Daily Reflection: 31 Mar 07

Apologies for not posting yesterday. Computer challenges! All seems fine this morning.

Today's Readings

The days of Lent are very quickly nearing the moment of truth for Jesus and his disciples. We, too, almost 2000 years later, can use the words of the chief priests and Pharisees: "What are we to do?"

The leaders were threatened by all Jesus was doing. They knew that if his impact upon the people was to continue to grow, they would suffer loss of power and the nation. Caiaphas, the chief priest for that year, knew what to do. The man causing their problems should die. Death was the only solution.

And what are we to do? First and foremost, we should not let the early celebration of Easter "vacations" distract us from serious attention to the sacred days of Holy Week. We should be prepared to spend some time considering what these days mean for us in our personal lives. We need to know what these days mean for us. In the days of Jesus, there was the fear of the loss of power and authority and of a nation to the Roman authorities. In these days of the 21st century, is it not should we not fear the loss of a genuine understanding of all that Jesus did for us and how that should impact our lives. For the Jewish authorities the death of the man causing the problem seemed to be the answer. For us today shouldn't it be our fear of the loss of the values and teachings of the man who died to save a nation, a people, you and me?

We stand at the beginning of the week called Holy. We stand at the threshold of a week that abounds with opportunities for all of us to atone for our sins and to hear the voice of God calling us where he wants each of us to be in our relationship with him and our sisters and brothers.

In the Ezekiel reading today, Yahweh speaks to his people: "I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them ... I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Always the question for us: "Have I allowed this loving and caring God to bring his peace to my heart?"

Daily Reflection: 29 Mar 07

The time anyone spends with Jesus in day-to-day life is the opportunity for allowing God to fulfill the covenant that has been given to us through Abraham in the OT and Jesus in the NT.
Surely the covenant God has made with us offers a challenge. No doubt, like OT people, we in today's culture find sinfulness separates us from God in varying degrees. It is so easy to let the mindfulness, the awareness, of God slip from consciousness. Work, family obligations, the daily running often leave no time for quiet, for peaceful reflection because we seem to have accepted what modern thinking proposes: see how much activity can be packaged in the daily waking hours. To allow any blocks of time in a daily schedule is, seemingly sinful: it is failure, it is not keep up with my colleagues at work or the other families in the neighborhood. Can you find a place in the bible where we are instructed to be busy always?

Daily Reflection 28 Mar 07

When we do not take or make the time to listen to Jesus and his words, we have fallen victim to the control or power of someone or somethings. In today's readings Daniel presents three men who make it crystal clear that in their lives it is only God, the God of their ancestors, that they serve.
It is so easy to build an idol like the molten calf described by Daniel. Looking at the life I live, do I take time to conside if I have created an idol, a molten calf, that, even if it is good in itself, keeps me distant from God? It is so awfully easy to lose sight of the Father in our culture --- we are so often running from one thing to the next. We easily forget God is with us. Oh, we might think of our Creator God, our forgiving God, occasionally but each day is filled with many opportunities to link to God. Does it happen?

Daily Reflection 27 Mar 07

In today's readings we might ask "How am I fed?" Regularly we "belly up" to a table to partake of the food we need to keep the body in good condition. At the same time we look to the love of family and friends, the support of colleagues and the sense of satisfaction that comes from doing what I am called to do and in developing a good relationship with the God who made me in order to gain an inner strengthening.
How does that bond with God develop? The OT reading shows a complaining people who fail to turn to God in their long, tiring, frustrating journey. The gospel is quite the opposite. On hearing the words of Jesus, the people in the crowds came to believe in him. They came to partake not of food but of the eternal life that Jesus had promised in his words.
And me? Where do I find myself in my world as it relates to the Word of God? Do I get sidetracked by "this wretched food" of my daily grind or do I take the time to open my heart to hear his words?

Short Absence from the Parish

Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 27th) morning I will be flying to Pittsburgh and then join a number of priests and Bishops traveling to Youngstown, Ohio, to be with a very close friend, Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, who will be installed as the 5th Bishop of Youngstown. Bishop Murry often stays at the residence with us when he is in DC on business or just to get away for a few days. Some who studied at Gonzaga may remember the then Mr. Murry, SJ who taught at that noble institution! Others may remember he was the President of John Carroll High School just prior to being called to the Episcopacy as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He served there for some three or four years before being appointed to the Diocese of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Many would say "What an assignment!" The good bishop does not like beaches!!! So the almost eight years on the island were surely a challenge to his likes!!! He will be moving from a diocese with 17 priests and several islands to one with 173 diocesan priests and a number of religious order priests. While he may not like beaches, I surely hope he likes snow which is not an unknown winter gift in that part of Ohio. Let us pray for him as he begins his new assignment. I return to the parish on Thursday morning. Monsignor Duffy will be "in charge" while I am away ... as if he had little else to do now that he is the sole Catholic chaplain at Sibley with the return of Jesuit Fr. Henry Heffernan to NIH as the Catholic chaplain there. You might pray that the Archdiocese finds another priest willing to assist at Sibley, to be a noble colleague with Monsignor who day is filled with many ministries. I think he seems to have forgotten his primary assignment: retirement!!!!

In Our Prayers

While our Lenten prayer often focuses upon ourselves, we need to make a special effort to remember those who are in need of our prayerful support at this time. Many of us have friends who are spent, tired, exhausted because of work, helping others, being the single parent, or being the married parent of several lively young ones. There are the elderly who are finding life an ever increasing taxation upon the body or the mind. We cannot forget the young who are struggling with the inner search for themselves. Then there are those with serious problems with the law. And what about those who are homeless through no fault of their own; what about the hungry in a land of plenty?

As a priest, I have a rare day, truly an empty day, when someone does not say, "Father, would you please pray for a special need."

Today, join me in making a resolve to pray each day until Easter especially for those in great need at this time in their lives by saying the Memorare for the intentions of all who ask for prayers. As well pray for those who are making retreats at this time of the year. I believe that covers most, if not all, of the bases! "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your clemency hear and answer me. Amen."

Daily Reflection: Annunciation

The Annunciation begins the life story of God with us as a human being. We are aware of his bodily presence but we, becasue we know we are redeemed, cannot overlookor gorget that he is sent to us from God, that he, too, is divine. He is God's presence among us. He is the servant who came to be with us and to bring about the most singular event in woulrd history: "you shall bear a child ... he will be called holy, the Son of God." Gabriel did not say "a" son of God buy "the" Son of God.

In our lenten journey this year have there been times when I gave myself to quiet relfection of this extraordinary gift? Here is the man Jesus whose life is the foremost object of our lenten prayer --- his life when he is forced to endure great pain and suffering for me. All of this, all of his for me!

When we are but ten days from the most Sacred Days that distinguish Christianity from all other religions, would we not actually sense a genuine satisfaction with ourselves if we directed some of our precious time to prayer and sacrifice to be a companion with the man who made the perfect offering on our behalf?

Are you, am I too busy, too preoccupied to isolate some time each day to read a psalm that would unite me more with this man, this suffering servant? Let me suggest a few psalms you might read during these days ... or perhaps just one that you might read each day ... in a modified form of Lectio Divina that was mentioned several days ago. Psalms 2, 22 (verses 2-23), 38, 40(verses 2-14, 17-18), 51, 54 (veres 1-6, 8-9), 88, 116, 143 (verses 1-11) and 147 are wonderful reflections for us to consider the marvelous love of God the Father and the extraordinary sacrifice of Jesus for us.

SUNDAY HOMILY 5th Sunday of Lent, 2007

African artist presented the clearest portrayal of the gospel scene.

Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 25, 2007
Praised be Jesus Christ! We all have heard the gospel story many times. Most scripture scholars believe this was an event that occurred during Holy Week. It is important to remember this fact. Why? Because the bitterness toward Jesus was near a boiling point among those who would try to find any reason to arrest him. At night he would stay with friends outside the city. During the daylight hours he could be more prominent because he would be surrounded by his followers.
The event in the gospel seems contrived by the Scribes and Pharisees. They wanted so badly to trap Jesus in a kind of situation that would turn the people against him and they could arrest him and bring him to his death. So it was that they brought the woman who had been arrested for adultery.
Some history is important. Adultery was no light crime in the Jewish community. Death was the punishment. Why so? Because the sanctity of the family was a sacred belief in the minds and hearts of the Jewish people. It was, as it were, the door that opened to membership in God’s chosen people.
So, in their trickery, the Scribes and Pharisees brought this woman before Jesus to test both his kindness as well as, and more importantly to them, to test his respect for the Law that was so sacred to the people.
So they put the question to Jesus, even calling him "master:" Would you condemn her to death because of her immoral action? Surely a response to either the positive or negative would provide these authorities who bitterly hated Jesus with a way to arrest him.
What Jesus says is remarkable because his words did not condemn her nor did it afford himself or anyone the right to execute her. And so he began writing in the sand. Then he looked directly at her accusers and calmly said: "Let the person who is perfect cast the first stone." Without awaiting any response he continued to write in the sand.
What were the words? Probably words like stealing, defaming, lying, and sins that were even worse — remember there were some 600 sins that the Jewish people had to worry about! What he was writing, most likely the scholars tell us, were sins that the "holier than thou" hypocrites could easily claim as their own if they were honest. Nevertheless, it seems that from the oldest to the youngest the accusers turned away and left Jesus alone with the woman. No words of condemnation were heard; only "I will not condemn you. Go on with your life and do better."
Forever she would carry the scarlet letter around her neck. Perhaps she would find little comfort from a large number of people who considered themselves so much better than they considered her. Probably they did not consider themselves sinners like this woman. Many would think what I hear so often in the sacrament of reconciliation: "Oh, no sins, Father, just the ordinary things." Just the ordinary things: sins are sins and perhaps we have come of an age once again when we sin a more sophisticated manner: tearing our neighbors’ reputations apart with our gossip; perhaps we learn every possible way to "legally cheat" on our income taxes; perhaps we misuse what may have been entrusted to us. Perhaps we do wrongs that we consider "honorable" sins.

The woman in the story probably carried her sin with her throughout her life. No doubt she was mentally tortured by her failure, her sin. But she did own up to it. She did not try to cover it in sheep skins to hide it. She was not afraid to own up to her sins. As painful and tortuous as her sinful past might have been for her, there was one memory that would always bring a picture of peace to her expression. What was that? Simply that Jesus Christ, Son of God, whom she would learn very shortly had risen from the grave, had given her a second chance at earning her place in the kingdom of heaven. She knew that he was waiting there for her! She did not have to be duplicitous like the Scribes and Pharisees.
And so, this story poses a very difficult question for all of us: are we honest when we examine our consciences? Do we face the truth of our lives, accepting honestly what we have done without trying to hide it within some lame, human excuse?

Just a few moment ago, 7:45 am, Saturday, March 25, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI held a public audience in St. Peter's Square with more than one hundred thousand faithful of the Communion and Liberation Movement. After riding through the square and part way down the Via Della Conciliazzione, His Holiness returned to his chair in the "sanctuary," as it was called, of the square where he welcomed words of greetings from the current director of the movement.

The Holy Father then delivered his remarks welcoming the members of the movement and recalling the wonder of the founder, Don Giussani. The Pope noted that the movement teaches that it is a joy to be a Christian. The founder worked hard to reawaken in young people that Christ is the way toward all of the desires in the human heart. He recalled how Don Giussani was captured,

"no," he said, he was "wounded" by the desire to have within his own being all of the beauty that he found in Christ. He recalled Don Giussani's many meetings with Pope John Paul II, again noting that the C&L movement is a communitarian experience of faith, not a mandate from the hierarchy of the Church. It is from the Holy Spirit. It is an opportunity, he said, to have a deep and full experience of Christian faith.

The Pope recalled a recent meeting with the clergy of Rome when he reminded them of the words of St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians: we should not snuff out new charism even if they might be, at first, uncomfortable. If they are truly of the Spirit they will constitute upbuilding elements of the Church today and tomorrow.

Thanks to my digital camera and cable station EWTN, these pictures and some of these thoughts from Pope Benedict are so quickly available. The full text of Benedict's words will be posted at the Vatican link on this blog. After clicking on to the Vatican link, highlight and click on BENEDICT XVI just beneath the Holy Father's picture. It will open up many of the places where his words appear. For this speech, click on to Audiences.

DAILY REFLECTION: 24 Mar 07

One experience almost every Catholic adult has to encounter in life is the reaction of others who actually believe that we have been deceived in our religious beliefs and practices. Our faith is considered by some as superstition or wacky control of our emotions by some organized religion.

We are believers in the man who preached the word of God. We and join those who believe and practice what John, the evangelist, wrote: This is the Christ.

Lent is a season that affords each of us the opportunity to take our spiritual lives to the gym for stretching (getting out of our comfort zones), weight lifting (coming to know and accept the teachings of the Church) and sweating (working to help those in need).

When we gather in what might be likened to a spiritual gym, our churches, we are joining with our sisters and brothers to strengthen our faith and sense of community, a very important part of any religious practice. In our communal prayer such as Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration and the Mass, we are proclaiming once again what it is that we believe.

Stay away from exercise or the gym and one principal consequence impacts each person: the muscles lose much of their strength. Stay away from the spiritual gym and we diminish the strength of our faith.

Florida's Ave Maria University Shake Up

Founded by former owner of Domino's Pizza and the Detroit Tigers, Tom Monaghan, noted Roman Catholic philanthropist, founded Ave Maria University in Florida because he could not erect a 200' cross on the property where the university was to be established in Michigan. He hired Jesuit Joseph Fessio to be the Chancellor of the University. Fr. Fessio is known for his conservative approach. He founded Ignatius Press. Yesterday, in a surprise move at the University, Fr. Fessio was given his walking papers. The termination was a surprise to Fr. Fessio, one of Pope Benedict XVI's students and close friends, as well as to the student body. Whispers In the Logia today carries a full-length report on the story.

As a former Jesuit, I never came to know Fr. Fessio personally. Regardless of his position on different issues, I have always admired the priest because he has demonstrated an intense loyalty to what Jesuits are often challenged on: the vow of obedience. His statements reflected that Ignatian charism. Kudos to you, once again, Joe. Many others would have started a revolution!

Daily Reflection: 22 Mar 07

In [today's readings] we encounter Moses pleading on behalf of those we might name "defectors" and Jesus reminding some of the Jewish folk that it is the Father and Old Testament prophets who give witness to him. They, the Jewish crowd, refuse to accept Jesus primarily because he speaks of the Father in ways that challenge their lives. Had he come as a salesman for his own ideologies and beliefs, like many others, he would have been accepted by them.

During the closing weeks of Lent, the Old Testament readings will offer stories in which it is clear to us that the events or words of the prophets are early alerts to the Messiah that was to come, that would be fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

All the stories or warnings are models of the same reality: our salvation is being given to us by the Father. So.... don't write off the early alerts given to us in the Old Testament. There are over 300 Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, perhaps the most amazing being Daniel 9:24-27, which actually predicted the time of the Messiah to that of the time of Jesus! And, as one biblical scholar has said, read the OT with ease and you can easily find yourself entertained!

A Way To Pray: LECTIO DIVINA

A special friend of mine, Trappist Father Basil Pennington, who died on June 3, 2005, the anniversary of my ordination,introduced me in a serious way to Lectio Divina. With a prayer group of four people, I set us out upon the weekly practice of this method of prayer. Lectio Divina surely helps a prayer find peace and quiet.

Today I discovered a presentation on this method of prayer written by a Benedictine priest. You might find the article lengthy. Nonetheless in it you might be led to a way of "resting with the Lord." prayer There are also other sites on this method of prayer. Fr. Basil's writings and a Lectio Divina retreat can be found at Fr Basil's retreat

Daily Reflection: 21 Mar 07

Lent, as we experience the season with its two principal images or concepts: death and resurrection. Some may see the two images as forgiveness of sin and fulfillment of what the prophets have foretold. Whichever images you might opt, Lent stands before you and all of us as a reminder. Life is simply this: choice between the fulfillment of baptismal vows and abandonment of a liberating life sourced in Jesus himself.

In the daily challenges to the promises of our baptism which we made, we confront resurrection --- it is the choice we make --- but not alone. We are with Jesus, if we want his companionship. "God is near to all who call upon his name."

Caught By the Camera

A few friends called and asked why I wasn't in any of the pictures from my recent NYC-St Patrick's Day visit. Well, late last night, my sister's photo work arrived. So, yes, I did make it into some of the pictures. This is my sister and one of her three boys, also a G'town grad along with his Dad and two brothers. All you young lasses, this one, like the other two is still free!!! Clearly we were having a grand time and the papparazzi caught us when we did not have holy water in our hands!!!

Daily Reflection: 20 Mar 07

In today's readings the crippled man is healed ... not be Jesus pulling the man into the pool but by my the simple words. The words of Jesus are the power that brings healing ... not just to the man but to you and me. In a way you can say that the man needing the healing is like the tree planted by the river described in Ezechiel's vision. Both are given life by the river of life, the kindgdom of God and Jesus. As we have begun the seonc half of Lent, ours is a journey to draw ourselves closer the Jesus but our recognizing that he is the source of refreshment and new life for us.

A Marvelous March on 5th Avenue

The Pastor spent a non-stop 36 hours in NYC at the time of one of its annual big celebrations: St. Patrick's Day. It was a good feeling for me to be back with a part of the NYFD that I chaplained for five years. I marched with the Fire Department's Emerald Society Bagpipe band ... accompanied with Mayor Bloomberg ... that afforded a stop and greeting with Cardinal Egan and Chancellor, Msgr. Tom Gileece in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Seeing the crowds along the snow-cleared 5th Avenue provided some laughs and this is one of the milder but more attractive sights.

The primary purpose for the trip was to attend a fund-raising St. Patrick's Day party at O'Flanagan's Bar and Grill on the upper East Side for the Rigby Foundation, sponsored by my sister and brother-in-law, pictured here. The foundation raises monies to provide smoke detectors for fire departments to distribute among families who might have need of the life-saving alarms. Through the work of many Georgetown Graduates, the foundation's coffers were augmented by some $150,000. What a benefit for many. The picture that follows introduces a G'town grad who found a place a the bar! And would you entrust your derivative investments to this young man???

Your spiritual shepherd also found time to meet a friend for a Saturday matinee of an "updated" version of


Despite the almost 8 hour drive -- encountered the snow storm of the weekend on the way to NYC -- the 36 hours were filled with family, friends and entertainment.

Lecture Series: Quality Presentation

The some 60 folks who came together on Sunday evening to hear the reflections of four prominent "broadcasters" of the Church in our culture and time experienced what a reporter in the audience called a "magnificent presentation."

Many thanks to the OLV Council of the Knights of Columbus for hosting a wonderful reception following the discussion.

Surely the speakers pointed to the challenges that the Church has in presenting itself to the world today. What was prominent among the perceptions that all maintained is that the Catholic writers, tv personalities and bloggers have as a common task: teaching the media all that the Church is.

DAILY REFLECTION: 03-19-07 St. Joseph

What we know about Joseph is minimal: a wise, simple carpenter who cared for Mary and Jesus. Seemingly a devout man. He followed his dreams. It was during the 18th century that his life became a model for many, especially laborers. Joseph was a steadfast man, who did have some understanding of he mystery of Jesus' birth.

Perhaps his greatest gift to humankind is that he, like so many of the Old Testament "greats," did not experience the fulfillment of what had been promised to him. He did not live to see what God had promised Joseph and all who knew the writings of the prophets: the fulfillment of God's care for the people through the death and resurrection of his son.

Joseph is a model of endurance and trust. What God asked of him, he attempted to fulfill. In moments of trial, Joseph might well be the best model for all of us but especially workers, laborers, fathers.

Remember this: regardless of what you might seek in prayer through Joseph, he will intercede and deliver .... what is best for us.

Forty Hour Absence

From noon on Friday until 2 PM on Sunday, yours truly will be in NYC not just for "the" parade but to attend a fund raising dinner. Will also take in a Radio City Music Hall presentation and a few other cultural events. This voice will resume Daily Reflections on Monday. Again, don't forget the Lecture Series which will be a most interesting event. Hope to see you there. I will be there with a post Paddy's Day celebration appearance!!!!

Don't Forget Sunday Evening

The 2nd Parish Lecture Series event: BROADCASTING THE NOW CHURCH will be Sunday evening at 7:00 PM in the Our Lady of Victory Church immediately following the Sunday evening 6:00 PM Mass.

Whispers in the Loggia readers will have a chance to meet the author afterwards in the Hess Auditorium during refreshments.

Noted Catholic writer, Russell Shaw, will join "Mr. Whispers," Paulist communications guru, Fr. Paul Robichaud and CUA's Belgian blitzer, Dr. Kurt Martens.

Plenty of parking on the church's lot and across the street on the CVS and Safeway parking lots.

Jesuit Theologian and the Vatican

Several newspaper and other media sources have indicated that disciplinary actions were places against a Jesuit theologian, Fr. Jon Sobrino, SJ. The Catholic News Service yesterday cited the annoucement from the Vatican's Congregation for the Defense of the Church, headed by American Cardinal William Levada, formerly Archbishop of San Francisco in which the Congregation's letters to the priest were not of a disciplinary nature.

The reliable news source (CWN) noted "The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has released the text of a Notification warning of doctrinal errors in the work of Father Jon Sobrino, SJ, a noted champion of liberation theology.
The CDF document, released by the Vatican press office on March 14 after several stories had been circulated predicting its appearance, cites doctrinal problems with two of Sobrino’s books, published in English as Jesus the Liberator and Christ the Liberator.
However, contrary to previous reports, the Vatican does not invoke any disciplinary measures against the Jesuit scholar; he is not barred from publishing other theological works or from teaching at Catholic universities.
“Although the preoccupation of the author for the plight of the poor is admirable,” the Notification states, “the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has the obligation to indicate that the aforementioned works of Father Sobrino contain notable discrepancies with the faith of the Church.”
The CDF document cites problems of six different sorts:
1) the methodological presuppositions on which the author bases his theological reflection, 2) the Divinity of Jesus Christ, 3) the Incarnation of the Son of God, 4) the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, 5) the Self-consciousness of Jesus, and 6) the salvific value of his Death.Before giving a detailed explanation of the problems with Father Sobrino’s work, the CDF explains the process through which the work was examined. The study began in October 2001, the Vatican’s doctrinal agency reports. Following the process established for an “urgent examination,” the CDF compiled “a list of erroneous or dangerous propositions found in the abovementioned books,” which was forwarded to Sobrino. His response, received at the Vatican in March 2005, was judged inadequate. Finally the Notification was prepared and approved by Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) in October 2006-- five years after the dialogue with the Spanish-born Jesuit had begun. The Notification was signed last November 26 by Cardinal William Levada and Archbishop Angelo Amato, the prefect and secretary, respectively, of the CDF.
Father Sobrino-- who gained worldwide prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a leading voice of liberation theology, teaching at the University of Central America in El Salvador-- has not made any public comment on the Vatican document. According to the National Catholic Reporter, he did write to Father Peter Hans Kolvenbach, the Jesuit father general, in December 2006, complaining that the Vatican had misrepresented his thought.
In its detailed exploration of the difficulties found in Sobrino’s work, the CDF points to formulations that appear to contradict defined Catholic doctrine. For example, the Notification observes, the liberation theologian gives primary importance to solidarity with the poor, rather than the sacramental life of the Church. Thus the Notification observes, that the “’church of the poor’ assumes the fundamental position which properly belongs to the faith of the Church.”
Other difficulties arise in Sobrino’s theology because he suggests that early Church councils moved away from the original content of the faith, the CDF reports: “Father Sobrino considers the dogmatic development of the first centuries of the Church including the great Councils to be ambiguous and even negative.”
Although he does not deny the normative character of the dogmatic formulations, neither does he recognize in them any value except in the cultural milieu in which these formulations were developed.
The central difficulty in Sobrino’s work, the CDF finds, is a failure to recognize the central role of Jesus and the Church in the economy of salvation.

Daily Reflection: 15 Mar 07

Jeremiah brings heavy words to those who heard him preaching. In the [today's readings] the prophet speaks to us with reminders he delivered to his people: "From the day that your fathers left the land of Egypt even to this day I have sent you untiringly all my servants the prophets. Yet they have not obeyed me nor paid heed." As if those words were not strong enough, the gospel words of Jesus further speak out about what life in the kingdom of God will be like: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

What do these words mean to you as you read them? Seems to be little more than the truth that at times is so difficult to swallow. Being a follower of Jesus Christ in our culture is not easy. What am I doing to stand with the Lord Jesus in what he teaches? In my day to day activities do I heed the Commandments, the Church's teachings? Or am I honest enough with myself to realize that it is so easy for me to be lackadaisical with regard to living my faith? Where do I stand?

Daily Reflection: 14 Mar 07

In today's readings Jesus is delivering a very difficult lesson to his disciples. Likewise, Moses is sharing with his people the words spoken to him by God.

Jesus is making clear that the kingdom of God will not be one like the one that his disciples have come to know in seeing how the elders, scribes and Pharisees live. The kingdom of God is an invitation to obedience not an invitation to be a place where some chosen few rule over others.

What is this invitation to obedience? How many of our Catholic community would include the word "obedience" in any answer describing our Church and the faith we profess?

Moses said and Jesus reiterated in his own words: "Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the Lord, my God, has commanded me."

Obedience to what? The Ten Commandments, the teachings and laws of the Church built upon the teachings of Jesus Christ.

But for people of our time and culture this invitation to obedience is, perhaps, the greatest challenge in accepting and living the faith we profess. We are a people raised, in our nation and many other places throughout the world, in a cradle of freedom. Individual rights! These happen to be uppermost in most people's minds when it comes to how we live our lives today. They are far more important than the Ten Commandments!

We live in a culture where "do as you believe you should do" is much more powerful that "what do the commandments or laws of our Church direct us to do." We live at a time when even the individual is seemingly guaranteed the right to determine the moral laws for his/her life.

In an age when birth control, abortion, homosexuality, murder, stealing and ruining another person's reputation are accepted practices even among the followers of Jesus Christ, law, especially the Ten Commandments, has lost its place. "I determine what is best for me" has become the operative thinking.

In a society that is so highly educated, it is the way of society rather than the Commandments or teachings of Jesus Christ that dominates in so many ways.

These words of Moses and Jesus are truly examples of why it is so difficult to live the Catholic faith today. During this season of Lent, let us take time to reconsider our personal commitment to our faith.

Apostolic Exhortation: What Is it?

From a website, Second Exodus the definition of an Apostolic Exhortation, among other definitions of Roman Catholic terms is proposed as follows:

Apostolic Exhortation
A letter written by the Pope to the Church encouraging its people to take some particular action. Because apostolic exhortations do not define the development of doctrine, they are lower in formal authority than encyclical letters, which are directed to the whole Church and which may define development of doctrine.

A recent example would be Pope John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation, Ecclesia in America, January 22, 1999, encouraging the faithful to seek the living Christ and find conversion, communion and solidarity within the context of the Great Jubilee and the new evangelization.

Vatican documents include, in descending order of formal authority: apostolic constitutions, encyclical letters, encyclical epistles, apostolic exhortations, apostolic letters, letters and messages.

SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS -- ON LINE

The following is the "Cover Page" we might call it of the new document, Sacramentum Caritatis, released today in Rome.

POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION

SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS

OF THE HOLY FATHER BENEDICT XVI

TO THE BISHOPS, CLERGY,CONSECRATED PERSONS

AND THE LAY FAITHFUL

ON THE EUCHARIST

AS THE SOURCE AND SUMMIT

OF THE CHURCH'S LIFE AND MISSION

The document can be read in English at Sacramentum Caritatis .

Vatican 51 page Vatican Document Out Today

From Reuters News Agency the following is an early release of a document supposedly dealing with the Eucharist .... and seemingly everything else.

Catholic politicians can't back gay marriage: Pope
Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:48AM EDT
By Philip Pullella
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Church's opposition to gay marriage is "non-negotiable" and Catholic politicians have a moral duty to oppose it, as well as laws on abortion and euthanasia, Pope Benedict said in a document issued on Tuesday.
In a 140-page booklet on the workings of a synod that took place at the Vatican in 2005 on the theme of the Eucharist, the 79-year-old German Pope also re-affirmed the Catholic rule of celibacy for priests.
In the document, known as an "Apostolic Exhortation," Benedict says all believers had to defend what he calls fundamental values but that the duty was "especially incumbent" for those in positions of power.
He said these included "respect for human life, its defense from conception to natural death, the family built on marriage between a man and a woman, the freedom to educate one's children and the promotion of the common good in all its forms".
"These values are not negotiable," he said.
"Consequently, Catholic politicians and legislators, conscious of their grave responsibility before society, must feel particularly bound, on the basis of a properly formed conscience, to introduce laws inspired by values grounded in human nature," he said.
Gay marriage is legal in several European countries, including predominantly Catholic Spain, and Italy is currently severely divided over the issue of whether to give more rights to unmarried couples, including homosexuals.
The Pope's words in the document were also applicable to countries such as the United States, where some Catholic politicians have said they are personally opposed to abortion but felt bound to support pro-choice legislation because they represent many people.
Some bishops in the United States have refused to give communion to Catholic politicians who back abortion rights.

Daily Reflection: 13 Mar 07

What does it cost? Forgiveness, that is. today's readings remind us of the generosity of a king to someone in serious debt. Notice it isn't a loan that the king offers his servant: the king erases the entire debt. Why? Because he was "moved with compassion."

Anyone of us who has carried a debt of any kind knows what it means to be forgiven be it for a debt incurred, a harsh word, giving false witness, injuring another person in any way. There is exhilaration. There is relief. There is a remarkable "reunion" with the God who forgave us our sins. There is peace.

And what does it cost us to forgive and to continue to forgive? We might even ask ourselves, if we need to give our own forgiveness to another person or God. What good do I earn for myself if I am I holding back my forgiveness? Continue the gospel for today. The treatment the debt-free servant then gives to his fellow servant is sad but it is a good symbol of the torture one's soul will endure when forgiveness is held back, when more is demanded. Who of us has not been forgiven?

Sunday with Pope Benedict XVI

From his apartment window to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, on Sunday, March 11th, Pope Benedict offered a very positive reflection refuting a temptation to believe that a person suffers afflictions because of sin in life.

In his remarks the Pope referred to the Gospel of Luke and its account of Jesus' comments on two events: the revolt of certain Galileans, violently suppressed by Pontius Pilate, and the collapse of the tower of Siloam which killed 18 people.

"According to the mentality of that time," the Pope explained, "people tended to believe that tragedies befell victims because of some grave sin they had committed. However, Jesus says :'Do you think that ... these Galileans ... were worse sinners than all other Galileans? ... Or that those eighteen who perished ... were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem.' And in both cases He concludes: 'No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did'."

"Jesus wishes to convince his hearers of the need for conversion," said the Holy Father. "He does not present His case in moralistic terms, but in realistic ones, as the only adequate response to events that cast doubt upon human certainties. In the face of certain tragedies, He says, it serves no purpose to blame the victims. True wisdom means letting oneself be touched by the precariousness of life and adopting an attitude of responsibility: doing penance and improving our lives.

"This is wisdom, this is the most effective response to evil, at all levels," he added. "Indeed, ruin is the final destiny of people and societies who live without ever questioning themselves. On the other hand conversion, though it does nor free us from problems and misfortune, enables us to face up to these things in a different way."

Conversion, the Pope insisted, "helps to prevent evil by neutralizing certain threats and, in all cases, it helps us to overcome evil with good, if not always in terms of the events themselves - which are at times independent of our will - certainly in spiritual terms. All in all, conversion overcomes evil at its root, which is sin, although it cannot always avoid the consequences of evil."

Benedict XVI concluded by calling upon Mary to help us understand that "doing penance and correcting our behavior is not simple moralism, but the most effective way to improve ourselves and society. This is well expressed by the phrase: 'It is better to light a match than to curse the darkness'.

Financial Accountability

As mentioned at all our Masses this immediate past weekend, the Pastor has delayed making a presentation of the current financial status of our parish in order for a recently hired accountant can assist in providing to parishioners and accurate accounting of monies contributed to the parish. One of the Pastor's goals with the assistance of the Finance Council has been the preparation of a clearer and open presentation of the financial picture of the parish.

Archbishop Wuerl, during his recent visits to all of the Deaneries [The title "dean" is conferred upon a the pastor of a parish who serves as a senior figure, though usually without specific jurisdictional authority, over a section of a diocese. These are sometimes referred to as "rural deans," and are expected to show a degree of leadership among the pastors of the region, known as a deanery.] in the Archdiocese stated that transparency was surely the major issue that would be confronting many dioceses and parishes in the years ahead. There is an interesting editorial on this matter in the current issue of the National Catholic Reporter.

Six Days and Counting

There are but six days before the upcoming "Broadcasting the Now Church" panel discussion to be held in our church ... Sunday evening, 7:00 PM. Russell Shaw, member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Fr. Paul Robichaud, Paulist priest much involved in TV communications, Kurt Martens, CUA professor of Canon Law and Belgian TV personality, and Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia writer.

Daily Reflection: Monday, 12 Mar 07

You might say real treasures are found in the ordinary.

Daily Readings In today's reading from the Book of Kings there is for us an event that could easily be found in so many lives. Naaman, the king, was plagued with leprosy. His master, the king of Aram, sent a letter to the king of Israel along with offerings, asking that the king cure him. The king of Israel didn't take to the request too lightly because he felt the king of Aram was looking for a quarrel (if the king could not effect the cure).

Elisha, the prophet, heard of the event and sent word to the Israeli king, offering to see Naaman. So, Naaman went to Elisha's home but was not brought into the house. Rather he was given instructions to go to the Jordan River and wash seven times. This response angered Naaman. He expected that the prophet would come out of the house and "do his thing." Naaman felt insulted that he was not given special treatment. He turned away in anger. A short time later one of his aides reasoned with him directly to the point: "... if the prophet had told you to do something extraordinary, would you not hvae done it?" Naaman had found it very difficult to be humble.

How challenging is it for us, you and me, to accept and work with the quieter ways of God? If we are working to remove something from our lives, a sinful practice or an bad habit, are we expecting the extraordinary to accomplish the victory? To continue on the ordinary day-to-day pathway of life is most challenging. It will be in the continuing of what we do day after day WITHOUT the bad habit or sinful practice that is the victory. There will not be any great announcements: Mr. X is healed of sin! Mrs. Y has overcome a bad habit!

The real victory will be when we quietly have overcome what has been keeping us distant from God. The real challenge for us is finding God in the simple things of life.

SUNDAY REFLECTION: 11 Mar 07

Third Sunday of Advent
March 10, 2007
Peace of the Lord be with you! Twice in today’s gospel we read or hear a serious thought or admonition: "But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!" So, I believe, it behooves us to give some serious consideration to the notion of repentance. Let me begin this reflection with words from St. Augustine.
We know that the day of eternity is coming and it is good for us to know this. It is also good not to know exactly when it will come. This forces us to prepare for eternity by living a good life now. It is in our power now to decide whether our eternity will be in heaven or in hell. Right now is the time when we can determine what our eternity will be. God mercifully hides the moment when our earthly life will end but he even more mercifully delays its ending so that we can have more time now to prepare. (Cited by Donald X. Burt, OSB)
As we make our journey through life, surely control is one of those realities we wish to have with regard to our future. Yet, most of us, I am convinced, find that the journey is not always within our control. The roadway we follow brings us to forks in the road and we might follow one side of the split that leads us to experiences beyond our control.
Some struggle to stay healthy but encounter a day when an unexpected illness occurs. Some achieve what they believe is their goal only to find themselves quite unhappy. Some live their lives without God only to find themselves empty when crises arrive at their doors.
The reality of our lives is that we cannot control every event or aspect of our lives as we would like. Nonetheless, we do have one aspect of our lives that we can control. We have complete control over our eternity. The different roadways we may take may meander all over the place throughout our lives but eventually lead us to the final road stop: the doorway to eternal life.
You and I know we cannot set the date of our end life’s journey will end and the eternal life will begin. We can determine whether we will be welcomed to the kingdom of God by Jesus Christ or allow our roadway to take us into "that hellish solitariness that is an eternal life without God. (Donald X. Burt, OSB)."
What the fig tree imagery in the gospel today does teach us is simple: no one of us can put aside concern for our making sure that we are prepared to meet the Lord. It is for such reasons as this that Archbishop Wuerl in collaboration with the Pastors of the archdiocese tried to bring all of us closer to Christ and his forgiveness in mandating that a priest be in a confessional each Wednesday during the season of Lent. And, quite honestly, we live in a time and culture where many Catholics as well as Catholics have turned away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation or derided it as useless or something that is strictly between an individual and God.
We know well that none of us knows that day nor the hour when our hearts will offer us the last beat, when we will put forth the last breath. Yet, so few of us, to be quite honest, few Catholics use the Sacrament that allows us to be reconciled with God for the sinfulness in our lives. And who is the loser? We are. Whether we are in our twenties or sixties, seventies or eighties, our end is coming perhaps sooner than we expect or want. Today, when you are standing over the sink in your bathrooms and you see your face in the mirror, ask yourself in a soft voice, "Self, if God called you home today, are you going to be satisfied with the eternity you have chosen for yourself? Do I need to reconcile myself with God for any sinfulness that I have ignored, been too embarrassed to bring to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or refuse to accept as a sin as taught to us by our Church?"
The reality is this: If you were called to meet God today, will he be ready to welcome you into his kingdom? Let me return to one part of the words of St. Augustine again: "God mercifully hides the moment when our earthly life will end but he even more mercifully delays its ending so that we can have more time now to prepare." The Light is On For You ... I encourage you to take advantage of the special graces and the calming provided by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Wall Street Journal & Spirituality

A wonderful article about the faith of the armed forces appeared in the Wall Street Journal. For any of us it is worth a read especially in light of the struggles so many young men and women are confronting in Iran and Afghanistan these days. The article points to the reality that war develops and strengthens the faith, especially of those bearing arms.

Pope Benedict on Broadcasting Today

Our upcoming panel discussion on Broadcasting the Now Church seems to be in line with Pope Benedict's remarks to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications headed by American Archbishop John P. Foley (Philadelphia native). The following is the article in Catholic News Network posted today.

Pope sees growing power of mass media
Vatican, Mar. 9, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The mass media today have enormous power for good or ill, Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) observed at a March 9 private audience with members of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.
The Holy Father issued an appeal to media executives “to advise producers to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family.”
Speaking on the theme of this year’s plenary meeting for the Pontifical Council for Social Communications-- the role of the media in the formation of young people-- the Pontiff said that the media have a grave responsibility for the attitudes they foster among youth. The proper education of children, he said, can be enhanced by the mass media “only to the extent that they promote fundamental human dignity, the true value of marriage and family life, and the positive achievements and goals of humanity.”
During his Friday audience the Pope took note of the important changes in the media industry, including the rising power of the electronic media and the waning influence of print. He pointed to the concentration of media ownership as a matter for concern, and the spread of the internet which “has opened up a world of knowledge and learning that previously for many could only be accessed with difficulty, if at all."
Despite the enormous opportunities created by the new media, the Pope said, “it is also readily apparent that much of what is transmitted in various forms to the homes of millions of families around the world is destructive." He said that the duty of the Church in the world of media is to “direct the light of Christ’s truth upon such shadows.”

Mr. Russell Shaw, Fr. Robichaud, Dr. Martens and Mr. Rocco Palmo should be giving us something to think about during their discussion NEXT SUNDAY EVENING AT 7:00 pm IN THE PARISH CHURCH.

BROADCASTING THE NOW CHURCH

A reminder: BROADCASTING THE NOW CHURCH, a panel discussion with Russell Shaw, Fr. Paul Robichaud, CSP, Dr. Kurt Martens and Mr. Rocco Palmo will be the March Parish Lecture Series event. SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2007, 7:00 PM in the parish church, immediately following the Sunday evening 6:00 PM Mass. Come and meet some rather prominent Catholic writers, teachers and broadcasters.

4835 MacArthur Blvd, NW

Washington, DC 20007

John Paul II Devotees: Take Note

Buddy Rocco Palmo's Whispers has good news for those praying for John Paul II's canonization process. These are Rocco's words: In related news, the Vicariate for Rome announced today that the diocesan phase of John Paul's cause for beatification is at an end. Following a ceremony on 2 April -- the second anniversary of the candidate's death -- the cause will proceed to the docket and scrutiny of the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Also, you might see in the Whispers article a reference to the man overseeing the Holy Father in this picture and the new book that he is about to have published about John Paul II. The book, titled in Italian, soon to be released in Italy in Italian, of course: "Il Mio Amato Predecessore" -- "My Beloved Predecessor," a tribute to and study of the late Pope John Paul II. You can be sure this will be another best seller for "Papa Ratz," as the Holy Father is now affectionately called in some quarters!

Modern Day Saint

A modern-day saint who feast we celebrated in February, was canonized by Pope John Paul II. For me it was a privilege to be present in St. Peter's Square for this event. St. Josephine surely should be an inspiration to African American women, especially our young girl "scholars" in OLV School. So now our Church official has a St. Josephine.


JOSEPHINE BAKHITA (1869-1947)
Mother Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869 and died in Schio (Vicenza) in 1947.
This African flower, who knew the anguish of kidnapping and slavery, bloomed marvelously in Italy, in response to God's grace, with the Daughters of Charity.
Mother “Moretta”
In Schio (Vicenza), where she spent many years of her life, everyone still calls her “our Black Mother”. The process for the cause of Canonization began 12 years after her death and on December 1st, 1978 the Church proclaimed the Decree of the heroic practice of all virtues.
Divine Providence which “cares for the flowers of the fields and the birds of the air”, guided the Sudanese slave through innumerable and unspeakable sufferings to human freedom and to the freedom of faith and finally to the consecration of her whole life to God for the coming of his Kingdom.
In Slavery
Bakhita was not the name she received from her parents at birth. The fright and the terrible experiences she went through made her forget the name she was given by her parents. Bakhita, which means “fortunate”, was the name given to her by her kidnappers.
Sold and resold in the markets of El Obeid and of Khartoum, she experienced the humiliations and sufferings of slavery, both physical and moral.
Towards freedom
In the Capital of Sudan, Bakhita was bought by an Italian Consul, Callisto Legnani . For the first time since the day she was kidnapped, she realized with pleasant surprise, that no one used the lash when giving her orders; instead, she was treated in a loving and cordial way. In the Consul's residence, Bakhita experienced peace, warmth and moments of joy, even though veiled by nostalgia for her own family, whom, perhaps, she had lost forever.
Political situations forced the Consul to leave for Italy. Bakhita asked and obtained permission to go with him and with a friend of his, a certain Mr. Augusto Michieli.
In Italy
On arrival in Genoa, Mr. Legnani, pressured by the request of Mr. Michieli's wife, consented to leave Bakhita with them. She followed the new “family”, which settled in Zianigo (near Mirano Veneto). When their daughter Mimmina was born, Bakhita became her babysitter and friend.
The acquisition and management of a big hotel in Suakin, on the Red Sea, forced Mrs. Michieli to move to Suakin to help her husband. Meanwhile, on the advice of their administrator, Illuminato Checchini, Mimmina and Bakhita were entrusted to the Canossian Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens in Venice. It was there that Bakhita came to know about God whom “she had experienced in her heart without knowing who He was” ever since she was a child. “Seeing the sun, the moon and the stars, I said to myself: Who could be the Master of these beautiful things? And I felt a great desire to see him, to know Him and to pay Him homage...”
Daughter of God
After several months in the catechumenate, Bakhita received the sacraments of Christian initiation and was given the new name, Josephine. It was January 9, 1890. She did not know how to express her joy that day. Her big and expressive eyes sparkled, revealing deep emotions. From then on, she was often seen kissing the baptismal font and saying: “Here, I became a daughter of God!”
With each new day, she became more aware of who this God was, whom she now knew and loved, who had led her to Him through mysterious ways, holding her by the hand.
When Mrs. Michieli returned from Africa to take back her daughter and Bakhita, the latter, with unusual firmness and courage, expressed her desire to remain with the Canossian Sisters and to serve that God who had shown her so many proofs of His love.
The young African, who by then had come of age, enjoyed the freedom of choice which the Italian law ensured.
Daughter of St. Magdalene
Bakhita remained in the catechumenate where she experienced the call to be a religious, and to give herself to the Lord in the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa.
On December 8, 1896 Josephine Bakhita was consecrated forever to God whom she called with the sweet expression “the Master!”
For another 50 years, this humble Daughter of Charity, a true witness of the love of God, lived in the community in Schio, engaged in various services: cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door.
When she was on duty at the door, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who daily attended the Canossian schools and caress them. Her amiable voice, which had the inflection and rhythm of the music of her country, was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering and encouraging for those who knocked at the door of the Institute.
Witness of love
Her humility, her simplicity and her constant smile won the hearts of all the citizens. Her sisters in the community esteemed her for her inalterable sweet nature, her exquisite goodness and her deep desire to make the Lord known.
“Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!”
As she grew older she experienced long, painful years of sickness. Mother Bakhita continued to witness to faith, goodness and Christian hope. To those who visited her and asked how she was, she would respond with a smile: “As the Master desires.”
Final test
During her agony, she re-lived the terrible days of her slavery and more then once she begged the nurse who assisted her: “Please, loosen the chains... they are heavy!”
It was Mary Most Holy who freed her from all pain. Her last words were: “Our Lady! Our Lady!”, and her final smile testifiedto her encounter with the Mother of the Lord.
Mother Bakhita breathed her last on February 8, 1947 at the Canossian Convent, Schio, surrounded by the Sisters. A crowd quickly gathered at the Convent to have a last look at their «Mother Moretta» and to ask for her protection from heaven. The fame of her sanctity has spread to all the continents and many are those who receive graces through her intercession.

Today's Station Church: Santa Maria in Trastevere

For those who have visited Rome or those who wish to visit the Eternal City, today's Station Church is one that is frequented by many tourists most likely because it is located in one of the trendy parts of Rome. Check it out on the Station Churches in Rome link on this blog.

Daily Reflection: 08 Mar 07

Today's Readings For me the final sentence of the gospel is a reminder to think seriously about the choices I make in my life, each day of my life, from the time my feet touch the floor in the morning until the time I fall asleep ... usually in my recliner: "If they will not listen to Moses ad the prophets neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead." Does the Lord have an opportunity to speak to my "tortured" heart? Who is and what are the Moses and the prophets that speak out to me in my life?

Seriously, if you have the time, reflect on Jeremiah's example of the two trees in the first reading. These two pictures serve as examples of the kind of lives people choose to live. These examples make more poignant his words: "More tortuous than all else is the human heart."

Wednesday Papal Audience: St. Clement

BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Audience HallWednesday, 7 March 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our catechesis on the early Church, we now turn to the Apostolic Fathers. Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome and third successor of Peter, lived in the last years of the first century. He had met the Apostles personally. Clement wrote an important letter to the Church in Corinth at a time when the Christian community was deeply divided. He encourages them to renew their faith in the message received from the Apostles and to be reconciled with one another. In this way, he shows the essential connection between the content of the Gospel and the way we live. This connection is essential to Clement’s ideal for the Church, in which the hierarchical structure is intrinsically ordered to the service of charity. Laity and hierarchy are not opposed, but organically connected in the mystery of the one Body. According to Clement, not only the Church, but also the entire cosmos reflects God’s providential love and mercy. Clement concludes his letter by praising God for this marvellous order. Let us join him as we beg the Lord to “make his face shine upon us in goodness and peace. Amen.”