A Concord Pastor Comments

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:15:34 +0000

NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 5/21

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:04:58 +0000

Tonight's prayer requires a little background which will prepare us not only for this Night Prayer but for the feast we'll be celebrating this weekend. This coming Sunday (May 24) we will celebrate Pentecost, the day on which the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples in the form of tongues of fire.

Consider these words from the first reading for Pentecost Sunday:

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

It's easy for Christians to misunderstand what's meant here by the fulfillment of "the time for Pentecost." The disciples of Jesus were in Jerusalem (where they had gone at Jesus' instruction in (Acts 1:4-5) to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem was mobbed at that time because faithful Jews had come there to celebrate their Feast of Weeks or Shavuot, which falls 50 days (pente) after Passover.

What is Shavuot? The helpful site tells us:

Shavout is a two-day holiday that commemorates the date when God gave the Torah (the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai over 3,000 years ago. Preceded by 49 days of counting in eager anticipation, Shavuot is celebrated through abstaining from work, candle-lit dinners, staying up all night to study Torah, a and listening to the reading of the Ten Commandments in synagogues.

The period from Passover to Shavuot is a time of great anticipation with the people ritually counting the days from the second day of Passover to the day before Shavuot, 49 days or 7 full weeks, hence the name Feast of Weeks. Shavuot is also known as Pentecost, because it falls on the 50th day.

The date for the Christian feast of Pentecost is determined each year by the date of Easter, just as the date for Shavout is determined by the date of Passover. Perhaps you remember that this year Passover (April 1-9) and Easter (April 5) were very close on the calendar. Thus, the celebration of Shavuot begins at sundown today (May 21) with the Christian Pentecost falling on this Sunday, May 24.

Over at To Bend Light, my cyber-friend Alden Solovy suggests the following prayer for Shavout...

What if God arrived unannounced?
No smoke. No thunder.
A gentle appearance of radiance and love.

What if God snuck in on tiptoes?
No earthquake. No blast of the shofar.
A luminous presence of wonder and glory.

What if God’s voice whispered in your ear,

so quiet that you had to hold your breath to hear?
A silent surrender of hope and faith.

What if holiness packed the empty space with light

as your lungs filled with the one divine breath

together with every other living being?

What if God’s voice is as near

as your willingness to listen quietly

to the soul of the universe
as a sense of calm and peace

pass through you?

What if that moment

is now?

The holiday of Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. This composition is an attempt to convey some of the mystery surrounding the theophany, the revelation of the Lord’s presence. The text begins and ends with a medieval Jewish hymn praising God and asking permission to chant the Decalogue. The middle section presents the first few words of each of the Ten Commandments. The composition is based on traditional Jewish chant, an English translation is provided in subtitles.

Shavuot by Joshua Jacobson

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Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 5/21

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 21 May 2026 04:31:09 +0000

Thank you, Lord,
for getting me over bumps in the road
that I once thought were mountains...

Thank you for leading me and guiding me
through days, nights and weeks
I thought impossible, impassable...

Thank you for helping me

   accomplish and endure
what I thought I never would,
   what I thought I never could...

Help me hold these memories close, Lord:
   I need their strength today,

       I need their promise for tomorrow...

I know I can't make it alone, Lord,
   but with you by my side,
      and your hand on my shoulder,
   my sorrow is halved
      and my joy is doubled...

Don't ever let me forget this, Lord,

just, please - don't let me forget...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Wednesday 5/20

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:24:53 +0000

What a glorious day, Lord:

bright sun in a clear sky,

mild breezes, fresh spring air!

Just the way I'd love things to be

all the whole year 'round

- but I know that in other places,

the weather's not as kind

and in other hearts, even some close by,

right beneath my sunny skies

clouds of grief cast shadows over joy,

waves of anger crash on tender souls,

driving winds batter worried minds,

and frost chills what warmth is left

in memory's fading embers...

And so, my evening prayer, Lord...

I'm grateful for this wondrous day

as I pray for my suffering brothers and sisters

in Iran, Buffalo, Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza,

Beverly, Yemen, Nigera, Lecanto,

and so many other places...

I praise you for today's clear skies as I pray

for the homeless living in shelters

or on the street,

for the hungry starving for food

and thirsting for clean water,

for the poor and unemployed

struggling to survive another day,

for the chronically and terminally ill

whose pain never ends,

and for those haunted by fear,

anxiety and depression,

those for whom the weather never seems to clear...

I'm grateful for this day, Lord,

but keep me mindful, always,

of those whose "weather" holds them captive...

Strengthen and encourage me,

in the sunshine and the warmth,

to reach out and as I'm able

to relieve those waiting, waiting, waiting

for the skies to finally clear

and a day of healing peace to dawn...

Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

I couldn't find a "weather hymn" to pair with tonight's prayer

but The Summons seems to serve well - rain or shine...

The Summons by John Bell

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Pause for Prayer: WEDNESDAY 5/20

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 20 May 2026 05:41:22 +0000

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NIGHT PRAYER: Tuesday 5/19

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:00:36 +0000

The sun is setting on the 53rd anniversary of my ordination day and this photo joyfully and prayerfully reminds me of days not-so-long-ago...

It's my hope that some of my readers will relate to my prayer tonight - and that my younger readers might pause and consider what's ahead for them..

I forget many things, Lord,

but fresh in my memory still

are my younger, active, suppler days,

my tireless, spirited, peppy days,

my vigorous, stronger, sprightly days...

My steps have slowed and lost their spring,

I tire more quickly, my energy lags;

I'm much more content with taking it easy

and watching while others pick up the slack...

But I hope, I trust and I certainly pray

that in my heart there still lives a youth

who's only grown wiser,

more cautious and prudent,

slower to judge, quicker to pardon,

more understanding of all the burdens

each of us carries for years, for decades

- through a life's time -

'til it's time to lay down

what we've carried so long

and surrender to you,

to your mercy and love...

But I'm not done yet, Lord,

- no, not at all!

I've more to do, to give and to share,

to ponder and pray on,

to survey with awe,

to wonder at, sing for, delight in

and cherish

as gifts of your grace,

enlivening and healing

and filling my soul

every day, every night

with your generous presence,

your calming Spirit

and the gift of your everlasting peace...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

God of My Youth, I Remember
by The Living Words

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God of my youth I remember

Your call on my life took me o'er

Your love has seen

me through all my days

I stand here by Your grace

on this altar I've written my life

tells of a story I have with You my Lord

I want the world to know

God of my forever

and forever I'm with You

my life is saved with a price

Your sacrifice redeemed my soul

God of my forever

and forever I will sing

my greatest honor will always be

to serve my Lord and King

God of my all I've surrendered

my heart finds rest in Your word

praises will not be enough to show

how my love for You has grown

nothing matters when You're here with me

in the end just to hear You say

"well done"

bowing before Your throne

God of my forever

and forever I'm with You

my life is save with a price

Your sacrifice

redeemed my soul

God of my forever

and forever I will sing

my greatest honor will always be

to serve my Lord and King

forever and ever

Jesus You alone in glory reign

forever and ever

with You I walk this narrow way

God of my forever

and forever I'm with You

my life is saved with a price

Your sacrifice redeemed my soul

God of my forever

and forever I will sing

my greatest honor will always be

to serve my Lord and King

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Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 5/19

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 19 May 2026 09:56:30 +0000

Image source

A priest breaks open the words of Scripture as he breaks open the bread of the Eucharist: to feed the people of God...

A Prayer for Priests*

Gracious God, loving Father,
font of every gift and good,
make of the priests who serve us:

men of faith, men of love,
humble servants of your Word,
prophets of your Spirit’s grace;

men of hope, men of peace,
strong defenders of the truth,
heralds of your holy gospel;

men of prayer, men of praise,
guardians of our sacred rites,
of the scriptures and tradition;

men of changelessness and change,
men who follow you each day,
when and where your Spirit leads;

men of tenderness and strength,
comfort for the sick and weary,
shepherds leading home the lost;

men of counsel, men of wisdom,
gentle guides for the confused,
lights along the darkened path;

men of mercy, patient men,
understanding and consoling
of the grieving and abused;

men of justice and compassion,
reconciling and forgiving,
men of healing in your name;

men of sacrifice and honor,
single minded in your service,
set apart to do your will;

men of holiness and joy,
men anointed by your grace,
men ordained to serve as Christ.

Make us one with them in faith
and in Christ your only Son
in whose holy name we pray.

Amen.

*The masculine references in this prayer are not intended to stake out a position on the question of the ordination of women but rather to pray for the priests who now serve us.

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It's the 19th of May!

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Photo: The Pilot

Today (May 19) marks the 53rd anniversary of my ordination as a priest! (The photo above is of Cardinal Humberto Medeiros laying hands on my head as was ordained.)

I remember my ordination day as clear as a bell! The weather was beautiful day and I remember driving from the seminary to the cathedral in my blue Volkswagen - with the all the windows rolled down. I was nervous but mostly excited about what was going to happen, what would begin that day, when Cardinal Humberto Medeiros laid hands on my head and anointed my hands with chrism.

Although I could never have dreamed or anticipated then what these 52 years would bring, I'm grateful for every one of them: for five years at St. Ann Parish in Quincy; for four years at the University of Notre Dame in graduate studies and positions in seminary formation and campus ministry; for nine years at St. Ann University Parish in Boston serving Northeastern University and Emerson College; for three years at St. Joseph Parish in Medway; for ten years in my first pastorate at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in West Concord and 15 more years in that beloved town after Our Lady and Saint Bernard parishes were reconfigured as Holy Family; for 2 years in Belmont's New Roads Catholic Community; and these last 5 years at Good Shepherd Parish in Wayland. And I can't leave out my now annual two months each summer and an Advent-Christmas stretch each winter at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Georgetown, Colorado!

And then there's my ministry to my virtual parish here at Concord Pastor and on Facebook!

Over more than half a century, the life of the Church and my own ministry have seen both great joy and tragic sadness. Still, in every one of those years I have counted myself blessed to serve God’s people as a priest and blessed by the people it’s been my privilege to serve. I thank God for all of you! Please pray today for all the priests, living and deceased, of the ordination class of 1973!

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NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 5/18

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 18 May 2026 22:00:00 +0000

It took a long time, Lord, but I've finally learned:

when something's amiss

on my laptop or smart phone

the first things to do are

Refresh the page or reboot the device!

It's so simple!

- Take a deep breath

- Shut things down

- Say a prayer!

- Hope for the best

- Be patient and wait

- Start over again

So many times, Lord, these simple steps

make all the difference in the world!

But if I'm this clever with my laptop and phone,

why don't I follow the sames steps

when something's amiss with me?

It's pretty much the same process:

- Take a deep breath

- Slow things down

- Pray!

- Hope for the best

- Be patient and wait

- Begin anew

Sure, it takes more time to reboot me

than it does to restart my laptop

but there's a lot more at stake

and the rewards so much greater

when I'm the one who needs a reset

and you're my Tech Support...

Prompt me, Lord, when I need a reboot:

help me trust I'll lose no critical files,

that important data will all be saved

and my faith page fully refreshed...

Reboot me, Lord:

Restart and refresh me!

Give me a new beginning

your wisdom and grace!

Protect me, Lord, when my heart's online

and watch over my screen when it goes to sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Refresh Me by Leeland

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Monday Morning Offering 5/18

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 18 May 2026 02:45:15 +0000

Image: George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

I remember last fall, Lord, and

imagining you,

under night's dark cover,
painting the trees in autumn hues...

I pictured you with brush in hand,
carefully coloring the leaves,

one by one,
'til all the trees blazed

in purple, red and gold:

a season's last hurrah...

And now you're here for spring, Lord,
coaxing every shade of green

to bud on every bush and tree,

in every yard and field:
a new hurrah - an alleluia,

life refreshed, renewed, restored,

reborn...

So while you're here, Lord,
come, I pray:

cajole a springtime in my heart,
a graceful budding in my soul,

a greening of what's dry and dusty,

thirsty deep within...

Let new growth spring to life in me,

to burst old winter's hold

and burgeon now

with promise unrevealed

but waiting even now to blossom,
once its time has come...

I offer you my heart, Lord,

good God of Monday mornings:

I want, I need, I pray for

a springtime in my soul...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Sunday 5/17

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:46:49 +0000

On Sundays, Night Prayer takes its lead from some element of the day's liturgy. Tonight we remember Jesus' words in today's gospel: "Father, I pray for them, for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours
and everything of yours is mine."

Lord, you know all my joys and sorrows:

make them channels of your grace,

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Heal the hearts of those I've hurt,

mend any harm I may have done:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

In your mercy sweep my soul

of all my failings, faults and sins:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Lift my spirits from the pits

up to the joy that's born of peace:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Clear my mind of idle thoughts,

of foolishness and folly:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Grant me grace to do for others

as I'd have them do for me:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Be my strength when I am weak, Lord,

be my hope when I'm in doubt:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Make me quick to kindly offer

mercy, pardon and forgiveness:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Open wide my heart to give

each time I'm tempted to be selfish:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Make me content with what I have, Lord,

turn my eye from envy's craving:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Give me patience with my neighbor

as with patience you love me:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Make my heart your dwelling place

and your own heart my home...

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Ease my fears and calm my heart

while I lie restless and awake:

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep,

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

In The Heart of Jesus

sung by Sandra Entermann

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In the heart of Jesus
  There is love for you,
Love most pure and tender,
  Love most deep and true;
Why should you be lonely,
  Why for friendship sigh,
When the heart of Jesus
  Has a full supply?

In the mind of Jesus
  There is thought for you,
Warm as summer sunshine,
  Sweet as morning dew;
Why should you be fearful,
  Why take anxious thought,
Since the mind of Jesus

Cares for those He bought?

In the home of Jesus
  There’s a place for you;
Glorious, bright, and joyous,
  Calm and peaceful too;
Why then, like a wand’rer,
  Roam with weary pace,
If the home of Jesus
  Holds for you a place?

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What keeps Jesus busy in heaven?

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:52:29 +0000

Above, you'll find the video of my homily for May 17, the Seventh Sunday in the Easter Season, and based on today's gospel. (If a video doesn't appear above, click here.) Below is the text of my homily

You may have missed it, but a few days ago was Ascension Thursday, a holy day on the church calendar.

Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday - which you probably didn't miss - and then for about six weeks after that, Jesus appeared to his disciples over and over again: walking with them, speaking with them, praying with them, eating with them.

Then on the 40th day after Easter, Ascension Thursday, Jesus led his friends out to the Mount of Olives: he promised to send them the Holy Spirit; he commissioned them to preach the gospel and to baptize. And then before their very eyes, he ascended into heaven.

He ascended into heaven!

Have you ever wondered... what's Jesus doing in heaven? Does he have a job? Does he have chores to do? What keeps him busy now that he has gone home to heaven, to the Father?

A very beautiful answer to those questions can be found in a document from the Second Vatican Council. And I'm starting to realize that I should explain the Second Vatican Council, because it was so long ago now - it's part of my life, but not part of everybody else's life.

The Second Vatican Council was a worldwide meeting of church leadership in Rome. It spanned over three years and took place when I was in high school in the early 1960s. So here's what that document from the Second Vatican Council tells us, and I quote:

Christ Jesus, high priest of the new and eternal covenant, Christ Jesus taking human nature, introduced into this earthly exile, that hymn, which is sung throughout all the ages in the halls of heaven. Jesus joins the entire community of humankind to himself, associating us in his singing of this canticle of divine praise.

So, what's Jesus been doing in heaven all this time? He's been singing!

And praying: praying for you and for me. Praying for us to join him in his prayer and his song.

He promised just that in the gospel we just heard. Remember? "Father, I pray for them, for those you gave me.” You and I have been given to Jesus, entrusted to Jesus by the Father of us all.

I'm pretty certain that we all understand that WE pray to JESUS. But I wonder how often we remember - or even if we realize - that JESUS prays for US, That he intercedes for us, that he's always putting in a good word for us - for you, for me.

For instance...

• When I stand confused, threatened, frightened, and worried about all the troubles and burdens I have, JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME - For peace and calm to settle in my mind, in my heart, and my soul.

• When I'm knocked down by illness, my own or others, and I pray for healing, JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING for an end to the suffering, to the pain - praying for health to be restored in our minds and our bodies.

• When I'm on the verge of falling for some temptation - and part of me really wants to go for it - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME and offering me the strength to walk away from whatever is trying to seduce me.

• When I find myself at odds with family members or friends, and I pray for them to see that I'm right - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING for my eyes to be opened. For my heart to turn around, impatience, and in humility.

• When I'm stressed, angry, and short tempered, and haven't thought about praying at all, JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME to calm down and ask for his help.

• When I'm carrying a grudge or a resentment, and secretly hoping something bad will happen to somebody else - JESUS IS PRAYING FOR ME that I will forgive the one who has offended me.

• When my prejudice and bias are blinding me to wisdom and truth, and I can't clearly see between right and wrong, true and false - JESUS IS PRAYING FOR ME to open up my mind and see what is true.

• When I'm about to stretch or manipulate the facts of something - to make things easier for myself - JESUS IS PRAYING FOR ME to be faithful to the truth that sets me free.

• When my heart is torn by loss and grief - and I think I might never be happy again - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME to let go, let my heart be open to being healed.

• When I've screwed up big time, and I've made the worst mistakes, and I'm afraid to acknowledge what I've done - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME to turn to him and to his mercy, his forgiveness, his pardon, his peace.

• When I'm feeling hopeless, and I'm afraid God has forgotten me - when I don't know IF or HOW I can go on - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME that I'll trust and know that he holds me in his arms.

• When I'm worried about the whole world and how messed up everything is - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR US to do what's right and just, to be generous and welcoming the poor, to surrender our greed and self-interest, to care for the whole of creation, to make peace - and to make peace our highest priority and goal.

And if I haven't prayed for a long time, or haven't been to church for a long time - but find myself here today, this morning - JESUS IS ALREADY PRAYING FOR ME: Jesus in heaven - singing his canticle of praise - he's singing and praying for me - and for you – and for all of us - for the whole world.

It's clear, then, that all of us are keeping Jesus mighty busy while he's in heaven, giving him more than enough things to pray for as he stands before his Father. So in those times, and on those days, and through those long nights, when I'm not sure WHAT to pray or HOW to pray, I can always turn to Jesus and say,

“Lord, I know you're already praying for me. And since I know you only want the best for me, help me know what your praying for me, so I can join you in that prayer.”

And when I'm not sure what to pray or how to pray for people I'm worried about - I can do the same. I can ask,

“Jesus, I'm not sure how to pray for, you know, who. So whatever you're praying for him or for her, or for them - please, join my prayers with yours.”

Well, that's a lot about praying!

And now we're going to go to the altar - to pray. And when we do, when we go there, we will find JESUS, ALREADY THERE, praying for us, and not just praying for us, but feeding us, nourishing us, with his mercy and his peace, with his Body and Blood, with his life - which he first offered for us on the Cross - where he stretched out his his arms, between heaven and earth - and prayed for us: for you, for me, and for the whole world.

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Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 5/17

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 17 May 2026 01:03:49 +0000

For the gift of people who listen to me,

for the mercy of folks who forgive me,

for the wisdom of all who correct me,

for the arms of those who hold me,

for the kindness of friends who endure me,

for the hands of those who guide me,

for the patience of those who stand by me,

for the care of all who love me,

for the grace of all who pray for me:

I praise and thank you, Lord!

In return, Lord, help me to
listen, forgive, correct,
hold, abide, guide, support,
care and pray for others
as faithfully, as patiently,
as I am loved and blessed...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Saturday 5/16

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 17 May 2026 00:55:08 +0000

It was a beautiful spring day here in Wayland, Massachusetts and when I went to hear confessions this afternoon the sun was just glowing in the branches of a dogwood tree by the church's front door. And that reminded me of something I posted a few years back...

Some days, Lord,

it's enough just to sit under a dogwood

and look up to the sky...

Video by CP in Wayland, MA

Some days it's enough look up and remember

that heaven hovers just above my head,

that partly cloudy days possess a beauty all their own,

that sometimes birds sing just for me,

that gentle breezes dance with trees

and glory blossoms

- just outside my door...

Some days, Lord,

it's enough just to sit under a dogwood

and look up to the sky...

Today was such a day, Lord,

and for blessings this magnificent

I give you thanks and praise...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

A word about tonight's song... It's a bit upbeat for Night Prayer - it comes not from a hymnal but from Broadway! I post it well aware that contrary to the lyrics, our world is not in a wonderful way - but the world I experienced this afternoon is the world we all pray for and for which we need to work - every day!

On A Wonderful Day Like Today

by Anthony Newley

performed by Johnny Tillotson

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On a wonderful day like today,
I defy any cloud to appear in the sky,
Dare any raindrop to plop in your eye
On a wonderful day like today.

On a wonderful morning like this
When the sun is as high as a yellow balloon;
Even the sparrows are signing in tune
On a wonderful day like today.

On a morning like this I could kiss ev'rybody,
I'm so full of love and good will.
Let me say furthermore, I adore ev'rybody
To come and dine -- the pleasure's mine --
And I will pay the bill!

Even the sparrows are signing in tune
On a wonderful day like today.

On a morning like this I could kiss ev'rybody,
I'm so full of love and good will.
Let me say furthermore, I adore ev'rybody
To come and dine -- the pleasure's mine --
And I will pay the bill!

Let me take this occasion to say
That the whole human race
Should go down on their knees,
Show that they're grateful
For moments like these

When the world's in a wonderful way
On a wonderful day like today.

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Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 5/16

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 16 May 2026 04:06:33 +0000

Detail from The Annunciation by Henry O. Tanner

The month of May - and all Saturdays - are traditional times of devotion to Mary, the Blessed Mother. I have many posts for a day like this but once again, this one seems most apt for these days...

We live in a tough world, Lord,

a rough and tumble,

harsh, coarse unforgiving place

where humankind and nature, too,

make hard the streets we walk,

the neighborhoods we live in

and the global village

where we've yet to find the way

to live in harmony,

as a family,

in peace...

So this morning we turn to Mary,

your mother, our mother,

to Mary, a gentle woman, a quiet light,

a morning star, so strong and bright;

to Mary, gentle mother, peaceful dove,

seat of wisdom, heart of love...

Be our mother, Mary,

full of just the grace we need

to be your faithful children,

kind and gentle towards our neighbor,

making peace with one and all

and with the world we call our home...

Gentle Mother, peaceful dove,

teach us wisdom; teach us love...

Amen.

Hail Mary: Gentle Woman

by Carey Landry

sung by the Daughters of Saint Paul

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Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women
And blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now
And at the hour of death.
Amen.

Gentle woman, quiet light,
Morning star, so strong, so bright.
Gentle mother, peaceful dove,
Teach us wisdom, teach us love.

You were chosen by the Father,

You were chosen for the Son,

You were chosen from all women

and for woman, shining one...

Blessed are you among women,

blest in turn all women, too,

blessed they with peaceful spirits

blessed they with gentle hearts...

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NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 5/15

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 15 May 2026 23:54:06 +0000

Sometimes, even often, Lord,

the mystery of how you move in my life

blows my mind,

fills me with wonder,

deepens my faith

and moves me to tears...

Sometimes, even often, Lord,

in the mystery of grace you show me how

what I thought was lost

is found again,

what I long had feared

is finally tamed,

what I dared not dream

has now come true...

Sometimes, even often, Lord,

the mystery of how you move in my soul

calms my worries,

relieves my distress,

answers my prayer,

heals an old wound,

makes light my burdens

and easy my path...

And sometimes, even often, Lord,

I need to wait on the mystery of you

who knows just the time

that's right for me,

whose timing's not mine

but is never too late,

whose time with me

is filled with patience, mercy and peace...

Sometimes, even often, Lord,

the mystery of how you move in my life

opens my eyes,

blows my mind,

fills me with wonder,

mends my brokenness,

lifts me up,

heals my wounds,

restores my hope,

strengthens my resolve,

refreshes my spirits,

deepens my faith,

moves me to tears

- and to you, my Lord and God...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

In His Time by Diane Ball

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Better late than never?

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 15 May 2026 20:49:20 +0000

I didn't preach from a text on Ascension Thursday, nor did I record my homily that day. But I just realized that this mass had been live-streamed and since I received some very positive feedback, I thought it might be worth posting here.

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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 5/14

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:20:21 +0000

Lord Jesus...

You're my Maker, my Creator,

I'm the work of your fine hands;

You call me by my name, Lord

- and you name me your beloved...

You're the source of all my talents,

all my blessings, skills and gifts;

you're my way, my truth and life

and in the darkness, you're my light...

You listen to my every word,

you heed each passing thought,

you hear my every prayer, Lord,

long before it leaves my lips...

You're with me in my greatest joys

and in my deepest sorrows;

in good times and in bad

and in sickness and in health...

You are the inspiration, Lord,

for all that I've accomplished,

any good I've said or done or hoped,

any work that bears my name...

You comfort me, you challenge me,

you send me out to do your will;

you give me strength when mine is gone

and rest when day is done...

You're the heart and brains and glue, Lord,

of this outfit - me and you -

you're the source of all my wisdom,

and what common sense I have...

- You've given me my friends, Lord,

to encourage and advise me,

to protect me and defend me,

to pray for me, to play with me,

to bring me peace and joy...

- You've been my silent partner,

(my so-much-better half)

my advocate and helpmate,

my most forgiving judge...

- You're my refuge in the hard times,

my shelter from the storm;

you're the light on my dark path

and my shepherd when I'm lost...

You’re the One who always has my back,

who wipes my tears away:

yours the shoulder I can lean on,

yours the hand that lifts me up...

You're my teacher, always helping me

to see and understand

the movement of your grace, Lord,

in the mystery of my life...

You're the fine gold thread that's woven

through the sackcloth of my life,

always binding us together,

ever knitting us as one...

Apart from you, I would not be,

without you, I am nothing;

with you I have everything

- and even more than that...

You’re my Alpha and Omega:

my beginning and my end,

the source of all I am and have

and all I'm called to be...

You are my Lord, you are my God,

my Savior and Redeemer:

I'm your child, I'm your servant,

I'm your own beloved child...

For all of this I thank you, Lord,

I praise your holy name:

you are my all, my greatest hope

from whom all blessings flow...

Amen.

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noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:13:27 +0000

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NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 5/14

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 15 May 2026 01:14:30 +0000

I think I know the spot, Lord,

deep within my soul,

the place you call your dwelling,

your home within my heart...

It's the place within me, Lord,

that's most in need of mercy,

most in need of healing

and most in need of peace...

It's the lonely, empty place within

where I most need your presence

and the fullness of your spirit

and your sweet, amazing grace...

It's the place within me, Lord,

most in need of deeper faith,

most in need of saving hope,

most in need of healing love...

Where you come to dwell, Lord,

is exactly where I need you;

where you pitch your tent

is where I need your shelter

and where you make your home

is where my lonely heart awaits you...

So please, Lord, find a dwelling place

down deep within my heart

and make yourself to home there

as I make my home in you...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

Dwelling Place by John Foley, SJ

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1) I fall on my knees to the Father of Jesus,

The Lord who has shown us the Glory of God.

2) May he in His love give us strength for our living

The strength of His Spirit the Glory of God.

May Christ find a dwelling place of faith in our hearts.

May our lives be rooted in love, rooted in love.

3) May grace and peace be yours in God our Father

and in His Son.

May Christ find a dwelling place of faith in our hearts.

May our lives be rooted in love, rooted in love.

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A moment of reflection on Ascension Thursday...

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:49:04 +0000

Remain true to yourself, but move ever upward
toward greater consciousness and greater love!

At the summit you will find yourselves united
with all those who, from every direction,
have made the same ascent.

For everything that rises must converge.

– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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Pause for Prayer: Ascension Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:54:11 +0000

The Ascension of Christ by Dali

The perspective of Dali's Ascension never fails to draw me in! The earthy feet of the Risen Jesus ascending into heaven to reign for ever at the Father's right hand in the power of the Holy Spirit.

It's not Ascension Thursday everywhere!

Is it Ascension Thursday where you live? In some parts of the Catholic world, the observance of the Ascension has been transferred to this coming Sunday. Or perhaps your local church will celebrate the Ascension today. The answer can be found here.

You can find the scriptures for Ascension day here. This Preface prayer for the Ascension offers a brief theological summary of what the Church celebrates on this 40th day after Easter. The theology is in the verbs!

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise. Today the Lord Jesus, the king of glory, the conqueror of sin and death, ascended to heaven while the angels sang his praises.

Christ, the mediator between God and humankind, judge of the world and Lord of all, has passed beyond our sight, not to abandon us but to be our hope. Christ is the beginning, the head of the Church; where he has gone, we hope to follow.

The joy of the resurrection and ascension renews the whole world, while the choirs of heaven sing for ever to your glory: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Ascension is so much more than just an exit line after the Resurrection! The Ascension of the Lord, home to his Father in heaven, fulfills Jesus' mission and brings it to completion.

A Prayer for Ascension Thursday

Just 40 days after Easter, Lord:
   you brought your friends together,
       to say goodbye, to bid them all farewell...

Taking leave was bittersweet:
   the memory of what had been,
       the promise of what was yet to be;
   the pledge that on a day to come
       we'd all be one again, with you...

In your life, Lord, there'd been

comings and goings, meeting and knowing;

sorrow and sadness, miracles and joy;

deserts and dinners, feasting and fasting;

your preaching, parables, words of wisdom;

comfort and conflict, judgment and suffering;

surrender and sacrifice, dying and rising

- and hope born again -

with the promise for all

of life without end...

You left your friends, Lord,

but didn't abandon them:
you promised your Spirit, the Spirit of truth

to lead and guide, console and comfort;

to show us the path we're called to walk,

the way that leads us home to you

and to that day, still yet to come,

when all will be one, forever in peace,

when all will be one, again, in you...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Wednesday 5/13

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 13 May 2026 23:00:06 +0000

I'm back from my (really great) 8 day silent retreat at Eastern Point in Gloucester. I know many of your were praying for me while I was away - and I was praying for you, too! Thus, tonight's prayer...

On my retreat, Lord,

I had time and reason

to remember and to pray for

all the good people,

the really fine people

who've been and who are

such a part of my life!

Generous people who selflessly give
and give and give
   - and then give some more...

Those who are kind,
so genuinely kind:
   no pretense, self-interest or guile...

Folks who forgive, Lord,
   quietly, quickly,
whose pardon is healing,
   deep in my soul...

And the ones who are holy
   - and don’t even know it -
whose holiness models
   your grace and your peace...

Folks who are gentle
   in word and in deed,
never rough, never harsh,
   neither careless nor coarse...

Those who are strong
   and are there for support
when I'm weak, when I'm sad,
   when I'm down, when I'm out...

The ones who are true
   to conviction and conscience,
whose zeal never flags,
   whose faith never fades…

Friends who are honest
   in all that they say,
whose gift is the plain
   and unadorned truth...

Folks of compassion,
   with patience unending,
who listen with love
   while drying my tears...

People of prayer
   who share their faith,
whose friendship is healing,
   is balm for my soul...

Good people, Lord,
   so many good people
whose paths have crossed mine
   and become part of my life...

People, O Lord,
   more generous and kind,
       more forgiving and holy,
           more deeply convicted, faithful and true,
   more thoughtful and caring,
       stronger and gentler,
           more prayerful and pure
              than I in my sins...

I'm grateful, Lord,

for the gift of such friends,

each a gift, a gem, a grace in my life;

I pray that I'll learn from their loving ways

to be such a friend

in grateful return...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

No doubt about it - tonight's song is very different! It's not a Christian hymn or canticle, it's the work of an Indian guru who travels internationally speaking on peace and the practice of meditation. A few of the references are drawn from Indian culture but there's a depth here that beautifully crosses any boundaries that may separate us...

My Friend Showed Me by Prem Rawat

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My friend showed me the business of divine,

My friend showed me the way to the one that’s mine.

In the silence of the heart where the truth aligns,

My friend showed me the business of divine.

In the open field it waited, lying hidden in clay,

Shining softly in sunlight

though the world just walked away.

Many passed without a glimmer,

never caught the sign,

But the true heart heard it whisper,

lifted what was left behind.

My friend showed me the business of divine,

My friend showed me the way to the one that’s mine.

In the silence of the heart where the truth aligns,

My friend showed me the business of divine.

Everyone speaks of the jewel,

says they know the sacred thread,

But the knot of life stays tightened

while the truth remains unsaid.

Only those who dare to loosen

what is tangled in the mud

Feel the openin’ inside them,

see the treasure left behind.

My friend showed me the business of divine…

Blind are traveling in darkness,

blind ones leading blind,

Who will point toward the doorway?

Who will light the hidden sign?

Only love can lift the shadow,

only grace can clear the path,

Only guidance from the inward

`frees us from the wanderer’s wrath.

My friend showed me the business of divine…

Like a fly caught deep in honey,

` wings are dreamin’ of the sky,

Sweetness holds it in its prison

though it longs to rise and fly.

Desire pulls and tightens softly,

every struggle just reminds,

Some dreams free you when awakened,

some dreams keep you stuck inside.

My friend showed me the business of divine…

Henna leaves look dull and quiet

till the fire of truth is stirred,

Kabir saw the hidden color

in the silence of the word.

When the heart becomes a canvas

and the being begins to shine,

Then the color of awakening

paints the business of divine.

My friend showed me the business of divine,

My friend showed me the way to the one that’s mine.

In the silence of the heart where the truth aligns,

My friend showed me the business of divine.

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Prayer for Mothers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 10 May 2026 12:26:00 +0000

On this second weekend in May we honor our own mothers and Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother in faith...

Mothers will be celebrated by their families this weekend in special ways. There will be flowers and sweets; phone calls from children who live too far away for a visit; cards and gifts; breakfast in bed or brunch or dinner at a nice restaurant. Keep a place in your prayer this day for all the mothers who will rejoice with their families this Mothers Day weekend...

Some women will spend this Mothers' Day in anticipation of the birth of a child they're carrying - perhaps their first child - a child whose ultrasound image has already won the hearts of mom and dad. Other expectant mothers are making their way through the long process of adoption - or perhaps the arrival of their adopted love is just around the corner! Still others welcome children into their lives as their stepmother. Keep a place in your prayer this Mothers' Day for those who are expecting the arrival of a child - and pray that both mother and child will be healthy...

I lost my mother in August of 1991. I love her and miss her but I can't say that Mothers' Day is as difficult day for me as I know it is for many others. Tougher for me than the second Sunday in May are all the times through the year when wonderful things are happening in my life, in my ministry, and I think, "I wish mom could be here for this!" Open a place in your heart to pray for those who miss the wonderful mother God gave them...

Some mothers have and raise children with no spouse to help and support them. Some mothers have chosen this path but others have not. Let's keep a place in our prayer for those who know the burdens of single-parent mothering and, when able, open ourselves and our homes to offer what company and help we might give...

My heart goes out to women who want very much to be mothers but who, for any number of reasons, are unable to bear a child... I know this day can be difficult for them, even as they celebrate their own mothers with love and devotion. Let's keep a place in our prayer for women who long for a child with all their heart and soul...

I think of mothers around the world who live in abject poverty, who have no food for their children, no clothing, no health care, no decent shelter... I don't pretend to know or understand what must be the depths of their pain as they hold a malnourished child in their arms with no food to keep them from dying... Pray with me for change in our world to ensure that no mother, no child need face such desperation... And pray for those who even now work to bring food, clean water, clothing and shelter to those who have none...

Part of my ministry is to serve the bereaved... Just recently I celebrated the funeral of a wonderful woman, a fine mother, a woman with faith as great as it was simple, as beautiful as it was profound. Her family grieved and prayed for her and I know this Mothers' Day will be especially difficult for them. Let's keep a place in our prayer this weekend for those whose grief over losing their mother is fresh in their minds and hearts...

We live in world where children are born to families able and ready to care for them and we live in a world where millions of children will be hungry this Mother's Day. We live in a world where some nations limit the number of children a couple may legally have. And we live in a world where many champion the "right" to end the life of a child already conceived. For the mothers of all these children, and for their children, let us keep a place in our prayer this weekend...

Some children have mothers who failed to care for them. Their sons and daughters understand deeply the lyrics of that old song, "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child." And some mothers will be burdened today with memories of how they missed the signs of harm being done to their own by others. Let's keep a place of prayer in our hearts for those whose hearts are heavy today...

Some mothers today will be forgotten by their children: no visit, no card, no call, no candy or flowers. Some mothers this day don't know where a son or daughter has gone or what has become of them. A mother's heart aches on this day for the child of her womb who has forgotten her or who has disappeared. Pray with me on this Mother's Day for women who wait for a call that will not come...

Many mothers will remember today a child they've lost to sickness, addiction, an accident, war or other violence, miscarriage or abortion. A parent's grief for a child can be unfathomable - and a mother's grief is deeper than any. We Christians pray and believe that one day we shall see those who have gone before us and enjoy their love again. Keep a place in your heart for mothers who need the consolation of such faith and pray they'll trust that the Lord will indeed keep his word...

There are many places in the world where mothers are shielding their children from the threat of drone strikes or armed militia in the streets. There are places where homeless mothers are caring for their children after war has destroyed their homes. Offer a prayer for peace and an end to the violence that war visits upon poor and innocent families...

Some mothers today will not know or recognize their children when they come to visit. Time has robbed them of their memory of even those they love the most. Keep a place in your prayer today for mothers who may know their children in their heart of hearts but are unable to remember or speak their names. And pray for those sons and daughters who tell their mothers of their love, hoping that a mother's heart will hear what her mind no longer holds...

This Mothers' Day, we turn our hearts to Mary, the Mother of God, the Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all: Christ's sisters and brothers. With a mother's care she raised her Son and lived the joys and the grief that only a mother's heart can know. Whatever our spirits on this Mothers' Day weekend, the Mother of Jesus embraces us all, so let us pray...

Hail Mary: Gentle Woman

by Carey Landry,

sung by the Daughters of Saint Paul

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You were chosen by the Father,

You were chosen for the Son,

You were chosen from all women

and for woman, shining one...

Blessed are you among women,

blest in turn all women, too,

blessed they with peaceful spirits

blessed they with gentle hearts...

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Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 5/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:13:47 +0000

Especially when I'm on retreat, I often pray these words from Edwina Gately - but these are words you and I might pray every day - or even several times a day - whenever we want to spend some time with the Lord - who always wants to spend some time with us...

Be silent...

Be still...

Wait before your God...

Say nothing...

Ask nothing...

Be still...

Let your God look upon you...

That is all...

God knows...

God understands...

God loves you with an enormous love...

God only wants to look upon you with love...

Quiet...

Still...

Be...

Let your God love you...

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