"Now Thank We All Our God"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of Rev. Martin Rinkart's "Now Thank We All Our God":

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are 1 Kings 17:17-24; Galatians 1:11-14, 15, 16,17, 19; and Luke 7:11-17. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 30 (Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13). 

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 30) 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her.

When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep." He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, crying out "A great prophet has arisen in our midst," and "God has visited his people." This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 5, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 5, 2016)

Community in Mission: A Prescription for Peace in a World of Woe - A Homily for the 10th Sunday of the Year (4 JUN 16)

The Sacred Page: Life from the Dead: 10th Week of Ordinary Time (4 JUN 16)

The Sacred Page: Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son: The Mass Readings Explained (The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time) (1 JUN 16)

Word on Fire: The Whole Gospel is About Resurrection (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 10)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Restored to Life: Scott Hahn Reflects on the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (27 MAY 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: Surprise! (10th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: A Prophet, and More Than A Prophet (10th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Embodied: Triumph over Death (10th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Women in the Mediterranean World (10th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Augustine of Hippo (10th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You rescue us (whether we are aware of them or not).

Msgr. Pope on Childlike Qualities for the Spiritually Mature

"There are times when Scripture seems to contradict itself. On the one hand we read, Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Mk 10;15). And yet elsewhere Scripture says, then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head (Eph 4:15).

"However, the seeming contradiction flows more from the modern human tendency to absolutize certain teachings while forgetting that others also exist to balance and augment, than from a true contradiction. Sophistication is necessary in interpreting speech/writing, because everything cannot be communicated all at once.

"Therefore, the above passages indicate that there are some qualities of children that ought to be emulated and others that should be avoided."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on some of the qualities of children that should be strived for by the spiritually mature.
To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:
Community in Mission: Childlike Qualities the Spiritually Mature Should Possess (1 JUN 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"The Saints are not supermen, nor were they born perfect. When they recognized God's love, they followed it and served others." - Pope Francis

André Rieu: "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"

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

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for good musical theatrical performances.

Retired FDNY Captain Ordained as Priest

"A priest, a monk and a fireman walk into a café - and yet he was all alone.

"What sounds like a brainteaser beautifully reflects the incredible road of Father Thomas Colucci.

"Father Colucci, 60, achieved the rank of captain in the New York City Fire Department after spending 20 years with the force.

"After a life-altering accident and seemingly miraculous cure, the man who retired from a life of rescuing people from physical death has now dedicated his remaining years to saving people from eternal death as a priest of the Archdiocese of New York.

"On May 28, retired FDNY Capt. Colucci was one of 15 men ordained to the Catholic priesthood at St. Patrick’s Cathedral."

A recent National Catholic Register article profiled Fr. Colucci and his journaey to the priesthood.

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: 9/11 Attacks Set FDNY Captain on Long Path to Priesthood (3 JUN 16)

Reflection Starter from Pope John XXIII

"Do not walk through time without leaving worthy evidence of your passage." - Pope Saint John XXIII

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for Your Peace.

Simcha Fisher on Self Care and Caring for Other People

"In devout circles, it's common to speak of putting oneself third: God comes first, and then we serve anyone who needs us, and finally, we tend to ourselves. It's a good formula, and a much-needed check on the aggressive selfishness of our age.

"At the same time, there's a subtle temptation that comes with putting oneself last. We forget that, as members of the body of Christ, there's not really any such thing as 'just me.' We are all thoroughly intertwined with each other. It really doesn't do the head any good when the arm is bleeding unchecked. The heart doesn't appreciate it if you ignore an infection in the foot. For better or worse, we're stuck with each other, and we must be sure that putting ourselves last doesn't mean neglecting ourselves altogether -- or giving into pride or imprudence and calling it self-sacrifice.

"Sometimes, in our desire to practice sacrificial love, we end up sacrificing each other -- and that's not love at all." 

In a recent commentary, writer Simcha Fisher reflected on the importance of self care as part of our ministry to others.

To access Ms. Fisher’s complete post, please visit: 

National Catholic Rgister: Blogs: Simcha Fisher: When Self Care Is About Other People (25 MAY 16)

Reflection Starter from the Gospel According to Matthew

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." - Matthew 11:20-30