New Classrooms

FINALLY, FINALLY: the City of Washington has granted a permit to the parish for the "temporary" placement of a portable classroom structure that will house two new classrooms.

There are several reasons for this action: first and foremost, there is at this time a classroom, the 5th grade, located in the Good Shepard Room ... a dressed up term for a large room in the basement of the priests' residence. In the age in which we live with the various difficulties that have confronted the Church, it is my opinion that the location of a classroom within a priests' residence building was, if nothing else, the wrong image. Secondly, there was a need for more space in our school to provide even better educational experiences for the students.

The permit had been expected in June but the hoops we were forced to encounter delayed us for several months. It is expected to arrive in November.

MOVING

Since Friday, the residence and the school have been a beehive of activity. The principal and the faculty have been making ready with meetings, break-out groups (a phrase that always reminded me of a prison uprising). The Pastor and his secretary have been in the process of moving. And the one who had had to bear much of the burden is the Maintenance Engineer, Mr. John Tomko. (FYI during the summer John became a married man. If you see him, congratulations are in order. His marriage took place in Spain.)

The Pastor and Parish Secretary are now officed on the first floor of the priests' residence. Entrance to the offices is from the front of the building, on MacArthur Boulevard. Please use the front entrance as the Secretary will not be answering the kitchen door. Please be patient as we try to get the phone lines in order.

The reason for the move is the need for more space in the school. The phone numbers remain the same. The voice message will link you to the person you wish to speak with if you press the proper telephone keys.

Please afford us a few more days and everything should be in shape. Thank you for your patience.

"Education" is not enough!!!"

Denver's Archbishop, seemingly a peripatetic Ordinary, wrote in his recent column in The Denver Register, about a recent trip to Moscow. The impact of the history the city offered him brought the following insight. His words might be well thought about as our Catholic Schools begin the new academic year at this time.

If the 20th century taught us anything, it’s this: “education” is not enough. What makes knowledge humane is the conscience and purpose we give to it. This is why Catholic education is so enduringly important.

Holyl Father's Angelus Remarks Sunday

You man recall the "narrow gate" words from Sunday's readings. At his weekly Angelus blessing the Holy Father made a very short but to the point explanation of the phrase. Some may think this phrase means that because the gateway to heaven is narrow, only a few will be able to enter. It is, rather, he said, narrow because the pathway to heaven, the road to sanctity is demanding.

To read CWN's editor's report check the following: Holy Father's remarks .

Caravaggio's painting of the beheading of John the Baptist on this day when the Church recalls the martyrdom of the person Jesus called the "greatest man born of woman," may make the event more meaningful for us. The readings for the day, not selected on the USCCB's site, are as follows: Jeremiah 1:17-19 and Mark 6:17-29.

FYI "John" ("Yahweh is gracious") and his mission are not only recorded in the New Testament writings but by the Jewish historian, Josephus.

I chose this set of readings rather than the Ordinary Time readings because the death of Jeremiah and John the Baptist can be for us today sources of support. Basically the two readings point to the challenges a prophet must expect in life. While most of us do no look upon ourselves as prophets, there is a part of our baptismal reality that calls us to give witness to the life and mission of Jesus Christ. It is this reality that puts before us the challenge in our world today.

John gave his life not in protesting something of the state laws or in contradicting the established religion. John's life was taken because an angry queen demanded his life for the moral life he was preaching.

For us today, being a "prophet" does not mean, necessarily, that we are opposing our government --- although at times some may feel the need to do that --- or opposing our religion or another religion. Being a prophet today means that we proclaim the gospel message and values as well as the teachings of the Church in the way we live our lives. The call to sanctity for us today is not easy: the Ten Commandments and the teachings and laws of the Church define us as followers of Jesus Christ.

As with all the prophets through the centuries, we also enjoy the promise of the same support: God will be with us. Do you really believe what Jeremiah wrote that God said to him: "... for I am with you to deliver you"?

Tuesday's Reflection: August 28, 2007

We travel back to the 4th century today to recall one of the Church's great figures. Augustine (b. 354)could well be the patron saint of many contemporary Catholics. The itinerant believer or seeker of faith might be a good way to describe the African-born brilliance that led to much writing about God's place in the human heart. Throughout his young and "licentious life" this son of yesterday's saint, Monica, could not find an solution to that inner voice that was leading him from one place to the next in his spiritual journey. It took a number of years and Mom's never-ending prayers for her son to bring to recognize the "hound of heaven" who would not let up in his graces to bring Augustine to his greatness in serving the Church. He died in the year 430.

Augustine met St. Ambrose in Milan, Italy. This led to his conversion and ultimately to his return to Africa and the diocese of Hippo where God's graces brought him to priesthood and ultimately the episcopacy. So, there are saints in the rough out there in those people known as sinners. This means, of course, there is a genuine hope for all of us ... even though we might not be as "wild" as the saint of this day.

Interesting Posting about Mother Teresa

Thank you for the photo, "Whispers." I "borrowed" this photo to suggest a reading of Rocco Palmo's posting today about the most unusual lady and the current discussions about her "doubts." Check it out at Whispers or click on to the link posted on this blog. You will find a good read.

Sunday Reflection: August 25, 2007

Today's gospel

There is a word that poses a serious challenge to acceptance into the kingdom of God. It is a word that divides while at the same time it unifies. The word? ACCEPTANCE. This word is the message of today’s scripture readings. The question asked of Jesus sets the tone: "Will only a few be saved?" This is a question we might address in our lives today? We might ask: "Who will be saved?" or "Who will be welcomed into God’s kingdom?"
Surely, when we hear what Isaiah wrote, I suspect everyone will agree or accept his words that God will accept everyone or more clearly and strongly God will not exclude anyone from his kingdom. Even those who have not heard of God will be brought to his holy mountain!
What we also learn is that to be finally welcomed, we have to live a life that will allow us to be welcomed into God’s kingdom. This is where the rub is felt. This is where we learn the price of the entry ticket. Can we, as individuals and/or as a community of believers, accept what Jesus says: that all are welcomed to his kingdom without, without laying down goals we feel have to be achieved or hoops we want others to jump through successfully? This I believe is the challenge that confronts every one of us in this parish and even the universal Church in the 21st century.
Can we say we are welcoming to immigrants who come to this country whether legal or illegal? Do we openly welcome others of a different race? Do we reach out to those in our own society who are marginalized? Do we accept those who might live in a rundown structure they might call a home but we might call a shack? Do we reach out to welcome those who may have a different sexual orientation than ourselves?
We cannot overlook the reality that Jesus died for us ... for all of us. Do we see that word all meaning what Isaiah, as a prophet, speaks on behalf of God: " ... they [nations of every tongue] shall come and see my glory"? He died for all of us not just some of us!
When a parent hears a child say, "Why can’t I do that? Annie or Tom can do it," isn’t the reply something like: "You are you. You are not Annie or Tom. This is what I expect of you." So, we need to look at our own performance, our own way of living an authentic Christian life. Can we find a life that will guarantee us admittance into the kingdom of God? Have we lived the life of an apostle, a disciple, a follower of Christ?
Have we fed the hungry? Have we truly done what we can to help those truly poor? Have we treated our own family members as we should? Have we thought ourselves too important to give much time to others? Do we treat others as sisters and brothers ... because we truly are in the one family that counts? Have you prayed this past week for any of those who are sick or those who have died?
Acceptance of ourselves and others: This is the pass into God’s kingdom.

Saturday Reflection: August 25, 2007

In today's gospel Jesus lowers the boom on the Pharisees. What it points to most clearly is the warning to those who exercise authority, especially in the religious sphere. Just as with contemporary religious leaders, not all are men (and women!!!) who need to be condemned for their actions. Indeed, some are the salvation of the others and for us! Paul and Nicodemus were Pharisees at one point in their careers. Neither wanted to kill Jesus but both were willing to die for the Son of Man.

The genuine challenge for anyone in authority is to realize that power is a given gift that needs to be exercised with greatest of care whether a person is the CEO or a secretary directing summer interns. Too often a person in charge is tempted to be too boastful and to "sanctify the trivial."

How often have we encountered those who get into their work and then take it so seriously that they drive others away. Sometimes given power over others has brought some leaders to imagine themselves as God or just a little less. In short order these pharisaical folks are beginning to let there words and directions be that of the person with the most authority be it God or the boss.

The solution? Just remember there is much goodness and success to be found in humility.

Updating From Fr. Leo in Qatar

Dear Milt,
The community here has been very welcoming and gracious. I have faced a "revolt of the gadgets," with technical problems in getting my computer hookup (still no wireless service at home), cell phone, (one charger did not work) airconditioner (started to leak water on my kitchen cabinet), and even my watch (now repaired). Later this morning we have the convocation for the new students, and I will introduce the students who will offer prayers at the beginning, and I will close the ceremony with a benediction. We move from one air-conditioned bubble to another and thus do not suffer from the heat, as do the construction workers we see outside. Education City is going through a massive expansion, with new university buidings going up (Carnegie Mellon's skeletal structure is nearly complete--they currently share space with us). Our building is supposed to be finished by Sept. 09, but many are skeptical.
....... I start Arabic classes again tomorrow morning. I will sit in on the intermediate class taught by a new faculty member from Egypt, which will continue the same program I was in on the Main Campus last summer. There will also be a gentleman coming in the evenings to work with intermediate-level faculty--he focuses more on writing and reading religious texts, which is perfect for my purposes. Once the Univ. of Qatar opens the end of Sept., I may do some things there as well.
My apartment is lovely--3 bedrooms plus 3 balconies. I have been going to the nearby mall to put the finishing touches on the furnishings.
Give my regards to everyone.
Leo

Wednesday Audience August 22, 2007

Pope Benedict continued his weekly catechesis, focusing upon the saints. The following were his words from the most recent Wednesday audience, two days ago.

Saint Gregory Nazianzus
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our catechesis on the teachers of the ancient Church, we now continue our reflection on Saint Gregory Nazianzen. Gregory considered it his mission to employ his learning and literary talent in the service of the Gospel. Inclined to study and prayer, he nonetheless took part in the many controversies which followed the Council of Nicaea. Gregory forcefully defended the Church’s faith in one God in three equal and distinct persons. He upheld the full humanity of the Incarnate Son, arguing that Christ took on our human nature in its integrity, including a rational soul, in order to bring us the fullness of redemption. He likewise defended Mary’s dignity as the Mother of God, her purity and her intercessory power. Gregory often stresses our Christian responsibility to imitate God’s goodness and love through charity and solidarity with others, especially the sick and those in need. He also speaks eloquently of the importance of prayer, in which we see everything in the light of Christ, are immersed in God’s truth and inflamed by his love. The life and teaching of Saint Gregory are a celebration of the divine love which is revealed in Christ. Let us open our hearts to this love, which overcomes our weakness and gives lasting joy and happiness to our lives.
* * *

Stirring Waters Down Under

In a story published by the CWN --- Catholic World News --- you can read about one of the Australian Bishops and his rather strong and public statement about reconsideration of priestly celibacy and women's ordination to priesthood. The Bishop's words and thoughts may stir some waters around Australia but can the ripple even make it to the waters of the Tiber?

Daily Reflection: Friday, August 24, 2007

St. Bartholomew. Today's feast, for an apostle, should bring to mind the importance of example, the role of models in our lives and our lives in the lives of others who look up to us.

In today's gospel we come to a reminder of something learned earlier. What was Bartholomew's name before he became an apostle? Do you remember? It was Nathaniel. And, I hope, you recall that Nathaniel and Jesus had already seen him. "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."

Nathaniel seems to be the first called to be an apostle by someone other than Jesus himself. It was the early "missionary" work of Philip that brought about the acceptance of another apostle. This is the model of one person's good life bringing others to follow in the same goodness.

Nathaniel, nonetheless, was like so many followers. Speaking of Jesus when Philip called him to become part of the "group," Nathaniel said, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" He had his doubts as anyone has upon embarking upon something new and different. Nathaniel's doubts are the results of prejudice. The people of Nazareth were not always accepted. So, it is not surprising the Nathanial would say what he did. However, it is a picture of grace at work when he did not close his mind to the words of invitation from Philip to follow Jesus with the others. Here is the picture of someone being open-minded.

Models. We are called to be Philips in our time. Open-minded. We are called in a world divided over so many issues to be open to an invitation from Jesus. He will come to greet us once we even endeavor to listen to him.

Let's not forget Msgr. Jim Beatty and the people of St. Bartholomew (Bethesda) parish on this their patronal feast day.

daily Reflection: August 22, 2007

So we find ourselves back at the place where workers are hired. It is kinda like the places around the metro area where undocumented workers try to find employment for the day and employers are seeking to find excellent workers for cheap monies.

Today's gospel is another example of Jesus teach us about final commitment to the Lord. When do we make a final commitment to him? What Jesus is calling us to remember is that we are never certain when our final moments on earth will take place, when we have to meet God face-to-face.

Have you begun God's work ... the work that he wishes you to be doing for Him and the kingdom?

JURY DUTY

Well, the last two days have been spent sitting for lengthy hours in a District Court as the judge and lawyers interviewed all potential jurors for a specific criminal case. I was looking forward to the experience. However, when I learned that the case might take two or three weeks before being given to the jury, I thought twice. This morning I submitted a letter to the Judge asking to be dismissed from this case as these are two important weeks for me leading up to the opening of school. As well, the full complement of priests is not here yet.

Permission granted ... only to know that at a future date one of those remarkable invitations will arrive again!

Because of this, I was unable to get reflections done for Monday and Tuesday.

Sorry, folks. That's the way the world turns.

Fr. Jordan

Daily Reflection: Saturday, August 18, 2007

This Saturday the Church celebrates the feast of a noble woman whose love for the Church became the seed that fell into the ground and produced a tree that has given comfort and support for more than four centuries.

St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal was born in 1572. Married to a man of royalty, Baron de Chantal, she was the mother of six children. A devout Christian lifestyle was a major environment of the de Chantal household.

Following the death of her husband and after her children were gone from the home, she turned to St. Francis de Salles for spiritual guidance. His spiritual guidance let Jane to give much of herself to works of charity. The needs of the poor and the sick captivated her interests and her desire to serve others.

Jane, in time, founded the Visitation Order which many in Washington have come to know through the presence of the sisters at the Visitation monastery in Georgetown. After some years of carefully and prudently guiding the new religious group, Jane died in 1641 in her seventieth year.

Our prayers today might include the sisters at the monastery attached to Visitation Academy as well as Msgr. Donald Essex and the staff and parishioners at St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Bethesda.

Weekend Reflection: August 18-19, 2007

The life of anyone seeking to be a follower of Jesus, to be loyal to the tenets of the Catholic Church will be a life forced to confront serious challenges. These challenges will, at times, bring division even with a disciple’s relationships with loved ones and friends.

The gospel reading for today’s liturgy, a part of Luke’s twelfth chapter, offers a picture of a Jesus not usually thought of by most Catholics today. The words are so strong, so direct, so unforgiving, that many chose to forget them. The parts of Jeremiah’s prophecy and Paul’s letter to the Romans remind us that the Jesus-mission is not an easy vocation. Following Jesus and what he and the Church he established teaches us can bring rejection, can bring ridicule, can bring isolation. At times, being the loyal disciple will put us in a deep well with Jeremiah. In the extreme, dedication to the mission of Jesus Christ can bring a confrontation with death itself.

The theme or message of these readings is a reminder to us that association with the mission of Jesus and subsequently his Church is not a commitment without cost — at times the personal sacrifice of our free will. A genuine disciple is a man or a woman who accepts and endeavors every day to life the life of the gospels. What Jesus preaches is how to be faithful to God’s will for every person. What the Church teaches is how we can be faithful to God’s will in our own times.

To fully comprehend the extent or depth of this theme we must consider honestly all that separates us from living out our lives as God would have us live them. We have to give serious attention to the Ten Commandments and the teachings of our Church. To believe that coming to a celebration of the liturgy once a week, relying on what we learned or think we learned years ago is, quite frankly, to fool oneself. The life of a Christian and a Roman Catholic demands an understanding of how our tenets of faith guide us in a contemporary world.
Consider the divisions Jesus mentions in today’s gospel. Divisions even within families are realities he foresees.

And do these divisions exist today? Surely they do. If you have any doubts about that, consider these issues: (1) the family squabbles each weekend as young people struggle to being independent of the parents who brought them into the world but of the Church into which they were baptized and raised. How many family contests or defeats are there each Sunday morning? How painful is it for some parents who see their children abandon religious practices? How painful is the division created by the Church’s mission to teach what Jesus taught about the sanctity of life? About the sanctity of the Sacrament of Marriage? About the practice of celibacy for those not married?

Today’s world surrounds the true follower of Jesus with issues that easily put the believer deep in a well with Jeremiah. But we must believe — taught by the example of Jesus himself and the many witnesses in our Church’s history — that we cannot only survive in being true Jesus-followers but can enjoy success if we honestly believe that God will come to our aid as promised in the 40th psalm in today’s liturgy. "The Lord heard my cry. He drew me out of a pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp; he set my feet upon a crag (definition: a steeply projecting mass of rock forming part of a rugged cliff or headland); he made firm my steps."

We Don't Have All the "Winners" In the USA!!!

This blogger could not help but share this story with you. So often American Catholics, Bishops, priests and laity, are singled out for some rather unusual suggestions when it comes to being "in tune" with the times.

A Bishop, "Tiny" Muskens, from the Diocese of Breda in Holland has made the following suggestion to develop greater rapport with our Muslim friends. Get ready now.

The good Bishop, as we say, has publicly suggested that Christians should start using the term "Allah" rather than God when praying to our Creator. Amsterdam, Aug. 14, 2007 (CWNews.com) - A Dutch Catholic bishop has suggested that Christians should refer to God as "Allah" to promote better relations with Muslims.

As the Catholic World News reported yesterday, "Bishop Martinus "Tiny" Muskens of Breda told the "Network" television show that "God doesn't really care how we address Him." Pointing out that "Allah" is a term already used by Christians who speak Arabic, Bishop Muskens said that humans are needlessly divided over such terminology. God, the bishop said, is above such "bickering."

So how does that stir your coffee this morning? Just an article so show that all of the unusual is not restricted to the American Catholic Church!

Daily Reflection: Friday, August 10, 2007

Who are the "great" men and women in life? How can you know who they are? Today's gospel provides us, along with the saint whose memory we honor today, with an answer.

Only by falling back into the rich soil will the grain of wheat become even more for others.

Great men and women, it seems, are those who take the time to perfect a skill, a way of life, a personality which is then put back into the rich surroundings of life. The doctor who labors long through med school and internship, the artists who use canvas after canvas to raise the hearts and minds of others to encounter beauty in yet another way, the spiritual writer or creator of new hymns for worship spend hours in personal prayer so that others may deepen their love of God.

Only when a person grabs the grain for him/herself and doesn't let it fall into the needs of society that greatness is not achieved. So the question for us today is simple: am I working to perfect something, some skill, some talent that God has entrusted to me so that I can reach out to those around me to make their lives better?

The martyr, St. Lawrence, was indeed a man of prayer and sanctity before his death. But in his martyrdom he demonstrated to others who followed him in martyrdom during the Valerian persecutions the ultimate sacrifice he was willing to make. He made clear how strong his love of God was and that there was no limit to what he would endure to proclaim his faith.

Daily Reflection: Thursday, August 16, 2007

Today's gospel (Mt 18:21 - 19:1) brings us face-to-face with reality again. We may sin once or many times in our lives. God, we believe, will forgive us. However, the pain that the sin cause and the guilt a sinner might endure because of it will not necessarily disappear from our personal radar screen.

The parable about the forgiving king is also a story about a king who teaches us that it is useless to seek forgiveness for debts owed to God IF we cannot ourselves forgive those who have hurt or sinned against us at one time or another.

Sometimes we feel that if we ask God for forgiveness and still feel guilty, then God has not forgiven us. Quite the contrary: God may have forgiven us but his forgiveness does not necessarily take away our feeling bad about our sinfulness.

The damage we can inflict upon others may through their kindness be forgiven but they may not be able to forget the injury done. This is particularly true when a person's tongue becomes a weapon, seriously injuring another person's good name. Likewise misleading others through actions or lies does terrible damage. Again, it may be forgiven but in many cases it is not forgotten.

Birmingham's New Ordinary

Pope Benedict has finally found a Bishop willing to move to Birmingham: Bishop Robert Baker, Ordinary of Charleston, SC and the entire state of South Carolina.

Here is a truly holy priest, a holy bishop. While I was writing my PhD dissertation at the great Gator Kingdom, I lived at the Cathedral of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL. The Rector of the Cathedral was none other than the new Bishop of Birmingham.

A man of prayer, then Father Baker was dedicated to the poor and needy that were in great numbers in Florida .... it is much easier sleeping outside in FL. He was also a man who spent much time counselling the prisoners in the county lock up. Before coming to St. Augustine, Father Baker was well loved by the students at the UF in Gainesville, where he was Pastor of St. Augustine's Church and Student Center.

As well, Bishop Baker is a quiet man who frequently takes his fishing pole to a lake nearby wherever he is stationed to catch fish for the needy. There in solitude he has deepened his love for God, for us, and strengthened his abilities. Any Bishop reading this, please excuse what I am about to say but it is my experience. Bishop Baker is a genuinely humble bishop ... not a great commodity in our country.

God be with him in taking upon his shoulders this challenge. St. Francis, his special friend, will surely help him each day.

Daily Reflection: Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Just five days ago, the Church celebrated the feast of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr. You may not recognize the name this woman was given when she entered the convent. You may know her by the name of Edith Stein. She was a Polish atheist who became a dedicated Catholic and later joined the Carmelite community. To protect her religious community St. Teresa moved from the Carmelite house near Cologne to another Carmelite house at Echt in the Netherlands to protect her Cologne sisters from torture by the Nazis. Eventually she was rounded up and brought to Auschwitz for "resettlement." She was murdered on August 9th.

Now five days later we celebrate the feast of another Polish saint, born four years after Edith Stein. Maximilian Kolbe was born in 1894 and ordained a priest in 1918. A writer, Maximilian founded a Franciscan house near Warsaw where the friars welcomed refugees during World War II. In February , 1941, Maximilian was arrested and also was sent to Auschwitze.

While in the prison camp, Fr. Maximilian volunteered to step into the line for another man who was married and the father of several children and convicted to die. On August 14th, Fr. Maximilian finished his mission on this earth.

Gratefully most of us do not expect to face such a future or such punishment as Fr. Maximilian Kolbe did. However, what we challenges we do face are far from what was asked of Maximilian.

It was always a special moment when I would visit the church in Rome where this man celebrated his first Mass ... only two blocks from where I would stay when working with the Papal Foundation in Rome. Many a day I would spend an hour at the same altar, praying to the picture of Mary Immaculate. It was this same picture that is said to have brought a great Jewish mind, Alphone Ratisbonne, from his atheism to Catholicism. Throughout each day, pilgrims unaware of the special significance of the picture and that two saints came from the very small church now come to pray.

Reflection: Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

The readings, particularly the gospels, of the past several days have offered several situations that depicted Jesus give so much of himself and teaching so much of the Father. I believe it is important for you and for me to have an image of God that we can turn to when we speak to him, when we hear his name mentioned and when we read his name. If I asked you, "What is your image of God?" would you be able to respond immediately or would it require of you some thinking and on-the-spot discovery? That was a question that surface during my recent few days away from the parish: What is my image of God?

To begin, I have come to believe that we must have some understanding of the very nature of God. But we realize that we cannot come to understand God apart from what He has done in our lives. If we delve into what it is that God has done we will find at its root that the nature of God is revealed to you and me in the missionary activity of the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Mindful of this, then, we can encapsulate all of God, His nature, in one word: love. Reading the scriptures, we come to see his nature, his love, as "overflowing, outreaching, and passionate" (Rivers, pg 64). The bishops who drafted one of the documents of Vatican II, Ad Gentes, made reference to his nature as "God’s fountain-like love." These words and the image they bring to my mind are a source of prayer. Just take a walk along Pennsylvania Avenue, particularly near the Mellon Gallery. There are a number fountains. Stop and sit near one and think about that description: God’s nature as "God’s fountain-like love."

There is no fountain without a source. God’s activity in the world springs from his abundant love for each one of us. Again, overflowing, outreaching and compassionate. Recalling all that Jesus did and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the world, we should see that the l0ve of God is relational. The Father gifts the Son and Holy Spirit. We in the world as gifted by the Son of God and the Holy Spirit. The very being of God is not to be so much the all powerful one but rather the God who exists for all of us throughout history. Our God exists for the other ... you and me ... not for himself.

St. Augustine wrote these words: "Are you contemplating what God is like? Everything you imagine, God is not. Everything you put in your thoughts, God is not. But if you wish to savor something of God, then know that God is love, the same love by which we love one another."

Fr. Bob Rivers writes that for him God’s love is like the current of a river. Living near two rivers, we might think about another person’s concept or description of God’s love. A river’s current is always flowing outward ... all rivers in the world flow out to one of the world’s seven seas. In some places the river flows smoothly, almost lazily. In other places, over rocks the river’s power, the power of water, becomes evident. A river is always a source that pours itself forward. It is not too often, at least in our country, to hear that a river has dried up.

It is a challenge to us, I think, in our contemporary culture to stop and let the waters of a river run through our hearts and minds. But during these closing days of summer, taking a few moments to think about one of fountains that you have seen or see regularly or taking a look at one of our rivers and its never-ending flowing to the sea, use the moment to think about the never-ending gift that we receive each day: God’s love for us ... and how we, once filled with an awareness of that love, indeed then become ourselves something like a fountain, something like a river ... carrying the love of God forward to others because we ourselves are love. We have become love because God has so much love for us. If we wish, we can become "caught up in the love of the God we cannot see." We can become his outreaching, his compassion to those we meet, to those in need and even to ourselves.

Picture courtesy of Whispers in the Loggia.

Secretary of State, Cardinal Bertone, a Salesian priest, is sending semafore signals? The first major administrator of the current administration to address an American group in the USA, Bertone spoke at the current international meeting of the Knights of Columbus in Nashville. Only disappointment in the picture is that the flagwaver was not wearing a cowboy's hat!

There was much hootin' and hollerin' from the Knights when the Cardinal told the group that he would greatly assist in pushing forward the canonization of the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Michael McGivney. As Knights' Supreme Chaplain, Bishop William Lori commented on Mother Angelica's TV station, the canonization of Fr. McGivney would be a great boost to American priests ... to have a native American priest, the first, to be canonized.

Daily Reflection: Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Today's gospel brings back these daily reflections after almost two weeks away ... in the beautiful islands of the 50th state.

Did you ever go to a dinner and find yourself looking at the presented meal, wondering will there be enough to go around? By the meal’s end, there was more than enough remaining on the serving plates! There was an abundance not expected.

This reminds me of the mystery of love with its wonder and awe as well as it misery. No one who has not loved can fully understand the seeming limitlessness of happiness that sharing love can bring to individuals. On the coin of love’s other side, there is pain that is so much deeper for one who loves another when the other finds him/herself in serious difficulties or pains.

We have been told time and again that Jesus loves us beyond our imagination or expectation. We can experience that love if we but ask. This is the belief that the Canaanite woman held in her heart. She saw something in this foreigner, Jesus. Culture would have it that she should not approach this Judean man for anything. But, seemingly, she saw in the eyes of Jesus much more than just another Judean. She needed help to cure her sick daughter. Looking into Jesus’ face she saw an abundance of love, enough to go around for herself, her daughter and many others. She must have considered love as the universal meal with more than enough for everyone. For her, nationality boundaries did not hold sway when it came to love.

This lady who was considered a foreigner teaches us that with God love is bountiful, so abundant that there is enough for everyone regardless of borders.