Father Michael

November 19th, 2023 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Creative Fidelity” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Proverbs 31:10-31) The quality woman of ancient times is described as the ideal. The family is the ground for friendship, citizenship and Christianity. Therefore, the qualities of a “good wife” should and can be enunciated by all who would be wise with the wisdom of God. ~~~ (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6) †Paul urges the disciples to be always ready, lest they be caught unawares, since they don’t know exactly when the Lord will return. We are “children of the light,” and the Lord of endless day is our helper and guide. ~~~ (Matthew 25:14-30) The Parable of the Talents is presented as an allegory of the final judgment, which will occur at the coming of the Son of Man upon the earth. The servants’ reward is our share in His glory. Our particular gifts are entrusted by God to be developed and used to their fullest extent for the benefit of all. Of course, there are always risks—persecution, rejection and even death. These must keep us from being productive and responsible. ~~~ Making Something “Of Ourselves” Pablo Picasso once said: “It’s not what an artist does that matters, but what he is.” Although Picasso’s paintings are now worth millions, he wasn’t as successful in his personal life. In fact, it was something of a “disaster area” (especially with his relationships with women.) People may well accomplish great things in their public and professional lives. Many people who become inordinately successful often have left their personal lives far behind. Indeed, their successes are frequently achieved at the expense of their personal lives. Today’s Gospel presents us with three people, who were given different “talents.” The master praises the first two, because they used their attributes in a productive manner during his absence. But the third servant was chastised, and censured, because he “buried” his talent. When our Blessed Lord talks about “talents,” we must not think He means artistic or athletic aptitude, per se. Of course, such abilities are important, and all credit is due to those who possess them, develop them, and use them productively. But they are outrageously over-valued in our modern world (as is evidenced by the aforementioned millions paid for pieces of art, and the outlandish salaries of modern sports figures and entertainers.) We would be mistaken, however, if we think His message concerns only material rewards—although, they is not ruled out…. Christ’s parable is intended to be understood much more profoundly. Ultimately, the only thing that really matters is what we make of ourselves. The woman about which we read in our First Reading could hardly be described as being either successful or famous. Yet, she is held up as a model, because of the person she is—industrious, caring, wise and virtuous. She possesses something more valuable than wealth or beauty. Motivated by a “loving heart,” she has put her talents at the service of her family, her neighbors and the poor. In so doing, she gains the respect of the entire community. It's a sad fact that some people who are born with great talent fail, miserably, in life. It happens that inborn qualities that might help a person succeed at a given task are less important than those that help build a strong character—those abilities which contribute to one’s development of faith; patience; readiness to learn; and an ability to work diligently to achieve a worthy goal. Talent is certainly important; but character is even more so. Talent is developed in quiet; whereas character matures in the midst of the world. Those who might possess natural aptitudes, but lack self-discipline and patience to build on their endowments, may learn that talent also comes with responsibility, and in some cases, can be more a burden than a gift. Gifted people may frequently become inflated by their ability. They may forget that all endowments come from God, and we are merely custodians of those blessings. If we ever find ourselves “basking in glory” over our innate capabilities, we must take caution not to overestimate their true worth. Only when our faculties are put to good use, and serve the greatest benefit for all, can they be seen as having been truly, fully developed. May God Richly Bless You! All For Thee.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

November 12th, 2023 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time “Behold the Bridegroom; Prepare to come and meet Him.” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Growing in Wisdom; Preparing for Death” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Wisdom 6:12-16) Isaiah eulogizes Wisdom, which can be found by all those who seek It. True Wisdom may elude the intelligent, but never the faithful! We can recognize Her in the wonder and order of God’s creation; and in one another. ~~~ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) †Paul expects the Second Coming of Christ to happen soon, and he consoles his converts at Thessalonica, who are worried about the fate of their loved ones who have died, before the return of the Lord. For our part, we must hold ourselves in readiness, and live in joyous anticipation of our wonderful reunion with God. ~~~ (Matthew 25:1-13) We read a story that urges us to say awake because we do not know the day nor the hour of the Lord’s coming. Matthew accepted that the Lord’s Second Coming would be delayed. To be prepared means to be a “doer,” rather than a mere “hearer” of the ‘word. Time, space and the experience of the seasons of our life are the gifts of a gracious God, that allow us to prepare for the unexpectedness of His appearance. ~~~ Waiting for the Lord Imagine, if you will, walking towards the gates of Heaven. Along the way, you might see some figures in the dark, crying, and you might ask them: “Why are you crying?” To which they may respond: “We’re crying because the Lord refused entry into the Kingdom. He said He didn’t know us.” When you come to the gate, you probably find it locked, and you might “ring the bell,” hoping it might be opened. You would expect the Lord, Himself, would answer. If this were to happen, might we also wonder, “Will He know me? Will He recognize me as His disciple? Those questions would too late to change anything about our lives, by that time. The dread we might feel, being cast aside, as an outsider, would become truly palpable. This is played out in real life, in the example of people who plan, and wait in long lines for tickets to some important event. Others, with a more lackadaisical attitude, might believe they can simply walk up to the window, at the last minute to be admitted, only to go away frustrated, when they are told all the seats are “sold out!” For what will the Lord be looking, as we arrive for final judgment? From today’s Gospel, we might think, “If I have kept my ‘lamp’ burning brightly, that may assure me of entry.” But what if our “lamp” has gone out? Our daydream may be enough to give us a warning, that the Lord, in His goodness, has given us an opportunity to “wake up,” and to be “shaken” from a state of laziness and carelessness. Wouldn’t it be terrible to arrive at Heaven’s door, to knock, and have the Lord appear and say, “I do not know you?” We’d be left in the darkness, alone, while all inside is light, joy, community and celebration The “lamp” of our musing, here, is “love.” In order to be genuine, love doesn’t have to be extraordinary; it simply needs to be purposeful, without cynicism or fatigue. A lamp burns through a continuous input of small drops of oil. If the drops should cease, the lamp will be extinguished. In our lamps, the drops of oil are the “small things” from our daily lives—faithfulness, punctuality, words of kindness, loving thoughts for others; subtle ways of being silent; and listening, looking, speaking, or acting. Such are the drops of love that keep our religious lives “burning with a lively flame!” Jesus was truly human, and He shared our life, our loneliness, our anguish and our death. He is not far away from us, as the once-popular song put it: “Watching us—from a distance.” Rather, He is very close, so much so, that we can touch, serve and love Him every day of our lives—through our interactions with others, and in moments of silent meditation. With the “oil of prayer” and good works, we can keep our lamp of faith burning, so He will recognize us. We won’t be judged for a momentary lapse, but on our lives as a whole. Since we do not know the day, nor the hour of the Lord’s coming—our moment of death—we must be prepared, so that when He comes, we can enter His Kingdom. To be prepared means we must be “doers” rather than mere “hearers” of His Word. (This has particular significance for me, when I believed I was near death, having experienced an aortic aneurism, some years ago. In planning for my final moment, I concentrated my thoughts and prayers on “getting my spiritual house” in order. Surviving that, I adopted an attitude of constant “readiness,” in which I believe I am prepared, at any time, should I be called to meet our Blessed Lord.) All that Jesus meant for us to hear, in today’s Gospel parable, is a warning. It is a sign of His love for us, that tells us every moment of our life should be beautiful. Our soul should always be ready for the coming of the “Bridegroom”—always waiting, expectedly, for the “arrival of the Beloved.” May God Richly Bless You! Light of Peace.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

November 5th, 2023 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Projecting our True Selves” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Malachi 1:14-2:10) The prophet berates the priests of his day for failing to live up to their calling, attacking their laxity and carelessness regarding morality and worship. He specifically takes the priests to task, in their having shirked their responsibility for faith among the people. ~~~ (1 Thessalonians 2:7-13) †Paul’s reminds the Thessalonians of his love and care for them, and how hard he worked to bring them the Good News. He knew that before one could preach the Lord, Jesus, one first had to believe, to be fully given in faith and live in accordance to that profession. Only by living one’s words and works can a person be an effective apostle. ~~~ (Matthew 23:1-12) Jesus launches a strong attack on the Scribes and Pharisees, but what He says is important for us, too. He levies strong criticism on those who use religion to gain spiritual power, and who do not live what is at the heart of religion—love and compassion, justice and faith. Just as an artist can turn a mental picture into reality in oils and clay, the Christian must translate an inner faith into words and deeds. ~~~ Neglecting the Interior Today, great emphasis is placed on appearances. The image is everything. People may put on a “front,” but they are not like that, “deep down.” Appearances can truly be deceiving. (Politicians’ promises come to mind….) In olden days, a castle would be built on an elevation overlooking beautiful woods and lakes, in a manner that it dominated the surrounded countryside—with its stout walls, turrets, towers and buttresses, that served to give it an impressive appearance. Stepping inside that same castle, today, we likely might see a completely different picture. Rather than presenting a regal impression, one might encounter a cold, harsh interior, littered with crumbling plaster and fallen masonry. The main roof may be missing, as well as most ceilings and floors. Of course, there wouldn’t be a stick of furniture to be found, and its massive fireplaces are cold and empty. Although it may still be impressive, from a distance, the remaining exterior building would be little more than a “shell.” The Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day projected an image, on the whole, of good, and holy people. But inside, they were anything but that. The real tragedy was that they were blind to their faults! We may ask, “What good is piety, if it doesn’t make us more humble, loving and compassionate?” Sadly, many of us are like that, too. How often do we consider ourselves to be “better” than others; or lay down the law for others; demanding sacrifices of them we don’t require of ourselves? Do we not like to be admired and noticed, if we can? Are we not occasionally- lacking in charity, compassion, a sense of justice and a spirit of service? Each of us has two “selves.” The outer, public one, is what other people see. Interior to that, the private one can only be seen by ourselves. The outer self is the “shell.” The inner self is the “kernel.” Our need to pretend, or to impress others, stems from a need for self-worth originating outside—from others’ opinions of us—that gives us the approval, acceptance and status we crave. But the appearance without the reality is a hollow existence—image, without substance. We cannot achieve happiness or holiness as long as we pretend to be what we are not. The moment we try, we become a fictitious personality, an unreal presence. Like the Pharisees of old, many religious people are not saints, because they never succeed in really being themselves. When we concentrate our efforts on developing inner goodness, we don’t have to shout about it, or even want to. We know with quiet certainty we have something no one can take from us—which makes us feel worthwhile—no matter what others may think. We have self-esteem, and self-respect. Our Blessed Lord sees that which we truly are—beneath the outer appearance—the inner person. This is they way He saw the Scribes and Pharisees of His day, hidden under their pious exteriors. Looking deeply, He saw their masks of religious pomp and show covering their “hollow” interiors. Conversely, it gave Him great joy when He discovered a genuine person. (He tolerated †Peter’s failings because He knew, in spite of his obvious faults, his heart was sound. ) We must always work to “be ourselves,” otherwise we are “false.” Then, our outward appearance ceases to be an expression, or revelation of our soul, but a shell, surrounding a bereft, inner core. Our greatest mission is to work to conform our lives with our convictions, and to make peace between our inner and outer selves. In some so-called “primitive” societies, outer beauty is believed to be the result of good, inner moral character. This means that if we take care of the inner self, the outer self will take care of itself. May God Richly Bless You! My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

October 29th,2023 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Master, what is the greatest commandment?” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Love of God and Our Neighbor” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Exodus 22:20-26) Today’s First Reading, which concerns social legislation, tells us that keeping the law was not merely a means of maintaining an ordered society, but a way of communing with and manifesting one’s union with the Lord, Himself. As motivation, people were asked to recall their days as outsiders in Egypt, and to exercise the compassion learned from Yahweh toward the less fortunate. God told the Israelites there must be no discrimination against, or exploitation of, the weak members of society. ~~~ (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10) †Paul’s conviction in his vocation, his faith in Jesus, and his trust in the Spirit were contagious. In a short time, he had established a viable, model community in Thessalonica. Moreover, it is evident from the text that the vast majority were Gentiles from pagan, polytheistic backgrounds. †Paul encouraged the Thessalonians by telling them their exemplary lives have become known far and wide. ~~~ (Matthew 22:34-40) Jesus tells us that the whole of religion can be summed up in two commandments of love. To know the law requires wisdom; to keep it requires love. The question of law was a favorite of both the Pharisees and the Saducees, despite all their differences. The question of the “greatest commandment” was asked of all reputable rabbis. Jesus’ answer was not entirely original—He quoted two well-known prescriptions from the Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18,)—saying nothing His audience had not already heard. But no one had combined these two laws, concerning love of God and neighbor, parallel to, and equal in, significance. Loving our Neighbor as Ourselves Only when we accept ourselves as “fundamentally good,” and begin to love ourselves, will we be able to love other people, as the Lord commanded. People who are filled with “self-loathing,” and “self-hatred,” are not going to love others. They will project these feelings onto them, blaming and castigating them for what they do not like in themselves. The main point is this: we see other people not as they are, but as we are…. When we cast people in bad light, it is a sign that we are ill-at-ease with ourselves. Those who are not at peace with themselves spread a contagion of conflict around them. We must first love ourselves properly before we can love others appropriately. If we love ourselves in the wrong way, we become incapable of loving anyone else! Few people love themselves in such a way as this. There is an idea that “self-love” is wrong, even sinful. It surely can be if it regresses into selfishness, or egoism. But there is a form of self-love that is healthy, and good, and without which we cannot really love others. One cannot fly without wings, nor grow without roots. We can’t offer warmth to others if our own “fireplace” is cold and empty. We can only love with the amount of love that is in us. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we do love others precisely as we love ourselves. It's very important, then, to have a healthy love and respect for ourselves. This is where love starts, but of course, it isn’t meant to end there. All true love of self overflows in the form of love of others and of God. We see this in that some people are easy to love, because they are “loveable.” Contrarily, others are clearly and obviously flawed. But that is the real test of love—"Where is there no love, sow love—where you put love, you will find love” (St John of the Cross, Carmelite Priest and Doctor of the Church, 1542-1591) The world has saturated our thoughts about love with human ideology. We are steeped in popular notions absorbed from television, movies, movies, magazines, books and social medial. We tend to think of love as emotional, sensual and uncontrollable. We fall in love, as if we stumble over it in the dark; or wake up to find that love has gone, as if it were a coward that had fled at daylight. But we are called to be empowered by love, as we believe God empowers us by His love for us! Love of God means that we wordship him only—not our families, jobs, possessions. Loving our neighbors means we are “patient, kind and bear all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7.) To understand this, we must first ask God to teach us what love is—what those injunctions mean in our lives. Only if our love is rooted in the love of God will it bear fruit for the salvation of others. Love comes from God, but the decision is ours. Jesus didn’t say loving God and loving our neighbor were the same thing. He did say they were like two sides of the same coin. If we want the “total Gospel,” we must have both. Jesus showed us precisely how to do this. When we follow His example, we will be able to love our neighbor as God loves us—freely, generously and without reservation. May God Richly Bless You! God is our Refuge.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here;

October 22nd, 2023 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “The God of History” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 45:1-6) The return of the people from exile in Babylon, made possible by King Cyrus, the Mede, who is seen as a sign of Yahweh’s power over His people, Israel, with Lordship over all peoples. In Cyrus’ benevolence, Israel saw the hand of Yahweh at work. The prophet looked upon this not merely as a foreign policy, but also the Lord’s fidelity to the covenant, shaping the course of world events. ~~~ (1 Thessalonians 1:1-5) †Paul tells the Thessalonians that Scripture can be a great teacher, if one can listen without manipulation or selectivity. †Paul saw Thessalonika, the most important city in the Roman province, as a strategic locale for the spread of the faith in Macedonia. He praised the young community for its excellent response to the Good News, singling out their faith, hope and love. ~~~ (Matthew 22:15-21) We hear the story of Jesus’ enemies attempting to trap Him into incriminating Himself. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and the Herodians cut through their hypocrisy and political differences to the very heart of the matter. Refraining from taking one side or the other as regards taxes, His answer indicated that each party was erroneously bound up in irrelevancies to the extent that each had missed the essential point—concern for God. What was due Him, should have been as important as a concern about taxes. Dual Citizenship The question put to Jesus, in today’s Gospel, was a test to determine He would put Himself on the side of those who opposed paying taxes to the Romans (the Pharisees;) or, on the side of those who collaborated with them (the Herodians.) In His answer, Jesus implied that the State has a role, with just, limited power, as long as it does not supplant God. From this principle, Christians deduced they could accommodate loyalty to the State, but the particulars are left to the individual to deduce with their conscience. Many people enjoy “dual citizenship,”—enjoying the privileges of two countries. Similarly, all Christians have “dual citizenship,”—one in the nation in which they live, but also one in the Kingdom of God. We owe allegiance to our country for its many benefits: forces of law and order, which permit a life of peace and security, and national defense; to public services, for transport, water, light, etc. We also are privileged in that we are provided basic education, access to medical care, unemployment benefits and so forth. All these benefits mean we have an obligation to the State. A legitimate State has rights, and Christians must respect them, their laws and their rulers. We must be responsible citizens, to the best of our ability, and play our part in making the country a good place for all citizens. Failure to be a good citizen is a failure in Christian duty. To cheat the State is to cheat one’s fellow citizens, and if we do so, we cheat God. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we proclaim our belief in God, and pledge to obey His commandments, thereby, taking upon ourselves the obligation of being emissaries of truth to the world. In many cases, the two “citizenships” do not clash. But sometimes, they may…but when they do, Christians know spontaneously which obligation comes first—the truth. However, it may not always be that simple. What Jesus gave us was only a “principle.” He didn’t give a detailed theory of political science, nor a blueprint for Church-State relations. People must work out the implications of that for themselves. In practice, it isn’t always easy to say, “This is for Caesar,” and “That is for God.” Life is a unity. It can’t be split into two clearly defined parts—secular and religious. Many times, Christians “opt out” of the affairs of the world, leaving often dangerous, daring and responsible things such as politics, law-making and business to others. But when we do, we are delegating these things to people who may not be motivated by Christian values and principles to act on our behalf. That makes our selection of representatives even more significant. It’s not easy to determine the character of an individual by their “platform,” and public persona. So, Christians should not shirk public office, but see it as a chance to serve their community, and thereby, God. The Pharisees of Jesus time opted out of real life in an effort to themselves “apart.” The result was hollow religiosity, which had little or nothing to do with real life. Scripture is filled with examples of their pious antics, offered as attempts to elevate themselves above the common people. The calling of a politician is not highly-regarded by many, but it must be recognized that politics plays a vital role in creating the kind of society in which we live. It is not an easy profession, and it is rife with great temptations. Chief among them is promoting one’s own good, rather than that of the people. Christians undertaking such a calling must realize they are God’s servant, and also “Caesar’s.” Choices they are called to make will often be conflicting. Today, Caesar’s place is taken by the secular State, which is, not so much, “against God,” as “without God.” When society no longer bases its law on God’s laws, this can pose serious dilemmas for Christians, especially those in public office. They cannot impose their own moral values and beliefs on others, but they also must not take part in what, from a Christian viewpoint, is morally wrong. There are so many little “Caesars” vying for a piece of our conscience—the party, the company, the club, and others. History shows, without a doubt, that separation of Church and State is absolutely essential. Sometimes we are faced with a real dilemma—how to be a Christian in a secular world whose laws may often be “un-Christian.” True Christians are challenged to be good citizens of their country, and at the same time good citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. This means they will fail neither in their duty to God nor to their fellow men and women. At times, it can be a precarious balance, and requires astute attention to maintain (Tevye, the lead character in Fiddler on the Roof—United Artists, 1971,) faced such a challenge.) This is one of the most important reasons to cultivate a “moral center” in children, enabling them to grow, knowing acceptable parameters of behavior as adults. That is why living in a loving, caring home, with attentive parents, is essential to the development of a well-rounded character and conscience. As Christians, our first and deepest loyalty is to God, to Whom, alone, do we render worship. But in other things, we gladly acknowledge and serve the secular powers, praying they will rule wisely and justly, assisting where we can, with guidance from the Holy Spirit. May God Richly Bless You! Festive Praise.docx View a recording of today's Holy Mass here:

October 15th, 2023 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Many are called, but few are chosen A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “The Banquet is Ready” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 25:6-10) Isaiah uses the image of a banquet to describe the blessings God wishes to bestow not only on Israel, but on all nations. The eternal banquet of God is a sign of His unlimited love, care and self-gift to humankind, within the parameters of time and space. ~~~ (Philippians 4:12-20) †Paul thanked the Philippians for their support, but says that his real strength comes from the Lord. We are to prepare for the “feasting” by learning to hunger and thirst for the One Who fulfills all needs. †Paul related his sufferings for the Gospel (from prison,) to the trials and struggles of the “last days” that were believed to immediately precede the “Second Coming.” ~~~ (Matthew 22:1-14) Isaiah’s promise is fulfilled in Jesus: through him all God’s people are invited to the banquet feast of the Kingdom, By our words and works in this life, we formulate our R.S.V.P. As a metaphor for the reign of God, †Matthew presents the “Banquet” as a challenge to those invited for a worthy response. He believed it to be a “present reality,” as did Jesus. Those guests first invited symbolized the “chosen people,” who turned their backs on Jesus and His message. The first servants were the prophets; the second, the apostles, whose mission was first directed to Israel. By inviting “everyone you can” from the byways of life, Jesus points to those throughout the world who are invited to partake, having repented of their sins—provided they are “garbed” in an appropriate garment, that is, having been baptized. Our Response to an Invitation If people know anything about Jesus, it is that He was a consummate storyteller. Jesus’s parables have the remarkable ability of engaging our imaginations and challenging our assumptions, even today. Jesus did not teach in parables to provide blanket affirmation for the way we understand God, ourselves, and other people. Rather, He taught in parables to motivate us to re-examine some of our most cherished convictions about matters of eternal importance. For this reason, Jesus’s parables often unsettle rather than reassure. Jesus’s parable of the wedding feast does just that. Suppose you are hosting a party…. You’ve fixed the date; drawn up a list of people you wish to invite; sent out the invitations, prominently emblazoned with “R.S.V.P.” Then you wait for responses. Basically, you can expect three types: • Some accept the invitation, which makes you feel very happy. But there are “degrees” of acceptance: “half-hearted” agreement to come, by those feeling an obligation to attend; and, “enthusiastic” responses, with honor and gratitude for the offer. • Others may refuse to come—and though this may be hurtful, at least you “know where you stand,” with those people. Degrees of refusal also exist: a prior engagement may prevent attendance; others may simply not have an interest—they could come, but they don’t want to. • Another reply is a “non-response.” You wait for an answer, but none comes. This is probably the worst outcome. If people refuse, you know their intentions, but this way, you are left wondering: “Could there be an unresolved problem?” You most likely will never know. If you were to contact them, they might say, “Oh, I meant to respond, but….” In the end, you’re left with an “empty” feeling. Our Blessed Lord doesn’t compel us—He invites us. A command can’t be so easily ignored, but an invitation can. Advertisers can’t compel us to buy their products, but they can resort to all sorts of “gimmicks” to entice us. But God has too much respect for our freedom for those tactics. Many times, we don’t know what we really want, or even what is good for us. What we seek, really value and desire, are often not the same thing. Perhaps we are so busy, our lives are so full, that even the Almighty has difficulty in breaking through to us. We are God’s children, and like any loving parent, He knows what is best for us. But when we reach the age of consent, there is very little even good parents can do to compel our obedience. Like them, God has called us to an intimacy with Himself; into a community with others. At death, He will call us into eternal life. Both Isaiah and Jesus emphasized that the Lord’s invitation was not an exclusive, high-society event. Everyone is invited, regardless of one’s state of life, position in the community, material wealth, race, age or handicap. (The mixing of social groups was just as radical a concept in Old Testament and Jesus’ times as it is in ours.) The Pharisees of Jesus’ day shunned tax collectors and sinners—but these “sinners” accepted Jesus before they did. It’s similar, in that today, some educated and financially secure people often shun the Gospel, while the poor and humble embrace it eagerly. In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we are invited to taste our Creator’s great love. When we participate in the Liturgy, our desire and readiness for the heavenly banquet to come is increased. We must ask ourselves how we will respond to the God’s invitation to the wedding banquet of His Son and the Church. Will we humbly accept it, or be too preoccupied with worldly affairs? Will our hearts overflow with love and gratitude for the Lord’s gift of refreshment and the opportunity to dwell in His house, forever? As long as we draw breath, we have the opportunity to accept the invitation. To ignore it, altogether, is the worst form of refusal. Indifferent people are the most difficult to convert. May God Richly Bless You! God's Love is Everlasting.docx View a recording of today's Holy Mass here:

October 8th, 2023 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Parable of the wicked vinedressers A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Appreciation” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 5:1-7) Israel is compared to a well-tended vineyard, which fails to produce fruit. The figure of a vineyard as a symbol for Israel was familiar to Isaiah’s listeners, and so, of course was the meticulous care of their Lord. By reminding them of that care through the person of the grape farmer, Isaiah recalled for his people the cavalcade of their past blessings: the exodus; the covenant; the conquest; the provident protection; etc. ~~~ (Philippians 4:6-9) †Paul warned the converts at Philippi against anxiety, and advised them as to how they should live, in order to enjoy the peace of God. Philippi was a Roman city fraught with the worries and troubles of routine living—perhaps made more contentious by the introduction of Christianity. †Paul recommended the power and peace of prayer, along with a life conformed to Gospel values to the entire assembly of believers. ~~~ (Matthew 21:33-43) The parable of the wicked vine-dressers tells of God’s goodness to His people, and of their failure to respond in kind. †Matthew makes the point that Jesus is not merely musing about grapes and vines, but that He is speaking specifically of God’s own people. His point is a clear and accurate commentary on Israel’s past treatment of those (the prophets,) who came in the name of the “owner of the vineyard” (God.) The “stone“ they rejected symbolized the indestructible kingdom set up by God, Himself, that was to supposed to shatter and absorb all previous kingdoms and to last forever. Planted by God Lord, You planted me on this earth; You fenced me around with the love Of family and friends. Their care towered over me. In the shelter of this tower, I grew in safety and peace. I put out early blossoms; I filled up with leaves. People had great hopes for me. You had great hopes for me. But now, the year of my life is passing; The harvest is approaching. What fruit have I to show? What if, after all this care, I had nothing to offer but sour grapes? ~~Anonymous~~ This little poem, that I found in one of my commentaries, encapsulates the sentiment in today’s Liturgy. We have been given a great Church (the “Stone,”) from our Blessed Lord. We have been made a “royal priesthood” by His having given His life to save our immortal souls from sin. History is littered with stories of good tenants and wicked landlords. Our only recourse (as tenants,) should be to be appreciative, and strive to give thanks to God (our Landlord,) for our wonderful faith. But so often, we are so ungrateful and fail to see the blessings that are all around us, in nature and in each other. When we consider how carefully we have been tended by our society, our parents, our loved ones, our many acquaintances, colleagues and friends, we should be bursting with joy for each moment of our lives. Yet, we fuss and fume, always struggling to find “something better,” often, “just out of reach,” and fail to appreciate the beauty we already possess. This is not to say that ambition is, in itself, to be seen as a failing. Any salesperson worth their salt will attest that setting goals, and then planning for their achievement is part-and-parcel for success in business. But “success at any cost” is what is being chided, here; success unfairly achieved at the expense of others cannot be seen as “right living.” When our plans for the future obscure appreciation of the blessings we possess in our present lives, we need to reassess our focus. Jesus’ mission on earth was to form the Church, a new people of God. United by submission and obedience to the Father’s will, they were called to live out the fullness of love in earthly life; hoping to enjoy the eternal inheritance of salvation, promised to all the faithful. Sadly, we are often like the tenants who sought to obtain the owner’s inheritance, by devious means, (as related in today’s Gospel,) in order to become our own “lord and master.” There is a pride in the human heart that spurs us to “take control” of our lives in such a way that we find fulfillment apart from God. Our faith teaches that God’s earnest desire is that the members of His Church listen and commit their lives to His Son, as they hear God’s Word in prayer, Scripture and celebration of the Liturgy. It is only through Jesus, and in union with Him, that we can recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit. As we hear that Voice and turn to God, we will “have no anxiety about anything,” and our minds will be raised to heavenly realities, enabling us to think about “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and gracious” (Philippians 4: 6-8.) May God Richly Bless You! I Need Thee Every Hour.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

October 1st, 2023 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Parable of the two sons A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Responsibility” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Ezekiel 18:25-28) Each of us is responsible for his or her own conduct, and will be judged accordingly. Nonetheless, our Blessed Lord holds no grudges and does not allow our clouded past to dim His gifts of grace. While in exile in Babylon, the Israelites might have blamed their predicament on their fathers and grandfathers. The idea of heredity and blame was deeply ingrained in the Hebrew consciousness. This reading is from an entire chapter on personal responsibility and individual sin. ~~~ (Philippians 2:1-5) Self-seeking behavior and rivalry have no place in the Christian community. We must imitate the humility of Christ. †Paul wished to reawaken his readers to interiorized principle and conviction, in response to sin. Believers are to guard against selfish ambition, and live their lives being part of the mind, mission and message of Christ—Who had emptied Himself to the privileges of divinity. ~~~ (Matthew 21:28-32) Our actions speak louder than our words. In this parable, the son who rebelled against his father—but then acquiesced—was representative of sinners, whose checkered pasts would seem to have left them closed to change and acceptance of Jesus. Preconditioning and past habits are not decisive as we chart a course toward salvation. The Difference Between “saying,” and “doing.” Two words, which we say frequently throughout the day, “yes,” and “no,” have great importance. Sometimes a great deal “hangs” on them, and it’s no exaggeration to say our lives could be summed up in terms of them. Of course, it’s not the words themselves, but the spirit in which they are said that makes the difference—“glibly,” without sincerity, or “thoughtfully,” with great authenticity. At the end of the day what matters is whether or not they are acted upon. We find there is some of both of the two sons from today’s Gospel in each of us. Sometimes our performance doesn’t match our promises—we sometimes give our word, but don’t keep it. Other times, we are capable of turning our “no,” into a “yes.” We can learn from both examples. We have answered “yes” at times when we need to see it through (marriage vows come to mind….) And, we have said “no” in situations that should and could be turned into “yes,” lest we become known and remembered for what we didn’t do—for the promises we didn’t keep. It's easy to say “yes,” in the “morning of life.” Then, we may not really know what is involved in the task to which we have committed ourselves. Later, we may have second thoughts, and entertain doubts. Our “yes” can become a “no.” If we want to turn our promises into fulfillment, we have to continue to say “yes.” The opposite is also possible. We may say “no,” to something, or someone early on, but, after reflection, see things differently. A person may make a great mistake, and then redeem themselves—atoning for it—making the rest of their life lovely. We would do well to remember that both instant willingness to follow through, and reluctant accountability, can show weakness, a lack of love and imprecision of purpose. Many of the saints in history were sinners, who initially said “no,” to God, and later changed their minds and said, “yes.” Among many examples, †Augustine, (bishop of Hippo Regia, in Northern Africa, and doctor of the Church,) is perhaps the most obvious. He forsook his wonton youth and embraced the love of Christ in a most sublime manner. God’s gracious mercy allows that we will be judged, not by a single act—or stage—but by our whole life. In every situation, we are asked that we do our best without fear of failure, or what we might be losing. When we fall short, we are graciously called to repent and be strengthened. Without free will to demur, our acceptance would have no value. The agreement of a slave does not show appreciation. If we profess to accept the principles of our faith, but fail to translate that belief into positive action, mere words are of little worth. Therefore, we must constantly examine ourselves, and try to turn our words into promises, and our promises into fulfillment. In the holy sacrifice of the Mass, we worship and honor Jesus, asking for His mercy and His strength. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us, agreeing to do the Father’s will—perfectly carrying it out, despite the suffering. So great was His love for us that He held back nothing in rescuing us from sin. We have only to be open to Him, to receive the precious gift of His love. By fervently receiving the Holy Eucharist, we have the guarantee of all that we seek and desire. May God Richly Bless You! "Whereas, others may misunderstand my good intentions, judge my words or deeds, find fault or blame, What they truly do not understand is that God knows my heart; He knows I am learning and endeavoring to be all I can be." ~~Lori Nawyn, Author~~ What Does the Lord Require?.docx You may view a recording of today's Holy Mass by clicking here:

September 24th, 2023 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Go into my vineyard and work. I’ll pay you what is just.” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “God's Generosity" Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 55:6-9) We can take comfort in knowing that ours is a God Who defies our abilities to conceive Him—Who is greater than our wildest dreams can imagine. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are God’s ways above our ways. The ways and thoughts of God are far beyond our capacity to predict or deduce Israel was restored by His inscrutable plan for His people. Returning home from exile, they learn the only requirement for attendance at the glorious feast of God’s Kingdom is a desire to turn to the Lord from their evil ways, and hunger for righteousness. ~~~ (Philippians 1:20-27) Writing from prison, †Paul was thinking of his death, and longing for complete union with Christ. God has involved Himself in our existence to the point of becoming one of us in Christ, and showing us how to love as worthy reflections of His love in our world. †Paul knew the work he had begun would live on and the Good News would be proclaimed, whether by his life or even in his death. He addressed the citizens of Philippi, telling them they were citizens of the Kingdom, and their “constitution” was that of the Gospel of Christ. ~~~ (Matthew 20:1-16) This is a story about God’s generosity, which soars above human standards. Jewish Christians, who may have “come late” to Christ were equal in the Kingdom. Thereby, Gentile Christians were equal sharers with Jewish Christians in the economy of salvation, upon their accepting the Good News. Likewise, modern pastors must minister to the “latecomers” and the “lazy,” in the same manner. The Last Shall Be First Seen through the filter of the world, with its concerns and rules of fairness, it is easy to side with the laborers in today’s Gospel Reading, who were hired at the start of the day. Having toiled in the vineyard for a full day, they were naturally incensed to think that those who worked only an hour deserved the say pay as theirs. As natural as it might be to think this way, we must consider that Jesus was talking about the Kingdom of God. None of us deserves anything from God, let alone could we ever cause Him to be indebted to us. Everything has been graciously bestowed on us, even life, itself, as a free gift. We never can earn the right of relating personally to God. In serving Him, we receive much more than we ever give Him. Working in the vineyard of God’s Kingdom is not a burden, but a privilege! If we have responded early, we are not unfortunate or ill-used; we are favored. But, if we have responded late, we are favored, too! God’s generosity is a great comfort for believers. We know, whether we admit it or not, that we can never be “worthy” of eternal salvation, because, even among the best of us, we are quite inadequate beings. Nothing we do can “measure up” to the perfection of God. Only through His magnanimity could we ever hope to be included in the wonder that is eternal life in heaven. It is a great challenge for us to imitate HIs benevolence in our everyday interactions. A conversion is required in order for us to begin acting in a manner, in which we believe God might act. Our meager human conception of His perfection, omnipotence, omniscience and grandeur can only pale, in comparison to the reality…about which we can only imagine. Therefore, no one would desire to be treated according to “strict justice,” by God. Rather, we long for His mercy and compassion. Although we can never put God in our debt…it isn’t necessary to do so. God is generous to such a degree that it far outstrips any human generosity. All we must do is open our hearts to His love, because, having experienced it, it will serve as a model for our dealings with one another. Pondering how we could be the beneficiaries of such incredible generosity, we will be moved to be generous, as well. This beautiful cycle of generosity starts with God and elicits our participation. He gives to us so we can give to others—and thereby, experience His generosity through us. May God Richly Bless You! Come, Share, Rejoice!.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

September 10th, 2023 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time “How Many Times Should I Forgive My Neighbor?” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Kindness and Mercy” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Sirach 27:30-28:7) When we refuse to forgive those who have sinned against us, we exclude ourselves from receiving God’s forgiveness for our own sins. As God took Israel back after its many sins, Jesus ben Sirach reminds the people to remember that one day, they would inevitably face death, and hope for divine mercy and forgiveness. ~~~ (Romans 14:7-9) The entire existence of a Christian is for Christ and for others. †Paul tackles the problem of unity and diversity within the community of believers. He advised people to avoid unkindly criticizing one another; refrain from giving scandal; and relinquish selfish preferences in deference to others. Mutual respect and tolerance, a plurality of opinions and a diversity of practices, were sought in union with the one faith and dogma of the Church. ~~~ (Matthew 18:212-35) We must be willing to extend to others the gracious forgiveness that God has extended to us.. Our debts of sin were forgiven by the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross while we were still sinners! †Matthew urged that we “Look at the gift of the cross, and then look upon one another with similar love and limitless forgiveness.” Asking for Forgiveness Forgiving someone who has hurt or offended us is never easy—sometimes, it can be extremely difficult. Nonetheless, to forgive is to be in a position of strength. As the injured party, we are doing the giving, so we are in control. That is a good feeling! We have something to gain from it. Asking for forgiveness, on the other hand, is much more difficult. It is to put oneself in a position of weakness, poverty and humility. You become the one who has “done wrong,” and must humble yourself to ask another for something that you may, or may not, receive. You are not in control…things are out of your hands… According to Jewish law, sins committed against God can be absolved by sincere repentance. But for sins against fellow humans, we must first seek the forgiveness of those whom we have wronged, in order to be in a position to invoke divine mercy. (The Christian position is not much different.) Here are some things you might say, when asking forgiveness: • I know words are not enough, but I’m asking you to forgive me for what I did. • I know I put my happiness before yours, and I hope you will forgive me. • I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but I hope you can, anyway. • I have no excuse for my behavior, and I’m sorry that it happened. • I’m ashamed of myself for hurting you. • I hope you can forgive me for failing you. • I apologize unconditionally, and I know it still isn’t enough. • I’m sorry for how much pain I have caused you. • I’m sorry that this miscommunication made you feel frustrated. • I’m sorry I handled things this way and I promise, next time will be different • I was wrong for what I did, and I’m sorry. • I’ll do whatever I can to make it up to you. • Take your time forgiving me, but know that I am so sorry. (Sarah Barkley, May, 2023) While the nature and number of our sins may differ, it is an unfortunate fact that all of us commit sins that hurt ourselves and others. Our human tendency is to point to the wrong that has been done to us, and dwell upon it. We hear such things as, “He did this;” “She said that;” and “It’s unfair, and it hurt me.” Even small children can recount such experiences in their young lives. But, as mature adults, we must strive to put aside our pride and seek to mend differences with others. In teaching us to forgive our brothers and sisters, Jesus was not “glossing over” the reality of the hurts that sinful actions cause. It’s simply that a higher reality—God’s forgiveness of our sins—should enable us to forgive those who offend us. Compared to our offenses against God, the debt owed to us is comparatively minor. It is simple justice that we should forgive without limit. Writing in the second century B.C., Jesus ben Sirach saw this truth from afar when he said, “forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray” (Sirach 28:2.) C S. Lewis, a noted Christian essayist of the 20th century echoes this thought: “How can we forgive the incessant provocations of daily life—to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son? Only, I think, by meaning our words when we say in our nightly prayers: ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ We are offered forgiveness [by God] on no other terms. To refuse to do it [for others] is to refuse God’s mercy on ourselves” (Weight of Glory on Forgiveness, p7.) May God Richly Bless You! Believer's Prayer.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here: https://youtu.be/k9C8_6fX1ns

September 10th, 2023 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Fraternal Correction” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Ezekiel 33:7-9) Appointed leaders bear responsibility to point out the errors of people’s ways and promote reform. Ezekiel’s perception of his vocation as a prophet is more aptly described as that of a concerned brother, watching out for his brothers and sisters in the faith. ~~~ Romans 13:8-10) †Paul continues his exhortation concerning the sincere ethical response to God’s great gifts of salvation., much like a Christian rabbi. †Paul claimed that love was the basic principle on which hinged all the precepts of the law. He emphasized that right living in all spheres of one’s life should be motivat6ed by a higher imperative: All that one is and does should translate into a worthy response to God’s gifts. ~~~ (Matthew 18:15-20) A Christian has a duty to correct an erring brother or sister—but in a loving way. The abiding presence of God in Christ constitutes the basis of †Matthew’s Church doctrine and dictates the ethical response of the community to God and to one another. An atmosphere of reconciliation and forgiveness was to prevail and color all proceedings. Nonetheless, if one’s negative behavior persisted, fraternal correction should be employed to assist them toward repentance. Changing a Person’s Behavior A special duty of someone in authority is to point out errors when observed in someone in their charge. It may seem prudent to accept abuse for the sake of a “phony peace,” thinking that is the proper way of management. But this will only promote further bad behavior, and weaken the structure of an organization or relationship. However, there is an “art” to confronting someone. Adopting a harsh approach with someone will likely result in them becoming obstinate—hard-hearted. In such a case, nothing is achieved, but only further harm is done. Whereas, if we employ a gentler approach, we may “soften their heart,” and help them see the error of their ways, enabling them to change. Consider that, from a spiritual point of view, hardness of heart is one of the worst things than can happen to anyone. A hard-hearted attitude can maim a person. With such an outlook one can’t feel; can’t respond; can’t love. Neither can they experience joy, because they’re “closed off.” Such a person is spiritually barren. Someone who is “soft-hearted,” however, can receive and respond; though they might be saddened, they also can be deliriously happy. To confront another person is difficult and calls for courage and wisdom. Correction or criticism offered in anger, or with a vengeful manner, most probably, will lead to results that are counter-productive. We have to proceed not just out of concern for ourselves and the hurt caused to our pride, but out of concern for the other person. It is a way of showing love for them. We don’t show love for someone if we allow them to do wrong to/for us. By hurting us, they also are damaging themselves. It is in their interest for them to stop what they are doing. If we allow them to continue their negative behavior, we inadvertently bear some responsibility for it, ourselves. We are responsible for one another, but the duty to speak out falls most heavily on the leaders of the community. In the face of what is happening, our silence can be taken to mean that we approve. But if we approach an evil-doer with a “right spirit,” assuming they are genuinely good, they will want to put things right, too. If not, they will not be able to plead ignorance, later, saying, “Why didn’t you tell me?” The object is not to score a victory over our brothers or sisters, but to win them over, and be reconciled with them. They may not even be aware they are doing wrong! Since we believe we were created in love, that very love is within us. Out of this same love, Jesus called us to help one another, seeking the best for them, and leading them back to the “fold.” Sometimes, then, this may involve saying difficult things in order to protect and nurture them. As difficult as it may be, the debt of love that we owe one another compels us to act. We love each other because Christ loved us, and, out of this love, we seek to build one another. Otherwise, we are speaking out of self-righteousness, judgmentalism or feelings of superiority. We can easily understand how such correction could result in hurt and shame. Parents sometimes must say difficult things to their children in order to help them grow. Most loving parents recognize the challenge of correcting out of lover rather than out of frustration and anger. The goal of parenting is to guide children to Christian adulthood, so they can receive their full inheritance and rights as a child of God. We have been created to live in unity with God and each other. This has been made possible by Christ’s having removed every dividing wall by His death on the cross. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He gave us everything we need to live out this unity—to become vessels of His love and mercy. May God Richly Bless You! Just As I Am.docx To View a recording of Today's Holy Mass, click here: https://youtu.be/DqX0YumIF5U

September 3rd, 2023 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time “Get Behind Me, Satan!" A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Love Implies Sacrifice” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Jeremiah 20:7-9) Jeremiah remained silent, even though speaking God’s message to the people brought him nothing but insults. Taken from Jeremiah’s “confessions,” this Reading lets us understand how overwhelmed he was and how human he felt by the burdens of the duties of a prophet. It is never easy to remain faithful in the face of public rejection. ~~~ (Romans 12:1-2) †Paul urges faithful Romans not to live like people they see around them. †Paul teaches that Christian striving is less an effort to become fully ourselves at some future date, than to express the Spirit-endowed being that we have already become. ~~~ (Matthew 16:21-27) Jesus tells His disciples they must be prepared to suffer, as He foretells of His imminent suffering and death. †Peter’s refusal to accept Christ’s earthly path toward death and resurrection is apparent in our Reading, today. He doesn’t see himself favorably disposed to follow such a Messiah. Jeremiah was not alone in feeling the oppression and constraint of God’s call—every disciple of Christ must, in their own way, come to terms with it. The Cost of Discipleship Faith should be a positive force in our lives, especially in times of weakness. Not only a crutch in times of sadness and strife, faith should be like a “pair of wings,” when we experience joy and strength. The trouble is, religion has become so “respectable,” that its acceptance involves neither risk or strain. Our faith should challenge and stretch us to our limits…and beyond…so we gain new standards by which to judge ourselves. There is a religion of devotion, and also a religion of commitment. Devotion implies comfort, and is often centered on “self,” rather than on others. Commitment, however, suggests challenge, risk and unselfishness. This is what Jesus asks of us, like He did of His disciples—commitment to renounce “self,” “take up our cross,” and follow Him. Today, the word “cross,” has been softened, so that the saying of Jesus has lost its force. The cross doesn’t mean our arthritis, indigestion or difficult relationships—at least, not in the first place. Such conditions come to us in spite of ourselves. The “cross” of the New Testament means suffering that comes into our lives because of the choices we have made for the Kingdom. In that sense, it is always something we choose. Being a disciple is serious business, but it doesn’t mean it is something that Christians should seek. Jesus did not seek suffering…His agony in the garden of Gethsemane makes that clear. But suffering will inevitably be part of Christian life as it was a part of His. Following Christ can be done in small steps. God is patient…His challenge is invitation. In practice, following Christ means faithfulness to one’s way of life, concern for others in whatever manner—the caring gesture; the kind word. Over time, these accumulate to significance. Our Blessed Lord does not overlook the painful decision, the unspoken sorrow, the secret suffering. There can be so much heroism in ordinary life. There are more saints living among us than those whose holy lives we revere in our prayers. May we serve the Lord as He deserves: to give and not count the cost; to fight and not heed the wounds; to toil and not seek for rest; to labor and not ask for any reward, except that of knowing that our lives are aligned with His teaching and example. Gaining and Losing There is a way of losing by gaining: You can win an argument but lose a friend. Though competition and promotion We may advance in our profession, But in terms of relationships, we are impoverished. Our energies are so focused on efficiency and success That we haven’t time to grow emotionally And to develop the capacity for meaningful affiliations. In the consuming drive to attain power, A person may sacrifice friendship and loyalty, So much so, that they end up alone. Lord, let us never forget Your haunting words: “What good will it do you to gain the whole world If you lose your soul?” ~~Anonymous~~ May God Richly Bless You! Desert Psalm.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here: https://youtu.be/3mHK6U4wrlc

August 27th, 2023 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time “Who do you say that I am?” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Supporting Patriarchs and Religious Leaders” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 22:19-23) Authority is a precious, fragile gift from God. It must be used purposefully and judiciously. The “keeper of the keys,” in ancient times was charged with only admitting those deemed worthy in to the inner sanctum. The authority associated with those keys has been a symbol passed down through history. Stewardship is a sacred trust. ~~~ (Romans 11:33-36) There comes a time, in the pursuit of divine knowledge, when the mind fails to grasp what only the heart can love and accept. †Paul teaches that theology must always include mechanisms for growth, and the openness to change and develop one’s understanding of the infinite. Revelation is a continuing process, within which, we must stop, admire and render praise to God.. ~~~ (Matthew 16:13-20) Authority wielded with service and respect acknowledges that one’s charges are sacred trusts. Under the leadership of †Peter, and others, the first generation of believers survived the aftermath of Jesus death, and the subsequent persecution from Judaism and then, Rome. This included internal turmoil of conflicting cultures, theologies, missions and pastoral policies. †Peter’s burden of the keys and his responsibility of stewardship passes to all who lead others to Christ. The Essence of a Leader Every one of us has “high” and “low” moments. It’s important that our “lows” do not “get us down,” to the point that we do not draw encouragement from our “highs.” While never forgetting our weaker side, we must strive to promote our strengths. The low moments of others, therefore, must not cause us to denigrate them. We must always look to help them, and find their potential. It may be human nature to voice criticisms, but when we are reluctant to give words of encouragement, we inhibit improvement! In considering what people “are not,” we often overlook what they “are.” It’s much better to appreciate what values a person possesses than brood over their inadequacies. The Church has always viewed †Peter as it’s first patriarch, owing to the quote in †Matthew’s Gospel about “the rock.” * Nonetheless, it is telling that Jesus saw the need for management of His new Church, and †Peter figures prominently in many places throughout the New Testament. From ancient traditions of “the keys,” we know that that inference gives him a special distinction in the line of leaders. Despite his human failings, Jesus saw the value in the man, that proved to be stellar as he went on to provide guidance to the fledgling congregations of the first century. His generosity, enthusiasm and leadership were counted as above reproach. People are cautioned to be aware of their weaknesses as they attempt to guide the development and actions of those they serve. Airs of infallibility in governance have proven to be less than beneficial throughout history. Contrary to public opinion, we must view the actions of our leaders to be of even more importance than their past. Anyone can give “lip-service” to their intentions, but only what they do can truly bear out their worth. Those who administer the affairs and teaching of the Church today, have succeeded from a long line of forebears, dating back to †Peter. According to Scripture, Christ founded a visible Church, that would never go out of existence; and had authority to teach and discipline believers (Matthew 16; 18.) †Paul teaches that this Church is the “pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Timothy 3,) and was built on the foundation of the apostles (Ephesians 2.) Further, he tells us the Church would have a hierarchy, composed of deacons, presbyters and bishops (1 Timothy 2;3;5.) Bishops were tasked to appoint priests, on the island of Crete (Titus 1.) Ignatius of Antioch told his readers: “Follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father…as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop” (110 A.D.) Unlike the apostles, Christ’s Church would exist for all ages, so the apostles passed on to their authority to bind and loose doctrine; forgive sins; and speak on behalf of Christ and to worthy successors. We who are elevated to the office of bishop bear a special responsibility to ensure continuity of doctrine and morality is professed to the faithful. In turn, we enjoy and are eternally grateful for the support of our congregations, who, in turn, are charged with ministry of the Gospel to all mankind, as living examples of the teachings of our Blessed Lord, Jesus. With this sustenance, we are buoyed in our mission to provide over-arching guidance and pastoral care. May God Richly Bless You! • Modern scholarship agrees that Jesus reference to “the rock,” in †Matthew’s Gospel, has multiple interpretations—the most obvious of which is to His apostle, †Simon's name (“Cephas,” Aramaic = “rock; “Petros,” Greek = rock.) Founded upon the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, the Church has metaphorical, visible “cornerstones,” laid upon †Peter, the apostles, and their successors, throughout history. Eternal Ruler.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here: https://youtu.be/wmO8e8Tqi40

August 20th, 2023 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Christ and the woman of Canaan” by Annibale Corracci 1595 A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Universalism” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 56:1-7) God’s house is open to all those who worship with sincerity Written during a time of repatriation (ca.515 B.C.,) Isaiah stressed that universal compassion, righteousness and justice were to become imperatives for the people. ~~~ (Romans 11:13-32) †Paul tells us God never takes back His gifts. Those who return to Him are sure of obtaining mercy. †Paul regarded himself as the human instrument of Israel’s conversion to “The Way of Jesus Christ,” through his preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. He exhorted them not to bask in pride or harbor ill will against the Israelites. Because of God’s mercy and unending love, Israel can also share in the life-saving news of the Gospel and participate in the reconciliation accomplished by Jesus for all of humankind. ~~~ (Matthew 15:21-28) The secret of missionary activity is an unquantifiable reality: Faith cannot be predicted, measured or limited by human statistics. The Canaanite woman was a pagan from the region of Tyre and Sidon (modern-day southern Lebanon.) Without the law and the prophets to guide her, she nonetheless called upon Jesus by the Messianic title “Son of David,” and, in doing so, she became a living example of faith. That faith signaled the end of the old era of The Law, and the inauguration of the new era of the Kingdom of the Faithful. All Are Welcome There are no reserved places at the banquet of the Kingdom. We must try to do our best to live righteously, but we cannot count on anything we may do, except the mercy and goodness of God. The Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel had to face many obstacles in order to obtain a cure for her daughter: She had to overcome pride in order to beg (as a Gentile, she knew she wasn’t welcome among Jews;) she had to overcome the apparent indifference of Jesus; and then a rejection by His disciples. But she was not discouraged, because she wasn’t seeking something for herself. Unselfishness enables us to withstand almost anything, empowering us to “transcend” ourselves. Most mothers and fathers would do likewise, (as many have,) with no guarantee of a happy outcome. As such, the Canaanite woman is held up to us as an example of faith, courage and love. This story is a testimony to God’s love for all people, in all nations, and has brought hope and comfort to hurting souls in every age of the Church. Some people may wonder: “Is there any hope for me, a sinner? …For my son’s incurable disease? …For my sister, who has fallen away from the Church? …For my co-worker, who has never been baptized and did not have a religious upbringing? …For everyone who has been traumatized by abuse and neglect? The answer is found in Scripture, over and over again. “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7.) No one is excluded. Unlike some denominations, the position of the Old Catholic Church has always been to welcome everyone to partake of the Holy Sacraments, regardless of their past, their political or social views or their proclivities. God’s power and His desire to bless us are not limited only to “chosen people.” All His promises are still available to us, today. We can enter into the healing presence of Jesus as we praise and worship God, imitating the Canaanite woman’s adoration. Just as she experienced the Father’s love to deliver His people from the enemy, so too, can we. There is another message here, that may have been overlooked. There is much to be gained through perseverance. Every salesperson knows to expect resistance, and even rejection, from a customer. That is simply human nature. We are reticent to accept ideas at first hearing, irrespective of the source. But as we encounter them repeatedly, they begin to resonate with us. Understanding a customer’s objections, and offering a conscientious presentation of goods or services that are beneficial for them can enable acceptance, with persistence. (Many times, a person’s negative response stems from all the misinformation that is presented in today’s mass media. Thoughts and opinions that would have been considered “unconscionable,” in the recent past, have proliferated today, due to constant repetition, to the extent that they are accepted as “truth” by many people.) But if we are tenacious in our beliefs, and they are in keeping with faith and morality, our ideas can find acceptance, in spite of initial rejection. This was the manner of the Canaanite woman. She was certain that Jesus possessed the ability to affect the health of her daughter, and no amount of dismissal was too much to bear. We are called to be patient with those who reject our ideas, especially those regarding faith and morals. Outside influences are powerful, and it is imperative that we understand them, thoroughly. Consistent, gentle persuasion is one of the most powerful forces at work in the world. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can effectively minister to our family, friends and neighbors, firm in the belief that eternal salvation is the prize awaiting each of us. May God Richly Bless You! Communion Invitation, A.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

August 13th, 2023 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time “It is I; do not be afraid.” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: The Power of Prayer” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (1 Kings 19:9-13) In soft and whispering silence, the Lord can reveal Himself and His ways. The prophet Elijah adopted a very militant, even bloodthirsty approach in his battle against idolatry. On the run for his life, he learned that God’s ways are not man’s ways. God is as gentle as a breeze. ~~~ (Romans 9:1-5) †Paul tells us about the sorrow and anguish he suffered because his fellow Jews refused to accept Christ as the Messiah. Even though his words revealed God’s love, there were those who chose not to listen. In Romans 9-11, †Paul assembled a sound presentation of the Christian position, challenging the Jewish “hardness of heart.” They comprise the first organized theological defense of the Christian sect over against the theology of the synagogue. One can pray for another, instruct and teach the other, but faith, like the growth of a seed, must come freely and from within. ~~~ (Matthew 14:22-33) Amid fearful cataclysms of nature and tempests of human discord, God can speak to us with power and reassurance, calming our fears and bringing us peace. As †Matthew related it, the incident in today’s Gospel is clearly symbolic. The boat represents the Church; the disciples are beaten by the winds and waves of persecution. Jesus is not with them, physically; He is in heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father. However, in their hour of need, He came to them. †Peter’s sinking and being saved is a likely reference to his failure during the Passion, and his restoration after the resurrection. He represents the typical disciple, caught between faith and doubt. The Efficacy of Prayer For each individual, “praying” has a different meaning. For some, it means to reach out to the Almighty in times of distress, for inspiration, hoping to find answers to life’s problems. Or, they may pray for favors, or some consideration from God. For others, it may mean sitting quietly, perhaps during a special time of day, and attempting to shed extraneous thoughts—clearing one’s mind, so to speak. The mystics term this activity, “meditation,” and it has many devotés among all societies. Still others, concern themselves with the problems or situations of others, and offer prayers hoping they might be blessed with wisdom, good choices, health and safety. Finally, there are people who seldom or never pray, formally. They may even believe it to be a form of “folly,” or even, “self-delusion.” Theirs is a rather hopeless view, in my opinion, for they rely on mere happenstance for the events they experience. Whatever form prayer takes for you, most people would agree that there exists “power” beyond ourselves that defies explanation. We have witnessed examples of this, when people experience a series of “lucky” events out of all proportion to their own efforts, or, for those who suffer from illnesses—having defied medical science—suddenly receive cures that can only be termed “miracles.” Historical apparitions leading to such marvels such as those at Fatima, Lourdes, and Medjugorje come to mind. (Martin Luther said, “None can believe how powerful prayer is, and what it is able to affect, except those who have learned it by experience.”) Many people take great solace when beholding a beautiful sunrise, a sunset or some stelar phenomena, which, in turn, stimulates them to spirituality. (We can recall astronaut’s first views of earth from space, moving them to deep reflection.) Then there are instances in life, such as the marvel of human birth or the blush of “first love,” that can literally “take one’s breath away.” Whatever “moves us” outside ourselves, and spurs us to consider what may “lie beyond,” can be said to be a form of prayer. How we interpret it is open to individual bent. Understanding its import to personal well-being, and that of others, is something that resists universal explanation. There is no denying that we cannot comprehend, or properly interpret everything in our universe. Empirical science can only go so far to offer rationale, and that changes, as our collective intellect improves. The realm of metaphysical—that is, “beyond physical”—knowledge has occupied the minds of philosophers and great thinkers for time immemorial, and will continue to do so. The first “medicine men” in recorded history, may well have been those who offered explanations to others for things that occurred, for which there was no prior understanding. (Perhaps they were simply “unlucky,” having to remain “outside the cave” during some perilous event, and somehow, survived to tell of their experience. “How else could they have not been killed?” (by whatever disaster occurred.) “Surely, they must be endowed with some special gift or power.” Most of us, today, have become desensitized to things that would have been considered “supernatural” only generations before. From the advent of fire, in ancient societies; innovative methods of architecture; the invention of the wheel; to the marvels enjoyed since the industrial revolution; understanding of flight, quantum physics, medical breakthroughs, space exploration in our computer age, mankind has steadily advanced in knowledge and comprehension and acceptance of the material world. Still there remains an arena of the human psyche that defies enlightenment—the mind, or, the soul. We have little to no concrete, transcendent information to help us grasp the intricacies of thought. Therein is the realm wherein prayer can offer comfort and hope. Faith is that belief that the “power beyond us all” is real, and offers us purpose to deal with the quandaries of our existence. Proponents of free will firmly believe that we are the agents of our own happiness, based upon the choices we make. (†Augustine said: “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”) If we could “prove” everything, there would be no need for faith. Whether it is as complex as determining the nature of God, or how one should approach something as ordinary as dealing with interpersonal disputes, we must often look outside our own purview for understanding, in order to find resolution to our queries. Frequently, we are called upon to postulate an answer to a question for which we have no capacity to solve. (Lincoln said: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”) Whenever we present ourselves in quiet meditative prayer, we also may hear the soft whisper of the Holy Spirit, from within our immortal soul, offering wisdom—if only we are open to the possibility. May God Richly Bless You! You Do Not Walk Alone.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

August 6th, 2023 The Transfiguration of the Lord A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “He Was Transfigured Before Them” Reflections on Today’s Scripture [Only †Matthew, †Mark and †Luke give an account of the Transfiguration. †John writes that Jesus’ glory is only received “with the Father, full of grace and truth,” at the beginning of his Gospel—where some see that as a reference to Transfiguration. But our Blessed Lord refers to His passion as His glorification—the true identity and power of the One suffering—and is revealed in the Transfiguration to encourage us.] (Daniel 7-14) “…clothing as white as snow….” This Reading, taken alongside today’s Gospel, has apocalyptic visions and symbols. The author wants to console his fellow Jewish faithful, who are being persecuted for their faith by king Antiochus Epiphanes (ca. 167 B.C.) The moral is that people of faith can conquer temptation and adversity. ~~~ (2 Peter 1:16-19) The Second Coming is reinforced for non-believers. The author states that Jesus already has the essential qualities that will be revealed when He comes again. Meditating on the exalted Messiah should mean a renewed awareness of own exaltation to come. ~~~ (Matthew 17:1-9) In the Transfiguration, we are invited to see the Lord Jesus as He really is. We commemorate the Lord’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor twice during the year—2nd Sunday of Lent, and today, August 6th –in order to bear witness to His Divinity as His Passion draws near; and to celebrate His exaltation in glory. Our faith tells us that constant happiness is impossible during life on earth. As it was in the life our Savior, we also must suffer before we can enter our glory. (Note: Parts of this commentary are excerpted from Pastor’s Letter—Second Sunday of Lent.) A Peak Experience We know that our experiences affect us much more profoundly than do talks or lectures. Even though we may not be able to analyze them, we know they influence us (for good or ill,) and continue to do so, sometimes for years, afterwards. Jesus’ Transfiguration on Mount Tabor had great significance, first of all, for Jesus, Himself: It came at a crucial moment in His public life—at the start of His journey to Jerusalem. He knew the same fate awaited Him there as befell all the prophets—violent death. Being wholly-human, He naturally recoiled from such a fate. In order to reflect and pray about it, He climbed to the top of Mount Tabor, taking †Peter, †James and †John with Him. While there, He felt himself comforted, reassured, affirmed and strengthened for the ordeal ahead. Although He still had to face a dark and threatening future, He knew it was what His Father wanted. The experience was also of great importance for the three apostles—confirmed by their faith in Jesus—and helped them to face the dark future with Him. Jesus’ Transfiguration could be called a “peak experience,” similar to those many of us have had. Ours also might include light, peace, unity, joy, exhilaration or meaning—experiencing the presence of God—true moments of grace. They could be triggered, not only by prayer, but by poetry, music, nature, etc. More often, however, they are likely to be the result of suffering some painful struggle. Occasionally, in His love for us, God allows us to taste the joys of the world to come—on earth—by giving us glimpses of the “promised land,” towards which we travel in faith. Though these experiences may be very beautiful, they should not become a preoccupation, for then religion would degenerate into a search for “highs.” Too much emphasis on “peak experiences,” which, by definition, are rare and unpredictable, narrows the scope of God’s influence in our lives, and renders the rest of life religiously unimportant. The sacred dimension is always present, and, in a strange way, the low moments may be just as enriching as the high ones. After Jesus’ wonderful experience on the mountain, He had to go back and resume His journey to Jerusalem. Similarly, we also have to “come down from the mountain,” into the plain or valley of ordinary life. True faith does not encourage escape from life, but helps us to commit ourselves more deeply to it. God wants to transform us, just as He transformed His Son; He has “saved us and called us with a holy calling” (2 Timothy 1:9.) Too often, however, we try to change ourselves by using the power of the world to live spiritual lives. It cannot be done like that; it comes only “through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, Who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel” (1 Timothy 1:10.) As we come to see Jesus through the eyes of faith, His Spirit is able to work within us, transforming our lives and giving us a share in His perfect holiness. The transformation God wants to work in us is not merely for our own well-being. All members of the Church of Christ are meant to reflect His glory, and by this reflection, to change the world. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Father wants to transform us all into radiant sons and daughters, shining like the sun in this darkened world. Ever since His first promise to Abraham, that He would make of him “a great nation” (Genesis 12:2,) God has been working to bring His people to a fullness of life that will renew the race of the earth. The degree to which we are transformed and empowered is the point at which we will be effective in convincing the world of the glory of Christ and the truth of His salvation. Jesus’ Transfiguration helped prepare the apostles for the salvation He was to win for all humanity. Our transformation—and the transformation of the Church—can prepare the world to receive and accept the salvation Jesus has won for us. We must let the Holy Spirit work through us, molding us into the image of Christ. As we are transformed, the Church will reflect God’s glory and the whole world will be touched. Because we are made in the image of God, we carry the splendor of divinity within us. Virtue causes our self-image to shine and in doing so, it transfigures us, too! May God Richly Bless You! How Great Thou Art.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

July 30th, 2023 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Priority of Values” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (1 Kings 3:5-12) When God told him he could have any gift, Solomon chose the gift of Wisdom,. The ability to govern wisely and well is a rare and precious gift given to very few. 1st Kings portrays Solomon as “larger than life,” a “human wonder,” regardless of his many failings. It was composed during the Babylonian exile, to offer his contemporaries a reminder of better days ahead. The earlier Hebrew writings saw wisdom as a matter of “practical knowledge,” and developed it to the point of being a personified, divine attribute. ~~~ (Romans 8:28-30) People who love God can turn everything to their spiritual advantage. †Paul teaches the belief that “all will turn out well” is not childish naïveté, but the secure hope of those who love God. His plan and purpose for humankind and for all creation is perceived as “good,” based on love, and as “glory-bound!” God wills that believers will produce in themselves the image of Christ by a progressive share in His life and teachings, through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. ~~~ (Matthew 13:44-52 What God offers to us is so precious that it is worth everything we have. Before a person sells “all that one has” in order to purchase the “pearl of great price,” one must pray for the insight to recognize the “pearl” when they find it! Such a poor business practice can be mitigated when the investment in question is the Kingdom of God; and the transaction has eternal consequences. The Search From time, immemorial, people have sought treasure. They eagerly search buildings, fields, hills and under the sea—seeking the “prize” that would make them happy. In ancient times, some pearls were thought to be priceless. It’s said that Cleopatra paid untold amounts of money to kings from the East, for a pair of the largest matching pearls ever found; Caesar reportedly paid 400 tons of gold for another exceptional gem. Other treasures have given rise to tales of gold rushes, and excursions to find hordes of pirate booty. Since the 19th century, such expeditions have become the stuff of legends. (The fable of the Lost Dutchman mine, in Arizona, is still being told.) Hidden caches of diamonds and precious gems; and countless shipwrecks, containing vast fortunes, have led explorers into uncharted jungles and ocean depths. Today, modern treasure hunters are drawn to the Lottery, casinos or the stock market. Their one common thought seems to be: “If only I can ‘hit the jackpot,’ all my troubles will be over!” In one way or another, all of us are “treasure hunters”—looking for something to make us completely happy. At a casual glance, there is nothing wrong with this: if everyone was happy, then artists would not be composing or painting; authors would not be writing. Christ encourages us in our pursuits, as our two Gospel stories relate, today. Our Blessed Lord loved “searchers,” and He had sympathy for those who were looking—even if they were looking in the wrong places, for the wrong things. He understood their hunger and thirst, and was able to point them in the right direction. But He couldn’t do anything for the smug and the satisfied. Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a rare pearl or a priceless treasure. In other words, the Kingdom is worth everything we have. Those who find it are truly fortunate. Even if, in the eyes of the world, they appear foolish and poor, in God’s eyes, they are wise and rich. The Kingdom of God is quite a simple concept: It means to know the meaning of life, and how to live it, as would a child of God—with divine dignity and an eternal destiny. Our chief task is not to be successful, or even merely, to be fulfilled. No one can be happy who misses the main purpose of life. Rather, the only question that really matters is how best to live properly. Those who find the answer to that question have found their “pearl of great price.” Such a thing is not an illusion. The parable underlines the unrestrained joy of one who finds it. It is truly something wonderful when a sense of the presence of God, and a certainty about His love for us suddenly bursts upon someone! It brings peace to the heart; joy to the mind; and beauty to life. Happy those who taste such joy, even sporadically. Happier still, are those for whom it is the reality in which they live…. Tasting the joys of the Kingdom first involves letting go of all extraneous things, and our dependence on them—in the sense that they may have become the “be-all” and “end-all” of our existence. Life is unintelligible and unbearable without purpose. A close relationship with our Creator is the real treasure….one that gives us a sense of who we are, and our true purpose. Only with a firm grasp of our spiritual nature will we truly find that for which we search. When we find it, we will have found everything of importance. Faith cannot give us all the answers, inasmuch as it never means that all the work is done for us. Faith commits us to a life of discovery, searching and yearning. In fact, if we had all the answers, faith would not be necessary! For example, those who seek an explanation for the universe, inevitably come to a point, beyond which there is only conjecture. “What ‘caused’ the Big Bang?” Or, “From what was the source of all that infinitesimally concentrated matter which comprises the universe?” Our rational minds can only take us so far, before we must conclude we cannot know all the answers! Many of us seek out holy places and Churches, in order to provide an opportunity for solace, to help deal with our inability “to know.” For those of with a religious heritage, within that structure we can begin to find our true purpose; relate to God; and feel close to Him. In Jesus’ story, it was while the man was going about his daily task (digging,) that he first found his “treasure.” Our treasure may well be hidden in the ground on which we stand. Those who belong the Kingdom of God will taste real joy even now. But we know that it is only a foretaste of the eternal joy that is to come. May God Richly Bless You! For Peace.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

July 23rd, 2023 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time In every field, some weeds will grow. A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “God’s Forbearing Patience” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Wisdom 12:13-19) Salvation history attests that our wise and patient God is a believer in second chances. The book of Wisdom was written about the first century B.C., in Greek, in Alexandria, Egypt, the ancient educational and scientific center of the Mediterranean world. The accent on God’s forbearance and compassion, guiding the destiny of His people, links this Old Testament selection to today’s Gospel parable of the weeds and the wheat. ~~~ (Romans 8;26-27) God alone understands the combined potential of the resilient human spirit, and the indomitable Holy Spirit. †Paul declares that humankind is caught in the tension of being finite creatures, who, nonetheless, possess infinite desires and eternal potential. We need the Holy Spirit, Who voices our hopes and prayers, to facilitate our calls upon God, our Father, and enable fulfillment. ~~~ (Matthew 13:24-43) With God alone rests the power to decide between “weeds” and “wheat.” All persons, of any station, nationality or background, are allowed the chance to grow and to thrive together, until the time of “harvest”—a popular metaphor, used to illustrate the manifestation of the Messiah. Given an atmosphere of tolerance and patience in which to develop, aided by the power of God’s Spirit helping the weak, perhaps some of the “weeds” might accept the teachings of Christ. We live in a time of “second chances,” until the final judgment. Saints and Sinners in the Church There have always been two views of the Church—one, exclusive, the other, inclusive. The exclusive view holds that the Church is for “good people”—those who are fully committed to its precepts. In the inclusive view, the Church must be open to everyone—the hot, lukewarm and cold; saints as well as sinners. For some, the presence of sinners in the Church is a cause of scandal. If they had their way, only saints would be permitted. (The discovery of pedophiles among the clergy in recent decades is an enduring dishonor that has thrown the Church into turmoil.) The issue of sinners was of great concern in the early Church, as well. The Pharisees believed they should be ruthlessly rooted out and eliminated. But Christ didn’t agree. Like the Kingdom, the Church is a “mixed bag.” It must not “play God,” with purges and inquisitions, but allow the definitive separation to the Last Judgment. In the meantime, the Church must be patient, preaching repentance and practicing leniency—an expression not of weakness, but of strength. Christ did not exclude sinners; rather he welcomed them, declaring that He had come, not only to call the just, but also sinners to repentance. His parables were a response to this very question. Today’s “farmer” saw his newly-sown field awash in weeds, and felt despair. But Humans are complex beings, who can’t be divided into “good” and “bad,” as though they were two completely different classes. Sooner or later, “weeds” appear in our “fields,” as well—someone betrays your trust, a partner is unfaithful, or an associate is dishonest in business. We are shocked and hurt at the appearance of evil in their behavior. The wickedness of bad people is expected, more or less, but poor behavior by good people takes us by surprise. For a while, at least, we tend to see everything as “bad”—making us see our lives in a very negative way. It might seem obvious to some that the answer is to eliminate all the evil in our lives. But that proves impossible.* “Evil,” stemming from human choices, is immediately adjacent to us, and proves difficult to remove from our midst. Since all human beings have free will, there is no way to assure ourselves that anyone, let alone ourselves, will always choose the “right way.” Further, there is no “line” that can be drawn to separate it from ourselves, for it would go through every human heart, wherein lives the potential for both good and evil. We must, first of all, “calm down,” in order to enable us to see things in a better perspective. The world is a mixture of “good and bad,” “light and darkness.” People we consider “good,” may do terrible things—recklessness, jealousy and immorality. And so-called “bad people” may possess sorrow, repentance, pity and sacrifice. Even in the small “garden,” of Jesus’ apostles, which He tended carefully throughout His ministry, “weeds” persisted—yet He didn’t “write them off.” Consider that He didn’t “weed out” Judas, or Peter. While Judas was allowed to take responsibility for his actions, He saw the weakness in Peter’s life, but permitted his good character to prevail—and it did. The best we can do is to take a good look into our own “field.” If we find some “weeds,” as no doubt, we will, there is nothing stopping us from ridding ourselves of them. (However, we will discover what a difficult, and even painful process this can be—bad habits tend to persist.) We must be humble and patient, and continue to work hard to cultivate the “wheat,” coaxing and encouraging it in the hope that it will outgrow the “weeds.” (In Jesus’ day, an especially persistent weed—darnel—was prevalent, but it routinely was “shorter” than wheat, at maturity. This allowed it more easily to be culled at harvest,) We should try to act toward “others” as Jesus acted. It’s curious, that He Who had no trace of “weed” in Himself could be so understanding towards those who failed to “measure up!” The Church can do no better than imitate its Founder. It must be gracious and loving enough to hold sinners in its fold. If it does not do so, it is not the Church Christ established. The Church is a temple with a hundred gates, and pilgrims enter from every angle, through every door. From all kinds of paths, we enter the house of God on a Sunday morning. Ours is not a Church for those who feel good, but for those who know that they do not. God is a great deal more tolerant than are we poor humans! Because of the presence of evil, we have to struggle. But it is through struggle that we grow. Struggle awakens all that is good and precious within us. Indeed, the presence of evil could be said to be “necessary.” Unless we are allowed to make a choice between good and evil, no virtue would be possible. While we distinguish, clearly, between good and evil, we must strive to be as understanding and tolerant as we believe God would be. Now is not the time for judgment. The Kingdom of God is still in its growing stage. Now is the time for conversion. People can change—we can change. May God Richly Bless You! * The suggestion to “root out the weeds of society” might seem to make sense—and indeed, it has often been tried—but it’s not a Christian solution, or even a “human” one. Consider how futile it was to “purge” heretics during the Inquisition; to eradicate Muslims during the Crusades; to eliminate alcohol production and consumption during prohibition; or defeat illicit drugs, criminal activity and terrorists, in our own day…. Abide with Me.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

July 16th, 2023 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Sowing God’s Word” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Isaiah 55:10-11) God cares of the earth by sending rain to make it fruitful. He cares for us by sending His Word. In addition to the privileges of the eternal covenant and the enjoyment of peace and plenty, the invitation in our First Reading contains a number of imperatives to “seek the Lord,” and “turn to Him.” In return, the revelers at the divine feast are to become His witnesses, guides and masters of all peoples. ~~~ (Romans 8;18-23) The glory that awaits us in the next life far outweighs anything we could suffer in this life. †Paul, like has ancestors in faith, regarded human destiny and nature’s destiny as contingent realities. From the beginning, primeval historians understood the material universe was made by God, and subordinate to humanity. The “apostle to the gentiles” taught that temporal suffering would pale into insignificance in comparison to the eternal joy to come. ~~~ (Matthew 13:1-23) Jesus compares the Word of God to a seed falling into the ground. In describing obstacles to growth (thorns, bad soil, birds, etc.,) Jesus recognized there would be certain difficulties and even resistance to His preaching, and to the establishment of the reign of God. In spite of hindrances, it would be widespread as surely and as richly as the harvest He described. Importance of the Word One might wonder how many words we have heard throughout our lives. Like seeds dropped into the soil of our minds and hearts, those words came from parents, and many others, during the springtime of our lives. We heard words of greeting, welcome, encouragement, affirmation, advice, guidance, correction, chastisement, warning, caution, comfort and consolation. At the time, we may not have appreciated those words, but we needed to hear them. It’s anyone’s guess how many of them “took root” in our lives. One thing is clear: our lives would be immeasurably poorer without the sowing of those words. As adults, we still need the sowing of the word. It’s a pity that some people only hear words of criticism and blame; or, even worse, a diet of silence…. But how happy are those who hear words of encouragement, love and peace. Human words, no matter how necessary, will never fully nourish us. We need the Word of God to give us guidance in times of doubt; reassurance, in times of difficulty; comfort, in times of sorrow; correction, in times of foolishness; challenge, in times of laziness; warning, in times of danger; and hope, in times of despair. God’s Word is never negative. It is spoken in love. Just as food nourishes the body, God’s Word nourishes the mind. Never before has there been so much “talk” as we hear in our modern media. The plethora of verbiage from radio and television has now been augmented by myriad “podcasts” and “opinion pieces,” foisted upon us via the internet. It’s a veritable “blizzard of words!” The only way to hear, or even recognize God’s quiet Word in the midst of this din, is to create some little bit of stillness and quiet within our lives. Then, too, it’s not sufficient to merely “remember” God’s Words; we have to ACT upon them. We can take a lesson from a diamond. Many diamond substitutes allow light to pass right through them. Diamond, however, reflects light back to the viewer, after bringing it to life, and setting it “on fire.” For some people, the Word of God goes in, and then, passes through, unnoticed. For others, it is heard, gathers strength and comes back out, having transformed the hearer. The Church has always venerated Sacred Scripture, as it venerates the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. These are offered from one table in the Holy Mass. Through His Word, God is continually calling us to a better and more fruitful life. He doesn’t speak to us as a dictator might, but as a Father, speaks to His children. His Word is as gentle, as weak and defenseless as a seed falling into the soil. Yet, that Word is more effective than the word of the most powerful dictator—it can change people’s hearts! But God doesn’t only speak to us through the Scripture. He also speaks through the events in our lives. We can use Scripture to interpret the deeper meaning of those events. We will not be judged solely by our results, but by our efforts. In nature, a seed has only a short growing season, in the early part of the year. Not so with that seed which is the Word of God. Growth can come at any stage of a person’s life. The seed of God’s Word, once dropped into the human heart, never dies. It’s never too late to take it to heart. May God Richly Bless You! Come to the Table.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

July 9th, 2023 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Come to Me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest.” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “The Coming of God’s Kingdom” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Zechariah 9:9-10) Because the Messianic King came in peace, He was unrecognized; because He did not pillage and plunder, His voice went unheard. He is portrayed, not as a proud warrior, but as a humble, gentle champion of peace for all people. Judah had been without a king for almost 300 years (ca. 520 B.C.) The reconstruction of the temple had not succeeded in rebuilding the broken spirit of the people. Alexander the Great’s conquering armies made the future seem tenuous. For whatever reason, Zechariah’s hopes seemed directed not toward a new era for his people, but to a final era of judgment for all peoples, to be ushered in by the Messiah. ~~~ (Romans 8;9-13) †Paul contrasts life “in the Spirit,” with life “in the flesh.” The Spirit of Jesus gave rest, freedom and a share in His eternal Kingship to the people. In Romans 8, †Paul presents justification*, to those who had grown weary and disillusioned with the technicians of the Law, as a more positive mode of expression; speaking of that, for which the Christian is freed, namely, a life in God. (*In Ch. 5...it was liberation from the wrath of God; In Ch. 6…it was redemption from the reign of sin; In Ch. 7…it was deliverance from the burden of the Law. In each case, the saving activity freed the believer from sin, death and the law.) ~~~ (Matthew 11:37-42 Jesus revealed the Father to those who are “little,” and lightens the burdens of those who are “humble.” The Good News finds a home in those seeking true revelation, rest and peace. When He calls upon His Father in an intimate way, Jesus echoes, in His own Person, the personification of wisdom, the reflection of eternal light and the image of God’s goodness. This implied that traditional wisdom, learning and the Law were obstacles to grasping the wisdom of His message. Those steeped in the traditions of the Law found it more difficult to open themselves to His words, so “letter-perfect” was their observance of it. The knowledge of God, via Jesus Christ, and the loving relationship which sprang from that acceptance, serves to lighten one’s “burdens.” Strength and Weakness Last week, I spoke about our “crosses,” which Jesus told us we must bear. This week, we consider Jesus’ invitation to bring Him “our burdens.” Even though we are to strive to overcome whatever difficulties we face, we don’t have to do it without His help. For most people, life is full of challenges, some of which prevent them from achieving “full potential.” We sometimes face worries, about ourselves, our families, the state of the world, with its myriad political and social pressures. Some of us labor under untoward responsibilities—some placed there by choice, and some heaped upon us through no fault of our own. Health concerns can be sources of stress, and in some cases, debilitating to the point that we cannot function, without outside help. Many people find personal relationships fraught with issues of mistrust, hurt, bitterness and disappointment. In our ever-advancing, technical society, there are those that have menial jobs, are poorly paid and generally taken for granted. They are valued, not for themselves, but only noticed when “they are missing!” It makes a world of difference when people are recognized, and treated with kindness and respect. How a little sensitivity, or a word of appreciation helps to make a “heavy burden” light! In Jesus’ day, the Scribes and Pharisees lived a privileged existence, with no appreciation of what life was like outside their company. With their emphasis on “exact observance of the Law,” and their multiple rules and regulations, they placed impossible burdens on the people, to whom they reluctantly “ministered.” They had little sympathy for those who found their burdens “too much to bear.” Jesus empathized with common people, having worked as a laborer during His early years in Nazareth. Although the New Testament is quiet about the details of those days, we can assume, with confidence, that He lived like many a young Jewish person of His day. He would have been taught Hebrew, and learned the expectations of the Synagogue, from His parents, Mary and Joseph; and most likely learned a trade—carpentry—from His father. He knew firsthand the struggles, difficulties and frustrations of the “working man.” He would have been acutely aware of the “burdens” they had to bear. Consequently, He had compassion for them, and wanted to ease their burdens. People came to him from all quarters, and found their problems “lightened,” sometimes by His mere presence, alone. He said, “Come unto Me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest…for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Only love would account for His ability to do that. Only love can make a heavy burden seem light. We know that one who is deprived of food and water sometimes can barely survive to the end of the day. But a mother, who gives up food so her children can eat, hardly notices the deprivation. Then too, some of our burdens may be “baggage,” which we could, and should let go. There is a Zen story about an old man, going on a spiritual journey with a heavy sack on his back. On his deathbed, he passes the bag to his disciple. When the disciple opens the bag, he finds it is empty. When he wondered why it seemed to have weighed so much, the old man said, “It was heavy with the weight of everything in my life that I did not need to carry.” Religion should not make life more burdensome. If Jesus placed any burden upon us at all it was that we must love one another. He doesn’t take our burdens from us, per se, but gives us the strength to carry them. Strength and Weakness Humility and gentleness don’t seem to make much sense in our modern world. For instance, there is a belief that if you want to succeed, you have to be firm; if you’re gentle, people will take advantage of you. Gentleness tends to be equated with timidity, passivity and weakness. Nothing is so “strong” as a self-confident person who handles the world with tenderness. Poised gentility is a necessary quality of life, as evidenced by the hands of a mother, a surgeon or a nurse. We all yearn to have a kind heart, and we wouldn’t be able to grow without one. A gentle person knows that healing and growth results from nurturing, not forcing one’s position on another. “A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly and touches with reverence.” (Henri Nouwen-Dutch Catholic Priest, 1932-1996.) The lust for power is rooted in weakness, rather than strength. Only the weak measure their worth by the number of people they can dominate. Weaklings “puff themselves up,” trying to act tough; strong people persevere, striving to rise above their vulnerabilities. There was no harshness in Jesus. He didn’t force Himself upon people; didn’t attempt to control them. Rather, He was very gentle, and respected their freedom. People with positive influence over others have no need to control those whose lives they touch. Consider today’s competitive world. We are taught we must “project” ourselves, at all cost, if we want to succeed. Humility is most often seen as weakness, but it is the foundation upon which we can build the “house of the Spirit.” Humility does not involve self-deprecation. Rather, it is the grateful recognition of our goodness, wherein we acknowledge our integrity as a gift from God. To those who would be gentle and humble, Jesus promised peace of soul. It is because we know so little about being gentle with one another, that we have so much trouble in our homes and in our world. We want to dominate others, because we know so little about humility. In turn, we have so little peace within ourselves and with others. Proud and arrogant people do not bring peace. They spread confusion and unrest, by projecting their own anger and frustrations onto others. Humble people disarm those they encounter, and bring out the best in them. While proud and insensitive persons make life burdensome for themselves and others, people who are gentle and humble make life less arduous and oppressive for everyone. May God Richly Bless You! Come As You Are.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

July 2nd, 2023 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Pick up your cross, and follow Me” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Hospitality and Crosses” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (2 Kings 4:8-16) Through hospitality, the wonders of salvation can be experienced by all believers. Freely and generously offered, it never goes unanswered. Oral tradition has preserved the Old Testament activities of Elijah and Elisha, providing us with lively illustrations of how God cared for His people in times of personal need and political crises. In the story of the woman of Shunem, we find vivid expression of the Gospel, where Jesus said: “…he who welcomes you, welcomes Me…whoever receives a prophet, because he is a prophet, will receive a prophet’s reward….” (Matthew 10:40-41.) ~~~ (Romans 6:3-11) In an atmosphere of receptivity, the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection will find a home. To be fully vibrant, life in Christ demands daily dying to self. †Paul introduces “sanctification through baptism” for the first time in his letter to the Romans, as an explanation of what kind of behavior—moral response—is required to witness to the fact of a believer’s justification by God. ~~~ (Matthew 11:25-30) A hand held out in welcome, a cup of water shared in love—these are the signs of a heart open to the Lord’s words and ways. Belonging to Christ does not negate all other relationships; rather, Christian commitment makes all other relationships holier, and happier. All late-first-century Christians, both Jewish and Gentile, were acutely aware of the rigors of their belief in Christ—ostracization, persecution and even death. The way of Jesus became “The Way” of those who would be His disciples. Those who continue Jesus’ work, in faith and service, also share His death, and ultimately, His glory. Hospitality One of the nicest experiences we can enjoy is to meet an open, friendly, warm and hospitable person. Hospitality is a hallmark of a true follower of Christ. When, at long last, winter gives over to spring, people draw back their curtains, and open their windows, to allow fresh air, sunlight and warmth to pour into their homes. In the presence of such wonder, the reality of “real life” can present itself, say, in the presence of a homeless person. Then, it is not uncommon for curtains to be drawn and doors closed to avoid contact with them. Later, after they may pass by, windows and doors are reopened once again, people rejoice, and sunshine and fresh air are welcomed once more. It’s strange, how our homes are always open to receive God’s sunshine and fresh air, but not always open to receive a “child of God,” especially if he or she comes in poverty. Christ urged us to be hospitable. True, hospitality today is a very different matter than it was at a time when nobody locked their doors. Many people can’t remember a time when the reality of locks, bolts, chains, peep-holes, alarm systems, and guard dogs were not commonplace. Growing up, as I did, in 1950s Nebraska, we were not surprised by the unannounced visit of friends and acquaintances to our door. Nowadays, to do so without a “call first,” is virtually unheard of. Those were times of door-to-door salesmen, like the “Fuller Brush Man,” or the “Avon Lady,” who would make their rounds of neighborhoods. One such salesman brought accordions into our home, when I was a mere eight-years-old, and from that visit, my lifelong passion for music took root. (As it happened, my oldest brother Donald’s girlfriend, Jacqueline Cink, was our town’s accordion teacher…Hmmm?) Hospitality offered to a friend is no “big deal.” Then, no risk is involved, and there is every likelihood the favor will be returned. But to offer a stranger hospitality, such is not the case—you don’t owe a stranger anything, and many times, there can be risk. But Christ showed us that we should welcome strangers in our midst. It means accepting them as they are, enabling them to shed their “strangeness,” and become members of the community. He taught us to “reach out,” and thereby reap enormous rewards. This is the kind of “spring” we can cause to visit our homes and streets, one that will banish the “winter” of mistrust, fear and hostility from our midst. Hospitality is at the very heart of the Gospel—where to welcome the stranger is to welcome Christ, Himself. In receiving the Church, people receive Christ and, ultimately, the Father. Evoking the words of our First Reading, Jesus underlines the virtue of hospitality towards God’s envoys. Referring to his disciples as “little ones,” He suggests only people, who recognize themselves as being nothing of themselves, are able to be used for the greatest imaginable: the communication of God’s life to the world. The smallest act of kindness shown to a disciple will not fail to have its recompense—presupposing God’s kindness, which will not overlook the slightest deed of generosity. “Reward” is not something we win for ourselves—it is always the free gift of a generous God. We must always remember that having an “open heart” comes with risks—a person can “get hurt.” But to open our hearts means we can begin to truly live. To close it is to begin to die…. Following in Christ’s Footsteps Each of us has a “cross” to carry. There is no need to “make” one, or to “look for” one. The crosses we have are already difficult enough for us to bear. As Jesus took up His cross, we have to take up ours. Our crosses are not made of wood, but of our burdens—worries, problems, illnesses, conflict within the family…the list is endless. Perhaps there is no “big cross,” only a multiplicity of little ones. However, enough drops eventually fill the cup to overflowing…. Our crosses may not be visible to others—not outward burdens, but inward ones, like depression or grief. These are heavy crosses, indeed, but one cannot weigh them on scales. Our most painful cross is the one in which we have no choice. Living with a difficult person would be an example. It is much easier to choose a cross for oneself, than to accept one that comes, “in the line of duty,” so to speak. Over and above these crosses, which come to everyone, are those which come to us because we are disciples of Christ. The most common reasons for giving up the practice of the faith are not intellectual, but moral. People know that actually following Christ will subvert their plans, which are often mercenary and proud, and would mean saying “no” to themselves, in certain instances. Following Christ involves dying to self. This process begins at Baptism. †Paul compared Baptism to death, when he wrote: “In Baptism, we were buried with Christ.” At our Baptism, we “let go” of our old life of sin, becoming a new creature, able to live in freedom, as children of God. This is a lifelong process, of course, upon which we embark and persevere, only with the grace of Christ. But the purpose of death is resurrection. The death of the old, sin-ridden self, results in the birth of a new self, modeled on Christ. A person who solely grasps at personal fulfillment will only see it slipping through their fingers; while someone who sacrifices themselves for Jesus (and others,) will find true serenity. Christ did not choose the way of ease, or evasion. His was a life of self-sacrifice and suffering—not that He was “in love” with suffering, but because He chose the way of love. Love inevitably results in suffering…but it is the only condition that makes suffering bearable and fruitful. We are not saved by Christ’s suffering, but by His love. And it is through His suffering that He attained to glory. If we suffer with Him on earth, we will be crowned with Him in heaven. The road of suffering is narrow and difficult. So, it is a great comfort for us to know that Christ, the innocent and sinless One, has gone before us on that road, and followed it to the end. It is not the same since He traveled it, because, now, a bright light illuminates it; and it does not end at Calvary, but at Easter. May God Richly Bless You! Be Still and Know.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

June 25th, 2023 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Witness in Spite of Fear” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Jeremiah 20:10-13) Jeremiah remained faithful to his difficult task as prophet because of the knowledge that God was with him. Jeremiah witnessed the demise of Judah and the subsequent deportation of his people to Babylon (ca. 627 B.C.) A reluctant prophet, he provided Judaism with a lively illustration of God’s care. ~~~ (Romans 5:12-15) †Paul draws a contrast between Christ and Adam: Sin came into the world through Adam; abundant grace came through Jesus Christ. †Paul understood Baptism as the first step in a lifelong process of becoming like Christ. But, as any baptized Christian can attest, the sacrament does not automatically make us immune to sin. Our salvation is worked out gradually in relation with the Lord, with each day drawing us closer to fulfillment. ~~~ (Matthew 10:26-33) Christ exhorted His disciples to open and fearless witness to the Gospel, assuring them of God’s special care in all their trials. Three points are made in today’s Gospel: a) discipleship is a bond that supersedes all others; b) discipleship will lead, inevitably to the cross; and c) discipleship has its rewards. All three concern “attitude:” that of disciples, themselves; and of others, toward disciples. Choosing to follow Jesus in love and service often creates factions between believers and non-believers, even between family members. The ties that bind believers to the Lord are more precious than any other. Fear It is normal and natural that courage will sometimes fail us and that we will be afraid. All those who have accomplished great things have known fear at one time or another But fear is not such a bad thing…. Sometimes fear has a protective function, warning us of the presence of danger. In that case, fear is a grace. But fear can also be a handicap…paralyzing us, and turning us into a coward. Jesus knew His disciples would be afraid. He understood their fears and too them seriously. When He told them: “Be not afraid,” He was addressing their fears and trying to relieve them. He wanted to give them courage, to move them beyond fear, knowing fully that fear could make them so timid they would not be able to fulfill their mission. Without courage, we can’t practice any other virtue with constancy. Faith is a great source of courage, in that we believe that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, God will give us strength to prudently choose among the many alternatives we are given. Freedom from fear is the greatest freedom we can possess. We must overcome fear to live a dignified life. Since fear and courage are not mutually exclusive, and do “coexist,” we must embrace fear, knowing we can overcome it, and carry on in spite of it. Witnessing in Spite of Fear Jesus called for witnesses—people who are not afraid to be seen as His followers, in the midst of a skeptical and sometimes, hostile, world. Fortunately, there are people who are courageous enough to provide that witness. We know them, for the most part, from accounts of their work, and sometimes, we have seen it, firsthand. Venerable Archbishop †Fulton J. Sheen, a mid-century televangelist and author, devoted his life to presenting the Gospel to millions. His concise, thoughtful presentation of Biblical principles through “chalk-talks” are quite memorable, from my youth. Our family would gather, regularly, to view the programs. Later, I acquired a selection of them on DVD, and watch them often. Billy Graham was another stirring example of fearless witness. His career spanned more than six decades of Biblical crusades, from 1947 to his death in 2005. Pioneering the “altar call,” many came to profess their faith in our Blessed Lord, Jesus. Others, sadly, were victims during their ministry, paying the ultimate price. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not only was a passionate evangelist, but an outspoken crusader for minority rights. His political positions made him front-page news, and ultimately, led to his assassination. †Oscar Romero was conservative archbishop of San Salvador, who was also involved in the civil rights movement in his country. According to him, courage was not required, but only an understanding that his enemies dealt in fear, and he was not afraid of them. He said, “At the first sign of danger, the shepherd cannot run and leave the sheep to fend for themselves. I will stay with my people.” His outspoken positions eventually led to his murder, (1980,) while saying Mass. Many other stories of priests and preachers who dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel and taking stands against social ills can be found in history. Even though we may not aspire to such heights of heroism, people like these are an inspiration to us. The words of Christ surely apply to them: “If anyone declares himself or me before men, I will declare Myself for him before My Father in heaven.” Every place needs Christian witnesses. It’s not enough to be secret disciples, we must give public voice to our faith. While in some countries, such behavior may mean putting one’s life in danger, most of us will never face such a fate. Wherever Christian values are being eroded, witness may be even more difficult. While there may not be hatred, hostility or opposition, something even more sinister may exist—deadly indifference. In such cases, a special courage is required. We must overcome our fear of what people might think of us, say about us or what it may “cost” in terms of our egos. Christ didn’t mean we should never “be afraid,” as He knew such is human nature, and even prudent, in some situations. Rather, the issue was that fear might paralyze us, or make us so timid we are unable to fulfill His mission. He meant to encourage us so we might be able to move “beyond fear.” This can occur if we have trust in our God-given, specific talents and abilities, with which we can choose to spread the Word. With the help of the Holy Spirit, working within us, we can summon the fortitude to be effective disciples by our everyday thoughts, words and deeds. It simply must become part of who we profess to be…. May God Richly Bless You! Proclaim the Glory of the Lord.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

June 18th, 2023 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “God’s Enduring Kindness” “Ordinary Time” When we think of “Liturgical Seasons,” we typically mean those “major” times of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, that could be thought of as “the main events” of Christ’s life—from His incarnation, birth, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven Rather than something “plain,” or “unimportant,” then, as the words might usually imply, Ordinary Time includes the weeks immediately after the Epiphany, until the First Sunday of Lent; and then those from Corpus Christi to the First Sunday of Advent. These (30-plus) weeks of “Ordinary Time,” include Christ’s miracles and parables; His calling of the Twelve; the Sermon on the Mount; the disclosure of the “Bread of Life;” and much more. Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Exodus 19:2-6) God’s call to every believer imparts dignity and identity; by virtue of that call, we become ministers of His earthly reign. Long after Moses’ ”Sanai Event,” Christians regarded Yahweh’s covenant with Israel as the type and “prefigurement” of the relationship afforded to humanity in the person and saving mission of Jesus Christ. The tenets of God’s conditions there, prescribed His followers to become a nation of priests, a holy nation—not in the clerical sense as set out in Leviticus, but in the prophetic sense of Isaiah—to be exercised as a testimony to the Lord before all the nations. As consecrated people of God, in the new covenant, we retain a similar vocation today, calling on us to fully live the life of the Gospel, in the midst of contemporary culture. ~~~ (Romans 5:6-11) †Paul chastised the Church of Rome, saying that they were unworthy of the “undeserved grace” of God’s salvation. There is no logic to be found therein, but because of that gift, sinners can draw near and be saved. †Paul’s enthusiasm and joy almost “leap from the page,” as we read his description of God’s agape love. This is love that is uncaused by the attractiveness or worthiness of the object—in a word: it is selfless. It has been noted that God doesn’t love us because we are good; rather, we are good because God loves us. ~~~ (Matthew 9:36-10:8) Those who are commissioned for the Gospel mission are also given a share in the power and authority of Jesus. With their many pressing needs, the “people of the land,” (as the Pharisees termed those outside the law,) were without a shepherd—a field ripe for harvest. Writing in the late 80s, A.D., †Matthew identifies the twelve “apostles,” as those who had experienced the risen Lord and been commissioned by Him to preach the Gospel. As guardians of “holy tradition,” they and their successors, were the Church’s first leaders. Charged by Jesus with a share in His healing work, they were also empowered by His authority over sickness and evil. Becoming Apostles Our Blessed Lord, Jesus, chose some very unlikely candidates to begin His earthly ministry. From the standpoint of “qualifications,” as a group, they were not “team oriented;” and there was ample evidence of jealousy and rivalry between them. For instance: †Simon Peter exhibited emotional instability and fits of temper; †Andrew lacked leadership qualities; †James and †John, sons of Zebedee, were “hot-headed;” †Thomas showed a questioning attitude that undermined morale; †Matthew, showed ability, but as a dishonest tax-collector—a hated class—he projected a poor image for the group; ††James, son of Alphaeus, and †Thaddeus, both had radical leanings; †Simon was a member of the Zealots, whose aim was to remove the Romans from Palestine; †Nathaniel and †Philip were possessed of insecurities. Only one among the original twelve showed, what we would call ability, resourcefulness and a “business mind,” and that was Judas Iscariot! This shows that Jesus didn’t work with “perfect” human material, but simply, “ordinary people.” Far from perfection, the apostles had the same human faults and failings we find in ourselves. Being “chosen” is a privilege and an honor, but also a great responsibility. The Israelites were chosen to be a light to the nations; and the apostles were chosen for a task—to help Christ with the “harvest.” At Baptism, we also were “chosen.” Although none of us can “do everything,” each of us can “do something,” to further the cause of the Gospel. Like the apostles, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is a whole world of people for whom Jesus shed His saving blood, but who (because the Gospel has not touched their lives,) will not experience its elevating and perfecting power in their societies and cultures, or in their personal lives. If we are faithful to our calling as ministers of Christ’s Word, the Gospel will spread and God’s kingdom will be built. Christ of the Gospels Today, Jesus depends upon us. In order to become an apostle of the Lord, it is not necessary to be “exceptional,” much less a saint. All one needs is a willingness and an “open heart.” Our Gospel today reminds us of the “real” Jesus, Who showed compassion “in action.” When He looked at “ordinary people,” He saw a collection of individuals, with their unique problems, worries, joys and sorrows. Far from despising them, as the Pharisees did, He showed them empathy, precisely because they were wounded and in need. His first act was to give Himself to them. But, knowing how great the “harvest” was to be, He summoned helpers, (apostles,) to aid Him in His work. Bringing their unique backgrounds, these men became His friends and special companions during His earthly ministry, and beyond. He trained them, not in a formal way, but by living with them, walking with them and being a Model for them. They learned to do what Jesus did, and when He sent them out on His mission, they became agents of compassion to others, especially the poor and suffering. In our study of the Scriptures, we sometimes can forget Who Jesus really was. The Church can forget, too. It can put out doctrines, dogmas, rules and regulations. Individuals can put their private devotions before Christian living. Today, there is an increasing preoccupation with revelations and apparitions. Meanwhile, there is also a yearning hunger for the Christ of the Gospels. The best way we can show our thanks to God for all the love He has shown us in Christ, is to share that love with others. This is the role that we play in the world—to become the “hands of Christ” to everyone we meet. Mother Teresa, in her daily prayer, said it best: Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I know will feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only You. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine; so to shine as to be a light to others. Amen. May God Richly Bless You! Prayer of Mother Teresa.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

June 11th, 2023 Feast of Corpus Christi: The Body and Blood of Christ A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Sharing Life with Christ” An Historical Perspective The feast of Corpus Christi dates to the thirteenth century. In 1246, bishop Thourotte, of Liege, Belgium, instituted it for his diocese at the urgent request of †Juliana, prioress of a convent on Mount Cornillon, near the gates of the city. A few years later, Pope Urban IV, a former archdeacon of Liege, extended its observance to the whole Church. This feast, with its annual processions of the Blessed Sacrament, enables Christians to proclaim not only their faith in the Real Presence, but also their gratitude to God for all the benefits they derive from this great Sacrament. The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is so intrinsic to the life of the Church, and the faithful, that from it, alone, earthly life draws its sustenance and finds continual expression. Through the Holy Mass, Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary—the ever-flowing spring of our Redemption—is made present by the Church on the altar, and offered to God, in union with Christ, Himself. Through Holy Communion an ever-closer union of the faithful with Christ is affected, together with the transformation of their lives by means of His. Having been born to a life of grace in the waters of Baptism, Christians receive the Holy Eucharist as heavenly bread. Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:2-16) People are urged to remember they are God’s people, who need to nourish themselves by His Word. Remembering the good things that God has done in our lives will whet our “faith appetite, for Him, in times of doubt. The events of the Exodus became symbols of God’s constant care. In retrospect, the manna in the desert, became a foretaste of the Eucharistic Bread (the Body of Christ,) for early Christians. The water from the rock foreshadowed Baptism. Torah and manna became signs and tastes of God’s loving acts of providence. ~~~ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) †Paul encapsulated the Eucharist as a sharing in the same bread, and so, however many we are, we form the one Mystical Body of Christ. †Paul counseled the believers at Corinth in regard to their social activities. Their every action was to be consistent with their commitment to Christ. As such, they were to be cautious about giving scandal to others by their behavior. Borrowing language from the Passover Meal (the Seder,) he described the Holy Eucharist as the “blessing cup” of fellowship in the Mystical Body. ~~~ (John 6:51-58) As food and drink nourish the body, so Christ nourishes us for this life and eternal life to come. A new alliance between God and humankind grew out of the gift of Jesus’ flesh and blood. Jesus’ very special revelation about His Body and Blood, as food and drink, meant to be a source of unity for the Church, is also, at times, a cause of contention among Christians. †John portrays Jesus and His sacrificial death as the divine replacement for the Passover Lamb. The Bread of Life Humans experience many kinds of hunger. We need ordinary “bread,” of course—a basic necessity (after water.) But bread nourishes only “half” of us—our physical side. We also have a spiritual side that cries out for nourishment. In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we are nourished, first with God’s Word—a “spiritual food,” that comforts, guides, inspires and challenges us. Then, we receive the “food of eternal life” in the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. In the Eucharistic Banquet, we receive nourishment for our minds, hearts and spirits. Therein, we experience the abiding presence of Christ within us. He is not merely a “vague memory” of a Person Who lived long ago, as some evangelicals profess, but as a real, life-giving presence that transforms us. By consuming the food of the Eucharist, we receive Christ into our very bodies, and are imbued with His Spirit, with which we are able to nurture others. The Bread we receive at Holy Communion gives us strength to follow Christ. In response to our needs, Jesus nourishes us in so many ways. “Transubstantiation,” the Real Presence of Christ—Body, Soul and Divinity—in the Blessed Sacrament, becomes perplexing only when we lose our sense of His presence in all of creation. Those with a deep sense of the existence of God in everything, will not have great difficulty believing He is present in a very special way in the Holy Eucharist. God alone can satisfy all the longings and hungers of our hearts, because He, alone, can give us the “bread of eternal life.” The Body of Christ When I consider a loaf of bread, (or, for that matter, any “finished” product,) I’m oftentimes taken aback when I contemplate all that went into its coming into being. As creatures who understand the concept of “objective reality,” we know that many component parts and processes are required to develop anything that exists. Bread is one thing that is particularly fascinating. (It’s history, as a dietary staple, dates as far back as civilization, itself—perhaps, 30,000 years!) Many agents contribute to its making, including: soil, in which the seed of the grain is nurtured; sunlight, to promote the process of germination and growth; moisture, from rain, enabling nutrients to be absorbed into the plant; labor, performed by people that harvest and process the crop; millers, that make it into flour; and finally, artisans, who skillfully combine all the ingredients for baking. We normally don’t consider all these steps when we see all the many varieties of loaves arrayed on the shelf at the store. But if only one component of the process were to be omitted, bread could not exist! Then, too, we must consider God’s part in the process—to Whom we give thanks, and without Whom nothing of this would be possible. At the Offertory of the Holy Mass, this is beautifully expressed: “Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.” In today’s Second Reading, we heard †Paul utilize a loaf of bread as a metaphor for our unity in Christ. Once, we were separated from one another, like grains of wheat, but when we gather together for worship, we form the Mystical Body of Christ—the Church. This is an even greater miracle than a loaf of bread! As “one body,” we become living witnesses to God’s desire to bring all peoples and nations together into one family. We become the “Body of Christ,” made visible…. As “one family,” we experience the warmth of community—in an atmosphere of love. Therein, we rise above shyness, coldness and indifference—things that prevent our unity. So, when we leave Church to become part of the milieu of humanity, we must not forget to take the warmth and love of “community” with us, out into the world. May God Richly Bless You! In the Bread, Broken.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

June 4th, 2023 Feast of the Blessed Trinity Icon of the Blessed Trinity (Andrei Rublev ca 1360-1430 A.D.) A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “The Unfathomable Mystery Of God” Reflections on Today’s Scripture (Exodus 34:4-9) God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai, as a God Who is faithful to His promises and rich in tenderness and compassion. On this feast day of The Blessed Trinity, we celebrate the personal involvement of God, with us as Father, Son and Brother; as Spirit and life. In the Old Testament, God is portrayed as tenderly caring for Moses, placing him in a cleft of a rock (for protection,) to glimpse a revelation too great for human understanding. ~~~ (2 Corinthians 13:11-33) †Paul encouraged the Corinthians to live in peace and love. The “Trinitarian Blessing,” used today, as a greeting to be offered to each other at the beginning of every Holy Mass and at the start of all our prayers, began as a kiss of peace. All who believe in Jesus, and His saving work, can share in the life of the Holy Spirit. Calling for reform and social harmony, †Paul advised the Corinthian believers in Jesus to offer each other a holy kiss—a reference to the greeting of peace, customarily exchanged at the “breaking of bread.” The early Christians’ celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the “table of the Lord,” provided the perfect context for repairing personal relationships, mutual encouragement and community growth. It has become today’s sacrifice of the Holy Mass. ~~~ (John 3:16-18) God has shown His love for us by sending His Son to save all of us. All who believe in Him will be saved. Martin Luther proclaimed this Reading “a Gospel in miniature,” because it proclaims, in a few words, the incredible dimension of God’s love, as well as the saving effect of that love on the course of human history. It reinforces that salvation is identified with eternal life but also underscores the fact the believer can experience it, not only after death, but in the present. †John reminds us that love is the hallmark of all God’s dealings with His people. Rublev’s Icon’ None of us wants to be “left out.” If we don’t receive an expected invitation to a wedding, for instance, we may feel hurt, excluded and not wanted. Of course, we also have to look at ourselves to see how generous we are when it comes to inviting other people into our own lives. Some people we dismiss immediately, barely exchanging a word with them. With others, we may share a polite—but brief—chat at the door, without bringing them into our home. Still others we may bring into the entryway, where we “talk business,” for example, but then we show them out. Then, there are those select few whom we welcome, invite to come in immediately, and offer hospitality. In Rublev’s icon, which is seen at the beginning of this letter, the three Divine Persons are shown seated at table, replete with a dish of food. Quite noticeably, there is an empty space at the front of the table—which the artist meant to convey “openness, hospitality and welcome,” towards the stranger and outsider. This space is meant for each of us, and for the entire human family, signifying God’s invitation to share His life with us. For many, the great mystery of the Holy Trinity is intimidating, and that is a pity. We should view the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as friends, to Whom we can relate, and with Whom we can converse, in prayer. Because the Son of God befriended us, we are no longer strangers and outsiders. We are God’s children…a part of the family. We have already been given a place at the banquet of earthly life, but God wants us to have a place at the eternal banquet, also. Only at God’s table can we find the nourishment our hearts crave. From all this, we comprehend that God is love. Our only response must be trust in Him and love for one another. The Holy Trinity—an Historical View Acceptance of Scripture as the inspired, written Word of God is a concept still being debated, today. For believers, the very steadfastness of the Bible throughout the millennia is testament to its abiding worth, and systemic truth. For some, however, ONLY Scripture, the Old and New Testaments, in particular, is of value in crafting a belief system. However, most modern theologians also accept a “developing” Scripture—or, “holy tradition,” that continues through the present day (a prime example of which is the New Testament, itself!) †Paul’s letters to the Corinthians (ca. 54 a.d.,) were the first references we find to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. There are numerous references to the “Spirit of God,” throughout Scripture, of course, but none encapsulated them as the Blessed Trinity, before †Paul. Theologians accept †Paul’s blessing (“In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit,”) as evidence of the Church’s gradual and growing understanding of the nature of God. Our modern Feast of the Blessed Trinity requires us to understand and celebrate it as a prolongation of the mysteries of Christ, and as a solemn expression of our faith. In the triune life of the Divine Persons, to which we have been given access by Baptism, we enjoy the Redemption won for us by Christ. We must accept that only in heaven shall we properly understand what it means to share in the very life of God—in union with Christ. The doctrine of the Blessed Trinity was borne from much disagreement and strife, throughout the first four centuries of the Church. Then, emperor Constantine, in an effort to quell heresy concerning Christ’s divinity, convened the first Ecumenical Council at Nicea (325 A.D.,) where he proclaimed the Catholic Faith the “state religion,” and earnest discussions were begun to solidify an understanding of the Holy Trinity. Further clarification was offered by Aurelius †Augustine (ca. 354-430 A.D.,) bishop of Hippo Regius, in North Africa, who became the most influential theologian of the Latin Church. Anyone seeking to comprehend the Catholic Church must understand †Augustine. In explaining the concept of the Trinity more precisely, he used psychological categories in a new way—espousing a similarity between the threefold God and the three-dimensional human spirit. He postulated the existence of relationships between the Father and the memory; between the Son and the intelligence; and between the Spirit and the will. This became to be known as the Son—begotten from the Father “according to the intellect”—(The Father knows and begets the Son in His own Word and Image.) But the Spirit “proceeds” from the Father (as the lover,) and the Son (as the beloved,) “according to the Father’s will.” The Spirit, then, should be understood as the love between Father and Son having become “person.” In this reference, the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son”—as we commonly recite in The Profession of Faith, during the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. The Greek Church fathers, however, always began from the One God and Father, Who for them, as the “One God.” They defined the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit in His “light.” This gives us an analogy of “one star” that gives its light to a “second star,” and finally, to a “third.” To our human eyes, all three stars appear one after the other, only as “one star”—all proceeding from the Father, alone. †Augustine posited it was the one Nature of God, or Divine Substance, that is common to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This “Divine Nature” has become the principal of unity for the Latin Church. To develop the illustration from the Greeks: three stars do not shine one after the other, but “side by side,” in a triangle at the same level, with the first-and-second-stars giving light to the third. Therein, †Augustine made an intellectual construction of the Trinity with philosophical and psychological categories, in an extremely subtle way, as the “self-unfolding” of God. It is this view that has permeated the theology of Church, down through the centuries, to the present day. For us Christians, all life begins in the Trinity, comes from the Trinity, and is destined to seek eternal rest in the Trinity. The life of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—mystery of divine mysteries—is a mutual giving, so complete, that the divine Persons do not exist except in relation to one another. The divine life given to us through Baptism into Christ’s Mystical Body is meant to be shared with all people, through the apostolic zeal of Christians. May God Richly Bless You! Trinitarian Blessings.docx To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here: