WYD Krakow: Day 7

Last night's candlelight prayer with the pope, overnight vigil in Misericordia Park, and the concluding celebration of the Eucharist this morning served as the culmination of our time together as World Youth Day 2016 pilgrims in Krakow, Poland.

Pope Francis encouraged all of us gathered in the park - 1.5 million - to "take the path of the "craziness" of God, who teaches us to meet Him in the hungry, the thirsty, the migrant." The pope also called us to get off of our "comfortable sofas" of indifference, self-doubt, and fear. Instead, we are to wear "soccer cleats...to be starters, not reserve players" in serving others and spreading the Good News of God's mercy.

Our time together as pilgrims has ended. However, we have been summoned to return to our homes, our parishes, our dioceses, and our countries as renewed missionary disciples of mercy. We have been called to more than just mere mediocrity and indifference. Rather, the pope has invited all of us - but especially the young Church - to follow Jesus, "the Lord of risk, the Lord of the eternal more."

This "more" involves puting ourselves out there to encounter others, to risk our security, comfort, and reputation. In following Jesus, the "Lord of risk" in this way, we will also encounter our truest and most free selves. Emptied of all pretense and fear, we then begin to receive the "other" no longer as stranger, but as beloved friend.

In loving and serving each other in mercy, we also discover how it is that God truly sees and totally loves us. This is the enduring gift of following Jesus, the "Lord of risk."

WYD Krakow: Day 6

"Be protagonists of service!"

After praying the Stations of the Cross on Friday evening in Blonia Park, Pope Francis called on the pilgrims to imitate the selfless example of Jesus, telling us to be "protagonists of service." This year's Stations of the Cross at World Youth Day were matched with the seven corporal works and spiritual works of mercy.

Our true meaning and purpose in life is found in the Cross of Christ, for the Cross is the sign of God's selfless love and mercy. When we commit ourselves to Christ, we are also committing ourselves to seeing Jesus in the hungry, the thirsty, the ill, the doubting, the ignorant, and the dead. And after seeing Jesus, we respond with concrete works of merciful service.

Now, we leave for Misericordia Park, where the pilgrims will gather in vigil before tomorrow's concluding Mass with the pope. Tomorrow morning, we will share in the feast of mercy - the Eucharist - and then be sent out once again as "protagonists of service."

WYD Krakow: Day 5

The excitement continues to build here in Krakow, Poland. Pope Francis is now in the city. There is an electric energy buzzing amongst the pilgrims attending this World Youth Day. Something is happening. The Spirit is at work.

As the WYD pilgrims gathered in Blonia Park this evening to hear the pope's opening talk, I couldn't help but notice all of the different faces, languages, flags, chants, ages, and characters that were joyfully marching through the streets of Krakow. The sound of a million footsteps on the pavement reminded me of a street revolution.

Yet, the echo of these steps taken by the pilgrims are not those of rioters, armies, violent protesters, or disillusioned youth. Rather, we march forward in the way of peace, knowing that we've first been shown mercy and are thus called to share God's mercy.

Perhaps those of us gathered here on pilgrimage are starting a worldwide revolution...a revolution of tenderness, love, and mercy.

WYD Krakow: Day 4

"Today," quoted the nun from the Congegation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, "today is the day of mercy.  Now is the time for mercy!"

This sister, from the same religious order as Saint Faustina, reminded those of us gathered in the chapel of adoration at the Krakow Arena that Jesus is the well-spring of mercy. In Jesus alone do we encounter mercy. Together, a massive group of pilgrims then prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, reciting over and over again: "have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Even now, as I read various depressing and horrific headlines in the news, I still feel great hope in this message of mercy. Millions of peaceful pilgrims are converging upon Krakow to discover once again the saving power of God's mercy. I am reminded of my own daily need of the Lord's gentle compassion and mercy. I then am called to respond, to go and do likewise.

This isn't simply a pious thought, but a real challenge! When I am hungry, irritable, and waiting in line for food amongst thousands of disorganized pilgrims, how do I express mercy? I have missed many opportunities to be the face of God's mercy for others during this pilgrimage.

Still, there is no time to delay...the time for mercy is now!

WYD Krakow: Day 3

While we were touring Wieliczka, a famous salt mine outside of Krakow, I came to realize that one of the many gifts possessed by the Poles is their ability to transform the ordinary and the mundane into something quite beautiful. The mine itself, with its various statues and carvings (including a functioning chapel) etched out of salt, is one such example of the ability of our Polish hosts to appreciate, discover, and create beauty in the world.

The opening mass for World Youth Day that was celebrated this evening was filled with inexpressible beauty. In a rather ordinary park, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered as the Body of Christ. Various letters and words formed melodic prayers and hymns of praise in Polish, French, Latin, and English. Strangers from all over the world were brought together in a colorful mosaic of language and culture. Very basic gifts of bread and wine were transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. 

I cannot put into words the overwhelming sense of beauty I experienced during that opening liturgy. This is a mystery of my heart. But I suppose what had stirred within me was a deep gratitude for the very tangible ways in which God shares all that is good and beautiful and wonderful:

God's beauty is present in the diverse faces of all those pilgrims gathered from all over the world; God's beauty is alive in the faith of my fellow pilgrims from the Scranton Diocese; the gift of God's beauty is also given in surprising ways, such as when my friend Tom E. from Michigan found me in a crowd yesterday by throwing his orange Peruvian hat at me. And of course, what is more beautiful than the gaze of Jesus, the very gaze of God's mercy? 

WYD Krakow: Days 1 & 2

The beginning of our trip to Poland was delayed for several hours due to a malfunctioning  air conditioner on the plane. While we sat on the tarmac at JFK - perhaps a little hot, tired, and frustrated - a toddler began to cry. More accurately, this baby had an atomic breakdown. Poor kid! All I could do was laugh at our situation and remember not to take anything too seriously. Thanks be to God, our plane eventually took off (and our little friend fell asleep.)

We made it to Warsaw Airport and began our drive south to Krakow. The landscape of Poland is beautiful and reminded several of us of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our group was fortunate enough to celebrate Mass in the Sanctuary of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Skarzysko-Kamienna. The pastor showed us extreme hospitality. This priest lived out the work of mercy, of welcoming the stranger. It was a wonderful way to begin our pilgrim journey in Poland.

Today, we traveled to the Auschwitz death camp where more than one million Jews, Poles, Roma, and Soviet POW's were put to death. The compound at Auschwitz-Birkenau was massive and systematically laid out. How could human beings cause such suffering?! I prayed that I may always be a person who espouses the way of peace. No more violence. No more hatred. Only love.

Our group then traveled to the Shrine of John Paul II and the Shrine of Divine Mercy. At Auschwitz we remembered the destruction that humankind is capable of. But at these holy places, we remembered that God's love and mercy is greater than any human evil or sin.

Pilgrimage of Peace

Peace be with you!

In a few short hours, I will be en route from JFK Airport in New York to Poland with a group of pilgrims from the Diocese of Scranton. Together, we will join the global Catholic Church in celebrating World Youth Day with our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Nearly two-million pilgrims from all over the world will converge on Krakow, Poland to visit, explore, worship and pray at various shrines and churches. The stories of Polish saints Pope John Paul II, Maximilian Kolbe, and Sister Faustina will be told once again. Many of us unfamiliar with this eastern European country will discover a strong, vibrant people and culture.

Most important, we will encounter the Lord Jesus and his mercy on our pilgrim way.

As I prepare to depart for this nine-day pilgrimage in Poland, I am keeping my heart open to all that I will see and experience. Moreover, I am choosing to make this pilgrimage in a spirit of peace. All around us, the world seems to be embroiled in partisan conflicts and violence. Yet, for these next nine days, the young Church will be a witness to the world of God's abiding love, unity, reconciliation, and peace.

Please pray for me! Pray for the pilgrims!
And know that I keep my family and friends, our nation and world, the Church, all the children of Abraham, and every person of good will in my prayers.

Peace be with you!

Jubilee Year of Mercy Prayer

Friends, the following prayer was penned by Pope Francis for this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. It is a fitting reminder of the transformative power of God's gentle mercy in our lives, our Church, and our world:

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. 

Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal; and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. 

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: "If you knew the gift of God!"

Your are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifest his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. 

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. 

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. 

Pope Francis at the Holy Doors of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. 

Hospitality of Listening

(Readings for the Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Genesis 18:1-10a, Colossians 1:24-28, Luke: 10:38-42)

Hospitality, especially in arid desert climates, is essential. Without the gift of food, water, and shelter, many desert nomads would never survive. Hospitality can bring life in places of death.

By welcoming the three strangers into his tent for a meal, Abraham modeled what it means to be hospitable, to recognize the imprint of God on each unexpected sojourner. Martha of today's Gospel also embodied the hospitality of Father Abraham by preparing a meal for her friend Jesus.

While Martha's hospitality was certainly valued, it was Mary's hospitality of listening that was exulted and praised by Jesus.

Jesus also calls us to choose "the better part," to be like Mary who offers her whole self by sitting at the feet of Jesus in order to listen. What is it that Jesus the Master says to us? From the Scriptures, we hear the following:
-Love one another as I have loved you.
-Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
-Do not worry about tomorrow.
-I do not condemn you. Your sins are forgiven. 
-Come to me, all you who are labored and burdened. I will give you rest.
-Peace be with you.

As we become hospitable enough to listen to Jesus, we will hear this radical message of peace, reconciliation, and love. It is only after hearing the Word of God that we will be able to break ourselves open, deepen our service to others, and recognize God's presence in the "other."

When we authentically listen, we will soon quiet our own voice in order to hear the voice of those who are different than us. We will hear the pained cries of the oppressed. When we listen with the ear of the heart, then we shall be compelled to do nothing else but to act!

These times of turmoil call for action. Terrorism, violence, institutional racism, indifference, and political partisanship all demand acts of mourning, demonstration, political involvement, awareness, and healthy debate. Yet, our challenge is to first be hospitable listeners. Before doing anything else, we must be open to listen.

Our gift to our nation and world is the gift of listening. This is what we, the Church, can offer. Perhaps our hospitality of listening can bring life to those places plagued by death.

Holy Superabundance

(Readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37)

There is a natural inclination within each of us - a pull, an instinct, a stirring - to do good to others. It is a basic instinct that most people possess. We see this impulse in parents, teammates, soldiers, and community members. Selflessness is not difficult to find.

We often try to codify such behavior. In Deuteronomy, we read how Moses called the Hebrew people to form a nation that would live by a code of ethical behavior, following God's law and commands. This law is not a externally imposed burden, but is to be found written on our very hearts.

Jesus affirms this reality. Yet, in today's Gospel, Jesus also challenges us to deepen our commitment to the law of love. This call takes us beyond a basic practice of law, ethics, and morality. The call to love begins from our heart and takes us to the most unexpected of places.

Vincent Van Gogh - "The Good Samaritan" 

Jesus presents to us the Parable of the Good Samaritan through which we learn how God showers upon us a superabundance of mercy, love, and generosity. While we need to keep developing our impulse to do good for others, we are also summoned to go deeper, to be overly generous, merciful, and compassionate in a way that defies all rationality.

The real shock factor of the Parable of the Good Samaritan is that Jesus tells us to treat those who are truly "other" from us with a holy superabundance. Those who are completely different in all things - ideology, religion, race, culture, way of life - these are the ones to whom we are called to "go and do likewise." It is easy to love those who are similar to us or who share the same family, religion, or affiliations. But those who are utterly different...how do we treat them?

Jesus, through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, shows us the way. In a world filled with violence and strife, what if we loved with the superabundance God has shown us? What if we loved the immigrant, the refugee, the elderly and disabled, the unborn, the poor...and yes, even the terrorists, the drug-dealers, and violent reactionaries with this reason-defying law of God's superabundance? Perhaps then we would be led to an unexpected place: a place of encounter, and from there, a place of peace.

A Plea for Peace

Our country is in desperate need of true, lasting peace. The animosity that exists between so many different groups is brimming over into violence. The loss of life is unspeakable. The tension remains palpable. The narrative of division - black vs. white, rich vs. poor, police vs. minorities, Democrats vs. Republicans - must soon give way to the narrative of peace and unity. 

Right now is the time for peace. We plea for peace! As we mourn and express shock and anger about the events unfolding around us, let us try something new. Let's dialogue. Let's see the "other" as sister and brother. Let's respectfully express our opinion and listen to differing viewpoints. Let's give peace a chance!

We cannot wait for somebody else to step forward to lead the way of non-violent dialogue and outreach. All of us are called to be instruments of peace. Right now. In our homes. In our workplaces. In our houses of worship. In our communities. 

End the cycles of racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, and institutional brutality. Forge bonds of trust between communities and law enforcement agents. Have open debates about the role of guns and the plague of gun violence. 

Peace begins with you. It begins with me.

My prayer is that which is often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. This is a prayer for those seeking to sow seeds of love and forgiveness. It is a plea for peace:

Paradox of Missionary Discipleship

(Readings for the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Isaiah 66:10-14c; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20)

Christianity is inherently a religion of paradox.

Consider the central beliefs of Christianity:
-God is One in Three Persons.
-In the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, God became fully human.
-Mary is both Virgin and Mother of Christ.
-The Church is holy and yet comprised of imperfect sinners.

Yes, the Christian faith holds together seemingly dichotomous claims as one coherent truth. We embrace the "both/and," and not the "either/or," of our faith.

Today's Gospel reminds us of the paradox of our Christian missionary discipleship:
-Disciples are to be close to the Master so that they can be sent out on mission.
-The missionary journey is filled with risks such as inhospitable rejection, but the disciples are to go out regardless of the risk.
-The most important of missions occurs with the least amount of possessions.
-The "harvest" is abundant, but there are few laborers to work.

"The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few."

All of us, by virtue of our baptism, are called to be missionary disciples. Through our personal encounter of Christ, we are compelled to share and give witness to this profound reality of God-with-us.  The Good News has been planted within us by the Spirit of God. We are called, then, just like the seventy-two disciples, to be missionaries who further nurture and grow God's Reign of justice, mercy, and peace in our own hearts and throughout the world!

This is the mission of all who who claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ. What is holding us back from this great mission? Perhaps we fear being rejected by others. In a world of indifference, this is a strong  possibility. Or, maybe we do not believe we are truly equipped to embrace such a mission. Maybe we waiver at times in our faith. Indeed, we might fear the Cross of discipleship, whatever shape it may take.

The Cross: Tree of Life

The Cross is the ultimate paradox of our faith. What we fear the most - the Cross - proves to be the very source of life for our missionary discipleship. The Cross is a sign that love conquers hate, that life is stronger than death. The Cross teaches us that in giving of ourselves totally, we receive one-hundredfold. Missionary discipleship demands that we take up our Cross in order to follow Christ more closely.

Once we embrace the paradox of the Cross, we can then move forward in faith as disciples called to mission by Jesus Christ.