My Dear Parishioners,
God says to Moses, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you...The LORD, the God of your [ancestors], the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:14, 15).
As Jesus would later say, God is not a God of the dead, but … Continue Reading ››
I confess, Lord, it's been a while, and I feel ashamed. My guilt just seemed to get in the way, and now I've put this off for too long. Why do I let myself stray so far from you when I know in my heart that you have never left?
I am afraid, Lord, that if … Continue Reading ››
My Dear Parishioners,
Let us ask whether the fasting and penitential disciplines we have planned for ourselves this Lent are not TOO easy. Are they rooted in custom and tradition that have become almost automatic, second nature to us? Food, drink, entertainment have so often been the focus of our penitential attention.
I would like to suggest … Continue Reading ››
What reassuring words these are as we prepare for the holy season of Lent. Have past penitential seasons really changed us or was it all for “show”?
The cross of ashes on our foreheads, the purple décor in church, the more solemn music at Mass should reflect what is transpiring inside our hearts. If it does not; … Continue Reading ››
My Dear Parishioners,
Jesus teaches us to have mercy and compassion, even towards people whom we consider to be unworthy. It was possible years ago to politely disagree about politics, religion and what is the best flavor of ice cream.
Today it too often turns into a resentful battle to see who is right. Often it is … Continue Reading ››
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
New beginnings are not always easy. We would like to rest on the wonderful achievements of the past and admire our efforts. Jesus calls us to gratitude for graces received and then to move on to bigger and better things. We have so much for which to be thankful … Continue Reading ››
The idea, dream, and reality of family is so strong and durable that we use it to describe all that is best about human gatherings. We speak of the family of nations, of our church and parish families. The greatest compliment we can pay … Continue Reading ››
Are you really rejoicing at the coming of Jesus, or are you filled with anxiety and apprehension? The answer depends on our attitude toward Christmas; and more deeply, on our view of Jesus and our relationship to Him. If the celebration of the birth of Christ is only a set of tasks to be … Continue Reading ››
“The days are coming!” God’s Word is insistent in today’s liturgy for the opening of the Advent Season. XXX number of shopping days left till the “holidays”, says our secular society. Often they do not use the term Christmas. That’s probably for the best in order not to confuse … Continue Reading ››
