January 31 2020 - St. John Bosco - Work for the salvation of souls

As we conclude Catholic Schools Week we honor a wonderful saint who in a special way was dedicated to young people, St. John Bosco, in fact is the patron saint of school children.  Like St. Angela, whom we honored at the beginning of the week, a woman of faith who worked to form the young people of her neighborhood in faith, morality, and piety, St. John Bosco was deeply concerned with the youth of his parish. Many were being arrested for juvenile delinquency, and once in prison, they learned more about crime, and would be back in jail soon after their release.

So, he worked tirelessly with the young boys in his neighborhood, providing for them a solid education and formation in the faith.  “There are three things to stay on the path to Heaven, he would tell them, “Go to confession regularly, receive Communion often, and choose a regular confessor to whom you can unburden your heart.” 

The Gospel today speaks of planting seeds. We must never understestimate the importance of planting the seeds of the Gospel in the heart and minds of others. God often relies on us to scatter the seeds, but he is the one who brings them to life. Even the smallest of seeds can grow to become great and strong.

Through his love and care, many of these young boys, not only were saved from a life of crime, many of them entered seminary and became good and holy priests.  And at least one of his boys became a saint, St. Dominic Savio.

John Bosco knew the importance of planting seeds. He would show the face of a loving father to young people who lacked good fathers. He gave fatherly advice, guidance, and catechesis rooted in the Gospel. He was even known to juggle and play games with the youth while also teaching about Jesus.

The life of John Bosco is much more than a pious story, it is a daily challenge, to do everything in our power to work for the good of souls. Don Bosco would say, “work, work, work for the salvation of souls.”  May we take up his challenge.

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During this Catholic Schools week, for all young people, for their teachers and catechists and parents who are the first teachers of the faith, and that the truth of the faith may be learned, cherished, and practiced in every Catholic school and Christian home.

For all young people who have fallen into delinquency, through their patron’s intercession, may they turn away from sin and crime, and develop a deep love for the ways of Christ.

For all those in prison, for those who struggle with addiction and mental distress, that the healing of Christ may bring them wholeness and the promises of Christ may bring them hope.

That the fire of charity may impel all Christians to work for the salvation of souls, for a spread of the Gospel, and the building of God’s kingdom of peace.

For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.

3rd Week of OT 2020 - Wednesday - Christ the Teacher and his teacher Saints

During this Catholic Schools Week already we’ve celebrated two saintly teachers. First, St. Angela Merici who taught the young children of her neighborhood and went on to found the first religious order of women primarily dedicated to teaching, the Ursulines. That religious Order of teachers spread throughout Europe then to our North American shores, and can now be found in nearly every corner of the globe, teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The second teacher we honored yesterday was the great Angelic Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, whose clear, systematic teaching of theology has shaped the minds of generations of Catholics, not to mention, the texts of our Sacred Worship. Thomas’ writings and teachings are clearly motivated by his love for God and his love for others, wanting to help them to understand our wonderful faith.

These teacher Saints reflect the mind and heart of Christ the Teacher. Throughout the Gospels and in particular our Gospel today, we discover Our Lord who loves to teach. He teaches in synagogues, in teaches in the streets of Jerusalem and on the temple steps, he teaches at dinner tables full of sinners, he teaches in the plains and on mountain peaks.

His most notable method of teaching was his use of parables: using common symbols often taken from common life to convey deep lessons touching upon the most profound realities of God, eternal life, the human soul, love and forgiveness, sin and salvation.

Today’s parable is one of my favorites because it is a parable about parables, a parable which explains what he teaches, why he teaches, and different human responses to his teaching. When our minds and hearts are clogged with sin, or unwillingness to change, his teaching will be lost on us. When our minds and hearts are open, and committed to change to adapt to his teachings, something new grows in us.

St. Angela, St. Thomas and all of the great saints become great teachers and great paragons of holiness because their minds and hearts and souls were rich soil for the word of God to take root and bear fruit. They became the greatest of teachers because they allowed themselves to be taught. In a sense, they become the parables of Jesus, which Christ the teacher uses to teach his disciples and save their souls. May our hearts and minds be as receptive as theirs, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Church leaders will faithfully proclaim Christ’s love and truth to the world.
That our parish families and the families of all of our school children will be places where the Christian faith is believed, followed, taught, and cherished.
For the students, teachers, staff, and alumni of St. Ignatius School and all of our Catholic Schools.
For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.

January 28 2020 - St. Thomas Aquinas - Study and Holiness

The Opening Prayer of this Mass expresses the two outstanding characteristics of St. Thomas Aquinas: his holiness and his learning.

His great contribution to the Church is of course is writings, among many are his Catena Aurea written to help the clergy better understand the word of God, his Summa contra Gentiles, written to correct the errors of non-believers, and of course, his famous Summa Theologiae, which deals with the whole of Catholic Theology.

All seminarians preparing for the priesthood become very familiar with his writings and thought, and I know many people who like to take a little daily dose of Thomas, like taking a knife to a whetstone, a little Thomas every day keeps the mind sharp.

At the Council of Trent two books were situated in a place of honor, that their wisdom might guide the deliberations of the Fathers: the Sacred Scriptures and the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas. His writings have infused the life of the Church for centuries.

G.K. Chesterton wrote a brilliant biography of Thomas Aquinas. And he begins the biography comparing Thomas with St. Francis of Assisi. In spite of their obvious contrasts, he says, “they were really doing the same thing. One of them was doing it in the world of the mind, the other was doing it in the world of the worldly… They were doing the same great work; one in the study, the other in the street.”

Like Francis, Thomas was a truly holy soul. At the end of a life totally dedicated to the ministry of the word, nourished by prayer, mortification, and study, while praying before a crucifix, a voice asked Thomas what reward he wanted for his labors.  He replied: “None but yourself, O Lord.”  Non Nisi Te, Domine. None but yourself, O Lord. What would you or I ask for?

In 1880 Pope Leo XIII declared Thomas patron of Catholic schools. So we certainly ask St. Thomas to intercede for our young ones, and for the whole Church, the school of Christ. May the prayers and holy example of Thomas Aquinas increase our love of study of sacred doctrine and our zeal for holiness for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Church leaders will faithfully proclaim Christ’s love and truth to the world.

That our parish families and the families of all of our school children will be places where the Christian faith is believed, followed, taught, and cherished.

For the students, teachers, staff, and alumni of St. Ignatius School and all of our Catholic Schools.

For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.

January 27 2020 - St. Angela Merici - Catholic Schools Week

We begin Catholic Schools Week this year celebrating the feast day of one of the great Patron Saints of Catholic education, St. Angela Merici. St. Angela lived about 500 years ago. Out of love for Jesus, she consecrated her life to him from a very young age—promising never to get married and to live a life of prayer and service and she convinced her sisters to do the same.

Around the age of 10, Angela’s parents and one of her sisters died. So she moved to a nearby town to live with her uncle. One day, she was out in a field, when she had a vision of heaven. She saw angels and young women coming toward her singing and surrounded by light.  One of the young girls was Angela’s sister who had died, and she told Angela that God wanted her to form a group of women consecrated to the Lord for doing God’s work.

After her vision, she became deeply concerned for the religious education of the children in her native town. She was saddened because they did not love the Lord Jesus as they should, so she took it upon herself to give regular religious instruction to the children. She was soon joined by other women from the neighborhood who shared a similar calling.

Together with these women, St. Angela formed the Order of Ursulines, the first religious order of religious sisters in Church history dedicated primarily to teaching. St. Angela and the Ursulines dedicated their lives to teaching children about Jesus. St. Angela’s Ursulines spread throughout Italy and France and eventually throughout all of Europe and they were the very first Catholic nuns in the United States.

When Catholics spread to Cleveland, our first Bishop, Bishop Amadeus Rappe knew that establishing Catholics schools was a top priority. He invited the Ursulines to Cleveland to start the Catholic school system here in northeast Ohio. St. Angela’s Ursulines have been a blessing to the Church of Cleveland for over 170 years.

St. Angela knew the importance of helping people to know, love, and follow Jesus which is the primary mission of Catholic Schools. She was a woman of action whose efforts changed world history. When she saw the ignorance of the children in her neighborhood, she didn’t just wring her hands or complain, she went out and taught them.

She is a wonderful saint to celebrate and imitate during this Catholic Schools Week.  Now she prays for all Catholic school children from her place near God in heaven and for all of us, that we may learn everything we can about Jesus, that we may love him and follow him and spread that faith to others, for the glory of god and salvation of souls.

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As we begin Catholic Schools Week, we pray for all students, that the Spirit of God may grant them the gifts of wisdom and understanding, and that teachers may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and competence.

For parents, the first teachers of their children, that by their faith and love, they may be blessings to their families, and for a strengthening of all families in faith.

In Thanksgiving for the Ursuline Order, for their efforts to instill faith in our Diocese over the decades.

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

3rd Sunday of OT 2020 - United in the same mind and purpose

Earlier this month, I offered an adult faith formation session on the Church. We addressed questions like “What does it mean that the Church is Apostolic? What is the role of the Church hierarchy and the role of the laity? What does the word ‘Church’ mean anyway? What’s the difference between a diocese and an archdiocese? A bishop and a cardinal?”

It seems our session was quite timely, as it prepared us for the news we heard this week, that bishop Perez has been called by Pope Francis to be the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Perhaps, next month we might look at the process of how the Pope calls forth a bishop, especially as we anticipate and pray for the next bishop of Cleveland, whomever that might be.

Why do we have bishops? Well, bishops, episkopoi as they are called in the Greek new testament, are as old the church. The episkopoi were the successors of the Apostles, and were tasked with preaching the Gospel and teaching and baptizing and ordering the growing Church. They were particularly tasked with maintaining unity among the diverse peoples of the Church. For from the beginning, the church was comprised of both converted jew and gentile, Greek and roman, rich and poor, from all the various cultures of the world.

And the bishops, the episkopoi, worked to keep us all together, ensuring that with all of our diversity and differences of opinion on how the church and world should operate, we remain faithful to Christ.
We hear Paul, in today’s second reading, writing to the Church of Corinth with its many divisions—divisions which are contrary to the will of Our Lord who prayed at the Last Supper that we may be one with each other as he and the Father are one. Paul pleads with the Corintians to strive for agreement in matters of faith and charity, “so that there be no divisions among you, but that you might be of the same mind and same purpose, that there may be no rivalries among you.”

Why is division bad and Church unity important? If I were a non-believer, why would I consider joining a group that was divided in its purpose and core beliefs? Why would I consider joining a group where the members backstabbed each other, or fought over positions of power, why would I want to be a part of that? That’s what the world does, there’s nothing holy about that.

Unity, rather, is to be a sign that God’s power and God’s love has transformed us to be a people set apart from the ways and attitudes and sins of the world. Paul is combating the very toxic worldliness that had poisoned the Corinthian Church and that has the potential to poison any group of Catholics. The divisions in Corinth led to the justification of some very dysfunctional behavior. Paul saw this group of Christians at risk of falling back into slavery to sin, and forfeiting the gift of salvation, not to mention their failure to evangelize.

So, if we, are supposed to strive for unity and agreement, how do we know what to believe, what to agree on? Well, that’s where those episkopoi come in, the bishops. Vatican II and our Catechism reaffirm the role of the bishop in their diocese, saying, “The individual bishops are the visible principle and foundation of unity in their particular churches.” It’s the bishops most important job, to keep us united in the one faith of Jesus Christ.

The Church of Cleveland has had 11 bishops at the helm, since our founding on April 23, 1847. Over those 172 years, the bishops of Cleveland, 1 frenchman, 1 scotsman, 3 irish, 4 germans, a little Italian, and Cuban American have kept us united. Not that ethnicity matters. At his press conference in Philadelphia, bishop Perez was asked, how has being the son of Cuban immigrants affected his pastoral ministry. He answered that his work in Philadelphia for many years was focused on the Hispanic community and as a pastor he had a parish partially composed of hispanics. And then he said, when I was bishop in new York and then in Cleveland, I was asked the same question, “What does it feel to be a Hispanic bishop?” He said, I’m not a Hispanic bishop, I’m a Roman Catholic Bishop, who happens to speak Spanish. Whether in New York, Cleveland, or Philadelphia, I am called to be a Roman Catholic Bishop.”

Bishop Perez there certainly speaks of the Bishops role to lead not just one group of people in one aspect of the faith, but to lead the diverse Church to be united. May he be faithful to that calling in Philadelphia and may our next bishop do so as well.

And as we are saddened by the departure of Bishop Perez, we renew our trust in God Providence. For as the Holy Spirit brought us a good and faithful Bishop like Bishop Perez, he can bring us a new bishop to work for the needs of the Church of Cleveland in this next chapter of our diocesan history.

Within the Church there is such a rich and beautiful diversity of cultures and gifts. Our parish, since its establishment by the third bishop of Cleveland, Bishop Hoerstman, has always been a place where all people are welcome to seek their salvation. And the faith has flourished because of our unity.
Sadly, the Church of Cleveland has seen some division over the years. Groups have gone off into schism. Individuals have fallen into heresy, certainly more have fallen into indifference. Which is why we should always pray for our bishop, for his fidelity to his Apostolic mission and for our faithfulness to the one faith he preaches and teaches.

Did you know that the most prominent writer on the topic of Church unity in the early Church after St. Paul was our own parish patron, St. Ignatius of Antioch? Ignatius was bishop of Antioch, in modern day Turkey, when he was arrested during an early persecution. On his way to his martyrdom, like Paul, he wrote to the different Christian communities. And one of the topics he took up repeatedly was unity.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Ignatius writes: “It is right for you to give glory in every way to Jesus Christ who has given glory to you; you must be made holy in all things by being united in perfect obedience, in submission to the bishop and the presbyters. It is fitting, therefore, that you should be in agreement with the mind of the bishop. Presbyters, that is, priests, be attuned to the bishop as strings to a harp.”

We are to given glory to God in every way. Here he speaks of diversity. Glorify God in every way, in music, in art, architecture, in every work of mercy, every life, every culture, in every language, glorify God, practice every holy attitude of Christ. And if you want those gifts to flourish, remain united to the bishop. For through the bishop we have access to the sacraments of the Church and the fullness of Jesus’ teaching which unite us for our mission.
Concern for achieving unity "involves the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike." So let us pray for unity, work for unity, believing all the truths which the holy catholic Church teaches, striving to root out selfishness which is the cause of division in so many hearts, that we may be of one mind and purpose for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

2nd Week of OT 2020 - Friday - Apostles and Bishops and Us

The calling forth of the Apostles is a fitting scripture reading for us to reflect upon, particularly in light of yesterday’s news that Bishop Perez has been called forth by the Holy Father to be the next Archbishop of Philadelphia.

The word Apostle, comes from the Greek, Apostolein. Which means “to send”. We can see the English word “post” in there, like a postage stamp is used to send things, or a post office, a place where you send things, or simply to post, is “to send” something.

An apostle is first summoned by Christ. He is called from the world. He is called from the greater number of disciples. He is summoned to have a special intimacy with the Lord and to receive a special mission. In the case of the Apostles during the earthly ministry of Jesus, the Lord gives them a special mission of preaching and driving out demons. They are to do what he has done, what they have seen and witnessed him doing. In a sense, he’s already gone before them, showing them that the task is possible.

In their preaching, they shall use the words that they have heard him using, calling sinners to repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand, to turn away from their sins, to change their ways, that their lives may better reflect the values of God.

And they are to engage in spiritual warfare with the powers of darkness, driving away the entities and attitudes and forms of spiritual slavery through the power of God, the power given to them from God himself.

Having spent time with the Lord, having received their marching orders, the Lord then sends them out into the unknown. There they will encounter hostility, as he has encountered it. They will have to answer questions, make decisions, speak words some—many—are not willing to hear—helping them break from the sinful habits of the past in order to prepare for a future with God.

At the age of 32, St. Francis de Sales, whom we honor today was ordained a bishop. For 20 years, he labored zealously for the conversion of the Calvinists, administrated his diocese, and also found time to write his spiritual opus, The Introduction to the Devout Life, which hasn’t gone out of print in 400 years.

We certainly invoke the intercession of the bishop St. Francis and all those apostle saints and bishop saints, for Bishop Perez, called forth from Cleveland to fulfill the Apostolic mission within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We recognize that we too, in our own way, are called to be with the Lord, that we may preach and drive out demons in the unknown territories of our lives. May we receive all the help we need from God for that purpose, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all members of the Church may live out their baptismal call with greater conviction and faithfulness, and turn to the Lord in their sins with sincere contrition.

For Bishop Perez, for the churches of Philadelphia and Cleveland, for our future bishop, whomever he may be, for faithfulness to the Apostolic mission.

For the safety of all at the March for Life today, and that the witness to the dignity of human life may bring about greater protection for the unborn and conversion to the Gospel of Life.

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

January 22 2020 - Legal Protection of the Unborn - Justice brings peace

Throughout our nation today, Catholics engage in prayer for the restored legal protection of the unborn.  This liturgy for life and justice calls for the wearing of purple vestments: purple, the color of grief and prayerful penance.  We grieve the abundance of sin and murder considered “legal”, occurring on a daily basis for 47 years.

We pray and do penance for a restoration of justice, for grave injustice is perpetuated legally allowed against the unborn, the denial of their right to life. The legal allowance for abortion is contrary to our nation’s founding documents which sees life as an inalienable right endowed by the Creator to every human being. And of course, abortion is repugnant to the Gospel, a clear violation of the fifth commandment. The Catechism says, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.”

Pope Francis, speaking to U.S. bishops, said recently that working for the overturning of unjust laws which deny the right to life for the innocent unborn is a “preeminent priority”.

The Prophet Isaiah says, “justice will bring about peace.” Peace, which our nation is sorely lacking in so many ways, can only be obtained when we work to right injustices, and so we work and pray today to right this preeminent injustice.

Vatican II declared, “God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.”

We pray that the truth of the Gospel of Life will take root in the hearts of every member of the human family, and that we may be found diligent in praying and working for the safeguarding of life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the leaders and members of the Church may fulfill with joy their calling to proclaim, celebrate, and serve the Gospel of Life, we pray to the Lord…
That Court decisions which permit the destruction of innocent life may be resisted and reversed, we pray to the Lord…
That God may protect all unborn babies, and keep them safe from the scourge of abortion, we pray to the Lord...
That all women facing difficult or unplanned pregnancies may receive compassionate care and the support they need, let us pray to the Lord.
That all medical professionals involved in the practices of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia, may experience conversion of mind and heart and cease these activities, we pray to the Lord…
For all women who have had abortions, that they may seek out and experience God’s tender mercy, we pray to the Lord.
In thanksgiving for the many children who have been saved from abortion through the efforts of the pro-life movement, we pray to the Lord…
For all the dead, for all the souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and for X, for whom this Holy 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