Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: "Stand By Me"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound presenting "Stand By Me":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of laughter.

Br. Barnabas Wilson, O.P., on the Lord Laughing

"Laughter arises when we take notice of absurdity. We are rational creatures, capable of knowing things about the world, other people, and ourselves. Our rationality also means that we develop expectations. We have ideas about reality that can be confounded or contradicted. For example, we have ideas about monkeys and their ways. When we see a viral video of a monkey getting a haircut, it contradicts our expectations. It's absurd - it's funny - and so we laugh!

"In Psalm 2 . . . , God laughs, which means he takes notice of something absurd. The psalm tells us who he is laughing at in its opening verse: 'Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?' (Ps 2:1). This is bad news: we are the peoples, and we plot in vain. God is laughing at us. In his Providence, this can teach us something about our identity and what we are made for. God does not laugh to no end."

In a recent commentary, Brother Barnabas Maria Wilson, O.P., reflected on this image of God and our need for reprioritization.

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

Dominicana: The Lord is Laughing (30 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from Charles Swindoll

"How easy it is to be 'average.' The ranks of the mediocre are crowded with status quo thinkers and predictable workers. How rare are those who live differently! Ask God to do a new work in you this day, to lift your sights above the expected, to develop in you the qualities that make for excellence. And as he lifts your sights, watch for those who may be struggling in their quest . . . perhaps dangerously near giving up. May He grant you a sensitive heart and a ready word of encouragement." - Rev. Charles Swindoll (in Quest for Character)

Birthday Blessings, Becky!!!

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

The Charms: "Happy Are We"

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of "Happy Are We" by The Charms:

 

National Poverty in America Awareness Month

The month of January is being observed as National Poverty in America Awareness Month, an observance designed to raise awareness and call attention to the growth of poverty in America.

Background information:

Alliance for Strong Families and Communities: Resources for National Poverty in America Awareness Month

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of technicians who maintain/service fire alarm systems.

Bishop Henning on Catholic Schools and Education

"In November, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with Governor Daniel McKee and his staff concerning his Learn365RI initiative. The Governor explained his deep concern for the young people of our state and outlined the post-covid challenges for education. While I was aware of these challenges in general, I was still shocked by the data the Governor presented. Far too many of the young people in our state have not fully returned to school following the pandemic. The rates of chronic absenteeism are much too high in many districts, particularly in urban and poor neighborhoods. The Governor explained his efforts to reduce absenteeism and the significant progress to date. He also explained his Learn365RI initiative to involve the wider community and provide young people with broader opportunities for learning year-round. . . .

"One lesson emerges from the experience of Catholic schools across the United States and here in Rhode Island. In many places, Catholic schools adapted to the lockdown more rapidly than other schools. They also reopened sooner than most, unless impeded by local strictures. The dedicated teachers and engaged parents helped to make the best of extremely difficult circumstances. As a result, Catholic schools across the U.S. maintained their learning and testing standards and even saw modest improvements even as the overall educational endeavor lost ground on an epic scale. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Richard G. Henning, the bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the blessing of Catholic schools and their mission..

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

The State of Hope: Catholic schools educate and form the whole person (25 JAN 24)

Reflection Starter from Robert Louis Stevenson

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life." - Robert Louis Stevenson

"Be Still and Know that I Am God"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Be Still and Know that I Am God":

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, and Mark 1:21-28. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 95 (Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm for the 4th Sunday Year B by Rev. Fr. Gabriel

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: January 28, 2024 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 28, 2024)

Community in Mission: A Portrait of Jesus the Preacher - A Homily for the 4th Sunday of the Year (27 JAN 24)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Jesus Doesn't Want To Be a Celebrity (25 JAN 24)

Word on Fire: Surrender to the Holy One! (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * 4th Week)

The Quiet Corner: 'Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands!' (25 JAN 24)