June 24 2025 - The Nativity of St. John the Baptist - The breaking of divine silence

 When the Church celebrates the feast day of a saint, we are usually celebrating the day of the saint’s death. For example the feast of the martyr St. Charles Lwanga earlier this month was on June 3, because St. Charles was martyred on June 3, 1886.

Only three times during the year does the Church celebrate a birthday: for Jesus, for His mother…and for John the Baptist. So, the Baptist is certainly in illustrious company. That we celebrate his birthday serves to remind us just how important John is to our salvation history. Scripture doesn’t tell us of the birth of Mary or Joseph or any of the evangelists. But it records the events surrounding the birth of John.

And why? Because John’s birth marks the beginning of a great turning point in salvation history. John’s birth signals that God is on the move—that His promises, long awaited, are now being fulfilled. For roughly 400 years—since the last of the Old Testament prophets, Malachi—no new prophetic word had come to Israel. The voice of God seemed silent. The people clung to the promises of old, but many wondered if the Lord still spoke to His people.

The silence of God’s voice among His people is symbolized by the muteness of Zechariah in today’s Gospel. But with the birth of John, Zechariah’s tongue is loosened. 

John’s birth represents the breaking of the divine silence, and John’s voice will be the first prophetic voice heard in centuries: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He will stand in the desert the last and greatest of the prophets, and the one who will point out the Messiah Himself: “Behold the Lamb of God.” John heralds the coming of God’s Word made flesh: the definitive Word of God, the perfect fulfillment of all of God’s promises—Jesus Christ. 

Today, we fittingly herald that there are 183 days until Christmas. And the best way to prepare for Christmas, and for the coming of the Lord at the end of time, is to spend our days like John, whose entire life was aimed at pointing to Christ, to the Lamb. 

May we, like John, be heralds of the Gospel every day—in our words, our activities, our moral decisions, in our prayer. May we decrease, so that Christ may increase in us, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As we celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist, the great forerunner of Christ, let us turn to God in prayer, asking for the grace to follow John's example and prepare the way for the Lord in our hearts and in the world.

For the holy Church of God: That she may, like St. John the Baptist, boldly proclaim the coming of Christ and prepare the hearts of all people to receive Him.

For the leaders of nations and all in authority: That they may listen for the voice of truth, seek justice and peace, and govern with integrity for the common good.

For all who feel as though God is silent in their lives: That the example of Zechariah and the birth of John may increase their faith.

5. For the sick, the poor, and the suffering: That the light of Christ may shine through the darkness of their afflictions, and that they may be comforted by the love of God and the care of others.

For the faithful departed: That, having prepared the way for Christ in this life, they may be welcomed into the joy of His eternal Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, You sent St. John the Baptist to prepare the way for Your Son. Hear the prayers we offer on this joyful feast, and grant that we, too, may prepare Your way with faith, courage, and love. 

2nd Sunday in Advent 2024 - Rhapsody in Blue and the voice in the wilderness

 

For a number of years, on the day after Thanksgiving, I've had the tradition of gathering together with my brother priests for a nice meal and some time together. So last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving this year, a number of us went out for a succulent Chinese meal, and then to a concert at Severance Hall. The Cleveland Orchestra played a number of pieces from American composers Aaron Copeland, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. The highlight of the concert for me was certainly Gershwin’s famous “Rhapsody in Blue”.

You may be familiar with this piece as it’s been played in United Airlines commercials since the 1980s. It also began Woody Allen’s famous movie, Manhattan. 

Rhapsody in Blue begins with a lone clarinet, a glissando over two and a half octaves from a rich low g at the bottom of the clarinet’s range to high soaring c. The opening phrase is among the most iconic in all of American concert music and encapsulates the entire spirit of the work: it is simultaneously playful yet ambitious, simple yet sophisticated, and undeniably modern.

In this one opening phrase Gershwin declares the piece’s departure from the staid expectations of European classical music. Instead, it offers a distinctly American voice—one reflective of the thriving jazz clubs of Harlem, the gritty energy of Manhattan, and the confident optimism of a country forging a new cultural identity in the early twentieth century.

Consider that lone clarinet—its single, pure tone emerges out of the silence, then stretches and bends upward in a way that was new, surprising, and full of possibility. It captures not only Gershwin’s vision of a fresh, uniquely American sound, but also something that touches upon our religious experience: the way that God uses prophetic voices, often standing alone, apart from the rest of the noise, to announce something new, transformative, and deeply vital.

In today’s Gospel, we encounter the lone voice of John the Baptist. Like the clarinet in “Rhapsody in Blue,” John stands at the edge of the old and the new, bridging the silence of centuries with a resonant cry that invites humanity into something greater than we’ve ever known. 

John, out in the desert, echoes a familiar theme of the prophets: repentance. Throughout Israel’s history, the call to turn back to God was a constant theme. Repent, turn away from your sinful ways back to God, back to the path of holiness. The prophetic call rouses God’s people out of spiritual slumber to a new reinvigorated and renewed life of faith. And thankfully, God sends us prophets, because he knows how easy it is to fall asleep.

But John’s preaching bridges the old and the new, announcing that God is about to burst onto the scene in a new and unexpected way in the coming of Christ—the in-breaking of the Son of God into human history.

Again, I think of what Gershwin was doing with that clarinet. The clarinet in Gershwin’s piece doesn’t apologize for its boldness; it’s unabashedly confident, and in a sense it’s almost a referendum on the past. With that clarinet, Gershwin is saying that he’s not just going to write music in the same way as Europe has always done it. 

Similarly, John the Baptist arrives on the scene and begins boldly proclaiming that God is about to do something new. And he sort of sets the stage for a key theme in the preaching and teaching and miracles of Our Lord himself. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often breaks with certain conventions, not because he is some hippy radical who just wants to tear down the old, but because he wants to usher in something profoundly holy, so all people, of all places, and all times may encounter God.

But we must be willing to change, to leave behind those ideas, behaviors, and attitudes that hinder us from growing in our relationship with God. The Lord is constantly condemning the Pharisees in the Gospel due to their unwillingness to set aside their way of doing things. But the old must give way to the new, and the world must give way to heaven, the flesh must give way to the Spirit.

Like John, like our Lord, the Christian is often required to do things differently than the rest of the world. Like I said last week, we must prepare for Christmas not simply in the way the world teaches us to do so, but according to divine wisdom, the wisdom of the saints, the wisdom of the Word of God.

Like Gershwin’s clarinet, like John’s voice in the wilderness, the Christian vocation is to rise above the noise of our world and give witness to something greater, something that transforms lives: the truth of God’s love. 

But also, like Gershwin’s clarinet invites the audience to lean in and listen more closely, Christians are to live our faith in such a way that others are drawn to its beauty and vitality. Sometimes this means speaking a challenging word, calling out injustices and sins in our lives and our communities. Sometimes it means daring to be hopeful in the midst of cynicism, to be loving in the midst of hate, to be joyful even as the world groans. Sometimes it means reaching out to someone the rest of society treats as unlovable, untouchable, with gentleness, compassion, and genuine aid.

We, who are preparing for the Lord’s coming, have such a privileged vocation—announcing that Christ is near, that mercy and forgiveness are possible, and that God offers us an opportunity to live a new life—one shaped by God’s grace. 

Again, I invite you, to really get into the Advent spirit, we need to be attentive to the Word of God. Don’t let a day go by without spending time with the scriptures, particularly the Advent scriptures. If you want the music of God to resonate in your life, if you want your life to be guided by his wisdom, if you want your life to be filled with God’s gifts, you must open yourself and attune yourself every day through scripture, through prayer, through good works, and repentance, sincere repentance.

Make a good Sacramental Confession this Advent, to identify and amend the dissonant notes, the willfulness that so often disrupts the flow of God’s grace.

As we repent and prepare, may our hearts become tuned to the key of divine love, so that the world may hear in us a beautiful, unmistakable invitation: The Lord is coming. Let us make ready our hearts and sing His praise, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Chosen to share the word of truth

This last week, I joined about 227 priests for a conference down in Wheeling, West Virginia hosted by the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. For a couple hours of each day, Biblical Theologians like Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma offered fascinating cutting-edge lectures on biblical topics. Each morning, Dr. Bergsma would lead us through the Old Testament foreshadowings of the Holy Spirit, and in the evening Dr. Hahn was lead us through the Scriptures, unpacking the biblical concept of prophets and prophecy.

Spending several days just immersed in the Scriptures together with brother priests from all over the country was really good for the old mind, heart, and soul. 

This coming week, I’ll be making pilgrimage with several parishioners and a hundred or so Catholics from the diocese of Cleveland, to join several thousands of fellow pilgrims from around the country in Indianapolis for the historical National Eucharistic Congress. I’ve put details regarding the Congress in the bulletin, and I ask that you keep me, the parish delegates and diocesan delegates in prayer this week. I hope to invite our delegates to share their experiences with the parish in the next few months of being sent on pilgrimage by the bishop. 

In the first reading, we hear about how the prophet Amos had been sent by God to a place called Bethel. He wasn’t raised in Bethel, which is in Northern Israel. Amos grew up in the south, in Judah. And Amos didn't have special prophetic training--he wasn’t raised in the Temple; he wasn’t attending a special training course or formal formation program for prophets. He was a shepherd and fruit farmer. As we heard in the reading, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.” 

But God sent the ordinary man, whose grow up in a simple family of agricultural workers to prophecy to the king of the north.

And God sent Amos at a very interesting point in Israel’s history. It was a time of relative prosperity, economic growth and military success. But it was also a time of rampant social injustice and religious corruption. The king and the national business elite, we might call them, were growing in wealth by exploiting the poor. Business owners were fixing their scales, cheating their customers.  The king allowed the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites to pervert the religious worship of the nation mandated by the one true God. 

And so God sent Amos to warn the king, to warn the leaders, to warn the people, to repent or there would be consequences. And was Amos’ message well received? Well, we heard today how the corrupt and idolatrous priest of Bethel, Amaziah, told Amos to leave and never come back, for God is not in charge here, but the king. The corrupt clergyman takes the side of the king over God!

The Word of God was not welcome in Bethel. The prophet is often tasked with sharing unpleasant unwelcome messages. The king doesn’t like to hear that he is not in charge of the universe. The prophet speaks truth to power, calling sinners to repentance, to bring their lives back into alliance with the one and only power that matters—God. If your life is not in line with God, you will bring ruin to yourself, to your family, and your nation. But that message is not welcome by those who cling to their earthly power and positions of privilege.

And to speak truth to power, God chose the ordinary farmhand, Amost as his prophet, just like Moses, who was a simple shepherd, and David, who was a simple shepherd, and the apostles, who were simple fishermen. What’s the lesson? Trust God. He calls ordinary people—manual laborers—not just people like us, but us, he calls us to deliver powerful messages rooted in the Word of God.

Recall that in our baptism, each one of us has become an anointed prophet. You and I have the task of being prophets. Well, what is a prophet? Remember, in the biblical sense, a prophet is not just someone who foretells the future. Christian prophets aren’t fortune tellers with the ability to predict the outcome of the World Series. But in Scripture what do we see the prophets doing? We them diagnosing the spiritual illnesses of kings and peasants, friends and family, and pointing them to God who alone can heal them. The prophet is the spiritual diagnostician who recognizes when someone or some institution is not in line with God, and says something—he does something. The prophet speaks the truth in love. 

Now, as a priest, certainly, I have a prophetic role, liturgically, I share in my homily, what the Lord has placed on heart through prayer, reflection, training and experience. And also in spiritual direction and counseling and the other different facets of priestly ministry, I have a prophetic role here in the parish. But ya’ll do to! Not necessarily liturgically, your prophetic role is fulfilled in gatherings of family, friends, and coworkers. When you take a family member out lunch and share your concern because they have not baptized their children and are not going to mass, that’s a prophetic action very pleasing to the Lord. When you share with a friend who has become consumed in materialism or fallen into new age or protestant error, that they would do well to come home to the faith, that’s prophetic. When you ask a coworker to stop taking the Lord’s name in vain and blaspheming in your presence, that is prophetic. And that’s part of our role in the Church.

The prophet Joel foretold a time when the spirit of prophecy would be poured out on all flesh. And it happened! Through baptism. All who are baptized are prophets. As Paul says in our second reading, In him we were also chosen, destined. We who have heard the word of truth, are to share it.

Now, scripture says, that prophecy is not a matter of personal interpretation. In other words, prophecy is not about sharing your opinion; it’s about sharing but the Word of God. And so we do well to be immersed in God’s word—the Scriptures--and the doctrines of our faith which apply God’s word to particular topics and circumstances. Read the bible every day. Read Catholic biblical commentaries. Catholic scripture studies. Podcasts that break open the scriptures. That you might be immersed and rooted in God’s word. Tolle et lege, take and read. So that you can be equipped with what you need for your prophetic mission.

In the Gospel, the Lord tells the apostles to take nothing—barely anything—for their prophetic journey: just the sandals on their feet and the word of God in which he had formed them. They were to trust Jesus—that he had given them everything they needed for the task for which he had appointed them. Trust God, that what you need is to be formed in the Word of God, so that you can help souls who are lost return to the Father, to repent, and be free of their demons. Some, like the corrupt priest in the first reading might not welcome the truth, but some people will, and there life will be changed for eternity because you had the care and courage to share the truth with them for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As you may have heard, seen, or read, yesterday, at a presidential campaign rally in Butler, PA, there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. It appears that the the former president suffered a bullet wound to the ear, while a member of the audience was killed by a stray bullet, and another was injured.

This is a sad, but, sadly not a surprising act, as the level of violent rhetoric in our nations political life has been on the rise. Please pray for our nation, for president trump and his family, for the safety of our political leaders, and for an end to domestic terrorism and the attitudes and actions which breed it.

Yesterday, July 13 was the anniversary of the third apparition at Fatima, when our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children, and introduced herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. The first apparition was on May 13, the same day that Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter’s square. Please pray the rosary for peace, safety, and deliverance from evil. Following the final blessing, we will offer special prayers (Leonine prayers) for our nation and for the repose of the victim.

12th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Tuesday - Laying your troubles before God

During the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, in the late 8th century BCE, the Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was expanding aggressively. After subjugating various neighboring nations, Sennacherib turned his attention to Judah, laying siege to fortified cities and eventually threatening Jerusalem itself.

And what was Hezekiah’s response to this threat? Instead of cowering in fear or surrendering or engaging in a violent military solution, which probably wouldn’t have gone well anyway due to the size of the Assyrian army, King Hezekiah takes the matter to the Temple, spreads out the letter from Sennacherib, the Assyrian King, before God, and prays for deliverance. 

Hezekiah’s prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all the kingdoms of the earth and God’s power over all the creations of man, contrasting the true God of Israel with the false gods of the nations destroyed by Assyria. God is not like the idols made by human hands. The living God who controls the fate of nations.

The prophet Isaiah then assured Hezekiah that God has heard his prayer and will save Jerusalem.

The climax of the story is the miraculous intervention by the angel of the LORD, who strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib’s retreat to Nineveh where he is eventually murdered by his own sons. This dramatic turn of events serves as a powerful testament to the belief that God actively intervenes in human affairs to protect His people, especially when they show unwavering faith.

This story is an example of the power of prayer and the efficacy of turning to God in times of crisis. When we are facing an Assyrian army of our own, we must turn to God for guidance and trust in God’s providence. 

Hezekiah demonstrated humility by acknowledging his limitations and seeking divine help openly. Strength lies in honestly recognizing our vulnerabilities and being open to seeking help and counsel from others and the wisdom of the scriptures and saints.  

Hezekiah righteous leadership and commitment to his faith were key factors that led to divine favor and protection. So, too, our faith matters. Our prayer matters and brings similar divine favor and protection to our loved ones and the church. 

In the Gospel, the Lord speaks of two ways: one that leads to destruction and one that leads to life. Hezekiah shows us the way of life today: trusting in God, living righteously, praying with conviction and humility, heading the wisdom of the prophets. May we follow the example of such holy ones for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that we may always turn to God in times of crisis and demonstrate unwavering faith in His providence. Let us pray to the Lord.

For world leaders, that they may govern with righteousness and humility, seeking divine wisdom in their decision-making. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those facing overwhelming challenges, that they may find strength in prayer and trust in God's power to intervene in their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our community, that we may resist the temptation of false idols and instead place our trust in the living God who controls the fate of nations. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who feel threatened or besieged, that they may find courage in the example of King Hezekiah and seek God's protection. Let us pray to the Lord.

For each of us, that we may choose the path that leads to life by living righteously, praying with conviction, and trusting in God's guidance. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the grace to recognize our own limitations and vulnerabilities, and the wisdom to seek help from others and from the teachings of the saints. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have died, may they rejoice forever in the presence of the Lamb of God, especially X….

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

June 24 2024 - Nativity of St. John the Baptist - The prophetic role of Christians

When the Church celebrates the feast day of a saint, we are usually celebrating the anniversary of the saint’s death.  

But the Church also celebrates the days of nativity—the birthday— of three persons: Jesus, of course, on the feast we call Christmas; the Blessed Virgin Mary, on September 8th, nine months after the feast of her Immaculate Conception; and Saint John the Baptist.  

St. John the Baptist is fittingly honored and contemplated by the Church, certainly for the great role he played in salvation history. 

In the second reading from the book of Acts, we heard how St. Paul elaborated on the role of John. Paul explained that “John heralded” the coming of the Savior. His was the lone voice in the wilderness pointing others to Christ. 

In this way, John fulfilled the role of prophet. Like the prophets of old, John called Israel to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah called Israel to “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good.” Jeremiah urged Israel, “return, faithless Israel” to the Lord, for God is merciful.  Ezekiel preached “repent and turn from your transgressions” for God desires “not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live”

And this was John’s message, repent, wash yourselves, the Messiah is coming. In this way John was prophetic, in the biblical sense. And since John was active just before and during the early part of Jesus' ministry, this makes him chronologically the last prophet. With Jesus' arrival, the need for prophets to foretell his coming was no longer necessary.

But the Church rightly teaches that every baptized member of the Church has a prophetic role in the world. Each of us in our own way are to point others to Christ. John, in a sense, is a special patron of all Christians. We are all to learn from him, and imitate him, in witnessing in word and conduct of life, that Jesus is the Messiah, and that all people are to turn away from sin and follow him.

The Baptist practiced self-denial—living in the wilderness, wearing camel's hair, eating locusts and wild honey—for himself to spiritually prepare for the prophetic ministry God planned for him. So, too, each of us does well to intentionally take on some form of Christian asceticism, as a way of being mindful and ready to do the Lord’s work. Our Friday penitential abstinence from meat or other penance is one form of that ongoing ascetism of the Christian life that fuels us and keeps us focused. 

John fearlessly confronted King Herod Antipas about his unlawful marriage. He was fearless. He was holy. He was humble. His life was centered on Christ. May ours be the same…for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

For the Church, that like John the Baptist, we may boldly proclaim Christ in word and deed, and that all of the baptized may live out their prophetic calling with zeal and dedication.

For world leaders, that following John's example of standing up to corruption, they may be aligned with the will of God in their duties. 

That prophetic voices in our time may be heard and heeded as they call us to repentance and renewal in our personal and communal lives. 

For our parish community, that we may embrace our prophetic role, witnessing to Christ's love and mercy in our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

For those who face persecution for their faith, that they may be strengthened by the example of John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to God's truth. 

For all who have died, especially those who, like John, have given their lives in witness to the truth. May they rejoice forever in the presence of the Lamb of God

God our Father, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for your Son. Hear our prayers and help us to follow John's example of humility and courage as we strive to make Christ known in our world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

2nd Week of Lent 2023 - Wednesday - The Prophets: God's Mouthpieces

 

Throughout Lent our scripture readings are often taken from the Old Testament prophets. The prophets were chosen by God to preach His Word. Already this Lent we’ve heard Jonah preaching to the Ninevites, Ezekiel preaching to the Jews in exile to turn away from the wickedness that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and their Babylonian captivity. Throughout Lent we’ll hear from Micah, Hosea, we’ll hear more from Daniel.

The word prophet in Hebrew literally means “mouth”. While the prophets lived in different stages of Israel’s history, each was sent by God, to be his mouthpiece, to deliver messages Israel needs to hear. And most of the time those messages had to do with sin, either calling God’s people back to faithfulness when they had sinned, announcing the devastating consequences of sin, or announcing how God was about to deliver his people from sin.

And you’d think that when it was clear that a prophet had been sent, the multitudes would open their hearts to the message from heaven, knowing that, God who is God was sending them a message they needed to hear.

But Scripture records that the common reaction to the prophets wasn’t to embrace them, but to reject them. The vast multitudes reject the prophets, they reject God’s word. And they don’t just turn a deaf ear to the prophets, they seek to silence God’s mouthpieces, through violent means. 

In the first reading today, the people of Jerusalem plot to kill Jeremiah: “Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah…let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.”

The church fathers see the rejection of the prophets as a foreshadowing of the hostility that would be shown to Jesus, who faced plots, mockery, and calumny, by his own people. At the trumped up trial before the Sanhedrin, they would misconstrue his words, his message, to justify putting him to death—they accuse the Word of God—the fulfillment of the prophets—as speaking blasphemy.

The Church continues to experience hostility from the masses, from the world, when she fulfills her prophetic role. The call to conversion from sin is labeled as judgmental, when it is really an act of mercy. We love souls, we want them to be with God forever in eternity, and so we preach Christ.

But, as much as we are meant to sympathize with Jeremiah and the holy prophets, throughout Lent, we are certainly to consider the ways that we, personally, have resisted God’s Word—how we have dismissed the call to conversion, the call to holiness. We have been called to change, to be less selfish, to strive for purity, to humble our pride, to bridle our tongues, and in many instances have resisted the exertion of the extra effort.

So, during Lent we do penance through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving for the times we rejected truth, and scorned goodness, and were given to ugly words and uglier behavior, for the times when we have run away from the cross. And we plead, Lord have mercy.

This evening we will have confessions from 5 to 8 in every parish church in the diocese. Invite a fallen-away Catholic back to the Sacraments today. Pray for conversion for all, for the ability to respond humbly and generously to the prophetic call to repent, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the Christians will experience the graces of profound renewal during this season of Lent.  

That this evening’s diocesan wide celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will bring about a return of many hearts to communion with God. 

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

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

For generous giving for the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, those with  serious illness, for the unemployed, victims of natural disaster, terrorism, war, violence, and human trafficking, and for those most in need.  

For our beloved dead and all the poor souls in purgatory.

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

20th Week of Ordinary Time 2022 - Wednesday - Woe to the Shepherds

 On the fourth Sunday of Easter every year, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. The Lord Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.

Shepherds are found throughout the Scriptures. The Old Testament psalms describe God as a shepherd leading his flock to nourishing, restful, safe places.  Abraham was a Shepherd, as was Jacob.  Before he became King, David was a shepherd boy. All the way back in the first book of the bible, Abel was a shepherd before he was killed by his brother Cain.

 Good Shepherds feed, protect, and guide their flock. But in our reading from Ezekiel this morning, we hear not of good shepherds, but bad shepherds. Ezekiel gives this prophetic condemnation of the shepherds of Israel who are failing in their task at every turn. And they are failing not out of an excusable incompetence or forces beyond their control. The selfishness and greed and lusts of these bad shepherds is contributing to the scattering of God’s flock.

Several of the prophets at different stages in Israel’s history take aim at the complacent shepherds: Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zechariah. And of course the Lord himself is critical, and offers warnings, to the pharisees, Sadducees, chief priests, and scribes who were leading Israel away from God and using their positions of power for their own benefit.

I’m not going to lie: this passage should make the clergy tremble. It makes me tremble. Each of us will be held accountable by God for our sins, especially those sins which keep us from fulfilling our God-given vocations—vocations that we swore to uphold—to gather in the lost sheep, and to protect those in our fold. The shepherds of the church are not beyond reproach by God. 

Now, there are certainly those outside the Church, as well, who are in leadership positions: they lead people, teach people, govern people. And there are some good shepherds out there. But there are also some very very bad shepherds, who are misguiding our youth, instilling in them values and ideas which are repugnant to the Gospel and natural law. And many parents, who themselves are called to be shepherds, who have allowed their children, basically to be brain-washed. And we will all be held accountable.

But the good news, the good news in our gospel today, is that conversion is possible at every stage of life: in the morning, at noon, in the evening, our at the last hour of the day, even with our final breath, our generous God, offers undeserved mercy, to those who will admit that they have strayed. 

Bad shepherds—whether parents, teachers, politicians or priests are invited to change—to take up once again the mantle of a righteous leader—who like the good shepherd will lay down their life for the flock entrusted to their care. 

Pray for the shepherds—daily--of Church, nation, and families. For the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the love and faithfulness of the Good Shepherd will fill the hearts of the clergy, and for the protection of God’s flock from all error. Let us pray to the Lord.

That government leaders around the world may carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for freedom and the dignity of human 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 the grace to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, to love our neighbors and enemies and those who persecute us, and to share the truth of the Gospel with all.  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.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2022 - The path of beatitude and the path of woe

 

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives his most famous sermon on top of a mountain: his Sermon on the Mount.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives his first major sermon, which we heard today, not from the top of a mountain. In fact, St. Luke tells us that Jesus came down from the mountain, and taught his disciples and this large group of people on a stretch of level ground. This passage of Luke’s Gospel is known as Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, and is delivered immediately after spending a night in prayer and naming the 12 apostles.

In this sermon, the Lord teaches us how to live in such a way on this earthly plain, that leads to the joy of heaven. The path to lasting joy, he indicates, is the life of faith, one in which we place our trust in God rather than in money, in pleasure, in entertainment or in the esteem of others. 

Whereas Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount features eight aspects of the path to beatitude, in the Sermon on the Plain, the Lord offers four beatitudes contrasted with for “woes” or warnings. 

In contrasting the four beatitudes with the four woes, the Lord contrasts the way that leads to holiness and heaven with the way that leads to perdition. 

And the path of beatitude is a serious business, which is why the Luke introduces this sermon by telling us, “ Jesus raised his eyes toward his disciples,” In other words, Jesus looks each of us straight in the eyes as he gives us this teaching. It’s like a scene in the movie where the action stops and the main character stops and looks directly into the camera to explain what is really going on.

So let’s look closely at these four contrasts.

Firstly, the Lord contrasts “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours,” with “Woe to you are rich, for you have received your consolation.” This was a revolutionary teaching and still is one today: earthly riches are not necessarily a sign that you are blessed by God, nor that you are on the road to heaven. Riches cannot buy you real happiness, and they certainly cannot buy you eternal life; you cannot buy your way into heaven. So, a life bent on obtaining riches is a misguided life. We must never, never, never allow the pursuit of riches keep us from cultivating holiness. 

The second contrast is “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied,” versus, “Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry.” 

There are people who make earthly pleasure their highest good. They live to satiate their bodily appetites to the detriment of their souls. Those who are physically full without Christ are spiritually starving to death.

The Christian, rather, is to hunger and thirst for holiness more than for bread and water—to hunger for God and the things of God.

Fulton Sheen used to say that there are two philosophies of life: The pagan philosophy is first the feast, then the fast. The Christian philosophy is first the fast, then the feast. Pagan seek to enjoy the goods of the earth now, but are deprived of what is truly substantial. Christians practice fasting, and self-control of our bodily appetites, so that we may feast in the eternal banquet of heaven. 

For a culture bent on instant gratification this is a difficult teaching. But if we don’t learn how to say “no” to some appetites we may find ourselves indulging in what is forbidden and deadly to our souls.

Next the Lord contrasts “Blessed are you who are now weeping for you will laugh” with “Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep.” 

There are many today who go from earthly diversion to earthly diversion, party to party, who don’t take life seriously because they claim they’re living for the present moment, as if that’s the most important thing in life. But in reality, they are trying to escape from reality, trying to insulate themselves from sadness and suffering as much as they can. They don’t realize that there will be a time when the music will stop, and poor choices catch up to you, not to mention having to come face to face with the eternal judge and being required to give an account of our use and waste of our earthly time and treasure.

Rather, the Christian, instead of running away from sorrow, fear, and death, we face these things with courage, faith and hope. There is power and grace when we unite our sufferings with Christ. There is heavenly consolation when we allow ourselves to weep with His blessed mother, or like St. Monica offer up our tears for the conversion of our misguided family members. 

Lastly, the Lord contrast “Blessed are you when people hate you, … exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man” with “Woe to you when all speak well of you.”

Many people find it unbearable when people don’t like them. Social pressures are among the most driving forces in our culture. So when Jesus says, you will be hated by all because of me, some people, even Christians, say, fine, I’m not going to let anyone know that I follow Jesus, especially if my Christianity would affect my professional or social standing. 

The Lord presents us, here with a choice: will you live for pleasing God or pleasing man? Will you be a prophet or will you persecute prophets?

And this is a very serious choice—the most serious. Because this word “woe”—“woe to you” is a warning. Jesus is warning us that there are consequences for rejecting his teaching here. He doesn’t say, “it’s preferable if you are poor in spirit, but I understand, no big deal, it’s of no consequence if you ignore this stuff, live your best life as your feelings dictate them.” That’s the world talking. That’s the world perverting the Christian message. Living only for the earthly feast will mean exclusion from the heavenly one.

So, how can we take the Lord’s teaching today to heart? The Catechism recommends making an examination of conscience based on the beatitudes. That means reading through the Sermon on the Mount or the Sermon on the plan and asking yourselves questions related to these truths: “have I sought after earthly riches to the detriment of heavenly ones? Have I pursued sinful pleasures instead of practicing temperance, chastity, moderation? Have I given into diversions instead of bringing my wounds and difficulties to God? Have I hungered and thirsted for doing what’s right, working to right the injustices that I perpetuated or participated in? Have I retreated in fear when it was my time to witness to Christ?” 

Jesus looks us in the eyes, he looks into our heart and speaks these words of truth, that we may follow the way he has tread before us. We do well to consider all those things we should fast from, restrict, and restrain, in order to walk more faithfully the path of beatitude for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

14th Week of OT 2020 - Wednesday - The false gospel of prosperity

There is a strange teaching coming from a number of televangelists these days, it’s known as the “prosperity Gospel”. The claim is that God blesses us with material wealth, or things will start to go our way, when our faith is strong. Riches and material wealth become a sort of proof that we are on the right path.

This prosperity Gospel however is pretty inconsistent with the scriptural message. In the first reading today, the prophet Hosea addresses the Northern Kingdom. Remember, after David & Solomon, the kingdom became split, divided. The Northern Kingdom called itself Israel—having its own king, its own laws, its own temple, its own interpretation of the law. In fact, the Northern Kingdom was more “tolerant” to use a modern term, of the false religions. Altars and temples to the false gods were erected in multitude. Soon, many Jews were also worshiping the false gods and returning to the polytheism of pagan Egypt, and falling back into the pagan morality. But for a time, the Northern Kingdom grew prosperous.

Well, we hear Hosea in this morning’s reading, preaching to the Northern Kingdom how about luxurious they’ve grown-- the more Israel prospered, the more altars and sacred pillars to false gods were set up. Hosea, sent by God, makes known God’s displeasure for all of this idolatry and division, and so Hosea announces the consequences to the Northern Kingdom if they fail at ridding the idols from their midst and returning to the true faith.

“God shall break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.” And life will become so miserable, and God’s judgment so mighty, that they will cry to the mountains to cover them from God’s wrath.

The lesson is that, sure, an individual or a  nation might prosper for a time after separating itself from God. But prosperity is not a sign of God’s blessing, in fact, prosperity will not last long, when you separate from God’s Holy Will.

In the Gospel, the Lord calls forth the Apostles to be the foundation stones of the New Israel, the New United Kingdom of God. The Apostles, who are initially sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, will later be sent to all the scattered peoples of the earth, those downtrodden and abused by the mighty, to be gathered into One Faith, One Church, One Lord, One Baptism.

Sure, there are some individuals and nations who will prosper outside of the Church. But that prosperity will not last. We are certainly seeing in our own time, the effects of what happens when we stray from God: civil unrest, broken families, war, the prevalence of perversion, altars to false idols beginning to spring up everywhere.

Our job then is to ensure that we are not spending our life seeking to grow prosperous in the eyes of the world—pursuing worldly luxury and decadence, but in the eyes of God—in virtue, and holiness, and faith, hope, and charity, and to utilize whatever prosperity with which we have been blessed for the building up of the true kingdom, 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, and that the future Bishop of Cleveland may be a man of true faith.

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

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.

June 24 2020 - Nativity of St. John the Baptist - From muteness to proclamation

John has always had a place of very high esteem, his birthday was celebrated liturgically already in the 4th century. The Baptist therefore has the unique honor of being the only saint in heaven whose birthday is celebrated liturgically alongside of Our Lord and Our Lady. In fact, in the eastern church, his conception is celebrated as well, nine months prior to today, on September 24.

John was praised by the Lord himself, when he said, “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John”. 

Here at St. Ignatius, the statue of the baptist stands above the entrance to the old baptistry on the east wall of the church. He is dressed on the camel’s hair of the prophet, as he dressed during his ministry of preparing repentant souls for the advent of Christ.

In the Gospel for his feast, we hear today of his birth and circumcision and also his mysterious naming. His father Zechariah had been struck dumb for not believing the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement that he and his wife in their old age would conceive this child that would be especially consecrated to God. Zechariah’s tongue is loosened about verifying that the child’s name was John.

Today, we are to identify with this crowd of people huddled around Zechariah who were amazed and took these events to heart, contemplating just happened. The mute man, who was unbelieving, was able to speak again, in a sense, because he learned his listen, he finally allowed the good news to sink in. He verified the Gospel in his heart and with his life, and that changed him, it healed him.

So too with us, our muteness in preaching the Gospel, our fear of witnessing, can be healed, if we let it, if we seek to grow in faith. In a sense, to grow in faith is to grow in one’s willingness to witness to the working of God in one’s life.

Why is John the Baptist great? Because unlike his father, John bursts on to the scene preaching God’s word. He’s leaping for joy in his mother’s womb in response to Jesus. And that joy and conviction over the priority of faith is not hindered by fear of what others think of him. He’s willing to don camel’s hair and eat locusts in order to get people’s attention. He understands the importance of decreasing his ego, that Christ may increase in his life and in the world.

May the glorious events of the birth of John, loosen our lips, instill our hearts with joy, increase our faith and our willingness, like him, to preach the saving message of Christ, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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That the Holy Spirit may guide the selection of a new bishop for Cleveland, that he may be a man of  wisdom, of deep Christian faith, hope, and love.

For the protection of the unborn, and that people of goodwill will work together to enshrine the protection of the unborn in law and in the hearts of all.

That our fears of witnessing to the Gospel may be replaced with conviction and Christian joy.
For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster,  those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, all victims of abuse, especially children, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, and the imprisoned, for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.

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, for the repose of the soul of Dennis Dentzer, 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.

2nd Week of Lent 2020 - Wednesday - Rejecting the Prophets

Although he had only sought their good in preaching the Word of God, the people of Jerusalem plotted to kill Jeremiah. The message of the prophets, the call to repentance is often met with hostility. The major prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel were martyred by their fellow Jews. The minor prophets Micah and Amos were also martyred.

Listen again, how dismissive and devious are the plots against Jeremiah: “Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah. It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests, nor of counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets." In other words, so little did they think of Jeremiah, that by killing him, they thought they would lose nothing. "And so," they said "let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.”

The church fathers certainly see the resistance faced by the prophets as a foreshadowing of the hostility faced by Our Lord, who faced plots, mockery, and calumny, by his own people. The Lord himself speaks of how He was being treated like the prophets of old. Thrice, at least in Matthew’s Gospel, does the Lord predict how he will be handed over to the Jewish authorities to be killed for his Gospel mission.

As much as we are meant to sympathize with Jeremiah and the holy prophets, not being surprised when we face hostility for preaching the Word of God, during Lent, we are to consider the ways that we have resisted God’s Word—how we have dismissed the call to conversion, the call to holiness. We have been called to change, be less selfish, to strive for purity, to humble our pride, to bridle our tongues, and have not wanted to exert the effort.

So, during Lent we do penance through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving for the times we rejected truth, and scorned goodness, and were given to ugly words and uglier behavior, for the times when we have run away from the cross. And we plead, Lord have mercy.

This evening we will have confessions from 5 to 8 in every parish church in the diocese. Invite a fallen-away Catholic back to the Sacraments today. Pray for conversion for all, for the ability to respond humbly and generously to the Gospel, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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That the Christians will experience the graces of profound renewal during this season of Lent.
That this evening’s diocesan wide celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will bring about a return of many hearts to communion with God.

That all families will recommit themselves to fervent prayer this Lent so as to grow in greater love and holiness.
That this Lent we will be faithful to fasting and to all the ways that the Lord sanctifies us.
For generous giving for the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, especially for victims of the coronavirus and serious seasonal illness, for the unemployed, victims of natural disaster, terrorism, war, violence, and human trafficking, and for those most in need.
For our beloved dead and all the poor souls in purgatory.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

December 23 2019 - Pointing to Christ

Two days before Christmas, the Church reads to us from the prophet Malachi.  Malachi was the last of the Old Testament Prophets, appearing on the scene 300 years after the prophet Isaiah, but still about 400 years before the birth of Christ. 

Malachi prophecies about the events right before the coming of the Messiah. One like Elijah would come as a precursor to the Messiah, and he would help the people prepare for the Messiah, as we heard, “by turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”

What does that mean? It means we best prepare for the Messiah by turning away from what is trivial, superficial, and spiritually harmful, to what is most important to the life of the soul.

In the Gospel, we read of the naming of Jesus’ precursor, John the Baptist, who certainly in the spirit of Elijah preaches repentance—metanoia—which literally means turning—turning one’s heart away from the trivial and sinful, and turning it back to God.

Elijah was not what we call a “literary prophet” like Isaiah, Elijah did not write anything down, there is no old testament book of the prophet Elijah. Rather, Elijah was an action prophet, his prophetic actions pointed people to God. So, too with John the Baptist. The Baptist never wrote anything down. Rather, his actions were prophetic. He went to the desert to preach, he baptized people, he wore strange clothes and ate strange food—even his vesture and his diet pointed people to God.

So, too with us, Christians are to be people of action; our actions, our lives are to point others to God. Certainly, we point people to God by following the precepts of our faith: attending mass, engaging in devotional prayers, engaging in works of charity, turning away from the non-essentials in order to focus on Christ.

The final O Antiphon sings of the Messiah as Emmanuel, King and Law-giver, the awaited Savior of the nations. In our upcoming Christmas celebrations may we remain turned toward Christ in all things, and in the Spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, by our words, our actions, attitudes and efforts, help others do the same, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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May Christ, the Wisdom which comes from the mouth of God, guide us in knowledge and love.
May Christ, leader of the House of Israel, bring deliverance to all of the oppressed.
May Christ, the Root of Jesse, come to the aid of nations and leaders of nations to walk in the ways of peace.
May Christ, Key of David, free all those captive to sin.
May Christ, the Morning Star, enlighten those who dwell in the shadow of death.
May Christ, King of the Nations, reconcile all divisions caused by sin.
May Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, bring comfort to all those who mourn.
Almighty ever-living God, who brings salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

17th Week in OT 2019 - Friday - Jesus rejected in his native place

When Our Lord’s public ministry brought him back to his hometown of Nazareth, he was met with rejection. Why? News of his miracles, parables, and teachings had proceeded him, you’d think the townsfolk would embrace him wholeheartedly.

But, the prophet is often rejected in scripture. This is why so many prophets are reluctant to take up the prophet’s mantle. Prophets are put to death for speaking a message many don’t want to hear: the word of God, the call to conversion. The prophet points out the infidelities and idolatries, and he doesn’t change his message just because he’s speaking to relatives because his message is true no matter who he is speaking to.

The prophetic role of the Church, the prophetic role of bishops, and indeed of every baptized Christian provokes the same kind of reaction.  Many Bishops and priests shy away from the prophetic role because it brings such consternation.  Many have chosen to remain silent because of the resistance they would face.

Many of you may have at some point run into a similar attitudes in your families or at work when the topic of religion is brought up.  We often face cynicism, mockery, or simply hardheartedness from fallen away Catholics. Personally, I’ve met Protestants more open to discussing topics of faith than fallen away Catholics, or Catholics who dissent from Church teaching. I know I’ve ended up saying the words of Jesus to myself with a sigh, “a prophet is not without honor except in his own house”.

In such situations I’ve found that it’s best to put the situation or the person in God’s hands. God is the One who brings about the conversion and the understanding. Our job is simply to preach the truth, to explain the teaching. And we might be rejected, but that’s the job we signed up for at baptism. The Lord leaves the preaching to us, and the conversion of heart we leave to him.
“Woe to me,” as St. Paul says, “if I do not preach the Gospel.”

May the Lord sustain us when we do experience rejection. May He assist us in preaching and teaching clearly and with conviction. May he increase our willingness to suffer for those who are in darkness, that the light of His Truth may shine in every human heart for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
That the Ordained may be faithful and courageous in preaching the Gospel in its entirety, and that all the baptized may be faithful in their prophetic role in the Church.
For the conversion of those who do not believe in God, for Catholics who have left the Church, those guilty of heresy or schism, and for a return to the sacraments of those who have fallen into serious sin.
That our young people may turn away from the empty promises of the world and from all self-centeredness, for blessings upon all Christian families, for the protection of the unborn.
For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for those recovering from surgery, for victims of natural disaster, war, violence, and terrorism, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, and the imprisoned, for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families. We pray to the Lord.
For all the souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.
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.

12th Week in OT 2019 - Wednesday - Beware of false prophets

On Monday we celebrated the nativity of a true prophet, John the Baptist. The biblical understanding of a prophet, isn’t someone who can foretell the future, but rather, someone who has the ability to point to the Truth in the present. John the Baptist was a true prophet because he pointed to the truth that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. He called people to acknowledge the truth that they had sinned and needed a savior.

In pointing to the truth, the true prophet often challenges people, pushing them beyond complacency; his message often contains words that people do not want to hear. John was prophetic when he pointed out to the truth of the moral error of Herod, having married his brother’s wife. For this he was arrested and killed. The prophet often knows the consequences for his message. But preaches it anyway because the message comes from God.

We hear from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount today, his warning for his followers to beware of false prophets. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them.”

If true prophets point us to truth, false prophets preach, what St. Paul calls, “an empty seductive philosophy.”  Where the prophets teach us to bear our crosses, the false prophets urge us to lay them down when they get too heavy, and that IS seductive. Where true prophets point us to faithful practice of our God-given religion, false prophets will water down the faith, seek to recreate the Church according to the principles of the world.

“By their fruits you will know them” and look at the fruits of the false prophets: broken marriages, abortion, sexual perversion, corruption in government, biblical and doctrinal illiteracy, grievously low church attendance, the dehumanization of the poor, drug and alcohol addiction, and what St. John Paul called the "loss of the sense of sin." 

Are there, and have there been false shepherds in the Church? Yes. Our Lord warns us to beware the false prophets in every age. So, we properly guard ourselves against false prophets by studying the Word of God, studying Church doctrine, studying the lives and writings of the saints, the Church fathers, forming our minds through the Truth to detect the false Gospel.

Not to be completely dour, we need to remember that the good fruit of Christ certainly flourishes in our midst as well.  The seeds of sanctity are nourished by authentic Catholic worship, authentic devotion, prayer, authentic Christian education, use of the sacrament of confession, the holy works of mercy.  Christianity does flourish—Christians in our parish and diocese are experiencing the real joy of knowing Christ, and they are coming to that joy not through the watered-down, seductive religion of the false prophets, but through the Truth of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Faith.

May we be discerning of false teaching in our midst, may we protect the younger generations from following the false shepherds of the present age, may we help them to know the One teacher and Lord of Life, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That Pope Francis and all the clergy may witness to the truth of the Gospel faithfully, courageously, and compassionately.

For the protection of the unborn, and that people of goodwill will work together to enshrine the protection of the unborn in law and in the hearts of all.

For the conversion of those who do not believe in God, for Catholics who have left the Church, those guilty of heresy or schism, and for a return to the sacraments of those who have fallen into serious sin.

For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster,  those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, all victims of abuse, especially children, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, and the imprisoned, for those who struggle to live the call of Christian chastity, for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.

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, for the repose of the soul of St. Joseph Father Larry Tosco, and for N. 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.

1st Week of Lent 2019 - Wednesday - Responding to the call to repentance

Through the weeks of Lent, the scripture readings on Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent are more penitential than the rest.

Our first reading, from the third chapter of Jonah contains one of the most dramatic responses to the call to repentance in the entire old testament—the entire a city of Nineveh—about 120,000 people—everyone, the nobility, the peasantry, even the cattle and sheep—all repented when God sent Jonah to preach to them.

When the Ninevites repented, they expressed their repentance by fasting, covering themselves with sackcloth, and sitting in ashes. But better yet, they had the highest form of repentance: they indicated their sorrow to God "by their actions how they turned from their evil ways."

The repentance and conversion of the Ninevites was truly miraculous: the Ninevites frequently brutalized and butchered their enemies. They were pagans, spiritually dead, the least likely to repent. Yet the prophetic word pierced their hearts, and they repented en masse. Jesus commended their repentance.

During lent we undertake the external practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to show our repentance, as signs of repentance, and to bring about that entire conversion which will have an effect on our behavior, attitudes, and choices.

In the Gospel, Jesus says, this generation is an evil generation.  Why?  Because it was so resistant to repentance.  It didn’t want conversion, it didn’t want to be open to God’s message as the Ninevites were, it wanted signs, it wanted a magic show, it wanted to be entertained.  Sounds familiar.

When people are in sin, especially family members, leading them them to repentance is not unkind or cruel. It is an act of love, because only in this way can they correct their lives and receive eternal life.

Next week, Wednesday evening, every parish in the diocese will have confessions from 5 to 8pm. If there is anyone in your life who has fallen away from the Church, please invite them to confession. Your invitation might be the prophetic gesture which leads them back to God. Show them the power of repentance, the joy that comes from encountering God’s mercy, of returning to Him with your whole heart, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For Holy Father, Pope Francis on this anniversary of his election to the Papacy, that he may continue to be a beacon of God’s mercy and love.

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

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

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

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

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy.