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

2nd Week of OT 2020 - Tuesday - Faith in Jesus' Divinity

In yesterday’s Gospel, Jesus’ critics attacked him and his disciples for not living up to their standards of piety. Compared to the pharisees who fasted twice a week, Jesus and his disciples appeared not to fast. Jesus answered their criticism by hinting at his divine identity which his critics failed to grasp.

Today’s Gospel escalates things. The Lord’s critics accuse him, not simply of minimal piety, but downright sin—violating the sabbath, violating the third commandment by picking heads of grain from the field. Well, the Lord escalates things too. He doesn’t just hint at his divine identity, he equates himself with God. He is Lord of the Sabbath.

David was justified in eating the bread of offering on the Sabbath because David was the Lord’s anointed king and he was on a mission from God. How much more justified is Jesus who is the anointed king of kings on the ultimate divine mission to save us from our sins.

Again, his critics fail to understand his actions because they fail to understand his identity. St. Mark highlights many of these encounters throughout his Gospel. Jesus’ actions are criticized, and then the Lord explains that their criticism is rooted in their failure to believe that He is the Son of God.

This is why the two great moments in Mark’s Gospel occur at the halfway point and then at the end. Peter’s Confession, his proclamation of belief that Jesus is the Christ, the first person in the Gospel to vocalize faith. And then at the crucifixion, the Roman centurion vocalizing, proclaiming, “truly this man was the Son of God.”

Many people throughout the centuries have looked to Jesus’ teaching. Even non-believers can quote and even abide somewhat by the Lord’s teachings or parables. Sadly, though many of the baptized, while recognizing Jesus as a moral authority, fail to recognize him as God. This failure to believe is certainly the great cause of lukewarmness today and throughout the centuries.

We honor today, a saint of just 12 or 13 years old, who was anything but lukewarm. St. Agnes faced with the choice to forsake her faith or die, she exclaimed, “Such is Christ’s beauty that his brightness excels all the brightness of the sun and the stars; the heavens are ravished with his glory.  He is so powerful that all the forces of heaven and earth cannot conquer him.  I love him more than my soul and life and am willing to die for him.”

Again, if he were just some moral teacher, he may be worth admiring. But he is God, and his beauty and goodness exceeds all of the created universe. And that others may know that salvation comes through him, is worth dying for.

The 12 year old martyr reminds us, that children understand, often better than adults, that following jesus means to give him our whole hearts, minds, and souls, to testify with every ounce of our being that he is the Son of God, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.
For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.
For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may grant them relief and move Christians to come to the aid of the suffering.
For the safety of all those traveling to the March for Life this week in Washington D.C., 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 our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

2nd Week of OT 2020 - Monday - The Bridegroom's mysterious invitation

Although Jewish law required fasting only once a year, on the Day of atonement, the Pharisees practiced fasting twice a week. The disciples of John the Baptist apparently imitated John’s ascetic lifestyle as well, fasting often as a sign of devotion to God and as a sign of repentance for sins. In contrast, we read in this morning’s Gospel how Jesus and his disciples are not only practicing minimal fasting, they are seen feasting with sinners.

When questioned about his practice, the Lord answers in a way that becomes quite typical of his ministry, he answers with a rhetorical question inviting his critics to a deeper level of understanding, in this case, a deeper understanding of his identity.

Fasting would be fine, if he were just another itinerant preacher. Fasting would be fitting, if he was simply a devout Jew seeking to imitate the currently popular religious faction, the Pharisees. But the Lord answers the question about his fasting with another question: “can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?”

Jesus’ ministry is different than anything that had come before. And so he and his disciples will appear to act differently, especially in regard to popular conceptions of holiness.

So too, Christians, our behavior will likely appear strange to non-believers. Our values are different from the world. The topics of our conversations are different. We pour over ancient texts and the wisdom of saints who have been dead for hundreds of years. We pause from the daily grind of pursuing wealth and power, to pray, to meditate, to contemplate the presence of God. And we leave the comfort of our safe routines to serve others, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.

And through prayer, repentance, and works of mercy, our lives begin to take on the characteristics of that original group of disciples: joy, generosity, courage, self-sacrifice, even the occasional miracle or two. Our strange way of life, though, contains an invitation to others to seek faith and intimacy with the Lord Jesus, that they too may have life.

We honor today, St. Sebastian, a soldier in the Roman army who was arrested for his kindness to imprisoned Christians who awaited their martyrdom during the Roman persecution. Artistic depictions often show Sebastian standing by a Roman column with arrows sticking out of him, having miraculously survived his execution.

This strange scene is not unlike our Gospel: God mysteriously breaking into the world, confounding popular expectations, but with a sense of invitation: those who belong to the world of death and violence and unbelief, are invited into this mysterious company of the disciples of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.

For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.

For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may grant them relief and move Christians to come to the aid of the suffering.

For the safety of all those traveling to the March for Life this week in Washington D.C., 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 our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.

O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

2nd Sunday of OT 2020 - "Behold the Lamb"

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

That phrase, that title, “Lamb of God” evokes a number of ancient biblical ideas.

Firstly, in the Old Covenant, twice a day, on behalf of the nation of Israel, priests would sacrifice a lamb to God. The sacrifice of the lamb was prescribed by Moses as a way of asking God to forgive the sins of the world. As a way of recognizing that God and God alone has the power to forgive sins.

Secondly, that phrase “lamb of God” recalls the Jewish Passover feast. Once a year, on the feast of Passover, not just the priests, but every family, would sacrifice a lamb to recall their liberation from Egypt in the days of Moses. Remember the story? While enslaved in Egypt, God called for the Hebrew people to put the blood of a lamb on their doorposts, that the Angel of Death might Pass-over their homes. Thus the Passover lamb signified God’s powerful and salvific love, his mercy for the oppressed.

Thirdly, the lamb going silently and docilely to be slaughtered is one of the images used to describe the Messiah by the prophets, particularly Isaiah. The Messiah, faithful and docile to God’s Plan of Salvation, would take Israel’s sins upon himself. He would become the expiation through his obedient suffering.

Fourthly, the “lamb of God” evokes an even older story than Isaiah’s prophecy, a story even older than the Exodus. In the story of Abraham, leading his son Isaac up mount Moriah. Abraham had heard God calling him to offer a sacrifice, to show his trust, and love, and fidelity. And As Abraham and Isaac climb Mt. Moriah, Isaac asks Abraham, “father, where is the lamb” and Abraham responds, “God will provide the lamb”. Upon reaching the summit of Moriah, Abraham binds Isaac, his beloved son. And with sacrificial knife raised, God stopped the knife of Abraham. God did not desire the death of Isaac, but rather, would Himself provide the lamb. And so for centuries and centuries Israel awaited God to provide the lamb.

So, imagine, the electricity, the excitement, when John the Baptist on the banks of the river Jordan in front of hundreds if not thousands of people, sees Jesus, and says, there is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. A people who had waited season after season, year after year, century after century, asking, like Isaac, “Father, where is the lamb?”

And for John the utter those words, to this people, who hoped and waited and understood the significance, must have been…an ineffable experience, touching upon Israel’s deepest longings and understanding of God.

And that we have adopted this phrase, and repeat it so often during our liturgy, is quite significant. St. John the Baptist’s inspired exhortation echoes throughout our sacred liturgical rites. Jesus is called the “lamb of God” near the beginning of Mass in the Gloria, that song of the angels proclaiming God breaking in to human history. Before we receive Holy Communion, three times, the congregation sings “lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”, expressing our longing for him, for the mercy and peace that only He can bring. And then the priest holds up the consecrated host and consecrated chalice and says, “behold, the lamb of God”, here He is, look at him, behold him, here is the one who takes away our sins under the appearance of bread and wine.

Our use of that phrase recalls all of those Old Testament stories and our belief that Jesus Christ fulfills what the Old Covenant foreshadowed. For when we celebrate Mass, we become present in that moment when God provides the lamb, as foretold in the story of Abraham and Isaac. We become present when the faithful lamb takes the sins of the world upon himself, and suffers death for our salvation, as prophecied by Isaiah. We become present when the blood of the lamb is shed, that the powers of death might Passover God’s people that they might be led out of slavery to the powers of sin and death, as in the Exodus story.

When we celebrate Mass we are mystically present on Calvary, on a Friday, strangely called, “Good Friday”, when the lamb hangs upon the Cross. When we are gathered for Mass at the foot of the altar, we become mystically present at the foot of the cross, as the lamb of God offers himself to God.

Yet, not only do we behold him, not only do we gaze upon him with love and thanksgiving, and praise him and honor the Lamb for his sacrifice. “Blessed are those called to the supper of the lamb”. The lamb sacrificed for the Passover was to be consumed. And so we receive the Lamb of God at Mass, broken and poured out for us, we consume him, so that as St. Augustine says, “we may become what we receive.”

On the shores of Galilee, after his resurrection, the risen Lord tells Peter, “Peter, feed my lambs”. The Lord refers to us as lambs, hungry lambs who need to be fed. We are hungry for God, we are hungry for the spiritual nourishment that only he can bring, the peace that only he can give, not as the world gives, but as he gives. We long to know that he is with us, that we are not abandoned to the uncaring coldness of the world, but we receive from God what we need in order to come to eternal life.

And we are fed at the Eucharistic Table, again, that we may become what we receive, that we may become like the one True Lamb in Spirit and Truth. We worship the Lamb, we receive Him, that we may become like Him. That his heart, obedient to the Father, may beat in our breasts, that his faith, his trust in the father’s will, his willingness to suffer for the good of others, may animate us. We fall prostrate before the Lamb, that we like him may be broken and poured out for others, for the building up of the church, for the spread of the Gospel, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

January 17 2020 - St. Anthony of the Desert - "Do you wish to be perfect?"

Most of what is known about the life of Anthony is from his biography written by St. Athanasius. Anthony was born in the year 251 in upper Egypt to wealthy parents.  Attending Mass one day he heard the words of the Gospel, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor.  You will then have treasure in heaven” Anthony told his disciples in later years, that it was as though Christ had spoken the words directly to him.  For he was inspired to take these words quite literally.

Anthony gave away some of the family estate to his neighbors, sold the remaining property, donated the funds to the poor, placed his sister with a group of Christian virgins for her education, and became the disciple of a local hermit in the desert, and devoted himself to God.   Though he had not sought it, a group of hermits grew around him, and he became their spiritual father, or an “abbot”, thus beginning monasticism as it is known today.

“Do you wish to be perfect?” That’s a question which reaches down to the root of our existence, doesn’t it? It’s a question every human person is faced with. Do I wish to be perfect and will I do what needs to be done in order to achieve perfection. For some people the answer is no. They don’t care perfect, they don’t want anyone telling them their not already perfect. They don’t want to give up their moral imperfections because of the effort involved, they don’t want to exert themselves to grow in virtue or to nurture spiritual gifts.

For Christians however, the answer must always be yes. I do wish to be perfect, Jesus show me the way. For many Christians, the way of perfection lies in putting our faith into practice in our private life, in our family life, and in our social life. We practice patience at work, and forgiveness, and even learn to embrace our sufferings in union with the Lord.

For some Christians, the way of perfection leads them to the desert, or to the monastery. Perfection leads them to an intense prayer and mortification and detachment from earthly pleasures—what the world considers important.

Not all of us can or should go out to the physical desert, but there certainly needs to be something of that openness to the desert in each of us, that detachment, even mistrust of material comforts, and the willingness to overcome all weakness of the flesh by learning strength of the spirit in deep communion with God.

May St. Anthony inspire us and aid us with his heavenly intercession in seeking the perfection for which we were made, in uniting our lives ever more fully to Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.

For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.

For the peoples of the world, that the Lord may preserve harmony among us.

For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may grant them relief and move Christians to come to the aid of the suffering.

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, for all monastics and hermits, and that all Christians may seek the perfection for which they were made.

For our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

1st Week in OT 2020 - Wednesday - Prayerful listening that we might hear

Prayer is an integral dimension of the Christian life. We profess our faith in our Creed, we celebrate our faith in the liturgy, we conform our lives to Christ through the moral life, but prayer cultivates the vital, personal relationship with the living God.

Prayer, certainly is as St. John Damascene explains, “the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." We speak to God in prayer using the words of the Psalms, or memorized prayers composed by the saints, or from words that spontaneously arise from the depths of our hearts and minds.

While speaking to God is certainly part of Christian prayer, listening to God is just as necessary.

In the first reading, Samuel is in the temple, but he was not accustomed to listening and identifying the voice of God. It takes an elder, Eli, to help Samuel discern whose voice he was hearing. And that’s wonderful—our prayer veterans should assist the young in developing an ear for God.  But it takes Samuel a few attempts to finally hear God clearly.

Prayer involves listening, developing an ear for God. We cannot hear if we do not listen.
Our daily prayer should consist of speaking and listening, just like our breathing entails exhaling and inhaling. Ah, and when we do--when we listen to God, we begin to hear the sound of living water rushing into our souls. The more we listen for God, the more we will hear. So let us cultivate that often neglected dimension of prayer: simple listening.

And when we develop that habit of prayer, we will also begin to hear God’s voice more clearly directing our moral choices, speaking in our liturgical celebrations, even ringing in our profession of faith. We might even hear him speaking using our own voice, when we comfort someone in pain, or explain the Gospel to those of weak faith. We might even hear Him calling us by name to endeavors we once thought impossible.

St. Paul says, “we do not know how to pray as we ought.” So let us become silent in prayer, with our ears turned toward God, that the Holy Spirit may teach us to pray and fill us with the wisdom and life of God for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.

For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.

For the peoples of the world, that the Lord may graciously preserve harmony among them.

For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may graciously grant them relief.

For ourselves and our own community, that the Lord may graciously receive us as a sacrifice acceptable to himself.

For our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.

O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

1st Week of OT 2020 - Tuesday - Pleading for New Life

For the next three and a half weeks, our first readings will be taken from the first and second books of Samuel. Of all the books in the old testament, why does Ordinary Time begin with Samuel?

Throughout the books of Moses, we read of the formation of the nation of Israel: we read of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the Exodus from Egyptian slavery, and the wandering in the desert for 40 years. After the desert, the Jews enter into the promised land, under the guidance of Joshua, who does his best to replace Moses as spiritual leader, as the twelve tribes embark on a, more or less, military conquest of the promised land. This gives way to the leadership of the judges, who are sort of these warrior chieftains who arise when Israel gets into trouble and needs to be delivered from her enemies.

First Samuel is a sort of prologue to the rise and development of kingship in Israel, a transition from the period of judges to the period of the monarchy.

And first Samuel, as we heard yesterday, begins with a barren woman, Hannah. She is a woman of virtue, loveliness, godliness, but she is barren. And today, we heard her weeping, copiously, pleading with God for a son. She refers to herself as the handmaid of the Lord, and promises to consecrate her child to God.

Hannah certainly reminds us, she foreshadows, the virgin of Nazareth, the handmaiden, full of grace, who submits her life to God, whose son shall be wholly consecrated to God. And yet, in her barrenness, she also reminds us, and foreshadows Elizabeth. Moreso, because Hannah’s son Samuel, will be a sort of precursor to the kingship, like john the Baptist, son of Elizabeth, was the precursor to the king of kings, the Christ.

Throughout Ordinary Time we read from the various books of the bible. We meet the holy men and women of the Old Testament, like Hannah and Samuel. And perhaps Ordinary Time begins with this story of God bringing life into a barren situation, because throughout Ordinary Time, as we read and study the scriptures, and practice virtue in our ordinary circumstances, God wishes to bring new life in us—in our family relationships, in our parish relationship, in our relationship with strangers and the poor.

May we, like Hannah, weep copiously, pleading with God for new life, placing our lives, entirely in His service, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.

For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.

For the peoples of the world, that the Lord may graciously preserve harmony among them.

For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may graciously grant them relief.

For ourselves and our own community, that the Lord may graciously receive us as a sacrifice acceptable to himself.

For our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.

O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

January 13 2020 - St. Hilary - Fishers of Men

On this first weekday of the new season of Ordinary Time, we honor one of the great Fathers of the Church, St. Hilary, a bishop of the fourth century. 

As the Arian heresy spread rapidly through Europe, St. Hilary was devoted to defending and spreading the Catholic faith, which upheld the divinity of Christ, which the Arians denied. Bishop Hilary was ostracized by his brother bishops who accepted Arianism; he was even exiled from France to Turkey by the emperor for preaching the truth.  Yet, even from exile, he worked strenuously to bring the heretics back to the truth.  When he returned from exile, his people welcomed him back enthusiastically. 

Today in the Gospel, we heard Jesus tell Peter and Andrew, “I will make you fishers of men.”  St. Hilary and the great saints show us what the Lord meant.  We, like the Saints, are to work to bring others to the truth about Jesus Christ—the fullness of truth revealed to and handed down from the apostles.

St. John Paul II would often challenge young people: “ask yourselves if you truly believe that Jesus is Lord.”  Because if you truly believe this, that Jesus is God, and that he teaches with the authority of God, then you must change your life, your life must give witness to this truth.  We must have the courage to witness in some way to those we meet today that Jesus is Lord, that he is God, that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I can’t think of a better saint with whom to begin Ordinary Time: for like St. Hilary, we are to be fishers of men. Our witness that Jesus is God, that Jesus is Lord is to permeate our ordinary lives, our ordinary day-to-day activity. 

In the opening prayer, we asked, “O God, grant that we may rightly understand and truthfully profess the divinity of your Son, which the Bishop Saint Hilary taught with such constancy”.  Likely, so many of our fellow Catholics who are not coming to Church have not allowed the implications of the divinity of Jesus to penetrate their lives. So let us seek right understanding that we might truthfully profess with St. Hilary and all the saints, that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.
That the Holy Father and the bishops may be always faithful in defending the Church from heresy and working for the spread of the true faith.
For Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January: that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.
For all Catholics who have fallen away from the faith, into heresy, schism or indifference, for all unbelievers, and the conversion of all.
That young people may seek Christ amidst all the chaos and distraction of modern culture.
For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, for those undergoing surgery this week,  that 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.

Baptism of the Lord 2020 - Healing those oppressed by the devil

For Catholics, the Christmas Season is marked by three great Feasts.  The Feast of the Lord’s Nativity, the Feast of Epiphany, and today’s feast of the Lord’s Baptism.

On Christmas, we journeyed with the humble shepherds to the manger in Bethlehem.  The poor shepherds give testimony: God draws near to the poor and the lowly.  The Most High God doesn’t simply love us from a distance, he comes into the grime and the muck of humanity—into poverty, filth, obscurity, and suffering to be among us, to save us from our sins, and to show us the way to true peace and freedom

At Epiphany, we journeyed with wise men from the east bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  The gold testified that he was a king, the frankincense testified that was God, , and the myrrh testified that he would die for us.  To be wise is to seek Him out, to kneel before him, to place our lives in his service.

On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, fast forward 30 years from Bethlehem. Jesus goes down to the Jordan to be baptized by John. As water is poured, the Holy Spirit descends like a Dove and the voice from heaven speaks.  So, at Christmas, we had shepherds testifying to Jesus’ identify, on Epiphany we had the wise men testifying who Jesus is, now at his Baptism, not only is John the Baptist testifying to Jesus’ Identity, but God the Father and God the Holy Spirit show up as well, to testify that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus is not just a wise philosopher like Socrates, he’s not just a moral teacher or spiritual guru .  He’s not a peace activist or political figure working for some earthly utopia. He is God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. His teachings are not just opinions; they are not amalgamations of human wisdom.

Nor has he come simply to teach us theological formulations or inspiring aphorisms. St. Peter explaining to a small group in the house of Cornelius says in our second reading, that Jesus came to heal those oppressed by the devil. St. John in his first new testament letter echoes this point. John writes, “This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.” Sin is so abominable in the sight of God that its various forms are said to be "the works of the devil." And Jesus has come to heal the effects of sin, to overthrow the kingdom of Satan. He came to wage war with the devil, and his baptism marks the beginning of this great and cosmic battle. As soldiers were anointed with oil before battle, Jesus, at his Baptism, is anointed by the Holy Spirit and blessed by his Father for this battle.

If we were to read on in Matthew's Gospel, following the passage we just heard, the Lord is immediately driven out into the desert by the Spirit where he fasts and is tempted by the devil. The Lord wins that first desert skirmish, a foreshadowing of his ultimate victory on the cross. But the Lord came not simply to resist the devil but to overthrow him. The victory, the coup, would occur on Calvary.

The Feast of the Baptism not only calls to mind the Lord’s baptism, but reminds us of our own. We who have been baptized, have been baptized into his saving death, as St. paul says. When we are baptized, the devil’s hold on us in unraveled, the effects of his malice upon us begin to be healed. We are given the strength to withstand the devil’s temptations, like our Lord in the desert.

But again, just as the Lord came not simply to withstand, but to destroy the works of the devil, so are we, by baptism, empowered for that same mission. We are empowered to be forces for good in the world, instruments of God, members of the fighting force against which the gates of hell shall not prevail, in winning back souls from the devil’s grasp, lifting the oppression of sin, and error, and confusion, and shame which comes from sin. Baptism reopens a conduit to heaven that had been closed by sin, a blockage which delighted the enemy. But because the life of Christ flows into the souls of the baptized, united with Him, we are empowered to bring the Lord’s power and love into hopeless, desperate situations, to work for peace and reconciliation, to bring the most hardened souls back to God. Baptism enables us to become with Christ, in the words of Isaiah in our first reading “a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.”

I am fond of recalling on this feast the catechism lesson Pope Saint Leo the Great would give to the newly baptized of Rome. He would instruct them, "Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God."

What powerful words that we should never forget. Recalling that we are baptized should bring us joy when we are sad, fortification to work against injustice, and strength when we are tempted, A powerful way to fight off temptation is to recall our baptism.  To say to ourselves, “wait, I’m a Christian, I’m not supposed to do that; I’m not supposed to talk like that. I’m supposed to act like Christ. I'm not supposed to ignore the needs of my brother. Christ, sustain me. Christ, heal me. Christ, you are my life and my love.”

Baptism is more than just a symbolic ceremony where we express our faith. Baptism is the greatest of the Christmas gifts—the gift of salvation, the gift which heals the oppression of the devil and unravels his works, the gift of God’s divine life within us, a share in his kingdom, power, and glory.
May the grace of our baptism be renewed and flourish within us, strengthening us in our mission to “go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them all that Christ commands and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Friday after Epiphany 2020 - The testimony of Baptism's waters

On Wednesday, I spoke about how it is fitting to read from the first letter of St. John during the Christmas season, as St. John takes up the task of explaining the significance of the incarnation of Jesus Christ and how that is to impact our lives as Christians.

God’s love is revealed to us in the incarnation, and so God’s love is to be revealed in our lives: God loved us, so we are to love one another.

Well, today’s readings are perfect for this particularly liturgical day, pointing us toward this Sunday’s upcoming Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord. For John today explains how Jesus’s divinity is was revealed through water. At the baptism, the heaven’s opened, the Holy Spirit descended, and the voice of the Father spoke, “this is my beloved Son”.

God testifies to the identity of Jesus. He is the Son of God. Belief in Jesus’ divinity isn’t simply based on human testimony, John says today, it is based on God’s testimony. John connects water and belief, baptism and faith, the revelation that Jesus is God and the possession of eternal life. A perfect reading to get us ready for the feast of the baptism this weekend.

But also our Gospel reading introduces the theme of cleansing. A leper falls prostrate before Jesus, believing that Jesus has the power to heal him, and he is made clean. Faith in Jesus leads us to the waters of baptism which cleanse us, not of the terrible physical disease of leprosy, but a spiritual disease far worse: the sinfulness which has caused death to our souls.

Today’s reading prepares us to celebrate the Lord’s Baptism this weekend, as the final feast of the Christmas season. The babe born in Bethlehem gives us new birth in the waters of Baptism. Faith in Him leads us to those waters, sanctified by him, by which we are reborn to eternal life.

As we come to the end of the Christmas season, celebrating the birth of our Savior, we consider the importance of baptism, and its implications. At his Baptism, God testified to Jesus’ identity. Our baptism impels us to do the same: to testify that eternal life can be found through faith in the Son of God for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
For Pope Francis and all the clergy: that they will draw many to the mystery of baptism and inspire the faithful to live their baptismal promises with great devotion.

For leaders of nations: that they will govern with virtue and integrity, helping to build society in conformity with the teachings of Christ. 

For non-believers and for those preparing for baptism: that they may be open to the grace of conversion and the joy of the followers of Christ. 

For the sick, suffering, persecuted, and underemployed, and all those facing hardships. 

For all those who have died, for all the poor souls in purgatory, for those who have fought and died for our country’s freedom, 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

Wednesday after Epiphany 2020 - Do not be afraid to love God

Throughout the octave of Christmas and continuing after the feast of the Epiphany, our daily readings are taken from the first letter of St. John. St. Augustine began a homily on the letter of St. John’s first letter stating that in his first letter, John “said many things, and nearly everything was about charity.”
It if fitting that we read from first John throughout the Christmas season, as we seek to love more deeply the Christ-Child born at Bethlehem.

The word love is used 11 times in our reading this morning. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us…God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him” and so on.

John enjoins Christians to love one another several times throughout his letter—fraternal charity is a mark that we belong to God. Love for others is a sign that we have been transformed—that we have allowed the life of God to transform us and to replace the hatred, bitterness, selfishness, and perversions of the world in us.

As we practice love, love is perfected in us, God’s life is brought to perfection in us. We grow in the virtue of charity as we practice it. The more we love, the more we grow in our capacity to love—love is increased and perfected by its practice.

If your soul were a container, how much love for God and neighbor would it contain? For some of us, our soul is the size of a thimble, little love for God or others. Many Christians, who have practiced love through prayer and self-less charity, their souls have grown to great basins of love. For few, like the saints, their souls have become ponds and lakes of love, seemingly bottomless. The Blessed Mother’s love for God and for her Son and for us has been described as an ocean of love.

The Christmas season aims to help us love more. So let us cast off everything, every selfish habit or pursuit, which keeps us from love.

In the Gospel, Jesus urges his disciples to not be afraid when they see him walking on the sea. He is not a ghost, he is not a figment of their imagination, he is not a myth, he is not just a story we tell to children. He is real. Do not be afraid to believe in him and to love him, do not be afraid to reject all that keeps you from loving him, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our Holy Father and all the clergy may be filled with courage in preaching the full Gospel, especially in the face of opposition.

That Christians may know the presence and love of God when faced with fear and suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

That those who despair of God’s love for them, might discover the great love that casts out all fear.
For all who have fallen away from the Church, for those in mortal sin, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts to Christ.

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

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

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

Tuesday after Epiphany 2020 - The bread of self-donation

Throughout the Christmas season, our daily Gospel readings expound upon the identity and mission of the Christ-Child born at Bethlehem. Yesterday’s Gospel told of the beginning of the Lord’s Galilean ministry. Jesus is revealed as the one who calls us to repentance, who is able to bring healing for all our physical diseases, but also our deepest spiritual disease. Jesus reveals to us the face of God who loves us, who desires our healing, our reconciliation with him.

What does today’s Gospel reveal to us about Jesus, about God? In the story of the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus is attentive to the physical hunger of the people who have come to listen to him preach. They have come to listen to Him preach because of their deep spiritual hunger. So he attends to both physical and spiritual hunger. Here Jesus reveals the face of God who desires to give us what truly nourishes—both materially and spiritually—our “daily bread” for which he teaches us to pray.

And yet, what is the nature of the spiritual nourishment Jesus provides? Well, the Gospel passage hints at what is later fulfilled at the Last Supper. Notice, when his disciples speak to him about the hunger of the people, the Lord tells them to feed the crowd. You, do something, you work to satisfy their hunger. You give them some food yourselves. There is something spiritually nourishing when we feed others. When we engage in the works of mercy we receive something greater than the physical, material thing that is given away. The great paradox at the heart of this reading is that giving bread to others is bread to us. The babe born in Bethlehem, Hebrew for “house of bread” has become the the bread of self-donation, and teaches us to become like Him.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus explains, “my food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish his work.”

In the first reading this morning, when St. John says, “let us love one another because God is love” he is not talking about love as emotion. Love—Agape—in the Greek—means giving yourself to others, giving of yourself for the good of others. So we are to “give of our selves because God is self-giving love”. 

Especially in the Eucharist we see that God is the spiritual food for our spiritual hunger. When Jesus says, “do this in memory of me”, yes he is speaking of the need for us to celebrate ritually the Eucharist, but also the need for us to give of our body and blood, to give our lives away as a sacrifice to God, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

That the Church may be attentive to the physical and spiritual needs of all.

For Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January: that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

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

Monday after Epiphany 2020 - "Light has arisen"

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.”

Despite the great Christian joy of Christmas, the Christmas season can be a time of great darkness: winter depression grows, loneliness is deeply felt, grief from past mistakes and sins often resurfaces.   Family tensions can flare-up around Christmas gatherings. I just saw a report that the divorce rate surges after Christmas.  “How things are” is found to be very far from “how things should be.”

Yet, at this very time, when darkness overshadows so much, the Church proclaims the true Hope of the World: Christ is the light shines in the darkness.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord, the revelation, the shining forth of Jesus as savior of the world.

On this Monday after Epiphany, the passage of Matthew Gospel describes Jesus starting his mission in Galilee.  Jesus’ Galilean ministry is a sort of Epiphany—Jesus preaching and teaching and healing manifests God’s light to a people in darkness.

He calls those in darkness to the light of repentance and discipleship.  Repentance and discipleship are the remedy for the darkness of the season. Christ is the remedy for our demons, our lunacy, our paralysis, our brokenness. In the light of Christ, our false hopes and the empty promises of the busyness and materialism of secular Christmas are exposed as illusions. And the true path to happiness, Christian discipleship, is illuminated.

The Gospel also tells us that the sick were brought to him.  If there is anything we still need to repent of, the Holy Spirit works to bring us to repentance and Jesus’s divine mercy.  But also, the Holy Spirit works to use as instruments to bring the physically, emotionally, and spiritually sick in our family and in our community to Jesus’ divine mercy, through our words, example, and actions.

May we be docile and obedient to all the Lord asks of us today, that we might be witnesses of his light, that his light may continue to shine on a people overshadowed by death, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

For the conversion of all those who have turned their hearts from Christ, for those who have fallen into serious sin, for a strengthening of all of the faithful in virtue. And That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure. And for Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January: that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

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

Epiphany 2020 - "Athirst for the Infinite"

At our Christmas Masses, I reflected on Holy Father Pope Francis’ apostolic letter on the meaning and importance of the nativity. I hope every still has their nativities set up, for we are still in the Christmas season.

In his letter, the Holy Father explains the significance of the different elements of the nativity scene. The dark sky represents how it is often in the dark times of life that we need to look for God. The humble shepherds remind us how it is the poor and humble who go out to greet the event of the incarnation. “The presence of the poor and the lowly in the Nativity scene remind us that God became man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his love and who ask him to draw near to them.”

On this feast of the Epiphany, I’d like to consider what the Holy Father had to say about the Magi. “As the feast of Epiphany approaches,” the Holy Father writes, “we place the statues of the Three Kings in the Christmas crèche. Observing the star, those wise men from the East set out for Bethlehem, in order to find Jesus and to offer him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These costly gifts have an allegorical meaning: gold honors Jesus’ kingship, incense his divinity, myrrh his sacred humanity that was to experience death and burial. As we contemplate this aspect of the Nativity scene, we are called to reflect on the responsibility of every Christian to spread the Gospel. Each of us is called to bear glad tidings to all, testifying by our practical works of mercy to the joy of knowing Jesus and his love.”

And then he writes something quite profound, he says, “The Magi teach us that people can come to Christ by a very long route. Men of wealth, sages from afar, athirst for the infinite, they set out on the long and perilous journey that would lead them to Bethlehem. Great joy comes over them in the presence of the Infant King. They are not scandalized by the poor surroundings, but immediately fall to their knees to worship him. Kneeling before him, they understand that the God who with sovereign wisdom guides the course of the stars also guides the course of history, casting down the mighty and raising up the lowly. Upon their return home, they would certainly have told others of this amazing encounter with the Messiah, thus initiating the spread of the Gospel among the nations.”

The Holy Father connects man’s search and thirst for God with our need to spread the Gospel. There are people out there, athirst for God, they search, like the Magi. Some of them, are certainly searching for God in all the wrong places, but everyone thirsts for God, for God has placed that thirst deep in our souls.

And, we who have encountered the Christ, like the Magi, must go from this place, telling others of our amazing encounter with the Messiah. We have a responsibility, to speak of our encounter with God, at Holy Mass, in the Sacraments, whilst in prayer, whilst in service. We are to speak of our encounter with the infinite God, so that others may know that he can be found here. Amidst all the scandals, God can still be found. Amidst all the technological and artificial alternatives, God still satisfies. Admist all the ugliness in our world and political discourse, God's truth, goodness, and beauty can still be encountered in the traditions of our Catholic faith.

“Dear brothers and sisters”, the Holy Father writes, “the Christmas crèche is part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the Faith.”

We do well, as we begin this new year, to identify those people in our life, members of our families and neighbors that we have a duty towards to pass on the faith. Particularly, if we have godchildren, at whose baptism we promised to assist in their religious formation. That role of Godparent doesn’t end.

The magi brought gifts to the Christ child. Well, we have an epiphany gift for every, a wonderful book by Catholic author Matthew Kelly, “Rediscovering the Saints.” Might I recommend, everyone take a copy, read the book, then give it away to someone who has fallen away from the faith or who could use some heavenly inspiration in their life. Read the book, share with them your thoughts on it, and why they could benefit from reading it.

As we humbly approach Christ in word and sacrament on this beautiful feast, may that encounter open us to the simple grace of loving him more deeply and desiring to share that encounter with others for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

January 2020 - First Friday Holy Hour - Bethlehem and Eucharist

Gospel - LK 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
 

Just 10 days ago, we sang those beloved words, “Adeste Fidelis, Venite Adoremus” Come, Ye Faithful, Come, Let us Adore Him. Well, tonight we fulfill those words. We gather this evening on the feast of the Holy Name, to adore the one who is called Jesus and Lord.

At Christmas, we looked to the crib, to the beauty of the crèche, and we were drawn to gaze with love upon the face of the Christ Child. We imagined what it was like for Joseph and Mary to see that face for the first time.

As they gazed upon Christ as he was that first Christmas in Bethlehem, we gaze upon Christ as he is, not just once a year, or once in a lifetime, but how he is every day, mysteriously under the appearance of bread and wine.

It is no coincidence that the word Bethlehem, in Hebrew means, “The House of Bread.”  St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta reflects upon the connection between Bethlehem and the Eucharist. “The Holy Eucharist is the continuation of Christ’s incarnation on earth. The mystery of the Eucharist gives us the joy of having Christmas every day. When we come to the Blessed Sacrament we come to Bethlehem, a name which means “house of bread.” Jesus chose to be born in Bethlehem because He would dwell with us forever as the “Living Bread” come down from heaven. When the shepherds and Magi came to adore Him, they brought Him so much joy with their humble visit to Bethlehem that their visit has been praised and retold down through the centuries. God has never stopped honoring them for honoring His Son in Bethlehem. So too, your humble visit to Jesus today in the Blessed Sacrament brings Him so much joy that it will be retold for all eternity and bring the world closer to His promise of peace on earth.”

In Bethlehem, the prophecy of Emmanuel was fulfilled: the prophecy of God-with-us was fulfilled at Bethelehem. So, too the Emmanuel prophecy is fulfilled in the Eucharist. For in the Eucharist God is truly with us. “Bethlehem”, says servant of God Fr. John Hardon, “is wherever there is a Catholic Church or chapel in which Christ is present.”

What an honor, then, for us to visit Bethlehem this evening, to adore Emmanuel, the Christ Child, to gaze on him in love, to ask him to bless us with his peace, to strengthen us in virtue, to nourish our souls with the wheat of his body and the wine of his blood. Bethlehem heralds the Eucharist. May our lives resonate with the peace of Bethlehem today and always, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

January 3 2020 - Holy Name of Jesus

On this 10th day of the Christmas season, we celebrate an event taking place on the 8th day of the Lord’s earthly life. According to mosaic law, Jesus was circumcised and named on the 8th day. One commentary explained why it was fitting to delay the naming of the child until after circumcision. It mentioned how only after the child becomes a member of the Jewish people through circumcision, only after he entered into that bond with God, should the child be given his Jewish name.

A names are important to Jews. They are not as frivolous as they are today. They are to be carefully chosen because a name signifies ones purpose, identity and mission. When God named Abraham, he said you are called Abraham because you are to be father-of-nations. So, those eight days before naming might give Jewish parents time to contemplate their child, to prayerfully consider a name that might signify what God wants from this child.

Mary and Joseph did not have the task of flipping through a book of baby names. For the Christ Child’s name was given to Joseph in a dream. No name has better fit a child in all of history. For the name of Jesus signifies his identity and mission perfectly. Jesus means “God Saves”. So, it is truly the “name above all other names” as Paul sings of today in our first reading.

A name that was whispered by Joseph, has now been uttered with love and devotion by billions of Christians throughout the centuries. It is uttered in prayer by holy devout souls, it is evoked for strength by martyrs at their time of death and all those asking God’s aid in carrying their own crosses. By it, demons are cast out, souls are reclaimed.

In one sermon on the Holy Name, St. Bernadine said, “Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary”

When I am waiting in line at a doctor’s office or grocery store, I like to slowly and simply recite the name of Jesus, to quiet the mind down enough where only the name of Jesus fills it. It’s a beautiful, simple, yet powerful way of praying, encouraged by the saints.

 After healing a man crippled from birth, St. Peter says in the book of Acts, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”. May we find healing and salvation from the sins and attitudes and circumstances which cripple us through the name of Jesus, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

For the conversion of all those who have turned their hearts from Christ, for those who have fallen into serious sin, for a strengthening of all of the faithful in virtue. And That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

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 the safety of all those celebrating the New Year this evening, safety from physical harm and preservation from sin.

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