Lop Notes: April 2023

30 April 2023

"Shepherd of Souls"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Shepherd of Souls":

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 2:14a, 26-41; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; and John 10:1-10. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 23 (Psalm 23:1-6).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 23 "The Lord, the Good Shepherd"

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers." Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.

So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 30, 2023)

Community in Mission: Are You Smarter than a Sheep? - A Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter (29 APR 23)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, The Good Shepherd: Model and Correction for Today’s Shepherds (27 APR 23)

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Word on Fire: How to Proclaim the Faith (Cycle A * Easter * 4th Week of Easter)

Birthday Blessings, Adalynn!!!

Happy Birthday greetings to granddaughter Adalynn, 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!

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Today, Sunday, 30 April, is being observed as World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the purpose of which is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), consecrated life in all its forms (male and female religious life, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virginity), secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life.

Related media report:

Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis: 'There is no vocation without mission' (26 APR 23)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of each of our family members and their place in our lives.

Fr. Michael Rennier on the Importance of Each Member of Our Families

"These days, it's so easy to give up on family. If you quarrel with a sibling, a parent, or a child and never want to talk to them again, or if you're a young person and don't want to have any children at all, there are always ersatz families on the television waiting to welcome you into their home.

"These families have the virtue of never asking a single thing of their viewers - other than to spend a little time watching. Maybe they have a lesson to teach or a few laughs to give. . . .

"Then, if there's no comfort to be had from television families, there are always internet subgroups.

"Perhaps this is the exact reason why people are quick these days to distance biological family or don't see the appeal of ever having children. Family seems an optional state of life. . . ."

In a recent commentary based on the writing of G. K. Chesterton, Father Michael Rennier reflected on the polarizing effect of lack of family commitment and on how meeting the people God has placed in our lives can become the framework of personal growth.

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

Aleteia: Fr. Michael Rennier: G.K. Chesterton on why you need your annoying uncle (30 APR 23)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Each of us is precious to Jesus. Remember that no one can take your place in the history of the Church and the world. No one else can do what only you can do. So let's help each other to believe that we are loved and precious, that we are made for great things!" - Pope Francis

27 April 2023

Bill Charlap Trio: "Out Of Nowhere"

It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of "Out Of Nowhere"" by the Bill Charlap Trio::

National Youth Violence Prevention Week

This week, the week of 24-28 April, is being observed as National Youth Violence Prevention Week, an initiative designed to raise awareness and to educate students, teachers, school administrators, counselors, school resource officers, school staff, parents, and the public on effective ways to prevent or reduce youth violence.

Background information:

Sandy Hook Promise: National Youth Violence Prevention Week

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of domestic workers and for the many ways in which You work through them.

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS, on Daily Prayer Rituals

"My grandfather, Joseph Francis Loughran, was born in 1899 in Philadelphia. As told by his descendants, the stories of his life range from the rather tragic to the humorous. . . .

"Despite these reminiscences, the image I always have of my grandfather is of him sitting in his favorite chair. He would sit there every morning around 6 am and recite aloud his long list of devotional prayers followed by his rosary. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Loughran, OSFS, reflected on the daily ritual his grandfather modeled for him and on why it is important to spend time each day in prayer.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial's Reflection: Older the Wiser (27 APR 23)

Reflection Starter from St. Maximilian Kolbe

"No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hecatombs [e.g. the sacrifice of many victims] of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves?" - Saint Maximilian Kolbe

26 April 2023

Steel Rhythm: "Over the Rainbow"

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

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord. for the blessing for administrative assistants and the services they provide.

Susan Klemond on Offering Alms of Kindness Throughout the Year

"It’s surprising that the rich man in Luke 16 knew that the beggar outside his gate was named Lazarus because, as Father Abraham implies in the parable, the rich man gave the poor man little during his life.

"Given his lack of concern over Lazarus' material wellbeing, I can imagine that the rich man didn't offer him many 'alms' of kindness either. It would be easier to look away from the awkward scene of poverty when passing through his gate than to greet the beggar with charity. . . .

"Lent may be over but practicing the pillars of almsgiving, as well as praying and fasting, doesn’t end on Easter Sunday."

In a recent commentary, writer Susan Klemond reflected on the importance of giving alms of kindness throughout the year.

To access Ms. Klemond's complete essay, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Susan Klemond: Give Alms of Kindness All Year Round (23APR 23)

Reflection Starter from Marian Wright Edelman

"Don't just dream about grandiose acts of doing good. Every day do small ones, that add up over time to positive patterns." - Marian Wright Edelman

25 April 2023

"Shine, Jesus, Shine"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Don Moen's "Shine, Jesus, Shine":

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

This week, the week of 23-29 April, is being observed as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Observed since 1981, NCVRW was initiated as an observance to promote awareness of victims' rights and services and to honor crime victims and survivors.

The theme for NCVRW 2023 is "Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change." This theme is designed to encourage communities to amplify the voices of survivors and commit to creating an environment where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported.

For more information about National Crime Victims' Rights Week, please visit:

U.S. Department of Justice: Office for Victims of Crime: National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Birthday Blessings, Jake!!!

Birthday greetings to (great) nephew Jake Duggan, who birthday is today!! May this day, and each day of the coming year, be richly blessed!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who minister to victims of crime.

Br. Samuel Trecost, O.P., on the Incremental Growth of One's Spiritual Life

"A few years ago Google reported a dramatic increase in searches containing the phrase 'open now' and a corresponding drop-off in searches for 'store hours.' The same report also noted that '53% of visits are abandoned if a mobile site takes longer than three seconds to load.' This data indicates something we already know: we are an increasingly impatient generation. We prize two-day shipping and ad-free streaming. We want things now - not later.

'It is not surprising, then, that we might expect immediate results in the spiritual life, too. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Samuel Trecost, O.P., reflected on how unlike "online shopping orders, sanctity does not come overnight. Instead, it is acquired gradually, bit by bit, over long years and decades."

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

Dominicana: St. Mark's Monopolized Parable (25 APR 23)

Reflection Starter from the First Letter of Peter

"So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7

24 April 2023

National Library Week

This week, the week of 23-29 April, is being observed as National Library Week. This year's theme is "There’s More to the Story." This theme is designed to promote the fact that, although libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more, there is much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneur.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. It is designed to be a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries - public, school, academic, and special - and librarians and to promote library use and support.

For more information about National Library Week, please visit:

American Library Association: National Library Week

Facebook: I Love Libraries

Rural Route 4: "Old MacDonald"

It's time for some more barbershop harmony. Here is a presentation of "Old MacDonald" by Rural Route 4:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the new life entering the Church during the Easter Vigil.

Bishop Tobin on the Blessing of New Church Members during the Easter Celebration

"One of the beautiful things about spring is the new and abundant life that appears. All around us, nature is giving evidence of that new life in the lengthening days, the blooming of plants and flowers, and the animals emerging from their dens and nests accompanied by their little ones.

"It's a time of new life for the Church as well, for two reasons. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on how the reception of new members is a cause for great joy and hope for the Church.

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

The Imitation of Christ: New Members, New Life (20 APR 23)

Reflection Starter from C. S. Lewis

"One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts." - C. S. Lewis

23 April 2023

Well Done, Joe!!!

Son Joseph recently participated in the American Lung Associations' Fight for Air Climb in Providence, RI. Of the individual participants, he finished in fourth place with the amount of funds raised ($2,830.00). He also did well in the actual climb, with a time of 2:23.2, finishing #17 out of 209 individiual participants. Well done, Joe!!!

"Two Were Bound For Emmaus"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Bob Hurd's "Two Were Bound For Emmaus":

Third Sunday of Easter

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 2:14, 22-33; 1 Peter 1:17-21; and Luke 24:13-35. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 16 (Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 3rd Sunday of Easter, 2023 - Year A - Psalm 16 - Huval

The Gospel reading is as follows:

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?"

And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see."

And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.