4th Week in Ordinary Time 2026 - Wednesday (School Mass) - David Trusts in God's Mercy

 

Today’s readings tell us two stories that might seem very different—a story about King David sinning against God and a story about Jesus being rejected by the people of his home town. But these stories are really about the same problem—the same choice.

In the first reading, we heard about King David. David was a good king. He loved God. But one day, he made a mistake. He told his army to count how many soldiers he had. That doesn’t sound very bad—until we understand why he did it. For a moment, David trusted numbers and power more than he trusted God.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for David to realize his sin. And notice, he didn’t make excuses. He didn’t blame anyone else. He said: “I have sinned. I have been very foolish.”

Then God gave David a choice about what would happen next—and David said something very important: “Let us fall by the hand of God, for he is most merciful.” In other words, David was saying: “If something bad has to happen, I would rather put myself in God’s hands—because God is kind, and God knows when to stop.”

David remembered something very important: God is always more merciful than we expect.

Now let’s look at the Gospel. Jesus goes back to his hometown—the place where everyone knew him growing up. He teaches in the synagogue, and the people are amazed… but instead of trusting God, they start to doubt. They say: “Isn’t this just the carpenter?” “Isn’t this Mary’s son?” “Who does he think he is?” And the Gospel says: “They took offense at him.”

In other words, they rejected Jesus—not because he did something wrong, but because they thought they already knew him. They trusted their assumptions instead of trusting what God was doing right in front of them. And because of their lack of faith, they were unable to witness the miracles of Jesus.

Here’s the connection between the two readings: both are stories about how we fail to trust God. Like David, we trust in our own strength, thinking we can overcome life’s obstacles by our own power, or military might. Like the people of Nazareth, we fail to take the time to know Jesus.

But David shows us what we must do when we fail to trust God: run back to God as soon as you can. Sometimes, like David, we mess up. But the good news—the very good news—is this: God is merciful. When we admit we’re wrong…When we say we’re sorry…When we trust God again…God always wants to forgive, to heal, and to begin again.

So today, let’s remember: Don’t be afraid to trust God, even when it’s hard. And when we fall, let us trust in God’s mercy—because, like David said, “The Lord is most merciful.” For the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Trusting in the mercy of God, who is always faithful even when we struggle to trust Him, let us bring our prayers before the Lord.

 For the Church throughout the world: that she may always trust in God’s mercy and help all people turn back to the Lord when they fall away.

For our Holy Father, bishops, priests, and teachers: that they may humbly serve God’s people and help others recognize Christ.

For all students in our school: that we may grow in faith, learning to trust God more than our own fears, assumptions, or doubts.

For those who struggle to believe or who have turned away from God: that they may encounter His mercy and be given the grace to trust Him again.

For those who are sick, sad, or in need of healing: that they may be comforted by God’s loving care and feel His mercy close to them.

For those who have died, that they may rest in the peace and mercy of God forever.

 Merciful Father, you are slow to anger and rich in compassion. Hear the prayers we offer today with trust in your love, through Christ our Lord.

5th Sunday of Lent 2025 - (Year C) - "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more"

 

This week we celebrate the last Sunday of Lent prior to Palm Sunday next week which begins Holy Week.

And our Scripture readings today raise some pretty important concepts as we prepare for the week called Holy, our Gospel particularly: the dramatic scene of Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees who have brought before him a woman caught in the act of adultery.

Firstly, notice the peculiar nature of this scenario. The woman was supposedly "caught in the very act of adultery." But adultery, by its nature, involves two people. Where, then, is the man involved? The law of Moses clearly required both parties to be held accountable. Leviticus 20:10 says, “If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death.”

Yet the Pharisees have conveniently omitted one party. From the outset, it is clear that their concern is not for justice or the enforcement of God’s law, but manipulation. They are using this woman as a pawn in their effort to trap Jesus.

In asking him how he would deal with her, they try to trap Jesus between two codes of law: the Roman Law and the Jewish Law. If Jesus says, "Stone her," he violates Roman law, since only the Roman authorities held the power to sentence someone to death. Such an action would immediately label him a rebel and enemy of the Empire. On the other hand, if Jesus says, "Let her go," he openly defies the Law of Moses, discrediting himself among devout Jews as one who disregards sacred law.

This scene foreshadows an event during Jesus’ passion. After he is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane , the Jewish leaders will admit before Pontius Pilate, "We have no authority to put a man to death." They conspire to force the Roman authority to sentence Jesus to death.

In today’s case, though, Jesus masterfully turns the trap back upon the scribes and pharisees. His response: "Let the one among you who is without sin cast the first stone." Jesus puts the responsibility for the woman’s execution squarely on the shoulders of those who accuse her.

So Jesus has turned the tables: if THEY throw stones, they will be arrested by the Romans. If they don’t, they will appear to be claiming publicly to be sinless, which denies numerous scripture passages that remind us that before God, all men have sinned.

With their hypocrisy exposed, they are compelled to walk away. And with no accusers left, no legal plaintiffs remaining, the case collapses entirely.

At this point, Jesus turns to the woman with profound mercy, yet also clear, unwavering moral authority: "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more."

Jesus’ words call the woman to repentance and a new way of life initiated by his mercy. Notice, he doesn’t explain away her sin. He doesn’t relax the very clear biblical teaching that adultery is gravely sinful. He is neither indulgent nor permissive toward sin. Yet, simultaneously, he exhibits mercy. “I do not condemn you”

And here is a great paradox that lies at the heart of the Christian way. Jesus’ absolute moral clarity about sin—“go and sin no more”--is matched by an equally absolute willingness to forgive—“neither do I condemn you”.

He doesn’t say, “Well, your circumstances were hard,” or “Who am I to judge?” No—Jesus names sin as sin. The command, “Go and sin no more,” presumes that real moral boundaries exist and that breaking them wounds not only ourselves, but others and our relationship with God.

Jesus is clear about sin and calling us away from sin because he loves us. God desires not the death of the sinner, but that the sinner might live. Jesus is not a therapist who validates our decisions. He is a savior who works to free us from sin. He intervenes and seeks to stop the cycles of sin in our lives by calling us to sin no more.

“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”. Jesus, if anyone, could have stoned her. For he is like us in all things but sin. But he doesn’t cast the stone, rather, he calls her to change, to repent, to metanoia—change your life, change your habits, turn away from sin and walk in the newness of life. He doesn’t belittle her. He speaks the truth that invites her to a new way of life. He calls to conversion and he is merciful—fully both, never one at the expense of the other.

Nowhere is this truth more fully revealed than in the Passion we are about to commemorate during Holy Week. On the Cross, Jesus doesn’t minimize sin—“Continue on in your sin, I’m just going to forgive you anyway.” He bears its full weight. And in doing so, He opens the gates of mercy to all. At the Cross, God’s justice and mercy meet.

At this point in Lent, perhaps we ourselves feel a bit like the woman in today’s Gospel. Maybe our Lenten practices have faltered, or perhaps we have even abandoned them altogether. We might feel ashamed or discouraged at our failures or shortcomings. Perhaps we have old sins that have still gone unconfessed. Yet, today, Jesus reassures us clearly: forgiveness is offered, a new beginning. Just as he did with the woman, Christ invites each to begin again, to recommit ourselves wholeheartedly to pursuing holiness in response to his merciful love.

So let us approach these final weeks of Lent with renewed resolve, embracing the fullness of Our Lord’s teaching,  committing ourselves anew to holiness, motivated not by fear or guilt, but by love—knowing deeply and confidently the inexhaustible mercy of Jesus, who continues to whisper gently but firmly to each one of us today: "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more" for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

29th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Monday - Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy)

 Having concluded our reading of St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, our readings at weekday Mass will be taken from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, until the end of the month.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians was primarily corrective—addressing particular grave errors of the Galatian community.  

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, written while in prison in Rome around the year 60, is a more universal letter. It circulated among the various communities in the region of Asia Minor and doesn’t mention specific problems or controversies of any local church.  Rather, it is a profound and exalted meditation on the mystery of God’s plan to save all men through Christ and incorporate us into the Body of Christ, the Church.

We heard this morning, “God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgression, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” 

In 1980 Pope St. John Paul issued an encyclical “Dives in Misericordia”. Rich in Mercy, drawing its name from that verse of St. Paul, the encyclical focuses on God's mercy as revealed through Jesus Christ offered to all people. 

In it, the Pope emphasizes how mercy, as a fundamental attribute of God and a core element of Christ's messianic mission, restores human dignity and brings sinful man back into relationship with God.

God’s mercy offers us a fresh start. His forgiveness liberates us from the burden of guilt and allows us to rediscover our true identity as children of God. Mercy forgives us of sin and leads us away from all those forms of evil which degrade us. Moreso, the mercy of Christ reveals us to ourselves. God’s mercy, shown to us in Jesus Christ, shows us who we are meant to be. As the Pope says, “Christ reveals man to himself and brings to light his lofty calling." God's mercy reveals to us our true potential and calling.

Saved and transformed by God’s mercy, we are to be merciful toward one another. We are to practice forgiveness, active compassion, and the recognition of the dignity of every human person.  We are to engage in the works of mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. We are not only to engage in mutual service, but outdo each other in charity. 

The Church’s duty is to create a culture of mercy. May we start here in our neighborhood, in our parish, in our families and toward strangers—that the mercy of Christ which has saved us, may continue to save and transform all aspects of life and society to create a civilization of love, where mercy reigns, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that she may faithfully proclaim and embody God's mercy in all her ministries and interactions, let us pray to the Lord.

For world leaders, that they may be inspired by God's mercy to work for justice, peace, and the alleviation of poverty and suffering, that all our interactions and structures may reflect the merciful love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish community, that we may become a beacon of mercy in our neighborhood, actively practicing forgiveness, compassion, and recognition of human dignity, let us pray to the Lord.

For those burdened by guilt or sin, that they may encounter the liberating forgiveness of Christ and rediscover their dignity as children of God, we pray to the Lord.

That the sick, suffering, and afflicted may always know the mercy of God in the charity of the Christian Church. 

That all those who have died, through the mercies of God, may rest in peace in the hope of the resurrection, especially…

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and grant us what we truly need in order to be  living witnesess of your mercy in Christ. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord.

September 23 2024 - St. Padre Pio - The tribunal of mercy

 Padre Pio lived a truly remarkable life filled with many amazing mystical phenomena. 

He could bilocate, that is, he could appear at two places at once, hundreds of miles apart. He could heal people like Our Lord, in the Gospels. Laying his hands on the sick, they would be immediately healed. He could even heal with his prayers. 

And of course, Padre Pio had the mystical stigmata, the wounds of the Lord’s crucifixion in his hands.

Why did God give Padre Pio these strange and marvelous mystical phenomena? One reason was for Padre Pio’s own sanctification. God chose him to bear a share of the cross in a unique way, to merit grace for his own soul and the souls of others.

Another significant aspect of Padre Pio’s life was his tireless ministry in the confessional. He would spend hours upon hours each day hearing confessions, sometimes for up to 16 hours, bringing countless souls back to God through the mercy of Christ. He called the confessional a 'tribunal of mercy,' where sinners were invited to experience the transformative power of God’s forgiveness. 

For Padre Pio, the sacrament of confession was not just about seeking forgiveness but about healing and conversion. He believed that every confession was an opportunity for a soul to experience a deep inner transformation, moving from sin and selfishness to holiness and communion with God. Sacramental confession allows penitents to acknowledge their faults and weaknesses, receive God’s grace, and be strengthened to resist future temptations. Regular Sacramental Confession is key step in the Christian’s ongoing journey toward holiness.

Padre Pio’s long hours in the confessional were a reflection of his deep love for souls and his commitment to helping people experience the mercy of God. In Sacramental Confession we see the heart of Christ’s mission: the salvation of souls through mercy. 

May we seek that same flowering of holiness which blossomed in the life of Padre Pio through prayer, acceptance of our sufferings, the confession of our sins, and by extending mercy in generous and heroic ways for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that, following the example of St. Padre Pio, she may be a beacon of Christ’s mercy to all who seek forgiveness and healing . And that priests may imitate the tireless dedication of Padre Pio in their ministry of reconciliation, bringing the love and compassion of Christ to all penitents.

For all Christians, that we may embrace the sufferings and crosses in our lives as opportunities for holiness, trusting that God’s grace will sanctify us and strengthen us to do His will.

For those who are sick and suffering, they may experience healing, both physical and spiritual, and be comforted by the presence of Christ in their trials. 

 For all who have fallen away from the faith, that through the mercy of God and the prayers of St. Padre Pio, they may be led to conversion, reconciliation, and a deeper relationship with Christ.

For our parish community, that inspired by Padre Pio’s life of prayer and devotion, we may grow in holiness, seek God’s will in all things, and extend His mercy to others.

For all the faithful departed, that through the mercy of God they may be welcomed into the fullness of eternal life.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord. listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you, and through the intercession of St. Padre Pio and all the saints, grant us what we truly need. Through Christ our Lord.

Divine Mercy Sunday 2024 - Disciples of Peace and Mercy

 Five times in our Gospel reading today, we find the word, “disciples”—the disciples of Jesus—“the disciples were locked in the upper room”—“the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord”—“the disciples said to Thomas, “we have seen the Lord”. 

The English word, “disciple” comes from the latin—discipulus—a student. To be a disciple of Jesus is to be a student of the greatest of teachers—we are to study his life, his lessons, and his mind and heart. 

In Jesus’ time, a disciple was called, in Hebrew, a talmid, which can refer to a student, but more accurately refers to an “apprentice”. While a student learns head knowledge in order to know what the teachers knows, an apprentice works with the teacher to learn what the teacher does so he or she can imitate what the teacher’s activity in the world. And in Jesus’ day talmidim didn’t just attend a class or read a book to gain knowledge from their rabbi—they left their jobs and families and communities to follow their rabbi and watch how he lived. They wanted to be just like their rabbi—in all things.

The Lord’s call to follow Him—to be his disciple—reverberated throughout Lent and now in Easter.

At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke about discipleship. He said, “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Notice, the Lord didn’t say, “this is how everyone will know that you are my disciple, if you can properly recite your Baltimore catechism”, but rather, “if you love one another.” Now of course, love and discipleship often includes passing on the catechism to the next generation of Christians, but knowledge of the catechism does not exhaust our call to discipleship, rather...

 “As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” We know that when our Lord was talking about Love—he wasn’t just talking about a feeling. Being his disciple isn’t just about having bubbly feelings about each other. “There is no greater love, than to lay down your life for a friend.”

And so Good Friday was the ultimate lesson in discipleship. We, disciples of Jesus Christ are called to love one another, with Christ-like love, that loves God and loves others, all the way to the Cross.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus showed his disciples proof of his love. Entering the upper room, in the midst of his disciples—he shows them, his wounds. This is how everyone will know you are my disciples: will you bear wounds for others—you are to engage in sacrificial self-giving for others.

When he showed his wounds, he wasn’t pointing them out as if to shame his disciples, or to announce his vengeance, his retribution. “Look what you did, now it’s time for you to pay”. Rather, he points to his wounds, and says, “peace”. From the cross, Jesus pronounced, not wrath, but forgiveness: “father, forgive them, for they not know what they have done”. And after his resurrection, he announces, peace.

“Love one another, as I love you.” In the course of the Christian life, we are to engage in Christ-like self-sacrificial love for others, AND we are to practice mercy by extending peace to all, even those who hate us. We cannot love without extending mercy. 

Be merciful, Christ teaches, as God is merciful. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

In our lives, we are often hurt by others, sometimes deeply. To practice Christ-like mercy, we are called to forgive those who injure us, not holding onto grudges or seeking revenge. Mercy isn't a sign of weakness but a profound strength and a reflection of God's mercy towards us.

Jesus’s mercy was evident toward the hungry, sick, and the sorrowful. Practicing Christ-like mercy involves recognizing the physical and emotional needs of those around us and responding generously. We are to offer a listening ear when others are going through a tough time, and doing what we can to help the needy. 

In Matthew 25, Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger, saying, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Practicing mercy involves opening our hearts and communities to those who are different from us, whether they be newcomers, people from different cultural or religious backgrounds, or those who feel marginalized and alone. By extending hospitality and friendship, we make tangible Jesus' love and mercy.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This radical call to mercy involves lifting up in prayer those we may find difficult to love, including those who oppose us or hurt us in some way. Through prayer, we open our hearts to God's transforming love and allow Him to work through us to extend mercy to those living far from God.

In a world marked by division and conflict, practicing Christ-like mercy means being agents of peace and reconciliation. Christian disciples are called to mediating conflicts in our families or communities, working towards justice and peace in our societies, and seeking to build bridges rather than walls. 

Finally, Jesus' ultimate demonstration of mercy was through His sacrificial love on the cross. We are called to live lives of sacrificial love, putting the needs of others before our own, and being willing to bear wounds for the sake of love. Christian disciples are called to make personal sacrifices for the good of our families, communities, and even strangers, mirroring the self-giving love of Christ.

In embracing the practice of mercy, we become true disciples of Christ, reflecting His love and mercy in a world in desperate need of both. As we go forth from this Divine Mercy Sunday, let us carry in our hearts the call to be merciful as our Father is merciful, and to spread the joy of the Resurrection through our words and deeds of love, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Holy Week 2024 - Wednesday - Persevering in Mercy amidst Betrayal

Yesterday, the first reading from Isaiah contained the second of the four servant songs—those poetic prophecies regarding the servant of God who would extend the salvation of God throughout all the earth through his humble service. We then considered how Jesus is the fulfillment of that humble servant—especially at the last supper as he washes his disciples’ feet.

Today, we delve into the poignant parallels between the Third Servant Song of Isaiah and the harrowing betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of His trusted disciples.

In Isaiah 50, we encounter the Servant of the Lord, who speaks with a voice of resilience and divine assurance. He is no ordinary servant; he is a teacher who "wakens morning by morning," attuned to God's voice, equipped to offer words that sustain the weary. Yet, this divine mission does not shield him from suffering. On the contrary, the Servant describes a path marked by humiliation and pain—struck, insulted, and shamed. Despite this, he stands unwavering, bolstered by God's vindication, facing his adversaries with a steadfast heart.

Jesus walks this path during His final days. In the intimacy of the upper room, He breaks bread with His friends, aware of the darkness looming. Here, the shadow of betrayal hangs heavily, not from a distant enemy, but from within His inner circle. Judas, one of the Twelve, chosen and trusted, turns away from the light of fellowship, stepping into the night to betray his Master.

The betrayal by Judas is not just a narrative detail; it intensifies the suffering of Jesus, injecting the poison of betrayal into the already daunting prospect of His impending passion and death. Yet, in this moment of ultimate betrayal, the true character of Jesus, like that of Isaiah's Servant, shines brightest. He does not retaliate, does not falter. Instead, He continues to fulfill His mission of love and redemption, embracing the path set before Him with unwavering resolve.

Perhaps, reading about Judas causes us to reflect upon our own experiences of ruptured friendships or even betrayal. Each of us, in our journey of faith, face moments when it is difficult to love the people around us. Yet, the lesson of God’s Servant—Christ the Lord—calls us not to dwell on bitterness or plans of retribution but to the courage of forgiveness.

The example of our Lord is not just one of passive acceptance of suffering but to an active trust in God's justice and mercy—to turn our moments of betrayal into opportunities for grace.

God’s ultimate vindication is in the extension of mercy. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. 

And may the love and mercy of Christ, who endured betrayal for our sake, heal our wounds and guide our steps in the path of peace for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For increased faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity. 

That the grace of these holy days may touch the most hardened of hearts, and move unrepented sinners and fallen-away Catholics to return to the mercy of God.

For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.

That those in need may find assistance in the charity of faithful Christians and that peace and security may be firmly established in all places.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

5th Week of Lent 2024 - Monday - Susanna, the sinful woman, and the Shepherd

Our two readings this morning—that of Susanna and the woman caught in adultery are linked by the beautiful responsorial Psalm—psalm 23rd—the great shepherd psalm—in which our merciful God is depicted as a shepherd who provides guidance, protection, assurance, and deliverance.

Psalm 23 begins with the powerful affirmation, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." In these words, we find solace in the shepherd's provision, knowing that God cares for our every need. Similarly, Susanna and the adulterous woman both experience God's provision and care in their moments of desperation. Susanna finds vindication and deliverance from false accusations, while the adulterous woman encounters the merciful forgiveness of Jesus, who protects her from the stones of condemnation.

As the psalmist declares, "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." In Susanna's story and the encounter with the adulterous woman, we witness the transformative power of God's mercy and forgiveness. Both women experience restoration and guidance as they encounter the divine presence in their darkest moments. Through the prophet Daniel and the compassionate words of Jesus, they are led on the paths of righteousness and offered a new beginning.

Psalm 23 continues with the comforting assurance, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." In Susanna's trial and the Woman Caught in Adultery's moment of condemnation, they find themselves in the valley of darkness, facing imminent danger and death. Yet, God's presence is their comfort and strength. Through Daniel's intervention and Jesus' merciful intervention, they are delivered from harm.

Finally, Psalm 23 concludes with the proclamation, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Encountering the Lord’s mercy, both women are able to begin a new life, especially the woman caught in adultery. She is invited by the Lord not to return to her former life of sin, but to “go and sin no more”—to a life in which she strives to live free of sin—as all Christians are called to do.

May our Lenten journey help us and all people to encounter more deeply the shepherding care of the Lord—in times of trial, his deliverance, in times of sin, his mercy, and the promise of eternal life with him forever, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That God may be pleased to increase faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity. 

For those without faith, those with hearts hardened toward God, and for those searching for Him.

For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

2nd Week of Lent 2024 - Monday - Cultivating Mercy through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

Yesterday, in my Sunday homily I talked about the relationship between the first reading and the gospel reading—how the first reading in a sense prepares us for the Gospel.  

The history, prophecies, and wisdom of those Old Testament readings prepare us and help us understand the theological and spiritual background for what we find Jesus saying and doing in the Gospel

Our First reading today is a passage from the book of Daniel, where Daniel is praying to God on behalf of the Israelites. In this prayer, he is reflecting on how Israel failed to head the warnings of the prophets, particularly those of Jeremiah and how this resulted in the seventy-year captivity in Babylon of which Daniel was subject. And we hear Daniel pleading to God for mercy—to restore Jerusalem, to restore the temple, to have compassion and mercy upon his sinful wayward children. The prayer is an acknowledgement of the righteousness of God’s judgments and Israel’s total dependence upon his mercy for Israel’s deliverance and restoration.

Consider that as the context for our short Gospel passage from the Lord Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke. The opening line is that we must become merciful as God is merciful.

Daniel pleads for mercy in the first reading, and in the Gospel, Jesus not only claims that God is merciful, but that if we wish to experience God’s mercy, we must become merciful—we must cultivate mercy.

Here the Lord touches upon one of the great themes of the season of Lent. Yes, we are engaging in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, doing penance as a way of pleading God’s mercy upon us. But those Lenten observances are meant to change us too. We want God’s mercy, but God wants us to become merciful. And those Lenten observances aim at that transformation.

Through prayer, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God—the merciful one. Praying for the living and the dead is a spiritual work of mercy. By praying for physical and spiritual good of others, including those who have wronged us, we exercise mercy. And the mercy exercised in prayer flows out into our relationships with these people.

Our Lenten fasting also cultivates mercy. By denying ourselves of certain foods and activities, we are fighting against our selfish tendencies which are opposed to mercy. Moreso, Fasting serves as a reminder of the needs of others, particularly those who suffer from hunger and deprivation. It inspires us to be more generous and compassionate toward the hungry--leading to acts of mercy such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the vulnerable.

And our Lenten Almsgiving is of course a prime example of how the disciples of Christ are to demonstrate God’s love and mercy towards all people in tangible ways. Almsgiving demands we become attentive to the needs of others and respond with compassion and kindness. 

If you want God’s mercy, you must practice mercy. You want kindness, you must practice kindness. You want patience, you must practice patience. You want the goodness of Christ to be manifest in the world, you must restrain your selfishness and radiate his goodness toward all for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

For the whole Christian people, that in this sacred Lenten season, they may be more abundantly nourished by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

For the whole world, that in lasting tranquility and peace our days may truly become the acceptable time of grace and salvation.

For sinners and those who neglect right religion, that in this time of reconciliation they may return wholeheartedly to Christ.

For ourselves, that God may at last stir up in our hearts aversion for our sins and conviction for the Gospel.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ Our Lord.

2nd Week of Ordinary Time 2024 - Friday - David's humility, mercy, and peace

 Continuing our reading from the first book of Samuel, we hear of a very strange story today. To review, the anointed King Saul had hardened his heart toward God and was deemed unworthy of the kingship of Israel. So God sent Samuel to Bethlehem, where Samuel anointed the shepherd boy, David.

In his guilt, Saul sought out a skilled harpist to ease his troubled heart, and his servants located one—the very same shepherd boy that had just been anointed, David of Bethlehem. David enters into Saul’s service, and Saul comes to trust David so much that Saul makes David his personal armor-bearer. It is during this time of service of Saul, that David, guided by his faith in God, defeats the philistine giant Goliath.

David grows in fame and admiration among the people of Israel, and Saul begins to grow jealous. Desiring to keep his enemy close, Saul offers David the hand of his daughter as a bride. The two marry, and David becomes royalty. Saul sends David to the front lines of battle, and David is so successful that Saul’s jealousy escalates into hatred and he attempts to kill David with a spear. 

So, David flees into hiding, and as we heard today, as Saul is in pursuit of David, Saul, has a call of nature, and goes to relieve himself in the very cave where David was hiding. David had a chance to kill Saul. Davids cohort even urges him to take Saul’s life. But David spares Saul out of reverence for his holy anointing. Even though Saul was a bad king, and killing Saul would enable him to assume kingship of Israel, David’s faith and reverence for God guides his decision to spare Saul.

David announces his presence, giving up his advantage, and approaches Saul in a spirit of humility. And realize, Saul could have commanded his troops into the cave to slaughter David right there. Guided by faith, David makes himself vulnerable to a man who wanted him dead. David's speech moves Saul emotionally and he remembers the affection he once had for David. For the first time in many chapters, Saul calls David by name, a name he once used in friendship. And maybe it’s out of self-pity, or maybe it’s out of remorse that he had become obsessed with killing an innocent man, but Saul breaks down in tears, and the two are reconciled. 

David’s humility and faith transformed this hostile relationship—a hostility that could have had devastating effects on Israel—a civil war between the supporters of David and the supporters of Saul. David’s humility and faith healed a national division, and a broken friendship. Through David’s humility and faith, God delivered Israel and Saul from evil. 

How might God be calling you to imitate David’s example? How might God be calling you to humble yourself—to trust in God—in order to bring about the healing of division or some other good that God desires? Is there anyone in your life toward whom you might be called to imitate David’s humility and mercy? 

May we be guided by humility, mercy, peace in all of our relationships. For Jesus proclaims “blessed are the humble”, “blessed are the merciful”, “blessed are the peacemakers”. Humility, mercy, and peace are blessed. May we seek that blessedness for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.

For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.

For the peoples of the world, that the Lord may graciously preserve harmony among us.

For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may graciously grant them relief.

For ourselves and our own community, that the Lord may graciously receive us as a sacrifice acceptable to himself.

For our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.

O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

27th Week in Ordinary Time 2023 - Wednesday - Are you angry because God is merciful?

 Yesterday, we heard how Jonah was sent by God to announce the destruction of Nineveh—because of their sin and depravity, the city of Nineveh would be overthrown. But upon hearing this, the Ninevites repented en masse—120 thousand people from the peasantry to the nobility repented with fasting, sackcloths and ashes. And the last verse we heard yesterday, said that God, seeing the repentance of the Ninevites withdrew his threat of city-wide destruction.

And you’d think that Jonah would be pleased at the great loss of life that was averted because he faithfully carried God’s message. But today we heard how Jonah was displeased that God withdrew his threat. Remember, the Ninevites were sworn enemies of the Jews. He wanted to see these people wiped out, and so he enthusiastically carried the message of doom, and he became angry because of his narrow vindictiveness. Jonah did not wish the Lord to forgive the Ninevites, but to eradicate them.

In response to Jonah’s anger, God responds with a parable about the gourd plant: Then the LORD said, “You are concerned over the gourd plant which cost you no effort and which you did not grow; it came up in one night and in one night it perished.” 

God’s response to Jonah reminds me a lot of the parable of the workers in the vineyard. “Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Whoever said that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are different Gods has never really read the Bible that closely. Jonah was faithful in this instance of carrying the message, but he did not understand the heart and mind of God.

To Ezekiel, God says, “Do I find pleasure in the death of the wicked? Do I not rejoice when they turn from their evil way and live?” God desires that the most wicked repent and experience the life of goodness and the life of grace—the life of belonging to the order of his kingdom.

In the Gospel, the Lord teaches his disciples to pray that God’s kingdom be made manifest. St. Paul says "The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." And so when we are praying the Lord’s prayer, we are praying for God’s righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of all people, of all places. 

For there can be no real lasting peace without repentance and faith in God. So, in praying for the kingdom, we are praying for repentance to fill the hearts of those who are not living according to the standards of God’s kingdom—the standard of Jesus Christ—whose very first words in the Gospel—are repent and believe, the kingdom of God is at hand.

Let us pray and fast and do penance for those whose hearts are hardened to the kingdom and labor for their repentance, and let us rejoice when hearts are converted, and faith is ignited for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That hearing the call to repentance preached by the Church, all men may turn away from their sins to the mercy of Christ.

For peace in the Holy Land, an end to the violence and suffering, and healing for those whose lives have been tragically disrupted. May God’s peace the communities and families devastated by the horrors of terrorism and war.

That our young people may take seriously the missionary call of Christ, that they will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.

For all whose lives are marked by suffering, may they come to know the healing and peace of Christ.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.

2nd Sunday of Easter 2023 - Mercy for the Facebook Killer

 Six years ago, this time of year, Cleveland became the center of national news. You may remember this sad story, that a 74-year old man named Robert Godwin Sr was shot and killed while walking on a sidewalk in the Glenville neighborhood. His murderer posted a cellphone video of the shooting on his Facebook account, leading many media outlets, to dub him the "Facebook killer".

Following his murder, Mr. Godwin’s family appeared on television. And in front of the entire nation, they forgave the murderer. Speaking for the family, his daughter Tonya said, “Each one of us forgives the killer… I forgive you and love you, but most importantly,” she said, “God loves you. God can heal your mind and save your soul.” She says, We want the killer to know, “that God loves him, we love him. Yes we’re hurt, but we have to forgive him because the Bible says if we don’t then the heavenly father won’t forgive us.” Of course she is referring to Matthew chapter 6 verse 15 which says “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Mercy, forgiveness, healing. This is what we celebrate today on this Feast of Divine Mercy. And the Godwin family proclaimed this truth, lived this truth so beautifully.

God loves us. God can heal our minds and save our souls. God calls us to forgive, and by that act of forgiveness, we ourselves are forgiven.

Mr. Godwin's son, Robert Jr, echoed the sentiment shared by his sister. He said,  “One thing I do want to say [to the killer] is I forgive him. Because we are all sinners…I’m not happy with what you did, but I forgive you.”

Here is a family, devastated by the senseless death of a dear loved one, but filled with the mercy of God. 

St. Peter said in our second reading that that we will have “to suffer through various trials…that our faith is tested”. The death of their loved one at the hands of the Facebook killer certainly tested the faith of the Godwin family, it was certainly a trial. But mercy radiated from this family in a way that truly glorified God.

This is our vocation as Christians: to be filled with the Mercy of God. Mercy was at the heart of Good Friday: the Lord prays, "Father, Forgive Them...have mercy on them...for they know not what they do. Mercy was at the Heart of Easter Sunday: the Lord bursts through lock doors, shows the wounds in his hands and feet, caused by sinners, and announces not his wrath, but peace, peace to all sinners, those who denied him, rejected him, ran away from their vocations, all of us. Today’s Feast celebrates the mercy lavishly poured out upon us by God and the mercy we are in turn to pour out for others.

In the 1930’s a simple Polish nun by the name of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska, received a series of private revelations from the Lord himself regarding Mercy. Now canonized, St. Faustina recorded these private revelations in a diary of about 600 pages detailing a whole program of devotion to the mercy of Jesus Christ. Consider the Lord’s timing in appearing to St. Faustina! 

The 1930s was the beginning of an era of unparalleled cruelty of man toward his brother. It saw the rise of totalitarian atheistic governments and rampant materialism and the trampling of basic human freedoms like the right to life. Merciless governments, merciless war crimes, merciless genocides in Europe and Africa, merciless wars over the resources of this earth, merciless religious persecutions, merciless killing of babies, merciless pursuit of wealth at the expense of human life. 

The Lord said to St. Faustina, “Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.” 

While evil has certainly shown its terrible and ugly face these last hundred years. So has Divine Mercy. In saints like Maximilian Kolbe offering his life to save his fellow concentration camp prisoner, St. Gemma offering the sacrifice of her life for her unborn child, St. Padre Pio and many others who bore the wounds of the holy stigmata out of mercy for the sins of the world, St. Oscar Romero suffering martyrdom for calling the Salvadoran soldiers to show mercy to their political enemies, St. Mother Theresa and her holy sisters engaging in the works of mercy toward the poorest of the poor.

That’s not to mention the proliferation of so many Catholic institutions, institutions that your families have supported these last hundred years. Institutions of mercy right here in Cleveland: rosary hall and matt Talbott, mercifully providing professional substance abuse and mental health services to addicts. Our Catholic hospitals. Catholic Charities. St. Vincent de Paul programs. The hungry have been fed. The sick have been healed. The imprisoned have been visited. The doubtful have been counseled. Those stuck in cycles of sin have been sought out.

Yes, there has been an outpouring of evil in these last hundred years, but there has also been an outpouring of mercy. Opportunities for grace and conversion. So many souls coming to know God’s peace through the font of Christ’s mercy. 

In a sense, these last hundred years have been a century of mercy on a massive scale. 

Jesus told St Faustina, "I demand from you deeds of mercy... You are to show deeds of mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere."

Always and everywhere. And that’s quite the challenge, isn’t it? To show mercy to murdering facebook killers and annoying neighbors and inconsiderate drivers. To show generosity to God’s poor ones who reach out to you for help despite their rough personalities. To show patience to those who are wandering on the margins of the church or who have even stepped outside her bounds. Always and everywhere means always and everywhere. That’s a challenge. It’s a trial. It’s a test of faith. But by being dedicated to forgiveness and to deeds of mercy, we attain the goal of our faith, the glory of God and the salvation of your souls.

3rd Week of Lent 2023 - Wednesday - Scrutinizing sin, yet trusting in God's mercy

 In the early centuries of the Church, the Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent was the day on which the first of the Scrutinies was celebrated.  The three scrutinies are solemn rituals which help to both purify and enlighten and strengthen the catechumens as they prepare for the Easter Sacraments.

The three scrutinies are now celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent with those who are preparing to enter the Church at Easter.  The First Scrutiny was celebrated here at St. Ignatius of Antioch at the 11am Mass this last Sunday. 

The word "scrutinize" means to examine in minute detail, and in the scrutinies, the Church prays that every last minute detail of the lives of the Catechumens may be handed over to Christ.

In the Gospel today, the Lord speaks of how his followers are to follow the smallest letter and the smallest part of the letter of the law, even the least of the commandments are to be followed. 

We are to scrutinize our behaviors, attitudes, and decisions in light of the Word of God in its entirety, including the challenging parts! And we are to seek conversion for all that is sinful, even minutely sinful. For the Lord desires to deliver us from sin, even the smallest amount of it. For not the smallest amount of sin will enter into heaven, not the tiniest amount. And we must cooperate with God in this matter to the furthest extent of our strength and our being.

The ritual book for the scrutinies says that the purpose of the scrutinies is to "heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect" and "to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life".  And that’s something each of us need to seek, every day: to turn to the Lord to heal anything that is defective or sinful in our hearts.

Catechism says, “In order to reach perfection the faithful should use the strength dealt out to them by Christ’s gift, so that . . . doing the will of the Father in everything, they may wholeheartedly devote themselves to the glory of God and to the service of their neighbor. Thus the holiness of the People of God will grow in fruitful abundance, as is clearly shown in the history of the Church through the lives of so many saints.”

We should be scrutinizing but not scrupulous. While we should bring our sins before God every day and seek conversion from them, we must not lose sight of God’s immense love for us, and his patience with us. An examination of conscience should be done in the light of God’s immense love. 

In the first reading, Moses says that he teaches the people the statutes and decrees of God “that they may live”. May we, too, seek faithfulness to every statutes and decree of the Lord, handing over every dimension of our life to Christ, to be healed, strengthened, purified, enlightened, sanctified and blessed, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That obedience to all the commands of Christ and the statutes and decrees of the Church may mark the life of every Christian. 

For all those preparing to enter into Christ through the saving waters of Baptism and those preparing for full initiation this Easter, may these final Lenten weeks bring about purification from sin and enlightenment in the ways of holiness.

For those who have fallen away from the Church, who have become separated through error and sin, for those who reject the teachings of Christ, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or illness: may they experience the healing graces of Christ. 

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, for the repose of the soul of dear parishioner and staff member Rich Wild, who died yesterday, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy.

3rd Week of Lent 2023 - Tuesday - Forgive from the heart

 

One of the great Lenten themes is that of forgiveness.  On Good Friday, we will hear Jesus plead from the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  All that Jesus suffered, all that he endured, the tortures, the mockery, the humiliation—he endured that our sins may be forgiven.  Yet, Jesus was willing to die for the forgiveness of sins because of his great love for us.  Jesus came to earth for this purpose.

When GK Chesterton was asked why he became Catholic, his simple answer was “to get my sins forgiven”.

The reception of God’s mercy is not automatic.  We must want it, desire it, seek it, and do what it takes to receive it.  The soul stained by original sin must receive baptism.  The baptized soul stained by mortal sin must receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Without God’s forgiveness, we cannot enter into eternal life.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls “wicked” the servant who refused to forgive.  

A Christian must never say, “I will never forgive you.”  For if we are closed to forgiving others, we become closed to receiving the forgiveness which leads to heaven.  Again, Jesus describes refusal to forgive as wickedness.  

Forgiveness is not easy.  It might feel like, say, being crucified.  

It is difficult enough to forgive those who have offended us even once with a small offensive remark or an unfriendly look.  When asked how many times we should forgive someone who offends us, St. Peter is pretty generous, he says seven times. But the Lord corrects him, we must forgive not seven times, seventy-seven times, meaning its not worth counting at all: forgive without limit.

If upon examining our hearts we detect any resentment or bitterness, we need to bring those feelings to the foot of the cross and let them go.  And if those resentments rear their ugly heads, we must repeat that process over and over: "Lord help me to forgive, help me to forgive with all of my might and the help of your grace, help me to forgive from the depths of my heart." If you are keeping a list against anyone of times they’ve offended you, rip-up the list and consider the slate wiped clean—daily!

So as we meditate this Lent upon the Lord’s forgiveness of our sinfulness, we also recall our own need to forgive without limit.  Forgive completely, forgive regardless the cost, forgive from your heart, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That readiness to forgive may mark the life of every Christian. Let us pray to the Lord.

That all families will recommit themselves to fervent prayer this Lent so as to grow in greater love and holiness.  Let us pray to the Lord.

That this Lent we will be faithful to fasting and to all the ways that the Lord sanctifies us.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For generous giving for the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, unemployed, victims of natural disaster, terrorism, war, and violence, the grieving and those most in need.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those who have died, for all the poor souls in purgatory, for those who have fought and died for our country’s freedom, and for [intention below], for whom this Mass is offered.  Let us pray to the Lord.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

October 14 2022 - St. Callistus I, Pope & martyr - Rescued from slavery

 

Often times, the Collect Prayers for the saints reflect something of their lives.  Today’s collect contained a prayer asking God to rescue us from the “slavery of corruption.”

The saint we honor today, Pope Callistus I was originally born a slave in Rome, in the late 2nd century.  Seeing natural intelligence in him, his Master appointed him to oversee a bank, but after a while the bank failed; Callistus fearing for his life, fled Rome.  He was caught and sentenced to hard labor as punishment in the mines of Sardinia. But, as providence would have it, Callistus wasn’t in Sardinia long, thanks to the Pope, who bargained with the emperor to free many of the prisoners. 

After his release, Callistus studied theology and became a deacon.  10 years later, Pope Zephyrinus , who had very little theological training, summoned Callistus, to serve as his theological advisor.   Callistus soon became a powerful force in the Church, and was elected Pope in 217. In 223, an anti-Christian riot swept through Rome, and Pope Callistus was martyred. 

During his pontificate Callistus dealt with a controversial topic: the early Church had very strict rules about readmitting back to Holy Communion public sinners and those who were guilty of adultery, fornication, murder and schism—those who renounced Christ during times of persecution. 

Pope Callistus ruled that excommunicants could be received back into communion with the Church after they had performed public penance. 

Callistus, the one who was shown mercy, freedom from slavery and imprisonment, directed the Church to be lavish in her mercy to the penitent.

And you’d think this would edify the whole church, but sadly, the Callistus’ merciful ruling enraged his opponents, and even caused a group of Christians to splinter off and elect their own-anti Pope, Hippolytus who was eventually reconciled to the Church and named a saint himself.

From slave to merciful Pope. God works in mysterious ways. “He casts down the mighty from their thrones and raises up the lowly. He chooses the weak and makes them strong in bearing witness to Christ.”

Each of us may not have been physically enslaved and imprisoned, but sin has resulted in a certain spiritual slavery in all of us. But God lavishes his mercy upon us, and we gain freedom and growth in the Spirit, so that we, may in turn, become instrument of that mercy to others.

Through the intercession of Pope St. Callistus may we recognize the many ways, today, that God has mercifully freed you from sinful selfishness, and give thanks. And filled with gratitude extend that mercy to all those you meet, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That each member of the Church may manifest the mercy of Christ in their lives. 

For wisdom and mercy to guide the life of the Church, the decisions of government leaders, and the ordering of our personal lives.

For our young people, that they may be raised in homes where the Word of God is studied, cherished, and practiced. 

During this month of October, dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, may Catholics take up this devotion with renewed vigor and trust in Our Lady’s never-failing intercession.

For all victims of war, For hurricane victims and for all affected by flooding and severe weather conditions, and for those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or disease: that they may know God’s sustaining grace.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish; for all of the poor souls in purgatory and for N.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.

September 9 2022 - St. Peter Claver - For I was a slave and you cared for me

 St. Peter Claver, whom we honor today, lived in a time when men, women, and children in Africa were being captured and sold into slavery.  The poor Africans were put on slave ships where they suffered from starvation, dehydration, and truly disgusting conditions.  Although the practice of slave-trading was condemned by the Popes of the time, it continued to flourish. Africans died by the thousand as they made their way from Africa to the Americas.  

St. Peter Claver, a priest born in Spain, understood the wickedness of the slave trade.  He came to South America where he would minister to the slaves brought there. As they came into harbor, he gave them food and water and medicine, and told them about God who loves them, and about Jesus who suffered like they did, and so many asked the priest for baptism. St. Peter Claver baptized hundreds of thousands of African slaves into the Catholic faith.

Peter Claver recognized the human dignity of the slaves when the rest of the world treated them like property and cattle to be sold, traded, and slaughtered if they did not perform. The recognized their humanity because he had learned to see with the eyes of God and love with the heart of Christ. 

Peter Claver remarked more than once how it took everything in him at times to go down into the disgusting conditions of the slave-ships filled with filth and stench.  He reminds us that true loving service isn’t necessarily about liking what we do—we might even experience revulsion at the conditions in which the poor live; but loving service means being faithful to the duties of mercy despite our personal feelings.  

Peter himself, came to be despised by the slave-traders and those making a profit from the slave-trade. No doubt, his care for the slaves pricked their consciences. But remember, the Lord did say, you will be hated because of me. St. Peter was hated because he sought to be faithful to Jesus in caring for Him in the enslaved. When I was a slave you cared for me. One of the consequences we must accept is that seeking radical holiness will lead us to be hated by the world. But, when the wicked hate you, you’re doing something right.

In 1650 Peter Claver fell victim to an epidemic and was abandoned to die in his sickness.

St. Peter Claver saw with the eyes of Christ, and loved with his heart, pouring out his love in such humble, humble service—he came to be known as a slave of slaves. May each of us respond to the call to holiness with that same radical generosity for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may be diligent in bringing the truth of the Gospel into every sphere of society, and for all those who harden their hearts toward God, for those who have left the Church, for all those in serious sin, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

For an end to slavery, human trafficking, and all forms of inhumane oppression; and for the protection and respect of all human life.

For those whose lives are marked by suffering, illness, or grief, that they may find hope in the promises of Christ.

For the repose of the soul of Queen Elizabeth II who died yesterday, for her family and subjects who grieve her loss, for graces upon the rule of her successor King Charles, that his reign may be Godly, and for the repose of the souls of the dead, for all of the souls of purgatory, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of your pilgrimage Church, grant us what we truly need to remain faithful to your Son in all things. Through Christ Our Lord.

May 18 2022 - Pope John the First - Kings and Emperors, Mercy and Martyrdom

 

Of all the Popes, the most popes with same name have been named John. There have been twenty-one legitimate popes named John, the numbering has reached John XXIII because of two errors that were introduced in the Middle Ages. 

First, antipope John XVI was kept in the numbering sequence instead of being removed. Then, the number XX was skipped because pope John XXI counted John XIV twice.

But today we celebrate the man who started it all, Pope John, the first of his name. He was the first Pope to take the name of one of the Apostles. In fact, John is the only one of the Twelve who has lent his name to the Popes.

Pope John the first was elected to the Papacy in the year 523 and died just three years later on this date, May 17 526. John was very frail when he was elected to the papacy. Despite his poor health, he was asked by the Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great to travel from Rome to Constantinople to negotiate with the Emperor to restore the repentant arian heretics back to their positions in the church’s hierarchy. 

Consider that for a moment. The frail Pope went on a diplomatic mission to the middle east to plead to the emperor on behalf of sinners, heretics, schismatics who had repented and sought to take-up again the mission of the one, true, church. Talk about a Pope of mercy. 

So the frail Pope gets to Constantinople. The emperor receives the pontiff honorably, but refuses to grant the Pope’s request to restore the former Arian Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

So the Pope returned to Rome. The Ostrogoth King, suspicious that the Pope had conspired with the Emperor, arrested the Pope, had his imprisoned in Ravenna, where he soon died from ill treatment and neglect. Pope John, first of his name, is honored as a martyr

I like that little story. The frail yet courageous Pope, embarking on a mission of mercy, suffers and dies for doing what was right, which at the time was controversial. Should heretic clergy be welcomed back into the fold if they repent? Can they be trusted? Many disagreed. 

In the acts of the Apostles, we see Paul, Barnabas, and the Apostles gathering in Jerusalem—for the first Church Council—the Council of Jerusalem—to deal with one of the first controversies in Church history—do gentiles need to be circumcised in order to be counted among God’s faithful ones? They debate, they discern, they pray, they seek to understand the Word of God—the teachings of Jesus— under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Church exists in a complex world—amidst Kings and Emperors vying for power with people’s lives, with complex moral and theological issues. Our job is to remain true to what we have received—the one true faith—to not just be hearers of the word, but doers of the word, like the frail Pope John traveling thousands of miles to plead for mercy.

“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit” may we show by our actions, attitudes, how we treat people, and our conviction for the Gospel, that we remain in Christ and Christ remains in us, by bearing good fruit for the kingdom today and all days, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

God the Father was glorified in the death and resurrection of his Son. Let us pray to him with confidence.

God the Father bathed the world in splendor when Christ rose again in glory, may our minds be filled with the light of faith.

Through the resurrection of His Son, the Father opened for us the way to eternal life, may we be sustained today in our work with the hope of glory.

Through His risen Son, the Father sent the Holy Spirit into the world, may our hearts be set on fire with spiritual love.

May Jesus Christ, who was crucified to set us free, be the salvation of all those who suffer, particularly those who suffer from physical or mental illness, addiction, and grief.

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.

4th Sunday of Lent 2022 - Prodigal Son and the Merciful Father

On this 4th Sunday of Lent, we just heard one of the most famous and beloved of all the Lord’s parables. The parable challenges us, warms our hearts, brings us to contrition, and gives us hope. And surprises us. 

It’s known as the parable of the prodigal son, but he’s really not the character who surprises us, nor is it the jealous self-righteous brother. Neither of the two brothers really surprise us.  We all know people like the two sons: rebellious and unrighteous on one hand or cold, resentful, and self-righteous on the other. And if we’re honest, we’ve probably all acted in one of the two ways and a little bit of both. This parable is a mirror for seeing ourselves. But, that is not the surprising element of this parable.

What is striking and causes us maybe even to shed a tear of joy is the third and most important figure, the father. Jesus clearly meant this parable to show us not just who we are. Though that is surely the case. In addressing this parable to the scribes and pharisees, he’s certainly giving them an opportunity to recognize their own sinfulness—their own prodigality—how they’ve wandered from God.

What touches our hearts and surprises us is the father. Think of how he was treated. First, his son insults him by demanding his inheritance to finance his wasteful escapade into wickedness, effectively saying, “Father, I wish you were dead so I could have your money.” Any earthly parent’s heart would be broken by this. To hear from your progeny, I wish you were dead, I will now act as if you were dead.

His son’s coldness, no doubt broke his heart, but the Father was not completely shattered, rather, we find him scanning the horizon, hoping and waiting for his son to return. One could imagine this father lighting a lantern in the window of his house every single night. His prayers and tears likely never ceasing since his son left. The son left his father’s house but he could not leave his father’s heart, no matter how far away the son wandered. Even with a broken heart, he could not forget his son.

He glimpses his son and runs towards him. He can imagine the father’s heavy robes bouncing with his exuberant dash to embrace his lost boy. 

That’s one detail that seems to be missing from Rembrandt's painting. Hopefully you’ve taken a moment to examine the painting in the parking lot entrance way: it’s Rembrandt's depiction of the Son’s return. This was one of Rembrandt's last paintings before his death, and he beautifully depicts the prodigal son, in clothes, tattered from his life of dissipation, his sandals deteriorated from his wayward path, kneeling penitentially at his father’s breast. His father calmly embraces his son, laying hands on his shoulders as if to absolve him of sin. The dark scene is illuminated by the father’s tenderness, a symbol of weary and sinful mankind taking refuge in the shelter of God's mercy.

But when I read St. Luke, I imagine the Father a little bit more disheveled and out of breath after having raced to wrap his arms around his son, kissing him with joyful tears in his eyes. 

And when the son returned, the father doesn’t wait for him to throw himself on the ground groveling at his feet. The Father doesn’t punish his son with coldness, like many of us might do. The father doesn’t make conditions for forgiveness, first say your sorry, first pay back the inheritance you squandered. How could he really ever pay back the debt for wounding his Father anyway? Rather, he embraces, he forgives, no matter the debt.

What a powerful image of God’s love for each of us. No doubt, Jesus wanted to present this image to the Pharisees, who believe God to be distant from sinners, unwilling to embrace us because of our uncleanness. The Father wraps his arms around his son who had been among pigs and prostitutes. There was no one more unclean. And the Father races to embrace him, just as there is no sin so great for God to forgive, he rushes to lavish mercy the instant we turn back to Him. He does not hesitate.

This certainly helps us to understand the love which animated the Lord’s own way of the cross. He does not hesitate to go to the cross for us. He does not hesitate to forgive.

Now, the story of the prodigal son could have ended differently. It could have ended with the son dying alone without knowing reconciliation. He could have been trampled by pigs. Diseased by prostitutes. He could have drunk himself to death without remorse and without the Father’s mercy.

The moral of the story: Don’t let your story end that way. It would be the greatest of tragedies. 

We do not know the day nor the hour when we will reach the end of our earthly life and appear before the judgment seat of God. You do not want to come to the end of your life with an unrepented heart and unconfessed mortal sins. You don’t want to face God as your judge and have him say, you didn’t take me up on my invitation to forgive you. All you need to do is admit, confess.

4 weeks into Lent, I’ve made the invitation to you all several times to go to confession, and many have gone. I was so delighted that Evening of Confession a week and a half ago. I heard about 30 confessions for almost 3 and a half hours, and I would have heard them for three and a half more if I needed to.

But, I can do math. And, there are still many souls in this parish, who haven’t been to confession in a while, too long. God is waiting to race toward you with His embrace of mercy. Make the Father weep for joy. Go to confession.

On this Laetare Sunday, the Sunday of Joy, let us think of the joy we experience when we are forgiven by God, the joy of being embraced by his mercy, the joy we bring to others when we do the same. At Holy Mass, we express and pour out our gratitude for the mercy available to us through Christ. May we have the courage and fortitude to turn away from any sin or wickedness unfitting of our Father’s house, for turning away from sin, we turn towards God’s merciful embrace, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

2nd Week of Lent 2022 - Monday - The depths of mercy

Both the reading from Daniel and the Gospel speak of God’s mercy.  “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” the Lord instructs in today’s Gospel.

How has God been merciful toward us? “He has loved us even when we were sinners” writes St. Paul to the Romans. Lent invites us to meditate upon God’s mercy upon us. It follows that we will come to a deeper understanding of God’s mercy when we come to understand the depths of our sinfulness.

When I consider how vile my sins are, I’ll also come to understand how good God is for forgiving me. When I consider how much I’ve lost due to falling into sin, I’ll also come to understand how much has been given back to me by God through his mercy. In a sense, the depths of our wretchedness also reveals the depths of God’s love because God’s love reaches the depths of our wretchedness.

Now, many people don’t like to think about their sins. They don’t like to confront how rude they’ve been, how impatient, how cowardly, how undisciplined, how morally weak. They avoid any sort of real examination of their actions and attitudes.

This is one reason why people stray from religion or avoid religion. They don’t want the reminders of their failings. They don’t want to hear about the goodness of Jesus, the goodness of the saints. Because these stories expose their own lack of goodness. They certainly don’t want to hear about the commandments or moral teachings of the church which serve as an objective criteria for their actions to be judged. 

But, the Christian is taught to humbly admit his sins, to measure his actions against the perfect goodness of Jesus. And to willingly do so. And yes, it is uncomfortable discovering how far we’ve fallen. But this is also to discover how much we are loved. And this consciousness of one’s sinfulness becomes a powerful foundation for the Christian life. For the one who is deeply aware of the mercy he has received from God, will in turn show mercy towards others.  Those who give little reflect little on what they’ve been given. Those who give much, have reflected much on what they’ve received.

We have been loved even when we were sinners, and so we are impelled into the world to do the same. We feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, not because they are worthy of our love, but because we have been loved when were unworthy by God.

St. Francis de Sales once said, “the measure of love is to love without measure”.  God has loved us without measure. May we extend that same measure of love to others, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

That the season of Lent may bring the most hardened hearts to repentance and bring to all people purification of sin and selfishness.

For those preparing for baptism and the Easter sacraments, that they may continue to conform themselves to Christ through fervent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

That we may generously respond to all those in need: the sick, the suffering, the homeless, the imprisoned, and victims of violence. And for all victims of the coronavirus and their families. And for the Church in China and all places where the Gospel is silenced.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.

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September 21 2021 - St. Matthew - I desire mercy, not sacrifice

 

When the Pharisees ask his disciples why the Lord eats with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus tells the Pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the passage, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Let’s dwell on that. 

What’s so special about that line from the prophet Hosea? How does it explain the Lord’s behavior?

Hosea had been sent as God’s prophet to the Northern Kingdom during its final days. Although the North was experiencing economic prosperity and growth, on the inside it had grown corrupt, morally decrepit, and adulterous. The problem wasn’t just leadership, either.  As a people, the Israelites had also broken their covenant with God. Not only had they given themselves over to idolatry, Hosea writes that they had also “plowed wickedness,” “reaped injustice,” “eaten the fruit of lies,” and trusted in their own ways (Hosea 10:13). They had turned to other gods for answers (Hosea 4:12) and other nations for assistance instead of God (Hosea 7:11). 

Yet, they continued to offer sacrifice to God in the Temple. It was like they wanted it both ways. They thought they could maintain right relationship with God through the offering of Temple Sacrifices while also maintaining a corrupt, idolatrous, adulterous lifestyle. 

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice” is a call to interior conversion, and that is being offered to all people. Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners because he is drawing near to all people, announcing that God’s mercy is readily available to them, if they turn away from their sins, and endeavor to love God with their whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, through Him. 

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”, I’ve come for those who recognize themselves as sinners in need of mercy, in need of forgiveness, in need of transformation, not those who think themselves perfect, or who can make themselves perfect through simple human efforts.

Man cannot be in right relationship with God just because he offers the right sacrifices on the right days of the year. His life, his attitude toward his neighbor, including his fellow sinners, needs to be animated by true, authentic, love. Most of the pharisees reject the Lord’s teaching here, refusing to understand and heed his words, and they will remain “white-washed tombs” as the Lord calls them.

But Matthew, the tax collector, whose feast we celebrate today, heads the Lord’s call, his invitation to new life, to mercy. May we do the same, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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That the members of the Church may seek every deeper union with the Lord through humble repentance of sin. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those trapped in cycles of sin or addiction, that they may heed the Lord’s invitation to forgiveness and freedom.

For an end to indifference to God and human dignity in our government and educational institutions, businesses, and personal attitudes.

During this month of September, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, we pray for all those who grieve, and that we may grieve sufficiently for our sins.

That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the 

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.

3rd Week of Lent 2021 - Tuesday - God's Mercy and the Amendment of our Ways

 In the year 587 BC, the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem. The Holy City was conquered, the temple was destroyed, and the Jews were separated from their families and marched into Babylonian captivity. 

Once the Jews had arrived in Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar erected an enormous golden idol. The King ordered that anyone who refused to prostrate themselves in worship of this idol would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Three young Jewish men, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, refused to abandon their Jewish faith, and so the king had them bound up and thrown into the fiery furnace.

The Lord sent an angel to save these young men, and they were able to walk through the furnace unharmed. Today’s first reading, involves Azariah, standing in the furnace, asking God to look kindly upon the Jewish people, to forgive their sins which had brought them such torment and suffering.

The biblical understanding of the Babylonian captivity is that it was due to Israel forsaking the covenant with God, abandoning the commandments and right worship, and then ignoring the prophets that made them vulnerable to their enemies. Their captivity in Babylon, their suffering, was essentially, their own fault. 

And so even in the furnace, Azariah is calling upon God to help them return to the covenant, that the sacrifices, that they hope to offer should they survive, will help them follow God unreservedly. 

The plea to God for mercy was repeated in our responsorial psalm today, “remember, your mercy, o Lord”. And this plea is followed with requests, much like that of Azariah, guide me in your truth, help me to be humble, that I may walk in justice. The plea for mercy must always involve an amendment of one’s life, or else the mercy is wasted, the plea is empty.

A similar dynamic is involved in the Sacrament of confession, isn’t it? The acknowledgement of one’s sins, that expression of contrition, is followed by a plea for God to help us amend our lives. The firm purpose of amendment and the act plea for forgiveness, again goes hand in hand.

Hence in the Gospel, we hear this parable of a servant who receives mercy from his king, but then fails to extend that mercy to others. For this failure to extend mercy, there are severe consequences.

In Christ, God has answered the prayer of Azariah, the plea of the Psalmist: mercy has been shown, and truth has been taught. And now, it is up to us, to walk in that truth and to extend mercy for others, lest we end up like that unforgiving servant, who has failed to forgive as he has been forgiven.

Our Lenten penances are the sacrifices in which we show God how much we desire to follow him unreservedly. We give up those non-essentials, to help us amend our lives from our sins, that our entire hearts may belong to Him, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That readiness to forgive may mark the life of every Christian. Let us pray to the Lord.

That all families will recommit themselves to fervent prayer this Lent so as to grow in greater love and holiness.  Let us pray to the Lord.

That this Lent we will be faithful to fasting and to all the ways that the Lord sanctifies us.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For generous giving for the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, unemployed, victims of natural disaster, terrorism, war, and violence, the grieving and those most in need.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those who have died, for all the poor souls in purgatory, for those who have fought and died for our country’s freedom, and for [intention below], for whom this Mass is offered.  Let us pray to the Lord.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.