New Beginnings

So it begins. Yesterday I began my journey to Rome. As are with most transitions in life, there are a mixture of emotions. Excitement at a wonderful new opportunity, yet at the same time the unanswered questions and the challenges that await a new way of life. I imagine it's the mixture of emotions that are inside so many of us. The newly wed couple, the college bound 18 year old or the young priest heading to Rome for further studies. In life with every new step comes both the excitement and the anxiety of what the future holds. The knowledge that life will go on, but also thinking it probably won't be the same. Forced to confront this reality, questions do arise. Will things work out? Will I be okay? How will life be different? Perhaps it's a little over dramatic, but I do believe that in this life these are just a few of the questions we encounter along the transitions of life. Certainly it can't be compared with the grieving parents, the cancer stricken father or the divorced or widowed spouse. These transitions don't provide much excitement or any joy. Yet the same questions do arise. Will things work out? Will I be okay? How will life be different?

In a world where we expect a quick answer to many of life's questions at the click of a google search, facing transitions where there is no quick or easy answer can be frustrating and difficult. Why can't we just know what will happen next? Why don't we just hear God's voice speak to us crystal clear as a voice of a parent to a child saying, "it will all be okay!"

So what do we do when life's questions are not so quickly answered? We turn to God's word, God's revelation, God's promise. In Psalm 37:5 we are invited, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust that God will act." And Isaiah 30:15 we hear, "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" and in Hebrews 6:15, "And so, after patient waiting, he obtained the promise." You see, God does speak to us. God does tell us it will be okay! Perhaps not always with the straight lines we draw for ourselves but after all we must remember, God says in Isaiah 42:16, "I will lead the blind on their journey; by paths unknown I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. These things I do for them, and I will not forsake them."

And so as Scripture reminds us, no matter where we may be or what we are going through, if we are committed to God, we trust God will act, and we are patient, God will not forsake us, rather God will show forth His promise, a promise of new life, a new beginning!

"Today, as you see, I am going the way of all men. So now acknowledge with your whole heart and soul that not one of all the promises the LORD, your God, made to you has remained unfulfilled. Every promise has been fulfilled for you, with not one single exception." - Joshua 23:14

Growth

What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. – 1 Cor 3:5-9

Anyone who knows me well will know that I am not much of a gardener.  However, the most oblivious of plant growers know there are three essential elements to help a plant to grow: sun, water, good soil.

After giving some reflection on the growth of plants and reading scripture, I thought about the growth of plants in connection to our own growth as humans. As the reading above states behind all growth is God. God is the one who ultimately gives life and is the continued sustainer of its growth. In a special way, God invites us to share in the process with one another. 

The first element is good soil. Parents of children have a special responsibility to bring forth new life into good soil. You notice I said, good soil, not perfect soil. We all struggle to grow into that perfect being God calls us to be, but at the same time, we can’t give up or settle. There is so much riding on our participation. A child deserves to be brought up in good soil. As nature demands a child needs a mother and a father. It is then the special responsibility of the parents to provide a healthy living situation for the child to thrive and ultimately grow. 

The second element is the sun. The sun will shine. It will do its part. More importantly God will shine His love and grace into our lives and be ever present and faithful. The light that is so desperately needed will shine whether the soil of our lives is as good as we deserve. We must make it our task as fellow human beings to add the nutrients needed to treat the soil and to enable it to be the best it can be to sustain our growth. Even the weakest of soil when treated and cared for can provide life.

The third element is water. It, too, is essential to continual growth. Rain is perhaps the easiest way the for the land to be watered. However, for rain to come and sustain the life, clouds must form. High above our heads the sun continues to be present, yet for a period of time the clouds will form and pour out rain to nourish the earth. At times the clouds can convince us that maybe the sun isn’t there. Think about it! For the rain to nourish the land the sun must for a moment “go away”. Yet even when the rain falls and darkness comes, one can look around and in the form a rainbow, see a promise that the sun will “come back” again.

In our lives the clouds will come. It will grow darker. And we too may be convinced by others that God isn't there. However, in all honestly we need the rain in our lives for growth to happen. I don’t particular care for rain or sustained periods of cloudy days, just as many of us don’t care for the dark days in our lives. Nevertheless, when the rainy days come and when the sun seems to be gone, we do grow! What can help us appreciate the rain and get us through the cloudy days are the rainbows all around us, for they are the promises that God is ever present!

It is a cycle of life we must all go through. There will be prolonged days of bright sun shining days when we feel on top of the world. When things are just going as planned and we feel very strong in our faith. Then in an instance the clouds form, the darkness comes and the rain falls. We may not want it or care for it, but we cannot deny the importance of rain for our growth. In fact the most noticeable growth that is measured in our lives is after the storm. 

In the end, just like any plant to grow, we need all three! We may not be able to do much about when the sunny days are present or when the rainy days will come, but what we can do and are invited to do is to cultivate the soil in our lives and the lives of others in such a way as to receive both the sun and the rain so as to grow into God's wonderful creation. Let us be God's fields and God's buildings in a world that so desperately needs!

What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. – 1 Cor 3:5-9

Tragedy in Colorado

     A recent news article reads, "Baby of man wounded in Colorado movie theater massacre is born."
     In the midst of a horrible tragedy that has affected the lives of so many people, this headline gave me a moment to smile and have hope. I am often reminded by God in moments of challenge and difficultly that He is truly present and looking to fill us with hope and love. 
     It is the story of the Pascal Mystery which is that of death and new life. In the many funerals services that I have presided over it never fails that I look around the crowd of mourners to see but a reminder of new life in a baby boy or girl. That baby reminds me that life goes on and despite the pain we experience and endure there is reason to have hope as we can see the joy and innocence in the face of that baby. The life of a child has a weird way of reminding us of what is really important. Children can turn our frowns upside down in a mere moment. Children can put things in perspective in ways that the most intelligent of all adults could never do. Children help us to know there is a future and there is newness of life that awaits us all. It doesn't surprise me at all that God would choose to enter the world as a baby boy to remind us of Emmanuel, God is with us. That little child would soon grow up to be our Good Shepherd leading us once more from death of our sins to the newness of life in the Resurrection.
     No one person can ever replace the life of a loved one. Yet we can never forget that even in our pain and in the questions we have, Jesus remains present helping us through and reminding us he is The Good Shepherd who will never abandon us, his sheep.
     So when you and I encounter such unexplainable violence and pain, let us turn from anger and revenge to be bound together in prayer and support keeping our eyes fixed on our God waiting to see where He will bring forth newness of life.

"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, 

that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; 
perplexed, but not driven to despair; 
persecuted, but not abandoned; 
struck down, but not destroyed; 
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body." 
- 2 Cor 4:7-10

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/24/baby-man-wounded-in-colorado-movie-theater-massacre-is-born/#ixzz21bvLjmaC

Humanae Vitae

In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued an encyclical on birth control. There were numerous reports that the Pope would approve the use of artificial contraception. However, Pope Paul VI in his famous encyclical, Humanae Vitae, reaffirmed the traditional Catholic teaching on birth control and abortion and now over 40 years later it is regarded by many as prophetic.

He warned of four results if the widespread use of contraceptives was accepted:

1.     General lowering of moral standards

2.     A rise in infidelity, and illegitimacy

3.     The reduction of women to objects used to satisfy men. 

4.     Government coercion in reproductive matters. 

Does that sound familiar? 

It sure sounds like what's been happening for the past 40 years.

Read more:  http://www.businessinsider.com/time-to-admit-it-the-church-has-always-been-right-on-birth-control-2012-2 

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time Reflection

I thought I would share a reflection I put together based upon the readings from the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time. It is based on the readings:  Job 7:1-4-7, Psalm 147, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39. I hope there is something that speaks to you. Enjoy.

I have come to realize that at times in each of our lives it is far easier to focus our attention on the negative rather than the positive or on the challenges rather than the blessings. I know that each of us have our share of struggles and certainly there are some whose difficulties seem unbearable. However, in my personal journey of faith and throughout my ministry, I have learned that whenever there are painful and challenging moments there are equally, if not more so, abundant blessings to be seen and experienced. The temptation for all of us is not to simply stare at the negative nor just see what's wrong with me and my situation, but to see what God is doing to fill each of our lives with blessing and strength.

I'm not naive to think this is easy to do, especially when one's world is crashing in like we hear from Job in the first reading today. I, like Job, can easily turn to anger or want to give up when things aren't going my way or when things are not happening according to my plan. Yet, we as Christians can never lose hope. We cannot turn to despair. We must not think that God has forgotten us or takes pleasure in our sufferings. Our faith enables us to trust, to open our eyes to what God is doing and to believe, profess and proclaim with certainty the words of Psalm 147, "Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted." Our God looks to heal us! As the Psalm continues, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

I believe that God binds our wounds and heals us by sending us the graces and blessings needed to help us persevere in the face of adversity. To not give in or give up! The Gospel today reminds us that God is present and that God looks to heal us. Jesus' purpose was to proclaim this message of hope. Jesus shows us the healing and saving presence of God. Despite our struggle, pain, disappoint, or challenge, God is inviting us to enter into it and await with confidence His redeeming love. God is looking to turn the struggle into victory, the pain into joy, the disappoint into opportunity, and the challenge into triumph.

We, like Jesus, must be rooted in prayer. Prayer will not necessarily remove the pain, but will remind us of God's presence and love despite the cross we bear or sufferings we experience. Prayer will help us to see God's blessings in the midst of any storm. May we use this day as an opportunity to reflect not on where we think God should be acting, but to see where God is present providing us His blessing. May St. Paul inspire each of us with the reason why we persevere, "All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it."

Falling in Love with God

“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, What you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” -Pedro Arrupe, S.J.

I have reflected on this beautiful quote from a Jesuit Priest throughout my life in the seminary and priesthood. It seems to reappear from time to time and causes me to reflect on my own relationship with God. In some way, everyone desires true love. In fact, at times, the desire is so strong some individuals may seem to simply settle in order to achieve what they believe to be "true love". How true it is that the love of another can seize one's imagination and affect everything. It does indeed determine how we spend our days or what we do with our time. Think about the last time you fell in love. Did you think about the person constantly? Did you look for every moment to have contact with that person? Did you desire to do much for that special one?

As a celibate priest, I often reflect on my own love of God and the Church I serve. So many people often wonder how a person could give up marriage and family for celibate living. Others question a person's true motives. Yet, still others believe it is just not possible. St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that an unmarried man is anxious about how to please the Lord while a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife and he is divided. He further adds the distinction between the unmarried and married woman (1 Cor 7:32-34). Jesus speaks about how some have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven and cautions that not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that it is granted (Matt 19:11-12).

My purpose for writing upon this was not to defend the celibacy of priests nor to imply that married couples are not anxious about the things of the Lord. My desire was to reflect upon God 's invitation into a relationship of love. No matter ones state in life as a single, married, or ordained person, God invites us into a union of profound love. To find God and to fall more deeply in love with God each new day no matter our calling. To allow God to seize our imagination. To let God be the reason we get out of bed and what we do with our day. Perhaps some may believe, as I have accepted, I have a greater responsibility as a priest to fall in love with God. In fact, the only reason why I may have a greater responsibility is to remind others, just as Christ, that the invitation is not for me alone, rather it is indeed an invitation for us all!

We are about to begin the Season of Advent leading to the greatest gift, the celebration of the Birth of Christ at Christmas. Society tells us to stand in line for the great bargains on Black Friday to get that perfect gift. We also do so much to prepare our homes with Christmas decorations and to plan our Christmas parties. And although we do get caught up in some of those things, may we not forget to do the most important preparation. To prepare our hearts and souls to accept the invitation by God to fall in love. When was the last time we waited in line to get into a Church? When was the last time we prepared our soul with the Sacrament of Reconciliation? When was the last time we gave ourselves as a gift to God as God has given us the greatest gift of His only Son?

My dear friends, as we prepare for Christmas, let us not forget:

Fall in love with God! Stay in love with God! For it will truly decide everything and will for all eternity!

From Your Heart

"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart."  - St. Francis of Assisi

Earlier this month on October 4 we celebrated in the Church the feast day for St. Francis of Assisi. A man of faith called to action in the service of God and Church. There are few people that their words continue to ring so true so many years after their death. For me, St. Francis is one of those people. I have always held close to my heart that other famous quote by St. Francis, "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words." That quote has always been so powerful to me. To know that first and foremost, you and I, are called to preach the Gospel of Jesus the Christ through our actions. Before we can beautifully state our belief in Christ through our words we must first and more powerfully be willing to live it.

More recently, as I was preparing to celebrate the Memorial of St. Francis, I came across a new quote I hadn't heard before attributed to St. Francis. It reads, "While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." This reminds me that we can do a lot of exterior things in our life many of which are good, but for it to really have value and true meaning, it must flow from our heart. We can not simply use lip service or do things half heartily. It has to extend from the depths of who we are created in the image and likeness of God. It is only when we give from the heart that we can bring about change and be willing to truly lay down our lives for another.