April 23, 2009
Time after Easter
"Witness"
It seems to me that the word "Witness" is key to our understanding the texts of the Sacred Liturgy, not only for today, but during the Easter Season.
Today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells us how the disciples, after being released from prison talk openly about Jesus, - his message, the Passion, Death and Resurrection. They do so unabashedly. This witness would eventually lead them to the witness of martyrdom.
In the Gospel today (from the John 3:31ff) it is the Baptist who gives witness to Jesus. The amazing humility of John the Baptist, the fact that he was so comfortable in his own skin gave him the remarkable self-assurance to point out the Messiah and then step into the shadows of the Gospel. John's witness would lead to martyrdom, as we all know.
Being a "witness" is what we are called to do by virtue of our Baptismal and Confirmation Grace. We give witness by simply being "good", by giving good example, being true to who we are and what we are.
The Baptist was comfortable with his identity. We need to be comfortable with our identity as Catholics. A CATHOLIC CAN'T PICK AND CHOOSE IN ORDER TO BE A WITNESS. A Catholic must understand the mission of the Gospel and of the Church. Then he or she must live it - uncompromisingly.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Mercy Upon Mercy Upon Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday
Imagine that we have an entire day dedicated to MERCY!
Should that surprise us?
The mission of Jesus was about mercy. Reading the Gospels, it becomes very clear very quickly that our Savior is merciful and compassionate.
One of my favorite Gospels illustrating this divine attribute is the story of the Adulterous Woman from John's Gospel. I like this story because it so clearly manifests the mercy of God.
The law of Moses mandated that a woman who committed adultery was to be stoned to death.
The woman of John 8: 1ff. was "caught" in the act of adultery. It is the "caught" that has always captured my attention. Being caught somehow implies that someone was out looking to catch someone. One who looks for trouble will usually find it. So, the woman was caught by those self-righteous fools whose foolishness would soon cause them some embarrassment and, hopefully, some self-reflection.
They brought her to Jesus whose heart was moved to mercy - maybe so greatly moved to mercy because of the sneaky ways of the foolish of heart. Christ challenges the "catchers": Let those among you who are without sin throw the first stone. Of course, you know the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would have said.
One by one, shamefacedly, they slithered away. The slithering part is my invention.
Jesus turns and says: Well lady, it looks like your accusers have all gone away. I certainly don't accuse you. Now listen, Go! And be good. Don't sin again.
Do you think she repented?
Somehow, I think she did.
There is hope for you and me.
There is mercy upon mercy upon mercy.
Thank God for that. I can sleep more easily tonight convinced of DIVINE MERCY.
Divine Mercy Sunday
Imagine that we have an entire day dedicated to MERCY!
Should that surprise us?
The mission of Jesus was about mercy. Reading the Gospels, it becomes very clear very quickly that our Savior is merciful and compassionate.
One of my favorite Gospels illustrating this divine attribute is the story of the Adulterous Woman from John's Gospel. I like this story because it so clearly manifests the mercy of God.
The law of Moses mandated that a woman who committed adultery was to be stoned to death.
The woman of John 8: 1ff. was "caught" in the act of adultery. It is the "caught" that has always captured my attention. Being caught somehow implies that someone was out looking to catch someone. One who looks for trouble will usually find it. So, the woman was caught by those self-righteous fools whose foolishness would soon cause them some embarrassment and, hopefully, some self-reflection.
They brought her to Jesus whose heart was moved to mercy - maybe so greatly moved to mercy because of the sneaky ways of the foolish of heart. Christ challenges the "catchers": Let those among you who are without sin throw the first stone. Of course, you know the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would have said.
One by one, shamefacedly, they slithered away. The slithering part is my invention.
Jesus turns and says: Well lady, it looks like your accusers have all gone away. I certainly don't accuse you. Now listen, Go! And be good. Don't sin again.
Do you think she repented?
Somehow, I think she did.
There is hope for you and me.
There is mercy upon mercy upon mercy.
Thank God for that. I can sleep more easily tonight convinced of DIVINE MERCY.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday of the Octave of Easter
I took a few days off.
Holy Week and Easter are always like making a retreat without going away. I mean it, in spite of all the work, it has a way of bringing the Pascal Mystery into focus.
I read something since Easter Sunday which I really thought was neat. Not putting on any airs, I never heard of this quote before. Maybe I should have.
Describing the Catholic Church, James Joyce once said: "Here comes everybody".
As I thought about this I couldn't help but think that we are an interesting group of people, some might say, even a motley group, certainly we are an interesting study.
We are everywhere. Our influence crosses cultural lines and does a pretty good job of speaking the language of the people. We are good at the language of love.
Loyalty is strong but we fight a lot among ourselves. While we stick up for our Church if attacked from without, we scuffle a great deal with one another from within.
I marvel at those who proudly call themselves Catholic yet their practice of the faith is different from what the "book" calls for.
The Catholic Culture is pervasive but at times we like to control it rather than allow it to guide us.
Our ritual is engaging and prayerful and the delight of the media. I draw your attention to yesterday's installation of the new Archbishop of New York. There is no "show and tell" like Catholic Liturgy - when we say we are sacramental and incarnational, we truly are.
Let us rejoice in our faith and in the blessings and consolation that it gives us. Also, be grateful for Our Mother, the Church. Never be ashamed of the Rock that she is "ever constant, ever new".
Happy Easter!
I took a few days off.
Holy Week and Easter are always like making a retreat without going away. I mean it, in spite of all the work, it has a way of bringing the Pascal Mystery into focus.
I read something since Easter Sunday which I really thought was neat. Not putting on any airs, I never heard of this quote before. Maybe I should have.
Describing the Catholic Church, James Joyce once said: "Here comes everybody".
As I thought about this I couldn't help but think that we are an interesting group of people, some might say, even a motley group, certainly we are an interesting study.
We are everywhere. Our influence crosses cultural lines and does a pretty good job of speaking the language of the people. We are good at the language of love.
Loyalty is strong but we fight a lot among ourselves. While we stick up for our Church if attacked from without, we scuffle a great deal with one another from within.
I marvel at those who proudly call themselves Catholic yet their practice of the faith is different from what the "book" calls for.
The Catholic Culture is pervasive but at times we like to control it rather than allow it to guide us.
Our ritual is engaging and prayerful and the delight of the media. I draw your attention to yesterday's installation of the new Archbishop of New York. There is no "show and tell" like Catholic Liturgy - when we say we are sacramental and incarnational, we truly are.
Let us rejoice in our faith and in the blessings and consolation that it gives us. Also, be grateful for Our Mother, the Church. Never be ashamed of the Rock that she is "ever constant, ever new".
Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
We have just completed a journey through Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
And remains risen in the hearts of all believers.
I gathered early this morning on our front lawn at the grave of the founding pastor - an interfaith sunrise service. Admittedly, I am still somewhat uncomfortable at these gatherings. Maybe it's because they are so informal and we celebrate somewhat more formally. But I noticed the enthusiasm among the folks - an enthusiasm brought about by an event that took place 2000 years ago and continues to touch our lives.
I welcome all those who attend church today - no matter what your faith-heritage is. You are there, they are there because a Man overcame the powers of darkness, death and sin.
That man, Jesus Christ, challenges us to do the same.
Whatever clouds have come into your life at this time, be not afraid! Fear, in the end, is destructive. Look what the Apostles were able to do once they overcame their fear.
Happy Easter to my readers!
What a glorious week it has been.
We have just completed a journey through Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
And remains risen in the hearts of all believers.
I gathered early this morning on our front lawn at the grave of the founding pastor - an interfaith sunrise service. Admittedly, I am still somewhat uncomfortable at these gatherings. Maybe it's because they are so informal and we celebrate somewhat more formally. But I noticed the enthusiasm among the folks - an enthusiasm brought about by an event that took place 2000 years ago and continues to touch our lives.
I welcome all those who attend church today - no matter what your faith-heritage is. You are there, they are there because a Man overcame the powers of darkness, death and sin.
That man, Jesus Christ, challenges us to do the same.
Whatever clouds have come into your life at this time, be not afraid! Fear, in the end, is destructive. Look what the Apostles were able to do once they overcame their fear.
Happy Easter to my readers!
What a glorious week it has been.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Holy Saturday
Today we wait!
There is no liturgy today. Christ has died and He has been laid in the tomb. Now we wait.
Like Mary, like the Apostles, we wait.
Waiting is one thing we "moderns" just don't like to do. Waiting is not one of the virtues of the 21st century man or woman.
Everything is instant and microwaveable.
There is fast-food and drive-in "just-about-everything".
My suggestion and profound hope is that you take some time for reflection today.
O.K., I understand that you can't give a whole day to quiet. But, I challenge you to find 30 minutes, just a half hour. Sit quietly - do nothing - contemplate your faith and the blessings and the joys that it brings to you. That's your "action" for today.
Your prayer: Jesus.
Today we wait!
There is no liturgy today. Christ has died and He has been laid in the tomb. Now we wait.
Like Mary, like the Apostles, we wait.
Waiting is one thing we "moderns" just don't like to do. Waiting is not one of the virtues of the 21st century man or woman.
Everything is instant and microwaveable.
There is fast-food and drive-in "just-about-everything".
My suggestion and profound hope is that you take some time for reflection today.
O.K., I understand that you can't give a whole day to quiet. But, I challenge you to find 30 minutes, just a half hour. Sit quietly - do nothing - contemplate your faith and the blessings and the joys that it brings to you. That's your "action" for today.
Your prayer: Jesus.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
Some older spiritual books and journals tell us that Good Friday is a day of mourning. For some reason I resist the idea of today being a day of mourning
The Savior certainly did suffer and He really died. But the purpose of His death was redemption. There is nothing in my mind mournful about redemption.
The Cross was a horrible symbol of torture and execution reserved for the worst criminals. But Jesus' death transformed the Cross into a sign of hope. We do not look in disgust at the Cross nor do we grow mournful in our reflections on the death of Jesus. We look at the Cross with hope.
We are baptized and our sins are forgiven using the sign of the Cross.
In Confirmation we are sealed with the Chrism, again, using the sign of the Cross.
How many prisoners, be they criminals or prisoners of conscience, have scratched a Cross on the wall of their cell!
Looking at the Cross gives unspeakable and, maybe even, unexplainable comfort! Why are we comforted by the sight of a man in agony? Through the Cross, Christ brings joy to the world. Our sufferings could never equal his sufferings.
Jesus' trust (in the face of despair) is a teachable moment when we are tempted to throw in the towel.
+ Hard economic times
+ Government Leaders challenging our Catholic values
+ The threat of relativism all around us
...is all satan's way of getting us to despair as we bear the Cross. Had Jesus come down from the Cross, we would not have been redeemed. In remaining on the Cross, He confounded the powerful and the sinister.
The movie Jesus of Nazareth ends with this scene and these words: The Scribe enters the empty tomb, he looks, and he knows what has happened and says to himself, "Now, it all begins...it all begins."
Reflect today on what the Cross and empty tomb proclaim and be of good cheer, i.e., TRUST.
Action: Take a few moments to quietly look at a crucifix. Take in, not the sorrow, but your salvation.
Prayer: We adore You, O Christ and we bless You; because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
Some older spiritual books and journals tell us that Good Friday is a day of mourning. For some reason I resist the idea of today being a day of mourning
The Savior certainly did suffer and He really died. But the purpose of His death was redemption. There is nothing in my mind mournful about redemption.
The Cross was a horrible symbol of torture and execution reserved for the worst criminals. But Jesus' death transformed the Cross into a sign of hope. We do not look in disgust at the Cross nor do we grow mournful in our reflections on the death of Jesus. We look at the Cross with hope.
We are baptized and our sins are forgiven using the sign of the Cross.
In Confirmation we are sealed with the Chrism, again, using the sign of the Cross.
How many prisoners, be they criminals or prisoners of conscience, have scratched a Cross on the wall of their cell!
Looking at the Cross gives unspeakable and, maybe even, unexplainable comfort! Why are we comforted by the sight of a man in agony? Through the Cross, Christ brings joy to the world. Our sufferings could never equal his sufferings.
Jesus' trust (in the face of despair) is a teachable moment when we are tempted to throw in the towel.
+ Hard economic times
+ Government Leaders challenging our Catholic values
+ The threat of relativism all around us
...is all satan's way of getting us to despair as we bear the Cross. Had Jesus come down from the Cross, we would not have been redeemed. In remaining on the Cross, He confounded the powerful and the sinister.
The movie Jesus of Nazareth ends with this scene and these words: The Scribe enters the empty tomb, he looks, and he knows what has happened and says to himself, "Now, it all begins...it all begins."
Reflect today on what the Cross and empty tomb proclaim and be of good cheer, i.e., TRUST.
Action: Take a few moments to quietly look at a crucifix. Take in, not the sorrow, but your salvation.
Prayer: We adore You, O Christ and we bless You; because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Holy Thursday
At the Chrism Mass this morning the Church celebrates the Priesthood - the Sacrament of Holy Orders. During the Mass the priests renew their commitment to priestly service. The priests express their resolve to "unite themselves more closely to Christ", to sacrifice "pleasures and ambitions" in order to bring "peace and love to their brothers and sisters."
The priests finally resolve to celebrate the Eucharist "with devotion" and to teach the faith without compromise.
Please pray for me today. I count on your prayers because, like Paul, I am a vessel of clay.
Holy Thursday is my favorite day of the Triduum. I always remember priests who have touched my life and priests with whom I have shared ministry. Allow me to mention a few:
Father Dick Ward - my first pastor who taught me so much, how to carry the Cross. Father Joe Dougherty, Msgr. Laurence Kelly, Msgr. Jim Howard - all good men who gave me great insights into the priesthood.
So many, whose gentleness, I wish to imitate.
Prayer: (Psalm 88:2) Forever will I sing the goodness of the Lord.
Action: Write a letter to a priest today and express your love and support for him and his sacred ministry.
The priests finally resolve to celebrate the Eucharist "with devotion" and to teach the faith without compromise.
Please pray for me today. I count on your prayers because, like Paul, I am a vessel of clay.
Holy Thursday is my favorite day of the Triduum. I always remember priests who have touched my life and priests with whom I have shared ministry. Allow me to mention a few:
Father Dick Ward - my first pastor who taught me so much, how to carry the Cross. Father Joe Dougherty, Msgr. Laurence Kelly, Msgr. Jim Howard - all good men who gave me great insights into the priesthood.
So many, whose gentleness, I wish to imitate.
Prayer: (Psalm 88:2) Forever will I sing the goodness of the Lord.
Action: Write a letter to a priest today and express your love and support for him and his sacred ministry.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday in Holy Week
Today is the first day of Passover. Let us remember our Jewish Brothers and Sisters as they begin their solemn celebration of deliverance from Egyptian bondage to the freedom that God meant for all of his children.
Today was traditionally called Spy Wednesday. The Gospel of today's Mass tells of Judas going out to betray his Master for thirty pieces of silver. Yesterday's Gospel mentioned that when Judas left "it was night". The late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen coined a phrase: "It is always night when we leave the Lord!" So true, when we walk away from the Lord through sin and a depraved heart, we head straight into the darkness.
Action: Most parishes will have confessions today. Resolve to make a good confession in preparation for the Sacred Triduum.
Prayer: Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of Hell. But most of all because they have offended Thee, my God, who art all good, and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen
Today is the first day of Passover. Let us remember our Jewish Brothers and Sisters as they begin their solemn celebration of deliverance from Egyptian bondage to the freedom that God meant for all of his children.
Today was traditionally called Spy Wednesday. The Gospel of today's Mass tells of Judas going out to betray his Master for thirty pieces of silver. Yesterday's Gospel mentioned that when Judas left "it was night". The late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen coined a phrase: "It is always night when we leave the Lord!" So true, when we walk away from the Lord through sin and a depraved heart, we head straight into the darkness.
Action: Most parishes will have confessions today. Resolve to make a good confession in preparation for the Sacred Triduum.
Prayer: Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of Hell. But most of all because they have offended Thee, my God, who art all good, and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday in Holy Week
We have two personalities in today's gospel, viz., Peter and Judas.
Judas will betray the Master and disappear into history as an example of despair. Despair is an attitude and a sin that we must avoid at all costs. Despair can lead to depression and an isolation that is spiritually suffocating.
Peter is the rock that often seems more like sand than rock. Did you ever wonder why Jesus chose Peter to be the foundation of his Church? There is a strength in weakness. Christ recognized something in that tough-talking fisherman. As Christ foretold the denials, He also prophesied that eventually Peter would faithfully follow him, even to the cross (speaking of the the kind of death that Peter would suffer).
Peter is a powerful example of humility and repentance.
Prayer: In You, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. (Psalm 71)
Think about your most awful sin and, if you need to go to confession, do so. If you have already confessed it, thank God for the a spirit of repentance.
Confessions at St. Martin of Tours: Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 and 7:30 - 8:30 P.M.
We have two personalities in today's gospel, viz., Peter and Judas.
Judas will betray the Master and disappear into history as an example of despair. Despair is an attitude and a sin that we must avoid at all costs. Despair can lead to depression and an isolation that is spiritually suffocating.
Peter is the rock that often seems more like sand than rock. Did you ever wonder why Jesus chose Peter to be the foundation of his Church? There is a strength in weakness. Christ recognized something in that tough-talking fisherman. As Christ foretold the denials, He also prophesied that eventually Peter would faithfully follow him, even to the cross (speaking of the the kind of death that Peter would suffer).
Peter is a powerful example of humility and repentance.
Prayer: In You, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. (Psalm 71)
Think about your most awful sin and, if you need to go to confession, do so. If you have already confessed it, thank God for the a spirit of repentance.
Confessions at St. Martin of Tours: Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 and 7:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday in Holy Week
Thought for today: The Gospel for the day says that not only was Jesus in the cross-hairs of his enemies but so was Lazarus (the Lazarus who was recently raised from the dead). To be a follower of Jesus means that we may share enemies with Jesus.
Question: Am I so committed to the Gospel that I could be seen by others as a threat?
Prayer: Psalm 101:3 (Communion Antiphon of today's Mass): When I am in trouble, Lord, hear me when I call, answer me quickly.
Pax et Bonum.
Thought for today: The Gospel for the day says that not only was Jesus in the cross-hairs of his enemies but so was Lazarus (the Lazarus who was recently raised from the dead). To be a follower of Jesus means that we may share enemies with Jesus.
Question: Am I so committed to the Gospel that I could be seen by others as a threat?
Prayer: Psalm 101:3 (Communion Antiphon of today's Mass): When I am in trouble, Lord, hear me when I call, answer me quickly.
Pax et Bonum.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I am excited! I am pumped! Holy Week is just a few days away and this is my favorite time of the year. Unlike Christmas, which as many of you know, I thoroughly enjoy, Holy Week provides a prayerful atmosphere different from any other time of the Church Year. How can I say it differently or be more emphatic, "Get into it"!
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. What a neat day. Truly a day of contrasts. Beginning with the blessing of Palm we are reminded of Christ the King, Christ in anticipation of his glory. The Palm Blessing and Procession. It is very festive. Red vestments and freshly cut palm branches (or other branches) wave in the air. The procession is more than a mere memory, we actually accompany Jesus. We do so in following the symbol of the Cross which is at the head of the procession; we are led by the priest, a representative of Christ, through the laying on of hands; and we gather as community which embodies the very presence of Jesus. "Where two or three gather in my name, there I am in their very midst".
I used to get bent out of shape if the procession didn't move in an orderly and quiet way. But I have become comfortable with reverent disorganization. After all, they didn't walk in "two's" on the first Palm Sunday. So, sing, wave your palms, greet you fellow parishioner and be filled with the Hosanna atmosphere.
Arriving in the Church and at the altar, we experience a shift - from celebration to sobering sorrow. The Gospel of the Passion is proclaimed in three parts and reminding us of the redemptive suffering of Jesus Christ.
Take your palm home and remember that it is not a superstitious lucky charm. It is a visible sign of the powerful prayer of God's Church which asks for God's blessing upon all the places where you put it. We have faith in the Church and in her prayers.
Our customs have instructed us to place the palm behind a crucifix, a holy image or the like. Palm is a symbol of victory. When you look at the palm throughout the year you should be
reminded of the victory in which you share.
Think about that victory today and in these days before Palm Sunday and Holy Week. May your heart be lifted up.
Hosanna to the son of David!
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. What a neat day. Truly a day of contrasts. Beginning with the blessing of Palm we are reminded of Christ the King, Christ in anticipation of his glory. The Palm Blessing and Procession. It is very festive. Red vestments and freshly cut palm branches (or other branches) wave in the air. The procession is more than a mere memory, we actually accompany Jesus. We do so in following the symbol of the Cross which is at the head of the procession; we are led by the priest, a representative of Christ, through the laying on of hands; and we gather as community which embodies the very presence of Jesus. "Where two or three gather in my name, there I am in their very midst".
I used to get bent out of shape if the procession didn't move in an orderly and quiet way. But I have become comfortable with reverent disorganization. After all, they didn't walk in "two's" on the first Palm Sunday. So, sing, wave your palms, greet you fellow parishioner and be filled with the Hosanna atmosphere.
Arriving in the Church and at the altar, we experience a shift - from celebration to sobering sorrow. The Gospel of the Passion is proclaimed in three parts and reminding us of the redemptive suffering of Jesus Christ.
Take your palm home and remember that it is not a superstitious lucky charm. It is a visible sign of the powerful prayer of God's Church which asks for God's blessing upon all the places where you put it. We have faith in the Church and in her prayers.
Our customs have instructed us to place the palm behind a crucifix, a holy image or the like. Palm is a symbol of victory. When you look at the palm throughout the year you should be
reminded of the victory in which you share.
Think about that victory today and in these days before Palm Sunday and Holy Week. May your heart be lifted up.
Hosanna to the son of David!
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