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)

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"

 

Birthday Blessings, Olivia!!!

Birthday greetings to niece Olivia Rioux, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those graduating from high school and college/university.

Life Needs Sunny and Rainy Days

"Nothing ever grows where the sun always shines." Legendary country music singer/songwriter Bill Anderson wrote that lyric because it reflects the truth that it takes both sunny days and rainy ones, successes and failures, to truly grow and become the person God created you to be.

The seeds of faith were planted in Bill's life partially by his grandfather, a Methodist preacher. But Bill's mother was his primary influence. During a Christopher Closeup interview, he recalled her singing hymns such as "Amazing Grace" while doing housework: "Those songs of the church were, without me realizing it, forming a foundation for me musically."

Another major moment for Bill came after he had achieved some success in Nashville. His 88-year-old pastor-grandfather, who lay on his deathbed, told Bill, "I don't know much about the business you're in, but I know that you're in a position to reach more people with one song than I've reached with every sermon I've ever preached." From then on, Bill felt that weight of responsibility to create music that would reflect his values. Of course, in the genre of country music, you have to also cover songs about drinking and infidelity. But, as Bill joked, "The good part is that if you play the songs backwards, they sober up and they come home."

More seriously, Bill then discussed his song "Five Little Fingers, which was the story of a man who had lost his wife and had a small child. He wondered how he was gonna continue to go on with his life. The little girl walks in and puts her five little fingers on top of his hand and inspires him. I had a fan write me from down in Louisiana and he said, 'I was in my car. I was driving out into the swamps. I was going to commit suicide. I thought everything I had in the world was lost. Your song came on about the Five Little Fingers . . . and I realized I had five little fingers in my house that depended on me. I pulled over to the side of the road. . . . I cried. I prayed. I turned around and I went back to town.'"

"That's not the only letter I've had like that," Bill explained. "It makes me [think of] what my grandfather said. . . . I guess that song, at that point in time, maybe that was my sermon."

When asked to reflect on the Christopher idea of lighting a candle in times of darkness, Bill recalled, "The darkest it ever got around me was in 1984 when my wife was nearly killed in a head-on automobile accident caused by a drunk driver. At the time, our son was six years old. I had to become mother and father to [him] for a long period of time as my wife went through . . . rehabilitation. . . . It changed my perspective. It changed my value system."

"My son and our relationship became my candle in the darkness," Bill continued. "He was in a Christian school, and he understood at his young age that there was faith and that hopefully his mom was gonna get well, which she ultimately did. I wouldn't want to walk through that dark spot again, but the light of that candle has served me well in the time since then. I hope in some small way that I can carry a candle for other people. They tell me sometimes, 'We love your music. Your music makes us feel better.' If that's my candle, then I'm more than glad to carry it."

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

Bill Anderson

Reflection Starter from Albert Schweitzer

"A good example has twice the value of good advice." - Dr. Albert Schweitzer

"Blessing and Glory"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Blessing and Glory":

 

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

This month, the month of June, is being observed as National Zoo and Aquarium Month, designed to be a time to explore one's local zoo and aquarium, as well as the websites of zoos and aquariums throughout the nation, and their excellent educational resources.

Background information:

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Birthday Blessings, Anthony!!!

Birthday greetings to nephew Anthony, brother Jim's son, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Connie!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Connie, wife of nephew Stephen Dymek, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Dawson!!!

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

National Waste & Recycling Workers Week

This week, the week of 14-20 June, is being observed as National Waste & Recycling Workers Week, an observance designed to celebrate and thank the women and men who work daily to keep our neighborhoods and streets safe and clean.

Background information:

Waste and Recycling Workers Week

Facebook: Waste and Recycling Workers Week

Solid Waste Association of North America

Thank You, Lord

 Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to offer a sacrifice.

Cerith Gardiner on the Unpopularity of Sacrifice

"A few days ago, I found myself standing on a busy Paris metro trying very hard not to become annoyed, which, for anyone who regularly uses the Paris metro, is already something of a spiritual achievement.

"A heavily pregnant woman had boarded the carriage and was standing in the aisle, anxiously swaying as the train lurched from side to side. Around her sat a collection of apparently healthy adults who seemed suddenly fascinated by their phones, their shoes, the route map, and just about anything else that would prevent them from making eye contact.

"Now, perhaps there were invisible injuries involved. Perhaps every passenger was suffering from a bad back, a twisted knee, or a heroic sports injury. Yet as the journey continued, I found myself wondering whether the issue was not simply a lack of manners but a changing attitude towards sacrifice itself."

In a recent commentary, writer Cerith Gardiner reflected on the concept of sacrifice and its image problem.

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

Aleteia: Cerith Gardiner: When did sacrifice become such an unpopular idea? (16 JUN 26)

Reflection Starter from B. C. Forbes

"Cheerfulness is among the most laudable virtues. It gains you the good will and friendship of others. It blesses those who practice it and those upon whom it is bestowed." - B. C. Forbes

"To Jesus, Heart All Burning"

As our solemnity celebration continues, I offer this version of The Singing Nuns presenting "To Jesus, Heart All Burning":

 

Anniversary Blessings, David and Kristi!!!

Anniversary greetings to brother David and his wife Kristi, whose wedding anniversary is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year , be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings to Barbara and Mike!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to sister Barbara and her husband Michael, whose wedding anniversary was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Jackson!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Jackson, stepson of niece Amy Moore, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Breanna!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Breanna, daughter of niece Tiffany Ryan, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Daniel & Kirstie!!!

Anniversary greetings to nephew Daniel and his wife Kirstie, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The assigned readings are Deuteronomy 7:6-11, 1 John 4:7-16, and Matthew 11:25-30. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 103 (Psalm 103:1-4, 6-7, 8, 10). 

Today's Gospel reading is as follows: 

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Reflections on the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

DeSales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Cardiac Muscle (11 JUN 26)

YouTube: Fr. James Kubicki on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

YouTube: Scott Hahn on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Background information: 

Annun Sacrum: Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on Consecration to the Sacred Heart 

Haurietis Aquas: Encyclical of Pope Pius XII on Devotion to the Sacred Heart

Thank You, Lord

Thank You, Lord, for Your promises for those who honor Your Sacred Heart.

Fr. Michael Murray, OSFS , on the Appropriateness of theConsecration of the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

"As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. bishops will consecrate America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026. . . . From a Salesian perspective, it seems most fitting to turn to the Heart of Jesus to find the strength, fidelity, and tenacity we need to continue the ongoing challenges that come with the commitment to pursuing independence through interdependence:"

In a recent commentary, Father Michael Murray, OSFS  Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish, Reston, VA, reflected on why this consecration is fitting, including how in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, "we find true humility: the ability to know our place in this world - and the courage to take it - in making this world a better place."

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

De Sales Weekly: Salesian Reflection: Out of Many, One (11 JUN 26)

Reflection Starter from Mother Teresa

"Do not let the past disturb you, just leave everything in the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy." - Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

Freddy Martin and His Orchestra: "Second Hungarian Rhapsody"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Freddy Martin and His Orchestra presenting Franz Liszt's "Second Hungarian Rhapsody":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, lord, for the blessing of Your Divine Mercy.

Mercy Raises Man Above His Weakness

On June 7, 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II visited the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland. There, he stated, "Those who sincerely say, 'Jesus, I trust in You' will find comfort in all their anxieties and fears. There is nothing that man needs more than Divine Mercy - that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights of the holiness of God."

As we move through these early days of the Easter Season, united in joy over the miracle of the Resurrection, it is fitting that our Second Sunday of Easter should be Divine Mercy Sunday because Divine Mercy is the great fruit of Christ’s sacrifice.

John Paul II elevated this devotion because he had such a keen understanding of the spirituality of Saint Faustina Kowalska, who died in Krakow in 1938, the very same year that he, as then 18-year-old Karol Wojtyla, moved to that city with his father.

Karol’' mother had died of a heart attack when he was just eight years old, and his sister died before he was even born. His older brother Edmund succumbed to scarlet fever when Karol was just 12 years old. Edmund was a physician who contracted scarlet fever after treating those suffering from the illness.

Karol's father died of a heart attack just three years after they moved to Krakow. Later, as pope, he recalled that time in his life, saying, "At twenty, I had already lost all the people I loved."

Acquaintance with loss prepared young Karol for the specter of war looming in Europe. But Karol was also acquainted with hope, and he was prepared to respond to the tragedy of World War II with bold action. He defied the Nazis by entering the clandestine underground seminary, even while he fulfilled their mandatory labor requirement by working in a quarry. It was during this time that he learned of Faustina's writings, which led to his devotion to Divine Mercy. It was a devotion that planted a seed of hope inspiring him to continue to defy the Nazis by protecting many Jewish people. That devotion also later inspired him to become a brave voice in Poland's struggle for religious freedom behind the Iron Curtain of Russian communism.

When he became pope, John Paul II spoke of the importance of Divine Mercy to his pontificate, saying, "Right from the beginning of my ministry in St. Peter's See in Rome, I considered this message my special task. Providence has assigned it to me in the present situation of man, the Church and the world. It could be said that precisely this situation assigned that message to me as my task before God."

Saint Faustina's profound mystical experiences led her to reveal the vital importance of God's mercy, which inspired young Karol Wojtyla, who carried his first-hand knowledge of the power of mercy into a pontificate that amplified the message of Divine Mercy.

That message is a continuum tracing directly to Christ and His Resurrection. It falls to us now to pick up the mantle. Each one of us, in our own time, is called to follow in the footsteps of saints like Faustina and John Paul II and all those who have raised up the message announcing that God's mercy is triumphant and extends to the farthest reaches of creation and the deepest recesses of each soul.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column, written by Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M, of The Christophers' Board of Directors; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.)

Background information:

The Christophers