Father Bill says...

for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-02-18T19:03:00.002-05:00

This Sunday - Jesus presents his teaching on non-violence and love of enemies - non-violence - taught by Jesus and many great teachers - like Ghandi - Jesus urges us to make our world a better place by the way in which we treat others - even those who may be violent - even to ourselves - with Jesus we are asked to hold back - this is not a silly approach to relations with the difficult people of this world - it is a time for us to step up and make the world a better place - by refusing to become violent in action or word.

And to love enemies - I recently heard of a statement by Don Samuel Ruiz - the recently deceased Bishop of Southern Mexico - who in working hard for the indigenous people of his diocese and in doing he upset many in the formal government - once asked how he dealt with Jesus challenge to love your enemies - he said "I have no enemies - there are many who wish to make me their enemy - but I have no enemies" He looked at his relations with others and was able to say that he truly did not consider anyone his enemy - can you say the same.

With the Holy Spirit - we can be the kind of Christian that can change the world - by removing from our relationships and our community anything that involves violence - and hatred. May you be that kind of person.

Merry Christmas to all of my friends

2010-12-17T08:33:00.002-05:00

My sincerest wishes to all of my friends for a happy and peaceful Christmas - Christmas is a special time for all - but sometimes it comes and goes too quickly - so I hope that the love that you exchange with your family and friends last throughout the whole year. This will be a most interesting year in my life - so I ask for your prayers - I promise to keep each of you in my prayers and Masses this Christmas Day and everyday of this year.

Father Bill Muench

Father Bill says...Second Sunday of Advent

2010-12-04T15:17:00.003-05:00

On the Second Sunday of Advent - the patron saint is St. John the Baptist - who call us to repentance - in his day he was truly a street preacher - who challenged the people to make a decision - a decision to change their lives - as a sign of this decision they accepted Baptism in the Jordan River at the hands of John the Baptist - each one of us is called to the same conversion of life this Advent so that we will be ready to celebrate the birth of Our Savior this Christmas - our gift to the Lord - our Christmas present to Jesus - our readiness to live in his Spirit - to bring his love and peace to our world - as we long to make our community and world a place of harmony and peace - just as the prophet Isaiah foresees - as he looks ahead using language that we have incorporated into our Christmas cards -

"the wolf shall be the guest of the lamb,

and the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the young lion shall browse together

with a little child to guide them."

Christ the King

2010-11-22T14:20:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday - the Final Sunday of the Church year - was the Feast of Christ the King - the Kingdom of God is in your midst - you are invited to be part of that Kingdom - a very different Kingdom - for it is a Kingdom of Love and Peace - a Kingdom that we are invited to be part of - by transforming our lives in the model of Our King, Jesus Christ.

Christ the King - so different - for he accepted death for us - death on a cross - with a crown of thorns on his head - proclaiming for us to see the unconditional love that God has for us.

I want to invite you to become more fully a part of the Kingdom of God - you are invited - Jesus invites you - I invite you - when you accept that invitation - you will be overwhelmed with the grace and love of our God - so that you can take that love into your life and world - and then share that love and peace with all you meet - so that your community discover the happiness that we are all called to find.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving - let us do so in the spirit of our King - recognizing the great and wonderful gifts that are ours from the God who loves - the greatest of these gifts will always be the forgiveness that our God offers to us - we are a saved people - we are forgiven our failures - we always have a new opportunity with the Lord - Thank you Lord - with your forgiving spirit I am never afraid - I know that you will understand and guide me in the future.

I pray this day in gratitude for all those wonderful people that you have made a part of my life - those people who have guided me and loved me - so that I could be come this person that I am - please watch over them - and give them the reward that so deserve - especially for touching my life.

Father Bill says...for All Saints Day, November 1st

2010-10-29T13:26:00.003-04:00

All Saints Day, November 1st

Saints - saints are an important part of the Catholic culture - we remember those who have gone on before us - they are our examples - and witnesses - to the hope of new life, Resurrection - after life. Each of us have our favorite saints - stories that mean so much to us - that remind us that we have the opportunity to make a difference in our world - basically, it says - if they can do it - so can I. The Catholic Church has a process to look into the life of a holy person - and decide - and declare that person a saint by a very wonderful ceremony called canonization - and the list of canonized saints grows every year - many are well known - some not so well known. Just a week ago - Brother Andre of Montreal was declared a Saint - St. Brother Andre - and then there is Saint Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, Italy - some of course are still on the way to being canonized - so Pope John XXIII is Blessed - the next step will be to be canonized and be declared a saint.

Now - there are many, many canonized saints - but not all saints have been canonized - there are many, many people with the Lord - who never go through the process and reach the stage of being declared a saint - and yet, they are truly saints - among them are our special saints - saints of our family - saints from among our friends - those special people who have been truly examples and witnesses for us - and have shown us the way to live and make our lives all they should be and have convinced us that our lives are worth while - and we are loved and important - so we should never give up on our road to sainthood.

One more thing to add to all of this - the stories of the saints - the canonized ones and the others - is that they achieved a good and holy life by being really good people - many, if not all, had their sins and failings but they never gave up - they had the faith and strength of will to get up and keep trying - they trusted the forgiving power of God - and kept on going.

So who do I think of today - among my saints - well, there is my mother, of course - then my friend, Father Bernard - who touched so many lives with his challenging talks and delightful wit - despite his failings - he never got down on himself - he kept on trying - and of course, my friend, Father Tim - who was truly a friend - some one I often needed to perk up my day - and to lift my spirit when I began to doubt.

So thank you, Lord - for such great saints - saints who were my friends - may I never forget them - so that I continue to realize my own goodness - that I may continue to walk on the way of following all the saints.

Mission Sunday - October 24, 2010

2010-10-23T09:30:00.002-04:00

The Adirondacks in the Fall

Mission Sunday - I remember well my short stay as a missionary - I was so impressed with the missionaries that I met in Peru, South America - I remember the American priests that had joined the St. James Society - many had signed up for five years - and then just stayed - I met one who had stayed for thirty years.

When I think of a true, dedicated missionary - I remember Madre Antonia - a Maryknoll Sister who had been in the Altiplano of Peru - the small community of Yanque - for well over forty years - she died during this past week - her dedication to her people was well known - but her renown spread throughout the whole area - many visitors to the Colca Valley - deeper than the Grand Canyon - a nesting place for condors - would also add a visit to the sisters - I was there once when a group from Lima came - a German group - that included the Ambassador from Germany - and the Ambassador from Austria - they were so impressed with Antonia and her work - each morning beside the Church things were so busy - large pots of soup would be cooking over wood fires - and the people would come with their various containors - to take some home with bread - I enjoyed watching her shoo the children along - they would come for the soup - but then start playing in the square and she would urge them home to get the soup to their families.

I remember a wonderful family I met at language school - a father and mother and three children - who had volunteered several years to assist in a parish in Bolivia - they were such beautiful people - I hope all is still going well for them.

But the ultimate message - is that everyone is called to be a missionary - for a missionary is simply someone who strives to live a good and dedicated Christian life - and touches the lives of others around them by the way they live. May you also discover how to be a missionary - and make this world a better place.

Let us pray - Watch over us all, Lord - and send us, your missionaries - that they may lead us to be missionaries in your spirit. May we join you in this effort to transform our world. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

2010-06-05T09:05:00.001-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

Corpus Christi

Not much to report concerning the past week – last weekend was Memorial Day weekend – this is the beginning of the summer season around here – by that I mean that many of our summer visitors come up to prepare their camps and homes for the summer – and their return after school ends – today was rather enjoyable – First Friday – school Mass – it is rather enjoyable for me to sort of banter with the school kids during the homily time – never know what they will come up with but it is always rather exciting.

The Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

The Spirit unites us in the sharing of the Eucharist – the Body and Blood of Our Savior. A portion of St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians – the First letter to the Corinthians – is one of the readings for Sunday’s Feast Day – St. Paul help found the Christian Community in Corinth in the year 50 – and he wrote this First Letter to the Corinthians in 56 – this is important – so that we remember that the Gospels had not been written as yet – so Paul teaches us something about the early Christian life – in this letter – he writes to correct certain abuses that has crept into the celebration of the Eucharistic meal – in doing so - Paul teaches us what those Christians believed about the Eucharist.

He reminds the Corinthians what he taught them – Jesus on the night before he was handed over – took bread, gave thanks, broke it – “This is my Body”, “Do this in remembrance of me” – Then he took the cup – proclaimed, “This is my blood” – “Do this in remembrance of me”.

And then St. Paul adds, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.”

- Do this in remembrance of me – recall Jesus’ words and actions at Eucharist – emulate his whole manner of life.

-remembrance – not simply to call to mind – but to make present again Christ’s entrusting of himself to us in love.

The Gospel story for this feast is the story of Jesus feeding the multitude –

This story begins with Jesus speaking to the crowds about the Kingdom of god – these are the life giving words of the Lord – consoling, inspiring and challenging for us – Kingdom – the People of God – recognizing the presence of their King in their hearts – living out as well as possible the message of their King – Our Savior, Jesus Christ – enflamed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Then the Gospel story tells us that he healed those in need – for us at Eucharist – we are healed – Jesus heals the wounds of sin and division – he forgives our sins and heals the wounds they leave- he heals us of our isolationism – we are all healed of our selfishness and indifference to others – Eucharist forms us into a community of love.

Then – the Gospel story tells us of Jesus’ feeding of the multitude – with the overflowing abundance of the Kingdom – this abundance is offered to us constantly through the Eucharist – bringing to us the life and Spirit of our Savior – each time we approach the altar of the Lord - as we gather as the assembly of believers where we remember Christ’s act of sacramental ritual – that we gain strength and give courage to one another – trusting in God’s love.

IN each of the ways in which the whole self is given in love, Jesus’ act of self gift lives on.

So on this Feast of Corpus Christi – celebrating the Eucharist of the Lord – the gift of Our Savior – whose entire self was entrusted to us – both in his ministry of preaching and healing and in his ultimate act of self surrender in death.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – fill my life with your Holy Spirit – that I may recognize the presence of Jesus in the Sacrament of His Most Holy Body and Blood in the Sacred Eucharist – so that I may be filled and overwhelmed by the strength and love of the Eucharist – and this Sacred Eucharist may lead and guide me in all that I do – this is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

2010-05-29T08:42:00.002-04:00

A popular mosaic of the Holy Trinity

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

The Holy Trinity

A quiet, warm week – actually not much excitement at all – this weekend will be the Memorial Day Celebration – this is a good celebration – the remembrance of our deceased loved ones – and also of those who died in war – so sad that so many lives were cut short by war – I pray for them – but I also weep for them – but there will be lots of celebrating here in town – my own parishioners will be off visiting somewhere – but there will be many of our summer parishioners – coming up to begin getting things ready for moving in during the summer months – it is enjoyable to renew these summer friendships again – they do become an active part of the parish during the summer.
The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

So – the Feast of the Holy Trinity – a Feast in honor of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus promises the apostles, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you to all truth.

The central religious truth for us – God is – God exists. My life is different because God is a part of all I am and do. Today, let us take the time to consider our own image of God – who do you – personally – understand about God.

As followers of Jesus, we believe in Jesus’ image of God. Jesus saw all reality very differently from the way we see it – for him reality is gracious and compassionate. For Jesus, nature is filled with God’s glory – a God whose basis for dealing with us is unbelievable, compassionate love.

Misconceptions about God – many have such bad ideas about God – like these – the God out there – the watchmaker God who couldn’t care less about his creation – a God who slides into the Big Bully, the Torturer God, vengeful, primitive – the God who-didn’t-give-what-I-asked – the God who is out to get me.

We must find the truth – from the Spirit of truth – promised us by Jesus.

Each of us is blessed by special moments of grace – moments of intense experience – graced moments – to recognize and feel God’s presence.

The greatest sin of our life is probably our stunning insensibility or constant inattention to the million proofs of God’s kindness and love which reach us through persons or circumstances and special signs of care and love – like the many time we were protected from harm.

Real content of Jesus’ message for us – consists in his image of God – God loves every human being with unconditional love – God constantly forgives.

Our God is about life – our spirituality is life-affirming –
God of life – created everything out of love and wants all things to be fully alive.

Our spirituality is an option for God – because God is the ultimate source of life – our God is a God of the living and wants all creatures to live and enjoy life.
Jesus’ message portrays the same zest for life

What image of God do I communicate through my actions, attitudes and behavior? Is it a God to be aware of, to be feared or a God of compassion and love?

LET US PRAY

Let me close with this prayer from St. Augustine

“Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you. You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lonely things you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you, they would have no being at all. Why do I ask you to come to me when, unless you were with me, I would nave no being either.”

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

Father Bill says...for Pentecost Sunday

2010-05-22T13:43:00.001-04:00

Pentecost Sunday

My week began with the annual Spring meeting for the priests of my diocese, the Diocese of Ogdensburg – a rather unique one this year – since the meeting was led by our new Bishop, who is one of own, a priest of our diocese, Bishop LaValley. Each year, we have the opportunity to spend time together – and have one evening dedicated to celebrating our Jubilarians, with a Mass and a banquet. Besides this, there is a program – a priest who is on the staff of the Episcopal Council for the United States, spoke to us of the coming reworking of the prayers and rituals of our liturgies and Mass. It involves mostly the various prayers of the Mass – but many of you will find it rather different – but don’t worry for a while - it will not be put into use for another year.

Then I went with the Eighth Grade class at our St. Mary’s School and their teachers and parents on a Whale Watch to Glouchester, Massachusetts – it was quite an adventure – we did see many whales – but I received a rather extensive education watching these youngsters interact for two days. Actually, I was rather impressed with these young people – and how they got along with each other. I also enjoyed the trip, the food and the sighting of so many whales. Truly I had fun – lots of sun and some lobster - but I must admit I was happy to get back to my quiet home.

Pentecost Sunday

The Gospel reading for Pentecost Sunday again comes from Jesus’ Discourse at the Last Supper - John 14. Jesus promises his apostles that he will send the Holy Spirit – “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The Holy Spirit is to be an Advocate – “one called alongside” – one called alongside to help in a legal situation – an attorney – Jesus is going to be crucified and die – in the eyes of the world he will be judged, found guilty, and convicted – after his death – the Advocate will come and reverse the sentence by convicting the world and proving Jesus’ innocence. The Advocate will show that Jesus did not sin; rather the world sinned by not believing in him. The proof – he is not in the grave but lives – has risen – and is now with the Father – the judgment that put him to death did not defeat him.

Another role for the Advocate – sometimes those who suffer or are lonely need to call in someone to console and comfort them. Jesus’ disciples are sorrowful because he is departing – so Jesus promises the Spirit – someone just like Jesus is coming to take his place.

Jesus then adds – “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him – and he will come and make our dwelling with him.”

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles at the Pentecost Mass tells us what happened – the frightened apostles receive the Holy Spirit – in wind and fire – and become bold and courageous to begin preaching and teaching and bringing people to the Lord.

Each of us has received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation – and each time we come to the Eucharist – the Holy Spirit comes to us – with the Father and the Son – to live within our hearts – to be with us always – to guide and show us the way to making our lives better and our world more filled with the Spirit.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – send the Spirit into my heart – as the apostles received the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost – transform me in courage and boldness that I may truly bring your love and peace – your message to all those that I meet. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Seventh Sunday of Easter

2010-05-15T09:25:00.001-04:00

Consecration at the celebration of my 50th

First Communion

This Sunday is First Communion time here at St. Mary’s – another group of eight year olds will receive the Blessed Eucharist in Holy Communion for the First Time. It is always such a wonderful day – as they come all dressed up – families all sitting together – after several years of coming up the aisle at Communion time – and being blessed – they are now welcomed to receive Holy Communion. I am reminded of one of my favorite stories – of a father carrying up his young daughter – too young for Holy Communion – and as they reached the front of the aisle – this little girl shouted – “I want the Body of Christ.” It certainly reminded everyone in the Communion line of just what they were about to receive.

First Communion Sunday is a great opportunity for me to remind everyone of just what a gift we have in this wonderful sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. At the Last Supper, after giving the apostles His Body and Blood in that first Eucharist – Jesus commanded, “Do this in memory of me.” The Church has obediently followed that command ever since.

Each Eucharist is a miraculous moment in my life – as I consecrate the bread and wine, through my ordination as a priest – and I give thanks to my God for my priesthood – Eucharist does mean thanksgiving – a thanksgiving moment for me – that Jesus remains with us Body and Blood in this magnificent sacrament – and that I am allowed to celebrate this sacrament – and bring this Eucharist to the people of my parish. Thank you, God, for the Holy Eucharist – may these young people as well as all the people of this parish recognize your presence and welcome you into their lives to help, support, nourish and enliven their faith.
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Just a quick note concerning the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter – this reading is a part of the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper – written in the 17th Chapter of John’s Gospel. Jesus prays for us – he prays to the Father – “for those who will believe in me through their word.” We are united with that first group of people who heard the teaching of the apostles – as well as all those throughout the centuries who have listened and believed – and now it is us, you and I, for whom Jesus prays – that we may believe and live in the message and Spirit of Our Savior.

In this prayer, Jesus prays especially for unity, “So, that they may all be one, as you, Father are in me and I in you – that the world may believe that you sent me.” Our unity as Catholics and Christians in the Church is a proclamation of our faith in Jesus for all peoples to see – by our lives we demonstrate our faith that Jesus was sent by the Father as Savior and Lord. By the way we live our lives we proclaim that Jesus is Our Savior.

Unity does not mean uniformity – true unity cannot be achieved in a community which denies difference – unity is achieved when each member – though very different – contributes their gifts – their different gifts – all being united around the same goal by mutual love. We must welcome each others gifts. May we be truly united that we may bring the love and peace of Jesus to this world – to our part of the world.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray this day that I may be a leader who brings unity to my parish and to your Church – give me the wisdom and fortitude to bring the presence of Jesus and the life of the Spirit to all those who come to me – may my celebration of the Eucharist truly change the world by changing the hearts of those who celebrate Eucharist with me. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Sixth Sunday of Easter

2010-05-08T09:25:00.001-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

May is the month of Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mother’s Day – we like to do something special here at St. Mary’s on Mother’s Day to honor the mothers of the parish – so I bring them up to the front for a blessing and a little gift. I find it interesting that some of the mothers are a bit shy – but I drag them up – it is important for me to honor them – it gives me an opportunity to honor the memory of my own mother. So Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there – you are special – and the world is a better place because of all of you caring mothers.

This Sunday here in the parish is also Confirmation Sunday – our new Bishop, Bishop LaValley, will be here to confer the Sacrament on young people from all of the parishes of the deanery. Confirmation is such an important Sacrament – a unique opportunity to touch the lives of our young people – and truly to honor them – and also to impress on them how important they are to the Church – it is our hope that Confirmation is the beginning of their active participation in the life of the Church.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Controversy in the early Church – right a the very beginning. This Sunday’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles – describes this controversy – the question – did Jesus come to bring salvation to all people – or – only to his own people, the Jews. Paul and Barnabas convince the leaders of the Jerusalem Church that many Gentiles have accepted the message of Jesus and want to follow in that movement – and they should not be required to become Jews and follow the Jewish Law as some would demand. So the Catholic Church becomes something unique and special – and such it remains.

Peace – this Sunday Gospel reading from John’s Discourse at the Last Supper – Jesus teaches his apostles and us as he prepares the apostles for the time that they would soon be without his presence – and his message is peace – be a people of peace and realize that God’s greatest gift to those who follow in the path set by the Savior is peace. Jesus reminds us that his peace – is not like the world gives – for peace is much more than an absence of war, more than some feeling of tranquility – rather a peace that brings an inner calm – a peace that is founded on a right relationship with God and with others – a true gift from God that helps us to make our part of the world a place of joy and love as all live in peace. Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” As we draw near to the celebration of the Pentecost – we pray to the Holy Spirit that the peace of God will transform our lives – that we may be a people of peace.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – touch my life with your love that I may find your peace – and live in your peace – stay close to me, my Lord – that I will not be afraid – but may bring your peace to all those who are part of my life. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Fifth Sunday of Easter

2010-05-01T09:20:00.002-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

I want to share with you the picture of our new Bishop, Bishop Terry R. LaValley. The ceremony on Friday of this past week was truly memorable – the Cathedral in Ogdensburg was filled – the sanctuary was filled with Bishops – I dare say all of the priests of the diocese filled the front pews of our magnificent Cathedral – and the ceremony was exceptional – Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, was the principal ordaining Bishop – and three of the past Bishops of our diocese – Bishop LoVerde, Bishop Cunningham, Bishop Barbarito – were also in attendance.

The real significance of the ceremony was that Bishop LaValley was chosen from the priests of our own diocese – and made our Bishop – we know him and he knows us – he truly knows the territory and the parishes as well as the priests of this diocese. The transition to a new chapter in the history of this diocese will be smooth and, yet, historic.

There are many challenges for Bishops in this time – I am certain that you have seen the many criticisms of Bishops in many places – so it will be a real challenge for our new Bishop – however, his excellent talk at the conclusion of the ordination Mass indicated that he is ready to meet the challenges – and hopes to do all that he can to make our diocese strong and alive. Please continue to pray for our new Bishop.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

The Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter takes us back to Jesus’ Discourse at the Last Supper – as he presents his teaching on his new commandment – “Love one another” – “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

So, Jesus’ message of love – love makes us instruments of God’s providence in the lives of others. Our prayer is that our love becomes the channel through which others will experience the love of God.

Love demands the best of us, and bring out the best in us. Being loved gives a surprising courage and energy. So also does love. Where there is great love, there are always miracles.

Jesus challenge – not only does he give the disciples the gift of his love; he commands them to do as he has done. He has shown what love is by doing something – pouring himself out in service. This was so graphically demonstrated when at the Last Supper he washed the apostles’ feet – he took over this menial service of a servant – to show them that being a loving leader a disciple must become a servant – service is where it is at for a Christian.

Biblical love – is not a warm, fuzzy feeling toward one another – rather it must be demonstrated in visible acts toward others.

To love as Jesus loves – it is not necessary to like or even feel kindly toward others – but it is necessary to act toward the other in the way Jesus treated his disciples – like washing their feet – after washing their feet, he instructed them – and us – that we must wash each others feet – may we demonstrate God’s love for us as we show our love for each other by all that we do for our Catholic Christian community.

This Sunday’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles – tells us of the St. Paul and St. Barnabas as they energetically traversed Asia Minor – offering the Good News – so – we are challenged by Jesus’ commandment to love to continue to bring the message of Jesus to others as we live it out in our lives and reach out in love to those in need.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – guide me and lead me to be a loving person – and help me to put that love into action in service of those who need me – I need your wisdom to show me and guide me to discover those who need me today. Give me the boldness and courage of St. Paul and St. Barnabas – to bring Christ’s love to my world. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Fourth Sunday of Easter

2010-04-24T08:55:00.002-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

This past week was one to remember for me – a couple came to visit from Texas – I had celebrated their marriage 36 years ago – we talked well into the evening as I learned of those 36 years in their lives – the stories of raising three children and finding careers – and also the continuing challenges of life. Then just today – a friend from the past recalled that he and his wife were soon to celebrate the 38th anniversary of their wedding – and I was there that day also.

This coming week will be filled with excitement also – on Friday our new Bishop, Bishop Terry LaValley, will be ordained and installed as the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg – he is a priest of this diocese – so he knows the territory – the transition to this new Bishop will not be difficult. However, please join me in praying for our new Bishop – I am sure that he will need them – while the territory is familiar – the position is not.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday. In the Gospel, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me.”

Belonging to the flock of Jesus – demands:
1 – believe in Him.
2 – listen to his voice
3 – follow him
Belonging to Jesus is enormously comforting and reassuring.

Jesus wanted his followers to live as a community – in community, we find mutual support, encouragement and companionship. Jesus says, “I know my sheep.” Jesus knows each and every one of us – knowing another is difficult – how well do you know others – even those closest to you.
Children don’t know their parents; parents don’t know their children.
To know another takes time and effort – but bears great fruit – makes a total difference in a relationship. You can’ love someone you don’t know.
- Life passes by so quickly – we barely have time to truly know each other.
- - Knowing is particularly important for carers – carers need to know those for whom they care – and this demands time patience and sacrifice –
- But is immensely rewarding.

Jesus knows each one of us - Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Our task is to respond to his love.
The faithful listen to the voice of the shepherd and follow him.
We have to get to know the Lord – listen to his word – and do it.
Spiritually speaking, this is demanding – but makes all the difference in the world.

The reading from the Book of Revelation contains some unique images following along this theme of the Good Shepherd

“The lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water – and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The lamb turned shepherd – such a role reversal – this, of course, means Jesus for us – Jesus, the Lamb of God, the sacrificial lamb who died for us – this Lamb is our shepherd – for he has gone the way before us – he knows what the path is life – the path of life, suffering, death – the path that leads to new life in Resurrection.

However, we might also see in this image – the child that parents parents –
The student that teaches teachers.

And then the vision of a great multitude which no one could count – “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress, they have washed their robes and made them while in the blood of the lamb.”

The blood that washes over each is the life force unleashed by the crucified Jesus and infused into his followers by the Spirit.
It does not whitewash the shedding of blood from racism and other forms of sin, but empowers all who are bloodied in the earthly struggles to emerge cleansed in his loving life force.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – today, I pray for my new Bishop, Bishop LaValley – fill him with your Spirit through this ordination to the episcopate – fill him with wisdom and show him the way to lead and guide the people and priests of this diocese.
And touch me, Lord, with your love and peace – may I indeed find life and strength through your life giving blood – may it wash away whatever keeps me from you, my Savior, and from being a good priest. I need your help and wisdom always, my Lord. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Third Sunday of Easter

2010-04-17T09:15:00.002-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

I must tell you about this past week – I took a couple of days off to visit in Syracuse – I wanted to check in on Mary Lee, my brother’s wife – she is continuing her treatment for breast cancer – the good news is that she is doing well and looks great – but continues to be under treatment and certainly needs our continuing prayers.

I stayed a couple of days with my nephew, Paul – his wife, Susan and their three children, Mary, Will and Anna – It was a enjoyable visit – and, I must admit, a learning experience. It has been a while since I have been in the middle of a busy family – living out daily life – with things constantly going on – demanding careful and good parenting – all that it takes to make an alive and happy and peaceful family. I truly enjoyed watching these very loving and concerned parents deal with the lives of their children in so many ways – great ways – it was certainly a good experience for this priest.

Third Sunday of Easter

The Gospel story for this Sunday is a familiar story – it is set after the crucifixion of Jesus – the apostles are together on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias – and they decide to go fishing but catch nothing – in many ways it is a scene of hopelessness – with the crucifixion of Jesus all seems to be hopeless for them. However, at dawn – Jesus comes – and so does success – Jesus points out to these professional fishermen – a better spot – and they catch more than enough fish – then Jesus invites them ashore for breakfast – which he has cooked for them. The story is wonderful with so many precise details – they caught exactly 153 big fish – whoever remembered this story, remembered all the details.

The Gospel reading continues with a second story – Jesus challenges Peter – three times – “Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these?” – three times – Peter is a bit annoyed – but he should have known – he had denied Jesus exactly three times – sometimes we write someone off because of one bad experience – never let them back into our good graces – but here is Jesus – calmly and cleverly welcoming Peter back into the fold – even to the point of inviting him to become the leader.

Peter learned that in spite of his denials, Jesus still loved him. It is an amazing experience to be loved in one’s weakness and sinfulness. Peter had the guts to get up again after his fall. He became a leader – aware of his own weakness – I am certain that this helped him understand the weakness of others.

So Peter become a model for us all – we must learn to forgive ourselves- our own failures – we must not judge ourselves or others by momentary lapses – but by commitment over a long time in our beliefs.

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles – the first reading for the Third Sunday of Easter – demonstrates Peter as the great leader – in his conflict with the Sanhedrin. “We must obey God rather than men.” The religious leaders of the Sanhedrin demand that the apostles stop teaching in the name of Jesus. However, Peter boldly teaches, “God exalted Him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Peter’s speech provides us with an example of the form of the Christian proclamation of salvation through Jesus. The name of Jesus manifests the authority of God in powerful, concrete ways. One of the most concrete is the disciple’s own willingness to die for it.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father, I pray today through the intercession of St. Peter, that I may learn again of your great love for me – even in my sinfulness – and that you will stand with me as I speak to others of your saving love and readiness to come to this community of mine to bring love and forgiveness – and also to strengthen us to meet the challenge to bring your message to our world by living in your Spirit. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Second Sunday of Easter

2010-04-10T09:50:00.001-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

This will be a rather quiet weekend around my town. The School Spring break has begun – and I suspect half the town has headed down south. I do ask for your continued prayers for my sister-in-law, Mary Lee, Tom’s wife – she is undergoing more surgery.

Second Sunday of Easter

Each year on this Second Sunday after Easter – we read from the Gospel of John, the story of St. Thomas the Apostle’s doubting. I suspect that Thomas, up there in Heaven, is probably shaking his head and wondering why us down here are still retelling that story. As you may remember – Jesus appears to the disciples – he greets them twice saying, “Peace be with you.” The Gospel tells us that he shows the disciples his hands and side – the wounds he has received there. Then he commissions them, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” – and he prays that they receive the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.

The Gospel story then remembers that Thomas was not present when Jesus came – this first time. He does return later – I wonder if Thomas was going through some questioning of his call and ministry – after the crucifixion of Jesus. He refuses to believe the disciples about Jesus’ appearance – “Unless I see the marks of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Then, the Gospel tells us that a week later – again, a Sunday – Jesus appears again – Thomas is there – again, Jesus greets them, “Peace be with you.” – and then invites Thomas to come up and touch him – Thomas simply drops to his knees and says, “My Lord and my God” – Jesus response is a lesson for Thomas and us – “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

The crucifixion of Jesus threatened the value and meaning of the community of the disciples and apostles – their faith was certainly tested. Jesus comes to them to strengthen their faith – the Gospel makes a point of telling us that Jesus shows them his wounds to identify himself and to demonstrate to them the proof of his love for them. Love is proved by deeds.

Thomas doubts – there are some who look on doubts as a sign of weakness – many may even feel guilty because they doubt about something – but doubts can be a growing point – a stepping stone to understanding. This was noted by Thomas Merton, he writes, “The man of faith who has never experienced doubt is not a man of faith.”

Every community could use a Thomas – someone who has the courage to ask questions. They may annoy some of us – but they do make us think. There are many who doubt about God and Jesus and the Catholic Church. Our task – as followers of Jesus – as Catholics – is to make Christ visible in the world. The only way people – especially those who are full of doubts – will be converted to belief is if they can ‘see’ Jesus and ‘touch’ Jesus in his followers. But if his followers have no wounds of love to show them, the unbelievers are not likely to be convinced. All should be able to see our faith in Jesus in the lives we live – and in the wounds and sacrifices that we have won as we follow the Savior who lived, suffered and died for us – leading to his Resurrection.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – guide and lead me – that my follow Jesus – unafraid of the difficulties and sufferings and wounds that this may involve – so that I may discover the full joy of being a Catholic and Christian. This is my prayer. Amen.
Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer

Father Bill says...a Lenten Journey, Easter

2010-04-03T10:07:00.001-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad”

“The Lord is Risen, He is truly risen”

Easter is about life – new life – new life in the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead – we believe very firmly that Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, who truly died on the cross – who accepted the violence of the cross to demonstrate God’s loving forgiveness for all time – rose to new life – to destroy death for us all – and invite us to be an Easter people – who now can share this new life with the Lord – more than believing in the Resurrection, we are a Resurrection people.

Even now we are invited by Our Savior to share in the new life that he won by his life, death and resurrection. We live in that new life by living out our faith boldly and faithfully – knowing that God loves us unconditionally. Living in that love – we are unafraid to live in the joy and happiness of being one – united with the Lord. So we join together on this Easter Sunday at Mass – at the Eucharist – to be united to the Lord – and live in his life – new life.

Can you get more life than you have? With Jesus, we can – we will – we must – when we are aware of the great love that God has for us – our life is full - whenever I think of this I think of that wonderful song in “The Man of LaMancha” – truly with the new life of the Lord – we can “Dream the Impossible Dream” –
“To right the unrightable wrong,
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star”

Now – I have a request – I need your prayers – on this Easter Sunday, at the Sunday Masses here in my parish, I want to say something about all that is being written and said in the media and such about what is being called this scandal about sex abuse – and priests and Bishops. I remember well saying something about all of this several years ago – and here we go again – this year.

I will admit that some abusive and unhappy and violent things have happened – that there have been priests who have done wrong – I will also admit that some Bishops have failed by not dealing well with these situations – solving some things by simply transferring a priest. Every time a priest is transferred, there have been some questions – although now each diocese has a Director of Personnel and a committee that works with the Bishop considering assignments of priests.

I believe that in many ways every diocese and every Bishop is dealing well with the question of priests who may be unfit to serve – especially, in regard to abusive situations – each diocese has a lay board that considers each question – and the proper way to deal with it. I do remember well that a few years ago – at a meeting of the Bishops of the United States in Dallas – that a decision was made that any priest who was accused credibly would be removed from the priesthood. And I remember that when our Bishop came back from that meeting that five priests from this diocese were removed.

Now as for the Pope and the Bishops who critics say did not administer a situation properly – I guess I would have to admit that mistakes were made – however, often they were working together with police and other civil authorities and still mistakes were made.

As you might expect – this kind of publicity shakes off on all priests – and unhappily I know that many will reject every priest because they have heard of one who is accused and indicted. I know that there are many situations where I have changed my behavior – because of all of this.

And, finally, this touches all Catholics – there are some Catholics who have rejected the Church completely – and refuse to be part of their parish and the Catholic Church – this saddens and disappoints me – but it has happened. And there are many Catholics who find it difficult to be recognized as a Catholic because of all of this. Again, I am saddened – and I know that our Church needs good people who are unafraid to speak up about their Catholic faith and Church. And I hope to talk about good priests – at times like this we hear so much about priests who have failed – and not enough about good priests. Tell the world about the good priests who have touched your life, your family – and made your parish a great place to be.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I rejoice today – I rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus – I am filled with Easter joy – I thank you God for new life – may I live out that life – may I truly be alive in your Spirit. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...a Lenten Journey, Palm Sunday

2010-03-27T11:34:00.001-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday

The first step into Holy Week, the holiest week of the year for us, Catholics, is the Palm Sunday liturgy. The liturgy of Palm Sunday is so unique and wonderful – we begin with the blessing of the palms over at school and then walk over to Church in procession – we literally walk with the people of Jerusalem as they guided Jesus into Jerusalem those many centuries ago. There was joy in their procession – as there, is joy in our procession – our Savior is with us – Jesus is with us – and so we rejoice with our palms waving in the air.

Once in Church – we come to the Liturgy of the Word – our mood changes as the Passion of Jesus is read – again – we hear the story – first of the Last Supper as Jesus institutes the Blessed Eucharist – and then we listen to the sufferings of Jesus – his arrest, scourging, crucifixion on Calvary.

It was not Jesus’ suffering that saved the world but his love. Suffering is something we try to avoid. Yet, we are happy to suffer for someone we love. Our love gives a meaning to our suffering.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, died because he loved his sheep. Suffering that is merely endured does nothing for our souls, except perhaps harden them. It is the spirit in which we bear our burden that matters.

It is not our suffering that God wants but our love. Love eventually brings pain – it can also bring joy – the Christian must not only accept suffering: he or she must make it holy. Love makes it holy.

Then, in our Liturgy, we go to the altar – for the Eucharist. In a special way, on this Palm Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Eucharist – our Holy Eucharist – and Our Savior is with us in a special way – the Blessed Eucharist – Jesus who chose to stay with us for all time in this wonderful sacrament.

We do Eucharist – we become Eucharist with the Lord – we unite ourselves – our hopes and dreams, our cares and concerns, our sufferings and pain – become one with the Lord, Jesus – in this miraculous sacrament.

So our Holy Week begins – and throughout this week we are invited to walk with the Savior – through the Last Supper – through the crucifixion on Calvary – to the Resurrection on Easter.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I stand today – holding a bunch of palms – ready to stand up and be counted among the Christians who shout in reverence and acclaim, Hosanna – as I remember that first Palm Sunday – give me the wisdom and love to walk with Jesus this week – so that I may be filled with that saved grace won for me by my Savior. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...a Lenten Journey, Fifth Sunday of Lent

2010-03-20T12:05:00.002-04:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

The Gospel for this Sunday is a familiar story – the story of the woman taken in adultery. I am certain that the part that is remembered well is Jesus’ solution to the challenge that the Pharisees present to him, when he says, “Let the one without sin, cast the first stone.”

Jesus was especially kind to those whom he was called to judge. Here some Pharisees and Scribes bring to Jesus a woman taken in adultery. The basic story annoys us – where was the man – and how dreadful this public shaming of this woman. This story is a bit of a warning to those who think they are taking the high moral ground. Which of us is without sin – so we must learn from the example of Jesus. He condemned the woman’s sin but refused to condemn her. Jesus distinguished between the sin and sinner. He saw the goodness in each and every person.

The compassion and forgiveness of Jesus gives life – the holier a person is the less he or she will judge others. Jesus did tell her – “Go and sin no more” – he recognized her sin – but refused to condemn her. This we believe is how Jesus treats us and asks us to treat others. I find such confidence when I must approach my Savior with my failings – I am not afraid to meet this compassionate judge who loves me – unconditionally.

The mission of the Church of Jesus is to be a place of forgiveness – so that those who fail may experience the love and compassion of Our Savior, who refused to condemn. The Church, the People of God, will always strive to be a community which will not condemn – but which will love.

This is the spirit and foundation of the Church’s Sacrament of Penance. This sacrament which continues to be a time of confession, is meant to be a celebration of God’s forgiveness and compassion. This is also our opportunity for conversion and change of life – this may mean eliminating something sinful that keeps us from god – or – discovering something that will bring us closer to the Lord.

The important part of this sacramental experience is what happens before I meet the priest to seek the sacramental absolution and forgiveness of God. I begin this sacrament by taking some time to consider who I am and how I have lived my life. The message of this sacrament is that I am a good person – unfortunately I have not always lived like a good person – I can be better than I am – and so I must now make some decisions – decisions that will change what must be changed. Then when I have prepared my program for the future – I approach the priest to declare my readiness to be a good person. It is good for me to declare my sins and failing – so that I will remember well this moment of conversion – my readiness to change and turn my life to the Lord. And then I can consecrate this moment by receiving the blessing and absolution of the priest. What a gift this sacrament is – of course, it is hard – we are not good at humbling ourselves – but when we accept that challenge we become closer to the Lord – unafraid of Our God – recognizing God’s compassionate and forgiving love.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I turn to you this day in deep humility – I need your love and forgiveness and support and guidance that I may make my life all that it should be – watch over me, Lord – I seek your forgiveness because I have failed to the kind of person that I long to be – and that you ask me to be – this is my prayer.

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

One of the blessings of this Lent for me has been the Saturday morning men’s Prayer Breakfast – it has been great to get together for breakfast with them – and also for the sharing that has taken place – I have learned so much from their ideas and ideals.

Father Bill says...a Lenten Journey, Fourth Sunday of Lent

2010-03-13T10:12:00.005-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

This is Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son that hangs in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg

Lent is over half way done – have you begun your Lent – time to do something for Lent

This is “Laetare” Sunday – “Rejoice” – we are getting closer to Easter – so we can begin to rejoice. Joy permeates all of this Sunday’s Scripture. Joshua rejoices in the celebration as Israel arrives in the Promised Land and celebrates the Passover. St. Paul rejoices in God’s reconciling us and saving us through Jesus. And the Gospel presents to us the familiar Parable of the Prodigal Son – or – also can be described as the Parable of the Forgiving Father.

A parable is a story – a story that Jesus uses to teach us something about God. In this story, the biggest discovery the younger son makes is that he is loved in his sins. His Father never stopped loving him. Each one of us is reminded by the parable that God loves us – even in our sins. God’s forgiveness is not a cold, half hearted forgiveness – but a warm and generous one. God’s doesn’t just forgive us; he loves us and lets us know it.

The parable shows us that if, through weakness or even wickedness we do sin, we can come back. We can make a fresh start. And just as in the parable, God the Father comes out to welcome us. The Prodigal Son comes walking up the road, the Father rushes out to welcome him and celebrate his return – despite the son’s thoughtfulness. Jesus teaches us often that God the Father is always searching for us, reaching out to us in love – ready to welcome us back in forgiveness.

I believe this is a particularly important message for our young people – who too often decide to get away from the Lord – from Church – may they never forget that God never forgets them – and is constantly ready to welcome them back – whether their sins are small or great. This is a story and a lesson that must be repeated often.

And then there is the older brother – who is angry and annoyed – at all this celebration on the return of his brother – despite his many sins. Again, the Father comes to seek reconciliation. Many of us may fin ourselves like the older brother – annoyed – angry – that the Church is not more difficult with sinners – or maybe with particular individuals. May these older brothers hear the message of God the Father – the same as in the parable – “everything I have is yours. But we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” It should be a moment of rejoicing – may be as a Church always rejoice at the reconciliation of a sinner.

Somewhere I read this – Jesus does not end the parable – we don’t know what happened – even in the mind of the story teller – so we can come up with our own fitting ending to the parable – suppose the Father does convince the older son – so that this son realizes his own selfishness and recognizes how important the younger son’s return is to his Father – so he enters the house with his father and welcomes his brother back home and joins the celebration.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – help me to recognize your great love and forgiveness – all too often I know I am the Prodigal – stumbling back in sorrow for failing to resist sin – and you have welcomed me with you spacious forgiving love – may I never forget your great love for me, O Lord. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...a Lenten Journey, the Third Sunday of Lent

2010-03-05T15:11:00.002-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

I want to tell you that I went skiing this week – second time this year – and I must admit it was a beautiful day – sunny, not very cold – and rather exhilarating – however, here I am still trying to recover – my muscles still ache – well, actually, yell. However, I was pleased to discover I still have a little bit of life left.

The Burning Bush and the Fig Tree

The Old Testament reading for the Third Sunday is from Exodus – the story of Moses and the burning Bush – and in the Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus wants us to remember God’s love and forgiveness as he tells the parable of the fig tree.

God calls Moses – God wants to rescue the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt, so he calls Moses. It is often recorded in the Bible that God reaches out to an unsuspecting individual, asking him to embrace a mission or a role that this person never anticipated nor feels competent to complete. God often turns the timid into the bold prophet. Have you heard God’s call today? You never know.

This event tells us a great deal about God’s call. Moses goes over to inspect the burning bush and – God speaks to him – “Moses, Moses! Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Wherever you are when God calls is holy ground. We don’t have to be at a holy place – like a Church or Shrine – for God to reach us. God can make anywhere holy ground.

God sends Moses – but Moses wants to know God’s name. Which is interesting to us, isn’t it? You would think if Moses was so important to God – Moses would know God’s name. God identifies himself with the Hebrew name that became so sacred to the Jews that they never speak it. But we learn a great deal about God – as we read the translation – “I am who am.” God is a person – not an idol or statue as among the pagans – and God is present tense – God is always now.

The Gospel parable is the second chance message. The parables of Jesus are stories – that teach us something about God and the spiritual life. A person plants a fig tree in his orchard – but after three years no fruit has grown – so he tells his gardener to cut it down. But the gardener, obviously a compassionate person, suggests, “Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.”

We never do know what happened – the important thing is the image of this wonderful gardener – who in Jesus’ story, obviously is an image of God. God – like this gardener – is compassionate and caring – and always ready to give a second chance. Jesus’ message – God never gives up on us – God is always ready to forgive and give a second chance.

The other part of the story that always intrigues me – as the gardener cultivates and fertilizes the fig tree – I wonder how does God cultivate us and fertilize us. I suspect there are innumerable answers – and God uses a different method with each person. Personally, I can remember some unique moments when God called me back – led me to conversion – let me know that I had a second chance.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father, you who are “I am” – may I always be aware of your presence in my life. May I never forget how much you love me – and how ready you are to give me a second chance in your forgiving love. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...a Lenten Journey, 1st Sunday of Lent

2010-02-20T10:09:00.002-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

Today, I want to consider the Sunday Scriptures with you – the Lenten Sundays are very special.

The Old Testament ready for this First Sunday of Lent is from Deuteronomy – it is an instruction given by Moses for the Jewish Harvest Thanksgiving – the people show their gratitude to God by their offerings and by remembering – they are encouraged to remember the Exodus – “He brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and outstretched arm – with terrifying power, with signs and wonders.” God watched over his people – their faith was not baseless. Our liturgy – our worship at each Mass – is built on our memory of God’s great love for us through the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus – this is our faith. Our reading from Romans reminds us to confess our faith with our lips and our lives – and we will be saved. When we forget, we cease to be a people of faith.

The Gospel from Luke (the same story is told in Matthew and Mark’s Gospels) – the story of the temptation of Jesus – Jesus, fully human as well as fully divine – had to deal with some of our weaknesses.

Jesus goes out to the desert to pray – to be away and to be alone. Lent is our desert – our time to step aside with the Lord – our time to accept some hardship to be close to God. (Last Sunday, I drove down to visit my sister – five hours alone in the car can be like a desert-experience – and also five hours back)

Jesus in the desert is hungry – and is tempted to work a miracle to get something to eat. This can be a real temptation for us – especially during Lent – sick of our mortification – and we are certain that only food (or chocolate or whatever we gave up) will make us happy – life is filled with so many challenges – how to deal with the things of life – food or other stuff – “One does not live on bread alone” – bread – makes us think not just of food – but also material things – bread – money.

Then the temptation to test God – to abandon faith and demand a sign, a solution from God – to abandon the worship of God, for the worship of worldly things, power and fame. “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” God does not send misfortune to test us – nor does God respond to tests that we construct in order to prove God’s loving nature.

We are so easily tempted – all of us are weak and prone to sin – we are fertile soil for the tempter – the challenge is to know ourselves, to recognize evil – to deal with it within ourselves.

Is our faith bold enough – strong enough – to resist the temptations – that try to lead us away from God – that we abandon our worship of God because of our own desires and demands –

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – strengthen my faith – too many times I am so weak – too many times my faith is empty – I cannot be patient and faith-filled – I want something – I want my own way – I want solutions – I want answers – I don’t want to wait on you, my God – so I lose my trust in you, Lord - O Lord, strengthen my faith. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

By the way – I am truly enjoying the winter Olympics – I am so impressed with how hard these young people work to prepare themselves for their events – such dedication – what an example for us all.

Father Bill says...Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-02-13T08:02:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wednesday this week is Ash Wednesday

The beginning of Lent – get ready to do something special for Lent

This week I wandered down to Syracuse – visited my nephew, Paul and Susan – and their children, Mary, William and Anna. Today, happens to be Anna’s birthday – 11 years old. As things turned out, the day turned sad – because they learned of the death of their pastor – a truly loving and caring priest, who had a gift of reaching young people and teen agers – as well as being an exceptional pastor for all families. They will miss him dearly. I also had lunch with a lawyer – I had taught him in high school many years ago – that was a truly enjoyable time – remembering people and events long forgotten. And, finally, a meeting with my tax man – that was a bit more difficult than confession.

I feel so badly for my friends down south – Virginia and Washington, D.C. – battered by the recent storm – while we say we love snow up here – we also know that too much is too much.

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Finding the Kingdom of God – being a part of this Kingdom – “for the Kingdom of God is your.”

Someone has written: “The Kingdom of God is inside you – Jesus
God’s Kingdom is where the king is and he is in you and in me.
- not tied to buildings of wood or stone
- not tied to names or titles
- not tied to times and plans
- not tied to language and expressions
- not tied to our abilities and inabilities
tied only to the possibility of living in you and me as Lord of life.”

So, how do we discover the Kingdom of God – and how do we become part of the Kingdom. In Luke’s Gospel for this Sunday, we hear again the Beatitudes – similar to the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel – but not the same. In Luke’s Gospel, the Beatitudes are presented first as four “blessings” – than as four “woes.”

In this place, Jesus begins – “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.” You and I will discover the Kingdom of God by being poor. In the second part of Luke’s Beatitudes – Jesus says, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Poverty offers a warmer welcome to God than riches. Poverty – not having very much – materially, yes – but also spiritual poverty – lacking the spiritual strength and courage – makes us turn to the Lord to face difficult, even impossible situations in our lives and those of our family or community. When we consider ourselves rich – we feel we do not need anyone – including God. Often, the rich come to discover their own poverty – their own neediness – and then they discover God.

Let me take one more moment – and consider one of the other beatitudes of Luke’s Gospel. Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh” – and, conversely, “Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep.” Laugh – in this regard, we laugh when we realize that we are a part of the Kingdom of God – God is with us – we can rejoice – we have it made – but to come to that moment, we must be brave enough to weep – to weep for our own failings, to weep for the sufferings and sadness of those around us – our loved ones and family, to weep for a broken world. That path leads to the Kingdom of God and then we, with God’s help and love and peace, we can begin to make sense of it all – and then truly laugh out loud (as the internet crowd likes to say). But if all we can do now is laugh – if the only way we can react to our world is to laugh – we have missed something – if we have missed the pain – ours and others – if we have missed the sadness, ours and others – if we have missed the difficult path of love – our laughter becomes empty – and we will end up – grieving and weep.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father, show me the way – show me the way to the Kingdom – that I may find your presence in my life – then I will live in your spirit – may I be poor enough to discover the riches of your love – may my tears bring me to your peace. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Happy St. Valentine’s Day to you all – please be my valentine.

Special prayers to Father Sturtz as he heads out on his mission with the others of the Mission of Hope to Nicaragua.

Happy Birthday to my great-niece, Anna

Father Bill says...Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-02-06T09:01:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

No that is not me – but I did go skiing on Wednesday – first time out this year – up to Mount Tremblant with Fathers Peter, Dick and Vinny. That morning was rather cold – I mean cold – but it did warm up during the day. These old muscles rebelled at all of the activity – but it turned out to be a fun day – great to be out of doors – and the day was beautiful – it truly felt good – although the next day was filled with aches and pains. I stayed up with the others for a couple of hours – but then decided to go off on my own pace on a nice easy slope – at one point, I came up to the chair lift at the same time as a children’s class – and the instructor asked if one of the children could ride up with me – and I had the most delightful conversation with an 8 year old from Connecticut – the ride ended much too soon. I am not certain I will get out again – but I did enjoy that day at Tremblant.

The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The overpowering immensity of divine holiness – God’s see so much in each of us – even we don’t – God’s message to us today – you don’t know how great you are – how great you can be – how much you can accomplish – with Jesus you can change the world. Too often – when we stand before the goodness of God – we feel in adequate and sinful – yet, the Lord invites us into the immensity of God’s love – God’s forgiveness – God’s call for us to become greater than we can begin to imagine for ourselves.

So this Sunday’s Scriptures give us three examples: from the Old Testament, Isaiah – the great prophet of the Old Testament – who initially stood before the Lord and prayed, “I am a man of unclean lips” – I cannot accomplish anything for God --- St. Paul, “I am the least of the apostles – not fit to be called an apostle – I persecuted the Church of God”---and St. Peter, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

But God was not deterred – he saw what he was looking for – as he constantly does with each of us – despite our inadequacies – and our poor opinion of ourselves – the mission is never dependent upon the worthiness of the minister but upon God’s grace – God can and does accomplish so much – even with the weakest of disciples, of priests.

I know enumerable stories of wonderful and successful priests, Sisters, lay ministers and missionaries – who in worldly standards were considered lacking in ability and talent – but developed into world changing disciples of the Lord – through the grace and love of God.

I remember a shy priest, a poor speaker – actually, very poor – but he spoke with the love of God – he spoke to the heart of his people – and he touched so many – and in that way changed the world. ---- I remember a friend – a teacher – who actually was not very talented – and yet touched students in a wonderful way – I believe because she was truly filled with the love of the Lord.

Consider our Scriptural examples – Isaiah – he is touched by the seraphim – and lead to God’s holiness – he experiences the purging of his sins – becomes brave in God’s grace – “Here I am, Lord, send me.”

Peter – all about fish – he is tired, cranky, it has been a poor night – first Jesus interrupts his plans by asking to teach from his boat – and then suggests that they go back out fishing – they fish with nets – the nets have been hauled in and cleaned – and Jesus suggests they go back to work – hard work – and they catch a huge haul – and Peter discovers something wonderful about Jesus – and immediately join in Jesus’ mission. – Peter discovered something special about himself.

Paul – accepts that it is by the grace of God that he is what he is – he surrenders to God’s power – and forgiveness and love – “God’s grace in me has not been ineffective” – such a conversion – his whole past is reversed – he is now invited into the excitement of the following of the Lord – a new person with a new mission.

God was not deterred – he saw what he was looking for – God sees something in each one of us – if we could just allow ourselves to be seized by the grace of God – God longs to use the gifts and skills we have already – and put them to us – by the Lord – in a new way – in God’s way – in the mission of the Lord.

God needs you – God calls you – open your heart to the excitement of following the Lord.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I am ready, Lord – touch my life with your grace and love – show me how I can best serve you – and give me the wisdom and boldness to follow. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-01-30T09:17:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

Okay, it is winter – and today was very cold – this is a look at the scene over at Gore Mountain ski area – I have not gotten out on the slopes as yet – and when I stepped out this morning – and breathed in below zero air – I began to wonder if I would make it at all – we shall see – I did escape winter for a bit – but for those of us who have spent so many years up here – winter is a way of life.

The Scriptures for this Sunday – the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time – are a curious mix – the Old Testament reading from Jeremiah and the Gospel story from Luke have a similar theme – but the second reading from Paul Letter to the Corinthians goes in a different direction. This Sunday you will here this most familiar reading First Corinthians 12:31-13:13. You have probably heard this reading at every wedding you have attended – it is Paul’s reading – first of all on spiritual gifts – and then on “love” – truly a celebration of the qualities of love.

He begins by warning us that even the greatest spiritual gifts and actions that are done only for self interest are worthless. “ If I have faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

Then, Paul gives us that poetic but piercing reminder of just what love is about – I am certain you remember it all. Love is patient, love is not pompous, not inflated, not rude, does not seek its own interest, is not quick tempered. It is the stuff for long contemplation – it is a perfect examination of conscience. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. “So – faith, hope, love remains, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

So, how does you love match up – can you listen to this reading and nod your head in agreement – and happily say, I am with you, Paul – this is the love that I have. Or will there be things to change in the way your love – your spouse, your family, the people in your lives.

In our Old Testament reading, Jeremiah – proclaims his vocation – his readiness in love to accept his place among the prophets of the Lord – although he knows it will demand boldness and sacrifice – and also suffering – and his sufferings were great – but he accepts this – out of love for the Lord, his God.

The Gospel reading describes the beginning of Jesus’ vocation – his ministry – and also the misunderstanding of so many about his ministry and his vocation. He comes in love and peace – but the people in his hometown want him to be a wonder worker – they want signs and miracles – he would rather be accepted as a caring and loving teacher and guide – always ready to support and help all peoples.

Part of today’s message is the question for each of us – What is Jesus for you? When you think of Jesus what do you think of – what do you expect – what do you want? Is Jesus only some wonder worker for you – a miracle Savior – is this why you pray, why you go to Mass? Have you listened to Jesus – Have you heard his word – have you followed his guidance so that you may be a loving and caring person, living a good life in the spirit of our Savior?

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I thank you for the presence of Jesus in my life, in my Church, in my world – help me always to recognize the message of Jesus – so that I may live a good life, so that I may truly live in his Spirit, in the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of love – that I may make a difference in this world. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

2010-01-09T09:23:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

First of all – if you are looking for me next week – I am escaping to Florida – don’t tell anyone!! Those who are in the know – warn me that it has been cold in Florida – my response is that I’ll warm it up – well, I’ll let you know next week – how I do in that regard.

Baptism

Of all the sacraments, Baptism is the most important – we are initiated into the life of our God – our human life is given a new value – an eternal value – and dignity – we receive new life – the life of Our Savior.

On this feast day – the Baptism of the Lord – we must start with the Baptism of John the Baptist – it was John who baptized Jesus – the Baptism of John the Baptist was a baptism of repentance. John inspired people to repent their failings and choose to change their lives – to reject evil and live good lives – and to remember that moment and to celebrate that decision – he would baptize them – taking them into the Jordan River – pushing them under the water. What an excellent way to remember their conversion.

Jesus accepted the Baptism of John – even though he was sinless and had no need of repentance. However, he chose to unite himself with all of us – men and women – of all time. And this baptism became a moment of dedication to his ministry – the paschal mystery – his life, death and resurrection – and a it was also a moment of recognition – “a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.’”

John the Baptist makes it very clear that his baptism does not compare in any way with that of Jesus – he says, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

You and I received this Baptism of Jesus – some have chosen this as adults – others of us were brought by our parents who wanted to share this spirit and life and fire with us. Baptism initiates us into the life of Christ and the life of the Church. We become formed into God’s people – and obtain new life and forgiveness of all sins. We become a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is the most important sacrament we will ever receive. For me, it more important than my ordination to the priesthood. In Baptism I received the new life of the Lord – I became a son of God – and adopted son of God. In the ceremony of Baptism we are formally given a name and welcomed into the family of God’s people. Water – the most precious thing on this planet – is used to baptize us into this new life – to give us the power to live well.

Our dignity depends on one thing – the extent to which we have lived out our baptismal calling. We have the life and the power of the Holy Spirit – so our Christian call is to live out our Baptism – and so we are often – especially at Easter – called upon to renew our Baptismal promises. Renewing your baptismal promises is a little like keeping your driver’s license current. Is everything you said before still true? It’s like making a New Year’s Resolution.

The promises have two parts. First comes the rejection of Satan and sin. You publicly state what you won’t accept as a Catholic. Then you move on to the second part, the profession of faith – that lays out for all to hear – especially yourself – just what it is what you believe that makes you a Catholic. In other words, this is the one time all year when you actually say, very simply and clearly, “This is who and what I am.”

So – now is the time – a time of renewal – if you are ready to renew your Baptismal Promises – please say “I do” to these questions:

DO YOU REJECT SIN, SO AS TO LIVE IN THE FREEDOM OF GOD’S CHILDREN?

DO YOU REJECT THE GLAMOR OF EVIL AND REFUSE TO BE MASTERED BY SIN?

DO YOU REJECT SATAN, FAHTER OF SIN AND PRINCE OF DARKNESS?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD, WHO WAS BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, WAS CRUCIFIED, DIED, AND WAS BURIED, ROSE FROM THE DEAD, AND IS NOW SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, THE RESURRECITON OF THE BODY AND LIFE EVERLASTING?

Let Us Pray

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven us our sins. May God also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

Amen

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

Father Bill says...the Feast of the Epiphany

2010-01-02T09:32:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

A sincere Happy New Year to you all

This past week was a time for visiting for me – and it was a sensational week – many great opportunities to see family and friends – I celebrated Mass at my brother, Tom’s home – my sister-in-law, Mary Lee, is still going through the chemo-business. And on one evening, I took my great-nieces and nephew to the movies – that was truly a fun experience – I don’t get to see them enough – I got home to discover a delightful letter from a great niece who lives in New Mexico – then lots of football and a great hockey game.

NEW YEARS – I am not good at making resolutions – or maybe its keeping resolution – I have lots of hopes and dreams for the New Year. New Years Day is designated as a Day of prayer for Peace by Our Holy Father – could this be the year for peace. Could this be the time that we can stop worrying that our young people, that my great nieces and nephews, will never have to go to war. This is my prayer. This is my hope – and I will never give up in that hope – don’t tell me it is senseless – I simply can’t give up.

EPIPHANY – this feast is designated as the twelfth day of Christmas – but this year is celebrated on Sunday, January 3rd – this is the major Christmas feast in the East – as for the Orthodox. The message of the story of the magi is that Christ came for all peoples – the Gentiles as well as for his own people. The Scriptures for our feast mention this – Isaiah says, “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephan; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.” St. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus through the Gospel.”

This message of the Epiphany is central to our faith as Christians and Catholics – Gentiles came searching and found Christ – and from the very beginning Jesus came for all – rich and poor, saint and sinner, Jew and Gentile. So we are called – all of us – to follow Jesus, to walk with Jesus, to live like Jesus in love and peace. And the final call is to unity – we must discover each other, work with each other and be united with each other.

The story of the magi is a story of a journey – following a star – not completely certain but never losing faith. Our lives are a journey – we search – as the magi did – for meaning, for something meaningful, for something new. And we look for that star that will lead us – each of us has our own stars – those important and wonderful people who are such an important part of our lives – and hopefully along the way we discover Jesus – who becomes the true star that shows us the way to fill our lives with the spirit and love and peace that make us good people, indeed, saints. And by the way – hopefully – we become a star to others – to lead them to life and love and peace – to lead them to Jesus.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father, walk with me as I walk on my journey to find Jesus – to let Jesus be part of my life – to live as Jesus lived. With you, God, I will never get lost. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

P.S. – I just heard of a story of people getting lost while using a GPS – may your GPS be Jesus.

Father Bill says...Holy Family Sunday

2009-12-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

for Holy Family Sunday

What a wonderful celebration Christmas was this year – both Churches were decorated so wonderfully – and each of the Masses was filled with simply wonderful music – I was so blessed to have so many great helpers – from the decorators to the musicians to all those who assisted at the liturgies – I just sat back and enjoyed the whole celebration – God has been so good to me to have such great people to work with.

Again, this year I used the same story over again – it has been twelve years (how old are you, William?) since Susan and Paul invited me to the birth of their second child – and I still remember each and every detail – I was so totally impressed with the dedication and love of these two young parents – in the homily I remembered the sharing of hopes and dreams for this new born child – and I am certain that such was the same sharing about the new born Jesus on that first Christmas night – the children’s Mass this year was filled with many babies and little ones – seemed like more than usual – I don’t usually notice the various noises that come from them during the Mass – but I did notice during my homily when a little voice cried out – “Father Bill, I love you” – talk about a “you made my day” moment.

Holy Family Sunday

The Sunday after Christmas is always dedicated to the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph – it is a time for family renewal – a time for prayer for all families but most especially, families that are having problems or difficulties, for broken families – I will not indulge in all sorts of advice in my homily – but I do have one reminder that I like to repeat – and that comes from the Marriage Encounter people – “a Father loves his children best by loving their Mother” – that importance of the relationship of a husband and wife, a father and mother is of so basic and necessary – it makes a family all that it should be – and I remember well and more than once – a grown child telling me the reason their family was so close and loving and wonderful was the true loving relationship of their father and mother.

I also plan to remind the people of my parishes that we should and must be a family as a parish. This means that our community must be characterized by love and concern – that we truly care about each other – and that we really get to know each other. I will mention the importance of greeting each other at the grocery store or in the school parking lot – or wherever – and as a family that we are even concerned about visitors or strangers who join our family at Mass.

Holy Family Sunday is a very special day – I pray that your family will always be blessed with love and peace – I pray that we – although separated by a distance will be family to each other – and may all be united every closely as a part of the family of Our God.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray that you will touch me with you love – and make me part of your family – watch over my family – and watch over all the families of my parishes – this is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...Fourth Sunday of Advent

2009-12-19T12:03:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

Happy Christmas – my prayer is that the love and peace of Christ’s birth will fill your hearts and homes. May this be a sacred and joyful time for your family.

I want to share with you a Christmas prayer from the Brothers at Weston Priory:

Child of Bethlehem – house of bread;
Man of Jerusalem – city of peace;
you have loved us
without limit or condition;
in our greatness and in our misery,
in our folly and in our virtue;
may your hand be always upon us
and may your heart be within us,
so that we too may become
bread and peace for one another.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is the story of the Visitation – the angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, is also pregnant – this is a surprise since she has not had any children – and the Gospel adds that Elizabeth is “in her old age” – in those days – 2,000 years ago – life expectancy was around 50 years old – so being in your forties was considered “old” – in those days women were married and began having a family at 16 years of age.

So here is Mary – at 16 – coming to visit Elizabeth in her forties – both pregnant. We can only imagine the conversation between these two women – one young and, by the way, unmarried – the other older – and both preparing for child birth for the first time.

This Sunday’s Gospel story from Luke’s Gospel indicates that as Mary arrived to visit - Elizabeth realized something special about her cousin Mary – and she greets Mary with the words that we have made into a prayer, “Blest are you among women and blest is the fruit of your womb.” And also, “Blest is she who trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.”

Elizabeth helps Mary to learn to trust even more deeply the mysterious ways of God – the mystery of saying “yes” to God – in each vocation in life – a time to decide – a time to say “yes” to the call of the Lord – whatever the vocation - whether a religious calling as a priest or Sister – or the vocation of marriage – or the acceptance of the single state in life – each vocation needs God to strengthen our decision – our saying “yes” to the Lord – a decision and dedication to what we believe is God’s will for us.

And the lesson of the relationships of life, the friendships that unite us to others in such a special way. Each of us have certain persons in our lives – when we see them – our heart skips a beat with delight – makes us laugh even on difficult days – they have strong arms and a soft heart. And each of us needs someone who will guide us and greet us and show us how valuable we are – so give thanks to God today for those wonderful friends and loved ones – and ask God for the grace that the sound of your voice will be a source of delight for others. We, too, carry the mysterious power of God’s life within us, which enables us to be a source of blessing for others. We are meant to be companions to one another – a sources of joy and wisdom.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God – help me to prepare properly for the celebration of the Birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ – open my heart and fill me with the joy of Christmas – the joy and peace that Jesus brought into this world – and help me to be the kind of person that will bring that joy and spirit to other. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...Third Sunday of Advent

2009-12-12T09:10:00.001-05:00

to: all of my friends

from: Father Bill Muench

Saturday, December 12 – is my nephew, Bill’s birthday – so Happy Birthday, Bill – he is the Vermont nephew – December 12th is also the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mary, the Mother of Jesus, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico) – is the patroness of the Americas – she is honored under this title in a special way in Central and South America – throughout the Latino culture – the Shrine in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, near Mexico City – is a very special place – there is something very sacred about the shrine – in the Basilica Church the cloak of St. Juan Diego, that was imprinted with the image of Mary, in the 16th Century – is placed in a special place over the main altar – people bring flowers to the Basilica every day – and the whole church is filled with the aroma of the flowers, especially the roses. One of the wonderful traditions that I learned about while I was there – is that fathers bring their newborn babies to the Basilica – at the main door they kneel down and hold the baby up – and then they approach the main altar on their knees seeking the blessing of Our Lady of Guadalupe – we pray that Mary, the Lady of Guadalupe, will bring peace and love to the people of the Americas.

The Third Sunday of Advent

Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete – Rejoice – this Sunday is called Gaudete – taking up the theme of Sunday’s liturgy – especially St. Paul’s message to the Philippians (the Second Reading) – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!” and the Old Testament Zephaniah’s message (the First Reading) – “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! The Lord your God is in your midst.” On this Sunday, we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath – rejoice, Christmas is almost here. To celebrate Gaudete Sunday – I put the lights on the Christmas tree at my house – not in Church – not until Christmas.

Our Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent – describes various groups of people coming to John the Baptist with the question, “What should we do?” The preaching of John caused many to question the quality of their lives – that call to be better than you are. They wanted answers – the surprise is that John gave them answers – true servants of God often see with a clarity that stuns the rest of us. I would love to have John here to ask him “What I should do?” – but I must admit I would be a little nervous – however, I have the feeling I know the answer – how I can make my life even better.

The presence of God in our lives – in his Word, in Spirit, in Sacrament and in community – calls us to join in this spirit of rejoicing. Are the problems and struggles of life still near – of course – but God’s presence is deeper and fuller and knowing that God is with us through it all – brings joy. Again, it is Zephaniah who reminds us, “Sing joyfully, O Israel, the Lord your God is in your midst.” The Lord is with us with divine guidance – when we allow our hearts to be turned to the Holy One.

Our joy – from forgiveness and salvation that sets us free – and God’s joy (did you ever think we can make God joyful) – God rejoices and sings, delighting in renewing us in love. So What must you do – you will know.

John points to Jesus – “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Followers of Jesus will be empowered by the Spirit – through our Baptism in the Lord – that Baptism that emboldens us for all manner of ministries.

Joy is more than optimism – Joy is that spirit – founded on our faith and Baptism in the Lord – that moves us to make our lives something special – to change what must be changed – to do what must be done.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray this day – though the intercession of St. John the Baptist – may I discover the joy of living in your Spirit, my Father – may I spread that joy to all that I meet. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...Second Sunday of Advent

2009-12-05T08:56:00.003-05:00

To: all of my friends

One of my Advent saints is Charlie – and Linus – also – and the name for a scrawny Christmas tree will always remain a Charlie Brown tree – that just needs a little love – and sometimes brings love into a household. Charlie Brown will always be one of my favorites – I am certain that Charles Shulz is up with the Lord, presenting various takes on human life.

No, I haven’t been out looking for a tree – actually, last year we decided to switch to an artificial tree for the Church – I think that it looked okay – although – it was a little too perfect – I remember in the old days spending at least a day, turning the tree – it seemed like thousands of times – to find the right side to place forward. With the artificial ones – every side looks the same.

Today, I celebrated Mass with the children from School – Advent is not an easy idea for them to understand – they are barraged by Christmas stuff everywhere except at Church – they are making Christmas cards, learning Christmas songs, hearing Christmas stories – so it was not easy to make them understand that here in Church at Mass – we were in an Advent mode.

At the time of the homily – as I sort of dialogued with the children – we spent a bit of time on patience. A couple of them – sincerely – told me that they didn’t mind waiting and were good to patience. I, of course, shared with them – that I was not good at waiting – and patience was difficult for me. I asked them what they did while they waited – they had not really thought about this – so I told them – and this is true – that I hum when I am waiting in line – no matter where. Well, I got some startled looks – but you may start to hear some humming at Walmart tonight.

The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent presents us with the ministry of John the Baptist – that strong preacher and teacher – who was described by Isaiah centuries before – as the one who would “prepare the way of the Lord.” “A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” These powerful images speak of more than the landscape; they announce the straightening of the human spirit, the filling of empty hearts, the smoothing of the way that leads to healing and reconciliation.

John comes to prepare the way for Christ – by his call for repentance for forgiveness of sins – make yourselves new – change what has to be changed – don’t just prepare your homes for Christmas – prepare your hearts and souls – your very being – John the Baptist – that dramatic preacher of old – had a very impressive way to remind his listeners of their moment of conversion – he would baptize them in the River Jordan – can you imagine it – when someone would approach John and express their readiness to change – he would march them into the river and baptize them – push them under the water – from that moment on – when that person would think of living a better and new life – he would call to mind that time when John baptized them in the Jordan.

So, Advent is our time to renew our Baptism – to again make our commitment to living in the spirit of Our Savior, who was born on Christmas Day – and the question we have for you today ---What is being healed, forgiven and restored in you as you prepare the way this Advent.

LET US PRAY

My prayer today – comes from Sunday’s Second Reading from Philippians – Paul’s prayer for us:
“That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ – filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.”

Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for First Sunday of Advent

2009-11-28T09:06:00.001-05:00

The highlight of the week was Thanksgiving Day – it is truly a great holiday – and is becoming one of the better Holy days of the year. The morning Mass was great – the music group was here to add so much to our prayer – in my talk with the folks – I used the idea that when we thank someone – we are really telling them of their great value and importance – and when we are thanked for something we have done – it should remind us of how good and valuable our lives are – and important. I used a wonderful old story – quickly here it is:

Four salesmen take the train into the city – lets say Chicago – to a meeting – at the end of the meeting, they decided to rush to the station to catch the early train – as they were running through the station one of the fellows inadvertently knocked over a table – a young boy was using to see apples – they continued to run on – but one of them noticed that the boy was blind – he stopped and returned to help pick up the apples – when he noticed that some of the apples were bruised he gave him a few dollars – as he was leaving – the boy said to him – “Are you Jesus?”

How important is our gratitude – what a message we send when we say thank you – we not only tell someone how much we care for them – but we also tell them how valuable and important their lives are ----

This Sunday we begin again our Church year – we remember the centuries that preceded the birth of Jesus – during this wonderful season of Advent. We drape the Church in purple – and we begin our spiritual preparation for Christmas – that we may truly be ready to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior.

As I do every year – I will tell the people – that Advent is about escaping from Christmas - for the next few weeks – all we will see is Christmas – trees and decorations, cards and gifts, carols and other seasonal music – we are literally barraged with Christmas – and the shop keepers struggle to make a killing – but we need a little Advent – to change the popular song – we need some time – to quietly and peacefully – pray and remember how the world was changed by the Birth of Jesus.

We begin a new Church year on this First Sunday of Advent – this year (the C year) the gospel readings will usually be from the Gospel of St. Luke. As we begin this new Church year – we are presented in this Sunday’s Gospel with Luke’s apocalyptic imagery – concentrating on the second coming of Christ and the end of the world. As we are invited to prepare ourselves to again walk the Christian journey – it is good to know our goal – where we are headed.

The huge danger as we start this journey again – is that it can seem old and stale – we have been here before – nothing has changed – same old stuff – so I encourage you to realize that our goal – the goal to find happiness and peace and joy – has not been accomplished as yet. So we have a new and important opportunity to discover the joy of living in the happy experience of the Kingdom of Our Savior. This becomes possible when we stop being a spectator and become a participant in the journey. The danger when we join together with the parish community at Mass is that we become a spectator – listening to the songs and the prayers – and not putting ourselves into the prayers – putting ourselves on the altar with our gifts – uniting ourselves with the bread and wine that will be consecrated into the Body and Blood of Jesus through the prayers of the ordained priest – then we will discover the joy and peace and love of being united with Our Savior – a union that changes us – that gives us new life. We know the story – now we must get involved – we know the people – they should be our friends by now – we know Jesus – now Jesus should become our brother. He will lead us to God – not just the God of the past – but the God of the present and future – our future.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – open my heart and mind to this wonderful time of Advent – help me to be excited with the prospect of again walking with Jesus – open my eyes to realize your presence in my prayers and Mass – give me the faith to know Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Feast of Christ the King

2009-11-21T11:07:00.002-05:00

for: the Feast of Christ the King

This past week Father Peter and I took one of our favorite rides down to Weston, Vermont – to visit the Benedictine Monastery and the Country Store. It was a gorgeous day – warm – just like the picture above. The Priory is such a peaceful place – perfect for some prayer time – God seems to be waiting everywhere – at the chapel, at the lake, in the fields – yes, even in the Book store. After visiting the priory – we headed down to the Country Store – filled with the magic of days gone by – many unique things – some rather old fashioned – some rather new – as usual, I end up buying something that I certainly don’t need but somehow it ends up in my shopping basket – and I don’t discover it until I get home. This time it was 50 clothes pins – you know, the ones with the little spring – the kind you can clamp on the clothes – or on a half filled bag of something. I am sure I will find some use for them.

This Sunday’s feast day – the Feast of Christ the King – the end of ordinary time – next Sunday, we being Advent and on to Christmas.

Today’s Gospel described Jesus before Pontius Pilate – arrested – scourged – a crown of thorns on his head – a purple cape tossed over his shoulders – Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king – Jesus answers, “You say I am a King – for this I was born and for this I came into the world.”

Jesus wants to be our king. But Jesus is not like any other king – no castle – no oppressive rule – our king comes to guide and lead us to peace and happiness. Our king walked with his people – the rich and the poor – our king teaches us with his beatitudes and parables – our king died for us on the cross – our king rose from the dead – our king continues to bring lie and spirit to his people, his kingdom – to us.

The Kingdom of God is the heart and center of Christianity – Jesus brought no new set of doctrines – rather, he came to put the Kingdom of God into practice. Our King came eating and drinking with his own – and with outcasts – he came to bring freedom and salvation to them. He taught them – but also gave them freedom and salvation. By his life, Jesus showed that it is possible to put the Kingdom into practice in this world, in our history. Jesus, as King, invites those whom he called to be his friends, brothers and sisters – to be transformed by his dominion.

So, shall we accept Jesus as our king – he leads us to peace and happiness – but are we willing to be transformed – being part of the Kingdom of God means to be transformed by his words, which are truthful – transformed by his mind – which is fully intent on God and goodness. Acceptance of Jesus as king means a transformation.

Our present world, with its wars, injustices and brutalities – demonstrates the gap between itself and the Kingdom of Christ. However, the Kingdom of God gives us hope and a vision of something better – transforming us by all that is Christ.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – transform me today that I may be filled with the Spirit of the Kingdom – ready to bring the peace and love of Christ to my world. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family

Father Bill says...for the Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-11-13T19:17:00.004-05:00

This is the name plate of a huge rock face in a very narrow spot on the Rhine River – I put this up for my friend, Bob Vannier – who named his sailboat the Loreley – Bob, the hat that you see is Father Sturtz.

On Wednesday of this week, I drove up to Chasm Falls with my deacon, Elliott Shaw – to a prayer day for priests and deacons. The day was an excellent time of prayer and discussion – the discussion was truly interesting because there were young priests, old priests and deacons – so, we all heard from many different places and experiences. I was fascinated to hear the deacons speak of their experience – first of all as lay people – and now there hopes and dreams for the future of the Church. They were young in ordination – but old in experience. Their hope and confidence in the future of the Church was wonderful to hear. One of the deacons came over to me – and identified himself as someone who had been with me at Wadhams Hall – when we were students – it must have been 1953 – that was a while ago. He had studied for a couple of years and then went back to the world – now after marriage – time in the military – a long and successful career – eight children – and now decided to answer a call to be a deacon. We shared memories of those days so long ago – and also his readiness to be part of the challenges of the Church of the future as a deacon.

This Sunday is the last Sunday in ordinary time. Next Sunday will be the Feast of Christ the King – and then the next Sunday – Advent. As you may remember – the last Sunday of Ordinary Time is always dedicated to the Scriptures on the end of time – they are apocalyptic – there is the vision of Daniel in the Old Testament – and from the Gospel of Mark – Jesus speaks of the end of time.

Often the first question asked is when – when will it be – history has seen innumerable individuals who have come forward to declare – a certain day – a certain time – but we are still here, aren’t we. Jesus says – don’t worry – when the time comes, you will know.

Today, our understanding of the origin of the universe has grown immensely – they tell us that 15 billion years ago in a great explosion –things began to happen and be formed – the universe burst into life – from the center outward in creative, chaotic, unique patterns.

But the question continues to come up – what happens at the end? Daniel and Jesus in Mark’s Gospel – were speaking to people that were going through difficulties, trials and tribulations – and they wondered what the future would bring.

Let me consider only one interesting thing that Daniel mentions – Daniel writes that the good will shine brightly “like the splendor of the firmament – they shall be like the stars forever.” I was intrigued by this quote – since the present day cosmologists tell us that we are all made up of the stuff of stars – actually – there deductions lead them to say that we are truly made up of particles that were present in that first explosion – that went on to form all of the objects that populate our universe. Daniel’s image of righteous people becoming stars is sort of calling us to be true to what we are – to shine forth and radiate our goodness to others – that we all of the world to see the divine grace that is within us. – sort of a fascinating note for me.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – fill my heart with your love – and my whole being with your faith – that I may stay hopeful and unafraid – as I race toward the end – the end of my life – I know that my turn is coming – but with your support and guidance I will use well each of the days that you give me. May I never forget that with your love I may shine forth with the spirit of your love. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Feast of All Saints

2009-10-30T15:03:00.003-04:00

A Castle along the Rhine River
On the river cruise, we spent one afternoon sailing down the Rhine River – at every turn it seemed there was another castle or two

This past week was back to ordinary life – after the travels of the last few weeks – I did have lunch on Wednesday with Father Phil Allen – my classmate – to celebrate our birthdays – which are actually next week – we were born four days apart – and are classmates – ordained the same year by Bishop Navagh – he has just begun retirement – but sounds very busy to me.

All Saints Day – this year we celebrate the Feast of All Saints on a Sunday – this Sunday – this will be a wonderful reminder to all of us of the importance of our devotion to the saints. The Catholic Church has a process for designating saints – steps that include beatification and canonization. However, there are many who are saints but are not definitely designated through canonization as saints. I have a long list of my own of those I am certain are saints – although they are not canonized by the Church. These – join with all of my favorite canonized saints – as my guides and my friends – who walk through life with me. So when you think of saints always remember that there may be many among the saints who were close to you, members of your family, friends – who you know lived good lives and continue to be great guides to you – that are truly saints although not actually canonized – today, I think of my mother – I think of my Aunt Kate – I think of Father Tim Soucy and Father Bernie Kellogg – and so many, many more.

The word “saint” is often misunderstood these days – people will say to me – “well, I’m no saint.” I suspect they have the idea that to be a saint – means being over-religious, no faults, no failings – in fact, we have a word for this “sanctimonious.” Real saints are not sanctimonious. The reality is that most of the canonized saints did have their faults and failings – even their sins – and needed to go through a conversion to develop a Christ-like life. A saint is someone who has learned how to live a good life in the spirit of our Savior. A saint is always a good human being – who makes the world better – by the way they live their lives. A saint is an ordinary person – who lives an extraordinary life.

For each and every Catholic the goal in life must be to become a saint – it is possible – it is the only way – with the help of the Lord we will join all the saints in heaven.

Do you have a favorite saint – as for me – my favorite saint is Pope John XXIII – not yet canonized but beatified – the Holy Father changed the Church by calling the Second Vatican Council – also, St. Francis of Assisi – who accepted poverty and lived in joy – I have discovered so much of his spirit when on retreat in Assisi – also, St. Mary Magdalene, who demonstrated real love for the Lord - also, Father Damian of Molokai, who was basically an ordinary priest – who demonstrated his love for the Lord by ministering to the lepers of Molokai. They were each very ordinary in so many ways – and yet proved to be extraordinary by their dedicated and love of the Lord.

Who are your favorite saints?

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray today through the intercession of the saints – the great saints – the ordinary saints – the saints who were part of my family – the saints who were my friends – I pray that my saints will remain close to me always – will walk with me and guide me – that one day I may also be a saint and live with them and you, my God – this is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Thirtieth Sunday of the Church year

2009-10-24T09:40:00.001-04:00

SEMINARY REUNION - This past week was a time of reunion – another celebration of the 50th with my classmates at our seminary – St. Mary’s, Baltimore, Maryland – so I drove down with Father Joe and Monsignor Milia – to the seminary – and spent a couple of great days with many of my friends and classmates – remembering days gone by – I discovered something interesting for me – that despite the fact that we don’t see much of each other these days – I truly like all those I studied with and enjoy being with them – they were great guys and we have a good time being with each other. The years I spent at St. Mary’s were great for me – they made me ready for my priesthood and also open to what ever would happen – the first few years of my priesthood were times of change in the Church as the Vatican Council began to play out – and I was formed with a unique openness by my professors and counselors during those seminary days. So – it was a wonderful week – of seeing so many classmates – and the ghosts of so many others – and ghosts of so many teachers – who had so much to do with making me who I am.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – This weekend the parish will be celebration the 40th anniversary of Sister Sharon – our school principal. Sister has been here in Ticonderoga for about 23 years – and has truly been more than just a school principal – she has been very active in the parish – staying close to the sick – being part of so many families – in good times and in difficult – so it will be a great opportunity to honor Sister Sharon – and also to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph, who have been part of St. Mary’s School for 40 years. I am truly grateful for Sister Sharon’s place in this parish – she keeps the school operating soundly – and has been a positive force for good in the parish – reaching out to those in need – and always being ready to help keep the parish filled with the Spirit of the Lord – always happy and peaceful.

BARTIMAEUS

This Sunday’s Gospel is the story of Bartimaeus – a blind man – St. Mark tells us his name – and that his name indicates he is son of Timaeus – this adds so much to this story – we know his name – after all of these years – Jesus is walking through Jericho – and Bartimaeus knows something about Jesus – and has developed great faith in Jesus – and so he shouts out “ Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” He becomes a problem – he disturbs the others – but he will not keep quiet – “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” – saying, “son of David”, indicates that he has faith in Jesus as the Messiah – Jesus calls him over – “What do you want me to do for you?” – “Master, I want to see.” – and Jesus grants his request – “Go your way, your faith has saved you.”

I love this story – I can see Bartimaeus – I am thrilled by his faith and his boldness – the lesson – first of all – how would I answer, if Jesus asked me – asks me – “What do you want me to do for you?” - What is it I want right now – I think of so many that I truly care about who are sick or suffering – Lord help them – I think of my parish – and all that I hope for them – Lord, make them truly faithful and alive –

And Secondly, “Lord I want to see” – I want to see clearly – I want to know and recognize all that I should do – all that I can do – to make my life better – that I can see and recognize all those who need me – that I can see and recognize and know well how I can make a difference in this world.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – open my eyes – guide my understanding – give me your love – that I may truly do all that you ask of me – that I know how to fill each day with your Spirit and bring your love to those who need you and because of you, need me. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-09-12T09:36:00.001-04:00

For: the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Just this morning, I was walking past the garage – when I saw all of the second graders – covered with aprons and plastering paper onto a balloon – it was quite a sight – to see their hands and some of their faces – covered with the paste – each one had to show me their creation – an interesting adventure in being creative – I have never been good at creating – I guess I will have to get out their getting my hands and face into the paint and plaster.

This week began with Labor Day – went up to AuSable Forks for the Holy Name Parish annual festival – the pastor at Holy Name is my classmate Father Phil Allen – who will be retiring at the end of the month – so the Festival was a bit like a wake – I will have to see how he likes retirement – it may sound attractive.

This is a picture of the pieta – the statue created by Michelangelo of Jesus, taken down from the cross – and placed on the lap of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The theme of this week’s Scriptures concerns the message that the following of Jesus may involve suffering. So, the Old Testament reading from Isaiah – is from the section called – the Third Song of the Suffering Servant. Isaiah writes, “The Lord God is my help, therefore, I am not disgraces – See the Lord God is my help, who will prove me wrong?”

The Gospel for our Mass this Sunday – is from Mark – a dialogue – first, Jesus asks all of the apostle’s – “Who do people say that I am?” – Peter speaks right up – “You are the Christ.” - Peter seems to understand that Jesus is the Messiah – the chosen one from God - the Savior. Yet – Peter does not fully understand just what this means.

Jesus begins to tell the apostles that because he is the Messiah he may have to suffer – this is a bit too much for Peter - you may have heard this story before – Peter takes Jesus aside – and the Gospel says “he began to rebuke him.” - Basically, Peter wants to tell Jesus that he cannot accept that Jesus would have to suffer – but also – it will discourage the others if he talks like this. Jesus turns to Peter – and now says to him, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do?”

Try to imagine how Peter must have felt – one moment, he is inspired to recognize Jesus as the Messiah – and in the next – Jesus calls him – Satan – Peter simply could not accept the thought of Jesus suffering – Jesus now tries to make him and the others understand that suffering may be part of the following – “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Peter unaware of the true nature of Jesus’ identity – Peter would try to set aside the unthinkable notion of a suffering Christ.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the important Jesuit theologian and scientist – writes this – Christianity plays an irreplaceable role with its astonishing revelation that suffering, if rightly embraced, can be transformed into an expression of love and a principal of action. What is the suffering that will allow you and me to become our truest and most Christian selves? Each of us must find that answer in our lives – actually, each of us must answer that question each day – can I accept the sufferings of this day – they may be small – they may be huge – but can I accept them to bring the Spirit of my Savior – the love and peace of my God into my world.

Jesus, the Messiah, must suffer, die and rise – so too those who follow him must also take up their cross – accepting suffering when it comes their way – in order to save their lives – and with Jesus, to save their world, to save their family, to make the world a place of happiness and love and peace.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I turn to you this day – seeking you power and strength and help – I am not good at suffering – and, yet, I know that it will be part of my life – make me ready to accept what suffering comes into my life – for I believe that in your Spirit – my suffering may transform me – and make me ready to bring love and happiness into the loves of those I love. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-09-07T08:35:00.004-04:00

Isaiah - God comes to save - what are the signs - the blind with see - the ears of the deaf will be cleared - the lame will leap like a deer - the mute will sing.

Gospel of Mark - Jesus heals the deaf-mute - with ceremony.

Our Gospel reading ends with the people wondering just who this is - who can make the deaf hear and the mute speak.

What and whom did Jesus heal? Do you remember some of the healing stories in the Gospels? There are so many - even just in Mark's Gospel - the paralyzed man whose friends lower him through the roof of a house to the feet of Jesus - Jairus' daughter, who was thought to be dead - the woman hemorrhaging for 12 years - the blind man named Bartimaeus

In Luke's Gospel - John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus with the question, "Are you the one who is to come - or are we to wait for another? Jesus answers, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard, the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news brought to them."

Why did Jesus heal? - out of compassion, certainly - also as a signal that God's reign has come in Jesus.

However, something more - healing has to do with wholeness - Jesus healed to put the ill, the wounded, the living dead, the sinner on the way to wholeness - to genuine humanness.

Why Jesus healed? wa why Jesus took our flesh - to destroy the brokenness that sin has created - Deafness - blindness - and all sort of illnesses - are obstacles to a person's awareness of God's presence - keeps a person from responding to God's love - to knowing Jesus.

But - sinfulness must be healed also - sinfulness keeps us from the Lord - the ultimate healing - reconciliation - Jesus's healing power restores harmony - communion - with God - with each other - and with the earth.

Our Lesson - withing the Catholic boday - healing is an ever-present must - the Church is human - composed of sinners - Church is always in need of reform - Church is not whole - because of selfishness and sin - corruption and conflict - disease and death.

So we need the healing power of Our Savior - and we are called to be healers in the Spirit of Our Savior - we - the wounded healers.

Some Christians are called to image Christ the healer - by confronting phyusical or psychological sickness - healing us on the way to wholeness - we thank God for these healers who are united with the Savior as a healer.

We are all called to bring healing that is reconciliation - to destroy hostility between ourselves and God - to destroy hostility within and among ourselves - especially in families - to destroy holtillity between ourselves and teh rest of God's creation - our earth.

Without reconciliation - oneness with God, with one another , with our earth - our Christianity is a mockery.

Catholicism is not a head trip- how much we know - how learned we are - rather the final test - not what do you know - rather how well did you love.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father - I come to find you Lord that you may come more completey into my life - come into my life with your love and healing power - heal in me all that keeps me from you - heal in me all that keeps me from being a loving and good person - heal in me all that keeps me from being a saint - this is my prayer, Lord. Amen.

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

This past week urned out to be a sad one for the diocese - one of our priests died - Father Jerry Bleaux - I knew him well - we served together several years ago - he was a fine priest - well-known for being rather out-spoken - but always sincere and caring. Please keep Father Jerry in your prayers.

Father Bill says...for the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-08-28T11:53:00.002-04:00

The Adirondack Mountains

This Sunday our Gospel reading at Mass returns to a reading from the Gospel of St. Mark - after five weeks of reading John 6 - I recently found this interesting take on this Sunday's Scriptures.

The primacy of the heart - as compared with the head. When we judge a person - it is usually by the heart - one of the most damning things we can say about anyone - "he has no heart" - "he has a cold heart" - "he has a hard heart" - the best things we can say - "he has heart" - "he is warm hearted" - "he is soft hearted."

Often when we judge a person - it is by the heart - "his heart is not in it" - "he is only half-hearted" - or - "his heart is in it" - he is whole hearted."

Sorrow or joy is often placed in terms of the heart - "her heart was broken" - "She went with a heavy heart" - or "her heart is overflowing with joy" - "she went with a light heart"

And, even in worship - we speak of the heart - "is this person's heart in it or not" - or is this person only giving lip-service to the Lord - or does it truly come from the heart.

When we speak of badness or goodness - a corrupt heart is the worst form of badness - means to be bad to the core - a pur heart is the best kind of goodness - means to be good to the core.

Today's Gospel reading - places an emphasis on the heart - the heart - the source from which all our thoughts, words and deeds flow - the Pharisees paid more attention to the outside actions than what comes from the inside - it is the heart that matters - may we have a heart that glows with the Lord - only God can see what is in the heart - and only God can make it into what it should be.

I remember talking with a baseball scout - and I asked him what he looked for in a prospect - and he said two things - a strong arm - and heart - without heart the player would not be a good team member and would not bring much spirit to the team.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God - my Father - change my heart into yours - give me a heart overflowing with love and peace - a heart that is sacred because you have touched me in such a perfect way - this is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we join together in saying the Lord's Prayer.

Father Bill says...for the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-08-22T10:34:00.001-04:00

Christ knocks at the door – will you be there to answer

This weekend the question presented to us is whether we will continue to make our decision for Christ or not. Again, this Sunday the Gospel reading is from the Sixth Chapter of John – for the fifth consecutive Sunday we read from the same chapter – it is an important chapter – basic to our belief in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As we finish these readings from John 6 on Sundays – it is a good time to read the whole chapter together – as a sort of review of what we have seen.

This week – our liturgy connects a reading from the Old Testament Book of Joshua – with our Gospel from John 6. Joshua, now the leader of the Hebrew people after the death of Moses – is met with grumbling and complaining from the people – and he demands a decision from them – “If it does not please you to server the Lord, decided today whom you will serve – as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

In this closing reading from John 6 – Jesus is met with grumbling also – and the Gospel writer tells us that many refused to continue walking with Jesus – so Jesus asks the Twelve – “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answers for the group – “Master, to whom shall we go! You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

So, this message presents us with a similar challenge – what is your decision? Actually, it is a continuing question – a daily question – a decision we must make often in life – a decision for Christ. Have you – will you continue to make your faith your own – have you taken the time today to make a personal choice about faith.

I have noticed that often when a decision must be made – it is often a rejection – many young people solve the question of a decision about Jesus and faith by simply rejecting the whole business. My worry is that this decision is made without sufficient knowledge of all that Jesus and the Church teaches – of all that is ours because of our faith – of all that we can become – that we must become as people of faith. This, of course, is not simply a way out for young people – it happens to others at many different stages in life.

I believe that our task as a parish – to do something – so that all of us understand better our faith, our beliefs as Catholics, our way of life as follows of Jesus – and that we do better at helping others, especially our young people in understanding more about this challenge of making a decision for Christ.

The first step is that all of us must make our faith our own. This demands finding meaning through a personal experience of the Lord – faith – is not the acceptance of a lot of beliefs or rules or such – but rather – for a Christian – faith is a belief in and a commitment to the person of Jesus. We must get to know Jesus better – and make all that Jesus is more alive and real in our lives. Then our decision for Christ will truly make a radical change in our lives.

One way for this to begin – our daily reading of Sacred Scripture – a family reading of Sacred Scripture – that can well begin with John 6.

One brief note – the other reading this Sunday – from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians – contains that sentence that gets far too much attention these days – he writes, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” I will probably not talk about this on Sunday – I’m not certain what I would say – and since I am a man and a bachelor, many wives will certainly believe I don’t know anything about it, anyway – and that may be true. I have heard many explanations of Paul’s meaning – I must admit I don’t know – it was a different age – he may be trying to associate marriage – with his image of Jesus as the Bridegroom of the bride that is the Church – and the Church should be subordinate to Jesus – I don’t know – but he does add later on, “Husbands, love your wives.” I will leave the rest up to you.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – hear me as I pray today – strengthen my faith, Lord – as I make this decision today for Jesus – to listen to Jesus – to walk with Jesus – to try to live my life as Jesus lived. May my life reflect the life of my Savior – therefore, I again – this day – choose Jesus over all other things. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2009-08-15T09:56:00.003-04:00

FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
AND
THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as the ordinary Sunday of the Church Year. When the Assumption is on a weekday, it is a special feast of its own – but this year since the 15th is a Saturday – this feast day is joined together with the Sunday Mass.

But first let me tell you about my week – lots of very interesting and unique activities. Tuesday was the day of my brother Tom’s surgery – I traveled down to see how he came through the whole thing – and he seemed to do very well – and by the next day they had him up and walking the floor – I am certain that the nurses and aides didn’t know what they had gotten into – as he charged around visiting everyone – and trying to get a few more students for LeMoyne.

And in the evening – I had a new experience – going out to a local pub near the University – having a drink with my nephews – Bill and Paul – and Susan, Paul’s wife – you might say it was an investigation of how the other half live – and I met some old friends at the hospital – the Graham’s – Carol and John – as well as their son, Dan – and his new wife, Rachel – the last time I saw them was at the wedding.

On my way, home – I had supper with Father Joe, in Rome – and as I left to head into the Adirondack I came upon the most beautiful rainbow, I have seen in a long time – I truly felt that I was driving right into the middle of it. I must add a note of thanks to Father Joe for supper – and another thank you to my young friend , Mark, for the hot dog after the 5th hole on Friday – and also another thank you – a lovely gift from the folks at Silver Bay – when I stopped out there for a special Mass – Friday night – in honor of the Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Oh, yes – thank you to Jean and Jim who took me out to supper after that Mass. It was a good week – and the weather was gorgeous to boot.

Now – two quick ideas – the Assumption – for us, Catholics, devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is extremely important – and in faith we are called to imitate Mary – just as she brought Jesus to this world as the Mother of the Savior – so we are called to bring Jesus to our world. And we do that best by imitating the Blessed Mother – by being a faith-filled, loving and peaceful people. She was rewarded by being assumed into Heaven – and from there becomes our Mother and model – always ready to walk with us through the days – the good ones and the tough ones – of life.
The message of the Gospel of the ordinary Sunday Mass – still from John 6 – reminds us that our Eucharist is about the sacrifice of Jesus – who offer this First Eucharist the evening before he would be crucified – and also the words of Jesus reminds us and verifies for us that Jesus was truly a man – a human being. Some over the ages have often thought of Jesus as sort of a strange person – a divine person, walking around in our human world. No – Jesus was truly one of us – so he speaks of his flesh and blood.

“The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day.”

So we believe – firmly – in faith – that in the Holy Eucharist – the presence of Jesus comes to us – completely – though not physically – Jesus still is truly present to us – Body and Soul – Flesh and Blood – in this most wonderful sacrament. When we receive the Holy Eucharist – we truly are united with our Lord and Savior – literally – the Lord goes with us as we leave the Eucharist – to be part of our lives – to give it more life than ever – to truly put fire into all that we are to do. And as we join with all of our family and friends in this Eucharist – we become united in such a beautiful way – we become family – united in the Spirit of our Savior – so that we may live in the Spirit of our God that is ours in this Eucharist.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – on this day, I pray through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus – as Mary brought Jesus into our world – I long to have the faith and love of Mary – that I may bring the Jesus who comes to me in the Blessed Eucharist – into my world by living in the love and Spirit of my Savior. This is my prayer. Amen.
Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.

Father Bill says...Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-08-07T10:53:00.002-04:00

for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

I am always impressed by the size of my diocese, the Diocese of Ogdensburg, I noticed this even more this past when I drove over to the western side of the diocese – and also was again deeply impressed by the Adirondack Mountains – as I drove through the Adirondack Park. The purpose of the trip was the summer gathering of the priests from this diocese who have served for a time in our parish in Peru, South America. The ride was about three hours – and traveled through the heart of the Adirondacks – on a rather beautiful day – and did bring back many memories of other adventures in the various parishes that I drove through.

St. James Church, Gouverneur, was the very first parish that I served in after ordination – as an Associate to Monsignor Joe Bailey, the pastor. One of the first friendships that I established as a young priest was with an eighth grader in Gouverneur all those years ago – she is now living back in Gouverneur – so I called and arranged to visit her and her husband for lunch on that day. It turned out to be a sensational visit – I spent the good part of the afternoon with Mary Beth and her husband, Phil – remembering all sorts of stories from the past. I remember her mother well – she enjoyed breaking in new, young priests in those days – with all of her advice – I still remember many of her rather timely suggestions. And to add to the day – her brother, Rick, was visiting from California – and her sister, Rita, from Oneonta – they were all still in school when I was in the parish – and it was great fun to hear about their families and various successes.

The priests’ gathering was equally rewarding on that day - an opportunity to remember – share from that wonderful parish in Southern Peru, in which we had all served. It was a unique ministry for us – we were not professional missionaries by any means – but we did get a wonderful taste of the life of a missionary. We did get to share in this new and different culture and had our opportunity to learn a new language. It was further interesting that now we could communicate with many of the folks down there in ways we could not before – like email and facebook and such.

So – it was a fascinating week for me – now a brief moment to consider this Sunday’s Scriptures – again, this week – as for the last two – the Gospel reading is from the same chapter of John’s Gospel – John 6 – the Discourse on the Bread of Life. I must admit that I am still struggling a bit in deciding how I will continue the teaching on the Holy Eucharist – in a way that will be understandable to the people – make this sacrament touch their lives in a special way.

This Sunday’s reading from John 6 begins with the people having difficulty in accepting Jesus – as someone sent to bring this sacred and profound message to them. And their first response is that they know his parents – and there is also implied that we have known him since he was a child. They hesitate to listen to Jesus – they just can’t accept him. Could it be possible that even today – Mass and the reception of Holy Communion have become so ordinary for us – that we miss the magnificence and importance of this moment in time – that we miss the grandeur of this moment.

Jesus goes on attempting to teach the people – and us – of how much he wants to be a part of our lives – through this sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. He says, “I am the living bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Our first reaction is much like that of those people of old – too much to accept – I say to you now – trust your experience. I believe that those who have experiences the Holy Eucharist – those who have received Holy Communion often – for those who have made the Holy Mass a frequent and important part of their lives – know only too well how different their lives are – Jesus brings to us his life and spirit – so what we do and how we live is in the Spirit of Our Savior. I know only too well in my own life how important and precious the Holy Eucharist is for me – it is my strength and my support – it is my life – it is my way of bringing Jesus more completely into my life. I know Jesus – I know God – better – through this Sacrament – than through some book – Jesus reveals more of his identity to me – Jesus brings the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – into my life – to abide with me.

The reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians – gives us the pattern to live by – a huge challenge – and, yet, with the constant support of the Holy Eucharist – it is possible – “All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God – live in love.”
So we have the challenge – but we need a strong relationship with Our Savior – and we find that in the Blessed Eucharist. It is our very sustenance – Jesus comes to us in the Sacrament and stays with us as our guide and Lord – when we are open and accepting.

What a moment. I remember well a conference of some sort for us priests – and the presenter – a priest – reminded us of the importance of the distribution of Holy Communion. He used the expression – this is their moment – I remember this often when I prepare to receive the Holy Eucharist at the altar – this is my moment – my opportunity – to bring Jesus into my life – in a such a special way.

What a sacrament we have in the Eucharist.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I thank you, Lord – I thank you for your care and concern for me – I thank you for the Blessed Eucharist – you have blessed me through my ordination to offer Mass, to bring your presence into the Mass – into the Eucharist – into this community – help me – that I may always be aware of your presence with me at the altar – and in my life – that I may live well in your Spirit and bring that life and Spirit to all who I meet. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-08-01T11:43:00.001-04:00

For the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday is parish picnic Sunday – that is always a fun event – after the last Mass on Sunday – we will move on down to the Knights of Columbus Pavilion with lots of food and other activities – last Sunday, I gave the folks the blanket permission to wear picnic clothes to Mass – I have no idea what that means – and so I will be very anxious to see what comes about – do you suppose they will discover my shorts under the Mass vestments?

During the past week, I attended the Clergy Golf Tournament in Malone – each year a great opportunity for us, priests and deacons, to get together – it was more about getting together and having fun than golf. It turned out to also be a time of remembering those golfers from our clergy group who are no longer with us – those who have passed on to the Heavenly courses – That is always a bit sad – but it I also a reminder of the passing years for the rest of us – well, so does the shorter and shorter drives.

This Sunday’s Gospel continues the reading from John 6 – as will the next three Sunday’s gospels – John takes us through Jesus’ Discourse on the Bread of Life – his introduction of the apostles and each one of us – to the wonderful and central Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Last Sunday’s Gospel – a reading that begins this chapter – is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves of bread. The next part of John 6 – that is not read at Mass – describes the apostles taking their boat across the lake – and the gospel then tells us of Jesus approaching the boat – walking on the water – and he joins them in the boat. Today’s liturgical reading begins with the people – those who were among the 5,000 – rush over to Capernaum, looking for Jesus. And then begins the Dialogue that is the rest of John 6.

A couple of things to notice – the folks wonder how Jesus got there – Jesus uses this as an opportunity to sort of confront the people – “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God has set his seal.”

Then they wonder – “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus responds, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” Belief in Jesus – following the message of Jesus – today, this is really very different from ages ago – like when I was a child – as a child, I knew faith in God and living by Jesus’ teachings were a part the very culture of my family and neighborhood and my family. For example, in those days, you needed a good reason – not – to go to Church. Today – people seem to need a good reason to go to Church. Today – we need a real anchor to faith – we need something to help us find support for our faith and living that faith each day. We need a truly deeper source to give us meaning – to continue living our faith – that support comes best through our relationship with Jesus – we must find the way, the truth, the life – we find that best in the Eucharistic Jesus – the bread of Heaven will fill our hunger and need – Jesus’ gift of the Blessed Eucharist gives us the life and support we need.

We come to the Lord – just as those people of the Gospel story – because we have hunger – the hunger for support for our faith – support that we may find the way to lie that faith well.

I found this idea in the writings of Father Ron Rolheiser – the first words out of Jesus’ mouth – a question – “What are you looking for?” And he proposes this image – one of the Easter Gospel stories – concerns Mary Magdalene. She comes to the garden – searching for Jesus – he comes to her – but she does not recognize him, thinking it is the gardener – He speaks to her – same question as in today’s Gospel – “What are you looking for?” – Mary replies that she is looking for the body of the dead Jesus and could he give her any information as to where the body is. And Jesus simply says, “Mary.” He pronounces her name in love – She immediately recognizes him.

This is the whole Gospel – what we are ultimately looking for – the desire to hear God pronounce our names in love. To hear God, lovingly say: “Mary”, “John”, “Meagan”, “Peter” –

This is our anchor – when we face misunderstanding or depression.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I come to you this day – to find you – I come because I am in need – I need you with me to support me and guide me – I need to hear you say my name in love. This is my prayer - Amen.

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

Father Bill says...Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-07-25T10:37:00.002-04:00

This Sunday's Gospel is from John 6 - for five weeks, the Gospel will be from John 6 - called the Bread of Life Dialogue - this chapter begins with this Sunday's Gospel - the feeding of the 5,000 - as I read this Sunday's Scriptures - I remembered last Tuesday - I was visiting my brother - and we went off to play golf with my nephew and this three children - as well as a friend - and even my sister-in-law came along to drive and coach - it was great fun and fortunately, the course was not crowded - so we did not disturb things.

The Feeding of the 5,000 reminded me of when we headed to a local Pizza place for lunch - no- it wasn't freely passed out - but is is quite an expereience to charge in - order the pizza - try to figure out who gets what - and then pass it all out - so I couldn't help but wonder how Jesus dealt with the logistics of this Gospel experience - as he fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish.

The Sunday Scriptures set the stage for the Gospel story - with the reading from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians - here St. Paul counsels and urges the people "to live in a manner of the call you have received" - the first step in our journey to live as good Christians and followers of Jesus Christ and good members of the Catholic church - is to remember that we are called - the reality is that all people are called to live in the Spirit of Our Savior - but many do not recognize this call - so Paul urges us today to realize that we are called - we are chosen in a special way - our world can be a better place, if we would but recognized that we have been chosen and God longs to work through us to make the world a better place.

So - St. Paul sets out for us a program - a path to follow - so that we can live as chosen people - he begins with the virtues of humility, gentleness and patience - rather, basic virtures - but let us first of all remember these are not passive virtues - to be humble, gentle, and patient does not mean to sit back and watch the world go by - to refuse to do anything - to express our humility and gentleness adnpatience by avoiding everything and everyone - so that we may remain in God's Spirit - we are humble when we know who we ar and honestly accept our gifts and shortcomings and use those gifts that are ours as well as we can - we are gentle when we remove from our ives all that is of violence and anger - and become a force for good by being gentle - and we make the world world a better place because we deal with the experiences of life by being a person of patience and calmness - in our actions and our speech.

Paul goes on - "bear with one another through love" - don't you love it - "bear with one another" - Paul knows that some times along our journey of life, we will run into difficult relationships - difficult experiences - challenges from tohers - and Paul says - "bear with one another" - and how - "through love."

He writes - "preserve the unity of the Spirit - through peace" - we can unite our families and our parishes and our communities - when we are a force for peace - when we make our community and our family a place of unity and love - when we personally live in peace - when we do all we can to bring peace into our communities - this is what makes us a Church - the People of God - because we are united in peace and love - always rady to make our world a better place.

How do we do this best - by reaching out to help others in any way we can - so Jesus gives us such a wonderful example - in this story of the feeding of the 5,000 - which of course reminds us of our Eucharist - as Jesus unites us in Spirit and love by inviting us to the altar of the Lord for this most important and beautiful sacrament - that unites us to our od and unites us to each other.

One more thing - around here - there will be a second collection this Sunday - this is for the Missionary Projects of the Diocese of Ogdensburg - for over 40 years - our diocese sent priests - at least two at a time - to South America - to the city of Mollendo, in Southern Peru - to staff a local parish - a few years ago, it was necessary to end this missionary effort - but the Diocese continues to help the missions - especially, our friends in Mollendo - through this second collection - it was one of the more memorable experiences in my life to spend three years at this parish in Peru - I must admit it had a powerful influence in whom I am as a priest - probably doing more for me than for the people there - but I think it did say something to those people - and to the people of our diocese - that it is important for us to be a mission conscience diocese - that we are concerned with our Church - far beyond the limits of our diocese - far beyond each of our parishes - so today I remember and pray for so may wonderful people who were part of my life as a missionary priest in South America.

One quick P.S. - recently, on my Facebook page (yes, I have one - come join me) - up came a young man who I remember so well from down in Mollendo.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father - I pray this day that you may touch my life - teach me, Lord - how to be humble, gentle, patient - help me to be a person of peace - that I may live in teh Spirit of the great saint, St. Paul - and in the Spirit of my Savior, Jesus Christ. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-07-18T10:10:00.002-04:00

I want to introduce you to my friend, 90 year old, Bob Vannier of Ticonderoga - last Sunday, Bob invited me out for a sail - now I want you to know I know very little about sailing - so I thought it would be interesting - I knew Bob was an experienced sailor - what I didn't realize was just how agile this 90 year old was - so I was quite astonished to see him hustling around - puttin gup sails - moving up and down the hull - and I was truly impressed with his love for sailing - he just loves every moment that he is out on Lake Champlain - by the way, he is still an avid skier - so this sailing experience was my highlight of the week.

Now - as for this weekend's Scriptures - I must admit to you at this moment I have no idea of just what I will be saying at Mass this weekend - I have many ideas but they have just not settled into a good pattern for me.

The Old Testament reading - from Jeremiah - establishes a contrast with this week's psalm and Gospel - Jeremiah speaks out against the leaders - the religious leaders of his day - bringing the words of God to them, saying, "Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the Lord." This reading will be followed by the very familiar psalm - the 23 psalm - the Good Shepherd Psalm - in which the psalmist describes the great love and care that the Good Shepherd has for his flock - the compassionate love that God has for his people. Then in the Gospel - Jesus first of all shows compassionate love to his apostles - if you remember last Sunday's Gospel - he sent them out on missionary journeys two by two throughout Galilee - this Sunday's reading describes their return - and Jesus says - you need to take a rest - let us go across the lake and find a place to rest. Their rest period is interrupted by the appearance of the crowd, seeking the presence of Jesus - and Jesus does not hesitate to give them his time and love - his compassionate love. I suppose I could talk about interruptions - although very annoying - interruptions can be the stuff of life - how often the unexpected interruptions of a day can be the best time, the time best spent, the most successful thing that we do during a particular day.

Then there is the reading from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians - Paul writes to urge his peole to break through their controversies and divisions - and discover the peace and happiness of unity. He holds up for them Jesus as his model - he writes, "In Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ." Christ himself is that peace which brings unity - through the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit that brings peace they and we will find unity - Christ makes peace by giving himself - he willing demonstrates his peace by his desire for peace by his willing to accept suffering and sacrifice out of love - and Christ often preached peace.

Paul reminds his people and us - that creating unity now - we must emulate Jesus - first of all we must find peace -the peace that leads to unity - by forming our relationship with Jesus and living our lives in the Spirit and love of Jesus. We must understand that making peace is costly - it demands a readiness to sacrifice - by putting aside our own wishes - it begins by demanding our readiness to listen - listen with empathy - and a readiness to dialogue - to talk things out over and over again.

Then, in the following of Jesus, we turn to the Holy Spirit and pray for guidance and help and wisdom that we may be a force for good in uniting ourselves and others together - and then we are called to preach peace - by our lives and the way we treat others - by our readiness to share Christ's gift of reconciliation - through our words and actions.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father - hear me as I pray this day - may I truly learn to be a part in your hopes for unity among all peoples - especially, among all people of faith - may I discover your peace - and may I live in your peace - for through the peace and with your love, I will destrsoy barriers that keep me from others - that will help to establish unity in my parish and my world. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

For the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

2009-07-11T09:22:00.003-04:00

This is me with part of my family at the Fourth of July in Ticonderoga - they - not me - had just finished being part of the mile run.

The week started out with rain and rain around here - but ended with sunshine - starting to dry out around here - summer must be here -Sunday Masses are filled with old friends who have summer places on the lakes.

This Sunday - is dedicated to our becoming missionaries of the Lord - of reaching out to helping others in the Spirit of Our Savior - the Gospel reading - from Mark - tells us of Jesus sending out the apostles two by two to take the message to the people of Galilee. The message for us is that we are also called and sent to change the world - we are God's instruments - this is our dignity and our responsibility. Chrsitianity is never something to be kept to ourselves - we must be active - not passive in our following of Jesus - while only a few will be called to preach the Gospel - all are expected to witness to the Gospel by their lives and readiness to help those in need.

So I plan to use two stories this weekend - I have used them often in the past - but they are good stories - so they will joggle a few memories - even for you - their message continues to be a good one.

A man, passing through town - is shocked to see a young boy begging - he is dressed in rags and looks terrible, even sick - later the man - while visiting a nearby Church - berates God - in his prayer he shouts at the Lord - "God, why don't you do something for this child?" - and the response comes back to him from the Lord - "I have done something - I made you."

The other story comes from the Korean Way - they say it is true - even if it is not, it is a great story - during an attack on a city by American troops - a large statue of Jesus - outside the parish Church - is damaged badly - broken up into many pieces - some of the soldiers noticed what had happened and decided to volunteer to pick up the many pieces and try to put the statue together for the priest - they did very well in their restoration - but couldn't find the hands of Jesus - so they offered to pay to have someone create hands to finish the statue - the priest thought for a moment - and then decided not to replace the hands - and instead - he prepared a sign for the pedestal - which read - "Friend, lend me your hands."

Jesus speaks to each of us today - "Friend, lend me your hands."

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father - I turn to you this day - seeking your wisdom and guidance - help me to recognize tis very day - where you need me - where I can make a difference - where I can do some good for someone in need - with your help I will truly become your hands and bring your love and help to someone in need. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...For the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-07-04T09:58:00.003-04:00

Today is the 4th of July - around our town this is a big deal - so there will be a parade and all sorts of activities in the park and fireworks tonight - it is fun to see so many folks coming back to town for this weekend - always interesting to see those who left here after high school and to discover all that they have accomplished - I noticed that in the Gospel rading for this Sunday - that Jesus returns to his home town - and the peole there find him too much - they are amazed at his preaching and his confidence and his deep spirituality - as well as the magnificent things that he has accomplsihed - he is well know throughout all of Galilee - but for them he is just one of those who grew up in this town - just a carpenter - they know his family - the Gospel says - he is too much for them - they just can't accept him and his teaching - I guess that could happen to many who will be coming back to town for the 4th - we will be surprised at all that they have accomplished - and may even have our doubts.

The 4th is about freedom and independence - unfortunately, it becomes a day of remembrance of wars and battles and deaths - so for me it is day of prayer for peace - may peace come soon to this world of ours - let us never lose hope that peace is possible - may we begin by bringing the spirit of peace into our lives - when we live in peace - we have begun to make our world a place of peace.

This Sunday I will focus on the Second reading - this reading is from the Second Letter to the Corinthians - it is a rather familiar section - it is here that Paul speaks of the fact that he has a "thorn in the flesh" - we never do find out exactly what he is talking about - but the expression is common to all of us - many have spoken of "a thorn in the flesh" that has upset their lives - what it is for Paul we do not know - possibly - illness, a worry, the burdens of life, an addiction, a compulsion - or even possibly another person - someone at work - a neighbor - or even in the family.

Paul says - that he has often begged God to move this "thorn" - and God's message comes back to him - "My grace is sufficient for you - for power is made perfect in weakness" - God can and does work through our human weakness - Paul recognizes that this "thorn" has kep him humble - and so he accepts his weakness and powerlessness - "Therefore, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutaions - for the sake of Christ - for when I am weak, then I am strong."

I suspect that many of us can think of many examples of this - I know many disable people whose accomplishments amaze me - I know so many who have suffered so much who continue to find success in life - I can think of those that the world would not expect much - who accomplish so much - and I know that there are so many times when I feel very incompetent - to give me the support, the help, the guidance to accomplish what I must undertake.

So - for us - in our weakness - we experience the power of God; in our darkness - we experience his light; in our sins - we experience his mercy. So, I thank God - I rejoice in my God - God has supported me in so many ways - I am certain many of you - parents, teachers, leaders - can join me in thanking God - who has supported and lead each one of us - even when we are weak - and feel useless.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father - I turn to you today through the intercession of St. Paul - I thank you for standing with - especially when I feel weak - when I feel useless - when I am not certain I can accomplish this task - with you I can do all things - even when I am weak. this is my prayer.
Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-06-27T08:04:00.001-04:00

for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The past week was dominated by a funeral on Friday – a funeral of a twenty-eight year old man – husband – father of three children – the particular situation was all the more complicated by the fact that this man turned up missing for several weeks. Such a trying situation for his young wife and her parents – as well as his parents. As I planned the funeral Mass – I realized very quickly that the last thing anyone needed at this funeral was a long drawn out homily. I also came to understand that our Catholic liturgical prayers for a funeral said everything that had to be said – and at the same time, they were deeply personal – they made clear God’s love for all – God’s compassionate love for the man’s family – and for him.

This week was filled with graduations around here. We had the eighth grade graduation from our school, St. Mary’s School, on Tuesday – another group of young people ready to go off to high school – and this weekend there will be high school graduations from the two high school in our parish – I time of prayer for this batch of young men and women that they may make a difference in this world – however, for me, the most fun was the Kindergarten graduation on Monday night – such a joy – to see how much these little ones have grown up during this year – and also to experience their enthusiasm and joy. So thank you, God, for all of these graduates – give them your spirit and love that they may move along in life with success and enthusiasm.

Now – this Sunday’s Gospel – the Gospel of Mark for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – the story of two healings of Jesus – a woman who has suffered for twelve years with a problem that doctors cannot solve – but now with faith in Jesus – she pushes forward – touches the hem of his cloak – and is healed. And then the lovely story of Jairus’ daughter – the Synagogue official who seeks help from Jesus – many of the religious leaders of that day rejected Jesus – Jairus did not – he seeks Jesus’ help for his daughter who is dying (curiously, she is twelve years old) – Jesus willingly goes off with him to his home – on the way some from Jairus’ household comes to tell him she has died – Jesus tells him not to fear – to have faith – they continue to the home – and Jesus raises up the girl.

These Gospel stories are about faith – and health – I discovered some interesting ideas about our attitude toward illness as Christians and followers of Jesus – who healed so many. Our Gospel encourages us to have the same strength of faith as Jairus and the woman in the Gospel story. I have told you before about the psychological story that contends that those who have people praying for them do better during surgery – certainly, it gives a person support and hope to know so many are praying for them – and for those of us with faith we do believe in God help. A patient with no faith has a real disadvantage – real sufferings – the suffering of the disease, the suffering that this sickness seems so meaningless – the suffering that life seems to have been suspended. The illness becomes something to be endured rather than lived – they are living in the future rather than the present.

A patient with faith – continues to live as intensely as before and even more so. Sickness can be a valuable experience – a time to discover more about ourselves and about God also. The example I immediately think of is St. Ignatius Loyola – who was converted to a deeper spirituality, who discovered his vocation to the priesthood – and developed his decision to form a religious order – the Jesuit order – the Society of Jesus – all of this while he was recovering in a hospital from wounds suffered in battle.

The sick must be helped to realize how their illness fits in the larger context of their lives – it is not an unfortunate episode in life – but an intrinsic part of it – that this moment has the potential to enrich life. Patients must be helped to tap into their spiritual resources at the time of crisis – spirituality can thrive in a hospital – patients are vulnerable – and yet this can be a time when their spirituality grows and enriches their lives.

God’s love can be experienced – even in suffering – God’s presence does not necessarily take away suffering – but gives the power to transform it. We need God to help us – so that our souls are not reduces to just passively suffering. From our illnesses we can discover a new understanding of who we are.

A painful experience causes us to reflect on our lives – and teaches us to be compassionate towards other sufferings – compassion is not learned without suffering.

The compassion of Jesus – not bending down towards the underprivileged – not a gesture of sympathy or pity – a compassion learned through his own misery, anxiety, loneliness, pain and suffering – God’s unconditional love becomes a compassionate love.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – turn to me with your love and healing grace – show me the way to bring your compassionate love to those who are suffering – may we all see in our sufferings a way to your love and life. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Be sure to check out our parish website – http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2009-06-20T09:58:00.002-04:00

for: the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This morning I am preparing for a wedding this afternoon – an old fashioned June wedding – these are two young people that I knew when they were in high school – they are both doing very well – the whole scene has been so enjoyable – because they were not local they did their marriage preparation on the internet – a program from Colorado – and they were very faithful to the whole process – and last night the rehearsal was excellent also. Sometimes weddings can be such a pain – speaking as the priest – but this looks to be a very comfortable and enjoyable time – this is especially true because the bride and groom are such great people – their approach to marriage is mature and comfortable – however, join me in praying for them – that this may continue to be true of their lives together.

By the way – did I tell you – during the week – I went with the 8th grade group – kids, teachers, parents – on a whale watch to Gloucester – it was a good time – a comfortable trip for me – I was only a spectator – the kids were great – and it was a great time to spend some time with the adults on the trip – and the whales cooperated – and we did see a few of them. And the other plus – some great seafood –

This Sunday will be unique – in that at one of the Churches – Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Crown Point – I will extend the Feast of the Sacred Heart – that feast day was on Friday – however, since the parish is dedicated to the Sacred Heart – I will use that Mass this weekend – and celebrate our patronal feast. At St. Mary’s – I will use the Mass for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – but in both Churches we will honor the fathers of the parish on Father’s Day. So, lots of stuff for one Sunday.

I consider Father’s Day an important opportunity – first of all because fathers deserve a great deal of respect – and at the same time, I find it important to renew the challenge to all fathers – the challenge to truly be a good, even profound influence on their children. I have seen many wonderful fathers – fathers who are first of all magnificent husbands – and then truly fathers to their children – giving them an example that is and there is no better word than to say – powerful – I know fathers who have dedicated themselves to making their families the best – the most loving and peaceful families possible – I know fathers that are close to their children – but more than friends – they are truly fathers –

So – all of you fathers out there – I respect you – I recognize the immense challenge you have accepted by being fathers – I pray for you – we need you – our world needs you – to be the best – the best fathers on the face of the earth. What a special calling – what a vocation – to be a father – never forget how important – how sacred is your calling. I tell you often of the evening I spent with my niece and nephew at the birth of their second child – and the time I spent after with my nephew as we stopped for a little breakfast afterwards – I was truly awestruck – it was an evening I will never forget – but I will also remember – recognizing for both of these parents – the readiness for the challenge of raising this child – the huge responsibilities that they accepted but realized were immense.

Now – a moment on the Sacred Heart of Jesus – once a more popular devotion in our Church – but still important – the vision to St. Margaret Mary – when she saw Jesus with His heart visible and above it a flame – the flame of love – the wonderful image of the love of God – and God’s longing that we become as loving and as caring as the Savior, himself. I encourage you to remember and turn often to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

One last comment on the Sunday Gospel for this Sunday – Jesus calms the storm – he is with the apostles in a boat (they were good sized boats) – and a storm comes up – like the storms on Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario – and the apostles are frightened – but Jesus is asleep – they wake him up in anxiety – and he calms the storm. There is a spiritual root to the story – we are all on that boat that is our Church – and the storms that this Church of ours has faced over the years have been numerous – and immense – each time the Church (that is all of the People of God) have had to wake up Jesus – and the miracles have been numerous – and the ship that is this Church of ours has not only stayed afloat but has continued on its journey of bringing us all closer to the Lord.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I turn to you this day – bless all the fathers – support them – help them to be great fathers – as a priest, I am often called Father – so help me that I may be a good priest and carry out my responsibilities and duties as a good father – we all need you, Lord – with you we will not fail. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Have you had the opportunity of checking out the parish website – http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for the Feast of Corpus Christi

2009-06-13T09:25:00.002-04:00

for the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ

This weekend the Church celebrates a wonderful feast day in honor of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. The traditional name for this feast day is Corpus Christi – the Latin name – meaning the Body of Christ – these days we extend this name and call the feast day – the commemoration of the Body and Blood of Christ.

This morning I am preparing for a funeral – a young man – something like 62 years old – a husband and father and grandfather – actually, I don’t know this family well – they have visited Ticonderoga often as summer visitors – but decided to have the funeral Mass here at St. Mary’s – I was rather impressed at the Wake last night with the large number of friends and family who have come up from the New York City area to be part of this man’s funeral services – he must have been well liked and respected.

On the other side of the coin – yesterday – I had a funeral for a woman who had been part of my other parish for most of her life – she was always at Church – Sundays and weekdays – right up in the front pew – a wonderful woman – deeply involved in her parish – deeply faithful to her God. She also was surrounded by so many folks – family and friends.

I mention these funerals in connection with Corpus Christi – because each time we celebrate someone’s death, our funeral liturgy is a Mass – the celebration of the Holy Eucharist – this is our way of remembering – remembering the person who died – and also uniting that memory with the Memorial to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is rather unique – this is not some sort of reenactment of the Last Supper – rather it is our moment – to unite ourselves with the Lord and with each other. In this most wonderful sacrament we become one with the Lord – we accept the Blessed Eucharist – the consecrated Body and Blood of Jesus – and allow it to become one with us – just as we would any food. This sacrament becomes our food of life – our strength to live well – truly our sustenance.

It is interesting that in our day so much is written and broadcast about eating well – about knowing the ingredients of what we eat – about eating or not eating certain stuff – carrying this over to our spiritual life – we must never underestimate the importance of receiving the Holy Eucharist – of knowing that this is truly the Body and Blood of Our Savior – and that this Eucharist must be a regular part of our spiritual diet. We need to often come to the altar of the Lord – and bring the strength and goodness of Our Savior into our lives.

We often speak of someone putting love into their preparation of meals – I associate it usually with my Aunt Kate – whose cookies are an important childhood memory – not so much because they were the best cookies I ever tasted – but because I knew that they were prepared for me – and the rest of the family – filled with her love for each one of us. So we believe very firmly that Holy Eucharist – that Holy Communion – brings us the love of Jesus in a very special and important way. We must never approach the altar of the Lord for Holy Communion without a total awareness that this consecrated Body and Blood of Jesus will bring us the love of Our Savior in a most unique and wonderful way.

I may have told you this story before – but I remember ages ago – at a conference for priests on the liturgy of the Church – that the priest who was presenting this – spent a great deal of time on the way that Holy Communion was given to the people of the congregation. I remember one of the priests – I guess he was tired – but he did sound rather facetious – suggested that we must put the paten with the consecrated hosts out on a table in the middle aisle and everyone could just take their own – and the presenter calmly said – but this is their moment – this is a most important moment as each person comes to the priest or Eucharistic Minister to receive the sacrament. I know it would be a little too long – but I wish we had time for each person to express their prayer at the moment they were about to receive the Sacrament – “I believe – thank you, Lord, for coming to me this moment in this Holy Sacrament – I have so many cares and worries, I need you – I want to be strong this day to do all that I can to help my family and those I meet – stay with me and guide me.”

So this will be my prayer for today – I do hope that you will discover the beauty and importance of the Holy Eucharist – I do hope that you often allow the Lord into your life in this Sacrament.

Please join me now as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.
Again, I invite you to our parish website - http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for Trinity Sunday

2009-06-06T08:10:00.002-04:00

for Trinity Sunday

Another fifty years anniversary – this time it is for St. Mary’s School – all sorts of school kinds of activities – a banquet on Friday night – on Saturday – this morning – I am preparing myself for a Nun Run – I think it is just an ordinary mile long race – St. Mary’s School has always had Sisters of St. Joseph – this first faculty – fifty years ago – it was all Sisters – now, only one – our principal, Sister Sharon – I am not certain if the retired Sisters who have come back for the celebration will be leading the Run – but you never can tell – I’ll let you know later. The celebration will also have a special Mass on Sunday – and the students will be taking care of all of the ministries.

Trinity Sunday is a difficult Sunday to preach – the danger is that you could spend most of the homily, trying to teach about the mystery of the Trinity – there is some teaching demanded, I know – but what can you say definitively about the Trinity – so I am still trying to decide what I will say this weekend.

As Christians, we believe in one God – one God that is triune – there in one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Trinity is about Community – Trinity is about Family – our God comes to us as community – and our God comes to us as love – love that can be felt at every level. When we experience love it changes us as persons – and it changes how we see reality. Trinity is about love – we are loved people – our God loves us unconditionally.

The Old Testament reading for Trinity Sunday sees things from the point of view of Moses – it gives evidence of the uniqueness of God’s relationship to his people, one that no other God can ever have. Moses discovers God in the burning bush – Moses brings this God – this personal, loving God – to bring the Hebrew people out of slavery – through the Exodus. The Christian God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the same one God who chose the Israelite people to be his own, cared for them (and us) even before creation – and preserved them from the Egyptians.

In the Gospel for Trinity Sunday, Jesus instructs the apostles before the Ascension – “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.”

Then Jesus ends his instructions with this, “And behold I am with you always, until the end of the age.” I think that I will focus my homily on this statement – Jesus tells the apostles and us that he will be with us always – until the end of time.

I remember well a high school student who asked my advice – she was going to a wake for the mother of her friend – and she asked what should I say – the answer, of course, was nothing – the important thing was to be there, with her friend – we care for someone who is suffering, just by being present – this provides that person with a steady companionship – to know that there is someone there who cares, makes a world of difference – it saves that person from the feeling of being abandoned.

Remember – Jesus says, “Trust in me. I’ll be with you always.” Jesus didn’t guarantee a trouble free life – or – even success – the apostles knew that as long as Jesus was with them – they would have the courage and strength to face whatever difficulties lay ahead – God’s closeness shields us against a sense of abandonment and despair.

God is always with us – but we are not always with God – our busy lives cause us to get disconnected from God. So we must deliberately cultivate a sense of the presence of God and nourish it through prayer.

Finally, when we are with God – we are with one another.

Each time we begin prayer with the Sign of the Cross – we are remembering God – we are asking God to be with us – we are calling to mind the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I turn to you – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – to transform my life – fill me with your love – touch me with your peace – guide me in your love. May I never forget that you have promised to always be with me – and so I am not afraid – I will never be abandoned – you are my God. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

I invite you to look in on our parish website at http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for Pentecost

2009-05-30T09:22:00.002-04:00

For Pentecost Sunday

You are not going to believe this but I am preparing for another Fiftieth Anniversary – I got through my own – and that of my cousin, Father Tom McGrath (which was a sensational weekend – and I got to renew my friendship with my Irish relatives – all such great folks) – next weekend – we here in Ticonderoga will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of our school, St. Mary’s School – with all sorts of activities, a dinner – a pig roast – and I am anxious to take part in a Saturday morning, Nun Run – I am not certain what this will be like – but I can’t wait to see.

This Sunday – we all celebrate the wonderful feast day of the Pentecost – the Scripture reading for this Sunday from the Acts of the Apostles describes that first Pentecost event – when the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles – and the Church was born – they were filled with enthusiasm to overcome any fear and bring the message out to people. Acts describes the coming of the Spirit with the symbols of wind and fire – wind and fire that got the Apostles going and excited – we are told that they were hiding in the upper room – afraid to do anything – and then the Spirit came – and here we are two thousand years later – still alive in the Spirit – still living in our faith and confidence in Our Savior – alive in the Spirit.

To celebrate this – the liturgy calls for red – the color red – the priest wears red vestments – the Church is draped in red – and I noticed one parish (I should have thought of this for mine) – that everyone wear red to Church – so I encouraged you to celebrate the Pentecost and wear red to Church tomorrow.

Jesus ascends to Heaven – and we are told that as a gift of Jesus from the Father, the Spirit comes first of all to Jesus’ disciples so that they might proclaim the truth of salvation they have come to know through Jesus – the truth of the resurrection of Jesus to new life. So the Pentecost day – the apostles set out to build a new community – they spoke a new language – the language of love and co-operation. So – this is truly the birthday of the Church – the infant Church took its first steps – made up not of saints but of sinners – and we are called to continue this task of building our Church, ever stronger and more alive. May we continue to be one family under God in the life of the Holy Spirit. Through the working of the Spirit in the Church, the ministry and mission of Jesus continues to this day.

Pentecost is about excitement and enthusiasm – on this Pentecost Sunday – we pray that our Church may become stronger and more alive in the Spirit. I want to share with you a poem and prayer of the great Churchman – Cardinal Leo Suenens – the Belgian priest and Bishop – who was so important to the success of the Second Vatican Council – a wonderful saint

“The Surprises of the Holy Spirit”

I am a person of hope because I believe
that God is born a new each morning,
because I believe that God is creating
the world at this very moment.

God did not create it at a distant
and a long-forgotten moment in time,
it is happening now;

We must therefore be ready
to expect the unexpected from God.

The ways of Providence
are by nature surprising.
God is here, near us,
unforeseeable and loving.

I am a person of hope,
not for human reasons
not from any natural optimism,
but because I believe
the Holy Spirit is at work
in the Church and in the world,
even where the name remains unheard.

I am an optimist because I believe
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of creation.
Those who welcome the Spirit
will receive each day fresh liberty
and renew joy and trust.

The long history of the Church is filled
with the wonders of the Holy Spirit.
Think only of the prophets and saints who,
in times of darkness,
have discovered a spring of grace
and shed beams of light on our path.

I believe in the surprises of the Holy Spirit.
To hope is a duty – not a luxury.
To hope is not a dream,
but turns dreams into reality.

Happy are those who dream dreams
and are ready to pay the price
to make them come true.

What a wonderful message – thank you, Cardinal Suenens – may we be alive in the Spirit – may we dream dreams of a better world – a world of peace and love and harmony – may we be ready to do what we have to do to make these dreams come true – may we be ready to pay the price.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – thank you, God, for sending the Holy Spirit – continue to bring that Spirit into my life – into my parish – into my world – give me the enthusiasm of the Holy Spirit – help me to bring the message of Jesus – the love of Jesus – the peace of Jesus into my life – and into my teaching and preaching. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Please pray for my diocese, the Diocese of Ogdensburg, that we will soon receive our new Bishop – a good and holy Bishop.

Check out my parish website – http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

2009-05-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

The first part of my week was spent at our Spring Priest’s Conference – that we call Emmaus – at Lake Placid – up in the Adirondack Mountains – a perfect place to spend a few days with the priests of my diocese. There is a special bond within a diocese – I must admit I know some much better than others – many of us went to the seminary together – but we are all united together as priests of a diocese – working in the same area with the same Bishop as our leader.

As I may have mentioned to you before – our present Bishop, Robert Cunningham, has been reassigned to the Diocese of Syracuse – so my diocese – the Diocese of Ogdensburg will be without a Bishop until another is chosen for us. I must admit this is a rather anxious time for us – who will the new Bishop be? What will he be like? Will he be easy to get along with? Will he be a good leader, an excellent Bishop, a holy man? – My diocese has been through this transitional period before – in fact, in the last fifteen years this will be the fourth Bishop – someone said to me recently it is like getting a coach for a professional football team – some teams do go through four coaches in fifteen years – however, in this situation all the players, all the priests are the same – the question for us is how much will we have to change – say a prayer for us – that God finds the perfect Bishop for us.

I am sending this letter out to you a little early – this weekend I am going to travel to Syracuse – and attend the anniversary celebration for my cousin, Father Tom McGrath – a priest of the Syracuse Diocese – this will also be his 50th Anniversary – we are only a couple of months apart in age – he is the pastor at St. Mary’s Church, in Skaneateles, New York (I hope I spelled that correctly) – so here we go again – another 50th anniversary. Seems like that is all I have been writing to you about – lately.

This is Memorial Day Weekend – in our prayers – we are invited to remember all of our deceased loved ones – and especially the men and women who have died in the armed services in the various wars that have marred our history as a country. I use these Memorial Day weekends as a time for prayer for peace. I cannot stop praying for peace – if I ever come to believe that peace is impossible – then I know it will be impossible. As we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord – in faith, we remember that Jesus ascended to Heaven to prepare a place for us – and to give us the hope and confidence that we will one day follow Jesus to new life – a new life that begins now – a time of hope and confidence in the Savior who loves us so much – and so we should live as people of hope – that good things will happen – that one day there will be peace – when the people of this world will live in harmony – let us never give up – may our world give peace a chance.

This Sunday’s Scriptures include from John’s Gospel Jesus prayer for his disciples – for us. Jesus looks to the Father – and seeks protection for his disciples – that they may be guarded – and that none of them be lost – Jesus is praying for us – in this prayer, he realizes that living and teaching his message of love and peace – care and concern – his message that all are loved in the sight of God – that this message may bring hardship – that many will oppose his disciples – even hate them. So he prays for us – so that we will not lose confidence – that we will not lose hope – that we will never give up – and so his prayer is “Father, Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I send them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also ma be consecrated in truth.”

In each and every Mass – in each and every Eucharist - we are truly consecrated by the Lord – made holy – so that we can take the love and peace of Our Savior into our world – we are transformed that we may transform our world.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, our Father – again, today, I thank you – I offer my gratitude for my cousin, Father Tom, for is 50 years – and I again thank you for my 50 years as a priest – it has been a gift for me – you have watched over me and helped me and rescued me often – I continue to need you, Lord – help me to deal well with the surprises of life – with your surprises for me. I pray for all those who have made these years of priesthood possible for me – I pray for those whose pastor I will be that we may all be consecrated by the Lord – consecrated to the service of our God – consecrated that we may make this world a better place. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

My parish website is http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

2009-05-16T12:20:00.002-04:00

I was showing this picture to Jim – and he reminded me that this is May 16 – and that it is 11:00 A.M. – this is the exact time that I was walking into St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg, New York – to be ordained a priest – 50 years ago – in a about thirty minutes – it will be the exact moment – 50 years removed – that Bishop Navagh imposed his hands on me – ordaining me a priest.

This coming week – the priests of the diocese will gather in Lake Placid for our annual Spring meeting – we call it Emmaus. It is always a great week – spending time with the whole priestly family of my diocese – time to share news and gossip – time to pray together – and time to celebrate our priesthood with each other. This week – we will have a farewell party for Bishop Cunningham – it is rather a disappointment – Bishop Cunningham has been with us only five years – and we were just getting to know each other – and this will begin our period of prayer that soon we will receive our new Bishop – and may he be a good and holy Bishop.

In addition – on Tuesday evening – the Mass with the Bishop will be a celebration of the jubilee of many of our priests – so I will have the opportunity of celebrating my 50 years again with my brother priests – we each have an opportunity to give a talk – this is often a rather interesting session – the memories shared are often memorable and sometimes amusing.

Took a break – to go off to the store – and discovered the St. Mary’s 6th graders – having a car wash – so I gave them business – and with the help of their teacher and parents – they did a good job – and missed me completely with the spray from the hose.

I chose the picture this week first of all because this is First Communion Sunday and also as the theme of this Sunday’s Scriptures is love – Jesus’ message of love for us as written in John’s first letter – and John’s gospel. These Scriptures are rather familiar ones – I have used the Gospel reading often at weddings – the question that is presented is How do we know we are a loving person – and – How should we act as a loving person.

The question I often ask of the children at Mass – and tomorrow at the First Communion Mass – will be – why are we doing this? – they will mention some very true things – what I want them to remember – and I will ask the question until I get the answer – “because God loves us” – St. John puts it this way in his epistle, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” It is a most basic idea that sets the tone of God’s love – God loved us first – we do not come to Church and Mass to get God to love us – but rather because God loves us. It is such an important idea – because it sets the tone of our spiritual life – God loves us – God cares about us – God loves us first.

Then St. John adds this – to show us the consequence of God’s love for us – “Let us love one another, because love is of God – everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” In the Gospel reading – Jesus says this, “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.” Lay down one’s life – that is to live for another – we as followers of Jesus are called to dedicate our lives for others – each day we should find opportunities to dedicate our lives in love for others.

Jesus adds to this – “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Jesus wants to be our friends – Jesus is ready to establish a relationship with us, a relationship of friendship. We just can’t allow ourselves to push God up on some throne – or to make Jesus a statue – or a stained glass window – Jesus wants to be our friend – Jesus wants to be real in our lives – when we pray we should be talking to our friend, Jesus – and Jesus promises us that he will always treat us as a friend.

One more thing – Jesus adds in this familiar and wonderful Gospel reading – “I was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.” Jesus chooses us in Baptism – and each day that we are open to the Lord – Jesus chooses us to be his disciples, his followers, his friends – that we may live in the same way and same Spirit as Jesus. As we approach Pentecost – we are again reminded that Jesus longs to send his Spirit, the Holy Spirit into our lives. The Holy Spirit will give us the support and strength and enthusiasm to live – live as Jesus lives – lives as our friend, Jesus, lived.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my father – I turn to you this day – I believe that you love me – that you have always loved me – that you love me first – help me to live in that Spirit – help me to realize just what it means to be a loved person. Watch over me this week, Lord, as I join together with my brother, Priests – that this may be a time of renewal for my priesthood – and for my diocese. And, Lord, please send us a new Bishop – soon. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Have you seen our parish website at http://www.smsh.org/

Father Bill says...for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

2009-05-09T09:17:00.002-04:00

For the Fifth Sunday of Easter

The picture above was from the celebration last Sunday – it was a truly a great day – several of my brother priests surround me at the altar – and Bishop Cunningham is in the foreground – my brother sent me an email this morning – and said, “I am still smiling about last weekend.” – I guess that is the best way to put it – I am also still smiling – it was a truly a celebration – I was ecstatic with the response of so many people – including many of you who are reading this –

I am so grateful to Bishop Cunningham for taking the time to come and be part of the Mass – as well as so many priests – the music group was truly sensational and added so much to the Mass – three of our parish choirs joined together to form one wonderful union – so many members of my family were here – I am so grateful for that – as well as so many friends from several places – I am truly grateful to them – and I thank so many for their good wishes, their cards, their gifts – as well as many of you who sent emails to me – I was asked yesterday if I had gotten over the celebration – the reality is, I haven’t – I still remember so many little things – conversations, presentations, talks given by my brother, my nephew, Paul, as well as several others – people from the parish and the local town supervisor – they were all very special – the picture above is of me with my great-nieces and nephews –

Enough for now – I suspect I have memories for many more years. The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary – and in her spirit, this weekend we have Mother’s Day. Each year I like to do something special for Mother’s Day – I tell the story often – of my deeper understanding of Mother’s Day when I was invited by Susan and Paul to be with them when their son, William, was born – it was a special moment for me – and continues to be a happy memory – it was also the time when I learned truly what a mother is – I remember only too well – that Susan, the mother, was completely in charge – of everything – including the doctor and nurses – I remember being allowed to be part of that time of closeness – as this mother and father – joined themselves ever closer in love – through the pain and the joy of childbirth – I remember being allowed to hold this new born child – who is now twelve years old (are you twelve, Will?) – I couldn’t lift him now if I wanted to – I remember being allowed to understand motherhood –

Finally – just a brief note concerning this Sunday’s Gospel – from John 15 – the parable of the Vine and the branches – Jesus uses this wonderful image – which continues to be a most excellent description of our relationship with Our Lord and Savior – Jesus speaks of himself as the vine – the main vine – the vine from which the branches grow out – the vine that gives life and sustenance to each of the branches – so in the same way – we are strong – we have life – we grow and live our faith because like a branch we are united to the vine that is Jesus – it is truly an excellent image – and an important reminder – we need Jesus – and when we are united with Jesus we will discover the wisdom, the faith, the love to live our faith – and to help bring Jesus to others – that they also may become branches – united to the vine that is Jesus –

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – this has been quite a week – each day, each moment, I remember the wonderful and joyful celebration of my anniversary – I am truly humbled, Lord – and I know it was your support and confidence that has made my priesthood so rewarding and successful – I just couldn’t believe all of those people coming to celebrate with me – the parishioners, my family, my friends – it was quite a day, Lord – please realize that I know only too well that without you this would not have happened – for me, I have no doubt of your existence, my God – each day I recognize your working through me – your constant support – thank you, Lord – stay with me and support me each of the days you give me. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

2009-05-02T09:49:00.003-04:00

For the Fourth Sunday of Easter

This is the weekend that the folks here in the parish have decided to celebrate my anniversary – 50 years a priest – I am certainly grateful to them for their kindness and generosity – and I do want to thank so many of you for your emails and letters of congratulation – sounds corny – but true – I can’t believe it – fifty years. First off – here is a before and after picture:

The first question that usually comes my way – how did you do it – God is good, God is great – God kept me healthy and alive. So I thank the Lord.

I am looking forward to the anniversary Mass tomorrow afternoon – the family will be here as well as many friends from the past. Bishop Cunningham has planned to come – and my classmates from the seminary – who are also celebrating their 50th this year will be here – Father Phil Allen, Larry Deno, Joe Sestito – as well as my cousin – a priest of the Syracuse diocese, who is also celebrating his 50th – Father Tom McGrath.

I am looking forward to it all – and I will tell you how it all turns out – just so you can all get a peek at that – I hope that it gets through.

I was watching the President’s press conference this week – and one of the questions that was posed to him was this: What has surprised you most about being President? What has troubled you most? What has enchanted you most? What has humbled you most? I don’t really remembered what the President said – because I was thinking about how I would answer these questions about my years as a priest – and then I decided that this would be the outline of my talk at the anniversary Mass – I am still trying to figure my answers out – but let me share a few of my ideas with you – What has surprised me most - Most of my priesthood has been surprises – as I look back I am truly surprised with the wonderful opportunities I have had as a priest – God has been truly good to me – I have had just wonderful assignments – it was more than just accepting what was presented to me – that I accepted in obedience – it was truly surprises – I have been a priest, a pastor, a school teacher, a Newman chaplain, a missionary – and now I ride out my days in this lovely parish – surprises – I have meet such great and wonderful people and families – it is more than just being lucky – it is God’s great surprises.

What has troubled me? – the mistakes – the times I have failed to do all that I could for those who needed me – however, I must add that God has been always been there to bail me out – to help me out – to protect and support me. Thank you, God!

What has enchanted me? – well, I must change that word for a priest and my ministry – a little more theological – let me change it to What has been spiritually awesome to me? – for me, it has been the Eucharist – I have been allowed and challenged by the Church and my God – to celebrate the Mass – to bring the Blessed Eucharist to so many people – to be able to teach and preach to so many – with God’s help, this has been the happiest part of my ministry.

What has humbled me? – the people – I am constantly overwhelmed with the holiness of so many people – the wonderful individuals, the parents, the teachers, the children, the high school kids, the college kids – who truly have discovered how to live and love and make a difference – I have been taught by so many – so much of what I say at Mass – or teach in class – has been the result of the example of so many wonderful people – including so many of you – and you all have taught me how to bring God more completely into my life.

Finally – the Gospel for this Sunday’s Mass – the Good Shepherd Gospel – is so appropriate for an anniversary Mass – Jesus is the good shepherd – because he cares about his sheep, willing to die to defend them – and he knows his sheep and they know him – his love is unconditional – committing himself totally to the others’ well-being – but truly you cannot unconditionally love someone.

I have learned a great deal about this – recently, when I attended the funeral of my friend, Father Tim Soucy – as I entered the Church before the Mass – standing there was Father Tim’s best friend, and my friend, Father Mike Gaffney – he gave me a great big bear hug – and said to me “Bill, he loved you so much” – wow!! – I guess I had not thought of it that way – it was an enlightening moment for me! – a moment to recognize that this was a friend – a good priest – who had died – but over and above this – someone who cared about me – and the message was brought to me – he loved you – and I suddenly realized there are so many people that are part of my life – and close to me – and even though I have never met them – have become part of my world through this weekly letter – and so folks – “I love you – each and everyone of you – I love my family – I love the people of my parish – I love the people of this community and each community that I have had the privilege to be part of – I love my friends – I love my casual acquaintances – I love you all.”

LET US PRAY

So, thank you God – you have been good to me – you have given me a happy life – a happy priesthood – and the opportunity and challenge to touch others as a your priest – watch over all of them, Lord – those who have been such an important part of my life – my family and friends – those who have part of my parishes and communities – those who discover me through the interesting medium of the internet – so I trust you, Lord – and I am ready for all of the surprises that are yet to come. This is my prayer. Amen.

Father Bill says...For the Third Sunday of Easter

2009-04-25T08:32:00.002-04:00

Jesus with the apostles – at Last Supper

First of all an invitation – if you are near Ticonderoga next Sunday afternoon – join me my parish and family – for a Mass of Thanksgiving on my 50th anniversary as a priest – with a party to follow – you are all invited, if you can get here.

The news of the week in this diocese is that our Bishop, Bishop Robert Cunningham, has been reassigned to the Diocese of Syracuse, New York – He was a good Bishop – in many ways a great Bishop – a very caring and concerned Bishop – so we are disappointed here that again had a Bishop stay only a short time and then be transferred out. Let me tell you one story about Bishop Cunningham – it was about three years ago that he came here to my parish for Confirmation – there was in the parish a six year old girl who was seriously ill – and died just a few weeks later than the Bishop’s visit – they asked to have the Bishop come and visit her and give her a blessing – I went with the Bishop – I was truly impressed with his compassion toward this family – the girl was in a coma – the Bishop sat on the bed next to her – placed his hand gently on her head as he talked with the parents – and prayed with them – and blessed the little girl. It was a real lesson in compassion and loving concern – I was truly impressed.

However, among us here in this Diocese of Ogdensburg – especially among the priests – there is real disappointment – here we go again – this Bishop was with us for only five years – the Bishop before him was here on three years – and the Bishop before him for five – so there have been three Bishops here since I came to this assignment – and soon there will be a fourth. A Bishop is important to the priests of a Diocese – he sets a tone – he gives unity to the priests – and to the Church throughout the country and world. So here we go again – praying ourselves – asking all of you to pray that a good Bishop will be chosen for us – that this diocese will have an energetic and enthusiastic leader to give live and spirit to our Church in the North Country.

As it would happen – the Bishop will be here in my parish this weekend for Confirmation – truly an important sacrament – and a unique opportunity to reach the young people of our parish – our Confirmation program is a two year program of classes and experiences in the teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church – my concern is whether we have truly changed the lives of these young people – whether we have given them a strong faith – a recognition of what it means to be a Catholic and a Christian in the way they live their lives – will they be a witness to Christ – and demonstrate in their world – their teen world – what it means to be a good person, a good Christian, a good human being. So please join me as I pray for our young people as they receive this Sacrament of Confirmation – may they truly be filled with the Holy Spirit – and become witnesses to the Lord, Jesus, in the way they live their lives.

Uniquely – in the Gospel for this Sunday – the Third Sunday of Easter – Jesus urges his apostles and all of us, his disciples of this age – to be witnesses of the Lord – Just as Jesus demonstrated his great love for us all – by his life, death and resurrection – we are called to be his witnesses by the way we live our lives – by the way we bring the Spirit and love of Our Savior into our world.

In this regard – let me quote Thomas Merton – “a saint preaches sermons by the way he walks and the way he stands…the way he picks things up and holds them in his hands.” “A saint – a window through which God’s mercy shines in the world and for this reason he strives to be holy in order that the goodness of God might not be obscured by any selfish act.”

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father, I pray this day in gratitude for the many gifts that you have given me – you have walked with me for all of these years of my priesthood – and supported me, especially when I was weak and confused – stay with me always, Lord – today I ask your special graces on the young people of my parish who will be receiving Confirmation – make them alive in your love and Spirit – may they bring your Spirit into their lives and demonstrate that life by good lives as witnesses of their faith. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

These letters may also be found on my blog – “tipastor.blogspot.com” – recommend it to your friends.

Father Bill says...for the Second Sunday of Easter

2009-04-18T09:58:00.002-04:00

St. Thomas the Apostle

Easter week – I must admit that I have missed doing this letter each and every day – but Easter week has been great fun – I took a few days to wander around and visit – my brother, Susan and Paul and their family, my cousin, Father Tom McGrath (who will also celebrate his 50th anniversary in May), Father Joe – and in addition I ate and ate and ate – seemed like every time I turned around I was eating somewhere – the highlight of the week was on Friday when I went over to Rutland, Vermont and had lunch with a friend from the past – I taught together with Frank Coyne many, many years ago at Immaculate Heart Central, Watertown – we sat and talked for a half hour before we even got around to looking at the menu – so much to catch up and share – it was such a great moment –

So now I am back in the parish – and getting ready for Sunday Mass – the Scriptures for the Second Sunday of Easter usually centers on Thomas – the apostle – who expressed his doubts about the Resurrection – and then finds faith – and invites us to strength our faith in the Resurrection – each of the Scriptures chosen for this Sunday’s Mass invite us to examine our faith and then encourages us to strengthen that faith.

The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the early Christian communities – “of one heart and mind – they had everything in common” – they had a strong faith in the message of Jesus that it lead them to form these communities – that lead them to have faith in each other – so much faith that they were “of one heart and mind” – I know that in many places such communities continue to exist – I think of my friends at Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario, Canada – they truly live united in one heart and mind – sharing everything in common – they have always been an inspiration to me – I speak often about them – although I am not living with them, their inspiration and spirit touches my way of life.

The second reading is from St. John’s Letter – he speaks of victory – “the victory that conquers the world is our faith” – that in faith and truth – those who follow Jesus will live in a spirit that demonstrates to everyone – to the world – how to make life happy – and filled with love and peace – a peace that will transform all peoples into the kind of community that those early Christians discovered – this is the faith that I pray I can tell people about – and convince them that it is the path to love and peace – that they may discover just how to live their lives well.

And then the Thomas story – this Gospel story is rather familiar to all of us – Jesus comes to the apostles after the Resurrection – he begins with a greeting that should always be ours – “Peace be with you” – I greet you again in that way – “Peace be with you” – then he commissions the apostles – “As the Father has sent me, so I send you – receive the Holy Spirit” – and then we are told that Thomas was not with them – could it be that Thomas was so upset with the death of Jesus that he took off on this own – that he isolated himself from his friends –

However, he does get back with them and will not believe the news that they pass on to him – “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put me finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” – we might respond, “Wow” – what happened to Thomas – he had lost faith in his friends, the other apostles – he had spent a couple of years with them – he had put his complete trust in Jesus – and now when this wonderful news comes along that should pick up his spirit – and transform his life – but he simply cannot accept this news – so he responds by demanding physical proof – the future of belief in Jesus will be filled and still is filled with many who demand physical proof – for them such faith is impossible.

When Thomas finally gets his chance to see and touch he Jesus – he simply falls on his knees and shouts, “My Lord and my God” – and Jesus teaches him and all who will follow – “Thomas, have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

“Christ is risen. Truly he is risen”

Jesus lives – Jesus goes to the Father – but remains with us – the apostles must go on in a new way. Jesus may be going to the Father – but that does not mean he is leaving his loved ones on earth – just the opposite – his death will bring about a condition in which the disciples will be able to see his abiding love clearly. “I will not leave you orphaned” – Faith takes over – and empowers the apostles to change the world – and we are challenged to live in that faith and in our own way to change the world in Jesus.

One more interesting item in today’s Gospel of St. John – the reading ends – and this is the ending of the Gospel – “Jesus die many others signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book – but these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” Wouldn’t you love to have more stories about Jesus.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – strengthen my faith – so often – like Thomas – I have doubts – I am just not certain – I hesitate to speak as I should – to live as I should in the spirit of my Savior – simply because my faith is so weak – so I ask you to show me the way – I pray that I may be a faithful apostle – that I may live in love and peace. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

These letters are placed on the blog “Father Bill says…” - found at
tipastor.blogspot.com – invite your friends to discover me.

Father Bill says...for Easter

2009-04-11T10:53:00.002-04:00

Jesus on the road to Emmaus - after the Resurrection

For Easter

Happy Easter to you all! May the joy of the Resurrection of Our Savior transform your life – and fill you with new life – that you may live fully each day of your life.

“Christ is Risen, Truly he is risen!!”

Let me take a moment to tell you about last evening – after the evening Good Friday service at Sacred Heart Church – I went out to eat with Father Joe and our Deacon, Elliott – we went over to the Bridge Restaurant – it is just over the Crown Point Bridge in Vermont – we walked in and almost before we had seated ourselves – the gentleman at the table across from us began talking to us – he was a stranger to me – but in a truly friendly manner began talking about fishing and the fish on the menu – and then we discovered he was Navy – so Father Joe began talking with him about Navy kinds of things – and then a lady at the next table mentioned a few things – and then along came the waitress, Dolly, and she joined into the conversation – talk about a community gathering – none of us had met before – yet, as we left the restaurant, we were wishing farewell and Happy Easter to almost all in sight. Talk about Easter spirit.

Tonight we celebrate the Easter Vigil – that wonderful liturgy – beginning with the lighting of the Paschal Candle – the series of readings that lead up to the Easter Gospel – and then the welcoming of new members into the Church – the asking of all present to renew their Baptismal promises – and then the Eucharist.

My friend, Catherine Doherty, writes this about the lighting of the Paschal candle – “Have you lit your Christ candle in your heart? The answer to our darkness of today is this faith that we interiorize by prayer. It is that candle of Christ that we allow to burn in our hearts so as to walk by its light. But we are human and small and frightened. We must pray; inwardly we must pray constantly to the Lord to give us faith. That is one gift he never refuses. Keep that Easter candle trimmed in your heart, so that no matter how dark the environment, we have faith.”

Central to our celebration of Easter is Baptism – for it is in Baptism that we begin our new life – our resurrected life with Jesus – St. Paul describes Baptism as a death – being buried in the waters of Baptism – to rise to new life. So – each Easter – we are invited to renew our Baptismal promises – truly we renew our new life in the Lord – we renew our entrance into the Resurrection of the Lord – and then to remind us of our Baptism – we are sprinkled with the newly blessed Easter water – I remember so well in Peru – the people were invited to bring containers of water to be blessed at the Easter Vigil – and you just couldn’t imagine the various containers that were placed around the altar.

By the way – do you know how to be blessed with holy water – they knew so well in Peru – as the priest sprinkles the people – each person stretches out their arms to grab some of the water with which to bless themselves – remember to stretch out toward the priest when he comes your way.

Baptism unites us all with the Resurrected Savior – by giving us the life of Christ. Easter is about life – the Life of Jesus – new life in Jesus – our life – and the value of all life. Life is the joy of Easter – the joy of Paschal time – why is it that we are not over whelmed with this Easter joy – Christmas often brings more joy than Easter – and yet Easter is truly what our faith is all about.

So – I must ask myself am I truly joyful as I reach this day of the Easter Vigil – I must realize just what it all means – to live in the resurrected Christ. It begins with faith – if I truly believed in the resurrection of Jesus, I should be so ecstatic and so excited – that the joy of resurrection will overwhelm me – make me so truly joyful that I will want to life in and with Jesus – that I will long to be like Jesus in all that I do.

So may I – may you – wake up tomorrow morning – on Easter Sunday – with one prayer on our minds – “Christ is risen, truly he is risen; it is true, it is true, it is true!”

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – give me your Spirit – that my fully realize and understand – how very special this day is – how special Easter is – may my life be filled with the life of the Risen Savior – may I be more alive than ever before because I am filled with the life of Jesus – my Risen Savior. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...for Good Friday

2009-04-10T09:26:00.002-04:00

For Good Friday

Good Friday – each year, the question comes up – why is this Friday Good? What is so good about the death of Our Savior? The goodness is for us – the people of God – the followers of Jesus – we, Christians – Jesus loved us so much that he did not back away from anything to get the message to us – he not only risked his life for us – he gave his life for us – and so this day – this commemoration of the death of Our Savior is good – good for us.

We must not down play the sufferings of Jesus – some may say – that as the Son of God, God among us – the sufferings were not real – we believe in the Incarnation – Jesus truly accepted our humanity in every way – and so his sufferings were real – and the desolation and disappointment and loneliness of the moment was real – he came to bring God’s love to all people – yet, many of them could not accept and so they made him suffer and took his life in a most horrible way.

However, we do not remember these sufferings so that we feel badly or guilty – we remember them because some one loved us so much that he gave himself for us – and it is that love that allows us to celebrate the death of Jesus. I feel truly saddened this year because a dear friend, a wonderful priest died a few weeks ago – yet, that sadness must now be turned into a glorious celebration of someone that I loved and who cared about me – so this Good Friday as I celebrate the death of Jesus – I also celebrate the death of this good priest who truly gave himself – for the Church, for the people of his parish – and for all of us who were close to him.

One more thought for today – on the cross, Jesus forgave his crucifiers – “Forgive them, Father – for they know not what they do” – Jesus prayer is also a message for us – be a forgiving people – we hear often that we are to live like Jesus – here we have another teaching from our Savior – be a forgiving people – and why – because we are good people – we are good people like Jesus – and we will learn that by being a forgiving person we make ourselves good people – we make ourselves better than ever before. We do not allow our hearts to become stone – filled with grudges and hate – as the hymn says, we ask our God to break our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. These hearts of ours are fragile and break easily – but the solution is not to make them hard – but rather to join Jesus in forgiveness – and then we will find peace and become loving people.

So – I approach Good Friday unafraid – I am ready Lord – I know that this celebration of Your Death is to remind me that one day I must die – I need you to give me the hope and confidence to wipe out my fears – and give me the faith to move along bravely – to continue to live each day with enthusiasm – to be joyful – because you will always be there to support and guide me.

Father Bill says...April 9, 2009

2009-04-09T10:25:00.002-04:00

For Holy Thursday

Today is Holy Thursday – last evening, Passover began – I mentioned to the people about the Passover moon – the full moon that begins the time of Passover – and also marks, for us, Christians, the time of the Sacred Triduum – Holy Thursday and the Last Supper, Good Friday and the Celebration of Christ’s crucifixion, Easter Sunday and the Resurrection.

This morning I went over the ceremonies that we will follow this evening at Mass with Deacon Elliott and Father Joe – it brought to mind all that this ceremony means – we call it the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper – a meal that was probably the Passover Meal – that Jesus added to it – the heart and soul of our Eucharist – passing the bread and saying “This is my Body” – passing the cup and saying “This is the blood of the new covenant.”

My life has been entwined in the Eucharist – as a priest I have had the privilege and challenge of bring the Eucharist to the people of so many various parishes – the prayer that has characterized my life is the Mass – the Blessed Eucharist – it has been a demanding opportunity – and each time I walk out into the sanctuary I know that I begin by thinking are you worthy to be here. The answer is obviously “no” – the only way that I am allowed to take my place at the altar of the Lord is that Jesus has somehow chosen me – invited me – stays with me each and every time I celebrate Mass.

We believe that at this Last Supper Jesus ordained his first priests – the apostles – and so Holy Thursday is my anniversary as a priest – by the way the actual date of the anniversary of my ordination is in May – the folks in this parish have graciously decided to celebrate this anniversary with a special Mass for me on May 3rd – it is my 50th anniversary – so if you are near by – or would like to travel over – you are all invited to that Mass and party afterwards.

As a priest – I have often been assigned as pastor in many different places – I have been pastor in this parish for almost 13 years – Holy Thursday liturgy reminds us that Jesus washed the feet of his apostles – and then asks each pastor to wash the feet of parishioners – so this evening as part of the Holy Thursday Mass I will wash the feet of 12 members of this parish – it is an important symbol and a tremendous reminder for me – that as pastor I must be ready to wash the feet – care for and be concerned for the people of this parish – Jesus washed the feet of his apostles – in those days it was an ordinary courtesy – usually done by a servant – as people walked the sandy roads of Israel – barefoot or in sandals –

Jesus added an important statement to his action at the Last Supper – and I will do so also – Jesus said, “As I have washed your feet – so you must wash each other’s feet.” My action at Mass this evening should be a sign and an encouragement for the people of this parish that they must be concerned for each other – they must wash each other’s feet.

Finally, one of the really nice traditions of our parish – is to bless small loaves of bread – and each family takes one home – and there is a prayer on each loaf – the family is to pray together and break bread together and become more and more a family – loving and concerned for each other.
May the Holy Thursday find you closer to the Lord and encourage you to join with your parish family at the altar of the Lord at the Eucharist

Father Bill says...April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T15:03:00.001-04:00

For Wednesday of Holy Week

I am using this day – Wednesday – as a day of preparation for what we call the Great Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter – this the climax of the Church year for us, Catholics and Christians – we celebrate the Paschal Mystery – the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus – our Savior.

Each year during Holy Week – we again walk the path that Jesus walked – we celebrate again the events – that in many ways are mysteries for us – no matter how many times we celebrate Holy Week – year after year – we often walk away wondering – what am I suppose to feel – what am I suppose to change – what has really happened here.

Because we know what happens – we can approach the great Triduum with more faith and better understanding – this is all about new life – we should focus on life and not death – Jesus went through the events of this Triduum to show us the way – and lead us along the way to new life.

It all begins with love – the love – the unconditional love that God has for us – his people – in that love God decided to demonstrate to us just what this humanity is about – and so he sent Jesus – and Jesus came to form relationships and friendships with many – it is in those relationships that we discover what our life to be – and how we are form the relationships that should be part of our lives. When we recognize how great God’s love is for us – demonstrated in Jesus – when we recognize how unconditional God’s love is for us – demonstrated in Jesus – then we will learn how to be a loving, forgiving, caring, compassionate person we must be.

So as I begin the Great Triduum – as I prepare to celebrate these events in the life of Jesus – the Last Supper, Good Friday and the Crucifixion, the Resurrection – I begin by realizing what is important in my life – beginning with my relationship to God – how I allow Jesus to be part of my life – how I allow Jesus to lead me to new life.

And then I should and must consider all the other relationships that are important in my life – and how I will and must react and live and find new life in and through my relationships – for Jesus helps me to understand that these relationships in my life are crucial in drawing me closer to Jesus.

So – Lord – I am ready – ready to celebrate with you – ready to walk with you – and as I do, please help me to understand all that happened and all that was done for me in these mystery of your life, death and resurrection.

Father Bill says...April 7, 2009

2009-04-07T12:21:00.003-04:00

St. Peter>>>>>>

Judas greets Jesus<<

For Tuesday of Holy Week

Today – the Tuesday in Holy Week – presents us with the story of Judas and Peter – at the Last Supper Jesus tells his gathered apostles that one of them will betray him – it is of course Judas – I think that Judas’ story is a sad one – he had developed all sorts of hopes and dreams for this new kingdom that Jesus would initiate – Judas’ idea is a kingdom on this earth – and then all his hopes and dreams began to fall apart – Jesus is attacked constantly by the leaders of the Hebrew community – his life is threatened – Judas could see all of his plans to be an important part of Jesus’ kingdom falling apart – and so he decides to do something for himself – this is when he fails so badly – he got greedy – if Jesus was to be arrested and executed anyways – why not make something for a new start –

So Judas goes to the Sanhedrin leaders – and offers to lead them to Jesus when he was away from the crowds – the leaders knew that the crowds would defend Jesus – so they give Judas money – and after the Last Supper he leads them to Jesus – praying in the Garden of Olives.

The failure for Judas is – that he could not accept Jesus or the apostles to welcome him back in repentance – and so he takes his own life –

Now Peter – again a trusted friend of Jesus – but a failure – Jesus even told him he would fail – Peter boldly says that he would be ready to follow Jesus even to his death – and yet he denies even knowing him – a servant girl, simply, asks him if he was with Jesus – this was too much for Peter – and so he denies even knowing him – and the third time – the Gospel tells us that he loudly swears he does not know the man. The Gospel then tells us that Peter goes off and wept bitterly.

And this is where Peter demonstrates a stronger faith than Judas – Peter returns – Peter again joins his brothers the apostles – and when Jesus appears he is ready and willing to calmly accept the questioning of Jesus – do you love me, Peter, more than these? – three times he attests to his love – and three times Jesus invites him to serve his community – Feed my lambs – feed my sheep –

That evening must have been a most difficult one – the drama of the Last Supper – the coming of the soldiers to arrest Jesus in Gethsemani – the mock trail and condemnation of Jesus – the procession to Golgotha – and the crucifixion – how frightened the apostles must have been – and then the result for our two heroes – Judas in suicide – Peter in sorrow asking for a new opportunity to serve despite his failing.

Peter becomes the leader of our new Church – the first Pope – and truly a model for us all. Our God is a loving God – and in that spirit, Jesus is more than ready to accept Peter back into the community – an important part of the family. The Lord will not reject any of us – despite our struggles and failings and sins – he knows the stresses of this world – he is ready to support and strengthen us – and welcome us back to his Church - and put us to work making the Church stronger and our world better.

Father Bill says...April 6, 2009

2009-04-06T14:10:00.002-04:00

For Monday of Holy Week

Here we go into Holy Week again – doesn’t seem possible that Lent has gone by so quickly – I do know that some of the weeks of Lent did drag a bit – what seemed like little penances for Lent – got to be rather difficult – even annoying – but I am certain that they did good by me.

This morning with the help of my friend, Father Joe, we did the Sacrament of Reconciliation with the children at school – that is an interesting adventure – I have been here long enough to have know most of these young people – from second grade on up – it is always truly fascinating for me to see how some are growing up as they look into to their lives seeking opportunities for reconciliation and forgiveness. The Sacrament gives them and me as their confessor a moment to take a little more serious their interaction with Almighty God.

One of the seventh grade students reminded me about the time when she asked to go to confession when she was only 5 years old. She was in church with her mother at the time – her mother asked to go to the sacrament – and so we went into the Penance room – when we came out – this young lady – then only 5 – said now it is my turn – I wasn’t certain what she meant – she said I want to go into there also – right now – and so we went in – the conversation was great – she asked all of the questions of me – inquiring about all sorts of things – I did remember that experience – she continues to very inquisitive about things of faith.

During Holy Week the Old Testament reading is from Isaiah – in particular of what is referred to as the Servant Songs – Isaiah – who wrote a few hundred years before Jesus’ time on earth – described the Messiah as a servant – and as a servant that suffers. Again – the sufferings of Jesus – Jesus demonstrates God’s unconditional love for us – by coming on this earth to live as we do – to die as we must – to lead the way to resurrection and new life. Jesus comes to teach us how to suffer – by suffering for us – suffering will be a part of my life – but I will be able to deal with it – for my Savior, Jesus Christ, has suffered for me – will continually support me in my sufferings – will lighten the way through the pain and suffering of life.

Today’s Gospel story tells of the incident when Jesus went to the home of Martha and Mary and Lazarus – right away this is an interesting scene for Jesus had brought Lazarus back to life – so to be sitting at the table with Lazarus would make an interesting scene – I spent a little time on Palm Sunday sharing with the people about showing gratitude to someone who had saved your life. Lazarus must have been intensely grateful to Jesus –

And then I brought up the thought of how grateful a person would be if someone had died while rescuing him or her. Each one of us must consider this when we remember that Jesus died to save our lives – Jesus died out of love for us – the Father sent Jesus into this world to demonstrate great love for all of us.

So what does it mean to me – if I had been rescued by someone who died rescuing me – my whole life would be changed – my life would take on a greater value because someone had given their life for me. That has not been my experience – many, many people have given a great deal out of love for me – but no except Jesus has died for me – yet – my life has taken on a new value since Jesus died for me – I must make this life of mine worth something by what I do – since my Savior, Jesus Christ, has died for me.

Father Bill says...April 4, 2009

2009-04-04T09:25:00.002-04:00

for Palm Sunday

Another Holy Week – another week of liturgies and prayer remembering the Passion and Death of Jesus – leading us to the Resurrection – to our Easter – I have always loved the days of Holy Week – although I must admit sometimes I am a little anxious – so many things going on – so many things to remember – but I am learning to assign tasks to the folks around the parish – and they never let me down – it always comes out well.

We begin our Palm Sunday with a procession from the school remembering the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem – as I look out the window it is overcast – with possible rain in the forecast – I guess we will have to walk very quickly this year.

And during the Mass we have the reading of the Passion of Jesus – three of our lectors do the reading each year – which is good – gives me the opportunity to sit quietly and meditate. It is important to remember that we do not remember the Passion and Death of Jesus – just to feel badly that Jesus suffered and died for our sins – rather Jesus accepted these sufferings first of all to show us God’s great love for us – “what great love – than to lay down your life for someone who needs you” – I have noticed that this year I have been sort of focused on being ready to die for someone – as Jesus died for us – that each day we may be asked to give of ourselves – to give something of our life – out of love for another. It takes many forms – this giving – this dying – but it is our way of walking with Jesus – of dying with Jesus – so that we can find new life with the Lord – in our resurrection – again that Paschal Mystery – that Christian way of life – to die so that we may find life – to die with Jesus so that we can find Easter with Our Savior.

Jesus suffered for us – suffering can be an opportunity – the value of suffering does not lie in the pain of it – but in what the sufferer makes of it – the reality is that it is up to us how suffering affects our lives – we can just passively bury ourselves in our sufferings, big or small – or we can find in them an opportunity to grow into a saint – to discover something about ourselves – to make the moment an opportunity to actually touch the lives of so many others.

Pain is an indispensable part in our becoming truly human – that is people of compassion and maturity. We must not see suffering as a punishment from God – God punishes no one – our pain can bring us closer to God – in it, we experience his power and love. We can truly walk with Jesus – and learn something important about our humanity – transforming our weakness into power – learning how to bring peace and love to others.

Jesus has gone down the road of suffering before us – on the cross he gathered up all human pain and made it his own – compassion is not learned with suffering – the examples are numerous – you know them as well as I do – the truly tender, loving people in this world – the truly compassionate and caring people are always those who have suffered – who have learned so much by walking with Jesus through their sufferings.

Jesus didn’t die to save us from suffering – he died to teach us how to suffer – Since Christ traveled the road of suffering – we walk that road – not in darkness and confusion – but with a bright light that illuminates it – we see clearly where we are asked to go – and so without fear we can walk it.

Those who link their sufferings to those of Jesus – become a source of blessings for the entire community – and will share Christ’s Easter glory – my community, my parish is more alive because of the sufferings of so many of our people.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, our Father – I turn to you in prayer – seeking you support and guidance to stand with me in the sufferings of life – so many times are walk this path in fear – I am anxious already, knowing that one day I will have to suffer – may I learn from Jesus – may I walk with Jesus – may the Holy Spirit fill my life and remove my fears that I may find peace and patience by walking with Jesus on the road to Calvary – and discover new life with Lord at Easter.

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

Father Bill says...April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

For Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Today marks the fourth year since the death of Pope John Paul II – how quickly the time goes by – but his memory still touches the Church

Yesterday – I attended the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral – the evening before, several of the priests of the diocese met for an evening of prayer at Wadhams Hall – it was a wonderful opportunity to be together and to pray together.

As I mentioned to you, the meaningful part of the Chrism Mass for us, priests, was the renewal of our dedication to our priesthood – the Bishop invites us to again dedicate and recommit ourselves to our priesthood – it is truly a memorable moment each year – a reminder of all that I promised when I was ordained a priest and my readiness to continue in this ministry. And, also, a time of gratitude – gratitude to God for the many graces that have been mind – and the support and help that I needed to get through these years – Thanks, God, but please, please, don’t forget me.

This morning’s Mass – the First Friday of the month – was the school Mass – usually, Sister prepares the liturgy for the School Masses – also, choosing the Scriptures – I was a little shocked when I went over to Church before Mass and discovered that the Gospel reading was Jesus instruction from the Sermon on the Mount concerning “love your enemies.” I immediately offered a few prayers on how I would convince the children that the following of Jesus meant to love your enemies.

The children’s Masses are usually an adventure – I try to involve them in the homily by asking a few questions – and I am never certain where things are going to go. So I began by talking about Holy Week – reminding them that next week would be Holy Week – so I started by asking them what it means to be holy – that was interesting – they, of course, began with being nice – being good – one young man said being sacred – that is an interesting word – but then one of the little ones said living like Jesus – so then I mentioned that while Jesus lived a wonderful life and taught so many good things – he also died to save us – so then I tried to get across the idea that as Jesus died – we must be ready to die to self – to do something about our own selfishness by dying to self – that isn’t an easy idea about which to convince youngsters – then one of the seventh graders mentioned an example – he told us that one time – a while ago – he had given his chocolate rabbit to his brother – well, I guess it worked.

Then I brought up loving your enemies – I asked if that was easy – and one of the youngsters admitted that it wasn’t – so why do it – they mentioned that maybe we could change them – I suggested that we do this because we are good people – that is the heart of the matter – it really shouldn’t matter what we get out of it – or whether something good will happen – but we do it because we are good people in the spirit of Our Savior – I probably should have reminded them of Jesus on the cross forgiving those who had crucified them “Forgive them, Father, they know not what they do.”

I truly can’t believe that we are almost to Palm Sunday – I reminded today because I still have some preparations to do for the liturgy on Sunday – so right away today I will have to do some work on getting myself ready for Holy Week.

Father Bill says...April 1, 2009

2009-04-01T10:27:00.001-04:00

For Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

This is a picture of the lighting of the Paschal candle – I am there – with Father Joe Sestito, who will be here for Holy Week again this year – and Deacon Elliott Shaw holding the candle. As I remember it took us three tries to finally get the candle lit – it was rather windy that year.

Today – I am going to Wadhams Hall in Ogdensburg – tomorrow is the Chrism Mass – this is a special liturgy for the blessing of the sacred oils that will be used in the sacraments in each and every parish in the diocese – in the past this Chrism Mass was on Holy Thursday – now it is placed on another day near Holy Week so that the priests of the diocese can be present – the Bishop has invited us to come over a day ahead of time – for an evening of prayer. So I will get this off to you this morning – and head over to Wadhams – it will be good to get together with the other priests in my diocese – and also to spend some time in prayer.

An important part of the Chrism Mass is when we priests are asked to renew our commitment to priestly service – I find this a most important opportunity to remind myself just who I am – a priest – ordained 50 years this year – ordained to serve the Lord, who has been so good to me – giving me over and over again just great assignments – with wonderful opportunities to exercise my priesthood and bring the message of my Savior to so many people – and giving me the opportunity to become a part of innumerable families in so many wonderful places. I am going to share this ceremony with you – and it gives me an opportunity to remember and prepare myself for that moment in the Chrism Mass tomorrow. The Bishop speaks to us all and questions us -----

Bishop:
My brothers, today we celebrate the memory of the first Eucharist, at which our Lord Jesus Christ shared with his apostles and with us his call to the priestly service of his Church. Now, in the presence of your bishop and God’s holy people, are you ready to renew your own dedication to Christ as priests of his new covenant?

Priest: I am.

Bishop:
At your ordination, you accepted the responsibilities of the priesthood out of love for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Are you resolved to unite yourselves more closely to Christ and to try to become more like him by joyfully sacrificing your own pleasure and ambition to bring his peace and love to your brothers and sisters?

Priest: I am.

Bishop:
Are you resolved to be faithful ministers of the mysteries of God, to celebrate the Eucharist and the other liturgical services with sincere devotion? Are you resolved to imitate Jesus Christ, the head and shepherd of the Church, by teaching the Christian faith without thinking of your own profit, solely for the well-being of the people you were sent to serve?

Priest: I am.

Then the Bishop asks the people present to pray for the priests – and also for himself as Bishop – so I extend that wish to all of you – to pray for this priest – that I may continue to serve the Lord well – and that I may use well all of the opportunities that are mind to make my parish better and stronger – and to bring God’s love to all those I meet – may my ministry be a good one.

And I ask you to pray for all priests – that they may continue to minister well in the Church of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – the demands are greater because the numbers are fewer – so pray for their health also – please pray also for priests with problems and difficulties that they may find help and peace in the Lord.

Father Bill says...March 31, 2009

2009-03-31T12:15:00.001-04:00

For Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

On Tuesday mornings, I often celebrate Mass at the Nursing Home – many of the folks from the Assisting Living section join several from the Nursing Home – it is a great Mass – especially good for me – life has gotten difficult for many of the folks – but they truly want to hold onto their faith and they do – some may seem a bit lost until I start the prayers of the Mass and then they join right in with me.

One gentleman from the Assisted Living Section is quite a golf fan – he must have enjoyed it himself but now is getting older and his eye sight is very poor – but he is definitely Tiger Woods greatest fan – we often banter about concerning golf – and today he was all smiles since Tiger won on Sunday after being laid up with knee surgery for several months. I knew all too well that he had watched every moment of the tournament – now he can’t wait until the Masters begins.

And I also had a meeting with the Protestant ministers – concerning the Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday – they decided that the best time would be 6:00 A.M. – I groaned – very silently – I can’t believe – I was hoping for at least 6:30 – Easter is a busy morning – but every since I have been here we here at St. Mary’s have been involved in this Sunrise Service – the Lord better have some special Easter blessings for me this year.

So today – the Old Testament story is a familiar one from the Book of Numbers – I have mentioned it before to you – the story of the Chosen People with Moses in the desert being attached by poisonous snakes – and God tells Moses to make a bronze serpent put it on a pole and all who look at it will not be harmed by the snakes – and today it continues to be a symbol on ambulances – and I noticed the other day – on the jackets of the emts –

The reason this reading is used is that in the Gospel lesson for today – Jesus mentions that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert to save those people – so Jesus must be lifted up – on the cross – to save his people.

In this particular Gospel – John 8 – St. John remembers Jesus’ effort to convince the people that he has been sent by God to carry out this most important mission – he uses a most interesting element in the story – Jesus says – that you do not know who I AM - that expression must have made the people – especially those learned in the Torah to realize what he was saying – again we go back to Moses – Moses at the burning bush asks God, “What is your name?” – sounds curious to us – God is God – but in those days in that place – the peoples living throughout that area believed in many gods with many names – they were pagans –

God tells Moses that his name is “I AM” – sounds so simple and yet so meaningful – it is the first person present tense of the verb “to be” – God is a person – not an idol – not an animal – but a person – and because he is a person – we can and must have a personal relationship with God – he should become our friend and companion – and God is always present tense – he is not past or future – but present – he did things in the past – but remains present to us – and he will do many things in the future – but is present to us – God is here and now – we can and must get to know our God right now.

Father Bill says...March 30, 2009

2009-03-30T12:27:00.002-04:00

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Scriptures for Monday of the fifth week of Lent are always fascinating – the Old Testament reading is the story of Susanna from the Daniel stories and the Gospel is story from John of the woman taken in adultery. I remember well when I was in high school – going to daily Mass in Lent – we always thought of this Monday’s readings being a bit risqué. However, both are truly wonderful stories.

The American Church in Rome – is the Church of St. Susanna – it is one of the places that you can attend a Mass in English – and in this large, rather Roman Church – are several – I think 10 – large murals – all of the Susanna story.

The Susanna story goes like this – actually an interesting story – since it happened in Babylon – but did include Daniel – the young Jewish boy who makes good a bad situation – Susanna is a Jewish woman – the story says she was well trained in the law of Moses – she is married to Joakim – a very rich man – there are two elders of the people who turn out to be rather bad characters – they try to manipulate an opportunity to fulfill their lustful desires with Susanna – but she refuses – so they accuse her of being with a man other than her husband – in those days such meant the death of the woman – (this will come up in the Gospel story also – the woman being condemned rather than the man) – anyway – they accuse her – and she is immediately judged guilty – but before she can be taken away for execution – Daniel comes along – refuses to accept the situation – and demands a new trial – this time he separates the two elders who have accused her – asking each under what tree they say Susanna with this other man – they give conflicting answers – and Susanna is determined innocent – and the two elders are condemned.

I am absolutely certain that my mother knew this story – because she used this tactic with my brother and myself – whenever something suspicious happened around the house –

The story of the woman taken in adultery is probably more familiar to you – again, the woman is condemned (in our day and age, we wonder where the man is – but that never comes up) – this is the story where Jesus uses the familiar statement – “Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone” – that statement has been used often, in all sorts of situations – they all leave (the Gospel says – beginning with the eldest – seems that the older men are taught their less on in both stories) – and then Jesus asks the woman – “Is there no one here to condemn you?” – she says, “No one, Sir” – and Jesus says to her, “Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on, avoid this sin.”

Jesus forgives and challenges – Jesus forgives in the spirit of the unconditional love of our God – forgiveness that is freely giving with no demands – except the challenge – sin no more – such is the God who loves us so much – that when we turn to the Lord – we discover loving forgiveness – but always a challenge – change your live – seek conversion – you are better than this – you can live a better life.

Father Bill says...March 28, 2009

2009-03-28T14:29:00.000-04:00

in preparation for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

This morning I joined twelve men from the parish for a Day of Recollection at a retreat center, the Priory, near Chestertown. We were blessed with beautiful weather – and a most interesting day – twelve men – praying together – sharing their faith with each other – I must admit the tone of the gathering was very different from other such gatherings – quiet and peaceful – to add to the program – a gentleman shared with us the life of St. Peter – he put himself into the character of St. Peter – telling the group about the life of St. Peter – using the events described in the Gospels – but adding so much by his personal asides as well as his gestures and facial expressions – it was well done.

Now – the Scriptures for this Sunday, the Fifth Sunday of Lent – we are drawing closer to Holy Week and Easter – our Scriptures for this Sunday bring us closer to the Holy Week scene – the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Savior. As we prepare ourselves for Palm Sunday and Holy Week – we are reminded to keep foremost in our thoughts the Resurrection of Jesus – Our Savior suffered and died to save us – but he conquered death – he rose again – he lives – Jesus risked his life for us – but found new life – and shows us the way to that new life.

There are many people in this world of ours who are willing to risk their lives for what they believe – many have lost their lives in this pursuit of truth – these were willing to risk their own existence in order to protect and preserve that of others. These bear witness to the human capacity of self sacrifice – I have seen this – I have know so many – they are like Jesus.

Jeremiah, in the Old Testament reading, reminds us of God’s covenant – with us – his promise made in love that will never end – not a contract – a contract is about what do I get – a covenant – what do I give? God promises to be God – to love us, his people, unconditionally – for such a covenant, Jesus was willing to die.

Each time we gather for the Eucharist – the covenant is remembered – celebrated – renewed – by each of us – who continue to be grateful for the saving gift of Jesus’ life and death.

The Letter to the Hebrews, describes the death of Jesus – as an act of perfect obedience – in his dying Jesus has become the source of eternal salvation – born into our own flesh, Jesus embraced the human condition fully – and was lifted up so as to draw everyone to himself – a perfect act of sacrificial love and praise – so that we sinners, forgiven and redeemed, are drawn to Jesus – so that we might experience eternal life.

We give thanks for this generous gift – and we are invited to consider whether or not there is anyone or anything for which we too might die – the little deaths of self sacrifice or the big death to self – preparing ourselves for the ultimate death – meeting the Lord.

The grace that Jesus has made available to all of us – will see us through. Each new state of life demands that something in us dies and something new is born.

So – death is part of life – we taste death in moments of loneliness, rejection, sorrow, disappointment and failure. Each day we are creating our own death by the way we live – our task is to find life – new life in the Lord – resurrected life today – to forget self – to die to self – truly brings us to new life in the Lord – when we forget ourselves – we are most free and most happy.

Jesus gave us the example – he gave his life in service of his heavenly father and of us. Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from him – he gave it – out of love of God and us.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God my Father – give me the wisdom and love to be like Jesus – to live like Jesus – but also to be ready to die like Jesus – to die to my self – to die to all that keeps me from you – to die to all that keeps me from being a loving, caring person. I want to love like Jesus – there are so many that are a part of my life – I want to love them Lord – I want to be brave enough to even die for them. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...March 27, 2009

2009-03-27T10:46:00.002-04:00

for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

This week I saw my first robins of the Spring – can it be – Spring is here.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…(Psalm 34)

The word brokenhearted caught my attention during this morning’s Mass. God promises to be with the brokenhearted – and I suspect all of us – at one time or another – have suffered a broken heart – it is a good word – because no other word can describe the experience – for some it is the loss of a loved one at the time of death – or the break up of a relationship – or some such. I have seen six year olds with a broken heart – they wanted something – or to do something – that seemed like the most important thing in the whole world – but for some reason or other – it couldn’t be – and it was truly a broken heart.

I remember well – when I was at the college – being visited a few times – by some big, strong, hockey player – who had been dumped by some gal – the tears were flowing – a completely new experience for this fellow – he never cried on the ice – no big defenseman could get him to cry – but this attractive woman had accomplished it.

The Psalm tells us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted – the Lord doesn’t come to us to heal that broken heart – but rather to stand with us – to wrap us in his arms as we work our way through the situation – and I believe the loss – whatever it may have been – stays with us – a man whose son had died as a teen ager told me that the emptiness, the unhappiness doesn’t go away – the heart continues to be broken.

Our help and our solution comes from the Lord – the Lord longs to be with us – the temptation is to run away from God and from people – to build up a wall between ourselves and others –

At Mass this morning I chose the song “Here I am Lord” to begin Mass – and in the second verse we sang that the Lord wants to change our heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh – many may long to protect themselves from a broken heart by making their heart a heart of stone – no feeling, no love – a heart of stone that leads a person to drive others away – to become mean and irritable – remember the song – “Hard hearted Hannah, the vamp of Savannah” – but the Lord longs to change us – the Lord wants to make our heart a heart of flesh – that knows how to love – and, yes, that is vulnerable – the Wizard told the tin man – hearts will not become fashionable until they are made unbreakable –

So it is a true – that we all walk around with this broken heart – and we will only find help and relief in the Lord – it is not bad condition – in fact, it is a good one – because it shows us that we are alive and human and, as the psalm says, close to the Lord. So, our broken hearts bring us close to the Lord – make us more sensitive – and unafraid to reach out to others – to those who need us – for like us they are brokenhearted also.

Father Bill says...March 26, 2009

2009-03-26T12:59:00.001-04:00

for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Today’s Scripture reading reminds us of the story of Moses on Mount Sinai. God is giving Moses the Ten Commandments – then God tells Moses that the Hebrew people – back down on the mountain – have become restless without Moses presence and have gone back to the pagan worship that they learned in Egypt – and God tells Moses that he wants to wipe out all the people and he will start all over forming his Chosen People through Moses.

Moses then haggles with God – he asks God to be God – an interesting idea – he reminds God of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob – promises to always remain faithful to the Hebrew people.

Haggling is a curious art for us, Americans – we are not use to it – in many other societies it is a way of life – I know that in Peru it was accepted and expected – I remember well – watching an American tourist who was very angry with a woman who was selling some sort of craft object – he discovered he could have bought it down the line for much less – so he came back to complain – in English, of course – should had no idea what he was talking about – but as I mentioned to him – she was not cheating him – she was proving to be a much better business person – he didn’t enter into haggling with her – and so she promptly sold him the object at the price she asked for – which was probably too high - but she expected a little bit of an argument.

Any way – Moses haggles with God – asking God to remain faithful to the Hebrew people – and God does.

So what does that mean for us? I believe that God can put up with our haggling – but in the long run – does ask us to be obedient and follow the will of Our Lord and God – our prayer is that we can determine the difference – and this is possible only if we are people of prayer.

I don’t know the answer myself – I know that often I strive to haggle with God – I give God every good reason I can think of for something good to happen to those I care about – right now I am worried about friends in North Dakota who are faced with flooding problems – I pray that they may be rescued – that something good will work out – but I am also ready to help them if something does go wrong –

So, today, we walk with Moses – and we ask for some understanding in how to approach our God – Moses was bold in prayer and bold in his leadership of the people – may our faith make us bold but obedient – bold in doing something good with our lives – for those who need us.

Father Bill says...March 25, 2009

2009-03-25T15:30:00.001-04:00

for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord

No, that isn’t me – but I did go skiing this morning – two hours of glorious spring skiing – the day started out chilly – and then started getting warmer – rather comfortable for skiing – truly Spring skiing – as the morning went on the snow began to get a little heavier – getting near the end of the season – after two hours – my friends, Father Peter and Father Dick decided to call it a day – and I agreed – I haven’t skied that much this year – so I was a little sore – even though it was only a couple of hours – but it was truly good to get out in the Spring air – my doctor told me I needed a little more exercise – outdoor exercise – it would do wonders for my attitude toward life and toward people – we shall see if he was correct –

Today is a Feast day – the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord – this Feast day reminds us of the story in Luke’s Gospel – the Angel Gabriel visits Mary and announces to her that she is to be the Mother of the Lord – so our feast day celebrates the incarnation of the Lord – and also Mary’s acceptance of her role as the Mother of the Lord.

The Incarnation will always be a challenge to our faith – our Church teaches us that Jesus is the Son of God – God among us – Jesus chose to set aside his divinity for a time to become one of us – a human in every way like us – to live with us on this earth – to experience all that we experience – to suffer and die for us – and then to rise again in the resurrection – showing us the way to new life in the Lord.

Our understanding of the Incarnation is the very foundation of our faith – and life as Catholics and Christians – our existence takes on a new meaning – it is not an empty bunch of years that we live – what we do matters – because Jesus was one of us – how we live our lives matters because Jesus was one of us – when our time comes – our death will matter because Jesus died as we must – and because we are willing to walk with Jesus who willed to become one of us He will lead us to a new life in the Lord.

Our attention to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is truly important to us also – simply because through her Jesus came to the world – we believe very firmly that she accepted this pregnancy and changed the world by giving birth to the Lord, Jesus – and so Mary is special for all of us – we turn to Mary for we are called to be like her – just as she was willing to bring Jesus into this world – so we must be ready to bring Jesus into our world – we will make our lives better and our world better because we are willing to take Jesus to all those we meet – to put Jesus into all the situations of our lives – to walk always in the path of Our Savior.

Father Bill says...March 24, 2009

2009-03-24T13:14:00.002-04:00

for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The focus of our Scriptures for today, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – is on water. Ezekiel pictures the coming of the Kingdom of God as water that comes out of the Temple – which gradually gets deeper and deeper – for a desert people this is a magnificent sign – and the water brings fertility to the whole area –

As I may have mentioned before – the desert soil is rather fertile – but does not receive much water – there was an area near us in Peru – where some country or other had established a program of irrigation to the soil – and it became green – as you were driving up to Arequipa – there would be only rock and sand and brown – until you got to this five or six miles of green – where the irrigating was taking place – and crops were growing and some animals were being raised.

Ezekiel wants us to realize that the water of God’s grace and love can put that kind of new life in us – he can bring us to new life – new enthusiasm – new excitement. It also reminds of Baptism – the new life that is ours because we were chosen by God in Baptism – chosen to be called to a new life in the Lord – designated as one who has the gift of living in the Spirit of Our Savior.

Today’s Gospel recalls a healing story in the life of Jesus – he is at a spot called Bethesda – there is a spot in the old city of Jerusalem that seems to be this spot – there was a pool and near by there were many sick – the story identifies one who was there for over thirty years – which means he had been there before the birth of Jesus – there is some interesting sidelights to the story – Jesus – asks him if he would like to be healed – sounds curious – after thirty years – seems evident – however, I couldn’t help but think that maybe Jesus asked – because if the man was healed he might have to go to work – but who knows –

Jesus heals him – and tells him to pick up his mat and leave – now a new facet is added to the story – it is the Sabbath – it is not allowed to do any work – including carrying anything on the Sabbath for the Jewish observers – so he is stopped – and we find out – he had no idea who Jesus is – that is curious – he is healed and Jesus does not demand an indication of faith or anything – I often think today of those who are away from the Lord in their lives – and feel that God has no use for them – I want to tell them this story – Jesus still cares for them – and would even help them.

Later on in the story – Jesus finds the fellow in the temple – now how would you react if you had been healed after thirty years and met up with your helper – I know how I would have reacted – anyway – Jesus makes a curious demand – that we – all these years later – understand – Jesus says do not sin – or worse will befall you.

I think this is a good story for a time of meditation – take the time to think about the situation – put yourself in the place of this fellow – you are sitting there as you have for years upon years – and along comes this man – you don’t know him but he looks friendly – and he asks if you would like to recover – “are you kidding, Sir” – “I’ve been here thirty years – I’ve been stuck in this place watching people come and go – and I still can’t get around.” “You bet I want to be healed – you can be sure I would like to live a better life – I see the people in town going by each day – I want to be out there with them.” – and then suddenly, he says to me – “Take up your mat and walk.” Woo – suddenly, I feel very different – I feel like I can do it – I must try this out – and then look – I can walk – I can do it – where is that man – why has he walked away – I owe him so much – I need to find him – I must thank him. -----

One more thing – I believe that Jesus often touches our lives with his love and healing touch – even through a person or a situation that we least expect.

Father Bill says...March 23, 2009

2009-03-23T14:13:00.006-04:00

this is the chapel at Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario

for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Yesterday afternoon, Sunday, at the regular meeting of the Confirmation class for this year – we had invited a representative of the AA from Clinton County – he brought with him six members – it was a most impressive afternoon – also the Essex county District Attorney was present also – Julie Garcia – She talked first – and offered many important concerns that she has about underage drinking – and some of the problems that she has dealt with in this regard as District Attorney –

Then the AA folks took turns telling us their stories – I must admit that after some of the stories my head was spinning – it was hard to believe that a person had gone through such things because of drinking – then a 26 year old, rather attractive young woman stood up – she began by telling us that when in high school she had been the captain of the cheerleading squad – and then she began telling us of her involvement with alcohol and drugs – and some of the truly unbelievable situations that she found herself in – in fact, she said that – often, as she was drinking or using drugs she thought to herself how have I gotten myself into this situation.

I think that the afternoon just had to be rather impressive for the young people in the Confirmation class – and their parents – we had many parents there also – I have been with friends who have been through drinking problems – and I have heard many of the stories – but there was something rather real about hearing these folks tell their stories – and also watch the young people as they heard the stories – and interacted with the folks afterwards. It turned out to be a good afternoon experience – and certainly gave the Confirmation people something to think about.

Now – a moment about today’s Scriptures – for the Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent - the Old Testament reading is from Isaiah – and is a effort by Isaiah to encourage the Hebrew people by looking ahead positively so that they would work to make their hopes and dreams realities – he points out for them the possibilities of what can be if they will accept the challenges to make their lives better and their nation stronger and more alive. I guess it would be the kind of message that someone should pass along to the leaders of our country – in hopes that they will do the right thing and work through the difficulties of the present time.

The Gospel is a lovely story of healing – Jesus travels back to Galilee – this is his home area – and goes to Cana – this is where he worked the miracle of changing the water into wine at a marriage feast – that is one of those miracle stories that some people who are really not into the Bible never forget – they are always asking me how Jesus changed the water into wine.

But this miracle is the healing of a child – the Gospel writer tells us that a royal official came to Jesus seeking a favor – this is rather interesting for us – if this man was a royal official – then he must have worked closely with King Herod who had no use for Jesus – but somehow this royal official has listened to Jesus and has developed faith in Jesus –

So he asks Jesus to come and heal his son – a bit of a discussion ensues – and then the official urges Jesus to come – and Jesus says to him – you may go home, you child will live – and the man believes Jesus and starts for home – so interesting that his faith in Jesus is rather new found and yet he doesn’t hesitate – he believes Jesus – and on the way home his servant comes and tell him that his child has recovered.

So the question for us today – do I – can I trust Jesus as well as this royal official in the Gospel story – how ready am I to let Jesus know that I am ready to follow him completely and trust him completely and live in his spirit – knowing that this will bring me to happiness.

Father Bill says...March 21, 2009

2009-03-21T09:47:00.002-04:00

For the Fourth Sunday of Lent

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

It has been a long time since I have seen the John 3:16 sign at a sports venue – but there is was at one of the basketball games I saw yesterday – by the way my teams did much better Friday than they did on Thursday.

This Sunday’s Gospel is a reading that includes this verse – I am not a great one for verses – I think that it is more important to read the whole chapter – it can be a bit manipulative to just chose a verse here and a verse there and such. However, this verse is an important one – a good one – most acceptable – that gives us the joyous message that God loved us so much.

So the Gospel reading for this Fourth Week of Lent is from John’s Gospel 3:14-21 – Jesus is visited by a Pharisee named Nicodemus – we do not hear about Nicodemus again until after the crucifixion when Nicodemus comes with Joseph of Aremathia to bury the body of Jesus.

Then Jesus refers to an Old Testament story about Moses – a most curious story – seems that as Moses was leading the Hebrew people from Egypt to the Promised Land through the desert – the people are put upon by poisonous snakes – God tells Moses to make a bronze serpent – place it on a pole and all who look upon it will be saved. Jesus says that in the same way the Son of Man will be lifted up – “so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” This certainly refers to Jesus’ crucifixion – and then comes 3:16 – for this is how we know that God loved the world – he gave his only son – who would die for us – so that we might be saved – and have eternal life. The death of Jesus is always about life – Jesus died and rose again to new life.

And so it is the pattern for our spiritual life in Jesus – life – death – resurrection – new life –

Actually, this is the pattern for natural life on this planet of ours – we see the pattern over and over again as we go through the seasons of the year – life – death – resurrection – new life --- we are rushing toward Spring and Easter – so as the days become warmer – we notice quickly the trees and the grass and the world – are moving toward resurrection – new life.

And so it calls us to discover new life in our lives – this means that we must die – die to sin – die to all that keeps us from God – literally, die – with all of its sufferings – that we through Jesus we will find new life – we will experience resurrection – we will truly come alive in the Lord.

What does this mean? Now, I must speak for myself – I know too many things in my life that truly keep me from God and, therefore, keep me from being truly alive in the Lord. There are many things – experiences – sins – that must die – if they do not, I will die also – I will lose touch with the Lord – if I will ever find new life and resurrection with the Lord – there is much that must die in my life. I must find my own Easter.

One more image given in our Gospel this week - Jesus calls Nicodemus – and all of us – to the light – for only in the light will we see – see what it is that must be changed in my life – and that light is Jesus.

In telling this story John tells us that Nicodemus comes in the night time – in the dark – and Jesus leads him to the light – to the truth – to life – to new life – and so Jesus must become our light – to lead us to life.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – lead me and guide me to the light that is Jesus – so that I may see – that I may know – that I may live in your life Lord – May this Easter be a time of resurrection for me to new life. This is my prayer. Amen.

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

Father Bill says...March 20, 2009

2009-03-20T13:33:00.001-04:00

for Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Now, I am going to seem a bit distracted today – I am listening/watching the Syracuse NCAA game right now – right now they are ahead – so I will get through this – Please understand I am no expert in the tournament brackets bit – after the first day – I am in last place in three different groups – so I will just sit and cheer for whoever. However, it is a fun time of the year – I have to share something with you – five years ago – at the beginning of Lent – I decided a great act of self denial for Lent would be to give up television completely – I had forgotten all about the tournament – it always comes during Lent – I have chosen different penances since then.

Today’s Scriptures – today’s Gospel concerns the two great commandments – someone asks Jesus – which is the greatest of all the laws – you may remember that in Jesus’ day – the Hebrew religion had over six hundred laws – so this had to be a curious question – however, Jesus handles it perfectly – “Love God above all things – and love your neighbor as yourself.”

These two great commandments of love are the very basis of the teachings of Jesus – the Gospel writers come back to this story often – we follow the two great commandments because God loves us first – God loves us unconditionally – God loves us so much that he sent his only son to this earth to live with us – to die for us – to rise again from the dead.

As I mention often – the task for us to live in this spirit of God’s love – is to know what it means to be a loved person. I know that I bring this up often – so maybe it is a problem for me – however, I do believe that it is very important as a Catholic and Christian – in following Jesus – I will live best in his spirit when I fully realize that God’s loves me – and that I live like a loved person.

I think one way we begin to recognize what it means to be a loved person – is from a negative perspective – when a loved one dies – when a loving relationship is broken – afterwards we know how empty we become – how seemingly meaningless our life becomes –

However, with God – there will never be that end – that broken relationship – from God’s side – his love is unconditional and unbroken – oh, yes, we can break that relationship through our own selfishness – but God never forgets us – it is a message I often repeat to those I meet who are away from the Church – God has not forgotten you – when you are ready – just look over your shoulder – he will be there.

I will continue to think about this – I want to understand better – I want to put it into words better – what it means to be a loved person –

The final step – for me and for you – live like a loved person.

Father Bill says...March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T12:01:00.001-04:00

for the Feast of St. Joseph

Today, we interrupt Lent with the Feast of St. Joseph. We do not know a great deal about St. Joseph – but he has become a very popular saint – St. Joseph is the patron of our Sisters of St. Joseph – Sister Sharon is our principal – and St. Ronald is also in residence here – also, when I think of St. Joseph – I think of the wonderful shrine in Montreal – such a beautiful place –

Just learned that one of our retired priests – Monsignor Tom Robillard, 91 years old – died today – he was truly a saintly priest – and touched many people with his gentleness and closeness to the Lord. This comes right on the heels of the death of Father Soucy – Monsignor Robillard was ready to meet the Lord – I still feel rather disappointed in Father Soucy’s death – didn’t seem like it was his time. However, our diocese can be tremendously grateful for the lives of these two wonderful priests.

So, St. Joseph – we do not hear much about in the Gospels – St. Matthew does tell us that he learned in a dream that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary, his intended wife, had become pregnant – and urged him not to refuse to accept her as his wife – and so we think of Joseph as the protector of Mary and Jesus – we have the indication that he was a carpenter – in one place – when the people in his own town found it difficult to accept Jesus – they sort of put him down as the son of a carpenter. And actually, Jesus is of the line of David – as the Old Testament Prophets prophesized – through Joseph.

St. Joseph has become one of the more popular saints of the Church – many Churches are named for St. Joseph and many countries, like Canada and Peru, are dedicated to St. Joseph. I might add that personally I have found St. Joseph a wonderful saint to turn to in times of need – I have discovered my prayers being answered often when I pray to St. Joseph – so while I may not know much about him – I do know – if you will pardon the expression – that “it works” to pray to him.

I must share with you my favorite image of St. Joseph that I have ever seen – and I saw it only once – it is a stained glass window in the chapel of a retreat house in Auckland New Zealand – surrounded an image of St. Joseph is all sorts of carpenter tools – and then my eye was caught by a ribbony like line that went all around St. Joseph – however, when you followed it all the way – it turned out to be an electrical cord hooked to a power drill – talk about bringing St. Joseph up to date.

So – St. Joseph watch over all of us – especially all those you need – and lead and guide more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Father Bill says...March 18, 2009

2009-03-18T20:41:00.004-04:00

This is Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

I just returned from the funeral of my friend, Father Tim Soucy – it was at St. Peter’s Church, Lowville, NY – a rather long ride – five of us priests – all the priests in this deanery – rode together – so we had lots of company going over – and plenty of conversation.

The Church was filled with people – and a large number of priests – seemed like every priest in the diocese – and the Bishop – I recognized so many people from the days I was once stationed in that parish – and also Father Tim’s family.

I must admit the tone was a bit somber at the beginning – I suspect none of us really knew what to do or say - then after the Scripture readings – Father Mike Gaffney – a very close friend of Father Tim and one of our truly wonderful priests got up to present the homily – we all sorts of wondered what was to be said - Father Mike is a good friend of all of us – and we all knew that he is an emotional person – he had to be feeling truly saddened at the death of such a good friend - – but then he set a happy, loving tone – a tone that was truly celebratory – he took us from tears to laughter and back again. It was an exceptional tribute – I know I – as well as most others – was suddenly relaxed and ready to celebrate the entrance of our friend into Heavenly glory.

I just have to share with you how Father Mike started his homily – he walked down to stand near the coffin for his talk – he paused for a moment – after telling us that Tim loved us all – his family, the people of the parish, the Bishop and the priests – and then as I remember it – he looked at us and said I know the spirit of Father Tim is with us today – I can hear him now – and then he smiled and said that he could here Tim say, “Mike, what a crowd, take up a collection.” – we all laughed, of course – and then he gently wove so many wonderful thoughts together of Tim’s life and of his strong spirituality – of his love of God and closeness to the Lord in prayer – as well as some truly funny incidents that they shared together.

So, now I am ready to take some time and go over this day – to go over this funeral Mass – and to remember the many times that he touched my life. And taking up one of Father Mike’s thoughts – I offer my gratitude to God for placing this exceptional person and priest in my life.

Father Bill says...March 17, 2009

2009-03-17T13:39:00.001-04:00

For St. Patrick’s Day

I just returned from the K of C Hall – they had corn beef sandwiches and Irish Stew for lunch – rather good – I am certain that my brother celebrates St. Patrick’s Day more than I do – at least, that is his reputation, ever since college. Despite the Muench name – my mother was Irish – and the Irish relatives all knew how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – so I suspect some of the Tipperary Irish has touched our family.

I do remember an incident in Peru – Father Bill Edwards liked St. Patrick’s Day – and had a tape of Irish folk songs – and on this one St. Patrick’s Day we decided to go down town Mollendo to this pub – and he went up to the owner, a friend of ours – and asked to play this Irish songs. I remember well all the young people there wanted to know what they songs meant – they didn’t understand English – must less Irish – I had to smile – they were all drinking songs.

No Irish jokes – however, stay with me a minute – a brief look at today’s Scriptures – the Gospel today is Jesus lesson on forgiveness – he tells the parable of the king who forgives the debt of one of his servants who owed him a great deal because he humbly asked to be forgiven – then this same servant refuses to forgive one of his fellow servants who owes much less – the king discovers this and then punishes the first servant.

The call to be a forgiving people – if there is any characteristic that should demonstrate to the world that someone is a Christian is their readiness to be forgiving. And the reason we forgive – is because we are good people – our forgiveness should not depend on what the other will do or how they will change or whatever – we are ready to forgive because we are good people in the spirit of Our Savior – who forgave his crucifiers – “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.”

Father Bill says...March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T12:17:00.003-04:00

One more remembrance of my friend, Father Tim Soucy

I have been thinking of all sorts of things to say about Father Tim – who was such a good friend – many have sent to me comments and prayers – I truly thank you all for your response – I do what to share one with you from my friend, Maureen – “Oh, how sad and what a great loss. A bright light has been extinguished for sure. I still can hear him laugh, see his bright smile and hear his quick, witty comments. I know our family truly welcomed him and enjoyed all the times he spent with us.”

We will all miss Father Tim – he certainly added a great deal to my life – and the Church of the North Country is a bit poorer today – let us all pray for more vocations to the priesthood in the spirit of Tim Soucy.

For Monday of the Third week of Lent

A brief look at today’s Scriptures – in today’s Gospel, Jesus remembers the story of Naaman from the Book of Kings – that is such an interesting story – Naaman is a Syrian – a general – and well liked by his king – but he has leprosy – a Hebrew slave girl encourages him to go to Jerusalem and the prophet will heal him – so with the blessings of the king he goes to Jerusalem with many gifts for the prophet, Elisha – he goes to Elisha’s house to make his request – Elisha does not come out to meet him – but tells him to go down to the Jordan River and bathe seven times – Naaman is upset – he thinks that there will be a glorious ceremony and he will be healed – he is also upset because the Jordan River is not as nice as the Rivers in his country – he wants to leave – but a servant of his counsels him – basically, he says what do you have to lose – give it a try – so Naaman goes down to the River and bathes seven times – and is healed – and now Naaman praises God and is very grateful to the prophet.

Lesson is simple isn’t it – sometimes God leads us to do something that may seem unusual or meaningless or silly – and yet it turns out to be a great and good moment – changing our lives or the life of someone we love.

Don’t be afraid to follow the Lord wherever he leads.

Father Bill says...March 14, 2009

2009-03-14T09:56:00.001-04:00

For the Third Sunday of Lent

This is a model of what the temple would have looked like in Jesus’ day

Getting ready for the Third Sunday of Lent –

getting to the middle of Lent – how is your Lenten program going – I always chide the folks – if they haven’t gotten going with something for Lent – now is a good time to get going.

I decided not to stay up and watch the basketball game last night – so I will watch a replay of the game today – it does make a difference because I know who won – but it will still be interesting to see how it all happened. It reminds me of the days down in Mollendo, Peru – when my brother and my friend, Orel Briceland, often sent me a recorded tape of a football game or a basketball game or golf match – they were so great about that – I continue to offer my gratitude to them – but I do remember a couple of times they made the mistake of telling me who won – took a little of the intensity out of watching it.
I received a gift this weekend – last night, Father Bryan Stitt – whose family lives in the parish – he let me know that he would be here for the weekend to help celebrate his grandmother’s birthday – and he offered to celebrate one of the Masses – it didn’t take much for me to accept – so he will offer the Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart – and many of his old friends from high school days will be so pleased to see him.

And my friend and classmate, Father Joe – called to offer to help me during the many Masses and liturgies of Holy Week – I immediately accepted his offer – so all of a sudden I have all sorts of help around here.

Now – for the Third Sunday of Lent – three great Scriptures for this Sunday – the Old Testament reading from Exodus – God gives the commandments to Moses – one of the things I want to emphasize is that the commandments have a very positive message – it is so easy to think of the commandments as a list of stuff that we are not suppose to do – a very negative spiritual approach.

So I will talk about the Decalogue as a positive message – the First three commandments speak of our devotion to God – our reverence for the name of God and our attention to dedicating a day to the Lord, of observing the Sabbath – the question is How have you responded to God’s ardent love this week? – God loves us unconditionally – so how have we loved God – and dedicated our time to the Lord.

And the fourth to the tenth – our love of God should go hand in hand with our loving care of others – care and respect for parents – that all life is to be revered – faithful ness in relationship – devotion to one’s spouse – honesty in all dealings with others in word and deed.

So the commandment are still good and still important – however, I want to make certain that I emphasize that we live best in the spirit of the commandments by making them a positive effect on our lives – and not just a list of sins.

The second reading is from Corinthians – St. Paul teaches those people and us – Jesus is fully God and fully human – his is one of us – he knows what it means to love, to want, to suffer, to lose, to fear, to hate and to want to run away from it all – and he points out how some think of Jesus as a stumbling block – a source of weakness and foolishness – and so Paul writes, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

And, finally, the Gospel story of Jesus driving the sellers and money changers from the temple – be sure to get the picture – in those days, the temple buildings were surrounded by a wall and there was a large open space – it was there that the sellers and money changers camped out – and it was these that Jesus drove out.

The Gospel story quotes Psalm 69 in describing Jesus at this moment – “Zeal for your house will consume me.” In this regard, the word house can mean the temple – as we can see – but also God’s household – for us, the Church – the people of God – we can see the zeal of Jesus to reach all of us – protect us – help us – show us the way. Jesus enfleshes zealous love for the members of God’s household – it fills Jesus, consumes Jesus, destroys his life.

Our Lesson – we must respond to God’s love with the same kind of zeal that Jesus demonstrated – by believing and acting toward others with consummate love.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I see today Jesus’ zeal – emotion from my Savior as he demonstrates his desire to make this temple area a place of prayer and not a place of commerce – help me to live with and act with that kind of zeal – may I demonstrate my faith and love and dedication to my Savior by my zealous live. This is my prayer. Amen.

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