Tajci and David Langley: "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Tajci and David Langley presenting "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows":

Franciscan Lenten Meditation: Levi (Matthew) the Tax Collector: Sinners Are Welcome

"In The Seven Storey Mountain, the Trappist monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton explains how, when asked by his friend Robert Lax what he, Merton, wanted to be, he replied that he wanted to be a good Catholic. Lax, a poet and mystic, told him, 'What you should say is that you want to be a saint.' Merton deferred, conscious of his own failings and inadequacies. But Lax persisted: 'All that is necessary to be a saint is to want to be one.' By desiring sainthood, Lax said, we consent to become what God has created us to be. God, in turn, will make us saints."

Franciscan Media is offering a special Lenten series of meditations, "Lent with the Saints." The mediation by Father Greg Friedman, OFM, for the Saturday after Ash Wednsday, entitled "Levi (Matthew) the Tax Collector: Sinners Are Welcome", is as follows:

Franciscan Media: Lent with the Saints: Levi (Matthew) the Tax Collector

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of our extended families, with the individual personality of each family member and the blessing he/she is.

Michael Pakaluk on the Church as a Household

"What seems an accidental confluence of books can be providential, which is perhaps the best reason for reading several books at the same time."

In a recent commentary, Dr. Michael Pakaluk, Professor of Philosophy at Catholic University of America, reflected on books he has read, the Church, and its relationship to a household "filled with stuff which no one can quite throw out. All the aunts and uncles show up, and they are there, even the loud ones, even the quiet ones."

To access Dr. Pakaluk’s complete essay, please visit:

Boston Pilot: Echoes: Michael Pakaluk: The Church as a household (14 FEB 20)

Reflection Starter from William Lyon Phelps

"It is the final test of a gentleman - his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him." - William Lyon Phelps (in Golden Book Magazine, July 1935)

Birthday Blessings, Mike!!!

Birthday greetings to brother-in-law Mike Fedoras, whose birthday was earlier this week!!! May the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Vermont Hotel Honored as Forbes' Hotel of Year.

For the first time in its history, the Forbes Travel Guide recently announced hotel, restaurant and spa of the year awards. Among these awardees is Twin Farms, of Barnard, Vermont, which was recognized as hotel of the year.

To access a Forbes Magazine report on these awards, please visit:

Forbes: Forbes Travel Guide Reveals The Hotel, Restaurant And Spa Of The Year For 2020

Related media report:

Burlington Free Press: Vermont hotel deemed 'best hotel in the world' (28 FEB 20)

Birthday Blessings, William!!!

Birthday greetings to grandson William Christopher, whose first birthday is today!!! May this day, and the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Franciscan Lenten Meditation: Sharbel Makhluf: Fasting with a Purpose

"In The Seven Storey Mountain, the Trappist monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton explains how, when asked by his friend Robert Lax what he, Merton, wanted to be, he replied that he wanted to be a good Catholic. Lax, a poet and mystic, told him, 'What you should say is that you want to be a saint.' Merton deferred, conscious of his own failings and inadequacies. But Lax persisted: 'All that is necessary to be a saint is to want to be one.' By desiring sainthood, Lax said, we consent to become what God has created us to be. God, in turn, will make us saints."

Franciscan Media is offering a special Lenten series of meditations, "Lent with the Saints." The mediation by Father Greg Friedman, OFM, for the Friday after Ash Wednsday, entitled "Sharbel Makhluf: Fasting with a Purpose", is as follows:

Franciscan Media: Lent with the Saints: Sharbel Makhluf

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A minor ("Tragic")

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 6 in A minor, ("Tragic"), as played by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of the "little things" in our lives.

A Positive Approach to Life

In St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he says, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." What a profound witness this statement is to the power of hope and the importance of remaining positive even in the face of life's negative circumstances.

Consider how this simple bit of wisdom can change the way we see the world. We all know how personal misfortune and the bad news of our times can drag us into a spiral of negativity, but St. Paul provides such a perfect solution to this problem by pointing us towards a positive approach to life.

We are constantly presented with the choice of whether to be positive or negative, regardless of the circumstances of our lives. For those who make a habit of succumbing to negativity, that attitude seems to permeate their entire existence to the point where they can be gloomy even during joyous occasions. But the converse is true for those who maintain a positive disposition. They are the ones capable of answering St. Paul's call to believe that God can bring about good from any situation.

The world today gives us many reasons to be negative, whether its news of war and violence, stories of those afflicted with poverty and disease, natural disasters, or corruption even within our own Church. Each of these situations calls for a different response and the call to remain positive does not mean we turn our backs on these struggles. We must seek solutions to these problems, but remaining hopeful can help us to do so without allowing our spirits to be crushed.

The Christophers' prayer card "Uplift My Spirit" offers some simple tips for remaining positive even in trying times. One such tip reminds us to be attentive to the media we consume - the music we listen to, the films or television programs we watch, and the books we read. Are these things mere distractions or do they contribute in some way to making us feel rejuvenated and ready to face the world with a positive attitude? Another thing we can do is to make a point of actually counting our blessings. We can call them to mind or even write them down because sometimes we need to remind ourselves of all the good God showers upon us on a daily basis. And taking care of our health by getting exercise, eating right, and taking time to enjoy the outdoors can be tremendously uplifting for our spirits.

These may seem like small things to do in the face of life's trials, but we must remember the line from the Bible that says, "He who despises small things will fail little by little" (Sirach 19:1). So we must be attentive to those smaller things in life that can help us to remain positive people. Of course, our News Note points to the most powerful tool of our faith as well, which is prayer, and as Catholics we are provided with the most intimate way to connect with God through the Mass and reception of the Eucharist.Drawing close to the Eucharist and the sacraments is vital, especially in times of trial within the Church. So practice your faith in trying times and your spirit will remain alive with the power of the Holy Spirit. You may also help others discover that a positive approach to life is the best way to weather any storm.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column, written by Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M, of 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 Paul Harvey

"In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these." - Paul Harvey

On Understanding the Debate about Celibacy, the Real Presence as Key to Renewal and Other Catholic-related Topics

A number of articles/posts have recently been published on a variety of Catholic-related subjects worth considering.

To access some of these, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Greg Erlandson: Understanding the debate about celibacy (22 JAN 20)

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Peter Jesserer Smith: 'Unleash the Eucharist': How Real Presence is Key to Renewal (15 SEP 19)

Beginning to Pray: The Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible (September 2019)

Dominicana: Because He Cares for You (27 JAN 20)

The Deacon's Bench: Timothy Schmalz's stunning sculpture of migrants and refugees unveiled at Vatican (29 SEP 19)

Magis Center: God and the Vanguard of Atheism (24 FEB 20)

Fr. Dwight Longenecker: The Clerical Cassock: A Black Badge of Courage (21 FEB 20)

Denver Catholic: A Catholic's guide to Star Wars (16 DEC 19)

Catholic Digest: Spice up your prayer life with the favorite prayers of modern holy people (25 SEP 19)

Crux: Lebanon, Nigeria show Catholic bishops saying the emperor has no clothes (11 FEB 20)

Crossroads Initiative: Terrorism and the Victory of the Cross

Aleteia: John Burger: England to be rededicated to Mary in revival of medieval tradition (13 FEB 20)

On Issues Related to Tax Incentives

"Perhaps there's no government policy or program that's as widely reviled, yet universally pursued, as tax incentives.

"Study after study demonstrates that when states and cities give out tax breaks to companies looking to relocate or expand, they typically get very limited bang for their bucks, if any. Yet such incentives remain central to development strategies in most jurisdictions.

A study published last summer found that three-quarters of local economic development dollars are devoted to tax incentives, with the amount spent on them tripling since the 1990s."

A recent article in Governing Magazine explored some of the concerns related to tax incentive programs.

To access the complete report, please visit:

Governing: Tax Incentives: The Losing Gamble States and Cities Keep Making (26 FEB 20)

Franciscan Lenten Meditation: Thomas More: What Does It Profit Us?

"In The Seven Storey Mountain, the Trappist monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton explains how, when asked by his friend Robert Lax what he, Merton, wanted to be, he replied that he wanted to be a good Catholic. Lax, a poet and mystic, told him, 'What you should say is that you want to be a saint.' Merton deferred, conscious of his own failings and inadequacies. But Lax persisted: 'All that is necessary to be a saint is to want to be one.' By desiring sainthood, Lax said, we consent to become what God has created us to be. God, in turn, will make us saints."

Franciscan Media is offering a special Lenten series of meditations, "Lent with the Saints." The mediation by Father Greg Friedman, OFM, for the Thursday after Ash Wednsday, entitled "Thomas More: What Does It Profit Us?", is as follows:

Franciscan Media: Lent with the Saints: Thomas More

Hillary Klug: "Ragtime Annie"

Music of various types has been interwoven into the history of the United States (going back to the original thirteen colonies). One of these songs is "Ragtime Annie", presented here by Hillary Klug with Jim and Inge Wood:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for moments of quiet prayer and reflection.

Pope Francis on "Blessed Are the Meek"

"Pope Francis said [recently] that a meek Christian is not weak, but defends his faith and controls his temper.

"'The meek person is not accommodating, but is a disciple of Christ who has learned to defend another land well. He defends his peace, defends his relationship with God, and defends his gifts, preserving mercy, fraternity, trust, and hope,' Pope Francis said Feb. 19 in Paul VI Hall.

"The pope reflected on the third beatitude from Christ's Sermon on the Mount: 'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.'"

To access a Catholic News Agency report on this reflection of Pope Francis, please visit:

Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis: The meek are not pushovers (19 FEB 20)

Reflection Starter from Thomas Merton

"For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God's will, to be what God wants us to be." - Father Thomas Merton, OCSO

Franciscan Lenten Meditation: Do You Want to Be a Saint?

"In The Seven Storey Mountain, the Trappist monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton explains how, when asked by his friend Robert Lax what he, Merton, wanted to be, he replied that he wanted to be a good Catholic. Lax, a poet and mystic, told him, 'What you should say is that you want to be a saint.' Merton deferred, conscious of his own failings and inadequacies. But Lax persisted: 'All that is necessary to be a saint is to want to be one.' By desiring sainthood, Lax said, we consent to become what God has created us to be. God, in turn, will make us saints."

Franciscan Media is offering a special Lenten series of meditations, "Lent with the Saints." The first mediation by Father Greg Friedman, OFM, in this series, entitled "Do You Want to Be a Saint?", is as follows:

Franciscan Media: Lent with the Saints: Do You Want to Be a Saint?

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: "Take Up Your Cross"

As we continue our Ash Wednesday celebration, I offer this version of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir presenting "Take Up Your Cross":

Ash Wednesday

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

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

YouTube: Psalm 51: Be Merciful, O Lord (Haugen)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

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

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

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

Reflections on today's observance:

Rome Reports: Pope reflects on how to live Lent during General Audience (26 FEB 20)

Community in Mission: The Urgent Theme of Ash Wednesday (25 FEB 20)

Crossroads Initiative: Repentance & God's Mercy - Ash Wednesday

National Catholic Register: Culture of life: These 40 Days: Gearing Up for a Life-Changing Lent (22 FEB 20)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, lord, for the blessing of Your Ash Wednesday message.

Pope Francis Issues Lenten Message

"We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

"There is an urgent need for personal conversion, without which the temptations of Satan, and the presence of evil, create a 'hell here on earth,' Pope Francis said Monday in his 2020 Lenten message.

"'Christian joy flows from listening to, and accepting, the Good News of the death and resurrection of Jesus,' he said. 'Whoever believes this message rejects the lie that our life is ours to do with as we will.'"

A recent Catholic News Agency article reported on the Lenten Message issued by Pope Francis earlier this week.

To access the complete report, please visit:

Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis' Lent 2020 message: Personal conversion needed to confront Satan's lies (24 FEB 20)

To access Pope Francis' complete message, please visit:

The Vatican: Lent 2020: "We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:20) | Francis

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"This year the Lord grants us, once again, a favourable time to prepare to celebrate with renewed hearts the great mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the cornerstone of Christian life." - Pope Francis

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

This week, the week of 24-28 February, is being observed as National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Part I). It is a week initiated to focus on advocacy and education on issues related to invasive species prevention, detection, monitoring, control, and management at local, state, regional, national, and international levels. National Invasive Species Awareness Week Part II - Local Events and Awareness, to be observed 16-23 May, is designed to focus on local  invasive species prevention, removal, and educational events.

For more information related to this observance, please visit:

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

Facebook: National Invasive Species Awareness Week

Background information:

National Invasive Species Council

"When The Saints Go Marching In"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of the Nola Brass Band presenting "When The Saints Go Marching In":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for being the true joy of our life.

Br. Bertrand Hebert, O.P., on the True Joie de Vivre

"Louisiana is an anomaly. Having been born and raised in Cajun Country, I become more aware of this whenever I meet people from other states. Louisiana is a melting pot - a gumbo if you will - of various cultures and traditions. This variety even extends to the cultural phenomenon of Mardi Gras, which is celebrated today. When people think of Mardi Gras they often imagine New Orleans with its beads, bright colors, exotic floats, etc. However, there is a region of south-central Louisiana where Mardi Gras looks quite different: Acadiana or the 'Cajun Heartland'.

"There are, of course, many similarities in the way that New Orleans and Acadiana celebrate Mardi Gras. Yet, there are some notable differences found in Acadiana's culture, costumes, and customs that are unknown to most people. Regardless of location, Mardi Gras and its surrounding celebrations are meant to serve as a preparation for the forty days of Lent that follow. With this in mind, exploring some of these unfamiliar customs can elicit new considerations when preparing for Lent."

In a recent commentary, Brother Bertrand Hebert, O.P., reflected on different ways in which the Mardi Gras celebration may help prepare us for Lent."

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

Dominicana: La Joie de Vivre (25 FEB 20)

Reflection Starter from Pope John Paul II

"A constant danger with Christians, even zealous Christians, is that they become so immersed in the work of the Lord that they neglect the Lord of the work." - Saint Pope John Paul II

Old Farmer's Almanac on Winter Exercise

"Motivation flagging? Live too far from a gym? No room in the house for exercise equipment? Not enough light before or after work? Feeling sluggish?

"A lot of people abandon regular exercise during the winter. If that describes you, I know you have a slew of excuses, because I've used most of ‘em myself.

"But even the best excuses ignore the cardinal law of physical fitness: Use it or lose it. You only get the fitness you earn today. You can't store it up until the weather improves and the days get longer."

The Old Farmer's Almanac Blog recently republished an overview of ways to keep active during the winter months.

To access the complete post, please visit:

The Old Farmer's Almanac: Winter Exercise: No Excuses

Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers: Rock Rock Rock

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of "Rock Rock Rock" by Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the gift of patience.

Bishop Tobin on Regret for Inactions

"Recently I came across a survey sponsored by psychologists from Cornell University that reported on the biggest regrets that people have in life. The survey said, 'It’s not the things you do in life that you regret - it’s the things you don't do.' One author noted that 'In the short term, people regret their actions more than inactions. But in the long term, the 'inaction regrets' stick around longer.' The study concludes, 'It's vital for people to act on their hopes and dreams, and it isn't normal to just keep putting them off indefinitely.'"

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on some of the implications of our inactions, include sinful ones.

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

The Imitation of Christ: What I Have Failed To Do (20 FEB 20)

Reflection Starter from Frederick Denison Maurice

"The Lord's Prayer may be committed to memory quickly, but it is slowly learnt by heart." - Frederick Denison Maurice

"Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of The Cathedral Singers presenting "Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether":

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; and Matthew 5:38-48. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 103 (Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13).

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

YouTube: Psalm 103: The Lord Is Kind And Merciful (Haugen setting)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sunday Reflections: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 23, 2020)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 23, 2020)

Community in Mission: The Cycle of Hatred and Revenge Ends With Me - A Homily for the 7th Sunday of the Year (22 FEB 20)

Crossroads Initiative: Who am I to Judge?

The Sacred Page: Turn the Other Cheek: The 7th Sunday of OT (22 FEB 20)

The Sacred Page: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 4 (The Mass Readings Explained) (17 FEB 20)

Rhode Island Catholic: The Quiet Corner: Mercy is indeed the face of God (20 FEB 20)

St. Paul Center: Holy as God: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Be Holy (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * Week 7)

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: Advancing the Gospel of Christ (19 FEB 20)

Catholic News agency: Pope Francis: Ask God for the strength to love your enemies (23 FEB 19)

Spirituality of the Readings: The Temple of God (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

In Exile: Love of Enemy as the Test of Orthodoxy (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

Glancing Thoughts: Turning the Other Cheek (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Does Jesus Want Doormats for Disciples? (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

The Word Embodied: Militant Faith (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A) 

Historical Cultural Context: Regaining Honor (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Walter Hilton (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)