November 22 2024 - St. Cecilia - Consolation and Challenge of the Gospel

 

Our first readings at Mass this week have been taken from the Book of Revelation. On Wednesday, we read of John’s Vision of the Heavenly throne room filled with angels and saints singing God’s praises. A thousand years before St. John was born, the prophet Ezekiel had a similar vision at the beginning of his life as a prophet—a vision of the throne room of heaven with God seated on the throne surrounded by heavenly creatures.

In today’s reading, John is handed a scroll and told to eat the scroll. Here is another parallel to Ezekiel. Ezekiel, was handed a scroll by an angel and told to eat it and that the scroll would be sweet as honey, but sour to the stomach.

What’s going on here?

First of all, these parallels with Ezekiel indicate the importance of John’s visions. Just as Israel needed to take Ezekiel’s prophetic messages seriously, now the Church needs to take John’s messages seriously. So the message of the Book of Revelation is to be taken very seriously.

And like Ezekiel’s prophecy, John’s Revelation is both Sweet and Sour. Sweet in that it contains consolations, sour in that it communicates challenge.

It is consoling to read in the Book of Revelation how God is aware of the challenges of being a Christian in the world. He knows the hostility the world has for the Gospel—he knows the sufferings we endure for being a follower of Jesus. And the message of the book of Revelation is that God is going to deliver his people from the hands of the wicked. But that’s also a word of warning to the wicked, isn’t it. You better align yourself with God. You better repent, before it is too late.

The scroll is sweet, the message of the Gospel is consoling because it promises eternal life, but it is also sour and bitter, because the Gospel tells us that we, like Jesus, must take up our own crosses and follow him.

Today the Church celebrates an early Roman martyr: St. Cecilia. St. Cecilia was a life-long Christian, she loved Jesus more than anything. But living in a time of Christian persecution, Cecilia was arrested and sentenced to death by beheading. The legend states that her executioner failed at beheading her multiple times. And as Cecilia lay dying in her cell for three days, she sang God’s praises. In pain, as she lay dying, she and praised God.

She accepted the bitterness of the Gospel because she knew that believing in and following Jesus leads to eternal life. And that sweet message of salvation consoled her so much, that she was filled with song and praise as her earthly life ended, knowing that heaven awaited her.

We honor St. Cecilia today, knowing that she teaches us to deepen our hope in the promises of Jesus—that those who die with Him as Lord will be raised to everlasting life, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Let us bring our prayers and petitions before God, whose Word is sweet and consoling, yet challenges us to take up our cross and follow Christ.

For the Church, that she may faithfully proclaim the message of the Gospel, sweet in its promises and challenging in its demands, and guide the faithful to eternal life.

For leaders of nations, that they may align themselves with God’s justice and promote peace, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity.

For all those who suffer persecution for their faith in Christ, that they may be strengthened by the example of the martyrs and remain steadfast in their hope of eternal life.

For all who are sick, lonely, or in pain, that they may find consolation in God’s promise to deliver His people from suffering and bring them eternal peace.

For all the faithful departed, that they may share in the sweet promise of eternal life with Christ, especially those who bore witness to Him through suffering.

God of eternal sweetness and truth, you call us to embrace both the consolations and the challenges of the Gospel. Hear our prayers and grant us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

 

33rd Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Living with Awe, Trust, and Hope

 

We continue to read from the book of Revelation until the end of the liturgical year.

Having concluded the messages to seven churches, John is given a vision of the throne room of heaven: the beautiful and majestic creator of the universe, sits on a throne, and shining like precious gems, receives the worship of his heavenly court.  These verses evoke awe and wonder at the majesty of God, and they are reminiscent of heavenly visions described in the Old Testament—especially the vision of Ezekiel. 

In the first three chapters of the Book, we heard the messages to the seven churches and how many of them are experiencing persecutions and suffering for the Gospel. 

Chapter four begins with this vision of the glorious king of heaven. And reading on we will discover that the glorious king is not just sitting in heaven aloof or unconcerned with the plight of his Church. Like he announces to Moses in the burning bush, he has heard the cries of his people. And he is about to do something about it. 

And so the rest of the book of Revelation will detail how God’s plan of salvation comes to perfect completion. Scrolls will be opened, seals will be broken, trumpets will be sounded, angels will be sent, bowls of plagues and cataclysms will be poured out, as God’s justice is meted out, evil is conquered for ever, and the final chapters of human history on earth come to a close, before ushering in the new creation, a new heavens and a new earth.

Revelation is an absolutely fascinating book of the Bible that we are honored to read through during these last days of the liturgical year, reminding us that God is at work to bring about his justice, and that all things must come to an end in order to begin something new.

As we reflect on these readings from Revelation, let us draw practical lessons for our daily living.

First, cultivate a sense of awe and worship in your prayer life. Spend time adoring God for who He is—not just for what He does for us. Let the grandeur of this vision inspire a deeper reverence in your heart.

Second, trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as He hears the cries of His people and acts in Revelation, He is attentive to our struggles today. Whatever challenges you face, surrender them to the Lord, knowing that His justice and mercy are at work.

Finally, live with hope and readiness. Revelation reminds us that history is moving toward a glorious fulfillment in Christ. Let this inspire you to persevere in faith and to share the good news with others, so they too may share in the promise of the new creation.

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, let these truths strengthen your faith and renew your commitment to live as a disciple of the Risen Lord for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Trusting in God’s sovereignty, we bring our prayers before the Lord, who hears the cries of His people.

For the Church, that she may continue to proclaim the majesty of God and inspire the faithful to live lives of awe and worship

For world leaders, that they may govern with justice and seek peace, mindful that God’s sovereignty calls all to account

For those who are persecuted or suffering for the Gospel, that they may find strength and hope in God’s promise to bring His justice to completion

For our community, that we may deepen our trust in God’s providence and live with readiness for the fulfillment of His divine plan

For all of the sick and the suffering and those who feel overwhelmed by life’s trials, that they may surrender their challenges to the Lord and experience His mercy and peace

For the faithful departed, for whom we pray in a special way during this month of November, that they may share in the glory of the new creation and behold God’s face in the eternal kingdom, especially N. 

Almighty God, you are the King of heaven and earth, and your plan of salvation is perfect and just. Hear our prayers, strengthen our faith, and guide us as we await the new creation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Left Behind and the End Times

 

Around the time I was entering high school in the mid 1990s, there was a series of books that become rather popular called the “Left Behind” series. These books were fictionalized narratives of the so-called End Times—what the world might be like and what events might take place prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of time.

Several of these books spent time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and they were particularly popular among Evangelical Christians. The series was even adapted into several films, graphic novels, and video games. 

I don’t think they made quite the splash in Catholic circles, as the books espouse theology that Catholics find problematic. Nevertheless, their popularity in this country says something about a fascination and Christian concern with the end times. 

The end times---they are a common theme in Scripture, and there is a field of theology which includes the study of the end times called Eschatology. Eschatology considers topics like death, judgment, purgatory, hell, heaven, and eternal life. Eschatology looks to scripture passages like our readings today. Daniel’s description of the separation of the wicked from the righteous at the end of time, and Our Lord’s description of the celestial events proceeding his second coming, help us gain theological understanding of God’s plan for what will happen at the conclusion of salvation history. 

Now, the “Left Behind” series is not the first example of modern fiction to take on these subjects. In fact, there was a book at the turn of the 20th century written by a Catholic priest, Monsignor Robert Benson, called “The Lord of the World” which centers on the rise of an antichrist figure and his plans against the Church prior to the end of the world. Both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have called Msgr. Benson’s book prophetic. I found it captivating. So, if you want some good Catholic eschatological fiction, pick up a paper or audio copy of Monsignor Benson’s “The Lord of the World.”

But while fiction can give us an imaginative window into the end times, it is important that we ground our understanding in the truth of God’s Word and the teachings of the Church. So what are some lessons about the End Times from today’s readings?

Let’s begin with Daniel. The prophet speaks of a time of great distress—a tribulation unlike anything experienced since the beginning of nations. So God’s word foretells a terrible global turmoil prior to the end. Daniel also delivers a promise of hope: “Your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book.” No earthly disaster can separate us from God. The righteous shall live forever. 

“Some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.” Here Daniel foretells the eternal separation of the righteous and the wicked. In the end, each and every person every to have existed will be judged by God. The righteous—those who align themselves with God’s will—will “shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament.” And those who fail to align themselves with God will be an eternal disgrace. Could you imagine a worse fate? To be considered in the eyes of God a disgrace as a human being--due to squandering the opportunity at eternal life in God's presence.

This passage certainly invites us to live lives of wisdom and holiness now, knowing our choices have eternal consequences.

Turning to the Gospel, Lord Jesus paints a dramatic picture of the end times: the sun darkens, stars fall, creation comes to an end as the Son of Man of man’s second coming. The imagery is stark, yet it’s not meant to terrify us. Instead, Jesus urges us to be vigilant. He uses the example of the fig tree: just as its budding branches signal the arrival of summer, so too will signs point to His coming. However, the key takeaway is this: “Of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

It’s not for us to know when the end will come. Rather, our task is to live each day as if it could be the last, rooted in faith and trust in God’s providence. Speculation and fear over the specifics of the end times are distractions from what truly matters: how we live our lives here and now.

So, what practical advice can we draw from these readings?

Firsly, we are to Live with an Eternal Perspective: Daniel’s vision reminds us that our actions have eternal consequences. Do we live in a way that reflects our hope in the resurrection? Do we live just lives—giving to God what belongs to God and neighbor what belongs to neighbor, helping others to know God’s love, and shining as lights in the world?

Secondly, we are to Cultivate Vigilance and Readiness: Jesus’ parable of the fig tree teaches us to stay attentive. This doesn’t mean living in fear but being spiritually prepared. Regular prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and daily acts of charity help us remain ready for Christ’s coming—whether at the end of time or the end of our lives.

Thirdly, we are to Trust in God’s Timing: We are reminded that “no one knows” the day or hour. Trying to predict the end times distracts us from our true mission. Instead, trust in God’s plan and use each moment as an opportunity to grow in holiness.

Lastly, we are to be a Witness to Hope: The end times can sound frightening, but for Christians, they are ultimately about the fulfillment of God’s promises. When we speak of the end, we should do so with hope, knowing that Christ’s return will bring something greater. “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what is in store for those who love God”. So we are to share our hope with those around us, especially in a world that often seems dark and uncertain.

The end times are not meant to paralyze us with fear, nor are they simply a fictional idea. Rather, the Church presents us with these readings to help us ensure that we are ordering our lives according to what matters to God—to help us get our priorities straight.

Are you prepared for the end? Being prepared means that we have confessed our sins and that we are doing everything we can to trust God and fulfill our vocations as Christians. 

Daniel says, “those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” Here is a call too, to ensure that we are doing everything we can to lead others to Jesus, through our prayers, our example, our witness. 

To be prepared for eternity, we are to live each day with an eternal perspective, prepared for the moment when we meet our Lord face to face, at our own end and judgment, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

November 15 2024 - St. Albert the Great - Effectively using the time we've been given

As we near the end of Ordinary Time, our daily scripture readings are taken from those portions of the Gospels where Jesus is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. His preaching, teaching, and miracle working had taken him throughout Galilee, but now he nears Jerusalem, that city where he would accomplish what he was born to do, to die on the cross for our salvation.

As the Lord neared Jerusalem, his teachings and preachings got very serious. As we read in today’s Gospel, Jesus explains what is at stake: at the end of the age God’s angels will separate the wicked from the righteous. The righteous—those who turn away from sin and seek God’s help—will be gathered into the eternal kingdom of God. The wicked—those who remain in sin, who refuse God’s help, who refuse heed Jesus’ message—will be cast into eternal fire. 

This is why there is such an urgency to Jesus’ message. There are consequences for what we believe and how we act—how we use our time. 

The Saint we honor today, St. Albert the Great, believed in using every moment he had to pursue knowledge and goodness. 

He was born at the beginning of the 13th century and became an expert student and author on many academic topics including rhetoric, mathematics, astronomy, ethics, economics, politics, metaphysics, and so many of the natural sciences from physics to chemistry, minerology, botany and zoology.  And of course, he studied, what he would have called the highest science, or the queen of the sciences, the study of God, theology.

St. Albert shows us that when our lives are properly ordered—when we turn away from wickedness and selfishness—we are free to pursue what is good and holy. St. Albert didn’t like to waste his time on selfish things. He cultivated his mind—he learned all that he could about the world and about God for the sake of others. 

Now each of us have our own gifts—not all of us are in the end called to pursue a rigorous academic career—but that doesn’t excuse any of us from seeking heaven and serving our neighbor in charity with all of our hearts. 

Each of us are wonderfully made, and God gives to each of us all the opportunities to turn away from wickedness and selfishness, and to use the time we’ve been given we need to fulfill the mission he has for each of us. May St. Albertus Magnus help us put our own ingenuity, creativity, energy, and interests in service of the Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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As we celebrate the feast of St. Albert the Great, let us turn to God, the source of all wisdom and goodness, and offer our prayers for the Church and the world.

For the Church: That, inspired by the saints, we may be dedicated to the pursuit of holiness, wisdom, truth, and charity. Let us pray to the Lord.

For scholars, scientists, and theologians: That they may use their gifts to deepen our understanding of God’s creation and contribute to the common good with humility and love.Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who struggle with sin and selfishness: That they may turn to God’s mercy, find the courage to change, and seek what is good and holy in their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

For students and educators: That they may be inspired by the example of St. Albert to pursue knowledge with diligence and use their learning to serve others and glorify God. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are sick, suffering, or in need: That they may experience the compassion of Christ through the care and charity of Christians. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our community: That we may use our gifts, ingenuity, and energy to fulfill God’s mission in our lives and serve our neighbors with love and dedication. Let us pray to the Lord.

During this month of November, we pray in a special way for all of the faithful departed, that they may be gathered among the righteous into the eternal kingdom of God, especially N. 

Almighty God, you gave St. Albert the Great the wisdom to study your creation and the grace to live a life of holiness. Hear the prayers of your people and guide us to use our gifts for your glory and the salvation of souls. Through Christ our Lord.

November 13 2024 - St. Frances Xavier Cabrini - Unwavering Faith in Jesus

 

A few months ago, a movie was released based on the life of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini. 

The movie did a lovely job portraying how Mother Cabrini came to this country from her native Italy at the request of the Pope to care for the Italian immigrants. The movie did a great job depicting Mother’s love for the orphans and the poor. The depiction of the squalor in which those early italian immigrants lived and the racism they suffered gave me a new appreciation for their plight. The costumes and sets were spot on. And honestly the treatment of the Church and the hierarchy were pretty fair. 

However, there’s one thing that the movie really shied away from, and it’s a pretty bizarre omission. While it depicted Mother Cabrini’s tireless charity, the movie glaringly omitted her faith. The movie depicted Mother Cabrini as a sort of extremely determined feminist social worker, rather than a woman of deep prayer and faith. I don’t think the movie ever mentioned Jesus Christ.

In fact, an article put out by the National Catholic Register said, “Cabrini is not specifically a religious movie”. And that is totally bizarre, because Mother Cabrini was a specifically religious woman. 

At her canonization in 1946, Pius XII said in his homily: 

“Where did she acquire all that strength and the inexhaustible energy by which she was able to perform so many good works and to surmount so many difficulties?  She accomplished all this through the faith that was always so vibrant in her heart; through the divine love that burned within her; and, finally, through the constant prayer by which she was so closely united to God…She never let anything turn her aside from striving to please God and to work for his glory for which nothing, aided by grace, seemed too difficult or beyond human strength.”

The world loves a story of determination and charity, but it often misses the deeper truth of what gives that determination its strength. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s life was not simply about good works—it was a life transformed by her deep, burning love for Jesus Christ. It was her intimate relationship with Him, nurtured in prayer and the sacraments, that allowed her to see every orphan, immigrant, and sufferer as a child of God, worthy of dignity and care.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini challenges us to cultivate that same love for Jesus in our own hearts—a love so vibrant and powerful that it transforms everything we do. We can start small: spending more time in prayer, drawing closer to Jesus  in the Eucharist, and asking for His guidance in our daily lives. And as we grow in love for Jesus, we’ll find the strength to reach out to those in need, just as Mother Cabrini did—not out of obligation, but out of joy, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That all members of the Church may grow in their love for Jesus Christ, drawing strength from prayer and the sacraments to serve others with tireless charity.

That world leaders may work to uphold the dignity of every person, especially the poor, the marginalized, and immigrants.

For those struggling to find purpose or strength in their lives: that they may encounter Jesus Christ in the life of the Church and find in Him the courage and joy to live for His glory.

For the sick, the suffering, the poor and afflicted, immigrants and refugees: That they may experience the healing and comforting presence of Christ through the love and care of others.

During this month of November, we pray in a way for our beloved dead, may all the souls in purgatory be welcomed into the eternal embrace of God’s love, especially N. for whom this mass is offered, 

Loving Father, through the example and intercession of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, may we grow in faith, hope, and love. Hear these prayers we bring before You and grant them according to Your will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

November 12 2024 - St. Josaphat - Overcoming division

 

St. Josephat was born into family of orthodox Christians in the year 1580, but as an adult he joined one of the eastern churches that had recently returned to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.  He became a monk of the Order of St. Basil and just a few years later, he was consecrated an archbishop.  

As archbishop sought to educate his flock and reform of his clergy, and offer his personal example of holiness. By doing so, Josephat won over the majority of the Orthodox to convert to Catholicism. Unfortunately, the vocal minority plotted to kill him. With furious cries of “Kill the Papist” he was killed and thrown into a river.

St. Josephat gave his life for the unity of the Church—the unity the Lord prayed for at the Last Supper, when he said, “Father, I pray that they might be one, as you and I are one”. Josaphat gave his life--he died trying to fulfill this prayer of Our Lord—trying to bring the Orthodox back into the fold—back into full communion with Rome.  

On the Feast of Saint Josaphat in 1923, Pope Pius XI declared Saint Josaphat the Patron Saint of Reunion between Orthodox and Catholics.  Pius XI also issued an encyclical letter called, “Ecclesiam Dei”.  He explained that no prerogative of the Church has been assailed more bitterly by the enemy as its unity. 

From the beginning, the devil has fueled our pride to create division. He has and continues to sew seeds of arrogance—leading us to believe that we know better than the Church. His errors lead to heresies and schisms and Catholics allowing themselves to fall away from the Church, and factionalism, all which are a sort of anti-evangelism. For Church division certainly doesn’t make Christianity look more attractive. 

Rather, we are called to the unity taught by Our Lord, and echoed by Paul in our reading today, to have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

As we know there are great divisions in our nation, there are many family members estranged from one another, there are many who have set themselves at odds with God through sin. Any division in family, community, nation, Church, or in the human heart can only truly be healed with God’s help.  

Saint Josaphat saw prayer, education, a devout clergy, and personal holiness as indispensable to healing the wounds of sin and division.  May the example and heavenly intercession of Saint Josaphat inspire us to work for unity in the Church and the healing of human hearts for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For Pope Francis and all bishops, that they may be blessed with wisdom and courage as they lead efforts toward Christian unity, 

For families experiencing division and estrangement, that through God's grace they may find paths to reconciliation and healing.

For our own community, that we may be instruments of peace and unity, overcoming pride and prejudice through lives of authentic Christian witness.

For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they will be fortified and blessed with the Father’s healing, light, and peace.  

We pray that in a special way during the Month of November for our beloved dead, for our deceased family members, friends, parishioners, and benefactors, for deceased priests and religious, servicemen and women, and for N., for whom this mass is offered, that they may be united with Christ in the heavenly kingdom.

Merciful Father, through the intercession of St. Josaphat, help us to heal the wounds of division in our Church, our families, and our world. Grant us the grace to be instruments of your peace and unity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

November 11 2024 - St. Martin of Tours & Veteran's Day

 Today we celebrate two things: Veteran's Day, honoring the men and women who have served in the military, and the feast of St. Martin of Tours—a soldier, a bishop, and a saint.

The story of St. Martin is simple yet profound. Martin was a young soldier when one cold day, he encountered a beggar shivering in the street. Moved with compassion, he took his sword, cut his own cloak in half, and gave it to the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus dressed in the half-cloak, saying to the angels, “See, Martin, though he is but a catechumen, has clothed me with his own cloak.”

This story reflects directly on today’s Gospel, where Jesus describes the final judgment, separating those who acted with compassion from those who did not. He tells his disciples that when they show love, mercy, and kindness to others—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked—they are serving Him.

In giving his cloak to the poor, cold, destitute beggar, Martin was clothing Christ, and Martin’s dream that night confirms it.

Veteran’s Day adds another dimension to our reflection. St. Martin was a veteran. And we are grateful today for those veterans, who like Martin, sacrificed and served others, often enduring hardship and risk to protect those they loved, and even strangers they would never meet. Their courage and their sacrifices are acts of service, and on this day, we honor them with gratitude. 

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel urge us to live this spirit of service and compassion every day. They invite us to consider: Do we see Christ in the people around us? Do we act on His call to serve the “least” among us—the poor, the sick, the lonely, the stranger?

Let us pray today for the grace to serve others with the same humility and love as St. Martin, and may we honor those who serve by following in their footsteps, bringing compassion and dignity to all, recognizing in each face the face of Christ our Lord for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That the nations of the world will seek to work together in harmony and peace; we pray to the Lord:

That our homeland will be preserved from violence and terrorism; we pray to the Lord

In gratitude for the service of our veterans; for blessings upon them, and for all veterans who suffer the physical and psychological effects of war. May we prudently and wisely use and guard the freedoms for which our veterans labored and suffered.

For all veterans experiencing physical or psychological, that they may know God’s healing and strength, and that all veterans may be blessed for their self-sacrifice.

For all veterans who gave their life for our liberty, and for the repose of the souls of all of our beloved dead, family, friends, those whose names are written in our parish necrology, deceased priests and religious, for all the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, help us to use that liberty to promote peace and justice and spread saving Gospel of Christ. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Jesus, I trust in You.

 

Every year on the Sunday after easter we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. You have likely seen the Divine Mercy image. It is a picture of Jesus dressed in a white garment, with rays of red and pale light emanating from his heart.

The Divine Mercy image of Jesus comes from a vision of St. Faustina, the polish nun who received a series of visions of Our Lord in the 1930s. According to her diary, Jesus instructed her to have an image painted, promising that “souls who venerate this image will not perish.”

St. Faustina initially struggled to find an artist capable of capturing her vision. Eventually, a painter named Eugene Kazimierowski from Lithuania, completed the Divine Mercy image under her guidance in 1934. She expressed disappointment initially, feeling that no earthly image could truly convey the beauty of her vision, but Jesus reassured her that great graces would plow from the image and its message of mercy.

Additionally, Jesus instructed St. Faustina to inscribe the words “Jesus, I trust in You” at the bottom of the painting. “Jesus, I trust in You” This phrase captures the central message of the Divine Mercy devotion: that, despite human frailty and sinfulness, we are invited to place our complete trust in Christ’s boundless mercy. “Jesus, I trust in you”

I bring up the Divine Mercy image and its message of trust because “trust” is a common theme in our readings this weekend.

In the first reading, we have the story of the widow of Zarephath, who is visited by the prophet Elijah. She and her son are basically starving to death when Elijah directs her to cook him some bread. This would have made her already desperate situation even worse, but Elijah asks her to trust him, “do not be afraid” he says. And due to her trust, there was a miracle, “she and her son were able to eat for a year, the jar of flour did not go empty nor the jug of oil run dry”

In the Gospel, we have another story of trust. Another widow of Jesus’ day, moved by her devotion to God, trusted that God would provide for her, and gives to the Temple collection not from her surplus wealth, but from her livelihood. The widow’s example of trust is enshrined in the holy scriptures and serves as a reminder of the sort of trust all of us are to cultivate. Trust God with our time, trust God in our generosity, trust God in our devotion to Him.

Trust. Trust is difficult for a lot of us. Not just with God but with others. Why is it so difficult to trust? Trust becomes difficult because of past betrayals. When someone we trust—a sibling, a parent, a friend breaks our trust, that betrayal leaves a lasting wound. 

Past betrayals make trust feel risky. No one likes to trust someone only to be made a fool. No one likes to trust someone and have them swindle you or break a promise or breach a confidence. Trusting authority figures can be especially difficult. Teachers, religious leaders, bosses, these people exercise power, and untrustworthy authorities are terribly dangerous. 

But trust is important. Without trust, or giving people the opportunity to earn our trust, we cannot form healthy bonds, healthy friendships, healthy romantic relationships. One of the reasons the marriage rate among young people is significantly low is due to difficulties in trust.

But trust is so important for healthy relationships. Trust allows us to be ourselves around others, to share our true selves, to seek comfort in the company of safety. Trust is also an important principle economically, socially, politically, in the workplace, and in families. Growing in maturity is about becoming more trustworthy. And being trustworthy makes us better neighbors, better workers, better spouses. 

Now of course, trust has its limits. Scripture says, “put not your trust in princes.” A healthy mistrust of our government representatives helps us to keep our government accountable. We aren’t called to put absolute blind trust in any human or any human institution.

But Jesus Christ is not merely human, and the Church is not a merely human institution. Jesus is God, and the Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Church—authoritatively teaches in His name.

We can and should put our absolute trust in Jesus Christ—in God. For God always wills and does what is best for us. In God there is no deception, no pettiness, no betrayal, no lack of knowledge that causes him to make mistakes, no fickleness, or self-doubt. In God, there is only perfect and unconditional love that wills and does the absolute best for every human being ever made. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and resurrection is the ultimate proof of God’s trustworthiness. Jesus demonstrated His absolute commitment to humanity’s salvation, when he embraced the suffering of the Cross—taking upon himself the sins of the world. We trust in his promises because he bore our sufferings and rose victorious. Had he not rose, our faith would be in vain. But he did, as he said he would.

And so we put our trust in God because it is the most logical thing we could possibly do. And if we cannot trust God, we will never have a healthy trust of anybody. Because if you can’t trust the most benevolent being in existence, you won’t be able have healthy trust in less benevolent beings, like your fellow man. 

But when we have trust, and again, our scripture readings point to this, miracles occur. When we trust God, the hungry our fed, charity flows, the gospel is spread, the mustard seed grows to encompass the world. 

For those of us with a weakened ability to trust, trusting God is an ongoing process that requires real effort. Growing to trust God—and healing our mistrust of God—requires regular prayer from the depths of our wounded hearts, meditation on God’s promises and reflection on the words of sacred scripture. It means seeking to trust God as Jesus trusts His Father, and the Saints trust Jesus.  Trust grows when we let go of the need to control everything and allow God to work in His timing and way—surrendering every moment to God “not my will, but thy will be done” in my life, in all things, in the life of my family, my nation, and my Church, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

31st Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Friday - Imitators of the holy ones or Enemies of the Cross

Throughout the Scriptures, the Word of God helps us to understand the difference between good and bad. In the first pages of Scripture, we see God imposing order over the forces of chaos, separating light from darkness. In the Garden, Adam and Eve have a choice between trust and disobedience. Deuteronomy speaks of the way of life and the way of death. Jesus speaks of two gates, one that leads to destruction, the other that leads to life. Jesus teaches how at the Judgement God will separate the sheep from the goats. 

In today’s passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the Apostle differentiates between two types of people: Brothers and Sisters in Christ who Imitate Paul's Example, and the Enemies of the Cross of Christ.

The enemies of the Cross live in ways that are contrary to the message and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Their lifestyle negates the principles of self-denial and sacrificial love that the cross represents. They are driven by earthly appetites and sensual desires. Their focus is entirely on worldly matters—material possessions, status, and temporal pleasures. And Paul explains, their end is destruction. 

The Brothers and Sisters of Christ, on the other hand, align their lives with the teachings and example of Christ. They are not focused soley on the world, because they believe their ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and this earthly life isn’t simply for satisfying bodily urges and appetites, but preparing for eternity. 

Paul urges the brothers and sisters in Christ to remain steadfast in their faith because we live in the midst of a lot of bad examples who engaging in behaviors contrary to Christ’s teaching, promoting immorality, selfishness, and rebellion against God's commands. 

So Paul says, look to the holy ones in order become not earthly minded, but heavenly minded, focusing on eternal truths, spiritual growth, and the coming of Christ.

At the beginning of the month of November, we celebrated the feast of the Saints, those holy ones whose examples we need to keep every in focus. These citizens of heaven teach us how to live with God’s kingdom as our primary allegiance rather than allegiance to worldly systems and values---those opposing the message of the Gospel.

Paul’s exhortation encourages us to examine our lives to ensure that we are not conforming ourselves to this age, as he writes to the Romans, but we are seeking the renewal of our minds and hearts and souls to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. 

May the Holy Spirit help us to imitate the saints in following Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Trusting in God's mercy and guided by His Word, let us bring our prayers before Him, seeking the grace to live as faithful disciples.

For the Church: That all members may imitate the example of Christ and the saints, standing firm in faith and resisting the allure of worldly values.

For our leaders: That those in positions of authority may promote justice and moral integrity, helping to build a truly righteous society.

For our community: That we may support one another and set good example for each other in seeking the renewal of our minds and hearts, focusing on eternal truths over temporal pleasures.

For the youth: That they may be inspired by the lives of the saints to choose the path of righteousness and self-denial.

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

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

Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of Your people. Grant us the grace to turn away from earthly distractions and to embrace the path that leads to eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We pray in a special way during this Month of November for all of the faithful departed; for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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