Father Bill says...for First Sunday of Lent

To: all of my friends


From: Father Bill Muench


Father Bill says…for Lent
In preparation for the First Sunday in Lent
March 1, 2009

Our Diocesan Parish in Peru was in a desert – not the kind of sandy dune desert – but rather rocky, filled with dirt and brown – the interesting thing is that soil was more fertile than you might think. Half way up the road to Arequipa (about 30 km. from Mollendo) – a project was established of irrigation on a large scale – so there was a place – about 5miles by 5 miles – that was green – crops were being grown and animals raised – rather interesting because all the way up it was all brown – and after passing that area it was all brown – but going through that section it was green and fertile.

The Gospel for the First Sunday of Lent begins by telling us that the “Spirit drove Jesus into the desert.” The prophets before Jesus often went into the desert to get away from the cities and towns – to pray and meditate and decide what to write and say. And so it was with Jesus – however, the gospel writers (this story is told by all of the synoptics, Matthew, Luke and Mark – this Sunday it is Mark) tell us that Jesus was tempted. Mark tells us simply that Jesus was tempted – tempted to seek personal power and personal satisfaction – instead of setting out to bring the message of salvation to all people.

So – Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted – don’t shrug this off by saying well Jesus was the Son of God – Jesus accepted our humanity when he became one of us – and so the temptations were a real experience for him – Jesus is like us in all things and ways, sin excepted.

And in addition Jesus accepted the sufferings of being human – he was not immune to suffering, to hurt, to disappointment. The reading for this Sunday from the Letter of Peter says, “Christ suffered for sins once – the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous – that he might lead you to God.”

So, we accept our Lenten sufferings to unite ourselves with the sufferings of Jesus – so that we learn to be compassionate and forgiving like Jesus – Compassion is not learned without suffering – and compassion must be part of our lives as we strive to live as Christians and Catholics.

After his desert retreat – Jesus begins his ministry. His message is rather simple and yet powerful – “This is the time for fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.”

Kingdom of God – we are invited and called and challenged to be a people – those dedicated to the message and spirit of Jesus – those living the Christian life to the full – always working to live better lives – to meet God’s challenge to be better than ever before.

Repent – and believe in the Gospel – Repent – a challenge to change our mind and heart – a challenge that is a lifelong process of transformation. This call to repentance – not just to atone for our sins – but to become something greater – more alive in the Spirit of our Savior.

We find our strength by believing in the Gospel – the good news – that the Son of God – Jesus Christ – has become one of us – to live with us, to die for us, and to rise again from the dead to demonstrate the great and unconditional love that God has for us all – that God longs for the salvation of us all.

Today’s psalm puts it this way: - “Good and upright is the Lord, thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and he teaches the humble his way.”

So – Lent asks us these questions –
(1) to what change in lifestyle is the Spirit leading you this Lent?
(2) What are your temptations – you experience – that keep you from God?
(3) What price are you willing to pay to live the good news?

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I come to you this day at the beginning of Lent to seek your help and support that I may use well these days of Lent to become more like Jesus – to be transformed in his love – to become a more forgiving person – as I have been forgiven by you, my God. This is my prayer. Amen.

Again I call to your attention that I am now posting these letters on a blog site – and invite you to invite others to that site –

Reached by googling: tipastor.blogspot.com

Or simply tipastor.

Father Bill says...for Lent

“ ‘The kind of fasting I want is this,’ says the Lord…Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.” (Isaiah 58:6a,7b)

Fasting – an integral part of Lent. Fasting is an important part of our Catholic spirituality as it is for many other religions, around the world. However, fasting – that is simply accepted as a burden – means nothing. Fasting, like all Lenten practices, is meant to make us a better person. If that is not accomplished – than the fasting means nothing. I am reminded of those who use to give up smoking for Lent (that is a form of fasting) – then proceed to make everyone’s life miserable for seven weeks. Nothing was accomplished.

Fasting – the first thing we think of is food. Food can control our lives. Speaking for myself, I know only too well that when I am unhappy or annoyed or out of sorts – I decided to solve my situation by eating – and usually something sweet and gushy. The food takes over my life. Instead of solving the problem properly for my own good – I bury it in food – lots of food. Fasting liberates me from the food that wants to take over my life.

The challenge is to establish a plan – to make my Lent an opportunity for making myself a better person – giving up something for Lent is important – doing something for Lent is essential.

In addition – fasting for the Lord helps to unite me with the starving people of the world. I cannot solve their problem but I can walk with them for a time – so that I realize what is happening in this world – so that I can demonstrate my concern – so that I can make my fasting a prayer to the Lord for the suffering and starving of the world. How I remember the children in the garbage dump in Peru.
And, finally, fasting helps me to appreciate what I eat. Many people have made possible what I put on my dinner table – and I thank God for their concern and care – they don’t know me – but they are doing such good things for me. Thank you, God – for the food I eat – help me to appreciate it by eating sensibly and even fasting during Lent.

Father Bill says...for Lent

Jesus said to all: “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps.”(Luke 9:23)

Today at Mass – the Gospel directed our attention to the cross of Christ – and our readiness to accept our crosses. As I looked at the people in the congregation I easily realized that all of the crosses that these folks had accepted over the years – was simply huge. Somewhere I remember reading a spiritual writer encouraging the readers to embrace their crosses. These crosses were like special opportunities from the Lord. That is not at all an easy notion to comprehend. When I think of my crosses, I often think of the painful and unhappy times in my life – they seemed to be very counter productive – the only good thing for me was getting through that time as quickly as possible. And yet, here is the Lord – my God – reminding me that he will always be with me – that he has helped me carry my crosses – and that I am a better person because I met those crosses with faith and determination. I have so much to learn.

I know that Jesus accepted the cross – someone taught me that for Jesus the cross was a victory – his victory over death – he walked the way to the cross to join us – for each of us must face our cross, our death one day – but with Jesus we can deal with it – we can triumph with Jesus also. So I must be ready to accept my crosses – for they are the path to the Lord for me – and they are the path that Jesus walks with me.

The crosses in my life that I find the most difficult to deal with are my frustrations – the frustrations that have come when I fail to accomplish what I know I can accomplish – what I know I should have accomplished. It makes me doubt my willingness to fulfill my dedication to my God and to my priesthood. So Lord I need your help to carry those crosses of frustration.

My prayer today is that I can be touched by the Holy Spirit to be ready and willing to embrace today’s cross – with confidence – the confidence that comes from the Lord – the readiness to know that this is the way I can give of myself to find new life with the Lord.

Father Bill says...for Thursday after Ash Wednesday

“ Those who reject evil are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up.” (Psalm 1:3)

This morning the Ash Wednesday Mass was with the school kids. I always ask questions during the homily when it is a children’s Mass – maybe, one of these days, I should do the same with the adults – that would catch their attention. I think that the children understand what we are getting at with Lent – they know that Lent is the time for doing something. I know that self control is difficult for me – so I can only image how much more difficult it is for children. But I am always impressed with their readiness to accept the challenge. I remember a few years ago – we took the 8th graders to the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass – and on the way back, I decided to stop at McDonald’s – and one young girl stayed behind in the van – when I inquired she told me she had given up McDonald’s for Lent – and was okay.

So, it is time for each of us to accept the mortification of Lent – to give up something – even what we enjoy – for the Lord – in repentance for our sins and making ourselves a better person by strengthening our self control.

Catherine Doherty – “I suggest that all of us who are thinking about Lent simply ask ourselves one question. How much do I love this year? Then you will know all about fasting, prayer and penance, because love will dictate them to you, and l love is God.”

So – that is the question today – how much do you love? - A Lenten program is truly about love – we do our Lenten things to strengthen our love – for God – by praying more passionately, by giving up something as a demonstration of our love for God – so never forget Lent is about God and our love of God. It is also about our love for ourselves – lent is about making ourselves a better person by our Lenten prayer and acts of mortification.

Father Bill says...for Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009

To: all of my friends

“My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.” (Psalm 51:17)

Catherine Doherty – “Lent should fan the desire of men and women for God into a bonfire.”

Ashes are dirty – ashes are meant to be dirty – ashes are dirty to remind us its Lent – now begins our time for make over. In humility, we come to the Lord – humbly recognizing our failings and ready to spend time in repentance to become a new person – if our desire was a bonfire, we would not need Lent. So it is time for prayer, for Mass, for sacrifice, for doing something to get that bonfire going.

- Monday of this week - I traveled to Massena for a funeral for my friend, Father Vinny's father's funeral - as often happens the funeral - a sad occasion - was also a good time to renew my relationship with many of the priests from that part of the diocese - several I had not seen in a very long time - I also had the opportunity of visiting my friend, Cindy - I have know Cindy since she was a very little girl - and now is recovering from a bout with cancer that she seems to be conquering - so join me in praying for Mr. Flynn - for Father Vinny's family - and for my friend, Cindy.

Father Bill says...February 21, 2009

To: all of my friends
From: Father Bill Muench

Father Bill says…February 21, 2009

In preparation for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

This was a very quiet week after a rather busy weekend – last weekend, there was the wedding in Syracuse – and on Sunday, I attended Mass – just like an ordinary person – with Susan and Paul and their children. I learned a great deal as a priest about how the people in the pews feel and react at Mass. It was a good experience for me. Since the pastor was away, the priest celebrant was an old friend, Father Fran Pompei. And as always he was wonderful – his homily touched us all – and he drew us all into the Eucharist with his open and caring Spirit. So the experience was a great one for me – Now I must incorporate what I learned into my Masses this weekend.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday – I will take some time this Sunday to remind the people about Lent – and encourage them to get a plan – Lent is good – it sometimes seemed a little annoying at first – I often forget what I have decided to do in the first week – like not eating between meals – I often march right out into the kitchen in the evening – longing for a little ice cream – or a lot – and then remember – its Lent. Suddenly, my self-control is tested – and then my motivation – you are doing this for God – you are doing this to atone for your failings – you are doing this to become a new person in the Spirit of my Savior, who suffered and died for me.

This Sunday’s Old Testament reading from Isaiah is a good preparation for Lent. Isaiah is writing to the Hebrew people who are returning from the Babylonian Captivity – he speaks in the name of God to reassure them – and to encourage them to begin a new – to form a new spirit in their nation – to make themselves new in the Lord – “Remember not the events of the past, I am doing something new.” That is what Lent is all about – not just for us to remember our failings of the past – but to become something new in the Lord – not just eliminating something – a bad habit or sin – from our lives – rather that we become something new – when Easter comes my Lenten program should have molded me into a new person – closer to the Lord – ready to live in the Spirit of my Savior in a better way – stronger – my self control ever stronger – Lenten changes in my life should not end with Easter – but continue and continue.

Sunday’s Gospel is a story we have heard often – four men are carrying a paralytic to Jesus – they cannot get into the house where he is teaching the people – it is jammed – so they climb up on the roof – remove some of the thatching – lower the paralytic to Jesus’ fee – Jesus says to the man – “Your sins are forgiven” – the Hebrew Scribes (religious leaders) are upset – “who can forgive sins – only God – Jesus asks, “Which is easier to say, Your sins are forgiven – or – rise and take up your mat and walk – but continues Jesus, “so that you may know the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins – he said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat and go home.” And the man is healed and leaves.

Notice how Jesus turns this situation around – these men come for a physical healing – Jesus makes it a spiritual experience – they see only the paralysis of a friend – Jesus sees an opportunity for spiritual renewal – Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven” – the Scribes are confused – the paralytic and his friends are confused – so Jesus asks which is easier – to forgive sins or heal a paralytic – our response is probably to forgive sins – who will ever know – what is the test – Jesus verifies his power to forgive sins by healing the man – our question will be has the man’s life been changed – is he going to live a good life – does he realize just what it means to have the Lord, himself, forgive his sins.

Jesus’ point (I think) – Jesus can deal with our physical needs more easily than changing our lives by forgiving our sins – Jesus must often find it very difficult to convince us of our goodness and God’s love by forgiving our sins – do we truly understand the unconditional forgiving love of our God that should make us new persons – if so, we would be living a better life in a new spirit – in the spirit of our God – we would be saints.

Notice Jesus ends by sending the man home – go home and show your family what has happened to you – go home and live a good life – now that you are healed and forgiven – lead your family to a new life by sharing God’s love with them – rejecting all that is sinful – make your family a happy and more peaceful and loving family.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father, I come today seeking your healing power – cure me of all that keeps me from loving you – from living in your love – forgive my failings and draw me ever closer to you. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer

P.S. – I have decided to post these letters on one of those blog sights – you can find it by googling “tipastor.blogspot.com” – or even just “tipastor” – and you can leave any comments – I would love to see some of your reactions. I have included there some personal comments of my own, also.

I wanted to share this picture of myself with Jim Mennis - from 2000 when we were on sabbatical in Rome - at Vatican Square - it is interesting because it became the cover picture of a magazine published by a religious group in 2005.

Do you think we should ask for a posing fee?

Father Bill says...February 12, 2009

To: all of my friends
From: Father Bill Muench

Father Bill says…February 12, 2009

I am writing this a little early this week – tomorrow, Friday – I am traveling down to Syracuse – I have been invited to a wedding – the son, Dan, of a couple, Carol and John, that I have known for a very long time – in fact, I taught them back when I was teaching in high school – back in IHC in Watertown, New York – and that wasn’t yesterday – and I officiated at their wedding. I am looking forward to seeing so many wonderful friends who are part of this family – it should be quite a weekend.

They have asked me to give the homily at the wedding – that is truly a privilege – so I am turning the parish over to Father Bob for another weekend – and I have been concentrating on the homily for this wedding – so let me share with you some of the ideas I will use at the wedding.

I want to begin by making certain that they know how joyful a wedding is – not only for the people involved but for the Church also. I will concentrate on the important idea that in our Church – a wedding is a covenant and a sacrament –

A covenant – not just a legal contract – but far more – a promise made in love – a vow that a man and woman make to enter into a free and loving relationship for a life time. This is a powerful idea. And that this couple is called to live out this covenant – to become a loving, unified couple – always ready to heal each other’s hurts and be a forgiving and understanding couple. God’s love for his people is called a covenant – thus, a married couple demonstrates God’s unconditional love for all people – by living in an unconditional love for each other.

A sacrament – each sacrament is our moment of receiving in a most abundant way the grace of God – each married couple becomes a sign of God’s great love for all people – their love for each other is a witness and demonstration that love is possible – love is possible for a life time. Just as a husband loves his wife – and a wife loves her husband – so God loves us – a spectacular thought –

The demand seems too great – too difficult – and there can be some bad days – some difficult moments – and the solution is that the moment of marriage – the exchange of vows must be renewed each and every day of their lives together – they must be ready to say “I do” again and again – each and every day of their lives – they must be ready to marry each other over and over again.

When a married couple lives out their sacrament well – they change the world – they make the world a better place – they bring into the world love – a love that they share for each other – a love that is truly God given.

This will be a St. Valentine’s Day wedding – and so I will mention that this is a great day to be married – a very romantic day – and I want to remind them how important it is to keep that romance in their marriage – some find it rather curious when a priest talks about romance – but I have been blessed to have known many, many couples throughout my priesthood who have shown me want good and honest romance is all about – I will be sure to mention to the groom that his parents were a rather romantic couple – that will get a little rise from the crowd – I don’t know the bride’s parents – so I better be careful there. Oh, yes – I just remembered – I will also mention that St. Valentine was a martyr – he accepted death because of his faith in the Lord – and it is an interesting idea – but maybe an important one – that true love means being willing to die for someone. I hope that doesn’t sound too sharp – we will see.

Finally, I want to share something with you that I will not be using in the homily – I discovered one of those top ten lists – that I used in my parish bulletin – this is a list of the habits of happy couples – I put them in the bulletin last Sunday – and a few – especially some of the husbands gave me a quizzical look – so here are a few of those ideas – go to bed at the same time; cultivate common interests; make trust and forgiveness your default mode; accentuate the positive; hug each other as soon as you see each other after being apart; say, “I Love you” every morning; say “good night” every night, regardless of how you feel; walk hand in hand; - finally –stick with it – the writer ends by saying this – it takes 30 days for a change in behavior to become a habit and a minimum of six months for a habit to become a way of life – and love.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray today for Rachel and Dan – watch over them – help them to discover your great love – and to make it theirs – may they live their married life in the spirit of your love and find peace and happiness in all that they do. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.