"Monster Mash"

As we celebrate All Hallow's Eve, I offer this version of Bobby Pickett's "Monster Mash":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of museums of various types.

Br. Christopher Daniel, O.P., on Playing Dress Up

"This evening, a substantial part of our country will put on costumes and pretend to be someone else. There are good reasons to be skeptical about much of what surrounds the American celebration of Halloween. Many prefer to dress up as saints, or even superheroes, rather than ghosts and ghoulies (or certainly devils!). But the desire to dress up as someone else is not a part of the celebration that provokes much comment. The dressing up itself is widespread both among fans and critics of the fall holiday."

In a recent commentary, Brother Christopher Daniel, O.P., reflected on the truth that, underneath any mask or costume, is the identity given to us by God and on the eternal party to which we have all been called and where "we will all be wearing matching baptismal garments as our costumes - and at that party it will be all treats, no tricks."

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

Dominicana: Playing Dress Up (31 OCT 23)

Reflection Starter from Harold Coffin

"Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own." - Harold Coffin

Herbie Hancock: "Maiden Voyage"

It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock and associates:

 

Birthday Blessings, Leslie!!!

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

Birthday Blessings, Jamie!!!

Birthday greetings to nephew James Fedoras, 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 blessing of the little works You call us to do.

Bishop Henning on Jesus' Love and All Souls Day

"There are things in this world that are worse than death. Chief among them is the loss of one we hold dear. If we are fortunate, we love someone enough that we would risk or even give our lives to save them. At our best, we human beings are capable of loving another more than ourselves, more than life itself."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Richard G. Henning, bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the life-giving love poured forth in Jesus as the source of our consolation as we remember our lost loved ones on All Souls Day.

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

The State of Hope: 'Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord…' (26 OCT 23)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

"God requires a faithful fulfillment of the merest trifle given us to do, rather than the most ardent aspiration to things to which we are not called" - Saint Francis de Sales

Johnny Cash: " Ring of Fire"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Johnny Cash presenting "Ring of Fire":

 

Thought Starter from Garfield

"Leaves are fall's confetti." - Garfield's thought in a recent "Garfield" comic strip

Background information:

Wikipedia: Garfield

National First Responders Day

Today, 28 October, is being observed as National First Responders Day, an observance designed to to recognize the "hard work of the heroic men and women who risk their lives and take action when disaster strikes."

Presidential Proclamation:

The White House: A Proclamation on National First Responders Day, 2023

Related media:

U.S. Department of Commerce: Celebrating Our Nation’s First Responders

X: National First Responders Day

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of chocolate.

The Purpose of Angels

October 2nd [was] the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. The Church's teaching that each person has a guardian angel is rooted in Sacred Scripture and in the words of Christ, when He said, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10) 

Angels have a three-fold purpose: to praise God, to act as His messengers, and to watch over human beings. In many instances throughout Scripture, we see angels referenced in relation to these important functions. For instance, Psalm 103 states, "Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, hearkening to the voice of His word!" So we see here how important the role of praise is for angels, and we should remember, when we praise God, we are joined in an integral way to the function of our guardian angel. That should give us confidence that we are never alone in prayer. Our guardian angel is always there, amplifying our praise of God.

In Exodus 23, God says, "Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared. Give heed to him and hearken to his voice...." In these words, we see the function of angels as both guide and protector established clearly by God. So angels are messengers entrusted to share the wisdom of God with us, and they are protectors, guarding us amid the challenges of life.

Stories abound about saints and their awareness of and interaction with their guardian angels and even the guardian angels of others. Saint Padre Pio was known to communicate with the guardian angels of those who needed his help. Saint Veronica of Binasco and Saint Gemma Galgani both saw their own guardian angels regularly and were constantly aware of their presence. Saint Catherine of Laboure was once awakened by her guardian angel and led to a chapel to converse with our Blessed Mother.

Christ's reference to guardian angels in relation to children demonstrates the care God has even for the littlest among us. This is also a reminder that our guardian angels are with us at every moment of our lives, especially at our weakest and most vulnerable points.

Saint Basil the Great wrote, "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that from the very beginning of our lives until death we are surrounded by our angels' "watchful care and intercession." And the Catechism concludes, "Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God" (CCC 336).

In Matthew 26, Christ mentions "legions of angels," so we know that there are multitudes of angels, and it stands to reason that God, in His infinite care for humanity, would assign these heavenly beings to watch over us. Resting in the assuredness that we each have a guardian angel strengthens our faith in God and guides us to have greater confidence in all situations in life. So, let us cultivate a greater awareness of this heavenly protection that has been bestowed upon us, heeding the guidance of these great messengers, recalling their presence when we praise God, and walking in the path of peace and safety they lay before us.

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 Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The biggest mistake you can make in your life is to be always afraid of making a mistake." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Chris and Valerie!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to nephew Christopher and his wife Valerie, whose wedding anniversary was Tuesday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Chris!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Christopher Medeiros, husband of Myrna's daughter Mimi, whose recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Felix Mendelssohn: String Symphony No. 8 in D major

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Felix Mendelssohn's String Symphony No. 8 in D major, as played by the Northern Chamber Orchestra, directed by Nicholas Ward:

 YouTube: Mendelssohn / String Symphony No. 8 in D major

Thank You, Lord

 Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to amble.

Joseph Pearce on Ways to Walk through Life

"It has been said, quite correctly, that man is homo viator. We are wayfarers on the journey of life. We are pilgrim adventurers on the quest for heaven. If this is so, if we can see our lives as a journey, we should see the events of our lives as steps along the path along which we walk. How should we approach this path? How should we walk it? Should we hike it energetically and single-mindedly, expediting life as an explorer might expedite an expedition? Or should we ramble in a leisurely fashion, taking our time and stopping along the way to enjoy the scenery?"

In a recent commentary based on the examples of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Joseph Pearce, Director of Book Publishing at the Augustine Institute, reflected on the difference between hiking and ambling through life.

To access Mr. Pearce's complete essay, please visit:

Aleteia: Joseph Pearce: Should we hike or ramble through life? (24 OCT 23)

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, (28 October). The free event will be held from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. As of this writing, there are 501 collection sites planned in New England, including 65 in Connecticut, 59 in Maine, 188 in Massachusetts, 117 in New Hampshire, 36 in Rhode Island, and 36 in Vermont.

Public health, law enforcement, and other government and community representatives will be working at these sites to collect expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs that are potentially dangerous if left in the family’s medicine cabinet.

This National Take-Back Day is designed to provide an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and are considered an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

This one-day effort is designed to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse. The program is anonymous, and it focuses on prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications (i.e., tablets and capsules). Intravenous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted. In addition, illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.

To view a list of collection sites in a specific state, please click on the following:

US DEA: National Take Back Initiative Collection Site Search

Reflection Starter from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Storm Front: "Lida Rose"

It's time for some more barbershop harmony. Here is a presentation of "Lida Rose" by Storm Front:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the signs of transformation and new life that autumn brings.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Autumn as the Season of the Soul

"The 19th century German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, once described the autumn months as 'the season of the soul.' Even in our modern culture, I think many people would agree with this assessment. In the Christian tradition, this is evident in the abundant feasts of angels, saints, and devotion to our deceased sisters and brothers during the months of September, October, and November.

"In nature, these beautiful weeks lend themselves to contemplating the spiritual side of life. In the Northern Hemisphere, the dying trees, the falling leaves, and the darkening days remind us that nothing lasts, everything changes, and all of creation will eventually return to the Earth."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on autumn as a time for rest, repair, and renewal.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial's Reflection: The Season of the Soul (26 OCT 23)

Reflection Starter from Jerry Gillies

"Ray Bradbury says, 'You never know what potentials you have.' I'm not saying for a minute that everyone in the world has a fantastic talent, but imagine that you have a fairly good one that you haven't tested." - Jerry Gillies

Zero8: "Amazing Grace"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of the Zero8 Chorus presenting "Amazing Grace":

YouTube: Zero8 - Amazing Grace

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is being observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is designed to be a time of raising awareness of domestic violence throughout the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities. It is also a time to remember those who have died because of domestic violence and to recommit to efforts to end violence within homes and communities.

Domestic violence refers to a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, and/or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.

Domestic violence may include acts of violence intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, and/or isolation to coerce and to control the other person. Violence itself may not happen often, but it may remain a hidden and constant terrorizing factor. Domestic violence may also include psychological violence, such as intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse or other individual through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of that individual.

Although a look at statistics indicates that domestic violence is a major problem, we don’t really know how common it is because people often do not report it. Domestic violence occurs among women and men of all ages and all levels of income and education. Many times victims of violence suffer in silence because they do not know where to turn, where to find guidance and support.

In a related initiative, a number of celebrities, athletes, corporate leaders, and advocates are collaborating, via a series of public service announcements, to generate awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault and encourage bystanders to help. This NO MORE campaign is designed to galvanize greater awareness and action to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

For more information about this initiative, please visit:

NO MORE

Background information and resources:

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

National Network to End Domestic Violence

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Maine Coalition To End Domestic Violence

Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of ribbons.

Br. Gerard Rosario, O.P., on God as a Lover of the Poor

"'And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."' - Mt 19:23-24

"What does Jesus have against the rich? After hearing these verses, it might seem like a fair question. To understand the heart of the matter, I would like to propose that the better question is: Why is poverty good for us?"

In a recent commentary, Brother Gerard Rosario DeAngelis, O.P., reflected on the relationship between poverty, openness to God's grace, and God's love for us.

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

Dominicana: The Lover of the Poor (24 OCT 23)

Reflection Starter from Archbishop Fulton Sheen

"The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble man his blessings." - Ven. Fulton J. Sheen

The New Aquatones: "Are You My Angel?"

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of "Are You My Angel?" by The New Aquatones:

 

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

This week, the week of 22-28 October, is being observed as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Together, we can prevent lead exposure!"

Childhood lead poisoning is considered one of the most preventable environmental disease among young children. However, an estimated 250,000 U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime.

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strives to:

• raise awareness about lead poisoning,
• stress the importance of screening the highest risk children younger than six years of age (preferably by ages one and two) if they have not been tested yet,
• highlight efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning, and
• urge people to take steps to reduce lead exposure.

Background information:

CDC: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

CDC: Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

Birthday Blessings, Mary!!!

Birthday greetings to daughter Mary-Elizabeth, 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!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who engage in the Church's corporal works of mercy.

Bishop Henning on Sharing in the Church's Work of Charity

"The early church spread rapidly across the Mediterranean world. The efficient Roman roads carried missionaries such as Paul and Barnabas. The violent attempts by the Roman Empire to stop the spread of the faith only drew new converts moved by the courage and joy of the Christian martyrs. Another, equally important, element in that remarkable evangelization was the compassion and charity of those Christians."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Richard G. Henning, bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected, with gratitude, on the works of mercy continually ongoing in the Diocese of Providence.

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

The State of Hope: Let Us All Share in the Church's Work of Charity (19 OCT 23)

Reflection Starter from Juvenal

"Many individuals have, like uncut diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior." - Juvenal

"Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above"

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

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 45: 1,4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b; and Matthew 22:15-21. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 96 (Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm 29th Sunday of ordinary time (Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"

Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twenth-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 22, 2023)

Community in Mission: God and God Alone – A Homily for the 29th Sunday of the Year (21 OCT 23)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, When Caesar Asks Too Much, Render to God What Is God's (19 OCT 23)

Word on Fire: Does It Matter What You Believe? (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 29th Wk of Ordinary Time)

The Quiet Corner: Are Christ's teachings simply a matter for discussion or are his words truly life-giving (19 OCT 23)