MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Just in case you forgot the true meaning of Christmas...

Merry Christmas and God's Peace to all!

A Prayer and Appeal for Christian Unity

Recently, Pope Francis traveled to Istanbul in Turkey to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the leader of the majority of the world's Eastern Orthodox Christians.

After praying together, Pope Francis approached Patriarch Bartholomew, bowed his head, and asked his brother bishop to bless him and the Church of Rome. Bartholomew showed his fraternal care by caressing and kissing the pope's head.

This moment is a high mark in the ongoing and often tumultuous relationship between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox. Originally, the Church remained united for 1,000 years, but since 1054 A.D., the Catholic Church of the West and the Orthodox Church of the East have remained divided due to growing social and theological rifts. This division continues in our times.

Yet, many believe the Holy Spirit is moving our Churches toward unity once again. The pope and the patriarch have been striving towards authentic Christian unity. Our Churches must retain their unique identities and characteristics, all the while remaining one in faith, hope, and love. 

We are called to pray for Christian unity. We appeal to Heaven as we continue the quest for unity between the Eastern and Western Church. And so we pray:

            Lord God, 

                    send your Spirit among us as we work together toward 

                                  Christian unity.

                   May old wounds and ancient hurts be healed.

                   May we recognize and value true diversity within our Church.

                   Let us soon proclaim the Gospel together, as one, 

                                in truth and in love.

                  We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

                                                                                         Amen.

The Season of Advent

                                  Happy and Blessed Advent to all!

This is the start of the Church's liturgical year, the time when we slow down in the upcoming four weeks to recall Jesus' presence in our midst. Advent is that time when we joyfully commemorate Jesus' birth, recognize with eyes of faith his current presence among us, and anticipate the Lord's glorious Second Coming in the fullness of time.

Commemorating the Birth of Jesus:
More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. This historical moment has everlasting effects on us. The Son of God humbled himself to become one like us so that we might learn of God's love for us. The wood of the manger foreshadows the wood of the cross. And we profess that through the cross and resurrection of Christ, we are given the immeasurable gift of life everlasting.

Jesus Christ is Present in our Midst Today:
Jesus is more than just a historical character from some foreign narrative! Jesus continues to be in our midst everyday. While Advent helps us to reflect on the gift of the Incarnation at Christmas, we as Christians also see Jesus' presence among us each and every day. Jesus is present in his Church, the Body of Christ; Jesus is the bond of unity and love among Christians. Jesus is also present when we break open the Scriptures and partake in the Eucharistic feast. We participate in Christ's Paschal Mystery every time we eat the heavenly bread of angels and drink the chalice of salvation.

Christ also chooses to identify with the lowly ones in our midst. Jesus is present, here and now, among the poor, the humble, and the marginalized. Whenever we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, tend to the sick, and visit the imprisoned, we are caring for Jesus-in-our-midst who is Emmanuel (the name "Emmanuel" means "God is with us"!)

The "Second Coming" - Christ Will Come Again:
And finally, throughout Advent, we also remember that Jesus will return to earth as Righteous King and Judge. All of Creation will come to its fulfillment and completion. Peace will reign and all war, violence, and destruction shall perish. In this New Creation, the lion will lie down with the lamb. Throughout Scripture, this Second Coming has been imagined as a feast in which choice food and drink are consumed without cost. The Lord will celebrate with his beloved sons and daughters. All will be right and just in the world. All will be in and with God. Our longings will be satisfied and our hearts bursting with joy. Our hope at the end times rests in Christ alone, He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Icon of the Second Coming of Christ (St. Andrew's Orthodox Church)

Vocations Awareness Week

This week marks 'National Vocations Awareness Week' in the U.S. Catholic Church. During this week, the Church at the diocesan and parish levels is called to promote a culture of vocations for priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated religious life. 

Building a culture of vocations awareness in our parishes and dioceses calls us to first and foremost be aware that God continues to call each of us to a life of service. For most, this will be the call to married life, to be a loving spouse and loving parent. Marriage and parenthood is indeed a vocation of service! There are fewer selfless people than moms and dads!

God also calls men and women to serve in the Church. Those called to priesthood and diaconal ministry are to be like Christ the Good Shepherd, to lead and serve the People of God. And those women and men called to religious life become living signs of the Gospel; their lives of poverty, chastity, and obedience point to the radical nature of the Kingdom of God. 

"To become a priest or a religious is not primarily our choice;
it is our answer to a calling, a calling of love."  -Pope Francis

To build such a culture in our Church, we need to give individuals the freedom to explore possible calls to priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Parents ought to encourage such callings and allow their children to explore these possibilities. Priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers all need to be joyful. Vocations are not supposed to be heavy burdens, but responses of love! 

Finally, there is something very powerful about being called by name. If we recognize that a young man or woman is generous, selfless, loving, and prayerful, they might very well be called to serve the Church. We have the responsibility to suggest this possible calling to them. 

Jesus called his first disciples by name. So too, in our day, does Jesus call individuals to be priests, deacons, and religious. However, it is now our responsibility, as the Church, to call these potential nuns, brothers, deacons, and priests by name.

For more information, check out: www.ScrantonVocations.com 

Wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila

Although her official feast day was last month, the 16th century Carmelite nun St. Teresa of Avila remains a spiritual guide whose wisdom speak to hearts today. In fact, St. Teresa's theological and spiritual writings have been so insightful for the Christian tradition that she has been declared a "Doctor of the Church."

The following prayer was found written on a bookmark in Teresa's prayer book. It is a simple, yet deeply profound statement of faith:

(in Spanish):                                             (in English):
Nada de turbe,                                         Let nothing disturb you,
nada te espante;                                      let nothing frighten you;
todo se pasa,                                           All things are passing away.
Dios no se muda.                                     God never changes.
La pacientia todo lo alcanza.                  Patience obtains all things.
Quien a Dios tiene nada la falta:           Whoever has God lacks nothing:
solo Dios basta.                                      God alone is enough. 


**St. Teresa, while a very holy saint, also had a great sense of humor! Here are a few gems she wrote or purportedly said during her lifetime:
- "A sad nun is a bad nun."
- "I am more afraid of one unhappy sister than a crowd of evil spirits..."
- "From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, Lord, deliver us!"

St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us! 

Autumn Leaves

It is a blessing to live in a part of the world where there are changes in the seasons. Winter leads to spring, spring to summer. Summer leads to autumn. And autumn back to winter.

This annual pattern helps to break up the year into distinct times. The change in seasons also allows us to contemplate the cycle of life: the new life and youthfulness of spring leads to the warmth and growth of summer; the decay and cold of winter is preceded by the autumn of our lives.

Autumn, in a sense, is a liminal space, a time in which we see nature change, transform, and showcase its sublime beauty.

What I like most about autumn is the fall foliage. The leaves are bright, beautiful colors! Nothing is as breathtaking as seeing the transformation of the late summer green into the varieties of orange, red, gold, brown, and yellow - and combinations of all of these hues!

We are each like the autumn leaves. We each possess a natural beauty and inherent worth
 that becomes even more pronounced over time. Like the autumn leaves, our beauty and goodness is
further magnified when we are held up with the beauty and goodness of other leaves.

Yes, inevitably, all autumn leaves will fall to the ground to mark the passage of time and the beginning of winter. Yet, it is not without hope that we enter into winter. We know that after the cold and darkness of winter, spring's new life will come once again.

And, as has been the case for thousands of years, spring will lead to summer, and summer to fall. The beauty and the goodness of the autumn leaves will soon return.

Soccer and Life Lessons

Nearly one month ago, our seminary participated in a weekend soccer tournament with three other seminaries. The Annual Vianney Cup Tournament brings together St. Mary's Seminary of Baltimore, Mount Saint Mary's Seminary of Emmitsburg, MD, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, and the seminary of Theological College, located at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Although we lost both of our games (without even scoring one goal!), there was still a great sense of fraternity and friendship among our seminary competitors.

Our losses to both "the Mount" and St. Charles Seminary were not the desired outcome of the weekend. Nevertheless, I think there were some important lessons we were all able to learn from that weekend.

First, we learned how to be humble. Very humble! While we had trained hard leading up to the tournament, our team was simply outplayed by the other teams. It isn't always easy to swallow one's pride and admit that others are better (in this case much better) than you! Humility has a way of making us grateful for those gifts that we possess and appreciative of the gifts and talents of others.

Secondly, we learned the need to show goodwill towards the seminarians on the other teams. Yes, it was agitating to lose both games. It would have been easy to vent our frustration against the other teams, to see them as real opponents. But if we lacked goodwill, then we would have missed the reality that these other seminarians were truly good men, seeking only to have fun in competition and to make new friends.

And finally, we were reminded to have fun. As men, we can sometimes take sports pretty seriously. By nature, we desire to win and achieve. Yet, that was not the case that weekend. Rather than being sore losers, we were able to make light of the situation, still able to laugh even when our team was down by six goals. If we lack humor and joy in our lives, how can we sustain ourselves through life's truly difficult moments!?

These are some of the life lessons learned from the great sport of soccer. We are grateful for such lessons in life. Still, the competitive spirit lives on...my teammates and I look forward to training for next year's tournament!

St. Mary's Seminary Soccer Team (2014)

Hope (Even on a Rainy Fall Day)

Sometimes, on these cool, foggy, rainy fall days, it's nice to have a reminder of hope: summer was here just yesterday and will be here again tomorrow, in the near future.

Man's Best Friend

Yes, there are some pet owners that do go a bit overboard in their treatment of four-legged friends. I too shudder when I see cats in strollers or dogs in handbags. It is terribly obnoxious to hear people "baby-talk" with their "pwecious wittle Foo Foo".

That being said, I do think dogs, cats, fish, and birds can all be enjoyed as sources of companionship. Nothing makes us more human than when we are taking care of another human person. In a similar way, when we are responsible for and take care of one of God's little furry creatures, we can become more compassionate human beings.

Being with our pets, however, does not mean we should neglect our neighbors and those actual people who are in great need of human companionship. (Stop in any nursing home and you'll soon experience the desires for basic human interaction). Rather, having a pet should make us aware of how much we are responsible for the care of others, especially other humans.

Whenever we spend time with "man's best friend," let us remember that poochie is simply preparing us to go out, encounter others, touch lives, and become a "best friend to [actual] man".

And now, a picture of my dog, Mr. Barky:

Week of Service, Week of Hope

During the last week of July, I had the incredible privilege to work with more than 70 middle-school and high-school aged students during our parish's annual "Week of Service, Week of Hope". 

           Throughout that week, the students volunteered at different sites around the community, including a soup kitchen, summer camp, nursing home, homeless shelter, and a living center for single mothers and their children. 

Our official "Week of Service" t-shirt.

            With great enthusiasm and love, our students brought the hope of the Gospel with them wherever they served! Their energy and willingness to help others was inspiring. Along with participating at various ministry sites, each student also prayerfully reflected on his or her experience.

We also challenged the students to see the face of Christ in all those they encountered. Everybody, most especially the poor, the lowly, and the vulnerable, are living images of the Lord!

            Pope Francis calls us to build up a "culture of encounter," one in which we generously reach out to others in order to share the love and mercy of God.  This "Week of Service" did precisely that! 

Wisdom from Mother Teresa

September 5th marks the Feast Day of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, known the world over as Mother Teresa. Here are just a few pearls of wisdom from this beautiful soul:

"God still loves the world and He sends you and me to be His love and His compassion to the poor."

"The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway."

"If we really want to love, we must learn to forgive."

"Peace begins with a smile."

"If you can't feed a hundred people, just feed one."

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Live from St. Mary's Seminary

I have been here at St. Mary's Seminary in the Roland Park section of Baltimore, Maryland for over a week. Now, after a week of orientation, socializing, prayer, and retreat, we finally have some downtime...an excellent time to scribble a quick blog-post!

There has been a lot of information thrown at us in a brief amount of time; I am hoping some of it sticks! Overall, the main purpose of the seminary is to help in the spiritual, intellectual, human, and ministerial formation of men who are discerning priesthood.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom

The seminary is an integrative environment, one in which we hope to grow into our identities as potential priestly ministers. One of the great role models for us seminarians (and all Christians, too) is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The Blessed Virgin Mary was open to God's call and responded with great generosity. She wrestled in her heart with the mysteries of her Son. And Mary was there at the foot of the Cross as her Son suffered. With such devotion came the eventual consolation of the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit!

We honor Jesus' Mother here at the seminary with the title of "Seat of Wisdom." It was from this "seat" that Jesus, Who is Wisdom itself, was born and raised and became man. May we all be open to the Wisdom of Christ and the example of His Mother, Mary, the Seat of Wisdom!

Patron of Priests

Last Monday marked an important feast day for all priests and for those of us studying for priesthood as seminarians. August 4th marks the feast day of Saint John Vianney (1786-1859), a French parish priest known affectionately as the "Cure d'Ars".

St. John Vianney worked tirelessly as a pastor and spiritual guide for his people in the parish of Ars in France. While the saintly priest would have preferred to spend his life in quiet prayer and contemplation, the bishop knew that the people of Ars would benefit deeply from the spiritual and pastoral gifts of St. John Vianney.

Among these gifts was Vianney's presence in the confessional; the saint made himself available to hear the confessions of many people. The Cure d'Ars spent somewhere between 12 to 16 hours a day in the confessional!

Incorrupt body of St. John Vianney 

St. John Vianney was also known for his acts of charity and mortification on behalf of the people of Ars, those he lovingly served as pastor.

Celebrating the feast of this patron saint for priests has reminded me of those many holy men who have been role models and examples for me as they live out their priestly vocation:

-I think of Bishop Joseph's inspiring pastoral vision; I think of the guidance offered to me by Fr. Don and Monsignor David.

-I have been blessed to know priests like Frs. Paul, Mike, Joe, and Jerry, all of whom have showed me how to love the People of God in their care.

-I think of Fr. Dick and Fr. Bob, how they were both very much in tune with the movement of the Holy Spirit and directed me to see the Spirit in my life.

-And I recall priests like Fr. Dan and Monsignor Michael, brilliant theologians who gave me a vocabulary to think and speak about God and our relationship with Him.

Cure d'Ars

There are many other priests whom the Lord has put into my life at various points. These priests have served as guides, as friends, and as spiritual fathers. It is with great gratitude that I thank God for these men and ask St. John Vianney to intercede for them. It is my prayer that one day, I can be counted among this great lot of men, that I may humbly serve as a parish priest and be an icon of Christ for others!

St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us.

Vacation

"Vacation. All I ever wanted. Vacation. Had to get away."

I always connect the summer months with vacation. I've been in school for so long that I take for granted that I will have the summer months off!

While traveling to a beach or some other tourist destination is always fun, I think the main purposes of a vacation ought to be rejuvenation, relaxation, and re-connection. Whether traveling far or staying home for a "stay-cation," we need to take some time to stop, refrain from working, and just rest for awhile.

In general, it seems that we are working too much too long for too hard. Try, if you can, to take a break. Rest easy. Rediscover what it is that inspires you, that sustains you, and that gives your life purpose and meaning!

The Gentle Mastery of Christ

Jesus said:
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

(Matthew 11:28-30)

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

On this feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Church commemorates the significant contributions that these two earliest Christians made in spreading the Gospel of Christ. Peter led the early Church and Paul evangelized and ministered among the Gentile populations. Together, Peter and Paul are honored as apostles, evangelizers, missionaries, and martyrs.

What I most appreciate about Saint Peter and Saint Paul is the fact that both were very human and had their share of flaws and foibles. From the Gospels, we encounter Peter who so often lacked faith, courage, and understanding. And Paul, prior to his profound conversion, was a radical Jewish zealot who persecuted Christian believers.

Despite their weaknesses and shortcomings, the Lord used these very human men to grow the Church and spread the Gospel. God's grace and mercy was indeed much more powerful and effective than either of Peter or Paul's barriers. Both Peter and Paul were strengthened to be courageous and faithful stewards of the Word. This is the good news for us: our God can use as instruments to accomplish His will despite our own limitations and flaws.

St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us!

Lead, Kindly Light

One of my favorite poems, "The Pillar of Cloud," was written in 1833 by Blessed John Henry Newman. The saintly author is a master with words and images. Newman skillfully conveys doubt, searching, and ultimately, trust in God during life's well-trod journey. Also, the theme of Light seems appropriate, especially now at the summer solstice. Read and enjoy!

Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
          Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home—
          Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou
          Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
          Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
          Will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
          The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

A Pilgrim in Emmitsburg

On Sunday, I found myself driving north from Virginia back home to Pennsylvania. I decided to take advantage of my time on the road and make a few stops along the way. Right on the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, at the Mason-Dixon line, is the small town of Emmitsburg, Maryland. Although it is a small, rural community off of Highway 15, Emmitsburg has proven to be a significant hub of spiritual wealth for our country.

I first pulled into the campus of Mount St. Mary University and Seminary. I was deeply impressed by the vastness of the land that the site sits on. I headed toward the seminary; it is a beautiful stone structure with a large porch facing acres of green grass. 

I then prayed in the chapel of the Immaculate Conception, the worship site for the college community. Being at Mount St. Mary's was like taking a step back into the past. I wondered how many seminarians and students had prayed in this church. I also thought of the lives that were gradually changed because of the lasting encounters made on these hallowed grounds.

Nearby is the national shrine dedicated to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. St. Elizabeth was born in New York in 1774. St. Elizabeth married William Seton and together, they had five children. Tragedy would strike the Seton family when William died while abroad in Europe. St. Elizabeth encountered a period of spiritual crisis and soul-searching. Although raised an Episcopalian, St. Elizabeth eventually converted to Catholicism as an adult after her husband's death. 

By 1810, St. Elizabeth had professed her own private vows, which would pave the way for the founding of the Sisters of Charity. This religious congregation attended the educational needs of young Catholic women in the United States. The home base for the congregation was in Emmitsburg, near the seminary of Mount St. Mary's. In 1821, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton entered into eternal rest at this site. 

The most meaningful moment of this trip occurred as I prayed at the tomb of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Kneeling in front of her marble resting place, I kissed her relic and asked her to intercede for the Church in the United States. I then asked her to help guide me as I begin my journey into seminary. At that moment, I felt the saint's presence with me. Together, we prayed the Lord's Prayer. The communion of saints is a true and living reality!

With the confidence one can only gain through saintly intercession, I left Emmitsburg and continued onward to my home in Pennsylvania. I feel blessed that I was able to stop and pray as a pilgrim at these venerable American Catholic sites in Emmitsburg, Maryland. And I am confident that this American saint is praying for us, here and now. The Gospel is present among all peoples in all times and cultures, including our own! 

Wedding Season

It's mid-June and I've already been to three weddings! Of course, I am very happy that I had been invited to celebrate these momentous occasions with family and friends. Weddings are wonderful events.

Yet, at times, it is easy to get caught up in some of the lesser-important details of the 'big day': dress designs and tuxedo colors, appetizers and meals, drinks and dancing. Recently, I've been reflecting on the vows that the couple makes to each other during the ceremony. This is the very heart of a wedding.

The bride and the groom each vow to love and honor the other. These vows are much more than just sweet, sappy, and sentimental words. In all moments, every day, in good times and in bad, the spouses promise to be true to each other, and to love each other until death.

At the most recent wedding I attended, the spouses chose to have proclaimed John 15 in which Jesus describes the true nature of love: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

Marriage is the constant, daily commitment to love as Jesus loves, to lay down one's life for the well-being of one's spouse. Marriage is self-sacrificial. The good of the spouse trumps one's own personal wants, needs, and desires. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, one that is often made before the community of family and friends, the state, and God.

How privileged are we to stand before these couples during 'wedding season' and witness as they pledge their lives over to each other! Jesus Christ is always calling us to something more, to freely give of ourselves in love to others. This is perhaps best exemplified by our family and friends who exchange vows and "I-do's".

Seminarian Dance-Off

Looks like I might have to brush up on my dance moves...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdYDKmpzt5U

The Coming of the Spirit

In just a few short days, we will celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, we celebrate the fullness of the Paschal Mystery. The saving works of Jesus Christ, beginning with His life, death on the cross, and resurrection, come to fulfillment with his ascension into Heaven and sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Jesus promises that He will send another Advocate (John 14:16). If we can trust in the promises of Jesus, then surely we can trust in God's Spirit!

There seems to me to be a threefold manner in which the Holy Spirit comes to us.

First, the Spirit comes to each of us individually. Through our baptism, we are incorporated into the Body of Christ and called to be people of peace and unity (Ephesians 4). We are recipients of the abundant graces of the Spirit, Who alone allows us to call Jesus "Lord" (see 1 Cor. 12:3). This same Spirit endows us with the ability to speak in "foreign tongues"...that is, we are gifted and then challenged by the Spirit to proclaim Jesus Christ in our homes, schools, and workplaces.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our Church. The Spirit makes the Church holy, even when we, the members of the Church, do not act in such a way. The Holy Spirit breathes tongues of fire over the Church in every age in order to light the fire of missionary zeal and fervor. The Spirit gathers the Church together in the "upper room" with the other disciples, surrounded by the apostolic tradition and in prayer with our Mother Mary (see Acts 1:12-14). Again, our baptism into the Church community is immersion into the life of the Spirit!

Finally, the Holy Spirit is present in the world; the Spirit renews the face of the earth! In all that is true, beautiful, and good in the world, you will find the Holy Spirit. The Spirit sanctifies the world and prepares the world to receive the very gift of God-among-us. Renewal and abundance are hallmarks of God's Spirit in the world.

My prayer is that individuals in our Church and the world remain open to the coming of the Spirit. May we allow God's Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and bring us to greater unity and peace.

To Show People How to Love

You may remember this powerful image from Easter, 2013. I still get goosebumps whenever I see it. Pope Francis stopped to embrace Dominic Gondreau, a young boy who suffers from cerebral palsy. The love and joy of each person encountering the other is palpable in this photo.

Dominic's father, Paul Gondreau, is a theology professor from Providence College in Rhode Island who, with his wife, takes care of Dominic's needs. Professor Gondreau offered the following reflection on this profound moment and how the pope's embrace of Dominic was a powerful witness to the radical nature of Christian love. (Paul Gondreau's full article can be found at: http://catholicmoraltheology.com/a-special-vocation-to-show-people-how-to-love/).

"Dominic..has already shared in Christ’s Cross more than I have throughout my entire life multiplied a thousand times over. What is the purpose in all this, I ask? Furthermore, I often tend to see my relationship with Dominic in a one-sided manner. Yes, he suffers more than me, but it’s constantly ME who must help HIM. Which is how our culture often looks upon the disabled: as weak, needy individuals who depend so much upon others, and who contribute little, if anything, to those around them.

Pope Francis’ embrace of my son yesterday turns this logic completely on its head and, in its own small yet powerful way, shows once again how the wisdom of the Cross confounds human wisdom. Why is the whole world so moved by images of this embrace?...To show people how to love. ...Dominic’s special vocation in the world is to move people to love, to show people how to love. 

But how can a disabled person show us how to love in a way that only a disabled person can? ...Christ’s resurrection from the Cross proclaims that the love he offers us, the love that we, in our turn, are to show others, is the REAL reason he endured the Cross in the first place. Our stony hearts are transformed into this Christ-like love, and thereby empowered to change hatred into love, only through the Cross. And no one shares in the Cross more intimately than the disabled. And so the disabled become our models and our inspiration. 

Yes, I give much to my son, Dominic. But he gives me more, WAY more. I help him stand and walk, but he shows me how to love. I feed him, but he shows me how to love. I bring him to physical therapy, but he shows me how to love. I stretch his muscles and joke around with him, but he shows me how to love. I lift him in and out of his chair, I wheel him all over the place, but he shows me how to love. I give up my time, so much time, for him, but he shows me how to love.

This lesson, to repeat, confounds the wisdom of the world... The lesson my disabled son gives stands as a powerful testament to the dignity and infinite value of every human person, especially of those the world deems the weakest and most “useless.” Through their sharing in the “folly” of the  Cross, the disabled are, in truth, the most powerful and the most productive among us.

What a powerful witness to the radical way that Jesus the Lord shares His love with each of us! Thank you, Pope Francis and Dominic, for teaching us how to love like Christ!

Ascension Thursday

Today is Thursday in the Sixth Week of Easter.
On this day in many churches, the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated.

I would like to offer just a few brief notes on this wonderful feast day. First, we have to realize that the actual Ascension of Jesus is more than just "rocket ship Jesus" blasting through the clouds of the sky into Heaven. The Ascension of the Lord is that moment when Jesus was no longer bodily, tangibly present on earth in His resurrected, glorified body. Jesus returns to the right hand of God the Father in order to send the Holy Spirit to His followers. "But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7)

Yes, it is true...while we remain here on earth, we can no longer look into the eyes of Jesus, nor can we embrace and hold onto Him. We cannot hear Jesus speaking his native Aramaic. But on this Ascension Thursday, we recognize that Jesus the Lord is present among us in an even more real and abiding manner. Jesus ascends so that He can be shared with others in a radical way.

"The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age'.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

Jesus is present in the Scriptures and in the breaking of the bread (see Luke 24:13-35). We can hear Jesus speak to us in our hearts through prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Jesus remains here on earth through the Church, His very Body. Whenever we celebrate the sacraments and pass on the Tradition, we behold the very presence of Jesus. When we reach out to the weak, the poor, the marginalized and the outcast, we encounter Jesus.

As a pledge of His love, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to be our guide and advocate, to remind us of all Jesus has taught us. Jesus tells us that we are not left as orphans. Instead, God always chooses to always abide among us. As the Body of Christ, we will one day follow Jesus our Head into Heaven. Together, we shall dwell in the Presence of the Lord in endless glory and rejoicing.

So, let us rejoice on this day-- Jesus is alive and risen! Jesus has returned to the Father! And Jesus dwells among us, always, until the end of the age!

Friendship, Loyalty, Love

I've always liked the symbolism that makes up the Claddagh.
This Irish symbol, dating from the 16th or 17th century, represents friendship, loyalty, and love.
The hands signify friendship...the crown signifies loyalty...and the heart signifies love.

I believe that life is best experienced when it is shared with others. We celebrate, we mourn, we dream, and we pass through our days amid a collection of people we call 'friends.' There will be times when we extend our hearts to others, and in turn, there will be times when we must open our own hands to receive the heart of a friend.

Truly, if we can hold on to the love and loyalty of dear friends, then we can make it through the storms of life. Perhaps Clarence the Angel from the movie It's a Wonderful Life said it best: "Remember George, no man is a failure who has friends."

Roinnt ar an Claddagh! Share the Claddagh!

The Kerygma

Rarely do I use words that are too long, archaic, or difficult to pronounce. Yet there are some words that are packed with such power and meaning that to use anything else would simply be inadequate.

Kerygma is a Greek term used to describe the preaching of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The kerygma is much more than just describing distant events of the past. Rather, the kerygma is the dynamic sharing of how God has loved each of us into existence; that the very Word of God spoken at Creation, Jesus Christ, became man and for our salvation, was nailed to the wood of the Cross. This same Jesus rose from the grave after the third day of death -- this is testified by eyewitnesses. The Spirit of God has been sent into the world in order to breath life and to enliven the community of Jesus' followers.

Death has lost its sting! Sin has been forgiven! Those of us who have encountered this profound love are compelled to share such a transformative experience with all who will listen. 

St. Paul, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, proclaims the kerygma in this way: "My brothers...to us the this word of salvation has been sent. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us..." (Acts 13:26-33).

The Apostles and the first disciples constantly preached this Good News to all. Those of us who are disciples of Jesus Christ today must also preach this Good News! Our task is to continuously share the kerygma in new and exciting ways so that our friends, family, acquaintances, and even complete strangers might be introduced to Jesus Christ and encounter the Lord of life and love. 

The kerygma has the ability to transform hearts and change the world. In faith, hope, and love, we preach Christ crucified and risen through our spoken words, our deeds, our constancy in prayer...and perhaps even through blog posts!

Thoughts on Graduation

"The people. Definitely the people."

Throughout the week leading up to graduation, I had the opportunity to meet up with many of my classmates. Among other questions, I asked each of them what, above all else, would they would miss most from their time in the Master of Divinity program at the University of Notre Dame. And their response?

"The people. Definitely the people." 

I echo these sentiments. Of course, I am immensely grateful for the superb academic education I have received throughout these past three years. Faith truly does seek  understanding within the Notre Dame Department of Theology. Also, enrollment in the M.Div. program has demanded my full and conscientious participation in spiritual and human growth and formation. For all of this, I am most grateful. Truly, I have been blessed with quite an educational and formative experience!

 

Yet, I was perhaps most deeply impacted by all the people I have met during my time in the program. In markedly different ways, each person has reflected the face of Jesus Christ to me. I think of all those who have shaped me during these past three years such as the community of M.Div. classmates who have become dear friends; I recall the people I served in my various ministry placements, all of whom ministered to me as well; there were many holy and thoughtful mentors and advisers from Notre Dame; and as always, many family members and friends back home supported me from afar. The list goes on and on!

There is great excitement and anticipation for me as I move on to the next chapter in my life. However, I know I would never have graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree from Notre Dame without all those people who helped me, guided me, and loved me. Whether later today or years down the road, I know if I am asked what I miss most about this experience, I will always answer: "The people. Definitely the people."

May God bless the Class of 2014 and all loved ones!

University of Notre Dame, Master of Divinity program, Class of 2014
(recent graduates with director, formators, and Bishop Kevin Rhoades)

 

Gratitude for the C.S.C.'s

It is with a spirit of immense gratitude that I write this most recent post.

For the past seven years, I have been in institutions of higher education sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The education philosophy and spirituality of the Holy Cross priests and brothers has been very formative for me.

This religious congregation, comprised of priests and brothers, was founded in post-revolutionary France in 1837. The priests and brothers grew out of the small French village of Sainte-Croix, from which they took their name (in Latin: Congregatio a Sancte Cruce... and hence, they are affectionately known as the C.S.C.'s). Such a choice in name reveals an important part of the ministry of Holy Cross: these men are not only dedicated to their work of education and mission, but also to the very places in which they serve.

Their founder, Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., recognized that many parts of the world beyond his native France were also in great need of higher education and religious formation.

Fr. Connerton, C.S.C.

By 1841-42, the Congregation had sent several missionaries into the wilderness of northern Indiana in order to establish the University of Notre Dame. After numerous setbacks, Notre Dame would eventually become one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in America. More than 100 years later, in 1946, Rev. James Connerton, C.S.C., was sent from Notre Dame to Wilkes-Barre, PA in order to establish another Holy Cross institution of higher education.

The founding of King's College is a wonderful story of faithfulness and dedication on the part of Holy Cross, the Diocese of Scranton, and many contributors from throughout the Wyoming Valley. The whole enterprise of establishing a college in Wilkes-Barre began with Fr. Connerton's typewriter, a few hundred dollars from Bishop William Hafey, and a grand vision of Catholic higher education in 'coal country'.

Countless Holy Cross priests and brothers have spent their lives "forming the hearts and minds" of students at Notre Dame and King's College (as well as at Stonehill College, University of Portland, and St. Edward's University). I personally benefited from their witness of intelligence, creativity, and compassion. I leaned that education is much more than just memorizing facts and statistics; education is an openness and willingness to engage all of life with passion and zeal. I feel blessed to have known many  C.S.C.'s, especially those who have accompanied me during some of life's wildest journeys.

The Congregation of Holy Cross is a great source of hope and light for the world. And for that, I am truly grateful.

C.S.C.'s at King's College (2013)

The Good Shepherd and Our Moms

"I am the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." -(John 10:11)

Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, the one who willingly lays down his life for the sake of the flock. It seems somewhat disproportionate for a shepherd to risk his own life for the life of a lamb. Yet Jesus claims that this radical love for the sheep, this willingness to die on behalf of those who are undeserving of such a gift, is in fact the central identifying mark of a good shepherd. Jesus lives out this role of Good Shepherd by freely sacrificing himself on the Cross for our sake, even though we do not deserve such treatment: "But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Jesus has given us a model for selfless, loving leadership. Such Christian leadership requires a willingness to forget oneself in order to fully and completely serve the 'other'. Throughout history, countless men and women have come forward to serve as good shepherds, leading the flocks they were charged with to safe and verdant pastures.

We too are called to allow ourselves to be led by Jesus the Good Shepherd and to be loved in such a radical way by our God. We are also challenged to conform our own lives after that of the Good Shepherd, to love others so much that we lay down our own lives for them.

Providentially, yesterday was both Mother's Day and Good Shepherd Sunday! Our moms are indeed shepherds. They gently guide and nurture us, seek us out when we are lost, and rejoice when we are found! Moms know their children and love them, and the sheep know and love the voice of their shepherd. These women lay down their lives in all sorts of ways: by putting careers on hold to raise children; replacing their own wants and desires for those of their children; dealing with temperamental attitudes of adolescent children; years of feeding, bandaging wounds, and driving to soccer practices ...the list continues on and on!

Through it all, mothers faithfully lead their children as Jesus the Good Shepherd guides the sheep of his flock. Mothers as good shepherds: such a fitting model for us to contemplate!

Blinded by the Light

Although "Blinded by the Light" is a great song released by the band Manfred Mann in the 1970's, today's post will not be examining this hit.

Instead, I want to look at those moments in everyday life when we are "blinded by the light," that is, those moments when we see with such clarity as to actually grasp what it is we are (or are not) doing well. Being "blinded by the light" helps us to realize that, as humans, we are always in need of new sight and vision.

These moments of illumination can be radical, as it was for St. Paul.
Before his conversion to Christianity, St. Paul was a fanatic oppressor and persecutor of the early Church. However, on his way to Damascus, something profound happened -- Paul was knocked down to the ground; he was struck blind by the light. Three days later, Paul's sight was restored, both physically and spiritually. Paul was baptized and began to preach this same Christ whom he had once been persecuting. The rest of the story, as they say, is history.

Many of us probably won't experience such a dramatic episode as St. Paul did. However, we still need to be aware of those little moments in life which make us aware of our own blindness and call us to daily conversion. The light of the truth may come in common ways: through Scripture and prayer; in the tugging of our conscience; from the good example set by others; even in those moments when we are gently corrected; all serve as ways in which we can be "blinded by the light".

We can be restored to paths of righteousness and holiness if we remain open to the movement of God in our lives and allow ourselves to turn from darkness to true light. How will we respond in those moments when we are "blinded by the light"?


...Oh, and here is Manfred Mann performing "Blinded by the Light":

Sunshine, Blue Skies, and Green Grass

Enjoy God's Creation...go golfing!

Thoughts on Food

For most colleges and universities around the country, this week marks finals' week. I currently work in an undergraduate residence hall at the University of Notre Dame and so I get quite an insight into the ways in which these intelligent and driven students prepare for their exams and papers.

Many types of foods are consumed during this week, especially of the sweet and savory variety: pizza, hot dogs, burritos, candy and chocolate.While not of the healthiest stock, these snacks do help to keep the residents focused on their work. During finals' week, these young scholars will often neglect sleep, exercise, and socializing, but they will never miss out on a chance to grab some much needed grub!

Food is an essential component of all existence. All creatures sustain themselves from what they have consumed. This is especially true for us. But what we eat is much more than just fuel. Our meals have a way of reflecting who we are and what we value. Think about it: some of our most lavish meals occur at life's biggest celebrations -- wedding banquets, awards ceremony luncheons, Thanksgiving and holiday feasts. We also live at a time in which the fast-food culture continues to expand while children in our own country go hungry without any food in their bellies.

Food indeed says much about who we are and what we value.

In today's Gospel passage (John 6:30-35), Jesus declares that he is the Bread of Life. This food of Jesus' flesh is unlike anything we have ever eaten. We will always be hungry the next day after eating regular food. This is not so with Jesus. When we eat of Jesus, when we consume the Lord and allow him to enter into us, only then are we truly satisfied.

Jesus offers himself to us as our food and drink. What a radical concept! Our Lord is so present to us that we can literally gnaw and chew him. This Bread from Heaven is freely shared and freely given; it compels us to likewise share our entire self with others. This banquet seats the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized at the head table. Wine flows abundant, and like Blood, gives life. This food and drink satisfies the hunger of our hearts. And it is present to us, here and now.

Of course, we will always need to eat regular food. Whether preparing for final exams, celebrating life's moments, or simply refueling our bodies, food remains a natural and essential part of life. However, there is a Source of Life and Nourishment who continues to summon us to eat and drink, to fulfill our deepest needs.

Jesus gives to us his Body, broken and shared as bread, and his Blood, poured out as new wine for all. Come to him, all who hunger and thirst. Eat. Drink. And be satisfied.

Oprah and St. Irenaeus

Have you been to Starbucks lately? If so, your coffee or tea may have had a cardboard sleeve with an Oprah quote on it...(I also would have been okay with finding keys to a new car in my coffee).

The other day, I read the following quote attributed to Oprah on the sleeve of my coffee cup: "You are here not to shrink down to less but to blossom into more of who you really are."
This saying reminded me of what Saint Irenaeus of Lyons wrote in the 2nd century: "The glory of God is the human person fully alive."

We give glory to God by becoming the best versions of ourselves! God gives us all unique and beautiful gifts, talents, and identities to share with the world. Our world is all the richer when each of us lives out our individual calling and blossoms as a child of God.

I'm not sure if the 'Queen of Talk' is familiar with the theological writings of St. Irenaeus. 

Who knows?! Maybe one day we will find Irenaeus' works on the Oprah Book Club list!

"My life is ruined...for the better"

These final days before graduation have a way of making seniors become deeply introspective. Yesterday, I had the privilege of walking through campus with "Joe," a senior who lives in the undergraduate dormitory where I currently work. As the two of us traveled past the campus quads, my companion recalled his work during the previous summer with the Notre Dame VISION conference.

Joe spoke of his role as a mentor to high school students who were attending the University of Notre Dame in the summer months for the VISION conference. Their engagement in prayer, discernment, and discipleship greatly impacted Joe's own personal spiritual journey:

"I realized that these high school kids had integrated their faith into all aspects of their lives. And I realized just how little I lived out my own faith life outside of church. This VISION experience made me rethink everything."

"How so?" I asked. 

"Everything has changed," he responded. "I had planned on getting a job after graduating, but I realized I wasn't passionate about that line of work anymore so instead, I'll be taking time off after graduation. No grad school either. Also, I wasn't in a healthy relationship, so I ended that too."

Joe then paused for a moment and a smile crossed his face. "My life is ruined...for the better."

My conversation with this wise senior reminded me of the two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus.

It seemed as if everything was ruined for the disciples in the aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion. They could not see beyond the pain of those days: Jesus was betrayed, he was executed, and his body was now missing. The two companions could not see beyond this apparent ruin.  

Yet, in the midst of their conversation, Jesus appears to the disciples on their way to Emmaus. His interpretation of these events in light of the Scriptures moved their hearts. And the eyes of the disciples were opened to see Jesus' Presence among them as they shared in the Eucharistic bread. After that encounter, the two disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to share the Good News. Their sorrow was removed and in its place was planted the joy of the Gospel.

Jesus is alive! Jesus is present in the Word and in the breaking of the bread! When we encounter Jesus, our hearts burn within us and we see with the eyes of faith. When we encounter Jesus, we are forever changed.

Yes, when we encounter Jesus, our old ways of life will be ruined...for the better. 

First Entry

This marks my first official blog entry and initial foray into the blogosphere. (Actually, that is not true...I once had an "expage" during elementary school in 1998... Does anybody remember those? Whatever happened to expage?)

Anyways, all subsequent posts herein will be my own personal musings and ramblings on life in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My hope is to use this site to share the Good News with anybody who comes across it. My life has been transformed by the love offered to me by the Lord. All are welcomed into the loving embrace of Jesus --This is certainly a message worth sharing!

One small way of doing so is to blog about my life in light of the Gospel.
Nothing will ever take place of personal encounter, but perhaps this is a good first start!

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. Take care.
And remember: "God is love." -(1 John 4:16)