A New Year Dawns!

We are preparing ourselves to bring in a new year, 2011. It is amazing how time continues to fly by. Today, December 31, calls us to be thankful and reflective. We need to thank God for the gifts and blessings that have been bestowed upon us in 2010 and to seek forgiveness for the times that we failed. On January 1, 2011, we will begin a new year of grace and hope. Let us be open to the graces and blessings that God will bestow upon us in this coming year. Like our Blessed Mother Mary, whose motherhood we will celebrate on January 1, let us be models to our brothers and sisters as we listen to the Good News, but also put that Good News into practice. We are to make Christ known to everyone we meet. Our Lady is also the Queen of Peace and on January 1 we mark the World Day of Prayer for Peace. We pray that peace will reign in this new year. Of course, for peace to be made known in the world, it has to begin with us. Thank you God for all that You have done for us in this year about to end. May we acknowledge Your presence at all times and be strengthened with a renewed faith and hope as this new year dawns. Have a Happy and Blessed beginning to the New Year!!!

The Presentation!!!

The gospel passage from Wednesday, Luke 2:22-35, and from Thursday, Luke 2:36-40, depict the presentation of Jesus in the temple. As we were told, the parents of Jesus brought him to the temple to do what is written in the law of the Lord. Coming into the temple they first encounter the prophet Simeon who has been waiting for this day. Simeon says, "Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." He also gives prophecy to Mary, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Then today, the prophetess Anna appears and she has also been waiting for this day, "She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem." As the newborn King was welcomed by Simeon and Anna in the temple, so may we welcome him into our lives, our hearts. Jesus is the promised Messiah, may we always prepare the way for his coming and may we be presented to the Father when our journey has concluded. God Bless You!!!

Family Time!!!

In light of our celebration of the Holy Family this past Sunday, I thought it would be good to have some family time during this Christmas Season. I am doing that right now, since I was not able to be with my family on Christmas Day. I will be back to regular blogs later this week. Keeping all readers in prayer!!! God Bless You!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

"Glory to God in the highest, peace to people on earth." The great song of the angels as the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, was announced. The angel of the Lord told the shepherds that he brought news of great joy for in the city of David, Bethlehem, a child had been born who is both Savior and Lord. That Good News was proclaimed at our Christmas Masses. I pray that news will continue to touch your lives and hearts in a very special way. May the joy and peace of this Christmas Season be with you. Know that you are remembered in the Masses I offer and my prayers during this Christmas Season! Have a Blessed Christmas Day!!!

Christmas Eve!!!

We have arrived at the eve of the Solemnity of Christmas! In a few hours people will be heading for church to celebrate this glorious feast. I have three Masses to offer, one in each of the three parishes of Washington County. Last year we were receiving our share of snow and right before the Masses started the snow really came down. This year the weather is looking up. There is no snow, but some slick spots with the little drizzle that we had. I pray that everyone will be safe as they travel, not only to church, but to be with family, friends, and loved ones. Jesus Christ is the "Reason for this Season." He needs to be an important part of our daily lives. Let us renew our faith, trust, and love for Jesus, the newborn King, as we celebrate this great solemnity. Have a blessed day and a joyous Christmas Eve!!!

The Herald!

Our gospel today, Luke 1:57-66, is the birth of John the Baptist, the herald, the forerunner of the Messiah. We remember that John's father, Zechariah, was struck mute because of his disbelief at the angel's message. When he writes to the people gathered for John's circumcision that the boy's name will be John, his speech is returned. As the commentary states, "Lo, I am sending my messenger. The divine destiny of the Baptist resounds in the conviction of his mother's voice: 'He will be called John.' Elizabeth and Zechariah recognize in this infant the one who 'shows sinners the way.' The friendship of the Lord is with us - the new covenant" (Magnificat, 321). John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of the Messiah. He is the herald of the Good News and we are called to do the same in our own lives. Let us continue to do our part as we prepare to welcome the newborn King on the glorious feast of Christmas. Have a blessed day!!!

A Hymn of Thanks!

Everyday is Thanksgiving Day! All that we have is a gift from God and we are to be thankful in every way, every day. The Blessed Virgin Mary is a beautiful example of thanksgiving. In the gospel today, Luke 1:46-56, it is a continuation of Mary's visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. As we know, Elizabeth sang the praises of Mary and the baby in her womb, while her own baby, John the Baptist lept for joy in her own womb. What we have in this gospel passage from Luke is Mary's Magnificat, her prayer of thanksgiving for what God had done in her life. Mary said at the very beginning, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for the Almighty has done great things for me" (Lk 1:46). Many generations have called Mary blessed and she is because the word spoken by the angel of the Lord has come true. Mary is indeed the Blessed Virgin Mother of God's only Son, Jesus. Through Jesus, we have received the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life. Mary's "Yes" to God's will is another beautiful example for us. Like Mary, let us always be thankful for the gifts that God bestows upon us, and may our thanks always be a hymn of praise. Have a blessed day!!!

Witnesses of Jesus

An interesting observation was given by one of the commentaries for the Mass readings today. The gospel reading was from Saint Luke, 1:39-45. That passage detailed the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. The observation was made like this, "Mary Magdalene was the first person to see and recognize Jesus after he rose from the dead. She was the first person to announce the resurrection to the other disciples and, for this reason, has merited the title of 'Apostle to the Apostles.' We see in today's gospel reading from Saint Luke that Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, was the first person to recognize the greatness of Mary's child. Joseph, as Saint Luke informs us, did not recognize who Mary's child was, but had to be told this by an angel in a dream. Consequently Elizabeth merits the title of the First of Jesus' Disciples (after Mary, of course)" (Loose Leaf Lectionary, 189). Amazing how these two women, Elizbeth and Mary Magdalene, were witnesses of our Lord, one before his birth, the other after his resurrection. They witness the importance of these two events, the Incarnation and the Resurrection. That is why they are great solemnities to celebrate every year because this is our salvation history. Jesus came to save us from our sins and give us the hope of eternal life. Like Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene, may we continue to be witnesses of Jesus in the world and in our communities as we await his glorious return. Have a blessed day!!!

A Clean Bill!

I have just returned from taking my mother to Kansas City for a follow up visit with the surgeon who did her colon surgery. Everything looks good and he gave mom a clean bill of health. Great news is that the part of the colon of that was removed, a little over a foot, had some areas of concern, but none were malignant. After her surgery however, she had trouble with her heart and oxygen level, so they are still working on that. Thankfully, everything else has checked out and she has returned home to be with my dad who stayed there and was by himself for almost two weeks. Christmas has come early in the form of good news and that life for our family is getting back to normal. In the midst of all that has transpired over the last few weeks with my family, I ask myself, "What happened to Advent?" We are in the fourth week and hopefully we will make the most of these final days as we prepare for the Solemnity of Christmas. Peace to you!!!

A Lasting Call!

There is a phrase that has been passed down through the centuries and it speaks volumes for all generations. The phrase, "Do not be afraid." The angel Gabriel would use that phrase when he brought a message from God. That is true with the gospel we will listen to for this weekend, Matthew 1:18-24. Joseph, being a just and upright man, was going to divorce Mary because she was found to be with child. However, in a dream, the angel assured Joseph that it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that this child was conceived. The angel told him, "Do not be afraid." Gabriel said the same thing to Mary at the Annunciation, "Do not be afraid." Jesus would tell his disciples to not be afraid. Even the Venerable John Paul II would say to people around the world, "Do not be afraid." That right there is a message of hope. We are told to not be afraid because God has everything under control. The world, our lives, are in the hand of God and we have nothing to fear because God will take care of us. May this call to not be afraid live in our minds and hearts and may we always share that call, that message of hope with others. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Unforgettable Advent!

I use this title because I am reminded of the phrase once again, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." I had plans for making this a meaningful Advent, but I can say that it will be a memorable one. It was a little over a month ago that my mom had her annual test that revealed that she needed colon surgery because an area had gotten worse from a year ago. It will soon be a week ago that she had her surgery and on Tuesday she was able to leave the hospital and now she is in a swing bed to get her strength back. The surgery was done in Kansas City. Before Advent and since Advent began, quite a few trips have been made to Kansas City, but I will say drive time makes for good prayer time. Maybe I had visions of prayer time in church or my private chapel, but God had other plans, and that always works too because it shows that God is in control and He knows what is best for us. I know this is an Advent that my family won't forget and it shows to always be prepared for the unexpected and that is what Advent is about, being prepared and ready for the coming of the Lord. As I have said with our key word for this Advent, "We live in HOPE." Let us continue to make the most of this Advent Season as we get closer to the glorious Solmenity of Christmas. God Bless You!!!

Saint Lucy

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Lucy. As the entrance antiphon for Mass states: "This holy woman fought to the death for the law of her God, never cowed by the threats of the wicked; her house was built on solid rock." Saint Lucy is an Advent saint because of her longing to see the Lord. One of the commentators writes, "Saint Lucy is said to have chosen blindness rather than betrayal of the Lord she loved and longed to see" (Magnificat, 176). Her hope and faith were not diminished by her suffering courage. As we do during this Advent Season, Saint Lucy lived and waited with joyful hope for the coming of her Lord and being able to see her Lord one day. Hope is a key word that I have been using in my homilies during this Advent Season. Now, being in the Third Week of Advent, it is a joyful hope because of our rejoicing on Gaudete Sunday. We are waiting with faith, hope, patience, perseverance for the coming of our Lord, not just at Christmas, but at the end of time. Let us live with the light of faith to guide us and may Saint Lucy intercede for us as we continue our journey! Have a blessed day!!!

Rejoice in the Lord!!!

The entrance antiphon for this Third Sunday of Advent says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near" (Phil.4:4,5). This third Sunday is traditionally known as "Gaudete Sunday," which means to rejoice. We are halfway through the Advent Season and we need to rejoice because the Lord is coming soon. As I have written before, Advent is a joyful time, but it is also a penitential time as we prepare for the Lord's birth. Of course, we can rejoice in God's gift of forgiveness and that is what we receive each time we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I hope you will take the time over the next couple weeks to participate in the sacrament when it is held in your parishes. It is a wonderful time to be reconciled with God and one another and prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. Have a blessed weekend and let us always rejoice in the Lord! Peace!!!

Thankfulness!

I want to thank everyone who reads the daily blog for the prayers that you offered for my mother. She came through surgery with no major problems or complications. According to the surgeon it looks like the removed part of her colon is inflammation but they are sending it to the lab just to make sure. She will probably be in the hospital for about 3 days. It was definitely a long day. She was given 3 different times when the surgery could occur and none of them happened. The final time was 1:00 p.m. and when the waiting room desk informed me that the procedure had begun it was 2:30 p.m. The surgery took about 2 hours and 15 minutes. I can say for my mom and myself, it was a day to make sure our patience was up to par. Thankfully, everything for now is complete and it is the recovery process that will take time. Again, thank you for your prayers during this time. Always know that you are remembered in my prayers. I pray for your loved ones who may be sick or facing surgery. The power of prayer truly works so make the most of each day to use this beautiful gift. God Bless You!!!

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception!

Happy, Joyous Feastday! This is the day that we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary. The belief of Mary being immaculately conceived had been passed down throughout the centuries but it was made official Church teaching in 1854. Here is the infallible statement given by Pope Pius IX: "The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin" (St. Anthony Messenger Press). The gospel (Luke 1:26-38) spoke about the Annunciation and the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce the good news that she would be the mother of God's only Son. After questioning how this could be, Mary totally gave herself to the will of God and said "Yes!" Her example is a great one for us. We have been called to be disciples and to follow the Lord totally with our own lives. What an awesome thought to know that our lives are in God's hands. Like the angel said to Mary, "Do not be afraid!" That same phrase of encouragement is given to us as we live our lives and our faith. Let us turn to our Blessed Mother and seek her prayers and intercession as we continue our journey to the kingdom. God Bless You!!!

P.S. This is a message that we can use for a couple days. I will be away from the blog for a day. My mother is having surgery on Thursday December 9. Please keep her and our family in your prayers! Peace!!!

Saint Ambrose

Today's feast of Saint Ambrose has a special meaning because like the gospel, Matthew 18:12-14, Saint Ambrose was a shepherd who went in search of the lost sheep. It is said that he had a great love for his people. In imitating the Good Shepherd, we are to love our people, care for them, and be a good example to them. That meaning is enhanced by the commentary that says, "The scandal of the Gospel is symbolized in the man who prefers to go in search of the sole stray sheep rather than tend tot he stayed-put ninety-nine. If we dare to look beyond our self-contentment, we realize how much we are all like that one estranged, imperiled sheep; our burning hope is for a Shepherd who will come just for us"
(Magnificat,101). As pastors and shepherds, we pray that Saint Ambrose will intercede for us and help us in our ministry to always be those shepherds who take care of the sheep and go after those who have strayed. God Bless!!!

Saint Nicholas

Happy Saint Nicholas Day to everyone! Just got home from the Knights of Columbus weekend and taking time to relax. Will get back to the blog as we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday. It is a holy day of obligation so be sure and get to Mass, either the Vigil on Tuesday evening or the Day on Wednesday. God Bless you!!!

Second Sunday of Advent!

This Second Sunday of Advent finds me at the Knights of Columbus Mid-Year District Deputy meeting. As State Father Prior, I am able to keep a close relationship with the Knights of Columbus in Kansas since I am the Past State Chaplain. Being State Father Prior, I am able to work with our young people who are Columbian Squires and hoping to be Knights of Columbus in the future. During May and June of 2010, all First Degrees in the Knights of Columbus were done in my honor as State Chaplain. At the Saturday evening banquet I was presented with a book containing the names of those who joined the Order during that time. It was a wonderful gesture and very thoughtful. On this Second Sunday of Advent we see John the Baptist appear in the desert preaching a message of repentance. The message to turn away from sin and turn back to God is one that we need to live everyday. We are preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ, not only at Christmas but at the end of time. Let us listen to the voice of God in our lives and follow where He leads us as we continue our journey towards the kingdom. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Saint Francis Xavier

We take the memorial of Saint Francis Xavier today. According to the Magnificat magazine, "Saint Francis Xavier is an Advent saint: he announced the dawn of the reign of God in the coming of Christ to peoples in the Far East. Like Saint John the Baptist, the Advent prophet, he sacrificed his life for the word he preached"
(49). This is the joy of the Advent Season, preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord. In our own way, we have the opportunity to preach this Good News, not only with words, but with our very lives, like Saint Francis Xavier. As we celebrate Francis Xavier, saint and missionary, let us pray for his intercession that we may truly prepare the way for the Lord. Have a blessed day!!!

Built on Rock!

Today in the gospel, Matthew 7:21,24-27, Jesus tells us to do the will of the Father. We live the will of God by doing this, "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock." Nothing was able to destroy the house built on rock and the same is true when we build our lives on the rock of Christ. As the daily commentator writes, "All those who listen to Christ's words become rock-solid in their life. Because his Word is life. The Lord himself is an eternal Rock. When we trust him, that is, when we are attentive and obedient to his Word as opposed to our own ideas, feelings, and preconceptions, we are given the 'firm purpose' we crave that keeps us in peace" (Magnificat, 41). During this Advent Season, let us continue to build our lives, our house on solid Rock, who is Christ, and live the will of the Father each day! God Bless You!!!

New Beginnings!

This morning at the Mass for our Catholic School students I asked them what the word "Advent" means. I received several answers but the one that I used was "preparing for the coming of the Lord." Of course, Advent or "Adventus" means "Coming." We are preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord, not only at Christmas, but ultimately at the end of time. Advent is our new year, the beginning of the new liturgical year, but it is also a new beginning for us. Even though Advent is a joyful time it is still a penitential time, a time to look at our relationship with God and with others. During this holy season, we put an emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and invite people to truly prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we encounter the love, mercy, healing, and forgiveness of God. It is a time to turn away from sin, turn back to God, and believe in the Good News. A new beginning, that is the joy of this Season of Advent. Let us make the most of this time that God has given to us and do what we can to live holy, faithful, prayerful, and dedicated lives. Have a blessed day!!!