Birthday greetings to Myrna's great-grandson, Laken, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!
27 April 2025
"Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise"
As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of "Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise":
Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Today the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy). The assigned readings for the Mass of Easter Day are Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19;
and John 20:19-31. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 118 (Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24).
For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:
YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 2nd Sunday of Easter, 2022 - Year C - Psalm 118 - Kendzia
The Gospel reading is as follows:
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Reflections related to these readings:
Community in Mission: God's Perfect Mercy - A Meditation for Divine Mercy Sunday (26 APR 25)
Benedictine College: This Sunday, Divine Mercy in Seven Minutes (24 APR 25)
Word on Fire: Everything Has Changed (Cycle C * Easter * 2nd Week)
The Pilot: Echoes: Archbishop Richard G. Henning: Divine Mercy Sunday (25 APR 25)
The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Breath of new life (25 APR 25)
Msgr. Pope on Conclaves and Cardinals
"There is much focus on the College of Cardinals with the Funeral of Francis and the conclave to follow. It is funny and sad to think that the term 'conclave' means, 'with a key.' Things were so bad by the 13th Century as it often took years to elect a pope due to political interference. This led to mandate by Pope Gregory X during the Second Council of Lyons in 1274. Cardinals electors would be locked in seclusion cum clave (with a key) and not permitted to leave until a new pope had been elected. . . ."
In a recent commentary, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on what a Cardinal is and how the College of Cardinals functions.
To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:
Community in Mission: Of Conclaves and Cardinals (23 APR 25)
Reflection Starter from Pope John Paul II
"There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy - that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God." - Pope Saint John Paul II
26 April 2025
Swall Vox: "Christ is Alive, with Joy We Sing"
As we continue our Easter celebration and as this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Swell Vox presenting "Christ is Alive, with Joy We Sing":
Thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord for the milieu in which You placed me, for the milieu in which You placed each of us.
The Love Between Jesus and Mary
On March 25th, we celebrate[d] the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, when the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she had been chosen by God to be the mother of Christ. It is a day that pierces the Lenten season with joyful anticipation of the birth of Christ. It also reminds us of the deep bond between Mother and Son as we move towards Holy Week, with all the pain and loss it held for them, but also harkening to the joy of Easter, when God's promise of salvation was fulfilled in Christ's Resurrection.
There is a scene in the film The Passion of the Christ when Mary sees Jesus fall down during His grueling walk to Calvary. This prompts a memory, captured in a flashback, of her running to Jesus when He falls as a child. And seeing Him fall under the weight of the cross, she runs to Him again, falling to her knees beside Him and declaring, "I am here."
It's such a beautiful and heartbreaking moment because it recalls a time when these words spoken from Mother to Son would have been enough to assuage the pain of a simple childhood accident. But those words cannot mitigate the pain of the Passion and all that has been heaped upon our Savior's shoulders. And here, Jesus raises His bloodied face to Mary and says, "See, Mother, I make all things new."
It's a line spoken by Christ in Revelation, when He declares, "Behold, I make all things new." But it is brilliantly transported here to this moment because it so perfectly captures the crux of all that is being accomplished in the Passion. And that childhood scene highlights the nature of the sacrifice because it is the most perfect earthly love between Mary and Jesus and the most perfect life ever lived that is being sacrificed on our behalf.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation reminds us of the beautiful love-filled life of Christ that was so cruelly taken from Him in the Crucifixion. But those words, "Behold, I make all things new," remind us of all that is accomplished in the pain that beset Mother and Son in the Passion because Mary's "Yes" to the Annunciation had the intention of mission about it. And the love Jesus and Mary shared from the moment of His conception and throughout His life had the intention of mission about it because they both knew God was calling them to a purpose that required sacrifice.
This perfect love between Mother and Son sheds light on how we should look upon those placed in our lives by God. We know there will always be a struggle when we set out to accomplish great things together, but that struggle should not mitigate the joy of the love we share when we keep our eyes set on the hope of the Resurrection.
So let us greet the Solemnity of the Annunciation with the proper pause it requires during this Lenten season and appreciate all that Mary took upon herself in her "Yes" to God and all that Christ gave up in His "Yes" to suffering for our salvation. It's a pause that can draw us into the most beautiful contemplation of the nature of the love that existed between Mary and Jesus and point us towards a new and deeper way of loving all those God entrusts to our care.
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 François Fénelon
"No more restless uncertainties, no more anxious desires, no more impatience at the place we are in; for it is God who has placed us there, and who holds us in his arms. Can we be unsafe where he has placed us?" - Archbishop François Fénelon
25 April 2025
Johann Sebastian Bach: Easter Oratorio
As our Easter celebration continues, I offer this version of Johann Sebastian Bach's Easter Oratorio, as presented by Motettenchor Pforzheim with Südwestdeutsches Kammerochester Pforzheim, conducted by Rolf Schweizer:
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!!!
Arbor Day
Today, Friday, 25 April, marks the 153rd celebration of Arbor Day, an observance first celebrated in the United States on 10 April 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. On that date, an estimated one million trees were planted in Nebraska.
A number of Arbor Day events are being planned throughout New England, including a a brief gathering to in Ridgefield, CT, to celebrate Arbor Day and the Town's resumption of its accreditation as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation; a special event in Ellsworth, ME, featuring light refreshments, opportunities for community connection, and an inspiring talk; an event in Groton, MA, with an official proclamation, the planting of the Town's Arbor Day tree, free winterberry and red maple seedlings, music, and cake eating; and a Growing Works of Art Contest in Vermont in which students are invited to celebrate by creating tree art and companion stories.
Background information:
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, (27 April). The free event will be held from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. As of this writing, there are 462 collection sites planned in New England, including 72 in Connecticut, 49 in Maine, 168 in Massachusetts, 98 in New Hampshire, 31 in Rhode Island, and 44 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
Thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of new leaves on trees during this season of spring.
Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, on Sharing One's Life
"If I need to communicate with my local 'house' community, where do I go? Do I pull out my phone? No. What about a computer and email? No.For the most up-to-date information about our community and world, check the whiteboard at the base of the stairs. "
In a recent commentary, Father Joe Newman, OSFS, reflected on the importance of sharing in the Lord's life and, in turn, sharing our lives.
To access Fr. Newman's complete post, please visit:
De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Whiteboard (24 APR 25)
Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales
"Whatsoever happens, never let go; hold steadfastly to God, in peace, trusting his everlasting love for you." - Saint Francis de Sales
22 April 2025
National Playground Safety Week
This week, the week of 21-25 April, is being observed as National Playground Safety Week, an observance designed to assess playground safety and express gratitude to those who are making playgrounds safe.
Safe at Play: National Playground Safety Week
Background information:
Br. Philip Wieszczek, O.P., on What Now as We Return to Daily Life after Easter Sunday
"Each day within the Octave of Easter is celebrated as a Solemnity of the Lord, meaning that each is regarded with the same liturgical solemnity as Easter itself. In this way, Easter Sunday continues to be celebrated throughout these first eight days, offering us a brief foretaste of that heavenly banquet that has no end. But today is Tuesday within the Octave of Easter, which means that if you were fortunate enough to have a day off from work or classes yesterday, you're likely back to business today. And at Mass throughout the week, even though celebrated each day as a solemnity, you’re most likely not going to find all the smells and bells being brought out or the most elaborate choral pieces being sung. No, even at Mass we can only celebrate with the same magnitude of triumph as on Easter Sunday itself for a brief time.
"So what now then? How do we continue to rejoice throughout this Easter season if the daily life of this world demands our attention once more?. . ."
In a recent commentary, Brother Philip Wieszczek, O.P.,
reflected on the importance of daily conversion as part of our ongoing effort to seek the things that are above and turn away from the things that are below.
To access Br. Philip's complete post, please visit:
Dominicana: What Now? (22 APR 25)
Reflection Starter from Jim Rohn
"The smallest of disciplines, practiced every day, start an incredible process that can change our lives forever." - Jim Rohn
21 April 2025
Casting Crowns: "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)"
As we continue our Easter celebration I offer this version of Casting Crowns presenting "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)":
Thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord, for Your blessing on Pope Francis during the time of his papacy and for all that You have done through him.
Passing of Pope Francis
"Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88, gave new energy to millions of Catholics -- and caused concern for some -- as he transformed the image of the papacy into a pastoral ministry based on personal encounters and strong convictions about poverty, mission and dialogue."
A Catholic News Services article reported on Pope Francis' passing today.
To access the complete report, please visit:
USCCB: Global pastor: In word and deed, pope preached mercy, outreach (21 APR 25)
Reflection Starter from Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
20 April 2025
Birthday Blessings, Alison!!!
Birthday greetings to sister-in-law Alison (Jan's wife), whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!
"Up from the Grave He Arose"
As we continue our Ester celebration, I offer this version of Voice of Eden presenting "Up from the Grave He Arose":
Maureen Crowley Heil on Living a Life of Gratitude
"High in the mountains of the Diocese of Galle, Sri Lanka sits the Silisiliya Tea Estate that employs most of the area's population. It is generational work. If your grandparents were tea-pickers, your parents were, and you will be too, starting at a very young age. . . .
"I talked to people through a translator, asking about the details of life there. All the while, chickens scratched in the dirt and dogs -- the security system of the missions -- wandered. My final question was asked to anyone who wanted to answer: What did they like about living there?
he answer was instantaneous and beautiful. A young woman smiled and
said, 'My family is all here. There's a roof over our heads. I walk out
my door and pick lemons, limes, avocados, and more. What else could I
possibly want?' What indeed?"
In a recent commentary, Maureen Crowley Heil,
Director of Programs and Development for the Pontifical Mission
Societies, Boston, reflected on the blessing of living a life of gratitude.
To access Ms. Heil's complete column, please visit:
The Pilot: Echoes: Maureen Crowley Heil: Living a Life of Gratitude (18 APR 25 )
The Resurrection of the Lord
Today the Church celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord. The assigned readings for the Mass of Easter Day are Acts 10: 34a, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4;
and John 20:1-9. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 118 (Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23).
For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:
YouTube: Responsorial Psalm for Easter Sunday
The Gospel reading is as follows:
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
Reflections related to these readings:
Benedictine College: This Sunday, They Were the First, We Are the Latest: 7 Easter Takeaways (17 APR 24)
Word on Fire: Something Happened on Easter! (Cycle C * Easter * Easter Octave)
The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: New morning (18 APR 25)
Rhode Island Catholic: The Quiet Corner: Continuing the work of Jesus through the ages (17 APR 25)
Aleteia: Pope’s Easter Sunday homily (full text) (20 APR 25)
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