For Wednesday: Remember the reality of sin???

You have heard it said: "Sin hardens the heart." How aware are we, the people of the 21st Century, of this reality. Clearly many Catholics have altered what they believe sin is. Even some rather conservative Catholics (whatever that actually means) have a doubt about some of the things we considered sins just a few decades ago. The Pro-Choice army is not solely liberals! Sin, so it seems, has been riding on the pendulum, swinging from the scrupulous right to the "Is there still sin?" questioning of the liberal left. Testimony to this reality is the not so frequent use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Even from those who are brave enough to allow others see them in a confessional line, albeit a short line, there is too frequently a remark like this: "All I have to confess are the ordinary sins."

Tell that to the man who was scourged, beaten, had a crown of thorns mashed into his head, nailed to a crude tree cross and stabbed before his body finally gave up the spirit. If you were in his skin, do you think you would say, "Okay, that okay. This is just an ordinary thing that is happening to me. St. Paul reminds us "Sin must not reign over your bodies."

How did this come about, this lackadaisical attitude toward sin? De we succumb to a deception that "God will always forgive." Sin really doesn't mean that much any more. While God forgives sin there is a reality we seem to forget: forgiveness is just on part of pardon; there remains atonement. One of these days we will begin to realize the sentiment of "The days of the two martini lunch are long past!" also applies to the matter of sin. Don't let our culture make us look like fools. "Our help is in the name of the Lord." And this we call reconciliation.

For Tuesday: If we fully understood! Amazement!

Have you ever been stunned by serious thoughts of God's love for you? Today's readings lead you to St. Paul's thoughts about what we have designated as original sin. Try to imagine yourself as God -- don't let it go to your head!!! But imagine, there was a moment when your plan was to create human beings. And there would naturally be one man to start the whole human race. Do you think that you could have not held back the gift of a free will to your creatures? That would be so foreign to your love for humankind. Yet, as God you knew there would be the Adam and Eve story. You knew that your creations would turn against you and your will because of their weakness and their misuse of the free will gift. This is where the remarkable experience of your love is so powerful, so explosive, so far reaching, so very wonderful. You know that you have to have your Son be born. Sure that is a great moment. However, the pain is just beginning. You know that the Son you love so much was be tortured and crucified to atone for the sins of humankind. This is truly your gift of abundance to the people you have created. Would you, in your role as God, have been able to do all of this?

Now back to the real world. Do we allow ourselves to understand fully the truly incredible love of God for each one of us? Could you have created and forgiven in such a way? Do you know the gift of redemption in your life? The answer to these questions is what stirred on the man the Church honors today, St Paul of the Cross. He became a priest and founded the Passionist congregation of priests. In the footsteps of his namesake, Paul of Tarsus, St. Paul of the Cross and his Passionists realized how graced we have been and made it their mission to remind humankind that it was the love of God that brought about the wonders of divine forgiveness.

For Monday: Fiathful Followersu

Saints Isaac Jogues and John de Brebeuf, SJ

Recently our Church has celebrated days honor some of the "great" on our calendar of saints. Some have called these days as a prelude to November 1st, All Saints Day. Today the honorees are no less to be noted for their heroism, their endurance, their fidelity. Isaac and John and their collaborators are a part of the our American Church's early history. The challenges in settling the new country beyond those encountered when doing something totally new in a territory that was inhabited by other human beings who were not happy with the intruders were caused by their faith. Missionaries were a threat even though they came to bring the Good News. Their loyalty to their faith earned for them membership in the community of martyrs.

Who of us can endure the torture of martyrdom? Their vision, their passion to preach the Word of God brought them to the altar of sacrifice. They believed with great firmness. They would not step back from their commitment no matter what the temptation.

In our times there is martyrdom. How many are the times, the situations, that challenge us to back away from our commitment to our faith. Modern society poses ways of living that are like magnets, pulling us away from our faith. It is the strength of our ancestors in faith that should encourage us in those moments of temptation.

For Saturday: Hang Tough!

Today's Feast Day: St. Ignatius of Antioch
Readings

Challenge! How do you respond to challenges? Today's feast day focuses on very early Christian, Ignatius of Antioch. Most likely he was appointed by Peter as the head of the Church in Antioch. By the year 107 AD, Ignatius was dead, victim of the persecutions of Trajan, the Roman Emperor.

Our early ancestors surely endured extreme challenges to their faith, even their very lives. Ignatius, while being brought from Antioch to Rome to face a trial, wrote a few letters that stand as models of a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He penned these frightening but powerful words: "I am God's wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ."

Most of us today are not living in circumstances that are as horribly frightening. We live in a generation when subtlety reigns. It is the sword; it is the grinding teeth that Ignatius faced. Subtlety is the means used by the Evil spirit in our world to bring us to deny Jesus Christ! How often are you confronted by jokes about your faith? How often are there subtle remarks about our Church's strong defense of life stance? Those water cooler remarks that occur on occasion. The innuendo of some preachers of other faiths against the Catholic Church. These are some of the challenges that dedicated followers of Jesus Christ might say today.

Know this: you are a true radical if you are one who follows Jesus Christ and the teaching of his Church! This is your reality. This is why you may be asked not to be victims of wild beasts' teeth but to take up the cross of subtle ridicule because you believe in Jesus Christ.

The words of Jesus in Luke's gospel today have poignant meaning for the 21st century:

I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others
the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what your should say.

For Friday: Jesus Forgot!

St. Margaret Mary Alocoque

Each year in June we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart, a heart of love so intense that it was seen as a heart afire. Closely associated with this Visitandine sister was Jesuit Claude de la Columbiere. As spiritual director for the Sister, Father Claude, now Saint Claude, told her to ask Jesus when he next appeared to her what his most serious sin as a young man. In time Sister Margaret Mary was visited by Jesus in an appearance afterward. She asked Jesus Father Claude's question. Tradition has it that Jesus responded "I forgot." St. Paul's words in today's reading give us some thought: "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record." St. Luke in his gospel recorded Jesus saying "Do not fear."

Today, who of us, whether we like it or not, have become so technologically conditioned by our culture, that we demand to know. We want to see immediate results. Push a remote control button and we can see live events almost anywhere in the world. Is this the reality that undermines our faith, our desire to trust God? Do we fully understand the gift when we hear Jesus say "Your sin? I have forgotten them! You are the object of my intense love that sees beyond them." Do I live with this belief in my heart, my not so sacred heart? This feast is an invitation to you: "Would you come to me with your love? Do not be afraid. I have forgiven your sins by my suffering and death. Do not be afraid. Only be afraid of what the Evil one can do to separate you from me in a lashing way. Let the love I have for you never fail to draw me to you."

For Thursday: "God walks among the pots and pans."

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of our Church

The Church now honors an extraordinary women.  Ladies please take note.  Daughter of a wealthy man, one of nine children, Teresa knew in her heart that God was inviting her to live a life of sacrifice and prayer.  She was a woman whose passion was her religious vocation and her love of Jesus Christ.  To fulfill God's intention for her life, she joined a Carmelite monastery not too far outside Avila, Spain, her home town.  At that time convent life was not terribly trying on the women in the communities.  Eventually she felt the call to establish a community of Sisters who would follow much more stringent rules and regulations: much prayer, sacrifice and poverty.  During an illness prior to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelite Sister, Teresa came to know that was what God wanted her to do.  In her recuperation she spent hours in prayer, opening herself to the will of God.

She wrote many letters calling for monastic reform.  It was an action that caused resentment from other convents who did have a comfortable lifestyle.  In Butler's Lives of Saints we read that Teresa had an aversion to "long-faced saints that make both virtue and themselves abhorrent."  In the description of her life we also read that she and the papal nuncio had there moments of major disagreement.  He said that she was a "restless, disobedient and contumacious gad-about woman, who ... has left the enclosure ... and gone about teaching, contrary to the injunction of St. Paul."  King Philip II brought about reconciliation!

Teresa was canonized in 1622 along with St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, St. Philip Neri and St. Isadore, the farmer.  No insignificant class in the history of saints!  In 1970 Teresa was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church along with St. Catherine of Sienna:  the first two women to be raised to that dignity, an elite community of 33 men and women.

And what would our Church and religious communities be today were she alive and well?  After some thought there are, perhaps, two women of our times who might be like her:  Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Mother Angelica of Birmingham -- perhaps the two strongest women religious of our times.  The following words were found on a book marker in her prayer book:

Let nothing worry you;

Nothing dismay you;

Everything passes;

God does not change. 

If you have patience, you can do anything.

Those who have God want for nothing;

God alone is enough.

(Butler's Lives of Saints)

For Wednesday -- Grateful for St. Callistus, Slave, Deacon, Pope

St Ignatius Church, Park Avenue, NYC

Tomorrow is the feast day when the universal Church honors a man who was once a slave, Callistus by name. Once a salve, the man earned his freedom and eventually was ordained a Deacon by Pope Zepyrinus. Callistus succeeded the Roman Pontiff who ordained him a Deacon!

There was at the time of Callistus, 3rd century, a practice in our Church that bothered the Pontiff: the consequences of confessing serious sins. No doubt living a part of his life in servitude made him away of the realities of forgiveness and mercy. How could a serious sin which required public penance -- a serious humiliation in itself -- further forbid a return to the reception of the Eucharist? Where was the reality of the forgiveness and mercy of God earned by the suffering and death of Jesus? In allowing those who had committed murders, adultery and fornication to return to the Eucharistic table, Pope Callistus was awarded severe public criticism from some quarters of the Church. Surprise??? Ho doubt the words expressed by St. Paul that we earn complete forgiveness through "the priceless kindness, forbearance and patience" of God had touched this Pope's heart. Let us never judge others who receive the Eucharist by our own standards. We never know the relationship between a sinner and God. I say to myself: look in the mirror whenever the thought crosses my mind that someone should not be receiving the Eucharist. I am not the judge. God knows far better that any of us the ends to which human weakness can push human beings ... who may not be saints!

The Power Over Evil

Romans 16 - 25

The Power to Change 

St. Paul's words in Romans  are a reminder to us that we, all of us, are a blessed people, a people empowered by God.  Paul brings to mind that there was a moment when the power of evil was victorious over our first parents.  Ever since that Eden day, evil has been handed on to each person brought into this world.  This is a reality that has been implanted in our hearts, our lives.  We have an inclination to evil within our very being.  Each of us has this!  It is a reality that has turned one person against another, one nation against another, one person against their Creator.

However, there is a God who has chosen to forgive our sinful transgressions.  Ours is a loving God who willingly offered his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to serve as the atonement for our sins, our perpetuating the Eden sin.

Our spirit is lifted when we quietly recall that we are exonerated from the burden of our sins.  The life and death of Jesus reminds us that we can overcome the power of evil.  We can overcome what would ruin our lives.  It is our faith, our desire to make God a genuine par of our lives, Paul writes, that will empower us to be the women and men that God has planned us to be.  It is our belief and trust in God that should convince us that we are able to carry out the mission entrusted to us.  David, in composing Psalm 68 concluded the prayer with these words:

How awesome is God as he comes from this sanctuary -

He gives strength and power to his people.

Praise God!

Please note the following:

The content for the daily blog will reflect the readings for the next day.

Why?  To assist priests who read these postings and others

in preparing for the next day's time of prayer.

Amazing Grace CEO Space Forum

This is the view from one side of the hotel-conference center where I am attending a Forum for CEO Space. The "amazing grace" that has come to all of us attending the Forum is bountiful. No gambling, no smoking, much talking with people from all over the world, and, please catch this: there has been a rare presenter who does not speak of the place of God in their lives and their journeys.

The people here are a wide range of entrepreneurs. They push the message that deep within each of us God has planted a plan, a mission. It is our duty to learn what that mission is for us and how it will help other people. This operation stands on three legs: learn, earn and return.

It is clear that capitalism that seems to have ruled the world until this past year has brought our nation and many others to their knees. Why? Because capitalism has become so competitive, so dog-eat-dog. The pushers of modern capitalism thought they could stand on two legs. They forgot the third leg. They learned their vision with great passion. They strove to earn as much money as possible. But then came the great mistake: greed, greed, greed entered the picture. And, as you know, greed cannot stand on the stage with return, with care of others, with charity, with reaching out to others. It became a program for self!

So, that's what I have been doing for this week. Starts each morning at 7:30 with table discussions over cereal and continues minimally until 10 PM. Each day is filled with coming to know that we have our community here, men and women who want to work as hard as we can to improve our planet.

I return to DC late Saturday evening to prepare for the upcoming Knights of the Holy Sepulchre annual meeting.

God be with you.

And You Don't Worry????

There are very few who see this picture from wordpress.com who don't feel a hankering in the heart for peace and quiet .. but for what? Deep within each of us is the yearning to be free of worries, free from the daily trials that fall upon our shoulders.

It is the day-to-day worries, especially in stress-filled times like ours, that distract us from being able to answer that inner calling, the need for time alone. Most of us today find ourselves racing from one demand to another. Was life meant to be this way? I don't believe so. Neither did Jesus.

Invited to dinner with Martha and Mary and perhaps other guests, Martha, as we know, carried a heart that was so concerned with perfection. Everything she was doing had to be just right. Sound familiar? Yet there sat Mary. She was answering that inner call for peace and quiet, that yearning to respond to the call that wanted to be heard, that wanted to share in the wisdom of their invited guest.

We may not have Jesus dropping in and out of homes as a dinner guest in our times. However, we do have houses where the residents do stop throughout the day to listen to that inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Those houses? Monasteries where the monks and sisters find time to be with that inner voice, to be within the world of silence, listening to the Holy Spirit. Yes, it is a privileged life. No, it is not impossible for us to live a similar life even in the rat-race world surrounding us.

We have to be like Mary and chose a time and place to listen, to hear what God is saying to us. Did you do that yesterday? If you did, bravo/a for you. If you didn't, surely it was because you were too busy. Promise yourself right at this moment: "I will find five minutes when I stop my engine. Five minutes when I will relax my mind and let my heart listen for the voice of God.

Where Is The Holy Spirit?

St. Paul, in I Corinthians 3:16, writes that the Holy Spirit dwells within each of us. When Jesus was about to undergo his suffering and death, he promised the apostles, disciples and us that God would give us a gift quite remarkable. With Jesus gone, the Holy Spirit would become a part of all of us. He would be with us each day.

If we truly believed this reality, this doctrine of our Church and the belief of most Christians, wouldn't our lives, our world be somewhat different ... almost radically different?

We live in a dog-eat-dog world. Competition exists: from the day your first sibling entered your life or, if you are an only child, the day your parents told you were better than the kid next door or your one of your cousins. This has made all of us consciously or unconsciously a people of judges. Directly and indirectly that competition has made us punish those who do not win, who are not on top.

Listen to conversations you hear during the next three weeks. No doubt most of them will contain a reference to another person's weaknesses, failures, infidelities, and so on. Please note if you can find a conversation where praise and admiration are heaped upon another person. Even some praise fails in many remarks: "She's wonderful but ...." "He'd make a good whatever, but ...."

If this failure to attribute magnificence to one another abounds so plentifully, is it not a sign that the Holy Spirit's indwelling in us is just talk by Church leaders and a few others? If we truly believed the Holy Spirit was within us, wouldn't we have a hard time choosing between a Jesus physically present and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us?

"Come, Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with your love."

God's Intention for Us

Those of you who have followed this blogger may find the thoughts in this posting a repeat of previous reflection(s). However, I am in Henderson, Nevada. An invitation to celebrate Mass for people gathered at the hotel came my way. Following one of the presentations from last evening by Mr. Bernie Dohrmann, I am sharing some of the Dr. Wayne Dyer thoughts from his book, The Power of Intention. So, you have had a head start on today's thoughts.

Last night Mr. Dohrmann spoke about one of the "lesson" his father, Mr. Alan Dohrmann taught his nine children in one of the famous "Dohrmann Seminars." For those with children, I am sure your brood have told or would tell of some of your stories to them to help them understand what life is all about.

Mr. Dohrmann concluded a presentation with a recollection of his father teaching his children that within each of them is a power, a power of light, a power of brightness that enables each of them to change the darkness in their own lives as well as the lives of others.

In his book, Dr. Dyer speaks about the real power that we have within ourselves comes from our Creator, regardless of the name we assign to the power that created this world, that is the essential cause of who we are.

We so often hear people say that we existed in the mind of the Creator even before the world was created. In his mind the Creator had a plan for each one of us. It was and is a plan that always was. It was a plan that took on special significance on the day that you were conceived and made very real the day you came crying into this universe of our. It was then that you began to live out your God's, your Creator's plan for you. Each day since that first day of the rest of your life, you were entrusted with the responsibility to live out what he wanted for you and for his universe.

The wonderful gift that this Creator gave to you in his plan, his intention, is a most unusual gift. It was the freedom to live out his plan as you wished. We were given the freedom to live in darkness, we were given the freedom to live in the light that the elder Mr. Dohrmann taught his children.

Now what is that intention that the Creator God may have had for you ... your Bernie, you Bruce, you Helen, or each one of you? To answer that question you have to look at your life. Why do people make annual retreats ... business meetings or spiritual times away from the helter-skelter of our world? I honestly believe that happens because we have that divine intention buried within us that daily calls upon each of us to come to know that intention.

Once we know what that intention or what we believe it to be, we become an incredible person of passion. We become alive like few have ever known us. A man who taught me in high school at least some 50 years ago impressed his students more than any other teacher at the time. He spoke of the "turning moment" in his life during WWII when he was on a burring ship and had seen so many of his colleagues dying. It was then that he realized there had always been what he called the "nagging pain" in his heart to do something for young people. It was then that he finally landed on the pathway that was intended for him. He saw that light and refused to let it go ... because he knew his being saved as his ship sank in fire and as living burial ground in Pearl Harbor for those who could not free themselves from the compartments below deck.

Two year ago in a not as dramatic way I found myself having a very difficult time breathing with each step I took. Several days later a doctor came to me on the operating table with these words: Fr. Jordan, I am here to save your life. You should be dead ... never, ever, forget those words. And I say this to you because I honestly believe you have a mission to fulfill. God's intention for you has not yet been completely fulfilled.

And here I am today ... some two years later. Retired from active priestly ministry yet finding that there is not enough time in a day to live out what I see as that intention that was buried in my heart for all those very productive years of priestly ministry but years that only touched the surface of what God has been calling me to do.

Each of us us has quietly living within us that Creator-given power of intention. Know your passion, know what you are the happiest in doing, know the highway that enables you to bring light into the lives of other people in a way that no other person but you can do that.

Bernie, I want to thank you personally here today for gathering that Benedictine Brother's notes of your Dad's lessons to you and your siblings. As a priest who loves to use stories, I realized how marvelous your Dad must have been ... even though he may have needed that coat hangers for some of you!

Thank you for sharing his lessons because he continues to be the master teacher for us when you take that mic and speak so passionately from that inner place where you found the power of God's intention for your life.

A Great Insurance Policy: No Fees

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Apologies for yesterday's silence. Blogs may be inconsistent for the next week: attending a conference in Henderson, NV for the week.

Today, in addition to the feast of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, the Church celebrates a day honoring the Guardian Angels. Their primary purpose, of course, is to praise and worship God in his heavenly kingdom. Additionally these heavenly creations serve as an expression of God's genuine care for each of us.

In our times all of us are facing the very expensive outlay of long term health insurance. Even in my Archdiocese it is now a reality for all priests: all must purchase a long-term health policy. But all of us realize that we live longer but not necessarily healthier years. Nonetheless we will pay as much as we can afford to have such insurance.

This feast reminds me that in a way God provides an insurance policy for each of us. He has promised always to be with us. In a way he has assigned an agent to watch over us: his angels, my guardian angel for each of us individually. How many reading this blog and others, how many seek the assurance of the divine insurance each day? It is not expensive, you know: only a minute or two each day in prayer with that heavenly agent who handles your policy!

These are the words of your Church in today's Eucharistic Liturgy for the Guardian Angels: God our Father, in your loving providence, you send your angels to watch over us. Hear our prayers, defend us always by their protection and let us share your life with them forever. Amen.

Long-term health insurance, medicare and medicaid take care of our bodies. Today's feast is a calling to invest in a policy to care for your soul. Each day spend time with your guardian angel: give the angel a name! Make it real! Don't forget, your angel will not require one cent of your funds only one or two minutes each day. Can you find a better option!

Wherever you go??? What???

"I will follow you wherever you go."
Luke 9:57 - 62

Orators and writers often remind us that care must be taken when using two particular and opposite words: always and never. One of the disciples, speaking to Jesus, uses a similar kind of word: wherever. To pledge almost carelessly to follow someone wherever the journey may lead is a dangerous first step.

Jesus seems to be mindful of the challenges such a statement would bring. He responds to the statement with another statement: the Son of Man "has nowhere to lay his head." His is a warning to all who want to follow him: take care because following me will not be easy. He did say "Follow me," testing the small band, a "mix 'em gather 'em" group attracted by his mission and personality.

Another asked if he could be temporarily excused in order to bury his father. Then with the suddenness and surprise of a boulder landing squarely in front of of him, the disciple hears the normally supportive Jesus reply. "Let the dead bury the dead." Wow! Was he tired of apostle-questions? What was the message he was trying to teach?

Think about Jesus' status at the time. The Son of God heard his Father say, "And, oh yes, it will also mean that there will be suffering, intense suffering, even death, a tortuous death." Did Jesus say in reply, "Can't I just do everything you ask but that?" What you are asking is painful, not easy. As Paul Harvey would now say, "We know the rest of the story." Never a thought given to stepping aside for a short time or seeking a change in plans.

This is what Jesus was teaching: to be a close follower demands complete focus, maximal attention, to the life he asks of his followers. "Follow me wherever I go???" Are you sure you can accept and live out his invitation? You must be strong. But I will always be with you.

How would you respond to such an invitation? How have you responded to his invitation that was given to you at your Baptism and renewed each time you have received the Eucharist? Stop for just a moment or two and consider all the particular invites you have received: daily prayer? fidelity in your state of life? Sunday obligation? Sacrament of Reconciliation? Care for those entrusted to you at home, in your families, your employees or colleagues? Single-minded purpose?

Photo: Pinkphynx.com

Michael, Archangel -- Perhaps Needed Again

"and the do not help me in what is good

while they are placed on earth."

(4th Century Apocalypse of Paul)

In the "Meditation of the Day" section for today (Magnificat) the line above appears. The fourth century writing is, of course, an apocryphal writing but the quotation above captured my attention this morning. In this early Christian writing --something new to me -- St. Michael is portrayed by the author as more than "defender in battle." This archangel serves as an intermediary for those in what we would call Hell and the whole human race.

The author's insight that Michael expects us to help him in his duties in preventing evil, in doing good. Have you ever thought of this particular relationship between yourself and St. Michael? Surely those my age recall that extension tacked on the end of every Mass as we prayed for the conversion of Russia, the perceived embodiment of Evil.

But the fourth century writer has an interesting point of view: this great archangel, special to the Church, might indeed rely on each of us to help bring about good in our world, in our times. Perhaps a little reflection on this presentation, this reality, this expectation may strengthen our efforts to work harder for the community of believers: work harder in avoiding sin in our lives.

If you have the time, take a look on the Internet for some increase in knowledge and for a sign post along our spiritual journey. It can be a sign post that opens up a deeper awareness of our baptismal duties to be concerned about one another and our Church by doing good, by preventing sin.

I Was Born to Climb

I am strong enough to rise above most any troubled time.

Today may be a mountain but

I was born to climb.

In earlier postings you have read reflections about God's plan for each of us -- for you, for me. Looking through the Sunday edition of the local paper, The Washington Post, I was drawn to the daily horoscope column. As usual, I read through several of the insights, predictions, etc. posted for the curious, like me, and the superstitious, not like me, I hope. As I started to delve into the readings for today's liturgy, my mind and heart were not caught by what was written. Praying for an open heart and open ears, words of s Sunday TV evangelist came to mind and did not seem to want to hear "Go away!" The preacher's words brought to mind Dr. Wayne Dyer's valuable book, "The Power of Intention."

What was the Holy Spirit preaching to me? I came to believe this: God had a plan for you even before you were conceived or born. You, all of us, need not go to horoscopes or fortune tellers to learn what is best for us.

Our times present painful, frustrating and debilitating challenges to our faith as well as to our bodily strength. They wear us down. Morale has lowered so many people in many walks of life. I speak of my own colleagues in the priesthood and religious life. In conversations with priests, young and old alike, I hear great pain, serious pain. I cannot misunderstand their signals of disappointment and at times genuine abandonment by superiors and some directions the Church is following today. If you do know a happy priest, thank God and your friend for his upbeat spirit. He may well be in a minority! Likewise I speak with parents who have children and grandchildren without employment. Again, turning to our local paper, we read that a suburban father murdered his wife, a teen-aged son and a not-quite-teen daughter before taking his own life. Friends discussed the family's serious financial straits. I speak with relatives and close friends who are pounding the pavements in search of a job with little hope there will be a discovered treasure in the sands.

To my clergy and religious brothers and sisters, to those unemployed, those despondent because these challenges a bringing dramatic changes and pressures to their lives let me write this: don't give up on your God. Again, recall that he sent you into our world at this precise time in its history with a purpose, with an intention. It is not a fortune, not a plan, not a new vocation he will give you. He brought about your birth with that original plan before you were born. His is not a future reality. It has already happened; it is in place. If we truly believe each, in every difficult moment that we are "infused," you might say, with a purpose, a plan that he wants you to bring to reality in our world.

The more I believe God has a plan for me in my retirement, the stronger my mind believes I can be a good priest, regardless of my "official status" as a retired clergyman, the sooner I can overcome any challenges that confront me. This is a truth for all of us: priests, religious and laity alike. God has promised to care for us, again, even before we were born! God did not say I will make you a blessed people. Rather through his prophets he told us "You are a blessed people."

The quote beneath the picture was given to me by a special friend, Bev, who has a deep relationship with her Creator-God, a faith much stronger than my own. She is often challenged by her Pastor because she is not always thinking and praying in the box. I thank her for her strength and for her being a true and living model of one who believes God has a plan for her and all that she does is done because she knows she is a blessed woman. Thanks, Bev, for being such a noble model ... and for climbing some challenging mountains.

26th Sunday Ordinary Time: In Their Own Way!

Solitude by David Winston

Book of Numbers 11: 25 - 29 and Mark 9: 38 - 43; 47 - 48

The first reading and the gospel contain two segments that I cannot recall as a topic for a homily, a sermon, an article or even an address by any Pope, Cardinal, Bishop or priest I have known about in my lifetime. Let me write at the very outset in the reflection, the Holy Spirit is working in my heart because I hear his voice calling for an honest look at the issue of dissent in our Church. The same can be said about society in general as well.

Fr. Wilfred Theisen, O.S.B., in a reflection on the words of Moses and Jesus, writes that we, in our times, "have to determine honestly whether dissent divides the Body of Christ." We have t ask the question: Is dissent ad avenue of pain that helps the Body of Christ strengthen its presence in the world; does it help for growth and development?

We know from the gospels that Jesus took positions quite contrary to the Law of Moses more than once. A read of the Acts of the Apostles and some of Paul's writings make evident the division that existed in the early Church, especially against Peter's teachings. The dissenter was none other than St. Paul, another apostle. He was charged with the message of Jesus to himself directly and would not give any quarter to anyone whom he considered wrong. Hear this: "But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong" (Gal 2:11).

The history of our Church is marked by more than one or two instances of internal dissent. These painful moments, however, resulted in the correction of schismatic positions as well as in a clearer awareness of what had been revealed by Jesus. Therefore, to write off, to dismiss demands for modification or removal of what some might consider essentials of our Church may be an example of blocking clearer understanding of what Jesus taught.

We might reflect for a moment on two statistics: (1) there are 30 million "ex Catholics" in the world; (2) one in ten Americans is a former Catholic. Just in numbers what does this tell us. A parish, for example, of 800 households may well represent 3840 souls using 4.8 as an average number in each house. That "one" would be another 840 for this parish. Another significant number of people worship in our Church.

Most dissent results from change. The American people are understanding that reality these days more strongly than in many years. Both Moses words to Joshua and Jesus' to John developed because others were acting "outside the box." Both Joshua and John speak out for traditions that had become essentials in the minds of many.

Look at what Jesus and Moses were teaching: tolerance and understanding, patience and love. It was not easy. Just consider the "hot bottons" that start heated arguments today .. too often simply because someone believes his/her position is right even though the essence of the issues are not fully understood. What Moses and Jesus were using as norms deciding what was best way of acting by those outside is not easy to answer: Was it a harm to the community? Was it good for the community?

We are no different today. But Fr. Wilfred reminds us there is a path we can follow. It is in the words of Pope John XXIII who was criticized both before and after his death for initiating Vatican II ... an event whose consequences continue to divide parts of our Church we can follow a sensible path:

In essential matters, let there be unity;

in non-essential matters, liberty;

in all matters, charity.

Let us never fear an open mind, an ope heart. Never let our ears be closed to another, especially a dissenter. That man or woman is hurting: something is blocking his/her love for the Church, the Body of Christ. Just yesterday, Pope Benedict, speaking to the leaders of Czech Republic in the Prague Cathedral said:

"Jointly we must engage in the struggle for freedom and the search for truth, which either go together hand in hand or together they perish in misery" (cf. Fides et Ratio, 90).

Where is the Lord God?

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15
"See, I am coming to dwell among you says the Lord."

Following yesterday's questions, "Who do you say that I am?", we might consider another questions raised in today's first reading from the liturgy: "Where is God in our world today?" Isn't it ironic: the more knowledge we amass, the less certain we might be about where we can find God today.

"Where?" would be your response to today's question? Where in your very busy world today would you find Jesus? Surely some might immediately respond, "Of course, he is in the tabernacles of our chapels and churches." Some might remember to say, "He's present in the words of Scripture. But how many have the time or purpose to bring themselves to a church or chapel each day? How many of us open a bible or book of prayers to wrestle with Jesus' teachings and our inner searchings?

There is an answer in this reading. "See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord." A promise that was fulfilled long before any of us were even thought about except in the mind of God.

So many events, duties and calls to help others tie up not just the minutes but the hours of each one's days. Frustration, exhaustion and emptiness might lead to a sad response: I cannot say I experience where God is.

All our activities easily become like intensely dark sunglasses that interfere with our spiritual vision. The many distractions we let control our days block out our ability to realize God's presence around us.

Where is God? A good question once or twice a day!

El Greco's Peter and Paul

Luke 9:20

"Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus asks another penetrating question not only for Peter and his colleagues but for all of us -- you and me, each of us individually, not as a group. "Who do you say that I am?" This short sentence brings to mind a word prevalent in business and politics that relates to personal practice as well as corporate image. The word? TRANSPARENCY. How honest am I with myself about my relationship with God?

We live and work in a busy world, a conflicted culture. Families are struggling, values seem to be in a flip-flop state of affairs. Where is God? Who is he? Who needs God?

What I answer to the question Jesus puts to me today is most important. My answer reveals the impact God has in my life, the impact I allow God to have in my being. My response should clearly reveal the depth of my spiritual life especially to me. It speaks loudly to me of my relationship with God.

Jesus' question serves as a "true north" on my life's compass. Do I follow the direction of the needle? Does that needle continue to bounce around, seeking the best course for me?

Does Peter's reply, "The Christ of God," mean much to me?

Come let us worship the Lord, for he is our God.

Seeing God?

"And he kept trying to see him."

Luke 9:9

Yes, you have seen this photo before. Here's a challenge that could prove very interesting and rewarding. Stop someone on any street corner and dare to ask this question: "Do you see a clear picture of God at work in Jesus' life? You might ask a similar question of a friend during a conversation: "I was wondering if etc. ....?"

In the New Testament, particularly Luke's gospel, the evangelist portrays

many individuals who stand amazed and somewhat awestruck or confused. Herod was such a person. He had heard about the reports of people who spoke about all that Jesus had been doing. He seemed determined to know more about Jesus.

When Jesus performed miracles, there were those who did not believe he could have done such wonders. Other imagined him to be a powerful person but wanted to how who he was. There were those who would look at him but something within kept them from seeing God in him.

A question for you, dear reader: "In the good that you witness, do you ever stop yourself to ask if you see God and his Son at work in the person doing the good?" Another question: "Do you try to imagine how close the person you have watch is to God, to Jesus?"

Do you ever see Jesus in the good you do? Do you keep trying to see him?

Never Doubting; Always Confident

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Padre Pio

Imagine being summoned by one's boss or superior to be sent on a special assignment. Emotions and expectations are high. He instructed you to complete a specific task: go to the five accounts lost in the last five years. You mission: bring them back to the company. Don't take a cell phone nor computer with you. You are given a minimal budget. You cannot use the company credit card. Those high emotions and expectations were now on the floor. You ask one question: "How do you expect me to accomplish this task? It is impossible!" Your boss responds: "Tell those CEOs that you are sent on my behalf. Tell them I have entrusted this mission to you, the best sales person in the firm. Tell them I have charged you to explain honestly, clearly and patiently that I am working at the office with all that is in me to regain the great name we had not long ago and provide the best service to our clients. I am entrusting this to you because you are an extraordinary person. I want those CEOs to know that I am using our best representative to bring them back. You can convince them better than I can. You have that skill.

Isn't this what Jesus did with the disciples? Isn't this what God is doing with you as you seek to do his will, to follow what he wants of you? Can we not accomplish so much more when we rely not just on our own skills but on the help of the God who made us. He wants us to rid ourselves of all that distract us from the mission. Just as the optimistic boss wanted to fill his best salesperson with even more self-confidence so, too, God wants us to clear out what distracts us from letting him be our light and guide.

This was how it was for Padre Pio, now St. Pio, whose feast we celebrate today. Despite so many challenges put before him by Roman authorities, he never yielded to temptations to give up believing God was there at his side ... as was eventually evidenced.

In God's Clan

Photo: Long Term Health Care Union Website

A cousin has worked with great intensity over the last decade to discover all the roots of my maternal family. Looking at names from the past, those here in the United States as well as those in Thrapston, Kettering, United Kingdom, I find a genuine curiosity about family history. It captures many hearts and much activity ... how my grandmother's family started so far away and how my cousins and me have been given so much from past generations.

The words of Jesus in Luke's gospel, chapter 8: 21, -- one simple sentence -- give us a very clear picture of our place in the family of God. Do you ever stop to think about your place in that family? More often we think of ourselves as members of the Roman Catholic Church family or of another church community. And most often we speak of our family as that group or clan of people born of two particular sets of grandparents and our own parents. Verse 21 is significant: "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it."

Having family ties with Mary or those "brothers" (relatives) of Jesus is a thought that might not occur too often. Jesus' words, however, makes clear that each of us has a place of dignity in God's family. Jesus' family is more than Mary and the other relatives of his earthly family tree. My genealogy captivated cousin would say our Fisher roots are marked by journeys from England, ordinary people, who have settled in the District of Columbia area for more than 130 years. Jesus describes his family as "those who hear the word of God and act upon it." These words are both invitation and reminder that we can be members of his family.

Our efforts to fulfill the will of the Father that gives us family pride. In this divine family, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, our brother!

Healing at Jesus' house: St. Matthew's Feast

St Matthew's Cathedral -- Washington, DC
http://usccb.org/nab (readings)

The letter of St. Paul to the community at Ephesus near the Mediterranean Sea, in particular the selection of today's 1st reading, can be seen as an amplification of the message or purpose of Jesus' discussion with Matthew, tax collectors and sinners . Matthew's words answer that many may have wondered: Jesus did bring to his home some of those who were attracted to Jesus and his mission. The text today makes clear that this part of the Matthean "Life of Christ" (the gospel) is about healing. Sinners and the notorious Jewish tax collectors must have felt what was a "calling" to the inner needs in their lives. As usual Jesus' style was challenged by some of the Pharisees -- among the town's hypocrites. Jesus does not allow their criticism go unnoticed nor without correction: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." So often sacrifice is not as challenging as is mercy or forgiveness. It is much easier to someone in financial need a contribution than it is to give someone who is truly hurting something of one's inner self, one's being. Jesus is inviting not only the sinners and tax collectors but even the Pharisees to personal healing. It is St. Paul's words to the Ephesians that paint the portrait of those who have been graced with healing. Theirs are lives of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with others and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit. Each of us has been invited to accept God's healing in life and to live that grace-filled life according to God's plan.

Psalm 19:3-4 says it well about those whose lives are healed, whose lives are silent witnesses to the call they have received from God:

No speech or words are used, no sound is heard;

yet their voice goes out to all the world

and it is heard to the ends of the earth.

True Priority Questions

Today's gospel, www.usccb.org/nab, proposes an issue that can easily divide any group of people. What many readers of this particular gospel may see as the primary message is the issue of pride -- wanting to be number uno. The reality, however, is very different.

What Jesus' message is for all of us is a particular eye-opener. Jesus uses a child to teach the apostles to examine a cultural reality -- the insignificance of children.

Several years ago the world and the Catholic Church were rocked by the revelations about child abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests. This painful reality goes back to the days before Jesus' birth. It is a horrific reality in so many different forms throughout the world today. In Old Testament history as well as other writings we learn of the cultural disregard for children. Children were often considered a burden, sometimes too costly to cared for, to be fed.

Jesus places a child before "the wanna be" attitude of some. Here he had chosen "the least" among the community (Mt 25) to teach about a poignant human horror.

Today we are witness to two realities that are related to this Jesus example. Today TV, radio, newspapers, dinner conversations and barbershop "debates" concern health care -- primarily the health care of those not children!

The questions for us are several. How do we react to Jesus' example? Of course most will speak about the care children receive. But consider some statistics at a time when the big yellow buses have returned to the roadways and countless billboards are reminding drivers to be careful especially around schools.

The youngest children are our highest number of murder victims across the land: 1.37 million abortions per year, 3700 per day ... more than were killed on 9/11!!! Why? 93% give as a reason that (a) a child is not wanted and (b) that a pregnancy and resulting child are inconvenient!!!

Think, too, of child poverty -- in this land of milk and honey! Children are about 25% of our general population and 35% of the poor population. Consider how child abuse occurs in so many different guises: pornography, kidnappings and deaths, slave trade.

So, what is in this for us today? Will our adult population speak for the some 47 million without health care? Will we become a people who are revolted by the abuse of children, young people?

Jesus taught the disciples that always evaluating priorities is a must for his followers. When will the real followers take on the care of a child in need, a child rejected? When this happens, we will know that Jesus' words, his examples were taken to heart!

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,

there is disorder and every foul practice.

James 3:16

Faithful Witnesses

Luke 8: 1 - 3

Surely in our times thinking about these verses from Luke's gospel could be as dangerous as skating on thin ice. So easily could the ice give way, leaving me in icy waters -- because others may interpret my words and thoughts differently than I intend them.

In each of the gospels we learn that there were followers who accompanied Jesus. They joined him on his daily journeys for a number of reasons. They "shared in his ministry." In addition to the Twelve closest followers, there were women! Furthermore, Luke mentions 13 women who were overlooked by the other gospel writers. Immediately some may assume there feminine followers did more than cook or wash clothes for Jesus and the others. Actually these women were faithful witnesses, too. They say and heard what Jesus had done. Women were the first to find Joseph of Arimathea's tomb vacated. They were the first to announce that "Jesus had risen!" They proclaimed the reality of the Resurrection!

At the foot of the cross "All those who knew Jesus personally, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance to watch (Luke:23:49)." A number of the Twelve had fled in fear but not these ladies!

So what should we think about the women's roles? The ice gets thin again!! Not an expert on the scriptural verses about the role of women in Jesus' life, I do not write this to say or hint that Jesus' collaboration with the women mentioned by Luke should be elevated to a sacerdotal level. Whew!! The ice didn't give way! Together with the Twelve these ladies stand as a picture of how how they and others affiliated themselves and their service in the formative days of the Church. As Pope John Paul II wrote, women do have special ministries in our Church.

A lady friend I encountered on my own priestly journey said this about women and today's pastors. "Every pastor needs a Mary (yes, her name) to help him, to listen to him, to strengthen him in his vocation ... not to challenge his calling."

I can gratefully write these words: Father, I give you thanks for the many women who assisted me in my various assignments. So much more was accomplished by their insights, their patience, their charity, their efforts to make the pastor a successful leader and man of prayer. I truly believe your Son would reiterate these sentiments if he has not done so already!

Another Mystery: God's Forgiving Love

Luke 7: 36-50

Why should God forgive those who have offended him much less others? How do you answer that question? Before replying consider what God might see as offenses in our world: murder, abortion, hatred, geed that harms others, immoral behavior, theft, diluted or rejected praise and honor to himself, the Creator -- just to cite a few!

Too often, perchance, we take for granted forgiveness. All of these transgressions fall beneath the loving pardon of God. Perhaps we fail to understand the incredible mystery of his love for sinners. You might be asking, "What mystery? I know God forgives, God loves." Recall John's well-know words: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son ..." for our redemption.

Would you give a son, a daughter or a loved one as a sacrifice to pay back for the offenses of others against you? Of course not! Yet it is the life and death of Jesus -- God's gift of forgiveness -- that is the mystery. How could God elect to forgive through the suffering and death of his only Son? Does it make any sense? Really, does it? And even more incredulous: the greater the sin, the more outpoured loving forgiveness! Adolf Hiler? Osama bin Laden? African and South American Dictators? American racists? This forgiveness mystery is truly a challenge when we confront the realities of horrific and tortuous crimes. Isn't it hard enough to forgiven the relative or neighbor who may have harmed us? Imagine the more recent collection of collegiate murders, of innocent young children being abducted and killed. How do I react when I recall that God sent his only Son not to be judge but to be the one who would make manifest the mysterious forgiving love of God.

More Mystery

Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion ...

Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great ...

No one can deny how great is the secret of our religions ...

1 Timothy 3:16

(three different translations)

As we grow older, mystery most likely captures minds and hearts quite differently than in earlier years. A great difference between sci-fi and technological bafflings and after-life musings is evident. "De ja vu" experiences seem more plentiful as we turn calendar pages more rapidly.

So what is it, this mystery that is more captivating as time passes? It is at the heart of St. Paul's sentence (which ever translation rows your boat) to his younger colleague, Timothy?

As we package more wisdom into who we are, we see the world and daily life in it through changing lenses. It is the wisdom that is the gift of silence, the fruit of solitude experiences.

Paul grew older and through different events . His eyes were opened by his growth in wisdom. His moments of listening to the inner voice of the Spirit as well as to the traditions entrusted to new generations by the followers of Jesus were experiences of awe and amazement.

The continuation of this same 16th verse may well be the shortest life of Christ you will ever read:

Who was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated in the spirit,

seen by angers,

proclaimed by Gentiles,

believed in throughout the world,

taken up in glory.

The more you delve into the mystery of our religion, the more you will encounter the extraordinary graces offered to us by the God of mystery. The more you encounter this mystery, you will encounter the paradox that has attracted numerous saints. The more our God opens to us a peace and inner contentment. You will gain the strength to meet the worldly mysteries that challenge the followers of Jesus Christ.

Why is there so much joy and peace in the lives of most men and women who live lives of prayer and reflection in monastic settings? Why do other priests and religious as well as laity usually return from retreats with renewed spirits? The answer is this: they accepted an invitation to encounter "the mystery of devotion," "the mystery of our religion," "the secret of our religion."

"Listen To My Words"

Mark 7: 31 - 37

How Do I Reflect God's Message to Me?

There is so much noise in our world today: horns, jet engines, traffic, TV, talk radio, rap music -- all this and more that seemingly grow louder each day. Yes, each day. For many silence has become a rewarding and true discovery. Perhaps today Jesus would say something different from what he said to the deaf man. For us to listen to Jesus in our times we need silence, opening our ears to whispers from the Lord. Certainly he would call us to become more aware of our need to listen to his words, to open our ears not to noise but to messages from the Holy Spirit.

Another season of praying. Praying On the Hill comes not from Capitol Hill. But every experience of prayer is a moment when we climb up a hill, to sit at the top freed from distractions, ready to open heart and mind to the "whispers" from our God. In the reflections that will continue, it is my hope that what I gain from my own prayer and reflection will lead you to the top of a hill that has become your private space for meeting with the Lord. Enjoy the solitude. Relish the silence. Listen, listen for the voice of God. It is this silence, this solitude that will bring peace and harmony to your heart.

Today as you are on your hilltop, pray for a cessation of the hatred that has infected so many daily experiences we witness or become involved in. No four or five weeks in our history seem to have been so charged with hatred and mistrust. Our nation truly needs our prayer for a return to civility. As mentioned in a midsummer posting, we need not worry about Al Quaeda charging against our nation. We have become our own enemy inflicting so much hatred in our communities. Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, today's liturgical feast, became a mother whose life became filled with sorrows when hatred brought death to her son. Think about how much goodness is killed by human disrespect and enmity. Surely there is not the slightest chance that the word of God will never enter hearts that are so vicious, so filled with hatred.

Returning Soon

As promised in June, Prayer on the Hill will resume on September 15, 2009 ... perhaps with a new look ... but the name will remain the same even though I no longer live on Capital Hill. Just think about sitting on top of any hill, reflecting on God's plans for you in your life that comes through the words of Scripture or other spiritual readings or reflections.

There is one item I would like to put forth at this time.

I am 68 years old. Never, that I can recall, have I experienced listening to so much evil, hatred, vitriol from people who came to Town Hall meetings. Much the sick thinking and acting has been prompted by so many talk show hosts. There is not just one: this is the group Scripture calls "legions." On my Twitter site I made this comment: We don't have to worry about radical groups attacking the USA: it has already begun with the hatred that has so divided the country during this summer. Finally some of the tv anchors have begun to recognize that it is time to cool jets ... perhaps too late but at least any attempt will be some improvement. Turn on most radio talk shows where you would expect to be helped with information you do not know. What do you hear: attacking of the President of the USA, attacking of some of the elected representatives in our Congress, attacking people who are simply trying to become better. And where is the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops? Two Bishops across the land have taken stands challenging the health bill as they believe it will be.

Pope Gregory the Great spoke about the role of teachers and preachers in the church while reflecting on the writings of the Prophet Ezekiel. He said these proclaimers are called watchmen in the Old Testament. It is the role and duty of the teachers and preachers to watch for the intrusion of the "enemy" into the hearts and minds of the followers of Jesus Christ. Evil, anger, hatred are the troops of the enemy who have invaded our culture at this time.

It is sad. The picture above offers a thought: the stillness of the water in the River Seone in France reflects the flowers and buildings on a island in the river. It is a reflection of peace and calm. The river gives something to anyone thinking about how we live is a reflection to others of who we are and what we are. I cannot imagine if it would be possible to see any peace and calm in the waters of the river USA during these last days of summer. When I was studying theology, we heard a twisting of one of the lines of scripture: Look, see the Christians! See how they club one another (not love one another)!