Ordinary Time 25

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

- St. Therese Lisieux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9-11 and Learning to Forgive

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

- C. S. Lewis

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

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

O Christ, beneath the fallen stones

Nailed fast to twisted bars of steel,

And slain in flesh and blood and bones,

Pierced by the fear all mortals feel;

Arise from ash and dust and death,

And breathe into crushed hearts new Breath.

O Christ, within a world at war,

Where love and hate fight for the soul,

And all sights trained on death see far,

But only love can see the whole;

Arise from unforgiving pain,

And teach us how to love again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corporal Works of Mercy

1. Feed the hungry

2. Give drink to thirsty

3. Clothe the naked

4. Visit the imprisoned

5. Shelter the homeless

6. Visit the sick

7. Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. Counsel the doubtful

2. Instruct the ignorant

3. Admonish sinners

4. Comfort the afflicted

5. Forgive offenses

6. Bear wrongs patiently

7. Pray for the living and dead

Leisure is for Everyone

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

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Theologian (1906-1949)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer to Achieve Inner Peace

Slow me down, Lord.

Ease the pounding of my heart

by the quieting of my mind.

Steady my hurried pace

with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amid the confusion of the day,

the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles

with the soothing music of the singing streams

that live in my memory.

Help me to know

the magical, restoring power of sleep.

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations—

of slowing down to look at a flower,

to chat with a friend,

to pat a dog,

to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day of the fable

of the hare and the tortoise,

that I may know

that the race is not always to the swift—

that there is more to life

than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward

into the branches of the towering oak

and know that it grew great and strong

because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord,

and inspire me to send my roots deep

into the soil of life‟s enduring values

that I may grow toward the stars

of my greater destiny.

- Attributed to Cardinal Richard Cushing (1895-1968)

The Cross: Well Worth the Price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith: the Key to Life

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

- Psalm 16: 5-6

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

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

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

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

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

In the morning when I rise,

in the morning when I rise,

in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus.

You may have all this world, give me Jesus.

Now the journey has begun,

now the journey has begun,

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

When the prize is surely won,

when the prize is surely won,

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

I heard my mother say,

I heard my mother say,

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

Dark midnight was my cry,

dark midnight was my cry,

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

Oh, when I come to die,

oh, when I come to die,

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

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

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

No One Wins in Gossiping

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

- Psalm 7: 14-16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ordinary Time 19

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

— St. Teresa of Avila

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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