Robert Goulet: "On a Clear Day"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Robert Goulet presenting "On a Clear Day":

 

Catholic Schools Week

This week, the week of 25-31 January, is being observed as Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week is  Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community."

This theme is designed to reflect that Catholic schools have an irreplaceable role in the Church's evangelizing mission. Building on the central goal of Catholic schools to form saints, Catholic schools teach and embrace the whole person, body, mind and spirit. The fact that all members of a Catholic school community share the Christian vision of faith that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education is what unites the school as a faith-filled community.

The Catholic Schools Week logo symbolizes the united community of Catholic schools - not a building or an institution, but people of faith serving God and others. No Catholic school can fulfill its educational role alone. As a community, Catholic schools are nourished and stimulated by the centrality of the word of Christ expressed through knowledge, service, scripture and sacramental tradition.
Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community is a theme on which to build a spirit of the gospel to benefit the human family

For more information related to this year's observance, please visit:

NCEA: National Catholic Schools Week

Background information:

National Catholic Educational Association

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of our Catholic schools.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on a Salesian Season

"It has often been said that Catholics know how to celebrate. We can take a special day, a holy day, and turn it into a holiday that can last for weeks. The Church has a pattern within the liturgical calendar that begins with preparation and penance and culminates with celebrations spread throughout the year.

"The just-completed Christmas season is a great example. For many people, the season concludes on Epiphany, the traditional twelfth day of Christmas. This, in itself, is a custom that challenges the popular notion that the celebration of Christ’s birth ends on December 26. For Catholics, the season continues to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (this year observed on January 11). An even older tradition prolongs the holiday joy until February 2, the Presentation of the Lord - the final feast of the baby Jesus.

"For the sons and daughters of St. Francis de Sales, the end of the month brings another week of solemn celebrations and feast days. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on how the period including the feast days of St. Francis De Sales, St. John Bosco, and the Presentation of the Lord are a special occasion for the Salesian community.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: A Salesian Season (29 JAN 26)

Reflection Starter from St. John Bosco

"Whatever you do, think of the Glory of God as your main goal." - Saint John Bosco, whose memory the Church celebrates today (31 January)

"You Have Called Us by Your Name"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Bernadette Farrell's "You Have Called Us by Your Name":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good pediatricians.

Archbishop Henning on the Psalms

"Have you ever felt joy or sorrow, confusion or elation, regret or hope, terror or trust? Are you selfish and giving, a sinner and a saint, foolish and wise? If you have been or felt any or all of these, the Psalms are for you -- for they express all these -- every emotion and aspect that is part of the human experience.

"The Psalms are such an important part of our life and worship. We use them in private prayer, we sing or recite them in the Liturgy of the Hours, as responsorials, they help us at Mass and other liturgies to deepen our response to and meditation upon the proclamation of God's Word."

In a recent commentary, Archbishop Richard G. Henning reflected on the Psalms and on how they are "a gift -- given to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the goodness of Our Heavenly Father."

To access Archbishop Henning's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Archbishop Richard G. Henning: The gift of the Psalms (23 JAN 26)

Reflection Starter from St. Thomas Aquinas

"Pray thee, spare, thyself at times: for it becomes a wise man sometimes to relax the high pressure of his attention to work." - Saint Thomas Aquinas

"Christ is the World's Light, He and None Other"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Christ is the World's Light, He and None Other":

 

Sunday of the Word of God

"According to the Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, no. 43, in the Romal Missal,  'Besides the times of the year that have their own distinctive character, there remains in the yearly cycle thirty-three or thirty-four weeks in which no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated, but rather the mystery of Christ itself is honored in its fullness, especially on Sundays. This period is known as Ordinary Time.' As you will notice this year, the Gospel reading on Sundays during this time is taken from St. Matthew. You will also notice that the first reading will almost always have some connection with the Gospel. The second reading while not necessarily following the other two readings, will mostly progress (as with the Gospel) sequentially, by chapter order.

Hence, on this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the prophesy of Isaiah in the First Reading is quoted by St. Matthew in the Gospel. Isaiah prophesied that Zebulun and Naphtali, the lands degraded by the Lord, would at the end be glorified and be the first to see the great light of God’s salvation. Jesus today fulfills that prophecy, proclaiming the restoration of David's kingdom in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, the exact place where the kingdom of Israel began to fall, eight centuries before Christ as we read in 2 Kgs 15:29; 24:14; 1 Chr 5:26."

A recent post by St. John's Seminary (Boston, MA) offered a commentary on today's observance of the Sunday of the Word of God.

To access the complete post, please visit:

Saint John's Seminary: The Word That Brings Light | Sunday of the Word of God

Related media:

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments: Note on the Sunday of the Word of God

Pope Francis: Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis (Sept. 2019) 

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; and Matthew 4:12-23. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 27 (Psalm 27:1-4, 13-14).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2023 - Year A - Psalm 27 - Ray

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Come and Go With Me To My Father's House - A Homily for the Third Sunday of the Year (24 JAN 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, When It Gets Really Dark, Expect Jesus to Come (22 JAN 26)

Word on Fire: Unity in Christ (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 3rd Week) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Father Joshua J. Whitfield: Scripture Reflection for Jan. 25, 2026, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (21 JAN 26)

The Quiet Corner: From Woonsocket to Capernaum (22 JAN 26) 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which the weather reflects Your glory.

Msgr. Pope on Finding God in the Snow

"It's snowing in Washington and just about everwhere else! While everyone can lament what snow does to travel schedules But, it is midwinter and no one can deny that the falling snow has a magnificent and hypnotic effect. It also creates a winter wonderland.

"Indeed, though not every one likes snow it is an amazing work of God. He takes a barren winter landscape and creates it anew. I can almost hear the Lord saying, 'Behold, I make all things new!'"

In a recent commentary, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on on the glory of God in winter.

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

Community in Mission: God in Winter - A Meditation on Finding God in the Snow. (25 JAN 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"The Gospel calls us to dare to trust, for God is at work at all times. Every moment is 'God's time,' even when we do not feel ready or when the situation seems unfavorable. (Mt 4:12-23)" - Pope Leo XIV

TheTabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square: Whistle While You Work/Heigh Ho!"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of TheTabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square presenting Whistle While You Work/Heigh Ho!":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to share a smile.

On Living Well in the New Year

At this point, the gifts have all been opened, and the joy (and maybe chaos) of Christmas day has passed. That means our minds have turned towards the coming new year and any resolutions for improving ourselves that we may have in mind. (But remember that Christmas lasts until the Feast of the Epiphany, so keep your lights on and decorations up.) 

If you're still pondering resolutions, there are some thoughts from a recently republished classic Christopher News Note to consider. Its title is, "How Do You Define Success?" and it looks to a famous quote by author Robert Louis Stevenson for inspiration. He wrote, "That person is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children; who has filled a unique niche and accomplished his or her task; who leaves the world better than before, whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of the earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he or she had."

Stevenson reminds us that true self-improvement radiates outward to benefit the lives of others. Sometimes, it can be in small ways, such as with Franklin H. Smith of Brunswick, Georgia. He "lived well," finding contentment in his simple life as a cobbler who repaired the townsfolks' shoes for 44 years. "It doesn't cost me anything to be happy," said Smith, who always greeted each of his customers with a smile and a joke. Because of his positive approach to his job, his work felt satisfying because he enjoyed his craft and loved his neighbors.

On a larger scale, Joe Giron and Manuel Martinez decided to do something about the deterioration of Denve's Westside back in 1971. The unsafe living conditions compelled the men to set up an organization that would help minorities repair their homes with voluntary labor. Over the years, more than 1,000 homes were fixed by Brothers Redevelopment Inc. Additional projects to build and finance houses meant renewed vitality in the once decaying area. Giron said, "We made a commitment to deliver a product that the community needed, and we weren't going to stop until we did. We were set on helping our families, so why not help the entire neighborhood?"

For some people, living well means integrating their faith with their work. Officer Roger Behr of the Austin Police Department was paid to arrest criminals. Deacon Roger Behr gave his time to lead them in prayer. After he joined the diaconate, one of Officer Behr's duties was visiting the county jail. "When you come face to face with these people, you realize they're just another human being, just like me," he said. "They want to know that even though they have screwed up, they are still loved by God."

Belgium's Cardinal Désiré Mercier (1851-1926) once offered the following prayer on living a successful life: "Holy Spirit, Soul of my soul, I adore Thee. Guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what to do. Give me Thy orders, and I promise to submit to whatever You desire of me and to accept everything You allow to happen to me. Let me only know Thy will." 

How can we better emulate God's will in the new year? By setting a goal to be as loving, merciful, and selfless as Jesus. Those are the benchmarks for a successful life in this world - and the next.

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 St. Francis de Sales

"What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love, and an ocean of patience." - Saint Francis de Sales, whose memory the Church celebrates today (24 January)

Johann Christian Bach: Symphony for Winds No. 1 in E flat major

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Johann Christian Bach's Symphony for Winds No. 1 in E flat major, as played by the Nachtmusique Ensemble:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of neighbors.

Lucia Silecchia on the Importance of Our Neighbors

"Recently, my neighbor died.

"When I was at the funeral home and when I arrived at work late after his funeral, I was asked how I knew the gentleman who passed away. It was almost sheepishly, or with a note of apology that I said he was 'a neighbor.' It was almost as though I thought that to mourn for one who was 'just' a neighbor was somehow unjust to his nearest and dearest.

"On reflection, though, my instincts were wrong. To downplay the importance of our neighbors is to deny the often-underappreciated presence they are in our lives."

In a recent commentary, writer/Professor Lucia A. Silecchia reflected on the role and importance of neighbor in our lives.

To access Professor Silecchia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Lucia A. Silecchia: Love of neighbor (21 JAN 26)

Reflection Starter from Simone Weil

"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." - Simone Weil

Matt Boswell and Matt Papa: "In the Fullness of Time / Holy, Holy, Holy"

As we continue to live this, I offer this version of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa presenting "In the Fullness of Time / Holy, Holy, Holy":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of music in our lives - in all its various forms.

Br. Sean Piwowar, O.P., on Stopping and Hearing the Music

"On a busy but forgettable January morning in 2007, over a thousand D.C. Metro passengers rushed by a busker playing a violin inside of L'Enfant Plaza station. Three months later, the Washington Post article 'Pearls Before Breakfast' revealed that the busker was the virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, conducting a social experiment. The article and accompanying video, which came to be known as the 'Stop and Hear the Music' stunt, shocked the country and amassed millions of views. Very few people had paused to listen to 'one of the finest classical musicians in the world, playing some of the most elegant music ever written on one of the most valuable violins ever made' (G. Weingarten, 'Pearls Before Breakfast'). People reading 'Pearls Before Breakfast' and watching footage of commuters giving Bell no attention were asking themselves: would I have stopped to hear the music?

"You certainly don't have to be a Christian to be moved by the 'Stop and Hear the Music' stunt. But as Christians, we have the capacity to be especially attentive to beauty.. . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Sean Piwowar, O.P., reflected on how" the presence of God is at all times a certain 'music,'" music worth stopping for.

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

Dominicana: Stop and Hear the Music (20 JAN 26) 

Refelction Starter from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

"Character is developed one positive action at a time. Therefore nothing is actually trivial in our lives. To grow in character development, pay attention to seemingly trivial matters. Someone who grows from each minor life event will eventually reach high levels of character perfection." - Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

The Newfangled Four: "Bach Fugue"

It's time for some more barbershop harmony. Here is a presentation of  "Bach Fugue" by The Newfangled Four:

 

National Stalking Awareness Month

The month of January is being observed as National Stalking Awareness Month, an observance designed to to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking.

Background information:

The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the reminders and encouragement we get on the importance of living the Gospel message.

'What Does It Mean to Be a Drum Major for Justice,' Asks Archbishop Coakley

"Dr. King encouraged people to be leaders in the priorities that Christ gave us in the Gospel," said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a reflection commemorating the late civil rights leader’s life and legacy. Archbishop Coakley focused his reflection for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on a portion of Dr. King's sermon, Drum Major Instinct:

"Let us take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose prophetic voice was a 'drum major for justice.' His inspiring words continue to speak to our hearts today: 

'Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.'

"What does it mean to be 'a drum major' in our own communities? Dr. King's sermon encouraged people to be leaders in the priorities that Christ gave us: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those in prison. Through the social service and charitable ministries of the Catholic Church, we strive to embody the Gospel mandate at the local and community levels. But just as important is the challenge to help the faithful to authentically live out this call. Our special message on immigration and our commitment to continue addressing the sin of racism are two recent examples that serve as efforts to be drum majors of love in our communities.

"In our pastoral letter against racism, we bishops affirm Dr. King's leadership in bringing together people of faith in the work of racial justice, noting 'that spirit is integral to the fight today.' As we remember Dr. King and commemorate his legacy, let us continue this work as drum majors and engage in actions of compassion and mercy. 

"I encourage you to take time to reflect on how the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to join with others in addressing challenges within our families, neighborhoods, or communities. May we lead the way in building a society rooted in justice, peace, righteousness, and the dignity of every human person."

Reflection Starter from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Behold the Lamb (of God)"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Behold the Lamb (of God)"

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; and John 1:29-34.The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 40 (Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm 2026 - Ordinary Time 2 - Psalm

The Gospel reading is as follows:

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel."

John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.
I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Who Is Jesus Christ? A Homily for the 2nd Sunday of the Year (17 JAN 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, We Each Meet the Lamb of God Who Changes Everything (15 JAN 26)

Word on Fire: The Lamb Who Takes Away the Sin of the World (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 2nd Week) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Perfect offering (16 JAN 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for Jan. 18, 2026, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (14 JAN 26)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Sacred Scripture and the many ways You touch hearts through it.

Msgr. Pope on Ordinary Time

"Welcome to the wearing of the green, green vestments that is. The weeks of the year outside of seasons such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter are termed 'ordinary time.' It's a rather dull-sounding description, isn't it? 'Ordinary' time, hmm …"

In a recent commentary, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on what the Church means by Ordinary Time.

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

Community in Mission: Welcome to "Ordinary Time" (12 JAN 26)