"I Sing the Mighty Power of God"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God":

 

Public Service Day

Today, 23 June, the United Nations is observing Public Service Day, an observance designed to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community, highlight the contribution of public service in the development process, recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

"Today, as we honour these essential workers and so many more, we must also reflect on how to better protect, recognize and invest in their well-being as we build back better, together. And I say directly to these inspiring public servants: We are all deeply indebted to you for your remarkable acts of service to humankind." - Secretary-General António Guterres

For more information about this observance, please visit:

United Nations Public Service Day

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for those who minister as public servants and for all You do for and through them.

Fr. Dave Mercer on Explaining Why One Goes to Mass

"I previously wrote of six tips for inviting someone to Mass. Your invitation neednt be complicated, so I kept the tips simple, as when I suggested saying: 'Would you like to come to church with me?'

"Your invitation can be a first step similar to John the Baptist pointing others toward Jesus.

"And yet, sometimes your friend might have questions or be hesitant. They might wonder if the'’ll get anything out of Mass, or ask how, in light of a personal struggle, it might benefit them. Especially if they've had a bad experience with going to church, attending Mass, or in their relationship with God, they can benefit from hearing you affirm the reason you go to church on Sundays.

"To that end, I invite you to be prepared with a heartfelt reason for being there yourself. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Dave Mercer reflected on how one can prepare a good thirty-second answer on why he/she goes to Mass..

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

Aleteia: Father Dave Mercer: Can you explain why you go to Mass? (13 JUN 26)

Reflection Starter from Richard Bach

"“Not being known doesn't stop the truth from being true." - Richard Bach

"All That Is Hidden"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Bernadette Farrell's "All That Is Hidden":

 

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings for the Mass during the day are Jeremiah 20:10-13, Romans 5:12-15, and Matthew 10:26-33. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 69 (Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35).

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

YouTube: Psalm 69: Lord, In Your Great Love, Answer Me

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to the Twelve: "Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Decide Now Whom You Will Fear: A Homily for the 12th Sunday of the Year (20 JUN 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Jesus Says 'Fear No One' - Then Joins With Us To Face the World (18 JUN 26)

Word on Fire: Fear No One (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 12th Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Be not afraid (19 JUN 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for June 21, 2026, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (17 JUN 26)

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Father's Day to all fathers, grandfathers, and others who serve as a father-figure!

My own dad passed away several years ago, and he was a true blessing to my siblings and me (although we may not have always thought so). May he rest in peace.

I also ask special Father's Day blessings on sons Tommy and Adam and on son-in-law Chris and, on Myrna's side, sons-in-law Will and Chris. In addition, I ask special Father's Day blessings for our siblings and in-laws.

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of our fathers.

Msgr. Pope on the Rise of the Imperial, Autonomous Self

"A rather succinct and accurate summary of our current malaise is that we live in the age of 'the imperial, autonomous self'” In effect, many if not most people claim an authority, a right, to craft their own reality and live according to their own notions of it. Not so long ago, it was generally accepted that reality was something outside ourselves, something that we had to go out to meet, study, and obey. There was a certain 'is-ness' to things. Conformity with the basic and revealed nature of things produced thriving and the kind of happiness that comes from being in harmony with what fundamentally is.

"Recently however, there has been the ascendency of the notion that reality is what I say it is. The 'soft garments' version of this is, 'That may be true for you, but I see it differently. You live your truth and I will live mine.'"

In a recent commentary, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on some of the consequences of this attitude and on the importance of returning to our roots (with a nod to 2 Timothy 4:2-5).

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

Community in Mission: What Ails Us? The Rise of the Imperial, Autonomous Self (14 JUN 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"In the Gospel of the Day (Mt 10:26-33), Jesus draws a parallel between what we hear 'in private,' namely, what is in the secret of our hearts, and what we are called to proclaim to everyone.  He reminds us that proclaiming the Gospel is first and foremost a sharing of a personal encounter with Him, which is unique to each of us." - Pope Leo XIV

Fletcher Henderson: "You Go To My Head"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Fletcher Henderson and his Orchestra presenting "You Go To My Head"