Saints: Called to the Fullness of Loving

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

— Thomas Merton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thoughts of Love from an Autumn Retreat

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

— John 13:35

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

I am more than happy; I am JOYFUL.

I am more than healthy; I am WHOLE.

I am more than alive; I am RADIANT.

I am more than successful; I am FREE.

I am more than caring; I am LOVING.

I am more than tranquil: I am PEACEFUL.

I am more than interested; I am INVOLVED.

I am more than adequate: I am TRIUMPHANT.

I am more than fortunate: I am PROSPEROUS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To pray is to

Laugh, Whistle,

Dance on happy feet,

Sing! Shout!

And Jump!

Higher than before!

But it is also to

Whisper, Wander

Stumble in dark places

Cry, Scream

Or just

Hold a tired head in

tired hands and wait…

Prayer

Is our tired

Reaching out to the

One who

Holds us closer and

loves us more

Than we would dare imagine.

— Greta Schrumm

Love bade me welcome;

yet my soul drew back,

Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love,

observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me,

sweetly questioning,

If I lack'd anything.

"A guest,‟ I answer'd,

"worthy to be here.‟

Love said, "You shall be he.‟

"I, the unkind, ungrateful?

Ah, my dear,

I cannot look on Thee.‟

Love took my hand

and smiling did reply,

"Who made the eyes but I?‟

"Truth, Lord;

but I have marr'd them;

let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.‟

"And know you not,‟ says Love,

"Who bore the blame?‟

"My dear, then I will serve.‟

"You must sit down,‟ says Love.

"and taste my meat.‟

So I did sit and eat.

— George Herbert (1593-1632)

Who Rules, Reigns and Conquers: Caesar or Christ?

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

— St. Theresa of Avila

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus’ Invitation List

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

— St. Aloysius Gonzaga

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer to Be Invited to the Banquet of the Kingdom

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

to invite the poor and the destitute,

those who can give nothing in return.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

see how we ourselves are poor, begging your love.

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

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our misery.

How blest are those who are invited

to the banquet of the Kingdom!

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

to invite the crippled and the invalid.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

see our weary hands; watch our hesitant steps.

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

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our bruises.

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

to invite the lame and the disabled.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

see how we are limping on the road to heaven.

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

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our crutches and our pain.

It is you, Lord Jesus, who told us

To invite the blind.

Fulfill your own word, O Lord:

See the darkness that descends on our eyes.

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

We cannot offer you anything in return

except our darkness awaiting your dawn.

Lord, we are truly the poor whom you love.

We are useless servants on earth,

for you can build your Kingdom without us;

and also useless servants in heaven,

for our praise adds nothing to your glory.

And yet, in spite of our poverty,

you count us among your beloved children.

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

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

- Lucien Deiss, CSSp, A Garden of Prayers

"How are You Feeling, Father?"

"Our union with Christ unifies affections and wills."

— St. Cyprian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Humility, Obedience and Total Self-Gift

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

— St. Ambrose of Milan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ordinary Time 25

“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.