Another Thought on Worry!

This is a continuation from the weekend blog because there are a couple items I would like to share from another source. To set the context once again, the gospel this past weekend was from Matthew 6:24-34. In the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples and us, not to worry. The big question to ask is, Why did Jesus focus on worry at this particular time? The answer is: "He preached at a time when almost none of the population had the luxury of thinking about the future. For most people day-to-day survival was all-consuming. Given the rampant poverty, people worried constantly about how they would find enough food, how they would keep their children clothed and how they would manage to stay in their homes. They were preyed upon by Rome and corrupt leaders, and their taxes. These all-consuming worries - and they are very understandable - took up time that should have been devoted to praise and thanksgiving. Putting God first had been co-opted by worry. Thus Jesus warned them that misplaced priorities lead to the worst of our worries. What we must find is the willingness and faith to trust God" (The Priest- Jan. 2011, 29). There is also another quote to think about: "Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices" -Saint Theresa of Avila. Why do we worry? That is a good question! I think these two sources give us a good answer why we should not worry. Instead, let us place our total faith and trust in God. Have a blessed day!!!

"Don't Worry, Be Happy!"

This was the title of a song that came out a number of years ago. Even friends who are reading this blog will say to me, "Don't worry, be happy." I will admit, I have a tendency to worry and it is nothing new, it has been following me for years. That is why I need to listen to the gospel for this weekend, Matthew 6:24-34. According to the commentary, "Four times in today's Gospel Jesus tells us not to worry. He begs us to believe that our 'heavenly Father knows' what we need" (Magnificat, 371). Of course, worrying does not help us at all, especially our health. As this thought reminds us, "Worrying will not 'add a single moment to your life-span.' What does add length, and depth, and richness to our life is serving our true Master" (371-72). What we need to realize and what I need to realize is that God is in control. We can only change the things that we do in our lives. There are some things that we cannot change and that is where God comes in. It sounds like I need to go find the "Serenity Prayer" and pray it because it says the same thing. In light of the gospel, we need to place our faith and trust in God. We give in to worry and anxiety but we need to learn how to control that. Yes, we will worry about some things but we cannot let ourselves be consumed with worry. Like the psalmist reminds us: "Rest in God alone, my soul" (Ps. 62). Let us find our comfort and peace in God because He is in control. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Faithful Friends!

I hope the readers of this blog have them because I do! I could tell a personal story about having a faithful friend but it is between the friends. Only God can bring that faithful friend, that sturdy shelter into our lives. I would encourage you to read the scripture passage from the Book of Sirach, 6:5-17. The caption at the top of the passage in the Magnificat resource says, "Faithful friends are beyond price" (349). This is how the passage from Sirach concludes, "A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself." Thank God for our faithful friends, our sturdy shelters, our life-saving remedy. When we find a faithful friend we truly find a treasure. God is always watching out for us and He brings people into our lives to walk the journey of life and faith with us. May God help us to always be the best friend that we can be to others. In Christ's Peace!!!

Is It Lent Yet?

Close, but we are still less than two weeks out from beginning this penitential time and this time of renewal. I ask that question because the readings for today give us a reminder that we need to prepare for this upcoming season. The first reading is from Sirach 5:1-8. It is talking about our sinfulness and it calls for us to, "Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day." With the gospel, Mark 9:41-50, Jesus wants us to cut away our sin. He says that if our hand or foot causes us to sin we must cut them off or if our eye causes us to sin we must pull it out. He does not mean that literally, but he wants us to cut away all that hinders us in our relationship with God and one another. That is the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will be an important theme during this Lenten Season. Lent is our annual reminder of what we should be doing in our lives everyday. Turning away from sin, being reconciled to God and one another, and living our call to conversion. May the words from these scripture passages speak to us and help us prepare for the journey of Lent. God Bless You!!!

Saint Polycarp

Today is the Memorial of Saint Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna. He was a disciple of the apostles and a friend of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. He went to Rome to confer with Pope Anicetus concerning the celebration of Easter. About the year 155 he suffered martyrdom by burning at the stake (Magnificat, 326). I liked the other commentary that was written for this memorial. It goes as follows: "Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist. In old age, following in the footsteps of his master, he died with courage and dignity, preferring the pain of burning to the pain of abandoning his Lord" (Magnificat, 323). We may not be called to a martyrs death, but our call is to remain firm in the Lord and steadfast in faith. We pray that we may follow the example of Saint Polycarp as we live that faith to the fullest. Blessings to you this day!!!

The Chair of Saint Peter

This is a remarkable feast that we celebrate today in the Universal Church. The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter does not focus on a chair, but on what the chair stands for. The Magnificat commentary gives us some thoughts on this feast day. "The feast of the Chair of Saint Peter commemorates the teaching authority of the Vicar of Christ" (314). The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "It is this Magisterium's task to preserve God's people from deviations and defections and to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith without error" so that "the People of God abides in the truth that liberates" (#890). Our current pope, Benedict XVI says, "The Chair represents (the pope's) mission as guide of the entire People of God. Celebrating the 'Chair' of Peter means attributing a strong spiritual significance to it and recognizing it as a privileged sign of the love of God" (314). Like Jesus said to the Peter in the gospel,
Matthew 16:13-19, "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." The Church is built upon the rock of Peter, his confession of faith, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Let this feast lead us to pray for our Holy Father, the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. We thank God for the teaching of the church and for those who are called to shepherd and lead us. May this feast help to renew the faith that we live and profess each day. Saint Peter, pray for us!!!

Saint Peter Damian

We begin our new week by celebrating the memorial of Saint Peter Damian. Saint Peter was born in Ravenna in 1007. He began teaching after completing his studies, but he soon abandoned that and entered the hermitage of Fonte Avellana. Once elected prior of the hermitage, he promoted the religious life with such fervor that all of Italy was affected by this renewal. He worked with the popes during calamitous times and was helped by his works, writings, and various missions on behalf of Church reform. Saint Peter was created a bishop and cardinal by Pope Stephen IX. He died in 1072 and soon afterward was venerated as a saint (Magnificat, 301). The opening prayer for Mass speaks about the key to Saint Peter Damian's life and it is a good example for us. "All-powerful God, help us to follow the teachings and example of Peter Damian. By making Christ and the service of his Church the first love of our lives, may we come to the joys of eternal light"
(301). The key is putting Christ and service to the church first. Let us pray that Saint Peter Damian will intercede for us as we follow his saintly example. God Bless You!!!

Ways of Love & Holiness

The readings at Mass for this weekend really give us something to think! Hopefully all the readings do that whenever they are proclaimed. The words of these readings ask us to think about love and holiness. The first reading is from
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18. The Lord is speaking to Moses and He said to him, "Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy." In conclusion, the Lord goes on to say, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Right there, God is telling us to be holy and to love our neighbor. Jesus reinforces that in the gospel, Matthew 5:38-48. He says, "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Our Lord also concludes by saying, "So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." Again, living the ways of love and holiness. Let us listen to these words this weekend, take them to heart, and put them into practice. Our Lord has given us an example, but he also lived that example. He invites us to do the same. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Ultimate Vocation!!!

God calls us to live our respective vocations in life: marriage, single, priesthood or religious life. Ultimately, we have a general vocation to live and that is the call to discipleship. That call is loud and clear in our gospel today,
Mark 8:34-9:1, when Jesus says to the crowd and his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follw me." We know that Jesus carried his cross, being nailed to the cross, and dying for the forgiveness of our sins. Through his resurrection we have the hope and promise of eternal life. Jesus tells us to pick up our cross, he just did not tell us what crosses we would have to carry, but we carry them with faith, patience, confidence, perseverance, etc. Let us pray that we will always be open to the voice of the Lord, that we will live our vocation to discipleship, and that we will pick up our crosses and follow him. God Bless You!!!

Whose in Control?

That is a question that I have been answering a lot lately. I find that I need to practice what I preach, listen to what I say, and read what I write. If I don't, God has placed people in my life who are not afraid to tell me. There are many things going on in peoples lives right now and maybe they are asking the same question as this blog. Besides the parish and school commitments that I have to fulfill, I also find myself taking care of my ill parents. One just got out of the hospital after 18 days, but is not totally back to full potential, and one is in the hospital right now. There are issues that go along with both situations, but I keep telling myself, and others do as well, that I am not in control, God is! It is God in whom we place our faith, hope, and trust. Just like the commentary for today stated that when we think we have God figured out, He always surprises us with the unexpected. Our task is not to figure God out, but to place our total faith and trust in Him. That is why God is in control and as the popular phrase goes, we need to "Let Go and Let God." God will give you and me the grace and strength that we need. Let us place our faith, hope, and trust in Him because He is in control and knows what is best for us. God Bless You!!!

Saint Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day!!! That is a common expression we will hear this day because it is the day to celebrate Saint Valentine. In our recent diocesan bulletin, there was a page that talked about celebrating Saint Valentine's Day at Home. There are two quotes that I would like to share with you from this resource: First, "You carry out the mission of the church of the home in ordinary ways when: You love and never give up believing in the value of another person. Before young ones hear the Word of God preached from the pulpit, they form a picture of God drawn from their earliest experiences of being loved by parents, grandparents, godparents, and other family or community members" (From Follow the Way of Love). Secondly, "Today is a day for families to CELEBRATE and BE THANKFUL for the many loves in their lives" (From Faith and Fest, 2004 The Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha). Those quotes really say it all. Let us be thankful for the people that God has placed in our lives and for the love that they show us. When those people show us love, it is a glimpse of the love that God has for us. May God bless the loves in our lives. Have a blessed day!!!

World Marriage Day

This weekend is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time and we have some powerful readings for the Mass. Listen to them and let us take the time to reflect on them and pray that we always live the commandments of God. Also this weekend, you might hear prayers and maybe a message for World Marriage Day. Whenever I talk about vocations I always mention the three that God can call one to: Married life, Single life, Priesthood or Religious life. Even though my focus may be on priesthood or religious life, we cannot forget that these other vocations are important. God calls each of us to live a specific vocation. This way we can share the love of God with one another. It is appropriate that the theme of World Marriage Day is, "Love One Another." A couple shares the love of God with each other and that is also the example that they show to the world. Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a wonderful experience for any couple trying to renew and enrich their marriage. There is a wonderful connection between the Sacraments of Service: Marriage and Holy Orders. Married couples can provide an example to priests and religious and we can provide an example to married couples. It is about sharing the love of God with one another and being faithful to our commitments. Here is a prayer from Worldwide Marriage Encounter that I would like to leave with you and ask our married couples to pray: "Heavenly Father, we thank You for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Enable us to grow in our intimacy with You and with each other. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more one in heart, mind, and body. Strengthen our communication with each other, and help us become living signs of your love. Help us to be examples of commitment, love, and service to our families and children. Make us a sign of the unity which Jesus prays for at the Last Supper. We open ourselves to the guidance of your Holy Spirit, who empowers us to love in Jesus' name and walk in His footsteps. Amen" (WWME). Have a blessed weekend!

Our Lady of Lourdes!

On this Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, I want to take the opportunity to congratulate Archbishop Paul Coakley on his installation as the Archbishop of Oklahoma City. Archbishop Coakley was the bishop in the Salina Diocese for six years. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he begins his new pastoral assignment. Besides celebrating Our Lady of Lourdes on this day, it is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. We remember those who are sick and suffering and pray that our Blessed Mother will intercede for them and that God will grant them healing and strength. Our Lady made her appearance to Saint Bernadette in 1858 close to Lourdes, France. "Through this humble girl, Mary called sinners to conversion and enkindled within the Church a great zeal for prayer and charity, especially service to the sick and poor" (Magnificat, 150). Many pilgrims travel to the shrine in Lourdes to experience this message firsthand and receive the healing that comes from the Lourdes water. Again, we ask our Blessed Mother, as Our Lady of Lourdes to intercede for us, help us to carry the crosses that we receive, and lead us to her son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. Have a blessed day!!!

Saint Scholastica

We join the Benedictines throughout the world as we celebrate the feast of Saint Scholastica. She was the sister of Saint Benedict, born about the year 480. Scholastica vowed herself to God and followed Benedict to Monte Cassino. That is where she died in 547 (Magnificat, 140). It has been 15 years since I was in Italy and I made sure during that time I made it to Monte Cassino and I did. It was a wonderful place, on top of a mountain. To think that Benedict and Scholastica walked that area was truly amazing. As the opening prayer for the Mass stated, "Lord, as we recall the memory of Saint Scholastica, we ask that by her example we may serve you with love and obtain perfect joy" (140). May that prayer be ours as well, as we follow the example of Saint Scholastica and ask her intercession. God bless you!!!

Identical Dates!!!

Once again, the snow has hit our area in Kansas, like it has around the country. No day off for our school but a two hour delay. Thus, there was no school students at Mass this morning. As I was thinking about what to write, I happened to look up at the calendar and see that the dates of February and March are identical, each falling on the same day, except that March has a couple more days to work with. I bring this up because one month from today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Season of Lent. Hard to believe that time is coming around this fast but it is almost here. We know that Lent is a penitential time, a time to examine our lives and consciences, see what sins we have committed and seek mercy and forgiveness. It is a time to improve in different areas, like service to others, more prayer time, etc. With our monthlong countdown, it might be good to start thinking about what we would like to do for Lent so that it will be a meaningful season for all of us. Let our thoughts and prayers in preparation for the Season of Lent begin. Have a blessed day!!!

Creation Continued

The first reading for our Mass today, again from Genesis Chapter 1, is the final days of creation. God created all the animals and then He created man in His own image, male and female, He created them. That shows how much every human life deserves our dignity and respect because we have all been created in God's image and likeness. The last part of that scripture passage is that God rested on the seventh day of creation, thus the Lord's Day, and we are to keep it holy. This first chapter of Genesis gives us something to think about and pray about. Let us reflect on the gift of life that we have received from God and thank Him for the day that He gave us to rest and keep holy. Have a blessed day!!!

The Beginning!

As we begin this new week, we also begin reading from the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. The first reading for our Mass today is Genesis 1:1-19. God created the heavens and the earth and then He said, "Let there be light," and it happened. This particular reading is about the darkness and the light. An appropriate reading for us as we continue discussing the importance of being light. As you recall from the gospel on Sunday, Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus tells his disciples that they are the light of the world. Our light is not to be hidden but set on a stand for all to see. How we live our lives and our faith brings forth that light that our Lord is talking about. Today, we look to God who is the creator of all things. We know that in life our light can go dim or even dark at times but we turn to God who is the creator of the light and to His Son, Jesus Christ, who is forever the light of the world and ask for the grace to keep the light burning brightly. We are to always walk toward the light for the Lord lights our path at all times. As we read this passage from Genesis, let us thank God for the gifts of creation and pray that the light in our lives we continue to shine brightly for all to see. God Bless You!!!

This Little Light of Mine...

I believe we can finish the line to this title very easily: "I'm gonna let it shine..." If we listen to a song very carefully we usually find a message, hopefully a faith-filled, positive one. We can certainly find that positive message in this particular song, letting our light shine for the whole world to see. Light is the key word in our Mass readings for this weekend. Three of the four scripture passages have the word "Light" in them. The first reading from the prophet Isaiah, 58:7-10, says "then light shall rise for you in the darkness." Psalm 112 states that "The just man is a light in darkness to the upright." In the gospel, Matthew 5:13-16, and this follows the Beatitudes, Jesus says to his disciples that they are "The salt of the earth and the light of the world." We are not to hide our light, but to let it shine for everyone to see. That light can be how we live our lives and our faith. We are called to be disciples of Jesus, to be of service to our brothers and sisters. We can make a difference in the world, in the very communities in which we live. Let us follow the words of scripture and in particular the words of our Lord, because he has the words of everlasting life. If Jesus says that we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, then that is how we need to live our lives. Pray for the grace to be an example to one another and with a joyful heart, let us sing that our little light will shine for everyone to see. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Blessing of Throats!!!

I know I am a late in getting this blog out, but this is a blessing that will take place over several days. February 3 is the Memorial of Saint Blaise, the patron of throat ailments. I blessed throats today and then will do it again over the weekend for our parishioners. It will soon be 30 years ago that I went from the public school system to Catholic Schools. I mention that because I never experienced the celebration of Saint Blaise until I went to the Catholic School. I remember we went over to the church for an afternoon prayer service and blessing of throats. At the time I had no idea how it worked. I thought the candles were lit and placed close to our throats. Needless to say, I was wrong about the candles being lit but it was a powerful experience to feel those candles under my throat and that blessing being proclaimed. The blessing truly helped, my throat felt clear and trusted that Saint Blaise had interceded for any throat ailment that I had. I enjoy this memorial and giving the blessing of throats to people. If you have the opportunity to receive this blessing, I highly recommend it. God Bless You!!!

Presentation of the Lord

The opening to the Mass of the Presentation says it all: "Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people" (Magnificat, 43). There is more to that opening, but this part tells us what we are celebrating on this day. The gospel, Luke 2:22-40, presents the entire presentation in temple. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord. In that presentation, they encounter the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna. They had been waiting for this day and now they were at peace because their eyes had seen the Christ of the Lord. This day is also a time for candles to be blessed. We know that candles and the light from them symbolize that Jesus is forever the light of the world. We are called to let the light of Christ shine in our own lives. Pray that we may be an example to our brothers and sisters. Let the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives and when our journey is done, may we be presented to God in His heavenly Kingdom. Have a blessed day!!!

Is It Spring Yet?

I think this is a question that a lot of people would like to see answered and soon. We are experiencing another winter storm in our area. This is the second day that school has been cancelled and for us, it is Catholic Schools week, and we have not had a chance to celebrate it. Once school gets back in session, we will have to make up what we lost. However, we know that with everything in life, there is always positives and we have to find them. The positive in asking this question is that spring will be here soon. Just think, we have begun a new month today, so it gets us ever closer to warm weather, rain, and new life. You can say the ultimate answer to our question about spring is, "YES!" Everyday is a new springtime. God gives us each day, He gives us a new day of life, He gives us the opportunity to spend that time with family and friends, and He gives us everyday to grow closer to Him. That should bring us hope and the feeling of a daily spring. Yes, the snow is flying, it is cold, but with God and the promise of eternal life, hope does spring eternal!!! Have a blessed day!