Saint Jerome

In our liturgies, we are fed by the Eucharist and by the word of God. The sacred scriptures, written centuries ago, still apply to our lives today. That is the role of priests and other clergy, to break open the word and help people listen to the voice of God that comes from it. When it comes to scripture, Saint Jerome is a wonderful model and example to turn to. He is the one who translated the holy Scriptures into Latin. Saint Jerome also wrote commentaries on the divinely inspired word of God. As one commentary said of him, "Saint Jerome lived intensely by the light of God's word through study, prayer, and the painstaking work of translating it into the vernacular, which was Latin at the time, and writing commentaries on it" (Magnificat, 397). Saint Jerome had a great love for sacred scripture and it is a gift that we can fall in love with as well. In recent times bible studies have gained momentum and it is good for all of us to get into God's word to read, study, and pray. Whether we have a bible study group or as individuals, we need to pick up the Bible, listen to what God is saying to us and allow Him to work in our lives in a special way. Saint Jerome, pray for us.

Archangels!

The Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These archangels are mentioned in the Scriptures so we know how important they are. Raphael is mentioned in the Book of Tobit from the Old Testament. Gabriel is the messenger angel who announced the births of St. John the Baptist and Jesus. Michael is the angel mentioned in the battle at the end of time. As the opening prayer stated, "May those who serve you constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm on earth." We know that the angels watch over us to keep us safe. There are even people who come as angels here on earth. We always know that God is watching over us and we thank Him for the archangels that we celebrate today! God Bless!!!

Saint Wenceslaus

My first pastoral assignment was at a parish named after Saint Wenceslaus, whom the church celebrates today. This name also comes up around Christmas time when they sing the song to "Good King Wenceslaus." Saint Wenceslaus was born around 907. He was brought up a Christian by his grandmother. His reign as king began around 925. As king, he experienced many difficulties, especially in ruling over his subjects and leading them to the faith. Wenceslaus was betrayed by his brother, Boleslaus and he was assassinated in 935. He was immediately recognized as a martyr and is the patron saint of Bohemia (Magnificat, 377). The gospel acclamation for today said, "The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." The opening prayer for Mass said that the Lord taught Wenceslaus to prefer the kingdom of heaven to all that the earth has to offer. We pray that through Wenceslaus' intercession we may be free from self-seeking and serve the Lord with all our hearts. May the example of our Lord and Saint Wenceslaus be ours as we continue our journey towards the kingdom! Have a blessed day!!!

Keep on Preaching!

I used the following illustration in my homily this past weekend: A new pastor came into a church and preached a great sermon. The people were expecting another great sermon the following Sunday, but to their surprise the pastor preached the same sermon. Ok, there must be a point to it, so the people waited to see what would happen the next Sunday. Sure enough, Sunday rolled around and the pastor preached the same sermon. That Monday, several church members showed up at the pastor's home and asked what he was trying to prove. Without missing a beat the pastor said that he would continue to preach it until someone did something about it (homily resource). How well are people listening to God's Word and the message that is preached from it? We know that we are to practice what we preach. That means we need to put our faith into action. Of course, we cannot keep preaching the same homily or sermon week after week, but hopefully people are listening and are willing to put those words into practice. Whether we speak or live by example, we need to keep on preaching! God Bless!!!

Saint Padre Pio

In the midst of our priest retreat ending and my annual physical appointment, I forgot to mention the Memorial of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. This memorial occured on September 23. Saint Padre Pio is one of my favorite saints and I ask his intercession everyday. He is truly a saint of our time, being born in 1887 and entering eternal life in 1968. Saint Padre Pio was a Capuchin Francisan who lived at the friary of San Giovanni Rotundo in Italy. Early in his priesthood he received the stigmata, or the wounds of Christ from the crucifixion, and these remained his entire life. As the commentary says about him, "He was a much sought after spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor who life was devoted to the Eucharist and prayer" (Magnificat, 318). It is written that Saint Padre Pio would often say, "I only want to be a poor friar who prays." He is a wonderful example and intercessor for us. Let us always seek the intercession of this faithful and holy saint, Padre Pio! God Bless!!!

Days of Retreat!

As I mentioned yesterday the priests of the Diocese of Salina are on retreat until Thursday. Our presenter for the retreat is Archbishop George Lucas from the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska. His conference earlier focused on Saint John Vianney, the Cure of Ars. Saint John spent his priestly ministry, 42 years at Ars. The question for us was, can we see ourselves being in our current assignment for 42 years? Despite all the joys and challenges, we can learn a lot from Saint John. He brought patience and generosity to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and had many, many people come to him for the sacrament. He is an example of holiness and faith. The archbishop encouraged us to have a heart to heart talk with him and to ask his intercession. Saint John loved his people and as the one prayer to him says, "The Heart of Christ is a treasure given to any parish." It was a powerful conference for me. God bless you today and keep us in your prayers!

Saint Matthew

Today the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Matthew, apostle, evangelist, and gospel writer. He was first known as a tax collector, but our Lord called him from his post to "Follow him." That is the beautiful gospel that is proclaimed on this day (Mt. 9:9-13). From this gospel, it is apparent that Matthew or Levi, as he is called by Mark and Luke, did not hesitate. Once Jesus called him to follow him he got up from his post and did just that. Even though Jesus was questioned on it, he did not back down. Instead, Jesus said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." The Lord calls us to follow him. Like Matthew, may we have the gracea and strength to say yes to the Lord and follow where he will lead us. Pray for the priests of the Diocese of Salina who are on retreat this week. God Bless!!!

How was your weekend?

Weekends are always busy and there are so many activities to do. The weekend around the church was no different. The roof project at St. John's Church is underway and they are working hard to get everything done later this week. A wedding was held and congratulations to the families involved. Weddings are a special time and it prepares a couple for the lifetime commitment that they will be living. The focus of the homily for this weekend was on stewardship. Many people have different thoughts about stewardship but one thing for certain, it is a way of life. We always need to be giving of our time, talent and treasure. I expressed to my parishioners my thankfulness for all they do for the parish and community, from their presence to their generosity. The weekend concluded with another joyful occasion, the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Exemplification. This was my first time to be a part of the degree team and it was a great joy. We welcomed 69 candidates who are now Sir Knights and enjoy full membership in the Knights of Columbus. There are many things going on in the church and we all have a part to play. Let us pray for God's grace and strength that we will always have the resolve to continue the mission entrusted to us. God Bless You!!!

Saint Robert Bellarmine

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Robert Bellarmine. He was born in 1542 in Tuscany. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and after his ordination to the priesthood he distinguished himself by brilliant disputations in defense of the Catholic faith. Saint Robert was elected to the College of Cardinals and named bishop of Capua. He died in 1621 (Magnificat, 247). The Jesuits are known for their knowledge and learning so Saint Robert Bellarmine is a wonderful saint to turn to as we are early in the school year. May our students be given the grace, knowledge, and wisdom that will help them in their journey. May our teachers be strengthened in their knowledge and help our students to learn and grow. Saint Robert Bellarmine, pray for us!!!

Saints Cornelius & Cyprian

A beautiful thought for us today as the Church celebrates the memorial of these two martyrs. "Today's martyrs were among the many shepherds of the Church who have followed Christ into the valley of death rather than lead their flocks astray after other gods. They defended the Church especially from popular but false teaching and from division" (Magnificat, 240). Saint Cornelius became Pope in 251 and he was helped by Saint Cyprian who became a bishop in 249. They both worked hard to defend the faith and defend the Church. Of course, they went so far as to give of their very lives as martyrs. However, their focus was loud and clear, there is only one God, the creator and author of all life. He is the one, true God that we are to listen to and follow. We know in our present world there are many voices calling to us, wanting us to come after them, but hopefully the voice of God is the voice that drowns the others out. As Saints Cornelius and Cyprian are examples for us so may we go forth to be examples to others and show them that our focus at all times needs to be on the living God! Peace to you!!!

Two Special Feasts

These two days in September (14-15) are sad and joyful days in the Church. September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We are reminded that Jesus broke the bonds of sin and death through his own passion, suffering, and death on the cross. It is a day to rejoice and be glad. At that time, the cross was an instrument of torture and punishment, but today it is the tree of life. September 15 is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. We see our Blessed Mother's sorrow as she stands beneath her son on the cross. As one heading in the National Catholic Register said, "Our Lady of Sorrows: A Pillar of Strength." What a beautiful example because Mary knew the joys and sorrows of saying yes to God's will in her life. We also experience joy and sorrow, crosses that we have to carry in our own lives, but we know that we do not walk the journey alone. Jesus is there to walk with us and Mary guides us with her maternal hand. Let us pray for the grace and strength to follow in the footsteps of our Lord by carrying the cross and trust in our Blessed Mother who prays and intercedes for us. God Bless!!!

Saint John Chrysostom

As we begin this new week, vacation is now over, or at least it was when the weekend began. Sorry I have been away for a few days from the blog but that does happen. Today the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint John Chrysostom. He is given the name Chrysostom or "Golden Mouth" because of his preaching and writing that explained Catholic doctrine and the ideal Christian life. As one person writes, "Saint John is remembered for his eloquence in preaching God's word to small and great alike" (Magnificat, 164). It is important to preach the Good News at all times and as Saint Francis would say, "Use words if you must." I would say that Saint John proclaimed the Good News by word and action. The opening paragraph for the intercessions in the Magnificat devotional says it all, "The preacher's is the voice, but the word of life is Christ. Let us pray through the intercession of Saint John Chrysostom for the grace to hear Christ in his word and to live by what we hear" (165). May Saint John Chrysostom intercede for us and help us to proclaim the Good News each day! God Bless!!!

September 6

I hope everyone is having a restful and safe Labor Day weekend. On this Labor Day we remember those who have worked to bring us where we are and those who continue to labor. The prayers that can be used for today's Mass are from the Blessing of Human Labor. As the opening prayer states, "God our Father, you have placed all the powers of nature under the control of man and his work. May we bring the spirit of Christ to all our efforts and work with our brothers and sisters at our common task, establishing true love and guiding your creation to perfect fulfillment." We know that God is at work within each of us and we need to bring the love of God to others as we continue to build up the Kingdom of God in our midst. Like the Psalmist says, "May the goodness of the Lord be upon us, and give success to the work of our hands" (Ps. 89:17). May God bless you on this Labor Day and everyday. May all that we do be for the glory of God as we await the full reality of His kingdom that is to come. Peace to you!!!

Weekend of Sept 4/5

I hope everyone is having a good and safe Labor Day Weekend. Our vacation continues in the Rocky Mountain State of Colorado. Fr. Tom and I made our way into Denver on Saturday where we will spend the remainder of our time. On Saturday evening, we had the chance to attend the Colorado Rapids soccer game. It was a beautiful evening and the home team won 3-0. Of course we have made an adjustment to the weather. We went from the 60 degree weather of Frisco to the 90 degree weather in Denver. In fact the high today is supposed to be 96, so we know that summer is still in full swing. The Gospel for this weekend speaks about discipleship and there is no vacation from being disciples. Everyday we need to live this vocation that our Lord calls us to. Here is a thought for us on this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: "We are either servants of God or slaves of evil. There is no middle ground. This does not mean that as servants of Christ we are without fault, but that we have allied ourselves with him and accepted his redemption. Let us not be ashamed to be servants of Christ for in his love he has purchased us at a great price" (Magnificat, 68-69). Let us live in the love of the Lord. Have a blessed day!

September 3

Today is the Feast day of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the church. He did many things to spread and strengthen the faith of the people of God. We pray for his intercession, that we may be renewed in our faith. As mentioned in the last blog, I said I would write after our ride on the Vail Pass. Fr. Tom and I accomplished that tremendous feat. We left the hotel shortly before 10:00 Mountain Time and walked in the door about 4:15. It was a long and grueling ride, 43 miles. We started in Frisco, which is at an elevation of about 9,000 feet and went up to the top of Vail Pass which is another elevation of about 1,200 feet, then we made our descent into the city of Vail. Because of the steepness of the return trip, we caught a shuttle that took us back to the top of Vail Pass and then made our way back to Frisco. We are tired and sore, but it was a great ride and was what we planned to accomplish in making the arrangements for this trip. Tomorrow we head to Denver for the remaining days of our vacation and more blogs will coming. God Bless!!!

Thursday Sept 2

One of the joys of traveling with another priest is that we can say Mass right where we are at. I brought the Mass kit for our vacation. In the context of Mass we also do our Morning Prayer. It is a great way to remember that there is no vacation from God. Today was our day to rest from the 22 mile bike ride that we did on Wednesday. We played 18 holes of disc golf and it is still pretty windy so 18 was good enough for us. Then we spent the afternoon walking around Breckenridge and seeing what downtown had to offer. Tomorrow (Friday) will be our grueling bike day. We will tackle the Vail Pass which is a tough climb and we will head out in the morning. The next blog will be to let you know how we did. Besides the wind, the weather has been beautiful, high's in the 60's and lows in the 30's. Thank God for the weather and allowing us to see the beauty of His creation. God Bless!!!

Vacation Time!

It is hard to believe that the end of Summer is almost upon us. Labor Day is right around the corner and Fall will soon appear as we begin this new month of September. In some places, school has already begun for the new academic year, others will begin after Labor Day. Vacations are pretty much over for most people, but it just began for me and Fr. Tom Elliott. We have had this vacation on the books for a number of months and it is finally here. It is a definite break that we both needed. Presently we are in Frisco, Colorado and we are here to do some bike riding and relaxing. Of course we take the time for Mass and prayer. Even though we are on vacation we do not take a break from our vocation as priests and disciples of Jesus. This is a time to recharge our batteries so we can be effective priests and preachers of the Good News. Please keep us in your prayers during this time and pray for our parishes and our people that God will keep them safe in our absence. More blogs will be coming to let you know the progress of this time of vacation. Have a blessed day!!!