Thnak You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of warm winter clothing..

Larry Peterson on Christmas Miracles

"I believe, without reservation, that the Christmas season is a time for miracles.  I witnessed one.  You can decide for yourself if it qualifies."

In a recent commentary, writer Larry Peterson reflected on why he believes in Christmas miracles.

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

Catholic Stand: If You Don't Believe in Christmas Miracles, Maybe You Should Reconsider (11 DEC 21)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Faced with our frailties, the Lord does not withdraw. He does not remain in his blessed eternity and in his infinite light, but rather he draws close, he makes himself incarnate, he descends into the darkness. This is God's work: to come among us." - Pope Francis

Helmut Lotti: "Auld Lang Syne"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Helmut Lotti presenting, with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, "Auld Lang Syne":

 

Caitlin Flanagan on the Staying Power of "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

"For half a century, it's been one of the most significant phrases in American Christianity. A prelude to something sacred in an unlikely place: the Gospel of Luke, King James translation, as recited by Linus van Pelt in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

"My parents were atheists; I knew almost nothing about Christianity as a child, although I got the lay of the land when I was sent to Catholic school in sixth grade. Before that, my parents - especially my mother - actively worked to keep me and my sister free from religion, Christianity in particular. But we had our gods. Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny reigned over us, with great kindness and generosity, and if we came, eventually, to a crisis of faith, we dealt with it privately. My sister and I understood that our feelings about Christmas were very important to our parents. The brief - transmitted in the silent language of the family - was to be happy, because our parents had had terrible childhoods, and instead of working out their pasts in psychoanalysis or 'involvement,' they threw themselves into these perfect Christmases. It was the most wonderful, extremely tense time of the year."

In a recent article in The Atlantic, writer Caitlin Flanagan reflected on the staying power of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

To access the complete article, please visit:

The Atlantic: Charlie Brown Christmas Special: An Inside Job (December 2021)

Recipe for a Happy New Year

"Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past - have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

"Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing - don't do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor." - Source Unknown

Deacon Greg Kandra on Ways to Kickstart One's Prayer Life in 2022

"Whatever way you welcome 2022 - I've reached the age where I'm usually asleep when the ball falls in Times Square - you ca'’t help but face the fact that another milestone has been reached. There are 365 days ahead of you, with bright empty pages in your calendar waiting to be filled. This is a moment of possibility. You've started another circle around the sun. How will you spend it? . . .

"Before you try to cut out the carbs and start counting those 10,000 steps, consider a few ways to jumpstart your prayer life. It's easier than dieting, more convenient than exercise - you can do it anywhere! - and you might find yourself shedding unwanted indifference and building up muscles of faith."

In a recent post, Deacon Greg Kandra reflected on some ways one may kickstart his/her daily prayer life, including practicing gratitude, praying for those around us, and reading spiritual books.

To access his complete post, please visit:

Our Sunday Visitor: 8 ways to kickstart your prayer life in the new year (27 DEC 21)

Mat and Savanna Shaw: "Mary, Did You Know?"

As we continue our Holy Day celebration, I offer this version of Mat and Savanna Shaw presenting "Mary, Did You Know?":

 

The Octave Day of Christmas, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Today the Church celebrates the Octave Day of Christmas, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 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:

Community in Mission: The Many Meanings of January 1st - A Homily (31 DEC 19)

Crossroads Initiative: Mary, the Mother of God? 

De Sales Weekly: Provincial’s Reflection: Mary and the New Year (30 DEC 21)

The Sacred Page: Mary Mother of God! (29 DEC 20)

Dominicana: Speaking of Mary; Believing in Jesus (1 JAN 21)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have prepared for us in 2022.

Pope Francis on the Season of Christmas and the Meaning Jesus Brings to Our Lives

"On New Year's Eve, Pope Francis invited everyone to trust in Jesus Christ, the person who can give meaning to the ups and downs of daily life.

"The Child Jesus 'does not disappoint,' the pope said on Dec. 31 in St. Peter's Basilica. 'Let us follow him on our daily journey: he brings time to its fullness, he gives meaning to what we do and to the days we live. Let us trust in joyful times and in sorrowful times: the hope he gives us is a hope that never disappoints.'"

A recent Catholic News Agency article reported on this message from Pope Francis during First Vespers.

To access the complete Catholic News Agency report, please visit:

Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis on New Year’s Eve: Jesus Christ gives meaning to our lives in joy and sorrow (31 DEC 21)

Reflection Starter from the Book of Numbers

"The LORD said to Moses: 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
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!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.'" - Numbers 6:22-27 (This is the First Reading from today's liturgical celebration, The Octave Day of Christmas/Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.)