I, like many of you, have been somewhat distracted as I watch the updates from Haiti. It is certainly a very dramatic and heart-wrenching event. I have blogged about it twice already and am uplifted by the response of my Catholic Church across the world and here locally in New Orleans. I'm also thrilled to see that my employer, Capital One Bank, has also launched an effort for all associates to contribute to the relief efforts. I just watched a beautiful news account about two churches, one evangelical; the other Baptist, right here in my Northshore community that has mobilized efforts to assist the people of Haiti. I thank God for all these proper, Christ-like responses.
But as the title of this post indicates, life goes on. For me, I have been immersed in a hectic schedule as the new year equals new opportunities at work and my ministry as a Deacon continues to grow. I have been involved again in the wonderful work of prison ministry and have rejoined the spring Kairos team that should result in a life-changing, God awakening weekend for 40 or so inmates that currently have little or no relationship with Christ. I'm very much looking forward to my MLK day off this Monday when I will give back several hours of that day to the men at Rayburn prison. And Wednesday night, it appears we will have our recently retired Archbishop with us to visit and pray with the men.
We again start the diaconate formation season for both our 2010 and 2012 classes. Our brothers of the 2010 group have begun the 11 month countdown to ordination. Classes in canon law and homiletics, among many others, will help prepare them for that special moment when God's grace marks them with that indelible mark. Of course all of this according to God's will and not that of our own. Our 2012 brothers began the first full year of candidacy and take yet another step down the long road to continuing formation. As mentioned before, one of my great joys is the blessed opportunity to mentor three of our candidates. I ask all of you to join me in praying for the continuing formation of our 10 acolytes and 20 candidates and their wives, family and friends.
I am also very happy to assist a brother Deacon from my neighboring parish as I assist at and preach at two masses this weekend. I pray that God use me as an instrument of His Word as we hear the powerful Gospel of the wedding feast in Cana.
Along the way we try to return to normal family life. We are so proud of our daughter as she returns to LSU and her goal to pursue her degree and advance her studies in history. Ever since the incident of her armed robbery ordeal, she has handled the stress and difficulty of such a situation far better than I or her mother has. And we continue to prepare for the wedding of our son which will happen before you know it this May.
Finally, we are happy to experience a little warm up as tonight brings a low of only 33 degrees or so. As mentioned in a previous post, we have endured a long extended period of very cold weather; something like 9 consecutive days with lows in the 25 and below range. This is very unusual for us deep Southerners.
Yes, I remember the Saints are playing the divisional playoff game Saturday but more on that later.
For now, I continue to pray for Haiti and go about my everyday business that demands life goes on. With the grace of God, we all will persevere.
This is why my favorite Scripture verse is from Hebrews 13:8; "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
How do we respond? Take no pointers from Pat Robertson
I'm sure most of us by now have heard the hideous explanation by television evangelist Pat Robertson that Haiti is cursed because they made a pact with the devil. While not blaming the earthquale directly on the innocent people of Haiti, he certainly implied it, along with all the other ills that have befallen this impoverished Caribbean nation.
Oh our brother Pat has done this before. We here in the New Orleans area deserved Katrina because we have the French Quarter and Mardi Gras and other things that would justify our destruction. He claimed former Israeli Prime Minister Sharon deserved his stroke. And I believe he has made numerous other stupid statements; all in the name of God.
Kind of reminds me how there are other world leaders who have said horrible things and launched horrible actions all in the name of God.
Perhaps Pat Robertson should look up "earthquake" on google or look at the scientific data about the particular type of fault that led to a shallow quake on the island of Hispanola. These are the contributing factors to this tragedy Pat, not some 200 year old pact some Haitian slaves may or may not have made with the devil. Of course Pat Robertson specifically said how the devil responded to this so-called pact, begging the question does Pat have regular conversations with Satan? Just asking.
Here's the deal. What about some sensitivity, what about some compassion, what about steering clear of hurtful, harmful statements, at least for the time being and immediate future. As for me, the focus is on prayer for the people of Haiti and supporting those efforts that I can support. And I bet for the vast majority of you the response is the same.
Why does evil exist? Why do these types of tragedies occur? We will never fully be able to answer these questions or understand the meaning behind them. I do know this; these tragedies give all of us an opportunity to demonstrate our love and our Christian presence to all peoples across the globe in every day and age.
So please continue your prayers, respond as you can to fundraising efforts and other support activities and spread the word asking others to pray and respond. And join me in a measured Christian response, in all charity and humility to Pat Robertson and his kind; for the love of God; please shut up.
Oh our brother Pat has done this before. We here in the New Orleans area deserved Katrina because we have the French Quarter and Mardi Gras and other things that would justify our destruction. He claimed former Israeli Prime Minister Sharon deserved his stroke. And I believe he has made numerous other stupid statements; all in the name of God.
Kind of reminds me how there are other world leaders who have said horrible things and launched horrible actions all in the name of God.
Perhaps Pat Robertson should look up "earthquake" on google or look at the scientific data about the particular type of fault that led to a shallow quake on the island of Hispanola. These are the contributing factors to this tragedy Pat, not some 200 year old pact some Haitian slaves may or may not have made with the devil. Of course Pat Robertson specifically said how the devil responded to this so-called pact, begging the question does Pat have regular conversations with Satan? Just asking.
Here's the deal. What about some sensitivity, what about some compassion, what about steering clear of hurtful, harmful statements, at least for the time being and immediate future. As for me, the focus is on prayer for the people of Haiti and supporting those efforts that I can support. And I bet for the vast majority of you the response is the same.
Why does evil exist? Why do these types of tragedies occur? We will never fully be able to answer these questions or understand the meaning behind them. I do know this; these tragedies give all of us an opportunity to demonstrate our love and our Christian presence to all peoples across the globe in every day and age.
So please continue your prayers, respond as you can to fundraising efforts and other support activities and spread the word asking others to pray and respond. And join me in a measured Christian response, in all charity and humility to Pat Robertson and his kind; for the love of God; please shut up.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti will reduce us all to tears...
This is one of the many comments made by an official on the ground in earthquake ravished Haiti. The 7.0 quake has devastated the poor island nation and left us all praying and wondering aloud what more can we do. The tragedy seems so overwhelming. The need to continue search and rescue is great; not to mention caring for the injured and addressing what to do with the souls who died and are continuing to die among the rubble.
Even at my visit tonight in the prison, the men asked me if I had been watching the reports about Haiti. Seems these men who have several choices when the get to view TV have been glued to news reports from the epicenter.
I watched with great respect the comments of New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan who called the country of Haiti and her people the broken, bloody body of Christ as he laid in the arms of the Blessed Mother. This truly calls to mind the Scripture reference about when one among the body of Christ is hurting, we all hurt.
We are called to prayer. Sincerley and devoutly we must pray. The people of Haiti must hear our prayers storming heavenward over the cries of pain, suffering and despair. And we should give what we can. May I recommend to you the wonderfully generous organization, the Catholic Relief Service. They can be accessed on the internet at http://www.crs.org/.
Also, here in our Archdiocese of New Orleans we are planning second collection efforts at all masses across the community. We must realize that here in the crescent city we have a large population of Haitians; many of whom worship locally at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in the city of New Orleans.
All of us from this area still recoil at the tragedy that Hurricane Katrina became and continues to be for so many. We were saddened by the death toll that reached nearly 3,000. Imagine this tragedy in this poor tiny nation that most estimate will hit 100,000 on the low side and possibly 350,000 on the high side. This is tragedy in epic proportion.
In this weekend's Gospel we will hear the words of Mary concerning her son Jesus; do whatever he tells you. Pray and listen tonight and this week and hear; what is Jesus telling you and me to do concerning these children of God.
As Archbishop Dolan said so beautifully; we can't quit praying and we can't quit responding.
Pray for the people of Haiti, make a donation, ask someone you know to do so as well, then go ahead and pray some more.
May God bless the recovery and rescue effort and may the people of Haiti feel His loving presence.
Even at my visit tonight in the prison, the men asked me if I had been watching the reports about Haiti. Seems these men who have several choices when the get to view TV have been glued to news reports from the epicenter.
I watched with great respect the comments of New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan who called the country of Haiti and her people the broken, bloody body of Christ as he laid in the arms of the Blessed Mother. This truly calls to mind the Scripture reference about when one among the body of Christ is hurting, we all hurt.
We are called to prayer. Sincerley and devoutly we must pray. The people of Haiti must hear our prayers storming heavenward over the cries of pain, suffering and despair. And we should give what we can. May I recommend to you the wonderfully generous organization, the Catholic Relief Service. They can be accessed on the internet at http://www.crs.org/.
Also, here in our Archdiocese of New Orleans we are planning second collection efforts at all masses across the community. We must realize that here in the crescent city we have a large population of Haitians; many of whom worship locally at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in the city of New Orleans.
All of us from this area still recoil at the tragedy that Hurricane Katrina became and continues to be for so many. We were saddened by the death toll that reached nearly 3,000. Imagine this tragedy in this poor tiny nation that most estimate will hit 100,000 on the low side and possibly 350,000 on the high side. This is tragedy in epic proportion.
In this weekend's Gospel we will hear the words of Mary concerning her son Jesus; do whatever he tells you. Pray and listen tonight and this week and hear; what is Jesus telling you and me to do concerning these children of God.
As Archbishop Dolan said so beautifully; we can't quit praying and we can't quit responding.
Pray for the people of Haiti, make a donation, ask someone you know to do so as well, then go ahead and pray some more.
May God bless the recovery and rescue effort and may the people of Haiti feel His loving presence.
Monday, January 11, 2010
How precious is water?
With all the freezing weather lately many people have been doing without water. Pipes are freezing and subsequently breaking, water pressure is low and sometimes it's just a good old power outage that prevents pumps from working. I got to experience the frustration of no water this morning personally. For us, power outages allowed a small line from my water pump to freeze and the pump went bye-bye. Fortunately, the pump is smart and shut itself down only requiring a reset. Unfortunately, neither my wife or I knew that so we did indeed pay for a service call. All things considered, not that big of a deal.
For the 5 hours or so we lived without water, I had an opportunity to think about this precious commodity. We all know the many physical reasons we need water, both good clean drinking water and an adequate supply to keep things clean. Water is the lifeblood of our everyday existence.
Water was a pretty serious subject of discussion yesterday as we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord at churches throughout the world yesterday. John the Baptist was baptizing with water and explained that one mightier than he, namely Jesus Christ, would come baptizing with more than just water but also the Holy Spirit and fire.
The discussion of the Lord's Baptism gave rise to an opportunity to reflect on the Sacrament of Baptism. I have mentioned previously that among the many varied things that I am allowed to do as ordained clergy, Baptism is among one of my favorites. This is a poorly worded way to describe things but I am left with only human words.
In the rite of Baptism, we encounter water throughout the rite. In one of the Gospels we read for a Baptism we hear of water. "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." These words of Jesus to Nicodemus in the beginning of the third chapter of John puts strong emphasis on water.
When children are brought forward to the font, the celebrant prays, "my dear brothers and sisters, we now ask God to give these children new life in abundance through water and the Holy Spirit."
Next comes the beautiful and wonderful prayer when the water is actually blessed before it is poured on the children. Here is that prayer:
"Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In Baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God's holy people, set free from sin by Baptism.
In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit.
Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross.
After his resurrection he told the disciples: 'go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'.
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of your Son.
You created man in your own likeness: cleanse him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit.
We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also wit him to newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord."
What a beautiful prayer.
And as the celebrant pours water over the newly baptized three times, he says I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
This use of water and its' powerful symbol of washing clean is why we continue to use water in liturgy and in the simple act of entering the church. We first go to the holy water and dipping our hand in the water we make the sign of the cross. At many of the Sunday Masses we have what is called a sprinkling rite. We used one yesterday at all Masses in my parish. Again the rite begins with a beautiful prayer: "God our Father, your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth; it washes away our sins and brings us eternal life." In another form of the prayer we ask: "give us living water, always springing up as a fountain of salvation."
So water is the essential sign and symbol of Baptism.
One last reference to water; we must recall the words of Jesus when he encounters the woman at the well. In the fourth chapter of John's Gospel Jesus refers to himself as living water. He proclaims, "whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Next time water disappoints, like it did me this morning or even can be a very real threat, like the vivid memories from 2005 and Hurricane Katrina remember the powerful effect of water in God's divine plan for our eternal happiness.
For the 5 hours or so we lived without water, I had an opportunity to think about this precious commodity. We all know the many physical reasons we need water, both good clean drinking water and an adequate supply to keep things clean. Water is the lifeblood of our everyday existence.
Water was a pretty serious subject of discussion yesterday as we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord at churches throughout the world yesterday. John the Baptist was baptizing with water and explained that one mightier than he, namely Jesus Christ, would come baptizing with more than just water but also the Holy Spirit and fire.
The discussion of the Lord's Baptism gave rise to an opportunity to reflect on the Sacrament of Baptism. I have mentioned previously that among the many varied things that I am allowed to do as ordained clergy, Baptism is among one of my favorites. This is a poorly worded way to describe things but I am left with only human words.
In the rite of Baptism, we encounter water throughout the rite. In one of the Gospels we read for a Baptism we hear of water. "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." These words of Jesus to Nicodemus in the beginning of the third chapter of John puts strong emphasis on water.
When children are brought forward to the font, the celebrant prays, "my dear brothers and sisters, we now ask God to give these children new life in abundance through water and the Holy Spirit."
Next comes the beautiful and wonderful prayer when the water is actually blessed before it is poured on the children. Here is that prayer:
"Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In Baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God's holy people, set free from sin by Baptism.
In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit.
Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross.
After his resurrection he told the disciples: 'go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'.
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of your Son.
You created man in your own likeness: cleanse him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit.
We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also wit him to newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord."
What a beautiful prayer.
And as the celebrant pours water over the newly baptized three times, he says I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
This use of water and its' powerful symbol of washing clean is why we continue to use water in liturgy and in the simple act of entering the church. We first go to the holy water and dipping our hand in the water we make the sign of the cross. At many of the Sunday Masses we have what is called a sprinkling rite. We used one yesterday at all Masses in my parish. Again the rite begins with a beautiful prayer: "God our Father, your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth; it washes away our sins and brings us eternal life." In another form of the prayer we ask: "give us living water, always springing up as a fountain of salvation."
So water is the essential sign and symbol of Baptism.
One last reference to water; we must recall the words of Jesus when he encounters the woman at the well. In the fourth chapter of John's Gospel Jesus refers to himself as living water. He proclaims, "whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Next time water disappoints, like it did me this morning or even can be a very real threat, like the vivid memories from 2005 and Hurricane Katrina remember the powerful effect of water in God's divine plan for our eternal happiness.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Homily for January 10, 2010 Baptism of the Lord
If I were king of the forest!!! Remember this song from the Wizard of Oz? The cowardly lion really desired to be a king. Of course we all remember, he lacked a certain something to be a king; courage. The cowardly lion simply had no courage.
We all remember the three traveling companions of Dorothy, the scarecrow, the tin man and the cowardly lion. Each lacked something to be completely whole. The scarecrow lacked a brain and the tin man lacked a heart. But the cowardly lion just needed some courage to be king.
We all have been enamored with kings in our lives. Yes even us Americans think about kings although we fought a war to kick one out. Think about it; what if we all could be a king; not just for a day, but a lifetime.
As people of faith, do we realize that we are indeed a king; and a priest and prophet too?
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and we bring to a close our Christmas season. We read today in Luke’s Gospel the story of Jesus being baptized by John. John, who admits he baptizes with water but one will come who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, is placed in a position to baptize the One of whom he speaks. Yes, John the Baptist is asked to baptize God the Son. And His public ministry is revealed and more; the Blessed Trinity is revealed to as God the Son hears the bold proclamation of God the Father and experiences the dscent upon Him of God the Holy Spirit.
The Baptism of the Lord, coming one week after the Epiphany and one week before we read of the wedding feast in Cana are the manifestations of Jesus. This is part of the divine plan where the Christ makes known a little of who He is. Perhaps Isaiah says it better in today’s first reading: “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all the people shall see it together”.
Jesus allows Himself to be baptized at the hands of John so He may be revealed as the “beloved Son”. And Jesus, who again submits Himself completely to the Father’s will shows us what we must do.
Jesus asks us to be baptized too, not just with water but with the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism reveals us as the ones who are saved; those who share eternal life with Him as we read in our second reading: “he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”. Why? “So that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life”.
So it all begins with our Baptism. This is our first sacrament; the gateway to all the sacraments. Among the many wonderful things that happen at our Baptism is the moment when we were anointed with the holy chrism. This special perfumed oil, blessed by a Bishop, is applied to the newly baptized to mark that moment when we all are consecrated as Priest, Prophet and King. Yes, we all are made a King. Not just any king. This anointing makes us sharers with Christ in His three-fold mission of Priest, Prophet and King.
Listen to the beautiful prayer from the Rite of Baptism at that moment when the anointing with the chrism actually occurs:
“God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as members of his body sharing everlasting life.”
There it is; we all are anointed and share with Christ the responsibility of being Priest, Prophet and King!
How can we put this into action during this upcoming first week of ordinary time in the New Year? Certainly, this is an extraordinary responsibility. As providence would have it, we are presented with at least three profound opportunities to exercise our shared mission with Christ.
Today, after both of our morning Masses, we are conducting our annual parish ministry fair. Please stop by in the parish hall and witness the many different ministries here in our own parish. Learn about these ministries, pray for their efforts and be open to joining one of these ministries. This is a tangible way to exercise our baptismal anointing as a Priest, Prophet and King.
Also today, across our own nation, the Catholic Church kicks off national vocation awareness week. In this special week ahead, please prayer in a special way for vocations to the ministerial Priesthood, and the diaconate and consecrated life. We have begun doing this as a parish family at every Mass. Among your many intentions this week, include those of increased vocations and ask specifically for vocations to be fostered right here at St. Jane’s and St. Michael’s. Again, this is another tangible way to be Priest, Prophet and King.
Finally, our Bishops have called all of us to action to contact our United States Representatives and Senators concerning health care. We are to insist that no bill that does not protect human life, eliminate federal funding for abortion or protect conscience clauses for health care workers should be passed. The bishops oppose the Senate version of the bill and favor the House bill that does eliminate federal funds for abortion. Act on their request! Again, this is another tangible way to be Priest, Prophet and King.
I love the Wizard of Oz and have always claimed the Cowardly Lion as my favorite character. You remember in the end, he gets the courage he so desperately needed to be a king. And the scarecrow and tin man join him in leading the people of Oz.
For us, we have more than characters in a movie; we have Jesus Christ. He is no coward and exhibits the greatest act of courage the world will ever know. We don’t need to share in the mission of the lion, scarecrow and tin man; we have the shared mission of Jesus Christ; Priest, Prophet and King.
We all remember the three traveling companions of Dorothy, the scarecrow, the tin man and the cowardly lion. Each lacked something to be completely whole. The scarecrow lacked a brain and the tin man lacked a heart. But the cowardly lion just needed some courage to be king.
We all have been enamored with kings in our lives. Yes even us Americans think about kings although we fought a war to kick one out. Think about it; what if we all could be a king; not just for a day, but a lifetime.
As people of faith, do we realize that we are indeed a king; and a priest and prophet too?
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and we bring to a close our Christmas season. We read today in Luke’s Gospel the story of Jesus being baptized by John. John, who admits he baptizes with water but one will come who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, is placed in a position to baptize the One of whom he speaks. Yes, John the Baptist is asked to baptize God the Son. And His public ministry is revealed and more; the Blessed Trinity is revealed to as God the Son hears the bold proclamation of God the Father and experiences the dscent upon Him of God the Holy Spirit.
The Baptism of the Lord, coming one week after the Epiphany and one week before we read of the wedding feast in Cana are the manifestations of Jesus. This is part of the divine plan where the Christ makes known a little of who He is. Perhaps Isaiah says it better in today’s first reading: “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all the people shall see it together”.
Jesus allows Himself to be baptized at the hands of John so He may be revealed as the “beloved Son”. And Jesus, who again submits Himself completely to the Father’s will shows us what we must do.
Jesus asks us to be baptized too, not just with water but with the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism reveals us as the ones who are saved; those who share eternal life with Him as we read in our second reading: “he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”. Why? “So that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life”.
So it all begins with our Baptism. This is our first sacrament; the gateway to all the sacraments. Among the many wonderful things that happen at our Baptism is the moment when we were anointed with the holy chrism. This special perfumed oil, blessed by a Bishop, is applied to the newly baptized to mark that moment when we all are consecrated as Priest, Prophet and King. Yes, we all are made a King. Not just any king. This anointing makes us sharers with Christ in His three-fold mission of Priest, Prophet and King.
Listen to the beautiful prayer from the Rite of Baptism at that moment when the anointing with the chrism actually occurs:
“God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as members of his body sharing everlasting life.”
There it is; we all are anointed and share with Christ the responsibility of being Priest, Prophet and King!
How can we put this into action during this upcoming first week of ordinary time in the New Year? Certainly, this is an extraordinary responsibility. As providence would have it, we are presented with at least three profound opportunities to exercise our shared mission with Christ.
Today, after both of our morning Masses, we are conducting our annual parish ministry fair. Please stop by in the parish hall and witness the many different ministries here in our own parish. Learn about these ministries, pray for their efforts and be open to joining one of these ministries. This is a tangible way to exercise our baptismal anointing as a Priest, Prophet and King.
Also today, across our own nation, the Catholic Church kicks off national vocation awareness week. In this special week ahead, please prayer in a special way for vocations to the ministerial Priesthood, and the diaconate and consecrated life. We have begun doing this as a parish family at every Mass. Among your many intentions this week, include those of increased vocations and ask specifically for vocations to be fostered right here at St. Jane’s and St. Michael’s. Again, this is another tangible way to be Priest, Prophet and King.
Finally, our Bishops have called all of us to action to contact our United States Representatives and Senators concerning health care. We are to insist that no bill that does not protect human life, eliminate federal funding for abortion or protect conscience clauses for health care workers should be passed. The bishops oppose the Senate version of the bill and favor the House bill that does eliminate federal funds for abortion. Act on their request! Again, this is another tangible way to be Priest, Prophet and King.
I love the Wizard of Oz and have always claimed the Cowardly Lion as my favorite character. You remember in the end, he gets the courage he so desperately needed to be a king. And the scarecrow and tin man join him in leading the people of Oz.
For us, we have more than characters in a movie; we have Jesus Christ. He is no coward and exhibits the greatest act of courage the world will ever know. We don’t need to share in the mission of the lion, scarecrow and tin man; we have the shared mission of Jesus Christ; Priest, Prophet and King.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Our Catholic Bishops latest on health care
With action heating up between the House and Senate on reconciling the health care bill, the USCCB has issued a statement that they hope will be read in every Catholic Church at every Mass throughout the land this weekend.
Here it is:
"As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should not advance a pro abortion agenda in our country.
On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds for elective abortions and includes positive measures on affordability and immigrants.
On December 24, the U.S. Senate rejected this policy and passed health care reform that requires federal funds to help subsidize and promote health plans that cover elective abortions. ALL purchasers of such plans will be required to pay for other people's abortion through a seperate payment solely to pay for abortion.
Outside the abortion context, neither bill has adequate conscience protection for health care providers, plans or employers.
These two bills now must be combined into one bill that both the House and Senate will vote on in final form. Provisions against abortion funding and in favor of conscience protection, affordability and immigrants' access to health care must be part of a fair and just health care reform bill, or the final bill must be opposed.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives and Senators today by email, phone or fax.
To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or call your Member's local offices.
Contact information can be found on Member's websites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.
MESSAGE-HOUSE:
"I am pleased that the House health care bill maintains the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion. I urge you to work to uphold essential provisions against abortion funding, to include full conscience protection and to assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill."
MESSAGE-SENATE:
"I am deeply disappointed that the Senate health care bill fails to maintain the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate protection for conscience. I urge you to support the essential provisions against abortion funding, similar to those in the House bill. Include full conscience protection and assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill."
WHEN: The House and the Senate are expected to vote on the final bill during the month of January.
Act today and thank you."
So this my friends is your only OFFICIAL position of our ordained teachers and leaders; the Catholic Bishops of the United States. Do you know the totality of the Catholic message on health care or do you rally to whichever political side you support?
Here it is:
"As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should not advance a pro abortion agenda in our country.
On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds for elective abortions and includes positive measures on affordability and immigrants.
On December 24, the U.S. Senate rejected this policy and passed health care reform that requires federal funds to help subsidize and promote health plans that cover elective abortions. ALL purchasers of such plans will be required to pay for other people's abortion through a seperate payment solely to pay for abortion.
Outside the abortion context, neither bill has adequate conscience protection for health care providers, plans or employers.
These two bills now must be combined into one bill that both the House and Senate will vote on in final form. Provisions against abortion funding and in favor of conscience protection, affordability and immigrants' access to health care must be part of a fair and just health care reform bill, or the final bill must be opposed.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives and Senators today by email, phone or fax.
To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or call your Member's local offices.
Contact information can be found on Member's websites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.
MESSAGE-HOUSE:
"I am pleased that the House health care bill maintains the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion. I urge you to work to uphold essential provisions against abortion funding, to include full conscience protection and to assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill."
MESSAGE-SENATE:
"I am deeply disappointed that the Senate health care bill fails to maintain the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate protection for conscience. I urge you to support the essential provisions against abortion funding, similar to those in the House bill. Include full conscience protection and assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill."
WHEN: The House and the Senate are expected to vote on the final bill during the month of January.
Act today and thank you."
So this my friends is your only OFFICIAL position of our ordained teachers and leaders; the Catholic Bishops of the United States. Do you know the totality of the Catholic message on health care or do you rally to whichever political side you support?
The Best Half of the Year; an update!
I realize that this is not a commonly shared belief among my closest family and friends but, for me, we are smack in the middle of the best half of the year. Now even I will admit that I did not expect such intense winter weather in the greater New Orleans area. We are preparing tonight for our 5th straight freeze with the overnight low predicted to be around 18 above. Of course if you are reading this in Minnesota or northern Maine or perhaps near Yellowstone, you would probably love 18 above. For us southern folk; this is cold.
Again, for me, I'll take the cold over those 99 degree; 100 percent humidity days upon days from like May til October. That is why I declare Oct 1st thru March 31st as the best half of the year with December my favorite month and January a close second!
In these neck of the woods the cold weather will cause some havoc for those of us prone to an overall tropical climate. Our homeless shelters are splitting at the seems and unfortunately not all make it off the streets. So many organizations and just good hearted people are trying to provide for these folks who are God's children. The threat of extreme cold has caused the cancellation of school in some areas and big events that were planned long ago. This is unfortunate.
But I will continue to declare boldly; we are living in the best half of the year. Heck, we have some great football games this weekend and then the Saints reappear in the playoffs next Saturday. And the cold weather is not going to stop the amazing ministry opportunities that come this time of year. We just celebrated the great New Orleans feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and we have the amazing Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this weekend. And later this month we will have the great effort to proclaim our Pro-Life gospel to the world with the March for Life.
So for those of you reading this locally, bundle up, wrap those pipes, take care of your tender vegetation and thank God it's not a 100 degrees in the shade.
Again, for me, I'll take the cold over those 99 degree; 100 percent humidity days upon days from like May til October. That is why I declare Oct 1st thru March 31st as the best half of the year with December my favorite month and January a close second!
In these neck of the woods the cold weather will cause some havoc for those of us prone to an overall tropical climate. Our homeless shelters are splitting at the seems and unfortunately not all make it off the streets. So many organizations and just good hearted people are trying to provide for these folks who are God's children. The threat of extreme cold has caused the cancellation of school in some areas and big events that were planned long ago. This is unfortunate.
But I will continue to declare boldly; we are living in the best half of the year. Heck, we have some great football games this weekend and then the Saints reappear in the playoffs next Saturday. And the cold weather is not going to stop the amazing ministry opportunities that come this time of year. We just celebrated the great New Orleans feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and we have the amazing Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this weekend. And later this month we will have the great effort to proclaim our Pro-Life gospel to the world with the March for Life.
So for those of you reading this locally, bundle up, wrap those pipes, take care of your tender vegetation and thank God it's not a 100 degrees in the shade.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A truly New Orleans feast in honor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Tomorrow, Friday January 8th is the feast of Mary under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. This is such a huge feast in New Orleans. Under this title Mary is the official patroness of the state of Louisiana, the City of New Olreans and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. And the reasons are plenty.
Ursuline nuns began making their way to New Orleans in the early 1700's to spread the faith and establish a school to educate young ladies. One of the nuns, Sr. Michel was compelled to leave France and become a missionary in New Orleans. Her bishop would not let her go unless she personally could convince the Pope to send her. She sent a letter but all knew the Pope was under great duress from the emperor Napolean. Sr. Michel prayed before a statue of Mary asking her intercession to let her desire happen. She promised if this request be granted promptly, she would honor Mary in New Orleans under the title Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Her letter with a favorable response from the Pope was recieved.
And Sr. Michel made her way to New Orleans, in the Vieux Carre at the Ursuline Convent with a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in tow. Not long after her arrival a horrible fire broke out in the French Quarter that threatened the convent. Sr. Michel led the nuns in prayer asking for Mary's intercession and the fire was swept away with a sudden change in the direction of the wind.
And even more famously is the story of the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans. In 1815 as General Andrew Jackson and his brave troops were fighting a seemingly loosing battle against the well trained British forces the nuns and Our Lady of Prompt Succor were at it again. It appeared as if all of New Orleans descended on the Ursuline convent in all night prayer invoking the help of Our Lady. During morning Mass, news made its' way to the convent that indeed the Americans prevailed. A pledge was made that every January 8th Mass would be celebrated in New Orleans in honor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.
Now, Catholics from around the great state of Louisiana and in the Archdiocese of New Orleans particularly continue this great feast every January 8th. We also are quick to invoke her assistance every hurricane season that we be sparred all harm from storms. It would not surprise me in the least if many a faithful New Orleanian Catholic is not praying for her intercession right now, for warmer weather and perhaps some favorable results on that battlefield covered by the New Orleans Superdome!
Ursuline nuns began making their way to New Orleans in the early 1700's to spread the faith and establish a school to educate young ladies. One of the nuns, Sr. Michel was compelled to leave France and become a missionary in New Orleans. Her bishop would not let her go unless she personally could convince the Pope to send her. She sent a letter but all knew the Pope was under great duress from the emperor Napolean. Sr. Michel prayed before a statue of Mary asking her intercession to let her desire happen. She promised if this request be granted promptly, she would honor Mary in New Orleans under the title Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Her letter with a favorable response from the Pope was recieved.
And Sr. Michel made her way to New Orleans, in the Vieux Carre at the Ursuline Convent with a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in tow. Not long after her arrival a horrible fire broke out in the French Quarter that threatened the convent. Sr. Michel led the nuns in prayer asking for Mary's intercession and the fire was swept away with a sudden change in the direction of the wind.
And even more famously is the story of the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans. In 1815 as General Andrew Jackson and his brave troops were fighting a seemingly loosing battle against the well trained British forces the nuns and Our Lady of Prompt Succor were at it again. It appeared as if all of New Orleans descended on the Ursuline convent in all night prayer invoking the help of Our Lady. During morning Mass, news made its' way to the convent that indeed the Americans prevailed. A pledge was made that every January 8th Mass would be celebrated in New Orleans in honor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.
Now, Catholics from around the great state of Louisiana and in the Archdiocese of New Orleans particularly continue this great feast every January 8th. We also are quick to invoke her assistance every hurricane season that we be sparred all harm from storms. It would not surprise me in the least if many a faithful New Orleanian Catholic is not praying for her intercession right now, for warmer weather and perhaps some favorable results on that battlefield covered by the New Orleans Superdome!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Bring on the King Cake
Tomorrow is the traditional Feast of the Epiphany. In most of the world the celebration of the wise men coming to the child Jesus is observed on January 6th. This marks the unofficial end of the Christmas season and in many traditions the day is referred to as "little Christmas". This too used to be the traditional day of gift giving in many cultures.
Being a New Orleanian we too have a pretty amazing tradition centered on the Epiphany. January 6th is celebrated as 12th night. Depending on how you count the days the belief is that January 6th is the 12th and final day of Christmas. For Catholics, we understand that the Church has deemed the end of the Christmas season to be the Sunday when we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. That will be this Sunday.
But let's get back to 12th night and tradition. January 6th not only marks the end of the Christmas season but the official start to Mardi Gras. This French celebration of those carefree days before Lent begins actually runs from January 6th until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
One of the ways we celebrate the arrival of Mardi Gras is with the king cake. This awesome tasting cake is usually decorated in the colors of the Carnival season, purple, green and old and comes plain, iced and filled with a variety of flavors. Baked into the dough and hidden away is a plastic figure of a baby. This baby represents the baby Jesus. Just as the wise men found the baby Jesus in Bethlehem on the Epiphany, one lucky person will find the tiny figurine in the king cake. Tradition further holds that the one who finds the baby is responsible for providing the king cake at the next Mardi Gras event. Pure traditionalist would never eat a slice of the cake before January 6t and certainly never after Mardi Gras day.
So as we in the deep south prepare to usher in another Mardi Gras season may we always be aware that this celebration too carries plenty of rich religious and spiritual significance.
Happy Mardi Gras everyone and get yourself a nice big slice of king cake!!
Being a New Orleanian we too have a pretty amazing tradition centered on the Epiphany. January 6th is celebrated as 12th night. Depending on how you count the days the belief is that January 6th is the 12th and final day of Christmas. For Catholics, we understand that the Church has deemed the end of the Christmas season to be the Sunday when we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. That will be this Sunday.
But let's get back to 12th night and tradition. January 6th not only marks the end of the Christmas season but the official start to Mardi Gras. This French celebration of those carefree days before Lent begins actually runs from January 6th until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
One of the ways we celebrate the arrival of Mardi Gras is with the king cake. This awesome tasting cake is usually decorated in the colors of the Carnival season, purple, green and old and comes plain, iced and filled with a variety of flavors. Baked into the dough and hidden away is a plastic figure of a baby. This baby represents the baby Jesus. Just as the wise men found the baby Jesus in Bethlehem on the Epiphany, one lucky person will find the tiny figurine in the king cake. Tradition further holds that the one who finds the baby is responsible for providing the king cake at the next Mardi Gras event. Pure traditionalist would never eat a slice of the cake before January 6t and certainly never after Mardi Gras day.
So as we in the deep south prepare to usher in another Mardi Gras season may we always be aware that this celebration too carries plenty of rich religious and spiritual significance.
Happy Mardi Gras everyone and get yourself a nice big slice of king cake!!
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