Surprisingly, G. K. Chesterton was only partially right when he wrote, “Gratitude, being nearly the greatest of human duties is also nearly the most difficult.” Gratitude is more than a duty; it is a lifestyle, that is, if we truly believe in the Eucharist for the word itself, eucharistia, means thanksgiving.

In Chapters 1 and 2 of St. Luke’s Gospel, we read the accounts of Jesus’ infancy. Then in Chapters 3 through 8, Luke tells us of episodes in the public life of Jesus.

During the summer months, many of us find that our daily schedule changes, at least for a time, long or short. We may take time to have a relaxing experience. However, after some time relaxing, we may begin to realize that we are not being as faithful to our prayer life. This lack of fidelity to our prayer life, however, is not a necessary part of our vacation.

In the beloved account of the Annunciation handed down to us in the Gospel of St. Luke, the evangelist recounts the response of Mary who having been informed by the angel of the Lord’s conception finds herself capable of saying “fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum” (let it be done to me according to thy word) (Lk 1:38).

Edmund Burke, the Irish born author, orator, philosopher and member of the English Parliament once said: “Example is the school of mankind and they will learn at no other.”

Spring…Easter…New Life…on Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from death to new life and since then, the call to share in his new life is made to each one of us.

The oldest biblical account of the institution of the Eucharist comes to us from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. At the end of the narrative, St. Paul says something that is not found in either one of the four Gospels, but it is reflected in the Liturgy’s Memorial Acclamation options; “for as long as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes” (1 Cor. 11:26).

A year ago at the Inauguration Mass of the pontificate of Pope Francis, the occasion being the Solemnity of St. Joseph the Spouse of Mary, the Holy Father meditated in his homily on the humility and fidelity of the patron of the Universal Church. A few weeks later, the pope issued his first decree ordering that the name of St. Joseph be added to three Eucharistic Prayers.

"It is difficult/to get the news from poems/yet men die miserably everyday/for lack/of what is found/there." Great poets have their finger on the pulse of their society.

When you move toward a time of prayer, normally you look forward to it as a time that will be one of peace and joy. Sometimes, however, for one reason or another, you may be surprised to find that this is not so on this particular day and that it is very difficult for you to settle down to celebrate such a relationship with God.