Father Michael

April 14th, 2024 Third Sunday of Easter “Two disciples were walking toward Emmaus...” Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Opening Our Minds” Reflections on Today’s Scripture “Jubilate Deo, omnis terra.” (Rejoice unto God, all the earth.) The Church sings Her happiness in the joy of the Resurrection, and proclaims the glory of the Lord. The simple, yet sublime program of a life true to itself, is mapped out by †Luke, as we hear in our First Reading, from Acts. The Christian, making for his heavenly home, pursues his path on earth, continuing to observe all the obligations of human existence, knowing this is pleasing to God. The trials themselves have their part to play: they form our initiation into eternal life. Fully directed towards the final triumph, the Christian’s life is a struggle, in which the victory already won in the person of our Savior, must be progressively experienced. ~~~ (Acts 3:13-21) †Luke gives an early explanation of the Passion and an example of the early witness to the Resurrection. Standing at the center of human history, Jesus, The Incarnate Word, as summed up in His person, articulates every best hope of humanity. Ignorance of the Lord can be offered as an excuse only once; after that, those who reject Jesus become responsible for their actions. ~~~ (John 2:1-5) †John teaches that we know God by keeping His commandments. But, when we fail, Christ intercedes for us with the Father. Because of Jesus’ saving mission and His victory over sin and death, believers are gifted with a knowledge of the God, Whose power to forgive has healed every believing heart. The knowledge of God spills forth in good deeds; similarly, good deeds lead us to deeper knowledge. ~~~ (Luke 24:35-48) †Luke’s Gospel relates how Jesus appeared to the apostles and commissioned them to preach the Gospel to all nations. All that went before Jesus anticipated His coming; all that happened after His appearance witnesses to His victory over sin and death. ~~~ Rebirth of a Dream Many people pursue illusions, like the apostles did, pursuing the illusion of a “glorious Messiah,” Who could not suffer. When Jesus was crucified, that illusion was exposed and their world “fell apart.” They reacted by cutting themselves off, behind closed doors. It was only when Jesus appeared to them, and opened their minds to a new truth, that their collapsed dream was reborn—the truth that it was precisely through His suffering and death that He had come into glory. It took some time for this to “sink in,” but when it did, they knew that even death had not succeeded in breaking the bond that had been forged between Him and them over those three years. The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our Christian faith. The empty tomb, in itself is not a direct “proof” of the Resurrection. Nevertheless, it was a first step towards establishing the truth that Jesus had escaped the bonds of death, and prepared the disciples to encounter the Risen Lord. The initial shock caused by His death was such that the disciples were slow to believe in the news of the Resurrection. Even when faced with the reality of Jesus, they still doubted, thinking they were seeing a “ghost.” The apostles’ faith in the Resurrection was born from their direct experience of the Risen Lord. Therefore, the theory that the Resurrection was produced merely by their faith (or hope) does not hold up. It is critical for Christians to openly affirm the bodily Resurrection of Jesus. This is different from the beliefs (shared by other faiths,) that the human spirit is in some way “naturally” eternal, and continues after death of the body. For them, the body dies and the soul is released into new life. Nowhere does the Bible teach this! The Christian belief is that the body will share in the triumph of Jesus’ Resurrection. The Resurrection stories all stress that Jesus rose with His body; the tomb is empty; the apostles touched Him; He ate meals with them and walked with them. The bodily Resurrection of Jesus is the most profound basis for the Christian attitude towards the human body. We care for the bodies of the hungry and the sick, because we know they are destined to share in the Resurrection of Jesus. It means that Jesus lives, and we also can encounter Him, in faith. Our Blessed Lord does not insulate us from reality. Rather, He is with us, helping to give meaning and beauty to our lives, especially to the painful and dark parts. And, like the apostles, we also are commissioned to bring the Good News to others. (We especially meet Him during every Holy Mass—in the Scripture Readings—the Liturgy of the Word; and during Holy Communion—in the “Breaking of the Bread.”) He was not a “resurrected corpse,” but had a body—not subject to human boundaries of time and space. His was a body marked with signs of His previous life—the wounds—but also one that was different than flesh and bones that were nailed to a cross. It was a body no longer subject to ordinary laws of nature. He is not as He was; but He is Who He was. All the stories emphasize that He is the “same person,” yet somehow changed, and therefore, was not immediately recognizable. This is an effective way of making the point that Resurrection is not a return to earthly life, as before. Jesus has shown that the just will have risen to a new life, beyond death—a life with God, the Father, in heaven. This is the message of true Christian humanism: We are invited not to become someone else, but to become more authentically what we already are…. May God Richly Bless You! This week's Meditation Music: We Have Seen the Risen Lord.docx Click here, to view a recording of today's Holy Mass: https://chiriqui.life/topic/21214-pastors-letter-202400414x-14-april-2024-third-sunday-of-lent/

April 7th, 2024 Second Sunday of Easter Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Faith and Fellowship" Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Acts 4:32-35) †Luke gives us a picture of how the first Christians lived in community with each other. In the wake of Jesus’ death and rising, he traced the process whereby the Proclaimer of the Kingdom, became the Proclaimed. Those who believed in Him gathered together; sharing their time, their talents and their treasure, thereby becoming the “Church.” ~~~ (1 John 5:1-6) †John writes how Christians, as Children of God, should show love for God by keeping His commandments. All those who belong to God by faith must necessarily unite with one another in love. The needy and the homeless in our society are living and painful proof that the preached Gospel has not yet become the practiced Gospel. ~~~ (John 20:19-31) †Thomas’ doubt turned to faith, when He encountered the Risen Christ. While we may not “see” Jesus, we can experience Him in the sacraments; hear Him in His word; and touch Him in one another, as His Church continues Jesus’ mission of peace and forgiveness, for the sake of all people. ~~~ The Beauty of “Touch” For most people, being “touched” by someone, except for trusted people, is not welcomed. Indeed, for many, getting a massage from a stranger is unthinkable. However, in familiar, and intimate situations, another’s touch is not only considered welcomed, but it is actively sought. Much is communicated between people through “touch.” In normal conversations, it is not uncommon for people to lightly touch another’s arm, or shoulder, to show their compassion and concern. However, in situations where people are “at odds” with one another, being touched, even slightly, might be considered aggressive, even “evil.” So, when we consider the instance referenced in today’s Gospel Reading, where †Thomas remains unconvinced of our Blessed Lord’s “reality,” he states that only through his touching His wounds would he be convinced. (It should be noted that †John doesn’t say he actually “touched” the Lord, but only his being offered the opportunity was sufficient for him to believe.) The subject of “personal boundaries” has become something of a “political football,” in recent years. In times past, it was considered quite acceptable for people, like teachers, often to touch their students, during times of special attention, like personal study. Affectionate “hugs,” in fact, were seen as valuable methods to convey interest in another’s well-being, and happiness, and remain so, between friends, even now. But, as we are all familiar, casual “touching” is now often interpreted as an “invasion of privacy,” and in some cases, legally actionable! How overly-sensitive our modern world has become! Of course, there is plenty of evidence of abuse in this area, and that is truly shameful. When respected individuals are guilty of inappropriate behavior toward their charges, we are naturally quite incensed. Recent scandalous behavior in our educational and religious communities have “fed the flames” of anger for those affected, and even for those of us who are routinely informed by our ubiquitous mass media. But in †Thomas’ case, and in what surely was a “simpler time” in human history, personal “touch” was a valid means of communication of affection, and for him, belief. Filled with awe, he said: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28.) In those words, he affirmed his faith in Jesus and joined in the apostolic proclamation, “We have seen the Risen Lord” (John 20:18-25.) †Thomas came to the same faith that transformed †Mary Magdalene, †Peter, †John and the others—and so was moved to make such a bold statement of faith and commitment to Jesus. †Thomas is a very important figure for us as we also seek to deepen our faith. He stands as a “hinge” between the first Christians, who physically saw Jesus, and all the generations since, whose faith has relied on the apostles’ witness—and on their own vision of Christ with the “eyes of faith.” Because †Thomas first heard about the Resurrection through his fellow apostles, and yet also had his own personal encounter with Christ, we can take his experience as a model for ourselves. Like †Thomas, we have the witness of the believing community—a two-thousand-year-old testimony of the people of God—who continue to proclaim, “We have seen the Risen Lord!” This is no small matter, for while the Gospel has penetrated every culture and age since the day of Pentecost, it retains its essential unity. The truth has not changed, and the promise of personal encounter with Jesus remains as real today as it did on that first Easter Sunday. At the same time, like †Thomas, we too are invited to experience something more than an agreement with the apostles’’ testimony: We can all experience the inner acknowledgement of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, Whose role is to guide us into “all the truth” (John 16:13,) was poured out so that we could know and experience the love of Christ in our hearts and freely embrace the salvation He offers. The first community of believers lived a common life, in which they knew the presence of their Savior, and were drawn ever closer together in love and service. In their worship together at the Eucharist—“Do this, in memory of Me” (Luke 22:19,)—their attention to the apostles’ teaching, their communal prayer, and their fellowship with one another, their faith deepened and the witness of their transformed lives touched others. This communal exercise has become our Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, today. In it, we reflect on an all that is available to us through the Resurrection of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit to reveal Him to our hearts. Let us sing with the psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1.) May God Richly Bless You! Today's Meditation Music: Be Still and Know.docx Click here to view a recording of today's Holy Mass:

March 31st, 2024 Easter Sunday Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “He is Risen, Indeed, Alleluia!” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Acts 10:34-43) As the book of Acts unfolds, †Luke relates an early sermon of †Peter, in which summarizes the ministry of Jesus that he witnessed—not simply as to Jesus’ words and works, or to His death, but also to the fact of His Resurrection! The cross of Jesus would have been no more than a grim reminder of His defeat, without His rising—an emblem of a victim. But by virtue of the Resurrection, His cross became a symbol of victory; a sign of salvation. †Luke goes on to declare that Jesus is the One all the prophets foresaw—the Messiah. All who believe in Him will have their sins forgiven. ~~~ (1 Colossians 3:1-4) †Paul writes that through our Baptism, we already share in the risen life of Christ, though in a hidden and mysterious way. We have been raised in company with Christ in the illogical mystery of Christ’s dying and rising. Jesus’ triumph in the body over sin and death is a moral imperative for all believers to reflect in the mystical Body of Christ, here and now. His vindication has become our victory; His triumph our salvation! ~~~ (John 20:1-9) Upon discovering the empty tomb, †Mary Magdalene and the disciples initially suspected “foul play”—that the body of the Lord was stolen. Only after in the later appearances of the Risen Lord to His followers did they begin to grasp how the Scriptures had foretold that Jesus would rise from the dead. Christian faith in Jesus’ victory over death resolves the ambiguity/contradiction of the cross and the crucified Jesus. By virtue of His Resurrection, Jesus became the example that will culminate in our own resurrection. We rejoice in the fact that because of Him, we live, today, and for an “eternity of tomorrows.” ~~~ Significance of the Resurrection The confession, “God raised Jesus from the dead,” implies more…much more than the deed of raising from the dead. It implies the Kingdom of God—the rule of God—has indeed come, in Person of Jesus. The Resurrection should not be regarded as an isolated fact, for by declaring “Christ is risen,” we acknowledge that God’s saving promises were accomplished in Jesus. Although troubling to the apostles (“We had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel” [Luke 24:21,]) Jesus had seen His whole life—and His mission—in relation to fulfillment of this promise. (The disciples were only able to interpret the Resurrection as God’s confirmation of everything for which Jesus stood, when He appeared to them afterward.) Jesus died with the cry on His lips: “My God; My God; why have You abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34.) The Resurrection showed that God had never abandoned Him—and we are, thereby, assured He will never abandon us. Because He was raised from the dead, Jesus holds decisive significance for us. Through our faith in the Resurrection, we know that both our death and lives have meaning…. If the life of Jesus showed the meaning of His death, the life-and-death of Jesus showed the meaning of His Resurrection. Jesus’ life was an exemplification of the Kingdom of God, that had prepared for us by His death, and His Resurrection was the vindication of everything for which He stood. This involved more than merely the authentication of His message. Resurrection, for one thing, underlies the reality of Jesus’ communion with God—His “Abba-consciousness” ——which death could not interrupt. The Resurrection demonstrated that God is, indeed, the God of humankind; He Who holds out the promise of life beyond death to all of us. In other words, the Resurrection is not only something that happened to Jesus; it reaches to us, now—not only as it concerns our future resurrection. The Resurrection of Christ gives us power to live the Christian life (Romans 8:11.) Certainly, Scripture does not teach that we will be sinless in our physical body. On the other hand, we can sin less, by the power of the Holy Spirit, not by our own abilities. We must believe that through Christ we can become altogether different kinds of people. Through our belief in Him we have the power to live a truly transformed life. Jesus, Himself, becomes physically present within us, as our Risen Lord, every time we partake in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and receive the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. In this wonderful gift, He enables us to give our own substance to the Kingdom—for He is Emmanuel—"God-with-us!” May God Richly Bless You! Meditation Music: Easter Cry of Praise, An.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

March 24th, 2024 Palm Sunday Jesus enters Jerusalem astride a donkey. Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Death and Life” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 50:4-7) The prophet foresaw a Suffering Servant, carrying out His mission—sustained by a firm belief that God will not abandon Him. In no way did He resemble a kingly, powerful or Messianic figure, for Whom the people of Israel prayed and yearned. We think of Jesus, of course, as we hear these words. His life shows that discipleship requires daily resolve and resiliency. ~~~ (Philippians 2:6-11) †Paul tells us Jesus took our human condition upon Himself, accepting death on a cross. From there, the Father raised Him up, making Him Lord of heaven and earth. For those who can pierce the paradox of the Cross, Christ’s ultimate sacrifice has become a sign and a pledge of life and glory, as exemplified in the words: “...to give and not count the cost; to fight and not heed the wounds..,” that require an attitude which can only be borne of faith. ~~~ (Mark 14:1-47) The “final act” in the drama of Jesus has come: †Mark’s Passion stresses the crude trial and shocking details of Jesus’ suffering. He relates Jesus’ died in total isolation, deserted by His disciples, taunted by His enemies, derided by those who “hung” with Him, and worst of all, seemingly abandoned by God. The rending of the curtain in the temple signifies the end of the privilege of Israel. Thereafter, access to the divine Presence was made open to all. The apt reply of the centurion: “Truly, this Man was the Son of God,” dominates †Mark’s Gospel. ~~~ Significance of †Mark’s Passion Some commentators of earlier times considered the Gospel of †Mark to be the work of “John Mark,” the personal secretary of †Peter. If so, it would seem rather ironic, for †Mark sometimes portrayed †Peter in an unflattering light— especially as he recounted Jesus’ passion and death narrative. At a time when Jesus needed a friend the most, His “chief apostle” abandoned Him. Twice, †Peter denied he was a follower of the Nazarene, and when questioned a third time, he replied with a most vehement oath, saying: “I do not know the Man!” (Mark 14:71.) In one sense, †Peter was right! He did not truly know Jesus. He thought he did, but his faith was immature. When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” †Peter rightly answered: “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29.) It was an important moment of revelation, to be sure. Having witnessed Jesus’ many miracles and having heard Him teach with authority, †Peter voiced the correct answer—but only partially so. Jesus truly was the anointed One of Yahweh, but †Peter still needed to understand that Jesus was also the Son of God. The fullness of the revelation of Jesus would come about only in His suffering and death on the cross—to which Jesus immediately pointed, when He predicted His passion for the first time (Mark 8:31.) †Peter’s attempt to dissuade Jesus from his destiny (Mark 89:32-22,) made it obvious He comprehended neither the identity nor the mission of the Son of God. His failure then had tragic repercussions during the crisis of the Passion. Of course, †Peter and the other disciples did believe in Jesus, but their vision was impaired— like the blind man whom Jesus had to heal in stages (Mark 8:23-25.) By depicting the disciples in this way, †Mark invited his original audience (the early Church) to identify themselves with the Twelve, as they struggled toward deeper understanding. Like this first community of believers, we also are summoned to make the journey to fuller faith. Throughout his Gospel, †Mark is insistent that only by knowing Jesus, in His suffering and death, can we fully know Him as the Messiah and the Son of God. This is why †Mark shaped His passion narrative as he did—the cross was the key to answering the question that Jesus asks of all His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” From the very beginning, †Mark portrayed Jesus as a man stalked by death, always pointing us toward the inevitable climax of the cross. As He progressed through His ministry, Jesus faced increasing opposition from the “forces of Satan,” a conflict that began at the very outset (Mark 1:13.) Additionally, Jesus was also confronted by the growing enmity of the Jewish religious leaders. From early on, they devised plans to “destroy Him.” (Mark 3:6.) By the time †Mark reintroduced the Pharisees’ plot against Jesus—two days before Passover (Mark 14:1)—we have been well prepared to understand this was the culmination of Jesus’ entire life and mission. At the threshold of Jesus’ Passion, however, †Mark paused to tell the story of the woman in Bethany, who paused to anoint Jesus with oil—a moment of singular tenderness and reverence—and one in which Jesus emphasized: “She has anointed My body beforehand for burying.” And, “Wherever the Gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her” (Mark 14:8-9.) Still, †Mark allowed even this wonderful scene of worship to be tinged with irony: Jesus’ passion was launched by this act of human kindness—performed not by one of His chosen disciples, but by an unnamed woman. As if to underscore the irony, †Mark immediately recounted the supreme example of the disciples’ failure to understand Jesus: “Then, Judas Iscariot, on the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray Him” (Mark 14:10.) †Mark used his sharp sense of irony as a powerful tool. By constantly overturning our expectations and keeping us off guard, †Mark invites his readers to look more closely at a familiar story and allow the Holy Spirit to draw them deeper into the drama of Jesus’ Passion. Looking beyond the Cross, Jesus linked the New Age He was about to usher into being, during the Last Supper, with the “sacramental formula” of the Liturgy: “This is My Body…” And: “This is the Cup of My Blood…that will be shed for all mankind…. Do this in memory of Me.” He promised that all who share Holy Communion with Him would be together in His Father’s Kingdom. Such a promise would have been especially meaningful for †Mark’s original readers, who faced daily threats of persecution and death. Aware of those hardships of the early Christian community, †Mark made it abundantly clear that Jesus, Whom they worshipped, had experienced suffering as intense as their own. In particular, His Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane highlighted His humanity, as He faced His final fate. We can take great strength from the Passion, as we see in it the essence of our Christian belief: the Suffering Servant, Jesus, our Messiah, Who went to His death to atone for the sins of all mankind (banished from the Kingdom by Adam’s fall) and opened the gates of Heaven for all believers. The beginning of Holy Week leads us to fervent understanding of who we are as a people of God. Without Christ’s Passion, death and Resurrection, our religion would be meaningless. With it, and through it, however, we have the most dramatic example for our faith. May God Richly Bless You! Today's Meditation Music: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

March 17th, 2024 Fifth Sunday of Lent Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Metamorphosis into a Better Life” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Jeremiah 31:31-34) Our First Reading tells of a shattered people whom God has not forsaken, but who will soon make a new and more intimate covenant with Him. Commitment, based on inner conviction, can sustain the ravages of time and temptation. ~~~ (Hebrews 5:7-9 Through His obedience and suffering, Christ became the source of eternal life for all mankind. So it is with the Eternal Sower and the seed of everlasting life: In suffering and docility, the seed of the Word was plowed under the furrows of sin and infidelity, in order to reestablish the cycle of life and of love. To all who accept and believe the “Good News,” Christ is the forerunner and pledge, mediator and manifestation of the fruits of salvation. ~~~ (John 12;20-33) In His death, Jesus will be glorified and this will bring life to those who follow Him. When the Sower threw the “seeds” of human life to the earth, He knew that silent death and waiting in hope were prerequisites for the harvest of abundant life that will follow. Like the dying grain in the earth, an observable wonder of nature, our dying to life is a necessary aspect of redemption. ~~~ Human Vulnerability The “hero” in the story of the dying grain, is, of course, the seed, itself. By being consumed in the soil, it brings forth new shoots, and is magnified some seventy-fold. This “metamorphosis” from grain, to new plants, occurs countless times throughout the growing season, and produces our bountiful harvest of cereal grains. Personifying the seed, giving it “human attributes,” Jesus utilized this example to apply to human behaviors. In order to attain to eternal life, we are expected to “die to self” and become a new creation, in His image. This doesn’t imply “weakness,” but, rather, a manifestation of our true destiny. Some people insist that their heroes must never show signs of weakness; display hesitation, doubt, uncertainty or fear. For them, heroes must, at all times and in all circumstances, be strong, brave and unflinching! One such modern-day hero, Martin Luther King, Jr., the leader of civil rights movements in America, reluctantly undertook his calling, bringing him hardships, insults, imprisonment and threats to his life—eventually his assassination. During his struggle, he knew many “low” moments, and confessed, at one point, he was at “rock bottom.” His home was bombed, and he thought he couldn’t go on. He tired of the insults and injuries, and in a state of exhaustion and despair, threw himself to his knees before God and prayed: “Lord, I have taken a stand for what I believe is right. But now I’m afraid. The people are looking to me for leadership. If I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. But I’m at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I can’t face it any longer” (MLK: Personal confessions.) At that moment, he experienced the presence of God, in a way he had never before imagined. That understanding enabled him to continue his struggle. Martin Luther King, Jr. is no less a hero because he showed that he wasn’t “made of stone.” Heroes who never show weakness or vulnerability are not believable. Nor are they of much use to us as models. We can’t identify with, or imitate them. On the other hand, when we meet someone who is hesitant, reluctant and fearful, we find that person much more authentic. The element of reluctance is of the essence of the matter. The saint or martyr who seeks his fate with eagerness never rings true. We love to see the true person behind the hero. Our Blessed Lord didn’t go to His fate with any kind of assurance. He had His lowest moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, when His soul was so deeply troubled that He said: “My soul is ready to die with sorrow” (Matthew 26:38.) †John has no account of the “agony in the garden,” but we catch an echo of it in today’s Gospel Reading, when he has Jesus say: “My soul is troubled” (John 12:27.) In some respects, the agony in the garden is the most comforting part of the Gospel, because it shows Jesus at his most human. Thereafter, He goes resolutely to His fate, much like the grain in the earth. But when that dreadful moment was pending, He was so distressed that His sweat “fell to the ground like drops of blood” (Luke 22:44.) He did not contemplate suffering and death with stoicism. He was appalled at the prospect. One can only wonder from whence He gathered the strength of will to face it! Alexander Solzhenitsyn once said: “One would not be human if they didn’t feel fear, when danger threatened. Courage is not never feeling afraid; it is, rather, feeling afraid and persevering in spite of it. A person without fear is no hero; it is the one who overcomes fear. Another author, American poet, Karle Wilson Baker defined courage like this: “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” Jesus’ agony in the garden gives us comfort and hope in our low moments. There is no need to pretend we are made of stone. We must not hide our weakness and fear. Like Jesus, we must turn to God in heartfelt, meditative prayer; and seek human comforting as Jesus did when He asked †Peter, †James and †John to watch and pray with Him. May God Richly Bless You! Today's Meditation Music: Clean.docx You may view a recording of today's Holy mass, here:

March 10th, 2024 Fourth Sunday of Lent Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Accepting or Rejecting the Light” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (2 Chronicles 36:14-23) God allowed His people to be exiled in Babylon, because of their sins, but His mercy is seen in their homecoming. He remained faithful to them in spite of their infidelities. In weaving the tapestry of human events, there are many hands at work, nimbly plying multicolored threads to create its beauty; its light and shadows; and even its flaws. Only the Artist Who conceived the work knows the overall plan and the expected result. However, God’s involvement in human history does not lessen personal responsibility! ~~~ (Ephesians 2:4-10) †Paul taught it is not through our own efforts we are saved, but through the love and mercy of God. The only credible explanation for God’s generosity is His incredible love for us. God’s rich mercy and lavish love cannot be explained, only appreciated. The enormity of His magnanimity shows that we owe our salvation not to our own efforts, but to His goodness. Unlike any ordinary “weaver,” the great Artist has shared His insights, His abilities and His purpose. ~~~ (John 3:14-21) When, at long last, time fades and unravels the tapestry, the vision created by both Artist and the multicolored threads will live forever. In His love for us, God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn us, but to save us. His love and mercy were shown in Jesus’ coming as the Light of the World. Sadly, some people prefer darkness to light, and seal their own condemnation. Judgment is not passed by God; People judge themselves by their response to His Light. To see Jesus against the sun, on the Cross, and to believe, is to open ourselves to healing and to life. ~~~ Coming Out, Into the Light †John wrote, “Whoever does what is true (good,) comes into the Light.” Therefore, coming to the Light is conditional upon doing what is “true.” The shortest journey to the Light is by doing good. However, in practice we don’t always act like this. It’s not the one who “speculates” about what is true, but the one who acts in accordance with the truth who comes to the Light. Normally, it’s common practice to realize a state of “inner peace,” and then perform the peaceful deed. However, in order to achieve inner peace, we must first do a peaceful act and thereby, experience it. So, a better approach would be to reach a state of joy and gratitude, and then, do the joyful and grateful thing! If we are in darkness, but we do a good deed, most certainly, the Light will shine through us…. Anyone who does wrong, hates the Light and avoids it. But those who do good, love the Light and come out into it! We might ask ourselves, “How many of our deeds are done in the Light.” Or, perhaps, “How many of them could bare the scrutiny of the Light?” We must first accept there is darkness in our lives and in our world; by recognizing that darkness, we can learn how-to-live in relationship with it. It is futile to wait for darkness to “go away….” We might wish it would, but we have to accept that it’s here, and will always be. The 1960s, comic, Flip Wilson, coined the phrase in his comedy, “The Devil made me do it.” In keeping with that, it has become fashionable for some people to “personify” temptation in the person of “the Devil.” That makes temptation easier to resist, in some ways, to consider it to be an “inner urge” to do evil. Further, such a viewpoint puts the onus of responsibility “outside ourselves.” The truth is, however, is that we are constantly barraged, from within, and there is no real “entity-outside-ourselves” causing it! This requires us to recognize that the source of evil has always been within the hearts of mankind. Such darkness is manifested for us in the “seven deadly sins”—lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride and sloth. Our taking personal responsibility for our sins is the natural development of this perspective—but still remains one that is so very difficult for many people. What we must never do is call the darkness “Light.” If we do that, we will become trapped by it. Calling sin “darkness,” we can learn how to live so that it does not overcome us. For example, in today’s progressive world, so many human activities have become corrupted, and become “permissible,” that our ability to distinguish between light and dark has become compromised. Those of us who were raised to understand “acceptable parameters of behavior,” tempered by “the golden rule,” will attest to that. Calling activities and beliefs that were always understood to be truly “evil,” for the purpose of becoming “enlightened,” is a prime reason for the breakdown in morality in today’s world. If the entire meaning of human existence could be summed up in a single phrase, it would be, “God’s love is the one constant in a world of shifting philosophies, politics and fashion.” It is the anchor that keeps humanity from drifting helplessly off course; the magnetic center that keeps the world from spinning completely out of control. From the first spark of Light, to the universe’s last breath, God’s love remains unchanging, undiminished. Faced with such love, we have a choice: Either come into the Light of God’s love, or remain in darkness. Those who cannot believe that God is so loving avoid the Light, and thereby, remain trapped in the guilt and condemnation of their sins. Coming into the Light exposes our sins, but only so that they may be forgiven. Knowing God as our Father, Whose love never diminishes, gives us the courage to open our hearts and trust that He will pardon (not condemn) us. People who have come to know the love and joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live with it. They trust that the “Light that shines in the darkness” can dispel a great deal of it. The Light of Christ is such that no darkness can overpower it. If we always strive to do the “good thing,” then that Light will shine for us. May God Richly Bless You! God So Loved the World-Glad.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

March 3rd, 2024 Third Sunday of Lent Jesus drives out the money-changers from the Temple. Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Laws and Worship” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Exodus 20:1-7) The Ten Commandments were given as a map for those with a special relationship with God. This, first version, along with the second (Deuteronomy 5:6-21,) was to be seen as a “gift,” not a burden. It is said that if everyone lived according to the Decalogue, no other laws or law enforcement would be necessary! Legislation does not create values but only upholds those that already exist…. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 1:22-25) †Paul preached a crucified Christ, which made no sense, to non-believers. To the faithful, it was a sign of the wisdom and power of God. Those who would become disciples must be ready to risk foolishness and absurdity in order to be one with Jesus. ~~~ (John 2:13-25) Driving the money-changers and sellers of sacrificial animals from the Temple was a forceful act of righteousness, that showed Jesus passing judgment on the Jewish system of worship—a protest against the commercialization of religion, and desecration of the house of worship. It was also meant to replace sacrificial worship with spiritual worship—as we do, today, in the Holy Mass—and was symbolic, in the fashion of Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 7:11; Malachi 3:1,) Jesus called His followers to move beyond legality, to love; and forsake empty ritual. ~~~ An Angry Jesus It sometimes amazes us how enraged people become when their own interests are threatened, however marginally! In contrast, how few of us are incensed when their neighbor’s interests are threatened…. Jesus didn’t get angry on His own account. It resulted from His love of God AND of His neighbor! Though His action has been seen as a protest against the commercialization of religion and desecration of the Temple, it went much further. (It should be noted that Jesus did not destroy anything in His protest. He herded the cattle and oxen away—that could later be caught again by their owners. He didn’t release the doves, that might become prey, but only overturned the seat/table upon which they were displayed. The money was scattered too, but it was able to be easily recovered.) Through His actions, He protested that Israel had failed to fulfil her universal mission to mankind. The Temple was meant to be a house of prayer “for all nations.” However, it remained the jealously-guarded preserve of Israel. Jesus was doing away with the notion of “exclusiveness.” Salvation was not just for the Jews, but for all people. Secondly, Jesus was attacking the very nature of Jewish worship, with its ritual and animal sacrifices. He deemed it “irrelevant,” insofar as it did nothing to bring people to God. Worship demands much more than offering “things” to God, and performing “rituals.” God wants us to worship with our lives! In today’s world, we are divided between doctrines, vaccines, masks, personal views, how the Church should be run, and of course, political parties. Everywhere you turn, individuals have strong opinions about the Church, faith, deconstruction of faith, and so much more. The very fabric of our faith is being torn, frayed, and unraveled. But, once the feelings settle, our minds clear, and we become quiet, we feel His presence, when we sit in the quiet and reflect on His life; as we pray for Jesus to come for His people and heal this broken world. Faith means having tremendous confidence in God. It also means having courage and strength; unending grace; and standing up for what is good, pure, true, and right. Faith implies you’re possibly willing to “look like a fool”—willing to be misunderstood or abandoned; even becoming an outcast. It insinuates giving up any semblance of control over your life—because you know the Author of your story is still writing it; and because God knows the outcome. It is, at its core, “walking by belief and not by sight.” When we look around at our world, we can’t help but observe many, relatively empty practices that are extant among the various factions. Anyone who decides something is not in keeping with their interpretation of “how things ought to be” might be inclined to mount a protest or stage a “sit in,” a “march,” or gain notoriety from some contrary behavior. Our ubiquitous social media is always on high alert to chronicle such activities—not so much in support of the cause, but for “views” and “followers,” of their secondary efforts. Many of these “causes” die from lack of interest, after a few “news cycles.” Only a very few are concerned with genuine, important issues that benefit society, as a whole. Those with merit are relatively rare, and then, could reasonably be embraced for the good of all. Simply disagreeing with the status quo, however, tends to be the extent to which most people are willing to go. Such is the stuff of sometimes, heated conversations, at the bar, at parties, or “around the water cooler.” But if we truly believe some injustice is prevalent in our world, and want to affect its remediation, we must be like Jesus, and “take a stand.” This is not without risk, of course, and may mean personal disadvantage, as became His fate, on the Cross. Before embarking on a crusade to right a wrong in our world, one would be best served to give the matter careful consideration, and even prayerful meditation. Before taking on the “establishment” alone, we would be advised to seek allies who shared our views, and who would be willing to stand with us. If the matter involves social situations, it would be well to align ourselves with public servants who could be instrumental in affecting the changes we seek. Contacting committee heads, council members, congresspersons and the like, with petitions about our proposals, may elicit their help, fostering satisfactory solutions, before we blindly burst forth on the scene with an open protest. (Barring something so heinous at work in our society that only the “supreme sacrifice” might be warranted, we are best advised to approach issues with support and counsel.) Life is almost immeasurably more complex than it was in Jesus’ time. However, whenever people interact, there will always be disagreement. (There’s an old saying: “If there are two persons, there are, likely, three opinions.”) May God Richly Bless You! My Soul Waits for the Lord.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

February 25th, 2024 Second Sunday of Lent Jesus is transfigured before His apostles. Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Genesis 22:1-18) We are given an understanding of the depth of Abraham’s faith in God. Living among the Canaanites, who practices human sacrifice, we see his agonizing effort to do God’s will, and how his faith was rewarded. ~~~ (Romans 8:31-34) †Paul explains the depth of God’s love for us—He did not even spare His own Son, but gave Him up, for us. ~~~ (Mark 9:2-10) The Transfiguration is an epiphany story—like those common among ancient people. In such stories, the veil between the invisible and the visible worlds, and the future from the present, is removed for a moment, revealing the truth. This is the earliest epiphany story about Jesus, predating the Voice at His baptism and the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi. ~~~ God is on Our Side At the time of the Transfiguration, Jesus had just begun His journey to Jerusalem, having been working, mostly, in Galilee. He met with considerable opposition from the religious leaders there, even though He had grown up with them. Sensing His inevitable, violent death in Jerusalem, and naturally recoiling from such a fate, He climbed up Mount Tabor to meditate and pray. There, He heard the marvelous words, “You are My beloved Son.” It's no longer possible to say, exactly, what occurred there. The first, and chief significance of the event was for Jesus, Himself—to confirm the course He had taken. He was “transfigured,” in His glory, between two of the greatest men of the Old Law: Moses—the lawgiver; and Elias—the miracle worker. Jesus infinitely surpassed both the one and the other, proving clearly He was the center of majesty, as well as the origin of power—both in Jewish and Christian dispensations. But it also benefitted the apostles, and this is what †Mark emphasizes in today’s Gospel Reading. In order that they would not focus on His forecast suffering and death, they were given a hint into the fate that awaits those who faithfully follow Him. Such a preview was meant to refresh the disciples, and encourage them to continue on with Jesus. In the Transfigured Jesus, the apostles gained a prevue into the glory of the Risen Lord—something they would not understand until after His Resurrection. Occasionally, we also face “dark times,” thinking that God has abandoned us. Many voices tell us, “You are good…but only if you’re successful;” or, “…only if you’re popular.” But through it all, however, there’s still a little voice that tell us, “You are my beloved son or daughter.” It is this voice to which we must pay attention. We must recognize that we are God’s beloved children, and live our lives by the light of this truth. This is the power of meditative prayer—when we come to realize God has not abandoned us, but is present in our suffering. To know that nothing can separate us from the love of God is our strength in times of weakness, and our hope in times of adversity. In the face of pain, all we have to do its abandon ourselves to His care. Then, like the apostles on Mount Tabor, we can experience similar moments of light and joy: the innocence and laughter of children at play; careless abandon of playing with beloved pets; happiness of family gatherings; personal intimacy with our loved ones; pleasure in finding a lost treasure—foretastes of that promised land towards which we are traveling in faith. In His love for us, God allows us to perceive (on earth) the joys of the world to come. Each day God calls us to be renewed by His Son: in the Holy Eucharist; through reading Scripture; or simply, sitting quietly in His presence. Amid the preoccupation, toil, confusion and struggles of our days, it is, indeed, good to be with Jesus. The world offers comforts and consolations, but none that impart peace and joy as richly, and endearingly, as does intimacy with our Creator. May God Richly Bless You! Be Still and Know.docx View a recording of today's Holy Mass, here:

February 25th, 2024 Second Sunday of Lent Jesus is transfigured before His apostles. Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Genesis 22:1-18) We are given an understanding of the depth of Abraham’s faith in God. Living among the Canaanites, who practices human sacrifice, we see his agonizing effort to do God’s will, and how his faith was rewarded. ~~~ (Romans 8:31-34) †Paul explains the depth of God’s love for us—He did not even spare His own Son, but gave Him up, for us. ~~~ (Mark 9:2-10) The Transfiguration is an epiphany story—like those common among ancient people. In such stories, the veil between the invisible and the visible worlds, and the future from the present, is removed for a moment, revealing the truth. This is the earliest epiphany story about Jesus, predating the Voice at His baptism and the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi. ~~~ God is on Our Side At the time of the Transfiguration, Jesus had just begun His journey to Jerusalem, having been working, mostly, in Galilee. He met with considerable opposition from the religious leaders there, even though He had grown up with them. Sensing His inevitable, violent death in Jerusalem, and naturally recoiling from such a fate, He climbed up Mount Tabor to meditate and pray. There, He heard the marvelous words, “You are My beloved Son.” It's no longer possible to say, exactly, what occurred there. The first, and chief significance of the event was for Jesus, Himself—to confirm the course He had taken. He was “transfigured,” in His glory, between two of the greatest men of the Old Law: Moses—the lawgiver; and Elias—the miracle worker. Jesus infinitely surpassed both the one and the other, proving clearly He was the center of majesty, as well as the origin of power—both in Jewish and Christian dispensations. But it also benefitted the apostles, and this is what †Mark emphasizes in today’s Gospel Reading. In order that they would not focus on His forecast suffering and death, they were given a hint into the fate that awaits those who faithfully follow Him. Such a preview was meant to refresh the disciples, and encourage them to continue on with Jesus. In the Transfigured Jesus, the apostles gained a prevue into the glory of the Risen Lord—something they would not understand until after His Resurrection. Occasionally, we also face “dark times,” thinking that God has abandoned us. Many voices tell us, “You are good…but only if you’re successful;” or, “…only if you’re popular.” But through it all, however, there’s still a little voice that tell us, “You are my beloved son or daughter.” It is this voice to which we must pay attention. We must recognize that we are God’s beloved children, and live our lives by the light of this truth. This is the power of meditative prayer—when we come to realize God has not abandoned us, but is present in our suffering. To know that nothing can separate us from the love of God is our strength in times of weakness, and our hope in times of adversity. In the face of pain, all we have to do its abandon ourselves to His care. Then, like the apostles on Mount Tabor, we can experience similar moments of light and joy: the innocence and laughter of children at play; careless abandon of playing with beloved pets; happiness of family gatherings; personal intimacy with our loved ones; pleasure in finding a lost treasure—foretastes of that promised land towards which we are traveling in faith. In His love for us, God allows us to perceive (on earth) the joys of the world to come. Each day God calls us to be renewed by His Son: in the Holy Eucharist; through reading Scripture; or simply, sitting quietly in His presence. Amid the preoccupation, toil, confusion and struggles of our days, it is, indeed, good to be with Jesus. The world offers comforts and consolations, but none that impart peace and joy as richly, and endearingly, as does intimacy with our Creator. May God Richly Bless You! Be Still and Know.docx View a recording of today's Holy Mass, here:

February 18th, 2024 First Sunday of Lent Jesus is led into the desert to pray, and is tempted. Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Overcoming the Powers of Evil” Reflections on Today’s Scripture Note: Throughout the Lenten Season, our First Readings, from the Old Testament, will focus on salvation history as a prelude to God’s redemption of man through Christ. The Second Readings serve to advise believers as to their place in that saving act. The Gospel Readings highlight certain events highlighting God’s presence in Jesus’ life and ministry. (Genesis 9:8-15) God established His friendship covenant with Noah and his descendants, after the Flood. His giving and forgiving are beautiful tangible to us when we view the multicolored arc of the rainbow splashed across the sky—reminding us of another “ark” and the saving love it signified. ~~~ (1 Peter 3:18-22) †Peter explains how the waters of Noah’s Flood prefigured the waters of Baptism, through which we are saved today—acting at once as a washing of sin and flood of life and grace. ~~~ (Mark 1:12-15) Jesus’ spent forty days in the desert, after His baptism by †John, in the Jordan. During this time, Satan repeatedly tempted Him, but to no avail. Temptation passes, but its consequences—our choices and decisions—remain. Because of the strength and power of Jesus’ living, redeeming Word, our forgiveness, and His loving kindness are accessible to us. ~~~ Like Us, In All Things, But Sin Compassion is not learned without suffering. Unless we have suffered, we don’t really understand what it is to be compassionate, nor can we comfort someone who is suffering. Unless we have cried, we can’t dry the tears of others. Unless we have walked in darkness, we can’t help wanderers find their way. When we have suffered, we can become pathfinders for others. Jesus identifies with us—He is like is in all things, and all ways—except for sin. He was tempted as we are tempted. He was not immune to suffering, hurt and disappointment. He deigned to taste of human triumph, failure and death. He rejected none of our joys—He only rejected sin. This is the most profound mystery of God’s love for us. Jesus was wholly human, but that doesn’t mean He was merely human. That He was without sin did not imply any lack of humanity in Him. Sin is not an intrinsic ingredient of being human—quite the contrary: sin is a fall from humanity! Otherwise, He shared our weakness and our temptation. Because He, Himself, has been through temptation, Jesus understands us, and is able to help us. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that we will have mercy from Him and find grace, in our times of need. The Meaning of Lent Lent touches something in each one of us. Reading of how Jesus prayed in the desert, and was tempted by Satan, moves us all. But it also forces us to look into our own lives, challenging us to improve. However, often our efforts at renewal don’t go deep enough…. If we want a new garment, we must cast aside the old one; wearing a new garment involves a new way of living. If we wish to change the outer aspects of our lives, we must first change the inner attitudes of our minds. Change requires substituting new habits for old ones. It calls us to command ourselves and make ourselves do what needs to be done. The change of heart to which Lent calls us can be accomplished most of all through the power of meditative prayer. Even though repentance and prayer are always appropriate, they are especially so during this penitential season. There is such a thing as a moment of “spring.” During it, ancient catechumens were prepared for Baptism—their rebirth in Christ. Modern converts to Catholicism also do this, similarly. Lent is a time for penance and effort; but it also is a time of great joy. It is like springtime, in which we progress toward the Easter sun, getting brighter and warmer, as we approach. What we must do is turn from power to love—"be kind; act justly; and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8.) When we do, our Blessed Lord will help us let go the “rags” of sin, so He may clothe us in the newness of life! May God Richly Bless You! Come, Ye Sinners.docx You can view a recording of today's Holy mass, here:

February 11th, 2024 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus heals the Leper Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Ritually Unclean” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Leviticus 13:1-46) People with leprosy* were considered ritually unclean in Biblical times, unfit to participate with the rest of the community in worship, and compelled to live apart from the general public. Even today, insidious and unfamiliar diseases frighten us, and we seek cures at all cost. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1) †Paul urges us never to do anything offensive to anyone, but to do everything for the glory of God. Against the scourge of sin, threatening to alienate us from grace, the community of believers must stand together, strengthened as one. ~~~ (Mark 1:40-45) Jesus’ cure of the leper brought much consternation from the public-at-large, and even from His own disciples. But He taught us that there is something more dreadful and subtle than any physical illness—sin— against which we win immunity only by conversion to the healing power of Jesus Christ. ~~~ Acceptance and Rejection To be sure, leprosy* is a terrible disease, but in many respects, it pales to being unloved, unwanted or abandoned. Rejection is one of the worst things anyone can do to another human being, and hurts beyond any other state or emotion. It damages self-image and makes people feel worthless, making them want to “shrivel up” and openly rebel. As an example of its negative connotation, in one African tribe, being ostracized from the community is used as capital punishment. Children, the elderly and the handicapped are particularly devastated by rejection. Abandonment by their parents can be equivalent to death for a child. For the elderly, fear of rejection is worse than all their infirmities combined. The deepest wounds for handicapped people are caused not by their physical or mental illness, but by the rejection they experience. Creative people—writers, artists, etc.—are acutely vulnerable to being rebuffed, no matter what successes they’ve had. Each of us, to some extent, has felt the pain of rejection. Normal reactions to avoid rejection include insulating oneself, avoiding relationships, risking little, wanting or needing nothing. For some, it seems better to “build walls” and avoid relationships than to risk suffering rejection. But this is like “cutting off one’s feet, so as not to need shoes.” The man who approached Jesus, in today’s Gospel Reading, was a “reject.” Forced to live outside his community, he dressed in torn clothing, wore his hair unkempt and announced “unclean, unclean,” and rang a bell in the presence of everyone. People were loath to touch him, for fear of contracting his malady, and considered him to be suffering for sins he had committed. Thus, lepers were considered to have been rejected by God, as well. When we reject people, we are, in effect, treating them as “lepers,” too, even though we may not be conscious of this. We can reject people in subtle ways—by a “tone of voice,” or by “a look.” Such “pinpricks” of rejection can accumulate, having serious long-term effects. The interesting thing is not that Christ cured the leper, but the manner in which He did it. Jesus “cut through” all the fear of contamination and dread, and was moved with compassion for him. He reached out and touched him—a sign of “welcome”—and repaired his sense of being “dirty” and unworthy—nothing but “human scrap.” Besides healing his human body, he healed his broken self-image. Jesus accepted the leper for “who he was.” Acceptance is the answer to rejection. It is one of the loveliest things that can happen to us. When people “accept us,” they give us a feeling that we are worthwhile. Each of us longs to be accepted for what we are. It is the love of acceptance of others that makes us the unique persons we are. Acceptance for our skills or labor does not make us unique, for others can do the same work—perhaps even better than we do! But when we are accepted for who we are, we become distinctive and irreplaceable; able to realize our full potential. This is how our Blessed Lord, Jesus, accepted the leper; and how He accepts us, as well. In turn, it is how we, also, may learn to accept others, and reach out to those who are suffering the pain of rejection. In doing so, we can rekindle hope; and bring back the “zest for life” in someone else; we dimly mirror the infinite compassion of God. May God Richly Bless You! And This Is Love.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here: *Hippocrates is thought to have described the symptoms of leprosy as early as 460 B.C., and skeletal evidence from 2000 B.C. has been discovered. Norway’s Dr. Gerhard Hansen is credited for discovering the causative agent, a bacterium named Microsporium Leprae, in 1873. Leprosy is routinely called “Hansen’s disease,” in recognition of his work. An effective treatment wasn’t developed until the 1940s. Each year, as many as 150 people contract the disease in the US, with up to 250,000 cases diagnosed, worldwide.

February 4th, 2024 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus heals †Simon Peter’s Mother-in-law Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: "Jesus’ Response to Suffering” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Job 7:1-7) Someone afflicted faces two alternatives: dwell on the pain and thus despair of any hope for a better tomorrow, or one can allow that suffering to hone the spirit and enlarge the heart to accept the gracious, life-giving, healing power of God. Wrestling with the problem of why the innocent should suffer, Job takes a rather pessimistic view of life, yet never loses his faith. Stories of the “suffering innocent” are found in literature from several cultures, spanning almost two millennia B.C. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 9:16-23) †Paul tells how he was compelled to be all things to all people in order to bring them the Good News of Salvation as his vocation. Those who suffer, once restored, are called to minister to those in need. Like the wounded and risen Healer, the suffering can impart hope, joy and purpose to even the darkest days. ~~~ (Mark 1:29-39) By His power over life and death, Jesus healed; raised up, Himself, He raises up to new life all who believe in Him. The only adequate and worthy response to those redeemed by Christ is faithful service to Jesus and His Church. In the midst of His work of teaching and healing, Jesus finds it necessary to escape to a lonely place to pray, due to stress caused by those who would have perverted His Messiahship. This “Man for others” had not come to bask in the fond admiration for a few, but to give Himself in word and work to all peoples. ~~~ Understanding Suffering Have you ever felt that you just couldn’t get out of bed in the morning? Perhaps it was something you dreaded that was to happen that day, or it may have been a job evaluation, another day of prolonged illness, or the necessity of caring for a sick or “cranky” child. During such times of infirmity, we can become depressed, making it almost impossible for us to love and care for others. It can even become difficult to believe that God (or anyone else,) cares about us. The question of human suffering, especially for those who live just lives, was a big problem in Biblical times. Such were Job’s problems, as he was beset with terrible tragedies, even though he was a “good man.” It’s no wonder we read of his rather “gloomy” view of life. Suffering is still an important problem in our day. Many people could identify with Job—as they suffer poverty, hunger, sickness, injustice, oppression and other tragedies. In ancient times, such suffering was seen as punishment from God for sin—either one’s own, or their relatives. Jesus answer to suffering was not “why is there suffering?” or that it was punishment from God (God doesn’t do evil; He does only good;) as it was an answer to actual suffering. It was a very practical one, as we hear in today’s Gospel Reading. As †Mark recounts, Jesus was surrounded by throngs of physical and mentally sick people. He gave each of them healing, one by one. He didn’t insulate Himself against human pain; but rather, made Himself totally vulnerable before the wounded and the sick. Suffering is a lonely condition. (As one who has lately been taken with a series of “mini-strokes,” that period of time surrounding such episodes can make a person feel totally alone, and helpless. Although experience has proven them to be temporary, while they are happening, the fear they may not pass is all-consuming!) Jesus wasn’t sentimental about suffering, nor did He preach resignation as we often hear from pulpits. He didn’t like to see people suffer, as suffering was one of the evils He came on earth to fight. He had compassion on people who were suffering, and made them well. He cast out devils of guilt, fear, shame and despair that held people bound. The problem of anguish became an opportunity for Jesus—one which allowed Him to show us the character of God. By the way He gave Himself to those who were sick, He reveals to us the compassion of God in the face of human distress. Such anguish is an opportunity for us, as well. We may not be able to cure, but it is always within our power to care. And to care is a very healing thing, in and of itself. Just to be present for one in pain isn’t an easy thing to do, because it means that instead of relieving their torment, we have to be prepared to share it. We come to sufferers with empty hands, asking, “What can we do for them?” We can use our empty hands to offer comfort. All that is asked, at the very least, is that we not desert them—that we “stand our ground,” like those who stood with Jesus, at the foot of the Cross. Simply “being there,” in some ways, is the hardest thing to do. Offering human warmth can be a healing balm to someone, even though it may not cure them of their malady. As regards our own suffering—suffering is an unavoidable element of the human condition. Nevertheless, the road of suffering is narrow and dark. It’s a great comfort to know that Jesus went down this road before us—to the end—and it hasn’t been the same since He traveled it. A bright light illuminates the dark road, and He showed us that, even though it leads to Calvary, it doesn’t end there. It ends at Easter. Thus, for all Christians, suffering becomes an opportunity to share in Christ’s Passion in the hope of sharing in His Easter victory. May God Richly Bless You! Praise God with Cymbals.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

January 28th, 2024 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus Teaches in the Temple Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Teaching with Authority” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:15-20) Moses foretold the coming of a Prophet who would speak God’s Word to the people. A prophet never speaks on his own authority, but on behalf of God. Jews believed God would raise up a prophet in the last days, like Moses. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 7:32-35) †Paul urged everyone, but especially those who were celibate, to give their undivided attention to the Lord. Marriage is not a shackle, but an aid—enabling two hearts to come together to the Lord. ~~~ (Mark 1:21-28) The prophecy of Moses is fulfilled in Jesus. Early Christians regarded Jesus as the awaited Prophet, whose teaching with authority was confirmed by miracles—a sign that God was with Him. Those who would preach should be prepared to meet the demons of ignorance, poverty, apathy and greed. ~~~ Authoritative Teaching Most people associate authority with people who have a background of education, and thereby possess a basis for their proclamations. We hear, from very early in our lives, our teachers, presenting “facts” about a myriad of subjects, and expect them to be truthful, supported by their very position. Only later in our educational “careers” are we presented with the opportunity to question what is presented. In the 1960s, it was considered de rigueur to question everything—educators, politicians, religious leaders, etc. Growing up in the 1950s, I suspect very few would have done so, overtly, as having “respect for your elders” held sway as a basic tenet of polite society. Since that time, holding contrary views to such sources of authority has become almost “commonplace.” We even see protesters cropping up in such unlikely places as elementary schools, where the “basics” of education are proffered…. In many cases, I wonder if those “youth protesters” have any idea about what they are objecting. In Mark’s Gospel, today, we hear of His casting out a demon from a person in the crowd. Coupled with His words of peace, and promise of salvation, it would be logical to assume such activities should have inspired many more to readily accept Him. In Jesus’ time and culture, teaching authority was given to the rabbis, including the Scribes and Pharisees. Of course, then, too, most people were illiterate, without the basics of reading and writing, having been schooled manly in an “oral tradition.” So it is understandable that an itinerant preacher, such as Jesus—and John the Baptist, before Him—would be considered with some skepticism by the “rank and file” Jewish person of the day. Certainly, daring to preach in the synagogue, in the presence of accepted masters, they would have “raised some hackles,” among the gentry. When we consider how few educated people even existed then; how many magi and sorcerers were about; and how easily swayed were their primitive minds, it becomes more understandable that Jesus may have had detractors. Should such an individual arise among us, in our socially-conscious age, I suspect very few would easily be swept into blanket belief. (In the modern presentation of Jesus’ life and times, The Chosen, produced by Angel Studios, we see dramatized the shocked reaction of the rabbinical class to Jesus, presenting Himself as The Law. In fact, as it shown therein, the authorities were adamant that His preaching be squashed and put to rest. We see Jesus escaping their attempt to stone Him, after one such occasion, after preaching in the synagogue at Nazareth.) It's only in retrospect, having nearly 2,000 years of history to aid our reflection, that we can take a global perspective on the Christ-event. Our faith teaches us that our Blessed Lord, Jesus, was, indeed, the Son of God. Holy Scripture attests to that with glowing evidence for our consideration. Studying the ancient texts, we hear the ancient prophecies foretelling of His coming into the world, and can fathom how He brought those prophecies to fruition. It is that same faith that assists us to dismiss other “false prophets,” that have littered the scene over the centuries. This is not to say that quite a few have had enormous impact on people (Adolph Hitler, and Jim Jones, to name just two.) Modern science has attempted to clarify the many mystical occurrences of which we read in the Bible. To date, however, most explanations are only theoretical, having been made more difficult by the passage of time, and lack of physical evidence. However, when taken against the strength of faith, most believers would dismiss such attempts as irrelevant. We are firm in our beliefs, and causal explanations do little to dissuade us from our tenets. As a scientist by training, I, too, have heard the postulations suggested to elucidate critical understanding for many of the teachings of Scripture. They run the gamut from the “many universes,” and “M-theory” to explain the beginning of time; geological rationale for “the Flood;” gravitational speculation for the “Parting of the Red Sea;” astronomical evidence to explain “the Star in the East” that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem; psychological rationale for “casting out of demons;” to the “swoon theory," surrounding the Resurrection of Jesus. But when placed aside our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, sent in time to redeem us from sin, and His message of peace and repentance, none of it matters. We remain undeterred in our belief that real people walked with Jesus; recorded His deeds; heard Him profess the Two Great Commandments;” and remains with us, through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, to guide us through life to our eternal reward. That they were willing to give up their lives for their witness offers more substance than any speculation, however enlightened. Still, it can be quite confusing to see people so reticent to accept Jesus and His teaching, considering how many miraculous deeds accompanied His ministry. Jesus stands as our ultimate Authority, offering us a living faith, replete with ample evidence, if we are simply willing to accept Him into our hearts. May God Richly Bless You! Come, Christians, Join to Sing.docx To view a recording of today's Holy mass, click here:

January 21st, 2024 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Repent, and Believe The Good News” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Jonah 3:1-5) Written ca 400-200 B.C, this tale of Jonah’s preaching was met with an immediate response in the city of Nineveh, and Israel was chided into an awareness of itself and its shortcomings. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) †Paul counseled an attitude of detachment from the things of this world, as he believed the return of the Lord was imminent. Besides reordering heart and affection, purposes and goals, the true disciple must reorient all their activities, ideas, loves and loyalties to God’s present, future and eternal reign. ~~~ (Mark 1:14-20) †Mark relates the story of Jesus’ call to His first disciples. Discipleship, as a way of life, is a premium value, costing not less than everything! Repentance and belief are contingent realities; one who feels no need for repentance probably does not truly believe. ~~~ The Call to Repentance The theme of repentance is highlighted in today’s Readings. We hear how the prophet, Jonah, preached repentance to the pagan city of Nineveh, and met with an immediate, and whole-hearted response. And, then, Jesus also began His public mission with the call: “Repent, and believe the Good News.” Unfortunately, He didn’t meet with the same kind of response as Jonah. Many people find the idea of atonement to be disturbing. To repent means to change one’s outlook on life, and adjust one’s behavior, accordingly. It means an amendment of heart and a transformation (perhaps even a complete reversal,) of life…. It is bound to be painful, so that is why many people are slow to embrace it, and simply want to be “left alone.” A dramatic example of transformation—turning away from things that are manifestly evil…such as drunkenness, dishonesty, adultery—is only one kind of makeover. There is also a conversion to goodness—where change is not necessarily so drastic or radical. It may entail rejecting a completely selfish life and adopting one more loving and caring. But this kind of change also hurts. Who wants to be shaken out of a life of sensuality, comfort-seeking and self-indulgence? However, repentance is essentially positive. True, it means to admit that everything is not right with oneself, but it is also to discover something completely wonderful. It’s a realization of potential of which you were unaware; acquisition of a new vision; assumption of a new direction; establishment of more worthwhile goals; and living by better values. Simply put, it means embracing a new life! But a new life cannot be achieved quickly and painlessly, otherwise everyone would opt for one. Rather, it involves embarking on a journey of discovery and a struggle, in which the victory, most likely, will not be completely achieved. Unlike regret, repentance opens the way to rebirth. Understood like this, repentance is exciting, and always leads to joy. It means that we have heard the Good News, and we have embraced it! Through our Blessed Lord, Jesus, we have learned that God wants each of us to be witnesses and servants of His Kingdom. No matter how well-educated or how dedicated we may be, the Father’s call will challenge us! It may be as dramatic as it was for the disciples, or for Jonah; or, it may occur gradually, over many months or years. If we seek to be faithful to God in the little things we must do each day, we will find ourselves transformed over time. He will form us into His disciples, capable of making a difference in the world; just as He formed the apostles and prophets of which we read in Scripture. All He is seeking is that we be humble, and open our hearts. Jesus showed us that we are surrounded by God’s love. He has filled us with His Holy Spirit, and thereby, incorporated us into His very life. As His beloved disciples, may we joyfully take up the call, and know that He is with us in all that we do. God wants us to know the joy and the adventure of being His servants. May God Richly Bless You! Believer's Prayer.docx View a recording of today's Holy Mass, here:

January 14th, 2024 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time “Come, and you will See" A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “God’s Call and Our Response” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (1 Samuel 3:3-10:19) Samuel’s role as prophet was very important in the history of Israel. Like an echo that resounds in the hearts of kindred spirits, the Lord’s call touches the community through the individual; and the individual in the community. Mercifully, He calls again and again, until we learn to recognize His voice. Willingness to serve is a predisposition necessary to recognize God’s call to greater service. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 6:13-20) †Paul tells us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We must appreciate them for the glory of God, not for sin. It is our whole being that is called to be a disciple for the Lord. Morality is not based on law or precepts, but on the dignity each person enjoys because of Jesus and His redemptive mission. ~~~ (John 1:35-42) †John tells the story of call of the first disciples. We are called, one-by-one, and in our response, we find unison and companionship with one another, in Him. Bringing others to recognizes and to follow Jesus is a vital aspect of discipleship. ~~~ God’s Call It’s anyone’s guess in what way a person’s fate—call—makes itself heard. It may be that we believe we will hear God calling us, directly, as Samuel did, in our First Reading, today. In such a case, we might hear what we are supposed to do, in particular, as a singular thing. But often, it’s obvious that choosing a vocation depends on many things. Great events often begin very simply. This was how Jesus began His mission. He looked for a little band of kindred souls, and demanded total commitment from them—and He got it! God calls all of us, in one way or another, and at many different levels. He called us into life. Then, throughout our lives, God continues to call us to a life worthy of our dignity as His children. At death, God will call us again, from this life, into eternal life God’s call can take many forms, and be fulfilled in different ways. It likely won’t be as dramatic as was the call of Samuel, or as “real” as was that of the first apostles. Yet He speaks to us in the depths of our hearts, calling us to an intimacy with Him, and to be His co-workers in the world. Rather than an actual “voice,” His call is likely to be like a “tug” at our hearts, which we feel at quiet and reflective moments. Sometimes this may make itself felt in a very forceful way, but most times, it’s likely to be as gentle as a breeze. The call of the disciples is quite significant in our lives, for we were also called into discipleship at our Baptism. Each of us has some specific work to do for God in the world. Every vocation is worthy of honor, and every vocation is a call to the fullness of love. Our Bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit No religion takes the body as seriously as does the Christian religion. The body is not seen as an enemy of the Spirit, or as a prison of the Spirit. Rather, through Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection, the human body has become part of the life of God. There is no place in Christianity for contempt of the body, nor is there a place for its worship. We are God’s creatures, and our bodies are the work of God. That is reason enough for respecting and caring for them. †Paul goes further, calling the body a “temple of the Holy Spirit,” as we heard in today’s Second Reading. Today, there is a cult of the body, especially in modeling and advertising—a cult apart from the person. It normally takes the form of a young and beautiful body. But this is not respect—but more like exploitation. There is also a significant interest in physical fitness and health, which is to be welcomed. But it all must be kept in perspective. Bodily health shouldn’t result in neglect of the soul. The Church respects the body from the beginning of life to the end—from its first inception to the death of an elderly person. At Baptism, water pours over the body, and it is anointed not once, but twice. The body is adorned with a white robe. At the end of life, it again is anointed, blessed and shrouded in white. Even when lifeless, the body is still considered sacred. The Church regards the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, the same as that body in which our Blessed Lord was incarnated. He lived, suffered and died in our flesh. Then, He rose from the dead and was glorified in our flesh. This is another reason we respect the human body—for we are all destined for eternal glory. We don’t show respect for our bodies by sins of the flesh, nor by overindulgence in food or drink. Having more respect for our bodies would go a long way toward reducing social problems, such as addictions, the spread of infectious diseases and teenaged pregnancies. May God Richly Bless You! What Does the Lord Require?.docx View today's Holy Mass, here: