Wednesday, November 11
This post was provided by Father Desmond Drummer
As we observe Veterans Day 2020, we recognize the service of those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. We acknowledge that veterans and activity duty personnel are often out of sight and out of mind for too many in our country. Let us resolve to advocate for active duty military personnel, family members, and veterans to ensure that they receive the support and services befitting their sacrifice.
- Father Desmond Drummer
Prayer of the Archdiocese for the Military Services
written by Archbishop Timothy Broglio
Almighty God and Father, look with love upon our men and women in uniform and protect them in their time of need. Give them health and stability and allow them to return to their loved ones whole and unshaken. Be with their families and sustain them in these uncertain times.
Grant strength and peace of mind to the Veterans who have given their best for the country they love. Support them in infirmity and in the fragility of old age. Teach us to remember their sacrifices and to express our gratitude.
Manifest your tender care to those in the Military Academies who prepare for future service and to those who serve our Nation far from home. Teach us to remember the sacrifices of those whose efforts contribute to ensuring our way of life.
Bless and multiply the priests who minister to the faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Reward their generosity and keep them faithful.
Hear us as we present our prayers to You through Christ our Lord.
--
Led by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA serves Catholics of the United States who are a part of the military, Veterans Affairs, and overseas diplomatic service communities.
Saturday, October 17
This post was provided by Mary Welsh
Heal the World
from The God Minute
Access more content from The God Minute podcast.
Friday, October 16
This post was provided by Deacon Frederick Toca
You Cry A Lot After 50
by Frederick M. Toca
Once you reach the magic number,
the time line
Thoughts of life are deeper,
feelings more meaningful.
Certain little things much more important.
Heart swelling and eyes filled with water,
Cause
you’re getting older,
the children are growing up,
you haven’t done all those things
you were going to do,
maybe life has passed you by,
you can’t run as fast as you used to,
the world keeps changing -
inside and outside of your life.
And a lump wells up in your throat
to answer all these things.
Then suddenly small puddles, growing
larger, spilling over and gently
rolling down your cheeks.
You cry a lot after 50.......
Life is......
Making sure you’ve eaten lunch;
saying yes to the right and sometimes
the wrong things;
Not always remembering;
Hurt feelings,
Being able to laugh at yourself
in spite of it all.
Love is......
Caring enough to ball you out;
Saying no;
Remembering the special little things; Putting up with life’s day-to-day
trials;
Feeling hurt because you do;
Tears rushing to your eyes when -
your heart reaches out,
you see love shared,
watching an old movie.
Happiness is......
Bringing life and love together in the
right measure and at the right times.
And caring enough about it
to cry.
You cry a lot after 50.....
Family........sons, daughters, moms, dads,
husbands, wives, aunts, uncles......
The same core of a million mixes
no one like any other, but the same.
Bonded together through genes, through
love, through growth, through
happiness, through sadness, through
feelings good and bad.
Flooding your emotions to overflowing,
with caring,
with sharing,
with laughing,
with talking,
with silence,
bring tears to be given and exchanged.
In love and in sorrow,
In joy and in anger,
Until removed by time.
You cry a lot after 50.
Tears of a lifetime - released
some for the first time
some for the last,
but all good.
Tuesday, September 29
This post was provided by Deacon Frederick Toca
Things I Have Learned
Widely and Anonymously Sourced
I've learned...That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned...That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned...That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned...That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned...That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned...That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help the person in any other way.
I've learned...That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned...That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned...That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned...That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned...That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned...That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned...That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned...That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned...That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned...That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned...That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned...That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned...That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned...That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned...That I wish I could have told my mother that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned...That one should keep one's words both soft and tender, because tomorrow one may have to eat them.
I've learned...That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned...That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in their little fist, you're hooked for life.
I've learned...That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned...That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Friday, September 11
This post was provided by Father Desmond Drummer
On this anniversary of the 11 September attacks, and following upon our commemoration of the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver (a patron saint of racial justice), we continue praying and working for authentic peace.
As the singer and songwriter Arlissa says, "The love and the hate we give becomes the house we live in."
- Father Desmond Drummer
The House We Live In
by Arlissa
Saturday, September 5
This post was provided by Father Desmond Drummer
Memorial of Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Catholic Church)
International Day of Charity (United Nations)
September 5
Thursday, September 3
This post was provided by Rhonda Haney
The Group of Frogs
As a group of frogs was traveling through the woods, two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs crowded around the pit and saw how deep it was, they told the two frogs that there was no hope left for them.
However, the two frogs decided to ignore what the others were saying and they proceeded to try and jump out of the pit.
Despite their efforts, the group of frogs at the top of the pit were still saying that they should just give up. That they would never make it out.
Eventually, one of the frogs took heed to what the others were saying and he gave up, falling down to his death. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die.
He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?”
The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
Moral of the Story
People’s words can have a big effect on other’s lives. Think about what you say before it comes out of your mouth. It might just be the difference between life and death.