Happy New Year!

“All the mistakes I ever made were when I wanted to say ‘no’ and but said ‘yes.’”

- Moss Hart (1904-1961)

Happy New Year ... tabula rasa — a clean slate! May the marking of a new year bring new beginnings in your faith journey. I recall at my first parish assignment there was on the mirror in the bathroom the following prayer:

Oh Jesus, in union with Your most Precious Blood poured out on the Cross and offered at every Mass, I offer You today my prayers, works, joys, sorrows and sufferings for the praise of Your Holy Name and for all the desires of Your Sacred Heart, in reparation for sin, for the conversion of sinners, the union of all Christians, and our final union with You in heaven.

It always seemed the perfect way to start each day by looking in the mirror and offering that prayer. Through the years I have memorized it and made it my own. I recently received in an email some advice for the new year that I thought I’d share with you:

1. Pray.

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say no to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental heath.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more.

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget. Don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups: an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the kid in you everyday.

16. Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape/CD while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Everyday, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite Scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “thank you, God!”

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude, “Most people are doing the best they can.”

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36. Every night before you go to bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. God has a way of turning things around for you. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

I am sure all of us have thought about some resolutions or changes in our lives that we wish to make. But as the familiar saying goes, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” If we form good habits we make a good character. Matthew Kelly, in his book, Rediscovering Catholicism, expresses that self-knowledge is the key to finding your place in God’s plan and being yourself and perfectly yourself. In a Christmas card that was given by the Christian Mothers of our parish of St. Joseph, they said, “Dear Father, Thanks for being who you are.” Matthew Kelly writes, “The best thing you can do for yourself is become the best version of yourself. The best thing you can do for your spouse is become the best version of yourself. The best thing your can do for your children is become the best version of yourself. The best thing you can do for your friends is become the best version of yourself. The best thing you can do for your church is become the best version of yourself. The best thing you can do for your nation is become the best version of yourself. The best thing you can do for God is become the best version of yourself.”

May Mary continue to guide us on our pilgrimage of faith as we seek to do God’s will in serving others in the new year. Wishing you a holy, healthy and happy new year in 2012!

For God, every day is New Year’s.

Every day the sun rises is His act of confidence

that Creation continues.

Every baby born is an act of hope that humanity goes on.

Every marriage is His trust that love is stronger than hate.

Every morning brings a new chance.

Every prayer, a new hope.

Every blocked path, a new route.

Every sin repented, a fresh burst of grace.

Every mistake, a lesson learned.

Every death, a new life.

We have a God who relishes in fresh starts,

new dreams, trying again, resolutions made.

He is the Lord of second chances.

He never tires of giving us another opportunity.

— Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan

P.S.  I would like to thank all parishioners who sent notes, cards, baked goods, baskets, gift cards and gifts to me this Christmas season. I am humbled by your generosity and blessed by your love. I pray the Child Jesus bless you and your families with grace, peace and every good thing from above this new year. 

Christmas Message 2011

“From home to home, heart to heart, one place to another, the warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to one another.”

- Emily Matthews

One of the greatest blessings of life is to share love with others, especially at Christmas. Love is a gift that brings life to both giver and receiver. As I share this message with you, let us remember that it is not the "excesses" that makes Christmas but the "essentials" — presence, spirit and love! Atop my desk is a reflection that I wrote in loving memory of a dear friend Fr. Nick Pesanka, whom God called home on January 21, 2011. Near the reflection is a candle that burns in his memory and a plaque that reads, “Faith.”

I’ve served St. Joseph Parish for the past three and a half years. It is a self-contained community, where one can easily walk to a bank, a pharmacy, a restaurant or a grocery store. The parish is just nine miles away from my mom who resides at the Little Sisters of the Poor. Thankfully, my 2006 blue Subaru Outback Sedan helps to get me up and down Pittsburgh’s hills of snow and ice!

There are 1,550 families that belong to Saint Joseph Parish. This year our parish family celebrated its 120th anniversary. I am grateful to have been just a small part of its history. I love visiting the sick, homebound and hospitalized. We host Pre-Cana Instructions three times a year with couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. It is a joy to have our couples’ witness and wisdom-road maps to help new generations.

Fr. Gerry Rogala, a retired priest friend from Chicago, came to visit April 18-25. He assisted during Holy Week and the Triduum. On Easter Monday, April 25, the Diocese was blessed with the installation of the new Auxiliary Bishop, William John Waltersheid, who came to us from the Diocese of Harrisburg. He serves as Vicar for Clergy.

A great part of our parish family was lost in the closing of our school in June. We are grateful for the 58 years that this institution shaped the minds, hearts and the lives of tomorrow’s Catholic leaders. On June 16, there was a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Fr. Harry R. Bielewicz, alumnus from the class of 1974, along with Region III Vicar, Fr. Samuel Esposito. Past principals, teachers, Felician Sisters and other alumni were in attendance.

I continue to strive to be a "life-long learner." I attended two weeks of continuing education through Seton Hall University’s International Institute for Clergy Formation: one held in Lutz, Florida from January 9-14, the other in Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, MD, from June 26-July 1.

On September 9, I took a group to see Joel Osteen (TV Evangelist from Lakewood Church in Houston, TX) speak at the Consol Energy Center for a "Night of Hope." That weekend was the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 which made it ever more important to be engaged in prayer. I was also glad that Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo came to speak November 19 in Pittsburgh on the gift of priesthood, “Consecrated and Sent.”

From October 16-20 I made a retreat to the Villa Maria Spirituality and Education Center which was given by Fr. James P. McCloskey, C.S.Sp. His theme was love and was based on 1 Corinthians 13. He spoke of eight various facets of love: 1) love sees, 2) love hangs in there, 3) love puts all its eggs in one basket, holds nothing back, 4) love lets go, 5) love tells it like it is, 6) love worries and it doesn’t worry, 7) love says, “Thanks” and 8) love never fails. He filled us with a new passion for our vocation, ministry and life itself! Breathing love into a soul brings us back to life! “Just as you were more determined to turn away from God, now turn back and serve Him with 10 times more determination” (Baruch 5: 28).

On October 21, I flew to Hilton Head, SC to marry Evona Marie Huminski and Justin Vance at Holy Family Catholic Church. There was a reception on the sand dunes and instead of the traditional unity candle, there was a sand-pouring ceremony. I baptized Evona at my first parish assignment of Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Township.

On March 11, 2012, I will reach the milestone of my 50th birthday. Wow, it’s hard to imagine celebrating half a century of life with five decades "over the dam!" One certainly is made aware how precious and special it is to treasure each new day. Through life’s twists and turns, wears and tears, complexities and challenges, opportunities and losses, crosses and resurrections, the constancy of Christ’s presence as Emmanuel, “God with us,” remains steady. To find one’s "niche" in life is to find one’s significant place.

It is a great blessing to serve as pastor of St. Joseph Parish. It keeps me humble and regularly "on my knees." Making decisions, balancing budgets, collaborating with Pastoral Care members, consulting with advisory committees and listening to the pulse of the people, to serve them more joyfully, sacrificially and tirelessly is the challenge of such a vocation. It is humbling to have been called by God to faithfully proclaim the greatest message the world will ever hear, that Jesus Christ came to earth to bring hope to a lost and dying world. I remember my mother signing her cards, “P.S. Remember, you’re loved!”

I celebrate my 24th anniversary to the priesthood on May 21, 2012. I know far better now the price and cost of discipleship than on my ordination day. In the words of St. Catherine of Siena, “Be willing to do without material things rather than lose the spiritual, especially in the dear holy work that God has put into your hands.”

I still enjoy watching Pittsburgh’s sports teams. I’ve had some setbacks in my running on the Montour Trail, having suffered shin splints and plantar fasciitis. But I love being 1/2 mile from the trail and enjoy riding my bike on it. I think Fr. Nick must have had a hand in my getting a key from the owners of the gym so that I can workout any time! Striving for balance and perspective in life is critical at any age. Log on to our web site to enter our St. Joseph Parish world. There you will find video homilies, reflections and our parish activities:

My Christmas prayer is that you continue to follow the Lord with a clear mind, an unburdened heart and a joyful spirit. May we get to know Him better every day, and perhaps without even realizing it, our life in the world will come to be a reflection of His.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all!

A Time for Celebration, Salvation and Reconciliation

"A soul that has believed has conceived and both bears the Word of God and declares God’s works. Let the spirit of Mary be in each of you, so that it rejoices in God."

— St. Bede the Venerable

Last Christmas I received as a gift from a friend the book, The Purpose of Christmas, by Rick Warren. It took me eleven months to finally read this gift, but I’m glad I finally did. Christmas is the largest celebration around the world. And billions of people set aside normal routines to decorate homes, send out greeting cards, buy gifts, go to Christmas parties, attend church services, see Christmas pageants, sing Christmas songs, watch Christmas specials and travel long distances to be home with their families. The birth of the peasant-boy over 2000 years ago in the Middle East, has created such commotion that His birthday causes traffic jams today in places like New York City, Tokyo and Rio de Janiero.

God’s Christmas gift to us is matchless and priceless. He sent His Son Jesus to show us the way to love. What greater gift can we possibly receive than to share the greatest story of love that lasts forever. The gift of faith is extremely practical. We can use it everyday for the rest of our lives. Warren notes that the angels announce three purposes for the birth of Jesus that first holy silent Christmas night: 1) Christmas is a time for celebration, 2) Christmas is a time for salvation and 3) Christmas is a time for reconciliation.

A time for celebration — Birthdays are natural occasions of celebration. When we greet one another with saying, “Merry Christmas,” it reminds us of God’s wonderful news that causes us great merriment and rejoicing. It is a universal celebration for all people. Through the Incarnation, God became one of us and knows the human being story from the inside out — our hopes and dreams, our challenges and crosses and our joys and tears. God communicated best to us when He became one of us. God’s love for each of us is unconditional and God’s love is constant, steady and continuous throughout our lives. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with Us. And no matter what we face in life, it is comforting to know He is with us.

Jesus helps us to face the inevitable problems of life: cancer, death of a loved one, unemployment, addictions, marriage problems, family conflicts, financial difficulties, personal setbacks. Generations come and go but Jesus, His grace and His love remain.

A time for salvation — Jesus came to save us from sin, selfishness and death. It is natural and easy to be self-centered — however, it takes grace to be unselfish. Who can save us? Not the latest gadgets, flashier cars, buying bigger houses, acquiring academic acumen, getting plastic surgery, taking mind-altering drugs. It must start in our heart and only Christ can transform our hearts from within. Christ wants to free us from our sin, regrets, bitterness, expectations of others, addictive habits, fear of death, insecurity, powerlessness and meanness to others. Jesus has redeemed us from this slavery to sin and evil and through His amazing grace helps us to be His followers. Rick Warren notes, “The answer is not in a place, program or pill. The answer is a person. It’s Jesus.”

A time for reconciliation — Human beings aren’t very good at living in peace with one another. We are better at disagreeing, fighting, feuding and cheating. The purpose of Christmas is that the Prince of Peace would restore peace in order that we can be at peace with God, others and within our own hearts. What a powerful miracle the gift of peace is! Sometimes we live in a world in which aggression, belligerence and rudeness rule rather than unity, kindness and consideration. Our culture conditions us to be cynical, sarcastic, gossiping and even demonizing as conflict broods. We complain and we blame others for our unmet needs. There are many symptoms of this disturbed state of being: irritability, a quick temper, impatience, arrogance, boastfulness, holding grudges, the tyranny of the flesh... all barring us from peace. The good news of Christmas is that Jesus came to bring peace where there is brokenness, to restore relationships that are strained and to heal our hearts from self-destructiveness. “Jesus” means “God Saves!"

Warren concludes his book with a Christmas prayer:

Dear God,

Thank You for sending your Son, Jesus,

so I could get to know You.

Thank You for loving me.

Thank You for being with me all my life,

even when I didn't know it.

I realize I need a Savior to set me free

from sin, from myself,

and from all the habits, hurts and hang-ups

that mess up my life.

I ask You to forgive me for my sins.

I want to repent and live the way You created me to live.

Be the Lord of my life, and save me by Your grace.

Save me from my sins, and save me for Your purpose.

I want to learn to love You, trust You,

and become what You made me to be.

Thank You for creating me

and choosing me to be part of Your family.

Right now, by faith,

I accept the Christmas gift of Your Son.

Fill me with Your peace and assurance

so that I can be a peace-maker,

And help me share this message of peace with others.

In Your Name I pray.

Amen.

As we come to the home-stretch of the craziest and busiest time of the year, it is good to catch our breath, pause, reflect and pray, on where our life has been (in the past), where our life is now (present) and which direction our life is heading (in the future). May we savor the gift of stillness and silence as God calls us to the intimacy of His love.

Never Underestimate Life’s Joy

“The greatest honor you can give Almighty God is to live joyfully because of the love God gives you.”

— St. Julian of Norwich

Last Sunday afternoon as our Steelers defeated the Bengals, 35-7, it was a joy to gather for our annual Christian Mothers Christmas Party at Junior’s Restaurant in Coraopolis. There were approximately 65 women and 10 men in attendance. There were no long speeches - just the blessing of gift of each other, good food, fellowship and friendship. As always Rudy Bolea out-does himself in hospitality with the lavishness of an extravagant festive banquet atmosphere!

I must confess, I joined the gathering a bit late as it was tough to tear myself away from the football game. It reminded me of the 9th Bishop of Pittsburgh, Vincent Martin Leonard (1969-1983), who would always say, “If you live in the city of Pittsburgh and want to serve the people well in faith, be mindful of their sports’ schedule and respect it!”

It was a joy to go from table to table, person to person, to see familiar and strange faces and greet all alike. I met people who were of different faiths. I met children and grandchildren whose presence graced the occasion. I met caretakers who provide help for certain women there. I met husbands who accompanied their spouses out of love.

As we shared stories around the table, I noticed that the Christian Mothers’ eyes were getting bigger as they spoke of their children, and widened even more when they spoke of their grandchildren! It is great to capture generations coming together, as we seek to help one another grow in God’s holiness, love, wisdom, joy, truth, goodness and grace.

One lady remarked, “I can’t believe it’s your 4th Christmas party with us. I look forward to the next one!” The author, Janice Maeditere said, “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.”

Today, on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, we reach the midpoint of our observance of Advent. Traditionally this Sunday is called, “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning “rejoice.” As the priest dons rose-colored vestments, and the 3rd rose-colored candle is lit, so we share in anticipated joy of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas and our salvation.

John the Baptist heralds as the bearer of good news, chosen and sent by God to proclaim not only good news, but The Good News, Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. In his role as herald, John makes it perfectly clear that he is to announce Christ’s coming and call people to prepare their lives through repentance. There is no greater joy than to experience God’s forgiveness as we come back to life. We need to prepare a way for the Lord in our own hearts and lives as we rediscover our own need for redemption as individuals, as communities, as nations and as Church. If we examine our own lives, we can quickly see our great need for the saving, healing, and restoring intervention of He who is Emmanuel—God with us. The best way to welcome the coming of Christ is to turn from sin, do right and amend our lives.

John the Baptist’s voice cries out in the wilderness to an un-listening world and often times un-listening hearts, reminding them that repentance means changing to please the One who loves us into happiness. Once we admit our sin and de-activate the evil of its power, we are released from its bondage, and the stranglehold of death is no more.

God gives us the grace to perceive our sinful patterns in our lives and the humility to repent of them - to walk again in the light. Joseph Conrad, Polish born and current day English novelist, said, “Facing it, always facing it, that’s the way to get through. Face it.” Let’s face it, sin may give the appearance that in indulging we will find happiness, but it is counterfeit, superficial and in-authentic. Sin bring misery, pain, suffering, emptiness, loneliness and un-fulfillment. On the other hand, forgiveness bring joy, peace, integration, wholeness, happiness, hope and joy. Let us heed and hear the prophet’s cry to “Make straight the way of the Lord” by living righteous lives in truthfulness, honesty, and humility. Let us forsake the crooked paths of dishonesty, cheating and deceit.

Like the people who listened to the 6th century prophet Isaiah, or the people who listened to the last Old Testament prophet and the first New Testament prophet - John the Baptist - we must spend our Advent trying to remove all the obstacles that stand before us and the Lord’s return. May the Lord knock down every obstacle and roadblock in our hearts. May the Lord uproot the tangled web of our vices. May the Lord break the stranglehold of our addictions and ingrained habitual sins. May the Lord make a path of grace through our cluttered lives. May the Lord unburden us through the unnecessary baggage that we need deliverance from.

Opening up a highway for the Lord to come into our lives is a never ending process. The work of conversion is not just for an Advent season, but the work of a lifetime. Change is possible in all of our lives. Repentance in Greek is “metanoia” (a change of attitude, heart and outlook), which suggests “taking a second look,” “taking stock,” “recollection and renewal.” In the words of St. Louis de Montfort, “By Jesus Christ, with Jesus Christ, in Jesus Christ, we can do all things.” As Christmas quickly approaches, let Christ’s redeeming work usher a “new era” in us by turning to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to recognize our sin, to turn from our sin and to turn back to God asking for forgiveness and mercy.

I encourage you to tune into EWTN each Sunday for Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PMas he speaks of the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. He is a masterful teacher who has taught the spiritual exercises for over 20 years. Last week’s episode #4 spoke of the desolations and consolations in our spiritual life. The Enemy uses desolations and God uses consolations. May the Lord grant us the consolations of joy this holy season of Advent.

"Come Lord Jesus, come!" — Rv. 22: 20

“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.” — The Talmud

Advent: Increase and Decrease

“The first thing I recommend to you for advent is to keep yourself in the presence of God deep within your heart, just as the Blessed Virgin before the birth of Our Lord, Adored Him within herself.”

- Ven. Emmanuel D’Alzon

Last week before each Mass, our organist, Ginny Ambrose, gave a talk about the new Roman Missal. She told us that a fellow organist sent her a text before the 4:00 PM Mass that read, “Missal launch in 15 minutes!” I heard a local newscaster say, “The Catholic Church has gotten a complete make-over.” I had been used to the same Mass since my first Communion, which was 41 years ago. In April of 2002, Pope John Paul II established the Vox Clara Committee to assist and advise as to why we need the new translation. This year, on the First Sunday of Advent in the English speaking worlds, the Third Edition of the New Roman Missal was initiated. There are some 12 countries affected including Australia, the Philippines, British Isles, Canada, India, Africa, Ireland and England. But Hong Kong will wait one more year. (So in case you’re traveling to Hong Kong, you can still hear the old version of the Mass.)

I mentioned in my homily that it’s no secret there are 3 groups of Catholics concerning this change: 1) those who embrace it enthusiastically, 2) those who accept it reluctantly, and 3) those who are okay with it as long as it doesn’t make the Mass longer!

We learned as youngsters that “practice makes perfect” and “repetition is the mother of learning” — one just has to practice, practice, practice. As we welcome this New Roman Missal, the familiar parts of the Mass will seem a bit foreign, as we have used the same for the last four decades or so. However, as the American bishops put it, these are “new words, a deeper meaning, but the same Mass.” Let’s not get lost in the translation. Every translation has its critics. And no translation does full justice to the original. Each new translation has its boosters and its detractors, its gloaters and grumblers. However, no text, no translation is perfect. Even the last translation had its critics when it was released.) With the promulgation of the new translation of the Roman Missal, the Church is giving us a new translation that hopes to be more beautiful, more prayerful and more attuned to the scriptural connections of our prayers. The translators felt it was important to stay very close to both the literal meaning and the structure of the Latin prayers. Many of the prayers will sound very different and it will take some getting used to. I found myself tongue-tied, struggling to make sense of some new English phrases which seemed disjointed to my ears. We hope that this new translation will help us pray as one in Christ through the Holy Spirit as we offer praise and thanks to the Father and intercede for the life of the world.

Once priests and people are more familiar in getting to know and pray with the new translation it will give us a great opportunity to reflect more deeply on the Mass itself. Of course these new texts are going to be awkward and clumsy at first. But in time, these words will become second nature to us. A new translation offers a new way of seeing things, hopefully to stretch us and cause new growth of a new beginning as we forge a new path.

One parishioner commented that it would take her a month to master the word “Consubstantial” in the Creed. (“Consubstantial” is a term in the retranslated Nicene Creed that replaces language calling Jesus “one in being with the Father.”) Another noted that it will take him one year before he is familiar with the proper responses. But let us remember that beyond the new words and new changes, we pause, ponder and pray the liturgy. This change allows us the opportunity to pause and slow down, to enter into the Paschal Mystery more deeply, to be more fully aware of what we are and are becoming in Christ — living His life in the events of our own. I find myself suspending my own feelings and needs which must take second place to the needs of our Christian Community. As T.S. Eliot said, “What life have you, if you have not life together? There is no life that is not in community, and no community not lived in praise of God.” We must never underestimate the grace of gathering together as God’s people to hear His Word and receive His Body and Blood. What a gift the Church is. What a gift the liturgy is. What a gift a faith–journey is. What a gift salvation!

There are four Advent banners adorning our sanctuary with the words, hope, peace, joy and love atop each, the major themes of the Advent season. Each banner pictures one lit candle, mirroring those on our Advent Wreath. We are reminded that Christ is always seeking to enter our world and our lives with hope, peace, joy and love. In every generation God raises up prophets who rouse us to a heightened awareness of God’s exciting presence in our world and in our lives. Such a giant was the late Archbishop Dom Helder Camara of Recife, Northeast Brazil (1909-1999) and champion of the poor. He wrote, “God permit the symbol of my life to be like a candle that burns itself, spends itself, consumes itself while there is still wax to burn.” As Christians, we must bear and bring Christ’s light to others.

John the Baptist, the prophet of Advent, cousin of Jesus and precursor and fore-runner has echoed the words that have carried through the corridors of time, our Advent posture: I must decrease while He must increase” (John 3:30). Let us consider in our own Advent journeying, focusing on our increase and decrease during this holy season.

• increase in God’s vision — decrease our will and agenda
• increase in holiness and grace — decrease in giving in to sin
• increase in generosity — decrease in stinginess
• increase in the spiritual life — decrease in a material existence
• increase in gratitude — decrease in taking things for granted
• increase in family togetherness — decrease in sterile isolation
• increase in forgiveness — decrease in holding grudges
• increase in peace — decrease in compulsive drives
• increase in repentance — decrease in hardness of heart
• increase in kindness — decrease in cruelty
• increase in solitude — decrease in noise
• increase in enthusiasm for life — decrease in apathy
• increase in healthy relationships — decrease in dysfunctionality
• increase in self-mastery — decrease in out of control behaviors
• increase in temperance — decrease in covetousnes
• increase in self-examination — decrease in judgment of others
• increase in Eucharistic adoration — decrease in selfish idolatry

In every age we are challenged to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3) as we await His Christmas coming. The Church proclaims a major way to prepare His way through the invaluable gift of repentance. In order for Christ to increase in our lives, repentance is absolutely essential. The Advent mantra, “Come Lord Jesus” is the epitome, essence and summary of our Advent season. Jesus truly comes closer to us and we come closer to Him.

Advent: A Season of Promise

“To order one’s life properly, one must always think of being able to end it with a peaceful conscience.”

— St. Nicholas Von Flue

Today marks the beginning of our Advent 2011. This will be a very different one as we begin with the Roman Missal Edition III with the changed translation of the Mass. In any change it takes patience and what better season to master the virtue of patience than the holy season of waiting, hoping, expecting, longing for the coming of the Messiah.

In the preface to Elizabeth O’Connor’s book, Search for Silence, N. Gordon Crosby writes, “The one journey that ultimately matters is the journey into the place of stillness deep within oneself. To reach that place is to be at home; to fail to reach it is to be forever restless.” Advent is a time to pause, to ponder, to pray, to prioritize and to have a perspective. Sometimes our secular and commercial world can drown out such a posture. Our culture breeds:

• instantaneous results versus self-restraint
• immediate gratification versus mortification
• hyper-activity versus stillness
• hurry-sickness versus patience
• mental chaos versus self-composure
• self-pursuit versus self-emptying (kenosis)
• injuries versus restored relationships
• violence versus birthing-love
• gloomy discouragement versus radiant hopefulness
• rampant infidelity versus commitment
• self-absorption versus self-transcendence
• psychic exhaustion versus integrated togetherness

Recently I was called to Caring Heights Nursing Facility in Moon Township to anoint an 83 year-old woman named Rose. Her husband Carmen resided with her there at Caring Heights. This couple was married for 65 years and the family kept vigil for her in prayer. Our Pastoral Assistant, Jim Crable, sang Ave Maria and offered prayers with the family as she was released from this earthly limited existence to her eternal reward with God. The family commented that their parents were like two intertwined souls, devoted, centered, and committed to one another’s well being, growth and holiness. It was a powerful experience to see such enduring love. In such a power-less moment, we felt the power-full presence of the living God.

In all of our lives, we need some center of worship, devotion or adoration to whom we give ourselves over. Since we were created in the image and likeness of God, we come from God and we are destined to return to God. However, sometimes addictions can be short-circuits of our journey when we insert another person or object, other than God, for our centering, worship and devotion. This substitute for God in fact is a false-god and leads us into the practice of idolatry. One can de-center through such substitutes as: shopping, partying, unhealthy relationships, workaholism and greed. It’s easy to get off track, to lose purpose and direction, pulling us away from our authentic path which leads to freedom, fulfillment and promised future. We look to the holy season of Advent as the Church in her wisdom gives us guidance, affirmation and even correction when we are off-track in order that we seek to stay attached to Jesus Christ.

This season calls us for our heightened spiritual antenna and to exercise a regular self-critical vigilance. We must review our lives in the light of the Word of God and actively engage in the Church as the Body of Christ. Advent is a pause, a break, a four-week centering on Who we adore and what we’re devoted to and what is the purpose of our lives — to be a shared gift blessing and grace to others’ journey to God. I like to think of all the faith—companions who have been light to me on my path whose faith, witness, example and service have illuminated my path.

During this extended Thanksgiving weekend, I’m grateful that two of my brothers and their two daughters are visiting Mom and I in Pittsburgh. As I know you share this cherished and treasured time with your loved ones, may we be centered on the blessing of faith, family and friends. I thought you’d enjoy this Thanksgiving meditation in counting your blessings.

Thanksgiving

O My God,

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

my heart admires, adores, loves thee,

for my little vessel is as full as it can be,

and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in

ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee

ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,

ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,

ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,

crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou has created,

for adorning it, sanctifying it,

though it is fixed in barren soil;

for the body thou hast given me,

for preserving its strength and vigor,

for providing senses to enjoy delights,

for the ease and freedom of my limbs,

for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;

for a full table and overflowing cup,

for appetite, taste, sweetness,

for social joys of relatives and friends,

for ability to serve others,

for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,

for a mind to care for my fellow-men,

for opportunities of spreading happiness around,

for loved ones in the joys of heaven,

for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language to express,

for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

From The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Happy Thanksgiving!

“If the only prayer in our life is 'thank you' that will be sufficient.”

- Meister Eckhardt (1260-1327)

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving Day and celebrate one of America’s most beloved national holidays, we give thanks to God for our blessings of freedom, peace and plenty. We also remember in thanks the many contributions each generation of Americans has made to preserve our blessings. Thanksgiving doesn’t just come on a calendar on the fourth Thursday of November, but a grateful attitude is giving thanks year round for each and every blessing. I thank God for the parish family of St. Joseph and pray for each and every one you. Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Christ, the King of Hearts

“I am not the King. Jesus Christ is the King. I’m just an entertainer.”

— Elvis Presley

I remember when I was in third grade, my teacher, Mrs. Jordan, said the most important virtue to acquire in life is self-control. She believed that self-mastery, self-possession, self-governance and self-discipline were the hallmarks to a successful life.

As we reach into our very being, our personality, our choices and our very self, we find that the key to life is within ourselves rather than outside. We must accept or refuse this invitation to grow into greater intimacy with God and with ourselves through the cooperation of the Spirit, who calls us to heights of maturity and the fullness of life.

As Jesus grew and aged in grace and wisdom, so too, we must grow through life’s school of experience. Today’s feast of Christ the King is the climax of the liturgical year. This solemnity was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. Jesus is the Son of God, the King of the universe, the Lord of history and salvation — the Alpha and the Omega who has overcome life’s deadliest foes of sin, Satan, and death. His rule is redemption.

The central message of Jesus is announcing and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, an interior kingdom of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice, love and peace. By continuing to know ourselves we allow Christ’s living presence to come into our hearts. Christ must reign in our heart in order to love; in our mind in order to know truth; in our will in order to yield and surrender to a higher power; in our soul in order to know peace; in our body in order to be pure; in our conscience in order to be blameless and in our actions in order to be called Christian.

God uses suffering to help us know ourselves as suffering’s penetrating light will unmask us, exposing the falsities, lies and deceptions that we sometimes use to camouflage ourselves. God the Father did not exempt, save or rescue His Son from suffering. Jesus did not rescue or exempt his closest friends from suffering as they, too, were to endure in His passion and death. The prophets remind us that God is the Divine Potter who continually reshapes, refines and remolds us in order that we may be purified through our sins, wounds, truths, lies, miseries, sufferings and trials in our lives.

There are many kings in our world. Let us look at some of the dynasties, tyrants and false-selves that we use as substitutes for Christ, the King. Let us do an inventory of our own lives to see whose rule and reign is over us. Webster’s New World Dictionary lists 170 definitions of “self,” both positive and negatively described. Here are a few...

1. Self-Will (Persistent carrying out of one’s own will or wishes especially when in conflict with others): Do we surrender to God’s plan or do we impose our will, our way and our agenda?

2. Self-Indulgence (Indulgences of one’s own desires and impulses): The world says eat, drink and be merry! Indulge yourself! But when pleasures are over-satiated and over-sensitized it leads to self-gratification which minimizes moderation, temperance and self-control.

3. Self-Complacency (Self-satisfied, especially in a smug way): When one gets into a rut in life, and never seeks to move to a new growth or challenge, one’s life is “stuck in neutral” and may even head backwards in reverse. This leads to stagnation, status quo and fails to go beyond comfort zones which allow growth, challenge and change.

4. Self-Glorifying (Being self-centered and selfish; one’s conception of one’s self and ability or worth): One can have a “big head” that becomes inflated, grandiose and proud, while at the same time possessing a shriveled heart. We’re not here for the adulation of others, but for the glory of God.

5. Self-Importance (Having an exaggerated opinion of one’s importance): Sometimes the compass of life - North, South, East, West - can revolve around one’s own image, idealism, needs and wants, where one feels they must be the center stage act. We must de-throne our self-centered, selfish attitudes and enthrone and praise the Lord and King.

6. Self-Criticism (Being your own worst enemy): One can “run oneself down” feeling inferior, less-than, comparing oneself with others, seeking approval, being insecure, having low self-esteem, looking at what one cannot do rather than accepting what one can do.

7. Self-Righteousness/Self-Opinionated (Showing a conviction of being morally superior; smugly virtuous; stubbornly holding to one’s own opinion): One can become arrogant, smug and proud, looking with disdain at others, becoming hypocritical, phony, judgmental and condemnatory.

8. Self-Sufficiency: Sometimes we pride ourselves in our autonomy, in being able to “pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps.” However we must see that we need one another in order to grow, support and sustain us. Our lives are inter-connected and we are interdependent. No one is strong enough to carry life’s burdens alone.

9. Self-Deception (The deceiving of oneself as to one’s true feelings, motives and circumstances; to deceive, to trick, to be unreal): It is a lie to lie. A primary work of the devil is deception and the devil’s work is to split, fracture or divide us within ourselves and away from God.

10. Self-Justifying (Justifying, excusing or rationalizing one’s actions, beliefs, and motives): One can find loopholes even in the law in order not to be accountable for one’s actions.

As people of faith, Christ must reign and rule our hearts so we must choose loving rather than hating, forgiving rather than revenge, faith rather than fear, persevering rather than quitting, praising rather than criticizing, acting rather than delaying, building rather than destroying, giving over taking, smiling rather than frowning and community rather than isolation. “The Lord is our King” (Isaiah 33:22)

Christ’s desire is eternal life for all people. By His death and resurrection, He has fulfilled that desire. Whenever Jesus is the center of our desires and longings we conquer sin and overcome self-centeredness. May Christ teach us, heal us, strengthen us with supernatural vision of faith in all things.

We All Have Something to Give

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.’”

- Erma Bombeck

I was recently speaking with a friend who attended the farewell reception for a priest, Fr. Bob Miller, who was leaving a parish after 10 years. My friend mentioned that Fr. Bob was well loved, respected and appreciated and the people will miss him greatly. Since my friend knew Fr. Bob well, I asked him what the secrets of his success were. He gave these reasons:

1) For the first three weeks of his arrival at the parish, Fr. Bob praised his predecessor, Fr. Tom Marpus, to the high heavens who had served the parish for 34 years. Fr. Tom had left over $1 million in the bank for repairs, updating, staffing, projects and programming. It was a financially sound and stable parish that he inherited.

2) When the diocese permitted 4 pm Masses for Saturday evening vigils, Fr. Bob jumped on that and made his parish the first to offer it in the area. Every one flocked there for the early bird special.

3) Fr. Bob had sufficient capacity in the church parking lot for all the cars and everyone felt safe as the lot surrounded the church.

4) Fr. Bob took on an additional parish down the street, doubling his work load and duties, yet finding double the blessings and graces.

5) Fr. Bob was always young at heart and kept himself involved in the plays at Seton LaSalle, helping the students, and making sure they stayed involved in activities which developed character.

As Fr. Bob makes his transition to his new parish at Saints Peter and Paul in Beaver County, he will find it much different than his churches in Brookline. Established in 1830, Saints Peter and Paul was among the first six parishes founded in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This parish is in a professional area with a quaint town, Beaver Medical Center, Geneva College, a jail, cemetery, and, it’s a dry town. This parish had been writing letters to Bishop Zubik for several weeks as they were demanding and expecting the arrival of a new pastor. Recently, at the 51st Serra Club Dinner at St. Frances Cabrini in Center Township, I had the opportunity to speak to Fr. Bob and he was delighted to accept this new challenge in his life.

I recently heard the Archbishop of Atlanta, Wilton Gregory, state that he spends more time in sleepless nights and prayer over the assignment of a priest than anything else in his responsibility as a bishop. It’s not just a matter of filling slots and billets randomly and haphazardly. A bishop must look at the needs of the people, the talents and limitations of the priest, the dynamics of the community in which he will be serving and the challenges that lie ahead, whether declining and decaying areas, a status quo community or a community on the rise of development. Every bishop wants a good fit for the people, the pastor and the community itself. Every parish assignment, like every person, has its plusses and minuses. And no one priest has all the gifts or can be everything: administrator, preacher, fund-raiser, counselor, organizer, inspirational leader, brick and mortar person, scholar or teacher.

Every time a parish is open, due to a retirement of a priest or the ending of a six-year term, the personnel director sends out a profile of the parish with such stats as: number of families, parishioners, baptisms, marriages, funerals, Mass times, staff size, organizations, finances and all the particular outreaches that the parish offers. There are currently 210 parishes in our diocese of Pittsburgh. There are 492 total priests in our diocese— 380 diocesan priests (77.2%), 112 religious priests (22.8%), 243 active priests (49.4%), 99 retired priests (20.1%), 150 other, including—medical, study, military, diocesan positions, teaching institutions and religious institutions (30.5%). Of the 243 priests in active ministry, 43 have multiple parish assignments (37 priests have 2 parishes and 6 have 3 parishes).

Msgr. Steven J. Rossetti, in his latest book, Why Priests are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests, notes that one healthy, happy and holy priest can positively influence a large number of people. So too an unhealthy, unhappy and unholy priest negatively influences a large number of people. It is critical in order to have care of others that one have the self-care of diet, exercise, spiritual reading, friendships, prayer and spiritual direction. I have found with St. Paul that one must be adaptable, flexible, versatile in the changing times in which we live to be the constancy of Christ’s presence despite in our world today.

With my silver anniversary on the horizon in 2013, I often think of the words of my Godmother Aunt Jo, who says, “Yard by yard; things are hard. But inch by inch, it’s a cinch.” A life-time commitment of serving others in the priesthood can be intense, grinding, challenging and deeply rewarding. But like anything in life, nothing is perfect, and not even the priesthood. But it is a gift.

In today’s Gospel of the talents, Jesus entrusts us with various talents and He wants us to take risks and to invest our talents for the growth of others. Not everyone has the same gifts, skill sets and abilities, but everyone has gifts, graces and blessings to confer on others. Never underestimate the gifts God has blessed you with. In every vocation, whether, married, single, priesthood or consecrated life, we are called to help one another grow in holiness, love and wholeness. In every one of us, there is an amazing capacity to contribute to the well-being of others, whether family, parish, work-place, community, nation or even world. The evangelist Billy Graham turned 93 on November 7. He wrote his 30th book, Nearing Home, and expressed his desire to preach one last sermon. I’m reminded of his words especially as Thanksgiving draws near and as we think of our talents: “God has given us two hands: one to receive with and the other to give with.” Let us be humble in receiving and generous in giving.

Wise or Foolish?

“Those who are called to the table of the Lord, must glow with the brightness that comes from the good example of a praiseworthy and blameless life. Their upright lives must make them like the salt of the earth for themselves, and for the rest of human kind.“

— St. John of Capistrano

We should rejoice this weekend for the extra hour of sleep as we “fall back,” marking the end of Daylight Savings Time. Thus there will be less daylight hours and more darkness. As the Church calendar nears its end in November, we are reminded to be prepared, be alert, be awake and be vigilant upon the return of the Master. On this 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear the parable about the ten virgins teaching us the simple lesson of the value of preparation.

There are only 42 shopping days until Christmas, and only 18 days until Thanksgiving, and both of these holidays require much time and extensive preparation. One can’t whip up a Thanksgiving meal instantaneously, just as one can’t adequately prepare for the feast of Christmas in a haphazard manner. In the ancient world, banquets and weddings were apt symbols for describing the joy of entering the Kingdom of Heaven. This metaphor affirms the necessity of being ready to greet the Lord when He appears to inaugurate His reign. One must not be ill-equipped and ill-prepared, but one must prepare every day for the Bridegroom’s return.

Matthew 15: 1-13 tells of the story of the ten virgins or brides-to-be. Five were wise with oil in their flasks, eagerly awaiting the Bridegroom’s return, while the five foolish ones allowed their oil to run out. This story illustrates the precariousness and preciousness of time, the importance of constantly living in the loving presence of God and allowing the grace of our Baptism to burn brightly each new day. One must let his or her light shine no matter what the circumstances. It only takes a single light to pierce the darkness and bring hope, warmth, comfort, serenity and holiness. Many a time, I just like to go into St. Joseph church and pray in the darkness and look at the vigil lights in the sanctuary and the candles burning on the saints’ altars.

Last weekend I traveled to St. Mary of the Mount in Mt. Washington to baptize Jacob Dylan Shehab, son of Elizabeth and Scott Shehab. I had previously baptized his sister, Erin (4) and brother, Ryan (2). While in the seminary at St. Paul’s, I taught Elizabeth, their mother, fourth grade CCD at Our Lady of Grace in Scott Township. At the end of the Baptism, Elizabeth embraced me and said, “Father, thank you for sharing the gift of faith from the time you taught me CCD to the time of my three children’s Baptisms. You have given your life for the most important thing of all, Jesus. And I am forever grateful for your witness and presence with me. You were there at the darkest moment of my dad’s death and at the brightest hours of my children’s births.”

I noticed there were huge glass receptacles in the ambry for the sacred oils and I said to the young woman’s mother, “I think these oils could be used for the whole city of Pittsburgh!” It is always wonderful to see the light of faith being passed through every generation.

Pope Benedict wrote in #48 of Spes Salvi (Saved by Hope): Our lives are involved with one another; through innumerable interactions, they are linked together. No one lives alone. No one sins alone. No one is saved alone. The lives of others continually spill into mine: in what I think, say, do and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better or for worse.

So every act of darkness or sin, no matter how private, clandestine or victimless it may appear, damages the Church. And every act of love, no matter how small, remote or hidden, builds Her up. The spiritual life is essentially looking at these two sides of our journey: our virtues and our vices, our sins and our graces, our blessings and our curses, our strengths and weaknesses, our plusses and minuses. No one is exempt from being untainted, unharmed, unaffected by darkness that can derail our spiritual walk.

Sin weakens the will, blinds the intellect, confuses the conscience and inflames the passions. This creates insanity. God created us in an extraordinary way so that our mind, will, heart, conscience and passions would be clear and work in harmony. One must be ever vigilant to tend to the flame of our Baptism in order to bear the Light of Christ for the world. Just as the street lights offer direction in the dark, so our inner light must be the compass that navigates us to distinguish what makes us wise in God’s sight by forsaking the foolishness of sin. Solomon reminds us that wise people have a reverent, discerning and God-fearing posture, while foolish people act impulsively, irresponsibly and without thought of consequence.

We have all done selfish, foolish, stupid things in our lives for which we feel sorry -- whether nursing hurts, reliving past traumas or rehearsing regrets. However, the Lord wants us to move forward into hopefulness, truthfulness, grace and light. His light shines in us through the gift of faith in believing that Jesus is the Light of the world. And through our belief and convictions we are called to share that light with others.

For a Light in the Darkness

Father, grant that I may be a bearer

of Christ Jesus, Your Son.

Allow me to warm the often cold,

impersonal scene of modern life with your burning love.

Strengthen me, by Your Holy Spirit to carry out

my mission of changing the world

or some definite part of it, for the better.

Despite my lamentable failures,

bring home to me that my advantages are Your blessings to be shared with others.

Make me more energetic in setting to rights

what I find wrong with the world

instead of complaining about it or myself.

Nourish in me a practical desire

to build up rather than tear down,

to reconcile more than polarize,

to go out on a limb rather than crave security.

Never let me forget that it is far better

to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

And to join my light, one day, with yours. Amen.

Saints: Called to the Fullness of Loving

“We become saints not by violently overcoming our own weakness, but by letting the Lord give us the strength and purity of God’s Spirit in exchange for our weakness and misery.”

— Thomas Merton

On October 9, Dick Vitale, the voice of college basketball on ESPN, spoke at the Bishops’ Appeal Dinner for Catholic Schools in Sioux City, Iowa. For 33 years Dick has been a college basketball analyst, and before this was a high school, college and pro-basketball coach. In his talk he said: “I came from a great home. My mother and father were the great influences of my life. My parents were uneducated, but they had a doctorate in love. They always instilled in my brother and I and my sister to believe that you can be what you want to be, chase your dreams. If you treat people with respect, they will treat you with respect.”

Throughout our lives, we have significant people who teach and form us — whether parents, teachers, priests, nuns, coaches, siblings or mentors. I always say that the best version of the Old and New Testaments was traced in the lines of my parents’ love, faith and commitment to one another. While I was away last week at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Villa Maria, PA, I had the opportunity to read some of the love letters my Dad sent to Mom while both were away serving in the Navy. His letters conveyed his desire to have a large family, educate his children well and make sure the choices they made in life would always be anchored in faith.

As I think of my father who died on February 8, 1986, my mentally-challenged sister who died on March 10, 2008, and the countless funerals that I’ve offered as a priest, I pray for those who have gone before us marked by the sign of faith, that they would help us on our pilgrimage to heaven. My father always reminded me that his grandfather was a religious man and the seeds of faith were sown long ago.

While away on retreat last week, I reflected upon the humbling and sobering reality of the privilege it is to lead people into the mystery of prayer through the celebration of Mass as a priest. In gathering together as God’s people to worship and praise, we are reminded that we are all on pilgrimage, traveling with those brothers and sisters with us on earth, as well as with the angels and saints in heaven. As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints Day, we remember that the true goal of our lives is holiness.

St. Francis of Assisi said, “Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.” St. Theresa of Avila wrote, “Never do anything that you cannot do in the presence of all.” St. Therese of Lisieuex said, “You cannot be half a saint. You must be a whole saint or no saint at all.”

Blessed Pope John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli) was the pope who called for Vatican Council II. He was warm, kind, humble, admired and loved. He would become “Good Pope John.” He was born on November 25, 1881, in a tiny village in the province of Bergamo and his parents were tenant farmers. At the age of 77, on October 28, 1958, the smiling, rotund Angelo Roncalli was elected the 261st pope. He exuded enthusiasm for life, enjoyment of human company, a positive tone for his pontificate and hope for a season of change. The Church was in need of what he called “aggiornamento” or “updating.” His final months were spent in agony as he suffered with terminal cancer. Yet Good Pope John kept his gracious humor and humility, saying, “My bags are packed and I’m ready to go.” Having won the hearts of the world, he died on June 3, 1963, and his passing was universally mourned. Now, years after his death, his incorrupt body rests in state, encased in glass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

In the November issue of The Priest Magazine, there is an article entitled “John XXIII: Mystic Pope” by Victor Parachin. He notes that there are 10 qualities characterizing the Blessed John’s life from which we can all learn:

1) Live with a sacred optimism: Be cheerful at all times and reject the voices of prophets of gloom and doom forecasting disaster.

2) Ask others to pray for you: Pope John would ask his family members to pray to make him a good cardinal and a peace-loving and gentle man. He teaches us that whenever we face difficult decisions or challenges in life to ask those close to us for their prayers.

3) Curtail criticism: John’s philosophy simply was, “See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little.” When we refrain from criticism, gossip and complaining, our happiness soars and so will our family spirit and friendship relationships.

4) Practice self-restraint: Pope John loved to talk but he said that the tongue can get us in trouble unless we speak with care, respect and moderation. Silence is golden.

5) Read biographies of saints’ lives: A great way to help our spiritual lives is to read a model of spiritual living. Pope John loved St. Francis De Salles (author of Introduction to the Devout Life) and called him “the gentlest of saints.”

6) Practice what you preach: In today’s Gospel Jesus gives this message to the Scribes and Pharisees who were shackled by legalism, arrogance and hypocrisy.

7) Be kind: This was Pope John XXIII’s life-long goal. He believed he must deal with others with dignity, simplicity and kindness — a radiant and serene kindness.

8) Observe yourself: Through a regular examination of conscience, we take a deep long and honest look at ourselves, so that any issues can be addressed before they snowball.

9) Remember that you are a role-model: We must be a positive influence in others’ lives, to be visible to families, friends, neighbors, acquaintances.

10) Don’t take yourself so seriously: Pope John XXIII wants us to lighten up. We shouldn’t carry the weight of the world on our shoulders since Christ did that for us on the Cross.

The saints and the great spiritual writers have always believed that there’s one non-negotiable rule for prayer: “Show up! Show up regularly!”

Thoughts of Love from an Autumn Retreat

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

— John 13:35

(From a poster hanging at the Retreat Center by William Arthur Ward)

I am more than happy; I am JOYFUL.

I am more than healthy; I am WHOLE.

I am more than alive; I am RADIANT.

I am more than successful; I am FREE.

I am more than caring; I am LOVING.

I am more than tranquil: I am PEACEFUL.

I am more than interested; I am INVOLVED.

I am more than adequate: I am TRIUMPHANT.

I am more than fortunate: I am PROSPEROUS.

I am more than human; I am a CHILD OF GOD.

I am presently on retreat at the Villa Maria Spirituality Center, home of the Sisters of Humility, approximately 55 miles from the parish. Our retreat master is Fr. James McCloskey, a Spiritan priest born in Philadelphia, ordained in 1980, and Director of Mission, Identity and Recruitment at Duquesne University. He is a joyful messenger of God’s love. Possessing a boyish face with glowing glory and joyful eyes, he is a magnetic storyteller with charming Irish wit who taught us that through the preaching of the Good News and the very quality of our daily lives, we prove our love for Christ by what we say or don’t say; do or don’t do; think or don’t think. We are called to be the “transparency of Christ” so others see Christ in us.

As I journeyed north I entered a silent zone reminding me of when the Desert Fathers would invite the novices to “enter the Sacred Place." Our present day, culture and life often create a noisy and chaotic hullabaloo; our behavior hurried and frantic, seeking loud entertainment and endless activities. It appears at times that the value and appreciation of silence in our culture has dwindled with some even considering it sterile and unpopular. However, there can’t be much spiritual life and vitality without large amounts of silence. Why? Silence purifies our vision, cleanses our hearts, strengthens and deepens our prayer life and releases us to the intimacy of love. Silence increases our capacity of knowledge, for repentance, for awareness and for wisdom.

There are eight brother-priests on the retreat. Around the campus are banners celebrating 150 years of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary (1854-2004). There are 165 sisters in this community and 50 living at Villa Maria. There are 726 acres of natural beauty, with paths, wooded trails, gardens, farms, pond, shrines, swimming pool, gift shop, fitness room, art house and herb gardens at this beautiful place in the northern tip of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. As I look outside my window, instead of trains rolling down the tracks I see cattle. Instead of the whistle of the train waking me out of a sound sleep, the mooing of the cows wakes me! While on my daily runs I hear the ducks in the pond quacking. Outside my door in Begel Hall is a cat always looking to be petted. The Magnificat Chapel in honor of the Blessed Mother has a 175-seat capacity. My surroundings couldn’t be more peaceful or beautiful.

Each conference was 20 minutes long which included comments, observations, statements and questions. Providentially, the theme of Fr. McCloskey’s retreat is love, also the theme of our Gospel today. Christ has called priests to a vocation of love, as He calls us all. This way of love is a way of deeper union with God, purity of heart and complete self-emptying. Love sees the real situation of others: their pains, confusion, struggles, sorrows, hurts and sufferings. Love also sees the beauty of people: their graces, giftedness and reflections of the goodness of the living God.

Christ called me at a young age to serve as a priest. But throughout any person’s journey of discipleship, one goes through doubts, fears and challenges that test the depths of one’s love. In order to truly love we have to break through self pre-occupations, self-concerns and sins which restrict love. Christians are at their best when they love as Christ loves. One thing I learned from Fr. McCloskey this week is that I must love people entirely, as God loves them: my family members, the 240 brother priests of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the seven other priests I’m on retreat with, the staff I work with and the parishioners that I serve. Love hangs in there - it trusts, believes, hopes, sees, and holds nothing back. Love lets go. We must give God 100% of everything completely and freely. Jesus taught his disciples to let go of self, reputations, possessions and achievements. That is the essence of the spiritual life.

I was humbled to plan the week’s liturgies with Sr. Veronica Ternovacz, HM — organist and director of music here since 1967. Each day we celebrated one of the following martyrs who shed their blood out of love for Christ: St. Ignatius of Antioch (2nd Cent.), St. Luke (1st Cent.), Sts. Isaac Jogues and John de Brebeuf, (17th Cent.) In every century saints and martyrs have proven their love for God through their own deaths for the sake of the Gospel!

Also this week, Fr. McCloskey told a story of a Dominican sister named Virginia, one of 11 children. She had a brother with an alcohol problem, a sister with a special-needs child, a nephew on drugs. Yet despite so many challenges, she loved generously. Sister was suddenly killed in a car accident. At her funeral four things were placed on her casket symbolizing the things she loved most: 1st - a family portrait, 2nd - a crown of flowers received when making vows, 3rd - keys, because she was a retreat master, and 4th - a hat for the years she worked in Asia. The point of the story was that despite the challenges in all, she gave all her love.

We are not called to love God part-time, seasonally, with half a heart, part of a mind, or smidgen of a spirit. The poem at the beginning of this reflection, as well as those below, are meditations I found on plaques or banners while on retreat. They “spoke to me” so I thought I would share them with you in love. They anointed my spirit and made me feel God’s presence. Herbert’s poem was used by Fr. McCloskey as he reflected on his theme of 1 Cor 13. Whether poster, plaque, or poem, the ultimate purpose is to lead us to greater love.

I am grateful to find the Villa as a place of rest, prayer and blessing. Every new day, event, thought, relationship or grace received is a gift and a blessing from the Almighty. God is a lover of souls and brings profound peace and serene calmness in a soul that seeks to love Him and neighbor more each day of the journey. Thank you, St. Paul, for walking with me on this retreat through Christ’s Spirit of love. Today on World Mission Sunday, whether at home or abroad, the Christian vocation is to love as God loves and cares for us!

To pray is to

Laugh, Whistle,

Dance on happy feet,

Sing! Shout!

And Jump!

Higher than before!

But it is also to

Whisper, Wander

Stumble in dark places

Cry, Scream

Or just

Hold a tired head in

tired hands and wait…

Prayer

Is our tired

Reaching out to the

One who

Holds us closer and

loves us more

Than we would dare imagine.

— Greta Schrumm

Love bade me welcome;

yet my soul drew back,

Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love,

observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me,

sweetly questioning,

If I lack'd anything.

"A guest,‟ I answer'd,

"worthy to be here.‟

Love said, "You shall be he.‟

"I, the unkind, ungrateful?

Ah, my dear,

I cannot look on Thee.‟

Love took my hand

and smiling did reply,

"Who made the eyes but I?‟

"Truth, Lord;

but I have marr'd them;

let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.‟

"And know you not,‟ says Love,

"Who bore the blame?‟

"My dear, then I will serve.‟

"You must sit down,‟ says Love.

"and taste my meat.‟

So I did sit and eat.

— George Herbert (1593-1632)

Who Rules, Reigns and Conquers: Caesar or Christ?

“Remember that you have only one soul; that you may have only one death to die; that you have only one life, which is short and has to be lived by you alone; and there is only one glory, which is eternal. If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing."

— St. Theresa of Avila

Sometimes in life we are caught in a “Catch-22” or a “no-win” situation where no matter what decision is made, it will win favor with some and displease others. The German theologian, Joachim Jeremias (1900-1979), said that 30% of people liked Jesus, his teachings and his message; 30% rejected him and were hostile to his life, his message and his teaching; and 40% were indifferent, feeling he was irrelevant.

On this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time we hear the familiar Gospel of Matthew 22: 15-21 where the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus and put him in a “squeeze,” asking him whether or not the Jews should pay taxes to the Roman conquerors. They asked his opinion, “Is it lawful to pay census tax to Caesar or not?” Jesus knew their malice-filled intent, calling them hypocrites, pretenders, actors and phonies. They handed him a Roman coin and tried to “trip him up.” But instead Jesus responded, “Whose image is on this, and whose inscription?” When they replied, “Caesar’s,” Jesus calmly told them, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God, what belongs to God.” Jesus shows us that our ultimate allegiance is to trust in God. The role of the state is limited but God’s power is unlimited. One notes that Jesus allows them to make their own decision, leaving the choice up to them. So too are decisions and choices we make when faced with seemingly competing and vying allegiances.

There are many “little Caesars” in our modern world today in the form of parties, clubs, companies, characters, etc., that challenge us to give allegiance and support to them. They compete for a piece of our conscience seeking us out to compromise our morals and values in a world that disregards our Baptism imprint. We must remember to keep first things first. He must rule and reign. We must give Him proper due in our work, relationships and prayer. We must be loyal to Christ and the building up of the Kingdom of God.

On our currency is inscribed, “In God we trust.” The history of this motto goes back to the Civil War and serves as a helpful reminder that true security lies in God alone. Jesus advises us to return to the emperor the coin that bears his image, but return to God what bears His image. As Christians, embossed, printed and minted with Divine Grace, the image with which we are stamped, the image of God, is not merely “stamped on paper” or “branded on copper," but in the flesh.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2239 reminds us, “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom... to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.” #2240 states, “It is morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote and to defend one’s country.” Thus we have dual citizenship, both on earth and in heaven.

Does the “almighty dollar” dominate our lives? Is being #1 most important? Perhaps we spend far too much time, energy and effort pursuing false trappings that don’t really bring lasting fulfillment. If we applied the same time, energy and effort into our spiritual lives, it would result in making God first each day!

It is with this in mind that in God’s golden days of mid-October, with the beauty of His creation surrounding me, that I take time for my annual priestly retreat at the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Pulaski, PA. The retreat center lies between New Castle and Youngstown, OH. Our retreat master will be Fr. James McCloskey, C.S.Sp. He is the Vice President for Mission and Identity at Duquesne University and well-known for his leadership in retreat work. I will be there from Sunday, October 16 at 7:00 PM to Thursday, October 20. A retreat is “a re-turn to the Lord” where we re-discover, re-member, re-treat, re-lax, re-vitalize, re-commit, re-new, and re-joice, A retreat is a time to hear again the call of God in one’s life, to re-charge our batteries physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and socially. It includes community prayer, Mass, conferences, individual spiritual direction, and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

I thank my friend, Fr. John Jordan, who lives at the Cardinal Deardon Center for Retired Priests in Oakland, who will fill in for me while I am away. I am also grateful for Fr. James P. McDonough who will assist during the weekend. Fr. Jim serves as Defender of the Bond on the Marriage Tribunal at the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I hope to have time for solitude, reflection, spiritual reading, quiet time of prayer and meditation, running and enjoying the fall foliage. I hope to have time to give thanks for the ministry of priesthood which God has called me to by name. As God tells the anointed Persian Emperor, Cyrus, in Isaiah 45:4, “I have called you by your name.” Christians throughout history are “image-bearing coins” meaning that God’s coins are humans, since we bear God’s image. As Christians we are called to witness to the Gospel in all the areas of our lives to bring Christ to our world through our actions, choices, and words.

Fr. Alban Butler, priest and hagiographer (1710-1773), who wrote “The Lives of the Saints” published in the mid 1700’s, believed that by studying the lives of the saints and learning from their struggles, we are inspired to greater holiness in our own walk of life. “They were once what we are now, travelers on earth; they had the same weaknesses which we have. We have difficulties to encounter; so had the saints... The saints are a 'cloud of witnesses over our head;' showing us that a life of Christian perfection is not impossible.”

Psalm 116:12 states “How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me?” Thanksgiving is central to our Christian spirituality. We owe a debt of gratitude for God’s faithful love which can only be repaid in a two-sided coin — turning to God in thanksgiving, and doing for others God has done for us.