1st Week in Ordinary Time 2025 - Wednesday - Healing for the body, light for the mind, deliverance from evil

 After the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this last Sunday, our weekday readings this week all through Lent, take us through a sequential reading through the beginning chapters of St. Mark’s Gospel. Monday, we read of Jesus beginning his public ministry preaching “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” He then called the fishermen, peter, james, Andrew, and john, to be his first followers.

Yesterday, we read of Jesus coming to Capernaum and commanding and casting out the unclean spirit.

Today, continuing still through chapter 1 of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus brings physical healing to Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and then many people, and drove out many demons, and then goes on to preach throughout Galilee. 

Throughout Mark's Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the Messiah who brings about the Kingdom of God through his words and deeds. He is a man-of-action who backs up his teachings with miraculous work.

He brings life to the body, light to the mind, deliverance from the powers of evil. Those of us who follow him now, recognize that he continues to do these things in our lives and in our world.  

He brings life to our bodies. Even though we continue to experience physical illness, the ailments of age, we are not discouraged by these things. United to Christ, our physical struggles bring about an increase in trust in God, and reminder that this passing earthly life is an anticipation of the resurrection.

He gives light to our minds through the truth of his teachings which guide us, they help us to know our purpose, they help us discern between right and wrong, they help us to recognize the futility of living only for the things of the world, they help us to cooperate with God’s grace which enables us to become the people God made us to be.

And, he delivers us from the powers of evil. He helps us to be free from the bondage of sin, he helps us to be faithful to God in times of temptation, he helps us destroy the works of the devil in our society. 

And doing all these things for us personally, he transforms us to be instruments in his hands, to encourage the afflicted, to instruct the ignorant, to preach his Gospel, to help other break the bonds of sin in their own lives.

What we see Jesus doing in the Scriptures, we see him doing in our own lives, and he sends us out to be his instruments in the world. “Very truly I tell you,” he says in John’s Gospel, “whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.”

As we read through the Scriptures during Ordinary Time, may we come not only to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, and appreciation for what he has done for us, but come to a deeper cooperation with Him, in who we are called to be, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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With confidence in Jesus Christ, who proclaims the Kingdom of God and brings healing, light, and deliverance, let us offer our prayers to the Father:

For the Church, that she may faithfully proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God in both word and deed, and that through her ministry many may come to repentance, healing, and new life in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who suffer in body, especially the sick, the elderly, and those burdened by chronic illness, that united to Christ they may find strength, hope, and trust in God’s promise of resurrection and eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling against sin and temptation, that Christ, who drives out the powers of evil, may grant them freedom, perseverance, and the grace to live as faithful disciples, let us pray to the Lord.

For our society, that the works of the devil—violence, deception, injustice, and division—may be overcome by the transforming power of the Gospel, and that we may be instruments of peace, truth, and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.

For the faithful departed, that having shared in Christ’s sufferings in this life, they may now share fully in His resurrection and glory, let us pray to the Lord.

For the prayers we voice in our hearts, and for X, for whom this mass is offered.

Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to proclaim the Kingdom and to heal your people. Hear the prayers we offer in faith, and make us willing instruments of your saving love, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

February 3 2025 - St. Blaise - May the Lord deliver you

 

I remember one year, a school teacher joking that every after the annual St Blaise throat blessing she would get some sort of sore throat. And I would joke back, just think how bad the sore throat would have been without the blessing! And consider this: do you have a sore throat right now?” “No” she answered. “Then God delivered you from the illness, just as we prayed”.

“Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may the Lord deliver you from every disease of the throat.” 

Deliverance is a common message in scripture. In the Book of Exodus, God delivers his people from slavery. Through his chosen instrument, the young shepherd boy, David, God delivered his people from the Philistines, when David slew Goliath. God delivered Daniel from the Lion’s Den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were delivered from the fiery furnace. 

In his own public ministry, the Lord Jesus delivered countless people from illness and demon possession. He rescued the apostles from the terrible storm on the sea of Galilee, and the multitude of people from hunger when he multiplied the fish and loaves. God delivered Paul and Silas from prison, and sent an angel to deliver Peter and the apostles from prison as well. 

Notice, that in each case God’s people are already suffering: Daniel is in the lion’s den, the paralytic is already paralyzed, Peter is already in prison. 

Rather than shielding us from all suffering, God chooses to deliver us from our suffering to help us draw closer to him, to recognize that He is our salvation. 

This is most evident in our salvation in Christ. In our sinful state, we are to recognize that Jesus Christ alone is our salvation. The life of faith begins when we recognize that. We are lost without him. Lord, deliver us. 

He even taught us to pray, “deliver us from evil”. In the course of this life, we will continue to experience many forms of suffering and evil. But we learn to turn to God in those times to deliver us, to provide the help that can only come from Him. In this way, God has transformed our suffering into an avenue of grace, growth, and salvation.

May we form that habit of turning to the Lord for help in all of our troubles, especially our sinfulness, opening our minds and hearts to his grace, and experiencing the transformation he desires for us, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church: That she may faithfully proclaim Christ as our Deliverer, leading all people to trust in His power to set us free from sin and every form of spiritual bondage. Let us pray to the Lord…

For all who hold public office: That they may follow God’s example of deliverance by working tirelessly to liberate the oppressed, promote justice, and protect the vulnerable in society. Let us pray to the Lord…

For those enduring trials and hardships: That they may never lose hope but turn to the Lord in their suffering, trusting in His saving hand to deliver, strengthen, and transform them. Let us pray to the Lord…

For our members of our parish: That we may be instruments of God’s mercy, offering prayers and support for those who suffer, and bearing witness to the power of God to deliver and save. Let us pray to the Lord…

For the sick and suffering, especially those with ailments of the throat: Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, may the Lord grant them healing, relief from pain, and renewed strength of body and spirit. Let us pray to the Lord…

For the faithful departed: That they may be delivered from every bond of sin and welcomed into the fullness of life and peace in God’s eternal kingdom, especially N. Let us pray to the Lord…

God our Deliverer, You have shown Your mighty power throughout history, rescuing Your people from danger, sickness, and sin. Hear our prayers this day. Help us to turn to You with unwavering faith in times of trial, that we may always experience Your transforming grace. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

December 18 2024 - O Adonai - Lord God and Lawgiver

  

Yesterday, began that wonderful part of the church year called “late Advent” the seven days leading up to Christmas. And on each of the days of late Advent, we use one of the ancient chants known as the O Antiphons. 

Each of the O Antiphons highlights a title for the Messiah—and an important aspect of his identity and mission: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel ( God with us). 

Today we sang, O Adonai, O Lord, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and gave him the law at Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm!

Adonai is the Hebrew word for the Lord God. When you are reading the Old Testament in Hebrew, and you come across the word ‘Lord, the Hebrew word is Adonai. 

So today’s O Antiphon highlights something of great importance about the child born on Christmas. He is God. He is the God who appeared at the burning bush—the one who heard the cries of the Hebrew people enslaved in Egypt, who delivered them out of the land of Egypt, who gave the Law at Sinai to help them to be a holy people. 

Again, this O Antiphon helps us to remember that Jesus Christ is born to deliver us, to save us. We heard this from the lips of the angel in the Gospel this morning. The angel tells Joseph that Mary will bear a child and he is to name the child Jesus because he will save his people from their sins. 

And just as God freed the people from physical slavery in Egypt, he gave the 10 commandments at Sinai to help people live free from slavery to the ways of evil and sin. In his teaching, the Lord Jesus stresses the importance of following the commandments of God through which we attain to the moral and spiritual perfection befitting of the sons and daughters of God. 

Knowing how difficult this is, the O Antiphon cries out to God, asking him to “come to redeem us with an outstretched arm” 

These final days of Advent help us to draw near to the Lord in wonder and awe, and continue to seek that deliverance from evil through our obedience to him, that transformation of our mind and heart and life that he desires for us, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

That the Pope Francis, all bishops and priests, religious and laity may shine with the Light of Christ’s love for the scattered peoples of the earth. 

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.

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

That our young people will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.

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, and for X. 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.

34th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Wednesday - Song of the Saints in heaven

 

As we come to the end of the liturgical year, the Church places before us the dramatic and awe-inspiring visions of the Book of Revelation. Today, John describes a magnificent yet, sobering scene: angels ready to deliver the final plagues that bring God’s judgment to completion, the sea of glass mingled with fire, and the victorious song of the saints.

This vision connects us to the overarching theme of the Book of Revelation: God’s ultimate victory over sin and evil. The seven plagues remind us of the ten plagues in Egypt, where God delivered His people from slavery. Just as the plagues in Exodus were not random acts of destruction but signs of God’s power and justice, so too are these final judgments in Revelation. They signal the completion of God’s work, echoing Christ’s triumphant cry from the cross: “It is finished.”

The image of the sea of glass mingled with fire is a potent image. In John’s earlier vision of heaven, which we read last week, this sea was crystal clear, symbolizing the calm and majesty of God’s reign. Now it is mingled with fire, foreshadowing the divine judgment about to take place. Yet, it is here, by this sea, that we see those who have been faithful to God standing in victory.

Who are they? They are those who remained steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution and temptation, like that described by our Lord in the Gospel today. What are they doing? They are standing and singing. Their song is one of praise for God’s mighty works, recalling the song of Moses and the Israelites after their deliverance through the Red Sea. The saints in heaven celebrate a greater deliverance—not just from earthly oppression but from sin and death itself.

What is particularly striking is the vision of all nations coming to worship God. This is a recurring promise in Scripture. The Psalms and prophets proclaim that all nations will one day acknowledge the Lord. In a sense, this is already fulfilled in the Catholic Church, which is universal by nature, drawing people from every nation to worship God.

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, this vision inspires us to live with hope and readiness, praising God for His mighty works and trusting in His plan for the salvation of the world. May we, too, one day join the saints in the song of the Lamb, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Let us bring our prayers to the Lord, who is holy and just in all His ways.

For the Church, that she may remain steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel and guiding the faithful to live in readiness for Christ’s return.

For all nations, that they may come to acknowledge the Lord as the source of justice, peace, and salvation.

For those who face persecution and temptation, that they may persevere in faith and find strength in the example of the victorious saints. 

For our community, that we may always praise God for His mighty works and trust in His plan for our lives and the world. 

For those who are sick and suffering, especially those enduring trials of faith, that they may experience the Lord’s presence and be delivered from their struggles.

For the faithful departed, that they may stand among the saints, singing the song of the Lamb in eternal praise.

Almighty and eternal God, You are the ruler of all nations and the source of salvation for Your people. Hear the prayers we offer in faith and bring us to share in the victory of the saints through Christ our Lord.

July 22 2024 - St. Mary Magdalene - Delivered for a purpose

 It can be argued, that Mary Magdalene is the second-most important woman in the New Testament. Throughout the four Gospels, she is named 14 times, more than most of the apostles.  Yet, there is a lot of confusion about some of Mary Magdalene’s biographical information.

Movies like The Last Temptation of Christ and Jesus Christ Superstar portray Mary of Magdala as young, beautiful and as having a romantic interest in Jesus. We won’t even go into what Dan Brown, author of The Davinci Code has to say about her.  

There is no scriptural evidence that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.  Nor is she the woman to have washed the feet of Jesus, that was Mary of Bethany in John’s Gospel; St. Mark and Luke do tell us that the Lord had cast out of her “seven demons”. St. Luke also tells us that she helped provide for the needs of Jesus and His apostles out of her resources (Lk 8:3). And, unlike the majority of the apostles, she followed the Lord all the way to Calvary and stood at the foot of his cross with Jesus (Jn 19:25). 

On Easter Sunday, sent went to the tomb to weep for the Lord, but she soon encountered the Risen Lord. Faith and Love then impelled her to bring the news of the resurrection to the apostles.

Saints and theologians from St. Thomas Aquinas to the modern popes have referred to St. Mary Magdalene as the Apostle to the Apostles.

She wasn’t one of the twelve apostles, and she is not regarded as a bishop at any point by the Church, but she is called Apostle to the Apostles because she is the first to encounter the risen Christ, and she is sent by the risen Jesus to bring news of his resurrection to the other disciples. As the Opening Prayer stated: “Christ “first entrusted to Mary Magdalene the joyful news of his resurrection.” 

And that is the apostolic task of every member of the Church: to spread the good news about Jesus.

Whatever her past—prior to becoming a disciples of Jesus—she became a woman transformed by faith, hope, and love. Even the demon possessed can become saints and effective missionaries. She was delivered for a purpose, and so are we.

St. Anselm has a beautiful reflection on St. Mary Magdalene, in which he writes: St Mary Magdalene, you came with springing tears to the spring of mercy, Christ; from him your burning thirst was abundantly refreshed; through him your sins were forgiven; by him your bitter sorrow was consoled. My dearest lady, well you know by your own life how a sinful soul can be reconciled with its creator, what counsel a soul in misery needs, what medicine will restore the sick to health… Draw me to him where I may wash away my sins; bring me to him who can slake my thirst; pour over me those waters that will make my dry places fresh.”

May we, with the help of the Magdalene’s prayers and example, be made worthy, like her, of the promises of Christ, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

That all Christians may seek to imitate the examples of the saints and grow in the virtues of faith, hope, and love.

For the demon-possessed and those hardened in sin, that they, through the intercession of St. Mary Magdalene, may know true deliverance; and that young people may be preserved from evil, and discover the great joy of loving and being loved by Christ.

That Christians may imitate the generosity of Mary Magdalene in providing for the needs of the mission of the Church.

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 human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, 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 all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Hear Our Prayers, O Lord, and through the intercession of St. Mary Magdalene, free us from all that keeps us from the love of Christ. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

1st Week of Lent 2022 - Tuesday - The Devil hates the Lord's Prayer

 Pope Benedict wrote, “In the trials of life and in every temptation, the secret of victory lies in listening to the word of truth and rejecting with determination falsehood and evil.”

When tempted by the Devil in the desert, as we heard this last Sunday, the Lord himself drew upon the scriptures to overcome the lies and falsehoods of evil. He even quotes God’s Word about the importance of God’s word: “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

In the Gospel today, from the mouth of God, Jesus gives his disciples a prayer, a very powerful prayer, the Lord’s own prayer—a prayer which encapsulates and is drawn from so many powerful, holy, and inspired sentiments throughout the Scriptures. It is a prayer that exposes and unravels so many of the devil’s falsehoods, making it a powerful remedy to our many temptations.

Let’s break it down. Calling upon “Our Father Who Art in Heaven” is hateful to the devil who is covetous of our worship and furious of being casting out of heaven. The humility of the words “Thy Will Be Done” is utterly insufferable to the enemy who refused to bend his will to God’s. 

“Give us this day our daily bread”, recognizes that we are not self-sufficient and independent of God as the enemy would like us to be, but trusts in God to provide for us, which the devil refused to do. The petition for forgiveness for our trespasses counters both the despair and the unrepentance the devil would like to sew in us—he wants us neither to ask for forgiveness or believe that we are capable of receiving it. And he hates that we would pray for the grace to extend forgiveness to others, for the devil is completely unmerciful, and wants to refashion us in his own cruel and merciless image. 

The last two petitions are when the battle for truth and goodness really get going. “Lead us not into temptation” humbly recognizes that we are capable of temptation. And this the devil also hates, for he wants to remain hidden, not wanting to be exposed for his corrupting influence. For if an unholy thought can be traced back to him, his defeat is near at hand. 

Nor does he want us to think of the consequences of following his temptations which lead to perdition.

Finally, “deliver us from evil” unravels the devil’s great lie that we are beyond salvation, that God is absent or unwilling to help us in times of trouble. The devil does not want us to cry to God for rescue and help, he wants us enslaved and puffed up with pride and independent from God as he is. His misery loves company. But this petition is the slap in the devil’s face and provides the path of freedom for God’s people. It is always heard and answered for those who pray it fervently.

The Devil hates the Lord’s prayer, for it unravels his designs, it exposes his hatred for God and mankind; it is painful to him, for it shines light upon the darkness of his lies. 

May it be found on the lips and hearts of God’s people today and all days, for by it we reject with determination the falsehood and evil of the devil, and we turn to the Word of Truth of our good and loving God and provident Father, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For “an immediate end to the hostilities in Ukraine, for a restoration of peace and for the safety of all Ukrainian citizens. And for the Ukrainian community in Northeast Ohio, that their friends and family members in their beloved homeland be kept out of harm’s way.”

For mercy for the most vulnerable of our human family, the unborn; that their mothers may choose life and be supported by a culture of life. 

For the young people of our Church. May they be strengthened to be witnesses to the Gospel of mercy and work for a future that embodies a genuine culture of mercy.

For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter: that they will be profoundly blessed in their preparation for full initiation into the Body of Christ.  .

For the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, unemployed, or suffering from addiction, mental, or physical illness, imprisoned, and those most in need: that the Lord in his goodness will be close to them in their trials.  

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all the poor souls in purgatory, and N. 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.

1st Week of Ordinary Time 2022 - Tuesday - The end of the devil's reign

 From now until the beginning of Lent on March 2, our weekday Gospel readings will be taken from the Gospel of Mark.  

Without skipping any passages we’ll make our way from chapter 1 through chapter 10—beginning with the commencement of the Lord’s public ministry, which we heard yesterday, through his transfiguration and the first predictions of his Passion.

I love Mark’s Gospel and once memorized and could recite the order of the stories of Mark. Mark, being the shortest Gospel, it can be read in a single sitting without too much effort. And often it was read in its entirety to the early Church. So if you’ve never read Mark from beginning to end these are good days for such a practice.

In today’s Gospel passage we see one of the major themes of the Gospel on display, Jesus in confrontation with the powers of hell. 

“Have you come to destroy us?” asks the demon. “Why yes, yes he has”. 

The Lord’s appearance, his public ministry, marks the beginning of the demise of the kingdom of satan established at the fall of adam and eve. Satan’s rebellion against God led man astray and into sin, causing man’s disfigurement by sin, a darkening of his intellect, a weakening of his will, and a diminished unity of body and soul, a worst of all, death. 

And not only does Jesus come and challenge the devil’s claim on mankind, he signals the end of the devil’s reign through a series of exorcisms and miracles that will culminate in the ultimate victory of the cross.

This powerful drama plays out on the pages of the Gospel of Mark, but it is also meant to play out in our own lives.

During Ordinary time, the Lord wishes to march again into our lives, as he marched into the synagogue in Capernaum, and muzzle and bind and cast out the devil’s that plague us. Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary, for the Lord  works powerful miracles of deliverance as we seek to conform our lives to his teaching and open the ordinary dimensions of our lives to his grace.

May we cooperate fully, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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That the preaching and teachings of the Pope, Bishops, and clergy may be a source of strength and guidance for the Holy Church.

That those in civic authority may submit their minds and hearts to the rule of Christ, the Prince of Peace and Hope of the nations.

For the liberation of those bound by evil, those committed to sin an error, those oppressed or possessed by evil spirits, and for the conversion of the hardest hearts.

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 all who have died, and for all 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.

13th Week in Ordinary Time 2021 - Friday - God brings good out of evil

 Scripture is full of examples of God bringing Good out of Evil. In the story of the sons of Jacob, for example, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, thrown in a well, sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned, only to be put in the position where he is able to save his family from starvation. 

Over and over, we see the people of Israel falling into the evil of sin and depravity, only for God to reveal his Goodness and Mercy by delivering Israel from slavery and exile.

In today’s readings we see two such stories. God is able to bring something good out of the death of Abraham’s wife Sarah. After all those years, Abraham finally comes into possession of the land promised to Him by God which would become the seed bed of his great progeny. And we even get a glimpse of the new life for the line of Abraham, as Abraham’s son, Isaac, is blessed with a wife.

So, too, in the Gospel. The Lord brings about conversion, and a new way of living, out of the sinful life of the tax collector Matthew. Where there was sin and evil and collaboration with the enemies of Israel, God is able to bring new life and goodness and blessing.

And yet for Joseph and Israel and Abraham and Matthew, the goodness God wishes to bring about in our lives often requires giving something up. For Israel to be delivered from slavery, it had to give up its sin. For Abraham to possess the promised land, he had to give up his homeland. For Matthew to possess discipleship and apostleship, he had to give up his old sinful occupation.

The Lord is able to bring good out of the most tragic events, and in the life of the hardened sinner. But more often than not, something must be given up, left behind. Something at odds with the life of God needs to be set aside. 

What do I need to set aside, leave behind, walk away from, in order for God to manifest his goodness in me, to breathe new life into my stagnate ways, new blessing, new intimacy with Him for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the bishops of the Church will act as true prophets through their faithful teaching, their courageous witness, and their self-sacrificing love. Let us pray to the Lord.

As our nation celebrates independence and freedom this weekend, for the grace to use that freedom to pursue our highest good in every dimension of our civic and national life. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the Church’s missions amongst the poor and unevangelized throughout the world, that the work of Christ may be carried out with truth and love. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those who share in the sufferings of Christ—the sick, the sorrowful, and those who are afflicted or burdened in any way.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. Let us pray to the Lord.

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.

4th Week in Ordinary Time 2021 - Monday - Deliverance from the Demonic

 The episode from today’s Gospel describes Jesus’ first excursion into non-Jewish territory, and it begins in a similar way as his public ministry among the Jews: with an exorcism—the casting out of an unclean spirit—a demon.

Mark’s description of the Gerasene demoniac shows how demonic influence seeks to distort and destroy the image of God in us.  We see this man living away from his family, wild-eyed, shouting, bearing the marks of self-mutilation. The human instinct of self-preservation and health is distorted and overridden by this demonic force.

So too, when we are given over to the powers of addiction, lust, greed, and wrath—when we allow ourselves to be possessed by the spirits of sin—our goodness becomes distorted, an ugly, unclean power begins to fill us.  

St. Mark even shows the futility of society’s efforts to deal with the demonic problem.  The most they can do is attempt to restrain the man physically, and even that is ineffective; the demon fills the man with a strength which breaks the shackles and chains.  Similarly, the world attempts to free man from his demons through silly pop psychology, self-help programs, pagan or esoteric spirituality, “new age techniques” or political promises. Many claim that science is the cure of all man’s ills.  

But Jesus shows, that in the end, it is only the power of the Most High which can free us from our demons.  For the cause of the demonic relationship is a rupture of the relationship with God and family.  

This is why, after the exorcism, Jesus sends the man back to his family to announce the Lord’s mercy. “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the lord in his pity has done for you.” Jesus restores the relationship with God and heals the rifts of family division.

Reminded of the real possibility of the human soul to turn away in demonic fashion from that which is Good—God, family, self, and society, we pray for deliverance. Trusting that the Lord continues to exercise this power to restore the human soul, to redirect it to its highest good, to heal and restore what is lost in sin, may we commit to being his instruments of deliverance and exorcism, through preaching and teaching and works of mercy for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the preaching and teachings of the Pope, Bishops, and clergy may be a source of strength and guidance for the Holy Church.

That those in civic authority may submit their minds and hearts to the rule of Christ, the Prince of Peace and Hope of the nations.

For the liberation of those bound by evil, those committed to sin an error, those oppressed or possessed by evil spirits, and for the conversion of the hardest hearts.

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

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

27th Week of OT 2020 - Friday - Seven demons worse than the first

The Gospels contain many instances of Jesus performing exorcisms—casting out evil spirits. These many instances of exorcism indicate that a primary aspect of Jesus’ ministry is to deliver us from bondage to evil. Why? Because evil dehumanizes us—it defaces our human dignity. The human mind and heart were not made to be dominated by forces like Lust, Pride, Envy, Greed, Wrath, Addiction. 

This is why we often see in the gospels the demon possessed displaying inhuman characteristics. Think of the Garasene demoniac bound in chains like an animal, screaming and gashing himself with stones. Or the possessed boy unable to speak—speech being one of the human faculties which differentiates us from the beasts.

The Lord Jesus, over and over in the Gospels, casts out evil spirits which dehumanize us; He has come to liberate us from the powers of sin and evil which keep us from living in the freedom of the children of God.

Yet, today’s Gospel provides a lesson of paramount importance regarding our liberation through Christ. What do we do once we have been freed from evil. What do we do once we’ve encountered Christ? Once we’ve been baptized? Once we’ve been liberated by Christ in the Sacrament of Confession?

The Lord teaches about a certain danger inherent in the spiritual life. If you do nothing, following your deliverance, it is likely you will be worse off than before your deliverance. It’s like a gardener who pulls up all the weeds from his garden, but then doesn't plant any crops. The weeds grow right back and in great numbers. 

This is why we see so many fallen away Catholics engaging in terrible behavior. Yes, they were freed from evil through baptism. They might have even gone to Catholic School for a while. But falling away from the faith, falling away from the Sacraments, their hearts turn hostile to God, and the begin to justify one sin after another. They stop hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and end up settling for so much less. Even priests, bishops, consecrated religious, can end up in terrible spiritual states because they begin to justify sin. It's usually through the cracks of pride--that these new demons enter our lives.

Rather, we need to always be pressing forward in the spiritual life—seeking growth, cultivating and making use of the spiritual gifts, as St. Peter writes, growing in grace and the knowledge of Our Lord. There are no plateau’s in the spiritual life, we are either pushing forward, climbing the mountain, growing in holiness, or we are falling back into old sinful habits or forming new ones. And those new ones might be worse than the old ones. 

The Lord wishes to produce abundant life in us, to perfect his love in us, to complete his joy in us. But we must cooperate daily, repent daily, humble ourselves daily, exert effort daily to grow in grace for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

 

That the clergy and the lay faithful may be vigilant against the tactics of the enemy to corrupt and destroy the Church, for a purification from all corruption within the Body of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.

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 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.

17th Week in OT 2020 - Tuesday - The Prophet Weeps, but hopes

Jeremiah the prophet, wept deeply, over the inevitable destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. The Jews living in the south of Israel, as we heard yesterday in that unforgettable scene, had become soiled—like a soiled loincloth. They had allowed the corrupt practices of Babylon to spread among them. Their children, instead of learning to love God with their whole hearts—were worshiping idols and engaging in the corrupt moral practices of Babylon.

So Jeremiah wept. The Lord 600 years or so later, would also weep over Jerusalem for largely rejecting the Gospel message.

Many of us, too, look out at the corruption of the world, the overwhelming number of Catholics who have left the Church. So many weak bishops, so many weak priests. Young people not learning to love God, not being brought to the sacraments by their parents. And we weep.

But Jeremiah did not simply weep, he prayed. He prayed for deliverance from the evils afflicting Judah. He prayed for the salvation of that once holy city. He prayed for a savior. Now some might say that Jeremiah was simply focusing on the negative. I don’t think so. Jeremiah saw the consequences of faithlessness rightly. And he wasn’t just weeping and ringing his hands. The man had been out in the streets preaching, delivering the prophetic message to repent. He was a man of action as well.

In the Gospel, the Lord explains the parable of the weeds and the wheat to his disciples. He explains that yes, there will be tremendous evil in the world. Christians will have to strive to remain faithful to the Gospel amidst terrible, toxic evil. And evil is going to be so insidious, it will often disguise itself—like a wolf in sheep’s clothing—weeds and wheat, during our earthly life, will often appear indistinguishable.

But, before we are tempted to withdraw in isolation from the world, the Lord tells us we must live out in the world, not through isolation from our adversities, but through the unceasing struggle with the weeds that the enemy has planted.

We will grow in holiness and we will find our salvation when we struggle to remain faithful in spite of the sins and weaknesses in our hearts and in spite of the adversity we experience out in the world. And yes, we weep over the sad state of the world, but we must never let our tears keep us from our Gospel mandate.

We don’t know who is a weed and who is wheat, so we preach the Gospel without reservation to all people, we invite all people to conversion, to experience the grace and life the Lord won for us through his own suffering and death, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the conversion of hearts hardened to the Gospel, for those who have fallen away from the Church, for non-believers and unrepentant sinners, and that Christians may be attentive to our responsibility of sharing the Gospel with all. We pray to the Lord.

For the purification of our minds and hearts from the errors of the culture and from the lure of worldly attachments. We pray to the Lord.

That leaders of nations may find guidance in the Word of God for proper governance and the pursuit of justice for all.

That Christian families may be places where the Christian faith is studied, understood, observed, and cherished.

For all those who suffer illness, those in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, the deceased members of our families friends and parishes, for those who fought and died for our freedom, and N. 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 goodness, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain

February 3 2020 - St. Blaise - Deliverance from Demons and the Powers of Death

Yesterday, at Sunday Mass, we heard in the letter to the Hebrews that Jesus came and shared our flesh that “he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil.” St. Luke gives a similar explanation for Jesus’ ministry, saying in the book of Acts that Jesus' ministry was to go "about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil". In fact, the Lord got quite the reputation in his ministry as an itinerant exorcist, one who traveled through the land, liberating the possessed.  And today, we hear the powerful story of the Lord casting out Legion, the unclean spirit or spirits possessing the Garasene demoniac. 

There are demons which seem to have free reign in our nation and in our neighborhoods—demons with names like “Addiction”, “Pornography”, “Greed”, “Blasphemy”, and “Despair”. But the Lord’s ministry of deliverance, casting out the demons from this world, is meant to continue, through us. Whenever we visit a new place, or a home which seems to house evil, we do well to pray, “Lord, deliver us from evil, deliver this place from evil, deliver these souls from evil.”

The unclean spirits will continue to be at work for the ruin of souls until the Lord returns, but we are certainly called to engage in the work of deliverance as well, offering up our sufferings for deliverance, praying for deliverance, setting good Christian example that those enslaved to sin might see that deliverance is possible.

Today we honor St. Blaise, a bishop and martyr from the 4th century. He had gained a reputation for his holiness among his people and for deliverance. He famously he healed a boy who had fish bones stuck in his throat and near death. He cast out this instrument of death, like the Lord casting out a demon. And so for centuries, Blaise has been invoked as the patron saint of those with throat ailments.

Up and down the centuries we see the saints standing up to the powers of death, opposed to the powers of evil and corruption. We invoke them, and seek to imitate them. That we like them, may become instruments of God’s power and goodness in the world, instruments of Christ who came to liberate all those captive to sin, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the Bishops, the successors of the Apostles, may use their authority wisely and courageously in standing against the evils of this world.

For all those under the sway of evil, error, and corruption, for their deliverance by the power of Christ.

For the protection of young people from the corrupting influences of the world, for Christians families, and for the conversion of the faithless.

For the sick, suffering, and sorrowful, for miracles for hopeless causes.

For the souls in purgatory, and for N. 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.

Baptism of the Lord 2020 - Healing those oppressed by the devil

For Catholics, the Christmas Season is marked by three great Feasts.  The Feast of the Lord’s Nativity, the Feast of Epiphany, and today’s feast of the Lord’s Baptism.

On Christmas, we journeyed with the humble shepherds to the manger in Bethlehem.  The poor shepherds give testimony: God draws near to the poor and the lowly.  The Most High God doesn’t simply love us from a distance, he comes into the grime and the muck of humanity—into poverty, filth, obscurity, and suffering to be among us, to save us from our sins, and to show us the way to true peace and freedom

At Epiphany, we journeyed with wise men from the east bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  The gold testified that he was a king, the frankincense testified that was God, , and the myrrh testified that he would die for us.  To be wise is to seek Him out, to kneel before him, to place our lives in his service.

On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, fast forward 30 years from Bethlehem. Jesus goes down to the Jordan to be baptized by John. As water is poured, the Holy Spirit descends like a Dove and the voice from heaven speaks.  So, at Christmas, we had shepherds testifying to Jesus’ identify, on Epiphany we had the wise men testifying who Jesus is, now at his Baptism, not only is John the Baptist testifying to Jesus’ Identity, but God the Father and God the Holy Spirit show up as well, to testify that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus is not just a wise philosopher like Socrates, he’s not just a moral teacher or spiritual guru .  He’s not a peace activist or political figure working for some earthly utopia. He is God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. His teachings are not just opinions; they are not amalgamations of human wisdom.

Nor has he come simply to teach us theological formulations or inspiring aphorisms. St. Peter explaining to a small group in the house of Cornelius says in our second reading, that Jesus came to heal those oppressed by the devil. St. John in his first new testament letter echoes this point. John writes, “This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.” Sin is so abominable in the sight of God that its various forms are said to be "the works of the devil." And Jesus has come to heal the effects of sin, to overthrow the kingdom of Satan. He came to wage war with the devil, and his baptism marks the beginning of this great and cosmic battle. As soldiers were anointed with oil before battle, Jesus, at his Baptism, is anointed by the Holy Spirit and blessed by his Father for this battle.

If we were to read on in Matthew's Gospel, following the passage we just heard, the Lord is immediately driven out into the desert by the Spirit where he fasts and is tempted by the devil. The Lord wins that first desert skirmish, a foreshadowing of his ultimate victory on the cross. But the Lord came not simply to resist the devil but to overthrow him. The victory, the coup, would occur on Calvary.

The Feast of the Baptism not only calls to mind the Lord’s baptism, but reminds us of our own. We who have been baptized, have been baptized into his saving death, as St. paul says. When we are baptized, the devil’s hold on us in unraveled, the effects of his malice upon us begin to be healed. We are given the strength to withstand the devil’s temptations, like our Lord in the desert.

But again, just as the Lord came not simply to withstand, but to destroy the works of the devil, so are we, by baptism, empowered for that same mission. We are empowered to be forces for good in the world, instruments of God, members of the fighting force against which the gates of hell shall not prevail, in winning back souls from the devil’s grasp, lifting the oppression of sin, and error, and confusion, and shame which comes from sin. Baptism reopens a conduit to heaven that had been closed by sin, a blockage which delighted the enemy. But because the life of Christ flows into the souls of the baptized, united with Him, we are empowered to bring the Lord’s power and love into hopeless, desperate situations, to work for peace and reconciliation, to bring the most hardened souls back to God. Baptism enables us to become with Christ, in the words of Isaiah in our first reading “a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.”

I am fond of recalling on this feast the catechism lesson Pope Saint Leo the Great would give to the newly baptized of Rome. He would instruct them, "Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God."

What powerful words that we should never forget. Recalling that we are baptized should bring us joy when we are sad, fortification to work against injustice, and strength when we are tempted, A powerful way to fight off temptation is to recall our baptism.  To say to ourselves, “wait, I’m a Christian, I’m not supposed to do that; I’m not supposed to talk like that. I’m supposed to act like Christ. I'm not supposed to ignore the needs of my brother. Christ, sustain me. Christ, heal me. Christ, you are my life and my love.”

Baptism is more than just a symbolic ceremony where we express our faith. Baptism is the greatest of the Christmas gifts—the gift of salvation, the gift which heals the oppression of the devil and unravels his works, the gift of God’s divine life within us, a share in his kingdom, power, and glory.
May the grace of our baptism be renewed and flourish within us, strengthening us in our mission to “go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them all that Christ commands and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

May 20 2019 - St. Bernardine of Siena - Heralds of the Holy Name

Today we celebrate St. Bernardine of Siena.

St. Bernardine was the greatest preacher of his time, the late 14th, early 15th century, attracting huge crowds, sometimes as large as thirty thousand.

Following his ordination as a Franciscan priest, at the age of 22, he lived in solitude and prayer for almost a dozen years. But he was urged by his order to make use of his extraordinary preaching skills, so he traveled from town to town, always on foot, preaching, gathering large crowds, and often speaking for several hours.

He is especially known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.  At the end of his sermons he would display a tablet with the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek—I, H, S—Iota, Eta, Sigma—written in the gothic style against the background of a blazing sun.  As this devotion spread, the symbol began to appear in churches, homes, vestments, art, and public buildings.

St. Bernardine said, “Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary”  St. Bernadine is said to have performed many miracles, attesting to the power of the Holy Name of Jesus.

Jesus says in the Gospel today, “Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.” Certainly, one of those commandments is to love and honor the Holy Name, not to take the name of God in vain, but to use that name in prayer, praise, and petition.

When waiting in line at the grocery store or at a doctor’s office or in traffic, I like to slowly and simply recite the name of Jesus, to quiet the mind down enough where only the name of Jesus fills it. It’s a beautiful, simple, yet powerful way of praying, encouraged by the saints. In fact, many of the saints, at the moment of their deaths, have been found to be pronouncing with love and devotion Jesus’ name. His name means “God saves”, and we are to be his heralds.

St. Peter says in the book of Acts, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”. May we find healing and salvation from the sins and attitudes and circumstances which cripple us through the name of Jesus, and courage to be heralds of his Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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

By the Holy Name of Jesus, may the Pope, All Bishops, and Priests, know courage and strength in preaching the Gospel and leading the Church.

By the Holy Name of Jesus, may our world be filled with peace, may government leaders work for life and the establishment of authentic justice.

By the Holy Name of Jesus, may our parish be delivered from all spiritual evil, heresy, irreverence, witchcraft and demonic influence, and all that keeps us from preaching and living the Gospel.

By the Holy Name of Jesus, may all the sick and suffering know the consolation that comes from the Heart of God.

By the Holy Name of Jesus, may all the faithful departed 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.

December 19 2017 - Deliverance from spiritual barrenness

In our readings we see a parallel between the birth of Samson, which began the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, and the birth of St. John the Baptist, which began the deliverance of all of mankind.

Both Samson and John were consecrated to God from the womb, neither was to drink strong drink, or cut their hair, which is why you often see depictions of John the Baptist out in the wilderness with a long-scraggly mane. Both Samson and John’s mothers suffered from barrenness, an inability to conceive, until the intervention of God.

Samson died because of his mission.  John the Baptist died because of his mission.

Why does the Church give us this pair of stories to reflect upon on this late advent day, in preparation for Christmas.

For one, I think, it helps us to trust that God can and does bring about tremendous fruitfulness in what appears to be barren situations. Both Elizabeth and Samson’s mother,  were barren for decades.

Where there is spiritual barrenness in our world and even in our hearts, at times, God is at work to bring about fruitfulness. Our job is to trust God’s promises, like Elizabeth and Samson's mother.

Secondly, we see God breaking into human lives to begin to deliver his people. God does not drop salvation impersonally out of the sky. His deliverance occurs through the conception of children, in this case Samson and John the Baptizer  These baby boys prepare the way for the birth of another Baby, Jesus.

God sends salvation in incarnate, human packages. So we need to be attentive to the people God has placed in our lives, to help us along the way of holiness, and to recognize that we too are to help others be delivered from their sins, particularly through acts of charity and sharing of the truth of the Gospel.

May we continue to increase our trust in the Lord to bring life to the spiritual barrenness in our world and in our souls and to help us to be his instruments to deliver his people from their sins, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

For all expectant mothers and for those who struggle with barrenness, that God may grant them strength and grace.

That children and young people may seek to be consecrated to the Lord in word and deed and become instruments of Christ’s Truth and Love.

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and strengthen all who suffer persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

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

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.

Thursday - 15th Week of OT 2017 - "For I am meek and humble of heart"

Over the past few days, our first reading has been taken from the book of Exodus. We’ve heard how God hears the cries of his people, burdened by the suffering of Egyptian slavery, he hears their call for deliverance. God chooses Moses to deliver God’s people from the hand of Pharaoh, to lead the enslaved to the rest of the promised land. But before Moses takes up this mission, we heard today, how God revealed his name to Moses.

Jesus reveals Himself as the great deliverer, the one who can lead all mankind to the eternal rest of the promised land of heaven, whose name itself means savior, Jesus, God who saves us from our sins.

Jesus invites all mankind to turn to him for salvation, for rest. He’s not promising a good night’s sleep or the forgetfulness of our problems that comes from the bottle or the little pill. Nor does he promise that he will magically make all of our difficulties vanish. Jesus offers a rest, a peace that nothing in the world can possibly give. “Peace, not as the world gives, do I give” says the Lord. It is rest and peace that comes from his mercy. The forgiveness of the guilt of sin, the knowledge of being reconciled, and being in communion with God, brings life and rest and peace, that no substance, no political or social reform, not amount of amount of physical or mental therapy can provide. Peace of soul. Such peace is available through the Sacraments, through prayer and devotion.

Notice, how Jesus doesn’t promise to unburden us totally. As soon as he promises rest, he commands us to take up a new burden, to take up the yoke, which is an instrument of work, of labor. But his yoke is radically different from the burdens the world places on us, the burdens of our worldly responsibilities and earthly anxieties. The Christian is to take up the yoke of the Lord’s humility and his meekness.

For many of us, learning how to imitate Jesus’ humility and his meekness is hard work. Learning how to lay aside harshness, grumpiness, pride, willfulness, smugness, superiority, this change of mind and heart is taxing, it requires real work, real effort, the mortification of our attitudes and routines.

But it’s the harshness, willfulness and the pride, the spirit of the age, the spirit of disobedience, that causes us to be so unhappy and exhausted all the time. Humility, meekness, gentleness, the heart of Jesus is easy and light compared to the burden of worldliness.

May the Holy Spirit help us to identify what attitudes and behaviors need to be set aside, that we may take up the yoke of the mind and heart of the Lord, that we may know his peace in this life and his rest in eternity for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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For Bishop Nelson Perez, the next shepherd of our diocese; for our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Daniel Thomas; for Bishop-emeritus Richard Lennon; that the Holy Spirit will continue to enlighten and empower them with grace, confidence and hope.  We pray.
For our Holy Father’s prayer intention for the month of July: that our brothers and sisters who have strayed from the faith, through our prayer and witness to the Gospel, may rediscover the merciful closeness of the Lord and the beauty of the Christian life. We pray.
For deliverance from all disordered affections and attitudes, for detachment from earthly goods in order to value the goods of heaven. We pray.
That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the suffering. We pray.
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.

Homily: Monday - 5th Week of Lent 2017 - Deliverance from Evil

In our readings who heard of two women: one who was being framed by evil men, and one who was genuinely guilty of the sin of adultery.  Both were tempted to sin, pressured; but one was resisted sin, the other gave in. And in both stories, God is shown as the great deliverer.

Did you notice where Susanna temptation occurred? She was approached by wicked men, in a garden. This reminds us of course, of the temptation of Eve in the garden. But Susanna shows herself to be more like the New Eve, than the old, in her faithfulness to God, her desire for purity. She cries out to God who comes to her aid and delivers her from the wicked through the instrumentality of Daniel, who is a type of Christ.

The woman in the Gospel was truly guilty of adultery. And in this case, our Lord shows us the face of God’s mercy. Though she was guilty of sin, God did not abandon her, but invited her to repent, and to begin a new way of living: “go and sin no more” Jesus says.

In the first story, God delivers the innocent, by coming to their aid. In the second, God delivers the sinner, the guilty, through mercy—calling the sinner to repentance and offering mercy.

We are called to be innocent like Susanna. When we are being pressured to sin, coerced, threatened by the wicked, we are to turn to God to deliver us from evil. And we are called to be like the woman caught in adultery, guilty of sin, we turn to God to deliver us from evil, our own evil, the evil we have caused, and we have committed.

Blessed Duns Scotus taught that there are two types of redemption: preservative redemption and liberative redemption. God preserves us when we turn to him in temptation, and he liberates us when we’ve fallen.

The key is that we turn to God whatever our state, whatever our trial. We certainly pray for those who neither turn to God for preservation or liberation, those without faith. And we seek for ourselves, a deeper faith this Lent, that we can come to trust less in ourselves, and more in Christ.

For we celebrate in just two weeks, the source of our deliverance and redemption, the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. May the Lord deliver us from all sin, all temptation, all evil for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For greater devotion in our Lenten prayer, greater self-restraint in our Lenten fasting, and greater selflessness in our Lenten almsgiving.
That civil leaders will use their authority to protect the dignity of human life and the well-being of the poor, especially the unborn.  We pray to the Lord.
For deliverance from all evil and all temptation: for those under the influence of drug abuse, addiction, insanity, occultism, atheism, sexual perversion, and any spiritual evils which degrade the human person.
For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter, that these weeks of Lent may bring them purification and enlightenment in the ways of Christ.  We pray to the Lord.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness: that the tenderness of the Father’s love will comfort them.  We pray to the Lord.

Homily: Thursday - 3rd Week of Lent 2017 - Deliverance from demons of the tongue

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus’ many healing miracles were not simply of a physical nature, but of a spiritual nature as well. Jesus heals physical blindness to point to the greater spiritual blindnesses that he came to heal. He cures our spiritual blindness that we may see the truth of God, that we may look beyond our own selfish desires to the needs of the poor, that we may in eternity come to behold the glory of the Lord in heaven. Jesus heals our deafness, that we may listen once again to the promptings of the Holy Spirit instead of our own egos and selfish desires. Jesus heals us when we are lame, that we might walk once again in the ways of righteousness and peace. Jesus heals our muteness that our tongues might proclaim the Gospel, to use our tongues for God’s purposes.

We are all in need of this spiritual healing, aren’t we? Spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness, spiritual lameness, spiritual muteness. Our Lenten observances are so important because they expose us to healing. Prayer exposes us to the healing presence of God, almsgiving exposes us to the healing that comes through service, through charity. Fasting, the healing that comes through self-restraint, the healing of our unrestrained passions which are meant to be placed under the dominion of God and the use of our reason.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus cures one afflicted with a demon of muteness. Again, all of us are tongued-tied in a way, we fail to proclaim the Gospel as we should. We particularly find it difficult to utter words like “I’m sorry”, or “Here, let me help you.”

St. James says that our tongue is a small part of our body with great power. “Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze,” he says. A small fire, a small word, can cause great destruction. “The tongue is also a fire… It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison”

On one hand, we are tongue tied; on the other hand, our tongues so often are used to spread evil: gossip, detraction, calumny, bullying, blasphemy, ludeness and perversion, cursing instead of blessing, foolishness instead of wisdom, discord instead of harmony.

We are more than half way through Lent now, how well have you been using your tongue this Lent? To bless? To pray? To encourage? To uplift? To instruct?

St. Peter says, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

Through our Lenten observances may the Lord deliver us from all spiritual muteness and misuse of our lips and tongues, for the spread of the Gospel, for the Glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For greater devotion in our Lenten prayer, greater self-restraint in our Lenten fasting, and greater selflessness in our Lenten almsgiving.

That civil leaders will use their authority to protect the dignity of human life and the well-being of the poor, especially the unborn.  We pray to the Lord.

For deliverance from demons of drug abuse, addiction, insanity, occultism, sexual perversion, greed, and any spiritual evils which degrade the human person.

For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter, that these weeks of Lent may bring them purification and enlightenment in the ways of Christ.  We pray to the Lord.

For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness: that the tenderness of the Father’s love will comfort them.  We pray to the Lord.

Homily: Feb 3 2017 - St. Blaise - Deliverance from diseases of the throat

“Through the intercession of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may the Lord deliver us from every disease of the throat and every other illness”. The throat is of particular importance to the Christian, isn’t it? It is by the use of our throats we lift up verbal words of praise and honor to God, we sing sweet hymns of praise, we offer cries of repentance. It is by use of the throat that we are faithful to the Lord’s command to proclaim his Gospel of salvation and teach the nations in the ways of Christian discipleship. It is by use of our throats that we utter those most important phrases in any language, “thank you”, “I’m sorry”, “I love you”.

So it is good to ask the intercession of St. Blaise for the deliverance of our throats from physical afflictions. So that we can use our throats in the ways God intends.

For we know all too well, how our throats can be misused, don’t we? We can use our throats to utter phrases like “I hate you”, “I’ll never forgive you”. We can use our words to hurt, to blame, to curse, to, to betray, to spread rumors, to humiliate, to bully.

More important than physical healing then, is the importance of turning to God’s grace, and to the intercession of God’s saints to deliver us from spiritual disease, the tendency to sin, to misuse the things God has given us.

In the Gospel we heard how John used his voice to preach the Word of God, he bore witness to the moral truth of God’s law. For this he was hated and martyred, Yet, Jesus himself pointed to the example of John, “There is no one greater than John the Baptist” he said, for John labored and died proclaiming the truth that comes from God.

May each of us aspire to such greatness, such fidelity, and such right use of our faculties, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.