Once I gave my three-year-old niece a certain toy for Christmas. When she opened it, she was happy. Shortly thereafter her five- year old sister opened another present from me: the same toy, along with some play jewelry. The three-year-old cried out: “That’s not fair! Why’d she get the jewelry, too?!”

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution would like to recognize “Constitution Week”, Sep 17-23. This year marks the 236th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

Pray for our Country

Almighty God, we pray for your blessings upon our nation and ask that it remains committed to the principles of freedom, justice, and brotherhood for all who contribute to its greatness.

God of mercy, in your word of Scripture, you instruct us to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Give us today the courage to assist those around us who may need our assistance. Give us patience when we become impatient. Remind us to pray for all those who perished on United Airlines 93, American Airlines 11, United Airlines 175, American Airlines 77, and those in the Twin Towers and Pentagon. Give us a heart thankful for those who gave their lives as first responders, as did the men and women who ran into danger to be of aid. We ask all this in the name of the One who first responded to our need for a savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Isn’t it easy to relate to Peter? One moment Jesus announces Peter’s deep communion with God the Father. The very next, when he rejects the logic of Jesus’ suffering and death, Jesus calls Peter Satan. We Christians shouldn’t be too shocked when we experience both spiritual highs and lows, when we perceive breathtaking contradictions in our hearts.

Bishop, Patriarch of Venice, Cardinal, Pope and Patron of Pilgrims Feast Day: August 21

Pope St. Pius X is currently the only canonized saint who belonged to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. He was Grand Master. In his apostolic Letter “Quam Multa” dated October 13, 1908, he consolidated the position of the Order in the Holy Land and reserved for himself and his successors the office of Grand Master. He gave the Knights a place in the papal chapels and appointed the Latin Patriarch to be Rector and Perpetual Administrator of the Order.

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined as a truth revealed by God that the Immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, when the course of her life on earth was finished, was taken up body and soul into heaven. Such is the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

While Jesus was in Galilee, about one year before His Passion, He manifested His glory to three of His most beloved disciples—the same who were afterward witnesses of His Agony in the Garden: Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John. He led them to the summit of Mount Tabor, as it is generally believed—this mountain, situated in Galilee, best answering the description of the evangelists.

Our culture seems more polarized and divided than ever. Into this wounded situation, our Catholic faith has a healing remedy to offer: the gift of wisdom. When the Lord offers to give King Solomon anything the monarch desires, he requests “an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9). In his polarized situation, the King doesn’t ask for power to defeat his enemies. He asks for a wise and understanding heart to judge right from wrong. This wisdom is elevated and fulfilled in Jesus who teaches us to bring forth “both the new and the old” (Matthew 13:52).

The Blood that coursed through the veins of Christ was a part of that Sacred Humanity made possible by the maternity of Mary, whose parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne are honored this month. (July 26). Our Lord’s blood poured out on the Cross purchased our salvation, washed clean the robes of the martyrs, and gave birth to the Church as it flowed from his wounded side. The Precious Blood of Christ—now pulsing through his Mystical Body—continues its salvific work, preserving and purifying, repairing and providing nourishment for regeneration and renewal of its members.

Over the years I have wasted a lot: a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of talent. Sometimes I didn't realize I was wasting these things but, after reflection, I realized I could have done more and accomplished much greater things. Of course, I think that is part of our imperfect humanity. It truly is easier for us to waste our gifts than grow them into something more. The parable of the sower speaks about the word of God that gets planted in our hearts. If the soil of our heart is rich, than the word will grow and change us. If that soil is rocky or full of weeds, the word will lie there without any impact, bearing no fruit.

Father of all nations and ages, We recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.