Holy Father's Wednesday Audience: May 30, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our catechesis on the Fathers and teachers of the early Church, we now turn to Tertullian, an African from Carthage and the first great Christian author to write in Latin. A convert to Christianity, Tertullian became an eloquent apologist for the faith, not only defending it from its detractors but striving to present positively the Gospel message in dialogue with the pagan intellectual tradition. He emphasized the unity of God while affirming the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Tertullian’s terminology of three “persons” in one divine “substance” marked a significant advance in the development of the dogma of the Trinity. His works also bear witness to the emerging understanding of the dignity of Our Lady, the nature of the Church, the Petrine Primacy, and the sacraments. Tertullian grounds the Christian life in prayer and in hope based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Converted by the sufferings of the martyrs, whose blood he called the seed of the Church (cf. Ap., 50.13), Tertullian grew increasingly rigoristic, and eventually left the Church’s communion. Yet he remains an influential witness to the Church’s rule of faith and an important figure in the perennial dialogue between the Gospel and the world of culture.
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FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

As we celebrate this Marian feast, what particular grace can we hope to attain from it for our spiritual life? The answer you are about to read might be a surprise.

In most of our churches and, therefore, in our own lives worship has become routine, so often lacking a sense of genuine joy. Joining the worshiping community to celebrate Mass -- be it on a weekday or Sunday -- is rarely perceived as an occasion that brings peace and joy. The sense of obligation has taken away spontaneity that leads to genuine happiness. Do you attend Mass with the thought that you are gathering with others to welcome the Lord Jesus among us?

The prophet Zephaniah writes that we have blocked the spirit from our lives: "The Lord, your God, is in your midst. He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love." Do you have this thought as you prepare to celebrate Mass?

Mary's visit to Elizabeth and her great joy upon greeting Mary might serve to point us to a renewed spirit of happiness and joy when we gather to worship. Did you ever think of this: Celebrating the Mass with the community is an opportunity for us to allow God "to make your day."

Might this Marian feast and what it teaches not also suggest that the graces of Go are waiting to visit you each day --- reciting the rosary, reading some verses of Sacred Scripture (the Word of God), turning to a book of prayers or taking time for a little quiet meditation?

As Isaiah wrote in today's readings: "with joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.' But, but, but: maybe we have set up our own spiritual homeland security system, blocking graces from entering our lives because they might endanger our very busy lives and so many other priorities.

As a fellow clergyman from northern Virginia says in his short remarks on a local radio station: "Just a thought; not a sermon."

DAILY REFLECTION: Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Today's gospel reading (check readings tab) deals with being recognized. James and John want those seats next to Jesus. How many times do we witness moments when others seek what they can get for themselves so they can make a hatch mark in their scorecard of life? Sometimes, if we are not careful, we do that ourselves.
A friend sent me a "You Tube" selection you should view. It confronts the issues surrounding recognition and being recognized ... especially in our very painful war. Perhaps this should have been posted yesterday but it somehow really stood out as I was preparing this posting. Watch it once maybe twice and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Really isn't the good life more about giving than receiving? This is what underlies both readings for Tuesday. The apostles want some recognition. They want the best for themselves. Does that strike a chord in your heart? In the Sirach reading, God makes clear that the "usual" offerings are not what he wants. He is asking for "oblation." What he is asking for is much more than obedience to laws, tithes and other expected sacrifices.

In the Eucharist we make an oblation of bread and wine as our offering, our gift to God. What happens in return? An oblation far greater than what we might consider: we are given the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

We might ask ourselves this question: do we ever consider how much of ourselves we can give to God just as Ignatius who offered his life as a knight for his father's army? He wanted to be completely dedicated to the service of God. AMDG: Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam --- for the greater glory of God. When you put your head on your pillow in the evening, I hope you can close your eyes and say, Father, all I have done today is for your greater honor and glory! What a gift, what an oblation to God!

Daily Reflecton: Monday, Memorial Day

Today our Church returned to what we call "Ordinary Time." For the next 90 days we do many things that are far from "ordinary." Today, or this weekend, serves as the "official" start of the summer vacation days. Parties, trips, vacations, staying outside later in the evening, cookouts, working in our gardens or yards --- all of this very different from"ordinary."

Perhaps today is a day when we thank our God for all the goodness that lies ahead. In these Nat King Cole "lazy, hazy days of summer," we are afforded the time to give some extra time to OURSELVES. It is is the relaxation of summer time and vacations that we have the wonderful opportunity to bond more closely with our families and friends ... and, hopefully, with the Lord Jesus.

So, what might be called "ordinary" is really extraordinary. There is really nothing "ordinary" about the 90 days ahead of us. It is a unique time. It is a privileged time. Let us not fail to take every advantage of this gift from God.

And, today, especially, let us not forget the "extraordinary" gifts given this nation of ours by those we recall in a special way on Memorial Day. There was and never will be anything "ordinary" about what these men and women have done for us.

PENTECOST DAY: oops

(Apologies: I thought this had been sent our for your reading.)

Today, Pentecost Sunday, as we know, the celebration of the Easter season draws to its conclusion. It was ninety days ago that we initiated an annual retreat that has taken us through forty days of reflection. In that period of time we sacrificed in order to strengthen our vision and our goals. We endured the revisiting the dusty Calvary hillside path and the painful journey of Jesus to its top. Together with women and men we now know as saints we caught glimpses and words of a victorious Jesus during the forty days following the Easter Sunday that affirmed our redemption. Today the Church invites us to a celebration of the unique gift Jesus and the Father entrusted to us.
The work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of each one of us creates a new presence of Jesus Christ in our world by creating the Body of Christ. Today we celebrate the uniqueness of the gift: it is a gift to each one of us personally, especially marked out for us on the day of our Confirmation. Likewise it is a gift to all of us together, together as the community of believers, of followers.
While we believe that Jesus ascended from this earth to return to the kingdom of God, to be with God, his Father, we continue to believe that he, Jesus, is here with us even today, even here among us gathered to praise and worship our God. We believe that Jesus is physically present in and through the Body of Christ. How many times do we say or recall that Jesus is present in one another. We say that we do believe that Jesus speaks to us at times in and through our sisters and brothers. How many times do we express our belief that through our hands, our eyes and our hearts we are serving one another as the instrument Jesus uses to bring himself to others.
Many of you many have seen the documentary, The March of the Penguins. In a way the experiences of the penguins may well be likened to the activity of the Body of Christ. In the sub-sub zero weather of Antarctica and the South Pole, these elegant animals form one body, huddled together for one purpose: to survive the onslaught of the bitter cold and vicious winds. As the winds increase and the temperature drops, the penguins, in the huddled formation, take turns standing on the outer circle so that all are protected. Standing alone in the painful weather conditions, no penguin can survive. Together as one community, the penguins realize there is hope.
Likewise, in the documentary we see the magnificent sharing of responsibilities, especially in the propagation of the community. The male and female penguins have distinct responsibilities. Momma penguin lays the egg but Papa has the dual duty of keeping the egg warm until it is hatched and then keeping the young penguin warm until Momma comes back from the distant waters bearing a belly fully of food for the youngster.
Isn’t that so much like the body of Christ in our Church where there are many ministries that enable all of us to be nurturers to one another in our journey of faith? By teaching our youngsters about the Commandments, the Sacraments and the life of Jesus Christ are we not building a protective wall about the community to protect it from the many assaults that would undermine the faith that has been instilled in their hearts? By teaching them the value of the Christian community are we not feeding their hearts and minds as well as our own with food that will strengthen us on our journey of faith?
Today is truly a day when we celebrate our community life in the Church. This is the day when we celebrate the birthday of the Church. I would ask you to pray today for a deeper understanding of the importance of our gathering as one body, the Body of Christ. Especially, I would ask you who are parents of younger people to take some time today to teach them that we come to Church not simply because we are called to do so by the commandments of the Church but because it brings us together as one family, the Body of Christ. It is together, sharing in our faith, sharing the Eucharist that we strengthen our own participation in the Body of Christ.
What greater reality is there for us in our world today than because of the Eucharist being identified as one with Jesus Christ and thereby with each other? I do not believe there is anything greater. So, I close asking you to pray for one another especially our sisters and brothers who cannot be with us because of illness. Let our faith and our petitions before God be a sign to them that even though not with us physically, they are with us in our prayerful hearts.

Theological College Change

It was announced in the Baltimore Sun, yesterday, that Fr. Thomas Hurst, a member of the Society of San Sulpice and Rector of Theological College, located opposite the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, has been named President and Rector of St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, effective July 1, 2007. Fr. Hurst has been the Rector and "TC" for several years.

"TC" is the local seminary for American diocesan seminarians who study at Catholic University at their bishop's direction. This seminary has always maintained a strong reputation throughout the years. Not a stranger to controversy at some moments, the school has weathered storms and continues to attract the support of American bishops. It is not a diocesan seminary for the Archdiocese of Washington. It is a national seminary located in the nation's capital so that students can attend classes in the Pontifical sections of Catholic University of America.

Our prayers are with you, Fr. Hurst.

Cathecism Class: May 26, 2007

Orestes Brownson: Part Two

Notre Dame graduates may recall that this intellectual convert to the faith is interred at the South Bend campus. He became a Catholic along with his family when he was baptized in Boston, MA on October 20, 1844. For more than a quarter of a century, Brownson published The Review. The magazine was his effort to offer commentary on the important religious, moral and political issues of the day.

His thrust in the magazine was to stress what the Church taught. He was much involved in the Church's mission of renewal. Likewise he wrote that Catholics had a serious obligation to address the culture of the times.

The authors of the new Catechism note the reason for selecting this intellectual for inclusion in their work as worthy of our reading and awareness because this man's journey of faith "led him to acknowledge the self-revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While he struggled witht he mystery of God, he also pondered the mystery of eveil. He found the satisfying response in the gift of faith that brought him to Catholicism."

Daily Reflection: Saturday, May 26, 2007

St. Philip Neri

Out of Florence, Italy, came this man of Christian determination. Born in the 15th year of the 16th century, Philip eventually found himself establishing a society that would direct its attention toward the poor who were sick.

In 1551 he was ordained a priest and soon thereafter founded the Society of the Oratory. His thrust within the community was spiritual reading, sacred music and works of charity. The Saint's life makes for a good read and a return to hagiography (lives of the saints) which seems to have fallen between the cracks of our modern world.

Reading all that Philip accomplished and how he went about responding to the call of the Holy Spirit in his life, one cannot but think how challenging it was to answer a call to priesthood, let alone holiness, in the 16th century. It was a challenge that exits so clearly in our own times.

Interestingly enough to me, with my Jesuit background, is that Philip did have direct contact with Ignatius of Loyola. They were in Rome at the same time. Many of those who were refused entrance into the Society of Jesus subsequently found a home with the Oratorians. Hmmm!

Catechism Class To Resume

After some months without continuing our journey through the new United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, it is time to resume classes. Let's call it a summer session.

We will pick up with Chapter 5: I Believe in God. The life of an intellectual Catholic opens this chapter. Orestes Brownson, leaving Transcendentalism and Unitarianism in the mid-nineteenth century, became a Roman Catholic because he felt our Church offered an intelligent mind what he had been seeking all his life.

He made it clear that the teaching authority of the Church was his guide. He saw this as no different from the maps and charts that any seaworthy captain would use to chart a course.

I find it interesting that the team of church folks who put this chapter together would select Brownson as the introduction to an investigation into what is most challenging for thinkers. It is not unusual for a person of great intelligence to confront our faith and the principles of belief with some difficulty.

Bownson's life with the Universalist church as member and later as a minister was supplanted by a group of attractive minds ... the Transcendentalists. He was then associated with other prominent names from the mid-nineteenth century: Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller and Elizabeth Peabody. These people along with Brownson were reacting to a Calvinist view of a God who was angry with his people because they had a depraved nature. The movement lasted but a dozen years or so but it did not end without passing on a vision that brought other bright minds to the challenge of belief.

What brought Brownson to the Catholic Church? You will have to wait until the next installment or turn to the Catechism and check it out.

Daily Reflecton: Friday, May 25, 2007

We begin with this image of St. Peter. The challenge of this particular episode of John's gospel in today's readings is to see yourself in this leader of the group, The Twelve. "Can I respond in similar fashion?" you might ask yourself.

Jesus, preparing the Twelve, in particular Peter, for the days when he would no longer be with them, wants to entrust the care of the flock to Peter and the others ... and now ... to you and to me.

We, all of us, are called to evangelize the people of God. We are called to stand up for what we believe by knowing what we are called to believe. We are called to live out the command given to Peter, if we truly want to follow Jesus: "Feed my lambs.... Feed my sheep."

This evangelizing, this feeding, what does it mean? As we begin this Memorial Day weekend, I believe we can see in the men and women who have given so much for this country that is changing so rapidly in so many ways, the very action that Jesus encourages Peter to follow. Those we memorialize were called to give and protect freedom for others; in our faith, we are called to give of the love that God has showered upon us. Care for the needy, the hungry, the poor, the homeless, the mentally challenged, the children who seem abandoned. Just as those who served our nation in difficult times by watching how they could put forward the values of freedom, we are called upon to be watching to see how we can give to others the spiritual values symbolized by our care of the hurting.

At the liturgy we receive the same challenge from Jesus in the Eucharist: Feed my lambs, feed my sheep. For those who cannot attend a Eucharist on a daily basis, a spiritual communion is possible. In the new United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (p 225) we read the following: Spiritual communion means uniting one's self in prayer with Christ's sacrifice and worshiping him present in his Body and Blood. This is a source of blessing for us and an opportunity for us to take seriously Jesus' bidding that we feed his sheep.

Are You Listening?

In another Catholic Blog, Shouts from the Piazza, there appeared the following picture and words. It surely offers a sense of humor and some serious thinking.

Yes, Yes...lots of cheering, lots of singing, lots of fanfare. But, have any of you paid attention to a single word I've said?

SPF 100

The Pope of hats! Seems that this might be just the thing to be the sun rays in St. Peter's Square during the weekly Wednesday audience.

Surely our Holy Father and his personal secretary seem to have a great time in choosing the haberdashery for the weekly audiences. Great ideas to break up the monotony of the weekly appearances.

Thought you'd like to see what might be called the summer "almost" boater!

HOW THE HEART WORKS

The following is taken from the Catholic World News service published today. This news is a tremendous boost for the Catholic Schools across the country not just in the Big Apple.

The New York archdiocese has received a record-breaking gift of $22.5 million from an atheist.
Robert Wilson, a retired financier, has given the sum-- the largest single donation ever recorded by the Church in New York-- to a program that will pay tuition for needy children attending New York's parochial schools.
Explaining his decision to make the grant to a Catholic charity, Wilson pointed out that his money would be used to pay for the education of children, rather than for specifically religious purposes.
While he is not religious, Wilson indicated a deep respect for the Catholic faith. "Let's face it," he told a reporter: "without the Roman Catholic Church there would be no Western civilization."

And we might ask: "Is there such a generous soul on these banks of the Potomac?"

Daily Reflection: Thursday, May 24, 2007

Picture division within the Sanhedrin and among the Chief Priests over the issue of resurrection, angel and spirits. Pharisees accept Paul's particular preaching about resurrection, angels and spirits. The Sadducees? No way. The scene described in the daily readings for today remind me of the American political party scene of late. Paul was rescued from the melee by the soldiers. In a later dream, he is told by God to be strong for there is more witnessing to do in Rome. Then in the gospel story we encounter the well-know call of Jesus to the Father for the gift of unity among his followers --- unity with himself and the Father.

So, what graces can we gather from these words of Jesus? God loves us just as he loves the Son. In fact, Jesus says we are the Father's gift to the Son. Imagine how special we must be. But how real is my awareness of God's love for me? Did you think of that at all today in the rush-rush world that we live in?

Daily Reflection: Ascension Day

Let me begin with a few questions. Would you vote for a candidate who had run for office two or three times and only brought in about 10% of the vote? Would you buy a new car from a company with the largest number of recalls in the last several years? Would you consider a weight loss program being sold by a person carrying an extra 150 pounds? I suspect you understand the issue. There is a genuine credibility gap in the three situations.
The readings the Church offers us on this Ascension Day have a singular theme: it is power. But there is a little difference. It is a power that given to us if we believe in Jesus.
The first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, we are told by Jesus that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us we will receive a certain power. Then we hear words from the great tentmaker, St. Paul, who is selling what amounts to an insurance policy: "as followers of Jesus Christ our inheritance will provide us "the surpassing power of his power." Finally, in the gospel we Jesus instructs the apostles and us that he is sending us the promise of the Father ... "until you are clothed with power." These three "sales" to us about power are made by Jesus and St. Paul.
But think for a minute: why would you buy from them? We have been promised power by a man who did not provide any instructions on how we should go about getting this power. And those who were most of his closest contacts and associates faced violent death just for believing in him. Might this not be something of a credibility gap?
Let’s put credibility aside for a moment. Let’s presume this Jesus is trustworthy. Let’s believe that we will receive his power even though we don’t know how. Although he set up no organization with a corporate structure, his presence on this earth of ours has changed the lives of many people for many generations. So it seems his power has existed for two millennia and we can presume that it will be with us too. But what is that power?
The famous English Cardinal, John Henry Newman, to discover the power that Jesus speaks about existing in many people we have to look were it is not expected to be found. This power of Jesus is not usually found in people a generation may single out as most useful nor those who make the most noise in the world. "On the whole, if we would trace the hand of God in human affairs we must unlearn our admiration of the powerful and distinguished and turn our eyes to private life. God’s elect, weak as they are, are mighty through God, they have an influence in the world and help to bring about great events, when the wisdom and strength of the natural human are of no avail."
So, this great philosopher of modern times turns us to private life. There he says we can discover and experience the power Jesus offers us. That private life for Newman is in the most private part of our lives: our family life. For example, suppose everyone in the family were to make a pledge to be kind to one another without any harsh words for just one day. At the end of the day, make an examination of conscience to evaluate how we feel.
Most likely you will discover the simple effort to be kind, to be nice, has had a genuine impact upon us, ourselves. We will experience a genuine peace that will bring with is true happiness. We might want to try extending the experiment.
What has happened, if we buy into this power sales of Jesus, if we model ourselves and how we live on this life this man is selling us, what has happened is that we realize Jesus does not give us power OVER others but rather power IN the lives of others that brings about effects that might easily be said to approach the wondrous.
Today and every time we celebrate the Eucharist we witness that power Jesus is selling us. The reality, the purpose of the Eucharist for us is to become sharers in that power. It is the gift that God’s son is trying to give to us. And the cost? Simply this: a willingness and an effort to live the life of the gospels.
I thank Fr. Wilfred Theisen, a Benedictine priest at St. John University, Collegeville, Minnesota, for his insights into the readings for the feast of the Ascension. Some of the words in this reflection are directly from his writings.
Sunday, May 20, 2007

CONGRATULATIONS!

After the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation, congratulations and thanks are in order for Mr. LeBlanc, Director of Music and Liturgy, as well as Mrs. Debbie McNally, our Director of Religious Studies. Their oversight and preparation of all things necessary for the events deserve our genuine thanks and admiration. Unfortunately their pictures are not in my files!!!

The parish has been blessed with their genuine care for a fine celebration of these two sacraments.

Daily Reflection: Saturday, May 19, 2007

In the lives of sports figures, exercise is a daily business. In the lives of those in the acting profession rehearsals are more frequent than glitzy parties. For those serious about their calling, time is given to perfect the acquired and innate skills required to attain success and good fortune. In the readings for today's liturgy, specifically the selection from the Acts of the Apostles, we learn something about an early Church figure, Apollo. Even though an "eloquent speaker" and "an authority on the Scriptures," he strengthened his skills through the assistance of two personal trainers, Priscilla and Aquila. These men explained to Apollo more accurately the Way of God. They worked with Paul in Corinth, pictured above.

In John's gospel Jesus continues his personal training of the disciples. "...whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you." Furthermore he promises that what they ask for they will receive so that they might live in complete joy. This is Jesus, the personal prayer trainer, teaching how to pray, how to strengthen life with a unique joy, a sense that comes through daily spiritual exercises, especially prayer.

Jesus teaches that prayerful petition should be asking strength in doing the will of God. Remember, in the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples, he told them to pray to the Father that "thy will be done," and the He provide daily bread. Also he taught that we should pray for strength to overcome challenges put before us in temptations.

So .... if we wish to become what we are called to be, Christians, and if we wish to be good at our Christianity, prayer is what we need to strengthen.

Daily Reflection: Thursday, May 17 2007

After giving some thought to the first reading we might consider this remark by a scripture scholar to enlighten or evaluate our own thinking:

We should be aware, then, of the complex attitude of the New Testament toward the Jewish people, and how it has been misinterpreted and misusued. Nothing in the New Testament suggests that God has abandoned the Jews, or that they are no longer God's chosen people, or not part of God's plan for salvation. Whatever Paul's frustration with the religious politics of his time, the New Testament is full of stories of how God has accomplished his purpose through the Jewish people.

Sad Day at OLV

Yesterday we learned that Shimona McCoy, a second-grader at Our Lady of Victory School died rather suddenly. Surely Monday was a sad day for the students, faculty and staff at the school and parish offices.

Shimona leaves much grief to her mom and dad, her sister and surely in time to her recently new-born brothers.
The immediate cause of her death will not be determined until an autopsy is completed.
Plans for her funeral are incomplete at this time.
Shimona, we know and believe that the angels led you into paradise Saturday evening.

Daily Reflection: (very late) Monday, May 14, 2007

Again, for those who truly want to know how the early Church operated and strengthened itself, the Acts of the Apostles selection provides the first exposition of replacing one of the original Twelve.
Peter also demonstrates his leadership role in this reading. Peter tells those 120 persons who have assembled to discuss the successor to Judas that "it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken you from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection."
What scripture scholars have determined is that this particular election of a successor to the "guide for those who arrested Jesus" is that the Twelve, or the inner circle, was not the only circle that Jesus worked with in his ministry. Scholars again tell us there were some 70 such disciples in outer circles. As well we learn in this text that there were 120 assembled for this election.
What about the elected man? Who was he? Well, he is truly what any leader wants when it is necessary to replace someone. First of all, we only find the name Matthias provided to us by Luke in this part of the Acts of the Apostles. Nowhere in the gospels do we find his name mentioned.
He had given years of his life following Jesus, so it appears, He had learned Jesus’ teachings. Surely he had taken time to let the Word become internalized in his very being. Surely over the years as he traveled with Jesus and the other disciples he had learned from those whose lives had been touched by Jesus. Surely he had come to understand some of their difficulties, their pains, their losses. Without any doubt he had seen how the presence of Jesus and his teachings had changed the lives of many. But what is unknown to us is if Matthias had any particular talent(s). So, we have to assume that to have been elected (a) the assembly who voted must have seen in him a man who truly followed Jesus and (b) he must have done much to live the life Jesus called the disciples to follow.
Join me today in praying for a particular priest. Fr. Jeff Defayette, pastor of St. Matthias Parish, in Lanham, MD. Fr. Jeff was the first Associate Pastor assigned to collaborate with me at Mother Seton Parish. We pray for him and his parish on their patronal feast day.
Just in under the wire for the 14th.

Daily Reflection: Sunday, May 13, 2007

Today’s gospel reading as well as next Sunday’s and our own parish experience of Confirmation later this week are moments intended to encourage us in living with Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. John’s words in the gospel are a recollection of Jesus’ giving comfort, encouragement and blessing to the disciples and us.
A story from a Jesuit priest who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has helped me look at my relationship with the Holy Spirit. I hope you will find it a support in your life, on your faith journey.
Fr. Larry tells the story of the time he was with his younger brother in downtown Milwaukee. He wanted to send his six year old brother home, along, on one of the city’s buses – the one with the final stop directly across the street from their home.
Big brother Larry takes his younger brother Pat to a bus stop. Taking Pat onto the bus and paying his fare, Larry reminds him that the last stop on the bus is just across the street from their home. He assures him he will be fine, not to worry because the bus driver knows where he is going. Imagine a six-year old, probably his first solo bus ride, and the uncertainty and fear that must have been in his heart.
Once the journey began Pat went to the driver to make sure this was the bus going to 43rd street, the 43rd Street in Milwaukee. He asked the driver if he knew about a big white house across the street from the last stop. Every assurance that the driver offered Pat did not ease his uncertainty, his fear. Of course, Pat made it home safely. Brother Larry never revealed how safe it was for himself when he walked into the security of the big white house and confronted his parents!
In the gospel words today Jesus is telling his followers that we are on a journey of faith. We should not fear. We are on this journey with him and all will go well if we trust and believe in God. We are his passengers. We are not alone.
Actually we are like the big white house that Pat and Larry called home if we let God and the Holy Spirit into our hearts, if we believe that God cares for us. On our journeys how often do we ask, "Where are you leading me now, God?" Even believing often invites us to question what the drive of our bus tells us along the way.
Pat tried to believe the drive knew what he offered as assuring answers. But for Pat what he heard was only a temporary kind of peace. Nothing would be a complete assurance until Pat saw the family home and his being at home with Mom and Dad.
Jesus extends a genuine peace to us through the Holy Spirit. But we continue to live with worries and fears because we are fragile people. Our journeys are not always on streets we recognize. But we do find comfort because we know that those around us are traveling the same journeys.
Like our fellow-travelers on this journey of faith, we seek to know with certainty. We want the security of knowing. What Jesus is for us with the gift of the Holy Spirit is an invitation to trust, to believe.
Today, while we are remotely preparing for Pentecost Sunday in two weeks and our upcoming Confirmation for our young people, we cannot overlook what we celebrate today. God’s gift to us in the special women in our lives, our mothers, is very much a symbol of his care for us.

COMPUTER TROUBLES & Daily Reflection

Sorry that there was not a reflection posted earlier for the day. Once again there were computer "jamming" issues, which I believe are now resolved.

A brief thought from what I had prepared. The readings from the Acts of the Apostles continue to be important for us. Today's reading spoke of Paul spirit. He would never take no for an answer. Whenever he was confronted with difficulties in preaching the word of God, he would simply go to another place and plan a return trip to the rejecting city. When in the dumps, it might be good to do a little Pauline reading!

Thanks to El Greco for painting.

Daily Reflection: Friday, May 11, 2007

Today's first lectionary selection from Luke's Acts of the Apostles reads like a letter that anyone would not mind receiving from a superior or a committee trying to help resolve a problem or set a new direction. I encourage you to give this selection a slow read today.

So often we grouse about the length of time committees require for the consideration of a problem. So often we feel answers should be provided almost instantly. This attitude is strengthened by the wonderful invention: the computer. With it we know that we can travel anywhere in the world within 3 to 5 seconds. Delays of more than 2 or 3 seconds seem deadly.

But we can learn from the early Church that discernment usually requires something more than 5 seconds. I think of the wine producing process. "Instant wine" would taste just like grape juice!

So, too, with our spiritual lives and many of the important decisions we make: some reflective time is the best additive to the process. It is in those moments of quite that we can do what Jesus encouraged throughout the forty day he made to the disciples after his Resurrection: remain in me. Be a part of me just as branches remain in/on the vie. If we remain in him, we come to know how we best live the commandments, how we chose what is best for us. This is most helpful to us if we remain in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit because that relationship, that delving into who we really are enables us to participate more fully in our relationship to the Body of Christ, the Church. Living and loving in the Body of Christ enables us to produce the results the early Church discovered in its own discernment moments.

The Sisters of Notre Dame have provided the following prayer for discernment:

Walk with me, good and loving God, as I journey through life. May I take your hand and be led by your Holy Spirit. Fill me, inspire me, free me to respond generously to your call. For I believe you desire my deepest joy, and it is only in your company that my soul will be satisfied and my life will find its meaning and purpose. Amen.

Daily Reflection: Thursday, May 10, 2007

These days of hearing the account of the early Church and some of the debates have truly brought me to a better understanding of the challenges the disciples encountered. Even more than their struggles, I see how the Church through the centuries has bot been free of the trials necessary to discover what is truly the heart of Christianity. While Peter, Paul and Barnabas struggled with the issue of acceptance of Gentiles into the fraternity of Jesus, what becomes evident is that there is a power to be reckoned with --- the Holy Spirit.
The early Church was, following the belief that Jesus came to save the whole world, became a group of diverse converts. There were people seeking the way and the truth that would lead them to God. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit that helped those who sought out God for their lives.
The Church is no different today. There are issues in our Church that divide us, as I have posted recently. We can ask ourselves what it is that we believe constitutes membership in our Church. Who belongs to the body of Jesus Christ? Do we expect converts to be exactly like us.
This is no easy question because our missionary efforts, our programs of evangelization, bring so many people of different cultures to gather around the one altar. Are we more Roman Catholic if the Mass is celebrated in Latin or French? Are be better Catholics if we receive the Eucharist kneeling at an altar railing. Jesus said it simply: Love is the primary criterion. "As the Father loves me, so I love you. Remain in my love."
This Eucharist we celebrate challenges all of us. This body of Christ we claim for membership has to deal with challenging issues: abortion, birth control, homosexuality, same-sex priesthood, hierarchical structures. And the debates go on; the divide seems to widen as we know more. When will we ever come to know love --- the love that Jesus calls us to live?
Have we overlooked the reality of the presence of the Holy Spirit among us and especially among those who may not wear the same shoes for our faith journey?
Being a Catholic, being a Christian: it is our calling ... but it is not easy.

Pope's Newest Book: JESUS OF NAZARETH

From the man who seems to have his hand on almost all the Church's events, "Mr. Whispers" has let the USA know that at 7:00 PM next Tuesday, Release Night, at the JPII center on Harewood Road, NE, there will be a presentation of the new book by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Pietro Sambi and a panel discussion with Bishop William Lori (Diocese of Bridgeport) George Weigel (St. Jane deChantal Parish, Bethesda) and John Allen (well known National Catholic Reporter writere). What seats will be available are open to the public. According to Whispers the book is already available.

Newman Bookstore moved all its inventory to a new location ... one with much easier parking ... St. Paul's College, located on 4th Street, NE, adjacent to the United States Catholic Conference fortress, about one block from the front of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If you go there, please tell the manager, Mr. Carl Spiers, that we are providing free advertising for the operation!!!

Clear Words from Peter's Successor

This morning, Pope Benedict and his entourage of Vatican officials departed Rome for his trip to Latin America. In his news conference upon take off, the Pontiff stated that he supports excommunication for politicians who backed Mexico City's decision to legalize abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Church doctrine calls for automatic excommunication for anyone procuring an abortion.
"It's nothing new, it's normal," Benedict said during an airborne news conference aboard the plane carrying him to Brazil on his first pilgrimage to Latin America.
The Rev. Federico Lombardi, SJ, Vatican news director later told reporters that the politicians who voted for abortion had automatically excommunicated themselves by their actions.
Mexican church officials have said that doctors and nurses who performed abortions as well as lawmakers who supported the legalization would be excommunicated. Church teaching also says any woman who get an abortion faces automatic excommunication, meaning the Vatican doesn't have to issue a formal excommunication order.
Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, whose leftist Democratic Revolution Party backed the bill approved by city lawmakers last month, has said he would not be deterred by the church's statements.
Elsewhere in Mexico, abortion is only allowed in cases of rape, danger to the mother's life or severe fetal defects. The only countries in the region that allow abortion are Cuba and Guyana.

Picture from AP via Yahoo News

Please read carefully the Act of the Apostles lectionary selection for TODAY'S READINGS. What you will encounter is a picture of the struggle humanity has had and always will have with the very heart of our Christian faith. It is a struggle even today. Progress (???) in our society's growth and the development of Church in so many cultures provide testing grounds for the foundation of our faith. After Vatican II, for more contemporary issues than that of circumcision, the changes made to our liturgical experience divides many Catholics.

Today, some 40 years later, there is a growing part of our community calling for a return to the Latin Mass, for the replacement of the altar railings, and even for the turning around of the altar with the celebrant's back to the congregation. What a change that would be for the majority of contemporary Catholics! These were distinctive styles that many believed were the very essence of our Roman Catholic faith.. The early Church had to determine what role the Law and covenant with the Israel had for the Church. So, too, today we encounter questions about how we practice our religion. Law and covenant seem so foreign to a world where cultures have grown in democratic practices and bring that experience to every part of life.

The disciples work of spreading the Good News, the gospels, brought people of different cultures to know and experience Jesus. Today's first reading reminds us of the struggle the early disciples had with the Greeks who listened to their preachings. Today, the Church is growing in every culture. Differences of opinion arise. Today our Church's leadership has to confront genuine "hot issues" that divide followers because of cultural differences. The challenge to Popes, Bishops, Pastor, Deacons and Laity, alike, is to NOT forget that it is in and with the Holy Spirit that we are able to maintain a close and well-formed relationship with Jesus. The gospel reading reminds us of that reality. John's recollection of Jesus' preaching puts before us pointed words while speaking of the vine and branches imagery. Jesus says: "He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit."

How challenging the pruning we experience in our own faith journey; how painful the reality that some branches are taken away.

Reflection: Tuesday, May 8, 2007

When we speak of peace in our heats, in our world, do we fully comprehend what peace truly is? Peace is much more than sitting by any placid lake. Peace has much more to its meaning and experience than our existing in a state of being without trouble or anxiety, without war or violence. Peace is much more than a kind of almost lifeless existence.
Confidence to speak, the assurance of wisdom and the assurance of love: these are characteristics of love. Peace is living with an awareness that we are loved by God. Living in peace means we are safe and whole in loving others.
Peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit that gives us the strength to move far beyond comfort out into our world with a genuine love.
Today's Readings, especially the first reading taken from the Acts of the Apostles presents the early challenges put before the early Church. Paul was stoned and left to die. He did not succumb to violence. Despite their troubles these disciples passed beyond their anxieties. Within their hearts they knew they were loved by God and could go out into the troubled world, building God's kingdom.
Are we aware of the true meaning of peace as we go out into the world each and every day?

Daily Reflection: Monday, May 7, 2007

Today's first reading the difficulty that Paul and Barnabas [portrayed here rejecting the Greeks' attempt to deify them by Dutch artist Nicholaes Berchem in the 17th Century] have come upon while working within the Greek world. The people of Lystra have been so struck by the preaching of these two followers of Jesus's mission that they are worshipped by the Lystrian people as gods. It is a struggle for them to bring the people to see that the single purpose of their mission is to point to the life and works and teachings of Jesus Christ.

We might consider how we endeavor to allow our lives and what we do point more to Jesus and his mission than to ourselves and our wants. We can doing that Jesus-pointing in two ways: by following the teaching of Jesus and by reaching out to others who have need.

Installation of Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, Dallas, TX

Unfortunately, my camera was lost while in Dallas earlier this week for the grand installation of a close and special friend, our former Vicar General, Bishop Kevin Farrell. The Dallas News has the following collection of pictures of the major event of Installation . Bishop Farrell has one momentous challenge ahead. There are one million plus known Catholics in the diocese with only 70 parishes and just over 70 priests. There are also a number of religious order priests. The Cathedral parish in center city Dallas lists more than 15,000 registered parish households ... and there are no households in the Cathedral boundaries than any of us there could discover. Dallas downtown is just one tall building after another with hardly a shop in sight ... just eateries.
Another highlight for me and most of the 30 DC priests was a visit to the site of the John Kennedy assassination and the Book Depository. The walking tour in the building where Lee Harvey Oswald hid and carried out the lethal shooting of President Kennedy is surely a tourist spot not to be overlooked. The almost 2 hour tape-guided tour greatly impacted all of us.

OUR OFFERTORY PROGRAM

Thank you to those who spoke to our community about the serious need we have to increase the offertory giving. So many have spoken to me about the excellent presentations. I am particularly grateful to Mr. Jeff Ross of our Finance Council who conducted two preparation class for the speakers.

I am grateful as well to all who have begun to return the pledge cards for their regular offertory gift to the parish.

It is my hope that each week more and more of the parish will turn to the Faith Direct program for the giving of one's gift to the parish. It is a program that makes giving so much more meaningful and consistent. If you have not considered this program seriously, I would ask you to give it some time. As one of our senior parishioners said to me, "Father, you know, I resisted that credit card program at first. Now I'm in it. Boy, does it make giving so much easier for me. I really feel so much better about my giving because I know it is helping the parish regularly."

First Communion: Sunday, May 6, 2007

Our young parishioners in the second grade of their elementary school will receive their First Holy Communion Sunday morning during the 10:30 Liturgy.

Congratulations to them and their parents on this very special day in their lives and the life of the parish.

Let us remember the children and their families, praying that this special day will be the beginning of a unique relationship with the Lord. Likewise, as a priest and Pastor, it is my prayer that this unique encounter with the Lord the begins for them in receiving Holy Communion may be the time when a few of them might begin to hear the call of the God to consider priesthood and/or consecrated life.

How well I remember my day of First Communion. I have in my room a statue of the Infant of Prague given to me by a priest-friend of our family on that day. It has special meaning because that priest, a much older man, said to me "I believe God is calling you to be a priest. I just know it." Surely a frightening message but one that stayed with me throughout my life, through moments of frustration and doubt in my seminary training.

So, it is important for all of us to remember these young people today and each day as they begin to walk a new pathway. While parents do all they can to make the day special through the First Communion "outfits" and special family gatherings, I hope we do not forget to speak to them of the very special experience that is theirs now: they have begun a relationship that is unlike any other they have had or will have. Speak to them of the spiritual nature of this day and its meaning for the remainder of their lives.

DAILY REFLECTION: Saturday May 05, 2007

Today's gospel is a repeat of the gospel read on the feast of the apostles James and Philip just a few days ago. It serves us well to consider these words of John's gospel because this offers us a way to consider the relationship of Jesus to his Father as well as our relationship to God.
Our creed in the older translation states that Jesus is "one in being with the Father." The newer translation put forth by the Congregation for Divine Worship brings the translation back and closer to the Latin: "consubstantial with the Father." Well, for the Latin scholars it may have more meaning. For the rest of us it will mean a time of "getting used to another change!
The meaning of each phrase is the same: Jesus and his Father share the same nature, one being.
Whenever we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, there we have an extraordinary time to contemplate the relationship of Jesus with his Father. As well we have the opportunity to consider how we are related to God the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Just as the relationship of God and His Son is so very unique, so too is our relationship to God. In the Eucharist we are reminded once again that our sinfulness has been redeemed, our human nature is healed. God is with us, no longer separated by sin.