First TakeL "The Trolley Song"

It's time for some more barbershop harmony. Here is a presentation of "The Trolley Song," (from Meet Me In St. Louis) by First Take:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who greet others with a smile.

Br. Finbar Kantor, O.P., on Living Our Faith

"By his own testimony, Christ came that we might live fully (John 10:10). Anything less seems a waste. And I want to live. I want to really live. I don't want to live for things that, ultimately, don't fulfill. I want to live for those things that never fade (1 Cor 9:24-26).

"Living isn't ultimately about accomplishments, experiences, or accolades. Those things exist as a part of life, but they aren't the weighty things that stand at its center. Living fully is, instead, about being pointed towards the only worthwhile goal . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Finbar Kantor, O.P., reflected on what it mens to be fully alive.

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

Dominicana: I Want to Live. (12 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from St. Patrick

"I pray to God to give me perseverance and to deign that I be a faithful witness to Him to the end of my life for my God." - Saint Patrick, whose memory the Church celebrates today (17 March)

"Abide With Me"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Abide With Me":

 

Second Sunday of Lent

Today the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Lent  The assigned readings are Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17 - 4:1; and Luke 9:28b-36. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 27 (Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14.).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 2nd Sunday of Lent, 2022 - Year C - Psalm 27 - Ray

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Reflections related to these readings:

Benedictine College: This Sunday, We Will Be Transfigured, Too: 5 Takeaways for the Second Sunday of Lent (13 MAR 25)

Word on Fire: When the Eternal Breaks Through (Cycle C * 2nd Week * Lent) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for March 16, 2025, Second Sunday of Lent (12 MAR 25)

Thank You, Lord

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

Fr. Robert O'Grady on Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

"We are about a quarter of the way through the season of Lent. So, the words of the column's title are familiar to us as they return each Lent in the prayers of the liturgy and in our own practices.

"Although these are 'Lenten,' it is good to remember that the three are also marks of all the baptized. Even before the initiation of adults, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are intricate to the formation of the soon-to-be new Christians."

In a recent commentary, Father Robert M. O'Grady reflected on the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in our everyday faith lives.

To access Fr. O'Grady's complete column, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Father Robert M. O'Grady: Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (14 MAR 25)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

I" think of the many people who find various ways to be close to the sick, becoming a sign of the Lord's presence for them. We need this 'miracle of tenderness' to accompany those who face adversity, in order to bring a little light into the night of pain." - Pope Francis

Roy Clark: "Twelfth Street Rag"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Roy Clark presenting "Twelfth Street Rag":

 

Birthday Blessings, Ethan

Birthday greetings to Ethan, son of Steven Pugh (niece Jackie's husband), 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 art that inspires and leads us to You.