12th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026 - St. John Fisher, St. Thomas More & Public Witness

 

Tomorrow, June 22, on the liturgical calendar is the feast day of two of my favorite saints, two English saints, the martyrs St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More.

You may be familiar with the story which brought these two holy men to their martyrdom. King Henry VIII desired to divorce his wife because she was not bearing him a son.  At the time Henry was a Catholic; in fact, Catholicism had flourished in England for over a thousand years. Henry had himself written theological texts defending Catholicism against the Protestant Errors of Martin Luther.

But, the desire for an heir, a male son, became an all-encompassing pursuit for the King. Wanting to marry another woman who might bear a son, the King asked the Pope for an annulment. But, after a thorough examination, the Pope decreed that marriage was valid, there were no grounds for an annulment.

The King didn’t like being told what he could and couldn’t do, so King Henry made a bold claim. He claimed that it was not the Pope, but himself who was the head of the Church in England, and then granted himself the annulment.

In order to substantiate his authority, the King then forced all of the bishops and all of the government to swear publicly that the King was the head of the Church in England.

Now, you’d think that this heretical, schismatic claim would be met with clear denunciation on the part of England’s bishops; but no. And even though, it is clear from Scripture and the uninterrupted teaching of the Church, that our Blessed Lord while he still walked the earth made St. Peter and his successors the head of the Church, all save one of the Bishops folded to political pressure, and spoke the words the king wished to hear. One lone bishop witnessed to the true faith with his life, that bishop was St. John Fisher, a truly courageous man.

Thomas More had been chancellor of the kingdom, the highest office in the land next to the throne. Thomas, in fact, was a very good friend of the King and a close confidant. As a high ranking official, he too was being pressured to acknowledge the king’s claim to have this authority to redefine Christianity. But Thomas was a man of true faith. He resigned his office and stood up to the king. For this, like the bishop John Fisher, Thomas More was imprisoned and eventually beheaded.

Bishop John Fisher and the statesman Thomas More were faithful even when numerous bishops, priests, and government officials pressured them to contradict their faith. In fact, Thomas had been pressured by members of his own family. They were Catholic, they knew the faith, they tried to convince Thomas just take the oath publicly, while keeping the true faith in your heart. But he said, no, what is an oath but words of the heart spoken publicly, words spoken to God.

These two holy martyrs exemplify the teaching of Our Lord in the Gospel today, “The words that I’ve spoken in private, speak in the light, those words that you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”

Our faith, what we have been taught in our catechetical formation, is to be lived out publicly in the world. The martyrs, St. John Fisher, St. Thomas More, and so many martyrs and saints show us this. Christianity is not just about believing a set of principles in here—in the private recesses of our minds and hearts. The teachings of Christ are to be lived out, proclaimed, and shared in the world.

 We live in a very strange age. In some parts of the world, Christians courageously die for the faith, and in many parts of our own diocese, many would rather die than practice it!

Now, many of us will not likely be in a position where we face public martyrdom, but for all of us, what we do publicly, how we act, how we treat people in public, these things matter. Someone once said, you can tell a lot about what is in a person’s heart by how they treat a waitress, a cashier, a salesperson. We are to reflect the goodness of God, and the love of God, in public, to strangers, to our spouses, to our parents, to our children.  How we act at a restaurant, at the supermarket, in the parking lot, these things matter.

Also, though, we must be faithful in those opportunities the Lord gives us to share our Catholic faith. A St. Clare parishioner once shared how a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses once came to his door. He told them that he didn’t have time to talk with them, and that they aren’t going to convert him anyway, since he was solid in his Catholic Faith. I told him, of course they aren’t going to convert you, but your job is to convert them! That was an opportunity God was giving you to share your faith. He said, well, they gave me some reading material. And I said, that’s fine, but what did you give them? A Catechism, a holy card, a pamphlet on our Faith, anything? No, Father, I don’t have that, I didn’t have anything to give them, I just wanted to get back to my yardwork.

I know people who will not attend bible study or adult faith formation, they won’t volunteer at parish events or even pray the rosary on an airplane, because they don’t want to give off the impression that they are ”too religious”…” “one of those Catholics”.

Saints like John Fisher and Thomas More believed that there is nothing more valuable, nothing more important than our Catholic faith, and that’s our call as well. Why? Because without Catholic faith, our world falls into error, souls will live at a distance from God, without the divine assistance of sacramental grace, the knowledge of the love of God and closeness of God in their trials. We share the faith because we love, we would want the truth shared with us, if we were in error.

Now, some, when presented with the truth of the Christian faith might close their hearts, like Henry VIII, who died having beheaded God’s holy ones, not to mention a number of women who he counted as his wives.

But some, some will respond with faith, and they will be grateful because we helped them to know God. Each one of us here have benefited from someone loving us enough to share the Christian faith with us. May we do the same.

“What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops” for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

June 13 2025 - St. Anthony of Padua - Preaching to fish and seeking the lost

 In the early 1200s a group of Franciscans left Assisi to preach the Gospel to the Muslims in Morocco. The Franciscans led by St. Berard were bold in their preaching, but their efforts were resisted. They were arrested, tortured, and beheaded.

Not long after, their relics were brought to Portugal, and there a young Augustinian friar named Anthony was deeply moved by the courage of those evangelizing Franciscan martyrs. He felt a profound calling to emulate their zeal and their way of life, and so he received permission to leave the Augustinians and join the Friars Minor. He immediately traveled to Morocco to continue that preaching mission of those martyrs, but fell ill and had to return to Italy.

And there he continued to became well known for his powerful preaching rooted in God’s word and sound Catholic theology. There is a famous story where St. Anthony traveled to Rimini in Northern Italy where there were a number of heretics. He started to preach, but they did not want to listen to him, and they even mocked him. In a dramatic gesture, Anthony went to the seashore, saying, “Because you show yourself unworthy of God’s word, behold, I turn to the fishes so that your unbelief may be shown up more clearly”. As he spoke of God’s care for those creatures that live in the waters, a shoal of fish swam near to the bank, partly thrusting themselves out of the water and appearing to listen carefully. At the end of his sermon, the Saint blessed them and they swam away. In the meantime, so deep was the impression made upon the onlookers that many hurried back to the city imploring their friends to come and see the miracle, while others burst into tears asking forgiveness. Soon after a great multitude gathered around the Saint, who exhorted them to turn back to God. So through St. Anthony’s sermon to the fishes, the city of Rimini was purged of heresy.

While he is lovingly and effectively invoked as the Patron of Lost objects, his main mission was to help find lost souls. We should invoke St. Anthony not just when we’ve lost our car keys, but to find the right words to speak to those who have left the faith and those who do not know Christ. 

May St. Anthony help us to go and seek out those who are lost, that they may find Christ. May St. Anthony’s zeal and courage fill us for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 

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With trust in God's providence and inspired by the zeal and courage of St. Anthony of Padua, let us bring our prayers before the Lord:

For the Church throughout the world, that she may boldly proclaim the Gospel in season and out of season, drawing all people to Christ, 

For all preachers, catechists, and evangelists, that like St. Anthony, they may be rooted in God’s Word and fearless in proclaiming the truth with love and clarity, and that our parish, attentive to the needs of others, may courageously share the faith with those around us.

For those who have fallen away from the faith, that through the prayers and witness of the Church—and the intercession of St. Anthony—they may return to the sacraments and to Christ.

For the poor, the forgotten, and the spiritually lost, that we may seek them out with the love of Christ.

For the faithful departed, especially those who sought Christ in this life, that they may now rejoice in the presence of the Lord forever. 

Father of mercy, you raised up St. Anthony to preach your Word and seek the lost. Through his intercession, help us to live our faith boldly and bring others to the joy of your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

June 3 2025 - St. Charles Lwanga and companions - Courage of the Ugandan Martyrs

 To many of us the name of the Ugandan Martyr Charles Lwanga is unfamiliar.  But, he is well-known and revered in much of tropical Africa as a patron saint of young people. 

Uganda only began to be evangelized in the early to mid-1800s by the Society of Missionaries of Africa, known as the White Fathers because of the white cassock they wore. The earliest converts were soon preaching the Gospel in places inaccessible to the White Fathers. Charles Lwanga one of the early converts, was a servant in the royal court of the Ugandan king, King Mwanga, who ruled in the south eastern part of the country. 

Mwanga was a violent ruler and a pedophile who forced himself on the young boys and young men who served him. Many of the boys converted to Christianity and began refusing the advances of the King. This made the King suspicious, believing that if his subjects continued to convert, he would eventually lose his throne to the Christians.

So, he gathered up the Christian, and demanded that they renounce Christ. When they refused he had them killed. King Mwanga thought that killing Christians would break our resolve. But the faith was strengthened. 

Charles Lwanga was installed as director of the king’s boy-servants, but little did the King know that Charles, inspired by those already martyred, had been baptized. Charles preached the Gospel within the king’s court and continued to make more converts. Realizing how the faith had continued to spread, the king arrested Charles and the other Christians and sentenced them to death. This time, he wanted their death to be excruciating in an attempt to warn others against converting. Charles and his companions were marched two days, starved and beaten, then stripped, bound, and burnt to death on the 3rd day of June, 1886.

As he burned, St. Charles preached to his killers, saying, “It is as if you have thrown water on me. Please repent, and be a Christian like me.”

Charles’ death shook the country, and instead of throwing other Christians into panic, in inspired many unconverted Ugandans to become Christian. 

The martyrs remind us of our calling to witness to Christ even in the face of the hatred of the world. Some will continue to hate us, but others will convert, like Charles himself. Today, Catholics make up about 37% of the population of Uganda: 17 million Catholics who can trace their faith back to the courageous witness of the St. Charles Lwanga and his martyred companions.

Their witness certainly challenges us to consider how we use our time, whether or not we have been shirking our responsibility to witness to Christ, whether we have fearfully sealed our lips when we were meant to speak, if we have hidden in the comfort of our homes, when we were meant to be in the world preaching, or at least supporting the evangelizing mission with our prayers and talents.

May St. Charles Lwanga and his martyred companions pray for us and teach us how to live our Christian vocation well and with Courage for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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 Trusting in the God who strengthens his people to witness to Christ, let us bring our petitions before the Lord.

For the Church throughout the world—that, inspired by the courage of the martyrs, she may proclaim the Gospel with clarity and charity even when it is costly.

For missionaries and catechists, especially in places where the faith is newly planted or faces opposition—that the Spirit will confirm them in hope and draw many hearts to Christ through their witness. Let us pray to the Lord.

For young people and all entrusted to the care of mentors and educators—that, under the patronage of Saint Charles Lwanga, they may grow in purity, integrity, and a joyful readiness to follow Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

For children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults suffering exploitation, abuse, or trafficking—that God deliver them from harm, heal their wounds, and convert the hearts of those who abuse power. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish—that we reject complacency, use our gifts for evangelization, and support missionary efforts through prayer, sacrifice, and action. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the poor, the imprisoned, and those weighed down by fear or sorrow—that Christ, who walked the road of suffering, may raise them up with healing and hope. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our departed brothers and sisters—especially those who died for their fidelity to Christ—may they rejoice forever in the company of the martyrs before God’s throne. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of all nations, You kindled an unshakable faith in Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions. Hear the prayers of Your people, and grant that we, like them, may bear fearless witness to Your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 20 2024 - St. Andrew Kim - Christian in word and deed

 Saint Andrew Kim was the first native-born Korean priest, and he was beheaded for the faith. He, and St. Paul Chong Hasang with their 111 companions were martyred over the course of many years, but were canonized together by Saint John Paul II in 1984. 

The first Christian missionary arrived in Korea in the late 1500s, but for centuries, Catholicism was seen as a threat to Korean customs and traditions. The Korean government opposed the spread of Christianity, and in 1801, 200 Catholics were martyred by the government. 

St. Andrew Kim was from a Korean family who suffered under those persecutions. But inspired by the courageous witness of those martyrs, he became devoted to the Gospel. In 1844 he was ordained a deacon, then a year later, he was ordained as Korea’s first native-born Catholic priest. He traveled throughout Korea and visited various Catholic communities, teaching, mostly at night the faith and celebrating the Sacraments. He was arrested for trying to sneak missionaries into the country, he was tortured over the several months, and then finally killed, at the age of 25. 

Andrew wrote to his fellow Christians the following words: “We have received baptism, entrance into the Church, and the honor of being called Christians. Yet what good will this do us if we are Christians in name only and not in fact?”

Andrew Kim understood that being a Christian isn’t simply about identifying with a label or belonging to a community. It is about living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ in everything we do.

He calls us to ask ourselves: Are we truly living out the grace of our baptism? Are we allowing the Gospel to shape our actions, our choices, and our relationships? Being a Christian “in fact” means that our faith is not just something we profess with our lips, but something we embody in our daily lives—especially when it is difficult, unpopular, or even dangerous to do so. 

We may not face the same physical persecution as St. Andrew Kim and his companions, but in a very sense, we owe it to him to take his challenge to heart—striving to be Christians not only in name, but in our witness, our love, and our commitment to living the Gospel fully and courageously for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For all Christians facing persecution for the faith, that their sufferings may bring about the conversion of hardened souls to Christ.

For the members of St. Andrew Kim parish and the good Korean Catholics of our diocese, that they may continue to be a blessing to our local Church.

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

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests, deacons and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

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.

August 7 2024 - St Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs - Docile in believing the faith

 In the third century, the Roman Emperor Valerian ordered that Christians had to take part in the state religious ceremonies. He also forbade them from assembling for Christian worship, threatening with death anyone who was found to disobey the order.  St. Sixtus II was Pope during this terrible time.  And for nearly a year Sixtus functioned as Pope, administering the Church. He famously worked to resolve a conflict with certain Eastern churches over the rebaptism of converted heretics. 

In August of 258, Emperor Valerian issued a far crueler edict.  It simply and coldly ordered that all bishops, priests, and deacons be put to death. On August 6, 258, Pope Sixtus II and four deacons, were seized while celebrating Mass in the Catacombs of Callistus in Rome.  They were beheaded that same day. 

The opening prayer of today’s mass asked God by the power of the Holy Spirit to make us docile in believing the faith and courageous in confessing it. 

What does it mean to be docile in believing the faith? The words doctor, doctrine, and docility are all etymologically connected. To be docile means to be teachable—to be open to the teaching of the doctrine by the doctor—the learned one. So the opening prayer is asking God to help us to continue to be teachable. We are never too old, or too learned, that we should be unteachable in the matters of the faith—in the way of Christ. 

Two obstacles particularly stand out which make us resistant to being teachable at any age: the first is pride, the second is laziness. Pride says, I have nothing to learn, I know everything, the Church has nothing to teach me. Laziness, says, egh, it’s too much effort to learn anymore, I don’t have the energy to be open to new things, the bible is too heavy. But to be a disciple of Jesus is to be open to lifelong learning of what it means to be good, holy, courageous, wise, and loving.

It is significant that we have this reminder to be open to being taught on the feast of these martyrs. The martyrs are very important teachers. The Church’s prayer is that we learn from their example. 

The martyrs teach us what courage looks like in proclaiming the Gospel in the face of hostile forces, what witness looks like, what trusting in God looks like when the powers of hell are bent against us. They teach us what faith, hope, and love look like. We are to believe in the teachings of Christ with the faith of the martyrs. We are to place our hope in heaven, with the hope of the martyrs. We are to love God enough and love neighbor enough that our lives become a light for others. 

Holy Spirit, make us docile to the lessons of the martyrs, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church: That we may be inspired by the courage of the martyrs, remaining steadfast in our faith even in the face of persecution. 

For docility of faith: That we may remain open to learning and growing in our faith, overcoming pride and laziness and For the grace of witness: That our lives may become a light for others, reflecting the faith, hope, and love exemplified by the saints. Let us pray to the Lord.

That politicians and government officials may protect religious freedom, promote virtue, and look to the law of Christ to guide their work for the good of nations and the human race.

That in facing trials, illness, or suffering of any kind, all people may find strength and consolation in the promises of Christ and the grace of his mercy. Let us pray to the Lord.

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

Heavenly Father, hear our prayers, and grant us what we truly need to be docile in faith and courageous in witness, through Christ Our Lord.

June 2 2023 - Sts. Marecellinus and Peter - Martyrs of the Great Persecution

 

As you likely know, for the first three hundred years of our faith, our faith was persecuted throughout the Roman Empire. Some of those persecutions were fiercer than others. Well, around the year 284, the most severe of the persecutions was led by the Emperor Diocletian--known as the Great Persecution. Thousands of Christians were executed under the authority of Imperial edicts.

During the Great Persecution, clerics and laity were rounded up, imprisoned, tortured, and killed, the churches we had managed to erect were burned, along with our scriptures and ritual texts. The goal of the persecution was to finally force Christians to relinquish their faith and to submit to the Roman pagan religion, including the worship of the emperor himself as a divinity. And the persecution was empire wide, from Palestine, Syria, including Antioch to Greece and of course in Rome. 

Many of the martyrs of the Great persecution are still honored with great devotion today: Sebastian, Agnes, Vitus, Lucy, Cyrsogonus, Cosmos and Damian, Januarius, Catherine of Alexandria.

Around 303, the Great Persecution reached its fiercest point. And it was then that the two saints honored today were killed. The first was a Roman exorcist by the name of Peter. While in prison, Peter performed an exorcism on the daughter of the prison-keeper. This demonstration of Christ's power over demons is said to have brought about the conversion of the daughter, the prison-keeper, his wife, and the entire household--all of whom were baptized by the second saint honored today, the Roman priest Marcellinus.

After this, both Marcellinus and Peter were called before a judge who was determined to enforce the emperor's decree against the Church. When Marcellinus testified courageously to his faith in Christ, he was beaten, stripped of his clothes, and deprived of food in a dark cell filled with broken glass shards. Peter was also returned to confinement.

But the conversions continued. And they were so successful in converting their fellow prisoners, that the Roman authorities didn’t want to risk a public execution, lest their deaths inspire even more conversions. So Marcellinus and Peter were taken to a forest in the middle of the night, forced to dig their own graves, and beheaded. 

It is said that the executioner was so moved by their courage that he sought out baptism, and later shared with Pope Damasus the location of the martyrdom, so a church could be built there. 

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking part in the celebration of the Sacrament of confirmation with about 40 young people, and so many of them chose as their confirmation patrons, the names of those early Christian martyrs. 2000 years later, young people, still look to the martyrs of the early Roman church as inspiration for living out the Christian faith. 

Why? No doubt, their courage in the face of hostility is perennially inspiring. All of us face some sort of adversity, and the martyrs show us what courage looks like, they show us that courage is possible, withstanding adversity, persevering throughout an earthly trial is possible. Their love for Jesus Christ and the Church is also contagious. 

May Marcellinus and Peter and all of the martyrs of the Roman Church help us to courageously confess Christ in our own day and place, remaining true to Him in word and deed, loving Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For openness to the Holy Spirits gifts, that we may be always bold and clear in spreading and defending the Gospel.

That the faith of the martyrs may give us courage in times of persecution.

For our young people beginning summer vacation, that they may be kept close to the truth and heart of Jesus.

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

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

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.

A reading from the book of the prophet Joel

Thus says the Lord God: Children of Zion, delight and rejoice in the LORD, your God! For he has faithfully given you the early rain, sending rain down on you, the early and the late rains as before. The threshing floors will be full of grain, the vats spilling over with new wine and oil. You will eat until you are fully satisfied, then you will praise the name of the LORD, your God, Who acts so wondrously on your behalf! My people will never again be put to shame. Then you will know that I am in the midst of Israel: I, the LORD, am your God, and there is no other; my people will never again be put to shame.

A continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set [him] in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles* into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? l But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

5th Week of Lent 2023 - Wednesday - Yielding a harvest through faithful perseverance

 

One of the lessons of today’s scripture readings is one of faithful perseverance. When told they must worship an idol or be put to death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, persevered in their faith. They kept the faith even when threatened with death in the fiery furnace.

In the Gospel, too, teaches about perseverance. He says his disciples must remain in his word, to keep his word, to remain faithful to his teachings, to persevere in the way he has shown us, and promises that if we do, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.

We often think of the perseverance of the early Christian martyrs: martyrs like Perpetua and Felicity, martyr-popes like Sixtus and Cornelius, apologists like Justin, our own patrish patron saint, St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, were told to worship the roman emperor or die. And they embraced death as an opportunity to offer the ultimate witness to the truth and freedom that comes from Christ. Their choice to imitate their Lord, who freely goes to the cross out of love for us, continues to echo through the centuries, and they give timid Christians like you and me the courage to persevere in the faith in our own time.

Now the pressures we face, might not involve coercion to offer a burnt offering to the emperor of Rome, but certainly we experience pressure to forsake prayer to the one true God in order to give our time and focus to the false gods of entertainment, gossip, consumerism, or the pressure just to fit in with the rest of the increasingly secular society. 

How often Christians are being faced with the choice to forsake bedrock basic truths to promote the insane ideas of our culture in regards to sexual morality, gender ideology, and the rights of the unborn! Baptized Christians who have chosen to say the Church is wrong and the culture is right! There are bishops right now in the world who are feeling this pressure: to water down or neglect the preaching of church teaching because some teachings are controversial. God help them, and God help us to keep the word with a generous heart.

Most of us feel daily pressures in the form of stress. And likely, most of us are not praying enough to combat the stresses and pressures. We aren’t studying enough to sharpen our minds against the intellectual onslaught of the culture. We aren’t making use of the sacramentals against the dark spiritual forces which seek our ruin. 

The heat of the furnace is being turned-up, and we might not be able to control that. But we can control our prayer lives. Do we seek the presence of Christ with us in the furnace? Do we allow him to sustain us in our trials? Do we allow him to teach us how to survive the fire with him at our side?

Because of their perseverance, Nebuchadnezzar came to believe in the one true God. Such is the power of persevering faith. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Don’t swallow earthly errors. Don’t worship the false gods of our culture. Souls can be won, hearts can be moved, enemies can be converted. “Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest (of souls) through perseverance” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That God may be pleased to increase faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity. 

For those without faith, those with hearts hardened toward God, and for those searching for Him.

For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.

For the victims of the horrific school shooting in Nashville and the consolation of their families, for the protection of our young people from such future evils, for all those with mental and spiritual illnesses which contribute to such evils.

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

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

February 6 2023 - St. Paul Miki and martyred companions - Make disciples of all nations

 

Christianity didn’t come to Japan until the tail end of the 16th century, particularly through the efforts of the great Jesuit missionary, St. Francis Xavier. Paul Miki was a native Japanese who had entered the Jesuit Order. He studied intensively the teachings of the Buddhists so that he could debate the Buddhist priests in order to convert them. 

By 1587, around 200,000 Japanese had entered the Church. Seeing Christianity as a threat to his sovereignty and to his nation, in that year, the Japanese emperor ordered the banishment of Christianity from Japan and the expulsion of all missionaries.  The edict was not very well enforced, which allowed many missionaries to remain in the country preaching the Gospel, though at the risk of their lives.

In 1596, the emperor increased his persecution of the Church, he began to arrest Christians in the south-central region of Japan called the Kansai region. They were forced to march 600 miles from Kyoto to Nagasaki. There they underwent some of the most brutal tortures in Church history. Those who did not apostatize were hung upon crosses and then skewered with spears. 

Paul Miki was among that first group of martyrs which also included 6 Franciscans from Spain, Mexico, and India, 3 other native Japanese Jesuits, and 17 lay Catholics comprised of catechists, doctors, simple artisans and servants, old men and innocent children. 

These Christian missionaries took to heart the Lord’s instruction in the Gospel: “go and make disciples of all nations”. 

Though Christianity was almost entirely wiped out from Japan, today there are about 1-3 million Japanese Christians, a half a million or so of them Catholic. A half a million out of a population of 123 million—less than one half a percent of the population. We have some work to do, no?

But then again, we have our challenges here at home, too. Again, St. Paul Miki studied Buddhism in order to convert Buddhists. The American Church likely needs to get a lot more serious about studying the prevailing philosophies, so that we can meet people are with the truth of the Gospel. What do our neighbors wrongly believe about Catholicism that is keeping them from conversion; what missionary activity in our own land is the Lord calling us to undertake?

May the example and holy intercession of St. Paul Miki and his martyred companions assist us in our task, and the Church in every land, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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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 freely embraced death in bearing witness for the faith, may we receive the true freedom of the Spirit. 

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

The martyrs followed in your 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 worldly allurements.

That all missionaries may have courage and strength in their witness to the Gospel, for an increase in vocations, and that more men and women will take up the missionary call.

For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.

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

 

April 26 2021 (EF) - Sts. Cletus & Marcellinus - Shepherds and Martyrs

 We celebrate two martyred Popes today: Cletus and Marcellinus, both memorialized in the Roman Canon. Cletus was just the third bishop of Rome, succeeding St. Linus, martyred in the early Roman persecutions in the year 89. Marcellinus, the 29th Pope, was martyred about 200 years later, in the empire-wide persecution of Diocletian. 

The ancient collect for this Mass calls upon God as Pastor Aeternus, the Eternal shepherd, to watch over his flock and protect it, as he gave Cletus and Marcellinus the grace of being faithful shepherds to the end.

That image of the Shepherd should still be fresh in our minds, just having celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday a week ago.  Both Cletus and Marcellinus willingly accepted martyrdom, imitating the love of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, that the Church might have abundant life.

The martyrs are in a sense always the greatest of shepherds. As shepherds, the martyrs by their deaths lead us, guide us, and direct us to the one true shepherd and giver of life. As shepherds, the martyrs protect us from worldly errors. They die in order to help us believe in the heavenly realities. They help us to possess true conviction that suffering and death do not get the last word for followers of Christ. 

As good shepherds, the martyr leads us to the green pastures of Christ, they feed and nourish and bolster and strengthen our faith, they carry us on their shoulders into the bosom of Christ. 

We certainly never err in flocking to the martyrs, in beseeching their prayers and imitating their virtues, for they will always help us to remain faithful members of the flock of Christ.

There will be times when we are called upon to give witness to Christ, particularly when it will bring upon us the scorn of the world or perhaps the ridicule of coworkers or family. But may the martyrs grant us courage and conviction and a deep love of Christ which overcomes all fear, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

November 24 2020 (School Mass) - St. Andrew Dung-Lac - Faith or Fear

 From one perspective, Jesus’ warning in the Gospel today could be kind of frightening. Standing on the foot of the beloved Jerusalem Temple the Lord shouts out, “everything you see here, all these costly stones and votive offerings will be destroyed. And not only that, there are going to be wars and violence and earthquakes and floods and famines and persecutions and plagues”. Kind of frightening, no?

And yet, Jesus isn’t trying to be frightening, rather, he’s trying to be comforting. All these terrible events he says are going to happen. Do not be terrified, he says. Do not be terrified, by these things. For the past few months, we’ve been living through one of these plagues Jesus was talking about. A plague, is a disease that sweeps through the population. 

And over the past few months I’ve met two types of people. People who are full of fear and people who take Jesus at his word here, who allow their love for Jesus Christ to cast out fear that is repeated over and over on the 24-hour news cycle and on the internet. Two types of people: the fearful and the faithful. 

The fearful are full of sadness, and they feel like prisoners, and they have been led to violent riots and vehement anger toward their fellow man. Their fear leads to anger, their anger leads to hate.

And the faithful are full of peace, and they are working to make the world brighter for others. During this plague, the faithful, take reasonable precautions not to get anybody sick, but they are not allowing fear to keep them from pursuing what is most important in life. Goodness, holiness, and peace.

Today the Church celebrates a group of Christian martyrs who experienced some of the most terrible and gruesome tortures in the whole history of the world. They were hated by their government, persecuted by their own people because of their faith in Jesus. Despite the persecution and the torture, they radiated peace and forgiveness and trust in God. And because of their courageous faith, Christianity is flourishing in Vietnam. Where there was once fear and hatred, now their faith and peace.

When we choose faith over fear God does amazing things—he performs miracles. Put your faith in Jesus throughout all the terrible events of life. And you will know a freedom and a peace that the fearful cannot even imagine. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. 

To all of our school families and teachers and staff, please know of my prayers, that your thanksgiving gatherings may be filled with the peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

For the sanctification of the Church, that bishops and priests be granted courage to preach the Gospel in its fullness.

For the sanctification of families, that the Word of Jesus may be studied, cherished and practiced in every home.

For all who have fallen away from the sacraments, may they repent of their sins and desire the life that can only come from you.

For peace and refreshment to all who prepare to gather for the Thanksgiving Holiday, bring safety to travelers, and protection from all disease.

For comfort to the sick and suffering, charity and care to the destitute and down-trodden, and courage to the fearful. 

That the Lord welcome into his kingdom all the faithful departed, those whose names are written in our parish necrology, all clergy and religious, and N. for whom this mass is offered.

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.

October 5 2020 (EF) - St. Placid and Companions - The leaven of the Pharisees

Chapter 12 of St. Luke’s Gospel, from which we take our Gospel reading for this feast of the Martyr St. Placid and his companions, begins a long teaching by the Lord on genuine discipleship in contrast to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. 

St. John Henry Newman offers a very strongly worded commentary on this passage. He says, “How seasonable is our Lord’s warning to us…to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy: professing without practicing. He warns us against it as leaven, as a subtle insinuating evil which will silently spread itself throughout the whole character…Let us ever remember that all who follow God with but a half heart, strengthen the hands of his enemies…perplex inquirers after truth, and bring reproach upon their Savior’s name…Woe unto the deceiver and self-deceiver! God give us grace to flee from this woe while we have time! Let us examine ourselves, to se if there be any wicked way in us…And let us pray God to enlighten us, and to guide us, and to give us the will to please him, and the power.”

Pretty strong words for that great saint, but certainly because Our Lord’ own condemnation of hypocrisy is pretty strong. Hypocrisy was the great sin of the Pharisees, who claimed representatives of God. They had the duty to point others to God, but could not identify God when he arrived in their midst in the flesh. Their hypocrisy was that they professed righteousness, but did not practice it. They condemned small infractions, while devoid, themselves, of authentic love of God and neighbor.

Rather, the Lord teaches that his followers must be devoid of pharisaic hypocrisy. We are to be full of genuine love for God and neighbor which transforms the whole of one’s life. And we are to treat others with the same mercy and patience with which we hope to be treated by God.

When a Christian does not practice what he preaches, St. John Henry Newman says we “perplex inquirers after the truth.” In other words, when we fail to live as Christ in the world, we make it difficult for non-believers, those searching for Christ, to come to believe in Him. So we need to take seriously the need to examine our lives, to sweep our houses clean of leaven, that we may give good witness and lead others to Christ.

This Gospel passage is so fitting for the feasts of the martyrs, like St. Placid and his companions, because the martyrs truly have “preached Christ from the roof tops”—they have preached him by following Him all the way to the cross—giving the supreme witness of their very lives. 

Whenever we are tempted to forsake the teachings and commands of the Lord, to give in to temptation, calling to mind the witness of the martyrs, their willingness to suffer, is a powerful remedy to our fear. 

Celebrating and calling to mind the witness of the martyrs, aids us in that “seasonable” daily effort of avoiding hypocrisy, to practice what we preach, to not fear those who harm or kill the body because of our faith. May we follow their example and know their heavenly intercession for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Gospel: At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed: nor hidden, that shall not be known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in chambers shall be preached on the house-tops. And I say to you, My friends, be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you Whom you shall fear: fear ye Him Who, after He hath killed, hath power to cast into Hell. Yea, I say to you, fear Him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you, whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. 

 

June 22 2020 - Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More - Highest Expression of True Faith

In the course of his ministry, our Lord took up the task of forming his disciples to continue the Gospel mission—sending them out through Galilee to heal and preach. And he was very clear that just as he would be rejected, his truth would be rejected, so they would be rejected. While he came to gather the divided peoples of the earth into one kingdom, through one faith and one baptism, that unity would be rejected. Responses to the Gospel would range from full reception to hostile rejection—so much so that in our passage from Matthew today, we hear how the Gospel’s rejection would cause discord, even hostility, within families.

The stories of the thousands of Christian martyrs throughout the centuries has been a repetition of that dynamic—though the Gospel is meant to unify—the prideful, those unwilling to bend the knee and to change their hearts—will lash out against Christ and seek to silence him.

Such was the case of the two martyrs we honor today, the bishop St. John Fisher, and the statesman, St. Thomas More. When King Henry VIII claimed headship over the Church in England and sought to rewrite the doctrines passed on by Christ to the apostles, he enacted law forcing all bishops and government officials to sign their names to his lies.

Bishop John Fisher was the only bishop in England who had the courage to oppose the king’s lies and usurpation of religious authority, and Sir Thomas More, former chancellor of England and close friend of the King’s was the highest-ranking layman to not take this oath acknowledging the king’s claims. Both were imprisoned in the Tower of London and eventually beheaded.

Yes, there will be pressure, worldly pressure, pressure from coworkers, neighbors, political groups, even members of our families, the Lord warns. You will be tempted to give in, to compromise the Gospel, to become silent when we should speak.

John Fisher and Thomas More experienced tremendous pressure from other bishops, statesman, and family, not to mention the threat of death. But they allowed the courage of Christ to flow within them. Their lives of holiness prepared them, as the Collect says, “to bring the true faith to its highest expression.”

These men are our great heroes, and we do well to honor them, emulate them, and invoke their heavenly intercession, that we like them might have the courage to remain faithful to Christ, to preach and live His Gospel, despite all temptations and pressures, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our bishops and clergy may be zealous in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel, and that our future bishop of the diocese of Cleveland may be a man of true faith and the Holy Spirit.

That through the intercession of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, people of faith may remain vigilant in defending religious liberty and preaching the Gospel courageously.

That our young people on summer vacation may be kept safe from the poisonous errors of our culture, and that their families may be places where the faith is practiced and cherished.

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

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and for Paul Becker for whom this Mass is offered.
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.

9th Week of OT 2020 - Tuesday - What belongs to Caesar?

"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Today’s Gospel certainly brings to mind the tension of the last month and a half. Can the government tell us we can’t go to Church? Can the government demand we wear masks? Can the government keep us from assembling to protest the infringement of our rights? What is the limit of civil authority? And what is our responsibility to obey legitimate authority?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us to answer some of these questions. The section in the Catechism on the 4th Commandment elaborates on not only the honor we owe  father and mother, but also our relationship with civil authorities.

Firstly, it talks what Caesar owes his subjects. “Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person.” This is a matter of justice. Caesar must respect our fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our Declaration of Independence does a pretty good job at listing some of these rights, identifying that our rights don’t come from the state, but are more fundamental, they come from God.

Then the Catechism goes on to explain the duties of citizens: “Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts: "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution.... Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God." Their loyal collaboration includes the right, and at times the duty, to voice their just criticisms of that which seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community.” The Catechism then goes on to explain some of our duties: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country.”

The Catechism does a pretty good job to make clear that yes, we need to collaborate with our authorities, we have a responsibility to the common good, but then Catechism explains the limits of Caesar’s power. Catechism 2242 states: “The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Refusing obedience to civil authorities, when their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience, finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Then quoting the Acts of the Apostles, Catechism states: “We must obey God rather than men" Whenever Caesar hinders our ability to give to God what belongs to God, we must obey God first. That may bring the wrath of Caesar…if Caesar is smart he’ll back down, for in opposing the will of God he brings upon himself God’s wrath.

How do we know what belongs to God? Luckily, we don’t have to figure that out on our own, we have our bishops, we have our scriptures, we have our Catechism, we have our sense of faith nurtured through years of Catholic spiritual formation. We certainly pray for those who have distanced themselves from the font of truth. For to be separated from truth, they cannot hope to respond well to the demands of justice.

Today we honor two saints, the priest Marcellinus and the exorcist, Peter, martyrs mentioned in the first Eucharistic prayer. They were imprisoned and killed for their Christian faith, for obeying God rather than Caesar. May Marcellinus and Peter and all of the martyrs of the One True Church help us to courageously confess Christ in our own day and place, remaining true to Him in word and deed, loving Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our bishops and all people of faith may remain vigilant in defending their religious liberty and that our President and all government authorities will preserve and protect authentic liberty and justice according to the moral precepts which come from God.

That religious indifference in our country and around the world may be transformed to radical commitment to the Gospel of Christ.

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

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

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.

34th Week in OT 2019 - Wednesday - Testimony in Pagan Courts and Thanksgiving Tables

Jesus’ final Temple discourse continues in our weekday Gospel readings with a description of the end times, the era of the Church. The Lord explains how our faith will lead us to giving testimony before the pagan governors and kings.

This certainly came to pass in the lives of the apostles. I think of the Apostle Thomas preaching against polygamy in the court of the King of India, Simon and Jude preaching against the false gods of Persia, the Apostle Matthew being martyred in Ethiopia.

And then of course the Roman martyrs like Paul and Saints Perpetua and Felicity, St. Agnes, St. Agatha, and Lucy. And John Fischer and Thomas more martyrs for Christ because the opposed the British king’s claim as head of the Church. St. Charles Lwanga who opposed the pederasty of the King of Uganda.

Simple people, mostly: fishermen, maidens. They gave testimony to Christ with their words and convictions and they gave testimony to Christ with their lives.

In the first reading, Daniel foreshadows Jesus’ teachings and the role that Christians will have in the world in giving testimony before kings. Daniel interprets this strange vision of the hand of God writing on the wall of the final Babylonian King, Belshazzar. Daniel interprets that the Babylonian Kings have been on the wrong side of history. They have opposed the One True God, the have defaced his Temple and oppressed his people.

Notice that Daniel has not prepared some systematic defense; his ability to speak for God comes from this spiritual gift he has nurtured through a life of holiness, his vibrant relationship with God cultivated even while in exile.

So, too, our ability to witness to Christ in the courts of the kings and governors of the world, not to mention at thanksgiving dinners, doesn’t come so much from preparing our intellectual arguments ahead of time, but from the gifts of God that we have cultivated in the course of the spiritual life.

The pagans, the godless, the nones, as they are called these days, those who practice no religion, are, like Belshazzar, on the wrong side of history. But, the Lord wishes to use us, as he did Daniel, and so many of the Apostles and martyrs, to give testimony to Christ by the integrity of our lives for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Lord, sanctify your bishops and priests, and grant them courage to preach the Gospel in its fullness.
Make the lives of parents examples of faith to inspire their children to seek first your heavenly kingdom.

Bring all those who have fallen away back to the sacraments, help them to repent of their sins and desire the life that can only come from you.

That the Wisdom of Christ may preside over our thanksgiving gatherings tomorrow, for safety for all travelers, and protection from food-born illnesses.

Bring comfort to the sick and suffering, charity and care to the destitute and down-trodden, be present through your church to the miserable.

Welcome into your kingdom all the faithful departed, those whose names are written in our parish necrology, all clergy and religious, and X for whom this mass is offered.

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 22 2019 - St. Cecilia - Courage of the Martyrs

When we celebrate the feasts of the martyrs, like St. Cecilia, we do so for a number of reasons. First, to give thanksgiving and praise to God. We join our lives to theirs through this act of divine worship. For the martyrs came to altars just like ours. They thanked God for the salvation of their souls just like we are doing. And from this altar they received the body and blood of Jesus that nourished their souls, that helped them to love Jesus so much that they were willing to die for Him.

Secondly, we celebrate the martyrs for their example of courage. As we’ve been reading through the Maccabees this whole week, these acts of heroic faith echo through the centuries, inspiring us to be faithful when we are tempted, setting good example for young people, that their lives may be ordered to seek after that which is most important, a vibrant relationship with God that directs the whole of their lives.

And of all the virtues of the martyrs it is certainly their courage that we seek to emulate. C.S. Lewis
wrote that “Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” If we are to practice any of the virtues of the Christian life: faith, hope, love, prudence, temperance, and fortitude, we need courage to practice any of them.

We need courage to have faith: to believe that God exists even though we have no empirical proof of his existence, to believe in he testimony of the apostles that Jesus is risen, we need courage to believe that we are truly forgiven of our sins. We need to have courage to hope, that amidst all the chaos and evil in the world, the goodness of Christ will triumph. We need to have courage to love, to go beyond self-preservation and self-interest and caring for others, looking to their needs instead of only our own.

Courage is needed for the Christian Life, and the martyrs like Cecilia, remind us of that, and pray from their place in heaven, that we may be courageous when our faith, hope, and live are tried.

While Cecilia was imprisoned and being tortured for her faith, she continued to speak of the saving Gospel and to sing God’s praises. She is known as the patron saint of musicians, because by her courage her life became a powerful song of witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

May her prayers and example aid us in having courage in the face of all trial for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the Pope and all bishops and priests may lead the church in the courage practice and proclamation of the saving Gospel of Christ.

That parents may be models of courageous faith for their children, and center their family life on the Gospel through worship, prayer, and charity.

For members of our parish faced with temptations and trials, that they will choose faith and know the strength and peace of God.

That through the intercession of St. Cecilia, in thanksgiving for our parish musicians, that their lives may be blessed as they develop and share their talents for the glory of God.

That Christ the Good Shepherd will draw close to all who suffer, the sick, the needy, victims of injustice, and the dying.

We pray in a special way during this month of November for all the faithful departed, for those whose names are written in our parish book of the names of the dead, all deceased members of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, and our deceased family members and friends, deceased clergy and religious, those who fought and died for our freedom and for X. for whom this mass is offered.
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 12 2019 - St. Josaphat - What we were obliged to do

When I think of the apostles and martyrs willingly going to their death for Christ, martyrs like our parish patron, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Josaphat whom the Church honors today, I wonder if they shared the sentiment found at the end of our Gospel reading today: “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'

The martyrs, men and women, up and down the centuries, so loved Christ that they were compelled when given the choice to abandon the faith or to die for Him, they chose to die. These are the ones who did what they were commanded to do. They took up their cross and followed the Lord all the way to Calvary because they loved Him and believed in Him and trusted in his promises.

“All the pleasures of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing” writes Ignatius of Antioch. “It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth”

St. Josaphat was born into an orthodox family in 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 was ordained a priest and eventually a bishop. And through the education of his flock, the reform of his clergy, and his personal example of holiness, Josaphat succeeded in winning the majority of the Orthodox in his diocese to full communion with Rome. Those who opposed him plotted his death. With furies cries of “Kill the Papist” he was killed and thrown into a river.

And yet, knowing his end, would have chosen to water down his teaching? Would he have put off the work of Christian unity for someone else. Would he have given the excuse that it was too dangerous, or not politically correct? Likely, he would have said, “I have done what I was obliged to do.”

And for this, at the time of his judgment, he appeared before the throne of God who welcomed him, “well done my good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s joy.”

May each of us cultivate that intense love of the Lord and the Truth of his Gospel, that we may willing to serve Him in all things despite the cost for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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For the healing of the wounds of all Christian division and for success in the work of evangelization.

For perseverance in carrying our crosses in fidelity to the Lord Jesus.

For safety for travelers and for the homeless and destitute affected by cold and inclement weather.

That we may be attentive to the needs of the sick, the poor, and the despairing in our midst.

We pray in a special way during this month of November for all the faithful departed, for those whose names are written in our parish book of the names of the dead, all deceased members of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, and our deceased family members and friends, deceased clergy and religious, for those who fought and died for our freedom and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

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.

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.

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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

5th Week of Lent 2019 - Wednesday - Imitators of the Passion

When told they must worship an idol or be put to death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, chose to remain faithful to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  They exhibited tremendous and courageous faith in the face of suffering and death.

The early Christians often faced this same trial.  “Offer sacrifice to the roman emperor and live, refuse, and die.”  Great martyrs like Perpetua and Felicity, Popes like Sixtus and Cornelius, apologists like Justin, refused to offer the pagan sacrifice and were put to death.

The Saints do not compromise their faith for the sake of worldly success.  Jesus asks, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” The saints show us that authentic faith means remaining true to Jesus Christ in the face of temptation, difficulty and trial.  Our own parish patron St. Ignatius of Antioch on his way to martyrdom wrote to the Romans: “It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ than to reign over all the ends of the earth…Him I seek, who died for us: him I desire, who rose again for our sake…Permit me to be an imitator of the Passion of my God!”

The prospect of suffering for the Gospel terrifies us. Most of us don’t want to be bothered or distracted from pursuing or own goals, what we think will make us happy. Prayer is considered a waste of time, charity a waste of money, fasting a waste of pleasure. And aren’t those the idols of our own day: my time, my money, my pursuit of pleasure?

Many people reject Catholic Christianity not because they have a distaste for ornate churches, beautiful vestments, or they reject the hierarchical constitution of the Church. It’s that they detect that Catholicism calls them away from the worship of idols to the worship and imitation of Christ, who embraces the cross, who reveals the cross as the royal road to heaven.

The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace foreshadows a powerful truth of our Christian faith. In the furnace, the three faith boys were not alone, they were joined by one with the “appearance of a son of God.” So too in our suffering we are never alone. Christ is with us, transforming the fire of our suffering into the light of glory.

As Holy Week draws near, let us draw near to Jesus as he suffers for us, let us draw near to Him to console Him who consoles us. May these final days of Lent help us to have courage in the face of suffering and temptation, to know Jesus’ presence with us as we imitate Him in his Passion for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
That the Church will experience the graces of profound renewal during this season of Lent.  That we may grow in our eagerness in spreading the Gospel of Christ.
That all Christian families will recommit themselves to putting Christ at the center of their family life, so as to grow in faith, hope, and love.  We pray to the Lord.
For an end to abortion and for the reverence and protection of human life.  We pray to the Lord.
For the young people of our Church. May they be strengthened to be witnesses to the Gospel of mercy and work for a future that embodies a genuine culture of life.
For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter: that they will be profoundly blessed in their preparation for full initiation into the Body of Christ.  We pray to the Lord.
For the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, unemployed, or suffering from addiction, mental, or physical illness, imprisoned, and those most in need: that the Lord in his goodness will be close to them in their trials.  We pray to the Lord.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

Sept 20 2018 - St. Andrew Kim and companions - Making known the message of Mercy

Saint Andrew Kim was the first native-born Korean priest, and he was beheaded for the faith. He, and St. Paul Chong Hasang with their 111 companions were martyred over the course of many years, but were canonized together by Saint John Paul II in 1984.

For centuries, Catholicism was seen as a threat to Korean customs and traditions, so Christianity took root in Korea only after much struggle and effort. But when it did begin to take root, those roots were strong.

St. Andrew Kim risked his life smuggling missionaries into Korea, so that his native countrymen might have the Word of God preached to them. For this he was arrested, tortured and killed. What gave St. Andrew and his martyr companions such courage, such willingness to suffer for the Gospel? Their love and care for souls comes no doubt from their love of Christ.

It is the same love that is on display in the sinful woman, from our Gospel today, who falls to the feet of Jesus, who bathes his feet with her tears. Though she had lived a life of ill-repute, she recognized that Jesus could give her the forgiveness she longed for. Her life would no doubt be forever changed by this encounter with mercy that began with recognizing herself as a sinner in need of mercy.

So too, each of the courageous martyrs was once a sinner who recognized Jesus to be the salvation of their souls, and once encountering that mercy, their lives were changed forever. They knew that the good news of his mercy needed to be proclaimed to everyone, even at the cost of their own lives.

Whenever we come to the sacraments, especially the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist, we are coming to the Lord, like the sinful, yet repentant woman. We lavish the Lord with our gratitude and adoration, and receive something which cannot be obtained anywhere else in this world: the knowledge of being forgiven, and the courage to make that forgiveness known to others, even at the cost of everything else, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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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