July 31 2024 - St. Ignatius of Loyola - For the greater glory of God (AMDG)

 

While convalescing from a military injury, the young soldier Ignatius of Loyola discerned that the pursuits of the flesh, fame, wealth, and power brought him emptiness and disappointment, where the pursuits of the spirit, as lived out in the lives of the saints brought him a sense of peace and joy.

Ignatius uncovered a truth that runs through Scripture and the spiritual tradition. Seeking God, seeking to please God, obeying God, conforming to God’s will brings peace, where serving idols, seeking selfish aim, obeying only bodily appetites, conforming to the world brings exhaustion, unhappiness, guilt, and restlessness.

Vanity and the pursuit of renown animated his youth, but St. Ignatius came to recognize the importance of living for the greater glory of God.

In the reading from first Corinthians, St. Paul writes, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Those words no doubt inspired St. Ignatius’ formulation of the Jesuit motto, "Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam", which translates to "For the Greater Glory of God," 

And yet, the motto encapsulates a spiritual principle for every Christian—the need to orient our entire lives towards glorifying God in all we do. 

Even mundane tasks, when offered up to God—glorify him. This is why we do well to say a short prayer before meals, before undertaking tasks, before setting off for travel, before a difficult conversation. We pray that all that we do may be directed by God, for God, and towards God. 

Doing everything for the glory of God also means that we are to strive for excellence in our endeavors, our careers, our study, our relationships, our personal growth, our decision making—allowing our faith to guide everything we do. Excellence requires diligence, wisdom and openness to growth. 

Many of us are not in the habit of praying before our tasks. It requires us to slow down, to ensure that we are doing things for the right reasons with the proper preparation and seriousness. Excellence is rarely impulsive or hasty, it’s certainly not thoughtless and absentminded. 

In the lives of the saints we see that intentionality in their actions, they are careful to avoid offending God in their pursuit of obeying him and glorifying Him. They also cultivate a real sense of gratitude to God—for their life, for their blessings, for their salvation. They put away the foolish vain pursuits which leave us empty and sad, in order to pursue the highest good.

With the help of St. Ignatius, may we commit to the holy pursuits which will bring us joy—holy penances, holy work that will bring us the fulfillment God desires for us. 

May whatever we do today, be done with the intention of serving not ourselves, but the heavenly kingdom, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that we may always seek to glorify God in all our actions and decisions, and for world leaders, that they may put aside selfish pursuits and instead work for the good of all people, guided by wisdom and true charity. 

For the Society of Jesus and all religious orders, that they may continue to inspire and lead others to a deeper relationship with God through their dedication and service, and for those discerning their vocation or making important life decisions, that they may be open to God's guidance and choose paths that bring glory to Him.

For those battling addictions or unhealthy attachments, that they may find strength in God's grace to overcome their struggles and reorient their lives towards Him, and for those struggling with emptiness or dissatisfaction in life, that they may find true peace and joy in seeking God's will.

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 human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, 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.

Priest: Heavenly Father, graciously hear the prayers we bring before you. Through the intercession of St. Ignatius of Loyola, grant us the grace to grow in wisdom and love in order to serve you more faithfully on earth and so win a greater share of glory in heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

July 30 2024 - St. Peter Chrysologus - Importance of Christian study

 On July 20, the church celebrates the feast of St. Apollonaris, who was bishop of the Italian diocese of Ravenna when he was martyred in 79 AD. Today, 10 days later, we celebrate the feast of another bishop of Ravenna, Italy living about 400 years later, St. Peter Chrysologus, whose name means “golden words”. 

Bishop Peter of the golden words was known for his elegant homilies, over 150 of which have survived and continue to speak to us today. His insightful words attest to the early Church's beliefs on a number of topics including Mary's perpetual virginity, the powerful value of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Christ's Eucharistic presence, and the role and primacy of the Pope.

In his sermons, he preached against the Pagan errors that were seeking to corrupt the Christian faith; he urged his flock to receive Holy Communion frequently, helped them to apply the moral teachings of Christ to their daily lives, and urged a special care of the poor.

The sainted bishop considered learning as an obligation for everyone. To help develop our God-given intellectual faculties and to deepen our understanding of the faith, each Christian should seek to understand the Christian faith to the extent that our intellect allows. 

Personal study and group study of scripture and doctrine and theology can not only deepen our appreciation of our faith, it can help us to live it, and spread it. Study can help us be vigilant against error and help us deliver others from error. 

In the Gospel, the Lord explains how “A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil;”, well we need to store up goodness in our heart through study of our faith. To grow in authentic knowledge and understanding is to grow in goodness.

We live in an age of abundant access to resources that can help deepen our faith. Podcasts, videos, apps, online bible studies, websites dedicated to Christian faith formation are at literally at our fingertips. But still, study takes discipline. 

If our words are to become golden, they must be refined in the fire of truth and tempered by the hammer of discipline. 

Through the intercession of St. Peter Chrysologus, may our faith, hope, and love be deepened, perfected and shared for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For all bishops and priests and all preachers of the faith, that they may be gifted with eloquence and conviction to preach the Gospel effectively and lead their flocks to deeper faith, let us pray to the Lord.

For all Christians, that we may embrace the obligation to learn and grow in our faith, making use of the abundant resources available to us, let us pray to the Lord.

For theologians and religious educators, that they may be inspired by St. Peter Chrysologus to help others understand and apply the teachings of Christ in their daily lives, and for those who struggle with doubts or are tempted by errors contrary to the faith, that they may be guided to the fullness of truth, let us pray to the Lord.

For an increase in devotion to the Eucharist among all the faithful, a greater commitment to the works of mercy, especially care for the poor, and for the grace to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with renewed fervor. Let us pray to the Lord.

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 human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, 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.

Priest: Heavenly Father, through the intercession of St. Peter Chrysologus, hear the prayers we bring before you. Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom and understanding, in order to serve you more faithfully on earth and so win a greater share of glory in heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

July 29 2024 - Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus - Sibling Saints

 

We honor today three sibling saints who honored and served the Lord during his earthly ministry. In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus, who promptly emerged from the tomb at the Jesus’ command, no doubt offered gratitude and friendship during Jesus’ later stay at Bethany.

These three saints offer several lessons in growing in sanctity. Like St. Martha, we are to serve others in practical ways, including generous hospitality. Like St. Mary, we are to listen attentively to the Lord, pondering his words, taking them to heart, spending time in his presence, particularly in Eucharistic adoration. And like St. Lazarus, we are to obey the Lord to come out of our metaphorical tombs and live in a state of gratitude.

St. Martha is a patron saints of homemakers and domestic workers. St. Lazarus is the patron of gravediggers. And St. Mary of Bethany, a model of listening to the Lord, is patron of spiritual studies.

In the Gospels, Jesus himself foretold a time when families and households would be divided over him. “From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. Father against son . …daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law” and so on. 

So many families in our modern-day experience division due to rejecting Jesus and his teachings. So we do well to, invoke Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus for our divided families. For these sibling saints show us that family unity is possible when there is mutual love and faith in Jesus. 

These sibling saints, enjoyed a real, personal, and human friendship with Jesus. In so many ways, this is exactly what Jesus wants with each of us. He wants us to know the sound of his voice, to spend time with Him, converse with Him, and trust Him in good times and bad. His light fills our lives when we draw close to him in prayer, service, and trust.

We grow in friendship with the Lord by inviting Him into the home of your souls every day and throughout the day. May these three sibling saints help us to deepen our Love for the Lord for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that like Martha, we may serve others generously and offer hospitality to those in need. Lord, hear our prayer.

For all who seek truth, that like Mary, we may listen attentively to God's word and spend time in His presence. Lord, hear our prayer.

For those struggling with doubt or despair, that like Lazarus, we may respond to Christ's call to come out of our tombs and live lives of gratitude. Lord, hear our prayer.

For families divided by disagreements over faith, that through the intercession of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, they may find unity in Christ's love. Lord, hear our prayer.

For all of us, that we may cultivate a deep and personal friendship with Jesus, inviting Him into our hearts and homes each day. Lord, hear our prayer.

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 human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, 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.

Loving Father, we thank you for the example of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, who showed us different ways to love and serve your Son. Grant us what we need to know the benefit of their heavenly intercession and follow their holy example. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Last Supper and Eucharist foreshadowed

This weekend, we begin a five-week stretch of reading from chapter 6 of St. John’s Gospel in which the Lord feeds the large crowd through the miracle of multiplication then teaches them about the Bread of Life. This passage introduces us to concepts the Lord will realize at the Last Supper when he institutes the Eucharist.

Many non-Catholics deny that the Gospel of the miraculous multiplication has any connection with what Catholics the Sacrament of the Eucharist. But the connections are overwhelming.

First of all, notice that John records Jesus performing this miracle on Passover. Passover—the same jewish feast on which Jesus institutes the Eucharist at the Last supper.

Secondly, note that for this miracle Jesus sits down with his disciples on the mountain, just as later he sits with disciples on Mount Zion to celebrate the Last Supper. His posture is a connection with the Last supper.

And not only his posture, but note that commands the people to recline. At the last supper we read of St. John reclining on the breast of Jesus. It’s the only other time that posture is highlighted in the entire Gospel. 

Fourthly, note that at the heart of the miracle account, John describes Jesus multiplying the loaves by utilizing specific actions. he takes the loaves and gives thanks—identical actions to those at the Last Supper. And recall that the Greek word for giving thanks is “Eucharisteo”, which was the early church word for the celebration of the Mass.

John also describes the remains that were left over after the multiplication—the klasmata—in the Greek—the parts broken off—which echoes the Last Supper accounts of Jesus “breaking the bread” into fragments.

In the teaching that follows throughout the remainder of John chapter 6, which, again, we’ll be reading over the next four weeks, we’ll see even more themes that are repeated in the Last Supper. For example, in two weeks, we’ll hear of Jesus teaching about the need to eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have eternal life. Jesus foreshadows his own changing of bread and wine into his flesh and blood at the last supper and commanding his disciples to do this in memory of him.

With so many clear connections to the Last Supper and our church doctrine on the Eucharist, why do non-Catholic fail to get the point? Why do these insist on a non-Eucharistic reading of John Chapter six? It’s likely because they have separated themselves from the Church’s celebration of the Eucharist. They have done away with bishops who can ordain priests who alone can confect the Eucharist. So they falsely interpret the scriptures based on their separation from the deposit of faith.

But the Catholic Church, going all the way back to the apostolic age, has taught the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Consider the words of St. Justin Martyr from the year 150, whose feast day was back on the first day of June.

And this is a bit of a long passage, but it’s so fascinating. St. Justin writes, “And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together in one place, and the memoirs of the apostles (the Gospels), or the writings of the prophets (like our first reading) are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the presider verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things (as I’m doing now, in the homily). Then, we all rise together and pray (like we’ll do in the general intercessions), and…when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the presider in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings…and the people assent, saying “Amen”; and there is a distribution to each, and a partaking of the eucharisted substances, and to those who are absent, a portion is sent by the deacons.

So already in the year 150, we see the structure of the mass that we celebrate today.

And this food is called among us eucharistia, of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things we teach are true…For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but…we have been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word…is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh. For the apostles, in the memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, have thus delivered unto us what was enjoined upon them; that Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks said, “Do this in remembrance of me, this is my body” and that, after the same manner, having taken the cup and given thanks, He said, “This is my blood” and gave it to them alone."

So the doctrine of the real presence, is also clearly articulated in 150, just a few decades after the death of the last apostle.

Now consider what our second reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians adds to the conversation here. In the second reading Paul urged the Ephesians to strive for unity. This is why denominationalism and schism are not from God—Christians are not to separate ourselves from the teachings of the apostles. St. Paul urges unity, because Jesus at the last supper taught his apostles to remain as one, as he and the Father are one. 

And it is not a coincidence that the Lord’s own teaching on unity occurred while he was instituting the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the great sacrament of unity in which all people of all places are invited to believe and partake. Now of course, you should not partake, as St. Justin said, if you do not believe, if you are not part of the communion of the Catholic church. 

This is why we have the RCIA process each year. Every year hundreds of thousands of non-Catholics around the world hear the Lord calling them to the communion he emphasized at the last supper in order to be fed with the Bread of Life. 

Here at St. Ignatius RCIA, which will be called OCIA henceforth, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, will begin mid-September. So get praying now for that non-Catholic friend who is searching for a spiritual home. Perhaps say a novena for them, or a daily rosary for them, or make a holy hour for them, come and kneel before the Blessed Sacrament and pray that they can respond to Jesus’ invitation. And then, give them the OCIA flyer in a few weeks. Tell them that you’ll accompany them, if they’d like—how they’ll no doubt find the thing that they have been looking for, here. 

Last week, I asked you all to read through and try memorizing the 23rd Psalm. I’d love to hear how that went for you. But, consider how even that Psalm foreshadows the Eucharist. How our Divine Shepherds walks with us through the dark valleys and leads us to the table at which he feeds us for our earthly journey that we make come to the eternal banquet of heaven. There are so many souls whom he wants to lead here, to the table of the Eucharist. By our Eucharistic celebration may become effective instruments of our shepherd, instruments of Eucharistic faith, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

July 26 2024 - Sts. Joachim and Anne - Grace and responsibility of parenthood

 

At one time, July 26 was the feast of St. Anne only, and devotion to St. Anne goes back to the early centuries of the Church; in the year 550 the basilica in her honor was dedicated in Constantinople.  It is only recently, with the promulgation of the new calendar that St. Joachim was joined to his wife on the liturgical calendar.

The opening prayer for today’s feast references the singular grace bestowed upon Saints Joachim and Anne—that “of them should be born the Mother” of the incarnate Son.

Parenthood in general is a grace. It is a privilege to cooperate with the Creator in bringing new life into the world. Pope St. Paul VI in the opening lines of his encyclical on human life, Humanae Vitae, writes “The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely and responsibly with God the Creator. It has always been a source of great joy to them, even though it sometimes entails many difficulties and hardships.”

Parenthood is a grace and a responsibility that God gives to many couples. And through responsible parenthood, raising children in a loving and nurturing environment for the growth, development and sanctity of their children, parents work out their own salvation and grow in sanctity as they are faithful to the demands of parenthood. This was a grace and responsibility given to Joachim and Anne who for decades of married life experienced barrenness.

But Joachim and Anne were given the special grace and responsibility of raising the Blessed Virgin, the one conceived without sin—the immaculate conception. They would be part of God’s plan in preserving her from sin—they would protect her in a godly way from the snares of the enemy like no other parents in history. They had a role in forming the mind and heart and faith of the one who would offer the greatest “fiat” to God in history. 

And yet, we see that every parent and grandparent and spiritual parent has an analogous role—to help form the minds and hearts and faith of children to know God, trust God, obey God, and serve God. Parents do not just cooperate in the creator’s work of bringing forth biological life, they must choose to cooperate in God’s work of bringing forth spiritual and divine life in their children’s souls, by doing everything they can to help their children know, love, and serve God in this life, so they may be happy with Him in the next.

Through the intercession of St. Joachim, Anne, and the Blessed Virgin, may God bless all parents in their sacred duties for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that she may continue to honor the role of parents and grandparents in nurturing the faith of future generations, and that our parish community, we may support and encourage parents in their sacred duty of raising children in the faith. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all parents, that they may embrace their vocation with joy and responsibility, cooperating with God in bringing new life into the world, and for all grandparents, that they may be blessed in their efforts to pass on the faith to their grandchildren and support their adult children in parenting. Let us pray to the Lord.

For couples struggling with infertility, that they may find strength and hope in the example of Saints Joachim and Anne. Let us pray to the Lord.

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 human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, 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.

Hear Our Prayers, O Lord, and through the intercession of Sts Joachim and Anne, free us from all that keeps us from the love of Christ. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

July 24 2024 - St. Sharbel and the peace of holy solitude

 In the parable of the sower, this morning, we heard of the different types of soil which represent different responses that people have to Jesus’ Gospel invitation. 

Like the hard soil—some people have hardened themselves to the Gospel

Some people’s hearts are hardened to the Gospel—they have absolutely closed their minds and hearts to receive the Gospel—they are preoccupied with the matters of the world, and have no time and no desire to pursue spiritual realities. Some people are initially receptive and even enthusiastic about the Gospel, but discipleship is abandoned when it becomes difficult. But in some souls the Gospel flourishes—these souls receive the Gospel with understanding, with the willingness to suffer for it, making it the highest priority of their life.

Today we honor a saint, who did just that. St. Sharbel, cultivated the soil of his soul to allow the Gospel to flourish in his life.

A few months ago, a few priest friends and I took an overnight trip up to New York City. And wanting a few moments break from all the noise and cultural insanity of the city, we stopped in the great St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as they have a beautiful quiet adoration chapel behind the main altar. And after spending time with the Lord, and praying for the conversion of the city, honestly, we started to leave, when low and behold we came across a recently installed shrine to the saint we honor today: St. Charbel. 

The beautiful shrine consists is adorned with a hand-crafted mosaic depicting Saint Sharbel in his hermit’s robes standing amidst the mountains and cedars of Lebanon with his arms outstretched in prayer. And there at the center of the shrine is a niche containing first-class relics of Saint Charbel and a kneeler,  inviting pilgrims to spend time in silent prayer, much like that experienced by this renowned saint in his remote desert hermitage.

In the quiet and solitude of his desert hermitage, St. Sharbel made his soul into soil where the life of God flourished. St. Charbel said, “He who loves solitude loves God, for God is the only refuge where the soul finds true peace.” 

We are not all called to be hermits, though what a blessed life that would be. But we must all go to deserted places, like Jesus, to cultivate that inner peace that only comes by approaching God in quiet prayer. 

Our souls crave quiet contemplation more than our bodies crave food and drink, but we so often deny our souls what they need, and we are unhappier for it. We allow the thorns of worldliness to choke out divine life.

May St. Sharbel help us to clear away the thorns and seek the peace of holy solitude with God, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That every member of the Church may cultivate minds, hearts, and souls to receive the Word of God more deeply and fruitfully.

That leaders of nations may find guidance in the Word of God for proper governance and the pursuit of justice for all.

That Christian families may be places where the Word of God is studied, understood, obeyed, and cherished.

That the word of God may bring consolation to all those who suffer: for the sick, those affected by inclement weather or political turmoil, the indigent, those who will die today, and those who grieve.

For the deceased members of our families and parishes, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, and for N., 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 goodness, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain

July 23 2024 - St. Bridget of Sweden - Holiness in the different paths of life

 The Opening Prayer mentions how God guided Saint Bridget of Sweden “along different paths of life.”  Bridget was a wife, a mother, a lady-in-waiting in the royal court, a mystic, a third Order Franciscan, and finally a foundress of a religious order.  

Throughout her marriage to a Prince of Sweden, she was dedicated to the works of mercy. She even had a monastery built for the good sisters which she later joined after the death of her husband, when she renounced her wealth in order to live as the ascetical life as a Third Order Franciscan. Together they had 8 children, one of whom is also honored as a saint, St. Catherine of Sweden.

The Opening Prayer also referred to the Lord teaching her the wisdom of the Cross by her contemplation of the Passion.  At ten years of age young Bridget had a mystic vision of Jesus on the cross, covered with fresh blood and speaking to her about his Passion.  She received many such revelations which fill 8 volumes.

Through all those different paths of life, she sought to unite herself ever more closely to the suffering Christ. After ensuring the care of her children, she renounced her wealth and lived as an ascetic.  

It is fitting that her feast day is celebrated during the month of July.  For July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus and St. Bridget founded the religious Order of the Most Holy Savior who have a special devotion  to the Precious Blood of Christ.  The order is known also as the Bridgettines.

In 1999, Pope John Paul II declared St. Bridget a Co-Patroness of Europe, along with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross.

In his declaration naming Bridget a Co-Patroness of Europe, the Pope said, that Bridget of Sweden is not just a model for those in consecrated religious life, but especially for married people—that those who have “the high and demanding vocation of forming a Christian family will feel that she is close to them.”  The Pope emphasized how “she and her husband enjoyed a married life in which conjugal love was joined to intense prayer, the study of Sacred Scripture, mortification and charitable works. Together they founded a small hospital, where they often attended the sick. Bridget was in the habit of serving the poor personally. At the same time, she was appreciated for her gifts as a teacher”

We see in the Saints what life is supposed to look like.  The Lord guides us along many different paths an desires to teach us, like St. Bridget, the wisdom of the cross: that fulfillment in this life and happiness in the life to come is found, not in wealth and possessions, and making a name for ourselves but seeking the Lord’s will in all things, particularly in accepting the cross for the sake of the kingdom.

“Walking worthily in our vocation” may we seek Christ in all things, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That members of the Church, priests, religious, married, and single, may seek the kingdom of God His and righteousness and the Divine Will above all.

For an increase in vocations to the religious life, for the spiritual good of the Bridgettine Order, for third Order Franciscans, that our consecrated religious may continue to bless the Church by their faithful living of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Through the intercession of St. Bridget, co-patroness of Europe, for the conversion of the people of Europe from all that keeps them from following Christ.

That the sick, suffering, and sorrowful may know the consolation and peace of the living God.

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

Hear Our Prayers, O Lord, and through the intercession of St. Bridget of Sweden, help us, as we walk the many paths of life, to serve you in all things and come to the eternal kingdom of heaven. Through Christ. Our Lord.

July 22 2024 - St. Mary Magdalene - Delivered for a purpose

 It can be argued, that Mary Magdalene is the second-most important woman in the New Testament. Throughout the four Gospels, she is named 14 times, more than most of the apostles.  Yet, there is a lot of confusion about some of Mary Magdalene’s biographical information.

Movies like The Last Temptation of Christ and Jesus Christ Superstar portray Mary of Magdala as young, beautiful and as having a romantic interest in Jesus. We won’t even go into what Dan Brown, author of The Davinci Code has to say about her.  

There is no scriptural evidence that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.  Nor is she the woman to have washed the feet of Jesus, that was Mary of Bethany in John’s Gospel; St. Mark and Luke do tell us that the Lord had cast out of her “seven demons”. St. Luke also tells us that she helped provide for the needs of Jesus and His apostles out of her resources (Lk 8:3). And, unlike the majority of the apostles, she followed the Lord all the way to Calvary and stood at the foot of his cross with Jesus (Jn 19:25). 

On Easter Sunday, sent went to the tomb to weep for the Lord, but she soon encountered the Risen Lord. Faith and Love then impelled her to bring the news of the resurrection to the apostles.

Saints and theologians from St. Thomas Aquinas to the modern popes have referred to St. Mary Magdalene as the Apostle to the Apostles.

She wasn’t one of the twelve apostles, and she is not regarded as a bishop at any point by the Church, but she is called Apostle to the Apostles because she is the first to encounter the risen Christ, and she is sent by the risen Jesus to bring news of his resurrection to the other disciples. As the Opening Prayer stated: “Christ “first entrusted to Mary Magdalene the joyful news of his resurrection.” 

And that is the apostolic task of every member of the Church: to spread the good news about Jesus.

Whatever her past—prior to becoming a disciples of Jesus—she became a woman transformed by faith, hope, and love. Even the demon possessed can become saints and effective missionaries. She was delivered for a purpose, and so are we.

St. Anselm has a beautiful reflection on St. Mary Magdalene, in which he writes: St Mary Magdalene, you came with springing tears to the spring of mercy, Christ; from him your burning thirst was abundantly refreshed; through him your sins were forgiven; by him your bitter sorrow was consoled. My dearest lady, well you know by your own life how a sinful soul can be reconciled with its creator, what counsel a soul in misery needs, what medicine will restore the sick to health… Draw me to him where I may wash away my sins; bring me to him who can slake my thirst; pour over me those waters that will make my dry places fresh.”

May we, with the help of the Magdalene’s prayers and example, be made worthy, like her, of the promises of Christ, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

That all Christians may seek to imitate the examples of the saints and grow in the virtues of faith, hope, and love.

For the demon-possessed and those hardened in sin, that they, through the intercession of St. Mary Magdalene, may know true deliverance; and that young people may be preserved from evil, and discover the great joy of loving and being loved by Christ.

That Christians may imitate the generosity of Mary Magdalene in providing for the needs of the mission of the Church.

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 human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, 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.

Hear Our Prayers, O Lord, and through the intercession of St. Mary Magdalene, free us from all that keeps us from the love of Christ. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - The Lord is my shepherd

 In the scripture readings this weekend, we read of several instances of shepherds. 

In the first reading, Jeremiah criticized the shepherds of Israel—the kings and priests who were misleading the people. Instead of shepherding God’s people according to God’s law, these wicked shepherds were misleading and exploiting God’s people for their personal profit. Bad shepherds!

But our responsory sang of the Lord as the good shepherd of his people—the divine shepherd who leads and feeds and gathers and protects.

And in the Gospel, St. Mark describes the crowd as sheep without a shepherd. So Jesus begins to teach them. If we were to continue reading from St. Mark, we would read how the good shepherd then feeds the flock through a miracle of multiplying loaves of bread and fish.

God is a shepherd. Jesus in the Gospels even describes himself as the good shepherd. Our leaders are shepherds—they might be good shepherds, they might be bad shepherds. And we are shepherds. Every Christian is a shepherd, we are to shepherd souls to God. We are to feed, teach, gather, and protect those in our care and those wandering through dark valleys. The question is: will you, personally, be a good shepherd or bad shepherds. Will you lead people to God or abandon them to sin and error. May God help us to be good shepherds.

One of the great shepherds of my life was my grandfather, my mother’s father—Joe DeRubertis. Grandpa DeRubertis was a shepherd in many ways. He was such a leader of our family life and teacher of our history and culture and practical knowledge. So often we would be gathered at his table and sheltered under his roof.

My grandfather was one of four children of Italian immigrants. He was born here in Cleveland after his parents—Carmella and Luigi—come over from Campobasso through Ellis Island. His father, my great grandfather DeRubertis, built houses, and eventually saved up enough money to buy a farm out in Madison. And so my grandfather inherited that strong work ethic and practical skills of building and farming that he passed on to his family. Grandpa was very proud of his Italian heritage—and so there was always pasta, and homemade sausage, and homemade sauce, and wine and cheese, and music and certainly passed on his…appreciation of these fine things to us. And having served in the United States Army during World War II, he also passed on a deep love of country and civic responsibility. He’s probably why I get so teary-eyed on the civil holidays and can can’t sing our patriotic songs without getting choked-up. 

And grandpa was also a man of devout faith. I’ve shared before how he and grandma would go out of their way to pick me up and bring me to mass every Sunday morning. This weekend’s psalm was also very near and dear to my grandfather’s heart. He commissioned a calligrapher to write out the 23rd Psalm in beautiful calligraphy and he gave out dozens of copies of the work to friends and family, one of which hangs in my quarters over in the rectory. 

He really was one of the great shepherds—like the divine shepherd described in the psalm. Grandpa sheltered us, fed us, taught us, he gathered us. He’s no doubt one of the reasons why I’m a priest today—trying my best to shepherd you all. 

Grandpa’s been gone for 10 years now, and it’s sad to see how the family has scattered some—the absence of the shepherd has led to everybody going their own ways. But that is one reason why our faith is so important. Whether you had a strong family life or a weak or broken one, faith is so importance, because we are all members of a very scattered humanity. Especially these days, as the social fabric has deteriorated, next door neighbors might not have much to do with each other. The Good shepherd gathers his people—gathers all of us no patter our past—to be a people marked by faith and divine worship and love of Him and neighbor.

And this is one reason why the Good Shepherd has commanded his people to gather every week for Church, no matter what. It’s a divine commandment to keep holy the Lord’s Day. It’s a not a suggestion. The Lord doesn’t issue this command with a wink and a nod. Neither vacation nor sporting event, neither house guest nor family reunion, dispenses us from the shepherd’s law. Refusing to fulfill the Sunday obligation to come here to the shepherd’s house, to refuse that even once, is a serious sin that must be confessed in sacramental confession.

But again, why does the shepherd gather us? Well, to feed us, and teach us, and form us, and protect us, and lead us to the everlasting banquet. He wants us here because he longs for us. He longs for communion with us. He longs for us to become the people he made us to be. And that starts here. At the restful waters, he refreshes us from the weariness of living in this modern world. It’s here that he gives us divine protection from all the forces that assault us every day. He leads us away from idols and artificial substitutes which leave us empty and sad, and he feeds us with the Bread of life.

Speaking of being fed by the Lord, over the next five weeks, starting next Sunday, we are going to take a summer break from the Gospel of Mark in order to read from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John—the Lord’s feeding of the five thousand and his discourse on the Bread of Life. 

But, today’s scripture readings—wet our appetite—they are a very good introduction to get us thinking about the Bread of Life. Particularly that 23rd Psalm. The Lord is at our side through the dark valleys in order to lead us to the banquet. He walks with us during the dark times, even in the sight of our foes, and leads us here—to the table. He leads us to the table where we can be refreshed and strengthened with food from heaven—the food which enables us to come to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In the Eucharist, Christ the Good Shepherd has made himself into the food for the journey that guards our souls from earthly trials unto eternal life.

This upcoming week, I invite you to try something. I want you to try to emorize the 23rd Psalm. You’ve memorized the hail mary, you’ve memorized the Our Father. Memorize this passage from scripture. It’s one of those passages that’s so good to be able to recall during those difficult moments of life. When you memorize scripture, you internalize it, it becomes part of you. And this psalm can give you a great confident in the shepherd’s closeness to you. Learning the words of “The Lord is my shepherd” will help you to better know the shepherd, and where exactly he’s leading you, and leading us. 

Try it. For it will help you to become the shepherd God made you to be—for your family, for your neighbors, for your fellow parishioners—those who need you to be the shepherds God made you to be.

In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” And that’s an invitation—an invitation that he makes to each one of us, to withdraw from the noise of the world, and be refreshed. And going to a quiet place, with some scripture, like the 23rd psalm, and reflecting on it, even memorizing it, will bring you calm and peace, like nothing else. 

The Lord desires every day to lead us to restful waters and to the table of life. May we follow where our shepherd leads us in all things and in every way for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

July 16 2024 - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - Reaching the mountain which is Christ

 

Throughout the scriptures, we read of a number of the mountains of the holy land. We read of Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb—where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, and formed a covenant with the Israelites. Jesus taught on the beatitudes on a mountain, and he sweat blood on a mountain—the mount of Olives. Mount Olivet was also the place where the Lord ascended into heaven. King David wept on the mount of olives after having to flee Jerusalem, which itself is situated upon a mountain—mount zion. On Mount Tabor, the Lord became transfigured before his disciples, showing his divine glory. And on Mount Moriah, Abraham proved his faith. 

Today, we honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Carmel is in Northern Israel on the coast. It is where Elijah famously challenged the prophets of Baal and proved that the Lord is the one true God.

In the late 12th century, a group of Christian hermits took up residence on Mt Carmel to devote themselves to prayer and contemplation. They dedicated their chapel to Our Lady. Hence, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. 

The Carmelite order has certainly left a lasting impression on the Church. The Carmelite scapular is worn as a special devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel—seeking her protection special favor especially in being preserved from the eternal fire.

That outward devotion to Our Lady is of course meant to be matched and surpassed by interior devotion—the cultivation of the interior life: a life of recollection, prayer, uninterrupted oblation to God, continual contact, and intimate union with him. And Mary of course is the model of the interior life: the life wholly dedicated to the quest for God, wholly orientated towards intimacy with God.

The opening prayer today asked God that Our Lady might come to our aid so that we may reach the mountain which is Christ. Mt. Carmel, and all of those mountains in scripture, are symbols for the mountain that each one of us must climb, they are a symbol of Christ—who himself climbed the mountain of Calvary and now sits at the right hand of the father on the mountain top of heaven.

Christ is a steep mountain. But on this mountain journey, God teaches us by his commandments, he comforts us in our sorrows, he tests us to prove our faith, and he gifts us with moments of profound intimacy and transfiguration.

May our Lady of Mt. Carmel assist us by her example and heavenly intercession, that we may have the strength and grace we need to become worthy of the promises of Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For all Christians, that we may be inspired by the Carmelite tradition to cultivate a rich interior life and seek intimate union with God, and for our world, that it may be transformed by the power of prayer and devotion to Our Lady, leading to peace and justice for all. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling on their spiritual journey, that Our Lady may come to their aid as they strive to reach the mountain which is Christ, and for all people, that they may recognize God's presence in the "mountains" of their lives - in moments of revelation, testing, and transformation. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the Carmelite order and all religious communities, that their dedication to prayer and contemplation may continue to enrich the Church, and for all who wear the Carmelite scapular, that their outward devotion may be matched by an interior commitment to following Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death. And that the souls in purgatory may know the relief and assistance of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and for X, for whom this mass is offered. let us pray to the Lord. 

Loving Father, hear our prayers, through the intercession of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, grant us what we need, that we may reach the summit of holiness and dwell with You forever in the heavenly Jerusalem. Through Christ our Lord.

July 15 2024 - St. Bonaventure - The path of burning love

 In the early 13th century, a young boy named Giovanni di Fidanza became gravely ill, to the point of death. His mother, sought ought a holy man who had been preaching the Gospel of Christ throughout the land.  The preacher prayed over the boy, and cured him, and spoke the words, “O Bonaventura”—which is latin for “O one for whom good things will come”.  The miracle working preacher was of course St. Francis; the boy Giovanni, would later take the words of prophecy uttered by Francis as his name: Bonaventure. And good things certainly were to come through the life of this boy healed by the love of God.

Bonaventure entered the Franciscan Order at an early age. Because of his great intellect he was sent to study in one of the world’s great universities in Paris. He was so brilliant and holy that one of his professors said of him, “In Bonaventure, it was as if Adam hadn’t sin.” At the age of 27, Bonaventure was made a professor at that great school. At the age of 35, again, because of his wisdom and holiness, he was elected minister general of the Franciscans.  Bonaventure is often called the “second Founder” of the Franciscans because of the great impact he had on the order, particularly in stressing the importance of study and loving Christ with a burning heart.

Alongside St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure has been hailed as one of the two great pillars of high Scholastic. Pope Sixtus V made him a Doctor of the Church. As St. Thomas Aquinas is known as the Angelic Doctor, St. Bonaventure is known as the Seraphic Doctor.

And what a fitting title: for the Seraphim are the order of angels who serve at God’s throne and offer God constant praise, and the word Seraphim means burning one. Bonaventure loved God and served God with a burning love. His writings as a Doctor of the Church are filled with urgings to love God. “There is no other path (to heaven, to God, to happiness),” he writes, “but through the burning love of the Crucified.” 

Is your heart on fire with love of God? If not, why not? For our souls to catch fire, Bonaventure encourages us to strive to avoid sin, to pray for the healing of our deformed nature, to meditate upon God’s word, that our mind might be illuminated by the knowledge of divine things, and to practice contemplation, to focus our hearts and minds on God alone.

As we prayed in the opening prayer, that as we “celebrate the heavenly birthday of the Bishop Saint Bonaventure, we may benefit from his great learning and constantly imitate the ardor of his charity” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that through the intercession of St. Bonaventure, we may grow in both learning and ardent charity. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those whose hearts have grown cold in their love for God, that through the example of the saints, they may be rekindled with divine love. Let us pray to the Lord.

That this week’s Eucharistic Congress may help deepen our love and reverence for the Bread of Life. May the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist help us to live out our vocation to holiness with greater zeal, self-sacrifice, and trust in God.  

We pray for our nation: that we may be united by God’s Spirit, guarded from terror, observant of God’s Holy Laws, and vigilant against threats to our freedom, peace, and well-being. May the Wisdom of God guide our government leaders and legislators, our families, businesses, civil institutions, and all our domestic affairs. 

For those who are ill, especially children, that through the intercession of St. Bonaventure, they may experience God's healing touch. Let us pray to the Lord.

And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially X for whom this mass is offered.

Gracious Father, hear our prayers and grant us what we truly need that we may serve you with burning charity and come to the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Chosen to share the word of truth

This last week, I joined about 227 priests for a conference down in Wheeling, West Virginia hosted by the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. For a couple hours of each day, Biblical Theologians like Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma offered fascinating cutting-edge lectures on biblical topics. Each morning, Dr. Bergsma would lead us through the Old Testament foreshadowings of the Holy Spirit, and in the evening Dr. Hahn was lead us through the Scriptures, unpacking the biblical concept of prophets and prophecy.

Spending several days just immersed in the Scriptures together with brother priests from all over the country was really good for the old mind, heart, and soul. 

This coming week, I’ll be making pilgrimage with several parishioners and a hundred or so Catholics from the diocese of Cleveland, to join several thousands of fellow pilgrims from around the country in Indianapolis for the historical National Eucharistic Congress. I’ve put details regarding the Congress in the bulletin, and I ask that you keep me, the parish delegates and diocesan delegates in prayer this week. I hope to invite our delegates to share their experiences with the parish in the next few months of being sent on pilgrimage by the bishop. 

In the first reading, we hear about how the prophet Amos had been sent by God to a place called Bethel. He wasn’t raised in Bethel, which is in Northern Israel. Amos grew up in the south, in Judah. And Amos didn't have special prophetic training--he wasn’t raised in the Temple; he wasn’t attending a special training course or formal formation program for prophets. He was a shepherd and fruit farmer. As we heard in the reading, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.” 

But God sent the ordinary man, whose grow up in a simple family of agricultural workers to prophecy to the king of the north.

And God sent Amos at a very interesting point in Israel’s history. It was a time of relative prosperity, economic growth and military success. But it was also a time of rampant social injustice and religious corruption. The king and the national business elite, we might call them, were growing in wealth by exploiting the poor. Business owners were fixing their scales, cheating their customers.  The king allowed the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites to pervert the religious worship of the nation mandated by the one true God. 

And so God sent Amos to warn the king, to warn the leaders, to warn the people, to repent or there would be consequences. And was Amos’ message well received? Well, we heard today how the corrupt and idolatrous priest of Bethel, Amaziah, told Amos to leave and never come back, for God is not in charge here, but the king. The corrupt clergyman takes the side of the king over God!

The Word of God was not welcome in Bethel. The prophet is often tasked with sharing unpleasant unwelcome messages. The king doesn’t like to hear that he is not in charge of the universe. The prophet speaks truth to power, calling sinners to repentance, to bring their lives back into alliance with the one and only power that matters—God. If your life is not in line with God, you will bring ruin to yourself, to your family, and your nation. But that message is not welcome by those who cling to their earthly power and positions of privilege.

And to speak truth to power, God chose the ordinary farmhand, Amost as his prophet, just like Moses, who was a simple shepherd, and David, who was a simple shepherd, and the apostles, who were simple fishermen. What’s the lesson? Trust God. He calls ordinary people—manual laborers—not just people like us, but us, he calls us to deliver powerful messages rooted in the Word of God.

Recall that in our baptism, each one of us has become an anointed prophet. You and I have the task of being prophets. Well, what is a prophet? Remember, in the biblical sense, a prophet is not just someone who foretells the future. Christian prophets aren’t fortune tellers with the ability to predict the outcome of the World Series. But in Scripture what do we see the prophets doing? We them diagnosing the spiritual illnesses of kings and peasants, friends and family, and pointing them to God who alone can heal them. The prophet is the spiritual diagnostician who recognizes when someone or some institution is not in line with God, and says something—he does something. The prophet speaks the truth in love. 

Now, as a priest, certainly, I have a prophetic role, liturgically, I share in my homily, what the Lord has placed on heart through prayer, reflection, training and experience. And also in spiritual direction and counseling and the other different facets of priestly ministry, I have a prophetic role here in the parish. But ya’ll do to! Not necessarily liturgically, your prophetic role is fulfilled in gatherings of family, friends, and coworkers. When you take a family member out lunch and share your concern because they have not baptized their children and are not going to mass, that’s a prophetic action very pleasing to the Lord. When you share with a friend who has become consumed in materialism or fallen into new age or protestant error, that they would do well to come home to the faith, that’s prophetic. When you ask a coworker to stop taking the Lord’s name in vain and blaspheming in your presence, that is prophetic. And that’s part of our role in the Church.

The prophet Joel foretold a time when the spirit of prophecy would be poured out on all flesh. And it happened! Through baptism. All who are baptized are prophets. As Paul says in our second reading, In him we were also chosen, destined. We who have heard the word of truth, are to share it.

Now, scripture says, that prophecy is not a matter of personal interpretation. In other words, prophecy is not about sharing your opinion; it’s about sharing but the Word of God. And so we do well to be immersed in God’s word—the Scriptures--and the doctrines of our faith which apply God’s word to particular topics and circumstances. Read the bible every day. Read Catholic biblical commentaries. Catholic scripture studies. Podcasts that break open the scriptures. That you might be immersed and rooted in God’s word. Tolle et lege, take and read. So that you can be equipped with what you need for your prophetic mission.

In the Gospel, the Lord tells the apostles to take nothing—barely anything—for their prophetic journey: just the sandals on their feet and the word of God in which he had formed them. They were to trust Jesus—that he had given them everything they needed for the task for which he had appointed them. Trust God, that what you need is to be formed in the Word of God, so that you can help souls who are lost return to the Father, to repent, and be free of their demons. Some, like the corrupt priest in the first reading might not welcome the truth, but some people will, and there life will be changed for eternity because you had the care and courage to share the truth with them for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As you may have heard, seen, or read, yesterday, at a presidential campaign rally in Butler, PA, there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. It appears that the the former president suffered a bullet wound to the ear, while a member of the audience was killed by a stray bullet, and another was injured.

This is a sad, but, sadly not a surprising act, as the level of violent rhetoric in our nations political life has been on the rise. Please pray for our nation, for president trump and his family, for the safety of our political leaders, and for an end to domestic terrorism and the attitudes and actions which breed it.

Yesterday, July 13 was the anniversary of the third apparition at Fatima, when our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children, and introduced herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. The first apparition was on May 13, the same day that Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter’s square. Please pray the rosary for peace, safety, and deliverance from evil. Following the final blessing, we will offer special prayers (Leonine prayers) for our nation and for the repose of the victim.

14th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Monday - God, the Divine Lover

 Last week, our first readings were taken exclusively from the prophet Amos. Remember, Amos, born in the south, was called by God up to the northern kingdom of Israel, to preach during the reign of Jeroboam II, a time of prosperity, for some. The rich were getting richer by exploiting the poor. Idol worship also was prevalent during this time.

Today we began reading from the prophet Hosea. Now Hosea was a native of the north during this period of exploitation and social injustice and idolatry. Hosea’s ministry overlapped with the tail end of Amos’ prophetic campaign. 

And Hosea will pick up right where Amos left off: condemning injustice and religious deviance. Like Amos, Hosea called for repentance and a return to true worship of God and warned of impending judgment if the people didn't change their ways. 

While their message was similar, Hosea would adopt a different approach—his approach was much more emotional. Hosea described God and Israel as lovers, but Israel had turned her back on God her faithful husband and began an adulterous affair with the idols of the world. 

And although  he has been betrayed, Hosea portrays God as loving, faithful, longsuffering, who, while deeply betrayed by Israel's unfaithfulness, God pursues reconciliation.

So, in our reading today, we hear how God describes his plan to lead Israel into the desert that place where he provided for Israel during the exodus and He will appeal to her heart—he will remind Israel of the tender, personal communication, they once shared—he will make a heartfelt plea for Israel to return to the loving and forgiving arms of her husband. God hopes that the love that they had in the beginning would be rekindled—the early days of Israel in which Israel was faithful and zealous for God.

This passage shows that God continues to pursue a relationship with us even when we've been unfaithful. God is always ready to welcome us back when we’ve sinned. So too, God desires a personal, deeply felt relationship with us—he desires to speak to our hearts in prayer every day. A genuine relationship with God involves a deep, experiential knowledge of Him. This includes intellectual understanding of his ways, but a personal, lived experience of God in the concrete details of our life.

It's never too late to start anew in our relationship with God, rekindling the passion and commitment we may have lost. We do well to examine our personal relationship with God from time to time, and ensure that we are striving for a deep connection with God based on love. A healthy relationship with God affects all aspects of our lives - our moral choices, our emotions, our leisure activities, our involvement in our parish and politics. Everything. 

May we know God’s deep abiding presence with us by turning away from our sins and living in the embrace of his love for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that we may always be open to God's loving pursuit and respond with faithfulness and zeal. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who feel distant from God, that they may experience His tender call and find the courage to turn to His embrace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our society, that we may recognize and address the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable, fostering justice and compassion and that our world, often torn by conflict and division, may experience God's reconciling love and work together for peace and unity. Let us pray to the Lord

For all believers, that we may deepen our personal relationship with God through sincere prayer and lived experience of His presence and for those struggling with idolatry in various forms, that they may turn away from false gods and find true fulfillment in God's love. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the loving mercy of the Precious Blood of Jesus, be close to them in their trials.

And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially X for whom this mass is offered.

Loving and faithful God, you pursue us with unending love, even when we stray from Your paths. Grant us what we truly need to remain in right relationship with you and to be faithful in serving your Holy Will. Through Christ our Lord. 

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - My grace is sufficient

 In the lives of the saints, we find records of extraordinary mystical phenomena, special visions,  and  revelations from heaven.

For example, St. Faustina, the little polish nun from the beginning of the 20th century had visions of the Lord Himself, who tasked her with making known the message of His Divine Mercy. 

The holy children of Fatima, St. Bernadette and St. Juan Diego were visited by Our Lady.

St. Theresa of Avila, as well as St. Francis of Assisi, Alphonsus Ligouri, and St. Padre Pio are said to have sometimes levitated, they began to hover above the earth, as they became enraptured in mystical prayer.

St. Catherine of Siena’s life was filled with mystical phenomena: such as ecstatic raptures, and her mystical marriage to the Lord Himself.

The mystics experienced both mystical ecstasies as well as mystical sufferings: St. Francis, Padre Pio, St. Catherine, suffered the mystical stigmata, the wounds from Our Lord’s passion and crucifixion appeared in their flesh. St. John Vianney would be harassed and physically assaulted by the devil, often when a long-time sinner would be making a good confession to Fr. Vianney.

The New Testament describes several mystical experiences of the Apostle Paul: we know Paul had a life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. He saw the Lord, spoke with Him, and gave his life over to Him. In II Corinthians, Paul writes about being mystically brought up to the third heaven: I do not know what that means, perhaps he experienced levels of closeness to God in heaven like Dante in the Divine Comedy.

And, in the second reading today, Paul writes about an “abundance of revelations” he received from the Lord. But then, Paul writes of this very strange phenomenon,  “a thorn in the flesh was given to me,” he writes, “an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.”

Perhaps this “thorn in the flesh” referred to the stigmata, a wound from the Lord’s Crown of Thorns? But, we honestly don’t know exactly what Paul means. Some wonder if it was embarrassing skin affliction. Or it may have referred to a reoccurring sensual temptation, an unwanted attraction to something he knew was bad for his soul that he had to remain vigilant against. Or maybe he was referring  to a particularly difficult challenge in his ministry, a certain group of people that simply would not convert. But we really don’t know exactly what he’s talking about. We can surmise that Paul is clearly not talking about some little passing problem. It was a thorny circumstance that wouldn’t go away.

What we do know is what Paul tells us: he prayed to be delivered of this “thorn in the flesh”.  “Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me.” In other words, over and over and over Paul begged God to be relieved of this suffering. I think we can all relate to Paul here. Who here hasn’t had some challenge, some hurdle, some temptation, some suffering, that no matter how often we prayed, we couldn’t be rid of it?

I think many people who struggle with addiction relate to Paul here. Many addicts will even use the same language, “my addiction is like a demon that I can’t be free of.”

But no doubt, every one of us has some thorn, something physical or psychological, emotional or spiritual, some problem that won’t go away, even when we pray for deliverance, for help. 

So why won’t the Lord deliver us, why won’t he free us from our thorns? Likely, to teach us the same lesson he taught Paul. “Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you.” God wants to teach us that his grace is sufficient for us.

What do we mean by grace? The unmerited love of God, the strength and help and power that God gives…is enough. No matter what our suffering consists of—an illness, a loss, a temptation, God’s grace is sufficient for us…to what?…to flourish!…to become the people God made us to be! When the Christian is reliant on God’s grace we have everything we need to overcome temptation, to get through difficulty, to carry our cross, and to remain on the road to heaven. 

Every illness, every loss, every temptation, can become an opportunity to grow in grace. For the Christian, behind every curse there is a blessing, behind every suffering, there is joy, in knowing God’s grace sustains us.

St. Paul, St. Catherine, St. Padre Pio had these amazing mystical experiences, but they also had their thorns—they had great ecstasies but also great afflictions. And they teach us that the Christian life will always be filled with both: joys and sorrows. We will never be free from thorns during our earthly journey, but we are also never abandoned. 

The thorns are proof that God wants something great from all of us: he wants great trust in His grace, he wants not mediocre Christian faith, but great sanctity. He wants us to be the Francis’ and Paul’s and Catherine’s of this age.

The thorns are reminders that none of us are finished products: we never reach such a point of sanctity that we become independent of God. In fact, as the saint grows in holiness, they recognize their utter dependence on God.

In the Gospel today, Jesus Himself is rejected by his neighbors. What a thorn that must have been: to be rejected by the people you grew up with! So too the Christian, if we are living our faith authentically, it’s likely we’ll face similar rejection. You might be mocked for being a Christian, you might be mocked for going to Church every week, your children and grandchildren might laugh at your faith. But in those times, we need to trust that our task isn’t to be liked by everybody, but to share the Christian Gospel and to live the Christian Gospel faithfully. Being rejected for the Gospel isn’t proof that we are doing something wrong, but doing something right.

Similarly, remaining faithful to the Church’s moral teaching might feel like this painful thorn in the flesh. But we don’t just practice Christianity when it’s easy. We discover, like Paul, that our weaknesses are made strong by God’s grace, and what we endure for His sake brings about powerful conversions and transformation in our world and in our souls.

So pray for each other and pray with each other, to remain faithful when we suffer the thorns of this world. May we all come to really trust that amidst all the thorns and challenges and rejections and illnesses and setbacks and great sufferings of our lives, that Lord’s grace is sufficient. That through them, the Lord works to transform us into saints, into the people he made us to be, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

First Friday Holy Hour - July 2024 - The invitation to follow Christ in mercy and sacrifice

 

Like St. Matthew in the Gospel today, the Lord has given us an invitation: “follow me”. And that invitation has led us here, to the Lord’s Eucharistic presence.

With those two simple words, “Follow me”, Jesus transformed Matthew’s life. And Matthew? He responded without hesitation, leaving behind his old life to follow Christ.

Leaving something behind in order to follow Christ always leads to the transformations God wants for us. 

In the Eucharist, we see the same Jesus who dined with tax collectors and sinners. He continues to invite us – sinners though we are – to His heavenly banquet. Just as He transformed bread and wine into His body and blood, He seeks to transform our lives through the Eucharist—in our adoration of the Eucharist and of course our reception of the Eucharist at mass.

The Pharisees questioned why Jesus ate with sinners. Yet here we are, sinners ourselves. As Jesus said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do." In the Eucharist, we find our divine physician, healing our souls and nourishing us for our journey of faith.

Christ's words, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice," take on profound meaning in light of the Eucharist in which Jesus offers Himself as both the mercy we receive and the sacrifice that saves us. He invites us not because of our worthiness, but because of His limitless love and mercy.

As we adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, let us reflect:

How is Christ calling us to follow Him more closely through our devotion to the Eucharist?

What must we leave behind to respond more fully to His invitation?

To whom are we being challenged to extend the same mercy to others that Christ extends to us?

How is God calling me to sacrifice more fully my time, talent, and treasure for the mission of the Church?

May this time of adoration deepen our love for the Eucharist and strengthen our resolve to follow Christ. Let us allow the transformative power of His presence to change us, just as it changed Matthew, so that we may become living witnesses of His love and mercy in the world for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

13th Week of Ordinary Time 2024 - Friday - "I desire mercy"

 Earlier in the week, we considered how the prophet Amos was sent by God to the northern kingdom, particularly those with economic, social, and political power, taking them to task for their mistreatment of the needy, poor, and afflicted—enriching themselves at the expense of the vulnerable.

In today’s reading we hear about how the greedy merchants were eager for the religious feasts to be over so that they could return to their unethical business practices. They would “add to the weights, and fix their scales for cheating”. In other words, they would falsify the volume of their product and the price of the product, so that the buyer would be doubly cheated. 

This passage is certainly a warning from the word of God for all those engaged in business. However, Amos also describes how these sins against the poor were bringing destruction to the kingdom. Theft and exploitation and greed are antithetical to the order of God. 

In its section on the seventh commandment’s prohibition of theft, the catechism talks about how “those responsible for business enterprises have a responsibility to society for the economic and ecological effects of their operations. They have an obligation to consider the good of persons and not only the increase of profits.”

Now, most of us do not own our own businesses, but there is certainly a lesson here for all of us. You don’t have to own a business to be tempted by greed or covetousness or pure self-interest. Only thinking about yourself is bad for you and for everybody. Rather, the individual and society thrive when each of us aims at the highest good for ourselves and others. Christ-like sacrificial self-giving which alleviates the burdens of others and works for their betterment, is good pro omnibus et singulis—for all and for the individual.

Catechism says, “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you"; "you received without pay, give without pay." It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones.”

This is why in the Gospel, the Lord tells the pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy”. 

When we engage in works of mercy-- coming to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities—instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, feeding, clothing, healing, and visiting the lonely, we transform lives and the fabric of our society. May we be found in all of our dealings to be honest, generous, and merciful for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For all Christians, that we may heed the call to show mercy and compassion in our daily lives, recognizing Christ in the face of the poor and marginalized. Let us pray to the Lord.

That the values of the kingdom of God may guide our government leaders and legislators, our families, businesses, civil institutions, and all our domestic affairs. 

For those suffering from poverty and exploitation: may they find relief and support through the work and charity of the Church and people of good will, and for the conversion of the greedy and selfish.

That our parish may continue to respond generously to the needs of our neighbors. 

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the loving mercy of the Precious Blood of Jesus, be close to them in their trials.

And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially 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

July 4 2024 - Independence Day - No national Freedom without spiritual and moral freedom

 As we gather today to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on the values and freedoms that define our nation. Today’s reading from Galatians offers us profound insights into living a life guided by the Spirit, which aligns beautifully with the principles of freedom and justice that we hold dear as Americans.

Saint Paul tells us, “For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.”  This struggle is something we all experience. It is the battle between our earthly desires and our higher calling to live according to the Spirit of God.

On this Independence Day, we are reminded that the freedom to pursue liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness—requires a deeper freedom. True freedom is pursued not in indulging our every desire but in living by the Spirit.

Our nation's founding fathers envisioned a land where liberty and justice prevail, but they also understood that true freedom requires a moral foundation. They knew that without virtue, freedom could easily devolve into chaos and self-destruction. Saint Paul warns us of the “works of the flesh,” such as immorality, impurity, jealousy, and selfishness, which lead us away from the kingdom of God. These vices not only enslave the individual but also corrode the very fabric of our society. The inevitable consequence of abusing freedom is loosing freedom.  Bad habits which start out as cobwebs can end up as chains.  

Rather, on this Independence Day, we renew our commitment to live by the Spirit, which brings forth the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are the bedrock of a truly free and just society; they are the hallmarks of a life led by the Spirit, a life of true freedom.  When we embody these fruits, we contribute to the common good, nurturing a nation where every person can flourish.

Living by the Spirit means more than avoiding sin; it means actively pursuing a life of virtue. It means loving our neighbors, seeking peace, showing kindness and generosity, being faithful in our commitments, practicing gentleness, and exercising self-control. 

Our freedom as a nation was hard-won and is maintained through the sacrifices of many. Similarly, our spiritual freedom was purchased at a great price—through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Paul reminds us, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires."

National freedom and the active, intentional turning away from vice and nurturing spiritual fruit are all intertwined. Which is why as Christians, we seek spiritual and moral reform for ourselves, and pray for it in our neighbors. We are to witness to them what authentic freedom looks like—a life surrendered to Christ, in which spiritual fruit is evident and abundant.

We all have a responsibility to make this country great, to build it up, and to preserve freedom. But more effective than political activism or internet arguments is your personal sanctification. You and I becoming the saints God made us to be, but turning away from vice and practicing heroic virtue, is the reform our nation needs. 

The soul’s union with Christ through the Holy Spirit is the greatest defense against tyranny. For freedom of the Spirit is freedom against every earthly and spiritual evil.

May our nation be blessed, in its citizens and institutions with true moral and spiritual freedom for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Please stand for our petitions.  Our petitions this morning are those composed for the inauguration of President George Washington by Archbishop John Carroll, First Roman Catholic bishop in our country whose brother Charles Carroll was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

We pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations ... 

We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty. 

We pray for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they maybe enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability. 

We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. 

And we pray especially for all of our countrymen who have gone before us in faith, for all those who have fought and died for our country’s freedom, for all the of the deceased members of our family and friends, and for N., for whom this Mass is offered.  Hear the petitions we have thus voiced, and those we hold in the silence of our hearts. This we ask through Christ our Lord.

July 3 2024 - St. Thomas the Apostle - Doubt and Faith

 Doubt. For his moment of incredulity, St. Thomas is associated with doubt. Is doubt good or bad? Well, that depends. 

Doubt can sometimes be a very good thing.  If we believed every advertisement, every swindler and snake oil salesman, and scam artist, we would be broke. If we believed every new age guru, self-help expert, alien abductee, we’d be drawn away from the truth of Christ. If we believed everything we heard, every exaggerating politician or family member, then our mind would be filled with so many contradictory ideas, we wouldn’t be able to function.  In an era of fake news, Artificial Intelligence created deep-fakes, and internet scams, doubt can be a very good thing.

Our justice system requires us to doubt a person’s guilt; we are to presume innocence unless it can be disproven beyond a reasonable doubt. Scripture even tells us to be on guard against false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and those who only tell us what we want to hear.

On the other hand, Scripture condemns the sort of doubt that undermines our faith in God.

The letter of James says, “the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind”. When St. Peter began to sink after walking toward Jesus on the water, the Lord says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt” St. Paul writes to the Romans, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”

Doubt which preserves us from being duped and swindled and taken advantage of—that’s the good sort of doubt; and then there is the sinful doubt which keeps us from putting our faith in God, that’s the bad kind of doubt.

But notice, in his alleged doubt, Thomas possesses an openness to the truth. “If I can see his wounds, I will believe.” 

The catechism differentiates between voluntary and involuntary doubt. One is sinful, one is not. Catechism says, Voluntary doubt about the faith disregards or refuses to hold as true what God has revealed and the Church proposes for belief. Involuntary doubt refers to hesitation in believing, difficulty in overcoming objections connected with the faith, or also anxiety aroused by its obscurity. If deliberately cultivated, doubt can lead to spiritual blindness (CCC 2088).

Voluntary doubt about matters of faith is truly dangerous. It is a violation of the first commandment which “requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance, and to reject everything that is opposed to it” (CCC 2088). It is a sin against faith. In the face of involuntary doubt, we, like Apostle Thomas, need to seek the Truth, to be open to the Truth, and when Truth is made known, we are to change our life accordingly. 

And St. Thomas did that, to a heroic degree. After Pentecost, he marched across the known earth, preaching the Good News to the Persians and Medes, until he reached India, where he evangelized and was eventually martyred in 72 A.D. by those who refused to believe.

May we who have come to believe through the testimony of the apostles, through the intercession of St. Thomas, come to that blessedness promised by our Lord, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that like St. Thomas, we may boldly proclaim our faith in the risen Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with doubt, that through the example of St. Thomas, they may find renewed faith and trust in God. Let us pray to the Lord.

For missionaries around the world, inspired by St. Thomas's journey to India, that they may courageously share the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.

For architects and builders, under the patronage of St. Thomas, that their work may glorify God and serve humanity. Let us pray to the Lord.

For unity among Christians, that we may heal divisions and work together to build up the Body of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our community, that we may grow in faith and be willing to touch the wounds of Christ in those who suffer. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the loving mercy of the Precious Blood of Jesus, be close to them in their trials.

And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially X for whom this mass is offered.

Gracious Father, hear our prayers, through the intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle, grant us what we truly need to strengthen our faith, deepen our trust, and open our eyes to Your presence among us. Make us your servants to the ends of the earth, through Christ our Lord.