Ordinary Time 8

“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 6

“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

“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 3

“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!