Pope Francis on Super Bowl:  The Pope gave a message prior to the Super Bowl in which he stressed the importance of ” Sports “. He said something to the effect that sport provides an avenue to bridge differences, build teamwork, and bring out the best in the human spirit. He did not predict the winner, or say who he wanted to win. Given the “miracle win ” by the Patriots….. there can be little doubt who the Pope rooted for.

St. Joseph Cathedral, San Diego: I attended Mass this morning at St. Josheph’s in San Diego. The church is very beautiful and the music and message were inspirational. The pastor gave a short message on giving to the poor. His name is iconic….Father Patrick J. Mulcahy. No, he was not on MASH but he is definitely a “doer” . He recently donated his kidney to a person in need.

Rosary Cathedral, Toledo Ohio: This is one of the most famous churches in North America. The Cathedral was modeled after a historical Cathedral in it’s sister city of Toledo, Spain. The cathedral has a basilica floor plan and reflects famous European cathedrals of the medieval model. Wikipedia has a thorough background from construction, which was completed in 1931 during the height of the depression, to the most recent restoration. The artwork on the ceiling is like that of the Sistine Chapel. You walk the marble floors and your footsteps echo. It is a magnificent feeling to be in this cathedral. There is no better place to quiet ones heart in mediation and prayer. My mother and father were married in this cathedral in 1945.

In Everything Give Thanks: This theme is present throughout the Scriptures. There is no more clear passage than in the book of I Thessalonians where the Apostle Paul writes in verses 6-10. Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica about the importance of spiritual growth and trusting God in all things. He does not say we should be ” thankful for all things” but says “in everything give thanks…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.

The early church in Thessalonica was under great persecution and tribulation. The Apostle Paul was writing to remind them, to encourage them, that in all things God is in control. All human beings have trials and tribulations of various sorts, some rather annoying, some very challenging and life defining. When we give thanks to God we are not saying we are joyous in the pain, but rather we are leaning on the Lord for strength and peace to get through to the finish. We must remember that God is always there with us and the key is to trust in Him to carry us through.

Proverb of the Day: Prov. 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man weighs it down, but a good word is makes it glad”.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 92:1 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, Oh Most High”.