In my neck of the woods the New Orleans Saints have everyone buzzing. The 3-0 start reminds everyone of that magical year in 2006 when, after Katrina, the Saints fell just a play or two short of a trip to the Super Bowl. Who can forget what became the rallying cry; not just for the football team beloved by the faithful but for a community that is coming back from one of the greatest natural AND man-made disasters in the history of America:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZP0ifrTcoM
So on this last day of September, as October brings the hope of autumn weather I'm excited about the Saints that are coming. A quick glance of my calendar and we see October 1st, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, October 2nd, the Guradian Angels (ok they are not Saints but Angels count too), October 4th, St. Francis of Assisi, October 5th, St. Faustina, October 6th, Saint Bruno, October 7th, Mary under the title Our Lady of the Rosary, October 9th, St. Denis (threw that one in for my previous boss who happens to be named Denis), October 10th, St. Daniel.
And the list goes on. October brings us much joy with the Saints. Yes, the 3-0 Saints have been exciting to watch and cheer on, but these Saints are an unbeatable team, interceeding for us and praying with us as the Body of Christ that worships and glorifies God.
The Saints are coming!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A final reflection on the Feast of the Archangels
Angelic Company
26th week, OT
Father Jeffery Jambon, LC
John 1: 47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I approach this time of prayer earnestly. I believe that you have called me to be faithful and loving in your service. I thank you along with Mary, the saints and the holy angels for the marvelous works of creation. I will humbly try to reflect your greatness to all I meet today by honestly fulfilling my duty.
Petition: Lord, help me be an instrument of your peace and love.
1. Honesty Is the Best Policy Once as Jesus spent the whole night in prayer, he searched for apostles that would be honest and sincere. Jesus took a liking to Nathanael when he discovered an Israelite without guile in his heart. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him. It seems that Jesus admired this angelic trait in men. As soon as he saw Philip bringing Nathanael forward to meet him, Jesus immediately noticed the virtue Nathanael lived. If I want to be highly thought of by Jesus, then I need to be sincere in mind and heart.
2. The Holy Angels The Church venerates today the holy service of three of the archangels. They stand out for their honest love for God’s most holy will. With such fidelity, St. Gabriel faithfully delivered the most important messages of human history to Zacharias and Mary. St. Michael wrestled with Lucifer and cast him out of heaven. St. Raphael came to the aid of Tobias in the Old Testament. In these angels there isn’t any duplicity of heart. God asks them a favor and they truly fulfill it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to implement our talents and gifts toward a service of this nature? Wouldn’t it be great to be honest instruments of God’s infinite love like these three archangels?
3. The Lord’s Gaze Jesus looks into the heart and doesn’t judge by appearances. Christ’s gaze penetrated Nathanael on this occasion. Jesus penetrates the motives of my heart even though they are kept hidden from the others. Jesus is the first one to know if I am true to the faith I have received. If I am faithful to the dictates of my conscience and obey God’s lead, in private or in public, then I have nothing to hide and nothing to lose. If on the other hand, I am dwindling in my surrender to Christ by boredom and monotony, then it is about time I sought renewal. Christ needs me! How many are dying and fading away because they lack Christ and his love? I, in turn, have been graced by many special spiritual favors! Jesus gazes into my eyes and dreams of my fidelity and love.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, thank you for the example of these three archangels and of the holy apostles. The holy apostles ended up shedding their blood for you and the holy angels aid us on our journey towards you. Lord, seeing so many lacking the faith, I resolve to be your tireless instrument, like them, so that many may come to praise you for all eternity.
Resolution: I will visit the Eucharist (if this is impossible, then kneel before the crucifix) and repeat confidently, Lord I wish to be your instrument – help me!
26th week, OT
Father Jeffery Jambon, LC
John 1: 47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I approach this time of prayer earnestly. I believe that you have called me to be faithful and loving in your service. I thank you along with Mary, the saints and the holy angels for the marvelous works of creation. I will humbly try to reflect your greatness to all I meet today by honestly fulfilling my duty.
Petition: Lord, help me be an instrument of your peace and love.
1. Honesty Is the Best Policy Once as Jesus spent the whole night in prayer, he searched for apostles that would be honest and sincere. Jesus took a liking to Nathanael when he discovered an Israelite without guile in his heart. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him. It seems that Jesus admired this angelic trait in men. As soon as he saw Philip bringing Nathanael forward to meet him, Jesus immediately noticed the virtue Nathanael lived. If I want to be highly thought of by Jesus, then I need to be sincere in mind and heart.
2. The Holy Angels The Church venerates today the holy service of three of the archangels. They stand out for their honest love for God’s most holy will. With such fidelity, St. Gabriel faithfully delivered the most important messages of human history to Zacharias and Mary. St. Michael wrestled with Lucifer and cast him out of heaven. St. Raphael came to the aid of Tobias in the Old Testament. In these angels there isn’t any duplicity of heart. God asks them a favor and they truly fulfill it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to implement our talents and gifts toward a service of this nature? Wouldn’t it be great to be honest instruments of God’s infinite love like these three archangels?
3. The Lord’s Gaze Jesus looks into the heart and doesn’t judge by appearances. Christ’s gaze penetrated Nathanael on this occasion. Jesus penetrates the motives of my heart even though they are kept hidden from the others. Jesus is the first one to know if I am true to the faith I have received. If I am faithful to the dictates of my conscience and obey God’s lead, in private or in public, then I have nothing to hide and nothing to lose. If on the other hand, I am dwindling in my surrender to Christ by boredom and monotony, then it is about time I sought renewal. Christ needs me! How many are dying and fading away because they lack Christ and his love? I, in turn, have been graced by many special spiritual favors! Jesus gazes into my eyes and dreams of my fidelity and love.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, thank you for the example of these three archangels and of the holy apostles. The holy apostles ended up shedding their blood for you and the holy angels aid us on our journey towards you. Lord, seeing so many lacking the faith, I resolve to be your tireless instrument, like them, so that many may come to praise you for all eternity.
Resolution: I will visit the Eucharist (if this is impossible, then kneel before the crucifix) and repeat confidently, Lord I wish to be your instrument – help me!
Another Seelos miracle
Some of you know of my firsthand account of the powerful intercession of Blessed Fr. Francis Xavier Seelos. If not, click on my blog story titled Angela Boudreaux. She is the approved miracle the Vatican accepted that allowed Seelos to be declared blessed by Pope John Paul II. I blogged several months ago about another miracle in Baltimore that looks good, really good. Now this:
Joey’s fight: Family Attributes to Clean Scan to Faith
By Keighla Schmidt, Staff Writer
It might sound like a plot line from a movie, but after his family visited a Catholic shrine in New Orleans, Joey Schwartz’s latest CT scan showed he’s cancer free just two months after being told terminal cancer had returned.
Joey was first diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, midline carcinoma, in March 2008 when he was 13. After 10 months of highly-toxic chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation, he was told he was in remission. But, during a follow-up PET scan in July, the 14-year-old from Savage was told he had to continue his fight the aggressive cancer.
“When Joey was re-diagnosed, the reoccurrence on the chest wall and in his lungs was devastating news,” Paul said. “The doctor told us, ‘I can’t offer hope at this point.’”
Doctors identified two large masses on his chest wall and dozens of small tumors in his lungs.
Deciding to fight anyway, Joey started chemotherapy again and with the support of his parents, Paul and Melinda, along with his twin brother Derek, the family turned to their Catholic faith.
They had been following a story about a 71-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer that had spread throughout her body, but the malignant tumors disappeared after prayers to Blessed Father Seelos, who died in 1867 in New Orleans. Seelos has been beatified by the Vatican and is believed to have successful intercessions for ill people. The woman, Mary Ellen Heibel, has been cancer free since 2005.
Paul ordered a first-class relic, a small piece Seelos’s body, for Joey to wear in a pendant as a point of focus for prayers, as Heibel has done.
“Obviously not everyone who prays to Seelos is healed,” Paul said.
But, he added, prayers couldn’t do any harm.
After one round of the toxic drugs and getting an affirmative nod from their doctor, the Schwartz family made a pilgrimage to New Orleans to visit a shrine to Seelos.
“It may have been New Orleans, but it wasn’t voodoo,” Melinda said with a laugh.
The family attended a Sunday mass and a woman in charge of the administration of the Seelos shrine, Joyce Bourgeois, took special care of the family.
“Just talking to her on the phone is a spiritual experience,” Melinda said.
Joey said throughout the mass Bourgeois had her hands on his shoulders to bless him.
Along with Bourgeois and other shrine officials, Paul said many parishioners offered up their anecdotal stories about the intercessions Seelos had done for them and expressed hope for Joey.
“You take some of it with a grain of salt,” Paul said. “But, really, you’re going there looking for some hope … it was a very uplifting, spiritual day.”
With Joey still wearing the relic, the Schwartz family headed home.
“When we got home and started telling people about our trip, we got the typical ‘pat on the head,’” Paul said. “A very small amount of people actually understood what we did and why.”
After one more round of chemo and one CT scan on Sept. 3, the family thought their prayers were answered.
“We were hoping the scans would show the tumors had either stayed the same size or shrunken a little,” Paul said of their feelings going into the appointment.
“It’s scary before going in,” Joey said. “I really didn’t know what to think, I was hoping for something good.”
When Dr. Jawhar Rawwas, Joey’s oncology doctor at Children’s Hospital, read the scans initially, he told the family the tumors had shrunk.
“We thought that was our miracle,” Melinda said. “We were thrilled with that.”
After bringing Joey back to the Academy of Holy Angels where he and Derek are freshman, Paul and Melinda got a call from the doctor.
“He said the radiologist had looked at Joey’s scans and that’s when I thought he was going to say the initial scan missed something and prepared for the worst,” Paul said. “He said he couldn’t detect any traces of cancer … and on top of that, the two initial large masses were now thought to be scar tissue.”
> Continue to pray that if it be God's will, Seelos may be declared a Saint and pray through Fr. Seelos for your intentions!
Joey’s fight: Family Attributes to Clean Scan to Faith
By Keighla Schmidt, Staff Writer
It might sound like a plot line from a movie, but after his family visited a Catholic shrine in New Orleans, Joey Schwartz’s latest CT scan showed he’s cancer free just two months after being told terminal cancer had returned.
Joey was first diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, midline carcinoma, in March 2008 when he was 13. After 10 months of highly-toxic chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation, he was told he was in remission. But, during a follow-up PET scan in July, the 14-year-old from Savage was told he had to continue his fight the aggressive cancer.
“When Joey was re-diagnosed, the reoccurrence on the chest wall and in his lungs was devastating news,” Paul said. “The doctor told us, ‘I can’t offer hope at this point.’”
Doctors identified two large masses on his chest wall and dozens of small tumors in his lungs.
Deciding to fight anyway, Joey started chemotherapy again and with the support of his parents, Paul and Melinda, along with his twin brother Derek, the family turned to their Catholic faith.
They had been following a story about a 71-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer that had spread throughout her body, but the malignant tumors disappeared after prayers to Blessed Father Seelos, who died in 1867 in New Orleans. Seelos has been beatified by the Vatican and is believed to have successful intercessions for ill people. The woman, Mary Ellen Heibel, has been cancer free since 2005.
Paul ordered a first-class relic, a small piece Seelos’s body, for Joey to wear in a pendant as a point of focus for prayers, as Heibel has done.
“Obviously not everyone who prays to Seelos is healed,” Paul said.
But, he added, prayers couldn’t do any harm.
After one round of the toxic drugs and getting an affirmative nod from their doctor, the Schwartz family made a pilgrimage to New Orleans to visit a shrine to Seelos.
“It may have been New Orleans, but it wasn’t voodoo,” Melinda said with a laugh.
The family attended a Sunday mass and a woman in charge of the administration of the Seelos shrine, Joyce Bourgeois, took special care of the family.
“Just talking to her on the phone is a spiritual experience,” Melinda said.
Joey said throughout the mass Bourgeois had her hands on his shoulders to bless him.
Along with Bourgeois and other shrine officials, Paul said many parishioners offered up their anecdotal stories about the intercessions Seelos had done for them and expressed hope for Joey.
“You take some of it with a grain of salt,” Paul said. “But, really, you’re going there looking for some hope … it was a very uplifting, spiritual day.”
With Joey still wearing the relic, the Schwartz family headed home.
“When we got home and started telling people about our trip, we got the typical ‘pat on the head,’” Paul said. “A very small amount of people actually understood what we did and why.”
After one more round of chemo and one CT scan on Sept. 3, the family thought their prayers were answered.
“We were hoping the scans would show the tumors had either stayed the same size or shrunken a little,” Paul said of their feelings going into the appointment.
“It’s scary before going in,” Joey said. “I really didn’t know what to think, I was hoping for something good.”
When Dr. Jawhar Rawwas, Joey’s oncology doctor at Children’s Hospital, read the scans initially, he told the family the tumors had shrunk.
“We thought that was our miracle,” Melinda said. “We were thrilled with that.”
After bringing Joey back to the Academy of Holy Angels where he and Derek are freshman, Paul and Melinda got a call from the doctor.
“He said the radiologist had looked at Joey’s scans and that’s when I thought he was going to say the initial scan missed something and prepared for the worst,” Paul said. “He said he couldn’t detect any traces of cancer … and on top of that, the two initial large masses were now thought to be scar tissue.”
> Continue to pray that if it be God's will, Seelos may be declared a Saint and pray through Fr. Seelos for your intentions!
Monday, September 28, 2009
More on the Archangels
The homily delivered by St. Gregory the Great, pope, is too powerful not to ponder and pray with. From the Office of Readings, September 29th here it is:
You should be aware that the word "angel" denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels.
And so it was that not merely an angel but the archangel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary. It was only fitting that the highest angel should come to announce the greatest of all messages.
Some angels are given proper names to denote the service they are empowered to perform. In that holy city, where perfect knowledge flows from the vision of almighty God, those who have no names may easily be known. But personal names are assigned to some, not because they could not be known without them, but rather to denote their ministry when they come among us. Thus Michael means "who is like God"; Gabriel is "the strength of God"; and Raphael is "God's remedy."
Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power. So also our ancient foe desired in his pride to be like God, saying: I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the the stars of heaven; I will be like the Most High. He will be allowed to remain in power until the end of the world when he will be destroyed in the final punishment. Then, he will fight with the archangel Michael, we are told by John: a battle was fought with Michael the archangel.
So too Gabriel, who is called God's strength, was sent to Mary. He came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus God's strength announced the coming of the Lord of the heavenly powers, mighty in battle.
Raphael means, as I have said, God's remedy, for when he touched Tobit's eyes in order to cure him, he banished the darkness of blindness. Thus, since he is to heal, he is rightly called God's remedy.
You should be aware that the word "angel" denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels.
And so it was that not merely an angel but the archangel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary. It was only fitting that the highest angel should come to announce the greatest of all messages.
Some angels are given proper names to denote the service they are empowered to perform. In that holy city, where perfect knowledge flows from the vision of almighty God, those who have no names may easily be known. But personal names are assigned to some, not because they could not be known without them, but rather to denote their ministry when they come among us. Thus Michael means "who is like God"; Gabriel is "the strength of God"; and Raphael is "God's remedy."
Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power. So also our ancient foe desired in his pride to be like God, saying: I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the the stars of heaven; I will be like the Most High. He will be allowed to remain in power until the end of the world when he will be destroyed in the final punishment. Then, he will fight with the archangel Michael, we are told by John: a battle was fought with Michael the archangel.
So too Gabriel, who is called God's strength, was sent to Mary. He came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus God's strength announced the coming of the Lord of the heavenly powers, mighty in battle.
Raphael means, as I have said, God's remedy, for when he touched Tobit's eyes in order to cure him, he banished the darkness of blindness. Thus, since he is to heal, he is rightly called God's remedy.
St. Michael defend us; and don't forget us too!
Tommorrow is the great Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. St. Michael is my patron saint; the saint for whom I am named. I grew up learning much about St. Michael, especially that he helped defeat Satan's evil attempt to take over Heaven. I also learned the powerful St. Michael prayer that was composed by Pope Leo XIII. St. Michael is mentioned in Sacred Scripture at least four times: Daniel chapter 10, Daniel chapter 12, the letter of Jude and the Book of Revelation chapter 12. Some theologians believe it is St. Michael the Archangel who is referred to in Genesis 3:24, Numbers 22:22 and 2 Kings 19:35. This is what is said of St. Michael in Revelation: "Then war broke out in Heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in Heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent known as the devil or satan, the seducer of the whole world, was driven out; he was hurled to down to earth and his minions with him."
For my local church community tommorrow is a fine celebration. Our parish is blessed to have a mission church, located some 22 miles from our main church. The mission is named for St. Michael the Archangel. We will celebrate in the evening with Mass and a dinner afterwards.
St. Gabriel is also well known as the angel who appeared both to Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist and then to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Gabriel first appears in Sacred Scripture in Daniel just like St. Michael. St. Raphael is the lesser known of the three, appearing only in the book of Tobit. Scripture scholars however believe he is one of the seven angels named in Revelation 8:2.
Tradition names other archangels as well, although none are named in Sacred Scripture. Their names are Uriel, Raguel, Sariel and Jerahmeel.
So on Tuesday, September 29th, remember the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael praying for their powerful intercession and asking them to continue to defend us.
For my local church community tommorrow is a fine celebration. Our parish is blessed to have a mission church, located some 22 miles from our main church. The mission is named for St. Michael the Archangel. We will celebrate in the evening with Mass and a dinner afterwards.
St. Gabriel is also well known as the angel who appeared both to Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist and then to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Gabriel first appears in Sacred Scripture in Daniel just like St. Michael. St. Raphael is the lesser known of the three, appearing only in the book of Tobit. Scripture scholars however believe he is one of the seven angels named in Revelation 8:2.
Tradition names other archangels as well, although none are named in Sacred Scripture. Their names are Uriel, Raguel, Sariel and Jerahmeel.
So on Tuesday, September 29th, remember the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael praying for their powerful intercession and asking them to continue to defend us.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Those poor boxes still count
One of my fondest memories of going to church as a little boy was the visit to the poor box in the back of church. My grandma or aunt would give me and my sisters a few coins to place in the little box nestled into the wall of the church. For us, we were told the money in the box was for the poor people, but we just liked sliding the money in the slot.
Now, many years later, the poor box in the church I worship and assist at looks just like the poor box of my youth. Now, they get many more dollar bills and checks. Thank God for the generosity. At Mass this weekend, we heard from our local St. Vincent de Paul Society of what they can do from these poor box donations. I forget the exact number, but our local SVDP group has helped more homeless people than I actually thought existed in our fairly well off community. And he explained that more and more people are calling the office for help; the victims of job losses and the stagnating economy.
I never knew much about the St. Vincent de Paul Society until recent years. Of course this wonderful organization is a direct reflection of the life of the well known Saint. St. Vincent was a priest in Paris and founded the Congregation of the Mission to assist the poor. Here are some of his thoughts on the poor:
"if you consider the poor in the light of faith, then you will observe that they are taking the place of the Son of God who chose to be poor. His mission was to preach to the poor. We also ought to have this same spirit and imitate Christ's actions, that is, we must take care of the poor, console them, help them, support their cause."
Today, September 27th is St. Vincent de Paul's feast day. May we honor his memory and his devotion to the poor by making frequent trips to the poor box in our local parish churches. Yes, give the kids some coins to place through the slot in the poor box. Then drop some bills or checks in there yourself.
Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.
St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us.
Now, many years later, the poor box in the church I worship and assist at looks just like the poor box of my youth. Now, they get many more dollar bills and checks. Thank God for the generosity. At Mass this weekend, we heard from our local St. Vincent de Paul Society of what they can do from these poor box donations. I forget the exact number, but our local SVDP group has helped more homeless people than I actually thought existed in our fairly well off community. And he explained that more and more people are calling the office for help; the victims of job losses and the stagnating economy.
I never knew much about the St. Vincent de Paul Society until recent years. Of course this wonderful organization is a direct reflection of the life of the well known Saint. St. Vincent was a priest in Paris and founded the Congregation of the Mission to assist the poor. Here are some of his thoughts on the poor:
"if you consider the poor in the light of faith, then you will observe that they are taking the place of the Son of God who chose to be poor. His mission was to preach to the poor. We also ought to have this same spirit and imitate Christ's actions, that is, we must take care of the poor, console them, help them, support their cause."
Today, September 27th is St. Vincent de Paul's feast day. May we honor his memory and his devotion to the poor by making frequent trips to the poor box in our local parish churches. Yes, give the kids some coins to place through the slot in the poor box. Then drop some bills or checks in there yourself.
Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.
St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us.
Homily for Sept. 27th Where are you going to?
Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know?
These lines from one of the greatest songs in the career of Diana Ross got me to thinking; do we know where we are going to?
I know that when I travel, I plan to know just where I’m going to. Most of the time my travel works out great, especially these days with Map Quest and Google Maps. Sometimes though I lose my way and my wife will tell you that I hate to stop for directions. Help might just be one stop away but often I fail to stop and ask for directions.
Life is always a series of directions and instructions. Just yesterday at my house we had to install a new ceiling fan. The fan came with detailed instructions that helped to successfully install the fan. Directions and instructions lead us to the right destination and help us achieve the end in mind.
As people of faith do we follow the directions of Jesus Christ and follow the instructions of His Church? Do we know where we are going to? Do we know?
This one Gospel passage today has much to focus on. We have everything from St. John complaining about exorcists to Jesus teaching us to cut off our hand and foot and pluck out an eye. And we hear Jesus warn of the unquenchable fire of Gehenna. Three times in today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of Gehenna. Jesus is giving us our roadmap, our instructions to avoid Gehenna, but what is Gehenna?
No one speaks of hell and it’s consequences in New Testament Scripture more than Jesus himself. In using the term Gehenna, He is referring to the burning, rotting garbage dump that lay on the outskirts of Jerusalem. It was an awful place; foul, dirty, obnoxious odor as garbage and refuse burned and decayed all day and all night. In Old Testament times, human sacrifice was practiced here as the victim would simply be placed on the trash fire to burn. His followers and listeners would know the place well and could not imagine a worse place on earth. And Jesus refers to Gehenna to paint a picture of hell.
Jesus tells us that there is only one detour that leads to hell. That detour is sin and the possibility for one to die in a state of mortal sin. Hell is not a place created by God for Him to send sinners to this fiery eternity. No, hell is a place that only we can arrive at by losing our way and not stopping to ask directions. Hell can only be achieved by willfully ignoring His instructions and doing things our way; not His way.
Hell is not a place created by God for Him to punish; for God to pronounce sentence. Hell is a state that we choose by alienating ourselves from God’s love and mercy. But God does not desire that we follow this detour for He declares: “I take no pleasure in the death of a sinner but rather that He be converted and live.”
So how do we avoid this horrible detour and stay on the right path, following only God’s map and His instructions? Know the way. Follow the commandments and follow the beatitudes too. The commandments clearly spell out what we should do and not do and the beatitudes call us to do more; to serve and help others. Remember the answer Jesus gave to the one who asked Him, what is the greatest commandment? He replied: “Love the Lord your God with your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is what He calls us to do.
The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus, is the ongoing Body of Christ and She continues to guide us with His instructions to help us avoid that detour to hell. Through the Sacraments we have another roadmap to help us follow the way. One sacrament that is a must is that of reconciliation or confession. To follow the directions we must be aware of mortal sin and venial sin. The Church teaches us that mortal sin destroys and turns one away from God. Venial sin offends and wounds. Mortal sin is a grave matter and is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.
So much of what is considered commonplace in today’s society may apply here. Adultery for example is mortal sin. Every time we chose to have a sexual relationship outside of marriage we lose our way and commit mortal sin. This is just one example that I offer to make the wider point. Another is an overall indifference to attending Mass. I’ll go this week, maybe not next week, maybe again in two weeks but every time I go, I’ll receive Holy Communion. Missing Mass, with no grave reason is also an example of mortal sin.
But let’s also remember, sin can be forgiven. We must attend to confession quickly when we are aware of mortal sin. But let’s also remember, in all cases, Catholics are required to go to confession at least once a year. This is firm; there is no wiggle room in the Church’s teaching. But again let’s remember, Jesus stands ready to absolve us of our sins if we just follow the map and confess our sins. His mercy truly endures forever.
Let’s never forget these two important set of directions: the Bible and the Catechism. These are a must for every home and should be read and studied and prayed with often. Everything about sin I’ve spoken about here comes from the Catechism.
Every choice we make ultimately forms us and shapes us into who we are. By our choices we define ourselves and our relationship with God. We decide; do we want to follow Him, do we want His directions and His instructions? Do we want to live with Him eternally in Heaven or without Him forever in Hell?
Do you know where you’re going to?
Where are you going to? Do you know?
These lines from one of the greatest songs in the career of Diana Ross got me to thinking; do we know where we are going to?
I know that when I travel, I plan to know just where I’m going to. Most of the time my travel works out great, especially these days with Map Quest and Google Maps. Sometimes though I lose my way and my wife will tell you that I hate to stop for directions. Help might just be one stop away but often I fail to stop and ask for directions.
Life is always a series of directions and instructions. Just yesterday at my house we had to install a new ceiling fan. The fan came with detailed instructions that helped to successfully install the fan. Directions and instructions lead us to the right destination and help us achieve the end in mind.
As people of faith do we follow the directions of Jesus Christ and follow the instructions of His Church? Do we know where we are going to? Do we know?
This one Gospel passage today has much to focus on. We have everything from St. John complaining about exorcists to Jesus teaching us to cut off our hand and foot and pluck out an eye. And we hear Jesus warn of the unquenchable fire of Gehenna. Three times in today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of Gehenna. Jesus is giving us our roadmap, our instructions to avoid Gehenna, but what is Gehenna?
No one speaks of hell and it’s consequences in New Testament Scripture more than Jesus himself. In using the term Gehenna, He is referring to the burning, rotting garbage dump that lay on the outskirts of Jerusalem. It was an awful place; foul, dirty, obnoxious odor as garbage and refuse burned and decayed all day and all night. In Old Testament times, human sacrifice was practiced here as the victim would simply be placed on the trash fire to burn. His followers and listeners would know the place well and could not imagine a worse place on earth. And Jesus refers to Gehenna to paint a picture of hell.
Jesus tells us that there is only one detour that leads to hell. That detour is sin and the possibility for one to die in a state of mortal sin. Hell is not a place created by God for Him to send sinners to this fiery eternity. No, hell is a place that only we can arrive at by losing our way and not stopping to ask directions. Hell can only be achieved by willfully ignoring His instructions and doing things our way; not His way.
Hell is not a place created by God for Him to punish; for God to pronounce sentence. Hell is a state that we choose by alienating ourselves from God’s love and mercy. But God does not desire that we follow this detour for He declares: “I take no pleasure in the death of a sinner but rather that He be converted and live.”
So how do we avoid this horrible detour and stay on the right path, following only God’s map and His instructions? Know the way. Follow the commandments and follow the beatitudes too. The commandments clearly spell out what we should do and not do and the beatitudes call us to do more; to serve and help others. Remember the answer Jesus gave to the one who asked Him, what is the greatest commandment? He replied: “Love the Lord your God with your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is what He calls us to do.
The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus, is the ongoing Body of Christ and She continues to guide us with His instructions to help us avoid that detour to hell. Through the Sacraments we have another roadmap to help us follow the way. One sacrament that is a must is that of reconciliation or confession. To follow the directions we must be aware of mortal sin and venial sin. The Church teaches us that mortal sin destroys and turns one away from God. Venial sin offends and wounds. Mortal sin is a grave matter and is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.
So much of what is considered commonplace in today’s society may apply here. Adultery for example is mortal sin. Every time we chose to have a sexual relationship outside of marriage we lose our way and commit mortal sin. This is just one example that I offer to make the wider point. Another is an overall indifference to attending Mass. I’ll go this week, maybe not next week, maybe again in two weeks but every time I go, I’ll receive Holy Communion. Missing Mass, with no grave reason is also an example of mortal sin.
But let’s also remember, sin can be forgiven. We must attend to confession quickly when we are aware of mortal sin. But let’s also remember, in all cases, Catholics are required to go to confession at least once a year. This is firm; there is no wiggle room in the Church’s teaching. But again let’s remember, Jesus stands ready to absolve us of our sins if we just follow the map and confess our sins. His mercy truly endures forever.
Let’s never forget these two important set of directions: the Bible and the Catechism. These are a must for every home and should be read and studied and prayed with often. Everything about sin I’ve spoken about here comes from the Catechism.
Every choice we make ultimately forms us and shapes us into who we are. By our choices we define ourselves and our relationship with God. We decide; do we want to follow Him, do we want His directions and His instructions? Do we want to live with Him eternally in Heaven or without Him forever in Hell?
Do you know where you’re going to?
Where are you going to? Do you know?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fr Michael McGivney; closer to sainthood?
As a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, council 12529 in Abita Springs, La, I am excited about the recent news concerning the ongoing cause for sainthood for our founder, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. After long years and careful examination, a reported miracle is being formally presented to Rome. Please add to your already full prayer list that if it be God's will, Fr. McGivney may be elevated to the altar of the Saints! Here is the news release:
Tribunal Sends New Information on Purported Miracle to Vatican
More News
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Archbishop Henry Mansell of Hartford and Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, postulator of Father McGivney’s cause, discuss the documentation.
Officials of a supplemental Tribunal constituted by the Archdiocese of Hartford have formally sent a new report to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
The tribunal – a panel tasked with gathering additional testimony – interviewed additional witnesses, including several medical doctors, about the circumstances of a reported miracle attributed to Venerable Michael McGivney’s intercession.
The report was signed and presented to Archbishop Henry Mansell on Sept. 22, 2009, and was affixed with the seal of the Archbishop of Hartford.
The postulator of the cause, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, traveled from Rome to Hartford for the occasion.
The event was held in the chapel at the chancery of the archdiocese and was attended by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, other Supreme Officers, relatives of Father McGivney and archdiocesan officials.
Tribunal Sends New Information on Purported Miracle to Vatican
More News
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Archbishop Henry Mansell of Hartford and Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, postulator of Father McGivney’s cause, discuss the documentation.
Officials of a supplemental Tribunal constituted by the Archdiocese of Hartford have formally sent a new report to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
The tribunal – a panel tasked with gathering additional testimony – interviewed additional witnesses, including several medical doctors, about the circumstances of a reported miracle attributed to Venerable Michael McGivney’s intercession.
The report was signed and presented to Archbishop Henry Mansell on Sept. 22, 2009, and was affixed with the seal of the Archbishop of Hartford.
The postulator of the cause, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, traveled from Rome to Hartford for the occasion.
The event was held in the chapel at the chancery of the archdiocese and was attended by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, other Supreme Officers, relatives of Father McGivney and archdiocesan officials.
Our struggles can be blessings!
For anyone that knows me very closely, they will tell you that I've struggled with some work changes lately. There really is nothing wrong with my new job, I just had a hard time getting used to a change in routine. My previous position afforded me an opportunity to attend Mass almost every weekday; the new position not so much. The old position had very few meetings, seminars, travel; the new position lots more. The new position required that I stretch and learn responsibilities I had avoided for 15 years. At times, I struggled with wanting to do things my way and the new responsibilities of my new position.
I also struggled with balance. Under normal circumstances they tell us that newly ordained Deacons must be aware of this. For so many rapid changes at work in just the first few months after ordination, I really got out of whack. After almost 5 months in my new position at work, I'm refocused on the blessings and that has made quite a difference in my outlook.
First, I have focused on the centuries old saying of St. Benedict: ora et labora. Translated, this means prayer and work. I pray more at work these days and no, I don't always pray Lord get me through another day. I must admit, I do sometimes. But now my prayer is thanksgiving for full employment, for coworkers and even clients. Secondly, my new position has given me the opportunity to get to know and work closely with a wonderful team of people; people I would never had an opportunity to know so well. I have learned to admire and respect different leadership styles and communication techniques. And, because the team is so much fun, I realized one day I was laughing at work more often.
I mentioned meetings. Yesterday I, along with a couple of hundred of my new best friends, attended a leadership conference where we heard from the founder and CEO of my company. What struck me most was the guy was down to earth and spoke "our" language. He seemed to know what our top frustration points were and admitted it. And then, near the end of the day, he spoke eloquently and passionately about his family. Then he did what we are all called to do as people of faith; he emptied himself for a moment and let us see his humble side. He related a story of his young daughter who intrepted his action at home one day as heartbreaking. She drew her dad a little picture. One side of the page said good daddy. The other side said bad daddy. On the good side, there were check boxes from top to bottom ending with the box titled best daddy. The other side had check boxes ending with a box titled worst daddy. On this side, she drew a broken heart. Oh, by the way, she had checked one box on the broken-hearted side.
A seemingly insignificant moment in his life was a heart breaker for his precious little girl.
His story allowed all of us to watch a very successful CEO teach us what really matters: things like faith, family and friends.
Yes, blessings come from those every day events, the unexpected events, the seemingly mundane struggles of every day life.
I pray tonight for all the grace and peace that God sends my way to face every day with courage. I need to learn to worry less about what I do not know and reach out for help from those who can help me; and return the favor when the shoe is on the other foot. And my prayer is to cherish every day as a gift. God knows hearts and intentions. Yes, He knows that I want to spend more time at Mass, in church. But He also asks me to bring Him with me wherever I go; to work, meeting clients, doing tasks that I never had to do before.
So God has shown me in recent weeks and days that those things we think are struggles are indeed blessings. So tommorrow I will get up, remember Ora et Labora and ask God as David did in the 90th Psalm: prosper the work of our hands!
St. Joseph the worker, pray for us.
I also struggled with balance. Under normal circumstances they tell us that newly ordained Deacons must be aware of this. For so many rapid changes at work in just the first few months after ordination, I really got out of whack. After almost 5 months in my new position at work, I'm refocused on the blessings and that has made quite a difference in my outlook.
First, I have focused on the centuries old saying of St. Benedict: ora et labora. Translated, this means prayer and work. I pray more at work these days and no, I don't always pray Lord get me through another day. I must admit, I do sometimes. But now my prayer is thanksgiving for full employment, for coworkers and even clients. Secondly, my new position has given me the opportunity to get to know and work closely with a wonderful team of people; people I would never had an opportunity to know so well. I have learned to admire and respect different leadership styles and communication techniques. And, because the team is so much fun, I realized one day I was laughing at work more often.
I mentioned meetings. Yesterday I, along with a couple of hundred of my new best friends, attended a leadership conference where we heard from the founder and CEO of my company. What struck me most was the guy was down to earth and spoke "our" language. He seemed to know what our top frustration points were and admitted it. And then, near the end of the day, he spoke eloquently and passionately about his family. Then he did what we are all called to do as people of faith; he emptied himself for a moment and let us see his humble side. He related a story of his young daughter who intrepted his action at home one day as heartbreaking. She drew her dad a little picture. One side of the page said good daddy. The other side said bad daddy. On the good side, there were check boxes from top to bottom ending with the box titled best daddy. The other side had check boxes ending with a box titled worst daddy. On this side, she drew a broken heart. Oh, by the way, she had checked one box on the broken-hearted side.
A seemingly insignificant moment in his life was a heart breaker for his precious little girl.
His story allowed all of us to watch a very successful CEO teach us what really matters: things like faith, family and friends.
Yes, blessings come from those every day events, the unexpected events, the seemingly mundane struggles of every day life.
I pray tonight for all the grace and peace that God sends my way to face every day with courage. I need to learn to worry less about what I do not know and reach out for help from those who can help me; and return the favor when the shoe is on the other foot. And my prayer is to cherish every day as a gift. God knows hearts and intentions. Yes, He knows that I want to spend more time at Mass, in church. But He also asks me to bring Him with me wherever I go; to work, meeting clients, doing tasks that I never had to do before.
So God has shown me in recent weeks and days that those things we think are struggles are indeed blessings. So tommorrow I will get up, remember Ora et Labora and ask God as David did in the 90th Psalm: prosper the work of our hands!
St. Joseph the worker, pray for us.
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