Fr. Rich's Reflections

Family: A Community of Love

2012-01-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

“There are four things that are too mysterious for me to understand, an eagle flying in the sky, a snake moving on a rock, a ship finding its way over the sea, and a man and a woman falling in love.”

— Proverbs 30: 18-19

What a tremendous joy it was to have my family visit me here in Coraopolis at St. Joseph last weekend. My nieces and nephews love running up and down the rectory’s long stairwell, building forts, playing hide-and-seek and getting out to play in the snow, as it is not too common in the Carolinas.

With a snowman birthday cake, Hostess donuts, bakery cookies, chocolate milk, candy and sweets, my brother Dan dubbed my home “The Sugar Cane Shack.” When we visited Grandma over at the Little Sisters of the Poor one of the children thought that it would be a pretty dull time, but was surprised that he had the time of his life. The staff at the home had chocolate cupcakes, cookies, and refreshments for the children and allowed them to play with the 10-month old Shih Tzu dog “Joey” who happily licked the sweets from the children’s faces. I was touched as the grandchildren kissed Grandma good-bye and she told each of them, “I love you.” Watching this tender scene, I realized that kids always prefer physical presence to our material presents.

It was good to take in an overtime shoot-out victory of the Penguins over the Canadiens. It was difficult to pry those kids from their box seats at the Energy Consol Center to journey home on the snow-covered roads to the rectory. After having ten in the house for a few days, it certainly got quiet quick.

After a weekend with my natural family, we welcomed 77 couples to St. Joseph for Pre-Cana Instructions this Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Junior’s Restaurant. They come from such states as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Colorado and Texas. I am grateful for the eight presenting couples from our home-grown potato patch of St. Joseph Parish who share wisdom, faith, road maps and real-life experiences in the sacrament of marriage. Our presenters include couples of 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 years of marriage -- and newly-wed couples as well.

It is wonderful to see these loving and enthusiastic couples descend upon our community, if only for a short time, to share with younger couples the importance of this step in their lives. Making a life-long commitment to the sacrament of marriage is the single-greatest decision they will make; everything else will pale in comparison. In my presentation entitled “Perspective Pathways to Integration and Flourishment,” I reference the Episcopal Church marriage rite which states, ”Marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, deliberately and in accordance with the purposes for which it was intended by God.”

As I spent time with my family last weekend, I was made eternally grateful all the “faith deposits” our parents put into our lives. In my morning prayer of the Divine Office this past Monday, there was a beautiful meditation on the sanctity of marriage and family life that I shared with the couples at our Pre-Cana. I wish to share it with you as well (see below). As these couples join us for 4:00 PM Saturday Mass and the church is filled to the rafters, may this graced-time together be a memorable and meaningful experience for them as they embrace the holy covenant of marriage and our parish family pledges our love, support and prayers for them.

From the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World of Vatican II

(“Gaudium et Spes”, no. 48)

The Sanctity of Marriage and the Family

Husband and wife, by the covenant of marriage, are no longer two, but one flesh. By their intimate union of persons and of actions they give mutual help and service to each other, experience the meaning of their unity, and gain an ever deeper understanding of it day by day.

This intimate union on the mutual self-giving of two persons, as well as the good of the children, demands full fidelity from both, and an indissoluble unity between them. Christ the Lord has abundantly blessed this richly complex love, which springs from the divine source of love and is founded on the model of his union with the Church.

In earlier times God met his people in a covenant of love and fidelity. So now the Savior of mankind, the Bridegroom of the Church, meets Christian husbands and wives in the sacrament of matrimony. Further, he remains with them in order that, as he loved the Church and gave himself up for her, so husband and wife may, in mutual self-giving, love each other with perpetual fidelity.

True married love is caught up into God’s love; it is guided and enriched by the redeeming power of Christ and the saving action of the Church, in order that the partners may be effectively led to God and receive help and strength in the sublime responsibility of parenthood.

Christian partners are therefore strengthened, and as it were consecrated, by a special sacrament for the duties and the dignity of their state. By the power of this sacrament they fulfill their obligations to each other and to their family and are filled with the spirit of Christ. This spirit pervades their whole lives with faith, hope and love. Thus they promote their own perfection and each other’s sanctification, and so contribute together to the greater glory of God.

Hence, with parents leading the way by example and family prayer, their children — indeed, all within the family circle — will find it easier to make progress in natural virtues, in salvation and in holiness. Husband and wife,, raised to the dignity and the responsibility of parenthood, will be zealous in fulfilling their task as educators, especially in the sphere of religious education, a task that is primarily their own.

Children, as active members of the family, contribute in their own way to the holiness of their parents. With the love of grateful hearts, with loving respect and trust, they will return the generosity of their parents and will stand by them as true sons and daughters when they meet with hardship and the loneliness of old age.

Life Is A Mystery — And It Is Beautiful

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

“True peace is born of doing the will of God, and bearing with patience the sufferings of this life, and does not come from following one’s own whim or selfish desire, for this always brings, not peace and serenity, but disorder and discontent.”

— Blessed John XIII

The month of January affords me the opportunity to hit the pause button and read all the Christmas cards, messages and letters. It is good to spend quiet time in thanksgiving for the wonderful people who have graced my journey of faith through the years. One can never take for granted all the lives that touch and grace our life.

As a child growing up in a family of seven children where Mom and Dad struggled to make ends meet, my youngest brother Dan and I always received the same gift at Christmas: to go to three Penguins games per year accompanied by Dad. We sat in the rafters of the Civic Arena in Section D, but that didn’t matter; we were together. This Christmas I received the ultimate family gift: eight tickets in a box at center ice to enjoy the Penguins-Canadiens game on Friday, January 20 at the Consol Energy Center. I immediately called my family to mark their calendars for this date. They were thrilled and made immediate plans to head north to Pittsburgh. Coincidentally, two of my nephews will be celebrating their birthdays this same weekend. This is a particular gift we will all cherish, sharing this precious time together.

My brother Dan, his wife Kelly, and their three children -- Daniel Patrick (8), Alex (6) and Samantha (5) -- will drive 430 miles from Greensboro, NC. My sister Karen will fly in with her son, John Michael, from Charleston, SC (650 miles), for the game as well. And my brother Dave will fly with his daughter Lexi (13) 743 miles from Minneapolis, MN. Friday is Alex’s 6th birthday and Sunday is John Michael’s 14th. They are on cloud nine to come in the wintry month of January to Pittsburgh to be together as a family. There is plenty of room in the “St. Joseph’s Inn” with inflatable beds for the children. They look forward to visiting Grandma at the Little Sisters of the Poor, ice skating on the South Side, taking in the Penguins game and enjoying family time together.

I am always struck that my nephew, John Michael, was born on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade (1973), a day now reserved by all U.S. dioceses as a day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children. It is also the day on which hundreds of thousands travel to Washington DC to “March for Life.” 2012 marks the 39th anniversary of the tragic decision to legalize abortion in our nation. This decision precipitated the development in our country of what Pope John Paul II called “the culture of death.” On March 25, 1995, Pope John Paul II wrote his 11th encyclical entitled Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life). This encyclical was the single most authoritative pronouncement of the inviolability of human life, condemning abortion, murder, euthanasia and capital punishment. We are called to be “champions of life” and to serve the least, the lost and the little. The Church must always give attention to a pastoral plan for life in four major areas:

1) Public Information and Education — to deepen the understanding of the sanctity of all human life, whether at its beginning or end, witnessing to and serving all human life.

2) Pastoral Care — to reach out to those women who have problems related to pregnancy or have been involved in an abortion, or those who are disabled, sick and dying, their families and caregivers and those who have lost loved ones due to violent crimes and those in prisons, sentenced to death.

3) Public Policy — to restore legal protection to the lives of unborn children and those vulnerable to the pressures to end their lives by assisted suicide.

4) Prayer and Worship — to encourage people’s participation in the sacramental life of the Church, especially through Mass, sacrament of Reconciliation and programs that promote communal and individual prayer that foster life.

I am presently reading the book, A People of Hope, by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York, in conversation with John L. Allen, Jr. Cardinal-designate Dolan will celebrate his 62nd birthday on February 6. He is the oldest of five children. His parents were Irish Catholic. His dad, Robert, was a factory foreman and his mom, Shirley, was a stay-at home mom. I like what Cardinal-desginate Dolan says of his family in talking about his childhood. He says, “Faith is the greatest supernatural gift you can have, but the second natural gift anyone can have, is a happy, loving family. I was lucky enough to have both.” I concur with those sentiments.

This week I celebrated a funeral for a still-born baby who was to be born on Monday, and a day later, I had a funeral of an 88 year-old woman. Life is certainly a series of contrasts: birth and death, suffering and salvation, cold hands and warm hearts, aridity and rain, snow and sunshine. Life is a mystery and despite all human knowledge, learning and good intentions, we must humbly accept the fact that we are finite, limited, mortal human beings and God knows what is best!

In this week's Gospel, Jesus calls the first disciples to follow him whole and single-heartedly, rejecting other options with their joys and sorrows. There is a price tag on following this call — they are to leave behind their families, jobs, town and country and finally, life itself. They understood the choice was worth the cost, and so must we. Repentance means realigning our priorities toward spiritual transformation so that our lives will be directed to God completely.

In Difficult Times

Consoling God, be a source of serenity for me when struggles and difficulties threaten to overwhelm me. God of hope, assure me of your unconditional love when I doubt myself or question the worth of my life. Truth-bringing God, encourage me to embrace you during those times when I get lost in the lies of my weakness. Compassionate God, hold me to your heart when I feel helpless in the face of the world’s pain. Light-filled God, keep me ever close to you during those moments when bleakness surrounds my life. Comforting God, shelter me under your wings when I am engulfed in sadness and overcome with distress. God of peace, you are the center of my life, a strong refuge of peace in the whirlwind of my pain. I look to you for strength and a constant assurance of hope.

- Joyce Rupp

Discipleship: The Call of A Lifetime

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

“O God, tell me what you want me to do and give me the grace to do it!”

- Anne Mueller

On Friday, January 6, I journeyed to Our Lady of the Angels Parish on 37th Street in Lawrenceville, the home of the Capuchins, to attend the funeral liturgy of Nina DeNinno, age 82. She was the mother of Fr. Dale DeNinno, pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pleasant Hills. I was Fr. Dale’s successor at Mercy Hospital, where he graciously showed me the ropes of hospital ministry for which I am eternally grateful. Ginny Ambrose served as organist, accompanied by Terry McGuire, a cantor from our parish. I noticed on the cornerstone that the church was founded in 1899. I thought as I looked up, entering the church, “Now this is Pittsburgh.”

I traveled down one-way roads to get there, across cobblestone streets, passing row houses that shared flower pots on porches, to be greeted by the warm hospitality of Franciscan brotherhood, offering me coffee and breakfast rolls when I arrived. It was a prayerful setting as we waited for the caravan of mourners accompanying the hearse that carried her body.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop William J. Winter attended along with sixteen Capuchin Franciscans and seven diocesan brother priests. Atop the door of the church was "20+C+M+B+12," fitting for the Feast of the Epiphany, the traditional day for the blessing of homes when chalk is marked over doorways consecrating the new year. These initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar, and the Latin motto Christus Mansionem Benedicat, (“May Christ bless this house.”)

Nina had just attended Christmas Eve Mass and had everything ready for Christmas. All the gifts were wrapped, her house was decorated and her meal prepared, only to suffer a heart attack at 1:00 AM on Christmas Day. None of the family members had opened gifts yet as they kept vigil at the hospital in hope, prayer, and love. In my remembrance card to Fr. Dale, I mentioned that his mom gave him three great gifts: life, faith and love, for which he can be eternally grateful and for which her spirit will live on in sacred memory.

As I worshipped in that cathedral-like church adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, the Crèche and all the lights, I was touched when Fr. Dale mentioned in his closing comments that his mother received the ultimate gift on Christmas — being called home to God in heaven to join his father and brother who preceded her in death. He thanked those in attendance for giving the DeNinno family the gift of their presence and prayer through this dark time in their family history. With confidence the mourners sang “Blessed Are They” as her body was brought to Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Penn Hills.

From January 9 through 14, we celebrate a time of National Vocation Awareness, answering God’s call to follow Him is the work of a lifetime. A vocation is not partial or temporary; rather it demands a lifelong commitment which encompasses one’s very identity and meaning of one’s entire life. The call of God demands mind, heart, feelings, ambitions, body, soul and spirit to the mission and the ministry of Jesus Christ. To discern a vocation, we must remember that God cannot drive a “parked car.” It is rather through the interior freedom which He gives us that we encounter His grace, desire, love, and pursue His friendship more than anything else.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls two sets of brothers, Andrew and his brother Simon, James and his brother John, and asks the $64 million question, “What are you looking for?” We, too must answer that same question. Are we looking for financial success, social position, a great wardrobe, the perfect person, a chance to clinch the best paying job or to discover the ideal place to live? Are we looking to do just the minimal to get by? Or, are we looking to learn from past mistakes, grow in a life of virtue, seek a deeper intimacy in prayer with the Lord, or help to get closer to family in the work of reconciliation?

While I was greeting people after Mass last week, a 34 year-old radiologist at Children’s Hospital told me that the previous week he was in India with his parents for Mass. He mentioned that my long-time friend Victor Rocha, who inspired me to be a priest, sent his regards and blessings for the new year. At a very young age, at Sts. Simon and Jude in Greentree, I was invited by Fr. Victor to serve more at God’s altar and to consider more seriously the call to a vocation and prayer, to seek God’s will in my life.

God gives us radical freedom. He doesn’t force us to follow Him. Jesus invited His first followers to “come and see”, not just where He resides, but where he abides, dwells and remains. As we journey through life, we can be half asleep, inattententive, unaware and blind to God. As young Samuel was roused from the dead of night and Andrew and Simon Peter were called in the middle of the afternoon to answer the call of God, one must answer that call daily for a faith-response to be activated.

I was delighted to receive a phone call this week from Bishop Zubik’s secretary telling me that Bishop Zubik would like to join our parish for the Stations of the Cross on Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 pm, and for a fish fry that same evening. Immediately I thought that with the closing of the school I’d better call people in order for the fish fry to happen!

Did you ever wonder how many calls come into the rectory on a given day? Morning, noon and night we answer calls for a myriad of needs: to register for Pre-Cana, have a child baptized, anoint someone in the hospital, register to join the parish, have a Mass offered, and so on. We try to respond to the call to serve God’s people with compassion and grace each day.

God’s call is mysterious;

It comes in the darkness of faith.

It is so fine, so subtle,

that it is only with the deepest silence within us

that we can hear it.

And yet nothing is surer or stronger,

nothing is so decisive or over-powering as that call.

This call is uninterrupted; God is always calling us.

— Carlo Carretto

Epiphany: Light in Darkness

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

“We are meant to shine, as children do. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.”

— Marianne Williamson

Recently a man named John Kralik, who wrote a book entitled A Simple Act of Gratitude, was highlighted in the national news. In this book and others which he wrote, Kralik expresses the importance of conveying thankfulness in a meaningful way. Though we are inundated with communication, our often paperless world of Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc., can leave us in a void of the impersonal and indifferent. Kralik counters this by stressing the personal touch to thanking others. I recall Mom telling us as children that there was nothing more important than to render thanks to the one who bore us gifts.

John Kralik states that there are four simple steps to thank others in a meaningful way:

1. Grab a pen and paper. Hand written notes make people feel special — it’s almost as if the person is in the room with you.

2. Be specific. Thank the person by identifying the gift and be sincere about what you specifically liked about it. For instance, “You must have known that Harold’s Inn was my favorite restaurant when you gave me a gift card there!”

3. Dig into the past. In addition to those close to you from day to day, perhaps there is someone who helped you at a critical junction in your life in years passed. For instance, a doctor who relieved your pain after consulting many other physicians. Or parents, whose many sacrifices are appreciated by a young adult in college. Sending a note even many years after the gift can be a special blessing to another.

4. Keep it short. The message you convey doesn’t need to be complicated or eloquent. Just three or four sentences will do fine. Keep the focus on the thank you and the other person’s kindness and goodness.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany (meaning “revelation”). On this twelfth day of Christmas we remember the Magi or Wise Men who were led by a star to the birthplace of the Christ Child, as they bore gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh in thanksgiving. The Wise Men rejoiced with uncontainable joy and broke out in profuse gratitude in offering their precious gifts. They gave the best gifts for God: Gold is a symbol of royalty. Incense conveys the perfumed aroma of Christ from the small hidden grains of aromatic material placed upon burning charcoal. (Similarly, we incense the altar, the Gospel book, the Cross and the Crèche during this holy season. And certainly, we use incense for funerals.) The Kings presented myrrh because Jesus took on our human weakness and was burdened with our sorrows. Myrrh reminds us of the passion of the Lord, when on the Cross, He was offered wine, mingled with myrrh. I can remember growing up that if there was a particular food we as children did not like, an event we preferred not to attend, or a prolonged sickness that we found unpleasant, Mom would always say, “Offer it up!” Mortification, if it is well received, purifies us like gold in the fire.

As we begin the New Year, it’s good to be reminded that coming to Mass on Sunday is the best way we can thank God for the good gifts he gives to us, namely: Himself, life, family, friends, sacraments, Church, faith, love. At Mass, time and eternity intersect. It is part of God’s plan for our salvation that we are able to meet Him directly and receive His grace through His sacraments to grow in holiness, virtue, integrity and union with Him.

Fr. Patrick Peyton, the great rosary priest, instructed the world with his motto, “The family that prays together, stays together.” He advocated making a rosary daily. In growing up with a family of seven children, going to Mass on Sunday was about as optional as breathing. To miss Mass was to stop breathing. It is a sure path to spiritual asphyxiation. The way we celebrate Mass will affect the way we live the remainder of the week. And it is the mark of our Christian identity from generation to generation. There are places in the world today such as Egypt, China, North Korea, Iraq, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and countless other areas, where Catholics risk their lives and travel hours to attend a Sunday Mass. Thankfully we are not put in jeopardy when we worship and attend Mass at our local parish. By and large, the vast majority of us can walk down the street or make a short drive to our beloved parish. Recently, Cardinal Lavada who took over the then Cardinal Ratzinger’s position as the Prefect for the Congregation of the Faith, stated that if he could say one thing to the whole world, it would be, “Without Sunday, we cannot live.”

I loved what San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer said in his homily on Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. He said that the deepest kind of homelessness is the homelessness of unbelief. Through unbelief, we stumble along blindly, lost; we are consumed with ourselves. He continued, “We cannot receive or return God’s love unless we share daily and concretely with one another, especially with those most in need of our loving. ... When we stand up to profess our faith we will not declare that our deepest faith is in the President, or the Congress, or the state legislature, or the stock exchange, or the cost-of-living-index, or the armed forces, or social security. Instead, we will proclaim that our deepest faith is in the Father who created us, in the Son, born at Bethlehem and crucified and risen at Jerusalem who redeemed us, and in the Holy Spirit, who fills us with the life of the Father and the Son and unites as a living Church.”

There is no doubt with our Pittsburgh Steelers playing a Wild Card game with the Denver Broncos, and having been victorious with six Vince Lombardi trophies, victorious Super bowls, with parties and parades, we certainly know how to celebrate. But wouldn’t it be great if people could say of Pittsburgh that we know how to celebrate the greatest victory of all -- Jesus’ victory over sin and death? Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, has designated October 2012-November 2013, marking the 50th anniversary of Vatican Council II, the “Year of Faith.” Our presence at Mass is a sign to each other of the gift and importance of family in our lives. Christian discipleship is never a “solo flight.” It is a life-long family pilgrimage. To find our way to God’s house each Sunday brings immeasurable blessing to us and others.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-12-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-12-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-12-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-11-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

“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!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-11-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-11-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

“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?

2011-11-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

“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

2011-10-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

“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

2011-10-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

“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?

2011-10-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

“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.

Jesus’ Invitation List

2011-10-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

“It is better to be a child of God than to be king of the whole world.”

— St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Twenty-one years ago, I baptized a five-year old girl named Evona Marie Huminski, daughter of Eric and Mary Margaret Huminski. Evona was born in Litz Bark, Poland, on Christmas Day, 1985. Her brother Eric, who was with her at an orphanage in Poland, was born on my birthday, March 11, and I baptized them both at the same time at Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Township. How quickly time flies, as I will be traveling down to South Carolina next month to perform Evona Marie’s wedding to Justin Vance on Saturday, October 22, at 11:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hilton Head.

This couple has gone together for nine years and both attended Moon Area High School. Evona is the assistant manager of Chipotle Mexican Grill in Robinson Township and Justin has worked with Homeland Security (TSA) for ten years. Evona’s mother has placed over 1,200 children from Poland with adoptive families here in the United States of America. In thanksgiving for the late Polish pope, Blessed John Paul II, and the work of grace through these adoptions, I will make the 650-mile trip to witness their love for each other as they begin their married life. Following the nuptial Mass, there will be an oceanfront blessing. With the change of seasons here in the North, it will be good to enjoy the warmth of the temperate climate and the softness of sand beneath my feet.

Did you receive an invitation to the wedding of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton, in April? Neither did I. Did you receive an invitation for Ben Roethlisberger and Ashley Harlan in July? Neither did I. How many times have you attended weddings at the Grand Concourse, LeMont, Carnegie Museums, Duquesne Club, Montour Heights Country Club, Omni William Penn, Heinz Hall, Lexus Club at PNC Park, Nevillewood, or Heinz Field? For me, not too often. But what matters most is not that we dine at exquisite sites with VIPs, but that we attend the wedding feast of the Lamb, the Mass, every Sunday where God’s invitation includes everyone. Jesus is the host and we are the invited guests. All are welcome at this banquet: those in the vigor of youth and those struggling with old age, those on top of society’s ladder and those ordinary persons, Those with worldly power and those who are powerless, those of different tongues and those of different colors, those familiar faces and those strangers. As we come to the wedding feast of Jesus, we take our seats as we are served God’s living Word and nourished by His Body and Blood to grow in grace.

God’s great call of salvation, the great feast of the kingdom, is fulfilled when we cooperate with God by living in holiness. A spotless Baptismal garment, our soul, is the appropriate attire for heaven. The Mass is therefore a foreshadow, a promise and pledge of the eternal wedding feast, where all will be well-fed and all of our desires will be complete. God’s love never shuts out or shuns anyone. His invitation, His offer, His grace are available through the ups and downs, the challenges and changes, the twists and the turns of our lives.

Jesus was right at home with all people — tax collectors, Pharisees and sinners, and He invites all to dine with Him. Jesus is radically inclusive — placing everyone on an equal footing as we come to this banquet. As Pope Benedict XVI often preaches, true religion unites not divides; forgives not broods; helps not hurts; loves not hates. Sometimes in our too busy, too distracted or too uncommitted lives, we fail to show up to celebrate this most important encounter, to allow the love of God to transform and change us.

Prayer to Be Invited to the Banquet of the Kingdom

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

to invite the poor and the destitute,

those who can give nothing in return.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

see how we ourselves are poor, begging your love.

Invite us, then, to the banquet of your Kingdom.

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our misery.

How blest are those who are invited

to the banquet of the Kingdom!

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

to invite the crippled and the invalid.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

see our weary hands; watch our hesitant steps.

Invite us, then, to the banquet of your Kingdom.

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our bruises.

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

to invite the lame and the disabled.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

see how we are limping on the road to heaven.

Invite us, then, to the banquet of your Kingdom.

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our crutches and our pain.

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

To invite the blind.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

See the darkness that descends on our eyes.

Invite us, then, to the banquet of your Kingdom.

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our darkness awaiting your dawn.

Lord, we are truly the poor whom you love.

We are useless servants on earth,

for you can build your Kingdom without us;

and also useless servants in heaven,

for our praise adds nothing to your glory.

And yet, in spite of our poverty,

you count us among your beloved children.

For so much love, thank you, Father of our Lord,

and Source of the Spirit, thank you eternally. Amen.

- Lucien Deiss, CSSp, A Garden of Prayers

"How are You Feeling, Father?"

2011-10-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

"Our union with Christ unifies affections and wills."

— St. Cyprian

A 7-year-old former student of St. Joseph recently said to me, “Father, I really miss St. Joseph School. I’m at St. Malachy’s now. But this is still my church and you’re still my priest and that makes me glad.” Words of simple and alarming beauty from Joey Pettner at his mother’s wedding last Saturday in our church. There were many children at the wedding of Maureen Pettner and Shawn Connor. It was a truly joyful occasion.

At any wedding rehearsal, after the couple introduces me to their parents, family members and friends, I always give a thumbnail sketch of the history of our parish, the building and its people. It’s wonderful to see people gaze at the architecture and structure of our church whose cornerstone is 1924. Before giving the bridal party over to the wedding coordinators, I always wrap up with the question, “Does anyone have anything to ask me?” I’m always grateful that no one has ever replied, “Do you think this couple should really get married!”

Last week, when I asked if anyone had any questions, immediately a host of youngsters with flying hands bombarded me with various inquiries. Seven year-old Joey Pettner asked, “How are your feeling today, Father?” I thought, “What a wonderful question.” After two funerals on a dreary, rainy day, that question seemed to express it all and switch a light on in me. Isn’t it nice to be asked, “How are your feeling,” because how we feel colors the reality of our world. Are we stressed, relieved, tired, hurried, fearful, aggravated, grateful, upbeat, joyous, excited, peaceful or burdened? How do we feel about the day, our vocation, our relationships, our work, our church, our future, our hearts?

I am convinced that God really cares how we feel. In the ups and downs and twists and turns of each of our lives, like the change of seasons, God is in our midst. It’s good to catch our breath and get in touch with our feelings in order that they do not run away from us, as if detached from our being. To lose touch with one’s feelings puts one out of touch with reality. The psalmist in 143:8 says, “Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you, show me the way I should go.”

Recently I met a person with stage-four colon-rectal cancer. I asked him, “How do you feel?” Just 2 weeks away from his 63rd birthday, the man said he felt good under hospice care, despite the diminishment of his appearance. He then showed me mementos in his room that brought meaning to his inevitable death: the picture of his parents, an innocent lamb that reminds him of Easter, the Paschal Sacrifice of Jesus, an angel reminding him that he will one day fly to heaven, the cross that his uncle, a deceased monsignor of Pittsburgh, gave him, and his prayer book that fills his heart with healing and hopefulness. All of these symbols help this dying man understand his feelings and focus on the goal of heaven.

Feelings take many forms. After watching the Steelers’ nail-biting victory over the Indianapolis Colts at almost midnight, I felt incredible relief as the football sailed through the goal-post with four seconds left on the clock, resulting in a 23-20 victory. I felt overjoyed when a retired priest, Fr. Victor Rocha, who inspired me to be a priest at St. Simon and Jude, sent me an e-mail thanking me for faithfully tending to the vineyard and reminding me that people need such care, devotion and commitment, noting that an absentee or haphazard commitment will not do. Fr. Rocha has been a constant sign of God’s encouragement in his example of serving the Lord for over 58 years. He lives at Resurrection Church in Brookline and I remind him that the Resurrection is the ultimate reality of the fulfillment of our hopes and desires, the culmination of all our feelings and aspirations.

In the September 25 issue of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, there was a nice article in the Marketplace, Jobs and More section, entitled, “Working Tiffs: Conflict between Co-Workers is a Top Concern for Managers. Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?” Any manager, leader or person in human resources knows that there must be good communication and creativity in order to resolve human differences and conflicts. Because we are different, conflicts are inevitable; conflicts are not always bad or negative, they can be good and develop growth within an organization.

Susan Sherouse, author of Conflict 101: A Manager’s Guide to Resolving Problems So Everyone Can Get Back to Work, notes that trust and respect must result in three character qualities:

1) Reliability — being honest and following through. Are we faithful to our vows, profession, place of employment? Are we on time? Do we give our best effort? Are we accountable, transparent and diligent? Do we bring out the best in others and look for the best in them?

2) Competence — doing good work and learning new things; being a life-long learner. Are we open to new challenges, new learning and development, new models and practices? Are we making each day a masterful piece of work to the best of our abilities?

3) Care — In showing concern for the mission and the goals of an organization, are we compassionate in the human condition with the human variables, challenges, struggles, hopes and dreams?

Jesus entrusts an acreage of the vineyard to each and everyone of us. God wants us to be reliable, competent and caring for the work of effective and affective ministry, whatever ministry we are given. This calls for spiritual maturity. As we gather on this Respect Life Sunday, we must treasure the sacredness of all life: the unborn, the elderly, the underprivileged, the abandoned, the sick, the handicapped, the mentally challenged, the vulnerable -- cherishing and protecting all persons from womb to tomb.

From the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus we pray: “Jesus, lover of purity, have mercy on us. Jesus, lover of us, have mercy on us, Jesus author of life, have mercy on us. Jesus, perfection of all virtues, have mercy on us. Jesus, zealous lover of souls, have mercy on us. Jesus, our refuge, have mercy on us.”

Humility, Obedience and Total Self-Gift

2011-09-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

“Whoever doesn’t have one Master, has many.”

— St. Ambrose of Milan

In both the Old and New Testaments vineyard stories abound. For the last two weeks we have been reading the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 20, once again of the vineyard. Today we hear the familiar story of a father who directs his two sons to work in the vineyard. The first son, from the onset, says no he won’t go but then has a metanoia or change of heart and goes anyway. The other son gives an initial yes, but he doesn’t follow through with his commitment and his actions are hollow.

We must not just give lip service, but we must do the will of God in our lives. We must not just profess our faith by reciting the Creed and saying amen at Sunday Mass, but we must live our faith in our daily life. Procrastination is a sin against love where we put important matters and people off and fail to prioritize and put consideration into action.

At the beginning of any school year, any teacher or coach asks for 100% commitment for their subject or sport. They don’t want partial or occasional attendance which would hinder one from exceling. So too, we can not become part-time or weekend disciples, but daily faithful disciples who embrace God’s way of life. Remember the familiar adage, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Sometimes we make grandiose promises to others, but when it comes to fulfilling, we fail to be faithful even in small measures.

Recently after a daily Mass, a couple came to the sacristy for a blessing on their 50th wedding anniversary. I congratulated them for reaching this milestone and living their “I do” through the required strength, courage and perseverance it takes to live a sustained commitment. Sometimes our lives’ commitments can be derailed with such phrases as “I don’t” or “I won’t” or “I can’t” instead of fulfilling the “I will” commitment to faithfulness and love. In any commitment there are ups and downs, twists and turns, demands and challenges. Yet over the long haul, it is the steadiness of faithfulness that speaks the loudest. Most of us are familiar with the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.”

There is room for everyone in the vineyard of the Lord. We are co-workers with one another: both the young and the old, the rich and poor, men and women. Whether we are in the prime of life or in our sunset years, we must be faithful.

In his letter to the Philippians (2:1-11), which we normally read on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, St. Paul speaks of Christ’s self-emptying (kenosis). We are called to kenosis in emptying ourselves of sin and selfishness. St. Paul reminds us that the way of Christ is the way of humility. St. Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfishness...humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” This kenosis is necessary in order to embrace the mind, the message and the mission of Jesus. Paul warns us that selfishness and vain-glory keep us from the attitude of Christ that we must have. Paul states that our attitude must be modeled and imitated after Jesus’. We are to grow in mutual love for our community through our actions, thoughts, feelings, words and judgments.

A positive attitude is necessary for a positive outlook on life. In psychology our cognitive self (thinking), creates our affective self (feeling), which creates our behavioral self (living). Our “mind-set”, our “heart-set” and our “life-set” must be modeled on Christ. The mark of a true Christian is revealed in obedience to God’s ways and God’s will, not our ways or our will. One learns great things through obedience. As Christ was obedient to the Cross, His obedience was rewarded in the Father’s faithfulness by raising Him up. Christ’s best is manifest in His obedience, and that obedience translates into loving service.

Proverbs 21: 28 states, “An obedient person shall speak of victory. The one who obeys will triumph.” St. Theresa of Avila remarked, “O, virtue of obedience—it can do everything!” “Obedientia” (Latin) means “to listen within”. We must obey God’s commands, obey the Church, obey the dictates of our conscience and obey those in rightful authority over us.

I’d imagine we can all identify with either one of the two sons in today’s parable: the first son who refuses to go, but rethinks his decision, and then freely goes and is faithful to His father’s will. The second son who readily admits that he’ll fulfill the task but reneges on his commitment and thus frustrating His father.

The Gospel is calling forth from us not only an exterior obedience of fulfilling one’s duties, but an interior disposition of obedience which comes from the heart. I find this to be true especially in prayer, which demands more than rote recitation. We must rather align our hearts, minds, attitudes and actions to Christ’s in order to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations entrusted to our vocation. The menial, routine, ordinary everyday life is the testing ground for doing God’s will for God’s glory and God’s purposes. May we grow in Christ-like humility, obedience and total self-gift.

Ordinary Time 25

2011-09-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

“I want to keep telling Jesus that I love him. It is not difficult, and it keeps the fire going.”

- St. Therese Lisieux

Almost two months ago I called my doctor to make an appointment for an annual physical. The receptionist offered several possibilities. I selected Friday, September 9, since that same night I was taking a group from St. Joseph Parish to attend the “Night of Hope” by TV evangelist Joel Osteen at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. My doctor always gives me undivided attention during my physicals. We update one another about our personal and professional lives and he follows by giving me a thorough examination. When I leave his presence, his calming nature makes me feel like a million bucks! He noted that all my vitals were in the average range and category for my age. My height - 5‟11”, weight - 160 lbs, my blood pressure - 128/82. He remarked that with age 50 looming, there will be a new battery of exams around the corner. I thought to myself that living a half century with five decades "over the dam," and almost a quarter century of serving as a priest, that time flies. As the Latin saying goes, “Tempus fugit.” Near the end of the exam the doctor asked me if I wanted a flu shot. I told him that I did and mentioned to him that I wish I could give "forgiveness shots‟ to people, as it is the best remedy for the malady of sin.

After receiving a "flying colors‟ report, I was on "cloud nine‟ only to return to the rectory to open my daily mail. When I opened my Sprint cell phone bill I was aghast at the amount which read, $2,737.74 — amount due by September 26, 2011. Immediately I got on the phone to contact a customer service representative from the company. I spoke to people from India, Philippines and Argentina. Being on the phone over two hours was frustrating. I was glad that I had gone to the doctor prior to receiving this bill, as my blood pressure probably would have been higher! I was asked a series of questions to get into my account, to which I thought, “How many millions of Richard Jones could there possibly be in the world?” I was told by the supervisor at Sprint to go to the store where I purchased the phone over two months ago. To be honest, I was ready to throw the phone in the river, but instead, I decided to collect people in the parking lot for Joel's "Night of Hope."

I must admit that when I went to the "Night of Hope‟ to listen to Joel, I was distracted and burdened by the weight of this financial debt. The office staff reminded me to “enjoy the night and trust that God will take care of all things - just put it in His hands and allow it to be a night of hope.” For the past 12 years Joel Osteen has led Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. He has a congregation of 48,000 members and a staff of 360 people. All of his books, CDs and music of the Lakewood Church Choir were available for purchase at the Consol Energy Center.

Joel Osteen is 48 years old and has been married to his wife, Victoria, for 24 years. They have 2 children. Both his mother, Mae, and his wife spoke that evening. Their daughter sang and their son played the electric guitar. Joel encouraged us to see this night not as a show but as “worship and praise to God.” It was a joyful, stirring, uplifting and grace-filled night of praise, unity and hope!

There were ministers there from various faith-denominations from the city of Pittsburgh who came forward to give testimonies. And there was a crowd of 15,000 believers gathered with lights, media, songs, trumpets and bugle calls. It was inspiring to see countless young people coming out for this night of faith. For me it rivaled the Penguins' hoisting of the “Lord Stanley Cup” as the champions of the hockey world. Joel spoke about the "heroes of faith‟ in Hebrews 11 who were in the "grandstand‟ spurring us to greater holiness. He spoke of heroes such as Joseph, Moses, Rahab, David and Job. He added his father to the list who served as minister of Lakewood Church for 40 years. He highlighted that every faith-journey includes peaks and valleys. We must pray about what we share, for our own journey can bless others as well.

As I was growing up in a family with a Presbyterian father and a Catholic mother, my Dad would always say of his "mixed marriage," “It is two faiths but one love.” For 51 years my dad belonged to the First Presbyterian Church on 6th Street Downtown. The only times that we were permitted to accompany Dad for worship were on Christmas and Easter, or when Anita Bryant came to sing and to give out orange juice. I recall Dadbeing inspired by the evangelist Billy Graham who came to Pitt Stadium in 1960. In June of 1993 I had the privilege of hearing him at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. I guess these Protestant evangelists have always been “in my blood.” On my bookshelf I have both Billy Graham and Joel Osteen's books. In October of 2004 I took a group of 105 people to Madison Square Garden in New York City to hear Joel Osteen. In March of 2008 I took over 200 people from St. Patrick Church in Canonsburg to listen to him. So on September 9 it was a joy to hear him again in Pittsburgh. In one day I experienced a physical exam, an emotional trauma and a spiritual renewal! I felt confident after the evening that my bill dilemma with Sprint would be resolved. The following day I journeyed to Beaver Valley Mall to speak to a representative at the store. He mentioned to me that this kind of fraud occurs about once a month. It took 2 1/2 hours to resolve the ordeal. I was given a new PIN number and security name and a reduced bill to the cost of $63.75 which was due September 26, 2011. I was relieved. Hallelujah!

On this 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear the story of the vineyard owner sending workers out to work in the vineyard throughout the day. Some were “early birds” and some were late arrivers, but the generous land owner gave equal pay to each. Often times we expect to be paid according to the hours we work, competency level, degree of credentials, years of seniority or skills to get the job done. But God's ways are not ours and aren't based on those criteria. The key qualities to God's kingdom is generosity, justice, mercy and compassion.

9-11 and Learning to Forgive

2011-09-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.”

- C. S. Lewis

As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we gather as a nation and faith community here at St. Joseph on this unforgettable day to pray for God’s mercy, healing and forgiveness. There will be a prayer service of meditation and song on Sunday night at 7:00 PM in the church. We welcome everyone to this special event.

The Benedictines, Genevieve Glen and Tobias Colgan, wrote a beautiful poem, “Christ in the Rubble," about September 11:

O Christ, beneath the fallen stones

Nailed fast to twisted bars of steel,

And slain in flesh and blood and bones,

Pierced by the fear all mortals feel;

Arise from ash and dust and death,

And breathe into crushed hearts new Breath.

O Christ, within a world at war,

Where love and hate fight for the soul,

And all sights trained on death see far,

But only love can see the whole;

Arise from unforgiving pain,

And teach us how to love again.

I vividly remember that the day before this attack, September 10, my brother Dan, his wife Kelly and I were departing from LaGuardia Airport in New York City for Martha’s Vineyard. We were the only passengers on that USAirways flight so the pilot allowed us to stand up to see the Twin Towers. We could almost touch them with our hands. How mystified we were to see the next day these mammoth skyscrapers of the Big Apple reduced to a mere plume of smoke. Our days on that vacation were spent watching the coverage and untold reports of this dark day in our history. It was as if we were in exile or held hostage, since all flights for our return were in gridlock.

Our faith comes to our rescue in such times as our hearts cry out for God’s mercy. Our entire country was attacked on this day, and according to World News Report, 15,000 people are still feeling the effects in their physical health from the damage they suffered on that day.

We are grateful to St. Joseph parishioners, Lou and Sharon Cisar, who obtained the “9-11 Flag of Honor” bearing the names of all the victims who died in the Pentagon, Twin Towers and Shanksville. (Total number of victims: 2,977 — 246 on planes, 2,606 in the towers and ground, and 125 at the Pentagon.) This flag will be on display at our prayer service tonight.

Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) said that the greatest error of the modern world was its loss of the sense of sin. And without a sense that we are sinners, why would we need a savior and redeemer? Therefore the Church finds herself needing to preach the “bad news” that we are sinners who do dark and evil deeds before people can understand the “Good News” that Christ has redeemed and saved us. Jesus calls us to work at fostering unity, peace and reconciliation in the world. When we obey God’s law of love, we take our part in God’s work of reconciling all humanity to God Himself. For over 2000 years of Church history and Church teaching, the foundation of Christianity has been to know that God loves us unconditionally -- Jesus died for our sins -- the Holy Spirit lives in us -- and Jesus is coming back to establish His Kingdom forever. Jesus is calling us to be agents of reconciliation by repairing the rifts in our own lives. No matter how difficult the task may seem, His grace is in superabundant supply.

Recently, on August 31, I was called to the emergency room at Ohio Valley General Hospital to see a 51 year old man, Thomas Bayer, who had a cardiac arrest. His wife of 30 years, Vicki, and their two daughters Jessica and Valerie, along with Tom’s siblings were there. His wife said, “When you say goodbye to your loved one in the morning, you never think it will be the last time.” On that day of sudden darkness and sadness, Vicki gleaned light from heaven recalling that just four days earlier, she and her husband went to the sacrament of reconciliation at Holy Trinity in Robinson. She said, “I know he was forgiven and ready to meet the Lord.” Tom had a career as a master chef for Rolling Hills Country Club in McMurray and Quick Silver Golf Club in Washington, PA, and worked as a general manager at King’s Family Restaurant in Crafton. Tom and Vicki were well-known to me as they attended an Alpha Evangelization program when I served at St. Malachy’s in Kennedy Township.

In the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review obituary, his wife was quoted, “Tom always had a knack for cooking. ... He considered it a privilege to serve his customers in both times of joy and sorrow. He was there to guide a family, whether they were planning a wedding or preparing for a funeral luncheon.“ Tom was a humble, holy and happy companion on the journey. How fitting that he had a candle in his hands in the casket as a sign of his Christian Baptism which enabled him to carry the light for the dawning of eternal life.

As the summer comes to a close, the Church encourages us to pursue the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, the traditional ways Christians express love and compassion:

Corporal Works of Mercy

1. Feed the hungry

2. Give drink to thirsty

3. Clothe the naked

4. Visit the imprisoned

5. Shelter the homeless

6. Visit the sick

7. Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. Counsel the doubtful

2. Instruct the ignorant

3. Admonish sinners

4. Comfort the afflicted

5. Forgive offenses

6. Bear wrongs patiently

7. Pray for the living and dead

Leisure is for Everyone

2011-09-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

“O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray. In me there is darkness, but with You there is light; I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help; I am restless, but with You there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience; I do not understand Your ways, but You know the way for me. Restore me to liberty. Amen.”

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Theologian (1906-1949)

Last Sunday, our visiting Franciscan missionary, Fr. Carl Vacek, who spoke about the second poorest country in South America, Paraguay, encouraged me to take time for leisure. He said, “Enjoy a free Sunday on me,” and celebrated the three Masses for the day. Taking him up on his offer, I headed out for the Montour Trail and ran 12 miles. Throughout the run I came across groups of women out for their Sunday run, many bicyclists and those walking their dogs. It gave me time to enjoy something I love to do. Every life needs time for leisure. Even on the spiritual trail, we need time to rest, re-create, restore, refresh and re-energize.

During this run I thought of the 53 couples that came to St. Joseph for Pre-Cana on Saturday and how their lives would unfold. Our day of reflection culminated at the Lord's Table at the 4:00 PM Mass which I offered. (I told the congregation that one couple I married presented me with a gift at their reception. Though I was embarrassed, they insisted that I open it in front of their guests. It was a crucifix. I thought to myself, “Don’t they think as a priest I have enough crosses?” But inside was a note explaining, “As you gave your life as a priest in sacrifice for God’s people, may we give our lives in sacrifice for one another and our family.”)

I also prayed during this run for the over 65 million Americans affected by Hurricane Irene that weekend. I prayed for the nine people whose funerals I celebrated the last two weeks. I was thinking of the twin sisters I would baptize that afternoon, Leah and Hannah Buettner, and what life would be like walking with a companion who mirrors oneself. I found myself praying for the Franciscans in South America in Paraguay who provide food, education, catechesis and the sacraments for the underprivileged in their care. I thought of our students and teachers as they begin a new year. And I prayed for a cyclist on the trail as the flashing ambulance and paramedics tended to his injuries after a fall. And I thanked God for the visiting priest who lightened my load that day. After showering up, I prayed the Divine Office and said my personal prayers and turned on the music channel to the inspirational Soundscapes for quiet meditation and reflection. This leisure-Sunday afforded me the extended time and inner space to be recollected and serene. What a gift it was to experience this "reflective Sunday."

On this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus says in Matthew 18:20, “...where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Jesus tells us where two or three are gathered together in His name, there is His power and presence. A friend of mine, Msgr. Andy Cusack, would often jokingly interpret this passage of scripture by saying, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there are conflicts. There are differences. There are problems.” As a Christian community we are certainly not a sinless community. But to be reconciled with God, with ourselves, with the Church and with one another is a true miracle of grace and love. I'm inspired by how many take seriously the sacrament of reconciliation.

Jesus reminds us today that if we are at odds with anyone, we must be real enough to address the conflict to diffuse it's deadly power to estrange or alienate one from another. Sin by its nature brings sadness, separation, division, destruction and spiritual death. Grace, however, brings healing, unity, hope, peace, joy and forgiveness.

I received a new book this week from Bishop Bob Morneau entitled "A Splash of Sunshine and other Glimpses of Grace" -- his 42nd book! He quotes John Adams, second president of the United States who wrote, “You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket. You will never have an idle hour.” May the following words of another poet, yet very busy man, anoint you as you seek integration and peace each new day.

Prayer to Achieve Inner Peace

Slow me down, Lord.

Ease the pounding of my heart

by the quieting of my mind.

Steady my hurried pace

with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amid the confusion of the day,

the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles

with the soothing music of the singing streams

that live in my memory.

Help me to know

the magical, restoring power of sleep.

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations—

of slowing down to look at a flower,

to chat with a friend,

to pat a dog,

to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day of the fable

of the hare and the tortoise,

that I may know

that the race is not always to the swift—

that there is more to life

than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward

into the branches of the towering oak

and know that it grew great and strong

because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord,

and inspire me to send my roots deep

into the soil of life‟s enduring values

that I may grow toward the stars

of my greater destiny.

- Attributed to Cardinal Richard Cushing (1895-1968)

The Cross: Well Worth the Price

2011-08-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

"The most difficult thing of all — yet the most essential — is to love life, even when you suffer, because life is all."

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910, Russian novelist and social reformer)

As a child growing up in SS Simon and Jude Church on Greentree Road in Scott Township, I witnessed my Mom attending Mass daily at 6:45 AM. The pastor, Fr. Carey, entrusted her with a key to open up the church and turn on the lights. Fr. Carey told her, “Guard this key. Protect it with your life. And whatever you do, don’t duplicate it.” Mom treasured this key and to her it was more important than the key to her own house. Fr. Carey and my Mom were "bigger than life" figures to me at such an early age. Fr. Carey baptized me which opened the key of faith to my spiritual journey. Mom cultivated and nourished the faith of our family by opening the key of faith to our lives. Little did I know that the Sign of the Cross which Mom daily made would become the sign that we would daily be called to live. The Cross being a summary of the whole life of obedient love which prepares us for ultimate sacrifice.

As I think of keys and doors, my thoughts go to St. Joseph School. Sadly, our school doors will not open this year at St. Joseph after 58 years of Catholic education. I pray for all the teachers and students who will begin at new schools in the area. May faith allow us to see and unlock new possibilities.

In Have You Heard the Good News, Fr. Edward Dowling notes three contrasts between the Gospels from last week and this week. The first contrast regards Jesus’ disposition toward Peter. In last week’s Gospel at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus entrusted to Peter the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16: 13-20). Peter is the divinely appointed head of the Church and the Church will last forever through God’s promise and protection. However, in today’s Gospel (Matthew 16: 21-27), Jesus is upset with Peter and responds with an uncharacteristically strong and harsh rebuke as Peter tries to circumvent the very essence of God’s will and plan. As Jesus foretells His suffering and death at the hands of the religious leaders, He reminds His disciples that they, too, must be prepared to face hardships, difficulties and sufferings. Peter does not want to hear it. And so, while last week Peter is called “Rock,” the foundation of His Church, this week he is called “Satan,” one who is set on destroying the Church. Jesus gives Peter a command, “Away with you!”

The second contrast which Fr. Dowling notes between last week’s Gospel and this week’s regards a play on words. Last week Jesus changed Peter’s name to “Peter” which means “rock” saying, “On this rock I will build my Church.” This week we find another play on words when Jesus says, “You are an obstacle to me.” Here we have the Greek word “scandalon," from which we get in English “scandal.” A scandal traps, snares and captures. In this passage, Peter is therefore not a foundational rock but a “a stumbling stone or block.” Like Peter, we must accept the scandal of our own weakness and not rely on ourselves but on the Lord. We must hold fast to faith through the scandals of our lives. And hold on to God’s Word to heal us and free us from our sins.

The third contrast Fr. Dowling notes pertains to Peter’s position. Last week Jesus gave Peter the primacy in the Church, making him first. This week, Jesus puts him last by telling him to get behind him. This command, “Out of my sight” (get away, get behind me) can also be a strong warning to “Follow me.” Peter, who is to lead the Church, is to not go off course on his own but rather follow in the footsteps of Jesus. So, too, in our lives we can get off-course in our often materialistic and secular world which tempts us with many possessions, pleasures and powers. There are powerful psychological appeals that urge us to become attached to particular brands of food, clothes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and cars. And so we keep buying more and more. And we desire more and more. We do not have time or energy to see the deeper meaning of life. The driving seduction of the world can lead us off course from the message of the Gospel.

In the letter to the Romans (12: 1-2), St. Paul reiterates the message of Jesus regarding the priorities of our lives. Paul reminds the community at Rome not to fall victim to the allurements, enticements and seductions of the day and age. Christians are not to be conformed or molded to the present time because this age is passing away. The advertising industry influences us to think that we will be happier and more fulfilled if we possess all the creature comforts, all the gadgets that make life easier and fun and all the cosmetics that promise beauty and popularity. Yet our plush bank accounts will quickly dwindle and our athletic trim bodies will grow old and weak. St. Paul reminds us that the enticements of this world are empty and fail to bring true happiness. He tells us we need “to be transformed by the renewal of our minds.”

It is through the art of discernment in prayer and ongoing conversion that one looks within to distinguish the will of God from other competing desires of the flesh and the world. The will of God is about what is good and pleasing and perfect. As brothers and sisters in Christ we journey together in pursuit of the good of God’s divine goodness. Through our shared sacrifices as a family and community we Christians make ourselves available to support others to seek, know and follow God’s will. Jesus lovingly but sternly exhorts us, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16: 24-25). There is no great love without sacrifice, self discipline and mortification for the path to lowliness always passes through the cross. And without the cross there is no true love, no genuine joy, no lasting purification and no possession of God.

God’s will is found in our willingness to take up our cross and conform our lives to Christ, the suffering Servant and Messiah. St. Augustine said, “Determine what God has given you, and take from it what you need. The remainder is needed by others.” The “hour of triumph” is the victory of the Cross.

Faith: the Key to Life

2011-08-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

“You, Lord are all I have, and You will give me all I need; my future is in Your hands. How wonderful are Your gifts to me; how good they are!”

- Psalm 16: 5-6

On Saturday, August 6, a 110 year-old woman, Viva Hirsch, was buried here in Coraopolis. On this past Saturday, August 13, I had the funeral for Samuel Chiodi, 102 years old. He was married to Barbara for 72 years. She died on June 3, 2011. They were both called home from God from West Hills Rehab Center in Moon Township, PA. (Coraopolis must be good climate in which to live and grow!)

A mother of three, Maureen Placek, 53, suddenly died of a heart attack this past week. Also, I offered a service for Audrey Spanard, 80 years old, who died quickly as well. She was married for 58 years to Dr. Russell Spanard. A priest-friend of mine, Fr. Joseph McCaffery, pastor of SS John and Paul in Wexford, lost his mother, Alice Marie McCaffery (age 73), recently, too. Mrs. McCaffery’s funeral was on Thursday, August 11; she suffered with cancer for over three years. Bishop Zubik anointed her at Passavant Hospital in the North Hills and Fr. Joe mentioned that it took the Bishop’s power and prayer to release her to God, as his several anointings “didn’t work.” Fr. Joe gave a stirring, poignant and touching tribute to his mother, saying, “My mother was the most unselfish person I ever met.” Her recipe for life was faith, kindness, compassion and laughter. As the large crowd of onlookers watched the pallbearers place the casket into the hearse, Bishop Zubik blessed the remains with a triple blessing and Fr. Joe McCaffery kissed the casket in a powerful gesture of gratitude for the life, faith and love that his mother had given him.

On Friday night, August 12, at 6:30 PM in Resurrection Church in Brookline, I attended the memorial Mass of Helen Clark Hebda, mother of Bishop Bernie Hebda, Bishop of Gaylord, MI and former priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. She was 81 years old. Bishop Bernie mentioned that his mom always had room for everyone at the table, reminding him of God’s ever-expanding love. There is no length, height, depth that a mother will not go for her family and loved ones. Both of my priest-friends, Fr. McCaffery and Bishop Hebda, mentioned how their mothers were exemplary women and faith was the prism through which they saw everything in life. Bishop Hebda’s mother died on Divine Mercy Sunday; he highlighted the mercy of mothers -- unconditional in love and standing always by our side.

So after a week of five funerals I must say how the meaning of life as a humble journey has impressed me and how blessed we are to companion one another as we make our way to the Kingdom of God. At the close of the prayers of the faithful, I always like to pray the prayer of Cardinal Newman: "May He support us all the day long till the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work on earth is done. Then in His mercy ... may He give us safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last."

This past week we sang at Communion during Mass a traditional spiritual entitled, “Give Me Jesus." The song goes as follows:

In the morning when I rise,

in the morning when I rise,

in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus.

You may have all this world, give me Jesus.

Now the journey has begun,

now the journey has begun,

now the journey has begun, give me Jesus. (Refrain)

When the prize is surely won,

when the prize is surely won,

when the prize is surely won, give me Jesus. (Refrain)

I heard my mother say,

I heard my mother say, give me Jesus. (Refrain)

Dark midnight was my cry,

dark midnight was my cry,

dark midnight was my cry, give me Jesus. (Refrain)

Oh, when I come to die,

oh, when I come to die,

oh, when I come to die, give me Jesus. (Refrain)

At the close of the Noon Mass last week, as our cantor Angela Machi-Evans lifted our spirits to the rafters with her angelic voice singing this song, I thought of these five people who recently passed away being received into the loving Hands to God. My thoughts went to Jesus, the fulfillment and perfector of all life and love.

On this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus, at Caesarea Philippi, asks his disciples the most pivotal question, “Who do people say that I am?” (Mt 16: 13). There were many opinions about Jesus’ identity, reaching back into the history of the Jewish people. Herod thought Jesus was John the Baptist returned to life. Others believed Jesus was the return of Elijah, expected to accompany the coming of God’s reign. Still others recognized the similarity between Jesus and the suffering prophet Jeremiah and other prophets as well. Jesus does not ask for the popular speculations, but his disciples’ personal assessment. He pushes them to the limit and waits a long time, but they must decide. Peter, the leader, gives the solemn answer, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God” (Mt 16: 16). The Hebrew word, “Messiah," meaning “anointed one," is equivalent to the Greek “Christos.” Jesus, the Son of God, is the one for whom God’s People have been waiting and longing. Jesus entrusts to Peter the keys, and the successor of Peter, the pope, holds these keys as leader of the Church today. It is in the Church that we find the key to answers of life. This week the 265th successor of Peter, Pope Benedict XVI, gathered for World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain, and rallied the youth to go to Church, practice the faith and celebrate the sacraments, especially Confession, the key to freedom. Regardless of our age, as the spiritual song says, "Give Me Jesus!"

No One Wins in Gossiping

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

"See how wicked people think up evil; they plan trouble and practice deception. But in the traps they set for others, they themselves get caught. So they are punished by their own evil and are hurt by their own violence."

- Psalm 7: 14-16

In my 23 years as a priest, I have always told my successor in an assignment, “If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me. Don’t hesitate to ask!” Because hopefully we leave a place in better shape than we found it. During "transition times" one must die to self and rise to embrace the new mission. I remember a brother-priest calling me several weeks after taking over and saying, “Remember you said if I had any questions ... well, I was just wondering where you left the survival kit for this parish.” After the laughter subsided, I listened to his apprehensions and unrest. I just listened patiently and listened more, and gave him the reassurance that all would be well.

In any transition there is always turbulence and the fear of the unknown. Whether moving to a new town, new job, new school, or embracing a new way of life such as beginning a marriage or facing life without a spouse, transitions are hinges that must connect us to God and each other through trust. Our faith is challenged and strengthened and we must "let go and let God." And then we will grow.

This summer I read a wonderful book entitled "A Survival Guide for Church Ministers" by Fr. William J. Jarema, a priest of the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica, who is also a psychotherapist, spiritual director, international retreat and workshop presenter promoting the healing and development of the whole person — mind, body, heart, soul and spirit. I ordered 10 copies to share with various companions on my journey — bishops, priests, sisters and lay people. In this book Fr. Jarema speaks of seven habits for a highly effective ministry:

1. Prayer-ways and pathways to holiness: feeding a hungry soul.

2. Spiritual companions for traveling along the way: authentic human intimacy.

3. Examination of consciousness: the ability to ponder, introspect and confess.

4. Self-knowledge as the door to holiness: lessons learned or repeated.

5. Being used by God for the sake of another: instigators and mentors for the salvation of souls.

6. Eucharist: the practice of presence and the Body of Christ.

7. Redemptive suffering: finding God in all this mess.

I found this treasure-read a jewel worth sharing, a valuable help in navigating and charting new ways to grow in faith and to deal with interpersonal struggle. For some people, we may walk on water (do no wrong), but for others we tiptoe on egg shells (nothing seems to be right). For some people we turn water into wine, but for others, we just make sour vinegar. Some people sing our praises to the high heavens, and others can only speak of our lowest depths to every corner of the earth. It is important to have good self-care and nurturance in order to serve others well. We must be good stewards of our bodies, minds and spirits. We must row together and not against each other.

Admiral Hyman Rickover, US Navy, wrote, “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.” Or said another way, “One reason the dog has so many friends is because he wags his tail instead of his tongue” (anonymous). In this book by Fr. Jarema, a chapter is dedicated to why people gossip and he briefly states that gossip has its origin the following areas:

1. Poor self-esteem: putting another down to make oneself feel lifted up.

2. Comparisons: competing with another to gain a false sense of superiority.

3. Sabotage: destroying another person to avoid the sense of failure we have of our own self.

4. Triangle-communication: avoiding discussion with the person with whom we should really speak by gossiping to a third party.

5. I want to be included: trying to gain a sense of being a part of things by talking about other people‘s affairs.

6. Projection: putting on others what we despise in our self.

7. Pseudo-power: manipulating and deceiving others to believe one‘s perceptions of reality in order to validate a sense of strength and influence.

8. Getting even: revenge is a powerful drug — rationalizing and justifying violent intent through slanderous words — evening the slate to gain an adrenaline surge.

9. Ego-blindness: assuming the negative in the absence of information, instead of waiting for the truth.

In his epistle St. James devotes an entire chapter (Chapter 3) on the dual power of tongue. He says, “No one has been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. We use it to give thanks to the Lord and Father, and also to curse our fellow man who is created in the likeness of God. Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out of the same mouth. My brothers, this should not happen!” (James 3: 8-10)

Solomon, in Proverbs 6: 16-19, notes that there are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate: “a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind that thinks up wicked plans, feet that hurry off to do evil, a witness who tells one lie after another and a person who stirs up trouble among friends.” Solomon goes on to say in 10: 19, “The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, keep quiet.”

My home-pastor, Fr. Thomas F. Carey (who baptized me, gave me First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, dressed me as a priest at ordination and died on 9-9-99), was famous for saying: “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Sound wisdom for every age, indeed!

Ordinary Time 19

2011-08-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

"O Lord! All our trouble comes to us from not having our eyes fixed on you."

— St. Teresa of Avila

In our local area, the neighboring parishes rotate to cover hospital calls at Heritage Valley in Sewickley. My day of coverage is Wednesday. I was aroused form sleep at 6:00 AM last Wednesday thinking to be called into action at the hospital only to be informed by the men's spirituality group which meets early on Wednesday mornings that Healy Hall was filled with water! I immediately phoned our maintenance man, Tom St. Claire, to survey the situation. He informed me that the damage was quite extensive and we would need to contact the necessary eperts. I then called Mike Traveris with G. S. Jones Restoration and Consulting of Emsworth. They came immediately along with the McKamish Air Conditioning.

It was found that a dated fabric liner covering the fiberglass insulation on air condition panel had pealed away, clogging the drain. The water overflowed, resulting in a full day of water removal and floor treatment. There was extensive water damage in the storage areas. The dance floor too, made of parquet tiling, had to be removed. Many objects sitting in the water had to be discarded. To prevent this from happening again, McKamish installed a safety switch on our air conditioning system. Gratefully, our insurance helped us to recover the losses. It's amazing how much damage water can do in a short amount of time.

Not long after this call, I was summoned to Heritage Valley of Sewickley to visit a parishioner who fell and broke her hip and wrist at 4:30 AM when she became dizzy in the bathroom. I visited her two daughters and son-in-law who were patiently waiting for her to go into surgery. They were grateful for my pastoral presence and ministry, along with administering the anointing of the sick to woman.

This experience reminded me of a story in Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan's book, Doers of the Word: Putting Your Faith into Practice. He relates, "Recently, I visited a dying woman in the hospital. When I called to ask her if I could come visit her in hospice, she paused, 'Archbishop, I really appreciate your calls to me and to my family. And I’ll be thrilled to see you here for a visit. All of that is a big help. But, if you really want to help me, when you come, please hear my confession, anoint me and bring me Holy Communion. That will be the best help of all.'" The archbishop noted that she truly understood the grace and the power of the sacraments.

Throughout each of our own lives, we face many storms or crises. “Crisis” comes from a Chinese word meaning, “danger or opportunity." A crisis is a danger that can overwhelm and threaten us or an opportunity to draw us closer to God and others. The storms and struggles of our lives often become the means by which we can face ourselves and let go of the things that mar God's image in us. It is through standing in the presence of the transforming God that we are changed.

Because the storms of our lives threaten to sweep us away and take us under, we can be paralyzed with fear and overwhelmed. Sufferings come in many forms and sometimes without a warning bell. No matter what the struggle — sudden illness, injury, accidents, job loss, relocation, relational dissonance, divorce, parenting stress, financial challenges, death of a loved one and personal issues — no matter what the upheaval one faces, it's easy to feel endangered by the storm and become crippled by fear, making one helpless. We are apt to take our eyes off of Jesus, like St. Peter in our Gospel today, who focused on the power of the winds and the waves instead of Jesus. But Jesus is telling us not to be afraid; He wants to bring peace to our troubled lives by the constancy of His calming presence. Focusing on problems can easily lead to darkness and despair. But when we keep our eyes on Jesus, though our problems don't disappear, we find that He is with us through them all.

Elijah did not find God in the violent and powerful earthquake, nor in the earth-shattering hurricane which destroyed boulders, nor in the uncontained wild fire, nor in the heavy winds which raged for days. It was, however, in a tiny whispering sound, in stillness and quiet, in calmness, that Elijah found God. Through all the chaos, craziness and uncontrollable disintegration of the human journey, Jesus summons us to have courage. His outstretched and hand and strong arm seek to deliver and save us from any power that defeats us. As God helped Elijah at Mt. Horeb and Jesus helped Peter on the Sea of Galilee, so too, God's divine help will be never lacking for us. He will never abandon us when the winds of temptation, fatigue or difficulties come on our path. Jesus shows Himself and tells us, "It is I, do not be afraid.” As St. Teresa says, “He never fails His friends.”

As priests, we're always on the call-watch. We never know when danger will strike as we journey with God's people, seeking to lead them to greater faith and holiness. Yes, at times the forces of the world are very mighty and strong, however, these stresses challenge us to place greater faith in Jesus who is infinitely stronger.

In the turbulence of our times, we must seek the constancy and calm that faith in prayer brings to our lives. May the crises we face throughout our life's voyaging be the opportunities for us to call out to God and walk on water. The Lord wants none to be lost, none to drown. Sometimes the dark and distressing moments of our lives bring us to more courageous and truer faith. I always admired a woman named Kathy who worked in the emergency room at Mercy Hospital while I served as a chaplain. For over 25 years she took person after person in trouble and crisis, and with reassurance, reached out to bring Christ's hope, peace and calm. She was an inspiration, showing the power of moving people from dark clouds of Good Fridays to bright Easter Sundays.

Hungering Hearts: Jesus Alone

2011-07-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

The hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs.

- Psalm 145: 15-16

On Friday, July 22, I attended the Pirates/Cardinals game with my brother and two nephews who were in from Greensboro, NC. They distributed Pirate tee-shirts that evening and there was a standing-room-only crowd of 38,490 people. After a half-hour rain delay and flashes of lightening, the fans settled in for the Friday night game. My nephews Daniel Patrick, 8, and Alex Pace, 5, inevitably asked, “When are we going to eat?” Their dad’s response was, “You can only eat after you find your seat.” We found our way up to Section 310, Row M, on the first base side only to find out that the healthy food is at the lower level. Those in the upper level had to settle for pizza or hot dogs. Then I thought to myself, “Wonder how many hot dogs, nachos and Cokes will be consumed at PNC Park tonight at PNC Park?” Not to mention the Starbursts and Skittles purchased from vendors outside. (Of course the kids wanted cotton candy and Dippin’ Dots, as well.) Although the Pirates lost that night, I treasured the time together with my brother and nephews.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that there are 925 million people, that is, approximately 1 in every 7 persons, who are hungry in our world -- in Asia and the Pacific (578 million), in Sub-Sahara Africa (239 million), in Latin America and the Caribbean (53 million), in the North East and North Africa (37 million), and 19 million in developed countries. The number of malnourished people and those who go hungry is staggering.

Mother Theresa fed 9,000 people every day in Calcutta, India, but she could never have done it without the generosity of countless people across the world, the assistance of her sisters, the Missionaries of Charity, and lay helpers. In our Catholic tradition, feeding hungry bodies is one of the corporal works of mercy. No doubt, Jesus was concerned about the well-being of those who were hungry. The miracle of the loaves and the fishes is found in all four Gospels. And it involved a lot more than just giving food to people. It was an expression of the care and the love of God for His people. Jesus did not just feed people’s bodies, He nourished their minds, their hearts, their souls and their spirits.

In some countries today, there is a problem of over-eating and over-consumption where food is plentiful, supermarkets are bulging, fast-food establishments are common place. In other countries, the problem is getting anything to eat at all. And the gulf between the “have” and “have-nots” gets ever wider. Mother Theresa would often comment that the problem with the world is that we have forgotten that we belong to one another. That we are all God’s children, and sisters and brothers of Jesus to one another. It is our native American brothers and sisters who would often say that we can’t really understand another person until we walk in his or her moccasins. The late Fr. Henri Nouwen would say, “The necessary virtue that we must all embrace is that of empathy.” I’ve heard it said that God gave us two hands — one for giving and the other for receiving.

The prophet Isaiah in 55: 1-3 invites us to “Come!” Four times he uses the word. He says, “All you who are thirsty, come to the water. You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come, without paying and without cost, Drink wine and milk ... Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life.” Isaiah repeatedly invites us to come, which foreshadows the hospitality and welcome of Jesus Himself. This invitation is to real life, to share an eternal relationship, an eternal friendship and an everlasting covenant with the Lord.

As a people of faith, we come to the Eucharist each Sunday to be nourished with the Word of God and the Bread of Life. As we partake of the Bread of Life on earth, God has invited us to partake of the banquet of eternal life in heaven. In the Holy Eucharist we taste the love of God. And the proof that we have experienced that love is our willingness to share love with others. As in the miracle of the loaves and fishes, each one of us has been given “five loaves and two fish." It may seem a small amount and we can only give in small ways, but through the amazing grace of God and our willingness to share with others, others will be drawn into the circle of His ever expanding love. It is through our simple gestures of love, compassion and kindness that we are drawn closer to Jesus and ourselves. Bread and fish was the basic diet for poor Galileans, peasant fisher-folk of the 1st century Israel. This miracle of the loaves and the fishes is much more than giving food to a hungry, desperate crowd. It is the expression of the care and love of God for His people. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, we are refreshed and renewed so that we can recommit ourselves to Christ and feed others His love.

Recently, while making a visit to the hospital, I met a man sitting in a wheelchair at the entrance doors along with his son. The man asked for a blessing and then asked if I had Holy Communion. We prayed the Lord’s Prayer together, and he, with a sunburst smile, remarked, “It’s a Jesus Day! A perfect day! To receive Jesus makes each day complete.” Would that we had such simple and profound faith. Yes, the Eucharist is the act of giving and receiving, being transformed into the community of Christ’s living body. The Lord can do a lot with a little, a miracle of love.

Poor me, we say, I’m so old, so young, so middle aged.

Poor me, I’m so ordinary, so deprived, so deficient.

Poor me, I’m so weak, so tired, so inferior.

Poor me, I’m a sinner.

But "poor me" is not an excuse for inaction.

In fact, it lies at the very core of my discipleship.

"Poor me" is the really reason I need a Savior in the first place!

Say not: "Poor me!"

Say instead: "Poor me, I need Jesus!"

Lucky me, I’ve got Him!

— Sr. Melanie Svoboda, SND

By the Way: 100 Reflections on the Spiritual Life

Ordinary Time 17

2011-07-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

“Among all human pursuits, the pursuit of wisdom is more perfect, more noble, more useful and more full of joy.”

— St. Thomas Aquinas

On Friday, July 15, I attended the parish festival of Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Township. That was my first pastoral assignment 23 years ago. When I walked on the grounds, I met my first pastor, Fr. William Kohler. I remarked how great it was to see him and told him that he looks better than when I first met him 23 years ago. He said, “That’s what happens when you’re retired! The weight of the world and the pressure of being a pastor is no more.” Fr. Kohler is a classmate of the retired Bishop William J. Winter, and celebrates his 82nd birthday on Tuesday. He told me he doesn’t take a single pill and that his father died at age 99. As we were “kibitzin” it was good to reminisce and share stories of our ministry together. I always admired that Fr. Kohler completed the “Quick Crossword Puzzle” in the morning Post-Gazette and the more difficult New York Times crossword puzzle as well. I told him that’s what keeps the dendrites in his brain active, what keeps his mind so alert.

I remember Fr. Kohler as a quiet a man of solitude who loved to paint, who loved to read and who traveled more to Hawaii than anyone I know of. The parish named their former church “Kohler Hall” in his honor. His steady, silent and simple presence has guided Our Lady of Fatima for decades. In his unassuming way, Fr. Kohler has been a model to me and to his flock of one who has pursued the wisdom of God for many years. Happy Birthday, Fr. Kohler!

Sirach 1:1 tells us, “All wisdom comes from the Lord and with Him it remains forever.” Wisdom is the application of God’s Word to our daily life. It is sharing in the mind of God. The ultimate source of wisdom is God. In 1 Kings 3, the Lord appears to Solomon, the son of David, in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon did not ask for longevity of life, the gold of riches or the life of his enemies. Instead, he begged God to have an understanding heart to judge God’s people and to distinguish right from wrong. Wisdom is the ability to discern what is of God and what is not, what is God’s way and not our way.

Dr. Robert J. Wicks, a psychologist at Loyola University in Baltimore and author of over 30 books, wrote a book entitled, "Sharing Wisdom: The Practical Art of Giving and Receiving Mentoring." He stressed our need to receive mentoring from parents, grandparents, teachers, family members, friends, clergy, co-workers — those who counsel, comfort, support and guide others. We need people we can trust both to love and challenge us. Mentors are chosen primarily because we respect them. God blesses our journey with wise people who show us the path of life by modeling it for us to grow in God’s ways. “My children, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands; for many days, and years of life and peace, will they bring you” (Proverbs 2: 1-2).

Wisdom-people bring us into the presence of God. The greatest wisdom-person of my life is my mother who turned 89 years old this week. We gathered at Mass at 11:00 AM to give thanks to God for Mom’s life and the 89 years of her shared wisdom. Mom taught us not only to read and pray but to love and suffer. I’m grateful for another wisdom-person, Sr. Melanie Svoboda, SND, who rummages through life finding its treasures and sharing them through stories and books. A great teacher, companion, mentor and friend. Another wisdom-person is Bishop Robert Morneau, auxiliary bishop of Green Bay, whose poetic heart and pastoral wisdom and road-map compasses have helped form and guide my discipleship. My youngest brother Dan (15 months younger), a dermatologist in Greensboro, NC who adopted three children, is also a wisdom-person in my life. Dan inspires me to strike a balance between work, leisure, fitness and spiritual pursuits. Another is Fr. John Jordan, a friend for almost 20 years, with whom I spend my day off on Tuesday. At age 65, Fr. John imparts countless pearls of wisdom through prudence, pastoral theology and the wisdom gained through practical experience. I always found St. Francis of Assisi to be a wisdom-spiritual director behind the scenes of my life — a model of renouncing the world, embracing simplicity, humility and poverty of spirit. Although I could not become a Franciscan, I take wisdom from this great saint. I once heard it said to make life worthwhile, one needs a conscience to live with, a creed to live by, a cause to believe in, a love to care for and a dream to strive for.

It was three years ago on July 28, 2008 that I came to serve here at St. Joseph, and I pray daily for the gift of God’s wisdom to lead His people to lives of integrity, authenticity, sacrifice and service of one another. I feel blessed to be your servant in the 120th year of St. Joseph’s existence. The parable of the lost treasure and pearl demonstrate the zeal we must have to pursue the wisdom of the kingdom of God.

Your word, O Lord is wisdom,

Deeper than the sea,

Wider than the heavens.

It reveals to us the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Give us, Lord your wisdom, your Son Jesus.

Your word, O Lord, is a treasure,

More desirable than the gold of the world,

More precious than life.

It enriches our hearts.

Give us, Lord this treasure, your Son Jesus.

Your word, O Lord is a pearl of infinite beauty,

Brighter than the stars,

More radiant than the sun.

It dazzles the eyes of our heart.

Give us, Lord, this pearl, your Son Jesus.

Your word, O Lord, is new and ancient,

Newer than the dawn of the day,

More ancient than the first day of the world.

Give us, Lord, your eternity, your Son, Jesus.

Engrave on our hearts, Lord God,

The face of your Son Jesus.

When your word calls to us on the day of your love,

Recognize in us the face of Jesus,

Your firstborn Son and our brother. Amen.

—Lucien Deiss, CSSp, A Garden of Prayers

God’s Graces Make Us Grow

2011-07-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

“Christ sowed the seed of salvation in humanity in order that it might grow especially in each individual soul.”

— St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Recently I was called by a friend to see if I could visit a doctor (age 77) who is in the intensive care in a hospital in Pittsburgh. Before I entered that intensive care cubicle, I had to don a yellow gown and put on blue rubber gloves and I could see by the expression on the man’s face that he was delighted to see me! Since he was intubated (a tube in his throat), he was unable to speak. He had a clipboard with paper and a pencil attached to it to express his thoughts in writing. I said to the semi-retired doctor, “It’s a lot easier being a doctor than being a patient, isn’t it, Doc?” He shook his head in agreement. The first words he wrote in his tablet were, “Fr. Jones, the word-smith.” I was coming to console him and he shared a kind word with me.

When I returned home to the rectory, I looked up in Webster’s Dictionary “word-smith”. It states, “A professional writer who uses language skillfully. A person who coins new words.” Sometimes we can underestimate the potency and the efficacy of the power of words — a word of encouragement, a word of appreciation, a word of gratitude, a word of forgiveness, a word of love. One word can convert a sinner. One word can make a grace-filled day. One word can bring hope where there is no apparent solution. The visit to this doctor made me want to be a greater artisan of the spoken words, written words and lived words that I communicate as a herald of the Gospel.

The prophet Isaiah says in 50: 4, “The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear.” The prophet Isaiah further explains the life-giving movement of God’s Word when he writes 55: 10-11, “For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats — so shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me void but should do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” Thus just as rain and snow have a purpose, to water the earth so that crops will grow and produce fruit, the Lord’s Word has a purpose — to do God’s will, bringing life to those who hear it. The American poet Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) wrote, “A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.”

I was happy to receive an e-mail from parents who informed me that their son whom I baptized 18 years ago has been accepted to enter St. Paul’s Seminary. I was delighted to hear their son is discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The word “seminary” means a “seed-plot, nursery, a place where something develops and grows. A place where persons are trained to become priests, ministers or rabbis.” We must cultivate the gardens that are entrusted to our care whether these gardens are family, parish, work or community.

Before leaving for her vacation, our organist Ginny Ambrose reminded the staff, “Don’t forget to water the flowers and gardens around the rectory while I’m away.” As Ginny is a harbinger of growth of our landscapes, she did not want me to be deficient in my responsibility in taking care of Mother Nature, especially in these humid and hot summer weeks.

As I was walking around the parish grounds with a couple who will be married next July, we witnessed a lady pulling weeds from the stones around the courtyard near St. Joseph’s statue. She told me that she was a parishioner and that she was 96 years old. She said, “Father, I love my church, I love St. Joseph’s and I love my priests.” And I responded, “Your church loves you, St. Joseph loves you and your priest loves you. Thank you for picking the weeds and doing such a beautiful job.” She then informed me, “At age 96 if you don’t keep moving, you don’t move.” This was good therapy for her and she enjoyed tending to the parish grounds. St. Julian of Norwich wrote, “The power of the Lord’s Word enters the soul and enlivens the heart and makes us rejoice in the Lord.”

We have been hearing for several weeks that the Word of God is to the human heart what the seed is to Mother Earth. God’s Word is always a life-giving word, never a negative word. The seed of God’s Word once dropped into the human heart never dies. And it is never too late or one is never too old to act on the Word of God. Just as food nourishes the body, so the Word of God nourishes the mind, the heart, the will and the spirit. God speaks to us in the most hidden part of our being. Growing in wisdom, age and grace is the work of a lifetime. God wants our faith to grow and progress. As I encountered this 96 year-old parishioner, she inspired me by sharing in a simple way her great love of God, church and parish family. We witness to our faith by simply living our faith through good actions and virtuous deeds. When we share our faith with others, ours increases. And we describe how God is working in our lives. God has blessed us, God heals us and God rescues us over the years of our journey. And we invite others to experience His saving love, by walking humbly with one another as companions on the journey.

There are 1.2 billion Catholics in the world today and we are indebted to those first disciples for handing on the faith so that each subsequent generation can receive it and share it. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston wrote in his Pentecost homily, “Evangelization always seeks to propose our faith, never to impose it.” We have the mission to repair the world by living and sharing the Gospel which will transform the culture and the society in which we live. The seed is the Word of God; the sower is Christ; all who listen to His word will live forever. I recently attended a priest-friend’s 90 year old mother’s funeral in Canonsburg. The couple would have been married 69 years in August. The woman’s priest-son looked at her beautiful, gnarled, arthritic hands and the bunions on her feet and kissed them for the nine decades that she sowed faith with the gift of her hands and the foot-path she traveled. Her son sang the Ave Maria at Communion in thanksgiving to God for the blessing of his mother. Whether age 77, 18, 96 or 90, may we sow God’s seeds of grace in every age.

Ordinary Time 15

2011-07-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

“All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions.”

- Adeline Stevenson, American Diplomat and Politician (1900-1965)

Be kind to everyone you meet, for you do not know the burden that they carry. In Webster's dictionary, it defines burden as “anything that is carried; load; to bear or put up with; heavy load, as of work, duty, responsibility or sorrow; burdensome, heavy oppressive, hard to bear.”

Many times people will say, “Father, I don’t want to bother you with my request” (meaning “add one more thing to your plate, add one more burden to your back.”) I simply remind them that I was ordained to be burdened, to help share their crosses, problems and sorrows.

Burdens come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big, small, everyday or unforeseen. But burdens have a tremendous effect on our personal well-being and how we relate to others. What are your burdens? For some it may be the burden of the battle of the bulge. To stick to and stay on a diet to trim the waist-line. Some carry the burden of parenting that lasts a lifetime and especially those who have the added burden as a single parent. The burden of a false accusation that has tarnished a name or reputation. The burden of loneliness, where one feels no accompaniment or presence. The burden of grief, as one carries a loss. The burden of guilt, that one carries through regret, shame, and sorrow for one's sins. The burden of secrecy where one is not able to disclose freely their hardship. The burden of unemployment and the emptiness of this aching feeling. The burden of illness, old age and infirmity. The burden of financial debts. The burden that comes with responsibility of office.

It is sometimes said that the fastest growing disease in 21st century America is stress. Because we are human and limited, there is only a certain amount of stress that we can endure. Jesus gently and masterfully reminds us and invites us simply to, “Come to me, all 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 yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Matthew 11: 28-30).

As a priest, it is a humble privilege to serve as pastor. However, there is a price to pay, like any vocation. The priesthood is not about power or prestige. It is not an office or an occupation. It is a sacrament. And it is a response to God to serve souls. Namely, to be another Christ, as His voice and His hands and His heart.

It was a great joy to be away for continuing education last week at Bon Secours, meaning “good wellness” or “health,” in Marriottsville, MD (about 250 miles from Pittsburgh). There were ten of us present for the week. We listened to such gifted speakers as Dr. Robert J. Wicks, Fr. Jan Michael Joncas, Fr. Joseph Fox, OP and Fr. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap. I met a priest, 51 years of age, from Philadelphia who was diagnosed in 2006 with pancreatic cancer. He had whipple surgery. After breakfast, I thought he was taking his eyeglass case out, only to realize it was his pill box holding the 48 pills he takes daily to stay alive. All of the organs of his body have been reconfigured. He is grateful to be alive despite the weight of his tiredness and challenge of his terminal illness. I spoke with a deacon, 70 years of age, who noted that he had 3 children — a son who was a doctor, another son, a lawyer and his daughter, a superintendent of a school district. He said, “Don’t let that external success fool you. Please keep them in your prayers, as they have their own problems and burdens.”

In ancient times a carpenter made a yoke — a wooden bar or frame over the necks of two animals which allowed them to walk side by side and plow a field. The device changes independence into dependence. The animals depend upon each other to save their own neck. And if one animal balks or runs ahead or sideways, both of them get a stiff neck. They have to carry the weight together. And the yoke must be easy and well-fitted with the correct measurements, adjustments and the right approach. The carpenter must make this tailor-made, custom-made for the animals. If it is not properly fitted, it quickly leads to chaffing, irritation, abrasions, lesions, and can cause ulcers, can cripple and even kill the animal.

As a pastor, the parish is yoked by all the wonderful people who support, sacrifice and help carry the good works of the Church so that they continue. Recently with the crushing change in our parish of the closure of our school, an in-depth consultation with diocesan officials and financial counsel of the parish, it became apparent that we had to shift the weight to carry the freight in order to pay for it. Preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments and visiting the sick is what I was ordained for. However, administration of the business and the management is necessary for stability. Unfortunately, we had to trim the budget to balance the budget and that meant the loss of some devoted and committed personnel.

Our relationship with God must be our top priority. On July 1, also the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a parishioner handed me a book on the visions and promises of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque ("Seemingly Impossible...But True! The Nine First Fridays" by Father Gnarocas). What a refreshing gift it was as I sought and prayed for Jesus' Heart in this most difficult time in our parish life. We must admit that we are all capable of great generosity and down-right mean-spiritedness. It is critical that when our spiritual life is strong, our attitudes toward others are meek, gentle and humble. When our inner life feels nourished, our hearts are open to other people's pain. President Harry S. Truman, 33rd president, said he could sleep at night despite the pressures of his office. “Lord, I’ve done the best I could today. You take over from here.” Or St. Thomas More wrote, “If I am in need of light and prudence in order to discharge my burdensome duties, I draw near to my Savior.” As we celebrated this 235 anniversary as a nation on Independence Day, we celebrated our 120th year of St. Joseph Parish. May we who have been given this torch of faith and freedom, pass to the next generation. May it never go out.

Corpus Christi

2011-06-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.”

- Siddharta Gautana Buddha (Founder of Buddhism, 6-4 Century BC)

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, “Corpus Christi,” a Sunday which Mother Church sets aside to accent the importance of this greatest Gift, the Eucharist. St. John Mary Vianney said, “When we receive Holy Communion, we experience something extraordinary — a joy — a fragrance — a well-being that thrills the whole body and causes it to exult.” Ever since I was a little boy, going to church on Sunday was the highlight of my week. My Mom often asked me, “Who did you offer your Eucharist for today? A person making a major decision? A person who is hurting? One who is suffering? One who is sick or dying? A soul in purgatory waiting to see God?” After 23 years serving as a priest, that simple joy of participating the Eucharist remains with me, as I now celebrate the Mass for God’s people to grow in the likeness of God. The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic life and worship.

Last week the American bishops held their Spring conference in Bellevue, WA, near Seattle. They were discussing a fifty-page document on the importance of good and effective preaching. I enjoyed listening to the various bishops offering comments, observations and concerns for this important ministry with which we, as ordained clergy, are charged. I was intrigued by Emeritus Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, retired Archbishop of Washington, DC, who noted three reasons to preach: 1) Biblical preaching - breaking open the Word of God to teach, inspire and move God’s people to conversion. 2) Covenant preaching - to lead God’s people more deeply into a covenant of God’s love. God reveals Himself through the divine traits associated with the Covenant: mercy, steadfast love and fidelity. Thus the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist, this two-fold table, feeds us as we seek to live this covenant. 3) Preaching which strengthens and increases faith, the divine communion of relationships - for when faith is fortified and nourished, it strengthens belief, witness and action as Christ’s follower.

In article 1374, the Catholic Catechism explains that in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the whole Christ, is truly, really and substantially contained. Article 1387 stresses that in order to prepare worthily for this Holy Sacrament, the faithful should observe a one-hour fast before reception of Communion. (This fast is one hour before Communion is received, not before Mass begins.) The Catechism further explains that our bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing, appearance), ought to convey the respect, solemnity and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest. Blessed Pope John XXIII said the Blessed Sacrament contains all the splendor of Creation, the Incarnation and the Redemption—the whole life of Jesus. And that priests are to present the Eucharist all to the faithful as their daily nourishment, love, prayer and contemplation.

In the Sacramentary, the book that a priest prays from at the Mass, there are beautiful prayers in Appendix One for preparation for Mass and in thanksgiving after Mass. The following is a prayer attributed to Pope Clement XI, which I thought would be fitting to pray on this feast:

Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith. I trust in you: strengthen my trust. I love you: let me love you more and more. I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow.

I worship you as my first beginning, I long for you as my last end, I praise you as my constant helper, and call on you as my loving protector.

Guide me by your wisdom, correct me with your justice, comfort me with your mercy, protect me with your power.

I offer you, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on you; my words: to have you for their theme; my actions: to reflect my love for you; my sufferings: to be endured for your greater glory.

I want to do what you ask of me: in the way you ask, for as long as you ask, because you ask it.

Lord, enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, purify my heart and make me holy.

Help me to repent of my past sins, and to resist temptation in the future. Help me to rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian.

Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am: a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me, or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies.

Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and to reach out toward others.

Make me prudent in planning, courageous in taking risks. Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.

Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in my work, firm in my good intentions.

Let my conscience be clear, my conduct without fault, my speech blameless, my life well-ordered.

Put me on guard against my human weaknesses. Let me cherish your love for me, keep your law, and come at last to your salvation.

Teach me to realize that this world is passing, that my true future is the happiness of heaven, that life on earth is short, and the life to come eternal.

Help me to prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment, but a greater trust in your goodness. Lead me safely through death to the endless joy of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

I will be away studying from June 26-July 1 at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, MD for continuing education through the International Institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

Trinity: Relationships of Love

2011-06-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

“To love God you need three hearts in one: a heart of fire for Him, a heart of flesh for your neighbor, and a heart of bronze for yourself.”

- St. Benedict Joseph Labre

What a memorable Pentecost Sunday it was with five “tongues” speaking French, German, Italian, Spanish and Gaelic, all together proclaiming the Gospel of the Holy Spirit from the Acts of the Apostles last Sunday. I mentioned in my homily that I was a “Spirit Baby,” as I was born in 1962, the year Vatican Council II was convened by Blessed Pope John XXIII. A parishioner who later asked me for a blessing mentioned that she, too, was a “Spirit Baby” since Pentecost was her birthday. To see the banners and the candelabra, (a set of 7 candles, sign of perfection), in the sanctuary reminded us it was Mother Church’s birthday, with the Holy Spirit, the Power of God, burning out evil from our hearts, minds and lives. It was wonderful to see many in the assembly who remembered to wear red for the occasion.

I found it heart-warming when a 10 year-old little girl wrote a note saying, “I can’t wait to go to church on Sunday.” That excitement and enthusiasm fanned into flame my desire to preach the Word of God, so that as we trace three crosses on ourselves at the Gospel, Christ may be in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. And that through embracing the words of the Holy Gospel, all our sins might be blotted out.

Fr. Ronald Lewinski, a pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Mundelein, IL, gave an address at the annual meeting of the Pontifical Mission Society, whose purpose is to promote the universal missionary spirit among all Catholics. His talk was entitled, “Rekindling the Spirit of Mission in Parishes.” He notes that we should not take our faith and Church for granted. We need to transform “parishioners” into “missioners." He notes that in our culture today there are many forces which make it difficult to hear God’s Word and build community such as relativism, secularism, excessive individualism and narcissism. These dark realities make us lifeless. But God’s people are hungry for more of what He has to offer so we must fan into flame the gift of faith which lies dormant in the hearts of our sisters and brothers. The mission of the Gospel is to make Jesus a part of our everyday living, thinking, acting and being. And through the gift of our preaching, the Gospel must serve as a catalyst for engendering a missionary spirit.

Fr. Lewinski remarks, “The parish is not an end in itself. It is meant to be a greenhouse that grows disciples. It’s meant to be a mission school preparing missionaries for service in the world.” In addition to preaching and teaching, our parishes need to provide bold witness through strong, vibrant and exemplary and effective Catholic parishes. There are many parishes that are doing marvelous and beautiful things. The problem is, however, that oftentimes, no one knows about them. Did you know that on April 23 we welcomed 6 people into full communion with the Church through RCIA here at St. Joseph? And that there are 10 more persons registered to enter the RCIA in the fall? Did you know that our Pre-Cana is already full of 45 couples coming on August 27? Did you know that every week we meet the material needs of those disadvantaged of our community through the St. Vincent de Paul Society? Do you know that great donations are given to beautify St. Joseph Cemetery as a work of mercy for the deceased? Did you know that through St. Joseph School, for 58 years, we sent disciples into the world with a foundation of faith in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? Did you know that we have 21 cantors, 33 Eucharistic Ministers, 55 servers, 17 lectors and 21 homebound ministers? Did you know that there’s a devoted battalion of money counters who forge relationships of faith for the well-being and continuance of good works in our community? What wonderful servants we have who weekly volunteer time to clean the church and decorate it for our many feasts and celebrations. Did you know that from June 6-12, 311 tuned into our parish web site? Did you know that for 120 years our little parish has served as a beacon of light?

On Pentecost Sunday I met people from Canada, India, New York, Ohio, Ireland and Argentina. It is enriching to see the global Church in a little town of Coraopolis. I was excited to interview a couple for marriage and see that they signed up to help at our parish festival. The couple said that after being members here for just six weeks, they already feel at home.

We don’t have to go to Haiti, or Nigeria or China to carry out Christ’s mission. There is a fertile field in our own family and parish of St. Joseph. I am grateful for the missionary spirit and apostolic zeal of so many individuals that work together through sacrifice, commitment and service, to animate and make this place so very special.

Someone once said, “Reality is God’s home address.” Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Some may think of the Trinity as “up there” or “over there." But the Trinity is really here among us. The Trinity is our home address. Through Baptism, we enter the mystery of the love of the Triune God, (Father-Love, Son-Grace, Spirit-Fellowship). Our God is united to us through grace, love and fellowship, working for our redemption and sanctification. Our God desires to share eternal life with us. The Holy Trinity is Three Persons in One God, a God of relationships, calling us to enter into the sacred relationship of His being. Love is our highest calling. May God bless our fathers on this Father's Day.

Pentecost Reflection

2011-06-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

“Remember that you have received...the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and strength, of knowledge and Godliness, the Spirit of holy fear. Preserve what you have received. God has sealed you; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has given you the guarantee of the Spirit in your heart.”

- St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

This week I baptized three new infant boys, Rocco Salvatore Chenet, Luca Samuel DiCicco and Zachery Peter Teramana, and will soon have completed three funerals: Barbara Chioda (89), Rosina Beam (92) and William Carbino (62). The three newborns are just beginning their walk with Christ in being a Christian, a Church member and a child of God. And the three who have gone before us marked in faith, whose lives have ended on earth, are entrusted to the Lord to receive the fullness of His love in heaven. All of us have this pilgrimage and journey of faith to make, but we do not make it alone. We are members of Christ's family, the Church, both living and deceased. What a marvelous gift the Church is. We celebrate that for 2000 years the same Spirit who filled the upper room in Jerusalem, breathed on the apostles, and filled them with the Holy Spirit is the same Spirit who lives in the Church to this day. The Holy Spirit energizes the Church's faithful to proclaim the Good News to all people.

I recall Sr. Marilyn Hoeying, the former pastoral associate of St. Scholastica in Aspinwall, and long-time diocesan advocate for parish pastoral councils, always reminding us that the Church is a gift, and in order to serve the Church with love, grace and joy, we must pray for it daily — so that the vision of Jesus will be our vision, the teachings of Jesus will be our teachings, the commandments of Jesus will be our commandments and the life of Jesus will be our life. As disciples of the 21st century we have inherited the message and the mission of Jesus. And we must communicate that love to others.

St. Paul, in the 12th chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthians, reminds us that not everyone can do everything and not everybody can reach everybody. The gifts and talents that Christ entrusts to us are for the benefit of the whole Church and to build up the unity among all. So if your gift is to sing, sing. If your gift is to cook, cook. If your gift is computers, do computers. If your gift is to work for the poor, serve the poor. If your gift is work with the young, serve as a camp counselor. If your gift is to listen, give your friendship to a longing world. If your gift is to write poetry, share that language. If your gift is to preach, share the Word. If your gift is to be a prayer-warrior, go to daily Mass. If your gift is to be generous, help those in need. If your gift is to garden, enjoy Mother Nature. If your gift is to be a peacemaker, bring forgiveness and calm to others. If your gift is to lead, guide others. If your gift is to teach, instruct others. If your gift is to tinker with your hands, be a Jack of all trades. If your gift is to play hockey, win the Lord Stanley Cup for your city and fans! No matter what gift God has blessed you with, it's not fully a gift until it's shared for the benefit of another. No matter what your gift is, don't stay too long out of your gifted area, or you'll be an unhappy camper.

Perhaps the single greatest community event each year comes in June when we have our parish festival, which takes people of all types to work together with our minds, our hands, our hearts, our spirits and our lives for this annual celebration. As we look at the red and white canopies of the booths, we are reminded of the red of sacrifice and white of new life. Our various contributions to this gathering breathe fresh enthusiasm into the community's living. It's good to see familiar faces and new faces. We each have a special role to play, here in the parish and beyond.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives so we can live more fully and faithfully as disciples of Christ, who labor each day to renew the face of the earth. St. Bernardine of Siena gives us these encouraging words, “There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Sprit needed to fulfill the task at hand.”

There was a Baptist leader, Minister Spurgeon, who was once asked why he always preached that we all needed to be filled with the Holy Sprit and he simply replied, “Because we leak.” The truth is, sometimes even our Christian work, ministry and outreach is done in the power of "self" and not in the power of the Spirit. One of the occupational hazards of full-time ministry is burn-out. One must tend the flame of the fire within so that it is not extinguished by apathy, indifference and laziness. St. Padre Pio said, “Go ahead! Courage! In the spiritual life one who does not go forward goes backward.”

Let us go forward then, with the song of the Spirit in our hearts. Let us cry out to Him who is our life and breath, “Come Holy Spirit, come!”

Fire of God, undying flame,

Sprit who in splendor came,

Let your heat my soul refine,

Till it glows with love divine.

Breath of God that swept with power

In the Pentecostal hour,

Holy breath, be now in me

Source of vital energy.

Strength of God, your might within

Conquers sorrow, pain and sin;

Fortify from evil art

All the gateways of my heart.

Truth of God, your piercing rays

Penetrate my secret ways;

May the light that shames my sin

Guide me holier paths to win.

Love of God, your grace profound

Knows not either age or bound;

Come, my heart’s own guest to be,

Dwell forevermore in me.

Easter 7

2011-06-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

“Once while preaching in a parish, I suddenly caught sight of a young mother with her child, and you could see the love between them. I was terribly tempted to say to the congregation: 'Forget what I am saying and look over there, and you will see what we mean to God.'‟

- Cardinal Basil Hume

USA Today recently featured a Life Way Research survey which asked 1,000 Americans, “How often do you read the Bible?” The responses were: 53% at least once per month; 22% rarely; 24% never; and 1% didn’t know. The Bible is a love story between God and us. And God wants to tell us about who He is, who we are and the great plan that awaits us. Our Bible study resumes Monday, June 6 at 7:00 PM in Church. Bring a Bible and invite a friend! “Direct my steps by Your Word” (Ps 119:133).

I thought you might enjoy the following article which demonstrates the power of God’s Word to communicate itself with strength despite the humble messengers who bear it.

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The Best Sermon I Never Heard

(Reprinted from Catholic Digest, June 2011)

By Rick Hermann

I had thought the old priest’s sermon was terrible. But apparently, I had missed something.

As soon as the old priest started his sermon, I knew it was going to be boring. He began speaking with a faltering voice and proceeded to tell an obscure story that made no sense to me at all. I was quickly lost and distracted.

This was not my usual church. I was traveling and had just dropped in for evening Mass. But I knew right away that this sermon was going to be one of the worst ever. The priest seemed unprepared, vague, and detached. So I tuned him out and started fuming inside my head. Why didn’t he prepare better? Don’t they train these guys in seminary? Here we are, after 2,000 years of Church history, and our priests still haven’t figured out how to give a decent homily! No wonder our faith is so weak; it’s because the sermons are so bad!

I seethed in silent protest, stupefied and resentful. After what seemed like an eternity, the priest finally ended his sermon. I do not remember a single word he said. It was that boring. Unfortunately, for the rest of the Mass my mind wandered aimlessly along dark paths of indignation and disgust.

After Mass ended, I walked to my car. No longer able to contain my protest, I complained to a man walking beside me, “What did you think of that sermon?”

He gave a gentle reply, “That was the most beautiful sermon I ever heard.”

I was stunned, and looked up at him. His face was tear-stained, and his eyes glistened in the twilight. Suddenly embarrassed, I asked what he meant.

He responded with a smile, “I’ve spent most of my life estranged from God, going my own way and doing my own thing. Last year I found Him, or rather He found me, and now I find Him speaking to me in the most wonderful ways. Like that sermon we just heard. It was all about waking up, and listening, and hearing God in new ways. That describes my life, and the love I have found.” I was speechless. I shook his hand sheepishly and thank him. He may not speak to me, but He speaks to thee, I thought.

As I drove home, I marveled at how God could use such a dull and ordinary priest to speak in such an extraordinary way to one of his beloved. What is meaningless for me to hear, and a cross for me to bear, may be the fruitful words of life to a person sitting near.

Now I am a more humble and appreciative listener. Ever since that experience years ago, I cannot hear a boring sermon without imagining that someone, somewhere out there in the pews, may be wiping a tear from their eye and smiling.

They may be hearing the voice of God speaking directly into their heart, with healing words raining down on them like a spring shower on a dry and thirsty desert.

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I am reading Fr. Jonathan Morris’ new book entitled, "God Wants You Happy: From Self-Help to God-Help." I would recommend this book as a gift for a graduate or anyone. Fr. Morris serves as news analyst for Fox News Channel and also as parochial vicar for St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. You can visit him online at http://www.fatherjonathan.com/. Fr. Morris writes, “We are created by God out of love. He gave us freedom in order that we might choose what’s best for us, to live in friendship with Him in this life and for all eternity. Genuine human flourishing, then, almost always has something to do with our good choices (positive self-help) and always has everything to do with God’s grace (God-help). Any effort to divorce one from the other is a dangerous detour into philosophical narcissism (pursuing self-help without recognition of God), or religious irrationalism (expecting God to do what He wants us to do for ourselves).” God wants us to be holy, healthy and happy -- do our choices reflect that?

A Blessing for Graduates

Before you were even formed, God knew you. While in your Mother’s womb, God named you. At your birth, God’s breath filled you with life. Today we celebrate what you have become at this moment in time. And so we pray: God of our beginnings, we thank You for the gifts of these graduates; their excitement, their awesome wonder and curiosity, their open speech and encouraging words. Their contributions have blessed and challenged us, and we have become a richer and more diverse community because of them. As they step forward into the world that awaits, comfort their fears with the full knowledge of your divine presence. Strengthen their resolve to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as modern-day disciples in a world that needs their spirit. Guide their feet as they move through life, protecting them from the pitfalls of darkness while they help to lead future generations into the warmth and promise of Your light. We ask this blessing upon each of them, in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Rocco Calbretta: A Knight to Salute

2011-05-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

“The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but he who does the will of God lives forever.”

- 1 John 2:17

A crowd of 250 mourners, 8 pallbearers and the Honor Guard of the Knights of Columbus gathered as Rocco Calabretta was buried in his Knight‘s uniform, having been a Knight for 36 years. When speaking of her husband‘s Christian Funeral Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, May 21, Rose Calabretta joyfully remarked, “The funeral couldn’t have been better send-off even if it had even been for a pope!”

In 1951 Rocco graduated from Coraopolis High School with the reputation of being a fine football offensive tackle. He coached little league football and became the commissioner of the league. He served his country in the US Air Force for four years. Rocco and Rose were married 52 years. Rocco worked for 39 years as an ingot molder for Shenango Steel. He took under his wings neglected children from Holy Family Institute and cared for them. He was a daily communicant who greeted everyone at morning Mass with a "sunburst smile." Although the last several months of his journey were quite bumpy, it was a grace visit Rocco in hospitals and rehab centers and witness his undying faith. I recall that at my last visit with Rocco, he mentioned to me what a special and humbling privilege it was to distribute the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for over 35 years as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He noted that he never felt any higher or closer to God!

When I arrived to St. Joseph three years ago, Rocco was one of the first persons to invite me to breakfast after Mass. He told me then that he was here to help and support me in every possible way. He was a former parish council president. He had great respect for the bishops and priests in our Church and sometimes he even prayed four rosaries before Mass began at 8:30 AM. It was fitting that on the night of his funeral, the Knights of Columbus sponsored a "Knight at the Races" in our cafeteria and many of his brother Knights commented to me there that Rocco was their mentor, model and example. Near the end of his life he had to give up being the treasurer for the Knights; his treasure now is in heaven.

Rocco was a fixture and pillar of our faith community for a long time. Whether spinning the wheel for our festival, cooking burgers for our picnic, assisting his wife with visitation to the sick, organizing Christmas gifts for needy families, sharing his hobby of photography with new brides or repairing as a handy-man at Twin Oaks Manor Condominiums, his spirit and dedication was unprecedented. He loved his Eucharistic Adoration at his 10:30 AM slot on Wednesdays.

Rocco was born in Clarksburg, WV. And since my brother Dan‘s wife, Kelly, is from Beckley, WV, I felt a closer bond with Rocco in understanding his mountaineer language. It seemed more than coincidental that the day of Rocco‘s funeral was an "Easter-like" day amidst the stormy season of April and May. God called him home on the birthday of Blessed John Paul II, calling him by name at 7:00 PM at UPMC Passavan Hospital in McCandless.

Rocco Calabretta Jr, was born on October 23, 1932 and died May 18, 2011. He was buried at Resurrection Cemetery next to his parents Rocco, Sr. and Anna. I must admit that before his passing it was inspiring to see him carry his own oxygen to daily Mass; nothing would keep him back from the Eucharist. Perhaps at times I was hoping against hope that this constant figure who sat near the fifth station, where Simon helps Jesus carry the cross, would return back in his pew. However, God had other plans and He called him to the eternal banquet in His Kingdom.

The prayer which I said at the cemetery interment seemed fitting, "As Rocco was nourished with Christ’s Body and Blood Here on earth, may Christ grant him a place at His table in His heavenly Kingdom.”

Rocco was a "God-fearing" man. He had reverence for his God and respect for everyone else. Rocco was a like a rock. He was always there -- steady, faithful, reliable and trustworthy. He enjoyed mixing and mingling with others and his passion for the Church gave him such life.

Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote, "It is not possible to live and grow in the faith without the support of a group, of a Christian community. It is here that you will learn together to build a better world.” The tremendous outpouring of people both at funeral or calling hours was a testimony of the countless lives Rocco touched.

As Rocco labored to catch his breath on his last day on earth, I thought of the anointing words of St. Maximillian Kolbe, "You must be prepared for periods of darkness, anxiety, doubts, fears, and of temptations that are sometimes very, very insistent, of sufferings of the body and, what is 100-fold more painful, of the soul…. If there were no trials, there would be no struggle. Without a struggle, victory would be impossible. And without victory, there is no crown, no reward.”

I‘ll keep in my breviary in loving remembrance his prayer card from the funeral home. May Rocco‘s rock-like faith encourage us to live our faith. His prayer card reads:

I’m free

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

Of friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life‘s been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times,

A loved one‘s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don‘t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

Honoring Mary, Mother of God

2011-05-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

“Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it.”

- Hebrews 12:14

Prior to our "Evening in Honor of Mary" this past Monday, as I was getting a pizza at Anthony Junior's with some of the parish staff, I ran into a couple, Lisa and Joe, whom I married at Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Twp. As we were exchanging memories, I inquired how their daughter was doing. They mentioned she was a fifth grader at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School. They had asked her recently if she wanted to go to the public junior high school for sixth grade and the girl simply said, “Mom and Dad, I don’t want to go to a school where I can’t learn about Jesus and Mary.”

Last Saturday 45 couples came to our parish for our all-day pre-Cana marriage preparation. Six couples assisted me with the presentations. One couple who spoke on the subject of communications, Allen and Michelle Veeck, told the group that they live in Sewickley and travel 20 minutes to get to St. Joseph Parish. They begin the rosary in their driveway and complete it by the time they pull into the parking lot here at St. Joseph for church. Their four children believe that praying the rosary and attending Mass is the "complete package deal" for church on Sunday!

During the recent season of Lent, I gave a day of reflection at a parish in our diocese, and in gratitude, the priest gave me a large book on the life of Blessed Pope John Paul II. In that book a story is recounted of the Holy Father distributing rosaries to pilgrims visiting him. The Pope‘s aid inadvertently handed him two rosaries instead of the usual one, and as the person attempted to return one of the rosaries, the Pope joyfully and jokingly said, "You must need two!"

The above are just some of the stories I shared on Monday at our night to honor Mary, the Mother of God, in this month of May (though the weather felt more like the month of October, which is also a month that we honor the Blessed Mother). There were 100 people in attendance. The prelude music included "Czarna Madonno" (Polish), "Santa Vergine" (Italian) and "Ave Maria" (Latin) and other favorite Marian hymns. We prayed the evening prayer for the Blessed Mother antiphonally, left and right sides of the church taking turns, listened to the sung "Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary", heard a Gospel reading from John 19: 25-27, had a homily, and watched three second grade First Holy Communicants crown Mary, Queen of Us All.

I mentioned in my homily that on the second Sunday of every May (May 8th this year), we pause to celebrate the gift our earthly mothers on Mother‘s Day. And that evening we were pausing in May to honor Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church, seeking her intercession for protection, counsel, wisdom, prudence, holiness, humility, obedience, trust, fidelity and love.

There is a special Sacramentary entitled "Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary." From this book a priest may choose to offer a Mass in honor of Mary from an amazing array of titles:

Advent Season

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Chosen Daughter of Israel
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Annunciation of the Lord
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Christmas Season

Holy Mary, Mother of God
The Blessed Virgin of Mary, Mother of the Savior
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Epiphany of the Lord
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Lord
Our Lady of Nazareth
Our Lady of Cana

Lenten Season

Holy Mary Disciple of the Lord
The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross, I & II
The Commending of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Reconciliation

Easter Season

The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrection of the Lord
Holy Mary, Fountain of Light and Life
Our Lady of the Cenacle
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles

Ordinary Time

Holy Mary, Mother of the Lord
Holy Mary, the New Eve
The Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Mary, Handmaid of the Lord
The Blessed Virgin, Temple of the Lord
The Blessed Virgin, Seat of Wisdom
The Blessed Virgin, Image and Mother of the Church, I, II & III
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Creation
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Mediatrix of Grace
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Fountain of Salvation
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Teacher in the Spirit
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Good Counsel
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Cause of our Joy
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Pillar of Faith
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Fairest Love
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Hope
Holy Mary, Mother of Unity
Holy Mary, Queen and Mother of Mercy
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Providence
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of All Consolation
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians
Our Lady of Ransom
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Gate of Heaven

One of my favorite speakers throughout my life is Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, TX. At every retreat he gives to priests, he always emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist, prayer, the Cross, repentance from sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit and devotion to Mary. It is his firm belief that we cannot live faithfully without these key ingredients. Mary our Mother and Model, pray for us!

Good Shepherd, Faith Hero: Fr. Thomas F. Carey

2011-05-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

“Share with all the Word of God you have received with joy. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach.”

- Rite of Ordination

Recently, after the Noon Mass on Mother's Day, I was speaking with grandparents who flew almost 1400 miles from Manitoba, Winnipeg to attend the First Holy Communion and celebration of their grandson. The grandfather said to me, “Father, keep feeding your sheep with His Word and continue to teach them by His example - guiding them to follow His way of life, with kindness, compassion and love.”

Traditionally the 4th Sunday of Easter is called “Good Shepherd Sunday." I am humbly grateful for the tremendous trust and call of Christ, the Good Shepherd, to serve as priest to His people. At the entrance of our church there hangs three pictures: Pope Benedict XVI (265th successor of St. Peter, universal pastor and father to Catholics around the globe -- 25% of the earth’s population), Bishop David Zubik (the 12th Bishop of Pittsburgh), and myself (the 12th pastor of St. Joseph Parish). Should you see these pictures in the narthex of the church, please say a prayer for pope, bishop and priest, that we can serve God’s people faithfully, joyfully and lovingly, in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd. After all, our vocation as priests is a vocation of great love. May Christ the Good Shepherd, with St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests, assist all priests to never fail in leading the flock to Christ.

Sometimes I just want to shout that priesthood has to be kept the best-kept secret in the world! As a priest we must never lose sight of our priestly character and must not forget that we are not “laborers for hire” or “professionals pursuing a career” but that we are sharers in the very priesthood of Jesus Christ. In this third millennium of Christianity, I like how the recently beatified Blessed Pope John Paul II, in looking at the landscape of our world, called for a new springtime of evangelization with new tools and new instruments to fashion the mission of Christ. It is our duty to bring our world to Christ and Christ to our world.

At the start of Chrism Mass on April 20 of this year, Bishop Zubik invited those present to think of one priest in our journey of faith who has graced and blessed their lives. Immediately I thought of my long-time pastor of SS Simon and Jude, Fr. Thomas F. Carey, who baptized me, heard my first confession and was present for my first Mass (May 22, 1988, Pentecost), and who was called home to God on September 9, 1999. Fr. Carey was a faith-hero in my life. His style was unique. He was a paratrooper in the US Army and a chaplain for Mary’s Blue Army. He had his own vocabulary and characteristic way of expressing himself. Some of his favorite phrases were: “You birds better fly right!”, “Now dry up”, “I don’t want to hear from your trap when you’re in God’s house”, “When I’m at the pulpit, I roar like a lion, but when you meet me in the confessional, I’m as gentle as a lamb” and “Don’t forget to bring your children to confession; I’ll be looking for them!”

Fr. Carey walked the parish grounds and entered the classrooms, but his passion was looking out for the sick, the suffering and the dying. Every Tuesday, Mom and I attended the St. Jude Novena together and he would often then remark that the real “treasures” of the parish are the poor, those in difficulty, those suffering, the sick and all in whom the Holy Spirit has poured out His gifts. When Fr. Carey died, there were over a thousand people in attendance for his funeral. Fr. Carmen D’Amico delivered the homily and remarked that Fr. Carey was a God-fearing man, a dedicated and faithful priest, and a disciple who changed the world in which we live as he gave his heart to Christ the Good Shepherd each new day of the journey. So when Bishop Zubik asked us to think of that one special priest at the Mass of Chrism of 2011, Fr. Carey easily came to my mind. How appropriate to remember him at the Chrism Mass because during my eight years in the seminary, he would always pick me up to go with him to get the sacred chrism oils that would be used throughout the year as a sacramental sign to make God’s people holy.

I’m sure many of you have your own memories of priests in your walk of life. Below is a list of all the priests who have served St. Joseph Parish the past 120 years as pastor or parochial vicar/assistant. I feel as one small link in a small town with a long history for carrying the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ to God’s people. Last Sunday on Fr. Ron Lengwin’s “Amplify” radio show hosted on KDKA AM 1020, Fr. Albert Hasse, OFM Cap, was interviewed. Fr. Hasse mentioned that in September 2012, he will be going to St. Joseph Parish in Coraopolis to give a parish mission. It never ceases to amaze me how small the world is when you come to know the big name, “Jesus," the Savior of it all!

A Visit to the Bishop’s New Home

2011-05-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

“Carry the Rosary with you everywhere, and it will carry you through anything.”

- Jason Evert

On Friday, April 29, I attended a get-together at Bishop Zubik‘s apartment at St. Paul‘s Seminary from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Six times per year the Bishop extends an invitation to his brother priests to visit his home. The attire was casual and the event was an informal gathering with hors d‘oeuvres. The only real agenda was to take time for relaxation and the pleasant enjoyment of one another‘s company. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds of our priestly fraternity. As I meandered around his quarters, I saw his Episcopal motto, “Nothing is impossible with God,” everywhere (in case he might forget it)! I went into his private chapel and said a prayer. I thanked God that Bishop Zuibik, 12th Bishop of Pittsburgh, is so gung-ho for Jesus, zealous for His Gospel, humble as His servant, and joyful in all things. I then offered a prayer of gratitude that the Bishop sent me to serve this 120-year-old faith-filled community at St. Joseph in Coraopolis, an "old but good" treasure I have discovered here!

There were 23 priests in attendance that night in the Bishop‘s residence. It was good to exchange stories and get caught up with various brothers in this joyful time of Easter. And when I was ready to leave and say goodbye, Bishop Zubik offered to walk me to the door. At that point we had a tender and memorable exchange which reminded me of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (which means "warm-wells" and is seven miles from Jerusalem). I thanked Bishop Zubik for his pastoral leadership and spiritual care of the Church in Pittsburgh and for breathing the life of the Holy Spirit of Love in so many revealing ways through his dynamic spirit. I thanked him for his passionate love of the Church and his earnest desire for the unity of Christians — always avoiding complaint, criticism, gossip and any form of negativity that threatens the unity of the Church. I thanked him for his humor and truthfulness, even when he is the butt of his own jokes. I thanked him for his honesty in asking forgiveness if he has ever hurt us along the way. I thanked him for his prayerful spirit at every gathering he attends, whether a funeral, dedication of a church or celebration of a sacrament; he always seeks to unify those present by calling them to quiet themselves, be still and make prayer an offering to God. This heightens the religious experience of the celebration and connects our hearts to God and one another.

I treasure that special evening of togetherness. I am grateful that the Bishop opens his home and heart with such gracious hospitality. Before embracing him and departing, I commented that I am grateful for my 23 years of service as a priest to the Church of Pittsburgh this month and for a sense of mission and willingness of evangelization renewed through his presence. I reiterated to the Bishop the promise of obedience, that I will go and serve wherever he sends me.

In reflecting on this experience, I could see how it strengthened the bonds of our oneness, that together, as Bishop and priest, we are one in carrying the dying and rising of Christ. We are one in believing in the Good News. We are one in our commitment to serve one another. We are one in our sacrifice to spur others to greater holiness. We are one in our struggles and sorrows. We are one in making the dream of Jesus‘ Kingdom to come alive. We are one in walking together as twenty-first century witnesses, as the first centuries were witnesses to the Resurrection. We are one in breaking open God‘s timely and timeless Word, inviting people to conversion. We are one in the Breaking of the Bread as table-mates of the Lord we hunger for the Bread that strengthens our discipleship. And we are one as we walk this Emmaus journey together in faith, hope and love.

Last Sunday dear friends of mine, Peggy and Jim Lisiak, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Chartiers Country Club. One of the people at my table, former Judge of Hopewell Twp. Steve Mihalic, commented that he graduated from Ambridge High School with Bishop Zubik‘s mother Susan (Raskosky) Zubik in 1943. Judge Mihalic noted that Mrs. Zubik always had a smile on her face and faith flowed readily from her life. She died January 16, 2006. As we celebrate Mother's Day today on this second Sunday of May, we pause and give thanks to God for our special mothers and their life-giving vocation.

St. Theresa of Lisieux wrote, “The greatest masterpiece of God is the heart of a mother.” In the good and bad times of our lives, Mom‘s unconditional love and grace makes us feel secure, cherished and valued. A mother loves unconditionally, listens attentively, forgives easily, teaches wisely, suffers heroically, gives generously, forms patiently, prays unceasingly.

I am grateful to live nine miles away from my own mom (from the rectory of St. Joseph to the Little Sisters of the Poor Home on Benton Avenue on the North Side). It‘s my Emmaus excursion regularly to visit and just be with Mom. A special grace is conferred in her presence. Her simple room is filled with pictures and treasures of the family for which she spent her entire life. Just as the seasons of the year continue, so too, do the cycles of our life go on — birth and death, success and failure, sin and confession, joy and sorrow. However, in everything, the grace of God sees us through. I always treasure praying with Mom, especially now. Even with her Parkinson‘s Disease and dementia, she still clasps my hands and kisses them. She never wants me to leave her hand, her room or her home. I remind her that I love her and will always love her. Only God could bestow such a gift as my mom. Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, may all mothers, and all women, be blessed and loved, today and always. Happy Mother's Day!

Holy Mother

Cradle us. Comfort us.

Nurture us. Teach us.

Protect us. Forgive us.

Counsel us. Celebrate us.

Sustain us. Love us.

- Fr. Edward Hays

Divine Mercy Sunday

2011-04-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

“True holiness does not mean a flight from the world; rather, it lies in the effort to incarnate the Gospel in life — in the family, at school and at work, and in social and political involvement.”

- Bl. Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

Perhaps one of the most memorable days in my life was January 6, 1986, when I met Pope John Paul II in a private audience. There were 43 of us who accompanied Fr. Donald W. Wuerl, now Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, for his consecration as a bishop. Not only did I see the Holy Father in a private audience with our group, but I also had the opportunity to receive Holy Communion from him. A picture hangs in my rectory office capturing that most memorable moment. At the time I was 23 years old and then-Father Wuerl told the Holy Father I was studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. With his sunburst smile and joyful spirit, the Pope said to me, “To study for the priesthood of Jesus Christ ... there is no greater vocation in all the world.” Those words stung my heart at that tender age, just two years before my ordination on May 21, 1988. (I must admit, I was a bit jealous of Fr. Tim Whalen, a priest of our Diocese of Pittsburgh, who could speak Polish. He got a longer conversation with the Holy Father!) Nonetheless, as history has written, John Paul II goes down as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.

Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born in Poland on May 18, 1920 (the same date we sold our Mom and Dad's house in 2004 — I attributed the sale to him!) By the time Karol was 12, he lost both his mother and his brother Edmund, who was his personal hero. By the age of 20, Karol also lost his father, Karol Wojtyla, Sr. The Pope would later tell writer, Andre Frossard, “At 20, I had already lost all the people I loved.” Karol became Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1978. He was the first non-Italian pope in 456 years and the youngest in 132 years. He was 58 years old when elected. For 26 years he exercised a world-wide ministry as Supreme Pastor of the Church, feeding his sheep and being the rock upon which the Church rests; his positive influence was felt around the globe. His appeal to the youth was unprecedented, especially in his World Youth Days which are held every 2 to 3 years. On May 13, 1981, while riding through St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca. The Pope was hit in the abdomen, his right elbow and left index finger. He received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at Gemelll Hospital and surgery there saved his life. Later, Pope John Paul II personally met with and forgave his attacker. Though he lost his strength to Parkinson's Disease (triggered perhaps by a would-be assassin's bullet and arthritis), the Pope never displayed any resentment about his condition, but used his infirmity to teach the world the nobility of Christian suffering. Pope John Paul II died on Saturday, April 2, 2005, on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, which we celebrate today and which he instituted fulfilling the request of fellow pole, St. Faustina Kowalska. Pope John Paul II was an actor, avid hiker, sportsman, poet and advocate for the poorest of the poor. He was pronounced “Venerable” in 2009 and will be given the title “Blessed” by Pope Benedict XVI at a beatification ceremony in Rome this Sunday, May 1.

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl recently published a book entitled "The Gift of Blessed John Paul II: A Celebration of his Enduring Legacy" in which he summarizes 24 encyclicals and apostolic exhortations of this 264th successor of St. Peter. Having lived across the corridor of Bishop Wuerl's room during my seminary days, I admired the Bishop's practice of reading the lives of the popes. Each night he would spend an hour before retiring to bed studying his many books on the popes.

For over a quarter of a century, Pope John Paul II visited 133 countries around the world, traveling approximately 765,000 miles, to meet his flock across the face of the planet. It is estimated that 17 million people were present for his weekly audiences at St. Peter's square over the course of his pontificate. Noted as the pope to canonize more saints than any other, (a total of 482), it was fitting that the crowds at his funeral spontaneously chanted for him, “Santo! Santo!” (“A Saint! A Saint!”) and waved banners that read, “Santo subito!” (“Sainthood now!”). His message of hope will be forever remembered which he launched at his first public Mass when he encouraged us to “Open wide our hearts to Christ” and to put aside fear and “Be not afraid!”

Throughout our lives, we all need faith maps, faith models and faith mentors. As one who entered the seminary just two years after Pope John Paul II was elected, I feel eternally grateful and blessed to have had such a father-figure in my life. It was just one month before my natural father, David W. Jones, died on February 8, 1986, that I met Pope John Paul II. It was the last and perhaps the greatest gift my father shared with me -- in sending me to Rome to meet such a holy man.

This past week, at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, Bishop Zubik had us call to mind a priest who had a profound influence upon our lives. Immediately I thought of my home pastor, Fr. Thomas F. Carey, who died in 1999 at 87, and who reminded his flock to pray daily for the Holy Father, our bishop and our pastor, all unworthy servants of the great call, that they might fulfill their respectful offices. At the entrance of our church here at St. Joseph are 3 pictures: the pope, the bishop and the pastor, to remind the faithful to pray for us, that God would protect and guide us so that we may sanctify His holy people. Bishop Zubik at the Chrism Mass noted 3 titles which a priest bears: 1) husband -- married to Christ's bride, the Church 2) father -- instrument of giving “new life” 3) servant -- ”alter Christus” (other Christ) -- who pours out hearts and life for God‟s people. Blessed John Paul II, we love you!

Prayer for Asking Graces through the Intercession of Blessed Pope John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank You for having graced the Church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of Your Fatherly care, the glory of the Cross of Christ and the splendor of the Holy Spirit to shine through him. Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with You. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among your saints. Amen.

P.S. A heartfelt word of thanks for the Easter cards, goodies and gifts. And thanks to all who decorated the church so beautifully at Easter, to Ginny Ambrose, to the choirs and all ministers for the uplifting and inspiring liturgies.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

“No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.”

- William Penn

Every Sunday of the year is the Sabbath, the Lord's Day, the Day of the Resurrection. And Mother Church considers each Sunday as a “Little Easter” as the Church celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Today we celebrate the “Big Easter." Easter is the Feast of feasts, the Solemnity of solemnities, the Church's holiest day of the year. Today, in a tradition of 20 centuries, the Church boldly announces to the world, “Christ Lives!” Easter is more than an annual feast in the Church's liturgical cycle; resurrection is a way of life. There are two sides of the Cross — in death lies the promise of life, and in life is the remembrance of death. A happy and peace-filled Easter to all of you!

St. Augustine says that we who are Christians should be an “Alleluia” from head to toe. Alleluia is a Hebrew cry of jubilation which means, “Praise the Lord!” The Lord lives with us and in us and is the very center of our lives. His story has become our story, our hope of glory. The word, “Alleluia” is ecstatic love, joy praise, adoration, gratitude — all rolled into one. “Alleluia” is the song of the Resurrection.!

Atop the city of Pittsburgh on Mt. Washington at St. Mary of the Mount Church is a powerful and breathtaking depiction of the Crucifixion, seen as one peers into the 24-hour chapel at the entrance. However, once inside the church, and upon walking out, one sees in the stained glass windows above the triumphant Jesus risen in glory. These images at the back and front of the church bring together both death and life. It is in the Lord's Death and Resurrection that our redemption lie. In Jesus' farewell address at the Last Supper he said to His disciples, “There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friend” (John 15:13). Like Christ, we are called to lay down our lives to serve to others with generous and committed love.

Easter celebrates when Jesus “passed over” from death to new life. On the day of our Baptism we were incorporated into the Paschal Mystery of the dying and rising of Christ. Throughout our lives as Christians, we must die completely to self, to sin, to the flesh, to the world, and to earth, in order to rise through the grace of the Holy Spirit with the Risen Christ to freedom, peace, joy, love, hope, and new life. One of the highest points in my life as a priest is Sunday. (Some people think it's the only day priests work!) As I arise early in the morning to open the church, I always wonder who will enter into God's house this day — what challenges they face, what crosses they carry, what burdens they bear, what problems they wrestle with, what blessings they have received, what prayers they seek answered, and what graces will be shared in celebrating together. It is indeed a humble blessing to serve as a priest. It is a joy to share His story of love.

After 23 years of service to the Church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh this May, I've come to realize that priesthood is not just a position, title or function to fulfill, but instead is a unique calling from God to serve His people by accompanying and being with them as a companion on the journey.

One of my heroes from my first seminary days at St. Paul's in Crafton was Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979). In his autobiography, Treasure in Clay, he spoke of the “daily hour of power." That hour is a Holy Hour made in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, which he observed each day. The closer we experience the intimate love of Jesus in prayer, the more we desire to share that love with others. Archbishop Sheen said, “Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for Divine Love?”

My patron, St. Richard of Chichester (1197-1253), wrote:

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits and blessings
which You have given me,
for all the pains and insults
which You have borne for me.
Merciful Friend, Brother and Redeemer,
may I know You more clearly,
love You more dearly,
and follow You more nearly,
day by day.

At each Mass and at every prayer, we seal ourselves with the mark of faith, the Sign of the Cross. Carrying the cross is the daily occupation of the Christian. There are no shortcuts to discipleship. There are no shortcuts to Easter. There are no shortcuts to the Kingdom of God. Embracing, accepting and carrying the cross is necessary for following Jesus. One of the most powerful and dramatic times of the liturgical year is when we venerate the cross on Good Friday. The Bishop takes his ring off, and Christians bow, kiss, genuflect, touch, bless, pause in silence, or offer some gesture of love, in thanksgiving for the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us sinners. The Cross became the trophy of our salvation. Jesus' Cross is the bridge by which all humankind can traverse from sin to forgiveness, slavery to freedom, darkness to light, and death to life. It is through the redeeming love of our Savior Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of our sins, that we receive salvation. Jesus died and rose again, thus becoming our pledge of hope, of peace, and of our victory.

Bishop Bob Morneau, a long-time mentor and companion of mine, offers an Easter poem in Poems Thrown Into the Wind:

Is my soul an empty tomb,
cold, silent, dark,
devoid of life, the risen Lord?
Or is my soul a home,
warm, welcoming, filled with light,
a site of Love’s dwelling bright?
These Easter questions haunt me,
taunt me into major remodeling.
My architect -- the Holy Spirit --
whose cost is grace,
who transforms me into a Holy place.

Palm Sunday

2011-04-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

“The last enemy to be defeated will be death.”

- 1 Corinthians 15: 26

Last Saturday, April 9, 2011, I attended the 6th Annual Men's Conference of spirituality at the A. J. Palumbo Center at Duquesne University. They had such inspiring, motivating, dynamic, captivating and faith-changing speakers as: Matthew Kelly, Msgr. Jim Lisante, Dr. Scott Hahn and Fr. Scott Seethaler. Matthew Kelly challenged the men to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation once per month for one year and then see how they felt -- if good, then to do it for the rest of their lives. Msgr. Lisante challenged the men to live deeper lives of love that can only flourish through God's redeeming love and forgiveness of sins. Dr. Scott Hahn, who has written over 40 books, spoke of his conversion to the Catholic faith after serving as a Presbyterian minister. Fr. Scott's story telling, humor and joy brought hope to the assembly.

There were perhaps 2,000 men in attendance and my friend, Pat Molyneaux, noted that over 1,000 men went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The theme of the conference was, “Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses” (1 Tim 6:12).

As I climbed the bleachers to listen to confessions for over two hours up in the rafters of the gymnasium, the men had to be in pretty good shape to get to my location. Some were holding on to the wall, some were climbing one step at a time. I must say it was inspirational to see their “panting desire” for God's merciful forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As one man made it to the heights of my bleachers, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, “I just had heart surgery. And now I seek a new heart in the Sacrament of Penance.”

Today is the beginning of the most spiritually moving, powerful and prayerful week on the Church's calendar. Of the 52 weeks of the year, only one week is called “Holy Week” in our Western church, and “The Great Week” in the Eastern church. Everything that Jesus said, did and lived while on earth led up to this week, to the moment of the Cross, the climax of God's plan for saving humanity. I believe that this week would be incomplete without experiencing the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Both as a confessor and a penitent, I love hearing those beautiful and profound words of absolution that are pronounced, “God the Father of Mercies, through the death and Resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you of your sins, in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York wrote a pastoral letter on the Sacrament of Penance that was released on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, in which he exhorted the entire archdiocese of New York, “Experience the joy of forgiveness! Experience liberation from sin! Keep those confessionals busy! Keep your priests busy about the great work of dispensing the Lord’s Mercy! Keep the sacrament of Penance at the heart of Catholic life!“

He went on to say that in the early Church Confession was seen as “the second conversion in tears” and continued, “I encourage you to make a good confession before Easter. Even if it has been a long time. Come home to our Father! Be reconciled to God through the ministry of His Church! Don’t wait to change your life! You can hope in the Father’s mercy. You can trust in His pledge of grace to help you lead a better life.”

Bishop Zubik, at the Men's Conference, mentioned that his greatest sorrow of the day was not being able to lift up the monstrance (weighing 80 lbs) holding the Eucharist for the crowd, due to his back surgery and lack of strength. But going to a deeper level, the Bishop humbly, sorrowfully and gracefully admitted his own personal weakness and sinfulness in failing to lift Christ up to the world as a bishop, priest, leader brother, disciple, companion and friend. I thought his image was a powerful one for us to meditate and reflect upon as we approach Holy Week. How do we lift up Christ to others? Let us lift Christ up to others by serving faithfully, by suffering sacrificially and by loving unconditionally.

A long-time mentor and spiritual companion, Sr. Joyce Rupp, wrote the book Fragments of Your Ancient Name: 365 Glimpses of the Divine for Daily Meditation. Addressing God, she says:

You are Love like no other:

Love so large you contain our smallness;

Love so deep You accept our shallowness;

Love so strong you carry our weakness;

Love so wide you enclose our wandering;

Love so tender you experience our hurting;

Love so tolerable You outlive our apathy;

Love so ardent You thaw our coldness;

Love so true, you endure our betrayals;

Love so patient, You wait for our returning.

Recently Bishop Bullock, the retired bishop of Madison, WI passed away. His Episcopal motto was simply three words, “Grace, Mercy, Peace.” My prayer for all of you is that during this Holy Week we will experience God's grace, encounter God‟s mercy and share Easter Peace.

Lent 5

2011-04-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

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

— St. Teresa of Avila

Every time I enter Resurrection Cemetery in Moon Twp. in the lead car before the hearse and pass through the entrance gate, there stands the Resurrected Lord -- “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). Invariably, in seeing this statue of the Risen Lord, I instinctively bless myself and pray that as mortal life is ended our new life in Christ will be celebrated.

The prophet Ezekiel (30:7) on this 5th Sunday of Lent gives us the promise of God: “I will open your graves and have you rise from them ... I will put my spirit in you that you may live.” The Prophet Ezekiel speaks of “dry bones," where we can feel lifeless, dull, irritable, like we have run out of gas, or are dead inside. Ezekiel describes a condition where one is down a long road of discouragement or lost enthusiasm. We find ourselves going through the motions, dragging along and completely lifeless. Perhaps we feel like we are wiped out or that we're becoming un-glued or we don't have our act together or we're falling apart or we can't get past what is breaking us. No one goes through life without dry, dark-valley experiences. God desires to impart His breath, His very essence, His Life into us anew. God's breath and Spirit sustain and enliven us with new energy, hope and a revived life. Ezekiel's vision of restoration of Israel during the exile in Babylon (587-538 BC) brings a breath of hope to the despondent, then and now. Perhaps we are in deep depression when our inner world is bleak and dark.

Perhaps we mourn a loved one, and we wonder if joy will ever return. Perhaps we've lost our dreams and enthusiasm and passion for life through failure, rejection or loss. Perhaps we're in the ditch of financial debt in which the black-hole gets darker and bigger. Perhaps we're caring for a loved one whose health only declines and worsens. Perhaps we think of those in AA on Wednesday nights and NA on Sunday night who come to our parish, living in the grip of addiction. Perhaps we can't find a way to live in forgiveness with one's self, God, the Church and one another. Perhaps we've experienced failure in a relationship or work situation that has life at an impasse or standstill. Perhaps we have not been as faithful to our Lenten disciplines and have failed new inner growth. Perhaps we are “digging our own grave” through sin. If any of these experiences or situations cause us to feel devoid of God's presence, let us feel God's breath come into our dry bones so that we may come to life.

In the Gospel today Jesus says to Lazarus, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). The raising of Lazarus from the dead foreshadows Jesus' own Resurrection on Easter Sunday 2 weeks away, and our own hope for salvation in Jesus Christ. In calling Lazarus, He calls each of us to come out of our tombs, to a brand new life. Jesus, the “Life-giver," raises hope and calls us to take steps to freedom. The Risen Christ desperately wants to reach into our own dark and worn places and pry us out to be free. Lent is the opportune time to roll away the stones that cover our graves of sin in order that we may enter a richer, new and fuller life with Christ. May we never underestimate the amount of healing, hope and forgiveness Jesus brings to our daily walk. The older one gets the more one hits the walls of one's limitations. However, the unlimited grace of God supplies for our deficiency. Hope springs eternal for the Christian and is in every season. Before every homily that I deliver, I say a prayer to the Holy Spirit that one soul be touched.

As the saying goes, there are two things that are certain in life: death and taxes (extended to April 18th this year!) Death for the Christian is not an end but a change. Yes, taxes cost us, but they also provide needed benefits. More certain than taxes and death, is God's promise to make all things new.

In the Way of the Cross Stations that we use for Lent, on the 14th Station, when Jesus is laid in the tomb, I like the reflection: “Almighty and Eternal God, on the edge of sadness when all seemed lost, You restored to us the Savior we thought defeated and conquered. Help us, we beg you, so to empty ourselves of self-concern that we might see Your hand in every failure and Your victory in every defeat. These things we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Lent 4

2011-04-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

“Jesus is everything: in that He judges, He is Law, in that He teaches, He is Gospel, in that He saves, He is Grace, in that He begets, He is Father, in that He is begotten, He is Son, in that He suffers, He is Sheep, in that He is buried, He is Man, in that He comes to life again He is God.”

— St. Melito of Sardis

Recently, I had 5 funerals in one week. Today on this 4th Sunday of Lent, I will baptize 5 new members of our faith community here at St. Joseph. From the darkness of the womb to the darkness of the tomb, the Light of faith guides our way! Today is traditionally called "Laetare Sunday," the intermission or midpoint of our Lenten preparation. Today‘s rose colored vestments are worn reflecting joy. The opening antiphon calls: "Rejoice, Jerusalem" (that is, "Laetare Jerusalem"). Jerusalem is the city of peace, light and victory.

As in a play, sporting event or symphony there is a "break in the action" for an intermission, today there is an intermission in the Church's discipline of Lent to pause and reflect. It is also a time to pray for the catechumens who are preparing for full entrance into the Catholic Church, that they be illuminated with faith. This midpoint allows us to review our faithfulness to our Lenten resolutions and examine more closely our conscience.

Sometimes our vision becomes myopic when the tyranny of our own needs, desires and self-interests keeps us from seeing other‘s needs, longings and concerns. To gain a Christian perspective, to see life through the lens of faith, is our daily challenge. When we let the light of Christ shine in our hearts, God‘s grace spreads to those around us. We are to be the presence of the Kingdom. All we say, think and do must be oriented to holiness. We must tend to that light burning in us so that it is not extinguished by the darkness of sin. Through the gift of Baptism we are called to let Christ‘s light shine brightly in the world — as individual Christians, parishes, dioceses, and as the whole Universal Church — so that through the spirit of joyful boldness the light of Christ will shine. Sometimes it is by what we say, sometimes by what we do, but most of the time, by who we are.

We humbly ask God‘s forgiveness for the times we have extinguished Christ‘s Light through our selfishness and sin. We are called to live a repentant life. Our blind spots, our ignorance, our error, our prejudices and our fallen human nature can certainly keep us in the shadows. Since Christ is the true Light and He enlightens believers, He lances with the precision of a surgeon, the darkness of our sinfulness by healing our blindness, weakness, defects and imperfections.

In the Gospel today, Jesus heals an unnamed blind man not only of his physical sight, but of his spiritual in-sight to reflect God‘s glory. In the early Church, Baptism was referred to as “enlightenment” or “illumination” as we were to leave behind the darkness of sin and unbelief and live in the grace and liberating life of Jesus Christ. Those who live in God‘s light and grace do what is good, right, just and holy. Illuminated by the gift of faith, they avoid the dark and secret works of sin. It is Christ, who is Light, who redeems, purifies and heals all wrongs. We are called to live as "children of light" in our life-long struggle to be faithful to God. The brokenness, woundedness and sickness of sin is healed by Christ‘s mercy, forgiveness and love.

I had a blind great-great aunt, Elizabeth Sullivan Mulcahy, who married Francis Mulcahy. Both were blind and each had a seeing-eye dog. They married blind and only knew each other through sound, touch and faith. They lived in Johnstown, PA (80 miles from Pittsburgh) and I always marveled at the graces they conferred on others. After her husband, Francis died, my family moved Aunt Betty five days before the historic 1977 flood in Johnstown, and she lived at Marian Manor in Greentree until God called her home in 1982. We were fortunate that she was spared from that great flood and rescued in coming to Pittsburgh. Her light, faith and grace blessed many in that home operated by the Holy Spirit Sisters. I worked at the home from age 13 until my ordination at age 26. I‘ll never forget how the warmth of the sun shining on Aunt Betty‘s face brought so much peace. Despite her apparent darkness, she brought Christ‘s light to us in wonderful and marvelous ways. A blind person asked St. Anthony, "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision."

We were born in darkness,
children of the night and of sadness.
You passed near us, Lord Jesus.
You touched our eyes,
and the dawn of your love rose upon us.
Christ, be our light of glory.

We were straying, seeking our path,
and the day was darker than night.
You passed near us, Lord Jesus.
You lit the light of your Gospel,
and our path became a way of Light.
Christ, be our light of glory.

Our eyes were red with tears,
and our expression dim with sadness.
You passed near us, Lord Jesus.
You bathed our eyes in the dew of your morning.
Then we recognized you,
and we followed you singing with joy.
Christ, be our light of glory.

We were seated on the side of the road
begging for a smile of joy, a look of love.
You passed near us, Lord Jesus.
You transfigured us into children of light.
Then the morning star shone in our heart,
And we became light for the world.
Christ, be our light of glory.

God our Father,
You dwell in light inaccessible,
and no look has ever approached your splendor.
But you sent your Son Jesus, light of the world,
and his sweet light has illuminated our earth.
We pray to you:
when we close our eyes on the beauty of this world,
open them upon the splendor of your eternity. Amen.

— Lucien Deiss, CSSp, A Garden of Prayers

Lent 3

2011-03-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

“There is a really deep well inside of us. And in it dwells God. Sometimes, I am there too. But more often, stones and grit block the well, and God is buried beneath. Then God must be dug out again.”

— Etty Hillesum, A young Dutch Jewish woman who died in Auschwitz

Recently I went to Dick’s Sporting Goods to buy a new pair of running shoes for my Montour Trail jogs. As a life-long runner I always enjoy this time of reflection, meditation and prayer and I thank God for the gift of running. Every so often along the trail there are water fountains that spring up to quench my thirst. Without water, there is no life. Dr. Ralph Herro of the Herro Allergy Clinic in Phoenix, AZ said, “If we each drank twice as much water, doctors would be seeing half as many patients.” Imagine if we applied this principle to our spiritual lives! Time spent in prayer is time well-spent.

On this 3rd Sunday of Lent we read the familiar story in John 4 of Jesus and the woman at the well, two tired travelers coming together at a place of refreshment. It was during the hottest part of the day when the woman did her ritual of retrieving and lugging water home for her family. This ordinary task became an extraordinary transformative life experience. In the culture in which she lived, the woman had multiple strikes against her in encountering Jesus, the Jewish rabbi. First, she was a woman; second, she was a Samaritan (a hated race); third, she had a checkered past (married to 5 men); and fourth, she was a social outcast. Jesus was not blinded by the categories, imperfections or sins. Jesus offered no harsh word or judgmental rebuke but the true revelation of her life with loving acceptance and understanding. Jesus is the perfect pastoral minister whose words watered her dry and despondent soul.

St. Augustine begins his Confessions with the famous declaration: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O Lord.” Thus there is a "God–sized hole" in each of us. At every Mass, Sunday after Sunday, we gather at "Jacob’s Well" to hear God’s Word and be refreshed through the gift of the Eucharist. This priceless gift overflows in a Christ-drenched universe, as there is an eternal slaking of thirst for God in His abundant love. Christ gifts us with His presence, veiled in appearance as bread and wine, and saves us by grace. The Carmelite poet, Jessica Powers (Sr. Miriam of the Holy Spirit, her religious name) wrote, “God fills my being to the brim with floods of His immensity. I drown within a drop of Him whose seed-bed is infinity.” Our lives thirst for meaning, purpose, value, companionship, intimacy, union, truth, wholeness, holiness and ultimately salvation.

Wilford Owen, a British poet, reflected on his experience in World War I when he wrote, “I saw God through mud.” We all struggle with the muddiness of our human condition ... difficulties, weaknesses, disappointments, hurts, in ourselves and others. Many times we are obsessed with what we have, what we do and what people think of us. But these will not offer us fulfillment". Our human nature has many cravings, desires and tastes. They are intended to open us up to "Thee" and not "me."

God has a hope, dream and desire for each one of us. The Samaritan woman teaches that God wishes to recreate us and provide us with: 1) identity — as children of God, 2) intimacy — in getting below the surface, taking the risk, digging down into the heart to the awareness of God’s friendship, 3) generativity — the awareness that others may be enriched and benefit through our creative love, 4) integrity — the point I must reach through my choices and God’s grace in order to be truly free, and 5) blessedness — the state of realizing that God has indeed blessed me and wanting to share those blessings and graces with others.

Theodore Roethke said, “Running from God is the longest race of all.” Are we running from the Lord or are we running to the Lord this Lenten journey in 2011? Because we all wrestle and struggle with sin daily in our lives, we must seek the refreshing presence of Jesus to be faithful. It is by coming to the well of prayer in which our thirst is quenched.

Prayer with the Samaritan Woman

With the Samaritan woman,
we come to the source of living water.
Let water spring forth in our heart, Lord Jesus,
water welling up to eternal life.
Give us, O Lord, your living water,
the source of eternal life.

With the Samaritan woman,
we want to worship your Father in spirit and truth.
Help us to adore him, Lord Jesus,
by accomplishing your blessed will.
Give us, O Lord, your living water,
the source of eternal life.

With the Samaritan woman,
we come to work at the harvest.
Ripen the golden sheaves
for the barns of heaven.
Give us, O Lord, your living water,
the source of eternal life.

With the Samaritan woman, we acclaim you:
"You are truly the Savior of the world!"
May our life reveal your salvation, Lord Jesus,
to all our brothers and sisters.
Give us, O Lord, your living water,
the source of eternal life.

See, Lord Jesus, our broken cisterns
that do not contain living water.
See our cracked jars, our used ropes.
The wells that we have dug
have become filled with the sand of our negligence.
Who will give us fresh water in the high noon of our life,
water that will quench our thirst for life eternal?
Who will heal the torment of our lost loves,
who will teach us true adoration of your Father
except you alone, Lord Jesus,
for you are truly the Savior of the world,
our only hope for eternity. Amen.

- Lucien Deiss, CSSp

Lent 2

2011-03-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

“A mountaintop is a great place to see the stars, but to clearly see God requires a change of heart.”

- David McCasland

On Friday, March 11, as I was about to teach my eighth grade religion class in our school, there was an interruption on the P.A. system of children singing “Happy Birthday” for my 49th birthday:

I wish to thank everyone for all the cards, greetings, birthday wishes and kind remembrances. They are humbly received and gratefully appreciated. As I read through the cards which the children wrote to me, a third grader, Jessica, said, “Happy Birthday, Fr. Rich. I hope God blesses you as much as He can!” The card from my 90 year-old Godmother, Aunt Jo, from Salem, OH read, “May you be blessed with everything bright and beautiful ... on your birthday and always.”

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus (500 BC) said that change is inevitable and is a constancy throughout life. His famous quotation, “We cannot step into the same river twice. That being, the water has passed downstream.” People often ask us, “Do you feel any different or older on your birthday?” The fact of the matter is, life changes. For many, change is hard: we fear it, we resist it, we deny it, and with much obstinacy, will not face it. We even sometimes take comfort in the familiar, “Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't know." Nonetheless, change is a part of life. We grow from infants, to children, to adults; we move away from home and our parents. We find new partners; we face new responsibilities. We get sick; we grow old. We die. Change happens to everyone. We must face change, whether we like it or not. And we must even, in hard times especially, grow through it, so that we may become transformed.

Mother Church in her ageless wisdom gives us a 6-week period of time-out each year in the season of Lent which marks change. This time is set aside for quiet reflection on the meaning of our lives in faith. Through Lent, we become ever more aware of the crucible in which our faith is tested, refined, purified and cleansed. Lent offers us an opportunity to embrace change, to accept it and grow through it. Each life has its ups and downs, its high points and its low points, its moments of glory and its moments of disillusionment.

This week, on March 20, we welcome the Vernal or Spring Equinox. Equinox comes from two Latin words, “aequus” meaning “equal," and “nox” meaning “night.” In the calendar year the equinox is the time when the sun crosses the equator and on this day the length of day and night are closest to equal. This event of the sun marks, in the Northern hemisphere, the official beginning of spring (the season of birthing) from winter (a season of waiting). As we move to Daylight Savings time, the festival of life and light abounds.

I remember as a child, Mom would always say after the cold, dreary, long winter, “We must do Spring cleaning of our house to refresh and empty out the clutter of the sedentary months. To open windows, get rid of stale air, plant the garden, begin the newly grown lawn and rid the closets in the basement of things no longer needed.” So too, in the season of the soul in springtime, there is awe and wonder at the changes that take place through God‟s renewal in us. Spring generates the new life of surprise, delight, unmitigated joy, new hopes and new beginnings.

On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, Jesus gives three of His disciples, Peter, James and John, a glimpse of glory in order to help them grow in holiness. The Father glorified Jesus in His humanity and the disciples saw the holiness of His inmost reality. Jesus came to create a new humanity by transforming us and filling us with His own holiness and glory. Lent is a time for those seeking Baptism and those already Baptized to deepen incorporation into Christ by dying to our old humanity and rising with Him as a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). We must believe that we can overcome our failings, weaknesses and sins and be changed in a lasting way. Through the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we grow in faith. “My grace is sufficient for You, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). When we proclaim this truth about ourselves, we strengthen our faith in God's power to change us. Sometimes we think that we are making no real progress in the spiritual life as we continue to struggle with the same issues. However, the answer to this is that the Spirit‟s work in us is necessarily hidden: “So do not lose heart ... Our inner nature is being renewed everyday” (2 Cor 4:16). It is only through our death that the hidden work of transformation will be fully revealed.

The Russian philosopher, Nicolas Berdyaey, (1874-1948), made this comment on the beauty on the Transfiguration, “The Transfiguration of the world is the attainment of beauty. The kingdom of God is beauty. Art gives us merely symbols of beauty. Real beauty is given only in the religious transfiguration of the creature. Beauty is God’s idea of the creature, of man and of the world.” It is through contemplation of the resurrected, glorified and transfigured Lord, that we glimpse the joy and the hope of our eternal heavenly destiny.

Transform Me

Lord, transform
My suffering into growth,
My tears into prayer,
My discouragement into faith,
My fears into trust,
My expectations into hopes,
My anger into closeness,
My bitterness into acceptance,
My guilt into reconciliation,
My loneliness into contemplation,
My silence into peace,
My deaths into resurrection.

- Armaldo Pangrazzi

Lent 1

2011-03-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

“Jesus...is my center, my meaning, my reason for living, my supreme good, my purpose in life, my joy, my glory, my law, my leader, my savior, the one to Whom I belong.”

— Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM

Last Thursday, March 3, at the Children’s Mass which was broadcasted at 5:15 PM on 106.7 FM WAOB (We Are One Body), I shared this story of 4-year-old George who was so excited about going to pre-school, that in haste, he jumped out of bed and headed straight for the bathroom. However, he missed the doorway and ran smack into the wall. His Grandmother, who heard the crash, yelled out, “George, George, are you alright?” “I’m okay,” he replied slowly, it’s just I guess I have too much dark in my eyes.”

As we begin our Lenten journey, 2011, let us take a look at the dark in our own eyes, our sinful and self-centered ways: being wrapped up in our own agendas, obsessed by status, controlled by power, weighed down by burdens, shackled by inner compulsions, veiled by hidden blemishes, halted by spiritual laziness, and haunted by destructive demons. Pope Benedict XVI said that Lent is a time for self examination and to let go of all the traces of selfishness, which is the root cause of violence. He noted that we must move from “selfishness” to “selflessness." Narcissism is a condition of self-absorption and can affect a person at any age — a spoiled child, a petulant teenager, egotistical co-worker, stubborn spouse, or an unfaithful companion. The evil strains of egotism, infidelity and hostility lead to moodiness, laziness and self-indulgence. The most insidious form of deception is self-deception—we must be as honest with ourselves, questioning our motives and examining our feelings.

On this First Sunday of Lent, traditionally called "Temptation Sunday," Jesus goes "face-to-face" with the devil in the desert, 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus is well aware that pleasures, powers and possessions are the three great illusions that can torpedo the human condition and bring it to the degradation of smithereens. We, too, must confront our own temptations. We all struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. We face this primordial 3-faceted struggle our entire life-journey until we cross over into eternity. Don’t forget the enemy comes to steal, to kill and to destroy (John 10).

Lent is a time of Spring cleaning, spiritual renovation, a time to come face to face with our own disordered humanity. Perhaps we need to empty ourselves of our wants, desires and passions in order to align ourselves with Christ who truly knows and loves us. The allurements of the world, the temptations of our culture, the demands of our needy self and the distortions of the devil can lead us to "spiritual bankruptcy." Real freedom and real life are not gained by following the pull of the tug of war of our lusts and drives but in resisting them. When Christ calls a person it is costly. He calls us to come to die to oneself. The word “mortification” is rooted in Latin, French and Old English words denoting “deadening” or “subduing." Mortification is essential for selftranscendence.

It is only through self-denial, self-control and self-mastery that one’s true self emerges, not the false or illusional shadow-self. If we satisfy our appetites, passions and lusts by indulging them, they become our masters and we lose the monitoring of internal controls, which spells spiritual disaster and death.

Lent is a time to turn it around 360 degrees. It’s never too late for God to invigorate and revitalize a person, a relationship, a church, the world. Despite our difficulties, weaknesses, disappointments -- in ourselves and others -- it’s amazing that God, through His grace, hides in the depths of it all. In the words of the twentieth century political and religious leader Mahatma Gandhi, “My imperfections and failures are as much as a blessing from God as my successes and talents, and I lay them both at His feet.” Lent is a time to discover the "golden image" we have been created in. That precious image can be tarred, marred and scarred through one’s own sin and that of others. Perhaps read Psalm 51, a story of David’s sin and repentance, and meditate on it. It is the hallmark and chartered chapter of Israel’s "fallen king and hero," humbled, contrite and repentant, God’s grace is the healing remedy to his wandering waywardness.

Saints were certainly in touch with their sin and brokenness. Sin is not a pretty or popular subject, however sin is pervasive always and everywhere and in everyone. St. Augustine famously said, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” Jesus died to save sinners, so much does He love them. We cannot save ourselves. We are not saved by technology. We are not saved by self-help therapy. We are not saved by academic brilliance. We are not saved by robust stock portfolios. We are not saved by a perfect 10 bodily appearance. We are not saved by drowning out life’s difficulties through self-medication. Instead, our faith reminds us this Lent that drawing closer to Jesus heals, frees and saves us. He alone can save us and free us from our sins. May we all keep our "eyes on the prize" -- Jesus our Savior. May we grow in holiness, prayer, reconciliation, grace, charity and self-renunciation this Lent. Lent is a time of alms-giving. The goal is $375 per family for Parish Share 2011. That is equal to $1 per day, and $10 extra to have a Mass offered for a loved one. That’s $375.

Calm my restless spirit, my terrified soul.
Lead me to that haven where I may behold
your beauty, peace, joy, hid behind the veil of tears.

Restore my peace of mind, heal my fearful heart.
Take me to that lonely, quiet place apart.
There my soul will find rest in the shadows of the night.

Revive my drooping spirit, my downcast will.
Pour Your soothing oil over my wounds until
death has lost its hold on me and new life enters in.

Then will my soul rejoice -- my spirit sing praise.
To You will I make music throughout my days.
For now You are, Comforter, Healer, Savior, Father.

— Sr. Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP
"Making Peace with Yourself: 15 Steps to Spiritual Healing"

Ordinary Time 9

2011-03-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today is Parish Share Weekend! The following letter reflects the letter sent to every registered family:

Dear Parishioner,

“Prayer, fasting and almsgiving may be good in themselves: yet it is not in these practices alone that the goal of our Christian life is found, though they are necessary means for its attainment. The true goal consists in our acquiring the Holy Spirit of God.”

- St. Serapham of Sarov (Russian Monk, 1759-1833)

When I was a child I always enjoyed visiting my Uncle Sam who lived in Pemberton, NJ. He served in the Army for over 40 years. He took special pride that he lived in the Garden State. His garden was abundant in fresh vegetables and he tended to it with great devotion and care. Whenever I would visit him in his home next to Fort Dix, I stood in awe of mother nature and Uncle Sam’s faithful toil.

As the Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in my third year, I stand in wonder and awe of a parish that has existed since 1891. For 120 years our Catholic Faith has been passed on here. Let us continue to extend Christ’s mission not only spiritually but also materially. Our true vocation in life: to love, to care, to connect and to share with others.

Since 1979, the program entitled Parish Share (PSP), initiated by Bishop Vincent Martin Leonard, 9th bishop of Pittsburgh, has continued in our Diocese. Every single parish of the 212 parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are assessed a designated amount in order to contribute to the overall garden of good works and ministry that are done throughout the Diocese. As Christians we are not isolated persons or communities, but living members of a single Body, the Church. I feel richly blessed and humbled to serve this faith community. You inspire me by your holiness, sacrifice, reverence, prayerfulness and charity.

A Bishop friend of mine, Bishop Robert Morneau, Auxilliary Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, wrote beautifully on the “12 Gardens of Stewardship." The way of Jesus is the way of love, forgiveness, total self-giving and building right relationships with God, self, others and all creation.

GARDEN OF THE BODY: Get proper nutrition; exercise and rest; and avoid chemical abuse, smoking, and in our culture, obesity.
GARDEN OF THE SOUL: Cultivate a prayer life.
GARDEN OF FAMILY & FRIENDS: Take the time to nurture relationships with those important to you.
GARDEN OF THE GLOBE: Care for the environment; recycle; don’t waste natural resources.
GARDEN OF EMOTIONS: Aim for a balance emotionally; work at being in good humor.
GARDEN OF THE “POLIS”: Be politically aware, be an informed and involved citizen, and vote; attend community meetings.
GARDEN OF THE MIND: Keep learning.
GARDEN OF DECISIONS: Make well-informed choices; work toward understanding and consensus; keep the vision and mission of Jesus in mind.
GARDEN OF THE CHIP: Use technology for good purposes.
GARDEN OF HISTORY: Know and value the things of the past; keep lessons of history fresh in the mind.
GARDEN OF THE ARTS: Listen to, read and watch the best in books, music, movies, theater, artwork, radio and television.
GARDEN OF MONEY: Use financial resources well; set and keep a budget; set spending limits; ask how much money is enough.

By now you should have received your 2011 pledge card in the mail. Please fill out the card and return both the “Parish” and “Diocese” copies to the rectory. As in the past, you will receive a monthly reminder of your pledge by mail. The Finance Council has suggested that we keep the pledge amount at $375 from each registered family. This pledge of $375 may be paid in 10 monthly installments at $37.50 per month from March through December. I realize that for some on limited incomes, $375 is a far stretch; but for others who may be more well off, it may not be so difficult to even go beyond. We are delighted by your gracious generosity.

Recently, a parishioner went to Florida to visit his mother and sister. While there, he visited three modern churches and noted that they were spacious, well lit and beautiful, but however, not St. Joseph’s. This experience taught him the great treasure he had in his entire life as a life-long member of St. Joseph Parish. He said that this truly is some place special and he’s grateful for the gift of this parish family and church in his life.

I want to thank you for nurturing and fertilizing the garden here at St. Joseph Parish. With your continued help we can flourish. Our tradition here in the past has been strong and steadfast. Now let us do our part to share through almsgiving as we begin our Lenten journey. The strength of our future depends on our sacrifices and commitment. I pray that all of us will nourish the garden entrusted to our care for the good of the Kingdom of God. It is never too late for God to invigorate and revitalize a person, a church, the world. Thank you for your participation in our Parish Share Program 2011 (PSP). With your help I trust we will reach our goal! God bless you.

Ordinary Time 8

2011-02-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”

- Anonymous

There is a notion in the spiritual life that we should strive to live in the “sacrament of the present moment," meaning to be engaged, alive, aware and attuned to God’s presence here and now. In life we spend an unduly amount of time rehashing and rehearsing our past, mistakes, regrets, sorrows and losses. On the other hand, sometimes we are preoccupied with the future and unknown: Will we have our health? Will we make ends meet? Will we be well provided for? Will there be someone to care for us? We must trust in God’s Divine Providence and Plan and believe that we are working out our salvation day by day, here and now.

Erma Bombeck once said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that not one single bit of talent is left, and I could say, ‘I used everything You gave me.’” In John Robinson’s book, "Time for Life: The Surprising Ways Americans Use Their Time," he notes the average American spend 80%, or 133 hours, of the 168 hours in a week in so-called “obligatory activities." One spends 20%, or 35 hours a week, in free-time functions. Said another way, we spend 20 years sleeping, 5 years dressing, 6 years staring at the television, 3 years waiting, 1 year telephoning (add 50% if you use a cell phone), and 3 months tying our shoes. The average American spends in his lifetime, just waiting for traffic signals, an astonishing 6 months!

Instead of fretting and frittering life away, let us not allow time to be a thief. And let us use the most of our time with our priorities in tact. Time is a precious gift. We don’t control it, earn it, or are entitled to it. But how often do we say “I coulda, I woulda, I shoulda." The late Cardinal Joseph Bernadin of Chicago wrote to his priests just before he died, “Get away from paperwork. Ask yourself, ‘When people come to church are they finding Jesus?’ If they are not, then they are wasting their time.”

Last week, Bishop Zubik confirmed 45 eighth and ninth graders here at St. Joseph. I admired and was enriched by the half-hour he spent before the ceremony to review with the youth the importance of the Christian maturity, witness and strength they were about to receive through full Christian initiation in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Zubik encouraged the candidates, sponsors, parents, grandparents, Godparents, aunts, uncles and the entire assembly, to seize the grace of this special sacrament and live it fully. Bishop Zubik also took time to explain the meaning of all the symbols of associated with a bishop, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese: the miter (bishop’s hat), crosier (staff), zucchetto (skull cap), pectoral cross, and even the bowl containing the Sacred Chrism which was from Bishop Richard Phelan, the third bishop of Pittsburgh who was consecrated in 1885 and succeeded as Bishop in 1889. Bishop Zubik’s joy, love, enthusiasm, humility, graciousness were in abundance. His electrifying and down-to-earth style made everyone feel right at home. When he spoke of his bishop’s ring, he told the assembly that lovers normally wear their wedding band on their left hand. However, he wears his ring on his right hand, indicating the authority of Christ through the office of bishop. He also said he wears the ring 364 days out of the year since on Good Friday, he removes it out of respect and love for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our salvation. Through the Bishop’s promised fidelity, the ring is a sign of his commitment of service to God’s holy People.

The Bishop lavishly placed Sacred Chrism on the forehead of the candidates, three times vertically and three times horizontally -- a thrice blessing for each young person. He gave each of them a prayer card and remarked that these cards were not souvenirs or mementos of Confirmation day, but a special prayer to be said daily in discerning God’s will for their lives. The prayer reads: "God our Father and our Creator, we believe that you have made each of us in your image and likeness. Help us to lead lives that reflect that belief. Increase happy vocations to the married life and the single life, the religious life and the ordained life. May we as husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, single women and single men, sisters and brothers, deacons, priests and bishops, be open to your grace. Grant that we may seek always to do your will and delight in the work which makes Your name and Your love known throughout the world. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our Guide. Amen."

It was wonderful to have the entire class stand with the Bishop in our sanctuary on our new steps for a picture. It was a blessed time to host the Bishop and his assistant Fr. Gary Oehmler for lunch in our “red cardinal suite” dining room. The ladies serving remarked, “I wish the Bishop could have stayed with us the entire day. You just want to be in his presence.” Of course we sent him home with goodies -- homemade cabbage soup, nut rolls, pastries -- and the Bishop commented his favorite is poppy seed, though his father, “Stush," prefers nut rolls. I thoroughly enjoyed the blessed conversation and communion in our parish house. I was touched when the Bishop said, “You are fortunate, Rich, to have such a diversity of people from all walks of life in your parish, as they will help you to grow in new ways.” Before departing, the Bishop admired the crucifix donated in memory of Reverend Mauro Cautela (son of the parish who died in 2005), as he dropped to his knees and begged for a blessing for himself and his ministry. Bringing the day back to prayer, back to the “Gift-giver,” God, seemed only right.

Ordinary Time 7

2011-02-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

“But you, beloved, build yourself up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourself in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”

- Jude 1: 20-21

I sometimes hear people say of their departed loved ones that they didn't have an enemy in the world. At first thought, I say to myself, “How beautiful!” and then I think, “Is that possible?” Sometimes as it is said, we are our own worst enemy, meaning, we are too hard and critical of ourselves. And sometimes in life, our best friends can become our arch enemies. Yet God orders the Israelite people through Moses to “Be holy, for I the Lord am Holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Jesus commands His disciples to, “Be perfect, just as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” And St. Paul tells us today, “You are a temple of God. The temple of the Holy Spirit which is to be holy” (1 Cor 3:16-17).

The goal of the Christian life is to seek holiness. However, getting to this point is often a work of a lifetime. Sin undoubtedly is part of each of our lives. But Christ's grace is even more abundant if we seek it with humble receptivity. In belonging to Christ, all things are possible. The expression of being “perfect," finds meaning in the Latin translation of “complete” or “full grown”— achieving the maturity of one living "in Christ." All holiness is patterned after the very holiness of God. Holiness requires integrity, honesty and faithfulness. Through His death on the Cross Jesus broke the cycle of violence and vengeance and set into motion a new law of love. As His followers we are challenged to do the same. There are no enemies in Jesus' vocabulary.

Can you picture yourself getting to heaven and the first person you meet is the one you liked least on earth? That's possible. God loves every person without restraint and in so doing, calls us to be perfect, like Himself. And this begins with loving our enemies. Christianity can never reduce itself to the level of perpetrating evil against those who have wronged us. Love never stoops to evil. Love is never spiteful or harmful to those who have offended or injured. Love never seeks to hurt or repay the harm. Love wishes the other only well and a speedy return to God's grace.

Do you have an “enemy list?" I'd imagine most of us do. Perhaps that list includes a competitor in sports, anti-Catholics, ex-spouses, co-workers, family members, terrorists, neighbors, and even beyond the grave, the deceased who hurt us and we still cannot forgive. No life is immune or exempt from enemies. Enemies are a fact of life. Not pretty, but real. Jesus never said loving our enemies would be easy.

Albert Schweitzer once said, “To be glad instruments of God’s love in this imperfect world is the service to which people are called, and it forms a preparatory stage to the bliss that awaits them in the perfected world, the kingdom of God.” The playwright Oscar Wilde enjoyed saying, “Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them more.”

Jesus loves us whether we are wise or foolish, whether we are educated or uneducated, whether we are rich or poor, whether we are sophisticated or simple, whether we are successful or a failure, and even, whether we are His friends or His enemies.

When the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was running for office, he had an arch-enemy named Stanton. Stanton never lost a chance to attack him. However, when Abe Lincoln won the election, he surprised his friends by giving Stanton a post in his cabinet. He defended his action by saying, “He is the best man for the job.” And lo and behold, he was proven right. Stanton rendered loyal service. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton paid this tribute in saying, “Lincoln was one the greatest men who ever lived.” And once when someone asked Lincoln why he didn't destroy his enemies, he said, “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

To love our enemies does not mean that we will necessarily become “bosom buddies." It does not mean that the stinger will completely dissolve from our heart. It does not mean that our memories will instantly be erased. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount teaches the greatest and most difficult message we are called to live as a Christian: to love and pray for our enemies. Every page of Scripture drips with God's forgiveness.

Did you ever think for a minute that our supposed enemies can be a gift? Our enemies help us to look at our blind spots, our weaknesses and our imperfections. St. Thomas More put it this way, “Give me Your grace, Good Lord...to think my greatest enemies, my best friends; for the brothers of Joseph could never have done him so much good with their love and favor as they did him with their malice and hatred.”

Our healing requires us to put away fear of those who have caused us hurt or done us injury and trust in the Christian response of love. Sometimes our lives are caught in the web of a love-hate relationship and we are entangled with passive aggressive behavior. In order for us to be disarmed of the weapons of war and division, we must be clothed with the grace to heal and forgive. Forgiveness is not naturally human; it's a supernatural grace of Christ's Divine Mercy seeking reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. In every life there are some people who are just hard and difficult to love. However, Christ calls us to love them anyway. And to love everyone. And never give up on asking and being persistent for this marvelous gift of God. Forgiveness is a miracle. It is a grace. It is a blessing.

How can our “enemy hit list” become our “prayer-love list?"

I see how the “Angelic Doctor," St. Thomas Aquinas, could sit at the feet of the Cross and find that all the volumes of theology he wrote were like heaps of straw compared to the image of the Crucified Lord. May the crosses we carry bring graces and blessings as we seek closer union with Christ.

Ordinary Time 6

2011-02-11T04:43:00.000-08:00

“My father always wanted to be the corpse at every funeral, the bride at every wedding and the baby at every Christening.”

- Alice Roosevelt Longworth

I write these words on Tuesday, February 8, the 25th anniversary of the death of my father, David William Jones. I was happy that the Mass intention was from my family in thanksgiving to God for his life and fatherhood. My parents were married at St. George's Church in Lisbon, OH on August 3, 1946. Dad was Presbyterian and he loved to say that it was two faiths but one love. The last gift Dad gave me was to send me to Rome in January, 1986, for the consecration of then-Bishop Donald W. Wuerl.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day this Monday, February 14, we naturally remember those who have shaped us through the greatest power in the universe — love. I can't help but to think of my Dad, who was such a force in my life. For Dad, reading the Bible was of paramount importance, just as much as eating a family meal was foremost each night. That deep desire is still in me to read God's Holy Word in Sacred Scripture. The following are verses that spoke to me in meditation on this 25th anniversary of Dad's passage from earthly life to eternal glory. I thought I'd share them with you:

1. “Do not give into bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul.” 1 Pet. 2:11
2. “Your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is the greatest value in God's eyes.” 1 Pet. 3:4
3. “From now on, then, you must love the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God's will and not by human desires.” 1 Pet. 4:2
4. “Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins.” 1 Pet. 4:8
5. “Greet one another with a kiss of Christian love.” 1 Pet 5:14

Since 1970 at Three Rivers Stadium, Dad was a long-time Steeler season ticket holder. When Heinz Field was built in 2001, my youngest brother, Dan, purchased a personal seat license (even though he‟'s from Greensboro, NC) to keep this family tradition of being a Steeler season ticket holder. Guess what! Dan was one of the 103,219 in Irving, TX, to attend Super Bowl XLV of the Green Bay Packers 31-25 victory over our Pittsburgh Steelers. It was remarkable that 111 million viewers watched the Super Bowl on TV. Luckily Dan's seats were in the second row behind the goal post where the Steelers entered the stadium. Flying into Houston and staying the night in Corsicana (approximately 45 minutes from the stadium) wasn't ideal, but Dan was happy to be with his 7-year-old son Daniel Patrick, who wanted me to look for him in the stadium while he was wearing his #7 Steeler jersey. Despite the long trip in a short time, and the unfavorable result of the outcome of the game, my brother asked his son, “Would you do this again?” And he enthusiastically responded, “Oh yeah, Dad! And when I become a Dad I'll be sure to take my son to the game!” These simple and invaluable lessons are life‟s treasures. The time together of a father and son is time well spent. Despite wins or losses, it is a moment of love.

On Monday morning it was a dark and frowning day for most Pitsburghers, but I had the joy of writing a note to my dear friend, Bob Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay, to congratulate his team and city for their flawless victory. I mentioned to him that the Packers' quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, the MVP winner of Super Bowl XLV, threaded the eye of a needle with the greatest perfection. I congratulated Bishop Bob for threading the eye of needle of his vocation as he celebrates 32 years this February as Auxiliary Bishop in Green Bay. Somehow there was light in the darkness on Monday, knowing my friend's joy, and in that there is love.

Aren't life's defeats humble teachers of tomorrow's challenges? Getting to the Super Bowl is wonderful for any city. How blessed we have been. A priest friend from Chicago called and left a message on Monday saying, “I offer you my condolences on the Steeler loss. But I believe they'll get there next year.” Life's struggles, losses and defeats, like Christ's, can turn into successes and victories as we grow through the pains, sorrows and agonies.

On Saturday, February 12, I was invited at a 100th birthday party in honor of Barbara Dorish at St. Malachy's. One doesn't get invited too often to such century-celebrations! Her daily Mass presence was constant all throughout the years. Happy 100th Birthday, Mrs. Dorish! (Count a hundred blessings!) A hundred year's birthday is a celebration of love. On February 12, I will also witness the renewal of marriage vows of Elizabeth and Richard Betsch on their 50th wedding anniversary here at St. Joseph's. Congratulations on such a milestone! Recently I was talking with another couple who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and the woman remarked that she knows all the virtues and good points of her husband, and just a few of his weaknesses. She said she could not get anyone better but Jesus Himself!

On this 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, our readings stress the importance of yielding to God's wisdom, way and will by following God's commandments and trusting in Him. God loves us so much that he graciously gives us the free will to make the choices for life in all situations we face. As the British theologian Michael Green puts it, “The law is not the limit of obedience; it is to be seen the springboard for a lifetime of devotion to Jesus and His Father. It is the curbstone along the road of love.” Jesus came to fulfill and complete what the law and the prophets taught, not to abolish it. For Jesus, interior conversion, and not mere exterior observance, should be the guiding force behind all our words, thoughts and actions. Not to choose God's way abuses our true freedom. Perhaps with the Psalmist David, this Valentine‟s Day, we could pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51: 10).

May our hearts be pure, faithful, true, honest, holy and loving. Lovers of God, love others!

Ordinary Time 5

2011-02-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

“We are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses. Let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfector of our faith.”

- Hebrews 12: 1-2

The stage is set, the lights are on, the crowds are gathered and America's greatest single sports event takes center stage in Arlington, TX as our Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. The Steelers are on quest to win their seventh Vince Lombardi trophy (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2006, 2009) and the Green Bay Packers look to covet their fourth (1967, 1968 and 1997).

I sent a letter to my long-time friend, the Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of Green Bay, Robert F. Morneau, a popular speaker nationwide who has served as bishop since February 22, 1979. He is a regular columnist for their diocesan paper, "The Compass." Bishop Bob has written over 20 books. He is an avid golfer. He is a mystical poet. He is a dynamic preacher. He is the pastor of Resurrection Parish in Green Bay. He may also be the number one Green Bay Packers fan in the nation. We have a running bet: if the Pittsburgh Steelers are victorious over the Packers, Bishop Bob has to come in June of 2013 to preach my 25th Silver Anniversary in the priesthood, all expenses paid; and if his Green Bay Packers win, I will "settle‟ for the second heart of the city of Green Bay, our present 12th Bishop of Pittsburgh, David A. Zubik. Either way it‟s a "win-win‟ situation.

I first met Bishop Bob at Retreats International in South Bend, IN, while attending summer school at Notre Dame University in July, 1989. I recall him telling us that his life-long ambition was to be a starting wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. However, since his mother was under 5' and his dad was less than 5'5", they genetically deprived him of his life‟s destiny. However, God had a different "game plan‟ and at age 38 he was called to serve as a bishop. He was young of age but held ageless wisdom.

I was so captivated and mesmerized by his oratorical style and the way poems rippled off his lips like waves over the ocean. He went for the heart through the cable of his attention-grabbing presentations. After his first lecture I thought to myself, “I gotta meet this guy!” We had lunch down at “The Huddle” in Notre Dame's cafeteria and we shared time and sandwiches together. I never imagined then how much light he would bring into my life. His voluminous writings on the spiritual life and journey have been like street lights guiding my way-faring heart, which seeks Christ the True Light of the World. This man whose dad was a dairy farmer has taught me invaluable lessons that have graced my journey. All through the years we have remained friends, and I have tried to take as many of the courses, classes, retreats and books of this “little giant” as possible. I have shared his teachings, books and writings with all the people entrusted to my care and I always tell everyone about this wisdom-person.

In one of his courses which I took in July of 1989, I remember him speaking on five universal experiences that every person is called to embrace: 1) the art of listening, 2) the art of loving, 3) the art of struggling, 4) the art of forgiving, 5) the art of hoping. He is a master of the virtuous life. He believes that pathways to God are through faith, hope and charity (the theological virtues). Pathways to community come through prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance (the moral virtues). And pathways to relationships come through simplicity, gentleness, humility and friendship. Bishop Bob always wears the lens of faith-glasses in seeing all of life. He sees Light, Life and Love despite a world racked with Darkness, Death and Evil. Recently we used "Together in the Spirit" with our confirmation candidates to be confirmed on Sunday, February 20 at the Noon Mass. This book was co-authored by Bishop Bob and Deacon Mike Grzeca.

In his book, the "Color of Gratitude and other Spiritual Surprises", he has two poems I thought would be appropriate for Pittsburgh and Green Bay weather.

Cruise Advice

The advice came from Texas,
the Lone Star State,
not known for abundant snow,
ice storms quite sporadic:
“Shut off the cruise control
when driving in snow, on ice.”
Wisconsin-born, I already had this knowledge.
In inclement weather, don‟t give control to technology.
And life‟s journey?
Existence on cruise control
works fine when all is well.
But on dark days, shut it off
and take each overpass and curve with care.

All through the years I have kept his notes; and I even have a shelf in my office set apart for his magnificent works. As a resident of the “Keystone State” I couldn't be happier in all the world to have a friend like him from the “Badger State." I consider this “Northern Star” a light always burning always with Christ. His passion, his persistency and his perspectives always raise the bar to a new standard to live Christ more fully. Bishop Bob has been Christ's “light and salt” for my journey -- a blessed friend indeed.

The February Sun

Sitting in my rocker facing east,
I suddenly saw the February sun burst through the blinds,
race across the room
filling my face with light.
I squinted, the sunshine too much,
and as I did so,
a hundred rays danced in all directions.
I rode one back across the room,
out the window,
and across millions of miles of space.
I almost reached the sun
but it had moved slightly to the south.
So, I headed home,
as quickly as I had gone,
exhausted but exhilarated by this moment of grace.

Ordinary Time 4

2011-01-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

“If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire!”

- St. Catherine of Siena

In loving memory of Fr. Nick Pesanka
(August 30, 1949 - January 21, 2011)

Over the entrance doors of Resurrection Church in Brookline, etched in stone, are the magnificent words, “As I climb to the altar of God, I regain the joys of my youth” (Psalm 43:4).

This past Friday, while visiting with my mother at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Mr. Stanley (“Stush”) Zubik, the father of our bishop, David Zubik, asked me, “Did you hear the news that Fr. Nicholas Pesanka died at 6:00 AM today? He was a classmate of my son's and they were ordained together by Bishop Leonard, on May 3, 1975.” Immediately my thoughts turned to this "bigger than life‟ figure of my childhood days. When I was 13 years old, growing up at SS Simon and Jude in Scott Twp., there was a young, attractive, athletic, muscular and compassionate priest just down the street at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Greentree. Soon I began to attend the 5:00 PM Sunday evening Masses there, and each time I saw him, I said to myself, “I want to be like Fr. Nick.” His "down-to-earth‟ style, his "manly‟ demeanor, his contagious joy and his deep compassion for everyone were qualities that set him apart. The Book of Ecclesiastes says, “Young people, enjoy your youth. Be happy while you are still young. Do what you want to and follow your heart’s desire. But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do” (11:9).

Once I became a colleague of his in the fraternity of the priesthood, I marveled that Nick was always "young at heart." He had the innocence of a kid, the strength of a man and the wisdom of a follower of Jesus. His heart's desire was simply to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus, whether through serving as a youth leader, teaching children in school, playing basketball on a court, playing baseball on a diamond, playing football on a gridiron, or ministering as pastor in a parish. Nick had a competitive spirit in his rigorous weight-lifting workouts, in his commitment to teens through sports and in the Catholic values that were instilled in him. Nick was so fiercely competitive that I believe he'd even knock his own mother down while playing badminton or volleyball! He received his strong faith from his late parents, Irene and Nicholas Pesanka, members of Resurrection Parish in Brookline. During my time serving as chaplain at Mercy Hospital, I recall his mother and father dying a week apart, both on a Friday. So too, Fr. Nick died on a Friday. At their funerals, he spoke on the Beatitudes, especially emphasizing parenthood as a most persecuted vocation.

For my first assignment in May 1988, I was sent to Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Twp. I recall a parishioner telling me, “Just remember, you’re not here to replace Fr. Nick; instead you are here to take his space.” The first day I entered his old living quarters. I looked at the walls, and the color of the room was pink; the bathroom was gold. As a newly-ordained priest I was looking for perfection. I asked him, “Do you like the colors of pink and gold?” He simply remarked, “I‟ve not looked at the walls in 7 years.” There were baseball gear (bats, gloves, spikes and balls), posters, trophies, books and countless cards strewn across the floor. I will never forget that on the first day at the parish, he took me to the thirty Communion calls in the parish so that these elderly "home-bound parishioners‟ would see there was a transfer of priests. He wanted them to welcome me. I will never forget that great act of kindness. Day two, a funeral came in and Fr. Nick called to say, “Don't worry about that one, I will cover it for you. I know how it is just getting started, and finding your way in ministry.” (I breathed a bit easier!) I followed in his footsteps by serving as the youth group leader and teaching in the Catholic school. He taught me the intangible importance of witnessing and teaching future generations. I felt his "fingerprints‟ all over that faith community in which I was privileged to succeed his great efforts.

When Fr. Nick went on to serve at St. Wendelin Parish in Carrick, I was glad he was sent closer to home, as he was closely knitted to his siblings, June, Ken, Ron and Mark. His mom's home cooking and motherly correcting continued to color his life. His parents were so proud he had become a priest. His mom painted a beautiful portrait of him -- a keepsake for the family. She served as a cantor and lector at Resurrection Parish (the place of his funeral), and I remember his mom telling him that her neighbors all wanted him to preach for them. In my early years of priesthood, I would often call and share questions and notes with him. He had a degree in Counseling and had keen insights into interpersonal relationships. He held unconditional positive regard for everyone and judged no one. Once while speaking, he told me that young kids had been breaking beer bottles off of the tomb stones at St. Wendelin Cemetery in Carrick. He went out to see them in the middle of the night with his imposing figure and shouted, “The next time you break a bottle over a tombstone, it will be your head!” No one was going to negotiate with him as they fled in fear!

While I was serving at St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park from 1992-1996, I occasionally assisted Fr. Nick in taking a Mass at the adjacent parish of St. Germaine. He called me his "runner priest‟ in order to get a break to take a run in South Park, and also to give his people a change of pace. I always enjoyed the spirit of worship and music at that church. The priests will miss his "golf antics‟ -- his sportsmanship, humor, presence and spirit -— at our yearly July golf outing.

It was a very sad day when Fr. Nick, in his early 50's, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Many of us asked, “How could this happen to such a person in the prime and peak of his life, that such a horrifying illness could have stricken him?” It didn't seem fair and it was difficult for us to accept. However, Fr. Nick taught us a profound lesson that we too must willingly accept the challenges, struggles, difficulties, setbacks, disappointments and adversities that life brings. Through our human experience: our loves, work, joys, sorrows, temptations, living and dying, Christ is with us. Even in this "darkness," Fr. Nick let Christ‟s "light‟ shine so beautifully. I am grateful God sent into my path such a committed priest as Fr. Nick. He was focused on his vocation and he allowed the flavors of his interests to enhance his ministry. Perhaps the greatest moment and discovery of our lives is found in our personal vocation from God. For fidelity to our vocation is fidelity to God — the mission and ministry entrusted to us for which we were created is our specific and personal way of giving glory, honor and praise to God through doing His will on earth. And in His will, our peace is found. There was no greater passion in Nick's life than celebrating the sacraments of the Church for God‟s people. Next to his sports page was always his Divine Office, and he would say as he kissed his Breviary, “The Church is a beautiful bride to be married to, and I’m grateful for God’s call and love.”

A priest is called by God and by the Church to serve others, to lead, to witness, to teach, to model, to love, to sacrifice, to suffer and to die for others. 1 Peter 5:4 states, “Be examples to the flock, not lording it over those assigned to you, so that when the Chief Shepherd appears you will win for yourselves the unfading crown of glory.” Fr. Nick was very special -- a real gift, a champion. As we celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25), we are reminded of the great discipline, witness and conversion it takes to keep our eyes always fixed on Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May we be comforted and consoled at our loss. May we be comforted and consoled by the words of St. Paul, patron of our Diocese of Pittsburgh and our seminary, “I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Ordinary Time 3

2011-01-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

“A strong vocation is based on being possessed by Christ. It means loving him with undivided attention and faithfulness through total selfsurrender through obedience.”

- Mother Teresa

Back from the "Sunshine State" of Florida!

It was wonderful to be away for studies. Don’t we all need "life-long" formation and education? This picture was taken in Naples, Florida, on a pier with fisherman casting their lines as the heavy rains came down. The rains, however, did not seem to deter the fishermen. I thought this image was quite fitting in returning home in preparation for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It relates the story of two sets of brothers - Simon, who is also called Peter, and Andrew. Along with James and John, the sons of Zebedee, they were all casting their nets into the sea when Jesus called them immediately from their posts and said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:12-23).

In reflection, I am eternally grateful to God for the mysterious call and invitation that He has given me through my vocation of the priesthood. And in answering that call, I in turn help others answer His call in their lives. After almost 23 years of casting the "line into the waters," I have learned many lessons. Even through the ups and downs, the successes and the failures, the joys and the trials, God certainly purifies the minister. He challenges us to become holy and humble. We are called to be available, accountable and vulnerable.

Perhaps there are several stages of transformation in diving deeper in the spiritual life. The first step is human effort. Through the willingness to accept the invitation of Christ, we undertake the service of ministry and live in relationships that are "netted together" by Christ’s grace and love. In the second step, like all who have answered the call - whether Isaiah, Samuel, Peter, Andrew, James or John - we feel inadequate, unworthy, and unprepared. Inevitably, we experience failure, which may be real or apparent, private or public. Do we scold or affirm others? The third stage is the triumph of grace. One cannot predict it and one cannot demand it. Perhaps St. Paul’s formula offers the greatest source of strength for all of us when he writes, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (1 Cor 4:10). While at the Bethany Center in Lutz, Florida, I had the opportunity and privilege to speak with Bishop Robert Lynch who has served in the St. Petersburg Diocese since 1996. He told me that he himself was a "delayed vocation." It took a long time for him to answer God’s call.

After a fulfilling and renewing time together in the "Sunshine State," it was good to see sun, light, water, boats, fishermen, and various friends. I left Lutz and traveled to St. Petersburg to stay with Janet and Ken Cotton who will celebrate 50 years of marriage in June of 2011. This couple printed my ordination invitations in May of 1988. They are "snow birds" from my home parish of SS. Simon and Jude in Scott Twp. Their son, Eric, is a radiologist in Tampa and their daughter, Kristen, lives in Orlando. During the winter months they get to see their grandchildren. It looked like they spent days preparing for my arrival along with a priest friend of mine from Chicago, Fr. Gerry Rogala -- although I only stayed one day! I was intrigued that Janet had all the ingredients for my morning smoothies and even had a smoothie machine! By the way, in Florida, there is a place called, “Planet Smoothie.” (I am a smoothie fanatic now!) They wrapped enough goodies to send us south 137 miles to Estero, Florida. There, we visited Lynette and Kevin Powers, married on October 15, 1977, and parishioners in my first parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Twp.

Thank God for the GPS System to keep us in line. When we arrived at the Powers’ home we were greeted with a large Steelers banner. Immediately I felt at home as the Steelers kick-off was just 4 hours away. They own three cats and I prayed to St. Francis the whole time I was there! The time spent at the Powers’ was a "football fest" in the clubhouse across the street from their home. My brother, Dan who lives in Greensboro, NC flew in to Pittsburgh to stay at the rectory and visited Mom while he was here. He attended the Steelers/Ravens exciting 31-24 victory last Saturday.

Last Sunday I attended Our Lady of Light Catholic Church served by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, and would you believe there were 1,100 people at the 8:30 AM Mass? (We only average 900 in all four Masses here at St. Joseph.) Let me tell you that my mouth was wide open and I was salivating! Above the altar were 12 lights for the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and another 12 lights for the apostles in the New Testament. We had a pregnant cantor who was due in early February singing the praise and the glory of God. As January 22nd marks the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, (1973) and Monday is the March for Life in Washington, DC, it was a powerful witness and testimony of a tribute to Life, with a pregnant women standing and leading our congregation in song. The capacity of Our Lady of Light Church is 1,500 people. It was most inspiring to see the large number of people in ministries. I liked their Mission Statement which read, “We, the People of Our Lady of Light Catholic Community embrace the call to Live Jesus. As a Catholic Community, we strive to grow personally and with one another. Through prayer, worship, and faith formation, and acts of community service, we continue Jesus’ mission, guided by the Holy Spirit.” It calls us to be "people of light."

We then traveled 5.7 miles to Bonita Springs, FL to visit Chuck and Louise Muzik. Louise served as secretary for 35 years at St. Malachy Church in Kennedy Township. They have been married 54 years. While waiting in Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers, a lady came up to me and inquired, “Are you Fr. Rich who served at St. Thomas More in Bethel Park?” I said, “Yes, and now I’m happy to be heading home to St. Joseph Church in Coraopolis.”

As I was on the capacity-filled plane en route to Pittsburgh, I reflected on the three couples I stayed with while in Florida, whose years of marriage total 138. I was grateful for their generous hospitality, goodness and kindness shown as a visitor. I am happy that my brother, Dan and wife, Kelly, will fly in this Sunday to attend the Steelers/Jets game. Go Steelers!

Ordinary Time 2

2011-01-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

“The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there.”

- George Bernard Shaw

I am presently away (January 9-14) for continuing education at Bethany Retreat Center in Lutz, FL near Tampa. Twice a year I go away, searching for new roadmaps, insights, visions and dreams. In doing so, I seek to reclaim the treasure of the gift of faith and believing. During this Winter Institute, 35 priests will attend from 12 different states. Two brother priests from our Diocese of Pittsburgh -- Fr. Joseph Grosko and Fr. John Vojtek -- will be present. It is good to be together for fraternal support, prayer and formation. Sharing a meal, enjoying the sunshine for a walk or telling stories relating our ministry, helps to widen and strengthen our own experience. In any professional walk of life, one must stay current and abreast to life-long learning, life-long training and life-long formation. If we are not continually formed and reformed we run the danger of “malpractice," which literally means “practicing badly." Two of my brother siblings who are doctors tell me that every month they are required to take tests to keep updated via the computer.

In May 2011, I will celebrate my 23rd year in the priesthood. There has been no single greater influence and impact on my priestly life than the International Institute for Clergy Formation out of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. This program’s founder and director was the late Msgr. Andy Cusack, a 6'7" giant and visionary, originally from the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT. He was the Director of Formation at Immaculate Conception Seminary from 1993-2002. He acquired a PhD in Counseling Psychology from St. John’s University. He was a spiritual director and taught Counseling, Psychology and Homiletics at the seminary. Msgr. Cusack died in January of 2004. Msgr. Cusack founded the Summer Institute in 1987 when I served as a deacon at St. Alphonsus Parish in Springdale, PA. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this continuing education program for priests, both home and abroad. I have attended almost every Summer and Winter Institute to help remain renewed, refreshed, rekindled and revitalized in my priestly vocation. I am eternally indebted to the pioneer and founder, Msgr. Cusack, for seeing the need for human formation, spiritual formation, intellectual formation, interpersonal formation, psychological formation and prayer formation. He put together all the components that Pope John Paul II wrote in Pastores Vobis Dobis, “I will give you Shepherds after my own Heart." Although this towering figure was called home at the age of 71, his presence looms large in my priestly walk and discipleship with the Lord. The qualities of his generosity, graciousness, hospitality, vision, wisdom, prayer and spirit were unmatched.

Some of the speakers for this Winter Institute include:

Fr. William Burton, OFM -- “Understanding St. Matthew’s Gospel Readings for Preachers”
Fr. William J. Byron, SJ -- “Listening Receptively and Leading Gently”
Fr. Vincent Fortunato, OFM will give a spiritual direction workshop. This will include prayer, spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, spiritual discernment and supervision of spiritual directors.
Fr. David Toups, STD's theme “Priestly Character and Identity,” will examine sacramental character, post-Conciliar priesthood, core identity and priestly principles.

I treasure this special time away in order to better tend to my garden. In the new year all of us are looking for resolutions to make marked improvements to enhance and enrich the well being of our lives and the lives of others. Through the years I have found it critically important, like Jesus, to take time away to renew, refresh and regroup in order not to lose the luster of the gold of faith entrusted to me. When I was a child I worked at Marian Manor Nursing Home in Greentree with an 80-year-old man in the greenhouse. I fondly remember this man, Mr. Lawson, who tended with great diligence and devotion to the greenhouse. He told me that if we don’t take care of the plants in Winter, the home won’t look beautiful in the Spring. He inspired me to sell seeds around my neighborhood from Lancaster, PA, to help our neighbors’ gardens grow. This precious time in winter in the “Sunshine State” of Florida plants new seeds of hope, promise and expectation of a new life. I end with thoughts of a life-long friend of mine whom I met at the International Institute, Bishop Robert Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay, to help all of you to tend your own gardens in the year 2011.

The 12 Gardens of Stewardship

1. Garden of the Body -- Get proper nutrition, exercise and rest; avoid chemical abuse, smoking, and in our culture, obesity.
2. Garden of the Soul -- Cultivate a prayer life.
3. Garden of Family & Friends -- Take the time to nurture relationships with those important to you.
4. Garden of the Globe -- Care for the environment; recycle; don’t waste natural resources.
5. Garden of Emotions -- Aim for a balance emotionally; work at being in good humor.
6. Garden of the “Polis” -- Be politically aware; be an informed and involved citizen, and vote; attend community meetings.
7. Garden of the Mind -- Keep learning.
8. Garden of Decisions -- Make well-informed choices; work toward understanding and consensus; keep the vision and mission of Jesus in mind.
9. Garden of Technology -- Use technology for good purposes.
10. Garden of History -- Know and value the things of the past; keep lessons of history fresh in the mind.
11. Garden of the Arts -- Listen to, read and watch the best in books, music, movies, theater, artwork, radio, TV.
12. Garden of Money -- Use financial resources well; set and keep a budget; set spending limits; ask how much money is enough.

Baptism of the Lord

2011-01-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

“As the Magi from the East followed their star and found Jesus, who filled their hearts with boundless joy, let us too, even in hours of uncertainty, of shadows, of darkness like those the Magi had, not fail to follow that star, the star of our faith.”

— Archbishop Oscar Romero

Several people have requested a copy of my Epiphany homily from last Sunday.

Happy New Year! In Pope Benedict XVI plans to make four foreign trips: 1) He will visit Croatia, June 4-5. 2) He will travel to Madrid, Spain, August 18-21, to preside over World Youth Day celebration. 3) He will visit his native Germany for the third time, September 22-25. 4) The Pope will make his second trip to Africa, to Benin, a small country in West Africa, where Catholics make up about 30% of the population and Muslims about 25%. At the age of 83, the 265th successor of St. Peter, this Vicar of Christ on earth, is not resting on his laurels.

I recall as a child growing up at Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in Scott Twp., that our pastor, Fr. Thomas F. Carey, had a tradition during the Christmas season of driving around the neighborhood of the streets of his parish to see the glow of the Christmas lights. He often reminded us that he prayed his parishioners would bring light to the world in the new year, rather than cast the shadow of darkness. I respect and admire his sage advise. At the close of today‟s Mass, the altar servers will provide an Epiphany blessing for the home at along with a piece of chalk. With the chalk, the inscription "20+C+M+B+11," the initials of the three Magi, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, are written between the year in which the blessing occurred over the entrance to the home. The letters also stand for the Latin phrase, “Christus benedicat mansionem,” which means, “Christ, bless this home.”

I would love to be able to get to the 1550 households of St. Joseph Parish, but realized this isn't possible or realistic. Nonetheless, I pray that every time you enter and exit your home, you bring the light of Christ to the world each day of the year 2011. The motto of the Christophers says it well: “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” However small our personal vocation, a single Christ-bearer can have a significant impact on the lives of others. Epiphany in Greek means “a showing," “manifestation," “revelation,” or “self-disclosure." Through the guidance of a star, the Wise Men, the Magi, are brought to the place of the birth of the Messiah-King. The Epiphany story takes place in two different locals: the great city of Jerusalem and the village of Bethlehem. These two cities are about nine miles apart but light-years away in opulence and prestige. St. Matthew begins his Gospel in Jerusalem, a city of wealth and power, of ambition and prosperity, of arrogance and pretension. Bethlehem is South of Jerusalem and is equivalent to a bus depot or train-station where merchants and travelers stop for a meal, change horses or camels, or spend the night while on the way to their far more important and profitable places. Bethlehem is “Nowheresville” and “No Man‟s Land.” It is a place for the poor, the humble and unimportant. Yet in this most hidden place, the Magi find the Messiah. Like the Magi, in whatever the age, culture, civilization, or nation, people are all always searching for God. If our new year‟s resolution does not include getting closer to God and one another, I believe it is defective from God‟s will for our lives.

Our responsorial psalm today, Psalm 72, says, “Lord, let all the nations of the earth adore You!” Jesus is for all nations. Salvation is for the entire globe. The scope of Jesus' love and dream is for all peoples -- Jews, Muslims, Gentiles, Born-again, Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc. None has a monopoly and no one is excluded from God's revelation manifested in Jesus Christ. In Christ all barriers will fall. We are all on a spiritual odyssey, a spiritual journey. From the darkness of our mother's womb to the darkness of death's tomb, the mystery of life is enlightened by the grace of faith, "the invisible eye of the soul." According to tradition of St. Ireneaus of Lyons (135-202), the gifts that the Wise Men presented had great significance:

1) Gold: Gold symbolizes kingship. It represents eternity because it doesn't tarnish. This was fitting for the Infant King whose reign is without end. As we journey through life, we must treasure the gold of our faith. A man recently told me his daughter won $100,000 in a lottery. She called him at 3:00 AM to share this "good news." Would we take such delight in sharing the gold of our faith at anytime of the day, on any given day?

2) Frankincense: Frankincense represents Christ's divinity. Frankincense is a precious resin symbolizing worship. Today we use incense before proclaiming the holy Gospel to make fragrant smoke as a sign of our prayer rising before God. It represents the "spiritual life.‟ It is the acknowledgement of the divinity of Jesus, the Word made flesh. St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:15 says the call of a Christian is to be the aroma of Christ.

3) Myrrh: Myrrh was a practical gift, an expensive gift, used in embalming bodies. It's still used medically today in tincture as an anti-bacterial and pain-relieving agent. This fitting gift of myrrh signified that Christ would die and be buried for the mortal human race. His victimhood is the healing ointment soothing the sufferings of humanity.

At the threshold of a new year, it is good to take stock and reflect upon the gifts we have been given by God -- our talents and abilities, the opportunities presented to us; the loved one's around us whose inspirations and encouragements we receive, and all the resources we have at our disposals. Do we respect and value each person we meet? Do we show love and act justly with everyone? Is our hope fixed on a better life in this world, but also fixed on the life to come. Is the path we are traveling leading us to God? Is our goal to “follow Jesus” and “become Jesus?” May the light of faith guide our footsteps in 2011 and beyond.

Epiphany of the Lord

2010-12-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

“Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves and helps and cares for others.”

- St. Theophane Venard

Recently a couple from Pueblo, Colorado spoke to me after a Sunday Mass. They told me they were in need of three things: a home, a job and a church, and that finding a church was the most important of the three. Happy at St. Joseph Parish, they informed me that their search for a "spiritual home" had ended; they trusted that the other two would fall into place in time.

In this Christmas season, as a priest, I find one of the greatest blessings in knowing that across the globe, the Church is the biggest family on earth. In the Votive Mass for the Church, the prayer reads, "God our Father, in all the churches scattered throughout the world you show forth the one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, through the Gospel and the Eucharist, you bring your people together through the Holy Spirit and guide us in your love. Make us a sign of your love for all people, and help us to show forth the living presence of Christ in the world."

Our Catholic family is spread across every country on the earth. There are 1.2 billion Catholics on the planet, which is approximately 17.5% of the world’s population. There are over 400,000 priests, 800,000 religious sisters, and 219,500 parishes. We are united to one another as brothers and sisters who are baptized into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

As James Joyce says of the Catholic Church, “Here comes everyone.” As members of the Catholic family world-wide, we have so much to celebrate. Our Diocese of Pittsburgh was established on August 8, 1843. It is composed of six counties in Southwestern PA: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington. The total population of these six counties is 1,908,721. This area of Pennsylvania is 3,753.9 square miles and has a Catholic population of 673,801, or 34.38% of the total population. There are 260 active priests within our Diocese, 15 serving outside the diocese, and 1 priest ministering in foreign missions. There are 111 retired priests and 41 permanent deacons, (45 in the class of June 2011, 23 in the class of 2013). There are 29 brothers serving in our diocese and 1,143 sisters. There are currently 38 seminarians.

I was ordained in the first ordination class of the now-Cardinal Donald Wuerl in 1988. In his homily, he reminded us that we did not arrive at God’s altar alone and we never leave it alone. The priesthood is the largest fraternity in the world, sprinkled with holy water. Cardinal Wuerl highlighted the importance that Christ entrusts us to be His light, His instrument, His mediator, as His priest to God’s holy family. As the seasons and years of my life continue to unfold, I hearken back to the blessing of being God’s servant, in leading God’s people in faith and prayer. He noted the importance of praying to love the Church more and more each day. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Produce beautiful things, but above all, make your lives places of beauty.”

The late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin described the parish family as “everybody’s home in the neighborhood.” I marvel to see the various people coming together to form God’s family to worship each Sunday. This "family of God" must continue to grow in holiness, forgiveness, gratitude, humility, truthfulness, faith, charity, witness, sacrifice, prayer and love.

G. Copeland writes in We Are Family, “Since before any of us were born, God planned for us to share our lives with each other. He knew exactly how our strengths and weaknesses would balance one another and the depth of love, understanding and commitment we would learn to fear. He knew that the richness of our separate characters would be developed through the hard times and that mutual trust and respect would be born as a result of overcoming the trials together. He knew that we would laugh together and cry together. He knew we needed each other… to hug, to help, to teach, to share… to love.”

I am grateful for the biggest family on earth in existence: the Catholic family of faith, (over 2,000 years); for our Diocesan family, the Church of Pittsburgh, (167 years); our St. Joseph family in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, (119 years); and for our family of origin. As we begin a new year I am grateful to be entrusted to the care of the parish family of St. Joseph’s here in Coraopolis. There are 1550 families and 3500 members in our congregation. In order to grow in wisdom, grace and holiness, we must seek to do Jesus’ will on earth through our Christian vocation. We are called by God’s grace to grow with one another through our commitment to service and love of each other. May we pray for our parish family and our natural family to grow in new ways the Year of Grace 2010.

Let us strive to mirror and link His divine image in every generation. May the Lord bless each person who has touched our lives in the past, the present and the future, both living and deceased with the blessing of faith, hope, and love. Each person counts.

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 His 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 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, New York
Doers of the Word: Putting Your Faith Into Practice