"May He be blessed by all, for I have seen clearly that He does not fail to repay, even in this life, every good desire." - St. Teresa of Avila (from web site of the Benedictine Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery, Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Praise God for the truth of this statement!
05 April 2010
04 April 2010
An Easter Music Celebration
In celebration of the Lord's Resurrection, I offer these hymns of praise:
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today (acoustic guitar)
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today (trumpet)
Conception Abbey: Easter Hymn (chanted First Vespers)
Hymn: Thine Be the Glory
Gloria.tv: Jesus Has Risen from the Dead!
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today (acoustic guitar)
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today (trumpet)
Conception Abbey: Easter Hymn (chanted First Vespers)
Hymn: Thine Be the Glory
Gloria.tv: Jesus Has Risen from the Dead!
Easter East and West
This weekend, Christians from various faith traditions, Western and Eastern Orthodox, celebrate Easter (or Pascha, as it is sometimes called) is this weekend (4 April) for both . Because of differing church calendars, the two branches of Christianity often celebrate Easter on different dates. The beliefs behind these celebrations, though, are shared.
This weekend's broadcast of Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly, which originates on THIRTEEN, the flagship public television station of the New York City area, has a story on the Easter celebrations of these faith traditions. (This story was originally broadcast in March 2008).
This link leads to this report:
Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly: Easter East and West
This weekend's broadcast of Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly, which originates on THIRTEEN, the flagship public television station of the New York City area, has a story on the Easter celebrations of these faith traditions. (This story was originally broadcast in March 2008).
This link leads to this report:
Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly: Easter East and West
An Easter Prayer of the Church
"O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, look kindly upon your sacrament that is the Church in this world, and carry through the work of salvation smoothly according to your eternal plan.
"May the whole world see and experience how what is fallen is stood upright once more; what was corrupted by age is once more made new; and how all things are made whole through Christ, to whom they owe their creation, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen."
May it be so, dear Lord. Thank you.
"May the whole world see and experience how what is fallen is stood upright once more; what was corrupted by age is once more made new; and how all things are made whole through Christ, to whom they owe their creation, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen."
May it be so, dear Lord. Thank you.
Faith and the Artistry of Creation
Last night as I listened to the first reading for the Easter Vigil (a reading from the book of Genesis which focuses on God's creation of the universe), I reflected in a special way on the sentence, "God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good" (Gen 1:31), and I was filled with gratitude for this truth.
In a commentary published on 26 March, Tom Jones (planetary scientist and four-time shuttle astronaut) says, "As humans, we see overwhelming, unspoiled beauty, which cannot help but inspire us." In this essay, which is partly a reflection on the beauty of creation and partly a reflection on the compatibility between faith and science, Mr. Jones seconds Pope Benedict in seeing creation's complexity and beauty as an expression of God Himself.
To read the entire essay, follow this link:
Tom Jones: Faith and the Artistry of Creation
For more information about Tom Jones and his work, go to his web site:
Tom Jones - astronaut, scientist, speaker, writer
In a commentary published on 26 March, Tom Jones (planetary scientist and four-time shuttle astronaut) says, "As humans, we see overwhelming, unspoiled beauty, which cannot help but inspire us." In this essay, which is partly a reflection on the beauty of creation and partly a reflection on the compatibility between faith and science, Mr. Jones seconds Pope Benedict in seeing creation's complexity and beauty as an expression of God Himself.
To read the entire essay, follow this link:
Tom Jones: Faith and the Artistry of Creation
For more information about Tom Jones and his work, go to his web site:
Tom Jones - astronaut, scientist, speaker, writer
03 April 2010
Apostleship of Prayer
In previous entries I have included reflections by the national director of the Apostleship of Prayer. The Apostleship of Prayer dates by to 1844, originating in France. The founder, Father Francis X. Gautrelet, is quoted as telling a group of Jesuit seminarians who were eager to work on the missions: "Be apostles now, apostles of prayer! Offer everything you are doing each day in union with the Heart of our Lord for what He wishes, the spread of the Kingdom for the salvation of souls."
In the early 1860's, the apostleship began its publication, Messenger of the Sacred Heart. This periodical worked to promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and tried to develop in its readers an awareness of the needs of the Universal Church. Eventually the Pope offered a particular monthly intention, and, since 1929, a specific mission intention has also been offered.
The current mission statement of the Apostleship of Prayer reads: "The mission of the Apostleship of Prayer is to encourage Christians to make a daily offering of themselves to the Lord for the coming of God's Kingdom and for the Holy Father's monthly intentions. This habit of prayer encourages a Eucharistic spirituality of solidarity with the Body of Christ and loving service to others. Nourishing this spiritual program is the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus."
At the center of the Apostleship of Prayer's focus is the Morning/Daily Offering. In this prayer, members and others offer every moment of the day to God. There are a number of different versions of this offering. The traditional one is:
"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month."
In the spirit of the Apostleship of Prayer (whether she knew it or not), St. Therese, the Little Flower, also had her daily offering:
"Oh my God! I offer You all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to His infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them in the furnace of His merciful love.
"Oh my God! I ask of You for myself and for those dear to me the grace to fulfill perfectly Your holy will, to accept for love of You the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven for all eternity. Amen."
While I may or may not use one of these forms, I do try each day to offer the entire day as a prayer. Usually I'll make an initial offering in the first few minutes after I awake. Then, when I am more focused, I renew the offering with a little more detail, offering it as a prayer of praise, of thanksgiving, of reparation, and of petition, lifting up a number of needs and concerns (including the pope's intentions).
This month's intentions:
Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for April is: "That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers".
His mission intention is: "That Christians persecuted for the sake of the Gospel may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in faithfully witnessing to the love of God for the entire human race".
A number of parishes include the Holy Father's intentions during the prayer of the faithful at Sunday Mass at least once a month.
For more information:
Apostleship of Prayer
In the early 1860's, the apostleship began its publication, Messenger of the Sacred Heart. This periodical worked to promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and tried to develop in its readers an awareness of the needs of the Universal Church. Eventually the Pope offered a particular monthly intention, and, since 1929, a specific mission intention has also been offered.
The current mission statement of the Apostleship of Prayer reads: "The mission of the Apostleship of Prayer is to encourage Christians to make a daily offering of themselves to the Lord for the coming of God's Kingdom and for the Holy Father's monthly intentions. This habit of prayer encourages a Eucharistic spirituality of solidarity with the Body of Christ and loving service to others. Nourishing this spiritual program is the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus."
At the center of the Apostleship of Prayer's focus is the Morning/Daily Offering. In this prayer, members and others offer every moment of the day to God. There are a number of different versions of this offering. The traditional one is:
"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month."
In the spirit of the Apostleship of Prayer (whether she knew it or not), St. Therese, the Little Flower, also had her daily offering:
"Oh my God! I offer You all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to His infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them in the furnace of His merciful love.
"Oh my God! I ask of You for myself and for those dear to me the grace to fulfill perfectly Your holy will, to accept for love of You the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven for all eternity. Amen."
While I may or may not use one of these forms, I do try each day to offer the entire day as a prayer. Usually I'll make an initial offering in the first few minutes after I awake. Then, when I am more focused, I renew the offering with a little more detail, offering it as a prayer of praise, of thanksgiving, of reparation, and of petition, lifting up a number of needs and concerns (including the pope's intentions).
This month's intentions:
Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for April is: "That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers".
His mission intention is: "That Christians persecuted for the sake of the Gospel may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in faithfully witnessing to the love of God for the entire human race".
A number of parishes include the Holy Father's intentions during the prayer of the faithful at Sunday Mass at least once a month.
For more information:
Apostleship of Prayer
02 April 2010
Idea Starter: Cigarette Litter Prevention
Keep America Beautiful has developed a cigarette litter prevention that communities (including local government, businesses, and neighborhood organizations) can use to address the problem that has been called the biggest litter
Keep America Beautiful: Guide to Cigarette Litter Prevention
Keep America Beautiful: Guide to Cigarette Litter Prevention
Chaplet of Divine Mercy Novena
A number of years ago I learned about Saint Faustina and the message of Divine Mercy. I have often tried to reflect this message in my life (including praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy), but it has been much too sporadic. Usually when Divine Mercy Sunday comes closer, I become a little more focused on this message, which is good.
A year ago I heard a presentation on the Divine Mercy message and the power of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. While I had previously been aware that this chaplet is a powerful prayer, I did not realize just how powerful it is, and I have made more of an effort to lift up various needs through this devotion (again my efforts often leave something to be desired).
One of the requests that Jesus asked of Saint Faustina was that the Feast of the Divine Mercy (which is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter) be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena.
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy . . . . On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
Background information from the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (Stockbridge, MA):
The Divine Mercy Message
The Image of The Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Divine Mercy Novena
A year ago I heard a presentation on the Divine Mercy message and the power of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. While I had previously been aware that this chaplet is a powerful prayer, I did not realize just how powerful it is, and I have made more of an effort to lift up various needs through this devotion (again my efforts often leave something to be desired).
One of the requests that Jesus asked of Saint Faustina was that the Feast of the Divine Mercy (which is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter) be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena.
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy . . . . On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
Background information from the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (Stockbridge, MA):
The Divine Mercy Message
The Image of The Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Divine Mercy Novena
01 April 2010
April Fool's Day Hoaxes
As Rhode Island and other parts of New England and beyond deal with the current flooding and continued cleanup of winter storms, we come to the Holy Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. During this holy time, may the spirit of these holy days and of Easter Sunday touch the hearts of all who are suffering from these weather events and all who are ministering to them.
As I suspect we all know, this day is also known as April Fool's Day.
Kim Komando, a writer and radio show host focusing on life in the Digital Age, sent out the following in one of her daily emailings:
"Pranks and hoaxes are a tradition on April Fool's Day. Whether it's silly or subtle, you'll probably encounter one or two. Of course, most of us now expect it and aren't easily tricked.
"Sometimes, however, the hoax is very well done. Put enough effort into it and you can get away with a lot. This is especially true if you're usually a legitimate information source.
"Thus we get reports on spaghetti harvests, decreasing gravity, and whistling carrots. And some people actually believe them! Check out this site to read about more April Fool's Day hoaxes."
Museum of Hoaxes: Top April Fool Hoaxes
As I suspect we all know, this day is also known as April Fool's Day.
Kim Komando, a writer and radio show host focusing on life in the Digital Age, sent out the following in one of her daily emailings:
"Pranks and hoaxes are a tradition on April Fool's Day. Whether it's silly or subtle, you'll probably encounter one or two. Of course, most of us now expect it and aren't easily tricked.
"Sometimes, however, the hoax is very well done. Put enough effort into it and you can get away with a lot. This is especially true if you're usually a legitimate information source.
"Thus we get reports on spaghetti harvests, decreasing gravity, and whistling carrots. And some people actually believe them! Check out this site to read about more April Fool's Day hoaxes."
Museum of Hoaxes: Top April Fool Hoaxes
31 March 2010
Jesus and Simon of Cyrene
"They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross." - Mark 15:21
Today's Daily Update reflection from Disciples Now:
"You may not have to pick up a cross today to help Jesus but you surely can help another by easing their burden. - Jesus, the Son of God, needed and accepted assistance. Simon wandered in from Cyrene just in time to help lift the cross. That says a lot about who needs help and who can give it - everyone! . . . If you respond, you can be like Simon helping Jesus with the Cross."
May my heart be open to those You place in my life for me to help, and may I help each one in the same way Simon helped You, Lord. May I see You and serve You in each person with whom I come in contact this day and each day. May I also accept help when I need it in the same spirit with which You accepted help from Simon.
Today's Daily Update reflection from Disciples Now:
"You may not have to pick up a cross today to help Jesus but you surely can help another by easing their burden. - Jesus, the Son of God, needed and accepted assistance. Simon wandered in from Cyrene just in time to help lift the cross. That says a lot about who needs help and who can give it - everyone! . . . If you respond, you can be like Simon helping Jesus with the Cross."
May my heart be open to those You place in my life for me to help, and may I help each one in the same way Simon helped You, Lord. May I see You and serve You in each person with whom I come in contact this day and each day. May I also accept help when I need it in the same spirit with which You accepted help from Simon.
30 March 2010
A Reflection on Talents
Yesterday's "Minute Meditation" reflection from St. Anthony Messenger Press:
"Wonderful Creator, you have gifted me with many talents. So often I see those talents as 'mine' and use them for my own purposes. Help me recognize that you have given me these gifts for a deeper purpose." (from the book, What Jesus Said and Why It Matters Now, by Timothy D. Fallon)
The Lord has graced me with a variety of different talents. I am aware of a number of these talents, and there are others I am not really aware of (although other people may be). Sometimes I forget or don't think to use these talents as I should. With the Lord's grace, may I use them in the way He wants me to and for whom/what He wants me to.
For more information about the book's author:
Timothy D. Fallon
"Wonderful Creator, you have gifted me with many talents. So often I see those talents as 'mine' and use them for my own purposes. Help me recognize that you have given me these gifts for a deeper purpose." (from the book, What Jesus Said and Why It Matters Now, by Timothy D. Fallon)
The Lord has graced me with a variety of different talents. I am aware of a number of these talents, and there are others I am not really aware of (although other people may be). Sometimes I forget or don't think to use these talents as I should. With the Lord's grace, may I use them in the way He wants me to and for whom/what He wants me to.
For more information about the book's author:
Timothy D. Fallon
29 March 2010
Here We Go Again
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for northern parts of Connecticut, most of Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and all of Rhode Island from noon today through Tuesday afternoon. The warning reads in part:
"* A SLOW MOVING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL LIKELY BRING A WIDESPREAD RAINFALL OF 3 TO 4 INCHES REGIONWIDE WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR ISOLATED AMOUNTS UP TO 6 INCHES THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE RAIN WAS OVERSPREADING THE REGION FROM WEST TO EAST EARLY THIS MORNING. THE RAIN WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES TODAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING. THE RAIN INTENSITY SHOULD DIMINISH FROM SOUTH TO NORTH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...BUT SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE AT TIMES THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
"* THERE IS HIGH CONFIDENCE OF MODERATE TO MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING ACROSS MUCH OF OUR REGION. THIS INCLUDES RIVER AND STREAM FLOODING AS WELL AS SIGNIFICANT URBAN FLOODING. INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FLOODING IN THE PAST MONTH SHOULD BE TAKING PRECAUTIONS AT THIS TIME AND BE PREPARED FOR THE POTENTIAL OF A MAJOR FLOOD EVENT."
A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.
May the Lord be with each of the people being affected by the flooding that has been happening and who are being affected by the latest storm coming into the region. May He protect them and give them the graces they need during this time. Saint Florian, patron saint against floods, pray for them. Thank you.
"* A SLOW MOVING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL LIKELY BRING A WIDESPREAD RAINFALL OF 3 TO 4 INCHES REGIONWIDE WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR ISOLATED AMOUNTS UP TO 6 INCHES THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE RAIN WAS OVERSPREADING THE REGION FROM WEST TO EAST EARLY THIS MORNING. THE RAIN WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES TODAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING. THE RAIN INTENSITY SHOULD DIMINISH FROM SOUTH TO NORTH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...BUT SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE AT TIMES THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
"* THERE IS HIGH CONFIDENCE OF MODERATE TO MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING ACROSS MUCH OF OUR REGION. THIS INCLUDES RIVER AND STREAM FLOODING AS WELL AS SIGNIFICANT URBAN FLOODING. INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FLOODING IN THE PAST MONTH SHOULD BE TAKING PRECAUTIONS AT THIS TIME AND BE PREPARED FOR THE POTENTIAL OF A MAJOR FLOOD EVENT."
A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.
May the Lord be with each of the people being affected by the flooding that has been happening and who are being affected by the latest storm coming into the region. May He protect them and give them the graces they need during this time. Saint Florian, patron saint against floods, pray for them. Thank you.
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