June 22 2026 - St. Thomas More - A Man for All Seasons

 

One of my favorite films of all times is “A Man for All Seasons” the historical drama about St. Thomas More who is honored today along with the English martyr, bishop John Fisher. The film does an amazing job presenting the political and religious tension in England when King Henry VIII declared himself head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and amazingly captures the wit, intelligence, courage, and holiness of St. Thomas More, played by Paul Scolfield, who also portrayed the saint in the original stage version by Robert Bolt.

If you have a few free hours, check out “A Man for All Seasons”. And the title of the film and play raises an interesting question? Why does the author refer to St. Thomas More as “a man for all seasons”? Thomas More despite tremendous pressure from his friends, from his family, probably from a number of clergy, from the king of england, not to mention the threat of torture and martyrdom, remained true to his principals and Catholic religious convictions throughout all the seasons of his life.

Whenever I watch the film adaptation, I am so deeply impressed by Thomas More’s spiritual leadership in his family and community. He is a loving husband, a provident father, a fair employer, a lawyer who does not bend to corruption and bribes, a sound counselor, a learned man who saw through the empty philosophies of his day, whose convictions informed his decisions. He is depicted as “man fully alive” as Irenaeus would say, a man whose mind has been shaped and fortified by reason and the Gospel, a man whose moral compass is firmly set on Christ, a man who stands for Truth even when bishops and priests cower in fear. Every time I watch this movie, I think, that’s the sort of man I want to be.

The title “man for all seasons” also, no doubt, is a reference to the King James Bible translation of 2 Timothy, chapter 4, verse 2. St. Paul urges, the bishop Timothy “to proclaim the Word of God in season and out of season”…” convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.”

The Christian is to preach and teach the truth in every season, when the world is farily tolerant of us, and when the world hates us, when you are being pressured by the king, and when you are teaching your children, our your flock. The Christian is not to alter or water down, or ignore the Truth of Christ, and we are to witness to it, and live it out publicly, in every season.

That’s what makes St. Thomas more a man,  not just for 16th century England, but a man for all seasons of history. His virtues are for every age. His stance for Truth is needed in every age. We need Thomas More’s in every season. We need Thomas More’s now. We need Catholics who will remain true to their faith despite the pressures of the world, their families, their peers. Catholics of rightly formed conscience.

May St. Thomas More inspire us by his life and assist us with his prayers, especially when it is our time to stand for Truth, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

That our bishops and clergy may be zealous in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel.

That through the intercession of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, people of faith may remain vigilant in defending religious liberty and preaching the Gospel courageously.

That our young people on summer vacation may be kept safe from the poisonous errors of our culture, and that their families may be places where the faith is practiced and cherished.

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

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and for X for whom this Mass is offered.

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

 

Easter Octave 2026 - Monday - “To the dead, he has given life.”

 

For the secular world, Easter is over now. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however, today is the second day of a fifty day season of glory—reveling in, celebrating, reflecting upon, basking in the light of the most important thing that ever happened. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, just as he said he would.

The Catechism says, “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament; and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross: Christ is risen from the dead! Dying, he conquered death; To the dead, he has given life.”

“To the dead, he has given life.” What powerful words these are! This truth resounds through every Easter Alleluia we sing. It is meant to animate every day of our life.

This is what we see already in today’s readings. In the first reading, Peter stands in Jerusalem and boldly proclaims that the crucified Jesus has been raised up by God. Peter himself is a sign of what the Resurrection does. The man who once hid in fear now speaks with courage. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene runs to announce the news to the disciples. Sorrow has given way to joy and urgency.

The Resurrection is not only something that happened to Jesus; it is something Jesus now shares with us. His victory becomes our victory. His life becomes our life. Souls, dead because of sin, have been raised up. Lives under the sway of sin are freed. Again, fear is transformed into boldness. Sorrow is transformed into joy.

This season, the secular world, which has forgotten Christ, which never really knew him, is to witness His resurrection through us. That’s why on this 1^st day after easter sunday, we are given examples of Easter witness: Mary Magdalene sharing the news with the disciples, St. Peter boldly proclaiming Christ to the crowd. Mission. The Church has a mission. You and I have a mission. We

The world needs to see signs of his Resurrection in us: in deeper hope, in real joy, in renewed courage, in freedom from sin, in charity and peace. Christ is truly risen, and has given us new life—and that life is meant to be lived.

May the power of Christ’s resurrection continue to raise us to new life and help us to witness to his great victory for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

Brothers and sisters, rejoicing in the victory of Christ who has conquered death and given new life to his people, let us bring our prayers before the Father.

For the Church throughout the world: that, renewed by the joy of Easter, she may boldly proclaim that Christ is risen and bear convincing witness to his victory by lives of holiness, charity, and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and deacons: that the power of the Resurrection may strengthen them in their ministry and make them fearless heralds of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who govern the nations: that the risen Christ may turn hearts from violence, division, and despair toward justice, reconciliation, and the dignity of every human life. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who were baptized or received into the Church at Easter: that they may remain close to the risen Lord and grow each day in the new life of grace they have received. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those whose souls are burdened by sin, fear, grief, illness, or hopelessness: that the Lord Jesus, who gave life to the dead, may raise them up with his mercy and fill them with peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who have died: that they may come to share fully in the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection, and for the consolation of those who mourn them. Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest:
Heavenly Father, you raised your Son from the dead and made him the source of new life for the world. Hear the prayers we place before you and make us faithful witnesses of the Resurrection.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

December 29 2023 - St. Thomas Becket - The crib, the cross, and the world

 A little over 850 years ago, the Catholic archbishop of Canterbury England was martyred in his own cathedral while praying vespers. 

From his youth, Thomas Becket had been a good friend of King Henry II and had been named by the king as both chancellor of England in 1155 and Archbishop of Canturbury in 1162.

The King no doubt hoped that Becket would use his ecclesiastical office to benefit the crown, but the Archbishop recognized that his first loyalty was not to the world, but to God. When the King began to overstep his authority and infringe upon the Church, Thomas dutifully opposed the king.

The rift escalated when the king confiscated church property in retribution and the archbishop issued the king’s excommunication. 

According to one account, one day the king publicly denounced the archbishop "What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?"

On the 29th of December in the Year of Our Lord 1170, four of the king’s knights, set out for Canterbury to confront the archbishop and bludgeoned him to death.

Within 4 days of Christmas, we have the celebration of St Stephen, martyred for the faith, St. John the Apostle, not martyred, but excruciatingly tortured for the faith. We have the slaughter of babies, on the Feast of the Holy Innocents yesterday, and then today, we have the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket, a bishop of England who was assassinated on his Cathedral steps. It is almost as though the red Christmas poinsettias decorating the sanctuary witness to blood—blood spilt for Christ.

These faithful ones, celebrated in proximity to the birth of our savior, remind us that loving the one born on Christmas has consequences. He was opposed by Herod, by his own people, by the powers of sin and death, and by Satan the accursed one. And those who love Christ and follow him will also know and experience the hostility of those same powers and principalities. 

For it is not just archbishops and apostles who are called to stand up for the Truth of the Gospel, but all Christians. Kneeling before the crib, carrying our cross, and standing against evil are all the same thing. 

Thomas Becket, when those four knights with weapons drawn approached him in his Cathedral said, “I am ready to die for God.  I am ready to die for the defense of justice. I am ready to die for the freedom of the Church. Would only that my lifeblood might purchase Her peace and freedom”.

Where did he get that courage and readiness? He loved Christ more than anything. May we do the same. For the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

That the joyful celebration of our Savior’s birth may bring renewed conviction for Christ’s truth to the Pope, all bishops, clergy, and lay faithful.

That our President and all leaders of nations may protect and promote religious liberty for all. 

For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure.

For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, that through the mystery of the Nativity of Christ, they may find relief in both mind and body. 

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

16th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2023 - Who am I to judge?

 

Over the past few weeks, we’ve celebrated some wonderful saints. Saints who attained heroic sanctity and virtue in this life, but, to be honest, they sure didn’t start off that way. We celebrated the Chinese martyr, St. Mark Ji Tianxiang, the opium addict. We celebrated St. Camillus, the conman who visited prostitutes. Yesterday, was the feast of St. Mary Magdalene who was possessed by seven devils. Typically, you don't get those from a sinless life. I may have mentioned it before, but one of my favorite books on the saints is a book called, “Saints Behaving Badly: The Cutthroats, Crooks, Trollops, Con Men, and Devil-Worshippers Who Became Saints.” And far from being an account of the salacious details of the saints prior to their conversions, , the book illustrates a truth in our Gospel this weekend: The Parable of the Weeds and Wheat. 

Our Lord tells us that weeds and wheat often grow in the same field.  Even expert farmers have a difficult time telling the difference between the two while they are still growing.  It is only at harvest time when the two can be distinguished. 

If you simply looked to the early life of St. Camillus, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi—if you met them as teenagers, you’d think, these guys are doomed. They are living without God. And they aren’t just not going to church on the weekends. Some of them are murderers, thieves, and literal devil worshippers. Our beloved Saint Paul killed Christians. He was leading the charge of hunting down Christians. If you judged him at the moment St. Stephen was being stoned, you’d think, Paul has made himself an enemy of God—definitely a weed if there ever was one.

But amazing grace, despite their sins, God broke into their lives. The lesson? We must never write anyone off as incapable of conversion—not even satanists a persecutors of the Church. We must be patient. We must continue to preach, teach, pray, and witness.

You may have heard about or seen on my Facebook account, that saturday morning I discovered some pretty nasty Satanic graffiti in front of our front church steps. There are wiccans and witches and satanists in this neighborhood. Are they weeds or wheat? If we are faithful in our mission, they might turn out to be wheat. We owe it to pray for them, and to do penance for them, and witness to them. And, like countless souls before them, they may respond to grace, and turn out to be beautiful wheat for the kingdom of God. Our efforts for them will not go to waste.

You may remember, a number of years ago, rather early on in his pontificate, there was a media storm around a comment Pope Francis made. The Holy Father was asked about the eternal consequences of a priest who had forsaken his vows and was living in a way contrary to the Gospel. And the Holy Father declared, “Who am I to judge?” In this pronouncement, the Holy Father was articulating a truth that is very clear in scripture and tradition. St. James writes in his epistle:  “There is only one lawgiver and judge.  He is the one able to save and destroy.  So, who are you to judge your neighbor?”  

St. James is saying that neither the Pope, nor any Christian, can point to anyone and say, that person is definitely going to Hell because of their sins.  That person is definitely a weed. Such a judgment is reserved to God alone.  The weeds and wheat will be sorted out on judgment day by God, the one and only judge.

But to be clear, Pope Francis is not saying that because only God can judge us that we can live however we want. He’s not saying we can ignore God’s commands, throw away the Catechism and disregard Scripture because all roads lead to heaven. He’s not saying we should disregard the Lord’s mandate to preach the Gospel to everyone. No, he is saying nothing of the sort. He’s just saying, he’s not the one who makes the rules and none of us are either.

The Church is filled with good catholics, bad catholics, hypocritical catholics, fallen away catholics, lukewarm Catholics, heretical catholics, ignorant catholics, catholics who make politics more important than their religion, catholics who use religion for personal gain. Which of them are weeds and which are wheat? Time will tell, and in the end God is judge. 

Now of course we should strive to be good Catholics—we should strive to be saints. For one of the reasons why some people do not take Christianity seriously is because of hypocrisy within the visible Church. Or they point to a Catholic family member who isn’t living up to the Gospel ideal and they say, “see, your religion just produces hypocrites”. 

The hindu Mahatma Gandhi, famously commented on this phenomenon. He had been educated in western universities, where he was exposed to the beautiful teachings of Christianity, but also witnessed the failure of Christians to live up to those teachings. And when he was asked why he never converted to Christ, he said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”  Now, too bad, he never spent more time contemplating the meaning of the Lord’s actual teachings, rather than our failures to live up to them.

The presence of sinners in the Church does not prove that the Church’s message or the Church’s sanctifying power is lacking. God permits sinners in the Church to allow us poor sinners the opportunity for repentance. Were he to execute eternal judgment the moment any Christian fell to sin, the Church would be empty and hell would be full. Rather God is so patient with us, and he gives those of us who resemble weeds, as much time as possible to prove we are wheat. And since God is patient, so we all must be patient with each other. 

The Church fathers counseled against too quickly and rashly condemning imperfect believers. St. Jerome said, “We should not hastily cut off a brother, since one who is today corrupted with erroneous dogma, may grow wiser tomorrow, and begin to defend the truth.” 

It is our task to hold to the Truth as taught by the Church’s Magisterium, to seek the perfection of our own souls, and to assist others in that pursuit, and do our best to not scandalize each other or non-believers too much, and to make reparation for those time when we have. 

Personally, I know I’ve given people reasons not to believe in Christ and His Church both before and after ordination. God have mercy on me. But most, if not all of us have as well. But our post-baptismal sinfulness doesn’t mean that we should are to give up on our mission. We’re all imperfect, and we all have old wounds, old habits of thinking and speaking and acting, that aren’t always under the yoke of Christ. But Christ calls us to repentance, conversion, and faithfulness. And likely to apologize to people we have set bad Christian example to.

This week, maybe pray for someone you may set bad example to. Someone you gave reason to disbelieve in the importance of membership within the Church. If you can’t think of anyone, pray for the people I’ve scandalized. But please pray. That despite our feeble evangelizing efforts, despite our bad example, God’s grace may work, that they may see the goodness, the eternal life available to them through the Church, that the mustard seed of faith, that bit of sanctifying yeast, may bloom and blossom, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Octave of Easter 2023 - Monday - Easter is more than a day, it's a way of life

 For much of the secular world, Easter is over now. They're back to normal life. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however today is the second day of a fifty day season of glory—reveling in, celebrating, reflecting upon, basking in the light of the the most important thing that ever happened. Christ rose from the dead, just as he said he would.

It is also the second day of the Octave of Easter. The two major feasts of the church year, Christmas and easter, are proceeded by seasons of preparation: Advent and Lent, and then each feast is extended by an octave. A week of feasting. So feast to God’s glory each day this week. Make each day this week a glorious celebration in some way.

In the early Church, the newly baptized would attend Mass everyday this week, wearing their white garments.  Listen to the words the priest speaks to the newly baptized: 

You have become a new creation and have clothed yourselves in Christ. Receive this baptismal garment

and bring it unstained to the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that you may have everlasting life.

The newly baptized are a reminder to all of us of the grace of baptism which Easter makes accessible for us. The source of our dignity is easter. For through baptism we rise with Christ the risen one. And are made into a new creation. Having been “clothed with Christ” as St. Paul says, we are to make no provision for the flesh, and keep our baptismal dignity unstained as we await the return of the bridegroom.

Just as the Easter Sacraments brought new life to the newly initiated, Easter rejuvenates the entire Church. These Easter days are to renew in us that conviction that Jesus rose from the dead. Like St. Peter bursting out of the Upper Room, filled with the Spirit, Easter is to energize us into bursting into the world to preach with courage, like St. Peter in the Acts of the Apostles this morning, like Mary Magdalene in the Gospel. 

And there will be a variety of reactions to our witnessing. St. Peter’s courageous preaching was met with repentance and belief. But in Matthew's Gospel, we heard that right from the beginning there was a chilling conspiracy to hide the fact of the resurrection.  The chief priests and the elders gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’  The early Church was well-aware of the dark powers that continue to work at odds against the Church, against Christ.

Nevertheless, the first commands Jesus gives to those who first saw Him after His resurrection are: "Do not be afraid! Go and carry the news".  We cannot be afraid to witness.  Non-believers are waiting to meet Christ through our witness.

Some may sneer at us, others may even try to silence us, but some are waiting to meet Christians who are faithful to the promises of their baptism, who give witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, who witness through their integrity of life, through their conversion from sin. A simple, “Happy Easter” might cause someone to realize that there are people who believe Easter is more than a day, it is a way of life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn to earnestly to God, to graciously hear our prayers and supplications.

For the shepherds of our souls, that they may have the strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd.

For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace of the Risen Christ. 

For our own community, that it may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ, and that the newly initiated hold fast to the faith they have received. 

For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow may be turned to gladness through the Christian faith.

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

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

2nd Week of Lent 2022 - Tuesday - They preach but they do not practice

 This morning, in his Lenten reflection, Bishop Malesic recalled the words of Pope St. Paul VI from his famous exhortation on evangelization, evangelii nuntiandi. Pope Paul said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses."

In the Gospel, the Lord criticizes the Pharisees: they were good teachers, but terrible witnesses. So the Lord tells his disciples “Do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.”

This reminds me of my favorite part of the ordination rite for deacons. Kneeling in front of the Bishop, the newly ordained is charged: “Receive the book of the Gospels whose herald you have become. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. And practice what you teach.”

The ordained cannot just be preachers of the word. They must be doers of the word, as St. James would say. In fact, St. James gives that instruction to all Christians: do not just be hearers of the word, but doers of the word. In the words of Pope Paul, don’t just be teachers, but witnesses. “Preach always, sometimes use words”

This teaching is most manifest in the life of Our Lord. The Christ didn’t just preach self-sacrificial love, he manifests self-sacrificial love, taking upon himself unspeakable suffering in his Passion and Death for our salvation. 

Lent is certainly an opportunity for the church to move beyond lip service. “Show your repentance” says John the Baptist. We show our repentance not just by lip service, not just with words, words, words, but through concrete, physical, visible works of penance: prayer, fasting, almsgiving, works of charity.

Words and teaching are important. Our words and teachings must always be consistent with those of Christ, with the Apostolic Faith. but Pope Paul concludes, “It is therefore primarily by her conduct and by her life that the Church will evangelize the world, in other words, by her living witness of fidelity to the Lord Jesus- the witness of poverty and detachment, of freedom in the face of the powers of this world, in short, the witness of sanctity.”

May our faith be seen in our witness, may our repentance be seen in our good works, may our love be seen in our actions, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

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

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

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

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

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

November 17 2021 - St. Elizabeth of Hungary - Christ disguised as a leper

 Today the Church celebrates St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Elizabeth was born in the year 1207, right about the time St. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscans, and she too is one of church history’s great examples of charity. 

As daughter of the King of Hungary, and betrothed to the Noble Landgrave of Thuringia, Elizabeth had at her disposal substantial wealth, which she used to care for the poor.

During a severe famine, she exhausted the treasury and distributed her entire store of corn to the poor. She built a new hospital, tending to the sick, feeding them, often by hand—sometimes 900 patients every day. She provided for the welfare of orphans and helpless children. 

When many criticized her material benefactions as being excessive, her husband said that her charities would bring upon the whole realm divine blessings. But even he sort of reached his limits when she brought a leper into their castle to quarantine him from the rest of the populace. 

Interesting story though: as Elizabeth’s husband went to have the leper removed, he discovered that the leper had the holy stigmata, and that his saintly wife was truly taking care of Christ in the sick and poor. 

Through his wife, he learned how we Christians are called to take risks in revering and caring for Christ, seeing Him and loving Him, in our neighbor, including the most revolting. In the works of mercy, we care for Christ, and we also help others discover Christ disguised in the leper.

“What good is it if we only show charity to those who show charity to us” we hear in the Gospel today. Rather, as we see evidenced in the life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Christians are to show charity to those who cannot repay us, the poor, the sick, and the dying. We are to “lend expecting nothing back” in giving of our time, talent, and treasure.

St. Elizabeth is revered as the patron saint of third order Franciscans, but no doubt, she has something to teach us all for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For blessings upon the Bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual meeting this week, that their conversations, prayers, and deliberations for the good of the Church may be blessed. 

For our consecrated religious, and all third order Franciscans under the patronage of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, may they be strengthened in their works of charity and sustained in their witness to Christ’s saving Gospel.

That families experiencing division may know the peace and reconciliation that comes from Christ.

For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind, for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, or for those who will die today: that they will be fortified and blessed with God’s special favor and consolation.  

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.

January 4 2019 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Catholicism Changes Lives

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was from a wealthy Episcopalian family in Manhattan, New York. In 1794, Elizabeth married William Seton, with whom she had five children.  Unfortunate circumstances led to the family losing their wealth, and having to go stay with some Catholic friends in Italy.  Even more unfortunate is that her husband died of Tuberculosis after just six weeks in Italy. 

In that time of great loss, the compassion her Catholic friends showed her brought her great comfort. She began to notice a great difference in the way that the Catholic families in Italy dealt with death and the protestants back in new York—she witnessed how deeply the Catholics were nourished by the Sacraments, by their prayer, and by the company of the Saints.

Elizabeth began to feel very attracted to the Catholic faith and especially to the Eucharist. She also began to love the Blessed Mother for the first time in her life. Despite stern opposition from her Episcopalian friends, she became Catholic on March 4, 1805. 

Here’s a woman who became Catholic and ultimately a saint because she was treated with great kindness by Catholics at moments of great tragedy—Catholics who were simply living their faith with deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin. 

Elizabeth went on to work for the conversion of souls as the foundress of the first religious congregation having its origin in the United States—the Sisters of Charity.   She basically founded the Catholic School System in the United States.

A wife, mother, widow, impoverished single-mother, convert, religious foundress, educator, social minister, and spiritual leader, Elizabeth Seton was the first person born in the United States to become a canonized saint. How many millions and millions of lives were changed, because ordinary Catholics took in a friend in need, and encouraged a grieving widow. And it was because those Catholics allowed the sacraments and devotions of Catholicism seep into their bones.

May this first canonized Saint native to the United States help us to come to the aid of those God brings into our lives, to witness by lives of Christian Charity to the truth of the Gospel of Christ 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.
Through the intercession of Mother Seaton, that all teachers, may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and concern for their students. 

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

May 31 2018 - Feast of the Visitation - Pro-life witness of the Gospels

On the final day of this Marian Month of May, we celebrate the joyful feast of the Visitation, a celebration of life.

For me, today’s Gospel is one of the great Pro-Life passages from scripture. We heard today, John dancing and leaping in the womb of Elizabeth like David joyfully dancing before the Ark of the Covenant when he first encounters his unborn cousin, Jesus, only days old in the womb of Mother Mary.

John is a powerful pro-life model for John recognizes that Jesus was truly human from the moment of his conception. Some might claim that it is “above their paygrade” when human life exists. But Scripture and modern science show that human life begins at conception. And we therefore have a duty to reverence it, to protect it, to rejoice over it.

Mary, too, is a powerful pro-life figure. For even with the great burdens she now faced, she goes in haste, to help the pregnant, elderly, Elizabeth. Mary is a pro-life model for us all, showing us that we even with all the burdens we face, we are all to have a special care for pregnant mothers, especially pregnant mothers in difficult circumstances. We are to devote to them our time, talent, and treasure in helping them nurture and bring-forth life.

Mary would also stay with Elizabeth until the birth her baby, accompanying her through childbirth, and through those difficult days as a first-time mother. Mary reminds us to have a special care for mothers and children throughout pregnancy and afterwards as well.

I reflect on the pro-life dimension of this scripture in light of the terribly sad news of Ireland’s vote to overturn its pro-life laws. Only one in three citizens of Ireland voted to protect life. The other two-thirds join the many Americans who see abortion as a solution, as a way of empowering women, as a way to riches and happiness.

But as St. Theresa of Calcutta often taught, “It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you live as you wish… The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. The mother doesn't learn to love, but kills to solve her own problems. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.”

May the heavenly intercession of St. John, St. Elizabeth, and Holy Mary help restore reverence and care for human life, especially the protection of the unborn. May they help us witness to the Gospel of Life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
 
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That the leaders and members of the Church my fulfill with joy their calling to proclaim, celebrate, and serve the Gospel of Life.
That God may protect all unborn babies, and keep them safe from the scourge of abortion, and for the safety and welfare of all pregnant mothers, and that all mothers and fathers will know the assistance of the Christian Church in nurturing and raising their children.
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

6th Week of Easter 2018 - Monday - Called to Testify

In many of the stories of the saints, the holy ones are brought before judges, governors, kings, even emperors, to give testimony for their Christians faith.

In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus taught how on His account, his disciples would be “brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.”

I think of the Apostles being brought before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, or the first martyrs of Rome, saints like Felicity and Perpetua and Agatha, I think of that wonderful scene from the Man for All Seasons, of St. Thomas More standing before the English tribunal or the Ugandan St. Charles Lwanga and his companions refusing the perverted desires of the Ugandan King.

 Where are we to get such courage, such eloquence of word and deed?

As we near the end of the Easter season and the Great Feast of Pentecost, our readings speak of the Advocate, the Paraclete, who comes to the aid of Christians in testifying to Jesus.

In the Greco-Roman courtroom, your paraclete or advocate was the one who stood at your side and gave you help and assistance as your court case was tried.  Your advocate gave you counsel, pleaded your case, and interceded on their behalf, to teach them what they most know, to give them the words the must speak, when called upon to testify.

I think this is why some Christians back-off from or are hesitant to form a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit. We sense the Holy Spirit wants to impel us out of our comfort zones to witness to Christ. And that’s terrifying. So we “fall-away” from forming that deep powerful relationship with the Advocate.

But, Christians are to be witnesses to Jesus Christ in the courtroom of this world. Many will form their judgments about the truth of Christianity based on our testimony. And if they find us cowering in fear of witnessing to our faith, why should they convert? If we don't show conviction for Christ, why should they?

May we grow in our trust in the aid of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to be faithful to our vocation to boldly witness to Christ 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 those who do not believe in God and for those who have fallen away from the Church.

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

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.

August 29 2017 - The Passion of St. John the Baptist - Marriage Matters

The veneration of John the Baptist has deep roots. Our Lord Himself extols John saying: “among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.” So when we honor John the Baptist, we follow our Lord’s example.

Why did Our Lord honor John? The Lord extolled him for his courageous witness, his faithfulness to the mission God had given him: preaching repentance, helping souls prepare themselves to accept Christ as Lord. In his preaching mission, John was a precursor to the Lord himself, who preached repentance and faith.

The Baptist’s mission, like Our Lord’s also culminated in a violent death: for speaking the Truth of God, John was beheaded.  John was not ordered to deny Jesus, like so many of the later martyrs, rather, he was ordered to keep silent. Thomas Aquinas explained, “For this reason the Church celebrates the martyrdom of Blessed John the Baptist, who suffered death, not for refusing to deny the faith, but for reproving adultery”

The King had entered into an adulterous relationship, and John publicly condemned this. Even though such relationships are commonplace these days, they are still contrary to the laws of God, the law written into the human heart. Adultery is sinful whether in the 1st century or 21st century.

Like John and like Our Lord, the Church in our time witnesses to the Truth about Marriage. We are attacked for this witness. But we must stand true. For as marriage as an institution disintegrates, so does civilization. Marriage matters: marriages of kings and marriages of peasants, marriages of doctors and lawyers, marriages of construction workers and teachers.

Spouses are called to lifelong fidelity, not only for their own good, the good of their children, but also, the good of society.

Pope Francis recently spoke of the duty of the Church to promote and defend marriage in his recent exhortation: “The Church has always held it part of her mission to promote marriage and the family and to defend them against those who attack them”

How are we called to promote and defend marriage? To certainly pray for happy, healthy, holy marriages, to pray for troubled marriages. The Church is certainly present to spouses in troubled marriages, helping them and guiding them to resources like counseling and marriage retreats to help them work through troubled times. And we speak the truth to those in adulterous relationships and those Catholics who have entered into irregular unions, those married outside the Church. We gently encourage our family members and friends in these relationships to seek to make their lives right with God through the Church.

The Baptist, who suffered greatly, was faithful until the end. His example and his prayers help us to overcome our weaknesses and fears, including our culpable silence, to spread the Truth of the Gospel, for the Glory of God and Salvation of souls.

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For Pope Francis, and all the clergy, and all Christians, that we may witness to the truth of the Gospel faithfully, courageously, and compassionately.

For married couples: that they might give witness to the beauty of their sacrament through their love for each other and in doing so, be an instrument for the conversion of others. And For married couples experiencing difficulties in their relationship: that they may persevere in love and faithfulness to each other.

For healing for all families and children affected by divorce, and for all the divorced who have left the Church, and for those who believe that they no longer have a place in the Church, that they may return and find the compassion and fellowship that awaits them.

For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster, especially the people of Houston Texas, those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, 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. 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.

June 30, 2017 - The First Martyrs of Holy Roman Church - Rejoicing at the Triumph of Faithful Love

The month of June is traditionally devoted to the Sacred of Jesus: the sacred Heart, aflame with love for God and man, shining with the light of truth, pierced with thorns to show Our Lord’s willingness to suffer for our salvation. July is devoted to the Precious Blood of Our Lord, shed on the cross, poured out to wash us of our sins and to sanctify the Church.

So how fitting, June transitions into July with three days of martyrs, St. Ireneaus, Saints Peter and Paul, and today the Holy Martyrs of Rome, who in imitation of the Sacred Heart shined with the light of truth and endured suffering for the Gospel, whose Blood, like the Precious Blood of Christ is poured out as a sign of God’s love.

We may think it strange that we almost seem to fixate on these bloody deaths, but I think Mother Church in her wisdom wants us to keep the image of martyrdom always in our sights. We are not to forget about these people. They are Christianity exemplified.

They are the ones who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. They are the ones who do not worry when they stand for judges and kings. They are the ones who love and forgive their persecutors. They are the ones who though betrayed by brother and father, they are the good and faithful servants who persevere to the end. They are the ones who, as Our Lord promised, will on his account be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and the Gentiles, who take Christ at his word, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” They are the ones who as St. Peter says, rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. “

I think Mother Church celebrates these martyrs so frequently, even throughout Ordinary Time that we may imitate their courage in our day to day, Ordinary sharing of the Gospel, their perseverance in the day to day Ordinary struggle against temptation, their forbearance in remaining patient with those who don’t quite get it, their spirit of mercy in forgiving those who persecute, and of course their all-consuming offering of the whole of their lives to Christ. The gift of self to God being the point of life, the purpose of life.

Christian heroes and martyrs | William A. Foster | The Library of Congress

The martyrs we celebrate today were those murdered by the barbaric Emperor Nero in 64 AD. Christians of course have been persecuted in every age, they continue to be persecuted in this age, put under the sword, imprisoned, beheaded by hate-filled adherents of false religions, but also in subtle ways, by governments and professionals, so-called experts, who think the world needs to just be a little less “Christian”.

May the martyrs lend us their courage and standing up for the Gospel, for spreading the Truth of Christ, that share in the triumph of their faithful love for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 

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That our bishops and clergy may be zealous in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel, and that our future bishop of the diocese of Cleveland may be a man of true faith and the Holy Spirit.

That this fortnight of prayer for religious freedom may help people of faith remain vigilant in defending their religious liberty and that Christ may govern the minds of those who govern to promote the religious freedom and the common good according to his will.

That the witness of the martyrs may never be in vain.

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

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

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 5, 2017 - St. Boniface - Martyr's Blood and Holy Spirit's Fire

Today is the fifth day in a row wearing red. We had three feasts of martyrs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: the memorials of St. Justin Martyr, Saints Marcellinus and Peter, St. Charles Lwanga and the his Companion Martyrs. On Sunday, we wore red for the great feast of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost. And today, Ordinary Time begins with another martyr’s memorial, the bishop St. Boniface, who, at the age of 80 was preparing candidates for confirmation when they were attacked by barbarians and massacred, martyred for the faith.

The Red of the martyrs’ blood and the red of the Holy Spirit’s fire are certainly linked. The courage to lay down one’s life for Christ comes from the Holy Spirit. This is why Cardinals of the Church also wear red as part of their daily garb: from their desire to associate themselves with the Passion of Christ and a willingness to be martyred.

Red is the color of witness. The word ‘martyr’ doesn’t just mean someone who died for the faith. Martyr means witness. The martyrs witness to the fact that Jesus Christ died for our sins that we may be reconciled to God, and that mankind is meant to profess their faith in Him. For it’s not through political activism that we receive eternal life, nor even charitable works, but through His blood; as St. Paul says “through his blood we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

St. Boniface labored to spread this saving faith through northern Europe, to the Germanic parts of the Frankish Empire. He spread the true faith among Pagans, Barbarians, Germanic Tribes who worshiped the gods of Norse Mythology.

In a letter written to a Benedictine abbess, Saint Boniface wrote: “Let us stand fast in what is right and prepare our souls for trial…let us be neither dogs that do not bark, nor silent onlookers, nor paid servants who run away before the wolf.”

He was a bishop filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, the zeal of the Apostles, and the truth of Christ.

Though we exchange easter white for ordinary time green, we recall that martyrdom red runs through the whole Church year. Fire, zeal, courage, and witness are needed now: in our bishops and priests and religious and in the lives of ordinary Christians.

As we prayed in the opening prayer: “may the Martyr Saint Boniface, be our advocate that we may firmly hold the faith he taught with his lips and sealed in his blood and confidently profess it by our deeds” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our bishops and clergy may be zealous in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel, and that our future bishop of the diocese of Cleveland may be a man of true faith and the Holy Spirit.
That St. Boniface, patron saint of Germany, may enliven the faith of the German people and those of Germanic descent who have made their home in this land.

For our young people beginning summer vacation, that they may be kept close to the truth and heart of Jesus.

In thanksgiving for good weather, for our parish festival, and the hard labor of so many good parishioners and volunteers.

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, 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.

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: Friday - 3rd Week of Advent 2016 - "A burning and shining lamp"

Tomorrow, December 17, begins what is often called “Late Advent” or “Deep Advent”; the Scripture readings and orations begin to take on slightly different tones and themes. Where the first part of Advent proclaims joyfully that the Christ is coming, this last part of Advent begins to focus on who is coming, the identity of the Christ child.

The O Antiphons of “Late Advent”, for example, each ascribe Old Testament names and titles to the one who is born on Christmas Day. Jesus is the fulfillment of all of those Old Testament prophesies: He is the Rod of Jesse, He is the Key of David, He is the Rising Star from the East, He is Adonai in the Flesh, He is Emmanuel—God With Us. These ancient prayers of the Church show how the Old Testament pointed forward to Jesus; how God prepared the human race for His own coming in the flesh.

For nearly a week, we have heard daily of a biblical figure who pointed to Jesus: John the Baptist. John the Baptist is a lot like those O Antiphons: he dresses and acts and speaks like a prophet from the Old Testament, while testifying, pointing directly to the promised One: he helps Israel transition from the shadows of prophecy to the reality of God-in-the-flesh.

In the Gospel today, Jesus explained how “John testified to the truth.” John bore witness that Jesus was “The Lamb of God”, “the Son of God”, the one anointed with the Holy Spirit. Because John witnessed to the truth Jesus called him “a burning and shining lamp”. Could he say the same about us?

Isaiah gives us wonderful instructions for becoming burning lamps for Christ: “observe what is right, do what is just”. Sometimes I think we underestimate the power of Christian Witness. Jesus himself teaches us to set good example for others. He says, “Thus let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and they should glorify your Father in the heavens.”

Observing what is right, doing what is just, performing good deeds, engaging in acts of mercy, these works are not for the purpose of gaining honor for ourselves, but to point to the one who has set us on our way. If the Holy Year of Mercy taught us anything, it is that the works of mercy are to be a consistent part of our normal Christian life. And by our works of mercy we witness to the One who IS Mercy.

As the light of the sun is seen less and less during these late December days, let us shine forth with the light of the Son of God by praying a little harder, giving a little more, striving to walk in the ways of righteousness and justice for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: Nov 25 2016 - St. Catherine of Alexandria - Virgin & Martyr

St. Catherine was one of the most revered saints of the early Church.  She lived at the end of the third century in the city of Alexandria in Egypt.  She was so beautiful and wise that she attracted the attention of the Emperor Maximian.  She however, would not marry the emperor because she had consecrated herself to Jesus.

The Emperor sent his 50 wisest philosophers to convince Saint Catherine to change her mind, but they proved no match for Catherine’s superior intellect; they were so impressed with her, and her explanation of the Gospel, that all 50 became Christian.

The Emperor had Catherine imprisoned; yet while imprisoned she converted the empress, the leader of the armed forces, over 200 soldiers, and other members of the emperor’s family,

The Emperor, infuriated that Catherine would not give up her faith and marry Him, ordered her to be tied to wheel affixed with sharp knives and spikes and tortured. From her lacerated body prayers ascended to heaven, and the wheel however was struck by ‘fire from heaven’ and was shattered.  This angered the emperor even more, so he had her beheaded. 

Neither political pressure, imprisonment, torture, or death could cause this great saint to compromise her faith.  Through her reception of the Eucharist, through prayer and study, Catherine was filled with tremendous faith and love of God which transformed the lives of others even as she suffered.

Yesterday, families gathered for the great thanksgiving meal.  It is a good and holy thing for families to put aside the worldly occupations in order to share a good meal with each other.  Yet, God calls us to gather as a family of faith every week, for the Eucharist.  Many would never dream of skipping thanksgiving dinner, but have no problem skipping Sunday Mass. 

Saint Catherine and so many thousands of martyrs, by their witness show us that the practicing our faith is more important than anything else; they reveal the urgency to form our minds and hearts through word and sacrament, study and charity; that we may be equipped for the building up of the kingdom.

Over the centuries Saint Catherine has been invoked as patron saint of Apologists; craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters; knife sharpeners, millers); archivists; attorneys; barristers; dying people; educators; girls; jurists; lawyers; librarians; libraries; maidens; mechanics; nurses; old maids; philosophers; potters; preachers; scholars; schoolchildren; scribes; secretaries; spinners; spinsters; stenographers; students; tanners; teachers; theologians; tire-repairmen; unmarried girls; wheel-makers.

Through her intercession and holy example may Saint Catherine help us to be strengthened in faith and constancy and spend ourselves without reserve for the unity of the Church, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.