Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the example of Mary's selfless service and what it means for each of us.

Colleen Schena on the Visitation of Mary

"When I was in college, I regularly participated in Alternative Breaks - spring trips that brought me to new communities and made me a humble student in service to them; these trips often entailed somewhat arduous travel, whether it was plane rides or car trips, and our daily activities varied from laying drainage pipe to learning how to play the dulcimer (a classic bluegrass instrument with Appalachian roots)."

"I know I looked forward to what I would learn each time I went, but the travel was a regularly daunting thought. Today'’s celebration of the Feast of the Visitation reminded me each time that the desire and heart to serve won out over comfort in the life of Mary."

 In a recent commentary, writer Colleen Schena reflected on Mary's Visitation and her example of selfless service.

To access Ms. Schena's complete reflection, please visit:

Relevant Radio: The Visitation, a Feast of Service (31 MAY 22)

Reflection Starter from the Gospel According to Luke

"And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.'" - Luke 1:46-50

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which Your will is found in the "ordinary stuff of our lives."

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS, on Accepting God's Will

"A few weeks ago, I visited one of our senior Oblates residing in a local nursing facility. Due to back issues, he cannot walk or stand for any time, he needs assistance with basic activities. He also has mild dementia.

"As we spoke he surprised me, asking if he had any role in an upcoming Province Assembly scheduled for the end of June. Our Assemblies typically occur every June, and, health permitting, every Oblate in the Province attends. It is always a joyful time as men from different parts of the country come together, reconnect, share what has happened over the past year, pray, share meals, plan for our future, and generally have fun together. All of us look forward to this time.

"I was surprised he made this request because the Assembly is a four-day event, that includes travel, and spending the nights on site. Indeed, it is well beyond what is reasonable for him due to his health issues. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Loughran, OSFS, reflected on this senior Oblate's subsequent reflection , which included “St. Francis de Sales teaches us to recognize and believe that God's will is found in the ordinary stuff of our lives. Due to my health, I know that I will not be able to participate in the Assembly. I know that I am where I am because I need to be, and it is God's will for me to find His embrace and place in His heart here. . . ."

To access Fr. Loughran's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial's Reflection: Accepting God's Will (25 MAY 22)

Reflection Starter from St. Philip Neri

"Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength." - Saint Philip Neri, whose memory the Church celebrates today (26 May)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of people who lend an unexpected helping hand.

Cerith Gardiner on a Nun (Age 67) Who Is a World Taekwondo Champion

"A sister from Singapore, who weighs less than 110 pounds, proclaims: 'I have always been petite and small-framed. If I can run and kick, I don’t have to carry a weapon to defend myself.'. . .

"While she joined the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood 43-years-ago, she still practices her art, and to an impressive level."

In a recent commentary, writer Cerith Gardiner reflected on Sister Linda Sim's participation in Taekwondo (with its motto, "peace is more precious than triumph") and its role in her ministry.

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

Aleteia: Cerith Gardiner: Meet the new world taekwondo champion who's a 67-year-old nun (25 MAY 22)

Reflection Starter from St. Bede the Venerable

"Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will." - Saint Bede the Venerable, whose memory the Church celebrates today (25 May)

"Thou Art Worthy"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Thou Art Worthy":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of just laws.

Br. Cornelius Avaritt, O.P., on the Perfective End of Law

"Unbridled passions. Fiery protests. Sharp rhetoric. These realities characterize our nation as it waits with bated breath for the formal decision of the Supreme Court on the debate regarding abortion. The debate over abortion, however, and its constitutionality leads us to consider a more fundamental question: what is the purpose of law? To answer this question, we can look to the definitions of the eternal and natural law as means of perfection for the human person. 

"The perfection of the human person consists in the attainment of happiness that comes in knowing the truth and choosing the good. Consequently, every human being seeks this end of happiness when choosing to act. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Cornelius Avaritt, O.P., reflected on the importance of remembering that the purpose of "every just law, the most fundamental of which is the eternal law, is to guide man to perfection."

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

Dominicana: The Perfective End of Law (24 MAY 22)

Reflection Starter

"It is not a question of whether you will change the world. Every life affects the world one way of another. It is therefore a question of how you will change your particular world." - from Christopher News Notes (March 1979)

Background information:

The Christophers

Birthday Blessings, Alan!!!

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

Birthday Blessings, Richard!!!

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

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being Your disciple and for all that this means.

Bihop Tobin on Witnessing to the Faith

"If you follow Catholic news at all, you're no doubt aware that Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90 years old and former bishop of Hong Kong, was recently arrested by the Chinese Communist government and charged, in effect, with being a dissident. In truth, Cardinal Zen has been a fearless defender of democracy and religious liberty. Even though the Cardinal was detained for only a short time and then released, there's little doubt that he will continue to be monitored and bullied by the Communist government. His arrest also highlights the plight of the Catholic Church in China that increasingly is being harassed by government officials.

"The persecution of the Church in China is not unique. In many places of the world, religious freedom is being suppressed and the Catholic Church is being attacked. . . . The Vatican has reported that last year 22 Catholic missionaries were killed for their faith. The age of the martyrs is not over.

"Remembering the real sufferings of other Catholics around the world lends some perspective on our own minor inconveniences and complaints, doesn’t it? Perhaps we've become just a little too comfortable, too complacent in the practice of our faith."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on on the responsibility and privilege we have in being a disciple of Jesus..

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

The Imitation of Christ: Witnessing To The Faith (19 MAY 22)

Reflection Starter from Pope John XXIII

“. . . just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.” – Blessed Pope John XXIII

Birthday Blessings, David!!!

Birthday greetings to cousin David Haupt, whose birthday is today!!! May this day,  and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with an outpouring of the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea

Today is being observed as the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops notes, the maritime industry is a vital part of the world's economy and notably, many of the United States ports are the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. The annual National Maritime Day celebration is an opportunity to applaud the important work of seafarers and helps to create awareness for their around the clock work, that often goes unrecognized.

In the face of the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USCCB's Stella Maris National Office continues to support and celebrate the men and women of the sea. The impact of the pandemic and the stress it has caused on seafarers calls for action, especially to ensure the health and wellbeing of mariners and their families.

National Maritime Day is an opportunity to recognize the hardworking men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers, fishers, port personnel and all who work or travel on the high seas for the vital services they provide in support of our nation's economic well-being and national security. Seafarers are a large migrant population in the world today, many of whom are Catholic Christians and unseen by the world. Stella Maris chaplains welcome, reach out to and celebrate seafarers and their families, and all who work or travel on the seas. Through the celebration of the Eucharist and the proclamation of the Word of God, as well as providing other vital services and necessities, Catholic chaplaincy teams fulfill the mission of the Church and help seafarers discover the loving presence of God in an often-challenging world.

Editor's note: Myrna's father served for many years in the tanker fleet that brought petroleum to the Port of Providence and other places on the east coast.

The Hoppers: "Lord, Lead Me On"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of The Hoppers presenting "Lord, Lead Me On":

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Today the Church celebrates the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; and John 14:23-29. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

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

YouTube: May 22, 2022- Psalm: 67 - O God, let all the nations praise you (6th -Sunday of Easter)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Sixth Sunday of Easter May 22, 2022

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 22, 2022)

Community in Mission: Four Gifts of Grace – A Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter (21 MAY 22)

Crossroads Initiative: Holy Spirit and the Catholic Church

The Quiet Corner: Faith must always take precedence over works (19 MAY 22)

St. Paul Center: Council of Jerusalem: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Ex Corde at Benedictine College: This Sunday, Good News (and Bad News?) About Our Life in Christ … (19 MAY 22)

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Sixth Sunday of Easter

Word on Fire: The Heavenly City (Cycle C * 6th Week of Easter)

Spirituality of the Readings: Closer Away? (Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C)

In Exile: Different One Spirit - One Source of All (Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C)

Glancing Thoughts: Mindless Meddlesome Officious Busybodies for the Lord (Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C)

The Perspective of Justice: A Better World (Sixth Sunday of Easter -Year C)

The Word Encountered: Necessary Things (Sixth Sunday of Easter -Year C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Spirit-Led Decision-Making (Sixth Sunday of Easter -Year C)

Historical Cultural Context: The Paraclete (Sixth Sunday of Easter -Year C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Bernard of Clairvaux (Sixth Sunday of Easter -Year C)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You call us to holiness and encourage us along this path.

Msgr. Pope on The Necessity of Undergoing Hardships to Enter God's Kingdom

"The first reading from Sunday Mass this [past] week (5th Sunday of Easter) is very Catholic, and it's too informative to just pass by. It presents a Church as rather highly organized and possessed of some the structures we know today in full form. Granted, some of these structures are in seminal (seed) form, but the are there.

"One can detect qualities of the original kerygma that are at variance with what some modern thinkers declare should be the methodology of the Church. The soft Christianity of many today, who remove the cross and replace it with a pillow and who insist upon inclusion and affirmation to the exclusion of all else, is strangely absent in this early setting.

"Let's examine the reading (Acts 14:21-27) and see the true path of priests, teachers, and leaders in the Church. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the importance of announcing the gospel as good news, admonishing a world obsessed with pleasures to embrace the cross as our only hope, and being accountable to one another..

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

Community in Mission: Learning from the Early Church: It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (16 MAY 22)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Each of us is called to holiness, to a unique and unrepeatable form of holiness. The Lord has a design of love for everyone. He has a dream for your life. Welcome it! Pursue it joyfully!" - Pope Francis