6th Sunday of Easter 2025 - Truth and Peace

 Last Saturday, Bishop Malesic ordained 8 new priests for the Diocese of Cleveland. It was a beautiful liturgy. The Cathedral was absolutely packed with family members, friends, fellow parishioners of the new priests. A group of Catholics from El Salvador, where two of the men had served in the course of their seminary formation—had made their way to Cleveland to support them. There was a huge showing of the priests of the Diocese to welcome our new brothers into the presbyterate. 

It’s always deeply moving to attend those ordinations for me-- a reminder of my own ordination day, when we laid down on the marble, and knelt before the bishop, placing our hands in his, promising respect and obedience to him and his successors. A reminder of having all those priests lay hands on my head--that ancient gestures of imparting authority and blessing before being sent out into the world.

The recent ordination got me thinking about a quote from Pope Benedict XVI which I reflected upon prior to my ordination. He said, “On the eve of my priestly ordination, fifty-eight years ago, I opened the Sacred Scripture, because I wanted to receive once more a word from the Lord for that day and for my future journey as a priest. My gaze fell on this passage: 'Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth'. Then I realized: the Lord is speaking about me, and he is speaking to me. This very same thing will be accomplished tomorrow in me. When all is said and done, we are not consecrated by rites, even though rites are necessary. The bath in which the Lord immerses us is himself – the Truth in person. Priestly ordination means being immersed in him, immersed in the Truth. I belong in a new way to him and thus to others, 'that his Kingdom may come'.”

The Holy Father’s words resonated with me deeply as I prepared for my priestly ordination, and again during this ordination season. Priesthood means being immersed in the Truth of the Gospel. The Truth is to resound in my teaching, and preaching, and manner of life, so that those I serve as a priest, may too, be immersed in the Truth that sets us free.

That’s what the Lord is talking about in the Gospel today. “The Holy Spirit...will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” 

God wants us to be immersed in Truth. And so the Father has sent the Holy Spirit upon the Church to help us and teach us and be reminded of everything Jesus taught, so that we can live in the truth. 

Why is the Truth important? Without it, we are wandering in darkness, wandering in error, just following our impulses. And because of our fallen nature, our impulses don’t always point toward heaven.  We want too much of what we don’t need, and too little of what we do need. We impulsively eat too much, drink too much, doom scroll too much, hoard belongings too much. And we fast too little, pray too little, give to those in need too little. 

Following our impulses is not the way of discipleship. If our impulses led to heaven, Jesus wouldn’t have needed to teach anything. Rather, How do I know that I am walking faithfully as a disciple of Jesus? If my choices reflect the Truth of the Gospel taught by the Catholic Church. And that’s why Truth is a gift—the most valuable of gifts because it leads to Heaven.

Immediately after promising that the Holy Spirit will teach us, Jesus promises his peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”

Truth and peace are linked by Jesus. Do you want peace? Peace of mind know that you are walking toward heaven? Ensure that moral, spiritual, and religious truths, taught by the Church are in place in your life. Ensure that you are adhering to truth as best as you can.

When Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you” (John 14:27), He is drawing a sharp contrast between the divine peace He offers and the superficial peace the world promises. 

The world offers peace through military power, gated communities, savings accounts, and insurance policies. It’s a peace that depends on having control over one’s environment and minimizing threats. But this peace is always vulnerable—wars break out, markets crash, disasters come. Christian peace is deeper than mere security.

The world promises peace through money and possessions. But peace through materialism is an insatiable quest. Those who make money their ultimate quest seem to “never have enough”. But the peace of Christ can be experienced in this life, when we stop seeking our peace and happiness in things, but in Him.

The world often equates peace with numbing distractions: drugs and alcohol, endless media and video games, offer temporary escape from our problems.  But these things leave us more fatigued and unsatisfied—hungover, overstimulated, unable to get a good night’s rest, and mentally exhausted, and often, enslaved to addiction. 

The peace of “worldly distraction” does not satisfy the soul; it leaves us empty after the thrill fades. Rather, the peace of Christ does bring emptiness, but fulfillment in not being lulled to sleep, but being alive in God—a living relationship with God where we understand we are loved, forgiven, and held in God's providence, even in suffering. 

Another false promise of peace is that we can create peace ourselves through political action and activism, as if a certain policy or government will “fix everything” and turn society into a utopia. While justice and the common good matter deeply, peace that depends on politics alone quickly mutates into tyranny and corruption. 

Rather, Divine Truth, is the only real basis for peace. Truth that is not determined by a majority vote, mob rule, or a tyrant’s will. Truth is a person—unchanging yet fully attentive to the needs of the individual; Truth is Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” 

And you can’t find that peace outside of the Church because only from within do we have access to His teachings, His sacraments, His Saints, the moral guidance needed for the complexities of life, and the prayer that keeps us and strengthens us in our union with Him. 

As we approach the Feast of Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit help us to be immersed in the Truth of Jesus Christ, and put the truths of our faith into action—in our love for God and neighbor. May the Holy Spirit continue to instruct us in the ways of holiness, and remind us of the Lord’s teachings and presence in our trials and joys, that we may know the gift of peace, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

5th Week of Easter 2025 - Tuesday - Christ's Peace in the in-between time

 

Each of the four Gospels relate to us accounts of the Last Supper. In each of the four Gospels, the Lord Jesus gathers to celebrate the Passover meal with his apostles in the upper room.

St. John’s account of the Last Supper, from which we’ll read all this week, differs significantly from the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in several key ways—both in content and in theological emphasis.

All three Synoptic Gospels explicitly describe Jesus instituting the Eucharist with the words, “This is my body… This is my blood…” during the Last Supper.

St. John omits the institution narrative entirely. St. John conveys the Eucharistic teachings of Jesus after the miracle of multiplication, in his Bread of Life discourse, where he teaches “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you”

Unique to John’s Gospel is the account of Jesus washing the disciples feet. That act of humble service serves as a profound reminder for us of the meaning of discipleship, love, and Christian leadership.

And four whole chapters of John’s Gospel, from which we read all this week, is the extended Farewell Discourse—where Jesus offers deep theological teaching and prays for his disciples the High Priestly Prayer.

The theologically and mystically profound Farewell Discourse prepares the disciples for the sorrow and scandal of the Crucifixion. 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' Jesus will die and be buried and then come back on the third day.

But these words also refer to the Lord’s Ascension and eventual return, in which Jesus will “go away” from us as he ascends into heaven, but will “come back” again when he returns in the Parousia.

We live in this in between time—in between the Lord’s Ascension and the Lord’s return—and so his instruction to the disciples at the Last Supper is an instruction for us. In this age of the Church, we are to return over and over to the teachings given at the Last Supper, because they are relevant to our current situation.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” when you cannot see Jesus. “The Lord of the World”—the enemy—the anti-Christ—will have some power in this world—the powers of evil and malice will often attempt to obscure the Gospel and the abiding presence of God with his Church. “Do not let your hearts be troubled”. Have faith. Be filled with peace. God has equipped us with what we need for this in between time. We must simply make use of the time and the gifts that we have been given—His teachings, His example, and the gift of His Body and Blood--for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

- - - - - 

 

Trusting in the abiding presence of Christ, let us offer our prayers to God who is faithful in every age.

For Pope Leo, all bishops, priests, and deacons, that through humble service and fidelity to the Gospel, they may model the leadership of Christ who washed the feet of His disciples. Let us pray to the Lord.

For leaders of nations, that they may seek peace, serve the common good, and respect the dignity of all people entrusted to their care. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who have wandered from the Church or grown lukewarm in their faith, that they may rediscover the power of the Eucharist and the love of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those burdened by illness, poverty, fear, anxiety, or uncertainty, that the abiding presence of Christ with the Church and his promises may console and strengthen them with peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead, that through the power of Christ’s Resurrection, they may be welcomed into the fullness of joy and eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, your Son taught us how to abide in your peace. Strengthen us with your grace that we may serve faithfully and live in the hope of His coming. Through 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.

- - - -  

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

5th Sunday of Easter 2024 - "Apart from me you can do nothing"

 Back on the 4th Sunday of Lent, I shared some insights from the celebrated 20th century Catholic author JRR Tolkien, the author of books like the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. I shared how Tolkien believed that fairy tales and myths have been so powerful throughout the centuries because we love stories of good conquering evil. We love when we hear a story of an unexpected joyous turn of events—where grace and goodness triumph over sorrow, failure, and death. We love tales of courage and self-sacrifice.

And the Christian story is so compelling and joyous because it is the ultimate tale of the triumph of Good over evil, and it actually happened. Through the self-sacrifice of Christ, God has brought sinful humanity from the brink of ultimate defeat—the loss of our souls forever—to share in the victory of Christ. And again, the Christian story is not just a man-made myth or a fairy tale—Christ is truly risen.

Well, this last week, I celebrated mass with our school children. And I shared with them how since I was a young boy, I have enjoyed reading stories and watching movies like those written by Tolkien. How in his first book, called “The Hobbit”, this unlikely character Bilbo Baggins goes on a long journey with a group of long-bearded dwarves to recover a magical treasure from the clutches of an evil dragon named Smaug. The journey was treacherous and the dragon was formidable, but in the end Bilbo succeeds in recovering the treasure, not because he was physically stronger than the dragon, but because he and his friends were courageous and they used their minds to outwit the evil beast.

And I brought up the story of Bilbo and the dragon, because Tuesday was the feast day of St. George. And you may know that there is an ancient legend where St. George overcomes a dragon. According to the Legend a dragon was terrorizing a village, demanding tribute of trinkets and livestock, and when the villagers ran out of treasures and animals to appease the dragon, the cruel creature demanded the blood of a princess. So, the valiant Christian solider George, comes to the maiden’s rescue and courageously goes to face the foul and dangerous beast—slaying it with his mighty lance. 

St George has been venerated by the Church for 1700 years. Churches, Kings, Cities, States, Countries, and Beatles have been named after George. Pope Francis whose birthname is Jorge is named after the great saint. For not only courageously confront a literal dragon, at least according to legend, he also stood up to the Roman Emperor Diocletian.  Around the year 303 George was martyred for courageously refusing to renounce his Christian faith and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods.

St. George is always a wonderful saint to celebrate. For he models for us courage in defended the weak and the poor from the powers of evil, and that courage witnessed in standing up to the Roman Emperor—proclaiming with his life that Jesus Christ is true God, and that eternal life is obtained by becoming Jesus’ disciple.

St. George is also an important saint to invoke and emulate as we face our own dragons. Each of us face our own dragons, don’t we? Dragons such as selfishness, impulsiveness, laziness, resentment, disordered desires and ideas, foolishness. Dragons that want us to cower in fear instead of sharing the Gospel. Dragons that demand the tribute of our time, talent, and treasure instead of giving them to God.

But George’s story is so powerful because it is a reminder that when the life of Christ is within us, dragons can be defeated. 

Tolkien wrote that we tell legends and fairy stories to children not to prove the existence of dragons. Children, he wrote, know that dragons are real. Those stories help children learn that dragons can be defeated. 

And St. George triumphed over the dragon through the power of goodness, courage, and self-sacrifice. George’s life is a reflection of our Lord’s own triumph—his crucifixion and resurrection are the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil. Jesus has defeated the greatest of dragons—saving all of humanity from the clutches of Satan. And the Lord’s work isn’t done. For he wishes to continue to slay powerful dragons in the world through us—to bring deliverance and peace through us. 

But the great dragons of our own time cannot be defeated apart from Christ. “Apart from me you can do nothing,” he teaches in the Gospel this weekend. So, we must remain attached to Christ through constant prayer, and adherence to church teaching, and the sacramental life, and moral righteous living, and works of charity.

Now, the secular world foolishly believes that it can defeat the evils afflicting humanity without God. But biblical illiteracy, separation from the Church, dismissal of Church teaching, all allow the dragons—like war, perversion, broken families, drug epidemics—to multiply, despite our best efforts.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen, writing on the topic of war, points out that the secular institutions can issue peace treaty after peace treaty, but unless individuals put an end to the civil war within their own souls—where we pridefully oppose the goodness and holiness that God wants for us—humanity will continue to be afflicted with war and the greed and injustice that lead to war. Unless our own dragons are dealt with by the power of Christ—we will have no hope for real peace in the world. 

But, so many of the Saints bear testimony to the transformation that comes through union with Christ and the good we can do when united to Him. St. Paul in our first reading, went from being a passionate anti-Christian, a hunter of Christians, an agent of the great dragon, to a passionate and courageous preacher of Truth--one who suffered for Christ and his saving Gospel.

The conversion of St. Paul is a reminder that we should pray and work for conversion of those who are hardened toward Christ and his Church. For if Paul can experience conversion, anyone can, by the grace of God. We exclude no one from the call to conversion. And likely, the most effective means of the conversion and spread of the Church, is when we are more deeply united to Christ in the humble works of charity, in sharing the gospel calmly, patiently, but of course, honestly. 

What can I do this week, to draw closer to Christ so to bear fruit that will last? What dragons in my own mind and heart, have I been too lazy or afraid to allow Christ to conquer? 

How do we know we remain in him? If we keep his commandments and love one another. May we be generous in our faithfulness and in our love for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Divine Mercy Sunday 2024 - Disciples of Peace and Mercy

 Five times in our Gospel reading today, we find the word, “disciples”—the disciples of Jesus—“the disciples were locked in the upper room”—“the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord”—“the disciples said to Thomas, “we have seen the Lord”. 

The English word, “disciple” comes from the latin—discipulus—a student. To be a disciple of Jesus is to be a student of the greatest of teachers—we are to study his life, his lessons, and his mind and heart. 

In Jesus’ time, a disciple was called, in Hebrew, a talmid, which can refer to a student, but more accurately refers to an “apprentice”. While a student learns head knowledge in order to know what the teachers knows, an apprentice works with the teacher to learn what the teacher does so he or she can imitate what the teacher’s activity in the world. And in Jesus’ day talmidim didn’t just attend a class or read a book to gain knowledge from their rabbi—they left their jobs and families and communities to follow their rabbi and watch how he lived. They wanted to be just like their rabbi—in all things.

The Lord’s call to follow Him—to be his disciple—reverberated throughout Lent and now in Easter.

At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke about discipleship. He said, “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Notice, the Lord didn’t say, “this is how everyone will know that you are my disciple, if you can properly recite your Baltimore catechism”, but rather, “if you love one another.” Now of course, love and discipleship often includes passing on the catechism to the next generation of Christians, but knowledge of the catechism does not exhaust our call to discipleship, rather...

 “As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” We know that when our Lord was talking about Love—he wasn’t just talking about a feeling. Being his disciple isn’t just about having bubbly feelings about each other. “There is no greater love, than to lay down your life for a friend.”

And so Good Friday was the ultimate lesson in discipleship. We, disciples of Jesus Christ are called to love one another, with Christ-like love, that loves God and loves others, all the way to the Cross.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus showed his disciples proof of his love. Entering the upper room, in the midst of his disciples—he shows them, his wounds. This is how everyone will know you are my disciples: will you bear wounds for others—you are to engage in sacrificial self-giving for others.

When he showed his wounds, he wasn’t pointing them out as if to shame his disciples, or to announce his vengeance, his retribution. “Look what you did, now it’s time for you to pay”. Rather, he points to his wounds, and says, “peace”. From the cross, Jesus pronounced, not wrath, but forgiveness: “father, forgive them, for they not know what they have done”. And after his resurrection, he announces, peace.

“Love one another, as I love you.” In the course of the Christian life, we are to engage in Christ-like self-sacrificial love for others, AND we are to practice mercy by extending peace to all, even those who hate us. We cannot love without extending mercy. 

Be merciful, Christ teaches, as God is merciful. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

In our lives, we are often hurt by others, sometimes deeply. To practice Christ-like mercy, we are called to forgive those who injure us, not holding onto grudges or seeking revenge. Mercy isn't a sign of weakness but a profound strength and a reflection of God's mercy towards us.

Jesus’s mercy was evident toward the hungry, sick, and the sorrowful. Practicing Christ-like mercy involves recognizing the physical and emotional needs of those around us and responding generously. We are to offer a listening ear when others are going through a tough time, and doing what we can to help the needy. 

In Matthew 25, Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger, saying, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Practicing mercy involves opening our hearts and communities to those who are different from us, whether they be newcomers, people from different cultural or religious backgrounds, or those who feel marginalized and alone. By extending hospitality and friendship, we make tangible Jesus' love and mercy.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This radical call to mercy involves lifting up in prayer those we may find difficult to love, including those who oppose us or hurt us in some way. Through prayer, we open our hearts to God's transforming love and allow Him to work through us to extend mercy to those living far from God.

In a world marked by division and conflict, practicing Christ-like mercy means being agents of peace and reconciliation. Christian disciples are called to mediating conflicts in our families or communities, working towards justice and peace in our societies, and seeking to build bridges rather than walls. 

Finally, Jesus' ultimate demonstration of mercy was through His sacrificial love on the cross. We are called to live lives of sacrificial love, putting the needs of others before our own, and being willing to bear wounds for the sake of love. Christian disciples are called to make personal sacrifices for the good of our families, communities, and even strangers, mirroring the self-giving love of Christ.

In embracing the practice of mercy, we become true disciples of Christ, reflecting His love and mercy in a world in desperate need of both. As we go forth from this Divine Mercy Sunday, let us carry in our hearts the call to be merciful as our Father is merciful, and to spread the joy of the Resurrection through our words and deeds of love, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

1st Week of Advent 2023 - Tuesday - The Peace we long for

 During the season of Advent we recall the promises of God—promises God has communicated to humanity through his prophets—promises to fulfill our deepest needs and longings—the promise of peace, salvation, and eternal life. Particularly, we read extensively through the eloquent writings of the prophet Isaiah. 

In today’s passage from Isaiah, we hear promises of peace that will be established through the anointed one—the savior. 

And this peace is profound and supernatural—something only God could accomplish: Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the baby goat; The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. 

Again, this is a peace only God can accomplish. No amount of animal training or human ingenuity can make it completely safe for a baby to play in a cobra’s den. A wolf, if he gets hungry enough, will eventually devour the lamb. 

However, God promises that his anointed one—his Christ—will establish something new—not only protection for the weak, vulnerable, and innocent lambs, baby goats, and human infants from the fierce, deadly powers, but a newfound peace. 

What a promise! The world is filled—our lives are filled with so much strife, jealousy, violence, fear, destruction, family and national division—strife crushes us. There is so much suffering we don’t even think about it, we can’t—the innocent children who suffer in our own neighborhood, let alone around the world—it is so immense, that we feel helpless to do anything about it. 

Advent focuses our attention on the one who can. The one who is able to accomplish the things that are impossible for man—the things that are hidden even from the wise and the learned. The one who can bring peace because He is both God and man. 

And God’s promises are made known to us, that we may believe in them, and pursue them, to align ourselves with them, and the one who alone can fulfill them. 

The secular humanists and materialists will insist that man can obtain peace for himself—just the right set of political and socio-economic policies, the right scientific breakthrough and new technology and we can create utopia for ourselves. But human attempts will always fail to achieve what we most deeply long for—God Himself. And that’s the promise of Advent: God comes to us, so prepare your hearts to receive Him, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

- - - - -  

As we await with longing the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, we raise up our prayers of petitions.

That Christ may visit his holy Church and always find her repentant of sin and watchful in prayer.

That Christ may fill the Pope, our Bishop, and all the clergy with spiritual gifts and graces.

That Christ may guide the minds of those who govern us to promote the common good according to His Holy Will.

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, and ward off every affliction.

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

Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

May 22 2023 - St. Rita of Cascia - A woman of peace

 At the 100th anniversary of her canonization in the year 2000, Pope St. John Paul II said of St. Rita that she was a woman who was “small in stature but great in holiness, who lived in humility and is now known throughout the world for her heroic Christian life as a wife, mother, widow and nun. Deeply rooted in the love of Christ, Rita found in her faith unshakeable strength to be a woman of peace in every situation. In her example of total abandonment to God, in her transparent simplicity and in her unflinching fidelity to the Gospel, we too can find sound direction for being authentic Christian witnesses at the dawn of the third millennium."

Born in central Italy in 1377, Rita desired at a young age to become a nun.  However, her parents had promised her in marriage despite her strongly expressed desire to enter religious life.  Sadly, her husband turned out to be abusive and unfaithful.  During her 18-year marriage Rita struggled to keep the family together and focused on raising her sons to know God.  

After 18 years of unhappy married life, her husband was killed in a brawl, and a short time later, both sons died as well of natural causes.  

Though deeply pained from this series of losses, Rita was now free to enter the religious life, yet she was rejected three times by the local Augustinian nuns of Cascia who typically only permitted virgins to enter their order. Eventually, she succeeded. 

Over the years, her prayerfulness and charity became legendary.  In fact, she meditated often on the passion of Christ, and when she developed a thorn-like wound on her forehead, people quickly associated it with the wounds from Christ’s crown of thorns.  

St. Rita suffered much, yet God brought great goodness and beauty and the sanctification of her soul through her sufferings.  Like St. Jude, she is known as a patron saint of difficult or impossible cases and six hundred years after her death, people still visit her tomb, seeking her prayerful intercession.  She is a also a patron of difficult marriages.

As we begin the final week of the easter season, we have this truly remarkable saint who shows us what life can look like when we allow Christ’s Paschal Mystery to manifest in our life. The grace of Christ’s Paschal Victory transformed her as she practiced christ-like patience and forgiveness, trust in divine providence, as she sought strength in prayer and contemplation of Christ’s passion..Easter grace enabled her who lost both husband and sons, drew her to become a bride of Christ and a spiritual mother to many, a woman of peace in every circumstance. May Christ's peace transform our lives as well, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - -  

That Christians may grow in grace by uniting their sufferings to the Sufferings of Christ and know God’s presence with them in their sufferings.

For all those in difficult or abusive marriages, that the Lord will protect victims of abuse and bring healing and reconciliation where it is possible.

That all young people may come to value discipleship of Jesus Christ above all earthly pursuits, be preserved from sin, and grow in grace and holiness. For the newly ordained priests of the diocese of Cleveland, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life.

For the consolation of all of the afflicted and for all those impossible cases which only the grace of God can remedy.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for all of the pour souls in purgatory…

O God, who 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.

5th Week of Easter 2022 - Tuesday - Facing fears for the kingdom

In second Corinthians, Paul says: “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked”. The events in the acts of the apostles reading today, being stoned—almost to death-- while preaching in Lystra, is probably the stoning he was referring to. 

How easily we give up when we face resistance. We give up on a prayer commitment because we find ourselves more tired than we expected. We give in to temptation because it's just easier to give in than to fight it. Sometimes we don't get involved in a church endeavor because of the sacrifice it entails.

But, slander, rejection, physical assault, the threat of death did not stop the apostles. After being stoned almost to death, you might expect Paul to relax his mission. But Paul gets up, brushes himself off, and goes to preach in the next town. 

And then, amazingly, heroically, after preaching in Derbe, Paul returned to Lyrstra, probably still bruised and aching from the stoning—maybe with a broken rib, a split lip, not to mention the memory of the anger and hatred spewed at him. 

We avoid talking about our faith because it might create an awkward silence, Paul faced death over and over again for the Gospel.  

“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” Some of us won’t bear a single hardship, let alone many. Lord have mercy on us.

Sorry Lord, too much work. I gotta watch my summer baseball. Lies, we tell ourselves to avoid hardships. But our lives our sadder for those lies, less joyful, because they keep us from the meaningful work God desires for us. 

What are the hardships I avoid? What are the lies I tell myself to avoid those hardships? What are the secret fears that I have failed to bring to the Lord which leads me to justify those lies?

“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid,” the Lord says in the Gospel. Why is the Lord so concerned about our anxiety and fear? Because they keep us from life, they keep us from carrying our crosses and facing those hardships for the work God wants for us, and thus deprive us of the sanctity and joy God has in store for us. 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid,” means doing our part to face those fears, to overcome those anxieties, and allowing grace to do the rest.

We place our hands confidently in the hands of the Lord today, trusting him to help us face our fears, to shed light upon our self-deceits, to give us courage and fortitude for the work of the Gospel, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - -  

God the Father was glorified in the death and resurrection of his Son. Let us pray to him with confidence.

God the Father bathed the world in splendor when Christ rose again in glory, may our minds be filled with the light of faith.

Through the resurrection of His Son, the Father opened for us the way to eternal life, may we be sustained today in our work with the hope of glory.

Through His risen Son, the Father sent the Holy Spirit into the world, may our hearts be set on fire with spiritual love.

May Jesus Christ, who was crucified to set us free, be the salvation of all those who suffer, particularly those who suffer from physical or mental illness, addiction, and grief.

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

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

5th Week of Easter 2021 - Tuesday - Lasting Peace

Scripture speaks often of God’s desire to give his people “peace”. Psalm 85 says that God promises peace to his people. Psalm 29 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Paul tells the Galatians that the fruits of the Spirit are “love, joy, goodness, faithfulness, and peace” Isaiah prophecies that the Messiah will be called “Wonder-Counselor and Prince of Peace”

You can tell when people are filled with the peace of God. The holiest people I’ve met have been the most peaceful, peace surrounds them like cloak. I think the opposite is also true; most of us have met people that seem surrounded by a cloud of distress, bitterness, unhappiness; drama and chaos and division follow them everywhere. We speak of people having a chip on their shoulder, their lack of peace, having a physical reality. Perhaps, you’ve met someone who has allowed grief to turn into anger at the world or anger at God and that anger just exudes from them.

In the Gospel, Jesus offers peace to those who believe in him: peace the world cannot give, peace which banishes fear. This is not to say that when we believe in and follow Jesus, our fears and anxieties simply evaporate. Jesus leads us on a journey of peace. 

Pope Benedict wrote that “Real peace can only be brought by release from the captivity of comfortable lies and the acceptance of suffering.  Repression is the most common cause of mental illness and healing can be found only in a descent into the suffering of truth.” 

I would add that many addictions come from burying pain under a pile of lies, and freedom from that addiction comes only when we allow Jesus to lead us through the lies, to the root of the pain.

Jesus leads us on a journey of peace which involves acknowledging the truth of our suffering. So that person who has allowed grief to turn into anger, Jesus will lead to confront that grief and teach them to bear it with grace. The person with the resentment, Jesus will help them confront the resentment, to be honest about it, and to be released from it. He helps us face our comfortable lies, the lies we tell ourselves so that we don’t have to face our sufferings. 

For facing our sufferings is the only real road to healing which is the only real road to peace. It is a peace which is beyond all understanding, at least the understanding of the world. The world tells us, if we’ve been hurt, we should be angry, we should get revenge, we should seek worldly justice, we should claim our victimhood. Jesus shows us, how people of faith can know peace even while nailed to a cross. 

May the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace free us from the captivity of our comfortable lies and make us into instruments of his peace for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - -  

Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn earnestly to God, to graciously hear our prayers and supplications.

For lasting peace throughout the world: Christ, the Prince of Peace will put an end to all enmity and division, and unify the peoples of the world.

For Pope Francis and Bishop Malesic, that they may have the strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd and for an increase in vocations to the ordained priesthood, and that our priests may serve the Church with the love and devotion of the Good Shepherd.

That during this month of May, Christians may turn to Mary, Mother of the Church, seeking her aid and imploring her intercession with increased and fervent devotion, especially by praying the Holy Rosary. Let us pray to the Lord.

For deliverance from all evil and all temptation: for those under the influence of drug abuse, addiction, insanity, occultism, atheism, sexual perversion, and any spiritual evils which degrade the human person.

For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness, and that the Lord may grant his gift of peace to those most in need of it.

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

O God, who 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.

2nd Sunday of Easter 2021 - "Peace be with you"

 

“Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

What is peace? Blessed are the peacemakers, the Lord teaches in his great Sermon on the Mount, for they shall obtain peace. But what is peace?

The ancient Roman word for peace, from which our English word derives, is pax: p-a-x. 

The golden age of Ancient Roman history was called the Pax Romana—Roman Peace—about a 200 year span of empire-wide stability sustained by the far-reaching power and military might of the Roman Emperor. For the ancient Romans, peace is maintained through law and order backed by military might. A rebellion arises, restore peace by sending out the troops. Political enemies arise, either suppress them temporarily with a peace treaty, or deal with them permanently through force and violence. Peace comes from an absence of war. Is that what the Lord means by peace? 

Well, sort of. Afterall, through his death and resurrection, the Lord brought victory over those powers at war with God: evil, sin and death. Jesus entering the upper room, announces that the war is over, the war has been won, the pax Christi—the new era of the peace of Christ has begun. Human souls at odds with God through unbelief, willfulness, and selfishness, can now enter into this peace treaty with God—the eternal covenant achieved not through military means, but through the shedding of the blood of the spotless lamb. When we imitate Him in surrendering our wills to God, we can know peace.

And yet, when the Lord entered the upper room, he didn’t greet his confused disciples in latin. He did not say, “pax vobiscum”. Rather, he likely greeted them with the Hebrew word for peace, which you’ve probably heard before. “Shalom”

The biblical Hebrew word Shalom means peace that comes from wholeness and goodness and blessedness. Shalom is not just the absence of hostility, but rather the establishment of lasting, righteous well-being. Blessed are the peacemakers, those who work to establish the physical, emotional, material, and spiritual well-being of others. If you work for this sort of peace, the Lord promises you will experience this sort of peace.

The Lord entering the upper room is announcing that the peace of the kingdom of God—lasting spiritual well-being is now available to his disciples. Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, not as the world gives, do I give it.  The world promises this sort of peace, but it cannot deliver. It can only offer artificial substitutes that leave us empty and exhausted. May the shalom of God through Christ be with your spirit.

The Hebrew word, Shalom, in scripture, also refers to the peace and tranquility that the righteous soul experiences in death. One of the earliest uses of the word shalom, is in God’s promise to Abraham in the first book of the bible, when he promises that due to Abraham’s faithfulness in life, he will rest in the peace of his forefathers in death. Thousands of years later, we still offer that prayer when someone dies, “may he rest in peace.”

So too in our Christian belief about death and judgment. Those of Jesus’ disciples who die in a state of peace with God, a state of grace—will be raised on the last day and enjoy the eternal peace of the heavenly kingdom. 

We’ve looked at the latin word, we looked at the Hebrew word, but St. John’s Gospel, was not written in either latin or Hebrew, was it, but in Greek. And the Greek word, St. John uses to translate the Lord’s greeting of Shalom, is also quite revealing. The Greek word for peace in St. John’s Gospel, is the word “Eirene”—coming for the word “eiro” which means to be joined to something that makes you whole. So peace, Christian peace, lasting peace, comes ultimately from being joined to Christ. This is a peace that is available to us through the Sacramental life of the Church. We are joined to Him in baptism. Broken communion is restored through Reconciliation. We are strengthened in communion through the Eucharist. Husband and Wife become a sacrament of the Lord’s union with the Church through sacramental marriage. 

Finally, notice, that the Lord’s announcement of peace only comes at the very end of John’s Gospel, after the Lord’s death and resurrection. Peace, wholeness, blessedness and well-being have come at a price. For notice, too, how immediately after announcing peace, he draws his attention to the wounds in his hands and side. The Lord draws attention to the marks of his suffering, crucifixion, and death, for as Isaiah writes, “he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; by his wounds we are healed, his punishment has brought us wholeness” 

The Lord invites Thomas to place his hands within the wounds that have won peace and wholeness for him and the whole human race. When we contemplate his wounds with gratitude we obtain a sense of how deeply we are loved. And when we commit to imitate that suffering to work for peace, we become blessed with a peace that nothing else in the world can provide.

True Peace is never every achieved without suffering. Good Pope St. John XXIII wrote, “True peace is born of doing the will of God, and bearing with patience the sufferings of this life, and does not come from following one’s own whim or selfish desire, for this always brings, not peace and serenity, but disorder and discontent”.

Do you want peace in your family, peace in our world? You’ll never find it until you are at peace with God through Christ—seeking to order your life according to his teachings, living his commandments, receiving his grace through the sacraments, listening to his life-giving word in prayer.

Easter is the celebration of the New Peace that is available to the human race—a peace that comes through union with Christ. May we never take his victory for granted, but live the new life of peace today and all days, and allow ourselves to become his instruments of establishing his peace in the hearts and minds and souls of others for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 

29th Week in OT - Tuesday - Christ is our peace

 

“Christ is our peace”. What a simple yet powerful teaching in our first reading today. Peace is not just the absence of war, nor a sense of calm when all of your day’s work is done. Christ is our peace. In order to have true peace, we must have Christ. 

You can’t have peace in the world unless Christ dwells there, and you can’t have peace in your heart unless Christ dwells there.

This morning, I saw headlines that two beautiful Churches in the Archdiocese of Santiago Chile, were torched and burned as part of anti-government protests. Don’t these protestors know that the peace, the justice, and the love they long for is found inside those churches? They cut themselves off from the very peace they long for. There is always something demonic behind the burning of churches: a demonic lie that peace can be discovered or obtained through purely human means without God. 

And sadly, the burning of these Chilean Churches are not isolated. There appears to be a real demonic campaign to stir up anger and violence. And as a nation falls farther and farther away from God, as God is divorced from life, anger and violence will increase. 

Which is why what we do here matters. To pray for peace, to receive Christ in the Eucharist who is peace itself. But also, we are to be bearers in peace. 

At the end of Mass, when the priest says, Go in peace. He doesn’t just mean leave the church quietly. It is an instruction to bring the peace of Christ into the world: to introduce souls out there—in the world—to the peace of Christ—to Christ who is peace. We are tasked with going out into the world—to help souls be reconciled to God through Christ—souls who are lost, souls who are searching, souls who believe that the answer to the worlds problems lies simply in politics, power, or money. Souls who believe happiness can be found at the bottom of a liquor bottle or in promiscuous sex. 

Souls out there long for peace, and we must bear peace, bring peace, to them. It’s not someone else’s job, it’s our job. The Lord says blessed are those servants who are prepared for his return. Well, we are prepared only when his peace already fills our hearts and our lives and we are busy with the work with which we have been tasked—to bring Christ’s peace to souls and souls to Christ’s peace, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - - -  

That those who are far off from God may come to know reconciliation and peace through the Church’s evangelization work.

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.

For the transformation of all attitudes which lead to war, violence, racial hatred, and religious persecution.

That, during this month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, many Christians will discover new and deep devotion to Our Lady’s powerful intercession and maternal care for the Church

That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and peace to all the suffering. 

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for the repose of the souls of all those who made our reception of the faith possible. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 3 2019 - St. Francis Xavier - What prophets and kings longed to see

At the time of Isaiah’s writing, the house of David was in shambles. Though God had promised David that his heir would be the king of kings, the Davidic line appeared more like a rotting stump than a flourishing royal tree. But Isaiah prophesied that from this stump shall arise a shoot; the line will continue, the Messiah will come, and usher in an era of unimaginable peace: the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, there shall be no harm or ruin on all God’s holy mountain.

When Jesus turned to his disciples, as we heard in our Gospel today, and said “Blessed are your eyes, because they see what many prophets and kings longed to see” he is speaking of the fulfillment of God’s promises. They were blessed to be able to see God’s promises being fulfilled in their midst. Jesus, the Messiah, was ushering in that promised kingdom of peace.

Our hearts long for this peace, peace that comes through union with God through Christ, Lord and Savior, peace that comes through being heirs of the eternal kingdom.

St. Francis Xavier, the Jesuit missionary, is one of history’s eminent ambassadors of God’s kingdom of peace. Known for his great zeal and learning, he was sent by the Christian King of Portugal to evangelize India. .  In India he preached, taught the catechism and worked in hospitals.  He also traveled to the many islands around India, and as far as Japan and the Philippines.  We have many Filipino Catholics here in the Diocese of Cleveland, who would be able to trace their faith back to Francis Xavier himself.

In his missionary work in these pagan lands, he brought the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to peoples who had longed to see, longed to hear, longed to know that God was at work to save their souls. Just as Jesus accomplished many miracles beyond human capabilities as evidence of God’s kingdom, so too St. Francis Xavier was given the spiritual gift to perform miracles: he preached in tongues he had never studied, cured terrible afflictions and illnesses, and even raised the dead.

It is fitting that we honor a Saint like Francis Xavier during the Advent season each year.  For He is a reminder and example, that we are called to bring the Gospel to eyes that long to see Christ and ears that long to hear the Good News that Messiah brings salvation.  In this Holy season of preparation for Christ, we prepare our hearts to spread the message of Christ and the peace of Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - - 

For Pope Francis, Bishop Perez, and all ordained ministers, that their ministry may be effective in leading the Church in spreading Christ’s saving Gospel.

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.

That our young people will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, for the Jesuit Order’s faithfulness to the mission of Christ, and through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier, for the sanctity and safety of all missionaries.

For all whose lives are marked by suffering, disease or sorrow, may they come to know the healing and peace of Christ.

For the deceased of our parish, family and friends, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

23rd Week in OT 2019 - Wednesday - September 11 and the Promise of Peace

Yesterday, I mentioned how the short letter to the Colossians is divided into two parts: the doctrinal and the practical. Well today’s reading begins Paul’s practical advice to the Christians of Colossae; and what practical advice does he give?

“Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry…by these you once conducted yourself…but now you must put them all away…so put away anger fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.”

He doesn't begin with how they are to structure their community. He doesn't say what sort of charitable programs they are to offer. He begins with conversion. Putting sinful actions to death is a key to life. 

Though Christians have been raised up “in company with Christ” we know all too well how easy it is to fall back into the tendencies of the old nature, what Paul calls the “practices of the old self.” So, those sinful attitudes and tendencies have to be put to death over and over and over, lest they dominate our lives and reclaim our souls, and tear their community apart.

18 years ago, on September 11, 2001, the world evidenced what happens when those worldly powers have their way. Left to their own devices the world and the worldly are bent on self-destruction. Two smoldering heaps of ash and rubble is a perfect example of where immorality, fury, and malice leads.

Rather, Our Lord gives us the recipe for beatitude in the Gospels, to true fulfillment in union with God, the way to true, lasting and eternal peace. Jesus addresses in the beatitudes those who are poor, those who are weeping, those who are hungry, those who are insulted and excluded, and he promises that something better is possible through Him.

Through His help, through His Grace, and the grace of the Sacraments, may we seek what is above always, that beatitude the Lord desires for us, that he suffered and died to obtain for us, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - - - - -  
That through Our Lady, Queen of Peace, terrorism and war, may be brought to an end.

That our civil representatives may use their authority to lead and build our nation in godly ways.

For all those who harden their hearts toward God, for those who have left the Church, for all those in serious sin, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster and inclement weather, those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, the imprisoned,  for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.

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.

13th Week in OT 2019 - Tuesday - Stormy Weather

Billy Holiday sang, “Life is bare/Gloom and misery everywhere/ Stormy weather, stormy weather/And I just can't get my poor self together/Oh I'm weary all of the time/The time, so weary all of the time.”

Earthly life is certainly not without stormy weather. For Billy Holiday, it was the break-up with her man. Stormy weather. Dissatisfaction with work, or loss of a job and one’s economic stability. Personal illness. Sickness of a child or a parent or a spouse. A marriage or a friendship or a close relationship can end through death or through an argument.  The obligations of life can overwhelm us. We can be the victim of an act of violence or a betrayal or terrible luck.

The storms of life can become so violent that we feel like we are in a boat being tossed about on the seas like the Apostles in the Gospels today. And today’s Gospel immediately follows yesterday’s account of Jesus’ invitation to “follow him” and become his disciples. It is St. Matthew’s way of emphasizing that following Jesus won’t guarantee that our life will be free from stormy weather. But it will guarantee a relationship with the Lord who has all power to calm those storms, to grant peace, and courage amidst the storms.

Our Christian faith enables us to experience peace and courage in the face of life’s storms because the Lord is with us always.

Now sometimes we might wonder if the Lord is asleep in the boat, as our stormy weather ceases to dissipate according to our plans. And in those cases, I believe the Lord is inviting us to trust him, to allow him to calm our inner storms before he calms our outer storms. Where we are still experiencing inner storms: anger, impatience, lust, bitterness, confusion, anxiety, and hurt, we do well to open ourselves to the calming presence of Christ.

Having our inner storms calmed by the Christ, the Christian, then is to be a calm, steady presence in the world—to be a lighthouse amidst the storms, shining with the light of Christ, pointing to Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - - -
 
For abundant blessings for the whole Christian people.
For those who lack faith.
For those who hold public office.
For favorable weather and abundant fruits from the earth.
For the sick and the suffering.
For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed.
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church; grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith, we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.

6th Sunday of Easter 2019 - Anxiety and the Gift of Peace

Scripture speaks often of God’s desire to give his people “peace”. Psalm 85 says that God promises peace to his people. Psalm 29 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Paul tells the Galatians that the fruits of the Spirit are “love, joy, goodness, faithfulness, and peace” Isaiah prophecies that the Messiah will be called “Wonder-Counselor and Prince of Peace”

The Peace which the Lord exhibited in his earthly ministry must have been profoundly attractive to his people. You can tell when people are filled with the peace of God. The holiest people I’ve met have been the most peaceful—peace surrounds them like cloak. I think the opposite is also true; most of us have met people that seem surrounded by a cloud of distress, bitterness, unhappiness; drama and chaos and division follow them everywhere. Perhaps, you’ve met someone who has allowed grief to turn into anger at the world or anger at God and that anger just exudes from them. Christians, rather, should be known by their peace. We are called to be peacebearers and peacemakers.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” What powerful words, especially when we know, all too well, how anxiety, fear, anger, worry can have such a negative effect upon our lives.

We worry or are angry about the economy, about our jobs, our families, our kids and spouses, our Church and our parish, our government, our country, the environment. Anxities and resentments can have serious repercussions on our physical and mental health, resulting in headaches, irritability, muscular aches and pains, gastrointestinal issues, depression, difficulty in concentrating, both extreme fatigue and sleeplessness, just to name a few symptoms.

And many people turn to compulsive behaviors to cope with their anxiety: overindulgence in alcohol, drugs, promiscuity or pornography, excessive eating and shopping. Anything to give some semblance of control.

Anxiety and restlessness can be a sign that things are out of balance. God designed the human person in such a way that we experience anxiety, some restlessness, when our lives are out of balance. Anxiety can be a sign that we need to make some changes to our Diet, exercise, and sleep schedule, that we need to spending more quality time with family and friends. Serious compulsions and serious anxiety is likely a sign that we need to speak with a counselor.

Yes, anxiety and restlessness can be signs that something is out of balance and needs to be changed about our physical and mental habits. They can also be a sign that something needs to be changed or improved about our spiritual habits. As St. Augustine said so rightly, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” If we aren’t experiencing the peace we think we should, in our spiritual life, we do well to examine what might need to change.

The peace that God wants for us might come from personal changes, it will likely come through other people, working on relationships, and peace will certainly through prayer and the sacraments. One well-known Catholic psychologist said that 5 minutes in the confessional is worth a month of therapy. The honesty of admitting one’s failures in the confessional and acknowledging that God is the source of peace and strength for the future, has a powerful therapeutic effect, not to mention the spiritual cleansing we receive through sacramental absolution.

Boredom, too, is likely a sign that spiritual changes need to be made. I often tell the kids over in the school that boredom is either a sign that they need to get up and do something physical, or it’s a sign that they need to spend more time in prayer. Likely, it’s a sign of both.

Boredom, anxiety, anger, fear, worry, these are signs that we need to go to a quiet place and open ourselves to the gift of peace that Jesus promises in our gospel today. Now some people confuse prayer and worry. Prayer is not simply over-ideating on your problems. Going over and over your worries in your head is not prayer. Rather, prayer requires entrusting our worries to God, asking God to help us identify what we can do about them, and letting him take care of the rest. As they say in AA, let go and let God. Peace comes through faith: yes, it comes from doing what we can, praying hard, working hard, but finally, we need to entrust our needs to God.

St. Padre Pio, the great Italian stigmatist from the last century, is said to have received many letters from around the world. Thousands of letters every day. And these letters, as you guessed it, were filled with people’s problems, needs, and worries. And, it’s said that he would often write back the same thing in every response. He’d write, “work hard, do your best, pray hard, and don’t worry.” Work hard, do your best, pray hard, and don’t worry.

In thinking about worry and anxiety, I can’t help but think, as well, of our mothers who we celebrated two weeks ago on Mother’s day. Not as the cause of our anxieties…mostly…but as the remedy. Who here hasn’t brought a worry or anxiety to your mother? Mothers sort of absorb the worries and anxieties of her children. We no doubt have many mothers here who have taken their own children’s worries and anxieties and needs upon themselves, who have brought their children’s anxieties, in their hearts, to the altar today. And something happens in the mother’s heart, doesn’t it, problems are transformed, sometimes wisdom is discovered, peace is given.

On this final Sunday of the Month of May, I invite all of you to deepen and strengthen your relationship to our Mother in Heaven, Our Lady. She is called Our Lady of Sorrows, because she takes our sorrows and the sorrows of the world to God for us. She is Our Lady Perpetual Help because she is always there, always concerned for each one of us. She is Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners, because we can always find peace and protection in her care. As Mediatrix of Grace she is the channel through which God’s peace is offered to us.

So, bring your needs, your worries and woes, your stresses to Mother Mary every day. In the moment of fear, in the moment of anger, in the moment of temptation, call upon Mother Mary. She will always help us find and know the gift of peace, given to us by Her Son, Our Lord. No Doubt, Mary’s presence brought peace to Jesus Himself throughout his own sufferings. We know Mary comforted Jesus on the way of the cross, we know she stood by him as he suffered crucifixion and died. Jesus gave Mary to us as our own Mother, and we do well, to allow her to do a mother’s job in our own life, to be that powerful source of peace in our needs and troubles.

Please know that as I embark on pilgrimage this week, I bring all of your needs, worries, anxieties, and petitions with me, and pray that the Lord may continue to bless us with his gift of peace, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

May 21 2019 - St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions - The Serenity of the Martyrs

For 150 years, anti-Catholic laws in Mexico made it dangerous to publically practice the faith.  Churches, schools, and seminaries were closed, foreign clergy and missionaries were expelled.  The Mexican government intentionally worked to weaken the Catholic faith of the people  Today, we honor 25 martyrs who died between 1915 and 1937.  22 of them were diocesan priests, 3 were laymen.

Among them was Fr. Christopher Magallanes.  Born in 1869 near Guadalajara.  He worked in the fields before entering the seminary, and following his ordination he worked in his home town organizing catechetical centers and schools in the rural area, helping the poor develop , encouraging devotion to the rosary.

When the government closed the seminary in Guadalajara, Father Christopher established a clandestine one in his parish.  This was between 1924 and 1928 which was a particularly brutal period of religious oppression which sparked the formation of the Cristero movement, its members pledging their allegiance to Christ and the Church whatever the dangers.  During that period the government made it illegal to be Baptized and for priests to celebrate Mass.

For Father Christopher, the end came in 1927 when he arrested and faced the firing squad. His last words to his executioners were "I die innocent, and ask God that my blood may serve to unite my Mexican brethren."

One of the things that always impresses me about the martyrs is the peace, the holy serenity, they exhibit as they face their sufferings and deaths. Because of their love for Christ, their conviction for the Gospel, they are filled with true peace: peace, as the Lord says in the Gospel today, “not as the world gives”, a peace which comes from heaven. When speaking about his own death to the apostles, Jesus in the Gospel today says, “do not let your hearts be troubled.” When facing hardship for the sake of the kingdom, we must not let our hearts be troubled. We must not shy away from the choices which may bring us hardship for the sake of the Gospel.

Like so many martyrs throughout the centuries, Fr. Christopher and those we honor today believed that spreading the Gospel was the most important thing in life. In the face of trial may we know Christ’s peace, and may we be faithful to Him always, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - -
 
Our Savior’s faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us praise Him in remembrance of them:

The martyrs professed their faith by shedding their blood, may we have a faith that is constant and pure.

The martyrs followed in Christ’s footsteps by carrying the cross, may we endure courageously our earthly trials and all the misfortunes of life.

The martyrs washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb, may we be helped by their prayers to avoid the weaknesses of the flesh and all worldly allurements.

That all Christian missionaries may have courage and strength in their witness to the Gospel, for an increase in priestly and religious vocations, and for increased willingness among Christians to answer the missionary call.

That anyone who suffers any type of affliction, illness, or suffering, may know the comfort of the mercy of Christ.

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

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

1st Week of Advent 2018 - Tuesday - Hope for Salvation

Throughout Advent, as we await and prepare for the coming of the Savior, so many of our scripture readings are taken from the prophet Isaiah.  The name Isaiah literally means “God is salvation”.  That’s the bottom line of Isaiah’s prophecies—God is salvation.   What is salvation?  What does it mean that God is our Salvation?

In today’s reading, Isaiah gives us a picture of what salvation looks like in that beautiful passage speaking of peace and harmony.
Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the baby goat;
The baby shall play by the cobra's den,
and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.
There shall be no harm or ruin an all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord,
as water covers the sea.

Isaiah foretells God bringing all of creation under his peaceful and just dominion.  This is what we long for, this is what we hope for, this is what we desire.

The promise of salvation is certainly a comfort amidst all of the evils we face. We look around to see a world falling apart from strife, jealousy, violence, fear, destruction and perversion, man at odds with the forces of nature, man at odds with his brother, men and women at odds, man living as if God did not exist. And God promises that he will save us from all of that. He’ll put an end to all of that.

This is the truth that is “hidden from the wise and the learned” as Jesus says in the Gospel today. Because the wise and the learned think that science will save us, or politics will save us, the right socio-economic policy will save us, psychology will save us. But Christians have a knowledge that not even the prophets and kings of old had, it is Jesus Christ who saves us from evil, sin, and death.

So much of our Advent preparation is deepening our hope in the one who saves, acknowledging that He is the peace we long for, His is the face we long to gaze upon, He is the end to the destruction and ruin and misery and hatred and oppression and violence, He is Our salvation, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
- - - - - - -

We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That through the witness of the Christian Church, Our Lord will bring hope to the hopeless and joy to the joyless.

That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.  We pray to the Lord.

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and bring peace to the suffering.

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

Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

Sept 10 2018 - Grandparents Day, Peace and Justice, Beatitude (School Mass)

As was mentioned in our introduction before Mass this morning, today we have a few events being commemorated today. We are celebrating the important role our grandparents play in our lives. We also remember the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks, those who lost their lives because of hate and violence. We offer special prayers for justice and peace, that the justice and peace of Jesus Christ might fill our world and our hearts. And just like we do at every Mass, we gather to offer thanksgiving to God for the gift of our salvation.

Our Gospel reading is very fitting to have read today. We heard the famous beginning of Our Lord’s great Sermon on the Mount, these opening lines to his great sermon are known as the beatitudes. And we should be pretty familiar with the beatitudes. Our third graders, I believe, study them line by line when they learn about Jesus’ ministry. We do well to memorize the beatitudes, so that we always have them with us. And in the liturgical life of the Church, the beatitudes are read at baptisms, weddings, funerals, and throughout the Church year. We read them so often, and in so many different settings because they are the attitudes and dispositions we are meant to cultivate throughout all of life whether we are grieving at a funeral, or rejoicing at a wedding, or coming to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian.

The beatitudes help us to practice the blessedness, the holiness, that God wants for all of us. Not all of us are designed by God to be great athletes, great musicians, great public speakers, greater writers or scientists, we all can’t be all those things. But God has designed all of us to be holy. Each one of us can become deeply holy, and we are to do so by practicing the beatitudes.

By practicing the beatitudes we begin to value heavenly things over earthly things; humility over pride, repentance over hard-heartedness, gentleness over harshness, justice and peace over violence and selfishness; courage over fear; purity over perversion.

The beatitudes teach us that True Success in this life isn’t measured by the size of our house or bank account, the number of athletic trophies or academic rewards we accumulate but by allowing the Christian faith to permeate every dimension of our life; by using our time, talent, and treasure for God’s Will, not our own.

We thank God today for our grandparents, who are so often models of holiness, and blessedness, and Christian faith for us. For many years, every Sunday, week after week, year after year, my grandparents would bring me to Sunday mass when my own parents would not. I would not be here today, a would not be a priest without my grandparents faith and generosity. Grandparents never underestimate your role in these young people’s lives.

We also pray today that each of us may put into practice the lessons the Lord teaches us, that grave evil, like the September 11th terrorist attacks may never happen again. We pray t who allow hatred and evil to fill their hearts, may come to know the love and peace of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

11th Week of OT 2018 - Monday - Turning the Other Cheek (Short Homily for Nursing Home Mass)

“When someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.”  This teaching of Jesus was counter-cultural back then, and it is counter-cultural now. The world would say, when someone slaps you on the right cheek, slap them back, harder, get them back, teach them a lesson so they never think to slap you again.  Rather than responding with vengeance, Christians respond to violence as Christ did. Remember, during his Passion, as he was beaten and mocked by Roman Soldiers, he offered his sufferings to the Father for our salvation.

To turn the other cheek, sounds like weakness, it sounds like foolishness.  Our abuser might continue to slap us, they might continue to take advantage of us.  But the way of forgiveness, the way of peace, transforms weakness into a strength that glorifies God and witnesses to Jesus who is Prince of Peace. So when we are hurt, by a neighbor or someone in authority over us, we must resist the impulse to immediately retaliate with a violent word or action. We must remain calm when things don’t go our way.

Instead of returning “evil for evil”, we are to return “good for evil”. This not only stops the cycle of violence, but allows God to reverse and transform it.  Injury suffered with forgiveness will be rewarded in eternity. Christians should stand against injustice, especially toward the most vulnerable, but never out of vengeance or malice toward the perpetrators of violence..

Through our Eucharist today, may our hearts be opened to ever-deeper faithfulness to Christ’s Way of Peace, his way of transforming love for the glory of God and  salvation of souls.

- - - - - - - -
 
That all Christians may be faithful to Christ’s way of mercy.

For all those who suffer from violence, war, famine, extreme poverty, addiction, discouragement, loneliness, and those who are alienated from their families.  May they know God’s mercy and be gathered to the eternal kingdom of peace. 

For all those who suffer illness, and those in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care, that they may be comforted by the healing light of Christ. 

For the response of the souls of our beloved dead, the deceased members of our families friends and parishes, for those who fought and died for our freedom, and for Ken Cole, for whom this mass is offered