Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings You bestowed on us in calendar year 2022.

Br. Basil Burroughs, O.P., on Peace and Patience from the Manger

"Christmas re-focuses our attention on the Christ Child. At the crèche, our thoughts linger on the divine infant in the manger. We marvel that our almighty God became a tender baby to save us. Our hearts soften to make room for him, and we forget our selfish preoccupations. We adore Jesus with all of our affections; our souls are put at peace.

"The single-mindedness of Christmas purifies our love for other people, especially the people we live with.. . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Basil Burroughs, O.P., reflected on how, when we "love our family members or religious brethren in a supernatural light, we are strengthened to bear with the small ways they might trouble us" and on how Jesus "steadies us with his own patience and he heals our homes with his peace."

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

Dominicana: Peace and Patience from the Manger (3 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"God loves us so much that He shares our humanity and our lives. He never leaves us alone either in joy or in sorrow because He is the Emmanuel, the God with us, the light that illuminates the darkness and the tender presence that accompanies us on our journey." - Pope Francis

Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus: "Silent Night"

One of the treasures of New England is the great variety of music in our region. Some of this music (of whatever genre) is provided musicians from the region; other music is provided by artists visiting the region from other areas.

One such example is the Massachusetts-based Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus.

Background information:

Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus

In this video, the Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus is presenting 'Silent Night":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Christmas lights.

Fr. Michael Rennier on Why We Find Christmas Lights Magical

"There's something magical about Christmas lights. As a child, my parents used to take me and my brothers on an annual car ride to see the houses near us with the best lights. We would make passionate cases for which house we thought was the best. Every year, during December, I counted the number of houses with lights in our neighborhood, knowing that the more houses were lit up, the closer it was to Christmas."

In a recent commentary, Father Michael Rennier reflected on Christmas and its relationship to light, including the Christmas star and its relationship to Epiphany.

To access Fr. Rennier's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Fr. Michael Rennier: Why we find Christmas lights so magical (1 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from St. Gregory Nazianzen

"Who gave you the ability to contemplate the beauty of the skies, the course of the sun, the round moon, the millions of stars, the harmony and rhythm that issue from the world as from a lyre, the return of the seasons, the alternation of the months, the demarcation of day and night, the fruits of the earth, the vastness of the air, the ceaseless motion of the waves, the sound of the wind?" - Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, whose memory the Church celebrates today (2 January)

Cántico Singers: "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy"

As we continue our celebration of Christmas and of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, I offer this version of the Cántico Singers, (Portland, OR) presenting "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy":

The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Today the Church celebrates the Octave Day of Christmas, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. The assigned readings are Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, and Luke 2:16-21. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - Mary, the Holy Mother of God, 2023 - Year A - Psalm 67 - Stephan

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Reflections related to these readings and this feast day:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Mary, Mother of God January 1, 2023

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Mary, Mother of God (January 1, 2023)

Community in Mission: The Rich Tapestry of Faith On New Years Day (31 DEC 22)

Crossroads Initiative: Mary, the Mother of God?

Ex Corde at Benedictine College: This Sunday, Yes, Mary Is Unique and Yes, We Too Are His Mother (29 DEC 22)

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God 

Word on Fire: Go in Haste, Be Astonished, Treasure! (Cycle A * Mary Mother of God * Christmas Time)

The Sacred Page: Happy New Year! Mary, Mother of God (31 DEC 22)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings You have planned for us in the new calendar year, 2023.

Anna Gębalska-Berekets on the Ministry of Fr. Marek Balwas

"In technical school, he was the 'king of discos,' but eventually he chose God.

"As a seminarian, he took care of people with disabilities. He went to meetings and retreats with them, talked about life, and above all, never passed by indifferently in the face of their suffering. Then at the age of 33, his life changed dramatically: after a car accident, he ended up in a wheelchair himself."

In a recent commentary, writer Anna Gębalska-Berekets reflected on the ministry of Father Marek Balwas, a priest serving in Poland.

To access his complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Anna Gębalska-Berekets: Former "king of discos" is now a priest in a wheelchair who gathers crowds of young people at retreats (30 DEC 22)

Reflection Starter from the Book of Numbers

"The LORD said to Moses: 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.'" - Numbers 6:22-27 (This is the First Reading from today's liturgical celebration, The Octave Day of Christmas/Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.)