You 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.

This "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.

NEW ASSIGNMENT

Hey Everyone! Effective June 12, 2012, I transfer to my 2nd assignment!!! St. Gabriel Parish 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road Concord Township, OH 44060 http://www.st-gabriel.org/index.php

5th Sunday of Lent

John 12:24-26 - words of wisdom...

Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.

STOP 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.

Please Read:
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

The First Amendment even states: 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.

Some 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. Ed

Chardon Shooting

I 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. Ed

Are 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday's Mass readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021912.cfm

James 1:19-21

"Know this, my dear brothers and sisters:
everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
for anger does not accomplish
the righteousness of God.
Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess
and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls."

Happy 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.

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.

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.


Prayer After Communion
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.

To learn more about Ss. Cyril and Methodius go to: http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx

Today's Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021412.cfm