Pentecost Sunday - May 31, 2009
It's Pentecost Sunday - the Birthday of the Church.
I recently read an old meditation from a book that was quite popular when I was in the seminary (1963-1973) coming from the Year of Grace by Father Pius Parsch.
We all know that the disciples gathered with Mary in the cenacle or the upper room. It was there that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his apostles. Father Parsch refers to the cenacle as the first Christian church. How appropriately described! The first church where the first followers of Jesus gathered together in prayer awaiting the Holy Spirit! I wonder if they broke bread and poured wine, i.e., celebrated the Eucharist. Generally we remember this time as the first novena - the nine days of prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost Sunday.
The older I get the more attached I become to this Feast Day and the more I come to appreciate the third person of the Blessed Trinity. Maybe such an awareness comes with the maturity of years, the wisdom of experience, the gradual deepening of the spiritual life - maybe I was just too dumb in my youth to understand the importance of the Spirit of God in our lives and in the life of the Church.
Something happened to those gathered in that upper room that day. That same thing continues to happen in all the upper rooms of all the hearts which are open to Sanctifying Grace, the life of the Lord within us. Think for a moment about the last time you practiced a corporal or spiritual work of mercy. In doing so, you responded to the Holy Spirit by moving out of your personal upper room with the message of Pentecost. The act of mercy could not have taken place without the "Divine push" that comes from the Triune God. Be strong in the faith. Be comfortable with who you are. Be open to the Holy Ghost and you won't go wrong.
If anybody actually is reading this today, reflect on the works of mercy. I will list them in the next blog. In the meantime, try to remember them and when you do, it is my assumption that you will find that some you may be actually practicing.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 27
The Wednesday before Pentecost .
Today's gospel and the gospel of last Sunday are the same. In this farewell prayer of Our Lord, He prays for his apsotles.
He prays for us.
He prays for priests.
Read John 17: 11-19
Consecrate them in the truth. As you sent me into the world, so I send them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
I became fascinated with this idea of consecration. So I looked up some things in various commentaries and I was rewarded with some good stuff for meditation.
The word for "consecrate" comes from a Greek word which means holy but then, the meaning gets even more basic,- meaning separate or different.
* Read Jeremiah 1:5.
* Read Exodus 28:41
Jeremiah is chosen while still in his mother's womb and the sons of Aaron were ordained by Moses and set apart for a special task.
Here is a thought that is mighty powerful. If one is chosen to serve God, he must have something of God's goodness and God's wisdom. To serve the all-holy God is to be holy oneself. God equips a man with the qualities he needs to carry out his call.
In other words God gives his priests the tools and the Grace. God's Grace is sufficient.
The Wednesday before Pentecost .
Today's gospel and the gospel of last Sunday are the same. In this farewell prayer of Our Lord, He prays for his apsotles.
He prays for us.
He prays for priests.
Read John 17: 11-19
Consecrate them in the truth. As you sent me into the world, so I send them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
I became fascinated with this idea of consecration. So I looked up some things in various commentaries and I was rewarded with some good stuff for meditation.
The word for "consecrate" comes from a Greek word which means holy but then, the meaning gets even more basic,- meaning separate or different.
* Read Jeremiah 1:5.
* Read Exodus 28:41
Jeremiah is chosen while still in his mother's womb and the sons of Aaron were ordained by Moses and set apart for a special task.
Here is a thought that is mighty powerful. If one is chosen to serve God, he must have something of God's goodness and God's wisdom. To serve the all-holy God is to be holy oneself. God equips a man with the qualities he needs to carry out his call.
In other words God gives his priests the tools and the Grace. God's Grace is sufficient.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ordination Weekend in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The third weekend in May is traditionally Ordination and First Mass weekend in our Archdiocese. It gives each priest an opportunity to give thanks for his vocation and his unique call to be a priest after the heart of Jesus Christ.
For me it has been 36 years - they have been 36 wonderful years. I would not trade them for anything in the world. At different times in my priesthood I have had the good fortune to be associated with seminarians. Most recently I have had the blessing of knowing four men from a particular parish and two who have worked with me here at SMT. These associations keep me young in thought and spirit. I see up close and personal a new generation of committed and generous men who will, please God, soon be serving the Lord and the Church.
A week ago I was at the Seminary. Having attended a meeting I was then invited to a bar-be-cue with the seminarians and their formation guides afterward. What a most pleasant evening. These young men have such a spirit. It is truly rejuvenating to my own priesthood and my spiritual life.
I love being a priest. I love my work. I embrace the challenges that are set before me. I also realize that I am an instrument in God's hands. Many times asked to plant the seed and then asked to be patient as the plants grow. As I get older, patience comes easier. Thank God!
Wonderful priests touched my life as I was growing up, in my years of formation and in my years as a priest. I hope that I have touched others the same way. It remains my constant prayer to be able to influence just one young man to enter the seminary. It is my daily prayer and my life long hope.
My ordination anniversary occurs this week. "Lord, in your wisdom, you chose me. In spite of my limitations, you continue to use me. Unworthy as I am, burn into my soul the imprint of your Divine Image. Make me holy. Make me an instrument of truth and love. Amen"
Pray for a priest this day who has touched you in some way.
And, pray for that priest whom you may have misjudged for whatever reason.
Ordination Weekend in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The third weekend in May is traditionally Ordination and First Mass weekend in our Archdiocese. It gives each priest an opportunity to give thanks for his vocation and his unique call to be a priest after the heart of Jesus Christ.
For me it has been 36 years - they have been 36 wonderful years. I would not trade them for anything in the world. At different times in my priesthood I have had the good fortune to be associated with seminarians. Most recently I have had the blessing of knowing four men from a particular parish and two who have worked with me here at SMT. These associations keep me young in thought and spirit. I see up close and personal a new generation of committed and generous men who will, please God, soon be serving the Lord and the Church.
A week ago I was at the Seminary. Having attended a meeting I was then invited to a bar-be-cue with the seminarians and their formation guides afterward. What a most pleasant evening. These young men have such a spirit. It is truly rejuvenating to my own priesthood and my spiritual life.
I love being a priest. I love my work. I embrace the challenges that are set before me. I also realize that I am an instrument in God's hands. Many times asked to plant the seed and then asked to be patient as the plants grow. As I get older, patience comes easier. Thank God!
Wonderful priests touched my life as I was growing up, in my years of formation and in my years as a priest. I hope that I have touched others the same way. It remains my constant prayer to be able to influence just one young man to enter the seminary. It is my daily prayer and my life long hope.
My ordination anniversary occurs this week. "Lord, in your wisdom, you chose me. In spite of my limitations, you continue to use me. Unworthy as I am, burn into my soul the imprint of your Divine Image. Make me holy. Make me an instrument of truth and love. Amen"
Pray for a priest this day who has touched you in some way.
And, pray for that priest whom you may have misjudged for whatever reason.
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8, 2009
The Notre Dame University Scandal continues to get top billing in the news.
Sadly, this prestigious Catholic university has brought shame upon the Catholic Church and the medium of Catholic education. I don't understand just why the University and the Congregation of the Holy Cross Fathers would take such a position that so compromises our faith. Notre Dame doesn't stand alone in its choice but it stands front and center. When it had an opportunity to be a "martyr," i.e. witness to the truths of our faith that are grounded in Scripture and Tradition, it chose to take a position that is contrary to the magisterium of the Church. It has confused the Catholic and non-Catholic world about what we stand for. Who can even gauge the destructive influence this will have on the consciences of the 2009 ND graduates?
Father Corapi's message coming through the Cardinal Newman Society is worth listening to. He says that no president in U.S. history has been so anti-Catholic in stance. The six minute talk is thought-provoking.
I keep wondering about one thing. As of today, the news media states that 70 American bishops have spoken out about the 2009 honoree at ND's commencement on May 17. Statistics tell us that we have 300 bishops in the U.S. Where are the other voices of these shepherds and the exercise of the teaching office of the bishop? Has anybody else wondered about that?
The wolves have infiltrated the flock and are nipping at the very heart of the truth. During these Easter Days that ask us to reflect on the Good Shepherd, let us pray...(you fill in the rest...)
The Notre Dame University Scandal continues to get top billing in the news.
Sadly, this prestigious Catholic university has brought shame upon the Catholic Church and the medium of Catholic education. I don't understand just why the University and the Congregation of the Holy Cross Fathers would take such a position that so compromises our faith. Notre Dame doesn't stand alone in its choice but it stands front and center. When it had an opportunity to be a "martyr," i.e. witness to the truths of our faith that are grounded in Scripture and Tradition, it chose to take a position that is contrary to the magisterium of the Church. It has confused the Catholic and non-Catholic world about what we stand for. Who can even gauge the destructive influence this will have on the consciences of the 2009 ND graduates?
Father Corapi's message coming through the Cardinal Newman Society is worth listening to. He says that no president in U.S. history has been so anti-Catholic in stance. The six minute talk is thought-provoking.
I keep wondering about one thing. As of today, the news media states that 70 American bishops have spoken out about the 2009 honoree at ND's commencement on May 17. Statistics tell us that we have 300 bishops in the U.S. Where are the other voices of these shepherds and the exercise of the teaching office of the bishop? Has anybody else wondered about that?
The wolves have infiltrated the flock and are nipping at the very heart of the truth. During these Easter Days that ask us to reflect on the Good Shepherd, let us pray...(you fill in the rest...)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 3, The Fourth Sunday of Easter
If it seems as though I have been AWOL, let me expain myself. Last week I attended a module of "Good Leaders, Good Shepherds". For those not in the know about GLGS, it is a program for priests sponsored by the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI). I have been a part of this program since July, 2007. It has been a journey of learning that has required discipline, patience and commitment. All in all, the best by-product has been the fraternity of priests that I have come to know and enjoy, spiritually, socially and academically. We will soon conclude our sessions and "graduate" on July 1. I have one hope and it is that we can continue to meet to support each other in our minsitry, to enjoy a few laughs together and build on what we love so much - being priests. Please pray for us.
Pope Benedict has made the coming year of 2009-10 the Year of the Priest. How appropriate that it comes as we conclude GLGS. I am praying that I will be instrumental in encouraging just one young man to consider the priesthood during this coming year. When my time comes to an end on this earth my greatest wish is that I would have been a small instrument in influencing one to become a priest. It seems to me that it is the least I could do in thanksgiving for my many years as a happy priest.
If any young man out there is reading this and feels that you may be inclined to be a priest, let me know. I would be only too happy to talk to you - no strings attached. If the tug is there, give it a fair consideration. That's all God asks. That's all I ask.
Remember, we priests are not saints. We are vessels of clay seeking holiness and perfection. We come from ordinary families. We love God, the Church and People. We love to serve.
You don't have to be the smartest guy in the world, you just need to love as Jesus did.
I will pray this night and tomorrow that I hear from you.
If it seems as though I have been AWOL, let me expain myself. Last week I attended a module of "Good Leaders, Good Shepherds". For those not in the know about GLGS, it is a program for priests sponsored by the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI). I have been a part of this program since July, 2007. It has been a journey of learning that has required discipline, patience and commitment. All in all, the best by-product has been the fraternity of priests that I have come to know and enjoy, spiritually, socially and academically. We will soon conclude our sessions and "graduate" on July 1. I have one hope and it is that we can continue to meet to support each other in our minsitry, to enjoy a few laughs together and build on what we love so much - being priests. Please pray for us.
Pope Benedict has made the coming year of 2009-10 the Year of the Priest. How appropriate that it comes as we conclude GLGS. I am praying that I will be instrumental in encouraging just one young man to consider the priesthood during this coming year. When my time comes to an end on this earth my greatest wish is that I would have been a small instrument in influencing one to become a priest. It seems to me that it is the least I could do in thanksgiving for my many years as a happy priest.
If any young man out there is reading this and feels that you may be inclined to be a priest, let me know. I would be only too happy to talk to you - no strings attached. If the tug is there, give it a fair consideration. That's all God asks. That's all I ask.
Remember, we priests are not saints. We are vessels of clay seeking holiness and perfection. We come from ordinary families. We love God, the Church and People. We love to serve.
You don't have to be the smartest guy in the world, you just need to love as Jesus did.
I will pray this night and tomorrow that I hear from you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)