“We must watch over our mind, our heart, and our senses, for these are the gates by which the devil enters in.” ~St. John Vianney
Christ, the King: A King of Hearts
Today is the 34th Sunday of the church year, marking its close. Pope Pius XI, in 1925 instituted this final Sunday of the year as the Feast of Christ, the King. Pope Paul VI, in 1969 gave this celebration a new title: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” thus, giving it the highest rank, that of a solemnity. Each year the Church celebrates through prayer and worship that Jesus Christ is the universal King and Judge of all. This is one of the central tenants of our faith and prepares us for the start of a new church year next Sunday, December 2, with the season of Advent.
St. Patrick of Ireland wrote on the power of Christ as he said, “I bind myself today…
The might of The Incarnation of Christ with that of His Baptism;
The might of His Crucifixion with that of His Burial;
The might of His Resurrection with that of His Ascension;
The might of His Coming on the Judgment Day.”
Recently the American bishops held their fall assembly in Baltimore, MD. (November 12-15, 2012). I always enjoy tuning in to see the bishops in their respective dioceses, listening to the agenda items they bring forward to hearing the dialogue and the questions they put forth. I was inspired by the media footage covering the 7th Bishop of Dallas, Kevin Joseph Farrell, who serves on the Committee for National Collections for the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), and also Bishop Gerald Kicanas, the 8th bishop of Tucson, AZ. It gave me a sense of the universal mission of the Church in its efforts to collect goods and re-distribute them in an equitable way, especially those most in need. “From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and the wine for the Eucharist, gifts to be shared with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ, who became poor to make us rich.” (C.C. #1351)
The USCCB has identified key mission priorities. In 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday. Other collections today are: Catholic Home Missions Appeal, The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, The Collection for the Church in Latin America, The Collection for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal, The Catholic Relief Services Collection, The Catholic University of America Collection, The Black and Indian Mission Collection. These national collections offer the faithful a shared opportunity to build bridges that impact the lives of people at home and around the world in a variety of circumstances and with a host of needs. Even the smallest of gifts will support and encourage pastoral ministers and volunteers who each and every day serve the Church’s evangelizing mission at home and abroad. Thank you for the $4,223 recently collected for the Hurricane Sandy victims. Your generosity anoints the darkness of others.
In watching the video footage of the National Collections it made me ask, “Where does Christ, the King reign in the world?” Certainly not in ivory palaces, not in extravagance or great wealth, not in unfair political systems of power and control. But Christ, the King rules through the cry of the poor for justice, the cry of the oppressed for freedom, the cry of the despised for acceptance, the cry of the weak for strength.
Christ, the King is on the side of those who struggle for dignity, identity and opportunity. The Kingdom of God would conquer only hearts. May Jesus teach us more each day about growing His Kingdom… the Kingdom of God.
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, popular writer and president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX, has written a reflection on what a good and true king looks like:
A good king is someone who is strong enough to be weak; who, like God’s presence in this world, can let vulnerability, silence, and helplessness be the ultimate instruments in ordering, caring, feeding and blessing others.
A good king is someone who has a heart big enough to accept pettiness, who cares enough to accept humiliation, and who is faithful enough to do what’s right, even when it’s misunderstood.
A good king is someone who is tall enough to let himself be small, secure enough to disappear in anonymity, and mature enough to not be put off by immaturity.
A good king is someone who is selfless enough to absorb selfishness, loving enough to be gracious towards what’s bitter, and forgiving enough to bless what’s killing him.
A good king is someone who makes those around him feel safe, who carries others rather than ask them to carry him, who feeds others rather than feeds off of them, and who affirms others rather than asking them to affirm him.
A good king looks more like Christ on the cross than like an earthly superstar in his glory, but that is what made Jesus’ life and death redemptive.
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 I attended the 56th Anniversary of the Serra Club of Beaver Valley. There was a reception honoring all the priests of Vicariate III in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Along with 120 people in attendance, two of the diocesan seminarians were introduced by Fr. Donald Breier. Regional Vicar, Fr. Samuel J. Esposito introduced the 10 priests that were in attendance. The Serra Club strives to emulate the model of their patron, Fr. Juniperra Serra. “Always to go forward-never to turn back.”
The guest speaker of the evening was Spiritan Father, Rev. Vincent Stegman, CSSp (ordained: 1962). There are 3,200 Spiritans in the world today, primarily serving in missionary countries in Africa. He spent ten years working with the Maasai tribe in Tanzania. He was then sent to Ethiopia where he spent 30 years working with the nomadic Borana people in southern Ethiopia. He returned home to work in campus ministry at Duquesne University which is operated by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Now he is presently the Administrator of St. Stephen Church in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh, a parish under the care of the Holy Spirit congregation. He gave a powerpoint presentation on “The People, the Culture and the Religion of the Church of Ethiopia.” The retired Ethiopian Borana kings wore a tribal “Kallaacha” on their heads which represented a symbol of status, where they were highly respected. “Wisdom and righteousness are signs of the maturity that should come with old age. (~Wisdom 4:9)
I spoke with Fr. Vincent after the presentation and thanked him for enlightening, inspiring, educating and feeding me thanksgiving of his 40 dedicated years of service. I bowed in appreciation for the service he rendered for God’s people in such a far away place. He fed me thanksgiving through his witness.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
“A man’s poverty before God is judged by the disposition of his heart, not by his coffers.”
~St. Augustine of Hippo
The Widow’s Mite-Every 2 Cents Counts
Recently, I attended a continuing education workshop for priests on the Dynamics of Spiritual Direction, offered by Dr. Susan Muto, Ph.D., who is the Executive Director of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. Dr. Muto is a single lay woman who has dedicated her entire life to Christian formation. She lectures nationally and internationally and has written more than 30 books. She has also co-authored numerous books with Fr. Adrian van Kaam (1920-2007), teacher and mentor. “She is a voice of the 21st century’s concern for the meaning of life beyond mere functionalism to family values, beyond selfism to social concerns, beyond routine religiosity to renewed fervor for and fidelity to the Church” (Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality).
I have considered Dr. Muto a life-long companion, mentor, teacher and friend through the years. I’ve been inspired by her untiring dedication and commitment to minding the human spirit. In her class she noted that her Italian grandmother, Nonna Betta, would always remind her, “Just be what Jesus wants you to be and you will be a blessing for the world.” This simple Italian immigrant gave her a deep faith. I am grateful that here in our very own backyard of Beechview we hold the treasure of Dr. Susan Muto.
In our age, which takes glory in large numbers (such as the Gallup Polls and Nielsen Ratings), Jesus saw the importance of “one”. The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:38-44), is a powerful story on complete charity. Because she was poor, the world saw her as invisible. Because she was without means, she was vulnerable. She was judged ‘insignificant’ and had little protection and maximum vulnerability toward exploitation and injustice, even being required to wear special clothing which called attention to her condition (Genesis 38:14, 19). The widow put her 2 copper coins into the collection plate and Jesus offered her high praise for her puny contribution to the Temple treasury. Jesus explained that she, in fact, gave all that she had with reckless abandon and extravagant love. Jesus saw her faith-filled generosity in the way she gave. She didn’t give from an abundance or surplus but from the generosity of spirit that came from deep within her heart.
Beginning in January 2013, Bishop Zubik begins a great breakthrough in the 169 year history of the Diocese of Pittsburgh with the first comprehensive diocesan—wide endowment and capital campaign entitled, “Our Campaign for The Church Alive!” It is critical that all 204 parishes participate in this historic endeavor in order to reach the $125 million goal. Each parish is given a financial ‘target’ based on their average offertory collection from the last 3 years. I support this Christian sharing as it’s not the size of the gift that one pledges but the spirit and the sacrifice one makes in the offering. Like the Widow’s Mite, real giving has a sort of recklessness about it. Her extraordinary and extravagant love for Jesus compels her to do an inventory of all that He has given her. So perhaps in this Thanksgiving/Christmas season we can consider the gift the Church has been for us throughout our lifetime. And it is in that spirit that we pledge our support to our shepherd in his appeal, joyfully embracing his request. Generosity expands and rejuvenates the heart, thus, increasing our capacity to love. Every person has a basic need to give. When we truly give to others our heart is filled with joy. The one who does not know how to share with others has a handicapped heart. The value of the gift depends not on its absolute worth, but in the love with which it is given. For instance, the value of a birthday present depends on the love it expresses. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life but what we give.” Because the Bishop asks, we respond wholeheartedly and faithfully. May the Holy Spirit guide our stewardship sharing to be: participatory, prepared, practical, prudent and punctual! “Be cheerful with every gift you make, and when you pay your tithes, do it gladly. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, just as generously as you can. The Lord always repays and will do it many times over.” (Sirach 35:9-11)
In a ‘cyber-fast’ world that is constantly pulsating with activity, stimulation, and over-functioning, one can ‘binge out’, ‘burn-out’, and ‘expire’. Often times in life we look for the Cecil B. DeMille exotic, spectacular and dramatic experience, where we can lose our spiritual bearings. Once we do that, we are likely to end up lost in unintended places, situations or relationships. God’s way is the only right way to go. We need to depend on His grace and guidance by living in truth. In the wisdom of St. Charles Borromeo: “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.” ~St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us catch our breath to allow the Spirit to still us and seize us anew. May the doors of our hearts be filled with thanksgiving and charity.
8 Degrees in the Ladder of Charity
~Moses Maimonides -12th Century Jewish Philosopher (1135-1204)
1. The first and lowest degree is to give, but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
2. The second is to give cheerfully, but not in proportion to the distress of the sufferer.
3. The third is to give cheerfully and in proportion to the need, but not until we are asked.
4. The fourth is to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unasked, but to put it into the poor man’s hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame.
5. The fifth is to give in such a way that the needy may receive the alms and know their benefactor, without the benefactor knowing them.
6. The sixth is to know the recipients of our charity, while remaining unknown to them.
7. The seventh is to bestow charity in such a way that the benefactor does not know the recipient, or the recipient the benefactor.
8. Lastly, the eighth and most meritorious way of all, is to anticipate charity by preventing poverty. This can be done by giving a gift or a loan of money to enable an indigent person to get back on his feet, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest livelihood, and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity.
~St. Augustine of Hippo
The Widow’s Mite-Every 2 Cents Counts
Recently, I attended a continuing education workshop for priests on the Dynamics of Spiritual Direction, offered by Dr. Susan Muto, Ph.D., who is the Executive Director of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. Dr. Muto is a single lay woman who has dedicated her entire life to Christian formation. She lectures nationally and internationally and has written more than 30 books. She has also co-authored numerous books with Fr. Adrian van Kaam (1920-2007), teacher and mentor. “She is a voice of the 21st century’s concern for the meaning of life beyond mere functionalism to family values, beyond selfism to social concerns, beyond routine religiosity to renewed fervor for and fidelity to the Church” (Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality).
I have considered Dr. Muto a life-long companion, mentor, teacher and friend through the years. I’ve been inspired by her untiring dedication and commitment to minding the human spirit. In her class she noted that her Italian grandmother, Nonna Betta, would always remind her, “Just be what Jesus wants you to be and you will be a blessing for the world.” This simple Italian immigrant gave her a deep faith. I am grateful that here in our very own backyard of Beechview we hold the treasure of Dr. Susan Muto.
In our age, which takes glory in large numbers (such as the Gallup Polls and Nielsen Ratings), Jesus saw the importance of “one”. The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:38-44), is a powerful story on complete charity. Because she was poor, the world saw her as invisible. Because she was without means, she was vulnerable. She was judged ‘insignificant’ and had little protection and maximum vulnerability toward exploitation and injustice, even being required to wear special clothing which called attention to her condition (Genesis 38:14, 19). The widow put her 2 copper coins into the collection plate and Jesus offered her high praise for her puny contribution to the Temple treasury. Jesus explained that she, in fact, gave all that she had with reckless abandon and extravagant love. Jesus saw her faith-filled generosity in the way she gave. She didn’t give from an abundance or surplus but from the generosity of spirit that came from deep within her heart.
Beginning in January 2013, Bishop Zubik begins a great breakthrough in the 169 year history of the Diocese of Pittsburgh with the first comprehensive diocesan—wide endowment and capital campaign entitled, “Our Campaign for The Church Alive!” It is critical that all 204 parishes participate in this historic endeavor in order to reach the $125 million goal. Each parish is given a financial ‘target’ based on their average offertory collection from the last 3 years. I support this Christian sharing as it’s not the size of the gift that one pledges but the spirit and the sacrifice one makes in the offering. Like the Widow’s Mite, real giving has a sort of recklessness about it. Her extraordinary and extravagant love for Jesus compels her to do an inventory of all that He has given her. So perhaps in this Thanksgiving/Christmas season we can consider the gift the Church has been for us throughout our lifetime. And it is in that spirit that we pledge our support to our shepherd in his appeal, joyfully embracing his request. Generosity expands and rejuvenates the heart, thus, increasing our capacity to love. Every person has a basic need to give. When we truly give to others our heart is filled with joy. The one who does not know how to share with others has a handicapped heart. The value of the gift depends not on its absolute worth, but in the love with which it is given. For instance, the value of a birthday present depends on the love it expresses. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life but what we give.” Because the Bishop asks, we respond wholeheartedly and faithfully. May the Holy Spirit guide our stewardship sharing to be: participatory, prepared, practical, prudent and punctual! “Be cheerful with every gift you make, and when you pay your tithes, do it gladly. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, just as generously as you can. The Lord always repays and will do it many times over.” (Sirach 35:9-11)
In a ‘cyber-fast’ world that is constantly pulsating with activity, stimulation, and over-functioning, one can ‘binge out’, ‘burn-out’, and ‘expire’. Often times in life we look for the Cecil B. DeMille exotic, spectacular and dramatic experience, where we can lose our spiritual bearings. Once we do that, we are likely to end up lost in unintended places, situations or relationships. God’s way is the only right way to go. We need to depend on His grace and guidance by living in truth. In the wisdom of St. Charles Borromeo: “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.” ~St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us catch our breath to allow the Spirit to still us and seize us anew. May the doors of our hearts be filled with thanksgiving and charity.
8 Degrees in the Ladder of Charity
~Moses Maimonides -12th Century Jewish Philosopher (1135-1204)
1. The first and lowest degree is to give, but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
2. The second is to give cheerfully, but not in proportion to the distress of the sufferer.
3. The third is to give cheerfully and in proportion to the need, but not until we are asked.
4. The fourth is to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unasked, but to put it into the poor man’s hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame.
5. The fifth is to give in such a way that the needy may receive the alms and know their benefactor, without the benefactor knowing them.
6. The sixth is to know the recipients of our charity, while remaining unknown to them.
7. The seventh is to bestow charity in such a way that the benefactor does not know the recipient, or the recipient the benefactor.
8. Lastly, the eighth and most meritorious way of all, is to anticipate charity by preventing poverty. This can be done by giving a gift or a loan of money to enable an indigent person to get back on his feet, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest livelihood, and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity.
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