Christ the King

“Loving Savior, let my heart be united with Yours. Let my will be conformed to Yours in all things. May Your will be the rule of all my desires and actions.”

- St. Gertrude the Great

Today is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, the culmination of the liturgical year. It was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI to reassert Christ’s sovereignty over all. Let us reflect if Christ the King reigns in my heart, mind, conscience, soul, spirit, will, actions, body and entire being. I recently read Fr. Thomas D. Williams’ marvelous book, A Heart Like His. He notes 30 qualities of Jesus’ Heart that should attract us to becoming more like Jesus— more human and more holy:

1. A Humble Heart — “Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of Heart” (Mt 11:29) Humility is being down-to-earth: a commoner, grounded, not on a pedestal.
2. A Thirsty Heart — “Give me to drink” (Jn 4:7) Jesus’ Heart thirsts for souls and love which is the Father’s joy. We hunger for ‘insatiable things’ but Jesus’ greatest thirst is for our conversion.
3. An Undivided Heart — “You cannot serve 2 masters” (Lk 16:13) Jesus had no secret vices, skeletons, attachments, crutches or double life. Disordered desires are contrary to God’s plan.
4. A Trusting Heart — “I know you always hear me” (Jn 11:42) Jesus had full confidence and trust in the Father’s love and fidelity that could see Him through all.
5. A Compassionate Heart — “I have compassion for the crowd.” (Mk 8:2) Jesus had compassion, meaning the ability to walk in someone else’s moccasins and share others’ suffering by seeking to alleviate it.
6. A Passionate Heart — “Zeal for Your house consumes me” (Jn 2:17) Jesus was passionate about His mission, the salvation of souls, the Father’s glory, freeing the downtrodden and everything He did in life.

7. A Personal Heart — “I know my own and my own know Me” (Jn 10:14) Jesus did not distinguish between important people and unimportant ones. All were of infinite worth to Him.
8. A Pious Heart — “Ask and you will receive” (Lk. 11:9) In asking, seeking, knocking, Jesus promises we will be heard and answered.
9. A Pure Heart — “Blessed are the Pure in Heart” (Mt. 5:8) Purity means "authenticity" - nothing artificial, phony or contrived. A heart that is free and filled with love for God and neighbor.
10. A Merciful Heart — “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Mt. 9:13) In the cross both justice and mercy kiss; love triumphs! Sin is misery, mercy is paradise.
11. An Honest Heart — “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mt. 12:34) Dishonesty, hypocrisy and duplicity have no place in Jesus’ Heart. They deceive.
12. A Poor Heart — “No where to lay His Head” (Lk 9:58). Jesus was born in poverty; lived in poverty of spirit; and died rich in forgiveness on the cross.
13. A Disciplined Heart — “Long before dawn…” (Mt 11:29) Jesus’ Heart was well ordered: disciplined by love, urged by love and compelled by love.
14. An Unpretentious Heart — “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Mt 6:3) Jesus did not care whether people praised or censured Him.
15. A Prayerful Heart — “Abba, Father!” (Mt 14:36) Jesus wants our friendship, intimacy, trust and company. We must make a daily "prayer-appointment."
16. A Radical Heart — “Get behind me, Satan!” (Mt 16:23) Jesus doesn’t beat-around-the-bush or mince words. He doesn’t compromise His convictions and principles. It is right or it is wrong.
17. A Realistic Heart — “What does it profit a man?” (Mk 14:36) All the treasures of earth that we pile up can never possibly equal heaven. All the sorrows endured on earth, could never outweigh God’s glory.
18. A Simple Heart — “Let the little children come to me” (Mt 19:14) No special titles, no degrees, no rank, no VIPs; let us live simply so that others can simply live.
19. A Grateful Heart — “I love you, Father” (Mt. 11:25) Gratitude pleases the Heart of Christ. The humbler we are, the more we are aware of our own unworthiness of the many gifts we daily receive.
20. A Joyful Heart — “That my joy may be in you” (Jn 15:11) St. Teresa of Avila said, “A sad saint is a sorry saint.” Be a joyous and contagious carrier of serene grace.
21. A Reassuring Heart — “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (Jn 14:1) Jesus feels a desire to protect us, gather us and take care of us. He will not abandon or ever forget us.
22. A Courageous Heart — “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51) Courage is inner strength to undertake difficult tasks and patiently bear suffering.

23. An Obedient Heart — “Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” (Jn 5:19) One obeys not because it is easy, desirable or sensible, but because it is right, even at the cost of one’s owns dreams, wealth or relationships.
24. A Universal Heart — “Everyone is searching for you!” (Mk 1:37) A heart that includes all and excludes none.
25. A Magnanimous Heart — “Love your enemies” (Lk 6:27) Whenever cheated, betrayed or let down by anyone, we have the opportunity to “love our enemies."
26. A Eucharistic Heart — “This is my Body” (Lk 22:19) The truest essence of love is complete self donation.
27. A Peaceful Heart — “My peace I give you” (Jn 14:27) The Hebrew greeting “Shalom” signifies the fullness of being, the presence of everything good—wholeness, health and prosperity.
28. A Patient Heart — “Put your finger in my side” (Jn 20:27) We all have defects, limitations and human failings yet Jesus is great in patience with us.
29. A Heavenly Heart — “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be” (Lk 12: 34) Jesus and His kingdom must be seen each day.
30. A Wise Heart — “Man does not live by bread alone” (Lk 4:4) Wisdom is to seek what really matters: God’s will.

A great danger is to have big heads and small hearts. Instead, let us mirror Christ the King’s Heart as Mary did through purity, holiness, faithfulness, humility and love. From my heart to all, with prayers and love ... happy Thanksgiving!

Ordinary Time 33

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received ... but only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”

- St. Francis of Assisi

On Tuesday, November 9, I returned to my home parish of Sts. Simon and Jude in Scott Twp. for the funeral of a long time neighbor, John Angelo Palamides, 86 years old. I grew up on the same street of Allender Avenue with the Palamides family. John was married to Gloria Bolla for 57 years. They had four sons and five grandchildren. He was the eldest of three siblings. I received a phone call from his son Tom from Southern California on Friday, November 5, informing me that his father had died. He had a brain aneurism the day before and suddenly and unexpectedly, like a "thief in the night," his life ended. I conveyed my sympathy to my friend Tom who attended Sts. Simon and Jude Grade School, Bishop Canevin High School and Duquesne University with me. Tom has a twin brother, Tim. I got to church a half hour before in order to spend quiet time in prayer. As I sought God’s comfort, I prayed that the family would be consoled by all who came, near and far, for his funeral. While kneeling before the Blessed Mother and a beautiful banner of the patron saints of the church, Sts. Simon and Jude, I asked the patron of impossible cases, St. Jude, to turn this darkness into victory.

John served in the US Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater (VMSB 333 Marine Scout Bombing Squadron). Mr. Palamides was educated in the Pittsburgh public schools and was a former city of Pittsburgh police officer of 23 years. He pioneered the “Officer-Friendly” program that promoted child safety and awareness at home and in the community. After retirement as a police officer, he transitioned to VP of Mellon Bank for 14 years. John was an enthusiastic trombone player and an original member of the Pittsburgh Police and Firemen Band, who also joined the Western Pennsylvania Branch 84 Letter Carriers Band — performing in parades and community events for over 35 years. John loved life and people: his family, his country, his community, his parish, his neighborhood, and he carried a heart as big as his trombone bell. He was a "long-time" member of Sts. Simon and Jude and sang in their choir for over 50 years.

There were approximately 250 people in attendance for his funeral. It was wonderful to be back home and see so many familiar faces in my hometown. The twin sons read. From the book of Revelation 21:1-5 we heard, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be His people. And God Himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.’ The One who sat on the throne said, ’Behold, I make all things new.’” And in the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans 14:7-9, “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” The Gospel reading was of the Last Judgment of Jesus’ Eschatological Discourse which reads, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit them upon His glorious throne ... and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” (Matthew 25:31-34).

Jesus gives us a preview of the “final exam” in this passage. For when I was hungry, when I was thirsty, naked, ill, in prison ... you served and cared for others and poured your life out in loving service for others’ sake. When you did these things out of love for Me, you furthered my reign. John Palamides’ devotion and service touched countless lives.

One of the sons, Tom, gave a farewell remembrance (eulogy) in offering remarks at the close of the Mass. Tom said such things as:

• Thank you, Dad, for being our Dad. What a special gift from God you are to us!
• Thank you, Dad, for changing our diapers. Although we did not know at that young age, your tenderness and care, we came to know it through our lives. (By the way, none of us never suffered from diaper rash!)
• Thank you, Dad, for teaching us right from wrong. When I left my tricycle on the sidewalk and it was run over by the bakery truck and smashed to a pretzel, I learned the lesson to obey my parents more clearly.
• I thank you Dad for teaching us how to ride a bicycle and a motorcycle which taught us the key lesson of life—to have a balance. Otherwise, we fall.
• Thank you, Dad, for your passion for music. In teaching us to play an instrument, we grew stronger as a family to play in the parades together. I can still hear Dad’s trombone sound off in the distance.
• Thank you, Dad, for providing us with a Catholic education, the foundation and framework of our lives --the beliefs, the values and the lessons Mom and you taught have not been in vain.
• Thank you, Dad, for taking us to the library. It opened the horizons of our minds to the dreams of what we were called to be in this life.
• Thank you, Dad, for taking us fishing at Conneaut Lake. Although we did not catch many fish, we had the comfort of being together.
• Thank you, Dad, for taking us to church and singing in the choir. Teaching us to feed on the grace of the sacraments and to live lives centered around the Lord and His plan for us, and His will for us, that we can hope hat we shall reign with him in everlasting glory!
• Thank you, Dad, for having been our Dad. God chose you to teach us to love Him. Dad, we love you!

Ordinary Time 32

“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor has the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

- 1 Corinthians 2:9

As we gathered on Tuesday, November 2, Election Day, my thoughts went beyond the “election of new officials” in government, to the “elect” who are “citizens of heaven” with the Lord. On November 2 we also commemorated All Souls Day in which families came from near and far to remember, to celebrate and to pray for our beloved deceased. Whether one’s life is marked by brevity or longevity, it is a sacred journey we make. During the transfer of the body from funeral home to church, Psalm 121:8 is read, “The Lord guards our coming in and going out. May God be with us today as we make this journey with our brother/sister.”

There were 100 families this year, 2010, both within our parish and outside our parish, with whom I experienced the reality of death. Death is a harsh and sad reality of life. However, death is the gateway of the promise of a new life in Christ. When I preach at funerals I remind the mourners that we come seeking God’s comfort, healing and peace, as well as to be comforted by those who mourn the loss of their beloved. I often remind people that in the face of death words fail us; emotions fill us; time stands still; families unite, bringing us back to our roots; friends accompany us to soothe our sorrows; and the Christian community gathers in faith and prayer to uplift our loved ones to God.

The symbols of a funeral are so simple yet powerful. The sprinkling of the casket at the entrance of the church is tied to our Baptism, which initiated our earthly journey as children of God — this journey, now ending, looks toward the promised future glory in heaven. The pall that adorns the body is a symbol of our Baptismal garment marking our Christian dignity, innocence and holiness — this white garment is a clothing of the mantle of God’s eternal glory. As the priest incenses the body, the human body is honored as the temple of the Holy Spirit, the sacred shrine of our living God. At death, even though the soul has left the body, we still venerate that body by incensing it. As the fragrant aroma of the incense rises to heaven, so too, our lives, which have been anointed by this faith-companion whom we remember in love and prayer, rise like incense to God. The Easter Candle, or the Paschal Candle, is a reminder that Christ is the “Light of the World” and He has conquered and overcome sin by His death on the Cross, His shattering of the tomb and His victorious rising — this Paschal path is a Christian mystery. Through Baptism we are called to be a Christian — a “Christ Bearer” and “Christ Bringer” of His light to the world.

The playwright, George Bernard Shaw wrote pointedly, “I am convinced that my life belongs to the whole community; and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in the life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before turning it over to future generations.”

The month of November is a month of remembrance, thanksgiving and harvest time. We are encouraged to remember and pray for the faithful departed, those members of our families and dearly beloved who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. As Christians we are people who live in hope.

On this 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time and as we come to the close of the liturgical year, the Church’s core message of our Christian faith is a notion of the resurrection from the dead. Resurrection was not always a part of the ancient Jewish theology. The Sadducees, an upper-class, powerful group holding the major seats of the Sanhedrin from 150 BC–70 AD, did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Their beliefs could be summarized in four statements: 1) they were extremely self-sufficient, even denying God’s involvement in everyday life 2) they denied any resurrection of the dead 3) they denied any afterlife 4) they denied the reality of angels and demons. Of course these four beliefs of the Sadducees are in opposition to our beliefs as Christians in which we hold that: 1) through the gift of prayer, we open our hearts to seek God’s strength and grace to do His will daily 2) the promise of our Christian hope is in the glory of the Resurrection 3) heaven is our long-awaited dwelling with God and the saints forever—as we profess each Sunday in the last line of the Creed that “...we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come," and 4) in our daily battles and temptations of life, the Lord sends us angels and messengers to keep us faithful from the devil’s darkness.

The newly beatified John Cardinal Henry Newman (1801-1890) wrote in his prayer for happy death:

O, my Lord and Savior, support me
in that hour, in the strong arms of Thy Sacraments,
and by Thy fresh fragrance of Thy consolations.
Let the absolving words be said over me,
and the holy oils sign and seal me,
and Thy own Body be my Food,
and Thy Blood my sprinkling;
and let my sweet Mother, Mary, breath on me
and my Angel whisper peace to me,
and my glorious Saints...smile upon me;
that in them all, and through them all,
I may receive the gift of perseverance,
and die, as I desire to live,
in Thy Faith, in Thy Church,
in Thy Service, and in Thy Love. Amen.

As Mother Nature yields to the death of winter, our human nature yields our own mortality. It is only in dying that we are born to a new and eternal life. No life is exempt or immune from death. Death is the great equalizer of life. None of us escape death’s grasp. Faith’s hold gives us strength, courage and hope of that most perfect dawning day! In the words of Martha Mary Keane, let us pray, “Dear Jesus, bless each person who has touched my life in the past, the present, and in the future, whether they are living or deceased.”

Ordinary Time 31

“Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.”

- Pope Clement I

How To Be A Saint

A third grader got it right.
“A saint is someone that
the light shines through.”

She was looking at a stained glass window,
the one St. Francis inhabits.
Every morning the light comes
and Francis lets the light pass through.

Saints are bearers of the light
and love
and life.

Just ask any third grader.

- Robert Morneau
"A New Heart: Eleven Qualities of Holiness"

Today is Priesthood Sunday. My heart’s desire is to be a holy priest. While in the seminary studying to be a priest my favorite three subjects were 1) Sacred Scripture - study of God’s Word; 2) Hagiography - study of the saints; 3) Homiletics — study of oratorical speaking. All of my elective courses in the seminary drew me to taking further Scripture classes, studying more of the lives of the saints, and fine-tuning the art of preaching.

The Church honors on Monday, November 1, All Saints' Day (note this year it is not a Holy Day of Obligation though Mass will be at 8:30 AM). On Tuesday, November 2, we celebrate All Souls’ Day, commemorating and praying for our beloved dead. (There will be a Memorial Mass at 7:00 PM only that evening.) The Church encourages our participation in the celebration of these observances.

Outside one of the lecture halls at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary is a plaque quoting Daniel 12:3, “Those who teach others in the ways of God will shine like the stars for all eternity.” Msgr. James Mulligan, who was a long-time professor for three decades at the Mount, would often say that single verse from Scripture gave him the daily inspiration to teach us to strive to be saints. The goal of the Christian life is to be holy — more pleasing in the sight of God and more graceful in the sight of one’s neighbor. I’m sure all of our lives have been blessed by certain people whose presence made us feel God’s grace alive — parents, spouses, teachers, mentors, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or fellow parishioners. A couple from our parish came to have their car blessed this past Wednesday before moving to Florida, and with tears and sadness they mentioned how much they will miss St. Joseph Parish — the place and its people. One must find his/her salvation in the time, place and people in which we live. Sometimes the best conditions for discipleship lie simply in embracing and accepting sufferings, challenges and obstacles as opportunities of new growth.

Today on the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time we read of the encounter of Jesus and Zacchaeus, the story of the "little man" who climbed a tall sycamore tree to go out on a limb in order to get Jesus’ attention. Perhaps we can visualize Jesus walking along a dusty road through Jericho (the City of Palms) attracting a large crowd as he goes. There must have been a great excitement about his presence. Jesus had the reputation for being a miracle worker. Zacchaeus was a short man, a despised and hated tax collector. His curiosity led him up a tree in order to have a better vantage point. Jesus gazed upward and saw the sight of little Zacchaeus swinging from a branch and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." St. Augustine said, “Zacchaeus had given so much importance to seeing Jesus pass by that he earned the pleasure of Jesus’ company at home.” Jesus read his heart and had mercy for him. Zacchaeus is a figure who teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Jesus has compassion on everyone and invites us to a new life in seeking out and saving the lost. St. Ambrose wrote, “Of all people to choose from, he singled out the chief of the tax collectors. Who can lose hope for themselves when even such a man attained salvation?” God’s mercy and forgiveness is always within reach if we seek it. Repentance is always an on-going process and a life-long decision to seek God. It is when we turn away from sin and evil and seek to grow in holiness that we are lifted up.

The story of Zacchaeus inspires us to deeper conversion by acknowledging our weakness and sinfulness to encounter the Lord’s forgiveness. For when we reject sin and invite the Lord into our homes — our heart and our soul — we, too, experience His great love. As we walk the path of salvation we are ever mindful that we can wander to "ungodly paths." Jesus summons Zacchaeus and each of us to holiness and salvation. Zacchaeus in Hebrew means “clean, pure or innocent." Once Jesus comes in, we are made clean, pure and innocent. Do we go "out on a limb" for those who are "lost?" Do we feel guilty and unworthy of God’s holy presence? Do we allow the murmurings and criticisms and complaints of others to distract us from our goal of seeking Jesus? Do we turn to the saints to ask their intercession to help us on our journey? Do we look to Jesus in prayer to bless the "little ones?" Does God’s mercy and compassion fill our hearts?

This week I’m happy to have two "little ones" come to my house in the rectory: Alex 4, and Daniel Patrick 7, my nephews, along with my brother Dan from Greensboro, NC, for a special Halloween treat. We will take in the Penguins-Flyers game at the new Consol Energy Center. The little ones noted, “It’s a boys’ weekend in Pittsburgh ... plus Grandma!” As we visit her at the Little Sisters of the Poor, we see a home which is half-way to heaven.

I ask for your prayers as I have an endoscopy test on All Saints’ Day at 11:00 AM.

Ordinary Time 30

“Until you are convinced that prayer is the best use of your time, you will not find time for prayer.”

- Fr. Hillary Ottensmeyer, OSB

Recently I was happy to read that my alma mater Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, MD is filled to capacity. There are 164 seminarians studying for the priesthood. While I was there in 1988 there were two priests from the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ; one was the Rector, Msgr. Richard McGuinness and the other was the Spiritual Director was Fr. Anthony Manocchio. Each Thursday night at 6:30 there was either a Rector’s conference or a spiritual direction meeting. When the Rector spoke, we met in a lecture hall; when the Spiritual Director spoke, we met in the chapel. However, the one thing I’ll always remember is both Msgr. McGuinness and Fr. Manocchio would both comment that there was never a time, morning, afternoon, evening or night, that they did not find at least one seminarian praying in the chapel. That witness always inflamed their commitment to the importance of prayer in our Christian formation.

On this 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we celebrate World Mission Sunday. In the Gospel, there are two very different men who prayed in the Temple in Jerusalem. One is a Pharisee, a Jewish religious leader, and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee considers himself a "model of prayer," however, he trumpets his own "self-importance" and his prayer is an exercise in "self-congratulations." He is so impressed with himself that he actually thanks God that he is not like other people -- namely, that he is not like those “thieves, rogues and adulterers, or even worse, the tax collectors." He even comments that his piety exceeds the requirement of fasting; he fasts twice a week when only one day per year was necessary, the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur. His prayer revolves around himself, that he is "holier than thou," "better than thou," "greater than thou" and "more important than thou." Pride makes one feel superior to others and it blinds us to our own faults which separate from God. Self-adulation, self-flattery and self important stances only make one to be a braggart. This Pharisee is full of himself, puffed with pride, conceit, judgment of others, arrogance, lack of compassion and contempt. There is no ounce of humility in him and he shows no awareness for the need of God’s mercy.

The tax collector on the other hand, is depicted as one who is empty of himself, sorrowful, repentant, ever aware of his shortcomings and filled with the beautiful truth of humility. He is fully aware of his need for God’s mercy and seeks God’s forgiveness and love. I’d imagine that there is a little bit of both the Pharisee and tax collector in each of us. How easy it is to focus our prayer around ourselves, our problems, our perspectives, our plans and our projects without ever acknowledging God’s presence and others’ importance. When one is humble, we are raised to a new height of holiness, but self-conceit plunges us into an abyss of sinfulness.

Upon learning of his terminal cancer and before his death in 1999, Cardinal Basil Hume, the Archbishop of Westminster, England, said to his friend Bishop John Crowley, “If only ... I could start all over again, I would be a much better monk, a much better abbot, a much better bishop. But then I thought how much better if I could come before God when I die -- not to say thank you that I was such a good monk, good abbot, good bishop, but rather, "God be merciful to me, a sinner. For, if I come empty handed, then I will be ready to receive God’s gift.” Jesus challenges us to embrace the humble, God-centered faith of the tax collector and not the self-centered, selfimportant claims of the Pharisee. Humility is the recognition that no matter what our accomplishments in life are, we need God’s help each day. Blessed Pope John XXIII wrote, “True peace is borne 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.” Let us not display false piety and false virtue which are attitudes of proud people ever ready to criticize the conduct of others. Rather, let us embrace the wisdom of St. Augustine who wrote in addressing God, “My God, teach me to know myself, for what I am, and I shall have no need of anything else to cover me with confusion and scorn for myself.”

By honestly going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly we can dispose ourselves of having a "heart of contrition." The Sacrament of Reconciliation gives us the opportunity to unburden our hearts and receive the amazing graces of God’s forgiveness, mercy and love. I mentioned in Bible Study this week that Confession is the best medicine for our soul, though our reputation takes a hit. There is no better prescription for spiritual health than to admit that we are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness. Through sincerity, humility and truthfulness we grow in holiness to which we are called. St. Francis of Assisi noted, “I am what I am before God. Nothing else. Nothing more. Nothing less.” Whenever Francis’ friars were downcast or glum he would recommend them to make a good confession. Sin festers shame and guilt; forgiveness heals through mercy and love.

Last Sunday morning I went to visit the religious education classes and reminded the students of the importance of praying and going to Mass and receiving the sacraments. In today’s times we can’t pre-suppose these essential and fundamental marks of discipleship. St. Peter Julian Eymard wrote, “Going to Mass will prosper the whole day. All your duties will be performed the better for it and your soul will be stronger to bear its daily cross. The Mass is the most holy act of religion; you can do nothing that can give greater glory to God or be more profitable for your soul.”

In the words of my patron saint, Richard of Chichester, “Day by day, day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly. Day by day.”

Ordinary Time 29

“Though perseverance does not come from our power, yet it comes within our power.”

- St. Francis de Sales

Last Saturday at 6:00 AM, a group from St. Joseph departed for our diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, DC, returning home at 11:00 PM. We spent 11 hours on the bus and 6 hours in DC with lunch at the Shrine, Live Carillon Concert by Dr. Robert Grogan, tours of the church, Holy Hour with exposition, adoration and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a celebration of Penance, a presentation of “A Tour of Faith," a choral concert, and a beautiful Liturgy celebrated by Bishop David Zubik before departing home for Pittsburgh. We were provided with a booklet for the pilgrimage that included Morning Prayer, the Rosary and Evening Prayer, and through our diocesan choir under the direction of Fr. James Chepponis, we were provided with beautiful music. The pilgrimage to our nation’s capital was approximately 300 miles each way and all the pilgrims were delighted to greet the Bishop as we arrived and bid him farewell outside the magnificent basilica as we departed. It certainly was a full day, to say the least, but our spirits were renewed and soaring.

For the past twenty years our diocese has made this pilgrimage every other year. This year there were 13 buses, 13 priests, 24 seminarians and approximately 500 pilgrims. The Bishop blessed our religious articles at the end of Mass as all in the assembly held them up. I got a new pair of wooden rosaries, olive wood from Jerusalem, along with four books purchased in their bookstore. The books were "The Sermons of the Cure of Ars" (St. John Vianney), "The Virtues of Holiness -- the Basics of Spiritual Struggle" by Fr. Juan Louis Lorda, "Mysteries of the Virgin Mary -- Living Our Lady’s Graces" by Fr. Peter John Cameron, OP (editor of the Magnificat monthly prayerbook), and St. Joseph: Patron of the Home and Home Sellers, in thanksgiving for the gift of the Parish of St. Joseph that I now serve. What a memorable, meaningful and picture perfect day God certainly gave us!

I woke up the following morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, to celebrate the three Masses at St. Joseph, after which I met a friend at The Café in Sewickley for lunch. As I opened the door of The Café, there seated before us was Mario Lemieux and his wife Natalie! Mario, the icon of Pittsburgh hockey and the architect who saved our Penguins and whose picture hangs above my computer. I had to seize the opportunity to greet him. It was fitting that I had my Penguin jacket and clerics on —looking like a true Penguin fan— and I wished him a belated Happy Birthday, (October 5) and told him that no one played hockey more gracefully than he did. His humble and kind smile and warmth said it all. So, one day I got to see the seventh largest church in the world at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington DC, and the next day I got to meet the icon of Pittsburgh hockey, Mario Lemieux. It doesn’t get any better than that! It was almost heaven.

It may seem strange to interpose Bishop Zubik and Mario Lemieux in the same article, but to me, both represent ordinary, down-to-earth, humble human beings, using their talents very well for their appointed tasks and duties. God blesses each person with certain talents and abilities in their lives. In his book, "Talent is Never Enough," Dr. John C. Maxwell explains that there are 13 key choices that can help maximize any person’s talent:

• Belief lifts your talent.
• Passion energizes your talent.
• Initiative activates your talent.
• Focus directs your talent.
• Preparation positions your talent.
• Practice sharpens your talent.
• Perseverance sustains your talent.
• Courage tests your talent.
• Teachability expands your talent.
• Character protects your talent.
• Relationships influence your talent.
• Responsibility strengthens your talent.
• Teamwork multiplies your talent.
  

On the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we read from the book of Exodus which presents the Chosen Israelite People in battle with the Amalekites at Rephidem. As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage in the fight. But when his hands were down and rested, Amalek had the upper hand. Moses was supported with the aid of his brother Aaron and Hur as his arms were lifted by them on each side. Moses kept praying to God until sunset, and with the edge of the sword, Joshua cut down Amalek and his people. None of us will win the battles of life without the support of prayer, friendships and the spirit of perseverance in life’s trials and challenges. A lesson we must take from this is to have the resolve to pray as Moses did with perseverance, trust, endurance and faith. In Deuteronomy 20: 3-4 it states, "Men of Israel, listen! Today you are going into battle. Do not be afraid of your enemies or lose courage or panic. The Lord your God is going with you, and he will give you victory." What battles are we facing in life? Medical issues, financial challenges, faithfulness in relationships, family strife, unemployment, addictions, poor attitudes, low self esteem, lack of serenity, weight problems, grief through a loss of loved one, the scars of a past abuse, the wounds of betrayal, etc. There are many things in life that leave us down and defeated. In today’s Gospel, we hear the parable of the persistent widow who will not take no for an answer. As she faces her formidable foe in the unjust judge who neither fears God nor man, her tactics teach us an invaluable lesson. The figure of the widow is the ancient symbol for a "defenseless, voiceless" and "right-less person" -- "a nobody." However, through tireless perseverance and ceaseless petitions and in the face of many refusals, the weaker party triumphs as the judge finally relents. Simply said, the little person gave the powerful one "a black eye" through profound tenacity. She would not quit; she would not give up. Her "stick-to-it-iveness" teaches us victory and to heed the words of Exodus 14:4: “The Lord will fight for you; all you have to do is keep still.”

Ordinary Time 28

“Let the dwelling-place of our hearts be cleansed from sin, and filled with virtue; closed to the devil and open to Christ.”

- St. Augustine

Although Thanksgiving is more than a month away, today’s readings speak of the importance of gratitude in one’s life. Gratitude is not just for a day or a moment, but it is a way of life. Gratitude is the mother of all virtues. Each day, each experience, each encounter, each moment of life, gratitude restores us to sanity when we find deep satisfaction and contentment with who we are and what we have been given. We should keep a gratitude journal in order to write down the blessings we receive from God each week. Perhaps we could examine our gifts as a spiritual exercise by asking the question, “How has God been laboring for me today?”

The more we appreciate life the more grateful we become in our walk of life. I thought I would share some thoughts of gratitude in my gratitude journal this week:

• I am grateful to have gathered with my brother priests along with Bishop Zubik at Oglebay in Wheeling, WV from September 27-30. As one priest noted, coming to Oglebay is like being a kid on Christmas Day. It’s good to see, enjoy and give thanks for one another. The Bishop focused on three aspects that we must all share in seeing his vision for the Church Alive: Respect, Trust, and Dream.
• I am happy to have viewed National Geographic photographer Dewitt-Jones’ inspirational video entitled, “Celebrate What’s Right with the World." I showed this video to the 5th-8th grade children in Healy Hall and used it for the Parish Pastoral Council and Bible Study on Monday night. Celebrating what’s right in the world gives us more energy, better perspective and higher vision. When one has a sense of passion and purpose, creativity is abundant. We must not only know our trade, profession, or subjects in life, but more importantly, God’s will and ourselves. We need to know ourselves — who I am — and be comfortable with this. We are called not to be the best in the world but the best for the world. We must transform the ordinary into extraordinary moments of possibilities. Whatever we are by trade, whether photographer, pharmacist, baker, nurse, electrician, doctor, it is the lens of our perspective which gives vision to each new day. It is important that we strive not so much to be a success but to make a significant difference. It is through discipline, grace and lack of ego that we help celebrate the best in the world.
• I am grateful that on Monday, October 4, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals, God’s people and creatures came together for a special blessing of pets. After the prayer service each “participant” received a goodie: pet-treats for the cats and dogs and animal crackers for the humans!
• I am grateful for our new Pastoral Parish Council members here at St. Joseph to implement Bishop Zubik’s “One Body, One Mission" -- Peggy Clayton, Elaine Crable, Gelsey Delpercio, Marisa Dinunno, Tim Fiedler, Anthony Grano, Tim Gregorius, Helen Manna, Ginny McCloskey, Irene Pendel, Dr. Dan Mangine and Jim Crable (staff liason).
• I’m grateful that my brother Dan from Greensboro, NC will be coming to Pittsburgh to visit Mom and I with his two sons, Daniel Patrick (7) and Alex (4) on October 28.
• I’m thankful for Joe Cala, his son Patsy, Jim Lisiak and Tom Valenty for constructing a new single garage on our carport (with the winter months upon us) and extending the garden in the front of the rectory. It is wonderful to see them work together.
• I am grateful to the Monday night Bible Study people who come each week to open their hearts to God’s Living Word and share together in the rectory with desserts and coffee. This week there were five delicious pies and cakes brought—take nothing for granted!
• I am grateful for my friend Fr. John Jordan who visits me every Tuesday on my day off. We have lunch together, sharing in friendship both our blessings as well as difficulties and challenges. I’m sure you’re getting to know Fr. John as he helps at a Mass each weekend. Thanks for your welcoming spirit for his presence with us.
• I’m grateful that our staff comes together the first Thursday of each month to make sure we are bonding, blending and building God’s Church together as a Pastoral Care Team here at St. Joseph through the virtues of affectivity and effectivity.
• I am grateful for those who video and post my homilies on YouTube and our web site.
• I’m grateful to travel to Washington, DC on our diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shrine for Mass, prayer, reconciliation and a tour of the Basilica.
• I’m grateful for the extra you give in the second collection whether for Mission Appeal, Catholic Charities, or school. I’m inspired by your tremendous generosity and support.
• I am grateful that the Penguins are back for the beginning of their new season for their home opener with the Philadelphia Flyers on October 7!

When I reflect upon my gratitude journal in this one week, I find it impossible to be deficient in thankfulness. Today’s Gospel features the famous story of the ten lepers. All ten are healed yet only one renders thanks. Mom always taught us that every gift has a giver and we must return a word of thanks for the gift we have been given. I’m grateful for Sr. Melanie Svoboda, SND -- a great mentor and companion. She writes in "Traits of a Healthy Spirituality" the following:

THANK YOU, GOD. Thank you, God, for everything. Let me take nothing for granted. May I, like the lone leper in the gospel, have the sense to realize that I’ve been healed—and by you. Help me to see connections everywhere between gift and giver. May I trace all my blessings back to their ultimate source: you. Help me to realize it is not enough for me to fall at your feet and say my thanks to you. I must do my thanks too. I must use my gifts in the loving service of others. And finally, God, help me to be grateful for my entire life, for light and shadow, joy and sorrow, gain and loss, knowing full well that you are at work in the whole of my life. I thank you, God. How lucky I am to know: I’m very lucky! Amen.