Recently an Australian Deacon wrote an article called Deacons and the Servant Myth. His article has been all over the blogosphere, facebook, etc. His premise is basically that the concept that the distinctive character of the Deacon of service, charity and social justice is a myth. While he never discounts these aspects of diakonia, he seems to be implying that there is more to the restored diaconate as a permanent rank among the hierarchy. He states over and over the obvious; yes, Deacons proclaim the Gospel, assist with liturgical functions, baptize, witness marriages and can conduct funerals. His point basically is that Deacons do many things and we should not over emphasize service.
Before I opine I will concede that the esteemed Deacon is well intentioned, highly educated and probably a faith filled servant. And I am not prepared, in this essay, to debate from documents. Here are my basic issues with the article. First, again we focus on activities. Deacons are not about just doing; they are the icon of Christ the servant. By nature of thier ordination, the Deacon represents service sacramentalized. He is the tangible witness of a servant in the domestic church, the home, and in the workplace and the community.
The fact that the Deacon assists in liturgical functions and proclaims the Gospel is not different from being an ordained minister for service. It's all the same. And the Deacon proclaims the Gospel everyday, even when not at Mass. It is proclamation by example.
One of the arguments in the article is how the service and charity thing does not touch the Transitional Deacon in the same manner as the Permanent Deacon. Ordained a Deacon, a man is a Deacon. What we can say about this is simply the Transitional Deacon is under the guidance of their formation directors and seminary leaders and it is most clearly defined that they will spend 6 months or 1 year preparing for the Priesthood. This is not the case for the Permanent Deacon. It should never be implied or believed that once a Permanent Deacon becomes widowed he should ask to be a Priest. While this might be possible, it should not be assumed. I realize that I was specifically called by the Holy Spirit to the church's ministry of service sacramentalized. I do not have a call to the Priesthood.
We often hear the arguments about the Priest shortage and Deacons filling roles decades ago handled by Priests. I contend that any shortage of Priests has nothing to do with the Diaconate if the Church is sincere in preserving the three tiered hierarchy of episcopacy, presbyters, diaconate.
I continue to be inspired by the awesome example of charity, service and social justice demonstrated everyday by Permanent Deacons. If you want to find the Catholic Church at the homeless shelter tonight, or in the prisons and juvenile detention centers, in hospitals just to listen and pray with families, preparing to go to the nursing home in the morning, working with drug addicts, visiting with patients and families in hospice, visiting with far from home seamen in far from home ports, visiting with a young couple preparing for marriage or a married couple grappling with staying together, feeding the hungry at the food bank, minsitering to the lonely and depressed, follow the Permanent Deacon throughout the week. Most will not see these things but will see the Permanent Deacon at Mass. Yes, we proclaim the Gospel and assist at liturgy and preside at certain sacraments, because we are where the Church needs to be; needs to go.
Just one Deacon's opinion; everything about this ministry, be it word, sacrament or charity is about being the icon of Christ the servant and service sacramentalized. That's why it is never about what we do; but who we are!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sabat Mater Dolorosa
>>>A beautiful devotion to reflect with as we celebrate Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows:
At the cross her station keeping,
Mary stood in sorrow weeping
When her Son was crucified.
While she waited in her anguish,
Seeing Christ in torment languish,
Bitter sorrow pierced her heart.
With what pain and desolation,
With what noble resignation,
Mary watched her dying Son.
Ever-patient in her yearning
Though her tear-filled eyes were burning,
Mary gazed upon her Son.
Who, that sorrow contemplating,
On that passion meditating,
Would not share the Virgin's grief?
Christ she saw, for our salvation,
Scourged with cruel acclamation,
Bruised and beaten by the rod.
Christ she saw with life-blood failing,
All her anguish unavailing,
Saw him breathe his very last.
Mary, fount of love's devotion,
Let me share with true emotion
All the sorrow you endured.
Virgin, ever interceding,
Hear me in my fervent pleading:
Fire me with your love of Christ.
Mother, may this prayer be granted:
That Christ's love may be implanted
In the depths of my poor soul.
At the cross, your sorrow sharing,
All your grief and torment bearing,
Let me stand and mourn with you.
Fairest maid of all creation,
Queen of hope and consolation,
Let me feel your grief sublime.
Virgin, in your love befriend me,
At the Judgment Day defend me.
Help me by your constant prayer.
Savior, when my life shall leave me,
Through your mother's prayers
receive me
With the fruits of victory.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Let me, to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of your dying Son divine.
Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In His very Blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awe-full judgment day.
Savior, when my life shall leave me,
Through your mother's prayers
receive me
With the fruits of victory.
While my body here decays
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen Alleluia.
At the cross her station keeping,
Mary stood in sorrow weeping
When her Son was crucified.
While she waited in her anguish,
Seeing Christ in torment languish,
Bitter sorrow pierced her heart.
With what pain and desolation,
With what noble resignation,
Mary watched her dying Son.
Ever-patient in her yearning
Though her tear-filled eyes were burning,
Mary gazed upon her Son.
Who, that sorrow contemplating,
On that passion meditating,
Would not share the Virgin's grief?
Christ she saw, for our salvation,
Scourged with cruel acclamation,
Bruised and beaten by the rod.
Christ she saw with life-blood failing,
All her anguish unavailing,
Saw him breathe his very last.
Mary, fount of love's devotion,
Let me share with true emotion
All the sorrow you endured.
Virgin, ever interceding,
Hear me in my fervent pleading:
Fire me with your love of Christ.
Mother, may this prayer be granted:
That Christ's love may be implanted
In the depths of my poor soul.
At the cross, your sorrow sharing,
All your grief and torment bearing,
Let me stand and mourn with you.
Fairest maid of all creation,
Queen of hope and consolation,
Let me feel your grief sublime.
Virgin, in your love befriend me,
At the Judgment Day defend me.
Help me by your constant prayer.
Savior, when my life shall leave me,
Through your mother's prayers
receive me
With the fruits of victory.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Let me, to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of your dying Son divine.
Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In His very Blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awe-full judgment day.
Savior, when my life shall leave me,
Through your mother's prayers
receive me
With the fruits of victory.
While my body here decays
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen Alleluia.
Mary; Our Lady of Sorrows
>>>The memorial is tomorrow September 15th.
Great day to pray the Rosary of the 7 Sorrows!
A day after celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we celebrate today the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the little “Our Lady of Sorrows.”
The image of the Mater Dolorosa is a prominent figure in our churches especially during Holy Week processions. She is depicted as a sorrowful mother dressed in black. Her heart is seen pierced with a lance. It is an artistic representation of the prophecy of Simeon: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (cf. Luke 2:34)
The church instituted this feast to give the faithful an opportune moment to meditation on the role that Mary played in our salvation. She, who accompanied Jesus faithfully throughout his life and ministry, also shares in the glory of eternal life. Likewise, today, we ask for her intercession so that we may follow her example in following Christ her Son.
She is the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. She followed Jesus all the way to the foot of the cross. In joyful moments as well as in moments of sadness and defeat, Mary stood by her Son. Traditionally, we reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
These are events in the life of Mary which “pierced her heart,” to experiencing suffering because of the sufferings her Jesus had to endure.
The seven Sorrows of Mary are: The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus (Gospel of Luke 2:34); the Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family (Gospel of Matthew 2:13); the Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:43); the Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26); the Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross (Gospel of John 19:25); the Descent from the Cross, where Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms (Matthew 27:57); and the Burial of Jesus (John 19:40).
May we, like Mary, be a faithful disciple of Jesus and follow Him in times of great difficulty and persecution as well in times of joy and gladness. Discipleship is not an easy task but it is not impossible to stay with Jesus. Mary has shown us how to persevere. May we also persevere in our faith and follow Jesus wholeheartedly
Great day to pray the Rosary of the 7 Sorrows!
A day after celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we celebrate today the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the little “Our Lady of Sorrows.”
The image of the Mater Dolorosa is a prominent figure in our churches especially during Holy Week processions. She is depicted as a sorrowful mother dressed in black. Her heart is seen pierced with a lance. It is an artistic representation of the prophecy of Simeon: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (cf. Luke 2:34)
The church instituted this feast to give the faithful an opportune moment to meditation on the role that Mary played in our salvation. She, who accompanied Jesus faithfully throughout his life and ministry, also shares in the glory of eternal life. Likewise, today, we ask for her intercession so that we may follow her example in following Christ her Son.
She is the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. She followed Jesus all the way to the foot of the cross. In joyful moments as well as in moments of sadness and defeat, Mary stood by her Son. Traditionally, we reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
These are events in the life of Mary which “pierced her heart,” to experiencing suffering because of the sufferings her Jesus had to endure.
The seven Sorrows of Mary are: The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus (Gospel of Luke 2:34); the Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family (Gospel of Matthew 2:13); the Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:43); the Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26); the Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross (Gospel of John 19:25); the Descent from the Cross, where Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms (Matthew 27:57); and the Burial of Jesus (John 19:40).
May we, like Mary, be a faithful disciple of Jesus and follow Him in times of great difficulty and persecution as well in times of joy and gladness. Discipleship is not an easy task but it is not impossible to stay with Jesus. Mary has shown us how to persevere. May we also persevere in our faith and follow Jesus wholeheartedly
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Triumph and Exaltation of the Holy Cross
>>>Celebrating a great feast tomorrow of the Holy Cross. And wishing the students and faculty of Holy Cross High School in New Orleans a glorious day!
Triumph and Exaltation of the Holy Cross--Andrew of Crete The Triumph and
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
St. Andrew of Crete shows that the feast of the victory and exaltation of the holy cross or our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was celebrated even in the era of the Early Church Fathers. This excerpt from one of St. Andrew's discourses (Oratio 10 in Exaltatione sanctae crucis: PG 97, 1018-1019, 1022-23) is used in the Roman Catholic Office of Readings on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The corresponding biblical reading is taken from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians (Gal 2:19-3:7-14 and 6:14-16).
We are celebrating the feast of the cross which drove away darkness and brought in the light. As we keep this feast, we are lifted up with the crucified Christ, leaving behind us earth and sin so that we may gain the things above. So great and outstanding a possession is the cross that he who wins it has won a treasure. Rightly could I call this treasure the fairest of all fair things and the costliest, in fact as well as in name, for on it and through it and for its sake the riches of salvation that had been lost were restored to us.
Had there been no cross, Christ could not have been crucified. Had there been no cross,life itself could not have been nailed to the tree. And if life had not been nailed to it, There would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. The legal bond of our sin would not be cancelled, we should not have attained our freedom, we should not have enjoyed the fruit of the tree of life and the gates of paradise would not stand open. Had there been no cross, death would not have been trodden underfoot, nor hell despoiled.
Therefore, the cross is something wonderfully great and honorable. It is great because through the cross the many noble acts of Christ found their consummation - very many indeed, for both his miracles and his sufferings were fully rewarded with victory. The cross is honourable because it is both the sign of God’s suffering and the trophy of his victory. It stands for his suffering because on it he freely suffered unto death. But it is also his trophy because it was the means by which the devil was wounded and death conquered; the barred gates of hell were smashed, and the cross became the one common salvation of the whole world.
The cross is called Christ’s glory; it is saluted as his his triumph. We recognize it as the cup he longed to drink and the climax of the sufferings he endured for our sake. As to the cross being Christ’s glory, listen to his words: Now is the Son of Man glorified, and in him God is glorified, and God will glorify him at once. And again: Father, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world came to be. And once more: “Father, glorify your name”. Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it and will glorify it again”. Here he speaks of the glory that would accrue to him through the cross. And if you would understand that the cross is Christ’s triumph, hear what he himself also said: When I am lifted up, then I will draw all men to myself. Now you can see that the cross is Christ’s glory and triumph.
Triumph and Exaltation of the Holy Cross--Andrew of Crete The Triumph and
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
St. Andrew of Crete shows that the feast of the victory and exaltation of the holy cross or our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was celebrated even in the era of the Early Church Fathers. This excerpt from one of St. Andrew's discourses (Oratio 10 in Exaltatione sanctae crucis: PG 97, 1018-1019, 1022-23) is used in the Roman Catholic Office of Readings on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The corresponding biblical reading is taken from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians (Gal 2:19-3:7-14 and 6:14-16).
We are celebrating the feast of the cross which drove away darkness and brought in the light. As we keep this feast, we are lifted up with the crucified Christ, leaving behind us earth and sin so that we may gain the things above. So great and outstanding a possession is the cross that he who wins it has won a treasure. Rightly could I call this treasure the fairest of all fair things and the costliest, in fact as well as in name, for on it and through it and for its sake the riches of salvation that had been lost were restored to us.
Had there been no cross, Christ could not have been crucified. Had there been no cross,life itself could not have been nailed to the tree. And if life had not been nailed to it, There would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. The legal bond of our sin would not be cancelled, we should not have attained our freedom, we should not have enjoyed the fruit of the tree of life and the gates of paradise would not stand open. Had there been no cross, death would not have been trodden underfoot, nor hell despoiled.
Therefore, the cross is something wonderfully great and honorable. It is great because through the cross the many noble acts of Christ found their consummation - very many indeed, for both his miracles and his sufferings were fully rewarded with victory. The cross is honourable because it is both the sign of God’s suffering and the trophy of his victory. It stands for his suffering because on it he freely suffered unto death. But it is also his trophy because it was the means by which the devil was wounded and death conquered; the barred gates of hell were smashed, and the cross became the one common salvation of the whole world.
The cross is called Christ’s glory; it is saluted as his his triumph. We recognize it as the cup he longed to drink and the climax of the sufferings he endured for our sake. As to the cross being Christ’s glory, listen to his words: Now is the Son of Man glorified, and in him God is glorified, and God will glorify him at once. And again: Father, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world came to be. And once more: “Father, glorify your name”. Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it and will glorify it again”. Here he speaks of the glory that would accrue to him through the cross. And if you would understand that the cross is Christ’s triumph, hear what he himself also said: When I am lifted up, then I will draw all men to myself. Now you can see that the cross is Christ’s glory and triumph.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Celebrating another great Saint
Tomorrow is the feast day of St. John Chrysostom from the 4-5th century. He was born in Antioch around 349. He studied extensively and embraced a life of asceticism. He was ordained a priest and was a distinguished preacher achieving great spiritual results among those who heard him preach. He was elected bisop of Constantinople in 397 and was a capable pastor, committed to reforming the life of the clergy and the faithful.
He faced many challenges and twice was forced into exile by the imperial court and had many enemies becuase of his effectiveness as a bishop. He died in 407.
His preaching and writing explained Catholic doctrine and presented the ideal Christian life. For this reason he is called Chrysostom, or Golden Mouth.
In the official prayer for his feast day we pray that we may learn from his teaching and gain courage from his patient endurance!
St. John Chrysostom, pray for us!
He faced many challenges and twice was forced into exile by the imperial court and had many enemies becuase of his effectiveness as a bishop. He died in 407.
His preaching and writing explained Catholic doctrine and presented the ideal Christian life. For this reason he is called Chrysostom, or Golden Mouth.
In the official prayer for his feast day we pray that we may learn from his teaching and gain courage from his patient endurance!
St. John Chrysostom, pray for us!
The ongoing process of forming Deacons
This is one of those weekends where as a Deacon I rejoice in playing a small role in the formation of future Deacons. In our Archdiocese the Permanent Diaconate has 30 men currently in formation; 10 who will be ordained in December and 20 who are still 2+ years away. Additionally we have about 50 men attending inquiry sessions which may lead to many of them making application to the diaconate.
Ultimately the event of being ordained is God's will and we rely on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. But it is the responsibility of the diaconate community, under the leadership of our Archbishop, to develop a program that selects candidates and then provides a program of four years of instruction, practicums and spirituality leading to the possibility of ordination.
Yesterday was another important day for our 2010 class. In addition to the instructions of the day the class of 10 is busy coordinating and planning activities for the ordination now just 90 days away. They are very busy finalzing their homiletics classes and other formation activities before the final events leading to ordination. Our 2012 class continues to progress in their studies and readings as they approach the halfway point of their formation process.
Today we gather again in community in further support of those men and their wives who are inquiring about the possibility of a vocation to the permanent diaconate. Soon these men will prayerfully consider whether to make application and begin the careful screening process that eventually forms a class.
I know that for me personally, I want to be present for these men and their wives, to be available and that their own discernment process is a source of great joy and hope.
Ultimately, all formation is self-formation. There are so many things happening in the minds and hearts and souls of all these men; whether ordination is 3 months off, or still deciding to apply. I pray for all of them and encourage others to do so as well. And always pray for the vocation of the permanent deacon. Most commonly married, with children and grandchildren, business owners, employees or retired, homeowners, community leaders, etc, they devote their lives to the ministry of charity (service) and the many demands of parish ministry. And most do so with no financial compensation or even reimbursement of any expenses. They are fortified by their own gifts and charisms while being aware of their limitations. Further strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of Holy Orders and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they bring Christ to the many corners of the community where most refuse to go.
So this Sunday I look forward with great joy to those events that continue to promote the formation of more servants in God's church.
Ultimately the event of being ordained is God's will and we rely on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. But it is the responsibility of the diaconate community, under the leadership of our Archbishop, to develop a program that selects candidates and then provides a program of four years of instruction, practicums and spirituality leading to the possibility of ordination.
Yesterday was another important day for our 2010 class. In addition to the instructions of the day the class of 10 is busy coordinating and planning activities for the ordination now just 90 days away. They are very busy finalzing their homiletics classes and other formation activities before the final events leading to ordination. Our 2012 class continues to progress in their studies and readings as they approach the halfway point of their formation process.
Today we gather again in community in further support of those men and their wives who are inquiring about the possibility of a vocation to the permanent diaconate. Soon these men will prayerfully consider whether to make application and begin the careful screening process that eventually forms a class.
I know that for me personally, I want to be present for these men and their wives, to be available and that their own discernment process is a source of great joy and hope.
Ultimately, all formation is self-formation. There are so many things happening in the minds and hearts and souls of all these men; whether ordination is 3 months off, or still deciding to apply. I pray for all of them and encourage others to do so as well. And always pray for the vocation of the permanent deacon. Most commonly married, with children and grandchildren, business owners, employees or retired, homeowners, community leaders, etc, they devote their lives to the ministry of charity (service) and the many demands of parish ministry. And most do so with no financial compensation or even reimbursement of any expenses. They are fortified by their own gifts and charisms while being aware of their limitations. Further strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of Holy Orders and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they bring Christ to the many corners of the community where most refuse to go.
So this Sunday I look forward with great joy to those events that continue to promote the formation of more servants in God's church.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
An amazing angelic voice
This is the most amazing video and singing such an awesome song. Check this out at the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnSEdl5GPG4.
The song is Pie Jesu; a classic by Andrew Lloyd Weber and a favorite hymn for Catholics as the translation is Pious Jesus or O Sweet Jesus.
The Agnus Dei is the Latin refrain Lamb of God and continues you who take away the sins of the world.
Beyond amazing; truly inspirational!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnSEdl5GPG4.
The song is Pie Jesu; a classic by Andrew Lloyd Weber and a favorite hymn for Catholics as the translation is Pious Jesus or O Sweet Jesus.
The Agnus Dei is the Latin refrain Lamb of God and continues you who take away the sins of the world.
Beyond amazing; truly inspirational!
Homily for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Just sit right back
And you'll hear a tale
A tale of a fateful trip,
That started from this tropic port,
Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailin' man,
The Skipper brave and sure,
Five passengers set sail that day,
For a three hour tour,
A three hour tour.
The weather started getting rough,
The tiny ship was tossed.
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The Minnow would be lost.
The Minnow would be lost.
Ah Gilligans Island; that great TV classic from the sixties about 7 people lost on a deserted island.
And then about a dozen years ago there was a movie starring Tom Hanks about being lost on another deserted island. The movie was Castaway and all I really remember was his companion Wilson; a regulation soccer ball.
And then we have that epic show Lost which just celebrated its' series finale. I must admit I never really watched Lost. I did tune in for the big finale but quite frankly I was lost.
We all know something about being lost. Maybe we have lost our way on a trip. Or perhaps we feel lost when we take a new class in school or tackle a difficult project at work. Sometimes we feel lost in our family relationships or friendships or we may lose our way in our faith life.
As a people of faith do we realize that even we feel lost in our walk with God; he is always seeking us; he wants us to seek Him and that He rejoices with immense joy when we are found.
Today we have an entire chapter of Luke's Gospel to ponder. This 15th chapter finds Jesus sharing three parables; all about something or someone lost. We have the one lost sheep, the widows lost coin and the lost son; known universally as the Prodigal Son. Despite the theme of being lost and the beautiful stories of joyfully finding that which was lost, these are lessons of the love and mercy of the Father.
For our part, we are that lost sheep, or the missing coin or the son who losses his way. But like the shepherd and the widow and the prodigal son we too must acknowledge that we are lost, that we want to repent and return to a condition of being found and return to the Father where He and all of Heaven rejoice!
Jesus reminds us that like the lost sheep we are helpless and vulnerable without God; like the lost coin we have no value without God and like the prodigal son we have no hope and no joy without God.
And Jesus reminds us that God the Father cares and never rests as long as one sheep is lost, one coin remains lost and one prodigal son is still far off. Jesus is saying surrender completely, trust in the Father and learn the power of His mercy and love.
I'm reminded of these parables every week when I visit the men who belong to our Catholic community at Rayburn State Prison or our friends in the Kairos ministry who meet in the room next to ours. Many of these men have truly come full circle; from lost to found. And no; not just because they are in jail. Our ministry and that of the Kairos team truly helps these men become the sheep now found; the coin recovered and the prodigal back home.
And this weekend I'm in prayerful rememberance of September 11, 2001. On that day we lost many due to that awful attack. But trusting in God's mercy we pray that none were truly lost that day; that on that fateful day they found their way home to the Father. And while on the subject; be in prayerful solidarity today with our troops; praying for their safety and their return home to all who miss and love them.
One call to action: tonight we prayed the 51st Psalm for our responsorial. Can we pray that beautiful psalm this week. Reflect on the words; their meaning and pray that God will blot out our offense!
Gilligan and his crew one day were found; the castaway was found too. The crew from Lost; well I'm not sure. But this I am sure of: totally depending on our Father and following the teachings of Jesus; all of us; even once lost can now be found!
And you'll hear a tale
A tale of a fateful trip,
That started from this tropic port,
Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailin' man,
The Skipper brave and sure,
Five passengers set sail that day,
For a three hour tour,
A three hour tour.
The weather started getting rough,
The tiny ship was tossed.
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The Minnow would be lost.
The Minnow would be lost.
Ah Gilligans Island; that great TV classic from the sixties about 7 people lost on a deserted island.
And then about a dozen years ago there was a movie starring Tom Hanks about being lost on another deserted island. The movie was Castaway and all I really remember was his companion Wilson; a regulation soccer ball.
And then we have that epic show Lost which just celebrated its' series finale. I must admit I never really watched Lost. I did tune in for the big finale but quite frankly I was lost.
We all know something about being lost. Maybe we have lost our way on a trip. Or perhaps we feel lost when we take a new class in school or tackle a difficult project at work. Sometimes we feel lost in our family relationships or friendships or we may lose our way in our faith life.
As a people of faith do we realize that even we feel lost in our walk with God; he is always seeking us; he wants us to seek Him and that He rejoices with immense joy when we are found.
Today we have an entire chapter of Luke's Gospel to ponder. This 15th chapter finds Jesus sharing three parables; all about something or someone lost. We have the one lost sheep, the widows lost coin and the lost son; known universally as the Prodigal Son. Despite the theme of being lost and the beautiful stories of joyfully finding that which was lost, these are lessons of the love and mercy of the Father.
For our part, we are that lost sheep, or the missing coin or the son who losses his way. But like the shepherd and the widow and the prodigal son we too must acknowledge that we are lost, that we want to repent and return to a condition of being found and return to the Father where He and all of Heaven rejoice!
Jesus reminds us that like the lost sheep we are helpless and vulnerable without God; like the lost coin we have no value without God and like the prodigal son we have no hope and no joy without God.
And Jesus reminds us that God the Father cares and never rests as long as one sheep is lost, one coin remains lost and one prodigal son is still far off. Jesus is saying surrender completely, trust in the Father and learn the power of His mercy and love.
I'm reminded of these parables every week when I visit the men who belong to our Catholic community at Rayburn State Prison or our friends in the Kairos ministry who meet in the room next to ours. Many of these men have truly come full circle; from lost to found. And no; not just because they are in jail. Our ministry and that of the Kairos team truly helps these men become the sheep now found; the coin recovered and the prodigal back home.
And this weekend I'm in prayerful rememberance of September 11, 2001. On that day we lost many due to that awful attack. But trusting in God's mercy we pray that none were truly lost that day; that on that fateful day they found their way home to the Father. And while on the subject; be in prayerful solidarity today with our troops; praying for their safety and their return home to all who miss and love them.
One call to action: tonight we prayed the 51st Psalm for our responsorial. Can we pray that beautiful psalm this week. Reflect on the words; their meaning and pray that God will blot out our offense!
Gilligan and his crew one day were found; the castaway was found too. The crew from Lost; well I'm not sure. But this I am sure of: totally depending on our Father and following the teachings of Jesus; all of us; even once lost can now be found!
Remembering 9/11
It's been 9 years; my how the years have flown by. We all remember first hearing about the events as we went about our work day and school day. Some of us may have been glued to the TV as the second plane hit the other tower. It was and remains a very dark day in American history.
On an anniversary it is wholly appropriate to mourn the dead, to praise the heroes and to take stock as a people and a nation. Ongoing distractions like burning the Koran, or is Obama a Muslim or not do little to help us move forward.
Today is a great day to remember that we should pray God Bless America and equally important we as a people and a nation should bless God. We must continue to pray that God will always make a great nation of us and forgive us our many collective sins.
We continue to remember and move on. Hopefully we will never forget. And we must continue to thank those brave men and women who have courageously waged the war on terror. No matter what we think of the political decisions surrounding the war in both Irag and Afganistan, always honor the service of those who dutifully follow their commitment to protect America.
And yes, we should pray for those who hate us. This does not imply unwise pacifism. By Jesus' own command we should bless and not persecute them.
Tonight say a prayer for America and for those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who mourn their loss. And pray for peace and understanding that is rooted in the love of God who is Love!
On an anniversary it is wholly appropriate to mourn the dead, to praise the heroes and to take stock as a people and a nation. Ongoing distractions like burning the Koran, or is Obama a Muslim or not do little to help us move forward.
Today is a great day to remember that we should pray God Bless America and equally important we as a people and a nation should bless God. We must continue to pray that God will always make a great nation of us and forgive us our many collective sins.
We continue to remember and move on. Hopefully we will never forget. And we must continue to thank those brave men and women who have courageously waged the war on terror. No matter what we think of the political decisions surrounding the war in both Irag and Afganistan, always honor the service of those who dutifully follow their commitment to protect America.
And yes, we should pray for those who hate us. This does not imply unwise pacifism. By Jesus' own command we should bless and not persecute them.
Tonight say a prayer for America and for those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who mourn their loss. And pray for peace and understanding that is rooted in the love of God who is Love!
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