Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Yourself in the most Blessed Sacrament.

Msgr. Pope on a Scriptural Guide for Living and Evangelizing in These Times

"There is a Christian hymn, written in the 1940s during World War II, that says, 'In times like these, you need a Savior. In times like these, you need an anchor. Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.' 

"There are very few faithful Catholics who are not shocked and dismayed by the rapidity of decline into confusion (sexual and otherwise) of a culture once described as Judeo-Christian. Whatever our sectarian differences of the past (and they were significant and embarrassingly numerous), there was at least basic agreement on the fundamentals of biblical morality and the authority of the Word of God. Most of this is gone - and it has gone quickly. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on our need for a Savior and on guidance offered in the Bible for Christians living in these times.

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

Community in Mission: A Scriptural Guide for Living and Evangelizing in Troubled, Confused Times (18 JUN 19)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"The Beatitudes are not for supermen, but for those who confront the challenges and trials of every day." - Pope Francis

Navy Band Northeast/"Rhode Island Sound": Medley

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of the Navy Band Northeast's "Rhode Island Sound" presenting a medley:

On Firefighters and Occupational Cancer

"It's one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every day firefighters risk their own lives to protect the lives of others. Firefighters like Fire Captain Mike Palumbo. During his more than two decades of service, his wife Chrissy and their five kids couldn't help worrying about the job's more obvious dangers.

"'He was drawn to service, I think,' Chrissy said. 'He was very passionate about giving back to the community that gave him the opportunity to have that career.'

"But a few years ago, far from any smoke or fire, something else caught up with Palumbo while hiking near the family's home in Beachwood, Ohio."

A recent CBS Sunday Morning presentation examined the cancer risks being faced by today's firefighters.

To access the complete presentation, please visit:

CBS Sunday Morning: Firefighters battle occupational cancer: Many sickened first responders are being denied workers' comp benefits (16 JUN 19)

Deacon Greg Kandra on a Stephen Colbert Interview

"The late night comic and outspoken Catholic [Stephen Colbert] gave an interview to The New York Times that ranges far and wide over everything from politics to Tolkien to death and, of course, Catholicism."

In a recent commentary, Deacon Greg Kandra offered some quotes from this interview and a link to the interview itself.

To access this post, please visit:

The Deacon's Bench: Stephen Colbert on Tolkien, Robert Bolt, Loss and Faith (8 JUN 19)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the sweet singing of birds each day during this time of year.

On St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Her Gifts

"On Saturday, June 8, 2019, The Coming Home Network [hosted] a day of reflection at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There are a number of ways in which St. Elizabeth is a uniquely appropriate spiritual companion for converts and journeyers. She was drawn by the Eucharist, struggled with her desire to enter the Church, and faced opposition from loved ones when she decided to become Catholic. Furthermore, she experienced all of these struggles and joys as a wife and mother in an American context.

"In addition to all of that, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton serves as a model for converts to the Catholic Faith in that she did something well that so many of us struggle to do: she took her gifts from a lifetime relationship with Christ outside the Church and figured out how to use them inside the Church after she entered."

A recent Coming Home Network post offered a reflection on the life and legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

To access the complete post, please visit:

The Coming Home Network: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Convert Who Brought Her Gifts With Her Into the Church (8 MAY 2019)

Reflection Starter from St. Thomas More

"The things we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labor for." - Saint Thomas More, whose memory the Church celebrates today (22 June)

Kimberly Timmerman on the Oldest Catholic Churches in the United States

"Our country has valued religion from its inception. A look back into history shows a rich Catholic contribution to our country's values. While the Catholic Church in the United States has been zealous in Her missionary efforts, as our history shows, many of our beautiful churches have been destroyed. The countdown below shows the five oldest Catholic Churches in America (Continental United States) that have stood strong amidst the destructive forces of war, natural disaster, and persecution."

In a recent commentary, writer Kimberly Timmerman offered a look at the five oldest Catholic churches still standing in the United States.

To access her complete post, please visit:

CORA: The Oldest Catholic Churches in America

Johannes Brahms: "Symphony No. 2 in D major", Op. 73

It’s time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Johannes Brahms' "Symphony No. 2 in D major", Op. 73, as played by the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, conducted by Kurt Masur:

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which Your Light shines through the darkness in our lives.