September 9 2024 - St. Peter Claver - If you can't feed 100 people, then just feed 1

 In the age of the explorers and conquistadors, many young men left Europe for the Americas in order to seek out a fortune. Peter Claver, a young Jesuit priest, rather, left his native Spain, to build up treasure in heaven, in Cartegena, a port city in modern day Columbia. The Collect prayer refers to Peter Claver as “a slave of slaves” for he ministered to the African slaves who were brought there to work in the fields and the mines. 

When the slave ships entered the port, Peter Claver would board the ships to care for the sick and malnourished. And when the slaves were herded to the slave-market, Peter, would bring them medicine, food, bread, and other items that would help them survive in this new land.  

With the help of interpreters, he gave the slaves basic instructions in the faith; he assured them of their human dignity and the salvation that awaited them in God's kingdom.  During the 40 years of his ministry in Columbia, it is estimated that Claver baptized more 300,000 slaves.  

Peter Claver remarked more than once how it took everything in him at times to go down into the disgusting conditions of the slave-ships filled with filth and stench.  He reminds us that true loving service isn’t always pretty, neat and clean—we might even experience revulsion at the conditions in which the destitute live.  But loving service means being faithful to the duties of mercy despite our personal feelings.  

On this Memorial we read from Matthew 25, the Lord’s teaching on the final judgment, a reminder that service of those in need is never a waste of time. In each slave, to whom he ministered, Peter Claver ministered to Christ himself. And for this, he is counted among the blessed. In the words of Mother Theresa: "At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me.

We might not be called to enter into the filth of slave-ships, but we are certainly called to enter into the lives of others to help someone other than ourselves today. Again, in the words of Mother Theresa, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

May we use the time we have been given today, to serve Christ in those who suffer, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may be diligent in bringing the truth and goodness of the Gospel into every sphere of society.

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

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

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, and for N., for whom this mass is offered.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2022 - No longer a slave, but a brother

 During St. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, he met a runaway slave named Onesimus and baptized him. Slaves under Roman law had no rights because they were considered property. They could be condemned to hard labor, punished with blows of the rod and otherwise tortured. Runaway slaves were treated even worse—they were to be branded with a red hot iron on the forehead with the letter F, for fugitivus, which meant runaway. A fugitivus, when recaptured, could even be crucified. 

Somehow this runaway slave, Onesimus, had found his way from Colossae, modern-day Turkey, to the crowded, busy streets of the imperial capital city of Rome. And somehow, Onesimus had come into contact with Paul, who had been imprisoned. And while visiting Paul, Onesimus requested baptism, and become a Christian. 

We know Onesimus grew quite dear to Paul. Paul writes how he wished Onesimus could stay with him in Rome, but Paul, the apostle, sends the newly baptized Onesimus back to Philemon, his master, to whom Paul writes his letter. 

And Paul sends Onesimus back to Colossae, to his master Philemon. And in his letter to Philemon, our second reading today, Paul requests that Onesimus be received not as a slave but as a brother in the Lord, to welcome him as he would welcome Paul himself. Do not brand him as a fugitivus, for in baptism, Onesimus has received the indelible mark of salvation through Christ. And we have every reason to believe that Philemon did as Paul asked.

Now, St. Paul knew that what he was asking from Philemon was counter-cultural. Slavery was an institution in the Roman Empire, there were something like 60 million slaves—from different parts of the world which Rome had conquered: asia minor and the middle east, north Africa, spain and Portugal, gaul, and northern europe. 

But Paul had great reason to believe that Philemon would adhere to his request. Philemon was a true Christian. Paul at the beginning of the letter calls Philemon his brother, his coworker in the vineyard. Philemon was a leader in the church of Colossae—a true source of refreshment and encouragement for the other Christians there, as he acknowledges in his letter. Philemon was one of the good guys. 

But this request, this third shortest new testament letter, highlights for us just what it means to be a Christian. The letter to Philemon shows how Christians who have been freed from sin and forgiven by Christ must free and forgive others. Christian Love goes far beyond justice. The law of the world said Onesimus should be branded, even killed. The new law demanded forgiveness from his brother. 

In the eyes of God, we are all Onesimus, freedom from sin by God through Christ. Like Philemon we are to receive our Christian brothers and sisters, even those who have sinned against us, with mercy.

This reading certainly challenges us to examine our hearts sincerely, thoroughly, and honestly, to see what grudges we still hold and what prejudices we bear.

Is there an individual in our life that we are not treating as a brother, but as a slave, or as an enemy? Christ died for that person. Is there a whole group of people that we resent, that makes us mad just to think about? Christ died for them too.

These barriers of resentment, anger, and prejudice are like giant weeds growing in the garden of our souls. They steal the nutrients that are meant to feed virtues like wisdom, courage, and generosity - the kind of virtues that produce interior peace and lasting happiness.

Resentment, anger, and unforgiveness grow around our hearts like vines grow around trees - sucking the Christian life out of us, to the point where we begin to justify gossiping, criticizing, and destructive attitudes of division that make this world such a valley of sorrows.

We plead to God for forgiveness for ourselves, but Christ teaches that we too must forgive others. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” we plead in the Lord’s prayer. The measure of our forgiveness is the measure we receive it. 

In Christ, all the false divisions among people dissolve, and we are made into one family. Sin divides the world, leading to war, racism, prejudice, and injustice. But Christ came to heal the wounds of sin and division. 

Forgiveness, it might feel painful to forgive. It might feel like a cross. But in the Gospel today, the Lord teaches that “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” So we must practice forgiveness.

It is difficult to forgive those who betray us—who offend, who harm us with their words and actions.  To forgive may feel like we are giving them a free pass.  When we are hurt or betrayed, there is a part of us that says, “I don’t want to talk to them, I don’t want to see them, I don’t want to be near them, I don’t even want to think about them.”  But that part of us needs to be flooded with mercy. 

A Christian must never say, “I will never forgive you.”  

Don’t leave Church today without having decided that you will welcome the Onesimuses in your lives as brothers. Ask Jesus to give you a heart like his, a heart like Paul's, to welcome the fugitive—to make your peace with those who have wronged you. I can think of few things that would please our Lord more than that...for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

February 8 2022 - St. Josephine Bakhita - International Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking

 Born to a wealthy Sudanese family in the Darfur region of Southern Sudan, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of nine by slave traders and given the name Bakhita, which means fortunate.   Over the next decade she was sold several times and was forced to endure repeated humiliations and beatings.  One of her owners was particularly sadistic and scarred her for life by cutting her with a razor blade and salting the wounds.

She was finally bought by a public servant who turned her over to a family who employed her as a nanny in Italy where slavery was illegal.  

Treated by the family with kindness, Josephine became acquainted with the Catholic faith, and after religious instruction, she was received into the church.

Several years later she joined the daughters of Charity, also known as the Canossian sisters in Italy.  She became known for her gentle presence and her willingness to undertake any task.

On May 17, 1992, Josephine Bakhita was beatified by Pope John Paul II and was proclaimed Saint on October 1, in the Jubilee year 2000.

During his homily at her canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II said that in St. Josephine Bakhita, "We find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights."  Slavery and human trafficking continue even in our present age, and through the intercession of today’s saint, we pray for its complete abolishment.  Today in fact is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.

St. Josephine is a model of virtue and holiness for all of us. Her life speaks of the value of forgiveness, reconciliation and love, for in her heart she overcame feelings of hatred for those who had harmed her. So much so, that she came to say, “The whole of my life has been God’s gift

She also learned from the tragic events of her life to have complete trust in the Almighty who can bring goodness out of evil, and even in the evils that we suffer can bring about a greater good in us. 

May we join our prayers and steadfast works with St. Josephine, contributing to righting all injustices, and may we imitate her virtues of forgiveness, compassion, and self-donation for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For all of those children, women and men currently trapped in situations of slavery, that God will help to liberate them from their chains. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those vulnerable to being trafficked, especially immigrants and refugees, orphans and runaways that God give them safe passage and safe homes, we pray to the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the conversion of all who perpetuate slavery, human trafficking, child prostitution and evils against humanity. Let us pray to the Lord.

That all government leaders and lawmakers will recognize the dignity of every human person and, free from all corruption, work for the development of all peoples. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. Let us pray to the Lord.

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

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.

February 8 2021 - St. Josephine Bakhita - World Day Against Human Trafficking

 For a number of years, February 8 has been designated the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. Today’s saint in fact is the patron saint against human trafficking.  

In 1877, as a young girl, Josephine was taken from her village in Sudan and forced to walk 600 miles to the market where she was sold. Over the next 10 years, she was bought, sold, and regularly abused. 

One of her owners was particularly sadistic and scarred her for life by cutting her with a razor blade and salting the wounds. 

Finally, as a young woman, Josephine was freed from this cruel cycle through the intervention of the Canossian Sisters of Verona Italy, and was housed and employed by an Italian family through whom she became acquainted with the Catholic faith. She would go on to join the Canossian Sisters as a vowed religious. 

During his homily at her canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II said that in St. Josephine Bakhita, "We find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights."  Slavery and human trafficking continue even in our present age, and through the intercession of today’s saint, we pray for its complete abolishment.  

St. Josephine was canonized, not just because she was victim of terrible cruelties and inhumanity. She is now held aloft as a model of virtue and holiness because her life speaks of power of Christ-like forgiveness, reconciliation and love. As a victim of inhumanity and injustice, she could have allowed hatred and resentment to mold her life—many in our society are fueled by much slighter injustices than faced by St. Josephine. Rather, Josephine found liberation from hatred and resentment through Christ. So much so, that she came to say, “The whole of my life has been God’s gift”, and as a vowed religious devoted herself to steadfast charity and compassion through a life of self-donation. was not defined by the abuse that she received, but by the love that she shared.

On this day in 2019, Pope Francis invoked St. Josephine and called upon government leaders worldwide to intervene and stop the trafficking of persons. 

May we join our prayers and steadfast works with St. Josephine, contributing to righting this injustice, and imitate her virtues of forgiveness, compassion, and self-donation for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For all of those children, women and men currently trapped in situations of slavery that God will help to liberate them from their chains. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those vulnerable to being trafficked, especially immigrants and refugees, orphans and runaways that God give them safe passage and safe homes, we pray to the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the conversion of all who perpetuate slavery, human trafficking, child prostitution and evils against humanity. Let us pray to the Lord.

That all government leaders and lawmakers will recognize the dignity of every human person and, free from all corruption, work for the development of all peoples. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. Let us pray to the Lord.

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

28th Week in OT 2020 - Tuesday - Freedom from the slavery of sin and addiction

 

A few years ago, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences hosted a conference at the Vatican called “Narcotics: Problems and Solutions of this Global Issue”. For, if you remember, it was just a few years ago that we were experiencing what we were calling the Opioid Epidemic. Our part of the country was particularly impacted by a rise in deaths stemming from opioid use and addictions. Our Bishop Malesic wrote a pastoral letter to his former diocese, too on the subject.

Anyway, at this Vatican conference, the Holy Father described drug addiction as a “new form of slavery”, comparing addiction to slavery—noting how addiction, like slavery, can fiercely control a person’s life. The drug becomes a set of shackles, resulting in the loss of freedom to pursue what is good in life.

This sort of language is certainly reminiscent of St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians this morning. Paul speaks of the yoke of slavery to which the Galatians were falling back into. Christ had freed them, broken the chains, but the Galatians were putting the shackles back on their own wrists. 

For the Galatians this yoke of slavery was the belief that salvation came through the law—all they had to do to be was be circumcised and follow the old Jewish law and they could go to heaven. But Paul is saying, no, that’s not right: “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything”, rather you need to have faith in Jesus Christ, and practice it. “Only faith working through love” matters.

These Galatians were guilty of exactly the same attitude the Lord condemns in the Gospel today in the house of the Pharisee. The Pharisee believed that the law was the path to righteousness. But the Lord explains that the law cannot bring internal purification, it cannot bring true freedom. Rather freedom comes through belief in him, discipleship of him, following him.

The yoke of slavery can come in many forms—when we choose something, some pursuit over Christ, we are falling back under the yoke of sin. It can be drugs, alcohol, pornography, shopping, video games, social media. For these things can consume so much time, energy, they keep us from pursuing the good things God wants for us. Or even this belief that we can find ultimate fulfillment and salvation outside of Christ, separate from God, through merely political, scientific, or secular means. 

But each of needs to identify personally what attitudes, pursuits, habits of body and mind, ideologies, keep us from the prayer and charitable works that constitute that “faith working through love” that Paul says is the only thing that matters. What keeps us from practicing our faith in saintly and heroic ways?

May the Holy Spirit help us to identify any shackles that keep us from that active faith and act love of Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

That the ordained and lay faithful may give courageous witness through lives of active faith and virtue.

For all those chained by the slavery of addiction, that they may know the deliverance and liberation that can only come through Christ. 

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 call to holiness, and 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.

September 9 2019 - St. Peter Claver - A slave of slaves

In the age of the explorers and conquistadors, many young men were leaving Europe for the Americas in order to seek out a fortune. Peter Claver, a young Jesuit priest, rather, left his native Spain, to build up treasure in heaven, in Cartegena, a port city in modern day Columbia. The Collect prayer refers to Peter Claver as “a slave of slaves” for he ministered to the African slaves who were brought there to work in the fields and the mines.

When the slave ships entered the port, Peter Claver would board the ships to care for the sick and malnourished. And when the slaves were herded to the slave-market, Peter, would bring them medicine, food, bread, and other items that would help them survive in this new land.

With the help of interpreters, he gave the slaves basic instructions in the faith; he assured them of their human dignity and the salvation that awaited them in God's kingdom.  During the 40 years of his ministry in Columbia, it is estimated that Claver baptized more 300,000 slaves.

Additionally, Peter Claver preached Christ’s Gospel message to the sailors, and tradesman, the imprisoned, and those condemned to death, and to the rich. On many occasions, he was ill-received by the plantation owners and their wives, who looked upon his ministry among their slaves as a waste of their time.

On this Memorial we hear from Matthew 25, the Lord’s teaching on the final judgment, a reminder that service of those in need is never a waste of time. In each slave, to whom he ministered, Peter Claver ministered to Christ himself. And for this, he is counted among the blessed. In the words of Mother Theresa: "At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me.

We might not be called to baptized 300,000 slaves. But we are certainly called to help someone other than ourselves today. Again, in the words of Mother Theresa, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

May we use the time we have been given today, to serve Christ in the poor, in the midst of their daily suffering, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may be diligent in the works of charity, and generous with our time, talent, and treasure in serving those in need.
For an end to slavery, human trafficking, and all forms of inhumane oppression, for the protection and respect of human life.
For those whose lives are marked by suffering, that they may find hope in the promises of Christ.
For the repose of the souls of the dead, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.
Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of your pilgrimage Church, grant us what we truly need to remain faithful to your Son in all things. Through Christ Our Lord.

Sept 27 2018 - St. Vincent de Paul - Heart for the Poor

St. Vincent was the son of a poor, but pious farmer in southwestern France in 1581. Even though it meant a great sacrifice for his family, his father, knowing of the boy’s intellectual gifts and believing him to have a vocation to the priesthood, payed for his studies and encouraged his vocation. Vincent was ordained at the incredibly young age of 20. He was a genius and mastered his philosophical and theological training.

As a charming young priest, Vincent made many wealthy friends; he became chaplain to a queen and moved navigated the comfortable and luxurious aristocratic spheres of society. His life took a dramatic turn, when travelling home from Marseilles to collect a substantial donation, he was captured by Turkish pirates and sold into slavery by Muslim slavers. He escaped prison after two years, with his slave master, who eventually converted to Catholicism.

Returning to Paris, everywhere he looked he saw the hungry, the homeless, war refugees, neglected elderly men, women, and children, and those who had been spiritually abandoned. He followed God’s call to devote his life to their care. He set up many houses for the poor, crippled and sick and personally cared for the patients who had the most contagious diseases. He would dress their wounds and nurse them back to health

St. Vincent writes, “It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible…Do not become upset or feel guilty even if your prayers are interrupted to serve the poor.”

A wealthy friend helped Vincent form the Vincentians—a congregation of priests who took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and devoted themselves to work among the poor. Over time, Vincent established many confraternities of charity for the spiritual and physical relief of the poor and sick.  Out of these groups grew the Vincentian nuns or Daughters of Charity who have served in our own diocese since 1865. 

He also invited the wealthy women of Paris to fund his missionary projects.  He founded several hospitals, collected relief funds for victims of war, and even ransomed slaves from North Africa.
He gave retreats to his fellow priests to help combat the spirit of worldliness which had made some of them lax in their spiritual lives.

Pope Leo XIII named him patron of all charitable societies.  This includes of course, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul founded in 1833, almost 200 years after his death, which was founded by his admirer and devotee, Frederic Ozanam. St. Vincent’s bones and heart are perfectly incorrupt, and can be visited in the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris.

His apostolate can be summarized in his saying: “It is not sufficient for me to love God if I do not love my neighbor…I belong to God and to the poor.”   

We pray that we may respond generously to those in need for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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That all Christians may grow in charitable attentiveness to the needs of the poor in our midst.

That all those searching and longing for Christ may find him through the witness of His Holy Church.

That the work and ministry of all Vincentian organizations and charitable institutions may bear fruit for the spread of the Gospel.

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

Tuesday - 32nd Week of OT 2017 - Unprofitable servants and slaves for Christ Jesus

Chapter 17 of Luke’s Gospel begin the final leg of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. The chapter begins with four sets of teachings on different aspects of discipleship: how to deal with sin and scandal within the Christian community, the importance of Christians to forgive one another, the power of faith to do amazing things, and finally the parable we heard today, the parable of the unprofitable servant.

In this parable, Jesus uses an image that, though politically incorrect in our own day, would have been common and completely relatable in his day. Jesus compares Christian discipleship with the relationship between a slave-owner and his slave.

Jesus’ culture practiced and to some degree accepted slavery. So, even though we might find the comparison distasteful, we do well to look for the gem of truth.

In this culture, slaves belonged to their masters completely. The slave would not expect any recompense for his service. And Jesus is saying, so too must it be for the Christian. We do not simply engage in good works because of the promise of heavenly reward. Prayer, penance, works of mercy, are not simply done because God will reward them. They are our way of life. Christians cannot ignore the need for prayer any more than we can ignore the need to breathe and eat.

St. Paul felt the necessity of preaching the Gospel in his very bones. Paul went so far as to say “woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” Preaching wasn’t just something nice that Paul did in his spare time, he couldn’t imagine life without helping people enter right relationship to God through Jesus.
The idea of simply “doing the bare minimum” in order to achieve a place in heaven would have been completely foreign to Paul, any more than a slave belonging completely to his master would consider not fulfilling his obligations. Even called himself, “a slave for Christ Jesus”. That does not mean his relationship to God was loveless, quite the opposite. He made himself a slave, out of love.

The fact that we might not understand Paul here, the motivation of the unprofitable servant, shows just how much conversion we have to do: to consider the fulfillment of the precepts of the Gospel as indispensable to our very being. We see this attitude not just in the life of Paul, but in the lives of all the saints. We see their extreme asceticism, their radical prayer life, their drastic renunciation of earthly pursuits. And I guarantee, they wouldn’t have it any other way. For in making oneself a slave of Christ, subordinating every passion to Him, we find our greatest freedom, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our Church leaders may be instilled with genuine Faith, Hope, and Charity and help all people to grow in those virtues.
That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.  We pray to the Lord.

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

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

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, 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.

Tuesday - 6th Week of Easter 2017 - Spirit of Truth, Pillar of Fire

Throughout the New Testament the third person of the Holy Trinity is revealed by many different names and titles.

He is of course called the Holy Spirit. We read in the Acts of the Apostles how those gathered in the Upper Room were “filled with the Holy Spirit”.

He is called Comforter, Counselor, Advocate. All three titles are translations of the same Greek word, Parakletos from which we get the word “Paraclete” That title is found in today’s Gospel.
St. Paul in Romans calls him “Spirit of Life”; the Holy Spirit imparts the life that Jesus died to win for us.

This Sunday and in today’s Gospel, he is called the “Spirit of Truth.” Jesus promised that, after the resurrection, the Holy Spirit would come to “guide you into all truth.”

Many times in the Gospels, the apostles seem confused about the words of Jesus, they don’t seem to comprehend his words. But after Pentecost, after they received the Spirit of Truth, they are preaching, teaching, explaining, and helping people understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This is one of our tasks, this is part of our mission, this is the work of the Holy Spirit, to guide others to truth.

Because the Spirit has been given to the Church and has enlightened her teachings, we are able to discern the foolishness of the ways of the world; how the ways of the world lead to destruction and separation from God.

Just as God gave the Israelites the pillar of fire to escape their slavery in Egypt, to guide them through the treacherous desert, to light their way in the darkness wilderness with all of its pagan ways, the fire of the Holy Spirit has been given to the Church to guide us through the darkness of the ages.

The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, helps us convince—convict—the world about the error of sin and not believing in Jesus. He helps convince us to turn away from some of the sins that still linger in us, the destructive habits, the behaviors and attitudes that tear down relationships instead of building them up. He helps us show how Christianity, though not popular with the world, is attractive to those who yearn for truth and righteousness.

Over half a million adults became Catholic at Easter this year. The Holy Spirit, through the preaching of the Church, through the faithfulness of Catholics like ourselves, drew them, guided them to the truth of Christ.

May we continue to cooperate with the Spirit’s work to convict the world, and cooperate more fully by being bearers of truth always for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all bishops, priests, catechists, and parents may be faithful in preaching and teaching the saving Gospel of Christ.

For the healing of divisions caused by heresy, moral and doctrinal error among Christians.

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

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

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

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

Homily: Sept 9 2016 - St. Peter Claver - "slave of slaves"

St. Peter lived in a time when people in Africa were being captured and sold into slavery.  The poor Africans were put on ships where they suffered from starvation, dehydration, and truly disgusting conditions.  Although the practice of slave-trading was condemned by the Popes of the time, it continued to flourish. Many Africans died by the thousand as they made their way from Africa to the Americas.  St. Peter Claver, a priest born in Spain, understood the wickedness of the slave trade.  He came to South America where he would minister to the slaves brought there. As they came into harbor, he gave them food and water and medicine, and told them about God who loves them, and about Jesus who suffered like they did. 

They would ask him for baptism. St. Peter Claver baptized hundreds of thousands of African slaves into the Catholic faith.

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

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

Peter because of his love and care for the slaves was himself despised by the slave-traders and those making a profit from the slave-trade. In 1650 Peter Claver fell victim to an epidemic and was literally abandoned to die in his sickness.

Holiness might indeed lead us to being reviled by the wicked, hated by the world. Peter Claver saw clearly who the Lord was calling him to love and serve, and he responded generously to that call, pouring out his life in humble humble service—he became as the collect said, “a slave of slaves.” May each of us respond to the call to holiness with that same radical generosity for the glory of God and salvation of souls.