Celtic Woman: "O Holy Night"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Celtic Woman presenting "O Holy Night":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the saving power of Your Most Holy Name.

Susan Klemond on the Holy Name of Jesus

"It is significant that the first thing the Archangel Gabriel tells Mary about the son she will conceive is his name. Even before Our Lady learns of her son's divinity, she is told to name him Jesus. Clearly, the name of Jesus is of great importance, which may be the reason so many people say it, whether with reverence or in vain.

"On this Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus it’s good to consider the power of names, and especially the name Our Lord was given when he assumed our human nature. It is a name that can heal and protect us."

In a recent commentary, writer Susan Klemond reflected on the power and meaning of the Holy Name of Jesus, celebrated by the Church today (3 January).

To access Ms. Klemond's complete essay, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blog: At the Holy Name of Jesus, Every Knee Shall Bend (3 JAN 18)

Reflection Starter

"William McKinley, the 25th U.S. president, once had to choose between two equally qualified men for a key job. He puzzled over the choice until he remembered a long-ago incident.

"On a rainy night, McKinley had boarded a crowded streetcar. One of the men he was now considering had also been aboard, though he didn't see McKinley. Then an old woman carrying a basket of laundry struggled into the car, looking in vain for a seat. The job candidate pretended not to see her and kept his seat. McKinley gave up his seat to help her.

"Remembering the episode which he called 'this little omission of kindness,' McKinley decided against the man on the streetcar. Our decisions - even the small, fleeting ones - tell a lot about us." - Paul F. Boller, Jr. (in Presidential Anecdotes)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for little opportunities to grow in our spiritual lives.

Patti Armstrong on Holy Hacks for a Happy New Year

"Becoming better is an ongoing endeavor so whether it’s the first week of 2018 or later, resolutions are always beneficial.

"'Keep it simple,' the experts advise, pointing to dismal statistics of only a few hardy souls making to February with promises intact. Life hacks are practically synonymous with simple. They are wildly popular as oh-so-clever ways to effectively and efficiently make life improvements. Holy Hacks are simply easy ways to integrate holy habits in which to grow closer to God and accomplish spiritual good.

"The article, “20 Holy Hacks to Help You Get to Heaven” had a lot of traffic despite a few detractors. For instance an old high school classmate challenged me on Facebook, insisting that Jesus saved us freely so we don't need to earn his favor. Sigh. That old argument. Catholics don't think of good actions as obstacles to God but rather opportunities to grow closer to him.

"And so, in the spirit of growing closer to God in 2018, here are some holy hack suggestions."

In a recent commentary, writer Patti Armstrong offered a number of suggestions one may use to improve his/her spiritual life. These suggestions include abstaining from complaining one day a week (without even grumbling about the weather), praising and thanking God throughout the day, and making at least one sacrifice a day, no matter how small.

To access Ms. Armstrong's complete essay, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blog: 20 More Holy Hacks for a Happy New Year (2 JAN 18)

Reflection Starter from Brian Tracy

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." - Brian Tracy

Pentatonix: "Mary, Did You Know?"

As we continue to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, I offer this version of Pentatonix presenting "Mary, Did You Know?":

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Today the Church celebrates the Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The assigned readings are Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, and Luke 2:16-21. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

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

YouTube: Psalm 67 – May God bless us in his mercy 

The Gospel reading is as follows: 

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Reflections related to these readings and this feast day:

Msgr. Charles Pope: Will the Real January 1st Please Stand Up? A Homily for New Year’s Day (1 JAN 18)

Aleteia: Deacon Greg Kandra: Resolve to live in hope: Homily for January 1, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (31 DEC 17)

Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: Mary, the Mother of God?

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have prepared for us in 2018 and for the many, many blessings You have bestowed on us in 2017.

Philip Kosloski Offers Sayings from the Desert Fathers

"The Desert Fathers may have lived in 4th century, but their lives and spiritual wisdom can still penetrate our thick modern-day souls.

"Their sayings were originally compiled into a volume called the Sayings of the Fathers in the 5th century, representing a small portion of their profound insights. The Sayings provide numerous small quotes that pack a large spiritual punch."

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski offered some reflection starters from the Desert Fathers.

To access Philip's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs; Philip Kosloski: 5 Sayings from the Desert Fathers to start off the New Year right (1 JAN 18)

Reflection Starter from Numbers

"The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!" - Numbers 6:24-26