“Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the other.” ~ St. Theophane Venard
Heaven: Ground to Walk On
On Monday, March 4, 2013, I received a call that a 29 year old boy, Matthew J. Aloe of Upper St. Clair, who suffered with Muscular Dystrophy, was called home to God. Saturday, March 2 was the celebration of Matthew’s 29th year of life. The day after, on the Lord’s day, he received the greatest birthday gift of all - the gift of eternal life.
first met Matthew at age 7, when I listened to his first confession and gave him his first Holy Communion. I was there when he celebrated his first Mass in a wheelchair at the altar. It was fitting then, to come full circle, to be with his family at his funeral which was held at St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park, PA. I was humbled and honored to be asked to preach the homily which follows:
During this 2013 Lenten pilgrimage, I’ve been reading “99 Blessings - an Invitation to Life” by Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Catholic Monk of the Benedictine order. He is known as a pioneer in the work of inner-faith dialogue and his promotion of the spiritual practice of gratefulness. He is co-founder of “A Network for Grateful Living” and his audio-video recordings can be found at www.gratefulness.org. He dedicates this work: “This little book is dedicated to all things, plants, animals, humans, and angels that made me blessed and able to bless.”
Brother David gives thanks for breath, dreams, colors, healing hands, friendships, departures, humility, tears, memory, the internet, birthdays, children’s toys, children’s questions and sleep. But I’d like to begin my homily by using Blessing #67: “Source of all blessings, you bless us with pilgrimage, be it to Mecca, Santiago, or Jerusalem, it doesn’t matter; not even getting there matters much, for every step is the goal, and what might seem of no importance takes on new significance: footgear, weather, singing, sweat, tiredness, silence, circumambulations. May I not use the image of life as a pilgrimage glibly. Every step is the goal. May I act this out.”
Along with Fr. Mark Eckman, Pastor of St. Thomas More, Fr. Joe Codori, everyone gathered here, those who could not be here, but are united in prayer and in spirit, we extend our heart-felt compassion in the assurances of our prayers at the loss of your dear and special Matthew. What a gift he was to us all.
When Matthew was born, he suffered complications of the heart. Around age 3 or 4, he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a group of inherited disorders that involves muscle weakness and the loss of muscle tissue. This disease is passed down through families and can occur in childhood or adulthood. There are 7 types of Muscular Dystrophy. The most severe forms tend to occur in early childhood, though this disease can also affect adults. There are varying symptoms that go along with the different types. All the muscles can be affected, especially those around the face, shoulders and pelvis.
I was glad to have met Matthew as a pilgrim on the journey in my 2nd pastoral assignment at St. Thomas More. He taught me many lessons, as he taught each of us, because we walked together on this journey of life. One could easily ask the inscrutable question, “Why is life so unfair? Why isn’t there an equal playing field?” But we can’t be stuck in self-pity and self-loathing, but treasure the gift of life and walk with each other gracefully.
I always admired the Aloe family for their courage and their awareness of God’s presence, which is the foundation of their faith. Our God does not let His little ones suffer alone. He strengthens them so that the mighty waves of suffering do not engulf them. Their pain becomes the source of redemption for each and everyone of us. He surrounds them with love of their parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, cousins and nephews, classmates and friends, neighbors and parishioners, the Make-a-Wish Foundation” (www.wish.org), and the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh (www.amazingkids.org). The combination of prayers, faith, and thousands of people were instrumental in altering the course of Matthew’s life. Every parent can tell you that children can pack a lot of living into a single day. Courageous Matthew certainly packed a lot into his 29 years of life.
He loved life fully, confidently and fearlessly, knowing that God was with him and within him. During my years at St. Thomas More Parish (1992-1996), the St. Anthony Program for Exceptional Children was begun which insured that there would be inclusive education for all. I recall the principal of St. Thomas More School, John Yelenic, who treated each child as a special and unique gift from God and had an uncanny ability to see the image of God in each of them. As Matthew got older and had to go to class upstairs, John would hoist him over his shoulders, lifting him between classes. Like Fr. Flanagan’s “Boys Town” motto, “He’s not heavy, he’s my brother.”
At the funeral, it was amazing to feel such tremendous love from everywhere and everyone. It really lifted us up and made our burdens light. Matthew bore the name of the Gospel the family chose to have read: (Matthew 11:28-30) “Jesus said, ‘Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.’”
Matthew had a passion for knowledge, taking on-line courses, and surfed the internet via the tv. He enjoyed movies, museums, concerts, traveling, and fine-dining. He loved the Steelers. Matthew had courage and strength beyond his short 29 years. (Children teach us how to live.) We are grateful for what Matthew taught and brought. We are grateful for him, and our lives are better, holier and more complete for having known, loved and journeyed with him.
Currently, there is no cure for Muscular Dystrophy. But now in heaven, Matthew gets a new body without limitations and handicaps, with no braces, crutches or wheelchairs. We can confidently surrender him into the hands of our heavenly Father, knowing that He will take special care of him. He was interred at the Notre Dame Chapel at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Peters Twp, PA. Following the funeral, we had lunch at Matthew’s favorite restaurant: Mitchells. We enjoyed his favorite dessert: 2 Oreo cookies and a Nestles Crunch Bar.
At the close of the day, may I give thanks for the presence of God, supporting me every step of the way
Monday, March 18, 2013
Standing up for Christ: No small matter
“The Holy Spirit rests in the soul of the righteous, just like the
dove in her nest. He hatches good desires and a pure soul, as
the dove hatches her young.” —St. John Vianney
Standing up for Christ: No small matter
Bishop Waltersheid’s homily was simple, sincere and
sound. His message was brief and to the point, hitting the
target right on; with few words, little fanfare and profound
clarity. He encouraged the young people to find their way
each Sunday to God’s house, because we are the body of
Christ. “The Church is everybody's spiritual home in the
neighborhood,” as the late Cardinal Bernardin, Archbishop
of Chicago often said. Everyone of us needs to hear and
heed the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through their
respective vocation from God.
“Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, You are the Reward of the
saints, the Comforter of souls, Light in the darkness,
Riches to the poor, Treasure to lovers, Food for the
hungry, Comfort to those who are wandering; to sum
up, You are the One in whom all treasures are
contained.” —St. Mary Magdalene dei Pazzi.
dove in her nest. He hatches good desires and a pure soul, as
the dove hatches her young.” —St. John Vianney
Standing up for Christ: No small matter
On Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 10:00 am, Auxiliary Bishop
of Pittsburgh, William J. Waltersheid administered the
Sacrament of Confirmation to 25 young men and women
from St. Joseph Parish. Bishop Waltersheid was born
November 18, 1956 in Ashland, PA and ordained a priest
of the Diocese of Harrisburg on July 11, 1992. He was
named Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh on February 25,
2011 and consecrated on April 25, 2011. He was
appointed Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Secretary for
Clergy and Consecrated Life on April 26, 2011. He lived in
Rome for 11 years, as a student and as Vice Rector of
North American College, and speaks at least 6 languages.
He now resides at my favorite place, (next to the Consol
Energy Center, near Epiphany Church!)
of Pittsburgh, William J. Waltersheid administered the
Sacrament of Confirmation to 25 young men and women
from St. Joseph Parish. Bishop Waltersheid was born
November 18, 1956 in Ashland, PA and ordained a priest
of the Diocese of Harrisburg on July 11, 1992. He was
named Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh on February 25,
2011 and consecrated on April 25, 2011. He was
appointed Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Secretary for
Clergy and Consecrated Life on April 26, 2011. He lived in
Rome for 11 years, as a student and as Vice Rector of
North American College, and speaks at least 6 languages.
He now resides at my favorite place, (next to the Consol
Energy Center, near Epiphany Church!)
The Bishop is 5’2”, and has a beautiful singing voice,
which filled the rafters of our church. One parishioner
remarked, “I couldn’t see the Bishop, but I certainly could
hear him!” He was a breath of fresh air, and commented
that this was a grace filled day for the Church, the
Diocese, the Parish, the parents, the family and for the
Confirmation Candidates.
which filled the rafters of our church. One parishioner
remarked, “I couldn’t see the Bishop, but I certainly could
hear him!” He was a breath of fresh air, and commented
that this was a grace filled day for the Church, the
Diocese, the Parish, the parents, the family and for the
Confirmation Candidates.
Bishop Waltersheid’s homily was simple, sincere and
sound. His message was brief and to the point, hitting the
target right on; with few words, little fanfare and profound
clarity. He encouraged the young people to find their way
each Sunday to God’s house, because we are the body of
Christ. “The Church is everybody's spiritual home in the
neighborhood,” as the late Cardinal Bernardin, Archbishop
of Chicago often said. Everyone of us needs to hear and
heed the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through their
respective vocation from God.
The Bishop stressed that each of the candidates has a
‘special and unique calling from God,’ and that some of
them would be called to serve the Church in ministry as a
priest, giving their lives in total sacrifice out of love,
mirroring Christ's love for his body, the Church. He said
that some of the young women would dedicate and
consecrate their lives to embrace the evangelical councils
of poverty, chastity and obedience, as brides of the
Church, giving ‘spiritual birth’ through the witness of their
lives. He then commented that many of them would
commit their lives in the holy Sacrament of Marriage to a
‘life-long commitment’ of fidelity, conjugal love and the
raising of a family in holiness, grace and love.
He encouraged the youngsters to avail themselves
regularly to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as it is the
‘key to discipleship.’ As the patron of parish priests, St.
John Mary Vianney said: “Put yourself on good terms
with God: have recourse to the Sacrament of
Penance; you will sleep as quietly as an angel.”
The Bishop highlighted the importance of prayer; spending
time with God to hear the voice within us, in a world that
‘special and unique calling from God,’ and that some of
them would be called to serve the Church in ministry as a
priest, giving their lives in total sacrifice out of love,
mirroring Christ's love for his body, the Church. He said
that some of the young women would dedicate and
consecrate their lives to embrace the evangelical councils
of poverty, chastity and obedience, as brides of the
Church, giving ‘spiritual birth’ through the witness of their
lives. He then commented that many of them would
commit their lives in the holy Sacrament of Marriage to a
‘life-long commitment’ of fidelity, conjugal love and the
raising of a family in holiness, grace and love.
He encouraged the youngsters to avail themselves
regularly to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as it is the
‘key to discipleship.’ As the patron of parish priests, St.
John Mary Vianney said: “Put yourself on good terms
with God: have recourse to the Sacrament of
Penance; you will sleep as quietly as an angel.”
The Bishop highlighted the importance of prayer; spending
time with God to hear the voice within us, in a world that
bombards us with much temptation, and challenges us in
many ways. We must be faithful first to God, through the
power of the Holy Spirit, our ‘best life-long friend.’ We
must work on that friendship our entire lives.
many ways. We must be faithful first to God, through the
power of the Holy Spirit, our ‘best life-long friend.’ We
must work on that friendship our entire lives.
As the Bishop administered the sacrament, he anointed
them with Chrism by sealing them on their foreheads with
the Sign of the Cross, confirming their Baptism, and
strengthening them to receive the fullness of the Spirit.
Anointing the forehead, the Bishop said, “Be sealed with
the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The newly confirmed
responded, “Amen.” The Bishop then said, “Peace be
with you.” The newly confirmed responded, “And with
your spirit.”
them with Chrism by sealing them on their foreheads with
the Sign of the Cross, confirming their Baptism, and
strengthening them to receive the fullness of the Spirit.
Anointing the forehead, the Bishop said, “Be sealed with
the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The newly confirmed
responded, “Amen.” The Bishop then said, “Peace be
with you.” The newly confirmed responded, “And with
your spirit.”
In lieu of shaking the hands of the Confirmation
Candidates and sponsors, the Bishop gestured with a slap
on the face, which means to get stronger spiritually, to be
a soldier of Christ, it’s spiritual warfare - a great battle
between good and evil. In Jesus, God brings good from
evil, success from failure, victory from defeat and life from
death. [May you have strength in your resolve to make
choices that lead you to witness to Christ, his Gospel and
the coming of his Kingdom.] The Bishop reminded the
young people that their actions speak louder than their
words ever will. They will know the fruits through their
deeds. A Christian must be a ‘living sermon’, whether or
not they preach a word. The Bishop’s hands were washed
with water, lemons and he also used stale bread to absorb
the Oil of Chrism.
Candidates and sponsors, the Bishop gestured with a slap
on the face, which means to get stronger spiritually, to be
a soldier of Christ, it’s spiritual warfare - a great battle
between good and evil. In Jesus, God brings good from
evil, success from failure, victory from defeat and life from
death. [May you have strength in your resolve to make
choices that lead you to witness to Christ, his Gospel and
the coming of his Kingdom.] The Bishop reminded the
young people that their actions speak louder than their
words ever will. They will know the fruits through their
deeds. A Christian must be a ‘living sermon’, whether or
not they preach a word. The Bishop’s hands were washed
with water, lemons and he also used stale bread to absorb
the Oil of Chrism.
The candidates were well-prepared by 8th Grade
Catechist, John Sambolt, who has been instructing young
people in our CCD program for 42 years. The Arts and
Environment Committee decorated the sanctuary simply
but stunningly, with red altar cloths, flowers and Holy Spirit
banners. I asked them to leave the banners in our
sanctuary for the Third Sunday of Lent liturgies, as they
remind us that God gives us strength for our weakness,
wisdom for our foolishness, direction for our drifting,
grace for our trials, love for our hate, peace for our
anxiety, plenty for our poverty, clarity for our
confusion, healing for our pain and light for our
darkness.
Catechist, John Sambolt, who has been instructing young
people in our CCD program for 42 years. The Arts and
Environment Committee decorated the sanctuary simply
but stunningly, with red altar cloths, flowers and Holy Spirit
banners. I asked them to leave the banners in our
sanctuary for the Third Sunday of Lent liturgies, as they
remind us that God gives us strength for our weakness,
wisdom for our foolishness, direction for our drifting,
grace for our trials, love for our hate, peace for our
anxiety, plenty for our poverty, clarity for our
confusion, healing for our pain and light for our
darkness.
Afterwards, the Bishop took pictures with the newly
confirmed in Healy Hall, where they were served red
punch and a delectable array of cookies. It was nice to
see different generations passing on the treasure of faith.
confirmed in Healy Hall, where they were served red
punch and a delectable array of cookies. It was nice to
see different generations passing on the treasure of faith.
Despite March’s mighty ‘lion’s roar’ and winter’s ice and
snow that descended that morning, after the hour-long
celebration of Confirmation, the warmth of the Holy Spirit
thawed and melted the cold morning into a new day of
newly committed disciples.
snow that descended that morning, after the hour-long
celebration of Confirmation, the warmth of the Holy Spirit
thawed and melted the cold morning into a new day of
newly committed disciples.
“Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, You are the Reward of the
saints, the Comforter of souls, Light in the darkness,
Riches to the poor, Treasure to lovers, Food for the
hungry, Comfort to those who are wandering; to sum
up, You are the One in whom all treasures are
contained.” —St. Mary Magdalene dei Pazzi.
Monday, March 11, 2013
From the Heights of Hockey to Holy Ground
“Three things in human life are important: the first, to be kind; the second, to be kind; and the third, to be kind.”
-Henry James, American Author (1843-1916)
From the Heights of Hockey to Holy Ground
As a long-time and avid hockey fan of our ‘hometown’ Pittsburgh Penguins, I was recently offered an invitation to sit in one of the 66 private boxes in the Consol Energy Center on Friday, February 22, when the Pens beat the Florida Panthers 3-1. I jumped at the invitation! There are 66 boxes at the arena to honor the long-time Captain of the Pens, Mario Lemieux. Aloft a perched view, and looking down at the ice where the Pens shoot twice, I took in every moment of the practice prior to the game. From that vantage point, you can easily see the HD center ice scoreboard, which is the focal point of high tech entertainment. There are 360 degree rings that encircle the lower and upper seating bowls, making it a first of its kind seating experience for Pittsburgh!
There was a parking pass that accompanied the tickets that allowed easy accessibility from the Verizon gate to level 4 of the arena. As the usher escorted us into the box, he explained all the delights and privileges that go along with this preferred seating. He opened the door of the refrigerator, revealing a wide array of beverages: iced tea, lemonade, pop, beers, wine and bottles of water. There, on top of the tables were select cheeses, popcorn, nachos, potato chips and the like. There was an expansive selection of fruits such as kiwi, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries and grapes, which were deliciously refreshing to our thirsty palates.
We were treated to a chef-prepared buffet, kept warm on hot plates, which consisted of chicken, pork, sausage and other choice meats. Since it was Friday, and I’m a Catholic priest, the hosting couple contacted the Pens to make sure fish was available and on the menu, too! I appreciated them going to these lengths for Catholics on a Friday night. I was appreciative of the lay leaders back home at St. Joseph who led the Stations of the Cross, where there were about 100 people in attendance. While they were praying the Stations, I was praying for the Pens!
There were 12 guests in the box, who all worked together at the same company. I was proud to be part of the mix of their friends and coworkers. They introduced me as their priest and spiritual advisor. I always liked that the late Fr. James Armstrong was the Chaplain of the NHL and knew all the Penguins through their long hockey careers. Part of the box was like the sunshine state of Florida, and was very warm. The lower part, however, was more like Fairbanks, AK, where my friend, Bishop Don Kettler lives—a bit more ‘arctic’. I found myself oscillating between the arctic climate to watch the game, and the warm climate so to mingle and talk with the guests. It was a nice mix! Sitting in the large blue seats was like sitting in the first class section of a large aircraft.
In the 3rd period, a cart arrived displaying the finest desserts: cheesecake, chocolate mousse, different layered cakes and candies. That was the ultimate in Lenten temptation. I must confess that I passed on the dessert cart and went back to my popcorn and chips. The whole night was a victory all the way around. The only downer was the center iceman, Evgeni Malkin, the Pen’s Russian star, going down with concussion like symptoms after being knocked against the boards. It was a hockey fan’s dream, which I didn’t want to end.
As I walked through the corridors of the lounge, and saw the legends off Penguins’ hockey and all their accomplishments, as a long-time devotee of the team, it was a profound and peak experience, an unforgettable moment and a time I will not soon forget. From that vantage point of being in a ‘watch tower,’ it made me think that prophets must see the world from a different perspective. Faith is the ‘prism’ from which we see all the facets and pieces of our lives coming together. We think of all the players in the game of our lives: our prophets and parents; our teachers and pastors as our brothers and sisters; friends and neighbors; colleagues and coworkers; parishioners and faith companions. Each are an integral part of the path to our own holiness. As the Israelite leader, Moses stood before the burning bush that would not extinguish, we are reminded of the gift of faith, and how it must always light the path for others. Like Moses, we are on ‘holy ground.’ We have holy time, holy friends and holy hands, in which to offer holy prayers to God. When we walk on holy ground, we are aware of God’s loving presence. We carry the ‘burning bush’ in our hearts: the fire of the Holy Spirit. May it be with the 25 young people confirmed this weekend. May it lead them in their decisions and relationships to futures of faith and hope.
I appreciate God calling me to preach His Good News, when sometimes the bad news of life can distort our perspective of faith. No life is immune from disease, violence, tragedy, accidents or loss. God continues to plant us in the midst of opportunities, to move beyond our hurts and pains, to make things right. God is constantly giving us second chances to bear fruit. During this season of Lent we are invited, challenged and encouraged to be more faithful and fruitful. Each of us has a mission to do the will of God on earth. The parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:1-9), reminds us that our God is faithful and patient. He wants us to continue to till, garden and hoe the soil of our hearts in the time that we have, through the circumstances and conditions of our lives that compel us to change more and more into His image and likeness. But we must ‘cut out’ the barrenness of sin that leaves us empty, for cut off from God, we are fruitless and useless, like the barren fig tree. But attached to God, we are fruitful and life-giving. We must therefore embrace Christ’s call to be fruit-bearing, through forgiveness, compassion, conversion, reconciliation and love, which gives witness to our faithful discipleship. We continue to be a ‘work in progress’ and God’s grace calls us to new heights of goodness.
May we continue to bear the sweet fruit of the Gospel by living faithfully, and humbly, in the vineyard of the world that God has entrusted to us for the coming of His Kingdom. As the Pens look to lift Lord Stanley for the 4th time this Spring, help us to lift high the Cross for our brothers and sisters.
-Henry James, American Author (1843-1916)
From the Heights of Hockey to Holy Ground
As a long-time and avid hockey fan of our ‘hometown’ Pittsburgh Penguins, I was recently offered an invitation to sit in one of the 66 private boxes in the Consol Energy Center on Friday, February 22, when the Pens beat the Florida Panthers 3-1. I jumped at the invitation! There are 66 boxes at the arena to honor the long-time Captain of the Pens, Mario Lemieux. Aloft a perched view, and looking down at the ice where the Pens shoot twice, I took in every moment of the practice prior to the game. From that vantage point, you can easily see the HD center ice scoreboard, which is the focal point of high tech entertainment. There are 360 degree rings that encircle the lower and upper seating bowls, making it a first of its kind seating experience for Pittsburgh!
There was a parking pass that accompanied the tickets that allowed easy accessibility from the Verizon gate to level 4 of the arena. As the usher escorted us into the box, he explained all the delights and privileges that go along with this preferred seating. He opened the door of the refrigerator, revealing a wide array of beverages: iced tea, lemonade, pop, beers, wine and bottles of water. There, on top of the tables were select cheeses, popcorn, nachos, potato chips and the like. There was an expansive selection of fruits such as kiwi, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries and grapes, which were deliciously refreshing to our thirsty palates.
We were treated to a chef-prepared buffet, kept warm on hot plates, which consisted of chicken, pork, sausage and other choice meats. Since it was Friday, and I’m a Catholic priest, the hosting couple contacted the Pens to make sure fish was available and on the menu, too! I appreciated them going to these lengths for Catholics on a Friday night. I was appreciative of the lay leaders back home at St. Joseph who led the Stations of the Cross, where there were about 100 people in attendance. While they were praying the Stations, I was praying for the Pens!
There were 12 guests in the box, who all worked together at the same company. I was proud to be part of the mix of their friends and coworkers. They introduced me as their priest and spiritual advisor. I always liked that the late Fr. James Armstrong was the Chaplain of the NHL and knew all the Penguins through their long hockey careers. Part of the box was like the sunshine state of Florida, and was very warm. The lower part, however, was more like Fairbanks, AK, where my friend, Bishop Don Kettler lives—a bit more ‘arctic’. I found myself oscillating between the arctic climate to watch the game, and the warm climate so to mingle and talk with the guests. It was a nice mix! Sitting in the large blue seats was like sitting in the first class section of a large aircraft.
In the 3rd period, a cart arrived displaying the finest desserts: cheesecake, chocolate mousse, different layered cakes and candies. That was the ultimate in Lenten temptation. I must confess that I passed on the dessert cart and went back to my popcorn and chips. The whole night was a victory all the way around. The only downer was the center iceman, Evgeni Malkin, the Pen’s Russian star, going down with concussion like symptoms after being knocked against the boards. It was a hockey fan’s dream, which I didn’t want to end.
As I walked through the corridors of the lounge, and saw the legends off Penguins’ hockey and all their accomplishments, as a long-time devotee of the team, it was a profound and peak experience, an unforgettable moment and a time I will not soon forget. From that vantage point of being in a ‘watch tower,’ it made me think that prophets must see the world from a different perspective. Faith is the ‘prism’ from which we see all the facets and pieces of our lives coming together. We think of all the players in the game of our lives: our prophets and parents; our teachers and pastors as our brothers and sisters; friends and neighbors; colleagues and coworkers; parishioners and faith companions. Each are an integral part of the path to our own holiness. As the Israelite leader, Moses stood before the burning bush that would not extinguish, we are reminded of the gift of faith, and how it must always light the path for others. Like Moses, we are on ‘holy ground.’ We have holy time, holy friends and holy hands, in which to offer holy prayers to God. When we walk on holy ground, we are aware of God’s loving presence. We carry the ‘burning bush’ in our hearts: the fire of the Holy Spirit. May it be with the 25 young people confirmed this weekend. May it lead them in their decisions and relationships to futures of faith and hope.
I appreciate God calling me to preach His Good News, when sometimes the bad news of life can distort our perspective of faith. No life is immune from disease, violence, tragedy, accidents or loss. God continues to plant us in the midst of opportunities, to move beyond our hurts and pains, to make things right. God is constantly giving us second chances to bear fruit. During this season of Lent we are invited, challenged and encouraged to be more faithful and fruitful. Each of us has a mission to do the will of God on earth. The parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:1-9), reminds us that our God is faithful and patient. He wants us to continue to till, garden and hoe the soil of our hearts in the time that we have, through the circumstances and conditions of our lives that compel us to change more and more into His image and likeness. But we must ‘cut out’ the barrenness of sin that leaves us empty, for cut off from God, we are fruitless and useless, like the barren fig tree. But attached to God, we are fruitful and life-giving. We must therefore embrace Christ’s call to be fruit-bearing, through forgiveness, compassion, conversion, reconciliation and love, which gives witness to our faithful discipleship. We continue to be a ‘work in progress’ and God’s grace calls us to new heights of goodness.
May we continue to bear the sweet fruit of the Gospel by living faithfully, and humbly, in the vineyard of the world that God has entrusted to us for the coming of His Kingdom. As the Pens look to lift Lord Stanley for the 4th time this Spring, help us to lift high the Cross for our brothers and sisters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)