Reflection Starter from Helen Keller

"The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of the heroes, but also, by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." - Helen Keller

National School Counseling Week

This week, the week of 1-5 February, is being observed as National School Counseling Week. This year's theme is "School Counselors: All In for All Students."

National School Counseling Week, which is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, is an initiative designed to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. The week's activities focus on highlighting the impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Background information:

American School Counselor Association: National School Counseling Week

American School Counselor Association

"Sing of Mary"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Sing of Mary":

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Today the Church  celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The assigned readings are Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Luke 2:22-40. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 24 (Psalm 24:7-10).

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

YouTube: Psalm 24 Who Is This King Of Glory - Alstott

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."

The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted - and you yourself a sword will pierce - so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Reflections on these readings:

Community in Mission: Perspectives on the Presentation - A Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (1 FEB 20)

Crossroads Initiative: Presentation of the Lord - Candlemas, Candles & Light

National Catholic Register: Blogs: John Grondelski: The Presentation: An Offertory of "The Light of the Nations" (2 FEB 21)

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Joseph Pronechen: The Presentation: An Offertory of "The Light of the Nations" (2 FEB 21)

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Your constant presence in our earthly pilgrimage.

Br. Vincent Mary Bernhard, O.P., on Redeeming the Past

"We each have a past. It is a continuing story that accounts for where we have come and everything that has happened along the way - a personal history of our thoughts, words, and actions. Acknowledging the past is unnerving, but at some point we each must come to terms with this difficult comrade. 

"On the one hand, the past can be a friend, reminding us of happy times and fond memories. But on the other hand, it can be a foe. In fact, the past can become a tormentor through memories that we'd rather leave forgotten, such as regrettable mistakes or (even worse) embarrassing mishaps."

In a recent commentary, Brother Vincent Mary Bernhard, O.P., reflected on how God, through His grace, "shows our past for what it is - the story of his saving actions in our lives, despite our mistakes and foibles - and calls us to himself, our true happiness."

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

Dominicana: Redeeming the Past (1 FEB 21)

Reflection Starter from Clarence Day

"Ants are good citizens, they place group interests first." - Clarence Day

Holy Father's Prayer Intention for February

The Holy Father's prayer intention for February is: 

Violence against women: "We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded."

Gas House Gang: "Sixteen Tons"

It's time for some more barbershop harmony. Here is a presentation of "Sixteen Tons" by The Gas House Gang:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for inspirations to praise and thank you in the midst of serious challenges.

Bishop Tobin on Thanking God in the Midst of Troubles

"This past Christmas, one of the cards I received included a printed letter that came from longtime friends, folks I've known for nearly fifty years. I had met the family in a parish where I served, and I had assisted them during an especially difficult time in their lives. They've kept in touch with me at Christmas ever since.

"The Christmas letter described the challenges the family had experienced during the past year including: their adult children having their livelihoods interrupted by the coronavirus, while also trying to monitor their kids being 'virtually educated' at home; two young grandchildren who were hospitalized with serious illness; and the letter writers themselves, both in their eighties, suffering horribly from the virus.

"But at the end of the letter, my friends wrote: 'Every minute of every day we give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy. I didn't write this letter as a "saga" for you to feel badly, only to let you know how truly blessed we have been and the strength that you find that you never knew you possessed.'"

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the blessing of the "ability to praise and thank God in the midst of the storm."

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit: 

The Imitation of Christ: The Strength That You Find (28 JAN 21)

Reflection Starter from Padre Pio

"Do everything for the love of God and His glory without looking at the outcome of the undertaking. Work is judged, not by its result, but by its intention." - Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)