A Sacramental Life

2011-05-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Saint Michael Parish

On Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011

106 N. Washington Street Canton, Pennsylvania 17724 (570) 673-5253 Office — (570) 673 5630 Fax email: stmichaelparish@frontiernet.net Prayer Line – stmichaelprays@aol.com Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30a.m. — 1:30p.m. Reverend Michael S. McCormick, Administrator Deacon William Graham, Permanent Deacon

St. Michael Church St. John Nepomucene Church 107 N. Washington St., Canton 133 Exchange Street, Troy

St. Aloysius Church Ralston

Weekend Masses

Sunday: 8:00a.m.St.Aloysius,Ralston 9:30 a.m. St. Michael, Canton

11:15 a.m. St. John Nepomucene, Troy

Daily Mass

9:00 a.m. – Mon., Wed. and Fri., Canton Rectory

5:30 p.m. – Tues., St. John Nepomucene, Troy Confessions (also available by appointment)

Sun 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. St. Aloysius, Ralston Sun. 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. St. John Nepomucene, Troy Wed. 6:15 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. St. Michael, Canton

Eucharistic Adoration

Wed - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., St. Michael, Canton

First Friday after Mass - 12:00 p.m., St. Michael, Canton

Religious Education Classes

Canton – After the 9:30 Sunday Mass Troy – Before the 11:15 Sunday Mass

ST. MICHAEL MISSION STATEMENT

“As members of the parish community of Saint Michael, Saint John and Saint Aloysius, we are rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ passed on to Our Holy Father and in com- munion with our Bishop. We joyfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and his real presence in the Eucharist. We serve the Lord through acts of faith, hope and charity by the graces given through the Sacraments. It is our intention to carry out this mission so that we may be the face of Jesus Christ in the world.”

Baptism: The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated by ap- pointment. All parents must attend a baptismal prepa- ration meeting prior to the Baptism. Please call the office to schedule dates.

R.C.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Prepara- tion is offered for adults who wish to enter the Catholic Church and adult Catholics who wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation. Please call the parish office for more information.

Marriage: A meeting with the parish priest should pre- cede all other wedding plans. Couples contemplating marriage should contact the parish office six months to a year before the date of the intended marriage.

Anointing of the Sick: Through this sacrament the be- liever is strengthened by Christ’s grace through the anointing of holy oils. All who are seriously sick, hos- pitalized, or having surgery can receive this sacrament. Please contact the parish office if you wish to receive this sacrament.

Sponsorship Cards: Those parishioners who have been asked to be sponsors for baptism or confirmation can receive sponsorship cards at the parish office. In order to receive a card, parishioners should be baptized and confirmed Catholics, attend Mass regularly, married in conformity with the laws of the Church and be regis- tered in the parish for at least 90 days.

LITURGY SCHEDULE

From Father Mike’s Desk

Saturday, April 30, 2011 Saturday in the Octave of Easter NO MASS

Sunday, May 1, 2011 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Ralston † Isabel Kripp (Mr. & Mrs. Donald Gephart) 9:30 a.m. Canton † Joanne Strozyk (Susan Schiess) 11:15 a.m. Troy † Easter Mass Intentions

Monday, May 2 Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the Church NO MASS

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES 5:30 p.m. Troy - I.H.O. Dixie Weaver (Sue Duncan)

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Easter Weekday 9:00 a.m. Canton † Edward Richard 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Canton - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Thursday, May 5, 2011 Easter Weekday 9:00 a.m. Canton -† Edward Richard

Friday, May 6, 2011 (First Friday) Easter Weekday 9:00 a.m. Canton † Easter Mass Intentions 12:00 p.m. Benediction

Saturday, May 7, 2011 Easter Weekday NO MASS

Sunday, May 8, 2011 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 8:00 a.m. Ralston † Isabel Kripp (Joe & Frank Carwale and

Kim & Ted Cooley) 9:30 a.m. Canton † Eddie McCormick (M/M George Schoonover)

11:15 a.m. Troy † Easter Mass Intentions

May 8th Liturgical Ministers

9:30 a.m. A. Herman, R. Polcrack - J. Wynne - L. Taylor, T. Beers - S. Beers, J. Ross, J. Rushin, J. Rushin 11:15 a.m. S. Pazzaglia, P. Blade - D. McClure - B. Szczech, L. Bell - B. Andrien, R. Brown, D. Updyke, G. Calkins

Dates to Remember

May 1 May 5 May 4 May 8 May 15 May 16-18 Fr. Mike away at Convocation May 19 Knitting/Crocheting group, 6:00 pm, rectory May 30 Memorial Day, office closed

May Day - Devotion to Mary Knitting/Crocheting group, 6:00 pm, rectory St. Michael A&R meeting, 7:00 pm, rectory First Holy Communion & Mother’s Day Catholic Communications Campaign 2nd offering

St. Michael Parish Offering, March April 16 & 17, 2011

Dear Family, All praise, honor and glory to God for a beautiful Easter Trid-

uum! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful par- ish. Your prayerful and joyful participation in all the celebrations of the past two weeks have inspired me to try to be a better priest and shepherd. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, parishioners. I am most grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make each church so beautiful: My brother and fellow clergyman Bill Gra- ham, the decorators, the "guys" who cleaned up outside St. Mi- chael Church and the rectory, Cathy Asbury for all her behind the scenes work, our Altar Servers, and all of you for your prayer and support.

At this time I want to acknowledge Roman and Joan Shuman for their special dedication to the parish. Joan, who has beautifully decorated St. Michael’s for many years, has passed the baton off to Beth Cole. That means Roman gets a break and Jeff will be kept busy. Thank you Roman and Joan. You are awesome and loved! Another change affecting our parish is that Christina Fleury will no longer be the accompanist and choir director in Canton. Christina continues to take the steps she needs to take to enter the con- vent. Thank you for sharing your talent with our parish. You cer- tainly helped us lift our hearts in prayer and worship of our Lord Jesus. Matt Black will now be leading us in musical prayer. He also plays at St. John's. Thank you, Matt, for taking on double duty.

This weekend we begin the beautiful month of May by honor- ing our Blessed Mother, Mary. I would like to take this opportu- nity to encourage you to pray the Rosary throughout this month which is traditionally dedicated to the Mother of our Lord. If you do not have a Rosary, please take one of the free Rosaries available in the vestibule at St. Michael's. I especially want to encourage the Family Rosary. Gather together once a day, or at least once a week, to pray the Rosary together. If your children have short at- tention spans, you can shorten each "decade" to just three Hail Mary’s. That way it takes about 5 minutes or so. Of course, the regular Rosary only takes about 20 minutes. Mary revealed to sev- eral saints that when you pray the Rosary with others, each person not only gets the graces of their own prayers, but also the graces for each person. In other words, if 5 of you pray together, our Lord and His Mother will bless each of you as though you each had indi- vidually prayed 5 Rosaries! The power of the Rosary increases exponentially when prayed with devotion, reverence, and faith in groups. Souls are saved. People who have fallen away from the faith return. Miracles, large and small, will happen when God's people gather in faith to pray. Next to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Rosary is one of our most powerful forms of prayer. Give it a try, and keep your eyes open for God's answers to your prayers.

That's all for now, except remember --You are Loved by Jesus, Mary and me.

Weekly Offertory Easter Flowers Easter Offering Catholic Social Services Care & Education of Priests Capuchin Sisters

Building & Maintenance

Thank you for your generosity

$3,035.67 $65.00 $115.00 $25.00 $7.00 $30.00 $54.00

ST. MICHAEL’S PRAYER LIST

Mike Acresti, John Adams, Gracie Adams, Bill Asbury, Carol Bennett, Richard Blasz, Tom Blasz, Desiree Bleam, Terence Carman, Ruth Carson, David Chaapel, JoAnn Colton, Rosemary DeWitt, Joseph A. Dorsey, Dave Duncan, Tim Duprel, Eva Fitzwater, David Foust, Dennis Foust, Betty Ann Graeley, Ruby Hansell, Peter Hamm, Bruce Harvey, Tammy Hipple, Denise Ives, Jacqueline Kniffin- Zangari, Jennifer Leahy, Ronald Lee, Christine Lovell, Carol Macelhaney, Randy May, Dorris McClure, Karen McNett, Carol Mehall, Ruth Meuse, Audrey O’Kula, Cheryl Orr, Casey Ostaszewski, Patti Owens, Ed Payne, John P. Pazzaglia, Pauline Pazzaglia, Tom Rabbittino, George Rausher, Fred & Helen Reed, Dave Reese, Ilene Roberts, John Shaffer, David Siverinac, Mike Skipper, Vickie Smithkor, Toby Stanton, Brandon Steltz, David Syczmanek, Barbara Szczech, John Vasil, Daisy Wright, Jeff Wynne, Dustin Zimmer

St. Agnes School

102 Third Street Towanda, PA 18848 (570) 265-6803 www.edline.net/pages/StAgnes Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds) to Grade 6, Middle States Accredited.

St. Agnes School wishes to thank the following donors for their generous contributions to the school:

In memory of Alice Burchill: Mr. & Mrs. Jack Fox, Mr. Ja- mie McLaren, and Mrs. Laurie Ludwig

In memory of Richard Fairchild: Hurley's Fresh Market, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gerrity, and Mrs. Olga Mehalchick

In memory of Carlyle Wood: Mr. & Mrs. Steven Lemasters, Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Tama, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Walsh, and Mr. & Mrs. John DeWan

May 1st—May 6th Readings Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts 2:42-47 Ps 118:2-4,13-15,22-24 1 Pt 1:3-9 Jn 20:19-31

Monday

Acts 4:23-31 Ps 2:1-9 Jn 3:1-8

Tuesday

1 Cor 15:1-8 Ps 19:2-5 Jn 14:6-14

Wednesday

Acts 5:17-26 Ps 34:2-9 Jn 3:16-21

Thursday

Act 5:27-33 Ps 34:2,9,17-20 Jn 3:31-36

Friday

Acts 5:34-42 Ps 27:1,4,13-14 Jn 6:1-15

Saturday

Acts 6:1-7 Ps 33:1-2,4-5,18-19 Jn 6:16-21

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS ST. MICHAEL CHURCH

Michael Asbury Emily Ditzel Jessie Marie Gilliland Kaydee Larcom Matthew Polcrack ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CHURCH Shayanna Gold

FIRST FRIDAY

Mass will be celebrated this Friday at 9:00 am in St. Michael Church fol- lowed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction at noon. Spending time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful way to honor our Lord and Savior at any time, but especially during the holy season of Easter.

Easter Flower Intentions: Kathleen Spencer, Wil- liam (Monty) Spencer, Margaret Acresti and Gerry Spencer by Mr. & Mrs. William Spencer. The Morris and Scott Families by Mrs. Harold Morris. The McCauley Family, the Congdon Family and the Blade family by Mr. & Mrs. Sid Congdon.

Word of Life: How much the world is in need of the mercy of God today! In every continent, from the depths of human suffer- ing, a cry for mercy seems to rise. ... In those places where there is less respect for life and human dignity, one needs the merciful love of God, in whose light we see the ineffable value of every single human being. Mercy is needed to ensure that every injus- tice may find its solution in the splendor of truth. So today, in this Sanctuary, I solemnly wish to entrust the world to Divine Mercy. I do so with the burning desire that the message of God’s merciful love, proclaimed here through Saint Faustina, may reach all the inhabitants of the earth and fill their hearts with hope. ... May the binding promise of the Lord Jesus be fulfilled: from here has to come out “the spark that will prepare the world for his final coming.” ~ Blessed Pope John Paul II, Homily in La- giewniki, Poland, August 17, 2002

Faith in Action: May 22nd & 29th we will be collecting dia- pers for the Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center. All sizes are welcome, but size 4 is the most needed. St. John’s Youth Group raised $265 from their bake sale for Catholic Charities for earthquake/tsunami relief in Japan. Good Job, guys!

First Annual Flea Market, Saturday, June 18th - 9 am-2 pm

Cleaning out the Attic, Garage, Basement, or the Barn? To reserve your space, or for more information, call Dawn Manley at (570) 297-1202. Beverages and snacks will be for sale in the hall. If you have items to donate to the parish table call Kim at 673-8910.

“Words of hope when life gets hard.” A unique Christian card company

Praying for You ~ Note Cards ~ Difficult Times ~ Specialty cards Special pricing available for church ministries.

Nancy Beahm - Owner - 673-4838 www.prayfullyyours.com revinedbyhim@yahoo.com

BRANN, WILLIAMS, CALDWELL & SHEETZ Attorneys and Counselors at Law

1090 WEST MAIN ST., TROY, PA 16947-0277

PHONE (570) 297-2192

120 TROY ST., CANTON, PA 17724-0146

PHONE (570) 673-5495

TERRI KELLEY Realtor 297-1503

NORTHERN TIER REAL ESTATE

www.northerntierrealestate.com

TROY, PA — 297-2513

P.D. Pepper Funeral Home

Services with love, warmth, and understanding

Springbrook Drive, Rt. 14 south, Canton, PA 17724

(570) 673-4333

SPECIALIZED CREMATION OPTIONS CUSTOM CEMETERY MONUMENTS

BARRETT LAW OFFICES Patrick J. Barrett, III Attorney and Counselor at Law

228 S. Main St. Athens, PA 18810 570-888-0297 Fax 570-888-4142 barrettathens@cqservices.com

17-21 Troy St. - PO Box 157 Canton, PA 17724 570-673-5180 or 570-364-5799 Fax: 570-673-5780 patbar.law@frontiernet.net

Canton Antiques & Such 35 West Main Street Canton, PA 17724

Hours: Monday & Tuesday by chance Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday closed

570-673-5118 www.rockwellfeeds.com

“Serving The Community With Dignity and Respect”

MORSE & KLEESE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Areas Most Affordable Prices · Locally Owned and Family Operated · Telephone Inquiries Welcome Inflation Proof · Pre-Need Planning Available · Personalized Cremation Service Available KENNETH H. ROBERTSON, SUPERVISOR/OWNER

Saint Michael Altar & Rosary Society

Wishes everyone a joyful Easter Season.

94 N. CENTER ST.

570-673-3193 CANTON

Trinity Family Health Care

―Serving all your health care needs –naturally!‖

Paul J. Hamburger, B.S., D.C.

Sherwood

570-673-8961

www.sherwoodpch.com

3995 Rou

PRIVATE ROOM WITH PRIVATE BATH

PO Box 42 26 West Main Street Canton, PA 17724

13 State Street

Phone 570-673-5445

Sylvia Betzer Proprietor

Restaurant & Store 16867 Route 14 Troy, PA 16947 570-673-5651 www.milkywayfarms.net

Towanda, PA 18848 (800) 326-9953 · www.empccfree.com

Doctor of Chiropractic 996 West Main Street, Troy, PA 1947 570-297-0471 - 570-297-5434 (Fax) St. Michael Parish member, attends St. John Nepomucene Church, Troy

In thanksgiving for prayers answered Deacon Bill & Mary Graham

Retirement & Personal Care Home, Inc.

te 414 · Canton, PA 17724

Providing the region with fresh and local dairy products since 1962

CHEVROLET New & Used

BUICK

Northern Tier Sustainable Meats

Quality Dairy Products

Cars Trucks SUVs

Junction of Routes 6 & 14 Troy, PA 16947

570-297-2148

GM Parts Service Alignment Tires

Your Bank for a Lifetime

Court House Square, Troy Toll-Free: 1-877-838-2517

4423 Leona Road Columbia Crossroads, PA 16914 Phone/Fax 570-297-4711 PA030014 St. Michael Parish member, attends St. John Nepomucene Church, Troy

www.cnbankpa.com

Member FDIC

The Clothing Store

(upstairs at Hoover’s) Selections for Men, Women & Kids! ALSO FEATURING FLAME RESISTANT CLOTHING & SPECIAL WORKWEAR

JJim’s Sporting Goods Hunting & Fishing Licenses Guns-Scopes-Ammo-Boots-Liberty Gun Safes 23 W. Main St. - Canton, PA 17724 570-673-3387 Phone - 570-673-7918 Fax Since 1972 jimssg@frontiernet.net www.jimssportinggoods.com

Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom. 10:13

Vinnie’s Pizza 2 Canton Street Troy, PA 16947 297-3220 or 297-3035

816 Canton St., Troy, PA ·

(570) 297-3445

B. MATTHEWS TRUCKING LLC. AND GARAGE Dump and Winch Truck Hauling Tires and PA Inspections for cars and Heavy Duty Trucks Heavy Duty Truck Parts 570-673-4911 Garage 570-673-3176 Office for Trucking

110 W Main St Troy, PA 16947 Office - 570-297-3030 Fax - 570-297-4093

Daniel E. Gilliland, Supervisor Gerald W. Vickery,Jr., Founder

Descriptive & Prescriptive not Predictive

2010-11-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about this weekend's Gospel passage for Mass from Luke 21:5-19.

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,’ and 'The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

Here is where my mind went:

Just a cursory reading of history reveals that there has never been an age without trial and turmoil.
What century has not seen wars?
Each generation has experienced plagues: leprosy, bubonic plague, small pox, polio, aids.
And there has never been a time when a true Christian has not been ridiculed and rejected, whether by friends, family, or state.
One of these days, those who predict the end of the world will be correct. So far, they have been wrong about 2010 times.

So what does this Scripture mean for us? Well, it describes the situation at the time of Jesus, the time of Luke and all times until this current age. The signs are always there and fall into two categories. The first category of signs is the evidence of evil, it's many manifestations, and the suffering it causes. The second category includes the many signs of God's loving presence and the peace, deliverance, courage and salvation He brings.

These scary readings in the Bible, known as apocalyptic literature, are meant to be words of encouragement to a persecuted people. They contain hope as they proclaim the presence of God and His ultimate victory. That ultimate victory is ours if we remain faithful. They help us move from our suffering to finding the finger of God in our lives. We can read the signs of the times and ask, "What is God saying in each event of our lives."

Then they prescribe the antidote to the ills of the world. The antidote is One-- Jesus! No philosophy, no government, no quasi-spirituality, no guru, no false religion can cure those ills. Democracy, Republicans, Democrats, Capitalism, psychology, psychiatry, socialism, globalism, boycotts, unions, laws, communes, diets, hypnotism, paradigm shifts, treaties, lower taxes, higher taxes, protestantism, positive thinking, exercise programs, military might and technological advances have done little to change human nature and the "signs of the times".

Let us turn to Jesus each moment of our lives. Fly to Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Approach Him with confidence. Ask for His forgiveness and the grace to persevere. Hand in hand with His Mother, Mary, enter His most holy Presence in the Sacrifice of the Mass. Let Him heal your pain, your memories, your thoughts and your opinions. There is one antidote. The antidote is One -- Jesus. Become One with Him.

TTFN

2010-11-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

I am about to begin a new chapter in my life. It is nothing unusual in the life of a priest, but that does not mean that it is easy. I have been transferred from Our Lady of Lourdes parish to St. Michael Parish. St. Michael the Archangel Parish is about an hour away from my current location. It is also about an hour away from the nursing home where my Grandmother has resided for the past 8 weeks. I have been her primary care giver for the last 16 years. Dementia and a bad fall necessitated her move to a place where she would have continuous care. It broke my heart, but I now know it was the best thing I could do for her.

So now that I no longer have charge of her day to day care, the Bishop has asked me to take this new assignment. It will be the first time in my priesthood that I have not been associated with a church dedicated to our Lady. I have had a strong devotion to St. Michael ever since I was around 3 years old when I learned "St. Michael the Archangel was named after me". I also thought sunny days meant that God was shining His love directly on and only for me! I outgrew that notion some time in my late 40's...

Now I know it is directly on me, I can share it with others without any loss of light, warmth, love or attention. Amen.

Please pray for me that I will be a good pastor. Please ask God to give me strength and zeal for the task and protection from the wickedness and wiles of the evil one.

Sadducees...

2010-11-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

The Sadducees were sad, you see
They didn't believe eternity...

A bit of a rough week for this poor sinner. My grandmother is in congestive heart failure. My nephew was arrested and jailed for breaking and entering, and I refused to post bail. I am packing for the move to my new assignment. And I am saying what seems like an endless barrage of goodbyes. Emotionally, I am on a roller coaster. One moment I am near tears as I comfort someone who is upset that I am leaving. The next moment I am so excited to be going to my new parish! Then I feel guilty that I am so excited!

What a nut! Between those silly and sad Sadducees and my own goofiness I am sure to keep laughing!

But, unlike the Sadducees, I do believe in eternity. "For the Christian, life is changed not ended." So, when it comes to Granny, I know she is ready to meet the Lord. Compared to me, her time in purgatory will be very quick. I have had the comfort and the privilege of giving her the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick several times. Personal pain and grieving are a given. Glorifying and thanking God for this wonderful woman is assured. Life is temporal and eternal. God's love is Immortal!

As for my nephew, pray, pray, pray! He is basically a pretty sweet young man. He is usually kind and considerate. But... no church, no real faith, and a sense that he has a right to anything he wants. I suspect drugs, but it is just a suspicion. He was, however, caught red-handed breaking in. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.

While I am on the subject of prayer, I would like to ask any readers (if there are any LOL) to pray for several women who have asked for my intercession. These women are beautiful, faithful young Catholic wives who have not been able to conceive. I have prayed over many women to conceive, and God has granted that request 13 times so far to woman who were told that they could only conceive by artificial insemination if at all. All 13, as well as the current women for whom I am praying, have refused morally unacceptable means in favor of trusting God and His will in this matter. What an inspiration they are to me!

That is it for now... God Bless You!

About Today

2010-10-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

About Today
The Holy Guardian Angels

Memorial, 1969 Calendar, celebration October 2
1955 Calendar, celebration October 2

Today is the feast day of the Guardian Angels and, as St. Bernard of Clairvaux said in his sermon: “… let us be devoted and grateful to such great protectors; let us return their love and honor them as much as we can and should.”

Pope Clement X elevated the Feast of Guardian Angels to the rank of an obligatory double to be celebrated on October 2. Pope Leon XIII raised this feast to the rank of a double major in 1883.

The Church teaches that we all receive a guardian angel at birth, an angel assigned to guide and protect us, to watch over us. So let us remember in this day and all days to come, that we are not alone in the world, we have our guardian angel watching over us.

“And so the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you. But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our great need.”

“Even though we are children and have a long, a very long and dangerous way to go, with such protectors what have we to fear? They who keep us in all our ways cannot be overpowered or led astray, much less lead us astray. They are loyal, prudent, powerful. Why then are we afraid? We have only to follow them, stay close to them, and we shall dwell under the protection of God’s heaven.”

From a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Roman Office of Readings

Prayer to the Angel of God

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (or night), be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Prayer Source: Enchiridion of Indulgence, June 29, 1968
Image Source: This picture is in the public domain

Excerpts from the English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

St. Jerome, Priest & Doctor of The Church

2010-09-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today we honor this great saint who was so instrumental in preserving and translating the Sacred Scriptures. When I realized it was his "day" I was almost afraid to preach. LOL.

Profile

Born to a rich pagan family, he led a misspent youth. Studied in Rome. Lawyer. Converted in theory, and baptised in 365, he began his study of theology, and had a true conversion. Monk. Lived for years as a hermit in the Syrian deserts. Reported to have drawn a thorn from a lion’s paw; the animal stayed loyally at his side for years. Priest. Student of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen. Secretary to Pope Damasus I who commissioned him to revise the Latin text of the Bible. The result of his 30 years of work was the Vulgate translation, which is still in use. Friend and teacher of Saint Paula, Saint Marcella, and Saint Eustochium, an association that led to so much gossip that Jerome left Rome to return to the desert solitude. He lived his last 34 years in the Holy Land as a semi-recluse. Wrote translations of histories, biographies, the works of Origen, and much more. Doctor of the Church, Father of the Church. Since his own time, he has been associated in the popular mind with scrolls, writing, cataloging, translating, which led to those who work in such fields taking him as their patron - a man who knew their lives and problems.

Here are a few web pages of this great saint's writings:

	The Perpetual Virginity of the Virgin Mary: Against Helvidius - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.v.html A certain Helvidius said that since Jesus had brothers, Mary was not a virgin after his birth. He also maintained that this demonstrates that marriage is better than virginity. Jerome takes the opposite view.
	The Life of Hilarion - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.ii.html In HTML, with notes, at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
	The Life of Paulus the First Hermit - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.i.html St. Jerome's first published work. From the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, second series, vol. 6.
	The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.iii.html In HTML, with notes, at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
	Against Jovinianus - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.vi.html In two books, each in its own file, with notes. The first book is entirely taken up with Jovinian's assertion that virginity is no better than marriage. The latter book examines Jovinian's propositions about abstinence, degrees of sin, the sinlessness of believers, and degrees of punishment or reward in the afterlife.
	The Dialogue Against the Luciferians - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.iv.html A literary dialogue between "Orthodoxus" and "Helladius the Luciferian". The introduction from A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, second series, vol. 6, sets the stage. Lucifer, a bishop, and his party, against the decision of a council of the Church and against SS. Jerome and Athanasius, wished to show no mercy to penitents who had fallen into Arianism.
	Lives of Illustrious Men - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf203.v.html And he does mean men. Ernest Cushing Richardson translation. With notes and introduction ("previous"). From the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, second series, vol. 3.
	To Pammachius Against John of Jerusalem - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.viii.html Unpublished during Jerome's lifetime. An ugly little chapter in Church history. Epiphanius of Salamis, a heresy-hunting bishop, had castigated Jerome's bishop John of Jerusalem for Origenism. Epiphanius then urged Jerome to repudiate John, ordained Jerome's brother by force, and Jerome was effectively excommunicated for approximately four years.
	Against the Pelagians - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.ix.html Dialogue Between Atticus, a Catholic, and Critobulus, a Heretic. In three books, with introduction, notes, and author's prologue.
	Against Vigilantius - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.vi.vii.html Jerome turns on his former friend, who had objected to reverencing relics, vigils, the practice of sending alms to Jerusalem, and an exaggerated (in the opinion of Vigilantius) esteem for virginity.
	Apology for Himself Against the Books of Rufinus - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf203.vi.xii.html W.H. Fremantle translation, from the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, second series, vol. 3. Presented as three books, with notes and links to contents, previous, and next.

ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS

2010-09-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

It is a most extraordinary gift our Heavenly Father has given us in the knowledge and friendship of His holy angels. As we celebrated Mass this morning on the Feast of St. Michael and the Archangels, I was struck by the beauty of the readings. Angels were as certainly ascending and descending on us as they were on The Son of Man (John 1:51).

I had a silly remembrance from my childhood. When I would go swimming I had the habit of cupping my hands and slamming them into the water to make "bubbles". As a little boy, I used to imagine that the bubbles were Angels in the water. Then as the water angels would tickle my skin I really thought that the real angels were there with me. I would do this over and over, all the while splashing and laughing. I haven't been swimming for a long time, but you can bet that next time I go, I will revive this ancient and venerable practice of water angels while praising God with splashes and laughter.

For your inspiration

2010-09-29T07:10:00.001-07:00

DEEDS

I’d rather see a sermon
Than hear one any day.
I’d rather once you’d walk with me
Than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil
And more willing than the ear,
And counsel is confusing
But the example’s always clear.

I soon can learn to do it
If you let me see it done.
I can see your hands in action
But your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver
May be very fine and true,
But I’d rather get my lesson
By observing what you do.

For a person must understand you
And the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding
How you act and how you live.

2010-09-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

My last blog entry was on September 17. Then I went to our annual Priest Convocation which lasted the whole week. Now I am back home in our beautiful little parish here in Central Pa. I mention this previous post because it was all about forgiveness. I even boasted that I couldn't wait to forgive. Well guess what...

In the course of the week I saw one of my brother priests with whom I have had difficulties. All those things I often remind people about a lack of forgiveness were made manifest in my heart and soul. I grew angry. I had a difficult time praying. I was extremely judgmental. I could feel my stomach tighten and my blood pressure rise. I don't know what went on in him, but my reaction certainly can serve as an object lesson on the results of either refusing or forgetting to forgive.

I say forgetting to forgive because I had forgotten all about the misdeeds I experienced at the hands of this priest. I forgot, that is, until we were in the same room together. The need to forgive is so very important to our spiritual, mental and physical well-being. I am would suggest that it is second only to our need for love. It is one of the attributes of the Divine Humility of God in Whose Image we are made. God Loves. God Creates. God Forgives. We, likewise, must love, create and forgive or we will become stymied in our growth or damaged in our being.

So... what did I do? Like a good Catholic I went to confession. I did my penance. I asked God for the grace to forgive my brother and anyone else I have forgotten to forgive. Looks easy when reading these words, but let me assure you it was very difficult. I spent quite a bit of time in front of the Blessed Sacrament asking Jesus to infuse my soul with His gift of forgiveness. I prayed for forgiveness for myself because I am sure that I was not 100 percent innocent in the situation with my brother priest. Then I prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As I meditated on the Passion of our Lord, the source of all forgiveness, I found the bitterness, anger and the desire for vengeance subside. A beautiful peace overcame me, and I knew that God had done it again. This peasant heart was set free. My pea sized brain was enlightened. And my soul and spirit rested in the arms of my Blessed Mother.

I still know what the priest did to me was bad, maybe even an evil abuse of his power. He may or may not have made his peace with God. I, however, know that my sin is forgiven and my joy is complete in Christ my Savior!

I can't wait to forgive...

2010-09-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

The current wallpaper on my desktop is a picture of wizened hands holding a flower. The inscription above the hands reads "Forgive everyone for everything." Now that is a tall order, to be sure!

I mention this because I just witnessed a profound and simple act of forgiveness. Apparently there was a misunderstanding between two of my dear female friends. Something was said, something else was not communicated, and hard feelings ensued. Today, the two ladies apologized to one another for their misstep. I am so proud that they are my friends. Neither one of them talked about the other behind her back. Both took responsibility for their own part. Neither blamed the other. They both then affirmed each other. There were a few tears, and a proud friend and priest.

I LOVE FORGIVENESS

Not just the idea of it...

Not just the fact that Jesus forgives...

And not even just the fact that it is our Christian Duty to forgive...

What I love is that when we forgive everyone for everything WE ARE FREE.

The act of forgiving is a true participation in the humility and mercy of God. It is really difficult to forgive someone who has grievously harmed us. Gosh, it is hard to forgive someone who just ticked us off. It takes humility. It takes courage. It takes the grace of God to truly forgive from the heart. By forgiving others we are keeping God in first place and the good of others in second place. Forgiveness is NOT being a doormat or excusing harmful and sinful actions in others.

Forgiving is a healing act. Relationships heal. Memories are healed. Souls are mended and healed. Even bodies are healed. It is well known that many physical ailments are caused by a lack of forgiveness. Just think about how you feel when someone you are angry with enters the room. Your neck tightens. You get that knot in your stomach. Headaches may ensue. Some people get stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or even cancer. Everyone who persists in unforgiving has a crabby attitude. I know from first hand experience the effect of refusing to forgive someone. For well over a year I resisted the Lord's pleas for me to forgive people who had deeply hurt me and damaged my priesthood by the abuse of their power. I held on to my righteous anger. During those 16 months my health suffered, and my prayer life diminished. My vocation to the priesthood nearly died. My love for people morphed into suspicion of their motives. One day a dear friend of mine, Sr. Joan of the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth privately challenged me to forgive and ask the other party who was responsible for much of my suffering to forgive me. I knew it was the voice of the Lord speaking through this humble and loving servant of God. I prayed, took her advice and...did it. What sweet relief. The burden lifted. My spirit soared as my prayer life came back. The anger had enslaved me, not the others.

Forgiving is a saving act. "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us," we read in Sacred Scripture. What an honor to participate in this Divine Economy in which the Lord purchased for us our salvation at the price of His Most Precious Blood. He, having made the purchase, bequeaths to us this gift for our personal needs and to share with others who are equally needful of God's forgiveness.

Of course, this beautiful exchange takes place most specifically in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance. Here God uses the priest to minister the forgiveness of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. I "get" to offer God's mercy and forgiveness to people. I utter the words "I absolve you..." in amazement. It is so beautifully humbling to be in that role as a priest. People may be inspired by a homily or a word of counsel...or not. They may like the personality or spiritually of an individual priest...or not. When it comes to the Sacrament of Confession there is no "may" and no "or not". When the words of absolution are prayed for you by a Roman Catholic Priest YOU ARE FORGIVEN. Jesus made that promise to us in the Bible when He breathed on His apostles, the first priests, and said, "receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven."

We most clearly model our Savior when we forgive. We are most authentically the Body of Christ when we humbly ask for, give and receive forgiveness. Forgive everyone for everything!

The Prodigal Son-- A Two Sentence Homily

2010-09-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to sin, be cautious like the elder son in the parable of the prodigal son.

When it comes to God and His loving forgiveness – through caution to the wind and CELEBRATE!

I'm baaaack!

2010-09-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

It has been a rough two weeks since my last post. I apologize for my absence. Posting on my blog is one of my favorite ways to share the Faith, but sometimes life intervenes. Even though we do not have a parish school at our church, the beginning of the school year brings with it an avalanche of activities. The crazy, hazy, lazy days of summer give way to the blustery winds of autumn and winter.

We are being reminded of the "cold reality" that life is more than leisure. Bears hibernate in the winter, but I hibernate when the temperature goes above 80 degrees. I really come alive when the temperature stays below 70 or so. So it is back in the saddle again, nose to the grindstone, fingers to the keyboard...

Stuck In My Brain

2010-08-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to shake an idea that lodged in my brain from the 25th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. It is the parable of the 10 virgins -- 5 wise and 5 foolish -- waiting for the return of the bridegroom. The wise were prepared for a potential delay in his return. They brought extra provisions. Specifically noted is the oil for their lamps. The foolish were unprepared, ran out of oil, and ended up out in the dark.

As a child in I learned a little ditty in CCD:

"Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light,
Like a little candle, burning in the night.
In this world of darkness, so we must shine.
You in your small corner, and I in mine. "

I get the details. I understand the application. What haunts me is that all 10 fell asleep. The foolish and the wise were not able to stay awake until the bridegroom's return. Of course, the parable is not referencing the natural sleep that the human body requires. If the bridegroom was long delayed (days? weeks? longer?) there is no choice but to sleep. Parables, however, always point to something beyond the literal meaning. Thus, I would gather that their slumber was a reference to some human aspect (original sin? weakness? ) in their spiritual lives. The saving difference was the preparedness of the wise for a potential delay.

BUT ALL 10 FELL ASLEEP!

Something about that Biblical statement is very compelling to me. If it were not for the midnight cry, all 10 may have missed the bridegroom, whether they were well oiled or not.
And all 10 woke up. No one slept through the event. Yet five foolish flameless females failed. While wise willful women went with wicks well-oiled to the wedding.

I would have ruined the parable. I would have shared my oil. After all, there have been many times that i have been a bit foolish. I am not always a good steward. I sometimes waist food, resources, time, energy and opportunities. And if we all shared, maybe, just maybe there might have been enough for all 10 to be able to greet the bridegroom. After all, he was on the horizon when the clarion call came at midnight. How much oil did the wise guys really need at that point?

I digress!

I am concerned that we Catholics have fallen asleep, the wise and the foolish. The bridegroom is coming, but only God knows when. Some will be wise and prepared. Their souls will be in a state of Grace. I know that is the primary point of the Gospel passage. Be ready. And yet...

And yet... there are so many souls not ready:

People, heavy and loaded down with the trials of life...People who do not know the Good News about God's Love in Jesus Christ...People who have been duped...People who have given in...People who have given up...People bent over by burdens terribly unknown and unspeakable...People...SOULS.

We sleep. Others starve. We sleep. Children are sold into protistution. We sleep. Women are battered. We sleep. Men, women and children die violent deaths because someone has the bombs, chemicals and machines of war to enforce their borders or force their beliefs on others. We sleep. We sleep. When we wake for short periods or long, it is to secure our lamps, trim our own wicks and too bad about the others. They should have prepared.

ALL TEN SLEPT!

We thought the world was better. We thought human dignity was respected. We thought we were peacefully coexisting. After all, it is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius, we once gleefully sang. And all the while the bombs were falling: bombs of war, bombs of abortion, bombs of sin, bombs of selfishness, bombs of tyrants, bombs of megalomaniacs, bombs of pollution, bombs of bigotry, bombs of hatred, bombs of terrorists, bombs of apathy, bombs of lies and falsehoods, bombs of racism, bombs of ignorance, bombs of slavery.

We thought, so we slept. Not so wise after all...

Systematic Discrimination Against the Catholic Church

2010-08-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have been warning my parishioners and friends about this eventuality for decades. Some thought I was a bit nuts, especially early on. "It could never happen in America" was their gut reaction. Alas, it is already beginning. Please take time to read these excerpts from a speech given by Archbishop Chaput.

(personal editorial comment: Please note that the archbishop refers to ISLAMISTS not people of the Muslim faith. )

"Systematic Discrimination Against Church Now Seems Inevitable"

Thursday, August 26, 2010

By Archbishop Charles Chaput - LifeSiteNews.com

Excerpts from Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput's address to the 15th symposium for the Canon Law Association of Slovakia on Tuesday:

Today's secularizers have learned from the past. They are more adroit in their bigotry; more elegant in their public relations; more intelligent in their work to exclude the Church and individual believers from influencing the moral life of society. Over the next several decades, Christianity will become a faith that can speak in the public square less and less freely. A society where faith is prevented from vigorous public expression is a society that has fashioned the state into an idol. And when the state becomes an idol, men and women become the sacrificial offering.

We face an aggressively secular political vision and a consumerist economic model that result - in practice, if not in explicit intent -- in a new kind of state-encouraged atheism.

To put it another way: The Enlightenment-derived worldview that gave rise to the great murder ideologies of the last century remains very much alive. Its language is softer, its intentions seem kinder, and its face is friendlier. But its underlying impulse hasn't changed -- i.e., the dream of building a society apart from God; a world where men and women might live wholly sufficient unto themselves, satisfying their needs and desires through their own ingenuity.

This vision presumes a frankly "post-Christian" world ruled by rationality, technology and good social engineering. Religion has a place in this worldview, but only as an individual lifestyle accessory. People are free to worship and believe whatever they want, so long as they keep their beliefs to themselves and do not presume to intrude their religious idiosyncrasies on the workings of government, the economy, or culture.

Now, at first hearing, this might sound like a reasonable way to organize a modern society that includes a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural traditions, different philosophies of life and approaches to living.

... how does the rhetoric of enlightened, secular tolerance square with the actual experience of faithful Catholics in Europe and North America in recent years?

In the United States, a nation that is still 80 percent Christian with a high degree of religious practice, government agencies now increasingly seek to dictate how Church ministries should operate, and to force them into practices that would destroy their Catholic identity. Efforts have been made to discourage or criminalize the expression of certain Catholic beliefs as "hate speech." Our courts and legislatures now routinely take actions that undermine marriage and family life, and seek to scrub our public life of Christian symbolism and signs of influence.

In Europe, we see similar trends, although marked by a more open contempt for Christianity. Church leaders have been reviled in the media and even in the courts for simply expressing Catholic teaching.

The West is now steadily moving in the direction of that new "inhuman humanism." And if the Church is to respond faithfully, we need to draw upon the lessons that your Churches learned under totalitarianism.

A Catholicism of resistance must be based on trust in Christ's words: "The truth will make you free."

Living within the truth means living according to Jesus Christ and God's Word in Sacred Scripture. It means proclaiming the truth of the Christian Gospel, not only by our words but by our example. It means living every day and every moment from the unshakable conviction that God lives, and that his love is the motive force of human history and the engine of every authentic human life. It means believing that the truths of the Creed are worth suffering and dying for.

Living within the truth also means telling the truth and calling things by their right names. And that means exposing the lies by which some men try to force others to live.

Our societies in the West are Christian by birth, and their survival depends on the endurance of Christian values. Our core principles and political institutions are based, in large measure, on the morality of the Gospel and the Christian vision of man and government. We are talking here not only about Christian theology or religious ideas. We are talking about the moorings of our societies -- representative government and the separation of powers; freedom of religion and conscience; and most importantly, the dignity of the human person.

...we cannot dispense with our history out of some superficial concern over offending our non-Christian neighbors. Notwithstanding the chatter of the "new atheists," there is no risk that Christianity will ever be forced upon people anywhere in the West. The only "confessional states" in the world today are those ruled by Islamist or atheist dictatorships -- regimes that have rejected the Christian West's belief in individual rights and the balance of powers.

I would argue that the defense of Western ideals is the only protection that we and our neighbors have against a descent into new forms of repression -- whether it might be at the hands of extremist Islam or secularist technocrats.

Relativism is now the civil religion and public philosophy of the West.

In practice, however, we see that without a belief in fixed moral principles and transcendent truths, our political institutions and language become instruments in the service of a new barbarism. In the name of tolerance we come to tolerate the cruelest intolerance; respect for other cultures comes to dictate disparagement of our own; the teaching of "live and let live" justifies the strong living at the expense of the weak.

This diagnosis helps us understand one of the foundational injustices in the West today -- the crime of abortion.

I realize that the abortion license is a matter of current law in almost every nation in the West. In some cases, this license reflects the will of the majority and is enforced through legal and democratic means. And I'm aware that many people, even in the Church, find it strange that we Catholics in America still make the sanctity of unborn life so central to our public witness.

Let me tell you why I believe abortion is the crucial issue of our age.

First, because abortion, too, is about living within the truth. The right to life is the foundation of every other human right. If that right is not inviolate, then no right can be guaranteed.

Or to put it more bluntly: Homicide is homicide, no matter how small the victim.

Here's another truth that many persons in the Church have not yet fully reckoned: The defense of newborn and preborn life has been a central element of Catholic identity since the Apostolic Age.

I'll say that again: From the earliest days of the Church, to be Catholic has meant refusing in any way to participate in the crime of abortion -- either by seeking an abortion, performing one, or making this crime possible through actions or inactions in the political or judicial realm. More than that, being Catholic has meant crying out against all that offends the sanctity and dignity of life as it has been revealed by Jesus Christ.

My point in mentioning abortion is this: Its widespread acceptance in the West shows us that without a grounding in God or a higher truth, our democratic institutions can very easily become weapons against our own human dignity.

Our most cherished values cannot be defended by reason alone, or simply for their own sake. They have no self-sustaining or "internal" justification.

There is no inherently logical or utilitarian reason why society should respect the rights of the human person. There is even less reason for recognizing the rights of those whose lives impose burdens on others, as is the case with the child in the womb, the terminally ill, or the physically or mentally disabled.

If human rights do not come from God, then they devolve to the arbitrary conventions of men and women. The state exists to defend the rights of man and to promote his flourishing. The state can never be the source of those rights. When the state arrogates to itself that power, even a democracy can become totalitarian.

What is legalized abortion but a form of intimate violence that clothes itself in democracy? The will to power of the strong is given the force of law to kill the weak.

That is where we are heading in the West today.

I suggested earlier that the Church's religious liberty is under assault today in ways not seen since the Nazi and Communist eras. I believe we are now in the position to better understand why.

Writing in the 1960s, Richard Weaver, an American scholar and social philosopher, said: "I am absolutely convinced that relativism must eventually lead to a regime of force."

He was right. There is a kind of "inner logic" that leads relativism to repression.

This explains the paradox of how Western societies can preach tolerance and diversity while aggressively undermining and penalizing Catholic life. The dogma of tolerance cannot tolerate the Church's belief that some ideas and behaviors should not be tolerated because they dehumanize us. The dogma that all truths are relative cannot allow the thought that some truths might not be.

The Catholic beliefs that most deeply irritate the orthodoxies of the West are those concerning abortion, sexuality and the marriage of man and woman. This is no accident. These Christian beliefs express the truth about human fertility, meaning and destiny.

These truths are subversive in a world that would have us believe that God is not necessary and that human life has no inherent nature or purpose. Thus the Church must be punished because, despite all the sins and weaknesses of her people, she is still the bride of Jesus Christ; still a source of beauty, meaning and hope that refuses to die -- and still the most compelling and dangerous heretic of the world's new order.

Text of full 12 page talk by Archbishop Chaput is available at http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/4396.

An Extraordinary Experience

2010-08-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I had a really profound experience during this morning's Mass at the consecration. When I pronounced the words over the chalice an image appeared in the precious blood. I looked closely and at first it was our Lord in His traditional garb. Then the face changed, which caught me a bit by surprise when I noticed the "movement". To my great surprise it was my face!

I was wearing the Lord's garments, which then changed into the very chasuble I was wearing at that Mass. I would have thought it was a reflection in the liquid accident of the wine, except it was my full vested body. The Chalice was positioned so that only my face should have been reflected.
Then I received an interior locution telling me that the Lord is giving me a "special share in His Priesthood of Sacrifice".

This all happened so quickly that I'm sure the only thing noticeable to the congregation was that I was moving a bit more slowly. I lingered only a second or two after the locution and then elevated the cup. I then refocused as I genuflected and continued Mass with a profound sense of joy and sadness completely unlike my usual experiences of happiness and depression.

Sponge Bob needs to pray the Rosary! --or-- It Is Time to Face Our Fears!

2010-08-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I was watching Sponge Bob on TV today. Yes! It's my day off and it is raining. I couldn't cut the grass even though it is almost as tall as a cornstalk. Well, maybe not that tall, but my dog won't even try to go to the "potty" out there. Haha! So I just relaxed in my living room, caught up on some correspondence, and watched Sponge Bob.

I learned alot today. First of all I learned that I do not really like most modern cartoons. They are way too noisy, violent and nonsensical for me. From the vantage point of a rapidly aging middle-ager they don't even come close to the quality of "my" cartoons: Bugs Bunny and company, Aesop's Fables, The Road Runner, Yogi, Ouick Draw McDraw, Underdog, Popeye, Pepe LePew, Tweety Bird, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Bullwinkle... I could go on and on. There have been a few animated feature films that were very good.

I watched cartoons well into my college years and even wrote a paper for one of my special education courses on the types of speech impediments the various characters had. Poor Elmer couldn't say his "r's". Sylvester had a lisp. Daffy had a lateral lisp, and I suspect he was dyslexic.

The only modern cartoon I have enjoyed in recent years was Pinky and the Brain. Though I did have a reserved fondness for Josey and the Pussycats on Scooby Doo. None of the current adult oriented animations like Family Guy or South Park qualify as cartoons in the classic sense.

I think I got side tracked a bit, there.

At one point in the Sponge Bob Squarepants episode he said,

"I don't want to face my fears because I am afraid of them."

What a profound and revealing statement, not only about Sponge Bob but also about human tendencies in general.

Fear is a tricky little goblin. We have an experience or are taught by the experience of others to be wary about certain things. My mother almost drowned when she was a teenager and had a fear of water all her life. She passed that fear onto my sister who never even came close to drowning but will still not go into water above her waist. My dad fell off a roof one time and almost died. To this day I get queasy when I near the edge of a tall building. When I was around 5 I saw the movie Psycho. I was afraid to shower all my childhood. A loud noise when I am showering can still make me nearly jump out of the shower and scream like a sissy. Well, most of us have developed a few fears along the way.
Thankfully, many of us have gotten over many of our fears, or at least we are able to manage them.

The thing about Sponge Bob's statement that caught my attention was that he admitted that he was afraid of his fears. Phobias are crippling because just the thought of having to endure certain situations or things can emotionally paralyze a person. We become afraid of our fears. This new fear is often even stronger than the original fear of water, spiders, snakes, closed places, heights, darkness, etc. Ask anyone who experiences panic attacks. They fear the panic attack and the sense of helplessness as much as they fear the trigger of the attacks. Depression, shame, isolation, self-disgust, loss of faith and even suicide or suicidal thoughts are common to those who have panic attacks. What if I have another one? Will it ever stop this time? People will really think I am strange!

What is the answer to this problem? I would suggest a good psychologist who is trained in treating panic disorders. They have many tried and true methods which help people live a normal life.

Beyond that, do some positive mental work on yourself. If you start to feel anxious remind yourself of several things:

this is just a panic or anxiety attack -- say this quickly and repeatedly for a minute or two.
many people, even successful and spiritual people have them
it does not mean you have done something wrong: it is not punishment for some real or imagined sin.
they do not last forever
they are not life threatening even though it feels like your heart may stop at any moment
Breath deeply and slowly as much as you can
God is there with you

I would also suggest praying the Rosary. As I often say, "There's power in them there beads."! Take it all to Jesus through Mary. Let the repetitive praises and meditation calm you. It puts your life in a much larger, safer, healthier, holier perspective. The Rosary is the second most powerful prayer that God has revealed to us because it involves meditation, contemplation, Sacred Scripture, the saving life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the communion of saints, and all the basic beliefs familiar to all Christians. Plus, for Catholics we should remind ourselves that the beads themselves are sacramentals, and the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary is the most indulgenced sacramental in the Catholic Church. Some fears are primarily psychological. Some are primarily spiritual or attacks by the evil one. Some are a combination. The Rosary address all of them.

How do I know all this stuff I have written today? I am a cartoon aficionado, hence a self-proclaimed expert on the genre! *joking, there!* Actually, I do suffer from frequent anxiety attacks and the resulting effects. I use the techniques I mentioned. I cling prayerfully and hopefully to my Rosary. And though I am a bit wacky, probably from all that cartoon watching, I am a joyful and grateful priest who is in Love with the Lord, His Mother and His Church.

Bdee, Bdee, Bdee.... That's all folks!

...for now ;-)

Pleasantries: Radishes and the Angelus

2010-08-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

I had a most enjoyable dinner this evening at the home of my parishioners, Bob and Mary. The conversation was relaxed and casual. The food was divine (and healthy!). We had vegetable lasagna and salad. Yummy. The salad had radishes in it. I really enjoy radishes, but I seldom if ever cut them up in my salads at home. Why? Who knows. Perhaps because I am too lazy, or perhaps because I never think to buy them. Regardless of the reason, having radishes at Bob and Mary's is one of those pleasantries to which I always look forward.

My mom loved radishes. She stopped eating them when she died. My granny loves radishes but had to stop eating them when she lost all her teeth. She won't let me buy her dentures. "A 94's year old lady doesn't need to waste money on teeth," she tells me. She also told me that she quit her job today. Too cute. She is feisty, but she has dementia.

So I chew radishes for my mom and my grandmother. The red reminds me of the Precious Blood. The white interior reminds me that our sins though as scarlet are as white as snow or radishes. Crunching on them reminds me to be thankful for my teeth!

I love going to eat with these friends for the conversation, the radishes, the healthy food and the grace of a friendship that has built over the last 16 years. There is one more reason I love going there. We always pray the Angelus together before we eat. I love the Angelus. I even set my I-Phone to remind me to pray the Angelus at noon and six.

I don't think many people remember the Angelus. It goes like this:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:  

And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;

blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of  our death.

Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord:

Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh:

And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,

that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

  Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord,

Thy grace into our hearts that we,

to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son,

was made known by the message of an angel,

may by His Passion and Cross

be brought to the glory of His Resurrection,

through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father… Amen.

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28).

"Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42).

Rosary Meditation

2010-08-20T18:50:00.001-07:00

Rosary Meditation

As I prayed the third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, I experienced a series of consolations that flickered through my mind’s eye. As a candle casts its glow, consuming the shadow that attempts to overcome, these graces came to me. Each flicker expressed an attribute of God’s revealed nature. It was like a warm summer night when fireflies briefly illuminate their surroundings.

There was a flicker in which I viewed the Lord breathing on a young man who was being baptized. Another nearby flicker revealed our Lady standing over a grieving little girl. There was a series of flickers which filled the screen of my imagination, each one showing me the face of a saint: S. Jean Vianney, S. Faustina, S. Peter, S. Augustine, S. Aquinas, S. Francis, S. Joseph, S. Philomena, S. Michael, S. Gabriel, S. Miguel Pro, S. Therese, S. Jerome, and many others whose faces I know from holy cards, but their names escape me now.

When this series of flashes subsided, I felt their abiding presence. Lonliness was, for a brief moment, suspended.

2010-08-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Knock, Knock. Who's there?

2010-08-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend our Pastor, Fr. Oz, wrote beautifully about Mary being the Working Mother. I had never thought of it in those exact terms, but it blessed the socks off this theology encrusted priest. All week it was like a fresh air was blowing, and each task became a participation in our Working Mother's Apostolate. Thanks Fr. Oz!

So... when I read this weeks Gospel from Luke 22, I had to laugh when I came to verse 25, "You will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door." The story concludes with the person gaining access because he or she kept on knocking. What working mother or father has not had the experience of their persistent little angle finally wearing them down? Or how many times have we working uncles, aunts, siblings and family friends tried to ignore the apple of our eyes when they start out with, "Knock, knock"? Of course, I am a big kid, so I am ever hopeful that I will hear a new one, so I always bite. Who's there...a kid with a million of 'em and there goes 20 to 30 minutes of life. The lesson is for persistence in prayer and perseverance in faith as Jesus describes in Luke 22. Eventually your knocking will be rewarded.

There is one knock knock that caught me by surprise. One day a clever urchin said to me, "Say Knock, Knock." So I did. When the reply, "Who's there" came I found myself uncharacteristically without a reply. I laughed till the tears and bubbles came because I am so seldom dumbfounded. That evening when I was praying I felt a gentle Knock, Knock on my heart. It was Jesus. This time I did not put off letting Him in. Sometimes it takes several knocks or even being knocked down before God gets my attention. I get so busy with my own thoughts, activities and even Church work that I don't hear His gentle rapping. I immediately opened the door to my heart, soul and mind. We had a wonderful time that evening. He brought with Him the Holy Spirit, His Father and His Blessed Mother. What a beautiful evening of prayer that was. Stick to it on your end and open quickly when He knocks, even if it is a pesky neighbor or an urchin with a joke. You will be glad you did -- love, Fr. Mike

2010-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Scripture says: The angel was sent to a virgin. For she was truly virgin in body, virgin in mind, a virgin by her special calling, sanctified, as the Apostle reminds us, in both mind and body. This came about by no unforeseen or accidental occurrence; she was chosen from eternity, foreknown and prepared by the Most High for himself, guarded by the angels, prefigured by the patriarchs, and promised by the prophets.

These are the words of St. Bernard. He expresses what the earliest Church understood about Mary. I challenge you to read the Old Testament with an eye to the New Testament. Some Scripture scholars will tell you that you should read the OT as a separate body of literature without reference to the New Testament. The Church Fathers and Saints throughout history have always illustrated how the Old is fulfilled in the New.

From the standpoint of literature, they can be read separately, of course. Form the viewpoint of Revelation, they must be read as an organic whole. The old is the seed, the new the sprout and fruit. The old is the rhizome, and the new is the beautiful lily. The old is the promise, and the new is the fulfillment of that promise.

The images of the Old Testament can be seen as a treasure of "clues" and prefigurements of the New Covenant. Eve disobeyed; Mary obeyed. Adam brought sin and death: Jesus brought forgiveness and eternal life. Ruth prefigured the faithfulness of Mary. These are just a few. Go Old Testament mining to find your own golden nuggets.

I would love it if you would share your discoveries with me! Thanks and God Bless You.

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Sacramental Goodies

2010-08-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

I just had a great phone call from one of my friends. He was calling to make an appointment for confession. Of course first, we had to discuss all the issues that challenge us as a church these days. He had a ton of questions about the new Roman Missal. He brought me up to date about the latest family news. We even talked about how beautiful Maureen O'Hara was. She is still living in Ireland according to my friend. I wanted to watch NCIS, but people are always more important and entertaining than television.

So all the problems solved, we got around to the appointment for confession. My friend introduced the issue by saying, "Father, we have to set a time for a beer and the Sacrament."
Of course I about spit out my teeth, laughing (and I don't wear dentures)! Beer and the Sacrament is like having Doritos with Shrimp Cocktail and Campaign. You could do it, but... Yuck!

But maybe I could start offering ice cream sundaes, gourmet coffee or Belgium chocolates with confession. I have had a wonderful evening with a friend or some parishioners over a glass of ice tea lead to a request to go to confession. It is like icing on the cake. Mint in the tea. Baileys in the coffee. ETC.

I wonder if it would increase the numbers of genuine penitents. Would it put people at ease, or would they just come for the goodies? Until I figure that all out, I will continue to preach about the Sacrament of Confession. I will continue to make myself available to anyone at any time they are ready to confess. I will pray that God will move people to repentance. And I will pray that God gives me the grace to be a good and holy Confessor.

Oh, and by the way, I will continue to go to confession regularly because God Knows I need His mercy and forgiveness.

Lots For Sale

2010-08-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

I had Mass this weekend in a neighboring parish so the Pastor could fulfill his duty in the National Guard. As I was driving home I saw painted on a plywood sign "Lots for Sale".

Lots of what? There's lots of stuff for sale. I often buy stuff I don't need. If it's for sale, somebody must want it. I guess I better buy one.

It is not just the stuff that is the problem. The real problem is what many people think "lots" of stuff might bring them:

prestige

love

security

power

friends

success

attractiveness

intelligence

All this and more can be had if you only have the the right toothpaste, stocks, collectibles. Lots of stuff promise the good life: insurance, electronics, cable tv, your car, your house.

Now, I don't think any of these things are necessarily bad. Lots for sale is just lots of stuff. Security, love, success, etc., are basic human desires. However, there is a catch with the "purchase" of these "lots". The fulfillment of the desires they promise are only temporary and/or illusory at best. As soon as they break, wear out, get lost or are stolen, one must shop for a replacement. And there is always a new and improved alternative that we simply "must" have lest we loose the promises. Each new acquisition only leaves us wanting for more, better, bigger, best. Materialism in all its manifestations eventually leaves a person feeling empty and hopeless.

As if that isn't bad enough, there is the darker side of life with lots for sale. Lots of drugs and sex. Lots of false religions and philosophies. Lots of mind degrading and soul destroying activities. Lots of evil. Lots of stuff I don't even want to know about are for sale: abortion and other forms of murder, satanic "black" masses, gang life, drugs. Lots of people "sell" or promote hatred, bigotry, lies, violence and immorality of unthinkable degrees in favor of personal "freedom". Many of these Lots for Sale enslave people through dependency, addiction and desire.

The greatest tragedy of all these Lots for Sale is that whether it is the normal stuff or the darker stuff, there is the danger of loosing one's soul. Stuff and desires can become gods or idols. Of course, the darker Lots for Sale are objectively sinful. The hell which begins when you buy into these things can very well result in eternal damnation.

Lots for Sale... be careful what you buy.

The Assumption of Mary--A Feast of Logic, Vision and Devotion

2010-08-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have had a devotion to our Blessed Mother all my life. I remember sitting in my Nona's lap while she prayed the Holy Rosary in Italian. I prayed the Hail Mary partly in Italian, partly in English and partly in "toddler". After she died when I was 6 years old, I would pray the Rosary every night until I went to college and fell into heresy. I never told my parents for two reasons. One was that I was "a nervous child who needed extra sleep." So I would be dispatched to my room as soon as "Laugh In" was over. It was strictly lights out, door open and no fooling around. I couldn't get away with reading a book, not even a prayer book. I tried. But the Rosary was always waiting for me under my pillow.

The other reason I never told them was because they had a problem with anyone who was "too religious." So for the next thirteen years I prayed the Rosary every night in secret. Whatever fears I had as a youngster or concerns as a teenager I would give to Jesus as I "prayed the beads." Mary even taught me how to avoid nightmares through prayer.

Then I went to college, left the Catholic Church, blah blah blah...

Several years after college I found my Rosary beads from my 1st Holy Communion in a box of "collectibles". I immediately had a desire to pray the Rosary. All my misplaced concerns about taking away from Jesus were instantly gone. The only problem was that I couldn't remember the Creed, the Mysteries or the Hail Mary. It was a long 6 years since I had last done so. I tried to will myself to remember, but after working up a sweat, feeling like a complete failure and a total pagan I called my friend, Birdie. She always prayed the Rosary. She refreshed my mind, and it was like riding a bike again! I felt young, alive, happy and even a bit holy.

Within a few months I was in seminary where I once again had to pray the Rosary clandestinely with 5 or 6 other brave souls. Had we been "caught" we would have been labeled as too pious. This is not just speculation. One of the men in the seminary was dismissed because he was too pious and too conservative. For the five years of my formation in seminary we would sneak down to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel several nights a week to pray the Rosary together. We knew no one would catch us there, as we visited Jesus in exile.

What a sweet and life-giving gift a devotion to the Rosary has been for me from those early days and throughout the 25 years of my priesthood.

The Feast of the Assumption is not only a part of this devotion, but it is also the source of vision and hope. I read the Book of Revelation and find there our Mother, crowned with Stars. The vision She offers is one of sharing in the Power of Her Son's resurrection. With glorious apocalyptic images we see a world of hopes which surpasses human imagination.

We witness that moment when the promises of Christ become real, first for Mary and eventually for all the faithful. We can come to understand as we meditate upon the Assumption the eternal results of Her fiat and the necessity of our complete discipleship to Christ and His Church.

The Assumption is more than a painting, and opinion or a Holy Card. It is a vision and REALIZATION of what is in store for the family of Christ. Mary herself is a prime example of the lowly raised to high places: a poor and simple girl, a virgin from an insignificant part of the world, raised to the status of Mother of God, and today raised body and soul to the glory of heaven.

“Let the entire body of the faithful pour forth persevering prayer to the Mother of God and Mother of men. Let them implore that she who aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers may now, exalted as she is in heaven above all the saints and angels, intercede with her Son in the fellowship of all the saints.” Vatican II Document, "Constitution on the Church"

Finally, it is just logical. Death is the result of sin. Our Savior's Mother was preserved from the stain of original sin. She was, as the Scriptures attest, "Full of Grace"! Logic dictates that She would not, then, suffer the decay of death caused by sin.

Logic. Vision. Devotion. Our Catholic Faith has it all!

Ok... enough reflection for me at this time. I gotta go pray my Rosary. Make that, I can't wait to spend time with Jesus and Mary as I pray the Rosary!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Blinded by the Light

2010-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have a mild case of night blindness. It makes driving at night a bit difficult, but I have gotten used to it through the years. I don't let my friends know because they get really nervous when they ride with me. I can see well enough that my driving is not restricted, but I do have to be extra cautious.

Night blindness is not a big deal for me. It is the "day blindness" that causes me concern. In the full light of day I am often blind to my surroundings. I have walked right past searching hearts and smiling faces without notice. I miss seeing blessings, beauty, opportunities and even Angels.

Lately, I have been experiencing a different kind of blindness. I look at the world and my life and can't see how to reconcile this "valley of tears" with the Glory of God. I know the answer, but I can't see it. I see God's love and power everywhere, but I don't see my Mom and others who have died and gone on. I see Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, yet I can't seem to be able to see Him in my sin encrusted heart.

I guess I am just rambling. This too shall pass. For now, I am going to let Jesus and the Blessed Mother do the seeing for me. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I am holding on tight to their hands as I journey along.

Seeing the World Through Catholic Eyes

2010-08-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

OK... so I am a little (a lot?) goofy. But I have this little game that I often play. I try to let the things of ordinary, every day life remind me of something Catholic. It is like making all the good in the world a sacramental!

Here are a few of the sacrament sightings I and one of my closest friends have had lately:

Sitting at the Starbucks in Williamsport, my friend noticed two towers across the river. One had a blinking red light, the other a blinking white light. They reminded us of the rays of light coming from Jesus in the Divine Mercy paintings. Blood and Water!

Saw a chicken restaurant the other day called "Pope Yes!" (Popeyes)

I love letting the Holy Spirit cool my house through the use of fans.

Green lights and any green sign remind us to pray the Green Scapular prayer: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

Telephone poles bring to mind the Cross of Christ and his gift of eternal life.

Roses and many flowers -- Ahhhh... Mary!

When I see babies or toddlers I always see the smiling face of Christ.

Teenagers remind me of the potential for good we have when we "hang" with Jesus.

My granny is a sign of the unconditional love of Jesus.

So is my dog, Dina!

When I mow the lawn I think about how confession helps me to cut out all sin in my life.

Steps are stairways to heaven, and elevators are the Assumption of Mary.

Rain is baptism and blessing! I often bless the rain and turn it all into Holy Water!

The color red reminds me of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

And what Catholic doesn't think of Mary when he/she sees the color blue?

Storms are one of my favorite sacramentals reminding me of the awesome power of God, and sometimes they remind me of the need for confession-- -- Confession is better than dodging lightening bolts!

Many, many other things will engage my imagination and move me to prayer and thanksgiving: stones, gardens, hummingbirds, Harleys, ice tea, swimming pools, my computer, willow trees, oak trees, pine trees, ice cream, sandals, St. Arbucks (Starbucks), love songs, necco wafers, hammers, the night sky, curtains, poems, talented musicians, birds... the list is endless.

Why don't you try it. Take a few playful moments each day to notice your surroundings. Ask how the things you like or things you notice remind you about the nature of God or a story in the Bible. You might even remember something from Father's homily! Or not. : )

Faith & Emotions

2010-08-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

   One of the constant struggles I have to face in my spiritual life has to do with emotions. I can intellectually understand the difference between actual faith and emotions. However, I find that I, even though I am a priest, am regularly tossed about by my emotions. At times when I am sad, overly tired, anxious or just lonely, I find myself thinking that I have lost faith. It usually takes a saint, canonized or otherwise, to snap me out of it.

   One of my closest brothers in Christ will often remind me, "Father, you know who this is." Usually, I will grin and be brought back to reality, knowing that it was the evil who once again tried to neutralize me with emotions. A quick rebuke followed by a Rosary, blessing myself and thanking God gets me back on the Kingdom Track.

   Another friend who is a Priest in West Virginia will roll his eyes and wearily just say, "Emotions" when he notices that I have once again "stepped in it". I don't always grin when he says it even though I know he is correct.

So what to do, what to do? If you share this tendency with yours truly, I would suggest the following:

1. Don't go all crazy on yourself. You are human, and human beings have emotions. Cut yourself some slack as you once again put your emotions in the proper context. In fact, if you don't beat yourself up for feeling the way you do at that moment, it is really freeing to recognize that it was not a lack of faith, just emotions!

2. Rebuke the evil one by praising God in all things. God is in control. The phantom shadows of our emotions and the wiles of the devil are powerless in God's presence.

3. Make sure you have a prayer partner to help you recognize those occasional forays into the dark side. This can be your priest if you know him well, a spiritual director, or a close friend who is mature in his/her faith. . Not all "down" days are the "dark night of the soul" that St. Theresa and St. John of the Cross have written about, and discernment is important in these matters. If you choose a friend, it really should be a friend of the same sex that you are

4. Pray the Rosary! Beat those Beads! Allow the Mother of God to comfort you and take you back to Her merciful Son.

5. If you are dealing with serious or clinical depression, do all the above, but don't try to just brush it aside or laugh/cry/pray it away. In addition to laughing, crying and praying get some professional help. Your doctor can point you in the right direction.

These are the things that work for me. Especially praying the Rosary!

JP 2 We love you!

2010-07-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

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Overcoming Sensuality II The Virtue of Fortitude

2010-07-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Virtue of Temperance helps us, as we have seen, to moderate our behaviors. It is a natural virtue that we all have. When we put it into practice, temperance helps us to balance our use of legitimate goods against an inordinate desire for them. It is easy to say, "moderation in all things", but it is much more difficult to persist. That is where the virtue of fortitude helps in the overcoming of sensuality. Rather than be slaves to our emotions and desires, we are capable of taming them so that desires and emotions serve us. No longer enslaved, we are free to enjoy life, love others and serve God.

The typical hedonist today does not aspire to anything larger and higher, but settles for "feeling good". Such a life does not require fortitude. A truly meaningful life, is determined in regards to man's true end — which is the knowledge and love of God — does indeed require a host of virtues belonging to fortitude. The virtue of temperance is thus not enough for emotional well-being, since temperance deals with the greatest pleasures, not the greatest difficulties. Rather, it belongs to fortitude to remove the obstacles that withdraw the will from following reason on account of difficulties that give rise to fear and sorrow.

Catholics believe that the human person ought to love what is larger than himself, namely truth, justice, and the common good of the social whole. He ought to love the good of the entire civil community so much as to be willing to expose himself to the danger of death for its sake, and we would argue that he ought to love God (who is Truth) more than himself, and be willing to expose himself — not others — to the dangers of death for His sake, that is, for His cause.

St. Thomas writes:

Fortitude strengthens a man's mind against the greatest danger, which is that of death. Now fortitude is a virtue; and it is essential to virtue to tend to good; wherefore it is in order to pursue some good that man does not fly from the danger of death. But the dangers of death arising out of sickness, storms at sea, attacks from robbers, and the like, do not seem to come on a man through his pursuing some good. On the other hand, the dangers of death which occur in battle come to man directly on account of some good, because, to wit, he is defending the common good by a just fight. (ST. II-II.123, a. 5)

What does this have to do with sensuality and lust? Fortitude enables us to be strong in our use of reason when are passions threaten to enslave. The battle could be a military one, but more specifically the battle is always a "moral" one. For the sake of our salvation, for the love of others, for the establishment and strengthening of our wills, and for the good of the family unit we control our desires and appetites.

We love, so we do not let our selfishness hurt others. We choose the good because God is Good. Judges who refuse bribes, lawyers who refuse an unjust case, people who refuse revenge, a fireman running into a burning building, a parent giving up material goods and personal pampering for their child, all are using the virtue of fortitude.

Our strength, our fortitude is in the use of reason. It is not fearlessness, but the willingness to act in spite of fear or actual danger to ourselves. A person who lacks fortitude loves "external goods" and the goods of the body (temporal goods) more than his character, more than the common good, and more than the sovereign good, namely God. Thus, anything that he/she finds desirable must be had. If something is pleasurable to such a one, he can see no reason to avoid it. Excesses of self indulgence follow to the destruction of self and others.

It is also more than just will power. It is a process of using reason and making a decision. For Catholics it also means availing ourselves of the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit through the Eucharist, other Sacraments, prayer and acts of charity.

We will still struggle against concupiscence and sensuality, but the struggle will not be hopeless. Be strong. Be fearless in the battle against sin. Be free.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Overcoming Sensulality

2010-07-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to address the issue of sensuality and lust. The media, Internet, current attitudes toward sex, fashions, and the abundant presence of all the pleasures of life certainly make the struggle more difficult.

Two virtues will help you overcome sensuality -- temperance and fortitude.

Sensuality can show itself as a tendency to seek what is most pleasant or comfortable, even to the point of sacrificing what is truly good. Temperance is the virtue by which grow in our ability to govern desires for pleasure.

When we practice the virtue of temperance, we call it by different names, depending upon the physical desire that we are restraining. The desire for food is natural and good; but when we develop an inordinate desire for food, we call that the vice of gluttony.

Likewise, the inordinate indulgence in wine or other alcoholic beverages is called drunkenness, and both gluttony and drunkenness are combated by abstinence, which is temperance applied to our desire for food and drink.

Similarly, we receive pleasure from sexual intercourse, but the desire for that pleasure outside of its proper bounds--that is, outside of marriage, or even inside marriage, when we are not open to the possibility of procreation--is called lust. The practice of temperance regarding sexual pleasure is called chastity.

Temperance is primarily concerned with the control of the desires of the flesh, but when it manifests itself as modesty, it can also restrain the desires of the spirit, such as pride. In all cases, the practice of temperance requires the balancing of legitimate goods against an inordinate desire for them.

Fortitude--next post!

Martha, Martha, Martha

2010-07-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

My Jesus, come. Maranatha. Come into my home. Occupy my every thought. Enter my heart. Let me, like Mary, sit at Your feet and listen to Your Words. Let me, like Martha, offer you my hospitality and love. Correct me when I have allowed myself to be distracted or when I become resentful of others. In that loving correction, Martha became a Saint. Boldly, but humbly, I beg you my Lord, give me the grace to endure that which will make me a saint.

Then Lord, help me to see in all people Your Most Holy Face, that I may likewise extend to them the same hospitality. Let me serve with joy, and never grudgingly. It is true that we can toil grudgingly. We can serve grudgingly. We can even, at times, Lord forgive us, pray grudgingly. It is not possible to love grudgingly. Mary chose the better part, not because she chose listening over doing, but because she chose love over resentment and grand-standing.

Let all I do be done in this sweet spirit of being with You. AMEN.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

July is the Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

2010-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

O if we only would know and claim the marvelous Gift that our Lord has given us in His Precious Blood. His Blood shed for us on the Cross washed away our sins and freed us from the bondage of iniquity. We receive His Precious Blood every time we go to Holy Communion. The Scriptures record the words of Jesus regarding His Blood:

"This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:20).

As if that were not enough, the Lord Jesus gives us a further gift in His Blood. The biblical image is that of "sprinkling". David Wilkerson writes,

The first biblical reference to the sprinkling of blood is in Exodus 12:22. The Israelites were commanded to take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood of a slain lamb, and sprinkle it onto the lintel and two side-posts of their front door. That night, when the death angel came and saw the blood on the door posts, he would pass over the house.

Please understand -- as long as the blood was left in the basin, it was of no effect; it was merely blood that had been shed. The blood had power to save only when it was lifted out of the basin and sprinkled!

Why couldn't the Israelites have simply laid the basin of blood at the threshold and said, "It doesn't matter what we do with it. After all, blood is blood"? Suppose they had put the basin on a linen-covered table, or on a pedestal just inside the door?

I'll tell you what would have happened: The death angel would have struck that home! The blood had to be lifted out of the basin and sprinkled on the door to fulfill its purpose of protection.

Likewise, the Blood that Jesus shed on Calvary and the Precious Blood He continues to give us in Holy Communion not only saves but also PROTECTS US!

But we have to "sprinkle" ourselves with this protective blood. If we are to experience the power and protection of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity we have received, We cannot just casually receive it at Church and then leave it in the basin of our hearts. It needs to be "sprinkled"!

How do we "sprinkle" this Precious Blood? First we must faithfully and consciously receive Him. We receive Him faithfully by knowing and accepting that it is His Body and Blood that we receive and no mere symbolic representation. We receive Him consciously when we not only eat and drink the Eucharist, but do so while praying for Him and His truth to come into our hearts. We must ask that the Precious Blood not only saves us, but protects us from the snares of the Devil. We ask for the angle of death and the culture of death to pass over us. Our hearts and minds sprinkled with the Precious Blood will prevent any evil from entering in.

A Boy And His Dog

2010-07-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

I have finally been trained. Fear of hell and love of God sometimes fail to get me to move my big behind off the couch. There are times I will even sit in front of my computer, getting more and more hungry, but will not get up to make dinner. This may be a bit delicate, but I will not move from my spot until my bladder threatens to overflow AND I am in pain! But... one little whimper from my dog Dina and I am up and at-em.

I don't really understand why I am so attached to this creature. She is a sheltie, aka a shetland sheep dog, who would never qualify as a show dog. She sheds. She, like her owner, is overweight. Her oversensitive stomach results in frequent eruptions from one end or the other that require her human to fetch cleaner and paper towels. She sheds. She wants to play when I am tired. She does not fetch my slippers. She barks at the slightest noise outside. And did I mention, she sheds?

I do know that she is attached to me. Perhaps that is why I love her so. If I am sad, she will sit or lie at my feet for hours. If I turn on the TV she will sigh and resign herself to being ignored for an hour or so unless her bladder threatens to overflow! I didn't teach her how to do any of these things. It is just the way she loves.

I've often thought that I should preach a homily at Mass suggesting that my Catholic brothers and sisters need to be like my dog. I don't think that would go over very well. I do think, however, that if we all treated each other with the same regard and devotion that my dog, Dina, has for me the world would be a dog-gone great place to live!

When the Rain Comes

2010-06-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Find more videos like this on Salesians of Don Bosco

Get Service

2010-06-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

This little video, Get Service, spoke to my heart and gave me some perspective. Gosh, I love it when the Lord is working with me. He is so faithful, loving and attentive!

Silver Jubilee

2010-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

"The heart of a priest is a chalice of love.
The heart of a priest is a chalice of compassion, because it is the vessel of Christ." Catherine Doherty

Being a Jubilarian must be like becoming a grandparent for the first time... I am much too young to have been ordained 25 years.

It seems like just yesterday that i prostrated myself on the hard stone floor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling, WV, as the choir sang the Litany of the Saints. In that glorious Mass the Bishop laid his hands 0n me as bishops have done many thousands of times for many centuries, grafting me into the Holy Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Ever will I remember the pealing of the bells, the joyful tears of my mother, the hundreds of first blessings. Who would have ever believed that Mike McCormick could become a "priest forever in the line of Melchizedek"?

Like most new fathers and mothers, I was filled with all the joy and concerns of parenthood. Like the new dad who might not know a thing about diapers, bottles and child rearing, once the "baby" was placed in my arms the ocncerns melted away and the joy became pure love.

Jubilee. JUBILEE! 25 years later the newness has not worn off. Thanks to all my parishioners and friends who pray for priests, each day has become a new opportunity to find and experience the love of Jesus. When my priesthood has been difficult it is because I took my eyes off the prize--our salvation in Christ Jesus. At these times my Christian Family here on earth as well as my Christian Family in heaven, especially the Blessed Mother, help me to keep focused on Christ Jesus, His Church, the love of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jubilee comes from the Aramaic word which means "trumpet blast". Special occasions such as this are an opportunity to sound that trumpet, not to toot our own horns, but to celebrate the gift of the priesthood through which we have the abiding presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. So let us "sound the trumpet in the assembly" to signal what we have known all along -- that Jesus is present with us in the Eucharist until the end of time, in the priest who consecrates the bread and wine, and in the people of God who form this Eucharistic body we call the Church.

How Long?

2010-06-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

How Long? from Mark Mallett on Vimeo.

When It Is Not Hunky-Dorey

2010-06-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm having one of those days when the universe and all that is in it appears to me to be uptight. Of course I know that I am projecting. It is I, after all, who is uptight for some reason. My neck muscles are tight. My tinnitus is buzzing away. My heart rate is irregular. And there is really nothing wrong. I just am having "one of those days."

In the midst of all this, I have also had a wonderful day of prayer. The Mass was superb. My rosaries were beautiful. The Office was not a struggle as it is for me at times when I have to pray it alone.

I get like this fairly often. Yuppie Angst? Ravings of a mad man? I don't know that understanding why I feel this way would help much. It is a part of my existence and has been since my earliest memories. As a toddler there were times when I would feel like a big knotted rope only to be stretched out like a tight string on a guitar or piano. My mom would laugh when I would tell her. She thought I was trying to be silly. Of course, I also would variously tell her that I felt like a tiger, a policeman, a sunbeam, a cloud or a frog. But the tight rope and the stretched string were not make believe.

I was abused as a toddler. Physically and mentally. Knot-to-string followed abuse. Then when the abuser was gone, knot-to-string hung on. It is still a part of me. I experience it when there is conflict, when I feel abandoned, when I feel insecure or when I feel threatened.

Today it is a combination of feeling abandoned and insecure. I know that I am not abandoned, but I feel that way this afternoon. The insecurity is more understandable to me. It all has to do with my assignments as a priest. I love my current placement. I know I could be moved at any time by the Bishop. I don't want to fall in love with these people because it hurts so much to leave. It is too late. I love the people of Our Lady of Lourdes. I have no choice but to be a lover.

I shouldn't be transferred this year. I hope I have a few years at this parish. This year I was juggled around to a total of 5 parishes. The year before my exile I was moved twice before I refused the 3rd placement due to my grandmother's declining health. Stability would be nice for awhile. But the Son of Man had no place to lay his head...

Even though a transfer would in no way be an abuse, I react to it as though it were such. So I will lay my head on the shoulder of my Lord or sit in the lap of my Blessed Mother. Now... why was I feeling insecure?

Blessed by the Best!

2010-06-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

I just got home to central PA from a youth conference at the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. That campus is one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever visited. Even more beautiful than the grounds was the sweet presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

To see 2200 teenagers praising God and adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was very inspiring to this old, battle weary priest. As the priest processed though the crowd, the students were reaching out to Jesus. It reminded me of the Bible account of the woman who just wanted to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. The priest processed throughout the congregation several times. It was a New Covenant fulfillment of the Old Testament account of Joshua at Jericho...and the walls around the hearts of those kids, and around the hearts of most of us adults, "those walls came tumbling down". As Jesus processed through, I couldn't help but think this is what makes Him most happy. Walking among His people, blessing, loving, forgiving and healing. In the tabernacle He is most humbly present, waiting for us to come to Him. In procession He is powerfully moving among us and physically present to us.

As Father Leo processed there was a spot light that followed him. Each time the spotlight hit the Monstrance it glittered like a thousand stars. The Sacred Host would appear to light up. I found my breath catching and my heart leaping with the joy of a lover seeing his beloved. From time to time I have been "stopped dead in my tracks" at the sight of God's beautiful creation: a sunset, rainbow, bubbling stream, an awesome storm, an adorable baby or toddler, a great work of art, an incredible accomplishment or someone achieving a goal or a new level of excellence.

None of that, in fact nothing can compare to the beauty and magnificence of Christ Jesus. Each time the Monstrance was turned so that I could see the host I felt His love. His gaze was so pure and loving that I could do nothing but adore and love in return. His love was so complete that all my wounds, weaknesses, faults and failures were inconsequential. This glimpse of Divine Love is but a portion of what we shall experience when we greet Him face to face. Alleluia!

The weekend ended with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The homily was incredible. It was geared to the teens, so it may have been a little unorthodox in the presentation., The content, however, was pure catholic orthodoxy. Fr. Leo Patalinghug, who is a black belt, gave an inspiring object lesson by breaking boards and showing us a few karate moves. When Satan comes at you, using you for a punching bag, we can, Father told us, remember the first 4 karate moves. Respect (don't underestimate), Focus so that distractions don't leave to a fall, Control by getting past the punches of the devil rather than staying there and trying to duck them, and Destroy. Destroy the temptations by prayer, fellowship, bible reading, the Sacrament of Confession and attending Holy Mass every Sunday and more often if possible.

There was so much more, and I am sure that some of it will come out in future blog entries and homilies. For now all I can say is that He is Love and He is here.

The Divine Economy

2010-06-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Divine Economy

I’m not sure how I came to use the phrase, “The Divine Economy” to refer to the inner workings of God regarding prayer. I may have read it somewhere. I may have heard someone else use the phrase. I may have coined the phrase, myself. It may have been given to me in private revelation. How ever it came to me, it has become a wonderful way of understanding the power of public prayer, especially praying the Rosary with others.

My friends, Rosary Priest, Green Scapular and Tom are administering a facebook site with the idea that when Rosaries are united, the power, benefits and graces are greatly increased. This idea is nothing new. It comes from the writings of St. Louis de Montfort in his little book, The Secrets of the Rosary. He tells us:

When people say the Rosary together  it is far more formidable to the devil  than a rosary said privately,  because in this public prayer,  it is an army that is attacking him.
Someone who says his Rosary alone  gains only the merit of one Rosary,  but if one prays it together with their family  or thirty other people in a group  they gain the merit of thirty Rosaries.
This is the law of public prayer.

This is primarily what I mean when I refer to The Divine Economy. Each person in that group of 30 receives the merits of 30 Rosaries. In effect, then, the Blessed Mother is receiving not just 30 crowns of roses, but also 30 times 30, or 900 crowns. She gets not only 150 mystical roses from each person, but also 4500 mystical roses from each person in the group of 30. This totals 135,000 mystical roses!

No wonder there is such power when people gather to pray the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Green Scapular is fond of saying, “Remember, in praying the Rosary, wars can be stopped and the laws of nature suspended!”

Trinity Sunday

2010-05-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

A Shamrock. An egg. A simple musical chord. A tricycle.

All three in one. All ways of trying to understand the mystery we Catholics know as the Blessed Trinity. I often use the following example: My parishioners know me as Fr. Mike. My parents know me as their son, Mike. And my sister knows me as the Holy Terror, MIke! But praise God, there is only one of me.

The triune nature of our God far exceeds any example we can conjure up. These examples give us just a small insight into how 3 can be one.

The Blessed Trinity refers to the fact that God has revealed Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons, one God.

Some people like to think of the Trinity as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. This distinction is insufficient, however. While it partially describes the functions God has in our lives, it misses the wonderful relational aspect of God's nature.

Our Catholic understanding is that God chooses to relate to His people. That we can know anything about God at all is because He chose to relate to us through Divine Revelation. The Old Testament is a chronicle of this ongoing revelation. Even in the Old Testament there are many references to what we now call the Trinity. God the Father of Abraham promised to send the Messiah who would reign with Power and Love.

When the Word became Flesh in Jesus Christ the Old Testament promise of a Messiah was fulfilled. When the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, the Trinity was complete. All that was foretold about the nature of God was now fully revealed.

Much has been far more eloquently written about the Blessed Trintity than I could ever hope to write. Much of the writing is very inspirational. Some of it is rather technical. All of it is mystery. But I dare to say that this doctrine of the triune God is even more than has been written or will ever be written. It is far beyond our capcity to understand, yet is it so simple that a child with a shamrock can grasp it as deeply as St. Augustine or any modern theologian.

When the reading, studying, defining, and writing are all complete, this I know:

When we suffer, God our Father lovingly takes us in His strong, protecting and healing arms.
When we are abandoned, lost, mired in sin or friendless, God the Son, Jesus is there for us.
When hope is gone and life overwhelms, God, the Holy Spirit is there to empower and inspire us.

When we understand Scripture, experience Joy or grasp one of God's eternal truths, God the Holy Spirit has once again been a part of our lives.
When we abandon sinful ways, turn our lives around, or help someone in need, thank God the Son, Jesus because He is the One who has befriended you.
When you breathe, create something of beauty, or love another person unconditionally, be assured that it is God the Father who breathes, creates and loves, uniting Himself in your life and actions.

The Blessed Trinity~~ 3 for the price of one ~~ one for the Salvation of All.

2010-05-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ascension Thursday

2010-05-13T13:01:00.001-07:00

Today we remember and celebrate that day when the Lord Ascended into Heaven. I have to admit that I approach this day with a mixture of feelings. I am inspired by the biblical account of our Lord rising on the clouds. I am encouraged by His promises of His abiding presence and the Holy Spirit. I eagerly await His return.

At the same time, I am sad. I wish He hadn't left. Why couldn't He just stay here so we could see HIm and talk to Him whenever we needed His wisdom, love and listening ear? Those apostles and disciples were so blessed.

Yet, I know that kind of thinking is worldly. It is even a bit selfish. I want Jesus with me. I desperately need to know I am loved by HIm, and see that love in His sacred eyes. These are, however, just passing feelings and fleeting desires.

I know why Jesus ascended. I can put part of what I know into words.

First of all He ascended because He is the Second person of the Blessed Trinity, God's Son, and it is God's will that Jesus should have ascended.

Secondly, Jesus tells us that He ascended to go to prepare a place for us and to send us the Holy Spirit.

Thirdly, He shows us the Way to the Father's Kingdom. Where He has gone we hope to follow. While He was on the earth He suffered. He knew sorrow. He died. While we are on the earth we suffer, know sorrow, and we will die. At the Father's side there is no suffering, sorrow, sin or death. The Ascension puts our current condition into perspective and our goal in plain sight.

Finally, I think there is a fourth explanation for the Ascension. While in the earthly realm, Jesus was bound as we are by the constraints of time and place. He could only be present in one place for a time. While He was in the desert alone, no one got to see Him (but the devil who is by definition a no one). When in the boat with the disciples, the people inland were excluded. Even when preaching to the thousands of people present for the multiplication of the loaves and fish, there were still many millions throughout the world who were hungering for God. You get the picture.
He couldn't be present here and there at the same time.

Furthermore, He had previously told us that unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood we don't stand a chance of getting into Heaven. Well...without being too graphic, even a small nibble can only feed so many people. So He went to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to us so that every Mass and not just the Last Supper, would make present His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. As long as there are priests forever who are priests forever, there will be Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. Body and Blood. Soul and Divinity. Enough for the multitudes until this world ends.

It does not stop there, however! Glory be to God!

In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus is truly present. We can talk with Him. We can love Him as intimately as the first Apostles. He will speak to your heart, calm your fears, save your soul and be your abiding friend and eternal Lord. To get the Blessed Sacrament, however, you must go to the nearest Church or have Him brought to you by and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Thus, in addition to this miraculous and lavish gift, He sends the Holy Spirit to be with us always. All we need do is to ask and there He is. At work or play, home or away, Jesus Whom we receive in Holy Communion stays with us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now, why was I feeling sad?

Disciples Without Discipline?

2010-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

We are half way through the holy season of Lent, and I find myself just about ready to begin! Where does the time go? I know I waste a great deal of time "playing" on my computer. When my eyes begin to blur from staring at the screen, I will finally decide to log off and go pray. Often I am so tired by then because it is well after my bedtime that my night prayers are not said with the devotion our Lord deserves. What is lacking? Discipline.

I am ashamed to admit that I have fallen prey to the same spirit that permeates our secular world. It is an attitude that also seems to inflict many Christian. We want to be disciples without discipline. We want the love without the very justice that evidences that love. We want the blessings without requiring very much on our part.

We want good feelings all the time, and anything that interferes with these feelings is rejected. Sacrifice--out. Confession--out. Fasting--out. Almsgiving--only if we like the priest. The book of James in the Bible may be downplayed by some protestant congregations, but it seems to be completely forgotten by many Catholics.

Faith without works is dead, our Lord reminds us through the Letter of James. In the readings for today's Mass our Lord tells us that He comes, not to abolish but to fulfill the Law. And not only that, but are not to ignore any part of the Law if we want to be great in the Kingdom of God.

Notice, those who ignore even the smallest part of the Law will still be in the Kingdom. Salvation is through the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Heaven is not gained by our perceived perfection, but by the Perfect Love of Christ Jesus. But we MUST work, pray, study, adore, serve, fast, give and love.

Regular Mass attendance is absolutely necessary. Where else can we go to get inspired by God's word and nourished by the Blessed Eucharist at the same time? Nowhere. Also, I am not a bit shy about telling people that they ought to pray a Rosary every day of their lives. Most parishes offer extra devotions during Lent such as penance services, Stations of the Cross, other types of prayer services, scripture studies, etc. Check the bulletin or call the parish office.

Finally, please go to Confession. Has it been years? Don't worry. Jesus will accept you and forgive you. Actually, He never stopped. Are you afraid that Father will yell at you? Well... I suppose it could happen, but most often the priest's heart is really touched when someone returns to this Sacrament. I always feel blessed and humbled when anyone comes to Confession, no matter how long (or how short!!!) it has been.

Well, I better get off this computer. I have prayers I want to say, and my heart can't wait a minute longer!

Saint Frances of Rome

2010-03-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

Patroness of Automobiles, Motorists and Taxi Drivers

God not only tested the patience of Frances with respect to her material wealth, but he also tested her especially through long and serious illnesses which she had to undergo. And yet no one ever observed in her a tendency toward impatience. She never exhibited any displeasure when she complied with an order, no matter how foolish. With peace of soul, she always reconciled herself to the will of God, and gave him thanks for all that happened. God had not chosen her to be holy merely for her own advantage. Rather the gifts he conferred upon her were to be for the spiritual and physical advantage of her neighbor. For this reason he made her so lovable that anyone with whom she spoke would immediately feel captivated by love for her and ready to help her in everything she wanted. She seemed able to subdue the passions of every type of person with a single word and lead them to do whatever she asked. For this reason people flocked to Frances from all directions, as to a safe refuge. No one left her without being consoled, although she openly rebuked them for their sins and fearlessly reproved them for what was evil and displeasing to God. Many different diseases were rampant in Rome. Fatal diseases and plagues were everywhere, but the saint ignored the risk of contagion and displayed the deepest kindness toward the poor and the needy. Her empathy would first bring them to atone for their sins. Then she would help them by her eager care, and urge them lovingly to accept their trials, however, difficult, from the hand of God. She would encourage them to endure their sufferings for love of Christ, since he had previously endured so much for them. For thirty years Frances continued this service to the sick and the stranger. During epidemics like this it was not only difficult to find doctors to care for the body but even priests to provide remedies for the soul. She herself would seek them out and bring them to those who were disposed to receive the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist. - from the Life of Saint Frances of Rome by a contemporary

Our Lady told me to share this joyfully!

2010-02-20T07:34:00.000-08:00

"Enter fully into the Mystery of the Passion of Christ my Son this Lent. Then your fasts, prayers and almsgiving will bear eternal fruit.
Learn from Him, and teach with Him.
Suffer with Him, and heal through Him.
Hunger for Him alone.
Give for Him totally.
Gaze upon Him always.
Only then will you be victorious over the temptations and struggles of this life.

Petition for Harry Knox to Resign

2010-02-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

Petition for Harry Knox to Resign

Please prayerfully consider signing this petition. It is a call to action to defend YOUR Catholic Faith.

Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple

2010-02-02T01:38:00.000-08:00

This Feast is also know as Candlemas, and The Purification of Mary. The following hymn from Sacred Scripture establishes the event.

The Nunc Dimitis

Luke 2:22-40

8 When the days were completed for their purification 9 according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
23
just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,"
24
and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, 10 and the holy Spirit was upon him.
26
It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.
27
He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
28
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
29
"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,
30
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
32
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."
33
The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
34
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted
35
(and you yourself a sword will pierce) 11 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
36
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
37
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
38
And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
39
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

In this passage we meet a temple worker, the prophet named Simeon. He was promised by God that he wouldn't see death before seeing the fulfillment of the Promise, the coming of the Messiah.

This meeting takes place when Jesus is eight days old. In accordance with the Law he was consecrated at the temple. This rite recalls the Passover night in Egypt when God struck the firstborn in the Land of Egypt. Only those who painted the blood of a lamb on their doorposts were spared by the angel of death. It also prefigures the Crucifixion, when the Lamb of God, Jesus, will shed His blood that we might be spared eternal damnation.

We read in the Catholic Encyclopedia:

According to the Mosaic law a mother who had given birth to a man-child was considered unclean for seven days; moreover she was to remain three and thirty days "in the blood of her purification"; for a maid-child the time which excluded the mother from sanctuary was even doubled. When the time (forty or eighty days) was over the mother was to "bring to the temple a lamb for a holocaust and a young pigeon or turtle dove for sin"; if she was not able to offer a lamb, she was to take two turtle doves or two pigeons; the priest prayed for her and so she was cleansed. (Leviticus 12:2-8) Forty days after the birth of Christ Mary complied with this precept of the law.

Thus we celebrate this great Feast commemorating the continuing obedience of Mary which always reveals for us the Saviour Christ Jesus. Following her example, let each of us present to God our Heavenly Father and Creator our heart, our soul and our life through our obedience to His Divine Will. Then we will be purified. Then we, servants of the Lord, can go in peace.

2010-02-02T01:13:00.000-08:00

Saint Thérèse, in a letter in January 1889:

"He prefers to leave me in darkness rather than to give me a false glimmer that would not be Himself. I do not want created things to have a single atom of my love. I want to give all to Jesus, since He is making me understand that He alone is perfect happiness"

O Dear Little Flower, please pray for me as I encounter this present darkness. At times I feel as though my heart will not be able to continue beating. I pray, and all I hear in answer are echoes. I cry, and the warm tears burn rather than comfort. My only comfort is the Blessed Sacrament, without which I would surely despair. Thank you, dearest friend. Amen.

Battle Depression

2010-01-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

Prayer against Depression - by Saint Ignatius of Loyola
O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.

Scripture

I am still more, with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, far worse beatings, and numerous brushes with death. Five times at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I passed a night and a day on the deep; on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure. And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant?

—2 Corinthians 11:23-29

Prayer to St. Dymphna - Hope

Good St. Dymphna, you placed all your hope in Christ's promises, and sacrificed even your life in that hope. The Lord, God, rewarded your constancy by making your name known and loved over many centuries by the thousands whom you have aided in time of difficulty. Please assist us now in our present necessity, and intercede before God for our intentions. Obtain for us a firm hope like your own in God's unfailing protection. Amen.

Jesus Is in the Darkness with You

St. Gregory Nazianzus wrote these words during a time when he found anxiety and depression crowding out any space for prayer in his soul:
The breath of life, O Lord, seems spent. My body is tense, my mind filled with anxiety, yet I have no zest, no energy. I am helpless to allay my fears. I am incapable of relaxing my limbs. Dark thoughts constantly invade my head ....Lord, raise up my soul, revive my body.

Go to Eucharistic adoration and spend some time in God's presence.

O Sacrament Most Holy

2010-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in the very center of my being

Our Holy Mother & Her Saving Son

Despite the coldness of my love

Despite the hardness of my heart

Despite the darkness of my sin stained soul

Have chosen to take refuge therein.

And Lo! There is Life!

Na Zdrowie! The Kloska Family Blog: The Importance of Fasting

2010-01-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Na Zdrowie! The Kloska Family Blog: The Importance of Fasting

Snow

2010-01-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

Snow is no surprise in North Central Pa. I can't say that I really like snow anymore. I used to when I was much younger. Then is was magic, fun and a possible day off from school. Now it is wet shoes, dirty cars, lots of work and a possible stiff back and arms for a few days. Where did the magic go?

I went out for a short drive this evening just to get out of the house. I passed a group of kids. Their ages seemed to span preteen to late teens. I was stopped at a red light, so I rolled down my window to have a listen. Their peals of laughter filled the night with that magic I had somehow misplaced. I was sad when the light turned green, because I knew that what is a source of joy to these young people would once again become a nuisance to me.

It is, however, quite lovely.

I shampooed my grandmother's carpets today. I went to the country to pray at a Church that has Eucharistic Adoration Sunday evening until Monday evening. I had a wonderful hour of prayer. Then a lady came in and loudly banged her beads against the pew. I had a not so wonderful 1/2 hour of prayer and then left. I went to get my car washed. It was caked with sludge and salt. Then I went home, ate, fell asleep in my chair and woke up to snow. Snow.

Clean carpet, clean car... bye bye. Wet shoes, sore back... hello.

Anyway, it is quite lovely.

Friendship is like that some days.

2010-01-09T14:21:00.001-08:00

Fr. Gorden MacRae wrote an article for the First Things Blog in November of 1997 regarding the amazing mishandling of the priest scandal in which he quotes Fr. Richard Neuhaus:

"(It) is in the nature of witch hunts that those in politics, religion, and journalism who have promoted them, participated in them, or publicly endorsed them, have done so under the guise of ‘the public good,’ and with a perceived ‘public sanction’ that has historically consisted of two equally influential components: the noise of a few, and the silence of many.”

A Prayer from Sullivan County, PA

2010-01-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

A Prayer from Sullivan County

O Lord. What have I done with such a precious gift? All creation sings your praises, but I criticize and complain. Never has an oak tree wished it were a maple. Never an aspen weeps for shedding its leaves nor envies the evergreen. Cats contentedly meow. Mules merrily bray. Crows caw your praises. The waters flow with Your breath and freeze at Your command. Clouds collect and dispense at Your will.

Man, only man goes against his created nature. In doing so, his nature and much of the natural world is corrupted. You give us to eat, and it is never sweet enough. You feed us from Your abundant table, and we complain that we are too full. Free us from our bonds ~ and we feel deprived!

God of the Ages, God of all creation, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I have been such. Forgive me. As you fill the Earth with Your Glory, so empty my cluttered heart and mind that I may be filled with Your Loving Presence. Then, perhaps, I will benefit Your Church, Your Kingdom and Your people.

Let my every thought be eternally Yours. Just as the cat’s meow is Your feline song, let my words be Your love spoken to those most in need. Let my daily deeds and smallest routines be Your kindness flowing to a thirsting humanity. Let me be as still in Your Holy Presence as the winter pond. As You fill me with the blessings of the Holy Priesthood, let me disperse Your collected Blessings according to Your Divine Directive.

Remove any envy or jealousy hidden within that my braying may be merry and my clarion caw be a joyful proclamation sweet in Your ears, my heart ever united with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

AMEN

Insignificant Graces?

2010-01-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Occasionally when I am sleeping (and when I am thinking, though I cannot tell the difference sometimes) the Good Lord will speak to my heart so clearly that I am not able to doubt. My usual filters and defenses are disarmed so that I can not only hear, but I am able to freely and clearly discern what is of God, what is of Mike and what is of the Devil.

Last night was one of those graced moments. The past few weeks have been particularly difficult for me spiritually. My prayer has been constant, but also agonizing, as I am becoming aware of how little I reflect the Love of Christ. Outside of offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and celebrating the Sacraments with and for the people, I am terribly deficient in Christian charity, good works and perseverance. I don't want this post to degenerate into yet another of my narcissistic rants, so suffice it to say that were I to grade myself on discipleship I would give myself a D+!

Anyway... I had a series of awful days and a great friend of mine took an entire afternoon to help me through it. After that day of healing and grace, I went to bed at 2:30 am. My grandmother needed her usual assistance at 4 am. She is so sweet. She always tells me thanks and then says, "God Bless you. I don't know what I would do without you." It doesn't matter how groggy or irritable I am, she is always so appreciative. There is a lesson for me! Even if I had been angry with her or with life, I return to my room humbled and something like... absolved.

This morning at 4 am was no different. Humbled, delivered, absolved I settled in when the "still small voice" spoke. I seldom share these messages. They are usually personal messages of direction or correction. Last night the Lord told me that "this day I would do something great." I actually woke myself up laughing! My days of delusions of greatness have long since passed. I am too much of a realist. I still have a few delusional friends who are convinced that there is something great that God has for me to do. I do not share that conviction.

So you might understand why my response to last night's "message" was laughter. "This day" in Central Pa! Me! So I quickly dismissed the message and forgot it. I made breakfast for Granny. It was great. I said my morning Office. It was great. I made my weekly visit to the nursing home, prayed and shared communion with 4 elderly ladies, and it was great. I didn't "feel" it. I knew it was great. It was great because of God, not because of me. There was no high. There was a sense of satisfaction and peace, knowing that even when I am a mess, God is in control. Then I suddenly remembered the message~ this day you will do something great.

What does the rest of the day hold? Who knows? God knows, and it will be great. Everything done with God is great. There are no insignificant graces.

A Letter From A True Believer!

2010-01-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

Father,

When presented and surrounded by people who no longer even believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist how do you stay strong. Lately I have been overwhelmed with people (at church) who no longer want to believe this or that aspect of our Faith. I have even had in church people state oh well they at least believe in Christ. Sometimes I feel like I just want to find a monestary somewhere and hide. Curl up, go inside myself and just be with God myself. I am normally not this type of person as I am outgoing and friendly. But lately over and over I am presented with these people who I continue to pray for but are weighing on my soul.

I am so deeply saddened with people's inability to believe in the Real Presence. I am sure each and everyday you are presented with these challenges, how do you cope?

Blessings in Christ,

Teresa

FrMichael S McCormick January 6 at 9:50pm

Hi Teresa.

This is a very big issue with me!! So first off, I want you to know that it makes my heart glad that you have not lost your belief in this most essential aspect of our Faith. What a profound gift God has given us in the abiding Presence of HIs Son, substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament!

My primary way of coping is to make sure that I always comport myself in such a way to reflect my belief in this truth. I limit unnecessary conversation, though I am sometimes quite chatty with folks as they leave the Church after Mass! I ALWAYS genuflect when I pass in front of the tabernacle. I pray that my example might at least cause doubters to pause and reconsider what they believe.

Of course I also have an outlet you do not have ;-) I get to Offer the Holy Sacrifice and preach. Nearly every Mass I take the opportunity to mention the Real Presence of Jesus in Holy Communion!

When I can I teach, and if I must I use words. (thanks St. Francis!) And of course I pray for conversion of souls. Sometimes people think I am old fashioned. Sometimes even brother priests will ridicule me. That does sadden me. But I just persist and offer it up.

So I guess my advice to you is to persevere in your expressions of love to our Lord of Love always present and waiting for us. Offer up your suffering and sadness in reparation for all the outrages against our Lord and His Real Presence. You will not suffer in vain. You may sow in sadness, but you will reap in profound Joy!!! Pray for conversion of minds as well as souls. And finally, lead by example regardless of the presence, ridicule or exasperation of those around you.

Be strong, my sister. And thank you for sharing your faith. God Bless You!

The Lair of the Catholic Cavemen

2010-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

The Lair of the Catholic Cavemen

My 54th New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T17:54:00.000-08:00

Had a beautiful Mass this evening in Mildred, PA, at St. Francis Church. The music was beautiful. The event is sublime!

It is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

Mary is the Mother of God because there was never a moment when Jesus was not God from God, Light from Light, and True God from True God.

Of all Her titles, Mother of God is the most important to the Church for it clearly proclaims the Divinity of Jesus. There is much discussion regarding the divinity of Jesus. Some say He was just a human person endowed by God with special gifts. Some say He was made divine when God raised Him from the dead, but was just human until after He died. Some say he was never human at all, but just an appearance of humanity (like a body snatcher or something?). Some try to make a distinction between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.

This most glorious title of our Blessed Lady clearly disputes the above heresies. She is truly the mother of Jesus. He is fully human. He is also fully divine, thus she is the Mother of God!

How to Get Sinners to Leave Your Church

2009-12-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

There is a problem that some people have asked me to address:

Dear Father Mike,

I have a question that I was discussing with some of my parish friends. It seems that there are, from time to time, people who are not really very good Christians who continue to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion. Some of them are just unpleasant people who scowl and complain every time we see them. Some of these people are, according to good sources, known to frequent bars and participate in questionable activities around town. There are those, as we all to well know this past week, who only come to Mass on "special" days like Easter and Christmas. Then they take all the good seats, often the ones that everyone know is where someone else always sits. It is not that we mind guests, but we are more concerned about people who are supposed to be members, but give us a bad reputation by their actions and life styles.

I guess what I am asking is if there is anything I (we) can do? It is not fair that they have the same benefits as those of us who give so much to the Church. Sometimes I want to tell them they don't need to be here if they do not straighten themselves out. Is there any way for us to eliminate this problem so our Church can be a holy and relaxing place where we don't have to deal with disagreeable characters such as this? Your insights are most wanted.

much love,

Mr. and Mrs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Friends,

Sometimes we just need to let people know they are not welcomed. Some of these people can really be a bad influence on our children and families. We have to get the message to them, and we can do that explicitly, with words. Some people are brave and brazen enough to do just that. They will walk right up to these characters and tell them that they should leave and not come back. Most of us are much too polite to take this approach. But there are ways to deal with this situation.

One thing you can do is just nod at them if they make eye contact with you. Don't smile or give them any mixed messages.

They need to know if they disgust you. Or you could talk in a slightly exaggerated voice so that they could "overhear" your concern about the children seeing drunks or loose women in Church. By all means, keep your kids close to your side. In fact, try to keep them on the opposite side of your body which is closest to the undesirable.

If your parish has the practice of letting people add prayers to the Prayer of the Faithful, you could pray for the specific sin or condition of those present who cause you concern. It may embarrass them, so do not get too specific, but do be firm in defining certain actions as displeasing to God. As you part ~~THIS IS IMPORTANT~~even though you may find it difficult to squelch your usual good natured response to others, DO NOT SMILE. Keep you eyes focused behind them or over their heads, or on someone else. If you can comfortably avoid it, do not offer your hand in the handshake.

If you get stuck in conversation with some of the, be sure to be polite, dispassionate, and quickly bring the conversation to an end. Keep eye contact to a minimum. You can excuse yourself to the restroom, "notice" a friend on the other side of the room/church, or look at your watch and say you have to go.

Beyond that, make sure to inform other well meaning (and often liberal) do-gooders that they should not try to make the others feel too comfortable. Nor should anyone personally invite them to parish activities.

Before long, the people in question will get the message. They will either stop coming, or they will feel so terrible and lonely that they will repent. Either way, the problem is solved.

Thanks for you important question. Many people have expressed similar concerns throughout my years as a priest.

pax,

Fr. Mike

P.S. OR YOU COULD:

1. LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS DOES!

2. ACCEPT THEM SHORTCOMINGS AND ALL, JUST AS THEY ARE LIKE JESUS DID WITH YOU.

3. OFFER THEM THE ARM OF FRIENDSHIP

4. PRAY FOR THEM THAT THEY MAY DRAW CLOSER TO GOD

5. LOOK FOR SIGNS OF GOODNESS IN THEM AND BUILD ON THAT

6. INVITE AND ENCOURAGE (DON'T NAG) THEM TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE CHURCH

7. THANK GOD FOR THEM AND ASK FOR THE GRACE TO BE AN INSTRUMENT IN THEIR ONGOING CONVERSION

Perhaps the result will be conversion! Presto-Changeo! Now saved, not sinners!

Who knows, you might find yourself getting a little closer to God in the process.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS!

2009-12-29T11:28:00.001-08:00

Today I went to a local parish which has Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday, except when there is a fifth Tuesday in the month. Guess what... Yep, this is the 5th Tuesday of December. I am praying that one day our little town of Williamsport, PA, will have a Perpetual Adoration Chapel somewhere. If I am ever made pastor, my church will have Perpetual Adoration. That is my promise to our Lord and His Blessed Mother.

So, anyway, I had a nice time praying in this Church all decorated in Christmas splendor to honor our Lord's Incarnation. While I was praying, two lovely elderly ladies came in to make a visit. Before they left, they came over to me and introduced themselves. They, mother and daughter, are relatively new to the area. The mother is a member of the Church where we were praying. The daughter is a member of The Door, a congregation that protests Catholicism and much of Protestantism. She did not seem to share the disdain for Catholics I have encountered among many of their members.

In the course of our conversation, which included praises to God and a request that I pray for several situations in their family, the woman informed me that her husband had been a Franciscan priest for 30 years prior to their marriage. According to her, "He left one vocation for another. Now I am his vocation." Then she jokingly added, "And I am a full time vocation." She showed me pictures of her handsome grandson and his 3 adorable children, and one of her and her husband. I didn't say it, but he looked Franciscan. He still, even in a photo, had something of that spirit though he was now a member of or at least worships with an apostate group. Then they left, and I returned to prayer. I lifted up their intentions. God, of course, graciously heard.

But... there is always one of those with me ... I was disturbed by her comment that her husband's vocation was now full time to her. Is not every vocation to the Lord? She may not have meant that she usurped God in some way, but I wonder if she does somehow wonder.

I guess this is germane to me because 2009 was a year in which my vocation to the priesthood was severely tested. I was prevented from saying Mass and functioning as a priest from September 2008 until October 2009. The reason was, ostensibly, that I was in disobedience to my Bishop for refusing to take an assignment that would prevent me from caring for my now 95 year old grandmother despite the fact that I had a verbal agreement with the Bishop himself. Vicars, church politics and an ineffective style of leadership resulted in my unfortunate situation. It was not until I consulted and retained a Canon Lawyer that I was reinstated because there was, in fact, no basis for my dismissal.

Anyway, during that period of exile I was seriously questioning my priestly vocation. Was God trying to tell me something? Had I committed the sin of presumption by daring to pursue such a holy vocation? Was God punishing me? Was God testing me?

Could I endure the test?

Now, two months "back in the saddle" so to speak, I think there may have been a bit of punishment due to a laxity in personal prayer and for carrying a few grudges. That is now purged, thanks be to God! But the test... I think I passed the midterm exam. I have been given a renewed and deeper love for Christ and His Mother, as well as a renewed zeal for the priesthood, the sacramental life, preaching the Good News, the Rosary and for Corporeal and Spiritual works of mercy.

What about the final? Can I endure the test? With your prayers and the help of Mary and the Saints and Angels, I am most hopeful.

2009-12-26T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Feast of the Holy Family

"...and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man." (Luke 2:52)

Mary pondered all these things in her heart and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature.

Mary pondered. Jesus grew.

It seems to me that this is the whole of the Christian life and experience. We encounter Christ in some way, great or small. We reflect on this experience. And, Glory to God, He grows in our hearts, our awareness and our living.

What a joy it is to have the knowledge and favor of God grow in our lives through each encounter with Christ Jesus. There seem to be times, however, when the encounters are rare. What then should we do? We should follow the example of His holy Mother. Mary found the Child Jesus in the temple. We, likewise, must get to the "temple" to find Him in those desolate times when we feel lost or cannot feel His presence. Of course, I am referring specifically to the Church, and most specifically to the tabernacle! There we will find our Savior lovingly waiting for us. There He will listen to us as we pour out our hearts. There He will bless us as we bask in the light of His grace.

O, if we only would realize that He is there, really there in every Catholic Church in this most singular way. The same Christ who's birth we have just celebrated is there, childlike and innocent. The same Christ who wandered from His holy family to be in the temple with His Heavenly Father is there to amaze us with His questions and astound us with His answers. The same Christ who taught the disciples is there to instruct your heart in His ways. The same Christ who died on the Cross is there, laying down His life for your Salvation.

This is no mere symbol. This is not some form of religious rant. This is no mere doctrinal statement. This is Jesus. This is the Word Made Flesh.

Come, then, my brothers. Come, my sisters. Sit in His presence. Kneel in adoration. Lay your head against his beating Heart.

Ponder. Ponder and pray, and Jesus will grow in wisdom, and age and favor in your heart.

2009-12-26T17:30:00.001-08:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

There is something defiant in [Christmas] also; something that makes the abrupt bells at midnight sound like the great guns of a battle that has just been won. (G. K. Chesterton, from The Everlasting Man)Randy Beeler, The Catholic Comedy, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

Solstice

2009-12-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

As the earth tilts away from the sun, the days grow shorter, the light is dimmer, the night is longer. At times it seems as though the darkness will overcome.

As a person tilts further and further away from the Son, the very light of life seems to be about to be extinquished. The darkness can be overwhelming. I know. I have been there.

Lately I have been experiencing a different type of darkness. It is not due to "tilting away" from God. It seems to be more of a natural result of the growing desire to completely unite to Him. Like the change of seasons, the spiritual life naturally passes from one season to another. Is you soul in winter? Spring cannot be far behind. Are you basking in the warmth of His Love. Remember this grace for the times when the prayer seem to be empty and the Lord appears to be distant.

Seasons of Prayer. Seasons of the spiritual life. Sometimes it helps just to remember that this may just be a season.

2009-12-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Why try to write my own when I just found this:

2009-12-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

From the

Decree of Damasus:

The arrangement of the names of Christ, however, is manifold:

Lord, because He is Spirit;

Word, because He is God;

Son, because He is the only-begotten son of the Father;

Man, because He was born of the Virgin;

Priest, because He offered Himself as a sacrifice;

Shepherd, because He is a guardian;

Worm, because He rose again;

Mountain, because He is strong;

Way, because there is a straight path through Him to life;

Lamb, because He suffered;

Corner-Stone, because instruction is His;

Teacher, because He demonstrates how to live;

Sun, because He is the illuminator;

Truth, because He is from the Father;

Life, because He is the creator;

Bread because He is flesh;

Samaritan, because He is the merciful protector;

Christ, because He is anointed;

Jesus, because He is a mediator;

Vine, because we are redeemed by His blood;

Lion, because he is king;

Rock, because He is firm;

Flower, because He is the chosen one;

Prophet, because He has revealed what is to come!

AMEN

Tidings.

2009-12-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

A cold heart. A cold greeting. A cold breeze. A cold grave. And a cold shoulder.

What at day. Even priests and other faithful followers of Jesus are not immune.

I try not to let "it" get me down. I'm not always very successful. So I have a trace of the holiday blues. Notice that I did not say Christmas blues. The holidays can be downright depressing as we witness so many people becoming frantic: cookies to bake, gifts to buy, house to decorate, parties to attend and host, work that won't wait until after the holidays... It is the plague of modern life, this holiday season. And the whole time the radios blare out the insipid music we call Christmas Songs and holiday music. What once proclaimed the birth of our Savior, now glorifies infidelity as it rocks and rolls over souls numbed by consumerism and passion.

It makes me long and nearly mourn for a return to a time when no one cared about holidays. After all, it didn't matter what the day, the cows still had to be milked, meals prepared and the fire stoked. What mattered was the Holy Day. A holiday is a supposed break from the daily grind. A Holy Day is entering into the very meaning of that same grind. Holy it is to care for our family and our homes when they are domestic churches rather than temples of pleasure and leisure. Holy it is to gift someone with our caring presence rather than useless presents. Holy it is to offer a word of encouragement, a prayer for peace and a reason for hope. Holy it is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the lonely and imprisoned. Holy it is to raise our voices together in worship of God at Holy Mass.

So in this cold season of cold shoulders and cold breezes I want to offer a warm word of hope. Even as the wind brings winter storms, it is soon to bring the spring thaw. Even as we mourn the losses of this life, we are steadfastly inching toward that time when there is no mourning, no tears and no loss. Even as I wrap my arms around my chilled body, the Lord and His Blessed Mother wrap their arms around me.

Glad Tidings in this Holy Season.

Christmas Friendships & Family

2009-12-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

My grandmother continues to do as well as can be expected considering her age and previous health record. She will be 95 on December 16. Can you imagine the changes she has witnessed in that span of time: radio, cars, television, antibiotics, space travel, computers, just to name a few. In addition to all those externals are all the relationships which have run and continue to run their evolutionary course from inception to conclusion. All of this is quite ordinary except for the span of time she has endured. Somehow, though, I find it quite daunting, this passage of time with all its changes. To me, this ordinary process is so extraordinary! I watch in awe, almost afraid to breath, as though any movement might break the spell. Or perhaps, by not breathing I might be able to stop this relentless passage of time. Perhaps I could keep my grandmother alive forever, something I couldn't do for my mother. The ravings of a madman and the hope of a fool...

I risked a breath today. Grandma shrank another inch. A friend succumbed to cancer. A parishioner gave birth to number 3! The clouds parted at 3:45 p.m., allowing the sun to brightly shine. Then the sun and the rain conspired to create a most spectacular rainbow. What if I hadn't taken that breath?

So my dear friends I am sending this your way in the hopes that across the miles, in word and memory, we might conspire, for a moment however fleeting, to shine a ray of friendship on one another.

Some musings on the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish

2009-12-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Leftovers or part of God’s endless supply of blessings?

Jesus blessed the fish and the loaves of bread. 5 fish. 2 loaves. And the multitudes were fed. 7 baskets were left over. Cups overflowing. Abundance galore. More than enough and then even more.

The same, saving Lord continues to bless with the 7, this time not bread and fish, but 7 sacraments. 7 sources of his divine love. 7 moments in time that speak of His unspeakable love. They reveal His unknowable Nature. They create in us what is already from the beginning of time. What is unforgivable is forgiven.

These seven moments we know as the Seven Sacraments. From Baptism through Last Rites, we are given abundant Grace with more than enough to give to all with whom we come into contact.

There is no limit to the abundant Grace God has given to us. At times we may think that we are lacking. All that we are really lacking is the presence of mind to see what is there.

Advent Joy is Every Day Joy!

2009-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Joy

Was talking to a dear friend of mine the other night. She had read an article on joy which stated that although we interpret the meaning of the word to be happiness, the actual original meaning was grace.

Grace is such a rich reality. It includes all of the following:
The presence of God
The power of Love
The incredible knowledge of being ultimately safe in the care of God
Being blessed, gifted and happy.
So joy includes happiness, but is not limited to it. Joy is the manifestation of grace in our lives when we realized that we are not trapped by our fears, sadness, difficulties or emotions.

I find that Joy is and independent truth. It exists as a very real expression of the Grace of God. Joy is. And joy is not limited nor is it extinguished by those moments of life which we often label negatively. Thomas Merton has written,
"Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for Joy. And if you do not know the difference between pleasure and joy you have not yet begun to live."

This season of Advent, this season of beginnings, let us begin to Live in Christ!

You Cannot Heal Yourself Out of Hell

2009-12-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

You Cannot Heal Yourself Out of Hell

I read this most amazing statement just today. At first I didn't know what to do with that statement. I was wondering if that meant we were stuck. No way out for us. We just have to endure this vale of tears until the time of our deliverance. The world will always be violent. I will forever be crazy and tormented. The gates to Eden are not only locked, but lost long ago, never to be found. The only hope we have is to be strong enough to endure until the day of our salvation.

You can't heal yourself out of hell. All you can do is to love yourself into heaven. To love yourself means to put yourself fully and totally into the hand of Love Itself. In this sense, loving yourself has nothing to do with narcissism. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is not grasping and grabbing for all we want. It is completely releasing the self with all its desires and and even its needs, into the Hands of God.

God, alone, holds real love. And His Real Love is the only antidote to the hell which imprisons so many of us at various moments in our lives. So Love yourself into heaven, where there is no fear, no longing, no suffering, no selfishness, no bloated egos, no hatred, no violence, no disappointment, no brokenness, no lostness.

The Rosary Saved My Life

2009-12-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

I am now one month back in active ministry. I cannot explain the depth of joy I feel when I am doing the Lord's work as a Catholic Priest. I still struggle with Church "issues" and personalities within the presbyterate. I have tried to mend any broken relationships with my brothers. Some have accepted my attempts at reconciliation. Some have not. I doubt that I will ever attain any remarkable level of sanctity. I hope to attain Heaven as the Blessed Mother, the Saints and many fine Catholic people continue to pray to Jesus for me. With the above disclaimers, I want to share something that "happened" to me and in me this past year.

Because I had been barred from Sacramental ministry for a year (until this October, 2009) I was totally lost. I felt that my world had fallen apart. My purpose here is not to defend myself or to cast blame. Our Good Lord knows enough blaming has already been cast. But my world had fallen apart:

I lost the right to function as a priest.
My salary was removed. I had to live off my retirement and loans.
I felt like I lost my reason for being.
Shamefully, I thought God had abandoned me (because I deserved it).
It was like a divorce and unemployment and homelessness all at once.

As a result, my faith was plummeting and I began a descent into depression that left me numb. The world seemed to be a grey and cold place. Life and nature seemed to mock my loneliness and despair. I was just barely hanging on to sanity and life itself because I had the responsibility of caring for my grandmother in her declining years. Indeed, I had entertained the thought that once she died I myself would stop living. I was not willing to define that term, but I was "open" to any solution. You can read between the lines.

There was one ray, one golden ray of light. I continued to pray the Rosary. It was the one portal of access to our Lord Jesus that was still open to me. I would pray the Rosary without consolation, but with the knowledge that Mary was holding my hand even as I was struggling to run away from God's Church. I would pray without intentions or pleas. I would mouth the words, hoping that they could be used for someone who needed the prayers for healing or salvation.

Our Lady would quiet my mind as a mother consoles her child when he/she is ill. For that short period of time I would be free from the torment of my exile. I can't say I felt peace or hope. What I felt was... companionship. She would listen to my Aves and remind me through the mysteries of the ever present Presence of Christ. She would remind me of the salvific nature of suffering. She would remind me of the mercy of God, especially when I was sure of His anger. And She would remind me of the eventual reward is ours when we persevere. She Who persevered is now Queen of Heaven.

Then, though I was not worthy, She sent a few very special people to pray for me and befriend me. And somehow, despite myself, the months passed and I persevered one moment at a time. And Glory to God, I did not loose my faith. I did not take my life. I did not leave the Church. I did not break my priestly vows. All this was due to that one impoverished daily attempt to "say" the Rosary.

Thank you Blessed Mother. Thank you, Jesus for Your Divine Mercy. Thank You, Holy Spirit for placing within my heart the inclination to reach for the Rosary. Thank You, Heavenly Father for your patience and for purifying my Priesthood.

The Rosary saved my life so God could restore my life and bless it abundantly.

Advent Begins!

2009-11-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

By the grace of God, we have been given this holy season to prepare for the coming of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We often refer to this as the season of waiting. In fact, that is what the word "advent" means.The Lord is here. The Lord is coming! The Lord is present!

We await the coming of the Lord.But this waiting is no passive waiting. It is an active waiting which involves preparation.

Just as a family would prepare for the birth of a new child we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and the day of His return. Doctor appointments, buying supplies, baby showers, preparing a nursery, and eating or exercising properly often fill those days of waiting as the time of birth draws near.

As a Church we prepare to celebrate by preparing our environment and our souls. Decorations, Advent Wreaths, church cleaning, CCD programs, Lessons & Carols and even church parities comprise the element of preparing our environment. We prepare our souls with the Advent Readings from Mass, Confession, personal devotions and hopefully some time before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration of our Lord Jesus.

Our hearts are drowsy and forgetful, tired out by the anxieties of daily life. Maybe we distract ourselves from our troubles by working very hard, or becoming depressed, or becoming fascinated with (you name yours) drink, or sex, or out-of-control emotions, or gambling, or email, or golf, or surfing the web, or pride, or, or, or. Whatever it is for you, the very clear message of Advent is, “Settle down for a while.” Open the door just a crack to let God in.

That is the preparation that God desires. That is what brings us closer to His Son, Jesus. And that Closeness is what saves us! Let the preparations begin.

Restless Hearts!

2009-11-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

“The only hope, or else despair
Lies in the choice of pyre or pyre—
To be redeemed from fire by fire.
Who then devised the torment? Love.
Love is the unfamiliar name
Behind the hands that wove
The intolerable shirt of flame.
Which human power cannot remove.
We only live, only suspire
Consumed by either fire or fire.” T.S. Elliot

“pyre or pyre”: With what kind of fire do we want our hearts to burn? We are destined to be consumed by one kind of restlessness or another, but the flames are very different. Do we want God’s flames or those of our own choosing?