The Gatlin Brothers: "The Prodigal Son"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of The Gatlin Brothers presenting "The Prodigal Son":

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday of Lent  The assigned readings are Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; and 15:1-3, 11-32. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-7).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm 2025 – Lent 4 – Psalm

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." So to them Jesus addressed this parable: "A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, 'Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."' So he got up and went back to his father.

"While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.' But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.

"Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, 'Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.' He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'"

Reflections related to these readings:

Benedictine College: This Sunday, 'Our Father' and the Prodigal Son: 5 Takeaways for the 4th Sunday of Lent (27 MAR 25)

Word on Fire: The Heavenly Banquet (Cycle C * 4th Week * Lent) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for March 30, 2025, Fourth Sunday of Lent (26 MAR 25)

Rhode Island Catholic: The Quiet Corner: The everyday availability of God to the average believer must never be discounted (27 MAR 25)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the assistance of family members during challenging/difficult times.

Lucia Silecchia on a Gift for Ordinary Time

"Every year, when I flip my calendar to December, thoughts of Christmas overwhelm me with anticipation of the joys to come and the great gift of Christ's Nativity.

"Yet, when I open that same calendar to the month of March, my initial thought has not been, 'Yeah! The Solemnity of the Annunciation is on March 25th!' There are no cards or gifts, and merely a handful of hymns dedicated to this occasion. . . .

"I have asked myself why I do not give the Solemnity of the Annunciation its due."

In a recent commentary, writer/Professor Lucia A. Silecchia reflected on how the Solemnity of the Annunciation is a particularly sacred time to contemplate the true wonder of God's incarnation and, during the Lenten season, to contemplate why He did. this

To access Professor Silecchia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Lucia A. Silecchia: A gift for Ordinary Time (26 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Even if our past seems burdensome, complicated, and perhaps even ruined, we can always give it to God and set out anew on our journey. God is merciful, and He always waits for us!" - Pope Francis

The Four Preps: "Calcutta"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Four Preps presenting "Calcutta":

 

Onthe Hiddenness of God, Facing Death with Joy, and Other Catholic-related Topics

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

To access some of these, please visit:

Catholic Culture: The Catholic Role in the American Founding (28 MAR 25)

Benedictine College: Media & Culture: Marriage Means Everything: Two Men Learned Too Late What Research Has Shown (20 NOV 24)

The Catholic Thing: Spiritually Toxic News (29 MAR 25)

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Speakers: Church has role in fight against AI-generated exploitation (20 MAR 25)

Word on Fire The Hiddenness of God and Seeking Signs

National Catholic Register: Blogs: John Grondelski: Hagar, Heartache, Abraham and the Child Problem (23 MAR 25)

New Advent How to Face Death with Joy - From a Guy Who Stares at a Graveyard Every Morning (26 MAR 25)

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Jack Figge: Mary Magdalene’s Hometown Along the Shores of the Sea of Galilee (22 MAR 25)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of farm workers.

A Saint's Mercies Still Flourish

March 8th [was] the Feast of Saint John of God, who founded the Order of Hospitallers, later called the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God. Born in Portugal on March 8, 1495, John was raised by devout and loving Catholic parents. However, tragedy struck the family when John was kidnapped at the age of eight, and he was later abandoned to a life of homelessness in a remote part of Spain, where he found work for many years as a shepherd.

When he was 22 years old, John joined the army of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and served as a foot soldier for the next 18 years of his life. It is said that during these years he developed a brutal and greedy manner.  But after his regiment disbanded, he made a pilgrimage along the "Way of Saint James," arriving at Santiago de Compostela, where he repented and dedicated his life to serving God.

When he finally returned to Portugal, John discovered that his mother had died of a broken heart after losing him, and his father subsequently joined a monastery. John was institutionalized for a brief time after he was found beating himself in public and begging for mercy for his past sins. It was only after a visit from John of Avila, who advised him to focus on helping others rather than punishing himself, that he was able to move on with his life and dedicate himself to helping those in need.

John turned his home into a hospital, homeless shelter, and halfway house, and many of the people he served eventually joined him in his charitable efforts. When anyone questioned his character based on his past, John would readily admit his faults and simply give glory to God for being granted the grace to turn his life around.

One day, John jumped into a freezing river to save the life of a drowning man. Soon after, John lay dying of pneumonia in one of the very beds he'd used in the past for those in his care. When he received a visit from the Bishop of Granada, who came to administer Last Rites, John raised three concerns with the bishop: 1) that he had not done enough with the graces that God had bestowed upon him; 2) that those in his care might be treated badly in his absence; and 3) that those to whom he owed money might suffer due to his lack of repayment.

The bishop assured him not to worry about these things, at which point John rose from his bed to kneel before a crucifix, where he died in prayer with his face pressed against the figure of Christ on March 8, 1550, the day of his 55th birthday.

Today, the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God are active in 53 countries with tens of thousands of benefactors supporting the work of over 45,000 members, brothers, and co-workers serving sick and needy people.

It is amazing to consider all that has flourished from the seeds of kindness planted by the works of Saint John of God. May we be blessed to recognize the same seeds of greatness at work in our own lives in each act of compassion we show to one another - and may those seeds grow and flourish in our families and communities just like the legacy of John of God continues to grow and flourish in the Brothers Hospitallers who follow in his footsteps today.

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 St. Augustine

"Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature." - Saint Augustine of Hippo

Antonín Dvořák: "A Hero's Song"

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Antonín Dvořák's A Hero's Song, Op. 111, as played by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by František Macek:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You help us discern Your Will in our lives.

Fr. Paul Colloton, OSFS on Discerning God's Will for Our Lives

"What does God ask of me today? What is God's Will for me today and for my life? . . .

"During a conference on hope, St. Francis de Sales said: 'Desire nothing but what God desires for you, embrace lovingly; the events and the different effects of God's divine will.' (Conference VI on Hope, p. 102). That sounds so nice, but it isn't easy. And it often takes the kind of honest dialogue that Mary has with God through the Angel Gabriel. . . .

"We often learn about God's Will through another person, a messenger of God.. . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Paul Colloton, OSFS (Superior, De Sales Centre Oblate Residence, Childs, MD), reflected on some of the ways we can discern God's will for our lives, including taking our answer to these questions to prayer, refusing whatever is not in keeping with our sense of God's will for you, and turning to the Scriptures for guidance.

To access Fr. Colloton's complete reflection, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Salesian Reflection: Which Will to Follow? (27 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

"Lift up your heart again whenever it falls, but do so meekly by humbling yourself before God." - Saint Francis de Sales

"Sing of Mary"

As we continue our celebration of the Annunciation, I offer this version of "Sing of Mary":

 

Birthday Blessings, Valerie!!!

Birthday greetings to Valerie Baldizon-Gonzalez, wife of nephew Christopher Gonzalez, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Birthday Blessings, Adam!!!

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

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The assigned readings are Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; and Luke 1:26-38. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 40 (Psalm 40:7-11).

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

YouTube: Psalm 39(40):7-11 for the Annunciation of the Lord - Here I Am, Lord! I Come To Do Your Will

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." 

Then the angel departed from her.

Dr. Edward Sri, provost and professor of theology and Scripture at the Augustine Institute Master's program in Denver, CO, has written an interesting reflection on the life of Mary before the Annunciation. To access this reflection, please visit:

Dr. Edward Sri: Our Lady's Life Before the Annunciation (24 MAR 11)

Additional reflection:

Community in Mission: Mulier Fortis - A Homily for the Feast of the Annunciation (24 MAR 20)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: The Annunciation: Obedience as True Freedom

Aleteia: Philip Kosloski: Why Catholics kneel during the Creed on March 25 (25 MAR 22)

Aleteia: Theresa Civantos Barber: Mary's "yes" and the key to making decisions (25 MAR 23)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good postal employees.

Br. Andrew Lyons, O.P., Penance and Lent

"When I think of Lent, I think of suffering - particularly my own suffering. Lent brings up the juvenile dread I felt as a child when I knew that candy and TV were on the chopping block. Even throughout high school and college, I always associated Lent with a melancholic focus on penance.

"Listening to the Church’s Lenten prayers this year, I've had to reconsider. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Andrew Lyons, O.P., reflected on penance as a spiritual weapon.

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

Dominicana: Putting Penance in Its Place (20 MAR 25) 

Reflection Starter from Mother Teresa

"Never do the work carelessly because you wish to hide your gifts. Remember, that work is his. You are his co-worker. Therefore, he depends on you for that special work. Do the work with him, and the work will be done for him. The talents God has given you are not yours - they have been given to you for your use, for the glory of God. There can be no half-measures in the work." - Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

Rocky and The Rollers: "Diamonds & Pearls"

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of"Diamonds & Pearls" by Rocky & The Rollers: :

 

Social Work Month

The month of March is being observed as Social Work Month, an observance designed to celebrate the profession of social work. The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is "Social Work: Compassion + Action."

For more information related to this observance, please visit:

NASW: Social Work Month

Background information:

National Association of Social Workers

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good social workers.

Stephen White on Praying the Psalms through Lent

"During this season of Lent, we make it a point of discipline and charity to pray, fast, and give alms. It has long been my practice to make a special effort during this season to pray, with more consistency than I manage during the rest of the year, the Liturgy of the Hours.

"For anyone looking to structure his day around prayer - rather than being content to fit prayer within the allowances of a busy day - the Divine Office is particularly beneficial. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Stephen P. White (executive director of The Catholic Project at The Catholic University of America and a fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center) reflects on how one may pray the Psalms during lent using the Liturgy of the Hours.

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

The Catholic Thing: Praying the Psalms through Lent (22 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

"Living with this gratitude elevates you. . . . You become a more joyful person. You become a kinder and more compassionate person. You become a calmer and more peaceful person. You become a person who lives in greater harmony with others." - Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

Gaither Vocal Band: "Moses, Take Your Shoes Off"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of the Gaither Vocal Band presenting "Moses, Take Your Shoes Off":

 

Third Sunday of Lent

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Lent  The assigned readings are Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; and Luke 13:1-9. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 103 (Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2022 - Year C - Psalm 103 - Manibusan

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them - do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"

And he told them this parable: "There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"

Reflections related to these readings:

Benedictine College: This Sunday, The Lord Sees Your Fig Tree; Five Takeaways for the Third Sunday of Lent (20 MAR 25)

Word on Fire: You Can't Grasp - or Hide From - God (Cycle C * 3rd Week * Lent) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Fruits of the fig (21 MAR 25)

The Pilot: Echoes: Father Joshua J. Whitfield: Scripture Reflection for March 23, 2025, Third Sunday of Lent (19 MAR 25)

Rhode Island Catholic: The Quiet Corner: God's self-revelation to Moses was the pre-cursor to the Holy Trinity (20 MAR 25)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to go on a pilgrimage.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe on Pilgrim Roads

"It may be disappointing, but contrary to the lyrics of the well-loved John Denver song, 'Country Roads' won't ultimately take us home. It's not just because relatively few of us hail from the mountains of West Virginia. It's because the home we hope for and long for most cannot be found by navigating to a pair of geographic coordinates. Only pilgrim roads can lead us there.

"Where are these pathways? . . ."

In a recent commentary, writer Jaymie Stuart Wolfe reflected on the importance of pilgrimages

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

The Boston Pilot: Echoes: Jaymie Stuart Wolfe: Pilgrim roads (21 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"The Gospel of the Day (Lk 13:1-9) speaks of God's patience, which encourages us to make our lives a time of conversion. The Lord is a patient farmer, carefully tilling the soil of our lives and confidently awaiting our return to Him." - Pope Francis

Mac Davis: "I Believe in Music"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Mac Davis presenting "I Believe in Music":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good, dedicated youth ministers.

Sister Orianne Dives Deep for Youth

Sister Orianne Pietra Rene Dyck, a Daughter of St. Paul, converted to Catholicism at age 12, while being raised in a half-Protestant, half-Druze family. During a Christopher Closeup interview, she reflected, "I think the beauty that comes - along with the confusion - of being raised between two different faiths is that you have to ask questions. I fell in love with the Lord at a very young age. I was reading Scripture and the Koran at home. That kickstarted a lot of questions in me. . . . The more I asked questions, and asked them of God Himself because I knew that He was the one who had all the answers. . . . He really started to bring me back to that question of, who is love beyond the human conception of what love could be. . . . I found in the Catholic Church this beautiful ability to hold who Jesus was, as our most personal, intimate friend - and also as God, who created the universe."

As a former teacher, Sister Orianne thought about her former students and the struggles they faced. She realized she dealt with some of the same spiritual struggles herself and believes there is a universality to them. She felt God invite her to break open Scripture for youth "in a living way," which is what He did for her at their age. That's what led her to write Dive Deep: 40 Days with God at Sea, which is geared towards kids ages 9 to 12. And as the daughter and granddaughter of scientists, Sister Orianne used elements from both faith and the natural world to convey her insights.

For instance, she related Pharaoh (from the story of Moses) to a porcupine fish. Why? When reading about the Exodus, Sister Orianne initially felt troubled by the statement, "The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh" because it sounds as if God is infringing on his free will, which would raise all kinds of theological problems.

Upon further investigation, Sister Orianne learned the opposite was true. She writes, "In Scripture, when God says that He will harden the heart of someone, He isn't saying He is going to make that person unable to listen to Him. He is saying that is the reaction the person is going to have to His words. In fact, before this story in Exodus 8, it explicitly says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart, showing us that Pharaoh was choosing not to listen to God's words. And God, respecting Pharaoh's free will, let him choose this.”

So how does this relate to porcupine fish? Pharaoh reacts like one because he feels threatened.

"[Porcupine fish are] small and unmenacing in a usual day," she explained, "but they swallow a bunch of water when they feel threatened. It puffs them up and makes their spikes stick out so you cannot touch them. I thought that was a profound, visible example of what we often do to ourselves, to our own hearts, when we feel like someone is infringing on our ability to control what is around us. We get defensive . . . and we're like, 'I don't care why you're here. I feel threatened. Go away.' So often, we do that to people who love us, who are trying to help us. But we also do it to God, who's trying to heal us and set us free. . . . To be able to see that reflected in a physical example can make us realize, 'That's exactly what I'm doing, and maybe I don't want to do that to God.'"

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 Zig Ziglar

"If you don't like who you are and where us are, don't worry about it because you're not stuck either with who you are or where you are. You can grow. You can change. You can be more than you are." - Zig Ziglar

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of uplifting smiles.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Martyrs and Our Call to Genuine Love

"During this season of repentance, the Church asks us to reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus. His sacrifice is a model of selflessness and genuine love. He challenges all of us to a supreme sacrifice. Twenty-five years ago, the Church recognized a group of religious women who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their neighbors and friends during one of the darkest times in modern history."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on the sacrifice of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth during World War II and on how we are call to called to genuinely love.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: No Greater Love (30 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

"Have Jesus always for your patron, His Cross for a mast on which you must spread your resolutions as a sail. Your anchor shall be a profound confidence in Him, and you shall sail prosperously." - Saint Francis de Sales

"Great Saint Joseph, Son of David"

As we continue our St. Joseph celebration, I offer this version of "Great Saint Joseph, Son of David":

 

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The assigned readings are 2 Samuel 7:4-5A, 12-14A, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; and Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24A. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 89 (Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29).

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

YouTube: Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the BVM (feat. Leo Lanuza) (Psalm 89)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

"Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families." - Pope John Paul II

"St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life." - Saint Josemaria Escriva

Background information:

Catholic Education Resource Center: St. Joseph

Vatican Documents: St Bernardine of Siena: Sermon 2, On St Joseph

Catholic Exchange: The Greatness Of Saint Joseph, Husband & Father (19 MAR 19)

Dynamic Catholic: St Joseph - The Perfect Man for the Job (19 MAR 21)