31st Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Wednesday - Grace, Free Will, and the Cross of Discipleship

 Today's readings highlight a profound mystery of our faith – the dance between divine grace and human free will, and the true cost of following Jesus.

"Work out your salvation with fear and trembling," St. Paul tells us today, "for God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work." 

At first glance, this might seem paradoxical. Are we to work out our salvation, or is it God who works within us? The answer is both. 

God's grace is the initiating force—the unmerited gift that empowers us to seek Him. It's His grace that stirs our hearts, giving us both the desire and the ability to do what is good. Yet, He doesn't override our free will. We are invited to cooperate with His grace, to actively participate in our own salvation. This cooperation involves effort on our part—hence Paul's exhortation to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This isn't a fear born of terror but a reverent awe at the magnitude of God's gift and our responsibility in responding to it.

In the Gospel, Jesus presents a stark message about the demands of discipleship: "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." 

To apply the lesson from St. Paul “carrying our cross” involves both human effort and reliance on God’s grace. The choice to carry our cross is ours, and our human strength is involved, but that feeble human effort is sustained and strengthened by God’s grace. We aren’t carrying our crosses alone. God is with us at every step.

Let us pray for the courage to embrace the cost of discipleship, trusting that God's grace will sustain and guide us. May we respond generously to His call, allowing His grace to work through our free will, and thus become true disciples who reflect His love to the world, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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I would like to share a message from our bishop, which he posted online this morning, in light of yesterday’s election. His excellency writes:

“We are truly blessed to live in a democratic nation where we can participate in free elections to choose our government leaders. So many people across the globe do not have the opportunity to do so, and we should never take this fundamental right for granted.

Whether your chosen candidates won or lost, never forget that we are all brothers and sisters, created in the image and likeness of God. We are all neighbors, who more than ever, need to come together, united in peace. We must work for the common good, prayerfully, respectfully, and thoughtfully. We must put divisiveness behind us and move forward, together. May we approach one another with open hearts and minds, listen more, and talk less. It is only then that we can engage in meaningful, honest, and civil dialogue with our neighbors, friends and families, who might have opinions different from our own.

Please join me in praying for our newly elected leaders, asking that God grant them wisdom and courage to lead with compassion and justice. Let us pray that they demonstrate respect, kindness and generosity to all people. Let us pray that they uphold the God-given rights we are privileged to possess as U.S. citizens, especially the most fundamental right to life. And let us ask, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Peace, that our Lord fill us with a spirit of faith, hope and love, that we may be peacemakers in our homes, in our communities, and in our great nation.”

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For the Church, that we may faithfully respond to God's grace as we carry our daily crosses, cooperating with His divine will in building up the Kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our newly elected leaders, that God may grant them wisdom, courage, and compassion as they serve the common good of all people. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our nation in this post-election period, that we may heal divisions, engage in respectful dialogue, and work together as brothers and sisters created in God's image. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with the demands of discipleship, that they may find strength in God's grace and support in our Christian community. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those facing heavy crosses of illness, loneliness, or hardship, that they may experience God's sustaining presence and our compassionate care. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish community, that we may grow in our ability to recognize and cooperate with God's grace in our daily lives, becoming true disciples who reflect Christ's love to the world. Let us pray to the Lord.

We pray in a special way during this Month of November for all of the faithful departed; for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom, that they may experience the fullness of God's grace in eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Merciful Father, you call us to discipleship and provide the grace we need to follow your Son. Hear these prayers and help us to respond generously to your call. Through Christ our Lord. 

31st Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Tuesday - The humble attitude of Christ

Today's reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians is one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament—Paul's Christological hymn. 

The hymn focuses on Christ—his pre-existence as the co-equal eternal Son of the Father, his incarnation, his humble self-emptying, and his saving death on the cross. Paul uses this hymn to teach the Philippians about humility, urging them to emulate Christ's attitude in their relationships with one another. True Christian unity depends on each member of the community sharing the humble mindset of Christ, who was obedient to the Father's will.

How are we called to embody this Christ-like humility? First, like Christ who "did not regard equality with God something to be grasped," we must let go of our need to always be in control--or to prove your opinion correct. This might mean listening more than speaking or admitting when we've made a mistake rather than defending our pride.

Second, as Christ "took the form of a servant," we too must seek opportunities to serve, especially in ways that might seem beneath our status. This could mean being the first to volunteer for unglamorous tasks, helping a colleague even when we're busy, or quietly doing household chores that no one notices.

Third, following Christ's example of being "obedient unto death," we are called to persevere in doing good even when it costs us. This might mean caring for other people despite our own fatigue, remaining patient those with whom we disagree, or standing up for truth even when it makes us unpopular.

In Holy Communion today, we approach the one who empties himself that we may be full of life. As St. Augustine said, to receive Holy Communion worthily we must seek to become what we receive—not one who grasps at power, but one who seeks to serve.

Jesus makes of himself a total offering, a total gift of himself for the good of others, and every Christian must strive to make that the animating force of their life. This certainly involves seeking conversion from pride to humility every day. 

Let us pray for the grace to empty ourselves as Christ did, that we may decrease so He may increase in us. May we, like Christ, become bread broken for others, poured out in loving service to all we meet for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For unity in the Church, faithfulness to right teaching, detachment from worldly vices, courage in the Church’s evangelizing mission, and humility in all of our interactions and relationships.

May citizens of our nation today take seriously the responsibility of voting. May our election system be free from corruption and may its integrity be defended. May civility prevail in all of our political affairs and may those with differing political views may work together for a good, just, and righteous society. May our most sacred liberties be protected, especially the right to life.

For all victims of war, for peace in the Holy Land, an end to the violence and the consolation of the suffering. May God come to the assistance of the communities and families devastated by terrorism and war; and may world leaders work together for peace. 

For the impoverished and sick and those experiencing any sort of trial: that Jesus the Bread of Life will be their sustenance, and that Christians will be instruments of God’s mercy for all those in need.  

We pray in a special way during this Month of November for all of the faithful departed; for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, 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.

November 4 2024 - St. Charles Borromeo - Preach by the way you live (Patron of Seminarians)

 Today we celebrate the feast of St. Charles Borromeo, a luminary of the Church whose life and ministry continue to inspire us toward holiness and renewal. Born into nobility in 1538, Charles Borromeo chose the path of humble service over the comforts of his lineage. At a time when the Church faced significant challenges, he became a leading figure in the Counter-Reformation, dedicating himself to the spiritual and pastoral renewal of the clergy and laity alike.

In one of his insightful homilies, St. Charles addresses the very struggles we often face in our spiritual journey. He acknowledges our weaknesses but reminds us that God has generously provided the means to overcome them: "I admit that we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily." He emphasizes the importance of penance, prayer, and the avoidance of distractions that pull us away from our focus on God.

St. Charles also highlights the necessity of meditation and reflection: "We must meditate before, during, and after everything we do." In a world filled with noise and constant activity, he calls us to cultivate an inner silence where we can encounter God. This deliberate focus enables us to serve others more effectively while nurturing our own spiritual well-being.

As the Archbishop of Milan and a key participant in the Council of Trent, St. Charles was instrumental in implementing reforms that would shape the future of the Church. He established seminaries for the proper training of priests, emphasizing that those who lead must first be grounded in deep personal holiness. His impact on Church life is profound, leaving a legacy of dedication to education, pastoral care, and ecclesiastical discipline.

He offers firm teaching to those engaged in ministry: "Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing but live otherwise." This is a powerful reminder that our witness is most authentic when our actions align with our words. Whether we are clergy or laypersons, our lives are a testament to the faith we profess.

Let us consider how we can apply his wisdom to our own lives. Are we nurturing our spiritual lives through prayer and meditation? Do we align our actions with the Gospel we profess? Are we instruments of renewal in our communities?

Let us take to heart St. Charles's exhortation: "Do not neglect the parish of your own soul." In caring for our souls, we become better equipped to serve others, to face daily challenges, and to participate in the ongoing renewal of the Church.

May we, inspired by St. Charles Borromeo, strive to deepen our relationship with Christ, so that we may "show his face to the world” for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Inspired by the example of St. Charles Borromeo and confident in divine providence, let us know offer our prayers of petition:

For the Church, she may be constantly renewed and show Christ's face to the world through works of mercy and authentic witness,

For Pope Francis, bishops, and priests, that following the example of St. Charles, they may lead by personal holiness and be strengthened in their ministry through meditation and prayer,

For those preparing for priesthood and religious life, that through the intercession of St. Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, they may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and devotion,

For those facing weakness and spiritual struggles, that they may find strength through prayer and the sacraments.

For our parish community, that we may heed St. Charles's call to meaningful prayer and meditation, avoiding distractions that pull us away from God,

For those who suffer from plague, pandemic, or serious illness, that through the intercession of St. Charles, who cared for the sick during the plague of Milan, they may find healing and comfort,

We pray in a special way during this month of November for our beloved dead: for the repose of all of the souls in purgatory, for our deceased parishioners and benefactors, let us pray to the Lord.

God our Father, through the intercession of St. Charles Borromeo, grant us the grace to live what we believe and to be instruments of renewal in your Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

30th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Wednesday - Holy Striving

 

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

The word translated “strive” in this morning’s Gospel is the Greek Word agonizomai, from which we get the English word agonize. The implication here is that those who seek to enter heaven must do so through struggle and strain, like a running athlete exerting himself toward the finish line, all muscles taut and giving his all in the effort.

It can’t be a coincidence that Jesus’ passion begins with the “agony” in the garden, where shows us that even he strives, and agonizes, and sweats blood, to do the Will of the Father.  

Entering heaven requires real effort on our part to conform our lives to the will of the Father and the teachings of Jesus Christ. We can’t simply slide into heaven. 

This effort takes many forms in the Christian life. First, there is the daily effort of self-denial - the small but constant choices to put God's will above our own desires. Whether it's choosing to bite our tongue rather than speak in anger, or rising early for prayer when we'd rather sleep in, these daily exercises of virtue prepare us for larger spiritual challenges ahead.

Then there is the effort of perseverance in faith during times of darkness and doubt. Just as Jesus faced his moment of agony with the words "Not my will but yours be done," we too must sometimes wrestle with God's will when it seems difficult or unclear. This is not a sign of weak faith, but rather an opportunity to exercise spiritual endurance.

There is also the effort of charity - the deliberate work of loving others as Christ loves us. This means actively seeking the good of others even when it costs us something. It means forgiving those who hurt us, serving those in need, and building up rather than tearing down. 

And perhaps most importantly, there is the effort of continual conversion - the ongoing work of examining our lives, recognizing our sins, and striving to change with God's grace. This is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of allowing God to reshape us into the image of Christ.

But let us be clear: this spiritual striving is not mere human willpower. We do not earn our way into heaven through our own efforts alone. Rather, our striving takes place within the context of God's grace, which both enables and perfects our efforts. Like branches drawing life from the vine, our spiritual exertions bear fruit only when they're energized by God's own life within us.

The narrow gate beckons us to this holy striving. Will we strive for heaven? The choice is ours, but the grace to succeed is God's gift to all who truly seek Him.

So let us embrace this blessed striving - knowing that the One who calls us to enter through the narrow gate has already blazed the trail before us, showing us not only the way, but giving us the strength for the journey for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Let us pray for the needs of the Church and the world:

For the Church, that in our daily striving for holiness, we may be strengthened by God's grace and encouraged by the example of our Lord.

For all who serve in ministries of charity, that their efforts to love and serve others may be sustained by divine grace and bear abundant fruit.

For our parish community, that we may support one another in the daily exercises of self-denial and grow together in holiness.

For all victims of war, for peace in the Holy Land, an end to the violence and the consolation of the suffering. May God come to the assistance of the communities and families devastated by terrorism and war; and may world leaders work together for peace. 

For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or disease: that they may know God’s consolation, healing, and grace.

For the faithful departed, that having strived to follow Christ in this life, they may now enter through heaven's gate into eternal joy, we pray to the Lord...

Loving Father, hear these our prayers, and bless us with the grace to strive for holiness on our journey toward heaven, through Christ our Lord.

30th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Tuesday - Mustard seeds can change the world

The parable of the Mustard Seed reminds us how tiny acts of faith can bring about tremendous goods. An act of kindness, an act of goodness, an act of charity appears so small and insignificant, but it can transform the world. 

Consider the Church herself: A small group of uneducated Galilean fishermen and a small group of itinerant missionaries like Paul and Timothy have changed the world. She started off small, imperceptible on a global scale. Now, she has grown and reached nearly every corner of the globe. 

The Church has been foundational in the creation of educational systems. Monasteries, cathedral schools, and later, universities—like the University of Paris, Oxford, and Bologna—were established by the Church. The monasteries kept knowledge and learning alive in the dark ages. The monks applying their learning to practical problems, advanced agricultural techniques and metallurgy. They practically enabled science to emerge as a method of addressing everyday human needs.

Catholic patronage has inspired the world’s greatest art, architecture, music, and literature. The Church invented hospitals. Church Canon law laid the foundation for many principles seen in modern legal systems. Catholic thinkers, especially during the Scholastic period, have shaped Western philosophy.

The lives which have been touched by the charity of the members of the Church is beyond measure. Missionaries established schools, hospitals, farms in the poorest most undeveloped areas, uplifting local economies and advancing health and education in diverse cultures.

The positive impact of the Church in history and in human lives is incalculable. But again, we started as a mustard seed. 

But the mustard seed principle is not just for the church as a whole, it is the way of life for the individual Christian. We take small acts of charity very seriously because it is clear that this is how God wants to spread his kingdom: through small acts with great love, as st. therese the little flower would say, whom we celebrated at the beginning of the month.

We must not discount or underestimate the power of those little acts of kindness: of giving a coat to a shivering stranger, a hot meal, a listening ear, a comforting message, a prayer card, a helpful reference to a bible verse that touches upon a doubt or concern. 

The Christian who is quietly trying to bring relief to the suffering, the sick, and the lonely, is a mustard seed that God uses to transform the world. May we be faithful in this great vocation of being mustard seeds…for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the mission of the Church in all corners of the world, that her charitable work in schools, hospitals, and communities may uplift the poor, advance health, bring the love of Christ to the underserved, and the Gospel to all people.

For all victims of war, for peace in the Holy Land, an end to the violence and the consolation of the suffering. May God come to the assistance of the communities and families devastated by terrorism and war; and may world leaders work together for peace. 

For a greater respect for human life in our laws and institutions: that we may cherish, defend, and protect the most vulnerable

That all Christians may embrace their calling to bring hope, comfort, and relief to those in need. For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or disease: that they may know God’s consolation, healing, and grace. 

For the souls of the departed, that through the mercy of God, they may experience the fullness of eternal life in His Kingdom.

Loving Father, you reveal your Kingdom in the smallest acts of charity and faith. Hear these prayers we bring before you, and grant us what we need to be faithful in bringing your love to the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

October 28 2024 - Sts. Simon and Jude - Zealotry and Hopeless Causes

 It is always good to reflect upon the importance and lasting impact of the Apostles.

In the Gospels, the apostle Simon was known as the Zealot. He may have been part of the political group of Jesus’ time called the Zealots who were planning to overthrow the Roman occupying force. Or he may have simply been zealous for God. In any case, Simon put aside any plans he had for himself to follow the Lord and to proclaim the kingdom of God.

St. Jude was a close relative and trusted friend of our Redeemer. Some ancient sources even speculate that Jude was the groom at the Wedding at Cana, though there is no scriptural evidence to support this. 

After the Ascension Jude took the Gospel to Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq), Libya, Persia and Turkey.

Legend has it that after winning thousands of converts, the pair of apostles were arrested in the Persian city of Suanir for refusing to offer pagan sacrifice in the temple of the sun and the moon. They explained that the sun and the moon were only creations of the one true God. They then cast out demons from the pagan idols  and two black, hideous evil spirits, began howling and blaspheming.  For exposing the idols as demons they were killed by an angry Persian mob. 

Devotion particularly to St. Jude endures to this day. It is said that among the saints whose heavenly help and intercession is sought by the faithful, second only to Our Lady, is the apostle St. Jude.  Even many non-Catholics venerate St. Jude as the patron saint of Hopeless Causes. 

The patron of hopeless causes is so popular because so many of our difficulties seem hopeless: the terminal illness, the seemingly endless cycle of addiction, the corruption of government leaders, the plights of the poor—they seem hopeless.

The Book of Jude in the New Testament is attributed to him. In it, he calls the faithful to a true Christian life of great devotion, one in which they hold fast to their faith no matter the consequences. He exhorts them to pray in the Spirit, that they might deepen their faith, hope, and love, and come to know God and His will. 

Let us learn from their examples and wisdom in turning away from earthly and selfish zealotry, in order to turn more deeply to the Lord. May we entrust our needs to them and imitate their constancy, courage, and faith, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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May Simon and Jude assist all bishops and priests to preach and witness to the fullness of the truth of the Christian Gospel.

May the holy apostles help all Christians to be strengthened in the faith, hope, and charity.

For the conversion of all who engage in false worship, for all unbelievers, and for Catholics who have fallen away from the faith, for those whose love of created things has eclipsed the love of the Creator.

That the sick, suffering, overburdened, and destitute, may know the help of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

For all who long to see the face of the Father, for all our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered.

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

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Blind Bartimaeus and Priesthood Sunday

 

Since 2003, the last Sunday of October is designated as Priesthood Sunday— an opportunity for us to reflect upon the role of the ordained priesthood in the life of the Church.  

Today we welcome Tate Johnson, a second year seminarian at Borromeo Seminary here in Cleveland, who will speak to us after communion about his own discernment and formation for the priesthood.

For the homily today, I’d like to consider the role of the priest in light of our Gospel reading---the story of Bartimaeus.  The story offers several meaningful insights relevant to Priesthood Sunday and the priestly vocation and our own call to holiness.

The story begins with blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus. In the course of his ministry, the priest encounters countless people who are crying out to Jesus. Many of them, like Bartimaeus, have a hard time seeing Jesus due to the challenging circumstances of their life—a crisis, an illness, a unique encounter with the evils of the world or in their own heart. 

The priest helps people see Jesus. Particularly at Mass, right? The priest has a unique role in the Church to help others see Jesus. Through the celebration of the sacraments—the priest makes Jesus present through the sacramental rituals, particularly in the changing of bread and wine into the Lord’s Body and Blood so we can see Him present in our midst. Also in the homily, hopefully, each week, I help you see Jesus in the concrete details of your life. 

One of my favorite functions in the priestly ministry is to teach OCIA. I’m always pleased to meet those souls hungering, longing to see Jesus. And in those sessions their eyes become more and more attuned to Jesus present in the Catholic Church and come to understand the invitation Jesus makes to them—to come and be changed and transformed. 

Consider another detail in the Bartimeus story. Bartimaeus longs for Jesus, but many in the crowd make it difficult for him—they tell him that he is wasting his time. Similarly, there are many forces in the world today which tell us that we are wasting our time turning to the Lord and seeking to follow Him. The priest has a role in helping members of the Church to take courage in standing up against the worldly forces that seek to silence the Church and to ensure that we never ally ourselves with those terrible powers.

As many of you know, I was appointed by Bishop Malesic as Chaplain for an apostolate called Courage International which helps men and women with same-sex attraction live faithfully the Lord’s call to follow him. Now the world tells them, ah, just give in to your impulses. But, Christians recognize that not every impulse leads to Jesus. Rather, we need to restrain and discipline those impulses that are misaligned. And priests help others break through those wordly voices. Thanks be to God for those priests who tell us the truth and encourage us. 

Next in the story, Bartimaeus runs to Jesus, and Jesus surprisingly asks, “what do you want?” It’s surprising because Jesus already knows what Bartimaeus wants and needs. Jesus can read his heart, he made him. But Jesus asks, and listens. This reflects a very important aspect of priestly ministry. Listening. Before a priest can offer words of advice, or spiritual guidance, or make decisions regarding the life of a parish, he needs to listen. I hope that when you have brought your concerns to me, you have felt listened to. 

You might not have received the answer you liked, I can’t promise that all the time, but I hope that you’ve felt that your concern was taken seriously and it was given the attention it deserved. 

But moreso, we’re not just talking about decisions about clambakes here. The priest takes concerns of the soul with profound seriousness. If you are seeking to follow Jesus more faithfully, more deeply, the priest will listen and pray for you and with you and bring your concerns to the Lord.

Finally, in the story, Jesus heals Bartimaeus.

The ministry of the priest certainly has a healing dimension. Every priest is called to dispense the healing of Jesus Christ primarily in the Sacrament of Confession and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

The Confessional is a place of the most profound healing, a healing of those wounds we inflict on our relationship with God and our fellow man through sin. Now yes, some of our spiritual wounds can be healed in other ways—our venial sins can be healed through repentance and reception of the Eucharist. But our most serious sins, our grave sins, our mortal sins, can those mortal wounds can be healed only in the Sacrament of Confession. 

When we confess our sins to a priest and receive absolution we know that a profound healing occurs at that moment—we feel lighter, we feel the weight of guilt relieved, we feel peace. And I hope that no one here is depriving themselves of the healing that Jesus is waiting to dispense to you through his priests. I hope that neither pride, nor shame, nor embarrassment is keeping you from crying out like Bartimaeus for healing. If you can ‘t get to confession on Saturday afternoons or Sunday mornings, give me a call, we can schedule something. I’m not too busy to hear your confessions, that’s why I’m here. 

Similarly, with the Sacrament of Anointing. If you are going in for serious surgery, or you’ve gotten a serious diagnosis, or you feel the effects of old age or declining health really taking its toll, all you have to do is call, and say, Father, I’d like to receive the Anointing of the Sick. For through that Sacrament Jesus gives powerful spiritual healing and spiritual strength to bear our afflictions with grace.

Recall, that every priest is also Bartimaeus, with his own blindnesses. So always please be patient with your priests, with the same patience you would want for yourself.

And recall too that every member of the Church has a priestly role, of bringing souls to Jesus, of listening to the afflicted and offering wise counsel and comfort, and seeking as best we can to be instruments of the Lord’s healing. Every soul we encounter is another Bartimaeus, who deep down longs to see the Lord.

May all priests and all the priestly people of God be strengthened in their vocations of service and holiness for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.