Life, Grandmita, and Wiffle Ball

Today, during Mother's Day, I am fondly remembering my maternal grandmother, Grandmita. I recall many memories of Grandmita and the lessons I learned from her life and example. One such lesson occurred after a particularly awful game of wiffle ball when I was ten years old.

Many summer days of my childhood were spent at Grandmita's house. Inevitably, my brothers and cousins always wound up playing wiffle ball in her backyard. Even though I was more interested in raiding the candy jar in Grandmita's kitchen, I begrudgingly ended up in the game.

Playing sports with my cousins and brothers was a painful experience. They were such good athletes. And I was not. Imagine playing ball against the likes of Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays while you could barely muster the athletic prowess of Fatty Arbuckle. That was my wiffle ball hell every day of that summer.

Really and truly, I was a terrible athlete. With no word of exaggeration, during one particular game, I struck out at least ten times. And I dropped just as many fly balls in the outfield. Disheartened, bored, and hungry, I quit the game by the fifth inning and trudged inside Grandmita's house. Yet, Grandmita always knew when I was upset. Moms and grandmas seem to have that gift.

Grandmita followed me into the room and tried to console me. She never wanted to see anybody feel excluded or left out. Grandmita offered words of compassion. She encouraged me to go out and try again. And when neither tactic work, she grabbed me by the hand and dragged me back outside to continue the game.

Did I suddenly become good at wiffle ball? No. Would I grow up to become a star athlete from that moment on? Absolutely not. So why was this such a memorable and formative moment for me?

Seared in my mind and heart is the way in which Grandmita was present to me. Grandmita was aware when one of her beloved grandchildren was feeling like a real loser, a real outsider. She sought me out, offering words of care, encouragement, and positivity. And when I needed it, Grandmita led me back to the yard with equal parts confidence and firmness.

If I can be attentive to others with such care, then I will have learned an invaluable lesson from Grandmita. If I can speak words of comfort when others are feeling down, then Grandmita's example was not in vain. If I can return time and again to those challenging games that occur throughout life, or if I can lead others back to face their own struggles, then I certainly will have followed Grandmita's lead. I can only hope that I possess a fraction of the goodness and love of Grandmita.

Who knew such life lessons could've been learned on and off the wiffle ball diamond?

Jesus Amidst Diapers

Yes. You read that title correctly. In recent days, I have discovered Jesus amidst diapers.

Let me try to explain.

A young mother reached out to one of our parishioners. Although her family was getting by with food, they were really feeling the pinch with diapers. There simply were not enough resources to buy anymore diapers. Apparently, even cheap diapers are expensive. This woman was hoping that this parishioner might know somebody who could help her with this impending crisis.

This parishioner then made a few calls and sent several messages to other members of the parish: Did anybody have extra diapers? If anybody was shopping, might they pick up some diapers? Could anybody donate a few dollars towards diapers?

Within the span of a few hours, the young mother was swamped with knocks on the door and calls on her phone. Anonymous packages of diapers lined her porch and gift cards filled her mailbox.

The young mother called the parishioner she initially reached out to and was overjoyed. She cried, so appreciative was she of the generosity shown to her by so many strangers.

You see, Jesus was there, amidst the diapers. When there was a need within the community, many disciples of Jesus responded to the call.

Selflessly, they gave, even when they themselves had very little resources. Some "masked up" and trudged to the store. Others drove across town to deliver the boxes. These Christians simply were following the lead of their Master. They responded with generosity and love. They are the salt and light of the world.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to serve the needs of others - in big ways and small. If we are willing to sacrifice in love for others, we will get through this current storm. Together, as the Body of Christ, we will lift each other up in support.

We'll even find Jesus amidst diapers.

Return to Galilee

Interestingly, in the account of the resurrection of Jesus that we hear proclaimed in the Gospel of Matthew, both the angel and the Risen Jesus urge Magdelena and Mary to share this message with the disciples: "Do not be afraid. Return to Galilee. There, you will see the Risen Lord."

What is the significance of Galilee? Why must the disciples go back after the events of the Lord's crucifixion, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem?

As Pope Francis reflects on this passage, he reminds us that the return to Galilee means going back to that place where Jesus first encountered us. The return to Galilee is to go back to that initial joy when Jesus first called us by name and we responded to this summons.

Yet, when we return to Galilee after some time, much like the disciples, we will also carry within us the scars of life. The disciples were fearful. Their faith had wavered. Uncertainty still lingered. The same is true for us. When we return to Galilee again and again, we are not always the same people as we were when Jesus first invited us to follow him at the lakeside. We hold within us life's shadows and disappointments, as well as our own failures and struggles.

Still, Jesus beckons us back to Galilee. When we return to Galilee, when we seek out Jesus again, we will be able to see our life in a new light. We need not be afraid. Darkness and death do not have the final word. Rather, the Risen Christ will transform us. The call to follow him and to be his disciple will deepen and increase. The meaning of our complex lives will start to come into focus.

The return to Galilee is a journey of faith. We go back to Jesus to be cured, to be forgiven, and to be called once more. We go back to Galilee to be renewed. And from Galilee, with Jesus at our side, we go forth to share the good news with others, inviting them to let go of fear and to return to Galilee.

There, in Galilee, we will always encounter anew the Risen Lord Jesus.

Hail the Cross!

During my college studies, I attended schools that were sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The religious priests and brothers of this congregation bring hope to their centers of education, parish life, and missionary work. This is symbolized by the cross and anchors that emblazon signs and buildings, as well as the medallions worn by these hope-filled men.

Most telling is the motto of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Beneath the cross and anchors appears in Latin, "Ave Crux, Spes Unica." That is, "Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope."

On this Good Friday, all of us can once more make these words our own. "Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope." On this sacred and solemn day, we remember the profound fidelity of Jesus to his mission. We commemorate the love that drove Jesus to confront the powers of death which oppose life and goodness. Jesus carries the sins of the world and reverses the fate of sinners. The Cross is the symbol of the victory of mercy.

Yet, if we are to follow the Cross of Christ, if we are to proclaim "Ave Crux, Spes Unica," then we must also realize that we cannot place our hope in anything else.

The Jewish religious leaders condemned one of their own. Likewise, in our own day, our religious institutions at times have gravely failed us. The governor Pontius Pilate acted unjustly and with fear by sentencing Jesus to death. So too do we see the political leaders and governments of our time failing to lead. The Roman soldiers tortured the innocent man. This impulse to violence and power is readily seen in ourselves and within our own society. Judas the Iscariot betrayed Jesus; Peter denied him.  All abandoned him, except Mary of Cleopas, Magdalena, and his mother. Certainly, we also know full well the sting of betrayal, hurt, abandonment, and disappointments in our own lives.

Only the Cross of Christ can bring us true hope. In the Cross, we encounter the most selfless gift of love. In the Cross, we see God's solidarity with our own weakness and suffering. In the Cross, we experience the promise of eternal newness and life.

This is a day of hope. Despite the currents of fear, anxiety, and death, we look to the Cross as our sign of hope... indeed, our only hope. No longer can we place our hope in the passing things of this world. Rather, we look to those which endure. We look to the love of God in Jesus that is faithful to the end. So with faith and confidence, let us sing and shout: "Ave Crux, Spes Unica!" "Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope!"

We are Priests and Eucharist

Each year on Holy Thursday, we commemorate two incredible gifts that God has given to us in the Christian life: the ordained priesthood and the Eucharist. 

Priests are called to be like Christ the Servant. As ordained ministers, we are summoned to wash the feet of others, to serve with humility, and to be God's abundant mercy. Priests pray with, for, and on behalf of God's People. Ordained priests also serve by celebrating the sacraments, with special devotion to the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is indeed the source and summit of the Christian life. In the Eucharist, we receive the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. In this sacrifice, we experience forgiveness and reconciliation with God. In this memorial, we remember the selfless love of Christ. In this sacrament, we continuously become united as one with the Lord.

It is very heartbreaking, then, that we cannot currently gather together as the Church in order to celebrate these two gifts of priesthood and Eucharist on this Holy Thursday.

Yet, we believe God can always transform moments of darkness into light. Perhaps God is using this time to remind all of us something fundamental about our own Christian identities: all of us are priests; all of us are Eucharist.

By virtue of our baptism, we have become a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart." As royal priests of Christ, each of us prays for the needs of our families, our Church, and our world. We offer our way of life - whether single, married, parent, ordained, or widowed - as an acceptable offering to God. We sacrifice for others. We serve the needs of all by washing their feet. 

And like the bread that is offered on the altar, we are also broken and blessed. Like the wine, we are poured out and shared. If we follow Jesus the Lord with integrity and authenticity, others will then look to us and be fortified by our example. They can feed upon our living relationship with the Lord. They can drink in our words of faith and hope. In turn, we are strengthened for mission by other disciples, who with us, form the Body of Christ.

Certainly, we look forward to the day when we can all be reunited at the altar where we will praise God with great joy for the gifts of the ordained priesthood and the Eucharist. As that glorious day approaches, let us also continue to grow in our own baptismal identity. We use this time to remember that in Christ Jesus, we are priests and Eucharist.

Taize Prayer

At different chapters of our lives, we are drawn to certain expressions of prayer. During my college years, I was drawn to the Taizé Prayer services that were held periodically at our college chapel.

Taizé Prayer is very contemplative. The prayer space is surrounded by candlelight and sacred images. Taizé uses simple melodies and chants, often verses from psalms or spiritual writings. There is no presider or leader. No sermons or homilies. No ritual, other than continual singing.

The idea behind this style of prayer is that all Christians can join in heart and voice, collectively meditating on the love and mercy of God. Brother Roger founded the ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France during World War II. Brother Roger especially desired to gather people of all different backgrounds to pray together as a living sign that the peace of Christ is still present whenever we gather in faith.

In the midst of this current disaster of the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps it is worthwhile to re-visit (or perhaps for some of us, to try for the first time) this way of prayer. Because we are all stuck in our homes, some elements will have to be improvised.

First, create a Taizé playlist. Here are some possible suggestions:

"O Lord, Hear My Prayer"

"Stay With Me"

"Jesus, Remember Me"

"Bless the Lord, My Soul"

Next, establish a sacred space. Gather some sacred images and a cross. Also, light some candles. Sit in a comfortable position, whether in a chair or on the floor. Now play the music.

Finally, enter into the prayer. Allow the words to become your own. Perhaps join in the singing. End your prayer experience in silence.

What has the Lord been speaking to your heart to you during this time of prayer?

Watch Movies. (And Pray!)

During this time of "shelter-in-place" and "lock-down", we are spending unprecedented amounts of time at home. It is easy to become restless and bored. One way to get through these days is to deepen our practice of prayer. Another way to pass the time is to watch movies. With a little creativity, we can do both.

There are some wonderful cinematic masterpieces that are thoughtful and beautiful films.  Included below are five of my personal favorites. In addition to a brief synopsis of the movie, I also have added some questions for consideration that might help make the time spent in front of the television a little bit more reflective and prayerful.

Of Gods and Men 
This brilliant film tells the true story of Dom Christian and six other Trappists who make the decision to remain in Algeria during the 1996 civil war. Each man gradually decides to stay out of great love for the Algerian people. Get the tissues ready for the monks' "last supper" scene.
What difficult decisions have you had to make in your life?
How did you arrive at your decision?

Jesus of Nazareth 
Franco Zeffirelli's 1977 made-for-television drama is visually stunning. The countryside, the costumes, and even some of the actors look like they were pulled from the pages of the New Testament. The entire series runs six hours, so if you are aiming to watch this film in one sitting,  I recommend the final two hours. (Begin with the raising of Lazarus).
How do I see and hear Jesus in my own life?
How does the message of Jesus impact my life now?

It's a Wonderful Life
While so many of us will associate this film with the Christmas season, the message of a noble life lived for others needs to be emphasized year-round. Along with some iconic performances, this film delivers a timeless message that selfless love is still purposeful.
How do I live my life for others with generosity and selflessness?
Looking back at my past, what were key moments in which I recognize God at work in my life?

The Mission
Set in the jungles of South America, The Mission tells the story of Jesuit missionaries who seek to authentically encounter the native tribes with the good news of the gospel. The Jesuit missionaries must confront the greed and violence forced upon the indigenous peoples by European colonizers.
How can I stand in solidarity with those who are abused, marginalized, and forgotten about?
In what ways can I evangelize and share the good news of the gospel?

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
This film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy novel utilizes many Christian allusions. The journey follows a band of heroes who must destroy the corrupting forces of a powerful ring.
What are some of the sins and forces of evil that I confront in my life and in the world around me?
Who do I consider part of my "fellowship" during this journey of life?  

Jesus Raises Us Up

“He stinketh,” Martha protests as Jesus suggests they roll away the stone from Lazarus’ tomb.  Her brother Lazarus, dead now for four days, will certainly carry the stench of decay. Thus, in polite language taken from the King James version of the Bible, we hear: “He stinketh.”

Really, this line from today’s Gospel is revelatory of the unfolding narrative…. the whole situation stinks! Mary and Martha must face the fact that their life is utterly changed. The sisters from Bethany mourn what once was and now face an uncertain future without Lazarus.  Prior to the sleep of death, as Lazarus declined in health, he too must’ve struggled with his inevitable fate. Then, death comes. Lazarus lies silent, wrapped in burial cloths in the cold, dark tomb.

It doesn’t take much imagination to apply these elements from the Gospel of John to our own situation today. The outbreak of COVID-19 has utterly changed the normalcy of our lives. Our calendars, once filled with celebrations, are now eerily empty. We wrestle with what the future holds regarding our health, our jobs, and our finances. We watch as the number of confirmed virus cases rise each day, and with that, the number of deaths. The quarantine forced upon us, though very necessary, is much like a tomb experience. We struggle with our own powerlessness and vulnerability in this bleak time.

“And Jesus wept.” This is Jesus’ reaction to the deeply painful experiences that surrounded him and engulf us today. Jesus is saddened that his good friends must share in the sorrow of grief and uncertainty. Jesus groans and cries because of the loss of his dear friend. Jesus sobs at the reality of death and the darkened tomb, a reality he will soon face and a reality that every person must endure. The whole situation stinks. And so, “Jesus wept.”

"The Resurrection of Lazarus" by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Of course, this is not the end of the story. Neither Lazarus’ story, nor our own, ends with Jesus crying at the stench-filled tomb. Rather, Jesus acts. Jesus manifests God’s undying love by raising Lazarus from the tomb. Jesus demonstrates that divine love has no limits; it even pushes to the realm of the dead. Jesus alone is the Resurrection and the Life who transforms our experiences of mourning, sorrow, and death itself.

As we go through these upcoming weeks of uncertainty, we remember that Jesus suffers alongside us. As we endure our own tomb experience due to this current pandemic, we look to Jesus to transform us into a people of Life and Resurrection. With the love of Jesus, we can confidentially endure the darkness of this current moment. We look for the every-day moments when God’s love proves to be stronger than the power of death. Even as we weep and mourn – as we admit that this time really does stink – may we never forget that in Jesus, God’s limitless love will find us. As Lazarus once experienced and as we soon will know, Jesus always raises us up.

Who's Your Hero?

Hopefully, each of us can look to certain individuals as exemplars of virtue. I often seek out the example of these heroes, learning ways in which I can become more faithful, patient, loving, and generous.

One of my heroes includes Oscar Romero of El Salvador. Romero was named archbishop of San Salvador in 1977 during a period of increasing violence, terrorism, and civil war. It was believed that Romero would be a safe choice as archbishop, passively sitting by while those with economic, political, and military power continued to oppress the poor and marginalized populations. However, Romero underwent a conversion of heart, especially after his friend Padre Rutilio Grande, S.J. was killed.

For nearly three years, Oscar Romero spoke truth to power. Romero challenged the oppression caused by unjust government policies and economic practices. He condemned the violence of both sides, advocating instead for the "violence of love" as demonstrated by Jesus. Monseñor Romero sided with the weak and the helpless. Romero was, in turn, assassinated on March 24, 1980 as he celebrated the Eucharist.

I look to Saint Oscar Romero to inspire me, that I might always be open to a change of heart. I hope that I can be as courageous as San Oscar, standing up for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. I seek to be faithful to my own vocational calling and generous with my life. I ask the holy bishop-martyr of San Salvador to renew the fire of justice, peace, and love within me.

There are many such role models and examples in our world today. So, I invite you to comment on this post, answering the following questions: Who's your hero? Why?

Trust in God

Teresa of Avila was a 16th-century Carmelite nun and reformer in Spain. Saint Teresa was witty, sharp, intense, and austere. Yet, she was also deeply in love with Jesus Christ and wrote magnificent treatises on the Christian spiritual life. Due to her incredible faith and contributions to spiritual theology, Teresa of Avila was named one of only thirty-six "Doctors of the Church."

The following prayer, penned by Teresa, was found only after her death in 1582. She had written it down on a scrap of paper to use as a bookmark. May these simple-yet-profound words of trust in God alone sit deep within us this day:

Let nothing disturb you;                      Nada te turbe;
Let nothing frighten you.                    Nada te espante;
All things are passing.                        todo se pasa;
God never changes.                            Dios no se muda.
Patience obtains all things.                 La paciencia todo lo alcanza.
Those who have God,                        Quien a Dios tiene
are never lacking.                               nada le falta.
God alone suffices.                            Solo Dios basta.

A Song of Hope

I've returned to blogging after a long hiatus. I didn't have much time to sit and collect my thoughts for this page, as I have been joyfully busy as a parish priest now for nearly two years. Of course, so much of the day-to-day ministry has come grinding to a near halt due to the Corona Virus pandemic. This time in quarantine has afforded me an opportunity to return to this page and share some thoughts of hope and faith during such an uncertain moment in the life of our world.

Really, the idea of blogging came to me today as I was praying Morning Prayer - which is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the universal prayers of the Church which includes psalms, canticles, scripture passages, petitions, and reflections from various saints that are prayed daily by clerics, religious, and many lay faithful throughout the world.

Each Morning Prayer includes the Canticle of Zechariah (see Luke 1:68-79). This is the song that the father of John the Baptist belted out upon the birth, circumcision, and naming of his son. Zechariah praises and blesses the Lord for the liberation that God has offered to God's People. Zechariah then looks to his infant son John, and offers a prophecy of his mission as preparing the way for the Christ. Finally, in stunningly beautiful language, Zechariah prays: "In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."

This daily prayer can become our own song of hope. Yes, even in the darkest night, we know that Jesus Christ, Light of the world, will usher in another dawn. We believe that Jesus Christ offers us a peace which the world cannot give. In Jesus Christ, we experience the very face of the Father's compassion and mercy. While the pall of death is ever-present, so is the life-saving and self-sacrificial work of doctors and nurses, modeled after Jesus the Divine Physician. Though now is the time of the cross, we believe that resurrection and new life will follow.

So my friends, let us make Zechariah's song our own. Let us not be robbed of hope.