Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have bestowed on the United States of America in her first 250 years. May the many seeds that have been planted and nurtured bear/continue to bear much good fruit.

Elizabeth Scalia on Dreams and Encouragement

"In this season, we spend a lot of time congratulating others on their graduations, or their upcoming jobs or their new marriages. That's all lovely, but there are times when, while genuinely glad for others, we feel a bit mired in our daily muck, wondering if there is anything new and exciting in store for us, or whether the favors of the Lord have perhaps gone exhausted, our own prospects being over and done.

"Such thoughts are not unnatural or blameworthy at all, but for those of us who are not at this moment standing on the precipice of a clear new beginning, I would nevertheless like to offer an encouraging word in season (Prv 15:23), one that starts with a truth too rarely considered: We, all of us, are actually standing at new thresholds all the time if we're permitting ourselves to dream, and to believe in God's promises."

In a recent commentary, writer Elizabeth Scalia reflected on how the God-given gifts we have received are never revoked and cannot be suppressed.

To access Ms. Scalia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Elizabeth Scalia: Dream and be encouraged! Your God-given gifts are still there! (17 JUN 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"'Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens', says the Lord in the Gospel of the Day (Mt 11:25–30). Jesus takes upon himself humanity wounded by evil in order to heal and care for it." - Pope Leo XIV

The Cascades:-"Angel on My Shoulder"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Cascades presenting "Angel on My Shoulder":

 

On Doing Works of Mercy from One's Chair, Keys to a Stronger Marriage, and Other Catholic-related Items

A number of articles/posts have recently been published on a variety of Catholic-related subjects worth considering.

To access some of these, please visit: 

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Glasses (16 APR 26)

National Catholic Register: Indiana's Star QB Fernando Mendoza: Meet the Heisman Trophy Winner Who Never Misses Sunday Mass (2 JAN 26)

LifeCraft: Joy Comes with Morning (3 JUM 26)

Catholic News Agency: How Mount St. Mary's University is combating the health care crisis in Maryland (3 JAN 26)

Aleteia: Tom Hoopes: Do works of mercy without leaving your chair (11 APR 26)

National Catholic Register Commentaries: Brendan Towell: What the World Missed When the Pope Returned to St. Augustine's Homeland (20 APR 26)

Aleteia; Theresa Civantos Barber: 4 Simple keys to a stronger marriage (3 MAY 26) 

The Catholic Thing: On Recovering the Christian Man (3 JUN 26)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of onions.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

In her years as a retreat leader and spiritual director, Becky Eldredge has worked with many people seeking grace and an awareness of God in their lives. Her own religious journey taught her that "God . . . is already present. So often, we just need some help tuning in." Becky now wants to pass on that talent for discernment to others in her book of short, practical meditations, Encounter Grace.

Becky's previous book was titled The Inner Chapel, and that concept is a thread throughout Encounter Grace. During a Christopher Closeup interview, she explained, "We have this inner room within us where God resides. The full Trinity is available to us right here. What I love about the inner chapel is we're never alone because of its existence. God is right here. . . . We can call on God at any moment in our day. That's such a source of comfort and hope for me and, I think, so many people that know of its existence."

During her college days, Becky's faith life could be a roller coaster. She would go on retreats and return home riding a spiritual high. But soon after, her spirit "took a dip" and returned to normal. She looks back on those experiences as normal parts of developing a relationship with Christ.

Becky noted, "Retreats . . . can be a place of a high mountaintop experience. What I understand now, looking back . . . is I was really seeking the spiritual high more so than God. I was seeking the consolations - that warm, fuzzy feeling which, of course, is an experience of God - more than understanding the true gift of a relationship. A wise spiritual director that I met in my college years helped me find a way to come to my inner chapel every day, to come to daily prayer with the focus of growing a relationship with Christ, not just pursuing the gifts from God. [That] helped me learn how to show up to be with God no matter what, whether I was feeling that consolation or . . desolation in my life . . . because that's what happens in a relationship. We show up every day."

Becky's relationship with God is grounded in Ignatian spirituality, as is her work. She finds it particularly suited for modern times, despite the fact that St. Ignatius came up with his ideas 500 years ago. He offered clear guidance on what the movement of the Holy Spirit looks and sounds like so we can "pay attention to the things that move us closer to God." St. Ignatius also articulated "the false spirit's playbook . . . how he tries to tempt us and discourage us." Ignatian spirituality teaches us to "reject that movement of the false spirit and turn to God."

"In our modern day, people are looking for guidance," Becky said. "Discouragement is real, hopelessness. So many people I sit with right now, they're teetering almost towards despair. I think Ignatius' wisdom can help us learn that we're empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. We have the power to reject the movements that are not coming from God, the voices, our own actions. We can turn from the things that divide or grow discouragement [and] hopelessness, and instead turns towards the things in our lives - the people, the routines, the disciplines - that foster hope, healing, compassion, generosity. Ignatius gives people something to hold onto. It's rooted in Scripture, it's rooted in our Catholic tradition, and it gives us a pathway to God, which leads to healing and hope and freedom."

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Alfred Montapert

"When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I must not forget the price I paid for it. Today I must do my best, make it useful, profitable, successful. My life will be richer or poorer by the way I use today." - Alfred A. Montapert

"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)