George Bailey Still Teaches Us: ‘Our Father in Heaven Is There to Help the Hopeless’

by | Dec 20, 2021 | a current event, Ad maiorem Dei gloriam and the salvation of souls!, Christmas, Faith, Films, God's Mercy

From The National Catholic Register ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ turns 75 but the story remains timeless. Henry Travers as guardian angel Clarence Odbody, after rescuing George Bailey played by James Stewart. (photo: Public domain) Joseph Pronechen FeaturesDecember 19, 2021 Before Jimmy Stewart portrayed George Bailey, his guardian angel surely watched over him as he was flying harrowing combat missions in World War II. When Stewart was leaving for Air Force duty as a B-24 bomber pilot, his father slipped a copy of Psalm 91 into his uniform pocket, telling his son to pray it often — assuring him it would help him get through the war safely. This simple incident made its way into Stewart biographies along with the poignant prayer:  “You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day. … Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come. … For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. … With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone. … Whoever clings to me I will deliver; whoever knows my name I will set...

BELIEVE!

by | Apr 11, 2021 | Faith, God's Mercy

FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD April 11, 2021  EASTER SUNDAY 2 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY WORD of the DAY  On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  (John 20: 19-31) How shall I live this...

Second Saturday of Lent

by | Mar 14, 2020 | God's Mercy, Pope Francis

FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD Second Saturday of LENT March 14, 2020 WORD of the DAY So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ (Luke 15: 20-21) How shall I live this Word? We will use the comment of Pope Francis during a recent General Audience at the Vatican for our comment on today’s Gospel. “We begin from the end, that is, from the joy of the Father’s heart who says, ‘Let us celebrate because my son has returned.’ These words of Jesus encourage us to never despair. I think of the mothers and fathers who are worried when their children distance themselves and go on dangerous roads. I think of pastors and catechists who sometimes ask themselves if their work is useless. But I also think of those who are in jail, and it seems that their life is over; of those who...

CHRISTMAS DAY

by | Dec 25, 2019 | God's Mercy, Jesus God and Man

FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD CHRISTMAS DAY December 25, 2019 WORD of the DAY Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2: 9-14) How shall I live this Word? The solemnity of Christmas highlights the good, tender, and merciful face of God. The Son of God becomes human and is our companion on our life journey. Remembering God’s great...