Association Of Catholic Bloggers

    Suffering .  It is something we all experience to some degree in this life. But suffering, in and of itself, does not add one iota of meaning or value to our life, unless it is attached to the suffering of Jesus, especially his death on the cross. His suffering is where Christian suffering finds its meaning. Through the suffering of Jesus, we find sacrifice of worth.  We learn what love means.  We discover God touching man at the very heart of our lived experience. Joy is easy. Happiness is delightful.  But when it comes to suffering, we cannot endure it as emptiness.  It becomes unbearable unless we offer it for others and see it as a shared experience with Christ. We may automatically think of suffering as physical pain or illness, but in its fullness, it encompasses a whole range of lived, personal human battles and trauma. Whatever you might be going through at this moment, I encourage you to sit quietly, crucifix in hand, and think about what Christ went through

...That's not the only place in Minnesota with flooding problems this week. This spring was the first time in two years that no place in Minnesota was experiencing a drought. That’s good news, but the flooding isn't.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Mankato-area Rapidan Dam is missing a substation, and may fail. Two years we've had drought, now flooding. A very quick look at a Minnesota Monday.)

    If you have littles playing sports, perhaps you have seen this sign.  It is very direct, and an excellent reminder for adults.  My favorite one is #5.  Too often today, parents get so wrapped up in little Johnny or Jilly's potential, that every play, every miss, or every score carries a lot of weight, and pressure. What if--and I know this is earth shattering--kids just learned the bigger lessons in life from their sporting experience?  What if--again, earth shattering--they just had fun and made some friends? I know, I'm such a simpleton. I guess everything has to be competitive because future college scholarships are at stake, but how about we let 10 year olds just be 10? Everyone means well, I know, but it seems to me that sometimes when parents get into the mix, it's hard for coaches to just coach.  It's like when we get in the way of God just trying to be God. We tell him he should be doing things our way and question him when he doesn't. S

Most of the neighborhood I grew up in is now a parking lot. But Prairie Home Cemetery, a block west of the house I grew up in, is still there. I mostly remember it as being next to the sledding hill. My father and I went by, or maybe through, the cemetery on our way to the 'hill'. The sledding hill wasn't, technically, a hill. It was part of a coulee going through the southwest corner of Prairie Home Cemetery. Or, rather, it was part of what had been a coulee.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Remembering good times in winters long past; what was, and was not, important when raising my kids. Flexible Flyer sleds, family, and faith that makes sense.)

    Have you ever tried to figure out what God wants you to do? What is your process of discernment? In " Restoring the Initiative to God " Fr. John Riccardo points out a major fault parishes and people in general have when it comes to planning and seeking answers--they make their plan and then ask God to bless it. In this video, his sensible approach can be used by parishes or individuals and families. When I used to hold parish visionary meetings, we would go through some content, then spend some silent time together in the Church before the tabernacle, just listening for God's word to us. Then we would go back together and discuss what we heard. This is EXACTLY what Fr. John suggests we do--ask God first and then listen. How can we know what God wants, if we charge in first with our own ideas? For those who feel that the answer never comes, he talks about that as well. I hope you will take the time to watch this video (see highlighted link in red above), bec

Christ in Majesty Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Montmartre, Paris [ Wikipedia ;  photo ]   Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee Rembrandt  [ Web Gallery of Art ] And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.   But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion  (Mark 4:37-38; Gospel). Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland) Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Gospel    Mark 4:35-41     (English Standard Version, Anglicised)    On that day, when evening had come, he said to them,  “Let us go across to the other side.”   And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.   And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.   But he was in the s

  It can be sad when we recognize the sins of others.  We might be tempted to ask, "Why are they doing that?" or "Why aren't they doing this?" We can offer prayers and fasting to counter them, but, lest we get too saddened by the sins of the world, we need to remember this . . . From the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Of course, this isn't an easy pass.  It isn't an excuse.  In fact, our saints have recognized that sin doesn't happen in a vacuum, by accident, or without our knowledge. But, the reality is, all-to-often, sins (like not going to Mass, gossip or swearing, just to name a few) may be done out of ignorance, or maybe a learned habit that has long ago become an accepted practice, retained without much thought. I suppose that can be included in the "they know not what they do" part of Jesus' statement. Jesus offers an incredible act of mercy from the cross, which speaks vol

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    We were driving in to water flowers at the cemetery, and I found the city streets we had to travel, very depressing. Although the blight has been creeping in for some time in the community in which I grew up, it seems to have gotten much, much worse.  Burned out and boarded up houses and businesses seem to be the standard now. Interestingly, there is tons of road work taking place, as there is apparently at attempt to fix what can be fixed.  I know that the Mayor is trying to ascertain more funding to demolish some of the more troublesome houses, but I found myself thinking how difficult it must be to be the Mayor of such a depressed city. On this overcast day, it was hard to shake the overwhelming sadness on display, except for one thing . . . On one of the worst streets, there remains a yard that has been a bright spot for years.  The entire front yard is covered in beautiful, bright flowers that stand out against the blight.  Somebody must be hanging on to hope and c

  3:16? What is that? CLICK HERE

I've added Caroline Furlong's "A Song of Joy..." to More Perspectives From the Catholic Laity , in the sidebar: A Song of Joy by Caroline Furlong Writing for Joy She's a science fiction/fantasy writer: and so is more "a writer who is Catholic", than "a Catholic Writer". I talked about that distinction, back in 2017: " A Writer Who is Catholic " (July 16, 2017) (Just what the title says. This is the entire post.)

  I suspect anyone who has ever lived in a family, can relate to the temptation to leave for others, that which needs to be done. For instance, have you ever left dishes for someone else to do, when you could have easily just done them yourself?  What about something as simple as wiping crumbs off a table, or wiping down a sink? Or maybe you are guilty of not picking something up from the floor? These may be little things, but most everyone can admit to using avoidance tactics one time or another. How often do we think, "Someone else will take care of it, if I just ignore it?"  It's an odd correlation, but when I read this passage from the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5), the idea of doing things for other people--even little things--came to mind. In the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5), Jesus says: "If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.  Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.&q

"It's fair to say that if news sites were people, most would be diagnosed as clinically depressed right now." ("I stopped reading the news. Is the problem me — or the product?", Amanda Ripley , Washington Post (July 8, 2022) via Wikiquote) A comic strip started me thinking about the news, fearmongering, viewpoints, and weird groupings from Google News. I'll be talking about that: along with rich folks, free speech, and whatever else comes to mind. Free Speech, a Slogan, Journalism, and a (Very) Little History "The Yellow Press", Mayor Gaynor's Letter, and Viewpoints: Including Mine Freedom of Speech, Lèse-Majesté, and "The Apotheosis of Washington" By the Pricking of my Thumbs, Something Freaky This Way Comes Google News and 'Physics' Be Afraid — Be Very Afraid! — — — or Not Wealth, Averages, and Attitudes "Moral Panic" and Making Sense "Today in the News....” Good Advice, Actually More

'Even unto the complete sacrifice of my life.' Execution of  Blessed Miguel Pro SJ , 23 November 1927, Mexico City June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Blessed Miguel Pro’s Sacred Heart Of Jesus Prayer Heart of Jesus, I give my heart to Thee; but so enclose it in Thee that it may never be separated from Thee. Heart of Jesus, I am all Thine; but take care of my promise so that I may be able to put it in practice  even unto the complete sacrifice of my life. Amen .   The Sower Vincent van Gogh [ Web Gallery of Art ] The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground .   Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland) Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Gospel    Mark 4:26-34     (English Standard Version, Anglicised) Jesus said to the crowds: “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.   He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he kno

How do you get those sinful thoughts out of your head, that keep returning unwanted? Today's video by Fr. John McKenzie gives us practical advice about how to do just that.  A former monk, his thoughtful approach is fitting for everyone. Here is the link, but I have also embedded the video in today's blog as well. https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/video/2024-06-14-reflection-363 God bless you in your striving for holiness.   Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.com https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/ https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy

    My head is spinning with multiple things to contemplate and write about--from pride and humility to spiritual practices and acceptance of God's will. But, before all of that can be processed, I was glad to come across a quote considered to be a motto of St. Therese of Lisieux: "To make the Lord known and loved." Upon further investigation, I found a similar quote within the following prayer of hers in a "Letter to her Missionary Brothers": "This little prayer which includes all my desires I ask you to say for me each day: “Merciful Father, in the name of Thy sweet Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin and of the Saints, I pray Thee that my sister be fired with Thy spirit of love, and that Thou wilt grant her the grace to make Thee greatly loved.” If God should take me soon to Himself, I ask you to continue each day this same prayer, for in Heaven my desire will be the same as upon earth; to love Jesus and to make Him loved."  https://www.littlef

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        I was reading this verse from today's Psalm (16): " They multiply their sorrows who court other gods." What would you consider to be "other gods" that you court? I'll bet you could come up with a few, if you think about it. Do you overwork yourself in order to acquire extras, seeking wants (gods) that go far beyond needs? Do you ignore other, important people or things in your life, in order to acquire these?  What do you tell yourself about why you do this? The Psalmist points out that our sorrows will be multiplied when our seeking is misplaced. We need to have a healthy relationship that balances good things, against a desire to accumulate, accumulate, accumulate, no matter the cost. For young people, it might be the idea of working like crazy so that you can be rich by the time your 40, thinking you will then be able to retire and just play.  But, what are you trading away today for?   There is no guarantee of tomorrow, nor your health or s

    Must I be a shiny penny in order to receive Holy Communion? This question has popped into my mind since I read someone's list online of the things that I must do to prepare myself to receive Jesus. It wasn't a bad list, but I have some thoughts on this topic. (I would share the list with you, but I can no longer find it online!) The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" simplifies what we need to do to be prepared: " Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance."(1415) Seems pretty straightforward. For the life of me, I don't know why people have to add so much more to it. Another way the "Catechism" puts it, is this way, in Paragraph 1355: Because this bread and wine have been made Eucharist ("eucharisted," according to an ancient expression), "we

  I picked a super windy day to bring you today's reflection video because I wanted a reminder of the Holy Spirit.  Throughout the centuries, we have come to associate the wind and the Holy Spirit. In fact, in the very first book of the Bible--Genesis--in the very first chapter, in the very first paragraph, we read, "while a mighty wind swept over the waters."   Yes, from the beginning, the Holy Spirit was active, as should be the case in each of our lives. When we teach about the Holy Spirit, we also note that while you may not be able to see the spirit, like the wind, you can see its impact. Notice in my video, you can see the wind's effect on the trees, my voice and even my hair! Please take to heart the words from Fr. John Riccardo's book "Rescued" which I am highlighting today. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.com https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith Y ouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy     

When I was young, the future was exciting: cities on the Moon, computers that can fly spaceships, and more. Then we tried making those dreams a reality; which we've been doing. In part. One goal of this week's Starliner test flight was having a human pilot handle part of the spacecraft's approach and docking at the International Space Station. It was a methodical process, pretty much the opposite of dramatic. Starliner handled the actual docking; which, again, was a methodical process. And successful. If you read nothing else in today's post, by the way, read Butch Wilmore's "Just a Thought", a Few Minutes Before Liftoff . Or check out whatever looks interesting: Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Saturday's Attempt, a Ground Launch Sequencer, and Paying Attention Another Glimpse Inside Starliner's Crew Capsule Launch Complex 41, Crew Access Arm, and — Starliner: Lucky 13?? Butch Wilmore's "Just a Thought", a Few Minutes Before

      "Is it just me?" I asked my husband.  Is it just me that thinks the energy of drivers lately has significantly increased?  It feels like people are driving faster, more recklessly and more inconsiderate than ever before. We were coming home from the cemetery the other day, driving up an inner city, two lane road, and just before we reached the top of the small hill (and JUST before the curve), some guy flew past us, on the left, crossing the double yellow line.  He pulled back in front of us literally five seconds before oncoming traffic came around the curve and over the hill. Whew! I praised Jesus in the moment that those other people were not hit head-on. The carelessness of that driver could have changed all of our lives in an instant. In the back seat, I heard our son quietly, fearfully say, "My heart is pounding."  Mine was, too.   Ironically, I thought later, we could be IN the cemetery now rather than visiting it. Speaking of heart, did y

  The Sanctuary of Christ the King in Almada, Portugal, a monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart [ Wikipedia ;  photo ] June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Come to me, all you that labour and are burdened; I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon yourselves, and learn from me; I am gentle and  humble  of heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light  (Matthew 11:29-30, Knox). Young Jew as Christ Rembrandt [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland) Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Gospel    Mark 3:20-35     (English Standard Version, Anglicised) Then Jesus went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat.   And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the pri