Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You touch our hearts through Your gift of music.

Bryan Kozlowski on the "Shire Theme"

"For the past three years, one Hobbit film after another has returned us to the magical sights and sounds of Middle-earth. And speaking of sounds, composer Howard Shore, following in his own Oscar-winning footsteps for the score of The Lord of the Rings, has given Bilbo Baggins and company a bold new opus to match their many adventures. But anyone who has now seen (and heard) all six films in the franchise knows there is one familiar melody that keeps on repeating throughout the series.

"Officially known as the 'Shire Theme,' it is a simple and peaceful tune that starts up whenever any hobbit begins to feel nostalgic for his homeland, the Shire. Evocative of rolling green hills and snug little houses, the 'Shire Theme' has become the musical embodiment for all that is good and pleasant in J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world. By resounding just a few of its notes, heroic hobbits and movie-goers alike are instantly transported to another world, a safe and well-ordered one, far from the disorderly battles of reality."

In a recent commentary, writer Bryan Kozlowski reflected on the connection between the "Shire Theme" and "This is My Father's World".

To access his complete post, please visit:

Catholic Pulse: A Hobbit's Hymn: The Spiritual Journey Behind the Song of the Shire (30 JAN 15)

Reflection Starter from the Letter to the Hebrews

"Do not neglect hospitality,for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels." - Hebrews 13:2

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord for the many ways in which You encourage us to proclaim the Gospel message.

Pope Francis' Homily on World Day for Consecrated Life

"Pope Francis warned consecrated men and women against reducing their religious lives to a 'caricature,' calling them to instead embrace a life of obedience, which in turn leads to wisdom.

"This was the central theme of the Pope's homily for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2, which coincides with the World Day for Consecrated Life.

"Addressing the congregation gathered in St. Peter's Basilica on Monday evening, the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel account of Mary and Joseph presenting the Child Jesus in the Temple.

"Pope Francis described Mary's arms as the 'ladder of God's condescension,' upon which the Son of God 'descended,' becoming like us, 'in order to ascend with us to the Father, making us like himself,' according to Vatican Radio's translation."

A recent National Catholic Register article reported on the Pope's homily. To access the complete report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Pope to Consecrated Men and Women: Follow Jesus With Joy (3 FEB 15)

Reflection Starter from St. Joseph of Leonissa

"Every Christian must be a living book wherein one can read the teaching of the gospel." - Saint Joseph of Leonissa, whose memory the Church celebrates today

"Your Words Are Spirit and Life"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of Bernadette Farrell's "Your Words Are Spirit and Life":

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for February

The Holy Father’s prayer intentions for February are:

Universal Intention (Prisoners): “That prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity.”

Evangelization Intention (Separated Spouses): “That married people who are separated may find welcome and support in the Christian community.”

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, and Mark 1:21-28. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 95 (Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 95 "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts"

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 1, 2015)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 1, 2015)

Msgr. Charles Pope: A Portrait of Powerful Preaching - A Homily for the 4th Sunday of the Year (31 JAN 15)

The Deacon's Bench: Homily for February 1, 2015: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (1 FEB 15)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: Authority over Demons

Word on Fire: Greater than the Greatest Prophet (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 4)

Dr. Scott Hahn: The King's Authority (February 1st 2015 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

CWR Blog: Prophets and Demons (31 JAN 15)

Spirituality of the Readings: Hard Heart (4th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

The Word Embodied: Expressions of the Call (4th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Historical Cultural Context: Authority and Honor (4th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by John Henry Newman (4th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You encourage us to focus on maters pertaining to You and Your Kingdom.

Msgr. Pope on Living Simpler and Slower

"We have more than ever. Not just more things, but more options, more capacity, and more ability. Several hundred years ago a young peasant living in Europe seldom ventured more than a few miles from where he was born; longer journeys were rare and for serious reasons only. Much of a person's life was 'decided' by the place he was born. Even the person whom he married was decided by others, or at least limited to a very few candidates in his little village or section of town. The life of the average peasant was very circumscribed and he had limited knowledge of what was even a hundred miles away, let alone across the ocean.

"Today, most people, even those of moderate means, can get on a plane and by the end of the day be thousands of miles from where they woke up that morning. Most do not live where they were born and most have virtual access to the entire world via the Internet. It is quite reasonable to know people from all over the world, or at least to know those who have been all over the world. Most people travel frequently to distant cities and sometimes to other countries and continents. Our options, though not limitless, are practically so, since most of us could never exhaust all the possibilities that modernity offers.

"Are we happier? Probably not. I would argue that we are less happy. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the need for adherence to the scientific method and on the appropriate roles of tradition and science.

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

Msgr. Charles Pope: Less is More - As Seen in a Cartoon (30 JAN 15)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"A credible witness to truth and to the values of the Gospel is urgently needed."- Pope Francis