We All Have Something to Give

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

- Erma Bombeck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wise or Foolish?

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

— St. John of Capistrano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a Light in the Darkness

Father, grant that I may be a bearer

of Christ Jesus, Your Son.

Allow me to warm the often cold,

impersonal scene of modern life with your burning love.

Strengthen me, by Your Holy Spirit to carry out

my mission of changing the world

or some definite part of it, for the better.

Despite my lamentable failures,

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

Make me more energetic in setting to rights

what I find wrong with the world

instead of complaining about it or myself.

Nourish in me a practical desire

to build up rather than tear down,

to reconcile more than polarize,

to go out on a limb rather than crave security.

Never let me forget that it is far better

to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

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

Saints: Called to the Fullness of Loving

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

— Thomas Merton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thoughts of Love from an Autumn Retreat

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

— John 13:35

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

I am more than happy; I am JOYFUL.

I am more than healthy; I am WHOLE.

I am more than alive; I am RADIANT.

I am more than successful; I am FREE.

I am more than caring; I am LOVING.

I am more than tranquil: I am PEACEFUL.

I am more than interested; I am INVOLVED.

I am more than adequate: I am TRIUMPHANT.

I am more than fortunate: I am PROSPEROUS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To pray is to

Laugh, Whistle,

Dance on happy feet,

Sing! Shout!

And Jump!

Higher than before!

But it is also to

Whisper, Wander

Stumble in dark places

Cry, Scream

Or just

Hold a tired head in

tired hands and wait…

Prayer

Is our tired

Reaching out to the

One who

Holds us closer and

loves us more

Than we would dare imagine.

— Greta Schrumm

Love bade me welcome;

yet my soul drew back,

Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love,

observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me,

sweetly questioning,

If I lack'd anything.

"A guest,‟ I answer'd,

"worthy to be here.‟

Love said, "You shall be he.‟

"I, the unkind, ungrateful?

Ah, my dear,

I cannot look on Thee.‟

Love took my hand

and smiling did reply,

"Who made the eyes but I?‟

"Truth, Lord;

but I have marr'd them;

let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.‟

"And know you not,‟ says Love,

"Who bore the blame?‟

"My dear, then I will serve.‟

"You must sit down,‟ says Love.

"and taste my meat.‟

So I did sit and eat.

— George Herbert (1593-1632)

Who Rules, Reigns and Conquers: Caesar or Christ?

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

— St. Theresa of Avila

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus’ Invitation List

“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?"

"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.”