Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways it which our participation in liturgical celebrations affects our lives.

Msgr. Pope on the Liturgy as Healing Medicine for Strident Times

"One of the most concise and cogent descriptions of these often strident times came from Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in 1986. It is contained in, of all places, his treatise on the theology of sacred music in a book called The Feast of Faith (Ignatius Press, 1986). His comments have been republished in a larger compendium of his works, Collected Works: Theology of the Liturgy (Ignatius Press, 2014, Vol 11). 

"It is hard to describe our times as anything but contentious. Loud, strident protests often predominate over reasoned discourse and thoughtful argumentation.

"To be sure, every era has had, and has needed, protest and public opposition to injustice. There is a time and a place for loud protest and the use of memorable sound bites.

"However, it is the predominance of loud protest and civil disobedience that stands out today. Sound bites, slogans, and simplistic 'war cries' have to a large extent replaced thoughtful, reasoned discourse. Volume, power, and visually flashy techniques are prized; they are being used more and more. Such approaches too frequently produce more heat than light."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on Cardinal Ratzinger's analysis and its related application of "liturgy and cosmology to the issues and imbalances of our day."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: How the Liturgy is Healing Medicine for Strident Times (13 JUL 17)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"There is great need to feed Christian hope, which gives us a new view capable of discovering and seeing the good." - Pope Francis

U.S. Marine Band: "Fanfare for the Common Man"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of the United States Marine Band presenting Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man":

Times Square Telephone Booths Share Immigrants' Stories

"In an era of ubiquitous smartphones, three new telephone booths in New York City's Times Square are a curious draw for the throngs of people who pass by.

"They stop for a double take. They step inside the analog boxes to snap digital selfies.

"But then the phones start ringing. And when they pick up the receiver to answer, that's when the oddity gives way to awe . . . .

"[They hear] the recorded voices of 70 immigrants - from Bangladesh, Gambia, Yemen and other far-flung places around the world - sharing their stories about coming to America.

"It's the brainchild of Afghan-American artist Aman Mojadidi, who has been collecting these stories from New York's five boroughs for his art installation, 'Once Upon a Place.'"

A recent CNN report profile Mr. Mojadidi's art project, which will stay in place until 5 September.

To access the complete CNN report, please visit:

CNN: Phone booths are back in Times Square - and they're telling the story of immigrants (12 JUL 17)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of summer days.

Catholic Priest Shares National Homebrew Competition Award

"Long blessed by Catholics as a 'healthful drink for mankind,' one Texas priest has managed to take beer to new heights - winning the highest award in the United States for home-brewed beverages.

"'It's surreal,' Fr. Jeff Poirot told the Fort Worth Star- Telegram. 'After we were done screaming from excitement when we won, it was hard to put it into words what winning the Ninkasi means to us'

"Yet, for the brewing priest, his hobby doesn't detract from his vocation. . . .

"'You can have a busy life. You can have commitments with family and work, but you can still do something you love.'

"Fr. Poirot serves as pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Worth, and brews with his homebrewing partner Nick McCoy, who is also a Catholic. . . ."

A recent Catholic News Agency article reported on this award.

To access the complete article, please visit:

Catholic News Agency: Holy Homebrew: Catholic priest wins brewing's highest honor (15 JUL 17)

Background information:

Holy Family Catholic Church, Fort Worth, Texas

American Homebrewers Association

Reflection Starter from St. Bonaventure

"The best perfection of a religious man is to do common things in a perfect manner. A constant fidelity in small things is a great and heroic virtue." - Saint Bonaventure

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty You have inspired in the building of each of your churches.

Jala Kebbe on the Most Unusual Churches in the World

"Christians do not lack imagination when it comes to worshiping in the most inaccessible places, or the most improbable buildings.

"Be it because of the chosen materials or locations to build them, whether underground, in a cave, under ice or on almost inaccessible cliff sides, in all latitudes, and in all ages, there are churches for all tastes. . ."

A recent post by Jala Kebbe offered a view of "20 incredible churches all around the globe that bear witness to the fact Christians do not fall short of creativity when it comes to building worship sites, no matter where and how."

To access the complete post, please visit: 

Aleteia: Jala Kebbe: The most unusual churches in the world (7 JUL 17)

Refection Starter from Will Rogers

"It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so." - Will Rogers

David Crowder: "I Saw the Light / I'll Fly Away"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of David Crowder presenting an "I Saw the Light / I'll Fly Away" medley: