Prayer on The Hill

2012-01-29T06:21:00.001-05:00

Weekend January 28-29, 2012

A Challenge to Religious Liberty

Some years ago, in the first half of the 20th century, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, was confronted with a major problem in the Catholic School System. At that time the Catholic School students shared in the free milk program for all elementary (and secondary, I believe) schools. The cost of a carton of milk at the time was between three and four cents. The Archbishop received a letter as did all the heads of private schools that the State of Pennsylvania was about to mandate that the privilege of receiving free milk for lunch in the schools would soon be retracted from non-public schools.

At the time the Archdiocese of Philadelphia had well over 100,000 elementary and secondary school students enrolled in its many and large schools. As late as the middle of the 20th century there were grammar schools with more than four and five thousand students!!! One Catholic high school at the time had more than six thousand students. So, for the Archbishop, Cardinal Dougherty, this was a serious issue because at the time the pastors paid the school tuition with parish funds. The mandate, if enacted as expected, would mean disaster for many schools.

The Archbishop decided he would do what any sensible Ordinary would and should do: he attempted to seek a negotiated settlement. No success. Being of "Fightin' Irishman" the Archbishop announced a policy that would impact many Catholic schools and public schools as well. In a very simple letter the Archbishop notified the state's government officials of his intentions. His plan was simple and could easily be put into place. If the State of Pennsylvania promulgated the mandate, ALL of the Catholic schools would be closed and the students sent to the local public schools. Within a very short time, the State of Pennsylvania retracted the mandate!

I tell this story because is speaks of the "fightin' spirit Roman Catholics must realize is necessary at this time in its history in this country. that we are in a situation of similarity but with greater and more personal impact. We should know well what the First Amendment to the Constitution stipulates, what rights it protects. In essence, The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the passing or creation of any law which establishes a religious body and directly impedes an individual’s right to practice whichever religion they see fit. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the passing or creation of any law which establishes a religious body and directly impedes an individual’s right to practice whichever religion they see fit.

Recently the United States Department of Health and Human Services with the approval of President Barack Obama issues a new federal mandate making coverage of abortifacient drugs, sterilization and all FDA approved contraceptives OBLIGATORY for virtually all employers, including faith-based institutions. Cardinal Wuerl wrote to the priests of the Archdiocese: In upholding the Health and Human Services regulation, the administration has ignored the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and has denied Catholics the most fundamental freedom, religious liberty. Despite the Church's appeal for a broader religious exemption, which was echoed by many other faiths, the administration refused to modify the regulation's current exemption that is limited to religious groups that hire and serve people primarily of their own faith." Further the Cardinal noted that the editorial boards of The Washington Post and the New York Times "have stated the the government has no business forcing religious institutions to sponsor and pay for procedures and drugs which violate their beliefs." And these two newspapers disagrees regularly with the Church's teaching on the sanctity of life.

In essence what the HHS regulation mandate will force "our schools, hospitals and charitable organizations" ... in(to) the untenable position of choosing between violating civil law and abandoning our religious beliefs. For a more complete description of this situation you can visit www.usccb.org/conscience and www.mdcathcon.org. At these sites Catholics who wish to support our most treasured right, religious freedom, will find one avenue to making our Catholic voice heard by our Congressional representative as well as members of the US Senate.

I can only imagine what the staunch defender of this same liberty mentioned at the outset, His Eminence, Cardinal Dougherty of Philadelphia would be doing today to stand strong against a government action that denies religious freedom. What makes this issue so important to the Catholic Church and other religious organizations is not the debate on birth control, abortion or other moral issues but the denial of religious liberty! We have to stand strong against individual government actions that make the effort to inhibit various aspects of religious liberty for our Church as well as other religious bodies.

A friend offered this analogy. If you drop a frog into a pot of boiling water, the animal will jump out. However, if you put a frog in tepid water, and gradually turn the heat up, natch by notch, the frog will be killed. Religious liberty, religious freedom must be protected by the religious bodies for which the First Amendment was created by our forefathers. Each specific denial is a turning up of the the heat, one notch at a time.

I offer these thoughts in response to Cardinal Wuerl's request to the priests of the Archdiocese of Washington: "Please consider calling attention to this issue and all of these resources as soon as possible." Amen!

2012-01-25T17:08:00.000-05:00

The Conversion of St. Paul

(Check Google Images for Snow Covered Trees)

And Jesus said to Saul (Paul), "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" He replied, "Who are you?" Jesus said, "I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting." While this reading from the Acts of the Apostles was written almost 2000 years ago, are you willing to grant this: Jesus would be repeating the same sentences today?

How many are the ways this might be happening today in our world, our nation, our communities and, yes, even in our families! Consider how Christians are reacting to realities in our world today. Consider how Catholic parents and siblings might be reacting to the lifestyles of children or siblings.

When we experience the next snow storm, look at the trees. Their branches seem to be different from each other in the way the snow is blanketed on each tree. Each is so very different. However, each is a God -given gift to humanity. How do you judge these trees? Each has its own beauty recognized by some not by others. But what beauty there is when this collection of snow covered trees is viewed across a afield. Together these trees form a mosaic in whites, browns, greens and shades between.

Now consider the forests of people that populate the world today. There are so many difference -- shapes, sizes, colors, nationalities, religious and so forth. Some are Roman Catholics, some Jewish, others Muslims, some infected by HIV Positive, others by AIDS -- some of their won experiences, others the result of parental or spousal activities. Some are parents, some are children who with their parents are "illegals" in our land, some are "dirt poor," others are in the top .06% of wealthy individuals. Some are men, some are women and some are children. This paragraph could continue with many other categories of different types of people. Sad to say, it is often by personal dislikes or mistrusts that you and I are both victim and perpetrator! Today Jesus would grow exhausted, positing the same question: "Why are you persecuting me?" Can you answer Jesus if he asked you that same question today? Once again, let me repeat what has been posted here past: "... being a Christian is not for sissies!"

2012-01-24T07:22:00.000-05:00

St Francis de Sales

Today's feast brings to us one of the extraordinary saints whose life spanned the end of the 16th century and the beginning years of the 17th century. Wikipedia offers a concise picture of the man:

Francis de Sales (French: Saint François de Sales) (August 21, 1567 – December 28, 1622) was Bishop of Geneva and is a Roman Catholic saint. He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly Introduction to the Devout Life, along with his Treatise on the Love of God. His writings on the perfections of the Heart of Mary as the model of love for God influenced Jean Eudes to develop the devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.[1]

This Francis was known for his preaching skills. Perhaps an early version of a man of our own times, Archbishop Fulton Sheen! In the first reading today Paul speaks about his own God-given grace to be a preacher to the Gentiles. Francis directed his preaching to bring back those who had turned to Calvinism. Francis was especially successful in this mission.

In the gospel for today, St John's words are similar to what we hear so often today: the primacy of love that is seated in the Christian faith because Jesus himself made it so very clear that the Father's love for himself is no different from the Father's love for each of us. Jesus expands this scope of love between the Father and each of us: we are to "Love one another as I love you." This same love is to be the sign that distinguishes Christians. Furthermore Jesus teaches what St John writes in his First Letter: "Wherever there is love, there is God."

We are called to be signs or models of love and not simply love but unconditional love. Maybe we should focus some moments considering what the implications of this adjective, "unconditional," might mean in each of our lives. Just for starters imagine what our families, our communities, our culture might be were each person to take this call, this challenge to love one another with an unconditional love. Francis deSales was a man a stature and significant rank in his community. However, never was he a priest who did not demonstrate his efforts to love everyone, especially towards those who had needs. Likewise his lifestyle, preaching and teaching are models for us of a human being who saw in the challenge of unconditional love a way to demonstrate one's commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to live a life that he puts before humanity. This is the challenge for us today in our relationships with family, community and culture. No easy task is it?

Among his writings the Introduction to the Devout Life is recognized as a classic in the field of spiritual direction.

2012-01-23T07:52:00.000-05:00

The Prodigal Son - Liz Lemon Swindle

In the gospel for today's Mass we encounter that frightening challenge: the sin against the Holy Spirit. So often, as a preacher, I am asked what is this sin and why is it so serious? Perhaps there could not be a better day than today to consider this reality.

We must not overlook the reality that the Holy Spirit is the origin of the good, all the good in Jesus, in our brothers and sisters -- all of them -- and in our world. It is through the Holy Spirit that the world, you and I, come to know God's presence in our lives and the lives of others ... especially those God has planned bringing into the world through parents. So what is this blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Perhaps it is so simple we miss it! It is to reuse with all deliberate intention the presence of God the Holy Spirit, his goodness in God's created world. Those who refuse to see, to accept the power of God in all that Jesus did, all the God brings about in our world, these are those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Clearly many who followed Jesus when he was preaching, teaching and healing, recognized this divine presence in his life and activities.

To refuse to see God present in one's life, that person has in effect closed mind and heart to God's desire to continue his presence in his/her life. He/she has closed the doors of heart and soul to the divine Creator of all that is. Nothing less that a personal reaching out to God with a truly sorrow-filled heart and a genuine desire for sincere repentance will earn God's mercy, his forgiveness.

Recall the Prodigal Son biblical vignette. We believe that the young man, so distracted by wealth and earthly desires, only earned forgiveness when he walked the long road to the open arms of his loving father. This was his genuine repentance. It was recognizing his sin and his conviction to seek his father's forgiveness that the young man opened his heart and soul to God's loving mercy.

We should not overlook the reality that is easily lost in our society today: love is only genuine when it is free! God will never force his love upon us. Always, always he stands before us with the opened arms of his Sacred Heart.

Today, here in Washington, we are witness once again to the reminder that God's presence is with us in each and every human being from the moment of conception until the moment that God chooses to call that life to himself.

Today we should pray for those who refuse to acknowledge God's presence in the newly conceived child. We should pray that our prayers might break through the bolted doors of hardened hearts who believe it is a person's right to end the sacred presence of God in a newly conceived child through death by abortion.

Carefully look at Liz Lemon Swindle's artistic portrayal of the moment of forgiveness. Study this painting. Let it open your heart and soul to the voice of God speaking to you today through the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. See the intensity of the father's grasp of his offspring. Sense the pain the father senses that has so damaged his son. Sense the father's eyes and expression as he imagines what his son has endured and now how he can use the healing balm of forgiveness. This is the gift the Holy Spirit present in Ms. Swindle's magnificent rendition of a truly tender moment that every person must fell when he/she has the courage and the graces to seek God's loving forgiveness.

2012-01-22T07:08:00.002-05:00

Third Sunday of Ordinary TIme

Here we are on the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, the fourth Sunday of January. It is interesting that on this Sunday as well as last Sunday our readings the theme of three readings for these two Sundays relates to Jesus calling disciples. We are at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. John the Baptist has been arrested. We have an opportunity to consider how those called have responded to Jesus’ invitation.

Four weeks ago we were hearing much about resolutions for the new year. Perhaps the Church places these readings where they are for us to remember what “calling” we may have received from the Holy Spirit for our lives in this new year.

Most of us are settled in our vocation. We have been engaged in it for some time. The question we might be asking ourselves is rather simple: Am I living up to the calling that God has entrusted to us. It is a calling that continues to come to us each day and each year. We might ask ourselves how we have taken the time to consider how we are living up to that calling.

When our calling has fallen into a need for updating or correction, we have to stop and address that issue. In the gospel story today, the nets can be seen as those things or personal relationships that limit my being able to live my calling to the fullest. Have I examined what nets might be tangling up my life .... things .... people .... self-centered ambitions?

So today we might ask for the graces of the Holy Spirit to help us clarify our callings if we know or think we might have lost a keen insight into how we are to live out our calling. Today we should pray that we hear clearly the call that God has given to us and the strength to go where He wants it to lead me! Don’t forget this: we have to answer before God ultimately. So, at this time in my life would God be please with me and the life I am living?

2012-01-18T07:36:00.003-05:00

What Powers Do We Have?

Did you ever find yourself faced with a challenge which you felt was far beyond your physical or emotional strength? Most people would have a sense of fear when a challenge seems to be overwhelming. Let's assume you could not avoid or get around this challenge. What resources do you begin to tap with the hope that you will conjure up the needed strength to prevail?

Today's first reading (I Samuel 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51) recalls what occurred in the life King David before Samuel anointed him kind for Yahweh. For sure the young man, David, was physically smaller than Goliath. Even the strongest and bravest opted never to entertain any contest with the great Philistine.

However, young David, from the tribe of Benjamin, told King Saul that he was not fearful of an encounter to subdue the annoying Goliath. Of course King Saul reminded David that his youth enthusiasm, while noble, his size and lack of experience made him no challenge for the great taunter of the Israeli army's best soldiers.

David had a weapon that neither Saul nor Goliath would think of using to remove a constant threat to the Jewish King and his army. David's weapon was neither sword nor spear. He would not rely upon such weapons. Rather he would use two means to bring down the giant. The first in David's mind was the power of Yahweh. He trusted that Yahweh would never fail him. The second "weapon" would be the slingshot. Members of the Tribe of Benjamin were noted for their skill in using the sling. We know the "rest of the story."

So back to the beginning of this posting! When faced with an overwhelming situation, do you employ the "Davidic Principle"? Do you believe and trust that God will provide you the needed resources you might need?

Think again of the problems you confront. Have you brought the power of God with you to face and overcome the challenge?

"I can do everything in Him who gives me strength."

The Will of God in Making Choices

2012-01-17T00:12:00.000-05:00

How frightening it can be when in one's heart the spirit is moving the person to someone or something other than what the person thinks is best. Like Samuel when he was receiving the vibes to appoint a new king! Fear that Saul would kill him filled Samuel's heart when he realized he had to tell the king to step down. Bring a heifer for sacrifice! God spoke to Samuel: Don't let appearances mislead. Choose the new king! Jesse brought in his sons and one by one Samuel rejected each one because none was God's choice. Samuel asked Jess if he had another son. The youngest son was then brought to the prophet from his work in the fields. This one the young man who was chosen. David by name. And with the least experience. Oh, how different are God's ways.

From this event we can learn that discernment in making a choice or decision can take time. Patience is needed in seeking to know the will of God ... especially during trying moments. How easily do we find God's will when loved one present heavy burdens and an answer is not quickly or easily found. Trying to discern what God wants done: a genuine challenge. Consider Samuel having to endure many evaluations of potential kings to replace King Saul. Where is comfort or peace in such a process?

Imagine the cross parents carry when, try as earnestly as they can, a child just cannot choose the right path. This is the challenge of learning God's will which may be next to impossible to discern quickly. We must never quit the search. We must continue to pray, pray, pray for the day when we hear words similar to the responsorial psalm: "Have found David my servant" (Ps 88).

God's Will In My Life

2012-01-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

Monday, January 16, 2012

As we move through the peaks and valleys of our lives, a question that has to be confronted each day is this: how significant is God's will for me? Surely most followers of Jess would respond with the assurance that it is very important. That reply leaves wiggle room, however, doesn't it? And how many of us would have answered that there is nothing more important ? Very few, no doubt!

Examine your day . just yesterday, Sunday. "Did I really attempt to make God's will the most important intention in every thing I did?" Was getting to church Saturday evening or Sunday enough? Well, for sure, simply participating in the liturgy is pious practice which God commands of us. And what about the rest of the day? Life in the kingdom of God demands much more!

When someone complains about his/her current state of unhappiness or a loss of true inner peace, he/she should ask how attentive bas been the attention to God's will.

The first reading today, I Samuel 15:16-23 we consider the cost of Saul's (not the man Paul) kingship. Saul did carry out Yahweh's will to a certain degree. He did conquer the Israel's enemy, the Amalekites. However, it was not God's will for the king and his army to play "winner takes all!"

An interesting reality is this pledge to be faithful to God's will in my/your life. How do I respond?

2012-01-12T07:05:00.000-05:00

Perfect Gospel Story for Today's World

Mark 1:40-45

Today we have another extraordinary opportunity to learn more about the man Jesus and his ministry in serving a segment of his society that were shunned by their communities because of the contagious disease of leprosy. We look at the Son of Man showing not just his pity but his compassion. Jesus makes clear that these victims of a terrible disease are also the victims of another disease imposed on them by their forced ostracism from the people they have known and perhaps have even brought into this world. There was in the communities tremendous fear and contempt towards the victims of leprosy.

It has been noted that medicine was in a primitive stage of development when Jesus was preaching and teaching. Some people were labeled as "unclean" simply by the lack of sound medical knowledge. Unfortunately when that happens, as we witnessed in our own time when HIV/AIDS was discovered. Fear and contempt branded these victims as "unclean" and as not safe to be with especially in restaurants and at home dinner tables. We did not know enough about the disease when it was first named. As a result many suffered a double or even triple dose of rejection in our communities.

Jesus was moved by the leper who came to him not with just a disease but with great faith and trust in Jesus and the words the leper must have heard. We don't know exactly why because we never know exactly how the Holy Spirit works in the hearts and minds of others. It is hard enough to discern the Spirit in our own lives at times.

Jesus did what only a minimal few might do: he touched the man who asked for healing. His compassion for the man was so genuine. The very touch of Jesus must have been a healing moment for this trusting and hoping victim. Once cured the man is given a charge by Jesus. Go and tell the priests of your healing. Show yourself to them. This was vitally important in Jesus' society. Why? Because the priest was the one who was chosen to validate the renewed health of the victim and to assure the communities that it was not safe for the cured victim to associate within the community.

The wonderful part of this gospel event is that the man was so excited by his cure, as would anyone with such a terrible disease, that he could not keep the last charge Jesus gave him: don't say anything about this. How could the man contain his relief, his excitement, his happiness. As one commentator on this gospel wrote: "It is often in our crosses that grace appears."

This gospel story today of course directs our attention to those who suffer as lepers in our communities. There are many. Of course we live in an era of terribly physical and psychological kinds of leprosy. Some of these diseases build walls of isolation around the victims where even families, friends and others in the community reject being present with them.

Consider the marginalized members of our communities around the world and in our nation: drug addicts, poor single mothers, those who have lost their homes or who never could say I have had a roof over my head. Think about the single Moms or single Dads who struggle in poverty with their one prized possession ... their child or children. We have all know alcoholics who are so quickly rejected by others.

Our challenge today is this: consider carefully and slowly the compassion and pity that Jesus teaches us. Do you build such a wall around any person or persons you know or know about because society has judged them "unclean" or not fit to be a part of "their society"? Take the often misused question and take it to heart: "What would Jesus do in this circumstance?"

2012-01-10T07:04:00.000-05:00

Who is this man?

Here in today's gospel reading we encounter Jesus at work in his primary works as the Son of God/Son of Man. Jesus is no different than any Jew of his time. It was not out of place for any Jew who wished to do so could stand a speak to the congregation when gathered in the Temple. Jesus is confronted by an evil spirit in another person gathered in the Temple. The Jewish people "interpreted" most illnesses as signs of an evil spirit that was or is in the life of the sick person.

There was shock and surprise when Jesus took on the evil spirit.

The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes....
Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!"
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another, 'What is this?
A new teaching with authority.' ( from Mk 1:14-21)

Who is this man? What is this man? For the next few months we will be asked to consider these questions as we read through the gospel of Saint Mark. It is a good question. It is what is on the mind of so many people already as our nation moves toward another presidential election. It is the question being asked by people in New Hampshire today about each of the candidates.

As we begin Mark's account of Jesus' life, "Who is this man?" is a powerful question for each of us ... if we actually stop and consider what the question is asking about Jesus. Too easily we can gloss over the question. The challenge before is is a good one: I should be taking the time to delve more deeply into the life of Jesus at it impacts me in this new year. "Who is this man Jesus? Am I willing to open my heart and mind to come to know him as never before?"

So here it is folks: "Who do you say that I am?" might well be the question Jesus is asking you in these early days of January 2012.

2012-01-09T07:10:00.000-05:00

The Baptism of Jesus

Today, as we recall Jesus' baptism by John, we should consider the significance of this event as it relates to our own lives. We have celebrated once again Jesus' coming among us as man. Today we are reminded that the Son of God is also to be known and understood as the Son of Man. This is Mark's introduction to us of the Public Ministry of Jesus. Now Jesus is actively teaching and preaching the message the Father sends to each of us.

Jesus is now identified with us as another human being. He is also taking upon himself our human limitedness and our sin. He takes on the consequences of our sins even to the point of his severely violent suffering and death on the cross.

His entrance into the waters of John's baptismal actions is a moment of change. The waters of our life are changed into the water of new life, his life. He gives to us the "springs of salvation" (Is 12). This event reminds us that the ordinary is now more than just ordinary. The daily grind of our lives is impacted by the presence of Jesus in our lives.

2012-01-05T07:02:00.000-05:00

St John Neumann

at St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, PA

1811-1860

Today the Church in the USA celebrates another American citizen, John Neumann who was canonized in 1977. This man was a Bishop who truly committed himself to the poor. He was born in Bohemia and wanted to become a priest in his homeland but because there was an excessive number of priests already working in his home diocese, the local Bishop was not accept applications for the priesthood. John made his way to New York City where he accepted into the seminary and ordained in 1836. Six years later, discerning that God wanted him elsewhere, he was granted permission to enter the Redemptorist order of priests. In 1847 Fr. John was elected Superior General of the Order and lived at "headquarters" in Baltimore. In 1848 Fr. Neumann became an American citizen. In 1852 he was consecrated the 4th Bishop of Philadelphia where he would live out the remainder of his life.

Bishop Neumann started the Diocesan School System and initiated a Diocesan-wide schedule for Forty Hours Devotions. Likewise the "Little Bishop," as he was named by the people of Philly, initiated the building of many parishes and schools. At one time there were as many as 340+ parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Bishop Neumann died on January 5, 1860 while returning from bringing the Sacraments of the Sick to a poor man, he fell victim to a heart attack. He died on the front steps of a local row house in downtown Philadelphia. At his personal request, he asked that whenever he died, his body would be buried in the crypt of the Redemptorist Father's parish, St. Peter's Parish, in North Philadelphia. The photo above is the saint's final resting place in the lower church at St. Peter's Church.

John Neumann is the first American male to be canonized (1977) in the United States. It was my privilege to work with the Philadelphia priest, Msgr. James McGrath, who was the Vice Postulator for John Neumann's case for canonization. Monsignor McGrath, now deceased, worked diligently for a number of years while the people of Philadelphia daily came to St. Peter's to pray for their various needs. Eventually, Msgr. McGrath learned of an incident which seemed to be a medical "miracle." Visiting with the family and the person's doctors, Msgr. McGrath brought the information to the Archbishop of Philadelphia at the time, John Cardinal Krol, who encouraged Msgr. McGrath and helped bring the case to the proper Vatican offices to evaluate the case. Pope Paul VI canonized Bishop Neumann in 1977.

Truly this "little" man was a spiritual giant. He truly followed in the steps of the first Bishop of our Church, St. Peter. He was teacher, preacher and a man dedicated to helping the poor and to build the Catholic Church in the city of the Declaration of Independence.

2012-01-04T06:46:00.003-05:00

Elizabeth Ann Seton

How often do you hear or say "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree"? When those words are used, it is not really about the fruit. These words are pointing to a person's thinking or actions which are usually either good or bad. Good acts are a sign that a person is allowing God in his/her life. It is God acting in a person's life.

It is by allow God's presence in one's life that sin is excluded. God cannot share space with sin because they are mutually exclusive.

This offers us a challenge. We need to strive to live with Jesus in our hearts. We know that we have moment when we fail God. Our efforts, then, must be directed to the effort to be closely affiliated with Jesus. Once that happens, once we realize that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John announce the Good News, we are face to face with the teachings of the Son of God, we are dealing with the opposite of sin. An understanding of that special relationship will enable us to act and speak differently. We live a true life of holiness. That is our mission in life today. This is how each person can become God's agent in the world. Each person has the opportunity to become an active evangelizing agent in the Kingdom of God. That mean YOU and it means ME.

The question then is this: Does the apple of God's graces and wishes fall from from my life? Am I an agent for God's presence in the world today? Look at the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton whom we recall and petition on this her annual feast day. A convert to Catholicism, wife, mother, teacher, religious sister and ultimately a recognized saint in our Church, Elizabeth surely allowed the presence of the Holy Spirit in her life become a beacon of hope and faith for so many individuals.

2012-01-02T23:39:00.000-05:00

January 3, 2012

A Child of God

What does it mean to be a child of God? How would you answer that question? Think about it for a moment. Can you provide two or three replies? St. John, in the first reading for today's liturgy, suggests an answer: to be a true child of God means to be ready "to break" away from sin. Simple but monumentally challenging at times. St. John always speaks to us with the reminder that there is no doubt to the fact that you, yes you, are truly a person God created and that you are the special object of his love.

If I think of myself as a child of God, I can only "ponder" (like Mary) about what my experience will be when the moment comes for my meeting face-to-face with the Son of God. What must Mary have thought as she looked upon her newborn child? Theologians and our Church have endeavored to teach us that at the moment of our meeting God "we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is." We will be transformed and united with him.

Beyond this gift, God also has gifted our lives with the true sign of his unending and always forgiving love: the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ. This is what makes us the true children of God.

So again as we consider our journey for 2012, we should reflect or ponder how we many remain true followers walking the path God wants us to follow. This is the call to follow Jesus' way as the first apostles did. And it is a summons answered by a personal effort to remain ever close to Jesus.

2012-01-01T18:14:00.000-05:00

Mary, Mother of God

January 1, 2012

In the gospel account of the birth of Christ there lies a simple sentence that is a package of amazing treasure. It is not about the shepherds who were at the stable. It is about Mary, Mother of God, whom we honor on January 1st each year.

And Mary treasured all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Apparently Mary said very little on that sacred night. Another translation is "Mary pondered these things in her heart." Today and for the next few days each of us might ponder some of the message that Mary in her silence gives to us each January 1st. Luke reports that the shepherds were there but seemingly left rather quickly to tell others of what they heard in the Bethlehem manger. The news was such Good News that they could not keep the "news" to themselves. But for Mary seeming silence was the better part of a response to what is a pivotal point for all Christianity.

Gift giving is another pivotal moment of Christmas. There were no "Christmas trees" in the stable. There were no ribboned gifts anywhere in the stable. So, one might ask why St Luke notes that Mary reflected upon "all these things". Surely we can only imagine what must have passed through her heart and mind as the child she had delivered was, as the angel Gabriel had told her, the Son of God. Consider if you will, at this closing of the first day of the year, Mary's reflecting is her Christmas gift to us in addition to her divine Son.

Furthermore, consider this: Child Jesus is giving each person a gift on the annual celebration of his birthday. The gift is a personal gift that can be understood only when one does what Mary did: ponder about the special gift that Jesus has given you for the year 2012. You might be surprised by that thought. However, unless there is time to ponder what "gift is Jesus offering me new year" during these early days of the year during which quiet and a genuine effort to be present to Jesus with an open heart are essential.

In the pondering quiet you may hear Jesus saying to you what God has in mind for you in the 12 months ahead. He knows what you need most for yourself and he know what you need most to give to others.

Take the time and most importantly write down for yourself what you believe Jesus' gift for you is and how you will use it for yourself and others. There are very few people who receive gifts and leave them unopened. Your writing to yourself what you believe the gift is only to be found by pondering and recording for yourself what "messages" come to your heart.

May the year 2012 be for you and your loved ones a time that is abundant with good health and even some financial assistance but most specially a year when you set aside time to learn more about your faith.

2011-12-30T07:22:00.000-05:00

The Feast of the Holy Family

This is the feast that almost every year falls on the Sunday between the feast of the Nativity and the Feast of the Mother of God, (New Year's Day). However, it does not fall that way this year or any year when Christmas is celebrated on a Sunday.

Perhaps the absence of this feast from the weekend liturgy many not be recognized by many. But for those who have the opportunity and time to attend a daily liturgy today, there will be the time to consider that the Church puts this family before all of us because each of us is from a particular family whether we eventually are married with a family or single and stand as a member of a family of origin or of another community that might well be considered a family.

When we consider this family, we know it is unlike any other family that has or will ever exist on this earth of ours. The mother of this family is so different from other mothers but, hopefully, she gives comforts to other mothers especially during maternal moments of pain and frustration. Likewise, Joseph is not exactly like other fathers or foster fathers. Imagine being told you are caring for and teaching a manly life to the Son of God! That might lead some thinking fathers to stop, look, and listen. Each parent, whether father or mother, knows that each child he/she brings into this world is unlike any other. Not quite like Jesus, of course, but perhaps at times considered by doting parents almost equal to the Son of God!

So, today, whether single or married, widow or widower, priest or father, religious sister or mother, we have an opportunity to look to this family for insights that may not have entered one's mind. Queen Elizabeth, as you may have heard on newscasts spoke to the British Commonwealth this Christmas emphasizing the significance of the family in today world. As a priest, neither married nor a parent, I wonder what a mother or father must think not just at the time of a child's birth but throughout the life of an offspring. Parents carry no light burden in this 21st century if they have children. Recently taking a "child" into my own life, a 12 week old puppy, has taught me to think about parenthood and family life more personally than ever before even though I have had older dogs in my life or when I was too young to know what a worry a dog pet could be. Getting up in the middle of the night because the puppy was crying ... missing his first family ... feeling hunger pangs ... and, of course, always worrying about the condition of the carpets in the house. Did the Holy Family every have a dog pet? Let's leave that until the kingdom of heaven to learn.

So, the human family has much to be thankful for in the reality of the Holy Family. Mary, Joseph and Jesus are teachers, too. What can we learn? Hopefully more than what a puppy can teach!

2011-12-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

Thursday, December 29, 2011

There have been very few men or women I have met who make the effort to "walk in the light." Surely the majority of believers struggle to live a life that is motivated by the light of Christ Jesus and the Commandments. Jesus taught throughout his public life that a first priority in following him is to love God and one another.

To love God is much more than an intellectual exercise. To study God is a process of learning about God and his presence in the world. So how do we come to "love God." Perhaps it is easy to say "Of course I love God. That's why I go to church." But we can always ask ourselves it is truly love that is the fiber our our relationship with God. Consider for a moment: how does a child come to know the love of a parent? Isn't it the acts of a parent for the child? And doesn't the child in mind and heart learn what love is as the years pass? A deeper awareness of the sacrifices that a parent makes for the child brings about an awareness of what true love is or should be. Countless moments of caring, nurturing, protecting, guiding are a parent's gift to his/her child. It is these instances that are the teaching moments of what true love is. Hopefully the maturing child comes to recognize that genuine love is so often more experienced in the giving than in the receiving.

As we grow older, we must rely on our own experiences of the loves others have given to us to be able to be open to God's love for us. For us today: do I allow my heart to be open to the many ways that God teaches us about his bountiful love?

2011-12-24T10:02:00.001-05:00

CHRISTMAS 2011

Merry Christmas everyone! It is wonderful that we are gathered together on this feast day of unbridled celebration. It is a feast day of new life as we celebrate once again the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is my genuine prayer for all of you that you will be well-gifted by your families and friends. Most especially I pray during the Masses of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that the gift you will recognize and accept the gift we celebrate together: Jesus Christ.

What truly happened in that shed is so simple that we rarely think of it this way: God’s plan for humankind is now out in the open. It should be obvious and so very clear. What is before us at the moment itself but also again today is that the Son of God is come to this earth and is before us. This is not something new. From the days of the Old Testament God has been giving humanity advanced notice that a Messiah was coming. On Christmas we celebrate that God is speaking to us through his Son. “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” The words from the Bible could not be any more direct or to the point. As you think about the manger scene, you know that this baby Jesus is touchable, a very human yet divine God. And we know again from the Old Testament prophets and from what we have learned from the New Testament testimony of Jesus himself and his followers that he has come to show each one of us the way of love is to be the way of life. Please catch that final clause in the last sentence: “that he has come to show each one of us the way of love is to be the way of life.” So what might we see as the God-gift to each of us on the Christmas feast day, 2011? Let me suggest for you a particular gift God might be giving you and me this year.

First, at a time when we know or know about so many men and women who are carrying the cross of Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, should we not continue to think about the gift of memory. It is frightening to think about losing one’s memories. Some years ago, after having made two cross-country flights and then three north-south flights, I was driving on one of the many non-descript parkways just north of New York City. I was exhausted from all the travel but had one more appointment before taking a few days off. Suddenly as I thought about where I was, I could not remember where I was going, I did not recall what highway I was on. It was, as I said, frightening. Only a passing train that had Metropolitan New York Transit painted on the side, did I recall where I was and what I was supposed to be doing.

So Christmas brings with it many memories. Of course those memories of mixed with joy as well as sadness: a family broken by tragedy; a ruptured friendship; the pain of the loss of a loved one; the joy of marriages or new births in a family. God invites us on this special feast day to recall our failures and His graces to us. Christmas has always been one feast that, like a magnet, draws us ever closer to God through the Christmas hymns we here these days.

Perhaps God is giving you the gift of making a new memory by receiving from him the gift of a new beginning, of seeing life itself in a new way --even though it may be broken-- because the Child Jesus offers each of us a new beginning with him each year as we gather around the Bethlehem stable.

A second gift God might be offering us this year is the gift of glory. Of course we celebrate Christmas as a feast of glory, the glory of God, the majesty of God. Glory comes especially in the gift of the miracle of Bethlehem ... God comes among us as one of us. The Bethlehem night on Christmas was echoed the sounds of angels singing Glory To God in the Highest. Our hearts today and every day will be filled with the joy of glory is we try our best to avoid what is negative around us and if we do not worry so much about what we cannot control. Children teach us so much about this gift. Life for them is so free, so free of self-imposed boundaries. They are rarely afraid of taking risks. They constantly ask questions about what is around them: people, how things work and why things happen as they do. They are so fascinated by what we adults might call the mundane. Yes, each Christmas is an invitation to experience glory as God wants us to grasp this unique gift to us.

Lastly, but surely not the last of the many gifts of Christmas from Jesus Christ to us, is the gift of presence, not presents, but presence. Your presence today at this liturgy can be an experience of presence if you are free enough to open your heart to it. The people we love deeply the most, those who each day are touch-ably close and warmly near to us are so often the people who get the least of the gift of presence from us.

Each of these gifts is an invitation to newness that can make your lives so much fresher, so much happier if you are willing to accept the gift the Jesus Christ gives to you from his simple stable in Bethlehem.

I am grateful to Graceworks Publishers for some of the expressions and thought processes for this special day of gift giving.

2011-12-23T08:38:00.000-05:00

The first reading of today's liturgy from the writings of the prophet Malachi truly is worthy of a second or third reading. Reflect on these words in particular:

For he is like the refiner's fire ...

and will purify the sons of Levi.

The Messiah, the long-awaited Savior, will come and make the people of Israel free to offer sacrifices that will again be please to Yahweh.

So, in our day, in our personal search for the sacred, what do the prophet's words mean to you, to me? Actually we might ask ourselves today "Who is the Malichi in my life today? Each day for sure there are God-sent messengers to each of us. These heralds come into our lives to awaken our souls. In particular, what message(s) is God sending you way as you make ready to celebrate the reality of our redemption? Jesus was born years ago but today his coming reminds us that we are indeed a blessed people, a gifted people, a people given abundance of graces ... if we take the time to discover the message that is born in our hearts today and each day of our lives.

**********

By the way "Happy Birthday" to a loyal reader who

celebrated her 80th birthday yesterday!

Many blessings be yours, Mary!

2011-12-20T06:38:00.000-05:00

And What Is This Kingdom?

Continuing our way through Cardinal Wuerl's Seek First the Kingdom .... One of the realities about this kingdom of God is just what is it as Jesus established it on earth for us. Unfortunately for us, this kingdom is not, like our societies throughout the world, composed of Angels, Archangels, Dominions, Powers etc. Clay feet! The kingdom of God as Jesus founded it is built on clay feet! The clay feet of the Twelve, the clay feet of their successors, the clay feet of the different levels of the clergy and religious, the clay feet of all the people of God. What I am saying is this: the kingdom of God as we see it in our world is not perfect. Scandals have marred the kingdom's appearance and spirit throughout the centuries. When you hear the genealogy of the House of David on Christmas Eve, please, don't think that all those names are ideals for us to follow.

But on the other side of the coin, Jesus entrusted certain powers to the community we call Church. In some of its members we find genuine saints ... even before these folks finish their life on earth. We must not forget that Jesus commanded the disciples to carry the news of the kingdom not just in homilies and conversations. They were to use the powers entrusted to them to perform wondrous deeds. That power continues to exist among not just the clergy in our Church but among laity as well. Just recently I encountered a hurting soul who had recently come to a new life in the spirit ... all because of a friend who brought her to a prayer group meeting. It was an experience for the woman that opened her heart and spiritual eyes of faith. When she walked her walk for those at the meeting, she found that others had had to climb over similar rocks on their journey. Through their encouragement the hurting soul became a new person. In truth she had found that life in the Church is life in the kingdom of God. She had to trust someone to lead her there. Furthermore that "there" had to be an experience of God's grace, God's healing ministry shared by laity as well as clergy.

As a society, we contemporaries have been very critical men and women. I know for me, as a priest, Christmas parties become a genuine opportunity to atone for some of my sins! Why? Listening to the unhappiness that exists in parish life for many people. Listening to the pain that some in our community we call Church inflict upon on another is truly one heavy hors d'ouvers! But, friends, it is the real world that we live in. Unfortunately it is a kingdom on earth that is both spiritual and temporal. Yet, the challenge we have is to see beyond the chinks in the armor. Are we any better than Jesus who had to encounter those who did not trust him, those who feared him, those whose set ways were challenged by him?

One of the greatest blessings that God has given either me or you is that each of us has the opportunity to be like John the Baptist. Through our dedication to our faith, we can help make straight the crooked ways we encounter. Perhaps the most demanding characteristic of our Church, the kingdom of God on this earth, is HOPE. We cannot abandon the gifts God has given us simply because we find a faulty light bulb! Parents on occasion find themselves disappointed, frustrated even angry at times with their offspring. Yet how rare it is to find a parent who gives up hope that a confused and hurting offspring will turn around and become truly a pride and joy.

In our kingdom of God it is no different. Adults will be kids at times. We must always hope. It is the nature of the kingdom of God on this earth to work its way through painful moments ... because we have been promised a kingdom beyond belief ... because we can hope for what is better, what has been promised to us.

2011-12-19T07:35:00.000-05:00

My Father's Kingdom

We draw closer to the celebration of Jesus' birth. Once he has finished his own personal "formation" with Mary and Joseph, he will begin his ministry ... preaching the Kingdom of God, aka the Kingdom of Heaven. As mentioned in a prior posting, the phrase "kingdom of God" are New Testament terms. Only once in the Old Testament, in the Book of Wisdom, chapter 10, verse 10 can you find this phrase.

As Jesus began his days of preaching and teaching, the people of Yahweh were longing for this new kingdom. They were no different from their ancestors. As Cardinal Wuerl writes in Seek First the Kingdom of God, little did the people have any notion of what this kingdom would be like. An interesting side reading is a history of the kings of the Jewish people. Google, of course, can be somewhat helpful here.

The prophet Samuel, recognized as a holy man, close in his prayer with Yahweh, became for the people of Yahweh after "Adam's reign ended rather badly" (Wuerl, p 25), a means to seeking divine assistance in securing a king. Unfortunately the kind of king the people wanted was what we would call the warrior king. This man was to be a ruler over nations. Power and prestige were to be this king's brand. Samuel acceded to their requests and ultimately "anointed" several kings because power and greed brought down the kingdom of Israel.

Eventually the House of David came into being. David was consider by the people to be the longed-for messiah. In fact, David "provided a prototype" for later generations of the faithful in Israel. A study of the history of the Jewish people puts forward an interesting reality: hope is a major character trait of the Israel people despite the periods of pain and exile endured over the years. It was the words of the Prophets describing the hoped for kingdom that encouraged the Jewish people.

Once preaching, Jesus taught (Luke 7:22) the people about the wonders of the kingdom of God, his Father. To clarify for the people what his words meant, one Sabbath day Jesus spoke out about himself and how God had anointed him to be the person who would bring about the realization of the kingdom. Cardinal Wuerl refers to Jesus' words in Luke 4:18-21 as his "inaugurating the kingdom of the Messiah (p.26).

As we many did follow Jesus but there were those who could not accept his teachings. Jesus told them of his messiahship in words and events not easily accepted. No one had raised anyone from the dead before! The people continued in their desire for the warrior king. This kingdom of God Jesus was teaching was a new and unheard of power. It was in his ministry that he daily taught about the new kingdom would surpass any of their dreams. Why? Because it would be a spiritual, supernatural power that Jesus was giving to them. Again, it would be only understood with the "eyes of faith."

So as you look at creche scenes in these days of Christmas celebration, think about this kingdom that Jesus was bringing to the people, to us even today. It is a very different power that God has offered you and me for our lives. It is a kingdom where weapons are traded for acts of kindness and love. It is a kingdom where the King is more concerned about the subjects than about himself. This is the Kingdom of God. This is the kingdom that is offered to you and me each day of our lives.

2011-12-17T15:38:00.000-05:00

Fourth Sunday of Advent

As surely as we think of Christmas, thoughts of Santa Claus are soon to follow. Likewise, when we think of the birth of Jesus, thoughts of Mary come to mind. Petition the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind, your very soul, to strengthen your understanding of the various implications that this young girl's "fiat" (let it be done unto me) will have in her life and what impacts it has had on your life. Furthermore let this prayerful reflection on Mary's role open for you an insight into how your baptism and reception of the Holy Eucharist are significant moments in our lives with a Christmas relationship. These are ultimately the call to respond to God's call for our own "fiat" to his will that we give birth go Jesus in our lives and in our world.

The angel's bidding, "Hail, (you who are) full of grace" must have been both puzzling and frightening to such a young woman. Surely Mary realized the greeting indicated that she was being specially bless by Yahweh. When you were baptized (in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit) those words were for you the proclamation that you, too, were being specially graced by God with a singular mission. When you were first given the Eucharist, the words "The Body of Christ," were yet another proclamation of your being particularly bless by God to give birth to Jesus not only in your body and soul but also to proclaim it to your world.

In the Old Testament writings we encounter "the house of David." King David understood God's request that he build a house that would dignify God's presence among his people. King David responded the way most would. He must have said to himself "I will see to it that a worthy temple is built for the Ark of the Covenant. This would replace the tent that had been used for many years. Even in Jesus lifetime there was the on-going construction of the sacred space. If God himself or an emissary came to you today and asked that a suitable "house" be built for him, surely most would immediately begin thinking of architects, bank loans, real estate agents and so forth. We humans are the same whether in Old or New Testament days, even in our very modern world. Yet this was not Yahweh's intention. His "house" was not to be of wood, stone or massive steel columns. Rather the words "The Lord will make you a House" are meant to be understood differently. God wanted lineage for his Son when he would be born on this earth. Mary was asked to carry on the lineage of the House of King David and his descendants. This is somewhat similar to the British Empire's House of Windsor. So Mary's "fiat" resulted in her providing "physical space" within her womb for the Son of God, for a continuation of the House of David.

As you remember Mary during these closing days of the Advent season, let your heart reflect upon God's invitation to you, asking you to provide a dwelling place in your heart and soul for his Son. Christmas is that time of year when God repeats his invitation to give birth to Jesus in your temple. We are called again to make the same "Yes" that Mary once made. We know it is no different. Like Mary, there will be for challenges to that commitment. It is easy to say "Yes." It is much more challenging to live out your "Yeses." The Eucharist, however, will be for you the same strength that Mary had within her body as she nurtured the Son of God for his birth, his entrance into a new world.

This week leading to Christmas Day can be an extraordinary time for each of us. Open your heart! Fiat! Fiat!

2011-12-16T22:38:00.000-05:00

What is A Parable?

We hear the word "parable" frequently, especially in the gospel stories used for our Masses of obligation on the weekends. It may be one of those scripture words we hear so often that we might say to ourselves, "Oh, yeah, another parable story." However, if asked what the meaning of the word is, most would reply simply "One of the stories Jesus told one group or another." This answer might be graded poorly. Why? It misses the purpose of the story. A parable is a comparison story.

Remember a previous reference to asking young people to define words that do not fully or exactly comprehend because of a lack of vocabulary. But they know it is "like" this or that. We adults are really not so different. So, Jesus, in teaching about the kingdom, turns to the favorite word of youth: "like." Jesus says in 6 specific teaching moments that the kingdom is "like" something our hearts and minds can grasp. We know we just do not have the spiritual capabilities to comprehend the totality of God's kingdom. Jesus recognizes that inability. He teaches that the kingdom is "like" something from individual's personal experience. Cardinal Wuerl cites 6 instances where Jesus says what the kingdom is like. The kingdom is like (a) a valuable pearl (Mt 13:45-46); (b) a field where treasure has been buried (Mt 13:44); (c) a seed growing in the ground (Luke 8:5-15); (d) yeast that causes dough to rise; (e) field of grain infiltrated by weeds (Mt 13:24-30); and (e) a fishing net that produces a successful catch but at the same time junk (Mt 13:47)

The noteworthy reality about the kingdom as Jesus taught it is that it "works powerfully, but quietly, gradually and invisibly, like seed and like yeast" (p23). Likewise the kingdom is not an exclusive country club. There are weeds and junk. God does not want anyone to have missed the opportunity to make his/her way into the kingdom. What a comfort this can be to those who struggle with various weaknesses that separate a true follower from Jesus. Lastly, however, from these comparisons we have the opportunity to learn what obligations we carry, living in the kingdom. If we nurture prayer and reach out to others in need, we become the recipients of abundance -- God's abundant graces will strengthen us.

2011-12-16T07:02:00.000-05:00

Where is the Kingdom of God?

(NASA Photo)

Just what is this "Kingdom of God"? It must be different from the kingdoms that continue to service in different parts of the world. How can you even attempt to describe it? At its root, notes Cardinal Wuerl, "... the kingdom of God is the presence of God."

We claim that we are among those who follow Jesus. Many of us do. For us knowledge and some understanding of the kingdom is important. To his first disciples Jesus said "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you" (Mk 4:10). But to us who endeavor to know and to see the kingdom of God, we have been blessed with "eyes of faith". However, we must know where to look for these eyes to work. Most people will focus upon the word "eyes." More important however are the words "of faith". This is important to understand in itself because we are dealing not with the materialistic world but, rather, the spiritual realms. For us spiritual "things" or realities are much like the wisp's of burning logs on a fireplace somewhere nearby which we cannot see but which our nose tells us are out of sight but nonetheless very real.

But how do we come to get at least some notion of the world of the spiritual? Listen to young people who lack the vocabulary to describe adequately something that is far from tangible for them. How many times in the description will you hear the word "like"? Countless! Adults, although with more information in their minds, are much like the younger set. Jesus knew that! His means of helping us understand the spiritual world can be found in the parables!

So, the kingdom might be very difficult to describe -- again it is invisible, spiritual -- but God has given us walkers, canes, crutches to help us begin to understand something about the kingdom. We surely need all of these aides especially if we believe the presence of God is everywhere.

2011-12-14T23:44:00.000-05:00

Let the Light of Your Faith Shine

Let's continue with the gospel appointed for today's liturgy and Chapter One --We Look for a Kingdom-- of Cardinal Wuerl's new publication. Surely a significant difficulty for Roman Catholics as well as other mainline creeds is the world "kingdom." Nothing could be further from our experience. Kingdom? We don't deal with "kingdom" in a democracy! Perhaps our lack of familiarity with both the word and its meaning has somewhat diluted the theological importance of the word in what is a most treasured prayer: the Our Father ... thy kingdom come!" Even Blessed John Paul II developed a fourth category of mysteries for reflection while saying the Rosary one of which is the Proclamation of the Kingdom.

When Jesus inaugurated his public ministry much of his teaching was related to the Kingdom of God. Likewise the major new Testament writers, the Cardinal points out, are captivated by Jesus' preaching about the kingdom. So, what is it Christians, especially we of the Roman Catholic community, seem to have lost the significance of the kingdom.

We know from our reading and our hearing read Jesus' words about the kingdom, how important a part of his message it was and continues to be. So strong were Jesus' words that worldly leaders were on the alert when Jesus would preach about God's kingdom. Cardinal Wuerl is strong as well: "God's kingdom is serious business. It still is."

Perhaps our reticence springs from our lack of familiarity with the topic. Again, this Advent might be the moment God is calling you and/or me not to back away from challenge to our faith. This means personal renewal or simply personal learning.

Again we are called to speak out for our faith ... now is the time. The Gospels call each of us to recognize that "the kingdom of God is important in our lives." This is a part of our mission in the world today. The question might be: how do I reflect the light of Christ among those who know me?

2011-12-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

Around the Water Cooler

(123rf.com)

Today we celebrate another Advent saint, another St. John, better known as John of the Cross. He is another of the pre-Christmas saints' days when we experience a reflection of Jesus Christ. Yesterday I received a package in the mail: Cardinal Wuerl's Christmas gift to the priests of the Archdiocese. "Seek First the Kingdom" is the Archbishop's latest effort to share his extraordinary theological insights. As I began to read his message that we today can "challenge the culture by living our faith," I felt genuine hope that this book will be of great help to all of us in the upcoming year of evangelization that Pope Benedict with begin on the Feast of Christ the King 2012. This was precisely how John of the Cross attempted to reform his religious community. The President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, in the forward to the Cardinal's words not "A solid grounding in the faith, moreover, is only a first step toward effective Christian witness in a pluralistic society." Yes, living a life that is perceived by our sisters and brothers in our faith as well as our colleagues "around the water cooler," at the Rotary Club luncheons or sitting in the viewing stands at a Little League contest or an NFL battle is no easy task. It is truly a contemporary challenge.

However, we must not forget the words repeated many times by Blessed John Paul II: "BE NOT AFRAID." Our faith today has to be strong, must be tolerant and we must make it significant in so many different situations. Cardinal Wuerl drives home the point that it is true that we are called to seek the kingdom of God but that is not enough. We must strive to "build up" the kingdom as well. No season of the Church's year could be more suitable for taking a look at the foundations of my faith than the weeks leading to a celebration of Jesus' birth. It is with a faith strengthened by personal renewal that each of us can indeed be like John of the Cross. We can bring about a contemporary reformation within our faith. If one person takes this change seriously, at least one "footprint" will have been "reclaimed for Christ. And if many people do so ... an entire culture can change and be renewed."

Please remember a marvelous man, Robert Sullivan, member of Jesus the Divine Word Parish, Huntingtown, who died this morning. A fellow Gonzaga High School graduate, Rob was always helping me, along with others, while pastoring the flock there. Please remember his wife, Barbara and their family. Eternal rest grant unto Rob, Lord.

2011-12-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

Choices!

Today's gospel reading brought to mind the picture above because it said to me "Which way are you going to go?" We know the story of the two sons and how the first son's refusal and later decision to fulfill his father's will stand in great contradiction to the second son who said "Yes," but had no intention of following his father's wishes. It seems that duplicity is so much worse that saying "No" but then having a change of heart.

Eleanor Roosevelt spoke these words: In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own.

Think back to December, 2006. Can you recall where you were or what you were doing? Are you any different today than you were then? Some would say that you are no different. You may have added or lost a few pounds. You may have less covering on the top of your head. Basically, I am the same person I was in 2006 except for this fact: my choices have made me different in some ways.

During these last two weeks of Advent, we will find ourselves and our lives under the influence of choices ... because the pre-Christmas days and events necessitate some change in our lives.

In those past five years I know that I have attempted to adjust to a life of post-surgery and the reality that I have coronary heart disease. So during these years my mind has turned to determining what should I be in these later years of my life. The choices I have made and will make determine so much of what I can be. Pythagoras had these words for people like me: "Choices are the hinges of destiny."

What I have finally begun to realize is a true challenge at least to me: at this time in my life to decide what I want to be demands that I have to say to myself "I will stop doing this or that." Choices! Choices!

2011-12-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe

As we say during this month, "'tis the season.'" The story of Mary's special relationship to Tepeyac is what is so often her very essence: giving. Just imagine what a gift Mary gave to the people of Mexico through the dedication of St. Juan Diego, canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II and how it has impacted the faith life of the people of that nation and in many other places around the world.

William Barclay has the following attributed to his sensitive soul: "Always give without remembering, always receive without forgetting."

Should you live your life with this kind of direction, you will discover an even more remarkable experience: the more you give, the more you get ... so long as you do not give so you will get. In our world today, there is the challenge to understand how much giving is in our lives or how little there might be during serious economic circumstances. The highlighted words are those of High Point University (in High Point, NC) President Dr. Nido R. Qubein. He is totally committed to the following thought and action in his words: "It's all about your spirit. I don't believe you should give until it hurts. I believe you should give until it feels good."

And looking for meaning in your life? Listen again to Dr. Qubein: "Many people looking for meaning in their lives find it by losing themselves in causes greater than they are."

2011-12-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday

Today's Readings

"If anyone has not had a real experience of salvation which we are all being called to share in our lives here and now," ... if anyone has not yet had that experience, then we might easily say that Christmas has never really come into that person's life. Words of another priest who reflects on this particular Sunday.

His message reflects the truest meaning of bring Jesus, the Christ Child, into our lives. We must recall this Child is the "Jesus who makes us whole." The joy of the Christmas season is that this Child Jesus it is who frees us from different experiences of captivity that at times overtake our hearts, our lives.

Perhaps the "Gaudete" imperative does not have the significance for us that it did at the time when this special Sunday in Advent occurred. Remember that in earlier days much more prayer and fasting was the tone of the Advent season. The Church established this particular Sunday as a reminder of the reason for the various penitential practices. There was much more attention to the reality of sin in personal lives.

We are called, like the moon for the last few nights, to be great reflectors not so much of the sun but rather of the SON of God, the Light of the world. We are called by our baptisms and incorporation into our Church to bring this Jesus into the experience of others' lives.

And how so? Return to the Isaiah reading: " ... to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the hearts that are broken, to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison ...." Nicely said but how do we fulfill these challenges?

Reach out to those who are poor either spiritually or materially. There is so much poverty even in our nation of great abundance. How many are suffering social ills, emotional chains, intellectual struggles with the truth. These are individuals who are unable to overcome those realities that drain their spiritual reservoirs. How can I reach out to those whose lives are miserable experiences because of obsessions or addictions? How can I help someone who has lost the reason for living or has turned his or her life over to play at sex but cannot know true love? How can I reflect the love of Jesus Christ to those who lives are eaten away by unhealthy isolation or painful loneliness?

The Lord has come to set us free from these same burdens. We partake of these graces perhaps so often we come to overlook how blessed we truly are! Let us truly endeavor to reach out to those who are waiting for Jesus to come to them ... but do not know it!

Reach out! It is the only way to enjoy fully the joy of Christmas. Gaudete! Gaudete!

2011-12-09T07:47:00.000-05:00

"Do you hear what I hear?"

The two readings today are helpful invitations to prayer during these middle-days of Advent. The first reading from (Second) Isaiah continues to put before the Jewish people reasons for hope and promises for joy as the new King Cyrus played a significant role in returning the faithful to Jerusalem so that they could rebuild their most sacred physical space, the Temple in Jerusalem. The days of return and the days of beginning to build the Temple provided the people time for rebuilding their own spirituality. It was a time for them to open their hearts to "the Sacred." It is a reminder to them of a well-known Genesis verse (22:17): I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore."

In the gospel we are challenged to hear the message that our Creator God is offering us in our times. In the gospel Jesus is rather sharp putting forward a reprimand to the crowds who seem to need hearing aids. This is why Jesus compared the crowds to the young people seeming playing games in the town square and saying to those who did not pay attention: "We piped and you did not dace; we wailed and you did not mourn."

Two examples: John the Baptist came with a different style of living, fasting, not drinking and wearing must unusual and unfitting clothing. The people considered possessed by some kind of evil spirit. Yet, when Jesus came who apparently dined with the a la their customs, eating and drinking with them, he became an announced glutton and drunkard. Of course, too, he was account of being the friend of tax collectors and other sinners.

So what for us? If we do not understand and listen for "the Sacred" in others, we are no different. We hear time and again reminders from pulpits and from our personal spiritual reading that God is calling us to recall his will for us. A friend recently told me that his relative had dropped out of "church going" because the pastor could never get beyond asking for money. The irony to it is that man's parish was a hair's width away from bankruptcy! Might it not be like promising that you would never return to a certain shopping center because you did not like the new refacing project in the shopping center! Now you opt for driving twenty-five miles to another location! Make any sense????

Where there is pain or loss because of dissatisfaction, is walking away the answer? It is, rather, a time to listen .... "to listen to what I (Jesus) said." He is say, "Do you hear what I hear (.... from my Father in heaven)?" Advent should be a time when we look at renew our Savior's role for us: "He is the embodiment of the Wisdom of God" Fr John Daley, SJ).

2011-12-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Continuing some thoughts about "the Sacred" conjoined to the feast day celebrated by the Church today will end up something of a surprise. Stephanie Dowrick noted how a yoga teacher concluded the regular session with a simple invitation: "view through the mind's eye 'our whole selves'." For Dowrick this was "the invitation" that opened the door to "the Sacred." She realized that all she was was itself all sacred. (Seeking the Sacred: Transforming Our View of Ourselves and One Another[published 2010]

Reading through Dowrick's thoughts and entering my own efforts at seeking "the Sacred," I sense that this seeking is what Dowrick calls an "adventure." For her intellect is important but also consequence are "imagination and vision."

The feast of the Immaculate Conception relates to Mary in a particular way for me. It is this. As a young woman Mary was faced with a question, a decision, that would change her life as well as the course of human history. For God's will to be achieved Mary had to make her choice using her own free will. Like me and you, Mary could have been living in the consequences of Original Sin. However, this was the gift for her: she was free from the sin of our first parents.

We can consider this: because Mary was never subject to the consequences of Original Sin, she was able to be open to so many ways of experiencing "the Sacred." Unlike Mary, we were damaged by the actions of Adam and Eve. Yet we were not without salvation. Mary's choice to accept the invitation of God to bring His Son into our world to repair the garden damage.

Surely Mary knew how to bring herself into the presence of "the Sacred." Perhaps today we might take some time to imagine ourselves sitting near Mary in her prayer, her openness to "the Sacred." There we might consider how we attempt to drive sin from our lives to enable our own spirit to link itself with "the Sacred." The more often we do this, the "easier" will be our time in prayer. Now to the change in direction hinted in the opening paragraph.

Yours truly usually is awakened during the middle of the night or early morning by a whining and bark that is the signal: get me outside quickly. So, this morning, in my state of just being jolted from deep sleep, I jacketed myself and headed for the front door. When I opened the door and allow Hershey to step outside, the door slammed shut because of the wind! Guess what? You have it, I suspect. All keys were inside. Rush to the rectory where there is usually a key that would allow me entrance and a second key!!! Where was that key???? Removed from its usual "hiding place." So, at 4:14 AM, Hershey inside my jacket we went to the nearby gas station. At first the young man working behind the protection of locks and glass, would not allow me and my treasure to stand inside. Tried reaching two or three people who could help ... now answer. (There off my Christmas list!!!!) Likewise I tried 911 and am still waiting for an officer to come to assist me. (Wait 'til there next call for financial support!!!) After being out for about an hour plus, the young man invited me into his outer room where the candies and drinks were displayed. It led to a very interesting conversation about religion. Napal was his home. But he has switched from Hinduism to Christianity. He has studied the bible. He wanted to know about Catholicism. Maybe something said will impact him. Then at 6:45 AM a customer, seeing this old man and his dog, asked if we need a ride. So by 7 AM, rectory copy of the key in hand, I opened the front door and allowed one cold man with his quite warm dog back into the house. Having Hershey inside my jacket surely helped keep the two of us warm. You can be sure Hershey's halter will have a key attached! Even better, I may find a key pad lock!

But it gave me much time to think about the challenge to the homeless on cold nights. Several people just walked by as I stood next to one of the gas pumps that offered protection against the wind. God bless that lady and her needs. She was a God sent gift. So say a prayer today for a Kathy who helped Hershey and his sleepy-headed owner!

2011-12-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

The journey of each season of the Church's Liturgical Calendar is, I believe, simply a search for the Sacred. There are saints and sinners honored. Their lives, letters and other writings divulge their personal effort to discover and live in the Sacred. Recall during this season some of the religious carols that clearly express the composers' desire to enter into the experiences of the Sacred. In this work they have put together for musicians, singers and audiences a sharing of their vision of the Sacred as they have found it in the words they have composed.

The very effort to discover the Sacred, when looked at closely, unites us with one another throughout the world. Some may feel that gaining any degree of participation int he Sacred is an opening of ourselves to know more about ourselves. In the right setting, doesn't the Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, left you from this world into an experience of the Sacred where you might possibly find yourself in a moment of metanoia, transformation.

As you wok your Advent journey, take the time to let your inner spirit find the quiet that serves as the key to the reality of the Sacred. It is truly worth every second you can invest in such quiet. There you will find the key that opens the heart to the Sacred.

2011-12-06T07:16:00.001-05:00

Today our reading introduces us to the second part of the Book of Isaiah. In particular this section is call "Second Isaiah" or "The Book of Consolation." It is a very different style of writing and the message is very different from the firsts 40 chapters. There is a clear movement from the harsher prophecies to words of consolation, to words of comfort for the Jewish people ending a period of captivity and beginning the return home.

Now is the time for us to fulfill part of our obligations as Roman Catholics to make known the Jesus who will be a sign of consolation and comfort as well. Just recall the imagery Jesus gives us during his days of preaching. The Prodigal Son. The Good Shepherd. Jesus at the well with the woman. This is the reason for the Advent Season -- awake followers, celebrate my birth once again but celebrate the tremendous gift that you will receive from me. I am your Savior.

Apologies for missing a reflection yesterday. On Saturday I brought a new responsibility into my residence: a 10 week old Chocolate Labrador. All was going very well ford the first two days. Yesterday I took him to the vet for a required shot and other medicines. What a different dog he was yesterday. Hyperactivity marked the entire day. I have earned something of the "spirit" in the house of those who return with a newborn. Not equating a dog with a child, but find the attention sought and needed so similar to what I have seen. His name: Hershey. Born 9/22/11. Already 14.5 pounds. At the moment snoring at my feet. Would that I could get up without his realizing this his new found buddy is walking away from the chair I am sitting in. By the way there has been one major help: he barks when he needs to go outside for necessary actions!!! The only unpleasant mess on the carpet came not directly from him but from the bottom of my shoe!!! It is fun and it will be a learning experience ... for me!

2011-12-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

Second Sunday of Advent

The featured preacher today is John the Baptist. He, as all know, is the relative and friend of Jesus who calls all to "repent and make straight" the way we live our lives. For most that "repent" word usually means that there is a need for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Gospel repentance, as an Irish Jesuit noted, is more than an invitation. It is a calling. It is a calling to do more than remove sin from our "record." Gospel repentance is a calling to change one's life, one's way of living.

The same Irish Jesuit noted that we are fortunate to receive this calling because its requirements are not required immediately. God's calling for most people is given a length of time for its fulfillment. God is always generous. The call to repentance we hear from John the Baptist can be likened to the unknown voice of "On Star" or any one of the GPS devices found in other cars without On Star or even on some cell phones. It is the voice that says "Recalculating." Or it is the voice that says "at the first opportunity, make a U Turn."

During this Advent Season that inaugurates the Church's 2012 Liturgical Year, we are called, as in prior Advents, to instill in our lives a genuine peace that comes about by making a serious effort to live as Jesus has called us. And, at the same time, this Advent season can easily become a time when each of us has the opportunity to lead another person to the Bethlehem stable to know the love of Jesus Christ.

2011-11-25T08:12:00.000-05:00

Extended Absence

Dear Readers and Prayers

Due to an overly busy calendar in my life

for the next week

I know there will not be the opportunity

to prepare blog postings.

I regret the absence of some thoughts for you.

It is my intention to resume the postings

on the First Sunday of Advent,

December 4, 2011.

I am currently preparing for a funeral later

this morning and a wedding rehearsal

out of town this afternoon

the wedding tomorrow afternoon

and leaving on Sunday morning

at 4 AM to fly to another country

to be present at the wedding of a relative

and then to return only to take off for

Massachusetts to pick up my new dog

Hershey.

Welcome to the new liturgy by the way!!

Until Advent begins ....

2011-11-24T07:31:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Day 2011

How simple is the expression "Thank You!" Needless to say, Thanksgiving Day in the United States ushers in a season packed with occasions and signals that remind us of the almost countless blessings we have received and continue to receive.

For me in this early hour of the morning, I sit before a tabernacle and the vary presence of Jesus Christ. In a few hours I will stand at an altar and join in the words of consecration during a Thanksgiving Day Liturgy. How gifted am I! Could there ever be enough times that I could utter those two words? I think not!

The gospel today is the account of Jesus meeting ten lepers. He was moved by consequences of the illness that had made their lives so very different and obviously difficult. "Have pity on us!" Four words and a lifetime was changed.

Yet the human tragedy continued: not the terrible disease but the apparent failure of giving thanks in 90% of those who were cured. Is there something in the 9 to 1 ration of this story that might have a relationship to us today in our world and time? If we were to take the time to recall the many gifts God has bestowed upon us, would we remember more than 10% of all the graces and gifts God has bestowed upon us?

A Dominican friar, a recognized mystic, after considering how blessed we are each, day, each hour, each minute for a lifetime suggested this insight for our prayer: "If the only prayer you said in your whole life was "Thank You!" that would be sufficient.

Today many people in our world are suffering great financial distress. Fortunes have been lost, homes are no longer "owned." Food lines and outreach kitchens are serving greatly increased numbers. Am I grateful simply for the chapel in which I pray and prepare these thoughts? Do I have to worry about not having breakfast later this morning? Will I share in a Thanksgiving Meal?

Let us give thanks today in a special way for more than we can imagine.

2011-11-23T06:37:00.000-05:00

Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro, SJ

(1981-1927)

Today we celebrate another martyr's life for the Church, for the people of God. In Mexico, Jesuit Father Miguel Pro, was executed on this day in 1927 because of his faith and this refusal to live by the Mexican government's legislation that strictly limited public worship. Anti-Catholicism was rampant in government offices and activities. The public celebration of Mass by a priest was cause for severe punishment, even execution. He was known for the different disguises he would wear so that he could minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those who were poor even the rich and in some cases members of the government party and other political parties in Mexico. In the spirit of Ignatius Loyola, Pro was truly a man of genuine evangelization. His life in Mexico was indeed a proclamation of the Gospel. His deep spirituality was complemented by an extraordinary sense of humor which brought so many to him. One of his recognized comments made clear his simplicity and his determination: Pointing to his crucifix, he said: "Here is my weapon. With this I do not fear anyone."

In November, 1927, there was a failed assassination attempt against the President of Mexico. Because a car used in the crime had once been owned by Pro's brother, it was used to tromp an accusation against Pro and his brother. On this day in 1927, the priest was taken from his jail cell to the site of execution. After kneeling in prayer, he stood before the military men who would fire their rifles against this holy man. As rifles were raised, Pro shouted out "Viva Cristo Rey" (Long live Christ the King).

Such a threat to the national government, Padre Pro's execution was photographed and published throughout Mexico. Why? The President wished to intimidate priests and others who were had not fears in practicing their faith. The consequences of this government order were the opposite.

Our Church has many men and women who have willingly acted to proclaim their faith in the most dangerous situations. Their commitment to Jesus Christ, the Church and the people of their ministry enabled them to face their deaths with much peace of mind and heart.

Today, throughout the world, there are still forces that are threatened by the lives and faith of men and women who struggle of justice and peace. There is scarcely a year that passes when the Holy See does not publish a list of men and women recognized by the Church as men and women who gave their lives because they believed and were not afraid to proclaim their faith.

And what does this man's life and feast today stir up in your heart? Does it make you consider the times when you may have been called upon to stick up for your Church, your faith but you backed away because of possible embarrassment or ridicule? We do live in a culture that daily challenges the Ten Commandments and the life of the gospel that Jesus Christ preached ... and for which he also died!

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we might include among the many reasons we hold gratitude as so important in our lives the fact that there are many who have died and others who have suffered and continue to suffer for the sake of their faith and the ministry of evangelization to the people of God.

2011-11-22T06:34:00.001-05:00

Today's gospel instigates some biblical history awareness as well as a call for understanding why we continue to build churches. During the month of November we have had days when the Church calls us to remember three specific churches in Rome: St. John Lateran, St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Paul Outside-the-Walls (of ancient Rome). In OT times the temple in Jerusalem was important to the Jewish people and their faith. The first temple, built to end the traveling tent of exile days. The first of three great temples was built by King David's son, King Solomon between 960-950 BC. This temple would replace the tent and lend greater importance to the contents in the symbolic house of Yahweh: the tablets of the 10 Commandments, a scroll with the inscribed words of the first five books of the Old Testament also known as the Jewish Bible, Aaron's staff and a container of manna from the desert days. All to remind the people of their painful days of Exodus.

In587 BC during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem, Solomon's great work was destroyed. Then, to commemorate another time of exile, 538-515 BC, King Zerubbabel built the second great Jerusalem Temple. In the year 20 BC, King Herod built the third and last Jerusalem Temple. This was the temple where Jesus prayed and taught. It is the temple mentioned in the gospels and other NT letters. This 3rd temple was destroyed by the Roman armies in the year 70 AD. To this day there has not be the construction of the 4th Temple.

Some may wonder why another sacred space has not been built. The teachings of Jesus and the writings of St. Paul especially have influenced this decision ... and undoubtedly the cost of such construction in modern times. It is also the reason the Church celebrates the construction of the newer basilicas in Rome: we are, all of us temples of the Holy Spirit. God created us this way. It was his unique gift to us to assist us to withstand the challenges that would confront each person in the course of life. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

So from the ancient and the modern worlds and history, we recognize that there is a need in human being to have a "locus" (Latin for "place") for our worship as a community of believers. There is a unique challenge for us with regard to these places we call sacred space. Buildings are buildings. They give witness to God's presence among and within our communities. We must not overlook the more important reality: each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Shouldn't this be a determining factor about how we live our lives? This is the reason for all of this reflection on temples, basilicas and churches. They exist to bring our communities together in worship and personal prayer. But the most significant temple is each person's body -- the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We should remember there are never schedule ceremonies in that temple. The Holy Spirit is always present for listening!

2011-11-21T03:11:00.000-05:00

Today our Church celebrates an event that was presumed to have happened ... The Presentation of Mary in the temple. There are no written accounts in the bible about this day in Mary's life. There are several other writings that offer an account of such an event. There is no unanimity in these texts. The rescan the Church puts this event before us is simple built upon an assumption. Bring good Jewish parents, Joachim and Ann presumably brought their daughter to the temple for a blessing and some learning. For us this feast day is a reminder that Mary course in life was very much like any good Jewish child's upbringing would follow customary practices.

The gospel reading for this Monday of the last week of the liturgical year speaks about the offering of the poor widow to the temple coffers. Her gift far exceeds many others present who gave from what they did not need. Reflecting on the message of this selection, I recall a sentence: "why does a $20 bill for an offering in a church collection seem so large when only the day before it seemed to be so small at the mall?"

2011-11-18T08:29:00.000-05:00

How often do we hear or read about the "temple," the sacred temple in Jerusalem? I suspect most of us just take those references to that temple as another church type building from Old Testament times. But for the Jewish people and its traditions, the Temple in Jerusalem is the "Holy of Holies." There is no other place more significant to them for their worship and prayer. For them the people of Yahweh could not gather in any other place that was as sacred.

If you recall the events in the life of Jesus, many days of his life saw him in the temple from the day that his mother took him there for what we call the Presentation. The time that Jesus was "lost," was solved when his parents found him teaching the elders in the temple. Likewise, recall the time when Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple to tempt him. There are other events in his life that occurred there.

What can the reading from 2 Maccabees offer for our reflection today? Well, first we need to recall words from St. Paul who stressed in his preaching and teaching that we are God's temple. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is truly important for us to take time to reflect on the reality that has not changed and will never change: Each one of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul said "For we are the temple of the living God." Also he wrote "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" And again, "For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." Lastly, "... you are God's temple and God's Spirit dwells in you."

Perhaps there is no better way to determine ways for us to become holier ... reflecting upon the reality of the sacredness of who and what we are! Naturally just a we have to take our cars in to a Jiffy Lube or some other company, our "temple" may at times need a checkup, a time to replace a filter, to change the oil in our lives and so one. You get the message, I am sure. The most important check up we can make is to daily pray for the graces to be made aware of any needs we have to make changes within our temple. Maybe there is a time when we need to let Jesus come into our temple and turn the tables on us just as he did in his lifetime when he discovered the awe and sacredness of the temple was being compromised.

To accomplish a good check up of our spiritual engine that operates our temple, we should consider just why God would want us to be known as his temples? First and foremost, I believe, he needs us as his temples that are in good shape to be the conduit for his graces and activities in the lives of others. We have to believe that God loves us because he made us. That is the sign of our vocation to be his apostles in our times. Being fully aware of our status as temples of the Holy Spirit is, when you seriously consider its meaning, is how we bring about a true evangelizing process in our lives. It is how we continue to strengthen the growth of God's kingdom among us.

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

St Elizabeth of Hungary

1207-1231

Elizabeth married early in her teen years because of an arranged marriage. Faithful to her husband and their three children, Elizabeth was a woman also dedicated to the poor and needy. Her daily activities in their palace was an embarrassment to her in-laws. When her husband went to fight the Crusades, she was left with many responsibilities. During this time she did much to care not only for the poor but for the sick as well. She ordered several hospitals to be built. There she was often, dressing the wounds and sores of seriously ill patients all the while continuing to provide food and clothing for the poor.

News was received of her husband's death. At that time she and her children were driven from the palace ... social justice did not fit well with many officials of the kingdom. Thus it was that she became what we might call a "street person" or a "bag lady." She had become what she had given so much of her wealth and time to: a victim of cold and hunger. However, when her husband's wartime colleagues returned, Elizabeth was given much better care.

Elizabeth was a Third Order Franciscan and a woman of prayer. Many converts were brought to the faith by her example. At the age of 24 Elizabeth died. She is truly an example of a true believer who gave so much to the "least among us."

2011-11-16T07:29:00.001-05:00

Artwork: University of Scranton Public Relations Office

Today, while we read of the sacrifices of early martyrs in the 2nd Book of Maccabbes, I would like to offer you the reflection of a 3rd year law student, Daniel Ramirez, at Creighton University. Creighton is the Jesuit university in Omaha, Nebraska. The Society of Jesus in the USA and other Latino countries celebrate the martyrdoms of several proclaimed saints as well as the lives of six Jesuits and two associates, a mother and daughter, who were martyred in El Salvador. These recent martyrdoms impacted Daniel. I wish to share his reflection that he prepared for the Daily Reflections mission of Creighton University and its Jesuit Community. Clicking on the word LINK should bring you to Daniel's reflection. What is important to me is that martyrdom is not an old world, primitive experience only. It happens every year throughout the world when men and women offer their lives in support of their faith and its call to the followers of Jesus Christ to practice faith and justice. During this month when we remember the Holy Souls, let us not forget the men and women who have been called to offer their lives in sacrifice for their faith even though these martyrs may not yet have been raised to the community of Church-recognize honors. Thank you, Daniel, for your insights and willingness to share your thoughts and emotions on this day.

2011-11-15T06:32:00.000-05:00

Very Early Martyr: Eleazar

In today’s first reading we visit one of the Old Testament books that rarely is mentioned ... the Second Book of Maccabees. In this part of the book that is considered an historical account, we are introduced to a man of loyal dedication to his faith. His name is Eleazar. He is one of the earliest examples of martyrdom for the faith. The book focuses on events in the 180-160 BC.

Eleazar was a man in his late years. 100 years was not that far ahead for him. He had a great reputation as a distinguished teacher of the Law. It was not old age that took his life. It was, rather, his loyalty to his faith, his dedication to what he believed to be his responsibility: living the life as called for by the Jewish Law. To most today the cause of his death, the Jewish custom, seems unusual and, perhaps, somewhat silly. He was forced to eat a piece of meat, from a pig. Some may know that some Jewish people, the stricter segments of the Jewish faith, refuse to eat pork. Despite various schemes of deception suggested to Eleazar by close friends, this man of honor refused and willingly went to the torture that would bring about his death.

A sentence recorded as the words of this noble man certainly can be applied to our own times. “Pretense does not befit our time of life,” were words to his friends trying to persuade him to change his determined course of action. For Eleazar to eat a “trumpted up” piece of supposed meat was not possible. “I should only bring defilement and disgrace on my old age.” he said.

What this early martyr taught is simple. It is a quality that is considered as lacking in our culture today: there are some goals, some values in our lifetime that are more important than life itself. Loyalty to Jesus Christ and the life of the gospel that he taught us are realities that make the current struggle or perhaps fascination with “transparency” take on special meaning for men and women who profess to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

This visit to refresh our minds about Eleazar, the early martyr, might likewise provide an opportunity to understand the meaning of the word “martyr.” It is derived from the Greek language. It means “witness.” Surely the martyrs we have learned about through our faith and elsewhere provide a marvelous school of learning about character, strength and determination. While most of us today will not be called to the altar of martyrs, we are invited through our baptism and confirmation as well as the Eucharist we receive in the liturgy to give witness to our faith through the actions of our lives. We are, each one of us and each day, called upon to profess our faith because our society today is so lacking in the profession of genuine values.

Jericho Sighting

2011-11-14T07:19:00.003-05:00

picture from sodahead.com

Another familiar biblical event for us today: Jesus acknowledging the call of a man, a blind man, who desires to be healed of his blindness. Jesus responds as we would expect of him. Surely this was an event in the early day of the first century. We might consider what the message is for us today.

Today we live in a world and time when wars, abuse of so many kinds, economic depression and so forth. One must wonder what it is that brings about so much evil in our own times. What is the blindness that prevents seeing the reality that would bring about an end to such evils in our societies.

In today’s gospel there is an answer to some of our questioning. We encounter a blind man begging most likely because he cannot find any employment. He was not, however, a man who would simply live in his blindness, feeling sorry for himself. Albeit degrading, he was not ashamed to beg for his sustenance. He must have heard about the young preacher, Jesus, who was traveling about announcing something new. His message so often was about healing. It is not surprising that this man would call out to Jesus when he was told he was passing by.

Those seeking something for themselves, those who could see, those who could make their way along with Jesus, try to silence the voice calling for healing. Seemingly they did not want a societal misfit to distract Jesus from their own wants. Today we might see in the various evils of our times the voices and pressures that seek to keep us from overcoming evils in our lives.

We ourselves might reflect upon our actions, our personal points of reference: does Jesus have a healing part in our heart? Do we have the faith that the blind misfit had when he was determined not to allow the rebukes of the crowd put down his call for needed healing? Do we have the kind of faith that Jesus recognized in the blind man? Do we have the same kind of faith in our sometimes dire circumstances to call out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me”? Would Jesus reply to each of us with the same words: “... your faith has saved you”?

The Dare to Be Riskier

2011-11-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

Today's gospel story is not a scenario unknown to us either in hearing it or living it out! Most of us could repeat from memory the story of the three men entrusted with their boss' financial holdings. Two of these men did not fear taking the risk to prudently invest his monies, his treasure. The third employee was more concerned about himself than about increasing his employer's holdings.

This gospel story is about truly understanding the heart of stewardship: taking a risk with the gifts God has entrusted to us. It is no different than the risk God took in entrusting many gifts, many talents to each of us. It was the risk that God took in asking his Son to give his life to redeem the world, that is each one of us! The employees who took what was entrusted to them and determined to make more for their boss. The third employee demonstrated that in his heart he did not trust his boss. This last employee was more concerned about what losses he would encounter if he did not protect his boss' money entrusted to him.

This gospel story has a purpose for us today, particularly when 99% of us know we have to be most prudent with what funds we possess. What we cannot do, however, is to allow that prudence concerning our monies strap our taking a risk with the talents and time that God has entrusted to us. Risk in using our talents should not be a victim of financial crisis. Just the opposite might be true: the more we give of our talents when our personal treasury is diminished, the more we are gifted by the God who took a great risk with us! During times when personal finances may not allow you to be as generous as you may have been in days past, when there was greater abundance, are you even more generous in offering time and talents that God has entrusted to you?

Approaching Thanksgiving Day, we naturally reflect upon the many "gifts" that God has given to each of us. Are we perceptive enough to realize that not hiding the gifts God has given us, gifts that assist others, will ultimately result in God's increasing gifts to us in even greater abundance? Are we wise enough to realize that the riskier we are in giving others a share in our own time and talents, the more will God give us to risk? Think about this: what greater tribute could there be for a person than to be defined as a generous person!

The dare, the challenge, to each of us during these economically challenging days is not to bury our time and talents. This is a time when we should be investing our God-given talents and time in our various communities: the local parish or congregation, the local civic organizations that help others in so many different ways, the many non-profit organization who profit so much from volunteers' offering their time and talents. Do this you and you will multiply God's gifts to you "ad maiorem Dei gloriam" as St. Ignatius Loyola taught his Jesuit subjects and those who prayed through the Spiritual Exercises: all you do, you do "for the greater glory of God."

A Man Of Conviction: Josaphat

2011-11-12T07:33:00.000-05:00

Today the Roman Church honors again an extraordinary saint of the 17th century. A read of his, can provide the opportunity to know the man and the extraordinary sacrifices he made to seek unification with the See of Peter. Check out this website link

2011-11-11T06:16:00.001-05:00

Martin of Tours

316-397 AD

The Church honors one of its earliest saints and perhaps the first man to be proclaimed a saint without the sacrificing of his own life. Martin was a man who was born of pagan parents. Ultimately, he became a follower of Jesus' gospel life. Martin has always been a popular saint in the eyes of Catholics around the world. Why? He was a man who wanted to be a monk after a short stint in a local army. After leaving the world of the military, Martin turned to the world of faith, the world of religion. At the age of 18 Martin was baptized. Legend records that when 23 Martin was leaving the army but would not take the stipend awarded military personnel, insisting that the funds be given to those who would carry on the battles.

Tradition has it that Martin did become a monk ... but a travelling monk. When the man we know as Saint Hilary of Potiers was brought back to his episcopal see in France, Martin came to France where he established what some call the first monastery in France. The people of Tours "demanded" that he be consecrated the Bishop of Tours which eventually happened.

Throughout his life Martin was recognized as a defender of the faith as well as a defender of so many different people even heretics. The picture above relates to a story of Martin's care of the needy. When travelling, he encountered an elderly man who have few clothes. Martin removed his own cloak, used his sword to divide the cloak and gave the poor man half of the garment for his own clothing. Again legend has it that later, during the night, Martin saw Jesus in a dream. He came to Martin dressed like the poor man, dressed in the half of the cloak Martin had offered the needy man. Supposedly he heard Jesus say "Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with his garment."

Martin was also recognized as a man who stressed the importance of acting upon one's conscience. Throughout his life his adherence to acts of conscience were challenged because they involved risk. For Martin most matters of conscience were calls to action. For him to "not decide is to decide." He never turned his back from making a decision because it was difficult. Avoiding difficult situations was far from prudential behavior.

Today, I do not hear much about Martin of Tours. However, just reading a few accounts of his life has put before me a model for contemporary living: a man of principle, a man of determined will, a conscientious man, a man of prayer, a man of the gospels. Martin surely was a man committed to what we today call evangelizing.

2011-11-10T06:27:00.003-05:00

Potomac River at Point of Rocks, Maryland

In today’s gospel there is a response from Jesus to the Pharisees. These men wanted to know from Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. Their question, “when,” is not unknown among some people of our own time and culture. Earlier this year there were those who were certain that the world would end in May, 2011 and suddenly we would be confronted with the Kingdom of God.

Jesus’ reply can easily surprise even some among us. “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Scripture scholar Fr. Robert J. Karris, OFM notes the following in his commentary on the gospel of St. Luke: “These narrow-minded Christians are not able to see God’s kingdom present and with their comprehension in such events as Jesus’ cure of the unclean lepers and the grateful faith of a Samaritan (17:11-19), events that foreshadow the church’s mission to the Gentiles” [The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, p 709].

This part of Luke’s instruction is for the disciples who might grow weary in difficult times. They [and we] should remember that just as Jesus had to suffer, so too will those faithful disciples have to encounter suffering in their lives while they await the day when they are called to the Kingdom of God.

For humankind today we should listen to Jesus' message as used by St. Luke. The Kingdom of God is here among us. It is among us in the suffering of the poor and needy, the abused, the hurt, those struggling to know the Lord God, those who are in places where there is war, torture and revolution. We do not have to await the Kingdom of God ... it is among us. Do we have eyes and ears, hearts and minds that are open to seeing, to hearing and to knowing?

2011-11-09T07:09:00.000-05:00

Basilica of St John Lateran

Rome

One of the four major basilicas in Rome, a church visited by millions, a unique place for Church historians, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Holy Father) is the focus of our liturgy today. We can ask why we have an architectural masterpiece placed on the calendar of annual liturgies. It is referred to as John Lateran because the edifice is dedicated to the two greatest Johns of the founding years of the Roman Catholic Church: John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. This massive storehouse of Catholic Church history is situated on the Lateran Hill, one of Rome's famous "hills."

For all of its historical importance, we are not worshiping stone, wood and marble. This basilica has two important purposes: it is both a reminder of the past and, like every other church building throughout the world, a reminder that everyone who enters anyone of these sacred spaces is uniquely "built" by God, our Creator.

St. Paul understood this. He reminds the Church in Corinth as well as all of us: "Do you not know that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, that the Spirit of God dwells in you? ... for the temple of God, which you are, is holy."

Can there be any doubt that life, your life, your very person is indeed sacred. You are "sacred space." This day can be a reminder to each of us to reflect upon what St. Paul is teaching us. In our society today where we experience some treating their bodies and the bodies of others without any respect. Did you ever stop to think this: any time you are attending a meeting, that each person in the room with you has this unique characteristic? Surely this reality is a part of what Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI sees in the call to a new evangelizing: renewing in the hearts and minds of all that each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

2011-11-08T07:52:00.000-05:00

Origin and Destiny

(Photo from Daily Theme)

From today's first reading of of the daily liturgy your read or hear a word we may not consider all that often. Yet, it is a key that can open a genuine treasury. The word? Imperishable!

Surely many might wish to be imperishable but humankind does not consider an individual life as never-ending. But that "word": what does it say to us today?

As we draw towards the end of this current liturgical year, the readings are reminders that our earthly existence is but one stage in a person's full (imperishable) life. In these final days we are instigated to consider our origin and purpose: whence our beginning and ultimately where are we going?

Hopefully our reflections will bring us to realize how blessed each of us is. We are created by God as a unique individual. It is our gift we receive from the Holy Spirit as well as our Church and the teachings from our parents to realize how unique each of us is. Our dignity as a human person springs from the reality that we are God's creations. Each of us, regardless of race or creed, was created by God. Likewise each of us was created to return to God. That is our ultimate purpose -- through the life we live we earn an eternal gift of the continuation of the imperishable character given us by the divine Creator.

2011-11-05T22:58:00.000-04:00

Sunday

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

November 6, 2011

My first viewing of a picture of the 10 virgins that are part of a local wedding that Jesus uses to give us some thought about the end of the year ... the Church year, that is. During the final week of December we begin to hear comments about "resolutions" for the new year. Well, this particular reading from Matthew's gospel serves us well as a reminder: don't get left out! don't let the doors close before you get into the celebration.

We are approaching the closing of the current Church year on Saturday morning, December 1, 2011. Beginning with the Vigil on December 1st we begin with the Mass for the First Sunday of Advent for the year 2012.

In the gospel story the 10 virgins represent all of us ... they are a symbol of all the people in the Church. Jesus is using the metaphor of the wedding to teach his disciples and others that there will be a time when our lives come to an end. Like the virgins in the story, we are called upon to be ready for the day that Jesus comes to us, when God calls us from this world, from the mission he entrusted to us when he sent us into this world. Jesus does not waver in any way when he makes answer to those who did not get into the wedding feast because they had gone to fetch some oil for their lamps. Clearly the ladies should have filled their candles with the fuel long before the bridegroom arrived. Obviously they were distracted by somethings we don't know about. Nonetheless, they were not prepared.

So, the story could be used to help us take some time to think about our own lives: do we have oil to burn our candles when God calls us to answer the basic question: how have you lived your life? Another way, How have you lived your life of faith? Have we taken the time to make sure that our candles are filled with oil?

2011-11-04T08:05:00.001-04:00

Saint Charles Borromeo

A look at the life of the saint honored in our Church today brings attention to the many men who are appointed or elected (popes) to leadership roles. At a time when economies throughout the world are in perilous conditions, all who have leadership roles, again especially in the Church or churches, fall under the microscope of scrutiny (testing) and transparency. This happens particularly when so many people are without employment or are working in below skill-level jobs. A wide chasm between the folks without and those with demands a careful look at one's life for those in leadership roles, again especially those in our Church or other churches.

Charles Borromeo came from a family of wealth and station both in the civil and Church life. A read of Charles' life reveals how much the Church was involved being a political entity at the time. A read of his life clearly shows how challenging the entanglement of Church and State can be for a cleric. Today, thankfully, the intensity of the relationship of Charles' times --the late 15th and early 16th centuries-- is far from the royal life that trapped some great Church leaders. Those were different days to be sure!

Eventually Charles, growing in wisdom and grace, began to see his role as the Archbishop of Milan as more than a political contest between powers. He turned much of his time and attention to personal acts of sacrifice and mortification. The poor, the reformation of the clergy (beginning with himself) the beginning of CCD became the concerns of his later years of life and service. Again, the link behind the word "life" in the above paragraph attests to the man's metanoia.

In particular this feast day should be a time when Catholics pray for all the men, from Pope to seminarians, who hold any office or role of leadership. As a priest, I know that I and my brother priests possess a leadership role. It is a part of the life. Therefore, we must always have the strength to live not as princes or kings but rather as men who see our life as a model of service and simplicity. That is the life that all priests, from Pope Benedict to the newest ordained priest, are called to life. It is a life of abundance of service and simplicity.

The changed Archbishop of Milan!

2011-11-02T22:36:00.000-04:00

November 3, 2011

The Lost Sheep

Part of door into St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Photo -Steve J. Danko

In today's readings we are reminded of our relationship to God. From the first reading (Romans) and the gospel (Luke) we hear once again how important we are to God. We belong to him. Jesus' example of the jubilation the shepherd has when just one of his sheep goes AWOL. There is not punishment for the errant beast when it is found. Rather it is picked up and carried on the should. Can you imagine the bounce that must have been obvious in the shepherd's walk as he bring the one that walked aw back to the flock? Clearly the shepherd realized the value of just one member of his flock -- he throws a party because the lost one was back in the community of sheep.

Think of this for a few moments today: when anyone might sin seriously an walk away from God, imagine the joy in God's heart when the sinner returns -- God gave his Son to the cross just to redeem even one sinner.

Let us pray today first for those who have, through sin, left Jesus' flock that they might confess their sinfulness and rejoin Jesus and the flock. Secondly pray for a strengthened awareness of how important you are to God. Look at the reason God loves you. Do you have a love for yourself that is in any way even slightly comparable? Honestly loving yourself is the shortcut to loving God as he deserves from each of us.

2011-11-01T23:56:00.001-04:00

All Souls Day

The All Souls Day and indeed the entire month of November (save the 1st) is dedicated to the deceased who have yet to be accepted into the kingdom of God. Read Maccabees 12:38-46 www.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/12/38. Take note to verses 42 and 43. There you are reading words from a writing composed around 125 BC. What is clear is the similarity to the Catholic practice of remembering deceased relatives and friends. Prayers were offered for the victim warriors who may have have a atoned for a particular sin described in the suggested reading. The November 2nd date was established in the year 998 AD by Abbot St Odilo in the abbey of Cluny. Wikepedia offers a rather interesting account: another short read and means to understand the feast day.

The Church teaches that we have a duty to pray for the dead. The principal reason, again as the Church teaches, is to assist the dead who have not atoned sufficiently for the sins of life. Our prayers and sacrifices offered for these souls "speeds up" their departure date to heaven.

A visit to a church today where an Our Father, the Creed and the reception of Holy Communion as well as praying one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the intention of the Pope and participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation seven day before or after the feast day are a practice that grants the deceased person entrance into heaven and the Beatific Vision.

This practice has diminished over the years. Why? Because it is another way of manifesting love for a deceased family member or friend. Not a bad deal for the person in Purgatory: your extra effort on this day will in effect release his/her soul from Purgatory and guarantee entrance into the Kingdom of God.

Indeed we have a unique grace that we can offer someone who may have need of that particular grace. I know this: when I die, I pray now that on All Souls Day at least one friend will perform this practice and open the gates of heaven for me.

2011-10-31T22:49:00.001-04:00

All Saints Day! A day for true celebration. What could bring more happiness that rejoicing because we can celebrate a day of hoped for victory. Yes, we mark a special day when we pause our daily business and other pursuits to think about the community of saints ... our loved ones and friends who have the zip code 432836! Today is the day for all those who have accomplished the work God entrusted to them and have returned to be with him. It should a cause for joy to imagine how their lives must be in the promised land.

We recall that they completed this earthly live "marked with the sign of faith." With this thought we should be instigated to consider what it is that makes a saint. We might even be bold enough to look around to see what examples, what suggestions can be found in the lives of of those still with us about what sanctity actually means.

It is our common experience to hear questions put before those among us who reach extraordinary years, like 90, 100, 105 etc. "What advice would you give us for living a long life?" Today we should be thinking about those among who seem to have achieved what we would call a holiness of life. "How does a person become a saint?"

As simple as the question is so too is the answer: a saintly person possesses and is possessed by a genuine love of Jesus Christ. He is the goal, he is the mentor in their lives. you, my companion on the journey of faith, are saints in formation because I know you would not be reading these words were you not interested in following Jesus Christ. His footsteps are your road map to the Father God. Daily we are challenged to incorporate Jesus' life in whatever we do, whatever we say. We strive, like all the saints, to make each day of our lives a successful effort to be the saint God wants us to be.

So, we celebrate ourselves today as well -- that self that is seeking to fulfill our commitment to love the Lord our God with all that we are and to love the "neighbor" among us as we should love ourselves. Today is a reminder that sanctity begins with an honest loving of who I am: the person that God has sent with his graces and gifts into this world of ours to encourage and support others we know and love as well as those who see us but whom we may not personally know.

Yes, today is a day of genuine celebration of saintliness that exists among those who are with the Lord as well as those of us who continue to live the will of God in our world.

2011-10-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

Monday -- St Alphonsus Rodriguez

The man the Church and the Society of Jesus honor and remember today was an extraordinary individual. Following in his father's footsteps, Alphonsus became a cloth merchant in Segovia, Spain. Shortly after his father's death, he married. His first two children died very early. A third lived a little longer. His wife died within a few years of their marriage. Alphonsus did not know what to do. Eventually he entered the Society of Jesus. Because of his advanced age (at that time) the Jesuit Provincial determined it would be best for him to serve the Jesuit community. The astute Provincial realize Alphonsus was too weak to perform the usual duties of the Jesuit Brother. It was the man's holiness that captured the Provincial's mind and heart. For this reason he had accepted him into the Society. He was a Jesuit brother for more than 40 years when he died. Those forty years were dedicated to the front door at the Jesuit college in Majorca, Spain. In this position he served the Jesuit community as well as the students at the college. He was not impressed with academic degrees and awards. For Alphonsus the real work was deepening his insights into who he was in relation to God. Within a few years there were numerous people coming to him for spiritual advice and direction. He was responsible for the young Father Peter Claver's decision to request a missionary assignment from the Father Provincial.

There are not many Jesuit Brothers in the United States today. I dare saying this: in the many that I have come to know or worked with, these are men with two great characteristics: genuine men of prayer and men most obedient to their superiors. I treasure the friendships I have with some of the Brothers. It is easy to see the place of prayer in their lives.

Let Alphonsus Rodriguez be a model for you. He did what he was assigned to do and did it so well. He came to know so much about himself that prayer became his treasury.

2011-10-27T07:28:00.001-04:00

In the first reading for today's liturgy we are presented a unique and powerful vision from St. Paul. It is Romans 8:31-39. This is one part of all of St. Paul's writings that would be could to write out or type out and keep folded (and read on occasion or in moments of need) in wallet or purse.

Paul reminds us of love that cannot fail - the love of God for each of you and me and for every human being born into this world, born on this planet earth. Consider for just a moment or two before you proceed reading these opening words of these verses: If God is for us, who can be against us?

Paul knew of the dangers that existed and would continue to exist for those who would profess their Christian faith, their adherance to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church he established among and through the apostles. He realized that martyrdom would become a part of the lives of those who stand firm in following the Son of God. Likewise he understood that the life and in particular the sufferings and death of Jesus, humankind is given further assurances that God loves the humanity he has created. Do you want to know how much God loves you and me and all humanity? There is an answer not it in words but rather in a visual aid we can have before us wherever we might be: a crucifix. It is a reminder that God's love for us, regardless of our messy lives with its sins and failures, that the graces of the cross will forever be present.

The world today is suffering not just in conflicts and battles, unending injustice, and class dislikes. At the same time, so it seems, there is a loss in humanity of the love of God ... not God's love for us but our fidelity and loyalty to the God who forever loves us.

Paul is keenly aware of suffering. He cites words from King David's Psalm 44: "For your sake we are being massacred all day long, treated as sheep to be slaughtered." Suffering is nothing new for the faithful Christian. For centuries, since the days of St. Paul and his apostle colleagues, have been told that suffering is a hallmark of the Jesus communities. Without any doubt it is suffering that perfects the Christian man and woman.

So, in our contemporaneous struggles, especially in the frustration with national governments, in the struggle to end injustices, in the battles to regain financial stability, in efforts to restore employment to so many millions who have lost jobs, it is words like these in today's readings that should remind us that God is there for those in need, for those suffering not matter who we are or where we are. Let this particular part of Paul's Letter to the Romans become a source of comfort and an encouragement in need.

PLEASE NOTE

Due to a scheduled commitment that will require my presence beginning this evening and continuing until Sunday, I will not be able to prepare a reflection for Friday and Saturday of this week. May I suggest you use the link in the first sentence to the audio readings for those two days. Please remember me in your prayers as I fulfill my obligations to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in conducting the orientation program for its new investees.

2011-10-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

In the readings Mass there is a simple message that Jesus is teaching for all ages. What he is teaching is not for his "crowd" only but for all. He is speaking of steadfastness, of fidelity, of loyalty as the guarantors of eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

How are his words to be interpreted? Let me offer an answer that comes from a reverse thinking. Ask someone if he/she is a Catholic. To answer in the affirmative, the person will probably say something like Yes. Of course. Do you think that you would be offered the same reply if your asked this question as a follow up: "Do you live the life we, as Catholics, as called to live?" This is where the answers become interesting. Most all of the answers might begin with "Well, you see ..." and so forth.

What Jesus is teaching is that a guaranteed place at the heavenly banquet comes when an individual lives the life that Jesus has put before us. We might ask ourselves this question: Am I truly loyal and faithful to all of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Church? In his words to the people Jesus did not say I am giving you 10 Commandments. Chose the seven you want to follow. Hardly his style. He was giving his all for the Father. What he calls us to do is give our all to following in his footsteps; to accept his teachings as the norms for our lives.

2011-10-24T22:14:00.003-04:00

TUESDAY, October 25, 2011

Luke's gospel for Tuesday is an account of Jesus' very clear message to those listening to him ... most Jewish folks including among them some of the religious leaders. And the message: get up and out of your complacency. I have been giving you an invitation to follow me. If you would do that, you will be in the Kingdom. Why is he saying this to them? Jesus recognized that many of the Jewish people and their religious leaders had made a choice: they were convinced that they were among those who would eventually dine at the Lord's table in the heavenly kingdom. It is surprising that Jesus did speak out more often about the complacency of those who just presumed they were Jewish and would certainly be included in the Kingdom.

Jesus' message was also clear: those who do not make the effort to accept his teachings and follow his way will not dine in the Kingdom of God. Those who accept the invitation and all that it means will be those who stand with the Lord in his Kingdom. The places of those who live complacently will be given rather to the poor in spirit. The Jewish people looked down on these people. Jesus is say: Take note, my friends. These people have responded to the Lord's invitation. They have earned it through their sufferings and fidelity.

Is this phenomenon alive in our culture, our world today? This might indeed be the question for those who have rewritten the Commandments and the guidelines of our faith. Surely many are willing to speak out in objection to teachings that do not satisfy their desires. Can they answer the question: Do you have any concern that God will NOT accept you into his Kingdom?

The doorway to the Kingdom is always open to those who willingly accept the invitation that Jesus continues to issue to his followers even in our times.

2011-10-22T19:53:00.001-04:00

Weekend Scriptural Reflection

Surely there have been those times when you have heard or said what was Jesus’ response to a Pharisees’ question:

Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?

Jesus answered 'You shall love the Lord, your God,

with all your heart,

with all your soul,

and with all your mind....

The second is like it:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

(Matthew 22:36-39

Today we t take a few moments to consider how we answer that question if it were our responsibility to answer it. Have these words of Jesus ever truly impacted your life? Can you answer: “Yes, these words have changed my life.”

I should honestly answer if and how this particular teaching of Jesus has changed any part of my life? Surely many feel a burden of laws is placed upon their shoulders when they seriously consider “I believe in the Catholic Church.” For these individuals it may seem scarcely different form the weighty laws put upon the life style of Jewish believers. It was the burden that led the Pharisee to ask the question. Perhaps it may be the same reason that leads modern day Catholics to question the consequences of the Church’s teaching today. Obviously the root concern in their questions is personal salvation: what do I have to do to avoid those “pains of hell”?

For some the reciting of certain prayers and/or attend an “obligation bound” Sunday liturgy may seem to satisfy God’s expectations and Church teachings. Jesus, however, is teaching this: by making a strong, challenging change by linking loving God and loving neighbor. His answer is clear: religious observances don’t quite fulfill the expectations don’t quite fulfill the expectations. I read and interesting observation recently: a person does not seek to find God through others. Rather one finds and loves God in others. And who are these others? Jesus again is clear: the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the prisoners. Jesus says he is one with all these who have a genuine need of love. For him it is a love that manifests itself in compassion. While on a visit to South Korea, Pope John Paul II made a quiet visit to a small island off shore to a large building that housed some 800+ lepers. Yes, lepers. He took the time not only to visit the building but to personally speak, touch and even kiss the disfigured men and women. Today how do we treat the “outcast” in our society: the poor, the homeless, the drug addict, the victims of AIDS, especially children born with the disease? How do we treat those who are of a different sexual orientation, those who have different political ideologies?

How can we effectively incorporate this “love of neighbor” into our lives? Begin with trying to genuinely love the person you call “me”! Yes, unless we can truly and honestly learn who I am and as well the person God wants me to be, loving “my neighbor” will be a genuine challenge. When I accept myself totally as I am, with all the dents in my armor, not hiding them, it is then that I can reach out to my neighbor, regardless of his or her condition. And here it is that I begin to know what it means to love Go because God is the heart, the center of love. There in love of the true me and others can I experience God -- there I have found the true meaning of “God is love.”

2011-10-21T23:25:00.002-04:00

For Saturday

Pope Benedict is, according to Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ, one-time editor of the Jesuit magazine, America, is will be releasing a truly "radical document" concerning the economic realities in our world. One respondent to Fr. Reese's article noted that the Pontiff is actually reflecting and echoing the thoughts that can be found in the encyclical Rerum Novarum.

Rather than a reflection on scripture, it might be interesting to read Fr. Reese's article. Father Reese notes "Pope Benedict’s encyclical calls for a radical rethinking of economics so that it is guided not simply by profits but by 'an ethics which is people-centered.'” Further in his article Reese notes the following: Benedict, like Paul VI, decries the “The scandal of glaring inequalities” and sees a role for government in the redistribution of wealth. Have some Democratic Senators been talking with the Pope?

So, these words above may have your curiosity stirred. I suspect once you have read the article you may find the desire to pray. If not, where have you been?

2011-10-21T08:27:00.002-04:00

A Venetian Archimedes!!!

A personal reflection today. Reading Father Richard Rohr's Leaning Forward I found myself trapped for a short time by the following thought. For most human being life has to parts, two halves, to phases. Called what you may. There come different moments in our lives when there is what Fr. Rohr calls a "crossover" moment. These are moments which some recognize but which many do not perceive until after the fact. These are the times when insights, events, joys or painful tragedies or simple messy human failures occur. So often we focus on the event rather than what is the event trying to teach us. Almost immediately our focus is drawn to the past. Rarely do we look at the very moment, the present. We might even look to the future. However, we tend to forget, or perhaps fear, looking at the hear and now. The "crossover" moments are not restricted to monks and cloistered religious sisters, to priests, bishops or even popes. Everyone is offered more than a few "crossover moments in the span of a lifetime. Fr. Rohr makes an interesting observation: every opportunity to make a crossover is not taken; some keep their "crossover" moments entirely to themselves. Whatever the reason for a "crossover" moment, we do know that it has occurred when I can say, at least to myself, today I am different than I have been for many years in my life. I know it didn't happen when I put my feet on the floor this morning and wiggled my toes. But for one reason or another I know I have become different to some degree from the person I was ten years ago twenty years ago, etc..

My father was a very practical man ... a cabinet make and draftsman because of his high school training. When working with him in "the shop" (our name for his cabinet making plant), if there was a need to move a heavy cabinet or piece of machinery, he always reverted to Archimedes. Yes, that Richmond, VA man knew about this character from one of his high school classes. Why Archimedes? Because figure of mythology be that all he needed was a place to stand and a lever to move the world just a little. Get a crow bar or a sturdy piece of wood and we could save our backs when lifting or moving whatever was much more than our own weight!

In our lives this character can have a place when we find ourselves trying to accomplish something even within ourselves. To know what to use as a lever and to know where to stand is one of those "crossover" moments because in know who I am and what it is the God wants of me, I can move my world even if just a very small distance from where it has been to where it should be. Our lever and our place to stand in the spiritual world is our soul. It is a part of our spiritual DNA. It comes with the package that God made when he placed each of us in his world. As Father Rohr thinks, we have to be careful not to fence it in by our ways of thinking and doing. The soul needs to be given free range in its growth. We cannot hinder its growth. We should not stymie its development. We should always be willing to listen to the words of the Holy Spirit bringing us closer to that awareness of God's plan and how I can make those "crossover" moments that make my life a true "leaning forward."

2011-10-20T07:10:00.001-04:00

Today our Church honors the life of an Italian priest, St Paul of the Cross. A unique way of being known, by the Cross of Jesus crucified, this man was born in 1694 and later, in 1775, died having traversed his native land preaching and teaching Jesus Christ and his passion. His mission during his lifetime was, in the words of St. Paul the Apostle, "... but we preach Jesus crucified.

Another saint, Vincent Strambi, was the first to compose a biography of Paul of the Cross. He witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit in Paul's life as one lifted up by the Spirit to "help people find God in their hearts." Paul believed that the easiest way to "find God" in one's heart is through prayer and reflection on the Passion of Jesus Christ. It is the Passion that is the "most overwhelming sign of God's love for us." It was his through his prayers and countless sacrifices, especially the penances he imposed on himself, that Paul was to establish the religious congregation we know as the Passionists. Interesting is the official titles of the congregation that eventually had two divisions, one for priests and the other for religious sisters, was titled the "Discalced Clerks of the Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord." Interesting because this St. Paul went about his preaching missions never wearing shoes, regardless of the weather.

He earned the appellation of "Paul of the Cross" because he always carried a large wooden crucifix of the crucified Jesus. Even today Passionist priests carry a large crucifix tucked into the cincture (belt) of their habits.

For us today the passion of Jesus does not seem to be a facet of the Lord's life in the prayers of some Catholics. We tend to be a people of the Resurrection and the daily missionary life of Jesus. But it was Paul's ardent dedication to the passion as well as his outstanding devotion to the mother of Jesus, Mary, that brought about many, many conversions. It was his lifestyle, which in today's world would be considered either extraordinarily severe or perhaps cynically as crazy that in fact gave much support and encouragement to the people in their efforts to make reparation for their sins.

St Paul of the Cross, pray for us.

2011-10-19T07:48:00.001-04:00

The North American Martyrs

Today our Church honors the memory and the evangelization of a small group of noble Jesuit missionaries who willingly accepted, and in most cases having asked for, assignments to the new continent, North America. Were the accounts of these martyrdoms be truly portrayed on TV today there would be a violence warning to viewers. To read the lives of these heroic men would demand a strong stomach. These men, Jesuit priests, brothers, and a layman (a former Jesuit who was asked to leave because of illnesses) were stronger than most would imagine. Yet martyrdom was and never will be an easy "immediate entry" into the Kingdom of God.

The gospel for the Mass honoring these loyal followers of St. Ignatius of Loyola is Matthew 16:21, 24-28. It is the first time that Jesus puts before his close followers the prediction of his passion and death. Imagine how these colleagues felt when the man they were expecting to be the Messiah gives them a heads up on the imminent future. Their hearts and minds must have been swirling in disbelief and fear.

Jesus told his group that, if they were to follow him, they should know that suffering is very much a part of life for anyone who wished to associate with him and his mission ... then and even today. We do not hear of martyrdom in our Church today but each year the Holy See publishes a list of the men and women who were martyred for their faith. Sadly, however, the list of these mordern faithful followers of Jesus Christ is not made up of just one or two names!

The sacrifice of their lives was for these North American martyrs the ultimate promise of fidelity to Jesus Christ. It is put before us today as a reminder that even in our advanced world, a days of so many modern technological accomplishments, that what is more important to us is our living our the desire we have to follow Jesus Christ.

While working my reflective way through Pope Benedict's "Motu Proprio" Porta Fidei in which the Holy Father announced that he would be leading the Church in a Holy Year beginning October 11, 2012 and continuing through the feats of Christ the King, November 24, 2013, it is clear that our faith is challenged today in so many ways. In a sense many have abandoned the "Barque of Peter" because of the sacrifices that are demanded in a world that offers so many contradictions to the Commandments and the teachings of the Church. There is no doubt that Catholics today, as well as all Christians, are faced with the challenges of so many different calls to sacrifice. Our world today is a haven for evil in so many places and hearts. It is evil not just in the experiences of terrorism and wars. The challenges to each persons moral and ethical stances evolves from what has become a universal weakening of the practice of faith. In our lifetime the Christian faith, built upon the Commandments as well as the teachings of Jesus Christ, has been undergoing a genuine martyrdom. Surely the Holy Spirit is at work in the heart and mind of the current Roman Pontiff in his desire to lead all bishops, priests, religious and laity to a renewed life of faith. Obviously much more information will be shared with all of us in the months ahead so that we can prepare ourselves to cross the threshold of the "Porta Fidei", the 'door of faith.'

2011-10-17T20:17:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - Luke, Evangelist

Why this picture? Did you know that some historians believe that Luke besides being a physician was also an artist? Perhaps this artistic skill, if indeed true, my also reflect with his seemingly personal approach to others. No other gospel writer writes so well about the birth of Jesus; his account of the Prodigal Son allows him to share something of his heart with us; his stopping along the way to Calvary to speak to the women of Jerusalem and others. He presents a compassionate Jesus throughout his gospels. He does not overlook women in his writing. His history is consummate accuracy according to scholars. In addition to this characteristics of his personality, Luke knew he was on a mission both in his gospel as well as in the Acts of the Apostles, attributed to him. In his writings he is seeking to proclaim to the world that Jesus is the Word of God. Luke was also, it seems, from the letters of St. Paul, one of the apostles who was close to the Damascus man. In Paul's letter to the Colossians (4:11), the reader can detect reasons for the position that Luke himself was not a Jewish man. A man from Greece, the town of Antioch, he would not have been circumcised as were many of those associated with Paul and thus not a Jew but, rather, a Gentile. Therefore, (surprise, surprise!!) Luke most likely was the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament.

From the gospel, we hear again Jesus' reminder that there is a large harvest awaiting the apostles who would go forth among the peoples. At the same time, in Luke's words we read of Jesus' warnings to his disciples that those who go forth to preach the Word, to evangelize the communities: trouble most like awaits the preachers ... like sheep among wolves. Now, isn't this the same message that Jesus might preach if he were in many parts of the world today? Luke learned from his trips with Paul, that the field was filled with those seeking answers to questions. Is it any different today?

We speak about the potential great harvests often. But there is this question: are you taking the time to prepare yourself for work in the various "vineyards" that exists. This means that proclaimed followers of Jesus Christ, whether Bishop, priest or lay man or woman, must take time to learn and refresh earlier learning. Pope Benedict announced that he is setting aside next year beginning with the 50 anniversary of the Second Vatican Council as a Holy Year. Now is the time for us to learn anew and to refresh our understanding of the faith as we prepare for the Holy Year, a special time of grace, prayer and learning for all who say "Yes, I am a Catholic!"

2011-10-17T08:19:00.000-04:00

And just who is this saint, Ignatius of Antioch and why does the Church celebrate a day in his honor? First and foremost, Ignatius is recognized as a man who was born shortly after Jesus was crucified and became a student of St. John, the Apostle. Some writers believe he was appointed a bishop by St. Peter. Factually, however, we do know from historical documents that after his final journey from Antioch to Rome, Ignatius became a prisoner during the time of the Roman Emperor Trajan. He was sentenced to death in the Colosseum. History learned much from several of his letters written during his final journey to Rome. From these letter s we know that he was a man, a priest, a bishop who possessed a strong devotion to the crucified Lord Jesus. In his writings he speaks clearly and with great devotion to the divinity and the resurrection from the dead. For him the Eucharist was a means for the Christian communities to join with each other in unity of faith and in collaboration with the local bishop. Ignatius writes about the Church of Rome being founded by Peter and Paul. His commitment to the faith and to Jesus Christ brought him to his martyrdom between the years 107-110.

Naturally the liturgists present a reading from the gospel of Ignatius' teacher, St. John. If you read the entire pericope, Jn 12:20-24, you can better understand what Jesus is speaking about when he presents the story of the grain of wheat has to first die and then fall into the ground for it to become the wheat to make the bread. In the earlier verses we read about "some Greeks" who wanted to "see" Jesus. Now the people called "Greeks" at this time were Gentiles who had become Jews. These people approached the apostle Philip ask to "see" this Jesus person Philip then approached his colleague, Andrew, about the matter. Apparently the two apostles then asked Jesus for an opportunity for these "Greeks" to meet Jesus.

It seems that Jesus' answer to the apostles did lack any enthusiasm about such a meeting. He perceived that the desire to "see" him was simply what most people say when then might be the possibility of meeting a "newsworthy character." For Jesus "to see" would mean much more than a handshake and the usual "it's a pleasure to meet you." For Jesus to "to see him" is to come to know him and to accept the way of life that he had been teaching in his ministry. His response to the two apostles indicates that the way of life is costly. To follow Jesus, to accept his ways, could be like the grain of wheat. Unless it dies and falls into the earth, it does not produce anything.

So, for us the meaning should be clear: to be a follower of Jesus Christ means that one must be willing to sacrifice even one's life if that should happen ... for the Kingdom of God. We might ask ourselves this question: am I ready and willing to make the sacrifices that God may ask of me if I truly wish to follow his Son and to eventually make my way to the Kingdom of God? Or could it be that I am might be one of those "Greeks"... a person who really wants to be able to say, "Oh, yes, I have met Jesus," and mean little more that a brief encounter?

2011-10-13T21:39:00.002-04:00

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Luke continues the instructor, the preacher who seeks not the burden of guilt for the hearts of his followers but an awareness of the need of the individual to deal with both God and the self. In the gospel for today we encounter his wishes for his hearers who might be too overwhelmed by sin and hypocrisy to come before God seeking forgiveness. He believes there are times when sin can be so serious that a person is overwhelmed by guilt, by fear. He pleads with people who carry the burdens of guilt not to allow the fear of God to separate them from God's forgiveness. David, in Psalm 32, reminds us that eternity separated from God is much more painful than confessing one's sin. He writes: "I turn to you in ... the times of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation."

In verse 5 of the 32nd Psalm, David wrote "My offense I made known to You and my crime I did not cover." I said "I shall confess my sins to the Lord," and You forgave my offending crime." Likewise, David continue like a true mentor: "Let me teach you, instruct you the way you should go. Let me counsel you with my own sight." Verse 8.

Vatican II - 49 Years Old!

2011-10-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

A worthwhile journey for you today would be to visit the Whispers in the Loggia link, listed on the right of this posting. Especially enjoy the second You Tube entry that Dr Rocco Palmo has included in his reflection for this day. It is both an historical review but most especially it is an opportunity to spend a few moments in sharing the life of Blessed Pope John XXIII. You will not be disappointed.

The daily reflection posting follows this entry.

True to One's Self

2011-10-12T07:41:00.000-04:00

Romans 2:11 "God shows no partiality."

Teaching his Roman followers, Paul reminds them that simply because they are marked as Christians is no free ticket to do what and as one wills. God does not bend to privileges extended. Paul's message is simple: "Jews will be no better off on the day of judgement than the Gentiles if they have not tried to live their lives as is expected of them.

Perhaps Paul's words may be onerous or annoying. A friend told me of his reason for leaving the Catholic Church. His experience might be a good reminder to each of us about how we are perceived by others who watch us. He was "turned off" by the example of those who profess their holiness because they attend church services on Sundays. During the work-a-day week experiences these same people are scandalous in the way they treat others in the workplace or in their family settings. Duplicity was the straw that broke the man's faith.

The question each person might ask of him/herself is also very simple: "As a follower of Jesus, do I speak or act out of both sides of my mouth and life? Do I want some to see me a "perfect" while at the same time there is another side of my life that is far from perfect? Surely we are, all of us, sinners. But if we try to lead others to believe we are "saints," while we are not, are we not failing in our living the life expected of us by our God?

Clearly the stairway to heaven is never an easy climb!

The Gospel In One's Life

2011-10-11T06:59:00.004-04:00

www.usccb.org/nab.
"[T]he gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then the Greek."

St. Paul speaks seriously about the gospel and the consequences for human beings without it. This great preacher and teacher charges both paganism and Judaism with serious failure. It is in his eyes and heart a failure to provide for people the means to achieve more stature in the community. Paul was a convert himself to an understanding of this power: the true Jew would live in moral depravity when he/she did not have the gospel in life. Not having or knowing the gospel would allow the Jewish person to recognize the power of God. He/She would not live in an "uprightness in God's presence." Without the gospel, a person is estranged from God regardless of religious backgroud. Paul believed such a situation results in divine wrath being shown to both Jew and pagan. For the Damascus preacher sees this as the realistics human situation when the gospel is absent. For you and me, Paul is challenging how we live our lives: is the gospel truly a part of our daily contact with the Creator God? Is it possible to set aside just ten minutes each day reading through one of the gospels or other books of the bible?

We Begin Again

2011-10-09T21:21:00.001-04:00

Monday, October 10, 2011

Of course some wondered when early October would occur. Well, today begins middle October. And so we continue our journey of faith.

There are many ways in which we are called to undstand the love of God. In particular, we are called to deepen our understanding through the world around us. You might reflect on the many "here and now" circumstances that place a challenge before you. You could become a space cadet and think about future times. If you do that, you miss the power that can be found in the present moment and what it offers or asks of you as a follower of Jesus Christ.

For me the lives of the three women who were recently awarded the Nobel Peace prize, are an example of what genuine love for others can produce. Three women who struggled daily and who risked their very lives in order to bring an end to repression toward women in their native lands of Africa and The Middle East. Until equality exists between men and women, they believe, world peace will never happen. I encourage you to check Safurday's WASHINGTON POST or the Internet to come to know their stories. There are many women in our country who work tirelessly for just. You might recognize them in the recipients' lives.

These are three women who do not tolerate injustice. They live lives of commitment. And so, as we begin another series of reflections, perhaps one way we can come to a better understanding of God's love for us is to better understand the injustices that exits not only in foreign lands but in our our country, states, communities and families and determine to do what each of us can to make others aware of these tragedies. Within our own neighborhoods there are marginalized men, women and even children in many instances through no fault of their own. Are we comfortable just sitting on our own chairs doing little or nothing about their situations?

Let's begin again with an effort to make sure injustice does not a free reign in our own hearts! Where will your pathway lead you in the remaining days of 2011?

2011-07-07T20:03:00.000-04:00

912 - Friday

The blogger has decided that it is time for Prayer on the Hill to absent itself from the flow a the daily blogosphere ... at least until October. There are a number of personal reasons for this decision ... all of them related to the well-being of the blogger and the quality of the postings each day. During the hiatus, much of the time will be dedicated to priestly works and writings in preparations for a new website and the regeneration of Prayer on the Hill. Please do not worry that "something is out of sorts" with the blogger. That is far from the reality of his decision to refill the ink well. It is because he has seen within his heart and heart within his heart the whispers of the Holy Spirit that the absence will take place.

I wish you a wonderful summer, what is left of it. I genuinely pray that you will find time to read some of the other bloggers that I have suggested on the years. Of course it is a risk to surrender your daily reading time to other writers ... but that is the risk one takes in listening to the whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Let us continue to pray for one another. And, please, there is not need for anyone to be calling or writing to me about "Why?" The answer is clearly spelled out in the paragraphs above. So, fear not. I will be returning in the beginning days of October. I am covering for one of the priests who assists at the parish where I am at the moment and then when he returns at the beginning of August, I will assume the pastor's fill-in for the month and then in September I will be moving to Tuscany for three weeks and may extend to visit a relative who lives in Nottingham, England. You did not know that I was related to Robin Hood, did you?

Have a wonderful summer. Oremus pro invicem! Let us pray for one another.

2011-07-05T07:44:00.000-04:00

911-Tuesday Rich Harvest Awaits

Today's gospel, Mt 9:32-38, easily could be spoken today, were Jesus travelling in the USA. In particular I have in mind the last verse of the "pericope." ( Biblical research word for an incident or scene) "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

The reality in the seminary/priesthood membership numbers is dramatically different today. All of us know that there is a "shortage" of seminarians preparing for the priesthood and that there is a "shortage" of priests to serve the people of God.

Unfortunately there are many who bemoan this reality and ask what is the Church going to do about it. For us and our Church we are fortunate that dollars will not buy vocations! Unfortunately within the priesthood today there is not the "spirit" that existed when I was in high grammar and high school (1946-1959). Today the joy and enthusiasm that I experienced in the witness of priests like Fr. Al Hughes, now deceased, at my home parish as well as the Discalced Carmelites and a Fr. John Madden PhD, a professor at Catholic University, who came to our parish to celebrate Masses on the weekends is sadly lacking. The excitement that I witnessed in the enthusiasm and dedication of the Jesuit Scholastics (seminarians) and priests who taught me at Gonzaga High School is not so evident today. This is the problem: many priests just do not have the excitement and the pride that made these men, at least in my life, men whose lives I wanted to live in my own life.

So, is the priesthood destined to grow smaller and smaller in the years ahead. Realistically, I suspect, it will until priests and their helpers begin to take on this problem in our Church. There are two ways we can increase vocations: (1) do what Jesus says in the gospel: "ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest"; and, (2) priests and laity alike have to come alive once again with excitement for the priestly vocation.

As a priest of 39 years with 13 years of seminary training, I know that we live in difficult times in our Church. As a priest, however, no one can convince me that the priesthood should die. I know there will be challenging moments -- no priest will say that the life is easy, especially in our culture. However, sometime, when you are with a priest, ask him to tell you about the great moments in his life. After a while, you may have to tell that priest to take a break, to let you absorb all that I believe most priests can share with you about the blessings in the life of their priesthood.

Can you imagine how you would feel after sitting in a confessional for an hour each week, being truly what the priest can be: the healer, the comforter, the guide? It is exciting, it is satisfying, it is the fulfillment of a sacrament that brings so much peace to a troubled soul.

Can you imagine what it is like to be at the bedside of a person who is dying and to know that you are in a way taking that person's hand and placing it in the hands of our loving God? Can you imagine what it would be like to be present to comfort the loved ones who are being asked to give back to God the gift of the person He wants to be with Him in heaven?

Can you imagine how rewarding it is almost every day to help someone who is at sea with his/her life, who comes to "Father" for the embrace of the father in the gospel story of the Prodigal Son?

Were I a parent today and wanted to very best for my son, I would pray as long and as hard as I could to God that my son would seriously consider priesthood if it is in his thoughts for the future. I do believe parents have to help the priests of today in their efforts to encourage vocations.

Indeed we priests today encounter so many who are "troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd." Pray for us as well as for the men that God is calling to the priestly ministry.

2011-07-04T08:09:00.001-04:00

910 - Monday Independence Day

We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights,

that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

(Declaration of Independence, second sentence)

Whenever you might read these words or hear them spoken, you might think of this: most likely, were Jesus in Philadelphia at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (July 2), were He invited, Jesus would have added his names to the great American statesmen who signed the document.

How can such an affirmation be made today? Well, consider these words of St/ Paul and Jesus.

(1) There is more happiness in giving than in receiving. (Acts 20:35)

(2) The Spirit of the Lord ... has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives. (Luke 4:18)

(3) I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

We recognize that in our nation today Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness are realities we cherish. At the same time they are not necessarily fully "alive" in our culture. Do we truly respect Life? How frequent is the taking of another's life "from sea to shining sea"? Do we recognize the right to Liberty? How many are our sisters and brothers who are emotionally and physically "imprisoned" because of the instances of injustice: God shed his grace on thee/Till souls wax fair as earth and air/And music-hearted sea! Do our "American ways" allow for all to pursue happiness? How just is it that young children designated as "illegal" because their parents never registered them but who have done wonders academically and civilly should either be sent back to a country they have never known or denied the happiness of pursuing educational achievments that would strengthen this land we love?

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: a trinity of God-given rights to every human being on this earth? Have we not taken on the role of God in how we allow these inalienable rights to be trampled?

My country 'tis of thee

Sweet land of liberty

of thee, I sing.

...

from every mountainside

let freedom ring.

...

God bless America!

909-SUNDAY: 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

2011-07-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

The reflection for the weekend is not about the Fourth of July. Maybe Monday’s thoughts will be available. However, today I wish to put together a theme that incorporates words that I posted on Saturday morning’s “blog,” along with a link to the gospel for today and the words of St. Paul to the Romans.

The person of the Holy Spirit is important in our lives. Yet, because we are a people who, we might say, focus more on the concrete rather than what we might call the abstract or non-materialistic, I feel we overlook such a treasure in understanding what the Holy Spirit can do for us. So, here let’s try to better understand the Holy Spirit.

There was a 15th century Archbishop who became the leader of the Church in Milan, Italy. His name was Laurence Justian. Some years after his priestly ordination he was sent by the Holy See to Milan. In one of his sermons he wrote this sentence about Mary. I have incorporated these words because today/yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Archbishop wrote these words that captured my attention. “How entirely blessed was the mind of the Virgin which, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, was always and in every way open to the power of the Word of God. She was not led by her senses, nor by her own will; thus she accomplished outwardly through her body what wisdom from within gave to her faith.” If you read Saturday’s blog, you might recognize the words.

We speak of the “indwelling of the Holy Spirit” many times during the year. Do we understand what that means? How would you present it to someone of another faith who might question you about the meaning of the phrase? Once some young person asked me during a Confirmation prep class this question: “Does it mean there is a small box inside my body where the Holy Spirit lives? I don’t feel him in me.”

For me Mary understood well what this special relationship is that we share with the Holy Spirit. According to the words of Archbishop Justian of Milan, Mary enjoyed a “blessed mind.” She had a mind that ‘listened’ to that inner voice, we sometimes call it. Mary’s mind was always open to the “power of the Word of God.” She possessed great wisdom, understanding, knowledge and so on. She did not rely upon her moods or her other senses to give her direction in her life. She took time to separate herself from the world around her. In moments of quiet and prayer she must have called upon the Holy Spirit for guidance. In my own heart I suspect Mary had a great relationship with the Holy Spirit. She would have to such an interaction with the Spirit to understand what God had given to her as her mission in life. What was this understanding, this relationship like? Or how can we humans best understand it?

Mary, as I noted, would find time for quiet. She would push aside all worries, all distractions and then begin to concentrate on what she was asked to do by the All-Powerful Father. She must have thought much on what the Holy Spirit was conveying to her through the thoughts that would come to her. As the Archbishop wrote, Mary accomplished outwardly the wisdom, the knowledge, she would come to understand was situated deeply within her mind, within her heart.

As St. Paul wrote to the Romans, “you are in the Spirit.” Catch that: Paul realized that there was something very special within us, within our mind, that enabled us to share in the wisdom and knowledge of God, the All-Powerful Creator. How do you think the Father reveals the “things” mentioned in today’s gospel? Jesus gives us an answer: “... for although you [Father] have hidden these things from the wise and learned, you have revealed them to little ones.” These “things” are so many of the mysteries most do not understand. But, to the “little one,” those who are able to separate themselves from much learning by simply sitting quietly and letting the Holy Spirit work in their minds with his power, these people have an insight into the power of the Holy Spirit.

What we need do is to take time to look at what seems so different to us. Clear all the junk from the mind, listen quietly while asking the

Holy Spirit to grant the great powers of the mind to you to understand how God wants you to live your life. Imagine if Mary had not become accustomed to opening up her heart, her mind, to the Holy Spirit. What would she have said when the angel asked her to become the mother of God’s son? Within her mind she had come to know and understand that God is All Powerful and that she, like all of us, was created by God and as his creation, she, again like us, shared some of the understanding, the wisdom, the knowledge (piety, counsel, fortitude) that is hers as it is ours because we have the Infinite Intelligence, the Holy Spirit, indwelling in us.

My reason for focusing our attention on these thoughts is simple: if we do come to understand how our minds, like Mary’s, can develop the awareness of the Holy Spirit and his power within our minds, we will become a people who are at peace with ourselves because we come to learn what God wants of us. The Holy Spirit is so much more than we ever think he is. Let’s not let this great treasure pass us by each day. We would lose so much if we did.

2011-07-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

908-SATURDAY: The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Let me share with you words from St. Laurence Justinian, the first Patriarch of Venice, a 15th century Church leader who led a noble and admirable life. Reading the synopsis of his life might be interesting for you on this Saturday morning of the July 4th weekend. But let me present his words about Mary from one of his sermons.

How entirely blessed was the mind of the Virgin which, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, was always and in every way open to the power of the Word of God. She was not led by her senses, nor by her own will; thus she accomplished outwardly through her body what wisdom from within gave to her faith.

Today we probably mention the Holy Spirit a few times during the course of the day. However, some reflection and concentration on the importance of the Holy Spirit "driving" our own minds may not be one of the ways we think about the Holy Spirit in the course of a day or week or month.

It seems to me that St. Laurence Justinian came to realize how powerful we can be in accomplish goodness. If we realize within us is the Infinite Mind of God and we share in that because we are God's creatures. The more we reflect upon that and come to realize how gifted we are with the mental faculty that God has given us, perhaps, just perhaps, we might better understand the extraordinary powers that Mary models for us in that wisdom that springs from the Holy Spirit within her, from which she became recognized as and titled the seat of wisdom!

2011-06-29T21:03:00.000-04:00

907 - THURSDAY

Surely the folks who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus heard a little more than they probably expected. Certainly the scribes did! Instead of saying "Be healed!" to the man, Jesus says "Courage ... your sins are forgiven." Only after that does Jesus heal the man. The scene here where Jesus mixes two realities, sin and healing, is confusing to some and maybe to some who read the text today.

What is the problem? It is simple: is the paralysis the result of sinning? Again, some might think this is the situation. We have that reality in our world today. There are some who continue to believe that HIV AIDS and AIDS itself are God's punishment to immorality and drug abuse. I remember that when cancer began to take a spotlight from other diseases, many were attributing the disease to sinfulness.

So what is the meaning in Matthew's account of what happened? Again, it is rather simple to state but perhaps more difficult to believe or live. Jesus putting the healing of the soul before the healing of the body was his way of leading people to understand that healing the body should give doubters the proof that if he can heal the body, Jesus can also heal the soul.

Just recently someone said to me that he could not forgive himself for some of the sins of his past life. This I have heard many times both in the confessional and outside. Stop and think: if someone truly believes this about himself/herself -- that he/she cannot forgive himself/herself -- that seems to be something of an offense against God himself. God forgives all. Doesn't not being able to forgive oneself put the self above God? If God can forgive a sin of one person's life, that person is not greater than God and must seek help in coming to forgive him/herself.

2011-06-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

906: Wednesday Sts Peter and Paul

(El Greco)

Surely we recognize Peter and Paul as two remarkable persons in the early days of our Church. We have to recognize them as remarkable persons in the Church today -- if we take the time to read their writings and consider all that they managed to bring about during their lifetimes.

Consider these thoughts:

1. Their backgrounds. A fisherman and a tent maker become the two leading figures in a Church founded by Jesus Christ. And one of these detested the Christians.

2. Their personalities. Surely Peter was a man few would have chosen to be a leader of a major organization that was charged with changing the world. Without any doubt Paul was a man whose spirit was driven by a purpose.

3. Their successes. Peter did much to bring the new Church to others and to serve as a reasonably successful leader of the Apostles after Jesus died. Paul clearly stood out as a firebrand who was totally committed to his mission. Imagine what our Church might have become had Peter and Paul not taken to the preaching trail.

Today as we celebrate their joint feasts day recall this: despite each man's distinct martyrdom, neither allowed the storms to sink their boats, as it were. These two men gave so much of themselves to build strong walls of support for the early Church. Where would we be today without them?

2011-06-27T22:05:00.000-04:00

905 TUESDAY

Weather seems to be an important part of each person's life. Seemingly modern folks have to know the latest weather report more than once each day. Radio stations have the weather report every hour minimally. Some stations report every then minutes. Most storms seem to impact us more powerfully in today's culture than in years past when Doppler Radar and other similar weather helps did not exist. How many times each day do you ask someone who has just come into an office or home this question: "What's the weather like out there?" even though there are windows in the office or home!

In the bible the storms that are recounted usually represent trouble that, in many cases, is solved by divine intervention. What would we do if the words from Revelation 21:1 were true today: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Apparently in the Book of Revelations vision of the new earth and the new heaven no longer will there be a need for the old heaven and the old earth. Something new will be created by God.

In the meantime we encounter many storms in our lifetime. A Liturgical Press writer has suggested that there are at least seven storms that most encounter at one time or another: "illness, depression, moral dilemmas, poverty, tragedy, accidents and death." Just mentioning these seven is tiring. So there is a big difference in the sea storms that threatened or actually did in lives and those mentioned. The storms we encounter usually bring us to prayer, just like the disciples in today's gospel. In these storms we have come to rely upon the calming power of Jesus. We have come to acknowledge him as God's ever-present care for us us. If we are faithful to prayer and efforts at a strong, personal relationship with Jesus, we come to trust that he will indeed be with us to calm our seas.

2011-06-25T13:02:00.002-04:00

904: Corpus Christi -- The Body and Blood of Jesus

Deacon Ed, Bishop Gonzalez, Fr. Peter

St John Vianney Parish, Prince Frederick, MD

In our lives the space between two planets looks like two or three inches. But realistically the distance is measures in millions of miles! We simply see space between the two planets. In our personal lives we have a similar experience with a slight difference. The distance between life's demands and life's dreams sometimes seems to have the same many miles between them. The one big difference is this: we know what is between demands and dreams: a genuine spiritual hunger, a true longing for God's presence in our lives.

Today's celebration is another celebration of mystery. The Eucharist is the bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. But how? Why do some people not believe this mystery is real? Many times when we cannot explain something to another or even ourselves, we tend to hide from it or to bury it somewhere in our reality. Simple bread and a sip of wine: sometimes we take them when given to us as though they were little more than some of the food we put on a platter in a deli. What is it that is given to us? What is it that we swallow?

The challenge to us today is this: because the Eucharist is a mystery that I cannot dissect or diagram, do I just accept it, swallow it and then think little about what has just happened to me? When I eat a cookie or drink a cold glass of lemonade, my body instantly tells me that something has just happened to it. However, for many Catholics who receive the Eucharist does that moment tell them anything? Do I return to my church seat and pull out the cell phone to see if I have missed any text messages or phone calls during the time it took me to receive Communion and return to my seat? Do I immediately begin to think about what's next on my calendar since the time for Communion is a signal that we are in the home stretch for this liturgy and will be out of the church in just a few minutes?

If I believed that Jesus has become a part of my body in the last thirty or so seconds, do my heart and soul try telling me that something most unusual has happened to me? Do I believe that Christ is within his temple of my body?

Receiving Communion and what anyone does for the several minutes after that moment should be a sign to each of us of the depth of my personal spirituality. Yes, it should be that. If there is little more than a quickly said personal prayer, then what is the significant of receiving Holy Communion? Think of all the basics you may have taught you sons and/or daughters when they were preparing for their First Holy Communion. Have you continued to stress those realities you or any parent tries to inculcate into the minds and hearts of the First Communicant? If it seems to have lost its prominence, what happened? Why is the extraordinary gift from the Father to us no longer extraordinary? Why is it rarely taken as significant?

Some good questions, I believe.

2011-06-23T20:56:00.011-04:00

FRIDAY 903

Let me invite you to begin with an unusual "wake up" prayer this morning. Today is the celebration of the birthday of John the Baptist. It is a celebration of the greatest herald among us. Don't clap too loud: you might disturbed those still sleeping!!! Created by young people in Europe where Catholicism has its challenges. However, hold on throughout the presentation and the many photos that will lift your heart to God. Watching the YouTube document, I found myself realizing what it is to be older, or in the second-half of my life. I found myself looking beyond the immediate presentation to seeking to understand how strong the faith of the young people must be, the young people who put this presentation together.

The presentation also made me stop and consider this question: "Just how would John the Baptist appear today were he to be found walking down the most major street in any one of our American cities?" What would you expect to meet? So many times of late I have heard these words or others similar: "When is the Church going to get with it?" Well, I think these young people have taken just seven words and made quite a production, quite a reflective moment, quite a proclamation at least for me as a viewer. How I wish we had more of this kind of spirit in our "Church music" in this country, in this city where I live! As the young man signing the lead said several times: Come on Church! Lets sing Church! Bring life to our worship just as John brought life to the Old Testament texts the people knew or should have known!

I am asking myself, as I type, this serious question: Have I used the Sacraments I have received to be the herald of Jesus? Has my life been an invitation to others to come to know Jesus?

And don't worry about the "Thanks You God" at the end. The Baptist was also human: don't forget that reality.

2011-06-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY - 902

The last two days have brought focus upon three outstanding men of faith and commitment to the Word of God. As we saw, when life is lived in accord with God's will, there will always be sacrifices. To me this should not be surprising. Our personal "felt needs" are not always in line with God's will for us.

In today's selected Gospel reading we are made aware that the will of God is primary in a person's life. Jesus speaks to his disciples about meeting God face-to-face, seeking admission to his kingdom. Listen to the kinds of words spoken by someone on the day of judgement. A variety of good deeds are put forward by Jesus. He then makes it clear that there is simply one price for admission to the Kingdom of God: doing the will of the Father.

Build your life upon a strong foundation, upon rock not on sand. All that Jesus has said, especially throughout the entire Sermon on the Mount, "these words of mine," these are the foundations God gives for life in the kingdom.

When you read these words, what do they speak to you? Have you used the blueprints that Jesus has offered you for building your home, your life? There is no life lived that does not encounter difficulties with Jesus' blueprints for life. Yet, if a person continually brings to mind that God's will is not a straight jacket binding our freedoms, what will become real and a source of much peace, success and happiness is that we can build our lives with God. Ours is the rewarding life if we but live God's will for us.

2011-06-21T21:49:00.003-04:00

WEDNESDAY 901

Another look at noble men: John Fisher and Thomas More. Men of England, saints of the Church. An interesting reality for my family. My mother's family come to the United States from Great Britain. My grandfather was named John Fisher. Somewhere here might be a family link but highly doubtful. You might click on the YouTube insert at the bottom to play as background while you read the reflection.

Born just after the middle of the 15th century, Fisher, a priest who was eventually ordained a bishop. His prominence came about through his austere living -- perhaps a noteworthy fact that priests and bishops might consider. Likewise, Bishop Fisher was known not as a skilled administrator or extraordinary preacher. Rather he was greatly admired as a true shepherd for the people of his diocese, Rochester (Not NY!!). As a bishop, John Fisher did not step back from challenging the departures from Roman Catholic theology and dogma. He, together with his saintly colleague honored on this day, Thomas More, was imprisoned for strong opposition to Henry the VIII's divorce from Catherine. Seemingly the opposition to leadership in matters of religion carried with it very weighty penalties.

Fisher's saintly partner, Sir Thomas More, was a married man and father of several children. Like Bishop Fisher, More wrote and spoke publicly in defense of the faith despite his position as royal chancellor. He publicly opposed the Act of Succession which earned for him a place in a London prison. All Englishmen and women were required to sign an oath of loyalty invalidating the Church's refusal to grant and a divorce between Henry VIII and Catherine. The act was designed to refute the actions of any foreign power, as in this case the Pope.

Both men were beheaded for their strong opposition to the refusal reject the Pope's not granting a divorce to the King.

From Fisher and More we can learn much ... especially the courage to stand up for what the Church teaches especially when it happens to be concerned with serious matters of Church discipline. It is interesting to consider what these great saints might do were they living in our world today. Regardless of such a inquiery, let's end the reflection with a hymn that came from England.

2011-06-20T23:16:00.000-04:00

TUESDAY - St Aloysius Gonzaga

Just several blocks from the nation's capitol building are located contiguously to each other the parish of St. Aloysius and the Jesuit High School, Gonzaga. This young man was born in the 16th century. He was the son of royalty. "Castiglione" is his family name. Aloysius is an Italian Jesuit saint. He died at a youthful age of 23.

His family was recognized for its wealth and power. His father wanted Aloysius to follow in his princely footsteps and ultimately to become a marquis like himself. The father sent his son to be trained in the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Francesco de' Medici. From there he moved to Madrid where he served in the Court of Philip II.

But there was a yearning in his heart that would not abate. He felt the calling to be a priest. Ignatius Loyola was his inspiration. Consequently "Luigi," as he was called, desired nothing more than to walk in the steps of Ignatius and the other early Jesuits. Shortly thereafter Aloysius was accepted into the Society of Jesus. His Jesuit vocation was not to last all that long. Luigi also felt called to help the poor and needy of his time. His early years in the Jesuits happened to be at the same time as the Plague that was devastating so much of western Europe. Because there were sick and dying men, women and children, this son of Gonzaga secured permission to work the streets, helping the sick and dying. As a result of this, Luigi himself became a victim of the dreaded disease.

Luigi was given spiritual direction by another well-know Jesuit of the early years of the Society: Father Robert Bellarmine whom we have come to know as St. Robert Bellarmine.

My reason for taking the time to put some history around the person is this: Aloysius was declared to be the universal patron of youth by Pope Benedict XIII. Many of you may not be the parent of a young man but you may have grandsons or nephew or neighborhood boys who you sense would be a great help to our Church as a priest, even, perhaps, as a Jesuit priest. If you know such a young man, take the time to introduce him to Aloysius. You may not have a life of this noble young man, but you can direct a young man to the Internet to find out about St Aloysius Gonzaga. You will have done that young man a terrific service should he follow you up on this suggestion you have offered him. We can remember these words of the saint.

It is better to be a child of God than king of the universe.

NB This is the 900th posting for Prayer on the Hill that is added to its predecessor where there were 852 postings. Together the total is 1751 postings or 4.97 years of blogs that demand about 1 hour and 45 minutes for each posting. That equals 183,855 minutes to bring us where we are. That many minutes equals 3,064.25 hours!

2011-06-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

MONDAY

"Stop judging...." strong words from Jesus in today's first reading. Why did Jesus go after the scribes and Pharisees? Simple ... These prominent figures in the community had taken to themselves the role of playing God!

How easy it is to point the finger at others! Being judgemental seems to have become a notable characteristic of many people we encounter today especially TV pundits. And, unfortunately, that same spirit seems to have become a part and parcel of the baggage many carry with them today. Hypocrisy also is one of the realities that we see in today's society. How many we know who put on a mask that we known as a "better than thou" attitude!

So, the challenge to ALL of us today is to be most Jesus-like and to forgive those whose transgressions may have offended us. Forgiveness is indeed a BIG PILL but it seemt that if we want the forgiveness of the Father, it is one that we have to swallow.

2011-06-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

TRINITY SUNDAY

Again we confront genuine, there's-nothing-like-it mystery in our Church. The reality of the Holy Trinity! A power-packed mystery: engaging not just God but God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It's easy to understand that there are three persons in this God ... but then there is that phrase "the one God." It is something like God has pitched us a curve ball. It crosses home plate in exact center but so fast we cannot even begin to say "well .... it looked like... ugh .... well it sure went passed me so fast I cannot even begin to tell what it is." This is the one mystery that the greatest minds cannot solve ... and they never will be able to solve it. Let's simply say "it's not in the books for human minds to understand divine mysteries." No matter how purposefully and carefully we might pray on this mystery, regardless how often we turn to great spiritual writings or Church teachings, we are not going to solve this spiritual Sudoko challenge.

Sometimes we try to develop a simple "well it is like or something like ..... well, like this." There is me or is it there is I. There is none other than me driving this thinking process at the moment as you read. There is at the same time the reflective thought taking place in my mind and heart. But I cannot draw a picture of what is going on in those two powerful parts of how God made me. Even an MRI or a Cat Scan cannot depict for you or for me what is going on. But there is a process happening that is putting these words on my computer screen. So ... me, process, reflection. But now you are reading with your eyes the words I write, the product of my mind and heart. You may understand most of what I write but then you just might not fully understand all that I am thinking. Two people, using the same language but not achieving a duplication of one thought. Yet what I write I do so to help you (and me as well). I hope you can draw ever closer the God who created each of us. I also want to draw you closer to the mystery of the Trinity. I do this not to help you solve the puzzle of the Trinity that is beyond Sudoko proportions.

Now if this reflection does not help you understand this mystery, I have succeeded. We just cannot achieve that. If anything, this exercise can, hopefully, help you realize that we have a God who is at the same time three persons but not three Gods and we cannot solve that mystery. But we can pray to God, our Creator as well as to God our Father, to God the Son and to God the Holy Spirit. A bountiful mystery when you stop to think about it: three in one!!! In all seriousness, I do hope this posting is something of a mind and heart opener for you. Happy Trinity Sunday fellow travelers.

2011-06-16T21:16:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY

A Modern St Paul?

The first reading for today's liturgy is almost laughable. Paul is putting this account forward as his CV (Curriculum Vitae)! If you had published a job opening and received this resume or one that would sound similar today, how quickly would you show it to others you work with? You and your colleagues would, most likely, consider the application either a joke or the attempt of a job seeker who knew nothing about all that Job Hunters would teach.

Yet, there is in such a presentation a very individualized presentation of one man's road to .... are you ready?? ... to success! You might say to me, "You are joking, aren't you?" Well, to be very honest, I am NOT joking. Here are some interesting historical facts: Nelson Mandela secretly worked on his autobiography for 27 years while a prisioner. Sir Walter Raleigh put together a history of the world while he was imprisioned. Amd where did Martin Luther translate the Bible? In castle-confinement. Winston Churchill's insight: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; and optimist sees the opportunity in every difficult." Each of these noteworthy people was strong enough to overcome what the world would judge to be failure. Again, Churchill, "Success is going from failure to failure without losing our enthusiasm." For you who are baseball fans: we all know that the great Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs. Did you know how many times he struck out? 300? 400? 500? 600? 700? 714 times!!!!

Failures are but the seed-ground for successes, for blessings. Usually a failure is a painful but wonderful learning experience. Lewis Timberlake: "Failing doesn't mean God has abandoned me; it just means I must obediently seek his will.... In other words, people can get deeply discouraged. But filled with God's power and fueled by God's presence, you can hang in, hold on --- and win!

I write these words because I am sure there are some who have just completed a segment of their education, their preparation for a new mission it life ... but nobody's hiring!!! The seeming failure of "cold calling", knocking on doors and being told "NO!", getting no responses from the super-professional resume that was sent to hundreds of businesses could easily put some distance between a person and God. Yet, what we learn from the Sermon on the Mount -- the entire chapter long sermon -- is that there is no failure that is not a learning experience to better a person for the next effort.

A friend who has helped me in so many ways was looked upon by many as a sure failure while in high school. Some courses were failures. Yet determination is this man's middle name: he took classes each summer so that he would graduate at the end of his Senior Year. He did. No college. Right to the blue collar world where anyone with a sense for future success would have seen that this man would not be there long. Through a couple of painful circumstances he came to see himself in a very different work. Some simple discernment. Some ten years later he is a very successful business man. The usual story: two cars, two homes, two this two that but most of all always learning from what he did not know. Today he knows exactly what Saint Paul was saying in the words we heard heard/read today: there nothing wrong with a failure or a mistake ... it is simply a stepping stone to a goal, to the completion of a mission. So don't always judge the book by its cover.

Our relationship with God is no different. He is going to allow you and me to make mistakes. The issue is simple: did we learn from those wrong pathways we walked? Building a close relationship with God and being his "agent" in today's world is more than a destination, it is a journey, it is that "closer walk with Thee." We will know it when our ship has run aground on sand or rocks more than a few times. This is the moment when we realize that "knowing" God is not a momentary experience. It is a never-ending awakening.

2011-06-16T07:22:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY

Pater Noster

The "rabbi," the teacher at his best is presented in Matthew 6: 7 - 15. With 55 words Jesus puts before us what Paul encourages all who wish to follow Jesus do "without stopping."

Praying. Perhaps we think too much about what prayer is supposed to be. What steps do I take to become a 'good pray-er'? How do I make a good prayer? These questions and many others like them seem to plague the Christian communities. Seemingly it is difficult to be told by the greatest prayer instructor that all we need is 55 words! Not one additional word is need to earn the PN Degree. It is the simplest and easiest course anyone can ever complete.

Jesus does not ask us to memorize complex formulae. He does not tell us we have to learn a "foreign" language. His course does not require classes or text books as most understand them to be. He would surely recommend one "text book" if it is easily had: The Bible. It is a "vade mecum" that can be found in almost every country of the world and in many different version, even on the Internet. All that is required in his course is to be able to learn 55 words. 55 words! It is we human beings that make prayer so difficult. We have learned from our earliest years that success often demands academic achievement. Learning and more learning. We put that same demand on our relationship with God and learning how to pray.

The real challenge of prayer is simply this: Do I believe? Do I have the courage and strength to accept the teaching of Praying 101? Do I trust that Professor Jesus has put before me the simplest text to earn the most rewarding and satisfying advanced degree in 55 simple words and thoughts? Graduation and the awarding of the degree happen every day when Christians truly believe in this one prayer is God and all his goodness to us. All we have to do is our homework each day: lift up mind and heart to the Creator with 55 words! There is no other "degree" more rewarding that the PN Degree (The Pater Noster Degree). Congratulations, graduates! Imagine, you really don't have to master a required reading list ... this morning the Amazon listings for books on prayer total 64,271.

2011-06-13T21:28:00.000-04:00

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

I have been asked to accompany a cousin on a mercy mission for the next two days. Consequently I will not be posting on this site. HOWEVER: You can find a substantive website that you might find useful. I know that this site has been good for a number of years.

Pray for me for two purposes: (1) that my mercy mission will be successful; and (2) that I drive a terrible summer cold out of my head and chest asap. I don't like being a patient!!!!

Click onto this the site to link up to the Collaborative Ministry program ... a spirituality formation division at the university.you might want to visit:

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

2011-06-13T09:34:00.001-04:00

MONDAY

Today the Church honors a Portuguese priest, a Franciscan friar, St Anthony of Padua. A powerful preacher, Anthony achieved this skill after spending some time living in a hermitage. There he deepened his own spirituality. Little did he realize how God's plan had brought him to Padua for a specific purpose. He was content in his hermitage but after St. Francis of Assisi died, Anthony was assigned to Padua. His time in Padua were a witness to his noteworthy impact upon the people of Padua earned by his preaching. His life story is very interesting and worthy of a read.

In today's first reading St Paul writes in words that are a reflection of Anthony's life. As you read these words, select the circumstances that might apply to you.

We are called impostors, yet we are truthful;

no bodies who in fact are well known;

dead, yet here we are always rejoicing;

poor, yet we enrich many.

We seem to have nothing, yet every this is ours!

2 Cor 6: 8-10

Photo: liketelevision.com

2011-06-11T14:10:00.003-04:00

PENTECOST

We celebrate this power-packed moment in our Church's life every year! This is the day the Lord has made for us, let us rejoice and be glad! Easily, perhaps and unfortunately, we often fail to allow ourselves to experience that power, that gift of God to each other. Today, I believe that we, as a nation, we as citizens of this great country, now more than in recent memory, we need to have the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives. For all of us it is a matter of life and breath.

The words of Ezekiel about those "dry bones" remind me of the millions of broken dreams and shattered lives and families that exist from the far northeastern corner to the far southwestern corner of this great nation. Our nation, our families and/or our friends have been delivered a financial death that seems to continue dying anew every day, work or month. So many seemingly languish without any hope. This Pentecost reminds me that as a people and as individuals we need to recognize the power, the healing remedy God has given us in the Holy Spirit. Again, it is a matter of life and breath.

Many remember World War II. Some may have served in the armed forces at that time. Prison camps and other atrocities were spread from Germany to other European countries ... even to the Philippines in Asia. A victim of prison during that war was an Austrian psychiatrist, Dr. Victor Frankl. He wrote a book following his release from the prison camp: Man's Search for Meaning. Many prisoners who survived the painful experiences were doomed because they lost their belief in the future. It was this loss of hope that undermined their spiritual hold on life itself. There is not doubt that today's life experiences among many whose lives have been shattered by the national financial disaster have turned many into those "dry bones" that Ezekiel described in his Old Testament writing. Today we need to revisit with the Holy Spirit! For us it is a matter of life and breath.

Almost 100 years ago a 38 year old man had to put a sign in the front window of his shop that read "CLOSED - CANNOT REOPEN! That was the front wave of the Great Depression. However, because his wife sat and worked out a life plan with him they were able to make a real plan for their future. 23 years later this man was introduced to the world as President of the United States. President Harry S. Truman was the man. Through wife Bess's strength Harry Truman experienced the life and breath of the Holy Spirit.

Each day Harry Truman would read a particular verse from the writings of the prophet Jeremiah: chapter 29, verse 11. The prophet's words conveyed to the Jewish people in the Babylonian Captivity the words Yahweh wanted them to hear: "For I know well the plan I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your good, not for disaster, plans to give you a future full of hope." These words are good for many of us today.

Today's feast stands before all as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is not dead! Far from that: The Holy Spirit is very much alive IF we allow his presence to invigorate our lives, as well as the lives of families and communities. It is so easy to join the choirs of those who can only sing hymns of woe and despair. There is no life in that crowd! They are only new piles of "dry bones" that will not yield to revitalization and new life. Today God wants you to come alive with the Holy Spirit. There is a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that comes to mind: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

My reader friends during this Holy Spirit weekend of Pentecost I ask you to take on the intention to make it your mission, your business, to let the Holy Spirit loose in your life. Bring him to your families and your friends. Pray to the Holy Spirit to fill your life with his gifts so that you can be the life and breath of the Holy Spirit to transform your life and the lives of your families and communities. God is renewing this gift in your lives this weekend for that reason. And yes, it may be frightening.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa, expressed her own fears when she realized what power the Holy Spirit had given her to change not just her life but the world for the poor and the dying. Letting the Holy Spirit take over will change your life. Blessed Teresa wrote these powerful words: "I know God will never give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me with so much."

My friends I am offering you the chance of a lifetime today: the gifts of the Holy Spirit if you just open your heart and mind to him. Go for it!

2011-06-10T08:01:00.001-04:00

FRIDAY

Today's gospel is a lesson about the word "love." In contemporary culture this word is tossed around like an ingredient in the salad of life. Jesus' conversation with Peter is the model we need to consider. In the gospel scene Jesus is asking Peter for genuine, self-giving love, the kind of love that Jesus would be giving to all of us from the Calvary tree. It is the love that is shared between marriage partners or life-long friends. Jesus is asking Peter for heart-felt, life-giving love (commitment?) but Peter's response to the question "Do you love me, Peter?" is more like "Yes, I am your friend." Jesus, knowing Peter was not "getting it," asks a second time. The apostle's response, with a little frustration, is "Yes, you are my friend." Still did not understand! Jesus does not give up. He asks a third time but most likely his question was "Peter are you my friend?" We hear Peter respond the same way again, "Yes, you know I am your friend. Then Jesus, knowing that Peter needs emotional and spiritual growth, accepts Peter as he is. He knows that Peter will come to know what rue love is with the test of time.

Jesus is above any hurt or disappointment. He entrusts to Peter the care of the flock: "Feed my sheep." It is the same message the Jesus gives to each of us regardless of the number of times we have had to come back to Jesus because we have sinned. Jesus never turns away from us, from any sinner. The heart that was pierced out of love will never turn away from his flock nor fail anyone who has not responded to God's inviting love. That same heart brings forgiveness and a renewed invitation to "follow me."

2011-06-08T22:50:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY

In today's gospel reading we continue Jesus' prayer that is spread throught out the John 17. It is truly a challenging text that confronts us -- at least me -- when he prays that we "will be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you." It is evident, so the scripture scholars believe, that at this point Jesus "suddenly" starts talking, praying, beyond those that are with him on this Thursday evening. We are presented with the relationship of the Father with the Son and then the relationship between the members of the community (you, me and all the others). We have to see beyond human solidarity. John sees these two relationships as a revelation of the Father with Jesus. It is Jesus who brings the disciples into a communal relationship with God. Surely we are dealing with mystery. But we do see that the relationship between Jesus and the Father is based on one reality: their mutual love for one another.

Perhaps you who are parents may have an easier time grasping these words of Jesus. Don you say or pray in a similar way: "Father, I pray that my daughter/son may always be one with us, his parents, and his siblings. And don't all of us pray that we are one with God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Is there not something is this reality, this relationship, similar to the relationship of the Father and the Son? Doesn't it have to do with mutual love, the love between parents and children, between children and parents as well as between children and others in the world?

These words of Jesus in prayer truly are words that call us to pause and listen to the Holy Spirit who speaks to us in prayer.

2011-06-08T07:46:00.000-04:00

WEDNESDAY

As we prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Pentecost, the following words of Blessed Mother Teresa might well serve some prayerful consideration of the result of our Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us by a loving and caring God.

I know God will never give me anythings I can't handle.

I just wish He didn't trust me so much.

And if these words are not enough to make you prayerfully think about the consequences of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, let these world from Proverbs: 29:18 settle in your heart and mind early this morning.

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Lastly let the words of the Rev. Robert Schuller of the famous Crystal Cathedral give you a purpose for this morning.

The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and

achieves the impossible.

2011-06-06T21:38:00.000-04:00

TUESDAY

Often times we hear words that speak of Jesus and his prayer: his time in the desert, alone on a hillside or teaching his disciples. Usually, though, he is alone, unobserved. Unfortunately we just take his prayer time as very private. Why not? He is Jesus, Son of God! We might feel we have no right to break into his privacy. Yet, because Jesus calls us to prayer in our lives for ourselves and others, I believe we should inquire about Jesus' prayer. He did not have rosary beads! There we no churches as we know them today, just the big temple in Jerusalem.

So how did Jesus pray? St. John's gospel, Chapter 17, provides an answer. This particular chapter is Jesus' prayer that falls from his lips on Holy Thursday evening. He is praying for his closest associates, the apostles -- and all the disciples from that day forward; for them and for all of us.

So what was his prayer? Are you surprised to learn that he prayed that you and I would come to "know" God. He did not mean that we should know him as scholars "know about" him. It is not book learning he sought for us in his prayer. He prayed that we would "know" God in a very personal way.

This is a practice we might evaluate. How personal, how intimate is the prayer relationship I maintain with God? I truly believe our prayer will never be "easy" if it is little less than repetitious prayer. One of the painful realities of mental illnesses, as we experience it in the lives of those with Alzheimer's Disease, is the incessant repetition of certain sentences or questions. So, did you ever wonder what God must think if we rattle on with the same prayers, the same impersonal expressions that we use just to make up time? I cannot imagine how tedious it must be to be on the receiving end!!! This does give us something to consider in our prayer lives?

2011-06-06T07:48:00.000-04:00

MONDAY

"I have conquered the world."

(Jn 16:33)

Association with anyone who could speak those five words should be a cause for pause. Either you have a sense the speaker is hallucinating or, for one reason or another, you have a sense it just might be true despite any troubles you might have or have had.

From the experience you have while reading or hearing the words of Jesus, there have to have been moments when you have felt encouraged. Surely the most powerful moments in his life are his death and resurrection. Jesus is the only human being to be brutally brought to death and then risen from that death -- on his own, we might say. Indeed Jesus has conquered the world. Yet it is a victory that armies can never accomplish. Fr. Fleming Rutledge in The Undoing of Death: "It is a way of power in humility, power in sacrifice, power in non-violence, power in self-emptying love."

When you encounter challenges that seem insurmountable, where do you turn? Do you feel the need to conquer on your own? Or, as countless winners have done, do you turn to the one who has told you "I have conquered the world"? Do you believe him? I ask again: Do you believe Jesus? Do you believe in him and his proclamation "that is at odds with everything the world teaches"(Rutledge)? Do you turn to the "power of self-emptying love"?

2011-06-04T23:28:00.001-04:00

ASCENSION SUNDAY

When you read or hear the word "Ascension", no doubt several images might come to mind. Surely there must be something like Jesus the Space Shuttle "taking off" from a place in Israel. A few might think about Jesus himself with his mind on "taking" his place next to the Father again in heaven. There is also the thought of Jesus leaving without his disciples while at the same time assuring that he will return. Whatever imagery might come to your mind there is one constant theme we might consider because I believe most do not see it in the Ascension. What is it? Jesus TRUSTS the disciples and us. Trust, trust, trust: this is what it's all about "Alfie."

We are called upon with this feast day, whether on Thursday or Sunday, and when it actually happened that first and only time, to understand that the Ascension assures all of us that GOD DOES TRUST US.

In the first reading St Luke writes that he sees the Church is entering a new time. Of course Jesus did not return to the Father with any sense that we could not be trusted. He said it time and again during the last meal with the disciples, according to St. John, and on occasions when he made his cameo appearances after the Resurrection.

In the words of Matthew's gospel there is no description or reference to the Ascension but there is the inference that Jesus who had returned to the Father believed that the disciples and their successors would certainly continue Jesus' presence in the future days.

Lastly, consider all that has happened within the Church since the days of the Second Vatican Council: we have become a Church that places great importance on the role of men and women in the operations of the Church. Perhaps for some not enough has happened ... but just look at how long it took to get to Vatican II and all it called the Church to do in the new world.

The big question, however, is this: do you trust yourself to fulfill the empowerment the Ascension gave to you?

The picture, I know, is making you wonder. Just something to look at as you consider how God has entrusted something so special to you. The picture is that of the top side of a large turtle or tortoise! It might be a reminder to all of us to come out of our shells into the world of complete trust in the Lord who has entrusted so much to each of us.

Please take time to read the posting that appears beneath this Ascension reflection.

Why the Absence for the Last Two Days?

2011-06-04T22:56:00.000-04:00

SATURDAY EVENING

The last three day were out of the ordinary for this blogger. Hence the posting-waves have not been rolling to your shores. Your truly had two major celebrations, as he does every year, on June 2nd and 3rd. This year is a special year for me. On June 2, 1941 at 12:18 AM Milton and Margaret Jordan became parents for the first time. On Capitol Hill in what we now refer to as the Old Providence Hospital yours truly came into the world. His mission was underway. So a brother and sister decided the "old man" needed a birthday party. For sure 70 only comes once in the life of those who make it that far. As I think back on that day and the days leading to it, I realize now that I was really excited about all that was happening and could not concentrate on much. It was like a child anticipating Christmas morning. And the celebration continues even tomorrow as a group of friends from the parish Cardinal McCarrick entrusted to me some years ago are gathering for dinner with me. So that is a part of what was going on.

At the same time there was a deeper, truly spiritual celebration going on within my heart: on June 3rd I celebrated the Mass for a Priest's Ordination anniversary. It is the only Mass that a priest celebrates for himself with public prayers etc. and, of course, just once a year. That was a day that afforded me some quiet time to calm down from the prior evenings celebration which I do not think I will ever forget.

So, friends, the sanity, the calmness is returning. The excitement was such that I really found it very difficult to pray on my birthday and the day before. So many friends were reminding me of the big seven zero. I really began to think about what this meant to me. Of course the reality made me think of the future and wonder how long it would be before the Lord would call me home to be with him in heaven. Furthermore I was thinking for the last several days what does my God expect of me now at this stage of my life? What does a retired priest do who feel like 70 some days but whose mind and heart somehow become stuck at 45 years old?

These are some of the thoughts that were racing through my head and heart these last few days ... which made it impossible for me to sit and compose myself. God was just stirring the pot with too much excitement. So, now, even though there is one party to finish off the celebrations, I am back to serving you through this medium. So that is the reason for the happy face just above: what a day celebrating the reality that I had been on this earth for 70 years and was not going strong into year 71!!!

2011-06-02T11:14:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY

In the gospel of St John, we have the opportunity to experience the expression of divine thoughts that are peculiar to a man who had a unique relationship with Jesus as well as his mother, Mary. Today's reading presents words from Jesus spoken on the evening before he would suffer the torture of his walk to Calvary Hill and the murderous crucifixion. His words are an encouragement to the disciples as he attempts to prepare them for the unusual events they will confront within the next 24 hours of their lives.

What we might consider today is that no matter what we are called up to endure, we can find in the words of Jesus the blessed assurance that the Father is a loving God, a caring God. Who is there among us today who does not encounter challenges that raise doubts in the mind about the care of our God for us when we feel that this God of ours is absent.

Today let the Lord Jesus talk with you in your prayer. Ask him to share with you how his graces are the power behind all that we can possibly do. Ask him to talk with you about how he sees the best way for him to help you. This is the way to understand prayer. It is truly an opening of one's heart to the love and care of the Lord.

2011-06-01T07:57:00.001-04:00

WEDNESDAY

Let me offer you a place to sit and reflect for a few moments. Today's gospel reading (Jn 16:12-15) does require some thinking from us. So, a quiet place, a peace-filled sight may be of some assistance to those who read these words today. (Had to stop posting here to fill in for a priest at the altar.)

Jesus continues to foretell about a gift from God to the disciples, to all of us: the presence of the Holy Spirit within our lives, we who are temples of the Holy Spirit. The tome from Jesus' words, however, is somewhat ominous: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now."

We have heard this sentence many times although we may not recall it easily. What is it that Jesus is "foretelling" or "predicting"? These thoughts may bring some to think of the Holy Spirit as the great prognosticator. Some may perceive him as a God with a crystal ball or some tea leaves!!! None of this, of course, is truth. Scripture scholars refute this to a person.

What the Holy Spirit does is this: "he will guide you to all truth." We should understand this "truth" as belief in Jesus as the sole revelation of God and the one who speaks the words of God" (New Jerusalem Biblical Commentary, p 977). The Holy Spirit's mission according to make "what Jesus said or did intelligible often by associating it with Scripture"(ibid.). In simpler terms we should understand the Spirit as a guide. Through the powers entrusted to him, we will be guided to understand more about Jesus. The Spirit will teach that Jesus is "the fulfillment of everything that had been promised in the Scriptures" (ibid.). His sole role is not to interpret a crystal ball or to read tea leaves, he infuses us with the knowledge "to glorify Jesus and to take what the Father has given Jesus and declare it to the disciples" (ibid.). See the "team spirit" or the Trinitarian effort! This is the great feast day we celebrate on June 12th this year, Pentecost Sunday, just 12 days ahead. Let us begin again to renew our hearts, to understand the importance of our awareness of the gift from the Father.

(Again, pardon the late delivery ... duty called.)