The Mills Brothers: "Cab Driver"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Mills Brothers presenting "Cab Driver":

 

Belated Birthday Blessiungs, Dan!!!

Belated birthday greetings to nephew Daniel, who recently celebrated his birthday! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!

Bithday Blessings, Isaac and Liam!!!

Birthday greetings to (great)nephews Isaac and Liam Pugh, 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!

Birthday Blessings, Matilda!!!

Birthday greetings to granddaughter Matilda, 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 helping hands, - even when we think we do not need or want them.

Daniel Esparza on Rules for a Quieter Mind

". . . The monks of the Egyptian desert in the fourth and fifth centuries were not fleeing the world because they hated it. They were going into the desert because they understood something about the human mind that most of us only dimly recognize: that the noise outside corresponds to a noise inside, that distraction is not primarily an environmental condition but a condition of the soul, and that the soul cannot be quieted by changing locations, changing relationships, or changing circumstances. It can only be quieted by sitting still long enough to discover what is actually going on in there."

In a recent commentary, writer/scholar Daniel Esparza reflected on how the desert fathers' tradions put into practice steps that can help us quiet our minds.

To access Mr. Esparza's complete post, please visit: 

Aleteia: Daniel Esparza: The desert fathers' three rules for a quieter mind (16 SEP 26)

Reflection Starter fromH. F. Kletzing

"How often men and women decide to do good and noble deeds but never accomplish them, because they spend so much time in thinking of doing these things that they never do them until it is too late. This noble and generous deed, this kind and encouraging word that you were contemplating, should be carried into action now." - Rev. H. F. Kletzing

"For All the Saints"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "For All the Saints":

 

Belated Birthday Blessings, Chris!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Christopher Medeiros, husband of Myrna's daughter Mimi, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Solemnity of All Saints

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. The assigned readings are Revelation 7:2-4, 1 John 3:1-3, and Matthew 5:1-12a. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 24 (Psalm 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - All Saints, 2023 - Year A - Psalm 24 - McKinley

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Ninety-Nine and a Half Won't Do - A Homily for the Feast of All Saints (31 OCT 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Saints Prove That Good Is More Interesting Than Evil (29 OCT 26)

Word on Fire: Do You Want to Be a Saint? (Cycle A * All Saints * Ordinary Time * 31st Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Saints, here and there (30 OCT 26)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have planned for us during the month of November.

Effie Caldarola on the Praying Mantis

"In the picture her mom sent, my five-year-old granddaughter is staring wide-eyed at the praying mantis she has just discovered on the back of her chair at breakfast. . . .

"A praying mantis' two front legs hold together in what some regard as a posture of prayer. Its funny little head is triangular. How marvelous is the Creator."

In a recent commentary, writer Effie Caldarola reflected on how the swiftness of life, for us and for the praying mantis, is part of the Creator's mysterious plan.

To access Ms. Caldarola's complete essay, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Effie Caldarola: The praying mantis (9 SEP 264)