Today the Church celebrates Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. Mary had just been visited by the Angel Gabriel who announced that she was to be the mother of the long awaited Savior. Her YES, her FIAT, prompted the Holy Spirit to come upon her in pure love and she conceived a child. She was told that her cousin, Elizabeth, who lived in the hill country, was also with child (in her sixth month). Mary went to visit, to help, to discuss God's workings within their lives, to pray.
The gospel of Luke tells us that "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb..." and Elizabeth said "...how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy."
John, Elizabeth's unborn son, recognized the presence of the unique God/man, who would be called Jesus, newly conceived in the womb of Mary, and he leaped for joy. Both John and Jesus, as well as each of us, from the moment of conception, is a unique human being, created by God for a purpose and set on a journey that will give honor and glory to God. Contrary to modern interpretation and thought, history holds that life begins at the moment of conception ... not just a tissue life, but a unique human life that should, that must be protected. And they wonder why we are so adamant about life issues.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day in this great nation of ours. It is a day that allows us to REMEMBER - to honor the men and women who over the years have gave their last full measure of devotion to the cause of freedom and security, those who have died in defense of this nation and the greater cause of freedom in the world. It was called "decoration day" because it was an opportunity to decorate the graves of the veterans. At the Irwin/North Huntingdon parade and service this morning I mentioned that the day was about the wisdom and the blessing of remembering. We expand that celebration to include all veterans who have died, and by extension, all of those who have and do serve.
Memorial Day has always been special for me. I enjoyed the parades and the flags, the "day off" and the picnics (at least until they moved the holiday to the nearest Monday). But the 30th was the day. The reason was that that was the day I entered into this world back in 1947. Memorial Day was a memorable day for my mom and dad. On this 64th birthday, I marvel at how quickly time has flown. I rejoice in the love that has come my way over these years. I thank God for his countless blessings.
I have included a picture that may bring a smile - me at 2 months. Boy, was I cute then - not sure what has happened.
Memorial Day has always been special for me. I enjoyed the parades and the flags, the "day off" and the picnics (at least until they moved the holiday to the nearest Monday). But the 30th was the day. The reason was that that was the day I entered into this world back in 1947. Memorial Day was a memorable day for my mom and dad. On this 64th birthday, I marvel at how quickly time has flown. I rejoice in the love that has come my way over these years. I thank God for his countless blessings.
I have included a picture that may bring a smile - me at 2 months. Boy, was I cute then - not sure what has happened.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Summer has arrived
Yesterday saw the graduation of our local High School Seniors at Norwin and our local Greensburg Central Catholic Seniors. It also saw the last day of the school year. Other districts have or will be graduating and ending soon. Summer is here, and most are glad. Although at our Queen of Angels teachers' luncheon yesterday, one of the teachers shared the number of days until school opens (talk about dedication).
We hope that the youngsters have a safe and relaxing Summer. We hope that their parents do the same, but with an extra prayer thrown in for patience and deeper parental love. And we hope that our teachers refresh and renew themselves over these next few months. Summer is about recreation, which is "re-creation". I spoke a few posts ago about my church history prof, Father Anton Fyer. When the term ended, he would take his notes, rip them up, spend the Summer relaxing and renewing, and start fresh with the new term. I always gave him credit for such behavior.
When I was younger, even in the earlier days of priesthood, it seemed as if the pace slowed during the Summer months. There was time to relax and unwind. Even with the normal things going on, there was a difference. However, for me at least, that feeling is long gone. The pace continues, the needs are ever present, the crisis mode still rules our lives, and Summer will be over before you know it. Too bad. Summer is a great time.
Enjoy your Summer. Make time for re-creation, because the renewal of our lives is what our Faith is all about. And, since the kids are out of school, remember to drive extra carefully. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.
We hope that the youngsters have a safe and relaxing Summer. We hope that their parents do the same, but with an extra prayer thrown in for patience and deeper parental love. And we hope that our teachers refresh and renew themselves over these next few months. Summer is about recreation, which is "re-creation". I spoke a few posts ago about my church history prof, Father Anton Fyer. When the term ended, he would take his notes, rip them up, spend the Summer relaxing and renewing, and start fresh with the new term. I always gave him credit for such behavior.
When I was younger, even in the earlier days of priesthood, it seemed as if the pace slowed during the Summer months. There was time to relax and unwind. Even with the normal things going on, there was a difference. However, for me at least, that feeling is long gone. The pace continues, the needs are ever present, the crisis mode still rules our lives, and Summer will be over before you know it. Too bad. Summer is a great time.
Enjoy your Summer. Make time for re-creation, because the renewal of our lives is what our Faith is all about. And, since the kids are out of school, remember to drive extra carefully. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.
******************
ps. To the comment made to yesterdays post "Opps", I can attest that the Christian Mothers were indeed "Christian" mothers, and I am very grateful for their understanding and forgiveness.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Opps!
Did you ever have one of those moments when your mind went blank? Or did you ever completely forget something important, without even that nagging feeling that there is something that I should be doing?
Our women's group at the parish is the Christian Mothers. They are a great group of ladies who work hard and are very committed to the parish. Whatever we need, they are always there. It would be impossible to count the number of cookies baked and served, the gallons of punch and lemonade and coffee poured, the prayers offered and led, the monies raised for many causes. They are dedicated and a wonderful asset to the life of the parish.
I serve as their chaplain. Their expectations of me are minimal. I am always welcome at the meetings although I am not often there, and they are understanding. We have an opening year's Mass with reception of new members and a closing Mass with installation of new officers. I am usually at the card parties to greet people and hand out prizes and at the Mary Luncheon. They are always supportive and extremely kind.
Tonight was the Mass to close the year and to install the new officers. It was followed by a wine and cheese social. I missed it! It completely slipped my mind, and even though I remember now seeing it in the bulletin and having it marked in my calendar, I was nowhere in sight. I feel terrible. And to add to my guilt, I had joined my sister, Janie, at the Meadows in Washington, PA (for those not from the area, the Meadows is one of our local casino's). To add insult to injury, I was losing money on the slot machines rather than celebrate with the Christian Mothers! I rarely go to the casino. Did I blow that one. By the time I got the frantic message, it was too late to get back.
I deeply apologize to the ladies of the Christian Mothers, to the social committee and those in attendance tonight, especially to our outgoing officers, and most especially to our new officers.
Mea maxima culpa!!!
Our women's group at the parish is the Christian Mothers. They are a great group of ladies who work hard and are very committed to the parish. Whatever we need, they are always there. It would be impossible to count the number of cookies baked and served, the gallons of punch and lemonade and coffee poured, the prayers offered and led, the monies raised for many causes. They are dedicated and a wonderful asset to the life of the parish.
I serve as their chaplain. Their expectations of me are minimal. I am always welcome at the meetings although I am not often there, and they are understanding. We have an opening year's Mass with reception of new members and a closing Mass with installation of new officers. I am usually at the card parties to greet people and hand out prizes and at the Mary Luncheon. They are always supportive and extremely kind.
Tonight was the Mass to close the year and to install the new officers. It was followed by a wine and cheese social. I missed it! It completely slipped my mind, and even though I remember now seeing it in the bulletin and having it marked in my calendar, I was nowhere in sight. I feel terrible. And to add to my guilt, I had joined my sister, Janie, at the Meadows in Washington, PA (for those not from the area, the Meadows is one of our local casino's). To add insult to injury, I was losing money on the slot machines rather than celebrate with the Christian Mothers! I rarely go to the casino. Did I blow that one. By the time I got the frantic message, it was too late to get back.
I deeply apologize to the ladies of the Christian Mothers, to the social committee and those in attendance tonight, especially to our outgoing officers, and most especially to our new officers.
Mea maxima culpa!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
A great teacher - history
When I was in elementary school and even high school I hated history. The memorizing of dates and events seemed meaningless to me. I saw little value and had no interest. Even in theology at Saint Francis Seminary church history was boring - not because of the content, but because our professor was a grand old priest (Father Anton Fyer) whose presentation methods were less than enthusiastic. It took a great deel of effort to immerse yourself into the material and come away excited, and I often failed.
But as time has gone on I have found myself becoming a part of history [ where were you when? or Do you remember what it was like when? ]. History became much more important to me as I saw myself a part of it. With history so often repeating itself, I fail to learn my lesson if I neglect the story of history. This was enhanced in the early 90's when I found a growing interest in the American Civil War. It was then that I realized how much I had learned and absorbed over the years as history touched my life, and how rich I was to have come to know that history.
Today the Church honors a saint that I remember hearing about in English literature - Bede, the Venerable. Bede lived in England between 672 - 735 and was a monk of great learning. He wrote many books on many subjects, but is best known for his work "The Ecclesiastical History of the English People". He shared the story of the growth of Christianity from the time of Caesar's armies in Britain to his own time. He made history, even Church history alive and important. It was like Paul and Barnabas and the others who went to the Apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem to tell the story of how God was at work through them in the spreading of the message of the Gospel. This living history lesson opened hearts and minds to a greater work that the Lord had in store for the Church, the work of the Good News shared with the Gentiles.
I thank God for the desire to learn from the past and to move forward in wisdom and grace. I thank God for the history of the world (not Mel Brook's version). I thank God for the ecclesiastical history of the People of God, with its ups and downs, which proves the continued working of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
But as time has gone on I have found myself becoming a part of history [ where were you when? or Do you remember what it was like when? ]. History became much more important to me as I saw myself a part of it. With history so often repeating itself, I fail to learn my lesson if I neglect the story of history. This was enhanced in the early 90's when I found a growing interest in the American Civil War. It was then that I realized how much I had learned and absorbed over the years as history touched my life, and how rich I was to have come to know that history.
Today the Church honors a saint that I remember hearing about in English literature - Bede, the Venerable. Bede lived in England between 672 - 735 and was a monk of great learning. He wrote many books on many subjects, but is best known for his work "The Ecclesiastical History of the English People". He shared the story of the growth of Christianity from the time of Caesar's armies in Britain to his own time. He made history, even Church history alive and important. It was like Paul and Barnabas and the others who went to the Apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem to tell the story of how God was at work through them in the spreading of the message of the Gospel. This living history lesson opened hearts and minds to a greater work that the Lord had in store for the Church, the work of the Good News shared with the Gentiles.
I thank God for the desire to learn from the past and to move forward in wisdom and grace. I thank God for the history of the world (not Mel Brook's version). I thank God for the ecclesiastical history of the People of God, with its ups and downs, which proves the continued working of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The end of the world ... again?
Last Saturday there was the prediction of the end of the world. It did not come to be. Many joked about it, some were concerned, and still others, I'm sure, panicked. Today seems as if those predictions are surfacing again, this time in our local Catholic School family. I just received a series of emails to and among the Board of Trust Administrators (the pastors) regarding dissatisfaction, concerns, and mutiny among the ranks of the school families. There are some who want to or are threatening to "abandon ship". There are several issues that must be addressed, and will be addressed. There are several challenges to the program that fall into this category as well. But now, at the end of the term, they are surfacing and attention is being demanded.
I am not getting into those issues in this forum, but I mention them because some of the school community may be reading.
As disciples of Christ, as Church, we are called to be united in our Faith, to place our trust in the redeeming power of God, and to stand by each other in order that the problems of this world and the sin of our lives may be dispelled by the light which is Christ. In the Acts of the Apostles this morning (Acts 14:19-28) Paul and Barnabas found themselves put upon and persecuted, rejected and left for dead. It was only through the support and prayers, the encouragement and trust of the disciples that Paul got to his feet and Barnabas had the courage to tackle the problems. It was their unity, their oneness of purpose, their Faith that got them through the worst. They did not leave Paul and Barnabas alone to solve the problem, but rather, with one mind and heart, with love and courage, they faced the hurdles together.
As we are reminded of this experience of the early Church, and as we face our own demons, let us not be afraid to stand together to create a better world. I pray that our school family will see the wisdom of doing just that. For those not of that community, say an extra one for us. What we have is good - better than good. The problems can be dealt with. Patience, civility, pride and love are the ingredients necessary for resolution.
I am not getting into those issues in this forum, but I mention them because some of the school community may be reading.
As disciples of Christ, as Church, we are called to be united in our Faith, to place our trust in the redeeming power of God, and to stand by each other in order that the problems of this world and the sin of our lives may be dispelled by the light which is Christ. In the Acts of the Apostles this morning (Acts 14:19-28) Paul and Barnabas found themselves put upon and persecuted, rejected and left for dead. It was only through the support and prayers, the encouragement and trust of the disciples that Paul got to his feet and Barnabas had the courage to tackle the problems. It was their unity, their oneness of purpose, their Faith that got them through the worst. They did not leave Paul and Barnabas alone to solve the problem, but rather, with one mind and heart, with love and courage, they faced the hurdles together.
As we are reminded of this experience of the early Church, and as we face our own demons, let us not be afraid to stand together to create a better world. I pray that our school family will see the wisdom of doing just that. For those not of that community, say an extra one for us. What we have is good - better than good. The problems can be dealt with. Patience, civility, pride and love are the ingredients necessary for resolution.
Monday, May 23, 2011
This is not what we thought
Sometimes we jump to conclusions and, impressed with what we saw or heard or experienced, we come to the wrong decision and miss the boat. Paul and Barnabas in Acts fled to Lystra and Derbe where they proclaimed the Good News. In sharing the healing power found in the mercy of God and announced by the Good News, Paul and Barnabas gained instant notoriety. They were the new rock stars of the day, the Lycoanian idols, the heroes and super stars. So much so that the locals thought for sure that the gods had come to visit. They called Barnabas "Zeus" (the father of the gods) and Paul they called "Hermes" (the voice and spokesman of God). They were hailed by the people and sacrifice was offered to them.
To say that Paul and Barnabas were shocked and beside themselves is an understatement. Satisfying as it is to momentarily have the accolades, they knew that those accolades were misplaced. Their power came from the God who shared his Son, Jesus, with them. In fact, it was in the Name of Jesus that these good things happened. It took everything they had to turn the crowds attention to the Lord.
In these moments of instant gratification, of our fifteen minutes in the limelight, in the attention getting experiences of life, we need to be deeply rooted in who we are and what we have been given; in why we have been so gifted and have our words and actions focused upon the Risen Lord. We may find those around us saying ... "this is not what we thought - not what we expected", but we will be able to point them in the right direction. Or, we can be caught up in the glory of the moment. May Wisdom guide us.
To say that Paul and Barnabas were shocked and beside themselves is an understatement. Satisfying as it is to momentarily have the accolades, they knew that those accolades were misplaced. Their power came from the God who shared his Son, Jesus, with them. In fact, it was in the Name of Jesus that these good things happened. It took everything they had to turn the crowds attention to the Lord.
In these moments of instant gratification, of our fifteen minutes in the limelight, in the attention getting experiences of life, we need to be deeply rooted in who we are and what we have been given; in why we have been so gifted and have our words and actions focused upon the Risen Lord. We may find those around us saying ... "this is not what we thought - not what we expected", but we will be able to point them in the right direction. Or, we can be caught up in the glory of the moment. May Wisdom guide us.
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