tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79732928311810720132024-03-13T12:02:19.484-04:00FRED'S BLOG ~ Faith Tools & Reflections with Fr. Ed SuszynskiFather Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-48187635792822551602014-06-04T13:31:00.000-04:002014-06-04T13:31:03.109-04:00Who we are...<span class="userContent">BAD HABITS are NOT who we ARE but rather, they're what we've done and can choose not to do and do differently in the future! 1 John 3:1-3</span>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-25001350118422796392014-06-03T14:43:00.001-04:002014-06-03T14:45:50.847-04:00Ascension Parallels to GraduationOne of the books that we've been reading, reflecting, and exploring during the Easter Season is The Acts of the Apostles. The title of this book quite easily could have been <em>The History of the Early Church, The First Followers, Principles of our Faith</em> or some other clever title, but it's not! The key is <em>Acts</em> the book is about how the Apostles and first believers lived out the faith and it is meant to strengthen and encourage us, the Church today, to live out our faith to the fullest. <br />
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060114-ascension.cfm">Ascension Readings</a><br />
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When it comes to living out our faith we can react or live like many high school and college graduates. We are in the season of grads and speaking of grads, it seems that we tend to get 3 types of graduates. First are the ones who say "we're done and not looking back," the second say, "I'm moving on to the next phase of my life," in a very status quo kind of way, and then lastly we have those who upon graduation go forth in a very passionate and excited way ready to tackle life and do great things. In our faith there are some who come to Church on Sunday to simple check off the obligation box for the week, while others know their faith matters but are not that active and then there are those who like a passionate and excited graduate will go forward to actively live out their faith. The active living or participation in our fatih is the goal, ideal, and key to living the Christian life to the fullest. <br />
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At this juncture between Ascension and Pentencost where do you find yourself in regards to actively living out your faith? What gifts or fruits of the Holy Spirit do find to be present and active in your life now? What gifts or fruits of the Holy Spirit do you need to pray about or access more in your life? We are meant to live our faith to the fullest, to ACT upon our faith, may the commissioning of Christ to go forward to make disciples in His name and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit be with us to help us live the faith we are called to live. <br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
<strong>The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit: </strong><br />
1. Wisdom<br />
2. Understanding<br />
3. Knowledge<br />
4. Counsel<br />
5. Piety<br />
6. Fortitude<br />
7. Wonder & Awe/Fear of the Lord<br />
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Derived from Isaiah 11:1-3<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But a shoot shall
sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The
spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and
of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by
appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
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<strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fruits of the Spirit</i>:</strong>
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<strong>Galatians 5:19-26</strong> <o:p> </o:p></div>
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Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality,
impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy,
outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of
envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things will not inherit the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
generosity, faithfulness,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="v23"> </a>gentleness, self-control. Against
such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified
their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us
also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious
of one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-49447872985266203822014-05-28T13:14:00.003-04:002014-05-28T13:14:42.255-04:00Sacraments Building Community
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<em><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">What
are the names of the sacraments that serve to build up communion in the Church?</span></b></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Someone
who is baptized and confirmed can receive moreover a special mission in the
Church in two special sacraments and thus be enlisted in the service of God:
Holy Orders and Matrimony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">The
two sacraments have something in common: They are directed to the good of
others. No one is ordained just for himself, and no one enters the married
state merely for his own sake. The sacrament of Holy Orders and the sacrament
of Matrimony are supposed to build up the People of God; in other words, they
are a channel through which God pours out love into the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">What
happens in Holy Orders?</span></b></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">The
man who is ordained receives a gift of the Holy Spirit that gives him a sacred
authority that is conferred upon him by Christ through the bishop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Being a priest does not mean just assuming an
office or a ministry. Through Holy Orders a priest receives as a gift a
definite power and a mission for his brothers and sisters in faith. (YOUCAT
questions 248 & 249)</span>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-48771934792927489612014-05-14T12:32:00.002-04:002014-05-14T12:32:49.878-04:00CALLED - Discern & Ask!In social media we see all sorts of signs, pictures, and because of Twitter and other social media that causes us to say a lot with a little, new acronyms and words have popped up, some have actually become words in the dictionary. Some of these acronyms are now common place like LOL (Laugh Out Loud) or TTYL (Talk To You Later), while there are others that are more recent like, TBT (Throw Back Thursday), but at the end of the day these messages that are being sent out, must be discerned to know what they mean. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051114.cfm">4th Sunday of Easter readings (A)</a><br />
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This sort of discernment is what we must do in our relationship with God. God gives us messages and signs everyday; some are obvious and others are not. In order to communicate with God we must always engage in prayer and practice The Gifts of the Holy Spirit in our life which help us to be attuned to God's presence. Sometimes when we receive a message it might need further reflection or thought, in other words, discernment to understand what God is telling or asking of us. Discernment is an everyday (24/7/365) operation in the Christian life, it never stops, sometimes the discerment can be about simple everyday events, sometimes about major decisions or life choices such as our vocation. Whatever the case is, the Gospel is quite clear that Jesus calls us by name which means everyday (admit it or not) the truth is, we are being called!!! We are His sheep and are called to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. <br />
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Listening to the Good Shepherd will help us make the choices we need to make. Jesus also said that He is the gate, meaning there is a particular entrance, a particular way of life that a Christian is called to embrace. Making the right choices comes only through proper discernment. <br />
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Another part of the equation of discernment is asking questions. Even if we should hear the message clearly and understand what it means on the surface, always dig deeper below the surface. For example, I was out with some friends and one friend was helping me navigate parts of the west side of Cleveland that I was not familiar with (native Eastsider! ;-))... during the journey, we were approaching a three-way intersection my only options were left and right and so, I asked my friend which way do I go? He said, "just stay straight." I was alarmed and said, "that's not an option, I'm not intending on crashing into anything!" My friend replies, "I mean, stay in the lane you're in, which turns into the left hand turn lane and turn left." ... In this case, I knew, or thought I knew what, "just stay straight," meant, but in reality it needed further questions to discern. This is like the command to love one another as God loves us; we hear it, know it, but asking everyday how to love is the question that goes below the surface. <br />
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God is calling us, everyday, may we take time to listen, discern, ask in order that we may grow closer to Christ and allow our witness to bring others to Christ. Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-22019453684595997372014-05-14T12:05:00.003-04:002014-05-14T12:06:50.912-04:00Why Confession (Reconciliation)?<br />
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<strong><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">But we have Baptism, which reconciles us with God;
why then do we need a special sacrament of Reconciliation?</span></i></strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Baptism
does snatch us from the power of sin and death and brings us into the new life
of the children of God, but it does not free us from human weakness and the
inclination to sin. That is why we need a place where we can be reconciled with
God again and again. That place is confession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">It
does not seem like a modern thing to go to confession; it can be difficult and
may cost a great deal of effort at first. But it is one of the greatest graces
that we can receive again and again in our lifeit truly renews the soul,
completely unburdens it, leaving it without the debts of the past, accepted in
love, and equipped with new strength. God is merciful, and he desires nothing
more earnestly than for us, too, to lay claim to his mercy. Someone who has
gone to confession turns a clean, new page in the book of his life. (YOUCAT
question 226)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
~ from Catechism in a Year Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-33643542814327812662014-05-06T11:22:00.003-04:002014-05-06T11:22:40.074-04:00THE EUCHARIST IS...<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">What names are there for Jesus' meal with us, and what do they mean?<br /> <br /> The different names indicate the unfathomable richness of this mystery: the Holy Sacrifice, Holy Mass, the Sacrifice of the Massthe Lord's Supperthe Breaking of Breadthe Eucharistic assemblythe memorial of the Lord's Passion, death, and Resurrection the Holy and Divine Liturgy, the Sacred Mysteries Holy Communion. <br /> <br /> Holy Sacrifi<span class="text_exposed_show">ce, Holy Mass, the Sacrifice of the Mass: The one sacrifice of Christ, which completes and surpasses all sacrifices, is made present in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Church and the faithful, through their self-offering, unite themselves with Christ's sacrifice. The word Mass comes from the Latin dismissal, Ite, missa est, "Go now, you are sent." <br /> <br /> The Lord's Supper: Every celebration of the Eucharist is still the one supper that Christ celebrated with his disciples and, at the same time, the anticipation of the banquet that the Lord will celebrate with the redeemed at the end of time. We men do not make the worship service; the Lord is the one who calls us to worship God and is mysteriously present in the liturgy.<br /> <br /> The breaking of bread: "The breaking of bread" was an old Jewish ritual at meals, which Jesus employed at the Last Supper to express his gift of self "for us" (Rom 8:32). In the "breaking of bread" the disciples recognized him again after the Resurrection. The early Church called their liturgical feasts "the breaking of bread".<br /> <br /> Eucharistic assembly: The celebration of the Lord's Supper is also an assembly of "thanksgiving", in which the Church finds her visible expression.<br /> Memorial of the Lord's Passion, death, and Resurrection: In the celebration of the Eucharist, the congregation does not celebrate itself; rather it discovers and celebrates again and again the presence of Christ's saving passage through suffering and death to life.<br /> <br /> Holy and Divine Liturgy, Sacred Mysteries: In the celebration of the Eucharist, the Church in heaven and on earth unite in one feast. Because the Eucharistic Gifts in which Christ is present are, so to speak, the holiest thing in the world, we also speak about the Most Blessed Sacrament.<br /> <br /> Holy Communion: Because we unite ourselves with Christ at Holy Mass, and through him are united with one another, we speak about Holy Communion (communio = fellowship). (YOUCAT questions 211-212)</span></span>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-83422268172776347312014-05-06T11:21:00.000-04:002014-05-06T11:21:07.687-04:00The Different Ways We Can Refer to the Eucharist<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5368fd39c5f079e76488814">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">What names are there for Jesus' meal with us, and what do they mean?<br /> <br /> The different names indicate the unfathomable richness of this mystery: the Holy Sacrifice, Holy Mass, the Sacrifice of the Massthe Lord's Supperthe Breaking of Breadthe Eucharistic assemblythe memorial of the Lord's Passion, death, and Resurrection the Holy and Divine Liturgy, the Sacred Mysteries Holy Communion. <br /> <br /> Holy Sacrifi<span class="text_exposed_show">ce, Holy Mass, the Sacrifice of the Mass: The one sacrifice of Christ, which completes and surpasses all sacrifices, is made present in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Church and the faithful, through their self-offering, unite themselves with Christ's sacrifice. The word Mass comes from the Latin dismissal, Ite, missa est, "Go now, you are sent." <br /> <br /> The Lord's Supper: Every celebration of the Eucharist is still the one supper that Christ celebrated with his disciples and, at the same time, the anticipation of the banquet that the Lord will celebrate with the redeemed at the end of time. We men do not make the worship service; the Lord is the one who calls us to worship God and is mysteriously present in the liturgy.<br /> <br /> The breaking of bread: "The breaking of bread" was an old Jewish ritual at meals, which Jesus employed at the Last Supper to express his gift of self "for us" (Rom 8:32). In the "breaking of bread" the disciples recognized him again after the Resurrection. The early Church called their liturgical feasts "the breaking of bread".<br /> <br /> Eucharistic assembly: The celebration of the Lord's Supper is also an assembly of "thanksgiving", in which the Church finds her visible expression.<br /> Memorial of the Lord's Passion, death, and Resurrection: In the celebration of the Eucharist, the congregation does not celebrate itself; rather it discovers and celebrates again and again the presence of Christ's saving passage through suffering and death to life.<br /> <br /> Holy and Divine Liturgy, Sacred Mysteries: In the celebration of the Eucharist, the Church in heaven and on earth unite in one feast. Because the Eucharistic Gifts in which Christ is present are, so to speak, the holiest thing in the world, we also speak about the Most Blessed Sacrament.<br /> <br /> Holy Communion: Because we unite ourselves with Christ at Holy Mass, and through him are united with one another, we speak about Holy Communion (communio = fellowship). (YOUCAT questions 211-212)</span></span></div>
Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-42195494335096145892014-05-04T12:47:00.000-04:002014-05-04T13:27:09.446-04:00Where we are & Where we areThe Road to Emmaus... is one of my favorite passages in Sacred Scripture. The Road to Emmaus is one of those passages that touches my spirit and energizes me in different ways every time I read and pray with it. Sometimes this story is the shot in the arm I need when I'm going through a rough time and at other times it pushes me to do more; to crave the heart that is burning for God!<br />
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The Road to Emmaus comes on the scene at a great time in the Church Year! Why? Well, because it helps us to understand where we are and it helps us to understand where we are. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050414.cfm">3rd Sunday of Easter Readings (Cycle A)</a><br />
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First, where we are...<em><strong> So, spiritually speaking</strong></em>, we're in the post Lenten resolution phase where <strong>maybe </strong>we're finding it hard to be the person we committed ourselves to being during Lent? <strong>Maybe </strong>we're not keeping up with the person God is calling us to be? <strong>Maybe</strong> we're finding ourselves going through some spiritual regression after the Easter Sunday high starts to fade... that whole 'regressing back to bad habits' or 'things we said we won't do anymore' phase... very much like making a New Year's resolution only to break it a couple weeks later. So yeah, we can find ourselves like Cleopas the other disciple who are questioning and feeling downcast and trying to figure out what is going on?... like, what the heck?... has new life set it?... where am I? <strong>THE GOOD NEWS</strong> is, hope is NOT lost, that Jesus meets us where we are, just like He met Cleopas and the other disciple on the road, He meets us where we are, right here, right now, no matter what!!!! <strong>The key</strong> is to invite Christ in, truly see Him in the scriptures, truly see Him in the <em>breaking of the bread; </em>and either gain strength in following Christ or recommit ourselves to the person God is calling each and everyone one of us to be! <strong>NOW IS THE TIME! </strong><br />
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Second, where we are... <strong><em>So, at Mass, </em></strong>why am I in the pew? Why do I come week after week? To give praise to God? YES! But wait! There's more!... In the Road to Emmaus what are we given but a blueprint of the Mass! No joke, legit, for real, seriouly! When we come to Mass and we begin with the Sign of the Cross and the priest says, <strong><em>the Lord be with you</em> ...</strong>He's really saying, the Lord be with you in a real sense of knowing not only are you welcome but <strong>know that</strong> the LORD IS WITH YOU, walking with you, journeying with you and with you no matter what is going on in your life!!!! Just like the disciples on their way to Emmaus we break open scripture and enter into the Eucharist, <em>the breaking of the bread</em> so that we may <strong>ENCOUNTER CHRIST - in The Word, Sacrament, & Community! So at Mass, we are invited to enter into the public prayer of the Church we are invited to bring our whole selves into it! We are encouraged to bring our questions, our intentions, our concerns, our joys, our sorrows, our whatevers and to place them on The Altar so that we like the bread, be taken, blessed, broken open, and given for others! </strong>How cool, how awesome is that?! That's crazy awesome that Christ invites us to encounter Him in such an intimate way. <br />
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<strong>Is choosing not to go to Mass as sin? YES! Why? </strong>The Church says going to Sunday Mass (or Saturday Vigil) is our obligation or duty or responsibility. Why? The answer is not, "because the Church says so," but rather, the Church says so because... <strong>it is in the Sacred Scripture, in the Eucharist, and in the community we gather with, which is modeled by Christ, that Christ Himself is inviting us to encounter Him.</strong> <em>So, what's the basic definition of a sin?</em> Choosing our will or some thing over God or God's will. So when we choose not to go to Mass, admit it or not - but it's true - we're really saying, "I don't want to encounter you Jesus," "I don't want to spend time with you," "I don't want to engage my path to enternal life in Heaven." So, therefore, choosing not to go to Mass is a sin because we are choosing something other than God, we're saying no to the encounter. <br />
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The Road to Emmaus... it really can help us to know where we are and where we are... may we encounter Christ anew through this scripture passage and the Mass inviting Christ to be with us so that our hearts too may burn with His love and give us the strength, courage, and wisdom to tell the Good News! Amen!<br />
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Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-64913964578513030012013-08-19T14:53:00.001-04:002014-05-30T09:55:39.054-04:00Conviction and Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081813.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081813.cfm </a>
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<br />
How do you feel about Jesus' mission? How do you think and feel about Jesus' message?
When we get caught up in Jesus' messages of peace, love, joy, and forgiveness don't we allow ourselves sometimes to feel like Jesus is making us feel like we are in the happiest place on earth? Like we're in some sort of magic kingdom? Like everyone is happy all the time and our troubles simply melt away??? With Jesus - yes - sure - absolutely our troubles should melt away because Jesus is our way, our truth and our life!
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So the Gospel this weekend seems like quite the departure from all that doesn't it??? Talking about the world being on fire, not peace but division and people in opposition to one another!!! What gives? What can we make of this? Don't we feel just a little uneasy about it?
In this "departure" Jesus is asking us to be mindful of two things. First Jesus is reminding us that indeed we have to be people who are fire for the kingdom; people who live our lives with great conviction about our faith. On fire about love. On fire about forgiveness. On fire about our morals. On fire for the Gospel. On fire about our faith. On fire for CHRIST! And so we are called to have great conviction about our faith and live it passionately!!!
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Second, there is a cost that comes with being a disciple of Christ. There will be times that we will not always agree or see eye to eye with others, that we will be in opposition with others and thus we pray a price for following Christ. Not everyone in this earth will choose Christ, hence division will be part of the disciple's earthly experience.
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I'd like to think this is like the classic division between Coke and Pepsi. Some people may not care but the truth is that some people like Coke and some like Pepsi and they're serious and have convictions about what they like and they're not going to be a convert to the other side! In the same way and even more so, we are to have that strength of convicition of faith. We are called to live out our faith with great conviciton knowing that not everyone will agree, not everyone will go along, but we shouldn't be any less of who Christ calls us to be and how he calls us to follow Him. Not everyone will embrace the baptism with which Jesus is baptized!
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At the same time we also need to be aware of the oppositions we let leak into our own lives. Sometimes we choose to see the world and our faith through our own parameters, our own lenses - hence the 80's throwback glasses. Jesus calls us to follow him 100% - completely - and so we have ask ourselves: Am I seeing clearly through the eyes of faith or am I choosing to see in different ways? The cost of disicipleship and the cost of being on fire for Christ means that within ourselves we also have to be honest about how we are choosing to see and use our faith and make sure we are following Christ as he has called us to follow Him and not following Him on our own terms.
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This week may we take time in prayer and ask ourselves...
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Am I on fire for Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven?
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Am I truly doing my best to see with the eyes of faith and not my own? <br />
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Am I strong in my convictions about my faith and seek to know more?
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Am I taking time to invite the Holy Spirit into my life to strengthen my resolve to follow Christ even if I may not know what exactly it is that I need? <br />
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Am I aware that I'm saying yes to Christ and I'm willing to endure the cost of discipleship because I am on a mission, a journey to the true magic kingdom - God's heavenly Kingdom???Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-19526255669412765052012-11-18T20:04:00.003-05:002012-11-18T20:04:48.684-05:00Men In Black - Catholic Church Defenders!<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvrSqAWsvhs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvrSqAWsvhs </a>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-13077174741682783022012-07-01T12:21:00.007-04:002012-07-01T12:37:44.381-04:00JesusCareThis week has been a tension filled one for our country and our freedoms.<br />
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The issue of healthcare is once again center stage but also our freedoms, for if government can compel or penalize us to buy something, in this case healthcare, then what other control will we be "taxed" with? Please read and be informed, check out information for Fortnight for Freedom <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm </a> I want to be clear that I am NOT against providing quality access to healthcare for all, in fact I believe it is a right, but what I am opposed to is the violation of the 1st Ammendment to the Constitution, compromise of freedom, and the dangerous slope towards socialism that Obamacare has put us on. <br />
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Now regardless of where you fall on the debate - pro-Obamacare, pro-Romney, or another solution, WHAT IS IMPORTANT is the right to have quality healthcare. Interestingly enough, this weekend, in scripture we hear about "JesusCare" <br />
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In Jesus' healing of Jairus' daughter and the woman with hemorrhages Jesus shows us His power to heal and make us whole. Contrary to what the First Reading tells us today, that we are made for life and to live fully, the truth is that whether it be our fault, the fault of another, or the fault of our circumstances, we have suffering and brokenness in our lives! <br />
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We learn that Jesus offers us true life if we but have have faith in Him. However, our faith, our trust in the Lord is something that we must do a check-up on every so often, just like going to the doctor for a check-up on our health, our spiritual health needs the same, if not more, care. We need to examine our trust in God and have an openness to trusting God because unlike a doctor that can, in most circumstances, map out the way to recovery or mitigating a health issue, Jesus' way works in ways that are not always on par with our expectations or assumptions. <br />
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When we look at the healed woman, despite the multitude of people that may have touched Jesus, He knew something was different about her encounter with Him. Jesus knew because of her great faith, that she was healed, His power was accessed. Common sense would have said, like the disciples, that it could have been anyone brushing up against Jesus and so to ask such a specific question, "Who touched me," does not make much sense. Again, Jesus knew something was different about the woman's touch and the healing power she accessed. <br />
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When we look at Jairus' daugther being healed. Common sense would have said all was said and done, Jairus' daughter was dead but because of Jairu's faith in Jesus, the divine power to heal was accessed, and Jairus' daughter lived. This is another instance where Jesus' healing power was accessed and broke through a troubled situation. <br />
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A few things as we live our faith this week, as we take time to access JesusCare! First, may we come to know Jesus' profound desire for us to find healing and wholeness through Him and His power to save! Second, let us engage in an activity that accesses Jesus' healing power - through prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, forgiving someone, etc. Lastly, let us remember that our access to JesusCare is free and requires only our TRUST in Him - no matter where we are, who we are, where we've been, where we are going, or whatever someone may do to us - TRUST GOD!!!<br />
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Readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (year/cycle B) <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070112.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070112.cfm</a>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-16877319355898230702012-06-26T11:07:00.001-04:002012-06-26T11:15:03.126-04:00J. Bap ~ Sunday Homily 6/24/2012J. Bap. ...a scriptural abbreviation for John the Baptist used in some scholarly books I have seen. <br />
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If nothing else, one thing we can take away from the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist is it's about <i><b>Who I am and Who I am Called To Be</b></i> Why is this? <br />
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For starters, we are clued into the reality that we are to learn from the whole of St. John's life, from the circumstances that brought him into the world and what he did by the very fact that we not only celebrate his death but also his birth. Typically we do not find ourselves celebrating the birth of too many people throughout the course of the Church year with the exception of our Blessed Mother and of course Jesus (and anyone else I may have forgotten - but only b/c if I did, it's b/c it's rare!)! Therefore, since we celebrate the Nativity of J. Bap, we are alerted to take note of his whole life and what we can learn from it. <br />
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There are 3 things that John the Baptist did that we can incorporate into our lives and these 3 things we can say are the "3 Ps" which are POINTER, PROCLAIMER, and PREPARER.<br />
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John the Baptist was a POINTER simply by the way he lived. St. John's life's mission was to point to Christ and that he most certainly did. For us, we too, are POINTERS to Christ. This comes simply from the way we live and the decisions we make. Either what we do and who are will point to Christ or by the same token will point in directions not oriented toward Christ. And so we ask ourselves, are my decisions, values, actions, etc. pointing to a life oriented in Christ or not? <br />
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J. Bap we know, was also a PROCLAIMER, a sharer of the Good News. John the Baptist told us point blank, to prepare the way of the Lord encouraging people to repent and performing Baptisms of repentence in the Jordan. St. John was very vocal about what his life was about, where it was headed, and what he needed to do to get there. In the same way do we everyday assert the very fact that we are beloved children of God with a specific meaning and purpose? Are our lives oriented towards the promised life to come, lived with a sense of being created for more than what this world can offer? Are we PROCLAIMERS of the Good News by the stories we share? To share The Story means not only the literal telling of a story of faith but also comes in the simple ways we make our faith known. For example, sharing scripture or a prayer or a word of support on someone's facebook page or on your twitter account or on a blog such as this. We are called to be PROCLAIMERS in ways big and small. <br />
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Lastly, St. John was a PREPARER and teaches us to do the same. J. Bap literally did prepare the way of the Lord but in doing so, he also taught us how to prepare the way and for some of us that means getting out of the way; an openness if you will to God's will. John the Baptist was faithful to what God called him to do, but he also didn't try to be the Messiah either, in other words, St. John did his job and let God do His. John the Baptist was open to the possibilities of what God would do with preparing the way. Elizabeth and Zechariah too were open to the possibilities of God, of the possibility of having a child in their age and of naming him John (a name not in his family) and what all that would mean. How often do we pray about something without being open to the outcome or the possibilities of God? Sometimes it is easy to pray about something and then try to do everything we can to make the petition happen, rather then allowing God to work it out in the way He knows is best for us or in other words, to simply trust or have faith. <br />
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This week let us learn from the life of John the Baptist and realize the POINTER, PROCLAIMER, and PREPARER in each of us and what we need to do allow these 3 Ps to become a greater lived reality.Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-73695597921880163012012-06-19T19:37:00.000-04:002012-06-19T19:37:11.843-04:00GreatnessIn Matthew 5:48 Jesus says, "So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." This seems like quite the insurmountable task doesn't it? After all, who on earth has ever been perfect, besides Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary of course?! At the same time this is Jesus' reminder to us of what we are made to live for and that is: GREATNESS. We are made and destined for greatness. Greatness in the way we love, forgive, use our talents and live! So when we hear the Lord tell us to be perfect, it is a reminder to us that this is our goal, that each day we work to perfect ourselves to love perfectly as God has loved us. Therefore, let us strive for greatness in all we do. Amen.Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-36944472166168126282012-06-18T12:33:00.002-04:002012-06-18T12:36:12.828-04:00You Have Heard It Said......this line of Jesus' in the Gospel according to Matthew today (Mt. 5:38-42) leads into his challenge to our way of thinking, of turning the other cheek rather than pursuing an eye for an eye. When do we need a change or some Divine intervention in our thought and perspective? When we are pondering a decision or seeking consultation we often hear from others something along the lines of "well so-in-so says..." or "they say..." but when considering these different points of view, do we ever take time to Cross check them against what Jesus and our faith tell us? Or do we accept things we hear without any faitful/faith filled consultation? It is equally, if not more important, to remember that Jesus also said in this Gospel passage "but I say to you." In all we do, may we make choices and decisions based not only upon what we have heard and learned but also upon what Christ and our faith say to us.Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-77714234356300184332012-05-17T14:05:00.001-04:002012-05-17T14:05:42.708-04:00This "little while"‘A little while and you will not see me,
and again a little while and you will see me,’
and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”
So they said, “What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks?
We do not know what he means.(Jn 16:17-18)
A discussion of the disciples of what Jesus is trying to get at prior to His death on the cross. Jesus was preparing them for what was to transpire and yet in someway until everything unfolded this 'you will not see me' perhaps was not fully understood or realized. Two thousand years later after the Ascension we await Christ's return to earth. However, in our fact chasing and validating literal world, rather than our faith being the guiding factor in our anticipation, we see many programs on the History Channel for example, that try to 'decode' the Bible or predict or analyze the signs which would indicate Christ's return to earth, which in many ways negates faith or detracts us from the faith that we should have. This is dangerous temptation for us to get fixated upon. For it is not about the time or place but rather the preparedness of heart and faith that one has that is important and makes the difference. In other words, it is about our faith and how we practice it in the here and now that is important and that will be enough. For Scripture also tells us to stay away and be ready for we know not the hour nor the time the Lord is coming (Mt. 25:13) which indicates that our responsibility lies not with knowing when but rather with faith and believing. Furthermore, we can never be certain about future things as we can be certain about how our lives of faith are being lived out and therefore, may we be about the business of living our faith the best we can and in faith, in trust, leave the rest where it belongs, in God's will.Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-90730050079232180432012-05-17T13:39:00.003-04:002012-05-17T14:14:40.045-04:00NEW ASSIGNMENTHey Everyone!
Effective June 12, 2012, I transfer to my 2nd assignment!!!
St. Gabriel Parish
9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road
Concord Township, OH 44060
<a href="http://www.st-gabriel.org/index.php">http://www.st-gabriel.org/index.php</a>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-24107275370403208502012-03-24T14:48:00.002-04:002012-03-24T14:48:38.079-04:005th Sunday of LentJohn 12:24-26 - words of wisdom...<br />
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Amen, amen, I say to you,<br />
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,<br />
it remains just a grain of wheat;<br />
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.<br />
Whoever loves his life loses it,<br />
and whoever hates his life in this world<br />
will preserve it for eternal life.<br />
Whoever serves me must follow me,<br />
and where I am, there also will my servant be.<br />
The Father will honor whoever serves me.Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-87691107979703775392012-03-16T15:49:00.000-04:002012-03-16T15:49:32.155-04:00STOP the HHS Mandate!!! Defend your rights!The HHS Mandate is dangerous to all Americans! It is dangerous because of the attack on morality and the free practice of religion and because it also opens the door to the government mandating other things as well. <br />
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Please Read:<br />
<a href="https://www.stophhs.com/stop_hhs_mandate/hhs-issues-new-rule-on-obamacare-scheme-to-fund-abortion-insurance/?utm_source=3-16-12&utm_campaign=3-16-12&utm_medium=email">https://www.stophhs.com/stop_hhs_mandate/hhs-issues-new-rule-on-obamacare-scheme-to-fund-abortion-insurance/?utm_source=3-16-12&utm_campaign=3-16-12&utm_medium=email</a><br />
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The First Amendment even states: <i>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.</i>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-86877545606994598802012-03-02T16:17:00.001-05:002012-03-02T16:17:46.608-05:00Some perspective in light of the Chardon tragedy...SOME PERSPECTIVE... along with the tragedy that occurred at Chardon High School this week comes dealing with the questions and wrestling with the big life questions about how, why, what's important, and where do I go from here. When I was a senior in high school, the tragedy at Columbine in Littleton, Colorado happened and the experience of being a normal 'safe' high school student changed forever. Since then a number of tragedies have happened from Virginia Tech to Chardon. Steve Angrisano is a Catholic musician and youth minister who lives in Littleton, CO and experienced aftermath of the shooting at Columbine first hand with the youth in his parish. In light of what has happened in Chardon, I have found listening to Steve Angrisano's "Columbine Testimony" and "You Are My God/Here I Am, Lord," which are his reflections about Columbine given shortly after the Virginia Tech shootings, to be particularly helpful and powerful in the coping process and these can be downloaded on itunes, I recommend listening to them. Lastly, I have come to realize that as we move forward and search for meaning what we can do is make an extra effort to live out our faith the best way we can and in the memory of those whose lives were lost to be the positive influence and change we desire to see in this world from the everyday small things to fulfilling big ideas. May we all find a way to live out our faith more and be the change we wish to see in this world. Prayers for Chardon and peace be with you all! Fr. EdFather Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-35388028927816538122012-03-02T16:17:00.000-05:002012-03-02T16:17:29.265-05:00Chardon ShootingI am sure that you have heard by now the unfortunate incident at Chardon High School today. First, we keep the victims, families, and Chardon Community in prayer. Second, and perhaps more important in terms of learning and going forward, especially for any teen or young adult, PLEASE, if you find yourself alone, in a dark place, or in trouble know THERE IS HOPE, personally I can ...say that I have been in dark places in my life especially in high school and I know that no matter how dark, if you reach out you can get to the light. Again if you are in trouble reach out to a parent, teacher, youth minister, campus minister, priest, nun, or someone else you trust and ask for help.... AND as a person of Christ, no matter what your differences are with classmates or any of your acquaintances be kind and understanding and where there is conflict seek peace! Also, reach out to those who are in trouble, a simple smile, or asking how your day is can be the key that could unlock the door to diffusing someone's hurt. If you know of someone who is struggling or know something just isn't right say something to someone who can help! In peace, prayer, and hope - Fr. EdFather Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-61483378168298069072012-02-20T13:55:00.005-05:002012-02-20T17:02:15.905-05:00Are humans like ogres?In the first installment of the Shrek film series there is a scene where Shrek and Donkey are going to rescue Princess Fiona from the clutches of the castle with the fire breathing dragon. Along the way Donkey asks Shrek, "What are ogres like?" to which Shrek proceeds to tell Donkey, ogres are like onions because they have layers. Perhaps the same could said of us, can it not? <br />
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Each of us has layers, different elements that make up who we are, from our personalities to our personal experiences and within all this there are layers to us that everyone knows, just like the outer layer of an onion is exposed and evident to the inner most layer, perhaps the layer only we ourselves and God know. In between the outer and inner layers there are those layers that are known to some and not others, those that we freely share, and still others that we keep guarded. <br />
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During the season of Lent it is about peeling back the layers, examining what is there and growing. There is a lot of talk about what we sacrifice in Lent but there should also be equal talk about what we will take on as a means of growth. Reflecting upon the layers in our lives should help reveal where we need to grow. <br />
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Just as in the Gospel this Sunday where the friends of the paralytic broke through the roof to lower their friend down into the presence of Christ so too we are called to peel back or break through the layers of our lives in order to place ourselves into Christ's presence in a deeper way. This may mean we have to let our guard down, to let the walls in our lives come down. This may mean not only taking in and examining what perceive about ourselves but also listening for the truth in what others say about us. <br />
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It is not easy to expose and open ourselves up to change and transformation. Sometimes it is easier to stay in the comfort of where we are, even if where we are is not exactly where we want to be, need to be, or is the best for us. As St. Paul reminds us that God has put the Spirit into our hearts and with that a "Yes," reminding us that indeed through God's grace all things are possible, not easy, but possible. <br />
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During Lent let us not be afraid to examine the layers of our lives, and with courage, honesty, faith, and an open heart, allow the Lord to transform and bring us to new life through His life, death, and resurrection, i.e. The Paschal Mystery.<br />
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Sunday's Mass readings: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021912.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021912.cfm</a>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-49426475239385369542012-02-15T10:01:00.002-05:002012-02-15T10:01:30.894-05:00James 1:19-21"Know this, my dear brothers and sisters:<br />
everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger<br />
for anger does not accomplish<br />
the righteousness of God.<br />
Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess<br />
and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you<br />
and is able to save your souls."Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-47325792382359101952012-02-14T08:11:00.001-05:002012-02-14T08:13:55.501-05:00Happy Ss. Cyril & Methodius Day!Christ is The Love we share. Yes, in our commercial world it is none other than Valentine's Day and if you are a Clevelander like me, you know how busy the drive thru booths at Malley's Chocolates will be today. <br />
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However, truthfully speaking, today is actually the feast day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. Cyril a monk, and Methodius a bishop are brothers who ministered to the Slavic people and in particular in translating liturgical texts among other things they did. <br />
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My brothers and sisters, we know that when we share Christ with others, like Ss. Cyril and Methodius, we share Love. In the spirit and memory of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, while the world shares cards, chocolates, and roses may we share the Love of Christ which ministers to every human need, endures for all eternity, and is the fulfillment of our earthly desires and short comings as the Gospel relates to us today. <br />
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<i><b>Prayer After Communion</b></i> <br />
<i>O God, Father of all nations, who make us sharers in the one Bread and the one Spirit and heirs of the eternal banquet, grant in your kindness on this feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, that the multitude of your children, persevering in the same fatih, may be united in building up the Kingdom of justice and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.</i><br />
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To learn more about Ss. Cyril and Methodius go to: <a href="http://">http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx</a><br />
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Today's Readings: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021412.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021412.cfm</a>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-26772152362910919662012-02-13T18:36:00.000-05:002012-02-13T18:36:22.054-05:00Reading the SignsIn today's Gospel the Pharisees seek a sign from Jesus and yet Jesus says no sign will be given this generation. Why? It is because Christ Himself is the sign and there is no need for another. <br />
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How often do we ask for a sign? Seek a sign from God? What is so important about signs? Well first, we are called to recognize the signs of God's presence in our lives but to seek a sign is another matter unto itself. For seeking a sign indicates we are seeking proof to validate a belief and/or a point whereas recognizing a sign is a matter of simply growing in an awareness of what God is revealing all around us, not that we seek it but it's that we grow in awareness. <br />
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What can we say about signs? When we talk about signs that help us recognize God's presence do we only look to the positive? A time when we had a warm fuzzy or someone reached out to us or did something for us unexpectedly? But! How about the negative? <br />
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For example when our faith and/or the practice of it is tested, like what is taking place in Congress and the the controversy over abortion and contraception, or we are being persecuted for our faith; when we persevere and conquer, is that not a sign too? A sign of strength?! A sign of courage?! A sign of a faith that is active and will not settle for that which is contrary to it?!<br />
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May we recognize the signs all around us, through the thick and thin, through the positive and challenging times.<br />
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Today's readings: <a href="http://http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021312.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021312.cfm </a>Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973292831181072013.post-59579437618017761312011-11-02T00:24:00.004-04:002012-02-20T14:15:17.431-05:00Like a Pumpkin - an All Saints Day homilyReadings: <a href="www.usccb.org">www.usccb.org</a><br />
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How does God see us? As scripture relates to us, we are His children. Let us not be mistaken about that we are indeed His children. One way of looking at this is with Halloween being this past Monday and Thanksgiving on the horizon is that in God's eye we are all pumpkins! Yes, in God's eyes we are all pumpkins. Okay so, before you think that I have had one too many pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, just run with me on this for second. <br />
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If you think about it no two pumpkins are alike, they are all unique in their own way. Just like no two human beings are the same. Further, pumpkins are orange and nothing rhymes with orange, pointing to another aspect of uniqueness, and a sense of being set aside from the rest of creation just as humanity is. So, we like the pumpkin are created by God and like a pumpkin that is hollowed out, all the seeds and pulp are taken out, carved, and a candle place inside so too are we in Baptism. In baptism the Lord clears away the gunk of original sin and imprints the image of the cross upon us and places a light and the call to sainthood within us. It is then our job to make sure the light is kept burning brightly and to display the image placed upon us to the best of our ability just like a light displays the image carved on a jack-o-lantern. <br />
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How can we keep the light within us burning brightly? Well certainly through prayer, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, Scripture, putting our faith into action by helping others are all ways we can maintain the light. On this day, as we remember the saints, we also remember it is by way of following the teachings and examples of the saints that we can help fuel the fire within and allow the image placed upon in Baptism to shine brightly. <br />
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At St. Charles we have the images of the saints on the ceiling, not to drum up business for any chiropractors that may be in the parish but to remind us where the saints are because of their faithfulness and that they are indeed there to guide us, inspire, and pray for us. <br />
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For example, take St. Terese of Liseux who, although she passed away in her early 20's, taught us to do our everyday activities no matter how great or small, with great joy and love. In this way, through her simple way, St. Terese, the Little Flower, helps us to fuel the fire by helping us to see how everyday things can be "everyway" things that help us to live and embrace our faith. Take St. Francis of Assisi who taught us to preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary to use words, in other words to let our actions be a living example, a living proclamation of the faith we have within. Take Gianna Beretta Molla, after just celebrating the gift of life in October, we remember how she defied the opinion of doctors to abort her baby and became an advocate of life. Lastly, one who is a personal favorite of mine, and not simply because he is Polish but because of what he taught me as Pope and that is Blessed John Paul II the Great. As a JP2 Generation Priest, I am inspired by his affirmation of the youth, hence the reason I wore the vestment I received at World Youth Day this past summer in Madrid, and I am also encourage by his constant insistence to not be afraid to follow Christ. To never, ever be afraid to say Yes to the God and although we may face persecution like many believers before us, we too receive the reward of the Saints as the Gospel tells us: eternal life. <br />
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The saints they are our example and our inspiration and we honor them today, we also honor today our own call to sainthood. We are all called to be saints, to lead and inspire the next generation by our example, just as so many holy men and women have done for us. <br />
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Now I know some of you maybe thinking, well I'm just not worthy or, if you only knew what I've done or, that's not me. But who are we kidding, really?! Nothing could be further from the truth. We are called to sainthood! Think of it this way, as Sara, a friend of mine, reminds me all the time, that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Meaning that there are many saints who have a checkered past and yet because they found the way, they found Christ and turned their lives towards God, they became the saints we know today which by the same token means that we have tomorrow and we have the power to be the saint God calls us to be, to get back up and choose Christ. <br />
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The saints, help fuel the fire within, they help to keep the light of Christ burning brightly by their teaching and example. How will we, like the saints, respond in faith? How will we keep the image placed upon us at baptism by the "Master Carver," shining brightly? Which saints will we look to to guide us on our way, to inspire and encourage us, to help us become the saints of today that God calls us to be?! And lastly, what example will we set for further generations, how will we go forward to inspire the next generation of saints and honor the call of sainthood?Father Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101128568750707555noreply@blogger.com0