Weekly Reflection

Experience God's Presence

Weekly Reflection

 

 

March 24 2024

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The Jesus Prayer

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Again we return to Holy Week with the celebration of “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.” It’s long and awkward to say, so usually we abbreviate it as “Palm Sunday.” We need to balance both the jubilant and welcoming cheers of the crowds upon Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and the loneliness of his death on the cross with only the companionship of two criminals. We are quick to welcome the Lord when times are good, but are steadfast in the face of challenges?

Usually the deacon or the priest proclaims the Gospel during the liturgy, but on two days every member of the congregation shares the Gospel: Palm Sunday and Good Friday. This emphasizes the fact that each of us takes a part in the judgment, suffering and death of the Lord. It was for our sins that he died. He suffered the punishment that we deserve for our sins. So, as we together proclaim the “Passion of the Lord” this Palm Sunday, we also examine our own hearts and lives.

When have I been like Judas, and sacrificed our principles and convictions, for the sake of gain and profit?
When have I been like Peter, rash to promise the Lord our loyalty but fall away when I am challenged? Being a faithful Catholic in today’s world requires courage and conviction, but when have I let fear overcome my faith?

When have I been like the disciples in the garden, who are sleepy and drowsy in fulfilling their duties to the Lord? When have I been slothful in my prayers? When have I been neglectful of my religious duties?

Again, when have I been like Judas, who betrayed the Lord with a kiss? When have I given an outward show of piety, but in reality my heart has been far from God?

When have I been like the chief priests who judged Jesus? They could not convict him except by resorting to lies and distortions. Have I been honest and truthful?

Pilate knew the truth of the matter, and he knew what was right. Yet, he was swayed by the heckle of the crowds, and allowed pragmatism to triumph over what is right. When have I allowed social pressures to overwhelm my convictions about right and wrong, good and evil?

Simon helped Christ to carry his cross. In serving the poor, the weak, and the oppressed, we too help Christ to carry his cross. How have I responded to the call to serve the poor?

The centurion risked everything by boldly proclaiming, “Truly this man was a Son of God.” Have I been willing to take a risk for the faith?

In response to the ways that I have shared in the Passion of the Lord, I can only respond with the prayer of the publican, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (see Luke 18:9-14).

Blessings,
Father Bill


March 17, 2024

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

“For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I concluded my column two weeks ago with the observation that vibrant parishes have a healthy appreciation of the sacrament of reconciliation. This observation makes sense. Sin kills the life of grace, and without grace there is no spiritual life.

The most common objection to the sacrament of reconciliation is the assertion that one can confess directly to God.

Since we are biblical Christians, where do we find that assertion in the Bible?

The Apostle James makes it clear, “Confess to one another…” (James 5:16).

Throughout the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments, God shows a strong preference to work through the cooperation of human mediators. God could have directly acted to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, yet God chose to work through Moses and Aaron. God could have chosen by divine decree to simply remit the sins of humanity, but he chose to send His Son into the world, “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,” to suffer and die in the flesh for our redemption. God could have chosen to directly inspire the words of the Gospel into the hearts of all men and women, but He chose to send the Apostles to every corner of the world to preach that the Kingdom of God was at hand.

From the first verses of Genesis through the last verse of Revelation, God shows an unwavering preference to work through human agency and through human cooperation. He does not want to simply impose redemption from above. He does not want us to be merely passive spectators in the drama of our own salvation. He elevates our dignity by calling us to cooperate with His saving actions.

In the age of the church, that is from Pentecost until now (and really until the Second Coming), our cooperation with God’s saving actions is expressed through the sacraments. At the beginning of life, one cannot baptize himself. At the hour of death, one cannot anoint oneself. At both birth and death, God mediates His grace through a sacrament. Why would it be any different in those moments when we have offended Him by our sins and have need of His mercy?

Blessings,
Father Bill

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9


March 10, 2024

Hear to Serve ...
LAETARE SUNDAY - “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” Is 66:10-11

Our opening Entrance Antiphon for Mass on this Fourth Sunday in Lent is where the theme for Laetare Sunday comes from. Laetare is a Latin word meaning rejoice. We celebrate Laetare Sunday midway through our Lenten season with 21 days left until Easter.

On Laetare Sunday, the Church takes a breather from the penitential Lenten practices. It’s a day where the clergy put away the purple vestments which signify penance and put on rose-colored vestments. (A nice way of saying pink.) The color rose symbolizes joy for the Church.

There are several traditions that go along with Laetare Sunday. The wearing of rose-colored vestments goes back to an ancient tradition of the Pope carrying a golden rose when he left Mass. The golden rose was part of a cluster of golden roses that the pope would bless and then have distributed to Catholic heads of state, churches, and shrines as a symbol of outstanding service to the Church. Normally, during the Season of Lent, there are no flowers on the Altar or in the Sanctuary, but it is permitted to decorate with flowers, preferably with roses, on this Sunday of joy.

A tradition that started in ancient times and still continues is that Catechumens on this day are given a sacred copy of the Apostles Creed, signifying they would soon come into full communion with the Church on the Easter Vigil. On the Easter Vigil, as we know, catechumens receive Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation, making them full members in the Church. This is a time for rejoicing among the Church.
Other traditions practiced on Laetare Sunday begin with visiting one’s Mother Church, the parish where you were baptized. In some parts of the world, Laetare Sunday is also known as Mothering Sunday. Adult children make it a point to visit their mothers and plant a rose bush. They have a family brunch or dinner and decorate the table with roses.

However we celebrate Laetare Sunday, we should take a break from the somber mood of Lent. Today is a day to reflect on the joy of Easter to come, before we face the darkness of Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It is also a good day to reflect on our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving and to take some silent time to let God speak to us and tell us what we need to change in our practices to make this a truly blessed Lent.

As we celebrate Laetare Sunday, let us keep our eye on the prize and not lose focus of the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Let us link our sufferings to Christ’s suffering on the Cross for us, and let us remember we are an Easter people. Rejoice!

Viva Cristo Rey,
Deacon Gary


March 3, 2024

“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-30

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace be with you. The next Five Alive practice that we will look at is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called the Sacrament of Penance or Confession.

Before we look at an explanation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will look at how our parishes will be offering this sacrament during the season of Lent.

Confessions will continue to be offered at the usual times. On Saturdays, starting at 3:00pm at St. Gregory. On Sunday, starting at 7:30am and again starting at 6:30pm at Holy Trinity. Additional times for Confession will be offered on Monday evenings of March from 4:00 to 7:00pm. During that time there will be the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, so anyone can come and pray during that time. You can come at any point during those times. You do not need to be there at the beginning. The priests will stay until 7:00pm, even if no one is waiting in line.

March 4 and March 18 will be at Holy Trinity.
March 11 and March 25 will be at St. Gregory.

We did a similar approach during Advent. And it worked really well. In fact, the second time Confession was offered, it was a steady stream of penitents for the entire three hours. Wow! Lots of Mercy was given that evening. A difference for Lent will be that extra priests will be available on March 11, March 18 and March 25, so the lines should move faster, and you will have the opportunity to go to Confession to someone besides your pastor.

Very few people will consider Confession to be their favorite sacrament. However, this sacrament of Mercy is a powerhouse of parish renewal. The most vibrant parishes in the diocese have a vibrant appreciation of this sacrament.

Blessings,
Father Bill

“And the people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.’ … And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a brazen serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’ So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” Numbers 21:7-9


February 25, 2024

“If lectio divina is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church - I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime.” ~Pope Benedict XVI

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we have looked at the practice of “lectio divina,” how has God’s Word spoken to you?

When we are prayerfully attentive to God’s Word, we hear Him truly speaking to our heart. This cannot be a hurried reading. This cannot be a distracted reading. This is also not the way a scholar would read the Word. It is the way that the Spirit guides us in reading.
As we have read God’s Word attentively and prayerfully, our mind and our heart should have been drawn to particular words or phrases from scripture. As we ponder these words, we are naturally led into meditation.

Now as we meditate on scripture, we get to a point where we can meditate no longer. At this point, have we exhausted what God can tell us through His Word? NO! The longer we apply our heart to “lectio divina,” the more we discover that His Word is an ever-flowing font of wisdom that nourishes the soul. One cannot exhaust the depths of God’s Word. When we come to the point where we can meditate no longer, it’s not a shortcoming of God’s Word, but rather a shortcoming of our ability to pray.

At this point, our work of prayer is not finished. Now it is time for the third step of “lectio divina,” that is ORATIO. ORATIO is the Latin word for “prayer.” This can be confusing, since all of “lectio divina” is a prayer, so how is this step different? In the first step, “lectio” that is reading, God is speaking to us through His Word. In the second step, “meditatio,” we enter into our “inner room” to ponder. Now with ORATIO, we RESPOND to God’s Word, and enter into a conversation with the Lord about His Word.

How has the Word comforted you? Share that with the Lord in your own words. How has the Word challenged you? Share that with the Lord in your own words. Ask the Lord for the graces you need to rise to these challenges. Has the Word of God moved you to action? Make a resolution to act on His Word. Speak to the Lord from your heart.

The last step of “lectio divina” is “contemplatio.” “Contemplatio” means to simply rest in the Lord’s Word. Think about a couple who has been married for years. After a while they often grow quiet in each other’s presence. But even without words, they have lived together and loved each other for so long that they can share a conversation of love through their silence. “Contemplatio” is this same prayerful resting in God’s Word. Since “contemplatio” requires the least action on our part, it can feel like we aren’t doing anything. However, in prayer “not doing anything” is not a waste of time. Rather, it is time that we let the Word of God soak into the depths of our heart, and let God’s Word do something in us. “Contemplatio” is giving time to God to act in our heart.

“It is especially necessary that listening to the Word of God should become a life-giving encounter.” ~Pope Saint John Paul II

Blessings,
Father Bill


February 18, 2024

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We return to the guidance about “Lectio Divina.” The first step is reading. This type of reading is “listening with the heart” rather than an analysis.

The second step is “meditatio” or meditation.

If one reads scripture with attention and an interior attitude of recollection, your focus will be drawn to a specific word or phrase or verse of scripture. This may not be the main point of the passage, and in fact, may even seem like an insignificant detail to the wider passage. However, every word of scripture can nourish the soul. The word to which your heart is drawn is the word that God wishes to use to speak to your heart.

In speaking about meditation, the monks would use words like “chewing,” or “savoring.” They liked the image of a cow chewing her cud and drawing all the nourishment from it that is available. We let the Word linger with us.

At this point we reflect over it. Meditation can in fact be active. We ask questions, such as “Imagine what it would feel like for Jesus to speak TO ME in that way?” Or, if we notice something unexpected or even unsettling in scripture, we can ponder, “Why would Jesus do that or say something in that way?” Ponder and reflect over the word.

Meditation is also noticing how the word echoes in our hearts and minds. Sometimes the Word of God helps us to recall a memory, triggers a thought or insight, or we have an emotional response to the word. These responses can be comforting and reassuring. They can also be uncomfortable. Either way, rest in how your mind and heart respond to the word. Let it take root. Let it take you deeper into your insight, memory, or feeling.

Part of meditation is considering how the words relate to your life today. Ask yourself, “Have I ever been in a similar situation?” Or, “How can I relate to this passage?”

Each word of scripture can be nourishing, if we give it the attention, focus, and time for the word to take root, and reveal itself to us.
There are times in my own prayer, when I return to a familiar passage of scripture, and it speaks to me again. It’s as if I am hearing it for the first time. When we meditate on scripture through lectio divina, the scriptures do speak to us anew.

Blessings,
Father Bill


February 11, 2024

Hear to Serve ...
LORD, MAKE US CLEAN

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be part of a presentation to our Confirmation Candidates about sexual morality. This is a topic that they have heard about before, but it is one that truly needs to be addressed many times because there is a war going on between Church teaching and what is being practiced in society. Since the sexual revolution of the 60’s, we have become a sex-obsessed culture. While sexual immorality has existed since the beginning of time, our society is the first society in history that believes sexual freedom trumps all other moral laws. We like to believe that sexual freedom is subjective and personal; there is no absolute truth when it comes to sexual issues.
We know there is truth. In the beginning God created Adam and Eve in His Divine Image, male and female. God blessed them saying, “Be fertile and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.” This was the first marriage, this was God’s Prime Directive to us, to be fruitful and multiply. It was a union of souls in communion with God.

But our society has turned sex into parade candy. Remember parades when we were young? As they went down the street people on the floats would throw candy out to everyone and anyone standing on the side. We would try to catch the candy, but so much of it landed on the street and in the gutter, where it become dirty, but it was still picked up and consumed. That is exactly what has become of the gift of sex from God. We made it dirty, but we still consume it.

Jesus has given us seven sacraments, seven life giving sacraments, seven ways to help us achieve the ultimate life with the Father. The sexual revolution and organizations like Planned Parenthood have also given us a sacrament, a sacrament of death called abortion.
There is a growing number of people in this country that view abortion as “reproductive health care.” Abortion is often treated as backup contraception, and all contraception in any form is allowing us is to have sex without the responsibility of having children. We know it is nothing but pure and simple murder. When we use contraceptives, when we partake in abortion, we are going against God’s Prime Directive for us, when we kill babies in the womb and we are also killing off our immortal souls. Worst of all, we are attacking God Himself.

The sexual revolution, contraception, and abortion are destroying the very core of our society, the family. A stable, faithful family is the bedrock that holds society together. God designed marriage and the family to be the primary way to keep us from our natural tendency to be self-centered. Marriage teaches us to be self-giving to another, to society, and to God. Marriage teaches us to be open to giving and nurturing life.
If you think I have sounded harsh, you’re probably right, but our society has twisted what God has planned for us, for our bodies. We have personally attacked God, and we have committed murder all in the name of personal freedom.

The Good News is that Jesus Christ wants to heal us. Jesus offers us mercy and salvation through the life giving sacrament of Confession if we choose. There is no sin that we cannot repent of and ask forgiveness for. There is no sin greater than the power of Jesus Christ.

Let us follow the advice of St. Paul and “Do everything for the glory of God.” Let us pray that our young people learn the lifegiving values of the Church. Let us pray for strong marriages that are fruitful. Let us pray for those who have had abortions that they may repent and be restored to life. And let us remember the leper in today’s gospel and ask to be healed from everything that keeps us from God’s eternal love and life. “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”

Viva Cristo Rey,
Deacon Gary


February 4, 2024

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We continue looking at Bishop Ricken’s “Five Alive Practices for Getting More Out of the Mass,” from his pastoral letter, “Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist.” The second practice we will look at is “lectio divina.” This phrase is Latin for “divine reading.” In the simplest terms, lectio divina is a careful reading of Scripture and approaching it as a living Word that still has the ability to speak to our hearts. My spiritual director in seminary would say that lectio divina is reading Scripture with the heart, more than with the head.

The classic Catholic text about lectio divina is “The Ladder of Monks” by the monk Guido the Second. Even though it was written nearly 850 years ago, it is still easy to read and understand.*

Lectio divina is divided into four steps: (1) reading (2) meditating (3) praying and (4) contemplating. Over the Sundays of February, we will look at each of these steps in turn.

The first step is reading. A good starting point is to begin with the Gospel reading for Mass for the upcoming Sunday.

The first thing to understand is that this is reading to hear what God is saying. Just as Elijah only heard God in the still small voice (see 1 Kings 19:12), in order to hear the voice of God speaking to us through these sacred words, we need to quiet both our room and the inner room of our heart. Begin by placing yourself in the presence of God, take a few deep breaths, and then begin reading. This is not speed reading. As your mind and heart ponders the words, if your heart is drawn to a particular word or phrase, pause there. Repeat that phrase a few times. Then continue.

It is helpful to read the passage out loud. This may seem strange at first when you are alone, but it does make a difference. After reading the passage, pause for a moment of prayerful rest, then read the passage again. Read it through in the same deliberate way three or four times.
This is reading for “quality,” not “quantity.” This type of reading is seeking to find how the depths of the Word of God speaks to the depth of your heart. It is alright, and perhaps even better, if the reader only ponders a few verses of scripture during their time of lectio divina.

Blessings,
Father Bill

 

* This booklet can be accessed for free online at https://nds.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/The-Ladder-of-Monks.pdf


January 28, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We continue our discussion of Sunday Mass as we look at Bishop’s “Five Alive” practices from his pastoral letter, “Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist: Disciples Called to Worship.”

In the letter, the Bishop reminds us that participating in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is a grave responsibility. This obligation is not just a rule imposed by the church but reflects our understanding of who God is and what He expects from us.
Each Sunday, we begin the Creed with these words, “I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.” Since these words are repeated so frequently, their impact can be muted.

But what are we saying with these words? By proclaiming Him as Creator, we are proclaiming that without God, we simply would not exist. He created us, and we belong to Him. By proclaiming Him as Father Almighty, we are proclaiming that He has given us life, provides for our needs, and enriches us with His blessings.

From God comes our existence, our life, all that we have, and all that we cherish. We do not deserve it. We have not earned it. He was not obligated to create us. He was not obligated to breathe life into our mortal bodies and to bless us with His grace. It naturally follows that we owe Him a debt of gratitude.

Religion is a virtue. St. Thomas Aquinas does not place the virtue of religion under the theological virtues, Faith, Hope and Love. He places religion under the virtue of justice. The basic definition of justice is “to give to each what is owed to them.” For example, we owe our employer an honest day’s work, and our employer owes us an honest day’s pay. The virtue of patriotism recognizes that we owe honor and respect to our nation and those who hold office in our nation. The virtue of religion recognizes that we owe God a debt of gratitude and praise. The act by which we repay to God the debt of gratitude and praise is called the act of worship.

Now, when we owe a debt to another, we do not get to decide how that debt is repaid. The bank would not be amused if one attempted to pay their mortgage with seashells, even if it was explained that seashells were once used as currency in Papua, New Guinea.

In the same way, God gets to determine the shape of our worship. In the Ten Commandments, He commands (not suggests), “Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.” Further in the Old Testament, the Lord gives detailed instructions to Moses about how sacrifices are to be offered.
This is reflected in the New Testament. Because the Lord was Resurrected on a Sunday, and hence He conquered sin and death on a Sunday, for Christians the Lord’s day is Sunday. Further, Jesus institutes how worship is offered in the New Covenant, when He gives us these words at the Last Supper, “He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood’” (Luke 22:19-20, ESV).

If we take the Word of God seriously, we understand the significance of the Sunday obligation. Why should we celebrate the Eucharist on Sunday? Because God commands it.

Blessings,
Father Bill


January 21, 2024

From January through May 2024, we will be looking at the “Five Alive Practices” from Bishop Ricken’s Pastoral Letter, “Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist.” During the month of January we will be looking at the Sunday Mass.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We continue our discussion of Sunday Mass as we look at Bishop’s “Five Alive” practices from his pastoral letter, “Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist: Disciples Called to Worship.”

Last week, we looked at stories, from different times and different places, of great sacrifices that Catholics have made in order to participate in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. What is so valuable about Sunday Eucharist that Catholics, even in the present day, risk their livelihood, freedom, and even their life in order to take part in the Eucharist?

It is true that God is present everywhere. We call this the dogma of God’s omnipresence. But even if God is present everywhere, nonetheless, God chooses to manifest His divine presence in particular times and places. We see numerous examples in the Bible itself. Moses and the Hebrew people met God at Mount Sinai, where his presence was so strong that the summit of the mountain had to be shrouded in cloud and smoke. Later, God will make His dwelling within the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, Jesus chooses to be present in one place, the Holy Land, and one particular time, for the first thirty-three years of the first millennium. Everyone who encountered Jesus recognized that He was a unique divine presence that could not be found anyplace else.

So it is also true with coming to church on Sunday. You can, and in fact should, pray at home, but the Lord is not present there the way He is present in the church. Jesus, Himself, teaches that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them. The church gathers in His name, and He is truly present. He is present in His Word, especially when it is proclaimed by a person of faith to a people assembled in Faith. The Second Vatican Council is even as bold as to say that when the Sacred Word is proclaimed in the Sacred Assembly, God is speaking again. Lastly, and most importantly, in the Catholic Church, Jesus is encountered in the Eucharist, and the Eucharist cannot be found anyplace else. Before the Eucharist, we are in the presence of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ that continue to suffer persecutions for their beliefs, continue to risk everything for Sunday, since they know on Sunday they encounter Jesus in a way that they do not encounter Him any place else.

Having Mass broadcasted over TV and the internet is part of the reality of our world. It is a blessing for the sick and homebound. But it does not substitute for being physically and personally present at the celebration of the Mass for those who are not physically or medically impeded. Imagine if you were invited to a friend’s house for dinner, and instead of finding a banquet laid out before you, they had you watch a cooking show and showed you photographs of food. Your hunger would not be satisfied. Simply watching Mass on TV cannot satisfy the hunger of the soul.

Blessings,
Father Bill


January 14, 2024

From January through May 2024, we will be looking at the “Five Alive Practices” from Bishop Ricken’s Pastoral Letter, “Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist.” During the month of January we will be looking at the Sunday Mass.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As many of you know, I was sent to Rome for my studies for the priesthood. One of the best parts of that experience was meeting Catholics from all over the world. These included Catholics from modern day Iraq. It might surprise you to learn that there are Catholics in Iraq, but it is one of the most ancient Christian communities in the world. Their language, culture, and spirituality is called Chaldean. Although the population of Chaldean Catholics in Iraq is ancient, the years of war, persecution, and terrorism have driven them from their home. Now there are very few Chaldeans left in Iraq, but there are sizable Chaldean Catholic populations in San Diego and Detroit.

Among my classmates were two young Chaldean men studying to be priests with the intention of returning to Iraq to preach the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments. They returned home. They were both ordained. They were both killed for being priests. They were killed on a Sunday. Those who persecute the Church, look for Christians on Sunday, since they know that Christians go to church on Sunday. This includes churches being attacked on First Communion Sunday in Baghdad, Chinese Communist police arresting Christians in their churches on Sundays, or St. Oscar Romero, the well-known Archbishop from El Salvador, who was assassinated while celebrating Sunday Mass by agents of the Salvadoran government in 1980.

All these modern day Christians, who suffer for the faith, remind us that the age of the martyrs is not something remembered in the history books but is the reality for many Catholics today. They echo the words of the martyrs of Abitene, who were killed by the Roman Empire in northern Africa in 303 A.D. When asked why they risked gathering on a Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist, they simply responded, “We cannot live without Sunday.”

In our culture that is relatively prosperous, it costs us nothing to participate in Sunday Mass. Because Sunday costs us nothing, I am afraid that we treat it as something cheap. But the poor, especially the working poor in places such as Bahrain or Dubai, show us the value of Sunday since they lose their wages and risk their jobs to go to Sunday Mass.

In our culture that is relatively peaceful, it involves no danger to gather for Sunday Mass. Since it involves no danger and no risk, Sunday Mass can all too easily become something optional rather than something essential. But my Iraqi classmates from Rome, along with so many persecuted Catholics today, show us that Sunday Mass is essential, worth literally risking life and limb, since they “cannot live without Sunday.”

This week, I ask you to reflect on the importance of Sunday. Ask yourself why persecuted Christians will risk so much for the opportunity to gather for Sunday Mass? Ponder, why do they say, by both word and action, “We cannot live without Sunday”?

Sunday's blessings be with you,
Father Bill


January 6, 2024

Hear to Serve ...
PSALM 72 - A PRAYER FOR THE KING

I strongly recommend reading and rereading the Responsorial Psalm for each Sunday Mass. Get out your Bible and look up the entire Psalm. The Psalms are filled with every human emotion and contain wisdom that is much needed in our world.

Psalm 72 begins as a prayer for Solomon and a hope for prosperity for his nation now and in the future. The Psalm is really much deeper than that. It is about the coming of the Messiah. It is a prayer of longing for the coming of the King of the Universe, the only King who can rule the whole world with wisdom, justice and mercy. It is a hope far beyond what a human ruler is capable of.

This is the hope that we have for our country. Isn’t that what all people hope for in their countries throughout the world? We want our country to be lands of prosperity and abundance. We want leaders that rule with justice, wisdom, and mercy. As we talk about leaders ruling with justice, wisdom, and mercy, that just isn’t for our political leaders, this includes our Church leadership as well.

In the world today it seems more prevalent than ever that there is poverty, injustices, wars, and corrupt leadership. There is a breakdown of families, a breakdown of people’s faith in the Church and its leadership. While anxiety and stress seem to be on the rise, all these problems in society and in our lives have become holes that keep getting bigger and bigger.

Well, Solomon’s reign did not go well, and Israel was split by civil war. Solomon’s sin was that while he did love God, he didn’t love God with his whole heart. God warned the Israelites not to marry people from other nations. Solomon didn’t listen to God. He had many wives; he had wives that worshipped pagan god’s and they corrupted Solomon into filling the holes in his life with idol worship.

Have we not seen world leaders get power hungry and instead of ruling their country with wisdom, justice, and mercy they become more concerned about their reputations? They seek personal wealth and power; they want to rule the world. History has shown us they will never be happy. They will never be satisfied.

In our personal lives, what pagan god’s do we try fill the holes in our lives with … bigger houses, bigger bank accounts, pleasures of the world?

We have to love God with our whole heart. Filling our lives with these pagan gods will never truly satisfy us. There will always be an emptiness in our lives. It’s only when we let the only true King Jesus the Christ take control of our hearts and minds, then these holes will be filled and we will find peace. Our hearts and minds will become filled with an abundance of wisdom, justice, and mercy for our neighbor.

Let us pray for our world leaders; let us pray for our Church leaders; and let us pray for ourselves, that we have learned a lesson from Solomon. Let’s take some time and rid ourselves of any idols in our lives. Then we can give our hearts and minds and lives to Jesus the Christ, the King of Heaven and Earth. He is the King of true justice and peace who will reign over us in His eternal Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.

Viva Cristo Rey,
Deacon Gary


 

December 31, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Sunday between Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (January 1) is the Sunday of the Holy Family. Squeezed between these two great celebrations, the Holy Family is often overlooked, but taking the extra effort to reflect on this feast provides us with a richer understanding of what it means to be a holy family of faith in the world today.

As we celebrate the Holy Family, the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac gives us an example of what it means to trust God with the protection and blessing of our family. God does not simply do these things, he does them with abundance. The faith of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac provides a model for all families to trust in God’s providence in every moment of their lives, especially at pivotal moments of discernment or crisis. Like Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac, we too are called to form families of faith who trust and believe in God’s promise of his continued presence in our lives. Remembering that God has kept his promises in the past, we can trust that he will continue to keep his promises for us in the present day. This trust provides the foundation for our obedience as we continually discern God’s will for ourselves and our families.

The story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac also shows us how to recognize that every good we have comes from God and ultimately belongs to him. Since every good we have comes from God, we are called to use the good gifts he has given us according to his plan. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). Often as we discern how God calls us to make use of the gifts, goods and blessings that he provides us, we are challenged, since the ways of God and the ways of the world often run in opposite directions. When God asked for Isaac in sacrifice, the way of the world would have led Abraham to turn away from God. And although Abraham was greatly grieved, he followed the way of trust. And by his trust, “he received Isaac back” (Hebrews 11:19) and was greatly blessed.

To be a holy family of faith often requires trust in God’s plan, but the examples of the many holy families that go before us, give us a reason to trust that God keeps his promises when what he asks seems difficult or even impossible. Our Father in heaven is a father who always keeps his promises.

Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Father Bill


December 31, 2023

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.” - Titus 2:11-12 from the second reading for Midnight Christmas Mass

A Christmas Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Each Christmas, we recall how our Lord and God chose to enter the world. Although he could have entered our world on clouds of awe and majesty, the Son of God chose to be born of a humble maiden. Although, as King of Kings, he could have been born in a palace surrounded by splendor and riches; he chose to be born in the poverty of the stable.

Many people hesitate to approach God. Perhaps they are afraid, or they feel unworthy. However, a newborn baby draws almost everyone to the side of the crib. By being born as the infant son of Mary, our Lord Jesus shows us that we should not be afraid to draw close to God.

By choosing to be born into a poor and humble family, our Lord Jesus shows us that he has come to be a God for the poor, for the lowly, for the humble. As his mother sang in her song, often called the “Magnificat,” the Lord God “had filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent away empty” (see Luke 1:46-55). So, we do not need to come to God trying to impress him with our accomplishments or our status. Rather we can come to him with our needs, our shortcomings, and even our failures. This is what we mean by coming to him in our poverty and hunger. And indeed, the greater our hunger when we come to him, even greater will we be filled with the good things that he wishes to give us.

Christmas is often a time that people feel intense competition and the stress of high expectations. But what does Jesus expect from you? All he wants is for you to draw close to the side of his manger. We do not need to try to impress him, but we do have to have room in our hearts to welcome him.

This Christmas, my prayer is that each of you find the empty place in your heart, and prepare it to welcome our Lord. There you will experience the joy of the shepherds when they found the Lord in Bethlehem.

Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Father Bill


 

December 24, 2023

Hear to Serve ...
PRAISE BE TO GOD

As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, our time of preparation is coming to a close. It should be a time to start to relax, start taking it easy, because we have accomplished our goals. We readied ourselves for the second coming of Jesus. We increased our prayer life; we’ve been to confession and Eucharistic Adoration. We started to pray more at home. We can now have peace and joy in our hearts. Or once again, did we get caught up in the season? Have we focused only on commemorating the coming of Jesus the first time? Did we get caught up in the season of gift giving, decorating the house, and getting all the Christmas cookies baked in time for this weekend? Well, if you’re like your Deacon, you did try to increase your preparation for the second coming of Christ, and sometimes you succeeded, and sometimes you did not. Sometimes the secular overtook the spiritual in our lives no matter how many good intentions we may have had.
St. Paul in his letter to the Romans today reminds us what to be grateful for. St. Paul tells us how we need to be faithful and obedient if we are to be successful in our endeavors to get to heaven.

St. Paul talks about the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested according to the command of God and made known to all nations. St. Paul is talking about the Gospel, the Good News, the saving deed God the Father did in sending us Jesus Christ.
I’m not telling you anything new. We all know that so often we fall into the trap of desiring what the world gives us. We fall victim to giving ourselves credit for all the good that has happened in our lives. We become addicted to the desires of the world and give praise and glory to ourselves. We go through life forgetting about the Creator who is really responsible for all that is good.

St. Paul is reminding the Romans and telling us that it’s through this mystery, the one the world waited so long for, that God is going to save us from ourselves. Jesus Christ and His Gospel is what we have to put our faith in and give our obedience to if we want to be saved from the wages of sin which is eternal death.

As God strengthens us through His Son Jesus Christ and Jesus’s Gospel, this is where we owe our thankfulness, our praise. God is who receives the glory for all that is good in our lives. Not ourselves, not the rest of the world.

So, as we struggle to fight off desires of the world, as we continue to fight off giving ourselves credit and praise for all that is good, let us remember what St. Paul tells us. We need to have that obedience of faith and to have that obedience to the Gospel and Jesus Christ. It’s through our faith and obedience the Good News comes alive for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins, and we will receive a righteousness from God that cannot be attained by any other means, any other source, or from any other creature. It is through Jesus Christ that we receive a place in the Divine life forever and ever. Amen.

Viva Cristo Rey,
Deacon Gary


December 17, 2023

“The dawn from on high shall break upon us and shine on those who dwell in darkness and guide our feet in the way of peace.”
Luke 1:78-79

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In today’s Gospel, we hear the testimony of John the Baptist. That he came to testify to the light.

His days were days of confusion and darkness. There were wars and rumors of war. His nation was quickly dividing into various factions. Many people were feeling oppressed. The hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the “small guy” were getting lost in the midst of all this confusion. Most people did not know what to believe or who to trust.

Does any of this sound familiar?

But in the midst of this darkness, John the Baptist testified to the light. That light is the Light of Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Christ’s preaching and ministry, people heard the Good News that they were first of all called to be sons and daughters of God the Most High. The voice of Christ was clear in calling people to goodness and holiness. They were challenged with these words, “If anyone would like to be my disciple, he must take up his cross and follow me.” The challenge of the Cross does call us to sacrifice, but in giving our lives to a mission that is larger than ourselves, we find meaning and purpose.

Finally, in his final sacrifice on Calvary, Christ showed our value, when he offered his Body and his Blood to redeem us from sin and death. Sin and death are the deepest darkness that we experience, and in the Resurrection of Christ, we see that his Light drives out the dark.

Our days are not much different from the days of John the Baptist. People in his day found meaning, purpose, and hope when they turned their hearts and minds towards Christ, who is the true light of the world. So in our day, Christ can and will drive out the darkness. It is our mission as Christians in these confusing times to follow the model laid out for us by John the Baptist. Just as he testified to the light, so we too should testify to the light.
Blessings,
Father Bill


December 10, 2023

“May Christ dwell in your hearts through Faith.” Ephesians 3:17

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

One of my favorite places to pray is the Loretto chapel. It’s peaceful. If today was not a Sunday, it would be the liturgical Memorial of Our Lady of Loretto. Fr. Oschwald brought the statue of Our Lady of Loretto with him when he emigrated from Germany. Later, he had a chapel built to house this statue.

Loretto is a town in Italy. In the center of that town is a large church that contains the house where Jesus lived with Mary and Joseph in Nazareth. The holy house of Jesus, Mary and Joseph was in danger of being destroyed by Islamic armies when they re-took the Holy Land, so it was transported to Italy for its preservation in 1294. It has been venerated as the Holy House ever since.

The legendary story is that angels picked up the house and carried it first to Greece and later to Italy. This miracle is depicted in the artwork in the church in Loretto. In addition to this miraculous story is historical documentation that a merchant family by the name of DE ANGELI lent the use of one of their ships and paid for the house to be moved to Italy.

In either case, whether by miracle or by an act of generosity of the De Angeli family, archeologists have studied the house in Loretto. They have found that it is made of stone that comes from the area around Nazareth, and that it is constructed in the style and with the techniques that were common in Galilee in the time of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In addition, the outline of the house matches the remains of a foundation in Nazareth that has been venerated as the location of the house of the Holy Family since ancient times.

What’s more important than the authenticity of the Holy House, is that it reminds us that Jesus chose to make a home with us here on earth. As we recite in the Profession of Faith each Sunday, Jesus is “God from God, light from light, true God from true God…” yet, “was Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

In Jesus, the Lord God makes His home with us. He is close to us.

This calls for a response on our part. Just as Mary and Joseph prepared a home for Jesus, we are called to prepare a home for Jesus. He no longer needs a crib or a roof over his head, but rather he makes his home in the hearts of those who are prepared to receive him. We welcome him by meditating upon His Word in Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels. We welcome him when we receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist in a worthy and reverent manner. We welcome him in our prayer, when he comes to dwell in the tabernacle of our hearts.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus shares this promise: “Dwell in me, and I will dwell in you” (John 15:4). Christ does come to make his home in us by the power of His Word, His presence in the Sacraments, and the fulfillment of His promise in our Prayers.
Blessings,
Father Bill


December 3, 2023

Year of Mary
October 1, 2022 to December 8, 2023

“At morn — at noon — at twilight dim
Maria! thou hast heard my hymn!
In joy and woe — in good and ill
Mother of God, be with me still!”
From Edgar Allan Poe’s “Hymn to Mary”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Part of my daily prayer is a Catholic devotion called the Angelus. It is traditionally prayed three times a day: at 6 a.m., 12 noon, and 6 p.m., accompanied by the ringing of the church bells. This devotion only takes a minute or two and consists of three verses from the Gospels, each followed by a Hail Mary, and a closing prayer. The verses narrate the Annunciation of the archangel Gabriel to Mary, her humble consent to God's will, and the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us (see Luke 1:26-38 and John 1:14).

The Angelus is a simple and beautiful way to sanctify our day by pausing for a moment of prayer and remembering that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (see John 3:16). As Pope St. John Paul II taught: "The Angelus invites us to meditate on the Mystery of the Incarnation, encouraging Christians to take Mary as a point of reference in the various moments of their day, so as to imitate her in her readiness to carry out the divine plan of salvation" (Pope John Paul II, General Audience on November 5, 1997).

By praying the Angelus, we contemplate the role of Mary as the Mother of God and our Mother. In this prayer, we join our voices with the angel who greeted Mary with the words: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (see Luke 1:28). And we echo the words of Elizabeth, who exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (see Luke 1:42). We ask for the grace to follow Mary's example of obedience and surrender to God's plan for our lives as we pray: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word" (see Luke 1:38). And we implore the intercession of Mary, who is the "cause of our joy", to help us share in the glory of Christ's Resurrection as we pray: "Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ."

I heartily recommend the Angelus, especially as we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Christ on Christmas, the very day that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Cards with Angelus on them will be distributed after Mass. It can also be found on page 273 of the Heritage Missal. It will be prayed after Communion during Advent and through the Christmas season.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Father Bill


November 26, 2023

Year of Mary
October 1, 2022 to December 8, 2023

Hear to Serve ...
TO THE LIFEBOATS

How about that Pope Francis everyone? Have you ever seen a guy who liked to rock the boat so much? Certainly, seems from some of the comments I’ve heard from people, and the internet, that Pope Francis has rocked the boat really well this time with the dismissal of Bishop Strickland.

In this secular world today of “There is no absolute truth.” Anything goes. To what we deem as bad leadership in the Church, seems to me that people are worried
that the boat (The Catholic Church) is taking on water and going to sink. People are ready to abandon the boat before she goes down.

The first thing you need to realize is the boat is not going to sink; it can’t. It’s unsinkable. We have had bad captains, bad navigators in the past. That is undeniable.
But Jesus told us the boat will not sink when He said to Peter, “And I tell you Peter, on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail.” So even if you deem the navigational skills of our leadership to be wanting, do not doubt the words of Jesus, and seaworthiness of the Catholic Church.

Our faith should not be determined by decisions of our leaders. Our faith is in Jesus the Christ. We don’t come to Mass every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation
just because we like Father Bill. And we don’t give praise and worship to our Pope, our Bishop, or even the Deacon do we?

No, we come to give thanks to God, to give praise and worship to God, and to receive Jesus even if we don’t like our priest, or we think the Bishops and Pope are wrong in their decision.

So, if you think the seas are turbulent right now, and your faith is being shaken, don’t get out of the boat and try swimming on your own. If you want to calm the
seas and strengthen your faith you have to be persistent in your faith and do your part before making the call of a sinking ship.

Do you have a good personal prayer life? Do you not just go to Mass and Holy Days of obligation, but do you participate? Mass is not the time for silence. Do you participate in the Sacraments, especially confession so you can get the graces from the sacrament of the Eucharist? Have you fed the hungry, clothed the naked? Did you care for the ill and visit those in prison? This is what gives us the strength to stay with the boat.

We have to be careful that our pride does not lay a smoke screen when we try to navigate through these times. Remember pride can be a gift from the devil. The first of the deadly sins, pride opens the door for all the other deadly sins.

Instead pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are the oil that will light our navigational lamps so we can set a better course in our life.

So before we declare the boat is sinking and bail out, before we point an accusing finger, let us make sure we do what we are supposed to do. Believe the Words of
Jesus. Stay in the boat and live our faith. Jesus will separate the goats from the sheep for us.
Viva Cristo Rey,
Deacon Gary


November 19, 2023

Year of Mary
October 1, 2022 to December 8, 2023

“In light of the hour of judgment, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge, and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death.” Pope Benedict XVI

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Peace be with you. This will be the last column about Catholic funerals.

After the Reception of the Body which begins the funeral Mass, the Mass continues in the usual manner with the Liturgy of the Word. The funeral Mass is one of the few occasions when the Church does not assign readings for Mass, but allows the family members and friends of the deceased to select appropriate readings.

Following the readings, the priest (or deacon) preaches the homily. The guidance for the homily is that it should dwell on God’s compassionate love and the paschal mystery of the Lord. The homily should not be a eulogy of the deceased. The appropriate time for a eulogy is at the Vigil or if necessary, immediately before the beginning of the funeral Mass.

The Church encourages a funeral Mass since in partaking of the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, all are given a foretaste of eternal life in Christ and are united with Christ, with each other, and with all the faithful, living and dead: “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (see 1 Corinthians 10:17).

And the funeral Mass concludes with the Final Commendation. In the Commendation, the body of the deceased is honored with incense, which signifies respect for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. In the prayer of commendation the community calls upon God’s mercy for the benefit of the deceased.

The last part of the Catholic funeral liturgy is the Committal. The Committal is the “graveside service.” It is the final act of the community of Faith in caring for the body of the deceased and expresses the hope that the deceased awaits the glory of the Resurrection. With this act, the community of Faith proclaims that the grave, once a sign of futility and despair, has been transformed by Christ’s own death and Resurrection into a sign of hope and promise.

Since the Committal usually comes at the end of a period of visitation, a Vigil, and a funeral Mass, it is designed to be brief. The grave is blessed, when possible the mortal remains are lowered into the grave while a prayer is recited, and those who are gathered are blessed. Although this ritual is short, it provides the opportunity for a final good-bye, and assists family members and friends of the deceased to find final closure.

Four bulletin columns have focused on the funeral liturgy, there has not been adequate space to address all the common questions. Next year, we will revisit the Catholic understanding of death, and our liturgical practices associated with death. The FORMED APP has a series about the Catholic understanding about death called “Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well.”
Blessings,
Father Bill


November 12, 2023

Year of Mary
October 1, 2022 to December 8, 2023

“For I trust, in whatever manner I die,
that I shall not be deprived
of the mercy of my God.” St. Gertrude

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We continue our review of the funeral practices and traditions of Catholics.

When a Catholic dies, the Church encourages the celebration of a funeral Mass. There are two primary reasons to offer a funeral Mass: to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, and to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion.

The funeral Mass begins with the reception of the body. In receiving the body of the deceased with honor, the Christian community acknowledges the deceased as one of their own, as one who was welcomed in baptism and who held a place in the assembly. The body is sprinkled with Holy Water, covered with a white funeral pall, and brought close to the Easter Candle. The Church uses these three symbols to intentionally recall the sacrament of Baptism.

The Holy Water recalls the waters of baptism. In the waters of baptism, the seed of eternal life was planted in the soul of the deceased, and at the funeral, we pray that the deceased will experience the fullness of eternal life in the heavenly banquet.

The white funeral pall recalls the white baptismal gown. At baptism the baptismal garment is blessed with these words, “See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.” The white funeral pall also represents the white garment worn by the elders in heaven (see Revelation 4:4).

The Easter Candle is a symbol with numerous meanings. At the Easter Vigil, it is carried as the only light into the darkened church. This represents the column of fire that guided the Israelites in the desert as they journeyed to the Promised Land (see Exodus 13:21). Christ is the light of the world (see John 8:12). So the Easter Candle represents the Light of Christ that leads the deceased from the darkness of death to the light of the Promised Land of the heavenly kingdom.

The Easter Candle also recalls the baptismal candle. At baptism, the candle is lit from the Easter Candle and handed to the newly baptized with these words, “This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly… when the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet the Lord with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.” In this sense, the Easter Candle represents the gift of faith that the deceased received at Baptism. “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (see Matthew 5:14-16).
Blessings,
Father Bill


November 5, 2023

Year of Mary
October 1, 2022 to December 8, 2023

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers,
[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 (ESV)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Do you check your phone or hit the snooze button? Or do you start your day by acknowledging the presence of God and offering Him everything that you are and have?

For many Catholics, the Morning Offering is a prayer that helps them begin their day with God in mind. The Morning Offering is a prayer that consecrates oneself to Jesus Christ through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It expresses the desire to unite one's thoughts, words, actions, joys, and sufferings with the sacrifice of Jesus in the Mass, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. It also entrusts oneself to the care of Mary, who is the mother of Jesus and our mother in the order of Grace.

The Morning Offering is not a new prayer. It has been practiced by many saints and faithful Catholics throughout history. It is promoted by the Apostleship of Prayer, a worldwide movement that promotes a daily spiritual communion with Jesus and His mission.

The Morning Offering can be prayed at any time of the day, but it is most fitting to pray it as soon as possible after waking up. This way, we can dedicate our whole day to God and make every moment an opportunity to serve Him and love Him. The Morning Offering helps us to grow in virtue and holiness, as we strive to imitate Jesus and Mary in everything we do.

The Morning Offering is a simple but powerful prayer that can transform our lives. By praying it daily, we become more aware of God's presence and action in our lives. We also become more generous and faithful in offering ourselves to Him and cooperating in His mission of saving souls.

If you have not yet made the Morning Offering a part of your daily routine, why not start today? There are a number of different versions of the Morning Offering. This weekend after Mass, prayer cards with the version used by the Apostleship of Prayer will be distributed after Mass, but you can use any version that appeals to you or create your own. The important thing is to pray the Offering with sincerity and devotion. You can also invite your family and friends to join you in this prayer. By doing so, you will be giving God the gift He desires most: yourself.
Blessings,
Father Bill
P.S. I will continue my series on the Catholic funeral liturgies next week.


2023 Archived

2022 Archived