Reflection on Today's Gospel

 

Living Waters Featured Song     Image Options Change Image Reposition Remove Image FEATURED SONG Tell the Whole World      “The whole town was gathered at the door.”  – Mark 1:33 In today's Gospel, St. Peter’s secretary, St. Mark, recounts the scene at Peter’s house; yes, we see it through Peter’s own eyes. Like the rest of this Gospel, you can feel the excitement of the moment, the immediacy and truth of what the future Rock of the Church experienced that day. Jesus grasps the hand of Peter’s mother-in-law, not fearing the contagion, and lifts her to her feet healed from her fever. Her first impulse is not to preen or dwell on what happened to her – she wants to serve everybody else! a sure sign that the God Who is infinite, unselfish Love has touched her inner being, as well as her body. The whole town – every single person in that town, aimless and aching within, is drawn to this true Light shining so brightly, each taking the step toward Jesus needed for salvation. The whole town is not disappointed when they come. This is The Only One who can cast out the demon, who can fulfill the longing they all have. Isaiah said this Light would begin to shine in “Galilee of the Gentiles”. Behold, here It is! Peter is now well on the way to realizing who Jesus really is and why He has come, until that fateful day in Caesarea Philippi, when he will express the Apostolic Faith, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”. Peter and the Apostles will spend the rest of their lives trying to bring the Ultimate Medicine, not just to “the whole town”, but to the whole world, to make Him accessible. Peter’s partner in Rome, St. Paul, says as much in today’s second reading, First Corinthians: “I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” Can you feel the Heart of Christ, aching to reach us in these words? And our predicament is evident. Can any human being read the words of Job in the first reading, and not know the quandary of which he speaks? We all know that experience: “I shall not see happiness again”. We are broken, broken in a way that no natural, Pelagian-style remedy can help. ‘Self-help’ cannot help this insoluble problem. Only God can help; we need a savior, no, we need THE Savior. How can we get to that house where the whole town is gathered and be healed?! The Psalm gives the answer! The Lord heals the brokenhearted. He is close to every human being through actual grace, BUT He has established the Kingdom of God on earth to come far closer for our healing in His Sacraments. This is the reason that He ordained His priests, Peter and the Apostles: so that when, in Confession, I reveal my brokenness to a human being, I am telling Him in person, laying my head on His Heart. So that I can receive Him within my very self in the Eucharist, the best healing. So that I can with total assurance know what is true, delivering my mind from confusion and evil influence. When He leaves Capernaum, Jesus is told, “Everybody is looking for You.” How true that is, whether each one knows it or not: “those who have not heard shall ponder it” (Isaiah 52:15). He is the answer. He Himself expresses an urgent zeal to spread His Light further: “For this purpose I have come.” His mission is not limited by His earthly Incarnation. He is not limited by merely physical healings, be they ever so abundant or amazing. Any miracle He, or His Church, does is a SIGN pointing to what He really wants. “I want YOU!” His Heart on fire wants to reach all through His one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, not just with a message, but to commune with each person in Sacrament, deliver them from evil, and heal their restless wandering. May this Wonderful Heart be known! AMETUR COR JESU! Loved be the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Light of the World by Living Waters on Spotify Tell the Whole World by Living Waters on Spotify Living Waters on Instagram

Our First Episode! "LW's Beginnings"

Our First Episode!

The title of our first episode, "LW's Beginning", is actually a play on words, resembling Mike's early beloved Christmas song, "Love's Beginning"! AND in this episode we do indeed start in the beginning. In this initial foray into podcasting, Mark tells the story of how the band actually started with some of us in the early 70's, before we made it official in 1976. We also play an excerpt of us performing a song in the 70's that we have RE-created on our newest album. All in all? worth a listen!

CLICK to hear all about it:

"LW's Beginning", the first podcast episode

"Light of the World" on AVA Live Radio!

"Light of the World" on AVA Live Radio!

Light of the World is getting some attention on AVA Live Radio!

LW's LotW on AVA! CLICK for feature page!

Light of the World will be featured on New Music Monday, first airing at 12 PM on....MONDAY! CLICK for the show June 3rd:

AVA New Music Mondays

Easter Playlist from Living Waters on RN

Easter Playlist from Living Waters on RN

Easter Playlist from Living Waters on ReverbNation CLICK

The Easter Season has begun! Here is a short LW Playlist which includes "Light of the World" from the new album. "Roll the Rock Over" is an old salvaged tape where the volume goes low on you, but it is well worth turning up the volume!

1. Alive Again

2. Light of the World

3. Save Me From Myself

4. Roll the Rock Over (classic live)

5. Forever

Easter Playlist from Living Waters on ReverbNation CLICK

Good Friday Playlist From Living Waters

Good Friday Playlist From Living Waters

LW Good Friday Playlist on Spotify

It is Good Friday. Such an important day! A day that every human heart has thought about and longed for, whether they knew it or not. As Isaiah said about the Suffering Servant and all he would suffer, all he would go through for our sake: "....those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it...." This is healing for the nations. I just heard that the word for "mercy" in Greek is almost exactly the same as the word for "olive oil". His total sharing of our fate is the ultimate healing balm for our deep wounds and alienation from God and ourselves and each other. "By his stripes we are healed". This has to be the deepest meaning for us. Let the Living Waters of His Grace flow to heal your confusion, pain and problems. Eat this Bread. Drink this Cup.....

Our Reviewer LOVED This Song!

Our Reviewer LOVED This Song!

Light of the World CLICK to PLAY

When Rob Allwright reviewed our "Overflow" album, there were a couple of songs he really liked, especially "Light of the World". This goes WAY back to our roots as part of our 'that was then and this is now' theme. Here's what he had to say:

“...."Light of the World"...starts off with some jangly sounding guitars as the vocals talk about how it's hard to see people really loving in this world. The chorus then takes a change of music direction with just some regular percussion which holds into the next verse when suddenly a honky tonk piano is introduced in the backing. This song just builds up and keeps on giving as it reminds us to look to Jesus because we are meant to be salt and light to the world. Again this song feels like a big production in a lively musical and the sound of it really gladdens the heart! Near the end there is some piano with a lead singer that just sounds like something Keith Green might have done! The end blends vocals to the lyrics "The Light Of The World" and it just sounds fantastic. I think I would listen to that song alone on repeat, there's just so much going on!”

Do you agree with Rob? Let us know!

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE!

Positive Album Review for "Overflow"!

Positive Album Review for "Overflow"!

Link to the Music Review CLICK to read!

On this day, March 14, 2019, we received a great, positive music review of our new album, "Overflow", by Rob Allwright on the "One Man in the Middle" album review site in Great Britain. They specialize in Christian music. I spent some time reading his reviews, and I have no doubt he is absolutely fair, honest and generous.

He gave us a 7.9, or roughly four stars. That included a 9 out of 10 for originality, something I'm really proud of, in contrast to the homogenizing influence of the industry. He caught a  lot of things about us that can only be seen if you are being really sensitive and diligent. He picked up on our 'bread and cup' theme, and praised the thematic flow of the album (though he did grade us lower on 'Lyrics'). He thought the second half was stronger musically and mentioned "Let It Reign" and "Light of the World" in particular. As for "Let It Reign", he thought it lends itself to a song video - well, we might have to do that! He absolutely loved "Light of the World", and said he wanted to listen to it many times and that it reminded him of Keith Green.

He also was really cool about our being a Catholic band, when the Christian music scene is sometimes not so tolerant of that. He spoke on our behalf saying we are definitely praising the same Jesus he is and doing it extremely well, and asking his listeners to give us a chance. Here is how he ended his review: 

"The band describe themselves as being in the "autumn of their years" and are quite self-deprecating, wondering if they still have it, and surprising themselves with what they have come up with. However there is a whole lot of creativity in this group that is still flowing through them, so they definitely shouldn't write themselves off just yet! The second half of this album has the stronger selection but there are striking images and things to think about and challenge you all the way through this album but it is definitely "Let It Reign" and "Light of the World" that really would have to be my two favourite tracks. This is a great album which has a light rock sound, praises Jesus and encourages us to do so too!"

We really couldn't ask for much more than this. It's funny, I was kind of worried about "Light of the World", because we had a lot of trouble getting the recording off the ground at first, and I wondered if it was a weaker track, but that is precisely the one this man liked the best! And it is one of our earliest and most beloved tracks.

Please, good friends of Living Waters, rejoice with us once more as we are blessed beyond measure; we hope that this is totally on behalf of the Kingdom of God....

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE!

Link to the Music Review CLICK to read!

Overflow Released on Spotify!

Overflow Released on Spotify!

"Overflow" on SPOTIFY CLICK to listen!

We are celebrating! After 42 years of existence as a group, Living Waters has our first full-length studio album released on Spotify. It is now also on Amazon and many other sites. I never thought this would happen. There have been hints and the aroma of grace associated with this project the whole way, as if it wasn't really our idea, but Someone else's. I call the result a small miracle. Please, rejoice with us by listening on Spotify, if you have it. If you don't, it's easy to sign up. MAKE SURE TO PRESS THE "FOLLOW" BUTTON!!! Plus, we get a tiny remuneration for our troubles. We are praying you will be amply enLIGHTened and blessed!

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE! with

Mike McBride

Joshua Loell

"Overflow" on SPOTIFY CLICK to listen!

LW's "Light of the World"!

LW's "Light of the World"!

Light of the World Studio Mix from "Overflow"

"Light of the World" on Spotify

We have some really amazing news! We have a brand new version of one of our truly classic 'bangers' from way back in the day: "Light of the World"! It is mixed by our own beloved Josh Loell, with all of the original band members playing what they always used to play in concert. There is Dave's familiar high noodling bass part in the intro, Tony's signature style on drums, Greg & Mark rounding out the Guitar brothers, Mike on piano, Denise lending her awesome voice to the proceedings. 

Let's talk about how we got to the point where I wrote this song.

Way back, when Living Waters first started in 1976, we did a couple of my early meditation songs in our first shows, but most of our group concert material consisted in cover songs. BUT, quite early on, we began to consciously write our own group-style songs.

"Sing to Jesus" was probably the first; Dave got that one started with the intro riff. I remember all of us playing it while staying at Chuck's house in Waterville, ME. (That one is the intro to the new album!) Four LW types joined in to create "The Introduction Song" which did exactly what it said in the title, introducing us as the concert began. (Some of us were just talking about that one recently at my son's wedding.) It included a choreographed dance by the newly joined dance troupe. We have no surviving recordings of that one.

A "Sheepgate Coffehouse" Reunion Concert where we revived "Light of the World"

However, probably our first really big one was "Light of the World". There's so many things we could say about this one. I believe all the crew would line up in front of the stage and sway and clap. The clap on the chorus was a special one: 'clap, clap...clap...clap, clap...clap'. (Anne-Marie just called it "that cool clapping"; yeah, it was cool, all right!) ALL the back-up singers were very active on singing this one, an example of working on vocal arrangement that became a hallmark for us. We have a couple of old 'classic live' versions of "L of the W" on our sites, one from 1987.

The tableau for 'evil thoughts' in the Light of the World skit; Mark, Mary Gillis & Mike

Another thing was that this song was usually strategically joined in the program to our early dramatic skit of the same name, "Light of the World". This skit illustrated how vices can be overcome by the power of what our Lord did for us on the Cross. The skit flowed & matched with the song perfectly. (Greg used to pray an acoustic lick in the background during a part of the action, based on "The Trees" by Rush. It fit perfectly.)
As a matter of fact, our shows began to become very well thought out in general, thematically and sonically, with lights, dance, drama and a large sound system. Our standard line became 'we started as a bunch of kids fooling around with our instruments and became a full production of music, dance & drama', & that really wasn't exaggerating. We moved on to the whole "Prodigal Daughter" format after this in support of Covenant House where we actually told a coherent story.

Soon after this song, Mike had a big breakthrough with the epic rocker, "Searching" and the amazing "Lonely Dancer", and I did "Nobody Else" and "Let's Stay," and so on and so on, but the way for those was prepared by these earliest group concert songs.

In this recording you hear & feel very much what it felt & sounded like back in those glorious early days. It felt like a new album was brewing with these songs, and, miraculously, providentially, that has happened! The new album features a deep dive into these earliest roots, plus some totally new creations. Those days were a great gift of grace to all involved, and this song was a part of that. And that grace continues to overflow one hundred-fold, to this time and unto eternal life....
Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE!

Light of the World Studio Mix from "Overflow"

"Overflow" is Released...Merry Christmas!

"Overflow" is Released...Merry Christmas!

 

"Overflow" by Living Waters on Bandcamp! Click to listen....

It has happened! The work is complete. If you've heard parts of this album already, you still have no idea. There has been a lot of work done, just in the last week or so, on virtually every song.  It is now finished. This album has become something greater than its parts. Please! Listen to this! As of today, Christmas Day, it is available on our Bandcamp site and is streaming on ReverbNation.

There were big contributions by Mike McBride, Greg Loell and Mark Lajoie, and especially the talented producer, Joshua Loell (Best Film Score Winner!). Most exciting is that Dave Bourque, Tony & Denise Vassel all did their part also, especially on "Light of the World" and "Hail Mary". This album features lots of joint vocals and a large dose of a rockin' Greg Loell.

We are aiming to release the digital distribution (iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc.) on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. That fits perfectly with the theme of the album: 'He can brighten up your darkest night...', the Light of the World, Sonrise. 

Please, share in our joy, listen, download, and share the goodness! Be on the lookout for the streaming releases coming soon.

Peace & Love & JOY,
Mark LaJOIE!

"Overflow" by Living Waters on Bandcamp!Click to listen....

"Overflow" Album Artwork & Future Plans

"Overflow" Album Artwork & Future Plans

"Send forth your LIGHT and your truth: they have led me, and brought me unto your holy MOUNTAIN, and into your tabernacles. And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who gives JOY to my youth." To you, O God, my God, I will give praise upon the harp...." Psalm 43:3-4 (These words traditionally have been part of the "Introibo ad altare Dei" Psalm at the beginning of Eucharist. They echo this album theme!) 

Here is our brand new "Overflow" album cover and song list image. For the first time we actually paid to license the pictures so they could be undeniably ours. We fell in love with the bursting sun rising with the Living Waters flowing down from its saving source, the Cross of Our Lord; it fits perfectly with the theme, from "He can brighten up your darkest night" to the climax of our album in "LIGHT of the World" & "SUNrise".

The other image is a propos with the Waters bubbling out from the Cross. And, yes, this song list is a big 'reveal', isn't it? We have removed "Honey" from the album and will instead release it as a single - look for that.  We did that because we have added a new, secret tune, "Nothing But Love" that fits the flow of this album perfectly in a thematic sense. You'll have to wait for the release for that! It's a jazz-touched ode to the Lord's love in His Passion that flows from Covenant Love so well. We also put our old live song, "I Will Go" in as a bonus track, now. Several of the tunes have and are undergoing re-mixing and last-minute tweaking. As far as we can tell, the album will really be released on Bandcamp on Christmas Day. As far as Spotify, iTunes and other digital distribution that may be released a little later.

We are talking about using this 'Water Cross' picture for a proposed "Living Waters Songbook" with chords, lyrics and tabs. Great idea, huh? We are now also talking about creating a studio Christmas album, like "Overflow", for next Christmas. Another topic is renewing and refurbishing some of our previous releases, cleaning them up to a higher quality. There are so many possibilities. Greg and I are feeling some old age creeping into our hands, so we want to get down as much as we can as soon as we can. Please, pray that 'le Bon Dieu' can continue to inspire and direct us in the way He wills for His Kingdom.

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE! of Living Waters

Pre-Order Our New "Overflow" Album!

Pre-Order Our New "Overflow" Album!

Just go to the Bandcamp player on this blog page and press "pre-order" and you will get a download of "Sing to Jesus". We are reducing the price to $5, but you can contribute more if you wish. (The download will be zipped.)

We are shooting for a Christmas release. There are a few songs still waiting for their final mix, but we are confident it will be ready Christmas Day or during Christmas season. When we release it, it will be sent to you by email link. Here is the tentative line-up:

Sing to Jesus

Let It Reign

Covenant Love

Honey [to be replaced by a secret song!]

Anna Post Writing

When Sunday Comes

When He Came Into My Life

Hail Mary

I Will Go (live) [probably will now be a bonus track]

Sunrise

Light of the World

{UPDATE:  December 13, 2018

Honey is now going to be a stand-alone single.

Sing to Jesus
When Sunday Comes
Covenant Love
Nothing But Love
Anna Post Writing
Hail Mary
When He Came Into My Life
Let It Reign
Light of the World
Sunrise

I Will Go (live) BONUS track}

We are so excited! We love you all and hope you will be blessed!

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE for Living Waters

Some Video of Living Waters Recording!

Some Video of Living Waters Recording!

This summer's recording has included some Mike & Mark singing together on many songs; The results, I think, were fantastic! Our blend seemed just right, and our back and forth on "Let It Reign" was so much fun. Mike has contributed his keyboard skills to several Mark songs, like "Sing to Jesus" which we played together so much back in the day.

We're not really good on putting what we're doing on the record. I think we're just too busy doing the work, in the zone, shall we say. BUT! I managed to video a few snippets of us doing some more work on "Light of the World" which we could share with you. Ready?

Here is our vocal recording spot; we were doing the melody for "LotW" chorus

Mike was warming up to do the intro to "LotW"

Mike had to fix the tag on Josh's shirt!

Click the line below to see: 

Video of Mike practicing the end of "LotW". 

At the end, Josh is circling his finger, telling Mike to keep going, because he has the section on a loop. Josh can then take or blend the best sections from the looped tracks.

Well! I hoped you enjoyed this small glimpse inside the process. Sausage being made....

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE! of Living Waters

LW Songs Featured on ReverbNation

LW Songs Featured on ReverbNation

In the last couple of weeks, several different songs by Living Waters have been accepted and are or will be featured on ReverbNation. One of them is "Love's in a Name" video. Just CLICK on the picture:

Another video is Mike's breakthrough song, "Take Me" under the Christian Rock category; CLICK on the picture again!:

We have also received word that "Light of the World DEMO" will be put on one of RN's "Chart-Topping Artist Playlist"s soon. Click on this to hear it!

ReverbNation recently communicated with me on a personal level about things on RN, and they have "curated" several of our songs. Things have not always been smooth, but, I must say, I am very glad Living Waters joined Reverb back in 2011! Please, enJOY!

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE!

Award Nominations for Living Waters!

Award Nominations for Living Waters!

We just got the word! We received three different nominations for the Indie Music Channel Awards in Hollywood, California. Unfortunately, I don't see how we could collect any awards in person, should we win. But, it is a great honor. The songs involved are "Alive Again", "Do What He Tells You to Do" video, and "Light of the World" DEMO. Here are the nominations:

Do What He Tells You... VIDEO

Alive Again on Spotify

Light of the World DEMO

There are actually more nominations for the first two which I could not get in the picture. We'll be interested to see how this turns out!

Giving Thanks Through Teaching and Song!

Giving Thanks Through Teaching and Song

by Mark Lajoie, Theology Teacher
(An article for "Guertin Pride" about Mark)

“Thanksgiving”. That word means so much to me, as to faith, as to my band, and as to my school.

When I was a teen, I was such a sad case in so many ways, but the Lord saw my poverty and reached out to me in my need. Our Mother, Mary, and her Rosary saved my life and gave me joy and a purpose in faith & music, mostly through a young group of friends who became my band and my faith family, Living Waters. (I also became an academic who loved research, learning, and teaching.) Here is a song that Mike and I wrote together, around the summer of ’78, in which the ‘thanksgiving’ just poured out of me. Click to listen: “Song of Love”. Many years of great music, faith, and friendship followed.

I continued to grow and experience so much! As time went on, I got married to Julia from the band, had kids and, late in the game, I began to teach Theology to high school kids, which seemed so perfect for me. Then, in 1999, I lost my job and most everything, and we had to leave the place where we were living immediately, with nowhere to go and a newborn baby! The mover we contracted to store our stuff took one look at our stuff and drove away, leaving us in an impossible quandary. I called my best friend in the band, Chuck Rossignol; within an hour, almost the whole band family showed up with two moving vans and moved our stuff into WHY storage in Nashua and got us set up at the Residence Inn in Merrimack! You cannot buy friendship like that; I am forever grateful for this kind of love they have always shown. Every Thanksgiving I truly celebrate how many blessings like this we have received from this group!

Around this time, I interviewed at Bishop Guertin and I was amazed at how active the service club and campus ministry was, how alive the spirit was, how perfectly the Brothers seemed to fit my own background and temperament. I prayed and prayed I could get in there – and the Lord heard my plea! I was SO happy and thankful! I told everybody that I felt I had ‘landed POW! right in a pot of jam’! I got up at the Faculty Meeting in the A/V Room and said ‘I LOVE this place!!. (Coach Mac used to make fun of me for this, but I would just say, ‘well, it’s TRUE’. It STILL is true!) It has been over 18 years and I know how blessed I am to be here. Here is a recent song I wrote to express this! Do What He Tells You to Do Video

This all fits our Catholic faith here at BG. A sacrifice of thanksgiving is what Abraham sought, the bread & wine offered by Melkizedek. Eucharist means, “thanksgiving” or “Good Gift”. We could not get a better gift than our Risen Lord truly present with us at Mass and in our life of faith and charity. I have been able to experience this fully in my band and in the wonderful school known as Bishop Guertin High School!

My band gave a song to Pope John Paul II, and, in recent years, we have won awards, thrived on line and worked on new recordings. You can read some of the stories of our band on our official blog AND you can listen to the music we have produced for over 40 years on Spotify and other streaming services. Here are some links below!

Living Waters Blog

Living Waters on Spotify

Living Waters on ReverbNation

My most recent work: Light of the World DEMO