3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026 - Church Unity, Nicene Creed

 

Two months ago, back in November, Pope Leo set out from Rome for his first apostolic journey as Pope, to Turkey and Lebanon. He visited the Christians in places like Ankara, Istanbul, and Beirut, with a significant stop at a city called Iznik in Turkey, which is the new name for an ancient city very significant to Church history and to our faith, the ancient city of Nicaea. In the year 325, the bishops of the Church gathered in Nicaea to address a theological controversy that was causing much division in the Church.

There was a heretical priest named Arius who was teaching that Jesus was not fully God—that Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, was not really of the same substance as the first person of the Trinity, God the Father. And the heresy had spread far and wide throughout the Church. Even some bishops became confused.

And so the Bishops of the Church gathered at Nicaea 1700 years ago to clarify the Church’s faith—that Jesus is fully God—truly of the same substance and equal in divinity with the Father. From the Council of Nicaea comes the Creed we recite every Sunday in which proclaim that Jesus is consubstantial with the Father.

What does it matter? Why did the bishops discern the need to gather and to clarify Church teaching? Because the Church is to be united in faith. As we heard St. Paul in our second reading today, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.”

St. Paul was concerned with Church unity because Jesus Himself was concerned with the unity of his followers. He prayed for the unity of his disciples at the last supper. He prayed, “I pray that they may be one, as you and I Father, are one.” Jesus understood that part of his mission was to unite divided humanity—humanity divided by error.

So the bishops at Nicaea gathered to address the error being spread by the heretic Arius. In addition to directly addressing this error, the bishops composed the Nicene Creed that enunciated the Church’s faith.

Throughout the history of the Church, Creeds have been used to express and hand on the faith. 

The English word ‘Creed’ comes from the Latin word “credo” which means "I believe“, from which we get words like credible and credit. A Creed is a statement, formula, or expression of belief—a list of beliefs.

The Apostle’s Creed was the ancient formula of faith used in Rome.  Those being baptized in Rome in the earliest centuries learned and recited the Apostles’ Creed, which we still use today. It is called the Apostle’s Creed because it is a faithful summary of the faith and teachings of the twelve Apostles of Jesus.

The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed are formulas of faith which help us to express, learn, celebrate, and share with others, the truths of the faith.  Through the centuries, in so many languages, cultures, and nations, the Church has used the Creeds to help Christians live in unity of faith.

St. Paul writes: “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” and that is what we are called to: one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.

On the 1700^th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea Pope Leo traveled to Nicaea and also issued a wonderful Apostolic Letter to the whole Church titled “In Unitate Fidei” in the unity of faith.

He writes, “In the unity of faith, proclaimed since the beginning of the Church, Christians have been called to walk in harmony, guarding and transmitting the gift they have received with love and joy. This is expressed in the words of the Creed, “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God… for our salvation he came down from heaven,” that were formulated 1700 years ago by the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical gathering in the history of Christianity.

“…during every Sunday Eucharistic celebration,” the Pope writes “we recite the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the profession of faith that unites all Christians. In these difficult times in which we are living, amid so many concerns and fears, threats of war and violence, natural disasters, grave injustices and imbalances, and the hunger and misery suffered by millions of our brothers and sisters, this Creed gives us hope.”

And this is so true, isn’t it. We live in a very chaotic world, with so many opinions and conflicting ideas about what is most important in life, what is true. The good news is that many people every year from all corners of the globe, many people who were raised without religion, are turning to the Catholic Faith because she is the bastion of truth.

They recognize, and so should we, that in all of the confusion and chaos of modernity, the Church is rooted in something solid, something that has withstood the test of time because it is true. Year after year, century after century, the Church stands firm in what has been received from Christ and passed on to the apostles and spread to us.

Our faith, expressed in the Creed gives us hope, that there is something we can build our lives upon, something that can give us real meaning and purpose, and something that helps us to attain the end for which we were made—eternal life with God in heaven.

Considering the importance of the Creed encourages us to do two things. First, to understand our Faith as best as you can. The better you understand the Catholic faith, the more it will inspires you and guide you.

In the bulletin last weekend, I suggested a number of resources to help you to deepen your understanding of the faith. In this 1700^th anniversary year of Nicaea, I certainly recommend reading through the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter on the Nicene Creed, and other materials on the scriptural, historical, and theological foundations of the Creed. Even just going through the Catechism’s treatment of the Creed will certainly be helpful.

So, firstly, I encourage you to seek to understand the Creed with greater depth. Secondly, I encourage you to share the Creed. In the Gospel today, Jesus tells Peter and Andrew that he will make them fishers of men. To be fishers of men--this is a task given to all of us—to share the faith, to catch souls for Christ. There are people who are yearning for the truth of Catholicism, but those chaotic waters of our culture are making it hard to find their way here. So we need to do our part, to cast out into the deep, to be courageous in sharing the faith. The better we understand, the better we can help others understand.

In a world that is divided and torn apart by many conflicts, the Church united in faith, is a powerful instrument of peace, and the instrument of salvation. God uses Christians filled with understanding and conviction for the faith to catch souls and set them aflame with divine love for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

7th Week of Ordinary Time 2025 - Wednesday - Unity

 

The final section of John’s Gospel right before the beginning of the Passion of the Lord is a prayer that Jesus offers to the Father.  Scholars call it “The High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus.

In that prayer, as we heard today, Jesus prays for unity—that the unity he has with the Father, might be shared by his followers.  “that they may be one just as we are one…”

Unity. Unity has been attacked from the beginning of creation. The fallen angels, who were created to serve the will of God rebelled, breaking their unity with the Trinity, and were cast out of heaven. Adam and Eve created to live in harmony and obedience to God, turned away from God’s will, marring our human nature and were cast out of the earthly paradise. From that time, the peoples of the earth have been afflicted with disunity that has brought murder—brother against brother, tribe against tribe, nation against nation.

One might say, the mission of the Son of God, was one of unity—the Son came to teach us how to live in unity, and died to reconcile us to one another and to the Father. 

The Church was established as that new union—Christians are united to God and one another through the Son and the Power of the Holy Spirit. Unity is a common theme of Jesus’ teaching, and Scriptures.

Psalm 133:1, which states, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" and Ephesians 4:3, which encourages making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “Make my joy complete” writes St. paul to the Philippians, “by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind”. To the Corinthians, Paul writes, “Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

The teaching authority of the Church, the Pope and the Bishops—the Magisterium—certainly helps us preserve the unity intended by Jesus. Doctrinal truths and moral truths. Doctrinal truths help us have unity of belief. Moral truths enable us to have unity of action. 

Our unity enables us to be faithful to the mission of the Gospel. To quote Pope St. John Paul, “[The Church] is sent to the world to announce and witness, to make present and spread the mystery of communion which is essential to her, and to gather all people and all things into Christ, so as to be for all an 'inseparable sacrament of unity'”

Christ called us to unity and prayed for our unity, so that his joy might be in us, and our joy might be complete. May we be vigilant on all sinful attacks on unity, including our own selfishness, and faithful to all that unity requires of us for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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As Jesus prayed that we might be one, as He and the Father are one, let us lift our voices in prayer for the unity of the Church and the world.

For the Church, that she may be a living sign of unity in a divided world, and faithfully proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation and peace.

For the Pope, bishops, and all entrusted with the teaching office of the Church, that they may guide the faithful in truth and charity, preserving the unity of faith and morals entrusted to the apostles.

For all Christians, that we may overcome division and grow in mutual understanding, love, and shared witness to the Risen Christ.

For unity in our families, parishes, and communities, that the Holy Spirit may heal wounds caused by conflict, pride, or selfishness, and help us to live in peace and harmony

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For the faithful departed, that they may be gathered into the eternal unity of the Kingdom of Heaven, rejoicing in the presence of the God of love and peace

Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to gather your scattered children into one. Hear the prayers we offer in His name, and by the power of your Holy Spirit, make us faithful instruments of unity and peace. Through Christ our Lord.

November 12 2024 - St. Josaphat - Overcoming division

 

St. Josephat was born into family of orthodox Christians in the year 1580, but as an adult he joined one of the eastern churches that had recently returned to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.  He became a monk of the Order of St. Basil and just a few years later, he was consecrated an archbishop.  

As archbishop sought to educate his flock and reform of his clergy, and offer his personal example of holiness. By doing so, Josephat won over the majority of the Orthodox to convert to Catholicism. Unfortunately, the vocal minority plotted to kill him. With furious cries of “Kill the Papist” he was killed and thrown into a river.

St. Josephat gave his life for the unity of the Church—the unity the Lord prayed for at the Last Supper, when he said, “Father, I pray that they might be one, as you and I are one”. Josaphat gave his life--he died trying to fulfill this prayer of Our Lord—trying to bring the Orthodox back into the fold—back into full communion with Rome.  

On the Feast of Saint Josaphat in 1923, Pope Pius XI declared Saint Josaphat the Patron Saint of Reunion between Orthodox and Catholics.  Pius XI also issued an encyclical letter called, “Ecclesiam Dei”.  He explained that no prerogative of the Church has been assailed more bitterly by the enemy as its unity. 

From the beginning, the devil has fueled our pride to create division. He has and continues to sew seeds of arrogance—leading us to believe that we know better than the Church. His errors lead to heresies and schisms and Catholics allowing themselves to fall away from the Church, and factionalism, all which are a sort of anti-evangelism. For Church division certainly doesn’t make Christianity look more attractive. 

Rather, we are called to the unity taught by Our Lord, and echoed by Paul in our reading today, to have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

As we know there are great divisions in our nation, there are many family members estranged from one another, there are many who have set themselves at odds with God through sin. Any division in family, community, nation, Church, or in the human heart can only truly be healed with God’s help.  

Saint Josaphat saw prayer, education, a devout clergy, and personal holiness as indispensable to healing the wounds of sin and division.  May the example and heavenly intercession of Saint Josaphat inspire us to work for unity in the Church and the healing of human hearts for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For Pope Francis and all bishops, that they may be blessed with wisdom and courage as they lead efforts toward Christian unity, 

For families experiencing division and estrangement, that through God's grace they may find paths to reconciliation and healing.

For our own community, that we may be instruments of peace and unity, overcoming pride and prejudice through lives of authentic Christian witness.

For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they will be fortified and blessed with the Father’s healing, light, and peace.  

We pray that in a special way during the Month of November for our beloved dead, for our deceased family members, friends, parishioners, and benefactors, for deceased priests and religious, servicemen and women, and for N., for whom this mass is offered, that they may be united with Christ in the heavenly kingdom.

Merciful Father, through the intercession of St. Josaphat, help us to heal the wounds of division in our Church, our families, and our world. Grant us the grace to be instruments of your peace and unity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

31st Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Tuesday - The humble attitude of Christ

Today's reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians is one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament—Paul's Christological hymn. 

The hymn focuses on Christ—his pre-existence as the co-equal eternal Son of the Father, his incarnation, his humble self-emptying, and his saving death on the cross. Paul uses this hymn to teach the Philippians about humility, urging them to emulate Christ's attitude in their relationships with one another. True Christian unity depends on each member of the community sharing the humble mindset of Christ, who was obedient to the Father's will.

How are we called to embody this Christ-like humility? First, like Christ who "did not regard equality with God something to be grasped," we must let go of our need to always be in control--or to prove your opinion correct. This might mean listening more than speaking or admitting when we've made a mistake rather than defending our pride.

Second, as Christ "took the form of a servant," we too must seek opportunities to serve, especially in ways that might seem beneath our status. This could mean being the first to volunteer for unglamorous tasks, helping a colleague even when we're busy, or quietly doing household chores that no one notices.

Third, following Christ's example of being "obedient unto death," we are called to persevere in doing good even when it costs us. This might mean caring for other people despite our own fatigue, remaining patient those with whom we disagree, or standing up for truth even when it makes us unpopular.

In Holy Communion today, we approach the one who empties himself that we may be full of life. As St. Augustine said, to receive Holy Communion worthily we must seek to become what we receive—not one who grasps at power, but one who seeks to serve.

Jesus makes of himself a total offering, a total gift of himself for the good of others, and every Christian must strive to make that the animating force of their life. This certainly involves seeking conversion from pride to humility every day. 

Let us pray for the grace to empty ourselves as Christ did, that we may decrease so He may increase in us. May we, like Christ, become bread broken for others, poured out in loving service to all we meet for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For unity in the Church, faithfulness to right teaching, detachment from worldly vices, courage in the Church’s evangelizing mission, and humility in all of our interactions and relationships.

May citizens of our nation today take seriously the responsibility of voting. May our election system be free from corruption and may its integrity be defended. May civility prevail in all of our political affairs and may those with differing political views may work together for a good, just, and righteous society. May our most sacred liberties be protected, especially the right to life.

For all victims of war, for peace in the Holy Land, an end to the violence and the consolation of the suffering. May God come to the assistance of the communities and families devastated by terrorism and war; and may world leaders work together for peace. 

For the impoverished and sick and those experiencing any sort of trial: that Jesus the Bread of Life will be their sustenance, and that Christians will be instruments of God’s mercy for all those in need.  

We pray in a special way during this Month of November for all of the faithful departed; for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, 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.

25th Week of Ordinary Time 2024 - Tuesday - The Adelphoi of Jesus

 Family ties were of the utmost importance in Jesus’ day, as they continue to be in our time to some degree.

In the Gospel today, we hear how during the course of his public ministry, the Lord Jesus was approached by his mother and those whom our english translation calls his brothers, though the Greek word in Luke’s Gospel is adelphoi, which could also refer to Jesus’ other relatives, like cousins and uncles and even close family friends, coworkers, neighbors, and members of ones religious community, as we use it today, when we use the word brethren. 

When, Jesus’ adelphoi show up, it would have been pretty much expected for him to stop what he was doing and go out to meet them. And yet, the lord takes the opportunity to teach: “My mother and my adelphoi are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” In other words, there is a bond deeper than even biological ties—the bond between those who strive to do the will of God. The Lord foreshadows here the bond—the unity –of the baptized. 

Through Baptism—Christians enter into a supernatural bond with God and one another—a bond of those who have God as Father and Jesus as brother. The Church is the family of God.  To quote Pope Francis, “The Church is not an organization born out of an agreement between some persons but the work of God—the supreme act of love on the Cross, The Church is born of God’s desire to call all men and women to communion with him, to friendship with him, even further, to participate as his children in his very divinity.” 

This deeper bond of the baptized, the family of God, challenges us to look beyond earthly relationships—and find our deepest identity as children of God. This unity is not just symbolic but calls for a real commitment to live in communion with one another, supporting and loving each other as true brothers and sisters in Christ. It calls us to forgive, to be merciful, and to be self-giving, just as Christ has shown us. As members of this divine family, we are called to be witnesses of God’s love in the world, extending that love to all we meet, especially those in need. In this way, we live out our identity as God’s children, bound together not by blood, but by grace.

We do well to pray for a strengthening of the bonds among Christians, to pray for one another, that we may love God and each other, responding to the word of God with generous hearts, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For all Christians, that through the grace of Baptism, we may be strengthened to live in communion with one another, forgiving, being merciful, and witnessing God’s love to the world. 

For families, that they may be places where the love of God is experienced and shared, and that they may grow in holiness, reflecting the unity of the family of God, 

For those who feel isolated or estranged from their families, that they may find comfort and belonging in the Church, the family of God, and be drawn into a deeper relationship with Christ,  .

For the sick, the poor, the lonely, and all those in need, that we may extend the love and compassion of Christ to them, and work to build a world where all are treated with dignity and respect, 

For the deceased members of our families and parishes, that they may rest in the eternal peace of God’s kingdom.

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.

22nd Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Wednesday - Overcoming Spiritual Immaturity

Throughout First Corinthians Paul addresses division.  Immediately after the letter’s greeting in chapter 1, Paul urges the Corinthians to be free of division that they may be united in the same mind and the same purpose—living according to the wisdom of Christ crucified. And this requires real spiritual maturity.

But then in this morning’s passage, Paul explains how the Corinthian church remained frozen in this state of immaturity which was evident due to their may divisions, and he compares them to infants incapable of eating solid food due to their failure to put division and factionalism behind them. 

In chapter 3 here, Paul is addressing a division based on what appears to be different schools of theological thought. The Corinthians apparently claimed that there was some fundamental division between Paul, Peter, and this good and faithful teacher named Apollos. And so they were breaking into factions. And these factions made it look like the Church itself was a fractured worldly institution. And to an outsider, why would you want to join just another fractured worldly institution?

Christian division not only keeps us from working together and loving one another, it is bad for the mission. And if we are not fulfilling our mission, then we are being unfaithful to Christ. 

Now there are some modern Christians who are willfully engaging in this sort of factionalism. And it’s to the detriment of the mission. 

But Paul’s words today are a challenge to all Christians of all times to address their own spiritual immaturity. It might not be willful factionalism. But essentially, we must all address that spiritual immaturity which is marked by selfish and prideful behaviors, a shallow understanding of the faith, a weak commitment to the mission of the church, and an avoidance of the cross. 

 Maturity, in contrast, involves an openness to spiritual growth, no matter the effort it demands, perseverance in faith, unity, love, humility, and the virtues. Christian maturity is primarily about becoming more like Christ—who embraces the cross in the desire to please and serve His heavenly Father above all else. 

Paul’s concern for the Corinthians wasn’t simply to belittle them, but to help strengthen them in the faith. For if they could not get passed these infantile quarrels, how could they bear the cross when it was time to truly witness to the faith in the face of trial? Until they put away the infantile, they would not bear the fruit of the Spirit—the love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control born from the Holy Spirit.

We do well to spend some real honest time considering our own spiritual immaturities, asking the Holy Spirit to help us confront them, so that we, like St. Paul and the saints, may be sources of unity in the Church, and effective instruments for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that all her members may strive to live in unity of mind and purpose, rejecting division and factionalism, so that we may faithfully witness to the love of Christ. 

For our leaders, both in the Church and in society, that they may be guided by the wisdom of Christ and work for the common good, promoting peace, justice, and unity among all people. 

For our parish, that we may seek to put aside any selfish or prideful behaviors that cause division, and work together in love to fulfill the mission of Christ, especially in service to the poor and marginalized. 

For all those who are suffering, especially those burdened by violence and conflict or illness, that they may experience the healing presence of Christ and find peace in His love and unity in His Church. 

For the faithful departed, that they may be welcomed into the eternal peace of Christ and share in the fullness of His resurrection.

Presider: Gracious Father, hear these prayers that we offer with faith and humility. Grant us the grace to grow in spiritual maturity, united in love and service, that we may bear witness to Your kingdom and glorify Your name. Through Christ our Lord.

7th Week of Easter 2024 - Wednesday - Unity through loving and joyful obedience

We have been reading for two weeks from Jesus’ Farewell Speech at the Last Supper, chapters 14-17 of the Gospel of John. 

Throughout the discourse, the Lord emphasizes the relationship between love and obedience. He repeatedly calls on his disciples to demonstrate their love for him by obediently keeping his commandments. 

We seek to faithfully observe the commandments of God out of love, for faithfulness is pleasing to God. And so we zealously seek to rid ourselves of infidelity, to muzzle our unfaithful tongues, discipline our willful spirits, and restrain our disordered appetites. And the Christian does so zealously, happily, and enthusiastically. Again because loving fidelity is pleasing to our Father. We show our love and practice love by keeping God’s commandments. 

A devotion to keeping God’s commandments—to following the rules of our Father’s household—is not pharisaical religion. Rather, it is a participation in the salvific sacrifice of Christ—who obediently accepted death, death on a cross—out of love for His Father.

In his rule, St. Benedict writes, “The first degree of humility is prompt obedience” To be poor in spirit like Christ, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, means to desire a practice obedience.

The great doctor St. Francis de Sales writes, “Obedience is a virtue of so excellent a nature, that Our Lord was pleased to mark its observance upon the whole course of His life; thus He often says, He did not come to do His own will, but that of His Heavenly Father.” 

Obedience is the means of aligning one's will with God's will, which is central to Christian discipleship. For we are to follow in the footsteps of the obedient Son of God. We are to surrender personal preferences and desires to fulfill a higher purpose—God’s Holy Will. “Not my will, but Thy will be done”. 

Obedience to God is the glue that unites Christians. At the conclusion of his Farewell speech, the Lord prays that his disciples be one, just as he is one with the Father—a oneness that is manifest in the Son’s obedience to the Father. 

Thomas Aquinas writes, “Obedience unites us so closely to God that in a way transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His. If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God.”

Faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. If faithfulness is not evident in our decisions, our connection to the Holy Spirit is damaged and compromised. Joylessness in the Christian life is almost always a sign that disobedience has taken root. For sinful disobedience causes the other spiritual fruits, like joy, peace, patience, and self-control to wither.

May the Holy Spirit, whose descent upon the Church we prepare to celebrate at Pentecost, draw us into ever deeper unity with the Father and with one another, through a sharing in the loving obedience of the Son, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That the ordained and all members of the Church throughout the world may be a more visible sign of the love of God for humanity, calling all people to new life and communion with Him; and that our parish may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ and his tender love for sinners and for the poor

For those who do not believe in God and for those who have fallen away from the Church.

For an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit among all Christians, and for all who are persecuted for the faith.

That during this month of May, all people may turn their hearts to the Blessed Virgin Mary, seeking her aid and imploring her intercession with increased and fervent devotion, imitating her example of Faith, Hope, and Love. 

For the sick, the suffering, those in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care, for the underemployed and unemployed, for the imprisoned, those with addictions, for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, that the Spirit of Consolation may comfort them.

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

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.

31st Week in Ordinary Time 2022 - Monday - Strive for Unity

 St. Paul, in his mission to build up the Church, both sought to convert non-believers and also strengthen the faith of those who had already begun to believe.

Scripture contains fourteen letters attributed to St. Paul in which he helps to lead Christians deeper into union with Christ. But each of those letters has its own unique themes and goals. The letter to the Philippians is neither a treatise on systematic theology, like Paul’s epistle to the Romans, nor is it a practical, moral letter answering many specific questions and local problems, like I Corinthians.  Rather, Philippians is a pastoral letter in which Paul expresses his love for the Philippians and shepherds them to a deeper love of Christ and each other.

And he states this pretty clearly in today’s reading, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love”

Through faith and baptism Christians are joined together and joined to God. Unity of divided humanity has been brought about by God through Christ. But…unity also requires work on our part.

The Catechism speaks of this when it says, “Christ always gives his Church the gift of unity, but the Church must always pray and work to maintain, reinforce, and perfect the unity that Christ wills for her (CCC 820).”

We are united to God through Christ. And we are united to each other through Christ so much so that every Christian who has ever lived in any part of the world is called our brother and sister. Our unity is part of Christ’s victory—he died to rejoin what was severed in sin—a loss of unity with God and each other. And that unity heals and restores what was lost. And by our unity, we witness to the world of what God has done for us through Christ.

We have a vocation—to be one—to be united in faith and united in love, as St. Paul explains today. And this requires that we cooperate with the grace of God—through real effort and will on our part. Again, the Catechism lays this out nicely:

Permanent renewal in unity, the catechism says requires constant “conversion of heart” on the part of the faithful, seeking to live holier lives according to the Gospel." It is the unfaithfulness to the Gospel which continues to cause divisions, so we must seek constant conversion.

Unity requires common prayer. The family that prays together stays together, and that’s true for the Church. But also people who are experiencing division also need to pray together, for change in heart, and unity, comes through seeking God’s will in prayer. 

Unity comes through fraternal knowledge of each other. Christians should seek to know each other, share our lives with each other, and our needs and trials with each other. We can’t know everyone perfectly, but people who pray together should share their life stories with each other. Spaghetti dinners and clambakes and parish picnics and nametag/donut Sundays and opening up your homes for small prayer groups serve this purpose. 

There shouldn’t be a single person who comes into this church building for more than a few weeks, who would say, “no one knows me, no one reached to me”. If you see a stranger, please greet them.

Concern for achieving unity "involves the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike” may each of us respond to God’s grace in fulfilling Christ’s Last Supper prayer, that we may be one as he and the Father are one, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the Gospel may be for divided humanity the source of unity and peace, and for a healing of sinful divisions within the Church.

That those seeking political office in the upcoming Election will be dedicated to authentic justice, peace, and the good of all.

As the month of October comes to a close, may the rosary of Our Lady be a source of great graces for the Church and for the world. 

For the impoverished and sick and those experiencing any sort of trial: that Jesus the Bread of Life will be their sustenance.

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.

November 12 2021 - St. Josaphat, martyr - Unity with God, Church, and Neighbor

 At the last supper, the Lord prayed for his followers—he prayed for the Apostles present with him in the upper room, and he prayed for the Church—that through the ages she would remain united in faith and love. "Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may be one.” While his death was looming, the most terrible of sufferings anyone had ever or would ever suffer, he was thinking of us and praying for us, for our unity in the truth of the Gospel, ““Your word, father, is truth…consecrate them in the truth”

The unity of the Church is always threatened by sin and error. And so we find the holy saints throughout history seeking unity with God through mortification, unity in the Church through right teaching, and unity with neighbor through charity. There can be no sanctity without mortification, right teaching, and works of charity.

St. Paul, of course, often wrote to the fledgling communities about avoiding anything that led to division. “With diligence preserve unity” he writes to the Ephesians, for “there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

St. Josephat spent his life laboring for the unity of the Church and was a martyr for Church unity because he died trying to bring part of the Orthodox Church into union with Rome.  He’s known as the apostle of union because he gave us life working for the unity of the Church. 

He was born into an orthodox family in 1580, but as an adult he joined one of the eastern churches that had recently returned to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Through education, reform of the clergy and personal example, Josephat succeeded in winning over the majority of the Orthodox in his diocese to full communion with Rome.  But those who opposed Church unity and communion with Rome plotted his death, and he was martyred in 1623. With furious cries of “Kill the Papist!”, He was struck on the head and shot and thrown into the river— killed by a mob who opposed his efforts.  

Like his Lord, Josephat died for unity. For the Lord indeed died that our unity with God destroyed by sin might be restored, and that the wounds of sin and division in the human family might be healed. As we know there are great divisions in our nation, there are many family members estranged from one another, there are many who have set themselves at odds with God through sin. Division caused by sin and pride always brings unneeded suffering, sadness and diminishment.

Through the intercession of St. Josephat and all the saints, seek that unity God desires for us, unity with Himself, unity with the Church, unity with neighbor for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the healing of the wounds of all Christian division and for success in the work of evangelization.

For perseverance in carrying our crosses in fidelity to the Lord Jesus.

For safety for travelers and for the homeless and destitute affected by cold and inclement weather.

That we may be attentive to the needs of the sick, the poor, and the despairing in our midst.

We pray in a special way during this month of November for all the faithful departed, for those whose names are written in our parish book of the names of the dead, all deceased members of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, and our deceased family members and friends, deceased clergy and religious, for those who fought and died for our freedom and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

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.

November 12 2019 - St. Josaphat - What we were obliged to do

When I think of the apostles and martyrs willingly going to their death for Christ, martyrs like our parish patron, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Josaphat whom the Church honors today, I wonder if they shared the sentiment found at the end of our Gospel reading today: “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'

The martyrs, men and women, up and down the centuries, so loved Christ that they were compelled when given the choice to abandon the faith or to die for Him, they chose to die. These are the ones who did what they were commanded to do. They took up their cross and followed the Lord all the way to Calvary because they loved Him and believed in Him and trusted in his promises.

“All the pleasures of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing” writes Ignatius of Antioch. “It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth”

St. Josaphat was born into an orthodox family in 1580, but as an adult he joined one of the eastern churches that had recently returned to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. He was ordained a priest and eventually a bishop. And through the education of his flock, the reform of his clergy, and his personal example of holiness, Josaphat succeeded in winning the majority of the Orthodox in his diocese to full communion with Rome. Those who opposed him plotted his death. With furies cries of “Kill the Papist” he was killed and thrown into a river.

And yet, knowing his end, would have chosen to water down his teaching? Would he have put off the work of Christian unity for someone else. Would he have given the excuse that it was too dangerous, or not politically correct? Likely, he would have said, “I have done what I was obliged to do.”

And for this, at the time of his judgment, he appeared before the throne of God who welcomed him, “well done my good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s joy.”

May each of us cultivate that intense love of the Lord and the Truth of his Gospel, that we may willing to serve Him in all things despite the cost for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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For the healing of the wounds of all Christian division and for success in the work of evangelization.

For perseverance in carrying our crosses in fidelity to the Lord Jesus.

For safety for travelers and for the homeless and destitute affected by cold and inclement weather.

That we may be attentive to the needs of the sick, the poor, and the despairing in our midst.

We pray in a special way during this month of November for all the faithful departed, for those whose names are written in our parish book of the names of the dead, all deceased members of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, and our deceased family members and friends, deceased clergy and religious, for those who fought and died for our freedom and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

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 Week of Easter 2019 - Tuesday - Unity of Believers

Early in the Easter season, our attention is drawn by our readings from the acts of the apostles to that early group of Christians, living in Jerusalem, just weeks and months after the resurrection of Jesus. We hear today about the profound unity of this group of Christians, unity which is to serve as a model for Christians of all ages.

Their unity could be seen in their concern for one another, their administration of their material goods, their evangelization efforts, their deference to the apostles, and their unity of belief. “They were of one heart and mind.”

Could we say the same here at St. Ignatius of Antioch? In the diocese of Cleveland?
In some ways, yes, I think. The communal charity of the early Church was seen in their willingness to sacrifice for each other, to use their own goods for the good of the other. This parish has a long history of profound charity. And our diocese, year after year, runs the largest Catholic Charities, not just in the country, but in the world.

And such charity does not come from being compelled. The Church is not Communist in the sense that her functions are compelled by a Communist Dictator. Rather, our Christian Charity here is born from love and freedom.

Unity in the community of Christians, is hard work, just like unity in a marriage. And we are always being challenged, aren’t we, to grow in unity. Are we of one heart, always, with the universal Church, with the Bishop, with the Pope, with the Magisterium? If not, why not? What needs to change in us?
The Lord Jesus in the Gospel today describes the Holy Spirit like a wind, that blows in particular directions, and those “born of the Spirit” through baptism, are to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Are we of one heart in discerning and following the inspirations of the Holy Spirit within our parish and community? If not, what needs to change?

A community of believers of one mind and heart, certainly requires individuals who make every personal effort to work for that unity.  One of the things the Lord Jesus came to overcome through his death and resurrection are the divisions which hinder God’s people from following the Divine Will. May the power of the Lord’s Resurrection heal our wounds of sin and division, and lead us in the ways of the Spirit, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn earnestly to God, to graciously hear our prayers and supplications.
For the shepherds of our souls, that they may have the strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd.
For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace of the Risen Christ, especially for all victims of religious violence.
For our parish, that we may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ.
For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow may be turned to gladness through the Christian faith.
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.

Holy Thursday 2019 - School Prayer Service - Lessons from the Last Supper

We’ve come now to the final hours of Lent. And in just a few hours the Church will gather for the Evening mass of the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, where he turned bread and wine into his body and blood, where he made his apostles the first priests of the Church, and where Jesus prays, for his disciples.
Jesus,  at his last supper knew he was about to die.  Like a man on his deathbed, he will speak the words that he wants his disciples to remember, the lessons, he wants them to learn.  We hear and see at the Last Supper what is most important to him, what he values most—the priorities of his entire life.  And what are they?  I submit to you, they are three.

First of all, he is going to show us the priority of humility and loving service.  This was just proclaimed in the Gospel.  Consider what happens when Jesus washes feet. God, the creator of the universe, washed the dirty, smelly feet of the disciples who walked on those dusty, muddy, manure-ridden streets of Jerusalem.  God washes feet.

And Jesus says, “I have given you a model to follow”.  Jesus mandates that that we are to serve God and our fellow man in all humility.  Not shunning those dirty, hard, humiliating tasks, but performing them out of duty and love.   Here God shows us how we are to live. Not to trample your neighbor, not to hate your neighbor, but to kneel down before him in service.  So lesson number one: loving, humble service.

The second: At the Last Supper, Jesus gives us the eucharist. Jesus knows he is going to die, and so he turns bread and wine into his body and blood. And he makes his apostles priests, so that they can continue to make the Eucharist available for all of time.

Jesus doesn’t want us to simply remember what happened all those 2000 years ago. He wants to be with us now. This is why when we come into a Catholic church we bend the knee to the tabernacle. To acknowledge that we believe that Jesus is here now. And anytime we want. We can come to Church and know that Jesus is here. We can speak to him, we can kneel in his presence and pray to him. We can know that God loves us and cares for us and wants to be part of our lives. He wants to nourish our souls like food nourishes our bodies so that we can become the people he made us to be.

Finally, at the last supper Jesus prayed. Chapter 17 of St. John’s Gospel contains the longest prayer of Jesus to be recorded in Scripture. The prayer he prayed at the Last supper. In this prayer, he lifts his eyes to heaven, as he will hours later on the cross. And he prays: “Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”. Jesus’ mission is to help us know God and believe in God, that we may have eternal life.

He then prays: Father, I am giving up my life, that they may be one, that they may be one. Humans have many reasons to be divided. Different color skin, different parents, our families are from different countries, we have different ideas about how the world should work. But Jesus prayed that we may be one. Unity through him, peace through him, eternal life through Him.

May we use the time we have been given to think about how God is calling each of us to grow in those three lessons of Jesus: how we can grow in humble service, how we can open our hearts to the ways God wishes to feed our souls, and how we are called to be one, to work together to bring about God’s kingdom…for the glory of God and salvation of souls.