In our little town of Irwin there was/is a small local theater called The Lamp. It has been closed now for many, many years and is in bad condition. There was a move to restore the structure when a nearby fire set those plans on the back burner. In its day, is was the Saturday evening place to go for an inexpensive movie and great popcorn. The push to restore the theater has taken upon itself new momentum in an effort called "Relight the Lamp". I may even make a donation toward a new seat.
Lighting a lamp is a scriptural reference found in today's Gospel that has nothing to do with a movie theater, but everything to do with witnessing to the Gospel of truth and bringing a light into an ever darkening world. Last Sunday's readings spoke of the light and this Sunday, with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day), we bless candles and process with the light. Today we are reminded that we have been entrusted with the light of Christ, and that light cannot be placed under a bushel basket or hidden from view, but placed on a lamp stand so that all may see and be drawn to the light. Do we recognize the gift of Christ that we bear? Do we share the light of his presence in our actions and through our lives? Are we a light to others, a light to the nations? If yes, then shine forth. If not, or if uncertain as to our effectiveness, then like the people of Irwin, make an effort to "relight the lamp" - only the more important lamp of our faith and love in Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
A House for the Church
The ongoing story of David found in the Second Book of Samuel continues today with David, firmly established on his throne and dwelling in a palace, expressing his desire to "build a house" for the Lord - a fitting house of cedar and stone - one that would make God (and everyone else in the Kingdom) truly proud. The Lord tells Nathan to remind David that he has not needed nor does he now need a "house" in which to reside. He has walked with his people, he has dwelt in tent under cloth, he has been in their midst and in their hearts. If there is a house to be built, it will be the Lord doing the building - not in stone and wood and fine workmanship - but by loyally standing by David and his lineage and establishing a house that will be found on the royal throne which will stand firm forever. He tells David that his son shall build a house for God's name and that the Lord shall be a father to him. Beautiful words in this story.
There was a time when it was the hope of a pastor to be placed in a position of building a church. I came close, once, in Scottdale, but was kept out of the loop. I lent my touch to a few minor renovations over the years in other places. But I never established myself as a "church builder", except in the capacity of building upon the community spirit and calling forth the People of God to be Church. This is all that I wanted, for I am definitely not a brick and mortar builder. It is the Lord who builds the house. In fact, the Church directs that the physical building for worship which we call church is the House of God, but not the House for God. Rather she describes the church building as being "a house for the Church." Wherever we gather in his Name, we are Church, and the building in which we worship should have dignity and beauty in order to lift our hearts and minds toward the Lord - thus it is important. But the Lord is not and will not be confined to a place, a building, a monument that may even inspire, but rather is found in the hearts and lives of the people who gather in that sacred space. That is what we mean by church. From the simplest table around which we gather for worship to the most magnificent basilica, it is simply a "house for the Church."
There was a time when it was the hope of a pastor to be placed in a position of building a church. I came close, once, in Scottdale, but was kept out of the loop. I lent my touch to a few minor renovations over the years in other places. But I never established myself as a "church builder", except in the capacity of building upon the community spirit and calling forth the People of God to be Church. This is all that I wanted, for I am definitely not a brick and mortar builder. It is the Lord who builds the house. In fact, the Church directs that the physical building for worship which we call church is the House of God, but not the House for God. Rather she describes the church building as being "a house for the Church." Wherever we gather in his Name, we are Church, and the building in which we worship should have dignity and beauty in order to lift our hearts and minds toward the Lord - thus it is important. But the Lord is not and will not be confined to a place, a building, a monument that may even inspire, but rather is found in the hearts and lives of the people who gather in that sacred space. That is what we mean by church. From the simplest table around which we gather for worship to the most magnificent basilica, it is simply a "house for the Church."
Monday, January 27, 2014
Warmth
In the midst of this bone chilling weather this winter, I have been reminded of the importance of warmth in our midst. Just this evening I stepped out for dinner at one of my favorite little restaurants in Irwin, Romano's, and while enjoying the good food I was also enjoying the friendly spirit of the owners (Sharon and Carl) and their staff and a number of the patrons. I began sharing with a couple at the next table and had a great conversation (she had worked in the local school district and he was a retired pastor of the Church of the Nazarene). We spoke of many things, including our respective experiences of Church. She said that she had attended a number of funerals at our parish and was always made to feel welcome and often uplifted. Toward the end, she asked about non-Catholics receiving Holy Communion. I explained our understanding and theological position, and I also shared the emotional and pastoral awkwardness that comes from exclusion. It is one of the crosses of the division within the Church. We continue to pray that "we may be one". We have just concluded the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that has that as its goal.
Hospitality is also found in the warmth of our love and our faith. I make it a point to invite those who gather for Mass to greet each other before we begin, for we gather as community, not as isolated individuals. Most people join in this greeting. A few do not, for a variety of reasons.
I was speaking to a good friend this morning, Mike Ripple of Erie, who had a less than warm experience at Mass this weekend. They attended a neighboring parish in Erie, and chose their seat. A couple came in and were very "put out" that the Ripples were seated in their seats, even though there was much room around that spot. Mike and family moved over, but the attitude was obvious to those around them that this couple was not happy. Needless to say, the warmth of hospitality was chilled in that experience.
Not everyone is into handshaking and verbal greetings before or during Mass. I have a couple that sit in the back row and do not share in the greeting, but I know through their looks and expression that they have the spirit of hospitality. That's okay. But to be isolated or cold about being with fellow Christians is contrary to the spirit of the Christian experience and the purpose for our communal worship. It is cold enough outside without bringing that cold into our hearts. As the scriptures reminded us yesterday, we are people of the light who are called to bring the Light of Christ into our every darkening world. Light brings warmth.
Hospitality is also found in the warmth of our love and our faith. I make it a point to invite those who gather for Mass to greet each other before we begin, for we gather as community, not as isolated individuals. Most people join in this greeting. A few do not, for a variety of reasons.
I was speaking to a good friend this morning, Mike Ripple of Erie, who had a less than warm experience at Mass this weekend. They attended a neighboring parish in Erie, and chose their seat. A couple came in and were very "put out" that the Ripples were seated in their seats, even though there was much room around that spot. Mike and family moved over, but the attitude was obvious to those around them that this couple was not happy. Needless to say, the warmth of hospitality was chilled in that experience.
Not everyone is into handshaking and verbal greetings before or during Mass. I have a couple that sit in the back row and do not share in the greeting, but I know through their looks and expression that they have the spirit of hospitality. That's okay. But to be isolated or cold about being with fellow Christians is contrary to the spirit of the Christian experience and the purpose for our communal worship. It is cold enough outside without bringing that cold into our hearts. As the scriptures reminded us yesterday, we are people of the light who are called to bring the Light of Christ into our every darkening world. Light brings warmth.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
David and Goliath
The reading for today from the lectionary is the story of David and Goliath. David was the young, non-warrior type, who stepped forward at a particularly challenging moment in the history of God's people and became their champion. The Philistine army was powerful, and they had a giant of a warrior who made them nearly unbeatable. No one wanted to or was even willing to challenge this giant called Goliath. Up steps the young David, and no one thought that he could accomplish the task. But God was on David's side ... or I should say that David was on God's side. We know the story - David killed Goliath and God's people were victorious.
I thought that these readings were very appropriate on this day on which we remember Roe vs Wade, a decision of our Supreme Court that accelerated the undermining of the law of God and our moral foundation. Forty one years ago today that decision marked a tragic turning point that has resulted in the legal deaths of over 55 million unborn human beings in this nation alone. Since that time countless people who understand the sanctity of human life have been striving to rectify that decision and change our course. To most, it appears to be David vs Goliath. Few place much hope in our success, especially as time has gone on and little has changed for the good. It appears that we face the law and the lobbies and the changing times with our small sling shot and stones. They stand powerful and unmoving. It could cause discouragement.
And yet, remember that the seemingly impossible happened in the story of David and Goliath. David prevailed, because he had a purity of heart as well as God on his side. Simplicity and trust rather than arrogance and might won the day. On this day, when thousands march in Washington, we have our hope rekindled. We stand on the firm foundation of the Word and the Law of God. Our resolve to defend life is reinforced by the strength of God. Win or lose, we stand in God's embrace as we celebrate life.
I have not had a chance to see the numbers in DC, but with very adverse weather in that area in frigid temps and snow, I know of at least three people that attend daily Mass here that normally would have gone but did not this year - One could not get off from work, one has growing knee problems and cannot do the walk, and the other, who is a pro-life leader both locally and in the Commonwealth, had her bus company cancel their trip just this morning. To those in DC or who are praying and supporting the cause, the Lord's blessings be upon you.
I would like to conclude with the Collect Prayer for the Mass "For Giving Thanks To God For The Gift Of Human Life" from The Roman Missal :
I thought that these readings were very appropriate on this day on which we remember Roe vs Wade, a decision of our Supreme Court that accelerated the undermining of the law of God and our moral foundation. Forty one years ago today that decision marked a tragic turning point that has resulted in the legal deaths of over 55 million unborn human beings in this nation alone. Since that time countless people who understand the sanctity of human life have been striving to rectify that decision and change our course. To most, it appears to be David vs Goliath. Few place much hope in our success, especially as time has gone on and little has changed for the good. It appears that we face the law and the lobbies and the changing times with our small sling shot and stones. They stand powerful and unmoving. It could cause discouragement.
And yet, remember that the seemingly impossible happened in the story of David and Goliath. David prevailed, because he had a purity of heart as well as God on his side. Simplicity and trust rather than arrogance and might won the day. On this day, when thousands march in Washington, we have our hope rekindled. We stand on the firm foundation of the Word and the Law of God. Our resolve to defend life is reinforced by the strength of God. Win or lose, we stand in God's embrace as we celebrate life.
I have not had a chance to see the numbers in DC, but with very adverse weather in that area in frigid temps and snow, I know of at least three people that attend daily Mass here that normally would have gone but did not this year - One could not get off from work, one has growing knee problems and cannot do the walk, and the other, who is a pro-life leader both locally and in the Commonwealth, had her bus company cancel their trip just this morning. To those in DC or who are praying and supporting the cause, the Lord's blessings be upon you.
I would like to conclude with the Collect Prayer for the Mass "For Giving Thanks To God For The Gift Of Human Life" from The Roman Missal :
God our Creator,
we give thanks to you,
who alone have the power to impart the breath of life
as you form each of us in our mother's womb;
grant, we pray,
that we, whom you have made stewards of creation,
may remain faithful to this sacred trust
and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Choose Life!
I just watched the Opening Mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life coming from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as broadcast on EWTN. As always, it was an impressive and inspiring gathering, with Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston as the celebrant and homilist. The basilica which seats at least 5,000 was overflowing, again, as usual. Cardinal Sean's homily I found to be powerful in its challenge to not only continue to stand up and witness to LIFE but to also bring the mercy of God and the comfort of God's People to those who have been caught up in the terrible experience of an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy or an abortion. Our mission is to defend life at every moment from conception to natural death, to restore, protect and defend all aspects of existence and law that promote the dignity of human life, and to challenge this secular and self centered society to see and embrace the Gospel values of Jesus. This March for Life eve falls on the feast of Saint Agnes, a young girl of twelve in the early days of the Church who dedicated her life and her virginity to Christ in a culture that was rooted in the flesh (what I desire is what is right, no matter what), and who, because she would not consent or give in to being married off, was tried and put to death. Her symbol is a young lamb, a reminder of the sacrifice of the spotless victim who was the Lamb of God - Jesus. Agnes and the Latin word for lamb - agnus - play off of each other.
It has been at least ten years since I have attended the March for Life on January 22nd. This is due primarily to personal physical limitation regarding walking and the cold. But I always found the Opening Mass a truly rejuvenating experience as a priest. Processing in and out at the end in that jammed Basilica filled with people who sacrificed much to be there and who unreservedly show their love for the priests and bishops and their great love for life, was humbling and overwhelming. That, even more than the march, was the most important aspect of the trip to DC. I never made it to the Mass at the Verizon Center for youth, but I understand that the same spirit is found there.
Pray for those who travel to DC for this witness to the sanctity of human life; pray for their safety, health and warmth in what looks to be another cold and snowy day; and pray for this nation and those who provide leadership, that they may do so with the wisdom and the guidance of the Word of God; and pray for the conservatively estimated 55 million unborn children legally put to death in this great nation since Roe vs Wade on January 22nd in 1973. The Church in the U.S. calls us to a "Day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children" and for reparation for those lives lost in this inhuman decision of forty-one years ago. They are the holy innocents of our day.
It has been at least ten years since I have attended the March for Life on January 22nd. This is due primarily to personal physical limitation regarding walking and the cold. But I always found the Opening Mass a truly rejuvenating experience as a priest. Processing in and out at the end in that jammed Basilica filled with people who sacrificed much to be there and who unreservedly show their love for the priests and bishops and their great love for life, was humbling and overwhelming. That, even more than the march, was the most important aspect of the trip to DC. I never made it to the Mass at the Verizon Center for youth, but I understand that the same spirit is found there.
Pray for those who travel to DC for this witness to the sanctity of human life; pray for their safety, health and warmth in what looks to be another cold and snowy day; and pray for this nation and those who provide leadership, that they may do so with the wisdom and the guidance of the Word of God; and pray for the conservatively estimated 55 million unborn children legally put to death in this great nation since Roe vs Wade on January 22nd in 1973. The Church in the U.S. calls us to a "Day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children" and for reparation for those lives lost in this inhuman decision of forty-one years ago. They are the holy innocents of our day.
Monday, January 20, 2014
CALL
In anticipation of yesterday's readings from Scripture, I wrote a piece for our Diocesan Web Site on those Scriptures readings - www.dioceseofgreensburg.org. I have also fine tuned it a bit after four liturgies (Saturday evening at 4:00, Sunday morning at 8:30 & 11:00, and the regional Mass at Saint Barbara Church at 6:00 pm last evening).
The operative word was CALL. We heard of the call of the prophet Isaiah to be the voice of God to his people, and then the Lord expanding that mission so that he would be a light to the nations. We heard Paul tell his followers in Corinth that he was called to be an Apostle, reminding them that they were called to holiness, and that all of us are called to call upon the Lord for mercy and grace. John the Baptist and Jesus are presented in the Gospel as being called to bring about the Kingdom of God - John by pointing the way through Jesus and Jesus by being the way.
An axiom that was given us in theology states that "God calls ... man responds." It is important for us to continually remind ourselves of our call - to life, to new life through the waters of baptism, into family, both personal, locally and universally as Church, to vocation and to mission in the service of God and neighbor, and to glory as we enter the holiness of God. Being clear regarding our call, we need to respond with sincerity of heart and total abandon - "Hear I am, Lord. I come to do your will."
+++++++++++++
An interesting note: In my Diocesan Reflection on the Scriptures, I messed up! I spoke of the call of Saul to kingly anointing and to be the champion of his people over their enemies. Looking over my reflection after submitting it, I said to myself - well, it is about "call", but where did I get that reading? It was not in Isaiah. The readings last week, though, did speak of Samuel and Saul. Oh well, we all make mistakes (especially me)!
The operative word was CALL. We heard of the call of the prophet Isaiah to be the voice of God to his people, and then the Lord expanding that mission so that he would be a light to the nations. We heard Paul tell his followers in Corinth that he was called to be an Apostle, reminding them that they were called to holiness, and that all of us are called to call upon the Lord for mercy and grace. John the Baptist and Jesus are presented in the Gospel as being called to bring about the Kingdom of God - John by pointing the way through Jesus and Jesus by being the way.
An axiom that was given us in theology states that "God calls ... man responds." It is important for us to continually remind ourselves of our call - to life, to new life through the waters of baptism, into family, both personal, locally and universally as Church, to vocation and to mission in the service of God and neighbor, and to glory as we enter the holiness of God. Being clear regarding our call, we need to respond with sincerity of heart and total abandon - "Hear I am, Lord. I come to do your will."
+++++++++++++
An interesting note: In my Diocesan Reflection on the Scriptures, I messed up! I spoke of the call of Saul to kingly anointing and to be the champion of his people over their enemies. Looking over my reflection after submitting it, I said to myself - well, it is about "call", but where did I get that reading? It was not in Isaiah. The readings last week, though, did speak of Samuel and Saul. Oh well, we all make mistakes (especially me)!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
A wise mentor
In the reading from 1 Samuel today for this Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time we find young Samuel, having come to life through the blessing of God and dedicated by his parents to the service of God in the temple, ministering to the Lord under the priest, Eli.
Samuel, asleep in the temple near the ark of God, heard his name called three distinct times. Thinking it was his teacher, Eli, he went to him and found that Eli had not called him. He was confused, for as the scripture says "At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet." Eli, too, was a bit confused. But then it dawned upon him that maybe it was the Lord calling, and so he told Samuel to answer the call of his name with the simple but heartfelt words "Speak, for your servant is listening." It was then that the Lord revealed himself, then that Samuel began an encounter with the Lord that laid out his life as a prophet, then that the Lord allowed him to grow and speak words that would never be without effect.
I thought of the people in my life who, like Eli, introduced me to the Lord, invited me to respond to the call of the Lord, and were good mentors in my journey. From Mom and Dad, from faith filled grand parents, from a loving sister and friend, through priests, sisters, parish, friends and a multitude of others over the years I have been encouraged to listen to the Lord, to respond with my own "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening", and to establish a relationship with the Lord of life that makes me who I am. We all need good people, great encouragers and wise mentors like Eli in our lives. If we are so blessed ... then we are blessed.
Samuel, asleep in the temple near the ark of God, heard his name called three distinct times. Thinking it was his teacher, Eli, he went to him and found that Eli had not called him. He was confused, for as the scripture says "At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet." Eli, too, was a bit confused. But then it dawned upon him that maybe it was the Lord calling, and so he told Samuel to answer the call of his name with the simple but heartfelt words "Speak, for your servant is listening." It was then that the Lord revealed himself, then that Samuel began an encounter with the Lord that laid out his life as a prophet, then that the Lord allowed him to grow and speak words that would never be without effect.
I thought of the people in my life who, like Eli, introduced me to the Lord, invited me to respond to the call of the Lord, and were good mentors in my journey. From Mom and Dad, from faith filled grand parents, from a loving sister and friend, through priests, sisters, parish, friends and a multitude of others over the years I have been encouraged to listen to the Lord, to respond with my own "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening", and to establish a relationship with the Lord of life that makes me who I am. We all need good people, great encouragers and wise mentors like Eli in our lives. If we are so blessed ... then we are blessed.
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