Igor Stravinsky: Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Igor Stravinsky's Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major (Op. 1), as played by the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Vakhtang Kakhidze):

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for reminders of Your constant invitation to follow You with everything in our being.

The Beautiful Things We Miss

"Pretty soon, the beautiful things we love will become the beautiful things we miss." That's a lyric from singer-songwriter Matthew West's latest album, All In, but it's also an epiphany the 40-year-old husband and father experienced while taking stock of his life, an epiphany that's impacting how he approaches the future on a personal and spiritual level.

During a Christopher Closeup interview, West credited the reflective nature of this album to "what this season of life looks like. . . My wife and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. We have two daughters that are 11 and 8 years old. Life's going by pretty quickly, and I think I've had this internal aching that says, 'This is going by too fast. How can I make the most of every moment that God gives me?'"

That's the mindset West brought to the above-quoted song, "The Beautiful Things We Miss." Its message haunted him. He said, "It was written from the perspective of me looking into the future and saying: How could my life look if I don't go all in as a husband and a father, if I'm more focused on building my career? This song became a prayer for me, saying, 'I don't want to miss the moments in front of me.' . . . I had a feeling there's a lot of other dads out there feeling that same way, wondering if we're going to get to the end of it all and go, 'I missed it! I was focused on the wrong thing and I missed the beautiful things that were in my life.'"

The concept of going "All In" regarding both family and faith is dealt with most directly in the title track, which conveys a radical surrender to God's will. West notes that he grew up in church and has been a committed Christian for a long time. So long, in fact, that he was taking God a little for granted.

He explained that he wants to get back to "remembering that moment when I first realized, 'I want to follow Jesus. I want to live my life for a bigger purpose and have a greater impact in the world.' . . . I've checked a lot of the boxes that make me look the part of a good Christian, but I think sometimes we fall in love with looking the part and maybe forget about living the part. This album is about having those two begin to line up . . . [God] has gone 'all in' for me, and I don't want to hold anything back from Him anymore."

For West, not holding anything back means offering God his flaws as well, an issue he deals with on the track "Broken Things." The lyrics include: "The pages of history, they tell me it's true / That it's never the perfect; it's always the ones with the scars that You use / It's the rebels and the prodigals; it's the humble and the weak / The misfit heroes You chose tell me there's hope for sinners like me."

West said that he always assumed God only wanted to use his talents and abilities, but he came to feel God asking for "the most broken parts of your life, the biggest struggles you face, your weakest moments" so that He can shine through those as well. "Because that's when we really go all in," West concluded. "Not when we give God part of our hearts, but when we give God every single part of our lives."

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column written by Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, 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 Thomas Sowell

"It is bad enough that so many people believe things without any evidence. What is worse is that some people have no conception of evidence and regard facts as just someone else's opinion." - Thomas Sowell

Deep River Drum Corps at DRAM 2018

Myrna and I were blessed to be able to attend the 2018 Deep River Ancient Muster (DRAM) in Deep River, Connecticut. This muster is considered to be the oldest and largest gathering of fife and drum participants and enthusiasts in the world and has been referred to as "The Granddaddy of All Musters." The Muster is always held on the 3rd Saturday in July.

The muster starts off with a parade (including the various participating fife and drum corps). This is followed by a presentation by each of the participating units at Devitt's Field (the end point of the parade).

The second of the post-parade presentations was by the local Deep River Drum Corps. To view their presentation, please watch:

Media report:

American Profile: Fife & Drum Corps (2 JUL 13)

Background information:

Facebook: Deep River Drum Corps

Town of Deep River

Wikipedia: Deep River, Connecticut

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to spend time with You in Eucharistic Adoration.

Birgit Jones on Making a Holy Hour Holy

"Like many other Catholics, I am not always quite sure how to spend an hour with Jesus.  Western culture has formed us to be productive, not to 'waste' time alone in silence. Since we are uncomfortable as we sit before the tabernacle, it is difficult to discern a clear plan of action. We might wonder if we are to wait for inspiration, use some formal format of prayer, or simply sit and wait with Him.  I was determined to overcome my struggle to pray because, whether we call it Eucharistic Adoration or Holy Hour, the time we spend with the Eucharistic Lord in Adoration offers many graces.

"After a few searches through various Catholic sources, I created a short list of options for my own use. It is important to realize that, as individuals in varying circumstances, we may all have specific differences with this list. My intention is simply to solidify a plan for my analytical self and share it with others as a suggestion."

In a recent commentary, writer Birgit Jones offered some thoughts on how to make a holy hour more fruitful.

To access Ms. Jones' complete post, please visit:

Catholic Stand: 7 Steps for Making a Holy Hour Holy (17 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Matthew

"[S]tay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come." - Matthew 24:42

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many types of medicine You offer for our souls.

Msgr. Pope on St. Augustine and Suffering

"The feast of St. Augustine this Tuesday provides us yet another opportunity to learn from him. We can ponder his teaching on suffering and its role in preserving us from something far worse.

"When asked, most people identify their most serious problems as those related to their physical health or their finances; family and career are also often mentioned.

"Frankly, our biggest problem is pride and all the sins that flow from it. Nothing is more serious than our sins, which can destroy us forever. Worldly problems are temporary. They can make life unpleasant or at worst kill us, but then we get to go home and meet God if we are faithful."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on St. Augustine and his message related to how God permits suffering in our lives so as to keep us from becoming too prideful.

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

Community in Mission: St. Augustine on Suffering as a Medicine (27 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from St. Augustine

"Remember this. When people choose to withdraw far from a fire, the fire continues to give warmth, but they grow cold. When people choose to withdraw far from light, the light continues to be bright in itself but they are in darkness. This is also the case when people withdraw from God." - Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose memory the Church celebrates today (28 August).

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord. for creating us and for continuing to hold us in existence.

Msgr. Pope on the Source of All Creation

"In my years as a priest, I have often had people ask me why God, who we say needs nothing and is fully content and joyful in Himself, created anything outside Himself. Does His act of creation indicate that He lacked something or that He needed others? 

"This is difficult for us humans to understand. To some degree that difficulty arises from us, who are often motivated most by need. We tend to project our own realities onto God. But need and incompleteness are not the only things that motivate."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on God's love being the unifying constant that explains all of God's creation.

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

Community in Mission: C=JL² This is the Metaphysical Math and Source of All Creation; It is the Grand Unified Theory (22 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Albert Schweitzer

"Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. Dr. Albert Schweitzer

SoulMate Band: "Shout!"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of the SoulMate Band presenting "Shout!":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the potential You have implanted in each of us.

Angelo Stagnaro on a Murderer Who Became a Monk

"In the twelfth century, St. Bernard of Clairvaux once rescued a murderer being led to execution. When asked as to the wisdom of his decision, the saint replied, 'I shall kill him myself.' By that, Bernard meant that he would help destroy the false man the murderer had made himself out to be. With the death of this false self, the real man could emerge and thrive in peace in God's loving embrace. . . . 

"Some holy stories are more bizarre than others. Some stretch the credulity of the even the most ardent, grace-filled Believer.

"This is one of those tales. The difference however, is that it's completely and unquestionably true.
There are no apparitions involved here. No blind men seeing or deaf people hearing.

"Admittedly, there was a dead man walking."

In a recent commentary, writer Angelo Stagnaro reflected on the conversion of a man who was a former federal prisoner, member of the Aryan Brotherhood, and convicted murderer.

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

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Angelo Stagnaro: The Story of the Murderer Who Became a Monk (31 JUL 18)

Reflection Starter from Anne Frank

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" - Anne Frank

Deep River Junior Ancients at DRAM 2018

Myrna and I were blessed to be able to attend the 2018 Deep River Ancient Muster (DRAM) in Deep River, Connecticut. This muster is considered to be the oldest and largest gathering of fife and drum participants and enthusiasts in the world and has been referred to as "The Granddaddy of All Musters." The Muster is always held on the 3rd Saturday in July.

The muster starts off with a parade (including the various participating fife and drum corps). This is followed by a presentation by each of the participating units at Devitt's Field (the end point of the parade).

The first of the post-parade presentations was by the local Deep River Junior Ancients. To view their presentation, please watch:

Media report:

American Profile: Fife & Drum Corps (2 JUL 13)

Background information:

Deep River Junior Ancients Fife & Drum Corps

Town of Deep River

Wikipedia: Deep River, Connecticut

1917 ALF Pumper Resored and Returned to Watch Hill, RI

"When Watch Hill Fire Chief Walter H. Nash returned to his home on Oct. 19, 1916, he was mentally and physically exhausted. The east wing of the New Watch Hill House - then the premier hotel in the community with more than 100 guest rooms - had caught fire, and gale force winds spread the flames quickly through the village, decimating the community.

"Nash, who was the grandson of hotel owner Winslow Nash, slumped down at his kitchen table and proclaimed, 'It's gone; It's all gone,' before falling asleep.

"Standing in front of 'Alfie' on Tuesday, Carol Potter smiled as she viewed the 1917 American LaFrance triple combination pumper truck that helped change the face of firefighting in Watch Hill. Potter, the granddaughter of Walter Nash, described the moment as 'bittersweet,' noting that the truck brought back a lot of emotions regarding her family's history, both good and bad. . . .

"The truck was on display as part of a historical presentation at the Watch Hill Fire Department, a program that helped bring Westerly's first pumper truck back to town in honor of its 100th birthday. It was the truck's first visit to the department since it was sold to Groton Long Point in 1966."

A recent article in The Westerly Sun reported on the restoration of the 1917 American LaFrance engine and its return to the community that it once served (Watch Hill is a village in the town of Westerly, RI).

To access the complete Westerly Sun report, please visit:

The Westerly Sun: Faithfully restored 1917 firetruck holds a special place in Watch Hill history (2 AUG 18)

Background information:

Watch Hill Fire Department

Watch Hill Fire District

Wikipedia: Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Wikipedia: Westerly, Rhode Island

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your grace at work in the Church.

Br. Joseph Graziano, O.P., on Facing Maladies with a Realization of God's Presence

"How sad, how lack-luster a life he leads
Who delights to describe the death he sees.
How rotten be the heart of a brother
Who snivels ‘bout the rot in another!

"One thing we can know for certain about heaven is that this is not it.

"Anyone with eyes and ears knows well the incredible number of catastrophes, scandals, fights, wars, murders, and more insidious evils that the world teems with today. The media reeks of bad news, taking 'if it bleeds, it leads' to such a new height that the average local rag smells like a slaughterhouse. Of course, the major events are only symptoms of a deeper malady, one that eats away at our culture like leprosy or the plague.

"In light of all these concerns, which I by no means intend to downplay, we can be tempted to fall into negativity and complaining, pointing out in person or on some social platform only the worst of things, ignoring the beauty of culture to speak only of apocalyptic cultural trends, or focusing on the sins movies make, rather than their wins. Even if we do not go so far as to publish our opinions, we can tend to highlight in our own minds those things that go wrong in our lives."

In a recent commentary, Brother Joseph Graziano, O.P., reflected on the importance of pointing out maladies "so that people then see that they need the cure which Christ gave to His Church" and on the importance of firstly seeing "the good of the thing that may be flawed" and not despairing that God permits those imperfections.

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

Dominicana: Stuck in the Molasses Swamp (21 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Robert Louis Stevenson

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Camille Saint-Saëns: Symphony No 3 in C minor

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Camille Saint-Saëns' "Symphony No. 3 in C minor" Op. 78, as played by Thierry Escaich on organ and the Orchestre de Paris (conducted by Paavo Järvi):

Thank You, Lord

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

Through the Heart of Mary

An ancient history of the Carmelite Order recounts a statement made by St. Dominic in 1208 A.D. in which he declared, "One day, through the Rosary and the Scapular, she [Mary] will save the world." What a profound statement about the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother that Saint Dominic made years before the introduction of the Brown Scapular into popular devotion.

The Brown Scapular of the Carmelite Order first appeared in a Marian vision to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251. In that apparition, Mary said of the scapular, "Take this scapular, it shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and a pledge of peace. Whosoever dies wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire."

The Brown Scapular has been associated with special graces ever since. The small version that many wear under their clothing dates as far back as 1276, the year that Pope Gregory X died. We know this because 554 years after his death, an opening of Pope Gregory's tomb revealed that the little Brown Scapular he wore during his lifetime was still intact.

Mary's final apparition at Lourdes occurred on July 16, 1858, the anniversary of her presentation of the Brown Scapular to St. Simon Stock, and she appeared on that day as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Mary also appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel in her final apparition at Fatima, on October 13, 1917, holding a rosary in one hand and a Brown Scapular in the other.

While miracles abound relating to the Brown Scapular, our devotion to this sacramental and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel should not be reduced to superstition or an expectation of favors simply for wearing the scapular. Like all sacramentals, these devotions are intended to draw us closer to an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. For instance, wearing the Brown Scapular entails investiture by a priest, wherein prayers are recited and a pledge is made to live a holy life. Thereafter, the scapular serves as a reminder of that pledge and of the powerful intercession of Mary, who constantly beckons us to follow Christ.

The initial Carmelite Rule was established by St. Albert in the early part of the thirteenth century, but the order claims spiritual lineage with the Prophet Elijah and a succession of hermits who followed in his footsteps, residing on Mount Carmel for centuries both before and after the life of Christ. Pious tradition holds that a group of these hermits came down from Mount Carmel and converted to Christianity on the day of Pentecost.

It is no wonder that Mary chose to appear as Our Lady of Mount Carmel in such dramatic fashion in the last apparitions at Lourdes and Fatima - or that she revealed the Brown Scapular as a significant source of grace for those who commit themselves to the promises of investiture. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel connects us with the Judaic roots of the Holy Family and of Christianity and reminds us of Mary's paramount mission in the story of salvation.

Towards the end of his passion, Jesus looked to Mary and said, "Woman, here is your son." Then he looked to John and said, "Here is your mother." We understand this to mean that Jesus presents Mary to all of humanity in spiritual adoption, so we should look to the Blessed Mother for guidance and undertake pious acts of devotion, because the surest way to Christ is through the heart of Mary.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Father Ed Dougherty, M.M., The Christophers' Board of Directors ; 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 St. Rose of Lima

"When we serve the poor and the sick we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus." - Saint Rose of Lima, whose memory the Church celebrates today (23 August)

Casting Crowns: "God of All My Days"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Casting Crowns presenting "God of All My Days":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of beautiful mountain scenery.

Marcel LeJeune on a Mistake by Catholic Leaders that Holds Back Renewal

"The presenter had whipped the crowd into a fury. They were as fired up as almost any crowd of Catholics you could imagine. Even the flies on the wall could feel the passion and zeal start to fill the room. The crowd started to believe they were going to be the beginning of great renewal in the Catholic Church.

"But, then they left and little lasting impact could be felt.

"This could have been a Catholic conference.
It could have been a Catholic retreat.
Maybe it could have been a class at your parish.
It could even have been Mass at your local parish, with a pastor who is a great preacher.

"There are many different settings where this could have happened.

"But, what was it that caused the people who attended to fail to implement what was talked about into their lives? It is because the life of a disciple of Jesus isn't meant to be passively accepted, it is meant to be actively modeled."

In a recent Catholic Missionary Disciplescommentary, writer Marcel LeJeune reflected on the consequences resulting from the failure of Catholic leaders to actively and personally to live and model evangelization/discipleship.

To access the complete Catholic Missionary Disciples post, please visit:

Catholic Missionary Disciples: The One Mistake Catholic Leaders Make That Holds Back Renewal

Reflection Starter from Hebrews

[T]he word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Your people who minister to senior citizens in a variety of ways.

Philip Kosloski on Eucharistic miracles that Cannot Be Explained by Science

"the Catholic Church teaches a dogma called 'transubstantiation,' which the Catechism explains thus: 'By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood' (CCC 1376).

"This means that while the appearances of bread and wine remain, the substance is changed (through the power of God) completely to the body and blood of Christ. It is a teaching based on scripture and tradition and has remained unchanged in its essence since Apostolic times.

"However, the Church has recognized that on occasion, God intervenes in a more visible way and can change even the appearances of the bread and wine into his body and blood. Or God may miraculously preserve a consecrated host for an extended amount of time, past what is natural for bread.

"Even though the Church does not base her teaching on these miracles, but on Christ's word, when God chooses to do such miracles there is usually a flowering of belief in the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus Christ."

In a commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on four Eucharistic miracles "that have been examined by top scientists around the world, who ultimately concluded that science could not explain the miraculous phenomenon."

To access Philip's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Philip Kosloski: 4 Incredible Eucharistic miracles that defy scientific explanation (15 JUN 17)

Reflection Starter from Letitia Elizabeth Landon

"There is a large stock on hand; but somehow or other, nobody's experience ever suits us but our own." - Letitia Elizabeth Landon

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Your continuing Presence in Your Church and with Your people.

Marcus Grodi on a Response to Current Church Scandal

"After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, 'Will you also go away?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.' Jesus answered them, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?' He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was to betray him (John 6:66-71).

"How does one adequately address the growing scandal in the Church? Specifically, as I consider this in relation to our work in the Coming Home Network, how do we explain to non-Catholics why they should still consider coming home to the fullness of the Church - and why must Catholics remain?As we see in the above Scripture - and as has been said by many during this difficult time - scandals have been present in the Church from the very beginning: one among the Twelve betrayed his calling, his loyalty, betrayed Jesus and sent Him to the cross - one whom Jesus Himself had called into ministry!

"Scripture also reminds us, however, that it didn't begin with Judas, either. There have always been bad shepherds, as attested to throughout the Old Testament. From the very beginning, all the way back to Adam, God's Chosen People have been plagued with bad shepherds - though not all of them were bad, of course - and too often they were the ones who had the biggest influence on the history of God's People."

In a recent commentary, Marcus Grodi, founder and president of The Coming Home Network International, reflected on some of the current scandals facing the Church and on an appropriate response from Church members.

To access Marcus' complete post, please visit:

The Coming Home Network: "Will You Also Go Away?" (16 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from St. Bernard of Clairvaux

"I have ascended to the highest in me, and look, the Word is towering above that. I have descended to explore my lowest depths, and I found Him deeper still." - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, whose memory the Church celebrates today (20 August)

"Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above":

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Proverbs 9:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-20, and John 651-58. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-7).

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

YouTube: Psalm 34: Taste and See (Haugen setting)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to the crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 19, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 19, 2018)

Community in Mission: Costly Truth - A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (18 AUG 18)

The Deacon's Bench: 'A terrible week to be Catholic': Homily for August 19, 2018, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (18 AUG 18)

The Sacred Page: The Feast of Wisdom: 20th Sunday of OT (17 AUG 8)

The Sacred Page: The Bread of Life Discourse II - John 6, Part 4 (The Mass Readings Explained) (13 AUG 18)

St. Paul Center: Wisdom's Feast: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Wisdom's Meal (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 20)

Spirituality of the Readings: What Do You Want? (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

In Exile: Wisdom's Banquet (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Bread and Faith (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

The Word Encountered: Nurtured (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Historical Cultural Context: Eucharist (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Theophylact (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of Your garden and for the flowers that grow therein.

Msgr. Pope on the Flowers in the Garden of the Lord

"Flowers, besides being beautiful, have often been used in Christian tradition to signify virtues and remind us of the saints. For example, consider this brief meditation of St. Augustine on the virtues related to our state in life:

"'I tell you again and again, my brethren, that in the Lord's garden are to be found not only the roses of his martyrs. In it there are also the lilies of the virgins, the ivy of wedded couples, and the violets of widows. On no account may any class of people despair, thinking that God has not called them. Christ suffered for all. What the Scriptures say of him is true: He desires all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth (Sermo 304, 1-4: PL 38, 1395-1397).'"

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the flowers that grow in the garden of King Jesus.

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

Community in Mission: Here's What Grows in King Jesus' Garden (13 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"By embracing God's love, we change the world and transform history." - Pope Francis

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, that You only want our good and for the many graces You send our way to accomplish this.

On the 25th Anniversary of Veritatis Splendor

"On August 6th , the Feast of the Transfiguration, the Church marked the 25th anniversary of Pope St John Paul II's landmark encyclical, Veritatis splendor. St John Paul himself explained the reason for the encyclical: Although the Church has 'at all times developed and proposed a moral teaching regarding the many different spheres of human life,' in our times, 'it seems necessary to reflect on the whole of the Church’s moral teaching' which 'risk being distorted or denied.'

"To understand the main themes of Veritatis splendor, we spoke with Moral Theologian Dr Matthew Tsakanikas, the head of the Theology Department at Christendom College in the United States. Pope John Paul touches on many themes in the encyclical, he said, but went on to point out three of particular importance."

In a recent commentary, writer Christopher Wells offered Dr Tsakanikas' reflection on Veritatis splendor, with special emphasis on the elements that reflect that each of us are called to salvation through faith in Jesus, that God only wants our good, and that there are freely chosen kinds of behaviors that are destructive to human fulfillment in union with God.

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

Vatican News: Reflections on 25 years of "The Splendor of Truth" (10 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Zhuang Zhou

"Men honor what lies within the sphere of their knowledge, but do not realize how dependent they are on what lies beyond it." - Zhuang Zhou

Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 3 in D major

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Franz Schubert's "Symphony No. 3 in D major," as played by the Orchestra Antonio Vivaldi (conducted by Lorenzo Passerini):

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your presence in each of the circumstances we live/face each day.

Super Girls and Halos

After 10 years of drifting from her faith and avoiding the sacrament of Reconciliation, cradle Catholic Maria Morera Johnson returned to the confessional, partly because of The X Files character Dana Scully. Yes, that's right. A TV character. Johnson's Catholicism has been shaped in a positive way by the sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book characters she admires in film, TV, and literature. Not only that, she sees connections between these strong, fictional women and her real-life role models, the great saints of history. Johnson has now written about the links between the two in her book Super Girls and Halos: My Companions on the Quest for Truth, Justice, and Heroic Virtue.

Johnson's parents escaped Cuba after the communist revolution, and their Catholicism was always important to them. But as Johnson entered young adulthood, she became indifferent toward her faith - going through the motions sometimes, but never really invested. That began to change as she had children of her own who were preparing to receive the sacraments. Though she had given up on God, she now sees that He never gave up on her.

Johnson's movement back to the faith was mirrored in a way by Gillian Anderson's character Dana Scully on the hit TV series The X Files. Scully was a scientist and a skeptic faced with investigating paranormal activities with her partner Fox Mulder. Their quest for the truth sometimes led them into religious subject matter, such as the case of a boy bearing the stigmata. This brought Scully's strained relationship with her Catholicism to the fore. After discussing the topics of monsters and guilt with a priest she was interviewing for the case, Scully wound up in the confessional. Johnson recalled, "That television episode was the final little pinch that got me into the confessional after a decade."

Around the same time, Johnson discovered Edith Stein, who became known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The saint's intelligence, spirituality, and use of reason resonated with her. Born to a Jewish family in Germany in 1891, Stein became a committed atheist while studying philosophy in college. But after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, her conversion to Catholicism had begun.

Though Stein tried to rush through her entrance into the Carmelite order with the impatience of a millennial downloading movies on slow wifi, her spiritual director encouraged her to take her time because her mother took her daughter's conversion hard. Stein continued to teach philosophy and imparted a foundation of knowledge to many future teachers. Stein became well-known for her affirmation of women in the workforce, but ultimately was killed by the Nazis in the Auschwitz concentration camp because of her Jewish heritage.

Johnson related to Stein's Catholic feminism, as well as her work as a teacher. She writes in Super Girls and Halos, "I often felt a measure of guilt that I had gone to work in the public school system instead of teaching in a Catholic school. A kindly priest put me at ease by encouraging me to teach where I found myself. He told me my work was in teaching the students with love."

Anyone who reads Super Girls and Halos will easily detect the love that Johnson now feels for her faith. And her hopes for those who read the book are simple: "I think [readers] can learn from this book that we do have the stuff of heroism. With a little bit of grace and a little realignment, we can be saints."

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column written by Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, 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 Bl. John Henry Newman

"With Christians, a poetical view of things is a duty. We are bid to color all things with hues of faith, to see a divine meaning in every event." - Blessed John Henry Newman

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Tom Nash on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

"If you're old enough - or perhaps have just seen them on the internet - you may recall the famous Coke commercials of the 1970s, in which a multicultural group of young people proclaim about the soft drink, 'It's the real thing!'

"Well, if I may elevate the theme a bit, the Eucharist could be described as the ultimate 'Real Thing,' for in it Christ offers himself on behalf of the most ethnically diverse group possible - the whole world (1 John 2:1–2) - and salvifically nourishes us with his body and blood (1 Cor. 10: 16-17).

"How can Jesus' limited human body be in more than one place? For Protestant Reformers like Ulrich Zwingli, as well as many Christians today, the miracle of the Eucharist is impossible precisely because of the finitude of Christ's human nature.

"But let us remember that it's Christ's human nature - the humanity of the God-man. Should we surprised that Jesus can do something miraculous regarding his otherwise limited humanity?

"After all, Jesus was able to feed a multitude - including 5,000 men - with only five loaves and two fish, a miraculous account presented in all four Gospels (Matt. 14, Mark 6, Luke 9 and John 6). If Christ can wondrously overcome the finitude of mere bread and common aquatic creatures, why can't he overcome his own humanity? Especially since Scripture reveals that Jesus is the Passover Lamb of the New Covenant (John 19:32-36; 1 Cor. 5:7), and the Passover prescriptions clearly specify that a lamb is not only offered but eaten in a communion sacrifice (Exod. 12). Indeed, if the Eucharist were merely a symbol, wouldn't that make the 'Lord's Supper' a rather anticlimactic fulfillment of its Old Covenant precursor? (See 1 Cor. 11:17-34.)"

In a recent commentary, writer Tom Nash reflected on the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

To access Tom's complete post, please visit:

Catholic Answers: The Season of Living Bread (13 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Nathaniel Hawthorne

"Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect whether he chooses to be so or not." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Amy Grant: "Breath Of Heaven" ("Mary's Song")

As we continue our holy day celebration, I offer this version of Amy Grant presenting "Breath Of Heaven" ("Mary's Song"):

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.

Reflections on this feast and on these readings:

Franciscan Media: Saint of the Day: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

Crossroads Initiative: Dogma of the Assumption of Mary - Pius XII

The Crossroads Initiative: Ancient Homily on Mary's Assumption - St. John Damascene

A Concord Pastor Comments: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin: August 15 (13 AUG 15)

K-Lo @ Large: 20 Assumption Things that Caught My Eye Today (15 AUG 15)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of grace in its many forms.

Br. Isidore Rice, O.P., on the Treasures of the Church

"Where are the treasures of the Church? Perhaps you have seen some in art museums. There are stunning reliquaries, beautiful chalices, and intricately decorated liturgical books.

"And yet behind glass these treasures appear dead. They sit sadly empty, no longer serving their purpose. Exhibits tend to highlight the illuminations of manuscripts, not the texts monks revered enough to illuminate. Reliquaries are shown without relics and the chalices have not held the Blood of Christ for centuries. 

"What are the treasures of the Church? Above all, the living God is the treasure of the Church. Artifacts are sold at auctions, but one cannot put a price on the presence of God. He is present in the inspired Scriptures, living and effective. He is present in the souls of the baptized, where the Trinity comes to dwell. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Isidore Rice, O.P., reflected on the treasures of the Church.

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

Dominicana: The Treasure of the Church (10 AUG 18)

Reflection Starter from Luke

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord^; my spirit rejoices in God my savior." - Luke 1:46-47

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of fresh fruit.

Pope Francis on Fighting Scandal by Giving Witness to the Gospel,

"Members of the Catholic Church sin and give scandal, it's true, Pope Francis said, but it is up to each Catholic to live the faith as authentically as possible and witness to the world the love of Jesus.

"'The best way to respond is with witness,' the Pope said in response to a young man who said that the 'useless pomp and frequent scandals have made the Church barely credible in our eyes.'

"Pope Francis spoke about witness, dreams and true love during an evening meeting with some 70,000 young adults, aged 16 to 30, gathered at Rome's Circus Maximus at the end of a pilgrimage. Most of them had walked at least 50 miles over the previous three or four days. Representatives came from 195 of Italy's 226 dioceses, and 150 bishops walked at least part of the way with groups from their dioceses."

A recent Catholic Herald article reported on Pope Francis' address in which he spoke, among other topics, about the best way to "respond to a stuffy, lifeless Church or to Church scandals."

 To access the complete Catholic Herald report, please visit:

Catholic Herald: Fight scandal by giving witness to the Gospel, Pope tells young people (13 Aug 18)

Reflection Starter from James Lendall Basford

"One neglect makes ten regrets." - James Lendall Basford

"Gift of Finest Wheat"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Papal Choir presenting "Gift of Finest Wheat":

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are 1 Kings 19:4-8, Ephesians 4:30-5:2, and John 6:41-51. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-9).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 34 Taste and see the goodness of the Lord

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven," and they said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"

Jesus answered and said to them, "Stop murmuring among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.  It is written in the prophets: 'They shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 12, 2018)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 12, 2018)

Community in Mission: Five Aspects of Faith - A Homily for the 19th Sunday of the Year (11 AUG 18)

Crossroads Initiative: Elijah's Bread - Food for the Journey

The Sacred Page: Strength for the Journey: 19th Sunday in OT (8 AUG 18)

The Sacred Page: The Bread of Life Discourse I - John 6, Part 3 (The Mass Readings Explained) (6 AUG 18)

St. Paul Center: Take and Eat: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Spiritual Food (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 19)

Spirituality of the Readings: Caring for Us (Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

In Exile: Bread and Wine (Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Bread and Faith (Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

The Word Encountered: Sustained (Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Historical Cultural Context: Murmur (Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Denis the Areopagite (Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time B)