Msgr. Pope on on Mystery

“In the secular world a ‘mystery’ is something which baffles or eludes understanding, something which lies undisclosed. And the usual attitude of the world toward mystery is to resolve it, get to the bottom of, or uncover it. Mysteries must be overcome! The riddle, or ‘who-done-it’ must be solved!

“In the Christian and especially the Catholic world, ‘mystery’ is something a bit different. Here mystery refers to the fact that there are hidden dimensions in things, people and situation that extend beyond their merely visible and physical dimensions.”

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on mystery – on the mysteries of God and His creation.

To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:

Msgr. Charles Pope: A Brief Meditation on Mystery (28 JAN 14)

Reflection Starter from Hugh Downs

“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” – Hugh Downs

“Simeon’s Canticle”

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Celia Uy and Hangad singing “Simeon’s Canticle”:

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The assigned readings are Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18; and Luke 2:22-40. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 24 (Psalm 24:7-10).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Reflection on this feast:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2, 2014)

Msgr. Charles Pope: Perspectives on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus, the Light of the World (1 FEB 14)

The Deacon’s Bench: Homily for February 2, 2014: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (1 FEB 14)

Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: The Presentation of the Lord

The Sacred Page: The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple: Thoughts on the Sunday Readings (29 JAN 14)

Word on Fire: Sermon 682: The Presentation of the Lord: Feast of the Presentation

Dr. Scott Hahn: Gift of Sacrifice (February 2nd 2014 – The Presentation of the Lord)

The Quiet Corner: A day of hope and promise (30 JAN 14)

Verbum Domini: Death’s Death (30 JAN 14)

Spirituality of the Readings: Purification (Presentation of the Lord A)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Timothy of Jerusalem

The Crossroads Initiative: The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple By St. Sophronius, Bishop and Early Church Father

Dominican Friars, Province of St. Joseph: Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Presentation of the Lord (31 JAN 14)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for those who have made commitments to the consecrated life and for all You do for them and through them.

World Day for Consecrated Life

Today is being observed as World Day for Consecrated Life, a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (celebrated on 2 February).

On this day, we are encouraged to pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and to thank them on this, their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

Related items:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Meet the Profession Class of 2013

Message of the Holy Father John Paul II for the First World Day for Consecrated Life

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

“Many are satisfied with carrying the Lord on their tongue, recounting His marvels and praising Him with great ardor; others carry Him in their hearts with tender and loving affection, which becomes part and parcel of their lives, thinking of Him and speaking to Him. But these two ways of carrying the Lord do not amount to much if the third element of carrying Him in their arms by good works is missing.” – Saint Francis de Sales

The Tokens: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of the Tokens singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”:

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for February

The Holy Father’s prayer intentions for February are:

General intention (Elders): “That the Church and society may respect the wisdom and experience of older people.”

Mission intention (Collaboration in Evangelization): “That priests, religious, and lay people may work together with generosity for evangelization.”

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness, even when we think You are not present in our difficulties.

Pope Francis on Responsibility of Businesses to the Poor

“Business leaders have an obligation to use their gifts to help the poor and vulnerable, working to promote equality and human dignity, said Pope Francis in a recent letter.

“‘It is intolerable that thousands of people continue to die every day from hunger, even though substantial quantities of food are available, and often simply wasted,’ the Pope said.

“‘Likewise, we cannot but be moved by the many refugees seeking minimally dignified living conditions, who not only fail to find hospitality, but often, tragically, perish in moving from place to place.’

Pope Francis wrote this letter to Dr. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, shortly before the organization’s annual meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

To access a Catholic News Agency report on this letter and its contents, please visit:

Catholic News Agency: Pope reminds businesses of responsibility to help poor, vulnerable (28 JAN 14)

Reflection Starter from John Wooden

“Be true to yourself.
Make each day your masterpiece.
Help others.
Drink deeply from good books.
Make friendship a fine art.
Build a shelter against a rainy day.
Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.” – John Wooden