Happy Mother's Day to Our Blessed Mother

As we celebrate Mother's Day (Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and others who serve in the role of a mother!), I offer this presentation of "Sing of Mary" to offer Mother's Day greetings to our Blessed Mother, Mary

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Today the Church celebrates the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; and John 14:15-21. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 66 (Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20).

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

YouTube: Respond & Acclaim 2026 - Easter 6 - Psalm

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Lessons of Love - A Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter (9 MAY 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Your Baptism Is for Others, Not Just You (7 MAY 26)

Word on Fire: Five Signs of the Holy Spirit (Cycle A * Easter * 6th Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Alive in the Spirit (8 MAY 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for May 10, 2026, Sixth Sunday of Easter (6 MAY 26)

The Quiet Corner: Monasticism in Transition: A 900-Year Legacy Faces a New Horizon (8 MAY 26)

Thank You, Lord

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

Cerith Gardiner on Deacon Scott Borba's Call to the Priesthood

"At first glance, the story of Scott Borba sounds almost too cinematic to be true. A former model, actor, beauty entrepreneur, and co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics, he spent years immersed in the world of image, luxury, and success before walking away from it all to become a Catholic priest. Yet what makes his story so compelling is not the dramatic change itself, but the quiet realization that beauty, on its own, was never enough."

In a recent commentary, writer Cerith Gardiner reflected on Deacon Scott Borbal and his call to the priesthood.

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

Aleteia: Cerith Gardiner: The millionaire beauty entrepreneur becoming a priest (8 MAY 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"The Lord commands us to love one another as He has loved us (cf. Jn 13:34): it is the love of Jesus that gives birth to love in us. Christ Himself is the criterion of true love: love that is faithful forever, pure and unconditional, love that gives without wanting to possess." - Pope Leo XIV

Joseph Haydn: String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20 No. 2

It’s time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20, No. 2, as presented by the Isidore String Quartet:

 

Thought Starter

"Many years ago, while on a visit to America, a wealthy businessman was fascinated by a powerful microscope. Looking through its lens to study crystals and flower petals, he was amazed at their beauty and detail. So he decided to purchase one of these instruments of marvels and take it back to his country.

 "He thoroughly enjoyed using it until one day he examined a few grains of rice he was planning to eat for dinner. Much to his dismay, he discovered that tiny living creatures were crawling on the grains. Since he was especially fond of this staple food in his daily diet, he wondered what to do. Finally, he concluded that there was only one way out of this dilemma - he would destroy the instrument that caused him to discover this distasteful fact! So he smashed the microscope to pieces.

"'How foolish!' you say, 'those little critters are still there even if he chooses not to see them.' But how many people do the same thing with the Word of God? They try to rid themselves of it because it reveals their sinful nature." - Source Unknown; shared in "Apple Seeds," May 2020

National Public Gardens Day

Today, 8 May, is being observed as National Public Gardens Day. This observance is designed to a day to promote awareness of North America's public gardens (including botanic gardens, arboreta, historic gardens, or other public gardens). The observance is held on the Friday before Mother's Day.

Background information:

American Public Gardens Association

Facebook: American Public Gardens Association

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings that come with walking.

Cerith Gardiner on Walking and Prayer

"We tend to think of prayer as something that requires stillness, a chair, a chapel, a quiet corner, and a moment carved out of a day that already feels too full. And yet, for centuries, Christians have also prayed on the move, walking fields, cloisters, and city streets, discovering that movement itself can become a form of attention. It is only now, rather curiously, that science is beginning to confirm what was once simply lived."

In a recent commentary, writer Cerith Gardiner reflected on how Christians ave long understood that walking could steady both body and soul.

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

Aleteia: Cerith Gardiner: Why walking might be the prayer we've forgotten (7 MAY 26)

Reflection Starter from Denis Waitley

“Most people spend their entire lives on a fantasy island called 'Someday I'll'" - Denis Waitley

The Moonglos: "Here I Am"

It's time for some more doo-wop. Here is a presentation of "Here I Am" by The Moonglows:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord for the abundance of blooming flower gardens during the month of May.

Well Done, Joe!!!

Son Joseph participated in the recent American Lung Associations' Fight for Air Climb in Providence, RI. His fund raising goal was $2,750, and, as of this writing, he reach $3825 (the fourth highest total of any individual participant).  He also did well in the actual climb, with a time of 2:34.7, finishing #21 out of 188 individual civilian participants and #5 in his age group - males age 40-49. Well done, Joe!!!

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Pope Leo XIV and Salesian Spirituality

"On May 8, the Church celebrates the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV. While many are still amazed that a cardinal born and raised in the US became pope, others are impressed with his personal style, pastoral approach to problem-solving, and experience working with other bishops and clergy.

"In the Oblate world, many of us were encouraged by the papal name Cardinal Robert Prevost chose upon his election. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on some of the Salesian virtues displayed in the life and leadership of the twenty-first-century Leo.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: One Year with Pope Leo (7 MAY 26)

Reflection Starter from Earl Nightingale

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." - Earl Nightingale

"Hail Holy Queen"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Hail Holy Queen":

 

Public Service Recognition Week

This week, the week of 3-9 May, is being observed as Public Service Recognition Week, an observance designed to honor the men and women who serve as federal, state, county, and local government employees.

 

For more information related to this observance, please visit:

Public Service Recognition Week

Partnership for Public Service

 

Birthday Blessings, Steven!!!

Birthday greetings to nephew Steven Dymek, whose birthday is today! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with an outpouring of the Lord's choicest blessings!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of well-maintained storage facilities.

Philip Kosloski on Hearing the Voice of the Good Shepherd

"In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks about himself as the Good Shepherd, making a variety of parallels. In particular, he explains that his sheep will hear his voice: . . .

"At first glance that seems like something easy: Jesus will call us by name and will simply lead us to greener pasture.

"However, in practice we typically don't hear Jesus' voice. We may want to hear Jesus speak to us, but are confused because we never do."

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on how God speaks in silence and on the importance of detaching ourselves from the noise (including screen time) that surrounds us,

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

Aleteia; Philip Kosloski: How can we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? (26 APR 26)

Reflection Starter from Samuel Beckett

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett

The Jazz Ambassadors: " Take the 'A' Train"

It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of Duke Ellington's  "Take the 'A' Train" by the United States Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors:

 

Rhode Island Independence Day

Today, 4 May, the State of Rhode Island is celebrating Rhode Island Independence Day, a commemoration of the state's independence from Great Britain on 4 May 1776.

This year is the 250th anniversary of the Rhode Island General Assembly's declaration of independence from the British crown. Rhode Island was the first North American colony to do so.

Fore more information about Rhode Island Independence Day, please visit:

This Day in History: May 4, 1776 - Rhode Island becomes first colony to renounce allegiance to George III

New England Historical Society: May 4, 1776: Rhode Island Independence Day

Rhode Island Secretary of State: A Guide to Rhode Island Government & History

Saint Florian

Saint Florian, whose feast day is today (4 May), is the patron saint of firefighters.

Not much is known about St. Florian. He was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army and was stationed in Noricum (now part of Austria) when he was martyred for the faith. Among his other duties, he was in charge of one of the Roman army's firefighting units.

For more information:

Catholic Online: St. Florian

San Diego Paramedics: The Patron Saint of the Fire Service - St. Florian

Wikipedia: Saint Florian

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of correctly used punctuation marks.

John Cuddeback on the Importance of Self-knowledge

"Though self-knowledge has been praised by great thinkers from ancient times to the present, we don't give this all-too-rare quality the attention it demands. The importance of self-knowledge is probably most noticeable precisely when it is absent. And alas, often we become aware of this absence in others without noticing it in ourselves. So we lack knowledge of our own lack of knowledge, of ourselves!

"The good news is that as soon as it dawns in our awareness we can resolve to do something about it. . . ."

In a recent commentary, writer John Cuddeback reflected on some of the reasons why it is important to seek self-knowledge, including its being the foundation for our efforts at moral improvement.

To access his complete post, please visit:

LifeCraft: 3 Reasons to Seek Self-Knowledge (29 APR 26)

Reflection Starter from Samuel Johnson

"Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter." - Samuel Johnson

"Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me":

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Today the Church celebrates the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 6:1-7, 1 Peter 2:4-9, and John 14:1-12. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 33 (Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19).

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

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm 2026 - Easter 5 - Psalm

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way."

Thomas said to him, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."

Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Are You a Tombstone or a Living Stone? A Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter (2 MAY 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Jesus is the Way Out of the Jungle of Death (30 APR 26)

Word on Fire: The Dwelling Place of God (Cycle A * Easter * 5th Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Building his house (1 MAY 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Father Joshua J. Whitfield: Scripture Reflection for May 3, 2026, Fifth Sunday of Easter (29 APR 26)

The Quiet Corner: Pope Leo Urges a Deeper Engagement with the Eucharist (30 APR 26)