Mary Duff and Daniel O'Donnell: "Whispering Hope"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Mary Duff and Daniel O'Donnell presenting "Whispering Hope":

 

Anniversary Blessings, Nicki and Justin!!!

Anniversary greetings to niece Nicole Rioux and her husband Justin, whose wedding anniversary 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 opportunities to offer acts of kindness.

Daniel Esparza on Improving Mental Health via Acts of Kindness

"There comes a point - usually sometime in your 40s, sometimes earlier, sometimes later — when the body stops being forgiving. The diet that worked at 30 stops working. Sleep becomes a discipline rather than a default. Exercise moves from optional to necessary. Most people accept this without much argument. The body's needs are visible and undeniable, and our current culture has enough language for them. . . ."

In a recent commentary, writer/scholar Daniel Esparza reflected on how body and mind and spirit are one thing, and what damages one damages all ("Neglecting your mental health is not virtue or strength. It is poor stewardship of the person God made.") and on how acts of kindness toward others proved more effective than cognitive-behavioral exercises in one study: "people who focused on someone else’s problems improved more than those who focused on their own."

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

Aleteia: Daniel Esparza: Have you been neglecting half of your health? (28 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from Samuel Johnson

"What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence." - Samuel Johnson

"The God of All Grace"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "The God of All Grace" by Ricky Manalo, CSP:

 

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings for the Mass during the day are 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30;and Matthew 13:44-52. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 119 (Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130).

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

YouTube: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 119 - Lord I Love Your Commands [YEAR A]

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.  When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

"Do you understand all these things?" They answered, "Yes." And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." 

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Give Me Jesus - A Sermon for the 17th Sunday of the Year (25 JUL 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Only Those Who Search Will Find the Prize (23 JUL 26)

Word on Fire: What Life Is All About (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 17th Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Treasures of the kingdom (24 JUL 26)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of community summer fairs.

Msgr. Pope on Three Words That Can Change One's Life

"Sometimes we like to complicate things. Every now and again it is good to simplify, to make it plain and simple. The other day it occurred to me that three words describe the well-being I have discovered in my physical, emotional, and spiritual life. They are, respectively, move, breathe, and trust."

In a recent commentary, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on hope these three words - move (pertaining to the physical), breathe (to the emotional and psychological), and trust (to the spiritual) - can change one's life.

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

Community in Mission: Three Words That Can Change Your Life (26 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"While the consumer culture influences our tastes, constantly creating new needs only to sell us solutions that never satisfy, and that sometimes even poison the heart, we must learn to grasp what truly matters: the treasure of a relationship with God that opens us to joy and helps us to live our relationships with one another more fully." - Pope Leo XIV

Frank Sinatra: "Fly Me To The Moon"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Frank Sinatra presenting "Fly Me To The Moon":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for helping hands that unexpectedly assist us.

Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, on Facing Our Limitations

". . . You can imagine the first morning of our meetings.  Many of us had just crossed multiple time zones.  We were jet-lagged, a bit dazed, and facing an opening day full of prayer and discussion.  Naturally, one of my first stops was the coffee machine.  As I stood there waiting for my coffee, I noticed a large sticker on the front of the machine that read,  'No Limit.'

"In my sleep-deprived state, the thought that the coffee machine had 'no limit' was humorous since I came to the machine specifically facing my limitations.

"Those two words, 'No Limit,' lingered with me during the following meetings.  My daily experience is one of many limits.  There are limits on time, energy, personnel, resources, and my own wisdom, patience, gentleness, and compassion."

In a recent commentary, Father Joe Newman, OSFS, reflected on how St. Francis de Sales invites us to become humble - not admonishing our limitations, but blessing them.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: No Limits (23 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from Hubert Humphrey

"You can always debate about what you should have done. The question is what are you going to do?" - Hubert Humphrey

Belated Birthday Blessings, Joseph!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Joseph Tanner, husband of (great-)niece Allison, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Corey!!!

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

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Tiffany and Christopher!!!

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

Birthday Blessings, Bethany!!!

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

Master's Chorale: "Hallowed Be Thy Name"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of the Master's Chorale presenting "Hallowed Be Thy Name":

 

Holy Father's Prayer Intention for July

The Holy Father's prayer intention for July is:

For the respect of human life: Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of independent retailers (this is National Independent Retailers Week).

Fr. Michael Rennier on Becoming a Person Doing New Things

"In my mind, I'm the sort of person who wakes up in the morning energized to get the most out of my day. I don't immediately pick up my phone and scroll. I don't waste time. I'm looking forward to new experiences and challenges. I don't fall into a rut. At the end of the day, I don't have to look back and chastise myself that I was too passive and, once again, plunged into an entirely comfortable and predictable pattern.

"It isn'' that I unreasonably think we can jump wildly into daring new activities every single day. I don't necessarily need to go bungee jumping or cliff diving or learn a new language in order to have a meaningful existence. In fact, I think there's something troubling about the need to experience constant novelty, as if there's something inside of us we aren't content with so we strike out in all directions as a form of self-soothing. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Michael Rennier reflected on how, as we try new things, we may gain broader knowledge and new skills and maybe even m"anage to slow down time."

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

Aleteia: Fr. Michael Rennier: Becoming a person who does new things (20 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from Charles Dickens

"It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour." - Charles Dickens

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture:

 

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Marc and Valentina!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to nephew Marc and his wife Valentina, whose wedding anniversary was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Tom!!!

Belated birthday greetings to son, Tom (Thomas Lopatosky, Jr.) (proprietor of Lopco Contacting) whose birthday was yesterday!!! May the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of park and recreation professionals and volunteers.

Fr. Dave Mercer on Being Less than Perfect

"It’s an unreasonable expectation, but it's there: We are to be perfect at what we do. Anything less risks being labeled a failure. Unfortunately, we too easily bring that attitude to religion, as if being Catholic comes with the assumption that we must be perfect, that is, we must be sinless. This Sunday's Gospel proclamation (Matthew 13:24-43) reminds us that being less than perfect is perfectly acceptable."

In a recent commentary, Father Dave Mercer reflected on our gathering at Mass because we lack perfection and on how that is okay.

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

Aleteia: Father Dave Mercer: Being less than perfect is perfectly acceptable (17 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from St. Bonaventure

""Come, let us give a little time to folly . . . and even in a melancholy day let us find time for an hour of pleasure." - Saint Bonaventure

J7: "I'm Gonna Serve My Lord"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of J7 presenting "I'm Gonna Serve My Lord":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing each culture and brings to the rest of us in the world.

July 14th is the Feast of Saint Kateri

July 14th is the Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American from the United States or Canada ever canonized in the Catholic Church. Born in 1656 in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon in today’s northeastern New York State, she was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and an Algonquin mother. Amid a time of upheaval for her people, she balanced love of her heritage with a full embrace of the Christian faith.

In 2023, Pope Francis spoke of Saint Kateri and how she incorporated service to the poor, sick, and elderly into a life of prayer and devotion to the sacraments. "Saint Kateri Tekakwitha's life is further proof," he said, "that apostolic zeal implies both union with Jesus, nourished by prayer and the sacraments, and the desire to spread the beauty of the Christian message through fidelity to one'S particular vocation."

Understanding Saint Kateri's personal vocation highlights how God speaks to us through the circumstances of our lives to set us on a path to accomplish great things and bring peace to those in our midst.  Kateri was just four years old when a smallpox epidemic devastated her village, and she lost both of her parents and her younger brother, who was her only sibling. Kateri survived the epidemic but with damaged eyesight and visible scars on her face. Adopted by relatives, she grew up practicing handcrafts and became skilled at making beautiful clothing and woven goods.

When she was 11 years old, Kateri met three Jesuit missionaries and was impressed with their message. At age 13, she refused to be married, later declaring, "I can have no spouse but Jesus." When she was 18 years old, she sought out and began to receive full formation in the Catholic faith.

Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Kateri Tekakwitha in 1980, and seven years later, he made a visit to the United States in which he mentioned her in his address at the Meeting with the Native Peoples of the Americas, where he said, "Even when she dedicated herself fully to Jesus Christ, to the point of taking the prophetic step of making a vow of perpetual virginity, she always remained what she was, a true daughter of her people, following her tribe in the hunting seasons and continuing her devotions in the environment most suited to her way of life, before a rough cross carved by herself in the forest. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the great gift of God's love, is never in contrast with what is noble and pure in the life of any tribe or nation, since all good things are His gifts."

Kateri's path was not without conflict and not always accepted by her people, but she loved her Mohawk culture and incorporated its fruits into her life as a Christian, inspiring others to do the same until her death at the young age of 24. She was canonized in 2012, 10 years after the canonization of Saint Juan Diego, whose tilma cloak, with its inculturated image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, remains a lasting sign of God's desire to meet people within the beauty of their own culture.  The apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe occurred just a little over 100 years before Kateri was born, foreshadowing the path she walked of loving Christ and her culture at the same time. May she intercede for us all so that we can grow in understanding and love for one another.

This essay is this week's "Light One Candle" column, written by Fr. Edward 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

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way - that is, with love, joy and faith." - Pope Francis

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of summer participation sports for children and for adults.

Fr. Michael Rennier on How to Make a Decision

"When I was a child, our extended family would often gather at a local restaurant to celebrate special occasions. My grandfather would never look at the menu. The waitress would hand it to him, he would thank her, and then quietly place it on the table. I asked him once why he never took advantage of scouting out all the options. His response was that my grandmother already knew what he wanted to eat and would order for him. This, to the best of my memory, was his tried-and-true method for getting exactly the meal he desired. It always seemed to work.

"For a long time, I thought it an exceedingly odd approach. I'It’s a luxury to have our choices narrowed down. Perhaps this is why we’ve convinced ourselves to delegate our choices to an algorithm. Like a spouse who knows us inside and out, the algorithm predicts exactly what we want and takes care of it with no fuss. The future is frictionless. No choices need be made. ve come to understand it much more, though, as time has gone on and restaurant menus have expanded in size and scope. I’m becoming my grandfather, and have found myself losing patience with reading menus that are as long as a victorian novel. The choices are too varied. . . .

"It's a luxury to have our choices narrowed down. Perhaps this is why we've convinced ourselves to delegate our choices to an algorithm. Like a spouse who knows us inside and out, the algorithm predicts exactly what we want and takes care of it with no fuss. The future is frictionless. No choices need be made. . . .

"Decisions are increasingly being made on our behalf. There's comfort in this. And yet, it doesn't feel quite right, does it?

"Having too many options is paralyzing but no one really wants to give away all their decision-making. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Michael Rennier reflected on some of the ways one can "overcome the tyranny of overwhelming choices in order to become the sort of person who makes decisions."

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

Aleteia: Fr. Michael Rennier: How to make a decision (12 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from St. Josemaría Escrivá

"Understand this well: there is something holy, something divine hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it." - Saint Josemaria Escriva

Andre Rieu: "Edelweiss"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra presenting "Edelweiss":

 

Thank Youi Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the continued newness You bring into our lives.

Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, on Continual Newness

". . . Every day, God is doing something new.  One of the often-cited hallmarks of our Salesian Spirituality is its focus on the present moment.  We are invited to live this day well.  Every day carries a newness to it.  The truth is though, newness can be exhausting.

"I experience this newness and subsequent exhaustion every time I drive a rental car.  Where do I control the AC?  How do I turn on the lights?  Why are the windshield wipers moving?  All new.  All exhausting. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Joe Newman, OSFS, reflected on the blessing that newness, exhaustion, aging, wonder, confusion, curiosity, etc., are all signs that the Holy Spirit is at work.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Continual Newness (9 JUL 26)

Reflection Starter from St. Benedict

"He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands." - Saint Benedict of Nursia, whose memory the Church celebrates today (11 July)

"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":

 

Belated Birthday Blessings, Anthony!!!

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

Belated Birthday Blessings, Jeff!!!

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

Belated Birthday Blessings, Allison!!!

Belated birthday greetings to great-niece Allison Tanner, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belagted Birthday Blessings, Ava!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Myrna's granddaughter Ava Geoghegan, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Bleated Anniversary Blessings to Mimi and Chris!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to Myrna's daughter Mimi and her husband Chris, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have planned for us in the month of July.

'Pray As You Can, Not As You Can't'

Some people find the idea of prayer appealing, but making time for it in their busy lives is another story. As a spiritual director, Becky Eldredge hears this often from people who feel overwhelmed with responsibilities. They say they'll devote more time to God "when life slows down . . . when I retire, when the kids are out of the house, when I'm done caregiving for this person in my family."

While these statements are legitimate and Becky sympathizes, she nevertheless encourages, "Make time for prayer now. . . . Don't wait. God is here and wants to be with us right now and will meet us right where we are. I always encourage people to be free of expectations of what prayer should look like because I had a wise priest-friend decades ago tell me, 'Becky, pray as you can, not as you can't.' Those words have helped me . . . move through life and incorporate prayer in the way that made sense for each season."

"Prayer looked different when my kids were younger," Becky continued. "My kids are older now. One's in college. I have a high schooler and a middle schooler. So, my prayer is more anchored in the morning. I can get up before them. But there were long seasons that I was trying to catch prayer during a nap time. When [my husband] Chris and I took care of my grandparents, prayer looked like sitting next to a hospital bed holding their hand, praying in a waiting room. It wasn't consistent. I'm grateful that I've had different spiritual directors throughout my life, and they've always encouraged me [to] find the way God's calling you to be together now. . . . Don't judge [your own prayer life] by somebody else you see praying. Just be with God in the way He's offering."

Becky's insights reflect St. Thérèse of Lisieux's words: "Prayer is an aspiration of the heart; it is a simple glance directed to heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy." When we're spiritually minded, we can turn ordinary moments into opportunities for prayer.

But sometimes, we may want to engage in prayer at home, hoping to quiet our minds and spirits and take a break from the noise of the world. One option in that case can be centering prayer, also known as contemplative prayer. It involves sitting in a quiet place by yourself, focusing on a particular word (such as "Jesus" or "love"), and being open to God's presence. Chances are that numerous distracting thoughts will drift through your mind while trying to do this. That's normal and simply the way our brains work.

In their "Faith Reflections" newsletter, the St. Jude League suggests releasing these thoughts when they come and returning to your sacred centering word "as a way to refocus on clearing the way for God."

The League also offers this prayer to help you prepare: "Lord, quiet my restless mind. Still the racing thoughts, and silence the distractions. Draw me into Your presence, deep within. Let Your peace fill the empty spaces. Let Your voice calm my heart. Teach me to seek You in stillness, knowing that You are always there, guiding, comforting, loving. Amen."  No matter how we engage in prayer, God will appreciate our efforts. As Rev. John L. Dietzen once wrote, a personal relationship with God "includes sharing with Him our joys and sorrows, our hopes and disappointments, our wonders and our regrets - all of which are nothing else but prayer."

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 Maimonedes

"Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it." -  Maimonides

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)