquet or wedding feast, but more of an informal meal. And informality in American culture has become very informal indeed! We rarely dress up anymore; formal banquets, black-tie dinners, and the like are rare."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the Sacrifice of the Mass as a a formal, sacred meal.

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

Community in Mission: If We Understand the Sacrifice of the Mass to Be a Meal, We Must Clarify What Sort of Meal It Is (8 AUG 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Never abandon prayer, even when it seems pointless to pray." - Pope Francis

The Highwaymen: "Ghost Riders in the Sky"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson) presenting "Ghost Riders in the Sky":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the good example set by Your people when they engage in good sportsmanship.

Matt Archbold on Abbey D'Agostino's Olympic/Christian Moment

"By now, we've all probably seen that beautiful moment when Abbey D'Agostino of the United States (Ed. note: from Topsfield, Massachusetts) collided with Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand in a women's 5000m qualifying race. In what is being heralded as 'true Olympic spirit', D'Agostino jumped back on her feet and appeared ready to race on. This is the Olympics, mind you. But then she looked down and saw her rival from New Zealand, writing in pain.

"Then she did the unthinkable - she stopped. She stopped and helped her opponent up. Hamblin later described it this way in Christianity Today:

"'That girl is the Olympic spirit right there,' Hamblin said of D'Agostino. 'I went down and I was like 'What's happening? Why am I on the ground?' 'Then suddenly this hand on my shoulder, like 'Get up, get up, we have to finish this' and I was like 'Yep, yep, you're right. This is the Olympic games - we have to finish this.' 'I've never met this girl before, and isn't that just so amazing?' . . . .

"After D'Agostino helped Hamblin up the two started together, but it turned out that D'Agostino was the one who had done terrible damage to her leg. Her ACL was torn. The two hobbled on. They finished 29th and 30th and embraced just past the finish line.

"'Olympic spirit' isn't the whole reason D'Agostino stopped. Abbey D'Agostino is a Christian. . . .

"'Although my actions were instinctual at that moment, the only way I can and have rationalized it is that God prepared my heart to respond that way,' she said in a statement.

"'This whole time here he's made clear to me that my experience in Rio was going to be about more than my race performance - and as soon as Nikki got up I knew that was it.'"

In a recent commentary, writer Matt Archbold reflected on Abbey D'Agostino's experience and the example it set.

To access his complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Matthew Archbold: That "Olympic Moment" Was a Christian Moment (18 AUG 16)

Reflection Starter from St. Bernard

"He who prays and labors lifts his heart to God with his hands." - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, whose memory the Church celebrates today (20 August)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the inspirations and graces You give us as we confront challenging situations.

Reflecting on an Angry America

"If we can't live together, we're going to die alone." That’s a famous line from an episode of the TV series Lost, in which the character Jack Shephard tries to rally his fellow plane-crash survivors to start getting along with each other instead of starting a civil war on the island on which they're stranded. The people of the United States could take those words to heart as well in light of the violence and vengeance that have dominated headlines in recent weeks.

For too long, loud and powerful forces in this country have been labeling each other and stripping each other of the dignity and respect due to all human beings. And often, these voices are enabled by a media establishment that thrives on anger and conflict which produces high ratings which produces lots of money.

People on the left demonize "the one percent" or pro-lifers or conservatives in general. People on the right demonize gun control advocates or immigration reform advocates or liberals in general. The problem with demonization is that we think of demons as hellish, evil creatures that need to be crushed and eliminated. We don't see them as fellow citizens who believe differently than we do. So instead of arguing passionately about issues - and perhaps acknowledging that the other side has some valid points of view - we give in to our instincts to destroy each other. To quote Yoda's famous line from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."

Hate certainly led to suffering in Dallas on July 7, 2016, when 11 police officers were shot by a sniper, and five of them died from their wounds. The incident occurred after a rally protesting the controversial deaths of two African-American men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, at the hands of white police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota. Ironically, the protest rally was peaceful and even friendly between cops and demonstrators. Then, a gunman who simply wanted to kill any white police officers for vengeance started his murder spree.

Our anger is destroying us partially because we "label" entire groups of people. That's not to say that injustice and racism don't need to be rooted out. They do. But the truth is that all police officers aren't racists and all black people aren't criminals. Painting with those kinds of broad strokes will just lead us further down a very dark hole. So here we are in this sharply divided, increasingly angry America: "If we can't live together, we're going to die alone."

Maybe the first step toward genuine progress is to look at ourselves and start saying the Prayer of St. Francis every day. It was adopted as the Prayer of The Christophers when Father James Keller founded us in 1945, and its message of personal responsibility holds true eternally:

"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

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:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Psalm 95

"For he is our God, we are the people he shepherds, the sheep in his hands." - Psalm 95:7

Thank You, Lord

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

Anthony Stagnaro on St. Lawrence as Patron Saint of Comedians

"I'm Catholic for a lot of reasons - not the least of which is that the Church has got a great sense of humor.

"Why is St. Apolonia the patron saint of dentists and those who suffer from toothaches? Because she was martyred by having her teeth pulled out.

"Why is St. Hippolytus the patron saint of horses? Because he was martyred by being having each of his four limbs tied to a different horse and was thus torn apart by them."

In a recent commentary, writer Anthony Stagnaro reflected on Saint Lawrence, his ministry and martyrdom, and his being considered the patron saint of comedians and chefs.

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

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Anthony Stagnaro: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (15 AUG 16)

Reflection Starter from St. Teresa of Ávila

"God save us from gloomy saints!" - Saint Teresa of Ávila​ (Saint Teresa of Jesus)

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The assigned readings are Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; and Luke 1:39-56. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 45 (Psalm 45: 10-12, 16).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;  my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

965. After her Son’s Ascension, Mary “aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers.” In her association with the apostles and several women, “we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation.”

966. “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.” The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:

967. By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity. Thus she is a “preeminent and . . . wholly unique member of the Church”; indeed, she is the “exemplary realization” (typus) of the Church.

Background information:

Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII:  Munificentissimus Deus - Defining the Dogma of the Assumption (1 November 1950)

Additional reflection:

Marcellino D'Ambrosio: The Feast of Mary’s Assumption

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which we meet You each day.

Sr. Christina Neumann, O.S.F., on Seeing and Serving Jesus in Each Person We Encounter

"Sometimes, it may seem as though I'm running a race, as I hustle from one floor to another, doing aide work in our assisted living-type facility. St. Anne's Guest Home (where I work) is home to nearly seventy individuals, some of whom need a bit of assistance with their activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, etc.)

"Although my main work here is in the office, recent staffing challenges led me to fill in more frequently as a personal care aide as well.

"I feel truly blessed in the work. In serving each elderly or disabled person, I am able to serve the needs of Jesus who identifies Himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, and the imprisoned (Matt. 25:35ff). The awesomeness of the opportunity to serve has struck me, on more than one occasion, as I wash out support hose stockings or help a resident into her pajamas. It is beautifully striking to realize Who I am privileged to serve in these people.

"I don’t waste any time in my work, not wanting to make others wait and having plenty to get done. (I've even acquired the nickname of 'Speedy' from one of our gentlemen.) However, a recent episode reminded me of the fact that each person is worth my time, worth stopping for, even when I'm busy."

In a recent commentary, Sister Christina M. Neumann, O.S.F. reflected on the blessing of seeing and serving Jesus in each person we encounter.

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

Catholic Stand: "Keeping Our Eyes Fixed On Jesus" (5 JUL 16)

Reflection Starter from Bishop Edward Scharfenberger

“Our Christian faith teaches us that God loves all human beings without exception, even those whom we may not particularly like, understand or find convenient. It affirms, based on God's love and the goodness of our common humanity, the unconditional and irrevocable dignity of every human life - without distinction by class or status - from conception to natural death. This, in turn, compels us to love and respect every human being, regardless of how we might personally value his or her thoughts or actions." - Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D., Bishop of Albany

“Our Christian faith,” he wrote, “teaches us that God loves all human beings without exception, even those whom we may not particularly like, understand or find convenient. It affirms, based on God’s love and the goodness of our common humanity, the unconditional and irrevocable dignity of every human life — without distinction by class or status — from conception to natural death. This, in turn, compels us to love and respect every human being, regardless of how we might personally value his or her thoughts or actions.” - See more at: http://aleteia.org/blogs/deacon-greg-kandra/carrying-the-cross-homily-for-june-19-2016-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/#sthash.0pWafNre.dpuf

"O God, Our Help in Ages Past"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of Don Moen presenting "O God, Our Help in Ages Past":

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12:1-4; and Luke 12:49-53. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 40 (Psalm 40:2-4, 18). 

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

YouTube: "Psalm 40: Lord Come To My Aid" (Alstott) - 'PAX 7-3-0' 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 14, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 14, 2016)

Community in Mission: Battle Plan - A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (13 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: Jesus' Take on Family Values: 20th Sunday in OT (10 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: I Did not Come to Bring Peace but Division: Mass Readings Explained (The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time) 123 AUG 16)

Word on Fire: Fate of the Prophet (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 20)

Catholic World Report: The Dispatch: The Purifying Fire of Dividing, Divine Love (13 AUG 16)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Sunday Bible Reflections: Consuming Fire: Scott Hahn Reflects on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (8 AUG 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: The Fury of Love (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Jesus, Perfecter of Faith (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Embodied: Disturbing Faith (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Salt of the Earth (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Denis the Carthusian (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You call us to look to You.

Msgr. Pope on the Look of Christ

"I have a large icon of Christ in my room . . . . What icons from the Eastern tradition do best is to capture 'the look.' No matter where I move in the room, Christ is looking right at me. His look is intense, though not severe. In the Eastern spirituality, icons are windows into Heaven. Hence, this icon is no mere portrait that reminds one of Christ, it is an image that mediates His presence. When I look upon Him, I experience that He knows me. It is a knowing and comprehensive look.

"Particularly in Mark's Gospel, there is great emphasis on the eyes and the look of Jesus. A frequent expression in that Gospel is 'And looking at them He said ….' Such a phrase (or a similar one) occurs more than 25 times in Mark's Gospel.

"Looking on Christ and allowing Him to look on you is a powerful moment of conversion. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the importance of seeking the face of the Lord and looking to Him. 

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

Community in Mission: The Look of Christ (4 AUG 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way - that is, with love, joy and faith." - Pope Francis

Jackie Evancho: "The Impossible Dream"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Jackie Evancho presenting "The Impossible Dream":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of sacramentals and for the many ways in which You touch our lives through them.

Angelo Stagnaro on the Blessing of Sacramentals

"There are many blessings and advantages to being Catholic, and sacramentals are a special part of that magnificent patrimony.

"I carry them with me so that I might dispense them to those in need. After all, God helps us in all our troubles, so that we're able to help others, using the same help that we ourselves have received from Him. (2 Co 1:4)

"Handing someone a Miraculous Medal or a saint card or perhaps a rosary can have a profound impact upon people including upon people you don't know."

In a recent commentary, writer Angelo Stagnaro reflected on the blessing of sacramentals (with particular attention to the Agnus Dei. He also describes an brief encounter in which he offered a rosary to a waitress who later become Prime Minister of Spain.

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

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Angelo Stagnaro: Have You Ever Heard of the Ancient Agnus Dei Devotion? (31 JUL 16)

Reflection Starter from Chris Lowney

"The Jesuit model explodes the 'one great man' model for the simple reason that everyone has influence, and everyone projects influence - good or bad, large or small - all the time. A leader seizes all the available opportunities to influence and make an impact. Circumstances will present a few people with world-changing, defining-moment opportunities; most will enjoy no such bigtime opportunities in their lifetimes. Still, leadership is defined not by the scale of the opportunity but by the quality of the response." - Chris Lowney (in Heroic Leadership)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You work through sacramentals to touch the lives of Your people.

Joseph Pronechen on a Priest Witnessing Miracle in the ER

"How would you react if you saw a dead man suddenly come back to life? Father John Higgins can tell you about his reaction. He was a main part of the story.

"Father Higgins is the pastor of St. Raymond Nonatus Church in Downey, Calif., a city in southeast Los Angeles County. He's a genial, good-natured, friendly and cheerful, a priest who is obviously very concerned about all those in his care, whether they are parishioners or not.

"As we were having a long phone conversation, he told me about a miraculous turn of events that happened some years ago when he was an associate miles away at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Goleta, a suburb of Santa Barbara."

The National Catholic Register recently shared an essay by staff writer Joseph Pronechen in which he reflected on the a significant event in the ministry of one priest.

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

National Catholic Register: Priest Witnesses Miracle in ER as He Brings Dead Man Back to Life (29 JUL 16)

Reflection Starter from St. Augustine

"If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself." - Saint Augustine of Hippo

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for being the "God of all encouragement" (c.f., 2 Corinthians 9:3).

Olympian Who Achieved the Impossible

With the start of the Summer Olympics in Rio, I can't help but look back on my favorite moment from the 2012 games in London. It involved Katie Ledecky, who is now a star in the world of competitive swimming and expected to win a number of gold medals. But 2012 brought her first one, and it was completely unexpected.

Ledecky, age 15 at the time, was the youngest member of the entire U.S. Olympic team, and she was set to swim the women's 800-meter freestyle, a grueling race that required her to cross the length of the 50-meter pool 16 times. In addition, she was a young woman whose humility was acknowledged by her classmates and teachers at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland - a teen who prayed the Hail Mary before each race and enjoyed going to Mass every week because it gave her the "chance to reflect and connect with God," as Maureen Boyle reported in the Catholic Standard newspaper.

There was also the simple fact that Ledecky was pursuing her own dreams partially because of the inspiration given to her by past and present champions. When she was six, she approached Michael Phelps for an autograph after his practice session at the University of Maryland. This was prior to the 2004 Olympics, before the entire world got to know who Phelps was. Now here was Ledecky, on the U.S. team with one of her idols who had just won gold again prior to her race. And the other breakout star of those Olympics, Missy Franklin, had also just won gold again. Instead of feeling nervous, Ledecky said she felt "pumped."

Prior to the race, I didn't get the impression that NBC announcers Rowdy Gaines or Dan Hicks (or anybody really) expected Ledecky to win. Gold seemed more likely for British swimmer Rebecca Adlington, a four-time Olympian and British legend. But Ledecky took off like a cannonball at the start of the race and never quit. Gaines and Hicks thought she was going too fast initially, that she'd expend too much energy in the early laps and dwindle by the end. Ledecky, however, was apparently too young or inexperienced to know how these things are supposed to go. She was in a race and she was going all out to win.

By the time Ledecky finished the 800 meters, the race wasn't even close. She was way ahead of everyone, even the more experienced swimmers who were expected to win. In a sincere gesture of class, Rebecca Adlington, who wound up earning the bronze medal, told Ledecky she was "amazing." And what else could you call her?

This wasn't an expected result. I'm sure Ledecky wanted to win, but she likely never expected this to happen. In her post-race interview with Andrea Joyce, the teen explained that she tried to block out much of what was going on around her during the race. From my perspective, she looked stunned at what had happened. Finally, in the medal ceremony, this hard-working, prayerful 15-year-old looked humbled and emotionally overwhelmed - overwhelmed in a good way, an appreciative way.

It was a great ending to an outstanding night for a teenager whose faith asserts a lot of things many people claim are impossible. And yet here was Ledecky reminding us all that the media and experts can't always predict what will happen when people who don't know they can't achieve the impossible are led by faith and heart to achieve it anyway.


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:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from 2 Corinthians

"Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the graces You bestow on us when we receive the sacrament of Baptism.

J. D. Flynn on There Being No Such Thing as an Ex-Catholic

"In the post-modern West, well before believers can proclaim revealed truth, they're forced to combat the epistemological consequences of the dictatorship of relativism - to explain the possibility that truth claims can have real, objective, and unalterable meaning. It is an absurd, but nonetheless real, challenge to defend the idea that 'true' and 'false' exist, that 'right' and 'wrong' have meaning, that the contours of the natural world have significance, and order, and law.

"For the past few years, we've been ridiculed and persecuted for proposing that gender has something to do with physical sex. The libertine guardians of the sexual revolution brook no dissent from the idea, so famously articulated in Casey vs. Planned Parenthood, that 'at the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life.' . . .

"To combat the dictatorship of relativism, we have to approach the truth with humility. The philosophical project of our time, Matthew Crawford says, is to 'reclaim the real,' responding to reality, rather than trying to define reality according to our preferences, or bend it according to our agenda. . . . (leading to)

"The communion of the Catholic Church is a communion of faith, sacraments, and governance. . . .

"[T]here really is no such thing as an 'ex-Catholic." Catholicism is not a congregationalist religion. Membership is not a self-defining proposition. Grace - the grace of baptism - makes one a Catholic. The Church teaches that 'by baptism, one is incorporated into the Church of Christ and is constituted a person in it.'"

In a recent commentary, writer J. D. Flynn reflected on the truth that, unlike political parties and other organizations, the Church teaches that in baptism, the Church "confers a reality that is not dependent on our assent" - once we become a member of the Church, we continue to be a member of the Church. As Pope Benedict affirmed in 2009, "Catholicism comes without an escape clause: [o]nce a person is baptized or received into the Church, there is no getting out."

The author concludes, "We teach that some facts cannot be altered by judgment or force of will. Men are men. Women are women. Catholics - no matter how odious or recalcitrant - are Catholics. Our task is to call them to be saints."

To access J. D. Flynn's complete essay, please visit:

First Things: J. D. Flynn: There's No Such Thing as an Ex-Catholic (4 AUG 16)

Thank you, Deacon Greg Kandra, for the tip.

Reflection Starter from Edith Stein

"The nation . . doesn't simply need what we have. It needs what we are." - Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), whose memory the Church celebrates today (9 August)

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for August

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for August are:

Universal Intention (Sports): "That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world."

Evangelization Intention (Living the Gospel): "That Christians may live the Gospel, giving witness to faith, honesty, and love of neighbor."

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of athletics and for the many ways in which You touch our lives as we participate in athletic endeavors as individuals and/or as part of a team.

Cardinal Wuerl on Sports and the Christian Life

"The pageantry of the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro . . . was again a wonderful celebration of harmony and friendship, hope and goodwill among mankind. As we cheer on some of our local athletes, we can also learn many valuable lessons from this international competition, which in antiquity began 776 years before the birth of Jesus, and from sports in general.

"In the Jubilee Year of 2000, which included an official Jubilee of Sports, Saint John Paul II remarked to a group of athletes that sports are an important means to 'the overall development of the person and a very useful element in building a more human society. A sense of brotherhood, generosity, honesty and respect for one's body - virtues that are undoubtedly essential for every good athlete - help to build a civil society where antagonism is replaced by healthy competition, where meeting is preferred to conflict, and honest challenge to spiteful opposition.

"In watching past Olympics, I have been intrigued by interview after interview of the victorious athletes. One by one they explained how they had set aside everything else in life to concentrate their full energies, attention and prowess on developing their God-given gifts and honing their expertise in a particular area to a precision that would make them the best. Each repeated as if part of a refrain: 'practice, practice, practice!'

"Our everyday lives off the field are much like that experience. At the core of faithful virtuous living is practice. We need to train ourselves, 'to get in shape,' says Pope Francis, “so that we can face every situation in life undaunted, bearing witness to our faith."

In a recent commentary in the Washington Post, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, reflected on this attitude of athletes also applies to the "acquisition of virtue and strengthening of faith."

To access Cardinal Wuerl’s complete essay, please visit:

Seek First the Kingdom: Sports and the Christian Life (6 AUG 13)

Reflection Starter from St. Dominic

"I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God." - Saint Dominic, whose memory the Church celebrates today (8 August)

"Lord of All Hopefulness"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of "Lord of All Hopefulness":

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Wisdom 16:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; and Luke 12:32-48. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 33 (Psalm 33:1, 12. 18-22). 

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

YouTube: Blessed the People the Lord has Chosen To Be His Own 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

"Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?"

And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 7, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 7, 2016)

Community in Mission: On Forsaking Fear by Remaining Ready - A Homily for the 19th Sunday of the Year (6 AUG 16) 

Deacon Greg Kandra: Going for the gold: Homily for August 7, 2015: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (6 AUG 16) 

The Sacred Page: Always Prepared: Readings for the 19th Sunday in OT (2 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: Be Ready! The Master is Coming Back: Mass Readings Explained (The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time) (3 AUG 16)

Word on Fire: Faith and the Reasoning of the Religious Mind (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 19)

Catholic World Report: The Dispatch: "What is the mark of a Christian?" (6 AUG 16)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Sunday Bible Reflections: Faith of Our Fathers: Scott Hahn Reflects on the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (1 AUG 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: Trust (19th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Waiting for What? (19th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Embodied: Ancestral Courage (19th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Looking At Time (19th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Gregory of Nyssa (19th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (6 AUG 16)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for beautiful summer days.

Msgr. Pope on Our Lives Being More Connected Than We Think

"We like to think that our personal decisions have little or no impact on others, but our lives are far more intertwined than we imagine. This is especially the case today, when social media can allow sinful and foolish ideas to catch fire and 'go viral' in a flash. And although this happens with edifying information and helpful ideas as well, the bad stuff seems to spread more quickly. Why? Well, this is a fallen world, with a fallen angel for its prince, and we have fallen natures.

"Therefore, do not so easily dismiss the influence that bad ideas and poor decisions can have on others. Also consider that what may not harm those who are blessed to have other good influences and/or economic options may damage those who are not so fortunate. This warning should especially apply to cultural leaders, who have substantial influence on the lives of others. Those in the public eye have a special obligation to consider how the way they live their lives and the ideas they propose may affect others."

 In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the interconnectedness of our lives and what this connectedness means.

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

 Community in Mission: Crack the Whip and the Common Good - Our Lives Are More Connected Than We Think (2 AUG 16)