Sly and The Family Stone: "Dance to the Music"

 As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Sly & the Family Stone presenting "Dance to the Music":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of fireflies.

Prayer Got "General Hospital" Actor Through Cancer

John J. York, who plays Mac Scorpio on ABC's General Hospital, approaches each day with hope, gratitude, and faith, no matter what life throws at him. And life hurled some major health issues his way in late 2022. John was diagnosed with two blood and bone marrow cancers - myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and multiple smoldering myeloma - that would have likely killed him in the next three to five years. During a Christopher Closeup interview, John explained that he kept the news quiet, informing only his immediate family and boss. He and his wife, Vicki, were also in the process of moving to Tennessee to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

John began chemo treatments at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center in March 2023, while they searched for a donor who could provide stem cells for a life-saving transplant. Meanwhile, he traveled to and from California to work on General Hospital. During those months, John was encouraged to go public by Courtney at Be the Match (now the National Marrow Donor Program) because it could help not only him find a donor, but also other people. He followed her advice, and by September, they found a match for John.

The night after his stem cell transplant brought severe discomfort because John's new cells were fighting his old cells for dominance. He recalled, "I lay in bed, and I prayed the rosary. I said a million Hail Marys, a million Our Fathers. I prayed to St. Jude, St. Philomena, St. Theresa, St. Faustina, St. Josemaria, St. Pio. . . . I thought about my friends, and [told myself to] be calm, and take one second at a time, one minute at a time."

John never contemplated the thought that he wouldn't get better. His hopeful outlook reflects the Christopher ideal that "it's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." John observed, "All there is in my life is light. . . . And even in the darkness, there's light beyond that. . . . I know whose hand is there for me, and I'm always reaching out for that hand. . . . I'm very thankful for all the blessings in my life, and I want to make sure that I take time every day to say, 'thank you.'"

After 100 days in quarantine and six months off work, John returned to General Hospital in June with warm welcomes from cast, crew, and fans. That warmth is indicative of the kind of person John is, always trying to put his faith into action by loving his neighbor. He reflected, "In one of [my] prayers, [I say], 'Help me to see the face of God in the people and experiences of my life,' and that's what I try to do. I make it a point to think about that when I'm talking to someone. . . . I'm going to stop, look that person in the eye, listen, give them my full attention, and see the face of God in that person, in that experience, in that moment."

John knows he is not the only person going through illness, so he offered some words of advice for others: "Stay positive. Have faith in God. Have faith in Jesus Christ. They are leading you on your way. Whenever you think you might be alone in whatever circumstance, they're there for you. In your deepest and most incredible pain you might be feeling, they're there for you. They're not causing it. They're there for you for your comfort and your healing. Trust in them. Believe in them. Feel their presence in your life. That's what I would say."

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column 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 Theodore Roosevelt

"Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither." - President Theodore Roosevelt, in his1905 Inaugural Address

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sextet in E flat for Horns and String Quartet

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Ludwig van Beethoven's Sextet in E flat for two horns and string quartet (op. 81b), as presented by the Erben Quartet, with Gerhard Meyer and Rudolf Hörold on horns:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who are present to others.

Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS, on the Challenge of Being Present

". . . What I learned this summer is that I struggle with the suffering of others much more than I do with my own. This summer, I went down South in order to intern as a hospital chaplain at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina. There I learned something important about ministry while in the hospital: I dislike like suffering because I cannot fix suffering. I don't know how many patients I saw in the hospital over those ten weeks, but being in a hospital, it is easy to conclude that almost no one that I met there was in a good space. Pain and suffering, and sometimes death were the typical realities of people's lives that I was called to enter into as a chaplain. In each room, I was called to care for and support people in some of the worst moments of their lives. Initially, when I first got on the unit, I saw their pain and I wanted to fix it. Yet, there was nothing I could do and that made me feel like a bad chaplain."

In a recent commentary, Mr.  Jonathan Dick, OSFS, reflected on sometimes "the greatest gift we can give is our presence, our time, and our love. It is simply showing up and giving of ourselves that is the best fix."

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

De Sales Weekly: Salesian Reflection: "I Am Here for You": The Challenge of Being Present (29 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Ted Williams

"People always told me that my natural ability and good eyesight were the reasons for my success as a hitter. They never talk about the practice, practice, practice." - Ted Williams

Petoskey Steel Drum Band: "Jump In The Line"

It's time for some steelpan (or steel drum) music, a type of music I enjoy. In this video, the Petoskey, MI, High School Steel Drum Band is presenting "Jump In The Line":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of herbs used in food preparation.

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky on Avoiding the Excesses of Materialism and Spiritualism

"We sometimes hear that a particular person is not religious but is 'deeply spiritual.' But spirituality detached from God's good creation is out of touch with reality and can be harmful. Authentic Catholic spirituality engages body and soul, spirit and creation, divine faith and human reason - and avoids the excesses of materialism and spiritualism." 

In a recent commentary, Fr. Jerry Pokorsky reflected on the sacraments and their relationship to the spiritual life, which "seeks a heart in harmony with Jesus, our neighbors, and God's good creation."

To access his complete post, please visit:

Catholic Culture: Avoiding the Excesses of Materialism and Spiritualism (19 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from St. Augustine

"There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future." - Saint Augustine of Hippo

Catholic Music Initiative: "God, We Praise You"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "God, We Praise You":

Thank you, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of municipal properties set aside for recreational use.

Br. Barnabas Wilson, O.P., on Defeats in Baseball and in Life

"Loving baseball means heartbreak.

"Every baseball season starts with optimism, especially if you're a Dominican student brother who supports a team who isn't afraid to shell out some cash for good players. Perhaps the team has called up prospects with promises of greatness. Perhaps the front office has made a savvy trade. 'This season's the one,' you say, 'the one where we'll go all the way!'

"In August, the view is much more realistic. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Barnabas Maria Wilson, O.P., reflected on the similarities between baseball and life and on how "[l]ong defeat does not have the last word"."

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

Dominicana: Long Defeat in Baseball (23 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Lyndon B. Johnson

"You aren't learning anything when you're talking." - Lyndon B. Johnson

Red Satin: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

One of the treasures of New England is the great variety of music in our region. Some of this music (of whatever genre) is provided musicians from the region; other music is provided by artists visiting the region from other areas.

One such example is Connecticut-based Red Satin.

Background information:

Red Satin 

In this video, Red Satin is presenting "Ain't No Mountain High Enough":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good music teachers.

Bishop Henning on Faithful Citizenship and Formation of Conscience

"Last week, Salve Regina University rented space for a high-end political fundraiser on the campus in Newport. I only learned of the decision on the night before the event while away on retreat. I expressed my concerns to the administration to no avail.

"In some ways, this situation illustrates the fraught nature of these moments and the polarized state of our society. Apart from arguments over tax-exempt status, this event has divided Catholics from one another. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Richard G. Henning, the bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the formation of conscience not only a merely personal matter, but also as "a matter of entering into a trusting relationship with the Lord Jesus and allowing Him to challenge and shape us as His disciples through these and all the graces that he offers to us."

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

The State of Hope: Faithful Citizenship, Part 2 (22 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Auguste Rodin

"Patience is also a form of action." - Auguste Rodin

"Lord, To Whom Shall We Go"

As we continue our Sunday, celebration, I offer this version of "Lord, To Whom Shall We Go," by Michael Joncas:

 

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time  The assigned readings are Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ephesians 5:21-32, and John 6:60-69. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024 - Year B - Psalm 34 - Booth

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Many of Jesus' disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father."

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time August 25, 2024

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 25. 2024)

Community in Mission: Two Hard Sayings in One Day - A Homily for the 21st Sunday of the Year (24 AUG 24)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Decision Time: It All Led Up To This (Jesus's Eucharistic Congress, Day 5) (22 AUG 24)

Word on Fire: Do You Accept This Teaching? (Cycle B * 21st Week of Ordinary Time)

The Pilot: Echoes: Jem Sullivan: Reflection for Aug. 25, 2024, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (21 AUG 24)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who visit those who are dying.

Michael Pakaluk on Visiting the Dying

"It is not quite one of the corporal acts of mercy. These include 'visiting the sick,' even if the illness is temporary or slight, and 'burying the dead.' True, by extension, burying the dead includes such things as visiting a grave on an anniversary, or planting flowers at the gravesite. By extension, visiting the sick would include, say, writing a letter or sending flowers to a sick person. But a special class altogether seems to be this kind of thing: some friend or relative is suffering a terminal illness; you receive word that he is failing rapidly and near to death; and therefore, you clear your schedule and visit him, so that you can 'see him one last time.' This seems a distinct work of mercy, 'visiting the dying.'

"The practice seems a mystery, in the strict sense. It is not fully comprehensible by any utility or benefit. You've seen this person many times before: what difference does it make if you see him briefly one last time? You certainly won't help his illness. And the benefit to you, from doing a good deed, seems minimal. At least, the seriousness of the call we sense in conscience to 'visit the dying' seems all out of proportion to the tangible benefits"

In a recent commentary, Dr. Michael Pakaluk, Professor at the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America, reflected on some of the reasdon for the ministry/work of mercy of visiting those who are dying.

To access Dr. Pakaluk's complete essay, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Michael Pakaluk: Visiting the dying, a distinct work of mercy (9 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"It is not easy to follow the Lord, understanding His way of acting and making His criteria and example our own. Yet, the more we are near Him, the more we experience the beauty of having Him as our Friend. We come to realize that He alone has the 'words of eternal life.'" - Pope Francis

André Rieu: "Waltzing Matilda"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra presenting "Waltzing Matilda":

 

On Real-time Crime Centers Transforming Policing, Untrue History 'Facts,', and Other Topics

A number of articles/posts have recently been published on a variety of  subjects worth considering.

To access some of these, please visit:

Public Discourse: Putting Public Colleges on a Path to Privatization (14 JUL 24)

New Advent: I filmed plants for 15 years. This time-lapse compilation will fill you with wonder and awe...(2 JUL 24)

The Conversation: Real-time crime centers are transforming policing - a criminologist explains how these advanced surveillance systems work (15 AUG 24)

Government Technology: Governments Empower Citizens by Promoting Digital Rights (25 JUN 24)

Stateline: New bans on panhandling in medians spark debate over free speech rights (7 AUG 24)

U.S. GAO: Fighting Fire with Fire - The Forest Service Plans to Increase Use of Prescribed Fires (20 AUG 24)

History Facts: 6 History "Facts" That Aren't Actually True

New Advent: 120 years ago, divers discovered a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera. Hidden inside was an ancient 'computer' that simply shouldn't exist... (24 JUL 24)

Thank You, Lord

 Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of waffles.

Carlo Acutis Points Us Toward Heaven

This past month, the College of Cardinals approved the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, ensuring that he will become the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church. This was preceded by Pope Francis' recognition in June of a second miracle attributed to Acutis' intercession. With a date for the canonization Mass yet to be determined, the possibility remains for it to occur during the upcoming Jubilee Year of 2025.

The intact, though not incorrupt, body of Carlo Acutis is exhibited today in a glass case in the Shrine of the Renunciation in Assisi, Italy. The Shrine is named for Saint Francis' moment of renunciation, when he stripped off his fine garments before his father and the local bishop in a statement of detachment from the world. It's a fitting resting place for Carlo's remains due to the way he lived his life and met his death.

When he was just three years old, Carlo witnessed his grandfather receive the anointing of the sick on his deathbed. After his grandfather died, Carlo said he'd "gone to Jesus”"and asked to be taken to church to pray.

Though his parents were only nominally Catholic, Carlo satisfied his curiosity about the faith by asking questions of his devout Polish babysitter; and he grew in holiness, developing a devotion to Francis of Assisi and following in the saint's footsteps through a love for the sacraments, care for creation, and acts of kindness towards those in need.

Providing witness to many people throughout his life, Carlo eventually led his parents into a fervent practice of the faith; and he is best known today for building a website documenting Eucharistic Miracles and Marian apparitions from around the world. Carlo chose the good at every turn of his life, which makes his death at the young age of 15 seem like such a bitter loss. He and his family did not even know he was sick until a week and a half before he died. His symptoms first manifested in early October of 2006; one week later, he was diagnosed with leukemia; a few days after that, he was dead.

But even amid this devastating, Job-like turn of events, Carlo chose the good, offering up his suffering for Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church. The day before he died, Carlo came full circle in his journey of faith by following in his grandfather's footsteps and requesting the anointing of the sick.

The last words Carlo spoke to his mother were: "Mom, don't be afraid. Since Jesus became a man, death has become the passage towards life, and we don't need to flee it. Let us prepare ourselves to experience something extraordinary in the eternal life."

Though Carlo was born in England due to his parents' work, the family moved back to Italy while he was still an infant. He grew up in Milan, where he once made pilgrimages to every church in the city as an alternative to visiting the Holy Land, saying of Christ, "He is here now."

It would be fitting for Blessed Carlo Acutis to be raised to the altars in the year 2025, when pilgrims will flock to Rome for the standard plenary indulgence granted in a Jubilee Year. May Rome, and all of Italy, and especially the City of Assisi in the region of Umbria, the land of saints, come alive in celebration of this first millennial saint, who spent his life pointing the rest of us toward heaven.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by guest columnist Garan Santicola; 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 J. R. R. Tolkien

"Do not spoil the wonder with haste!" - spoken by Legolas in The Return of the King, by J. R. R. Tolkien (Part III of The Lord of the Rings trilogy)

George Frideric Handel: "Music for the Royal Fireworks"

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of George Frideric Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks, as played by The English Concer:, directed by Harry Bicket:

 

Thank you, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the start of another school year.

John Cuddeback on Restoring Craftsmanship to Restore Humanity

". . . Human life is a matter of exercising various 'arts.' To be attentive then to the nature of art in the broad and most important sense can reveal much about the human difference and how better to live it out.

"But we live in the most art-less age in history. I speak here of much more than the 'fine arts;' I mean art in the sense of the many crafts or know-hows that concern how humans go about living on this earth. . . ."

In a recent commentary, writer John Cuddeback reflected on the importance of cultivating craftsmanship and on the relationship of craftsmanship to God's design.

To access his complete post, please visit:

LifeCraft: Restoring Craftsmanship to Restore Humanity (21 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from the Book of Proverbs

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth." - Proverbs 27:1

Kairy Marquez: "Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above"

As today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I offer this version of Kairy Marquez presenting "Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You help us stay focused or refocus on our heavenly goal.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Turning to Mary

"As a young college student in the late 16th century, Francis de Sales suffered a great sense of hopelessness as he struggled with recent Protestant ideas about predestination. Francis was saddened to think that perhaps God had predestined him to eternal abandonment in hell. For months, he experienced what has been called the 'darkness of the soul' and a temptation to despair. When everything seemed beyond hope, Francis entered a church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Deliverance and knelt in front of a statue of the Virgin. He began to pray the Memorare: 'Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection or implored your help was left unaided. . . .' Immediately, his gloom and discouragement were transformed. Joy and hope filled his soul. Francis had begun his journey of conversion."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on, how, as today, the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrating "[her] own journey in life and in death," it may increase hope in "our own resurrection and eventual glorification in heaven."

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial's Reflection: Turning to Mary (22 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Bill Watterson

"I'’s good to stop running around. Sometimes, one should just look at things and think about things without doing things." - Bill Watterson

"Hosanna"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Hosanna":

Anniversary Blessings, Allison and Joseph!!!

Anniversary greetings to niece Allison Tanner and her husband Joseph, whose wedding anniversary is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

On Encouraging Nature Time over Screen Time

"For several years, public health experts have been sounding the alarm about the adverse health consequences that extreme screen-time consumption can have on children's cognitive and social-emotional development. According to recent studies, 'excessive screen usage has detrimental effects on social and emotional growth, including a rise in the likelihood of obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. It can obstruct the ability to interpret emotions, fuel aggressive conduct, and harm one’s psychological health in general.' Research such as the above drive NRPA's work toward developing critical resources and supporting data to help communicate to your community the essential role that local parks and recreation has in enhancing children's health outcomes. These tools also help to encourage parents and caregivers to prioritize their children’s nature time over screen time."

A recent article in Parks & Recreation Magazine highlighted some of the ways in which children can be encourage to spend time with nature instead of with screens.

To access the complete article, please visit:

Parks and Recreation Magazine: Encourage Nature Time Over Screen Time (July 2024)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities t spend time outside in nature - enjoying the beauty of and spending time in God's creation.

Br. Sebastian Vicente, O.P., on Shining before Others

"A while back I was tasked with polishing some chalices, candle followers, and patens. Polishing a chalice is simple: apply the metal polish and use a soft towel to clean it. These chalices, I thought, had seen better days. There was no luster or sheen on them, they were completely dull and tarnished. But, as I polished them I realized how long it took to clean just one. I realized that I was being too soft and careful with them, and so it was taking too long. So I decided to put my back into it and they began gleaming again. The beautiful pattern engraved in the chalice started to appear and when I looked at it, I could see my own reflection. 

"Despite all our tarnish, we too are meant to shine and reflect the face of Christ upon the world. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Sebastian Vicente, O.P., reflected on how often we do not reflect the Father in our daily lives and on the importance of carrying Christ "in our hearts to give others the eternal gifts of the Father."

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

Dominicana: Shine Before Others . . . (20 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from St. Bernard of Clairvaux

"Ingratitude is the soul's enemy. . . . Ingratitude is a burning wind that dries up the source of love, the dew of mercy, the streams of grace." - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, whose memory the Church celebrates today (20 August)

Timeless: "Take it Easy"

One of the treasures of New England is the great variety of music in our region. Some of this music (of whatever genre) is provided musicians from the region; other music is provided by artists visiting the region from other areas.

One such example is Rhode Island-based Timeless.

Background information:

Timeless

In this video, Timeless is presenting "Take it Easy":

 

Anniversary Blessings to Adam & E-Lynn!!!

Anniversary greetings to son Adam and his wife Erin, whose wedding anniversary 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 potatoes and the various ways in which they are prepared.

On Reading Literature as Part of Priesthood Prep

"When Carter Anderson started seminary formation two years ago, he likely knew that hitting the books would be on the agenda. 

"But what the Diocese of Helena, Montana, seminarian might not have known at the time was that, in addition to sacred Scripture and theological texts, works of fiction would also play an important part in his preparation for the priesthood.  

"In particular, Anderson cites the impact of reading Georges Bernanos' The Diary of a Country Priest in his first year of formation at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota."

A recent National Catholic Register article reported on "the important role reading fiction can play in the formation of future priests."

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: A Novel Idea: Seminarians Read Literature as Prep for Priesthood (15 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Malcolm Forbes

"Presence is more than just being there." - Malcolm Forbes

Notre Dame Liturgical Choir: "I Am the Bread of Life"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir presenting Sr. Suzanne Toolan's  "I Am the Bread of Life":

 

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time  The assigned readings are Proverbs 9:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-20, and John 6:51-58. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-7).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm / 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time / Year B / CBW#170 / Psalm 34

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to the crowds:"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 18, 2024

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 18, 2024)

Community in Mission: Costly Truth - A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (17 AUG 24)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Why Would He Want Us To Eat His Flesh? (Jesus’s Eucharistic Congress, 4) (15 AUG 24)

Word on Fire: Really, Truly, and Substantially Present (Cycle B * 20th Week of Ordinary Time)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for Aug. 18, 2024, Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (14 AUG 24)

Birthday Blessings, Jacqueline!!!

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

Belated Borthday Blessings, David!!!

Belated birthday greetings to brother David, whose birthday was yesterday!!! May 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 the beauty of clouds.

Elizabeth Scalia on Our Response to These Challenging Times

"The world is hyperventilating like I've never seen it before. Particularly for anyone who watches broadcast news (I do''t) or participates in social media platforms (sadly, I do), the world has been coming at us like one of those egregious music videos where images and scenes are fast-cut and flashing by so quickly you can barely make them out. Rather than a coherent narrative, what one takes away from it is an overall sense of things -- a feeling, a vibe. It is empty, slightly disorienting and probably more subliminally persuasive than we want to admit."

In a recent commentary, writer Elizabeth Scalia reflected on the confusion, anger, hatred and distrust being experienced in our times on on the call of Jesus on on our need to "step back, slow down the breath, whisper up a prayer to the One who is All-Wisdom, and refuse to just jump, jump, jump to the cacophony of confusion."

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

The Pilot: Echoes: Elizabeth Scalia: The world says 'jump!'; Jesus says otherwise (16 AUG 24)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"As misery, injustice, and violence deprive humanity of our daily bread, Jesus takes care of our greatest need. He always saves us, nourishing our lives with His own. It is thanks to Him that we can live in communion with God and each other." - Pope Francis