Birthday Blessings, William!!!

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

Steel Rhythm: "Yellow Bird"

It's time for some steelpan (or steel drum) music, a type of music I enjoy. In this video, Steel Rhythm is presenting "Yellow Bird":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good craftsmen/women and the excellent work they produce.

Bishop Tobin on Unhappy Days and Our Attitude

"A number of years ago I attended the episcopal ordination of a new auxiliary bishop in another diocese. At the end of the ceremony, as is the custom, the newly minted bishop addressed a few remarks to the assembled congregation. He thanked everyone for attending and participating in the ceremony; he thanked God for his priestly vocation; and then he said this: 'I've never had an unhappy day as a priest!'

"Those words struck me then and remain with me now. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the importance of, when experiencing unhappiness, focusing on the other good and positive things in our lives.

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

The Imitation of Christ: "I've Never Had An Unhappy Day" (24 FEB 22)

Reflection Starter from Pope St. John Paul II

"To maintain a joyful family, each member of the family has to become, in a special way,the servant of the others." - Pope Saint John Paul II

The Cathedrals: "Search Me O God"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of The Cathedrals presenting "Search Me O God":

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Sirach 27:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:54-58, and Luke 6:39-45. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 92 (Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16).

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

YouTube: Psalm 92 - Lord, it is good to give thanks to You. (8th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus told his disciples a parable, "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,' when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye.

"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 27, 2022)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 27, 2022)

Community in Mission: Bite Your Tongue! A Homily for the 8th Sunday of the Year (26 FEB 22)

St. Paul Center: Heart and Mouth: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ex Corde at Benedictine College: This Sunday, You May Be a Failure - But You Can Be Great (24 FEB 22)

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Beware of Blind Guides (Cycle C * 8th Week of Ordinary Time)

Spirituality of the Readings: Seeing (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year C)

In Exile: What is the Eucharist? (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year C)

Glancing Thoughts: A Good Tree is Known by Its Fruits (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year C)

The Word Engaged: Actions and Orientations (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time -Year C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Talking The Walk (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year C) 

Historical Cultural Context: Hypocrites (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year C) 

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Cyril of Alexandria (8th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year C)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the virtue of prudence.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., on the Virtue of Prudence

"If there's one virtue that's overdue for a revival in today's world, it's prudence. At least that's what Father Gregory Pine, OP, has discovered in his work as a scholar and pastor. 

"'There is a huge need for a renaissance of prudence in the life of the Church,' he said in an interview with Aleteia. 

"Father Pine is doing his part to encourage a renaissance of prudence. He's about to release a book . . ."

In a recent interview with writer Theresa Civantos Barber, Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. offered a number of thoughts about why prudence is so needed in our Church and our world, and how to grow in this virtue.

To access Ms Barber's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Theresa Civantos Barber: The undervalued virtue our world badly needs (27 FEB 22)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Let us ask ourselves what type of words we use. Words that express care, respect, understanding, closeness, compassion, or do we pollute the world by spreading venom: criticizing, complaining, feeding widespread aggression?" - Pope Francis

Peter, Paul and Mary: "I Dig Rock and Roll Music"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Peter, Paul and Mary presenting "I Dig Rock and Roll Music":

On Modern Architecture and Catholic Churches 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:

National Catholic Register: Turning Empty Convents Into Evangelizing Young-Adult Residences: St. Elizabeth House Models How (23 FEB 22)

The Catholic Thing: Where the Light Doesn't Shine (26 FEB 22)

Catholic News Agency: A doctor begged a religious sister for help. Last week, she and her family escaped Afghanistan.(17 FEB 22)

U.S. Catholic: Modern architecture can work for Catholic churches, too (September 2021)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: What is Mardi Gras? (24 FEB 22)

National Catholic Register: Neither Crystal nor Gold - How the Protestant Crystal Cathedral Became a Catholic Cathedral (28 OCT 21)

Denver Catholic:Perspective: George Weigel: Pope Francis and the life issues (14 JUL 21)

Fear of the LORD Comics: Your Multi-tasking Whisperer: Driving too fast, Looking too good. (Makeovers behind the Wheel)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of infirmities that challenge us.

Russell Shaw on Ash Wednesday

"Why are so many people so keen on 'getting the ashes?' The question naturally comes to mind as Ash Wednesday approaches.

"Maybe it will be different this year - lots of things are different in the Age of COVID - but in normal times in the past the first day of Lent, along with Christmas and Easter, has been one of the times in the year when packed churches were the rule instead of the exception."

In a recent commentary, writer Russell Shaw reflected on the importance of Ash Wednesday and its message: "You are dust, and to dust you shall return.".

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

The Pilot: Echoes: Russell Shaw: Straight talk on Ash Wednesday (23 FEB 22)

Reflection Starter from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

"Every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Birthday Blessings, Mike!!!

Birthday greetings to brother-in-law Mike Fedoras, whose birthday is today!!! May this day and each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Joseph Fiala: Concertante in F major

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Josef Fiala's Concertante in F major, as presented by Sarah Krebs on oboe and Melissa Grady on bassoon:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You call us to shine a light for You and for the related graces You bestow on us to do so.

Shining a Light for Jesus and Working Moms

Burned out. Scared. Energized. Those descriptions sum up the last few years of Paula Faris's life. After feeling overworked at ABC News because of her schedule anchoring Good Morning America Weekend and co-hosting The View, she chose to take on the less time-consuming position of being a correspondent in order to spend more time with her husband and three children. But in March 2020, Paula learned that ABC News wouldn't be renewing her contract.

With God's help, Paula navigated fear and uncertainty, realizing that her own struggles as a working mother reflected the lives of millions of women around the country. She is now using her communication and journalism skills not only as a popular podcaster and author, but as the founder of Carry Media, a company which aims to celebrate and advocate for working mothers. We discussed all the changes in her life recently on Christopher Closeup.

Paula and her husband John moved their family to South Carolina, where they both work from home much of the time. Though she has a positive attitude about it now, Paula admits that losing her job led her through the stages of grief, such as anger, depression, and acceptance. She said, "What I've learned the last couple of years is . . . God calls us to do different things in different seasons. And I'm in a new season. . . . I feel this heart for the mom in the workforce who is burned out, exhausted, and trying to bring home the bacon, and fry it too. There's not a lot of support for her. . . . Fast forward, I'm launching a media company, which is all about championing, advocating, and celebrating the mom in the workforce."

Paula named her new company Carry Media because she wants to help carry working mothers by giving them practical and emotional support. "Some women work because they have to put food on the table," noted Paula. "Some women work because they want to. I was the primary breadwinner of our family for a long time. I had moved up the corporate ladder. I got to the pinnacle of my career. And then, I was like, 'What good is it to gain the world, but to lose my soul in the process?' . . . Often, moms have to make a choice. We're punished for just furthering society by even having children. There are these misconceptions that we don't want to work, or we can't get the job done. . . . Motherhood makes us a better leader. Motherhood makes us an empathizer. Motherhood makes us a visionary. Motherhood makes us incredibly efficient. The workplace just needs to do better by moms. . . . So my goal through [Carry Media] is to shine a light on companies that are doing good by working moms, to change the narrative of what it means to be a mom in the workforce. Our slogan is, 'Because being a working mom should work.' . . . We're advocates. We're cheerleaders. We're not burning bridges and bras. We're not beating the dead horse, but we are beating the drum."

In reflecting on both her present and her future, Paula concluded, "God's calling me to this new chapter, and I hold it loosely. He might call me to something else in two years, and that could change. But the point is, I don't determine my value and my worth from what I do anymore. And I know that wherever I'm called, whatever it is vocationally, I'm there to effectively shine a light. That's the ultimate calling: to shine a light for Jesus, wherever you are."

This essay is this week's "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 St. Francis of Assisi

"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." – Saint Francis of Assisi

The Sidney Bechet Quartet: " Lazy River"

It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of " Lazy River" by the Sonny Rollins Quartet:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of quiet moments in the midst of a busy day.

V. Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS, on the Imposition of Ashes at the Beginning of Lent

"Next Wednesday Lent begins as it always does, with the imposition of ashes.  Why ashes? The Old Testament speaks of three important spiritual attitudes associated with ashes: mortality, repentance, and intercessory prayer. "

In a recent commentary, V. Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS, reflected on these three spiritual attributes associated with the imposition of ashes.   .

To access his complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial’s Reflection: Lent 2022 (24 FEB 22)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

 "Learn to see God in the details of your life, for He is everywhere." - Saint Francis de Sales, in Set Your Heart Free

The Harptones: "The Shrine Of St. Cecilia"

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of "The Shrine Of St. Cecilia" by The Harptones:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways You guide and are with Your Church during challenging times.

Philip Kosloski onHow God Guides His Church through Every Storm

"Whenever the Church is going through a rough patch, it can be tempting to doubt that God is truly in control. The storms of the world continue to buffet the Church and it may seem that God is sleeping.

"Yet, just like the apostles in the boat, we are challenged to trust in God, knowing that he is in control of the Church."

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on the scene of Jesus sleeping in the boat while the storm raged and what this means for His Church.

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

Aleteia; Philip Kosloski: How God guides his Church through every storm (23 FEB 22)

Reflection Starter from Padre Pio

"Do not think of what you are unable to do - but rather think of what you can do and do it well." - Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)

Happy Birthday, George Washington!

Today is George Washington’s birthday. Washington, the first President of the United States (under the U.S. Constitution), is considered by many people to be one of the greatest Presidents the U.S. has had.

This is an excerpt from his official White House brief biography:

"Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.

"He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.

"From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.

"When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.

"He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, 'we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn.' Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies - he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

"Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President.

"He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.

"To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.

"Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A selection of quotes from George Washington:

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

"By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, altho' death was levelling my companions on every side." (in a letter to John A. Washington, 18 July 1755)

"“Nothing but harmony, honesty, industry, and frugality are necessary to make us a great and happy people." (to Marquis de Lafayette, Mount Vernon, 29 January 1789)

"I am sure the mass of citizens in these United States mean well, and I firmly believe they will always act well whenever they can obtain a right understanding of matters; but in some parts of the Union, where the sentiments of their delegates and leaders are adverse to the government, and great pains are taken to inculcate a belief that their rights are assailed and their liberties endangered, it is not easy to accomplish this; especially, as is the case invariably, when the inventors and abettors of pernicious measures use infinite more industry in disseminating the poison than the well disposed part of the community to furnish the antidote." (in a letter to John Jay, 8 May 1796)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

 

For a chronology of George Washington's life, please visit:

Smithsonian Institution: George Washington ' A National Treasure: Chronology

Other information/media posts:

The Catholic Thing: Happy Birthday, George Washington (21 FEB 20)

Foundations Magazine: George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation

"Dwelling Place"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Dwelling Place" by Fr. John Foley, SJ:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your teachings in Your public life, teachings still being proclaimed today through Your Church.

Br. Pius Henry, O.P., and the Stability of Truth

"Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. While it may seem that Catholics have a feast day for a piece of furniture, what we actually celebrate today is the great gift that Christ left his Church: the continuity of his teaching in the ministry of Saint Peter, which continues through the ages. Today the Church celebrates the same chair that called councils, declared saints, confirmed the Order of Preachers in 1216, and proclaimed dogmas like the Immaculate Conception.

"How does the Church accomplish this teaching ministry? She follows the example of Christ the teacher. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Pius Henry, O.P., reflected on the stability of Jesus' teaching and on how this is carried on through His Church.

To access Br. Pius' complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: The Stability of Truth (22 FEB 22)

Reflection Starter from St. Peter Damian

"The best penance is to have patience with the sorrows God permits." - Saint Peter Damian, whose memory the Church celebrated on 21 February

Lee Greenwood: "God Bless the U.S.A."

As we celebrate the Washington's Birthday holiday (often called Presidents Day), I offer this version of Lee Greenwood presenting "God Bless the U.S.A.":

Background information:

National Archives: George Washington's Birthday

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good political leaders on the various levels of government.

Bishop Tobin on Our Weakness Saving Us

"But the Lord said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So I will boast more gladly of my weakness in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and constraints for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12: 9-10)

"Over the years, I have found great consolation in these words of St. Paul. It's counter-intuitive for us to think of weakness being strength, but when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, it's absolutely true.

"It's important to note that admitting our weakness isn't a cop-out, or defeatism, or an abdication of responsibility. Rather, it's simply an acceptance of the reality we deal with every day. But why is that?"

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on why our admission of weakness is acceptance of reality, including an acknowledgement of our sinfulness and imperfection and recognition that many things in life are beyond our control.

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

The Imitation of Christ: Weakness Will Save Us (17 FEB 22)