St. Martin's Men of Emmaus

Priest for Life comment on Obama/Notre Dame

2009-05-05T21:49:00.001-04:00

From Fr. Pavone, Priests for Life:

We at Priests for Life are joining with the students of Notre Dame, calling upon believers to offer rosaries for the conversion of President Obama and in reparation for the scandal of him being honored during the Notre Dame commencement ceremony. Go to www.prayercampaign.org to sign up.

Here is what the Notre Dame students are saying on their website at www.ndresponse.com.

Call to action

"In recent weeks the announcement of President Barack Obama as Notre Dame's commencement speaker has caused much controversy. We, the concerned students at Notre Dame, are attentive to this and have led several efforts to voice our opposition to the decision to honor President Obama with a doctor of laws degree, given his stance on abortion. We know that this controversy has gained much attention worldwide, but we are aware that our story is merely one case among many in which the struggle of Catholics in political life becomes clear. Our sad situation is an occasion for Catholics across the country, and worldwide, to reflect on the tragedy of abortion, the real danger of policies opposed to life, and the important role we must play in fighting for the dignity of all human life. There are many important and necessary ways for us to fulfill this role. We remember, however, that Notre Dame is indeed Our Lady's University and that our strongest weapon to fight this public scandal and disregard for the importance of life is to have recourse to prayer.

As such, we now call for a Rosary Crusade of One Million Rosaries.

We students will pray the rosary daily for 40 days – from Wednesday of Holy Week (4/8/09) until the day of commencement (5/17/09). We will pray especially for conversion of heart for President Obama, that he might grow to respect life from conception to natural death and that his policies might reflect that (in particular that he will reverse his pro-abortion stance). As a secondary intention, we will pray for the University of Notre Dame, and all Catholic universities, that they might grow in their understanding of what it means to be Catholic and truly embrace their Catholic identity. Finally, we pray that this country, and all countries throughout the world might embrace a greater respect for life in all its stages.

But we know that we cannot achieve this without help. We have found many internet petitions that have been signed in support of this effort and know that one of them has well over 200,000 signatories already. If only a fraction of you join us in prayer for 40 days, we will reach our goal of One Million Rosaries, and perhaps we will even surpass it. We hope that you will join us in prayer, and encourage others – through whatever means – to do the same. We encourage you to visit our website to report how many rosaries you have said for this intention (www.ndresponse.com).

Many of us have responded angrily to this situation, questioning why Our Lord would allow such a public scandal. It is to remind us to put all of our hope in Him, and to redouble our efforts to pray for an end to abortion in this country and across the world. Perhaps all we need to do is to recall the words of our own fight song. Assured of Victory, we call to mind the words of the Blessed Mother given at Fatima: 'In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.'

Onward to Victory."

Friend, please join us in this effort by signing up at www.prayercampaign.org and we will let the Notre Dame students know of your commitment.

Thank you,

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

32nd Sunday - Homily

2006-11-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

If I were to ask you to think of someone who is an example of generosity – whether it’s someone in your family, or a friend, or someone you’ve read about – who would you think of? Is there a specific act of generosity that you might think of that stands out as particularly impressive or inspiring? Well, we hear of two examples of generosity in today’s readings: two poor widows. They have lost so much already –they’ve lost their husbands. And, they don’t have much in terms of money or things. And yet, the little they have, they generously give to others.

In the first reading from the first book of Kings, the poor widow and her son seem to be on the verge of death. They are running out of food, and maybe out of hope, too. Even in her poverty, the poor widow gives to the prophet Elijah the little food she has, trusting that he is a man of God. And, she is richly rewarded for her generosity, receiving far more food than she had in the first place.

In this passage from Mark’s Gospel, Jesus highlights the generosity of the poor widow. The rich are giving large amounts of money to the temple treasury, but she only gives a couple of coins…a couple of cents. But, Jesus says, ‘there! That’s generosity. She is giving all that she has’. Sure, the others give much more in terms of money, but she gives offers up more in terms of sacrifice. The others are giving from their surplus, but she gives all that she has. It is an example of giving when it hurts to give. It is a great example of generosity for us.

So, if each of us looks in the mirror, we ask, ‘am I an example of generosity? Do I generously give my time, talent, and treasure to God and to others?’ We can all be so protective of our time. Our time is very valuable to us. We spend so much time working and being busy that we want to keep the little free time we have to ourselves. But, again think of the widow from the Gospel- she only had a little bit of money, and she still gave the little that she had to others. There are so many here at St. Andrew’s who give the little free time they have to others – serving in the liturgy, as teachers, catechists, and coaches. But, there still is a need for more to give of their time. For example, we still need five coaches for basketball teams this year.

What about coming to Church: do we make coming to Mass “God’s time?” He has given us everything…He gives us 168 hours in the week, and only asks us to give Him one hour each week. Do we give Him that hour? Or, do we come late to Mass, and leave early? Do we really try to pray while we’re here, or do we talk and socialize during Mass, maybe even during Holy Communion? This is His time, not ours.

I have been extremely impressed with the amount of talent we have in our parish and school. So many people generously share their gifts with others, whether in the arts or athletics or education. They see that God has given them all of their gifts, and they give back to Him by sharing their talents with others.

A priest once said to me that if each Catholic were to give 3% of his/her income, Catholic education would be free. I guess we don’t even give 3%, because Catholic education is not free. The Bible says we should give 10%…what do we give? Again, God gives us everything. He gives us all of our income, and only asks for a fraction in return. If we are men and women of faith, we give generously to Him and His Church, and trust that ‘God will provide’. God knows we all have bills to pay, and we are to be wise in how we handle our money. But, He calls us to give generously, and to believe that He will provide for us.

Jesus uses the example of the woman from the Gospel to point to His own act of generosity. Just as she gave her whole livelihood, so Christ gave his whole life as an offering for us on the Cross. He continues to give us his life in the Eucharist. He gives us his life, his love, and his generosity. As we receive his Body and Blood in Holy Communion, may the Grace of this sacrament help us to be more generous. May it help us to be more generous in giving our time, our talent, and our treasure to others, and thus, to Almighty God.

Humanae Vitae

2006-09-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, here are excerpts from Pope Paul VI's encyclical on the regulation of birth, Humanae Vitae (On Human Life), 1968. In particular, I have included the paragraph where the former Pope presents the "consequences of artificial methods" (contraception). Please go to the address at the bottom of this post for the full text.
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7. The question of human procreation, like every other question which touches human life, involves more than the limited aspects specific to such disciplines as biology, psychology, demography or sociology. It is the whole man and the whole mission to which he is called that must be considered: both its natural, earthly aspects and its supernatural, eternal aspects. And since in the attempt to justify artificial methods of birth control many appeal to the demands of married love or of responsible parenthood, these two important realities of married life must be accurately defined and analyzed...

10... With regard to physical, economic, psychological and social conditions, responsible parenthood is exercised by those who prudently and generously decide to have more children, and by those who, for serious reasons and with due respect to moral precepts, decide not to have additional children for either a certain or an indefinite period of time...

16. If therefore there are well-grounded reasons for spacing births, arising from the physical or psychological condition of husband or wife, or from external circumstances, the Church teaches that married people may then take advantage of the natural cycles immanent in the reproductive system and engage in marital intercourse only during those times that are infertile, thus controlling birth in a way which does not in the least offend the moral principles which We have just explained...

Consequences of Artificial Methods

17. Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection...

20. The teaching of the Church regarding the proper regulation of birth is a promulgation of the law of God Himself. And yet there is no doubt that to many it will appear not merely difficult but even impossible to observe. Now it is true that like all good things which are outstanding for their nobility and for the benefits which they confer on men, so this law demands from individual men and women, from families and from human society, a resolute purpose and great endurance. Indeed it cannot be observed unless God comes to their help with the grace by which the goodwill of men is sustained and strengthened. But to those who consider this matter diligently it will indeed be evident that this endurance enhances man's dignity and confers benefits on human society...
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http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html

True love means sacrifice

2006-09-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

We've had many recent comments about vocations, mostly concerning religious vocations. My favorite one is, "Sorry to have to tell you this but there is already major shortage of the priesthood and even worse the nunhood (is that a word?)". I hear this kind of comment every so often (by the way, sisterhood is a word, nunhood is not). I hope that the anonymous blogger who wrote this is doing his/her part to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life through prayer and fasting.

While it is true that there is a shortage of priests and nuns in the United States, it is also true that there is a lack of commitment in the other two vocations: married and single. The unfortunate and sad statistic that 50% of marriages end in divorce in this country is a major indication of that. Also, very, very few people seriously consider a permanent commitment to the single life. It's a vocations crisis across the board; a crisis in commitment.

Every one of us has a vocation. When God created the world, He had each one of us in mind. He has a Plan for all of humanity, and each one of us plays an important role in living out His Plan and doing His Will. Our job is to figure out to which vocation He is calling us: married, religious, or single. Most people are called to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, thanks be to God (we need to survive as a race!). Some are called to serve as priests or religious brothers and sisters, and some are called to give their lives in service to the Church as single men or women.

The obvious and earliest Scriptural basis for marriage as a calling from God is the Book of Genesis. God establishes the institution of marriage right away: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body" (2:24). In Matthew 19, Jesus reaffirms Genesis and presents marriage as a vocation: "what God has joined together, no human being must separate" (v.6). A few lines later, Christ indicates that celibacy is God's Plan for some people: "Some are incapable of marriage...because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" (v.12).

As I told the junior high students in the school last week, Christ is to be the center of every vocation. If we center our lives on Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist, we will know our vocations and live them out. He is Love; Love is to be the center of every marriage, every priesthood, every religious life, and every single life. True love means sacrifice. But, if we are committed to Christ and His Eucharistic Sacrifice, then we will be committed to our vocations and lay down our lives for others.

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13).

19th Sunday - Homily

2006-08-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

It’s interesting to think about how much time we spend each week or even each day watching movies or television…listening to music…surfing the internet. There are a variety of reasons why we spend so much of our free time on these different media. We might feel that movies make us laugh or make us cry. We might experience certain emotions through a character or like a particular actor. Movies entertain us. But, the question is, are movies real? For the most part, no they are not. And yet, we invest so much time, money, and energy in them.

Then, we ask the question that many people don’t like to answer. How much time do we spend with God each week? I trust that it's at least one hour a week…at Mass. So, the question is, is what happens at Mass real? Yes!! If we have some understanding of what takes place during Mass, then we know that what happens here blows away any movie that’s ever been made. God appears before our very eyes! In probably my favorite line from Scripture, Jesus tells us in John 6:51 from today’s Gospel that this is true: “the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world”.

What happened on Mount Calvary was real. Even the most ardent atheist in the world would agree that Jesus of Nazareth shed his blood and died on a Cross 2000 years ago. It’s an historical fact. It was really his flesh and blood on the Cross. We differ with the atheist, of course, with what happened three days later in the Resurrection. Christ teaches us in John 6:51 that the same flesh and blood that was on the Cross is the same flesh and blood on the altar at each Mass.

If we put John 6:51 into an equation, we see that “the bread that I will give” (the Eucharist) “is” (equals ) “my flesh for the life of the world”. So, the Eucharist = flesh. The Eucharist that is on the altar at Mass is the same flesh and blood that Jesus offered for the life of the world on Good Friday. People will ask, ‘so, does Jesus die over and over again at every Mass?’ No, Scripture says he “died once and for all”. His sacrifice on Mount Calvary is re-presented on the altar under the signs of bread and wine.

The only difference has to do with what happened since Good Friday: the Resurrection. The Eucharist is the risen body and blood of Christ. It is the same Jesus. What happens at Mass is real, and it is awesome, baby! Awesome!!

So, we come to this Mass and every Mass to give thanks to God the Father for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. In a special way, we give thanks for the Eucharist. Eucharist comes from the Greek word, ‘eukaristeion’ (sp?), which means ‘thanksgiving’. We thank Jesus for this incredible gift. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice for us. Thank you for giving us your life. Thank you for the Eucharist. Thank you for your life. Thank you for your love. Thank you, Jesus.

A Blurb on the Eucharist from the Catechism

2006-08-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

As we approach the Bread of Life discourse, I thought this quote from the Catechism (#1106) was very insightful:

You ask how the bread becomes the Body of Christ, and the wine...the Blood of Christ, I shall tell you: the Holy Spirit comes upon them and accomplishes what surpasses every word and thought...Let it be enough for you to understand that it is by the Holy Spirit, just as it was of the Holy Virgin and by the Holy Spirit that the Lord, through and in himself, took flesh.

17th Sunday, Ordinary - Homily

2006-07-30T13:15:00.000-04:00

Normally, when I am giving a talk to a group about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and what takes place during the Mass, I can stump the group with one question: what is the moment of consecration? When do the bread and wine actually become the Body and Blood of Christ? I will reveal the answer to this group in a few minutes. Now, when we hear this Gospel, we might ask the same question…when does the multiplication of the loaves and fish actually take place? One minute we hear that there are five loaves and two fish, and the next minute…they “have their fill”.

It’s kind of like here at Mass…the multiplication of Catholics at Mass. When we processed in, there was practically no one here. And, now, as I give the homily…poof…the place is full! Nevertheless, we see many similarities with this Gospel and what takes place at Mass.

The first reading is a preview of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. They are almost identical stories; the story involving Elisha in the second book of Kings occurred 500 years Before Christ. Like all Old Testament events, it leads to and is fulfilled in the New Testament. The events of the Old Testament spoke to the people of those times, but also to the people of later times, particularly the ones who are alive during the time of the Messiah. They prepared people to recognize the Christ, so that they would proclaim him as the Messiah.

In this Gospel from John 6, we hear phrases that remind us of Holy Mass. “A large crowd” came to Christ…we, too, come in large numbers to Christ, to his altar at Mass. They brought him “five barley loaves and two fish”…we bring him bread and wine. These are all ordinary gifts of the earth, and they represent us, humanity. In fact, barley loaves were seen as the food of the poor.

He had them “recline”; he was preparing them for a meal… we prepare for this Sacred Meal by kneeling. He “took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them”…we hear the same words from the Last Supper accounts: “he took bread, gave thanks…and gave it to them”. The distribution of the loaves and fish is a preview to Holy Communion. They all “had their fill”…whenever we receive a gift from God, we are satisfied. “Twelve wicker baskets with fragments” were left over…twelve is a significant number because it represents the twelve Apostles. They are all there for this miracle.

Also, when God gives, He gives in abundance. They collected the fragments in the same way that we collect the fragments of the Eucharist, and store any leftover in the tabernacle so that none goes to waste. Finally, witnessing this miracle leads them to have faith. They proclaim that Christ is “the prophet, the one who is to come into the world”…how much more are we who receive the Body and Blood of Christ filled with faith to proclaim him as our God?

The main difference between this Gospel and what happens at Mass is the difference between a miracle and a sacrament. In a miracle, a change in nature takes place that our senses can pick up. The people could see that loaves and fish had been multiplied…that water had been turned into wine…that a blind person could see. But, in a sacrament, we don’t see any change. It’s not a natural change, it’s a supernatural change. We don’t see a change in the bread and wine; we only know by faith that a change takes place... Jesus says, “this is my body”.

The moment of consecration, then, is when the priest says these words of Christ…”this is my body... This is my blood”. Then, it is no longer bread, and no longer wine. That is why we ring the bells at that moment; the bells say, ‘be alert…something extraordinary is happening here’.

So, as we prepare to witness this extraordinary event in a few minutes, this amazing occurrence, we prepare to be fed by our Lord. How much more do we receive our ‘fill’ when we are filled with the Body and Blood of Christ … filled with God’s love? May we know God’s love through the Eucharist this day.

Trust in Christ

2006-07-18T14:34:00.000-04:00

Recently, a blogger wrote a deep couple of questions: "My question is how does totally surrender to God really letting go? I know its all about faith but how do we build that and not have it shatter in our face the moment something goes wrong? Please answer this-this is really important for my spiritual life."

Regarding total surrender to God, please keep in mind what Jesus says about giving up everything for God and his kingdom. For example, he tells the parable of the person who finds a great treasure (which represents the kingdom of heaven) buried in a field, and "out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field" (Mt 13:44). While it is not always easy, it should bring us great joy to give up everything for the kingdom of God. It the greatest treasure on earth.

We don't build up our own faith; Christ does. He nourishes faith through us. Again using a parable, we look at the mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32). The mustard seed cannot grow on its own. With the help of water, the Sun, and air, it "becomes a large bush, and the 'birds of the sky come to dwell on its branches'". Our faith cannot grow on its own. With the help of the water of Baptism, the Body and Blood of the Son, and the air of the Holy Spirit, our faith can grow large enough to move mountains (see Mt 21:21).

With this in mind, then, I would suggest three ways** to allow Christ to build up your faith:

1) Open yourself to his Grace
Our job as believers is to be open to Christ and his Grace. If we remain open, he will give us faith that won't shatter when times get tough. He will bring us closer to Himself, the Prince of Peace. He is the One we need when life gets rough. His Grace will get us through whatever curveballs life throws us: "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31).

2) Frequent the sacraments
The sacraments are where we receive Sanctifying Grace (the life of God dwelling within us)...where we receive faith. Faith is given in Baptism, nourished by the Eucharist, sealed in Confirmation, restored in Confession, etc. Daily Mass (whenever possible) and monthly Confession are highly recommended for those who wish to go deeper in their relationship with Christ.

3) Pray your tail off
Talk every day to Christ, preferably in his Real Presence in the Eucharist (in a Church or chapel where the Blessed Sacrament dwells). Read Scripture every day (one chapter of the Gospel a night works for many folks), pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. Just as a disciplined athlete exercises every day, so we should work out every day spiritually (see 1 Cor 9:24-27).

Finally, to be a real believer is to trust in Christ. "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). If I totally surrender to Christ, I give him my life...I give him my love...my problems...my fears... my worries. "Do not worry about your life...your Father knows (the things) that you need" (Lk 12:22,30).
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** Are there other ways that Christ builds up our faith?
Other Scriptural passages/quotes that speak of this?

SAA Flag Football!!

2006-07-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

We had our first SAA Summer Flag Football games yesterday, and had a great turnout of youth! Almost 30 teens (along with about 20 adults who watched) braved the afternoon heat to enjoy a few hours of friendly competition and fellowship. What good athletes we have in the school and parish! Both boys and girls impressed the onlookers with dazzling moves, nifty plays, and great effort and enthusiasm!

Thanks to all the teens who came out, our referees, the parents who helped, George Gillespie and the Stifters for the photos, and our seminarian, Dan, who assisted me immensely. See you all next Sunday at 4 pm for more fun!

Here are some photos from the action:

Confession: an encounter with the God of Mercy

2006-07-14T11:11:00.000-04:00

Confessions tonight, 7 pm. I will be hearing Confessions tonight (7/14) in the Confession booths in the back left of St Andrew's Church starting at 7:00.
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We've had an excellent, ongoing discussion this week about Confession on the blog sites. Some great comments and questions have come in. One blogger wrote, "I was wondering one thing. How often should people go to confession? I know A LOT of people who don't go to confession because they find it too embarrassing".

If we think in general terms of what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is all about, what do we think of? Forgiveness ...confessing sins...reconciling with God...changing our lives. These are all true and good. But, I need something concrete that I can point to that will motivate me each time to swallow my pride, get over my embarrassment, and go before the priest to confess my sins. Is there one thing that will do that for me?

The Cross.

Jesus gave his life so that our sins would be forgiven: "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins" (Mt 26:28). He suffered tremendously for each of us. He shed so much blood. He endured serious humiliation and mockery. He was spit on, whipped, slapped, and ridiculed by many people. He let himself be embarrassed for us.

Jesus endured all of this because we cannot bring about the forgiveness of sins on our own. In other words, it was necessary for God to become man and sacrifice himself on behalf of humanity for sins to be forgiven. The Jews tried for thousands of years to atone for sins by making sacrifices; Christ's sacrifice on the Cross is the only sacrifice acceptable to the Father for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever we go to Confession (once a month is recommended), we say, 'thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice'. We humble ourselves in front of Him because "he humbled himself for our humanity". He hung on the Cross for at least three hours so that, among other things, we would go to Confession.

Plus, when we go, it is Christ in the Confessional. We see the priest but it's really Jesus - he is the real minister of all the sacraments (see Mt 28:20). He knows all of our sins, and wants to free us of our guilt, shame, and slavery to sin.

He treats us as he did the (embarrassed) woman caught in adultery: "neither do I condemn you. Go [and] from now on do not sin any more" (Jn 8:11). This encounter with the God of Mercy changed her life! She went through a few moments of embarrassment and then experienced a joy she had never known. She experienced the joy of Christ's love and forgiveness... a lasting joy! If we risk a few moments of embarrassment, then we, too, will receive the reward of heavenly joy.

"My grace is sufficient"

2006-07-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

"My grace is sufficient for you for power is made perfect in weakness" - 2 Cor 12:9.

"This is a hard teaching"

2006-07-07T12:47:00.000-04:00

Mass and Adoration tonight! All bloggers are invited to join me tonight (7/7) in St Andrew's Church for Mass (7 pm) and Adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist (7:30-8:30). We'll have some prayerful music and I'll offer a spiritual reflection. These are two great ways to be with our Lord, but especially on First Friday (of the month).
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Recently, a SAA blogger wrote the following about the Eucharist: "I JUST DON'T GET IT!!!! I can't really explain but I try to believe that it's God but somehow I just can't. That's a problem that sometimes occurs. The ENORMITY of it all just overwhelms me that I am scared to even try to understand the Eucharist fully. I'd feel safer thinking that it's just a symbol."

This is really good stuff! I don't mean to belittle the anonymous blogger's struggle at all because "this is a hard teaching" (John 6:60). But, this is what faith is all about. A connection has been made for "Anon": he/she has heard the Truth about the Eucharist. For that reason, Anon, you do get it!! You are so right to say that the ENORMITY OF IT ALL IS OVERWHELMING. It is. But, so many Catholics never even approach that point because it never registers with them that it's anything more than bread.

Now, a few practical points, to help you and all those who struggle with the Real Presence in your faith:

1) Trying to understand the Eucharist is like trying to understand the Trinity: 'not gonna do it'. We believe THAT transubstantiation occurs (the substances of bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ while retaining their qualities) but we don't understand HOW it happens; it's a mystery.
2) Please read John 6. This is where Jesus teaches about the Eucharist. Neither in this chapter nor in any of the Last Supper accounts does Jesus use the word 'symbol'. The word symbol, in relation to the Eucharist, was first used in the 1500s by the Protestant Reformers.
3) To use an analogy, monopoly money is symbolic only; it means nothing in the real world.

Martin Luther was a Catholic priest who helped start the "protests" against the Church 500 years ago. He changed "this is my body" to "this symbolizes my body" in his biblical translation in order to meet the new theology of his movement. 'The Eucharist is a symbol only' is man-made; the Church has condemned it as heresy (denial of a truth that must be believed in faith). It doesn't appear anywhere in Scripture, Tradition, or in the teachings of the Magisterium. It is not safe at all, then, to believe that the Eucharist is symbolic only; in fact, heresy puts one's soul in REAL DANGER!

The Church has believed for 2000 years that the Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ- Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity - because of 4 words: "This is my body". Jesus said these words at the Last Supper when he instituted the Eucharist (and the priesthood). Before that, he spoke in real, literal terms to thousands of Jews when he taught about the Eucharist: "whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life...my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink" (John 6:54,55). Almost all of them rejected his teaching and left him that day. He didn't stop them, and say 'hey, you all misunderstood me'. They understood him correctly, and didn't believe him.

The Apostles also understood him correctly, but they DID believe Him even though they didn't understand. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe" (Jn 6:68).

13th Sunday, Ordinary - Homily

2006-07-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

A St Andrew parishioner has asked me to post my Sunday homilies. I don't write them out, so I'll make my best effort to remember what I said!
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We don't hear the story of the woman with the hemorrhage very often in the cycle of Lectionary readings at Mass. It is a powerful story. This woman suffered for twelve years from hemorrhaging (bleeding) and went to many doctors. None of them could heal her. Then, she just touched the garment of Jesus, and immediately, the bleeding stopped. She was healed.

We use this story many times on retreats, especially with youth. What we do is bring Jesus out of the tabernacle and onto the altar in the monstrance. Then the priest puts on this garment called a humeral veil. Now, our parents and the older generation grew up on Benediction, where the priest gives the Benediction with the monstrance while wearing the veil. The understanding is that with the garment over his hands, the priest is taken out of the equation. It is really Jesus (in the Eucharist) who is giving the blessing.

So, what we do is have the priest bring the monstrance from the altar to where the youth are. He processes to where the kids are, and walks slowly around them. Holding the monstrance with the veil, again it is that he is taken out of the equation. It is really Jesus walking through the crowd of youth just as walked through the crowd in the Gospel. Using this Gospel story as the backdrop, the kids reach out and touch the garment of Jesus. Now, these kids are dealing with so much in their lives…I've seen it time and again where they experience real healing by touching the garment of Christ. It is very powerful.

We all are dealing with a lot. We all have wounds like the woman with the hemorrhage. Our wounds may go back twelve years, maybe longer. Our wounds may be sins…habits…vices…maybe problems with family or friends…maybe hatred…anger… rejection…loneliness…tragedy…illness. Whatever our wounds are, we can be healed… by Christ.

Are we like the woman with the hemorrhage, and have gone to many doctors to be healed. Do we go to counselors or therapists with our wounds? None of them has the power to heal us like Christ has. He is the Divine Physician who can heal our souls… mainly through the Eucharist and Confession. And, he has given his power of healing to his priests. I know possess his power to heal. One therapist told me and a group of priests, "we don't have the tools and power that you guys have."

But, why is it that we all have wounds? Why do we all suffer? Where did suffering come from? Did God make suffering? No. From our first reading, Wisdom Chapter 1, "God did not make death" (v. 13). God did not make suffering. "Death entered the world through the envy of the devil" (Wis 2:23), through sin. Suffering, then, is a natural result of sin. That means that all of my wounds are caused by own sins or the sins of others.

Now, what if my wound is cancer, or depression? It doesn't seem fair because I've done nothing wrong. Well, we look at the Cross, and see the ultimate Innocent Victim. He did nothing wrong, and suffered tremendous wounds for us. St. Peter writes in his first letter, chapter 2, "by his wounds you are healed" (v.24). Christ took on all of our wounds so that we might be healed. He knows the pain of all of our wounds, and can heal them.

So, we come to this Eucharist today to be healed. It is the same Christ that will be present on the altar and in Holy Communion who healed the woman with the hemorrhage. It is the same Jesus, the same healing power. If we come to Him with the same faith as her, hopefully He will say the same words to our hearts: "your faith has saved you" (Mk 5:34). Your faith has healed you. May we all be open to the healing power of Christ this week. He has such a great desire to heal each one of us. He has such great love for each of us. A deep, passionate love. May you know His great love for you this week.

Reflections on the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort

2006-06-30T00:39:00.000-04:00

It so true that in giving, we receive, for I feel as though I have received far more from this experience than what I gave while down in New Orleans. I am extremely grateful for that opportunity and hope to be a part of future trips down to that region for more service.

I can honestly say that I rarely thought about the problems facing so many of the victims of hurricane Katrina. Being nearly one year removed from when the storm struck and over 1000 miles away from the city of New Orleans, the whole problem was out of sight and out of mind. After being there for several days it became obvious to me the impact this storm had on so many people’s lives. These folks will never forget it. They suffer to this day from it. Their lives are forever changed and they deal with it on a daily basis.

If I didn’t know better, I would have thought that the storm had hit only a few weeks ago, whether it be from the people you talk to or the sights that you see. It is a complete disaster zone. Traffic patterns are still messed up from folks having been relocated to different parts of the city and the roads not being designed to handle the car volumes coming from these new locations. Power appears to be still out in some areas (eg, street lights are not working). Businesses are closed, entire city wards are as a ghost town with homes and buildings just waiting to be razed.

Thousands of homes are still in need of gutting before their reconstruction can take place. This year, Catholic Charities hopes to gut 1000 homes with the help of volunteers. This is where I found myself - part of a group of 15 men and women, young and old, who came down for 5 days to help however we could.

We managed to gut two homes. It took 15 people, 5 days to gut two homes, and there are thousands of homes in need of similar work. There were times while I was working that I felt as though this work we were doing was useless, like the homes we were working on should simply be leveled.

One afternoon, I got to meet a woman that owned one of the houses that we were working on. She thanked us and shared her story with us before we walked through her house, which was in the process of being gutted. She and her daughters walked ahead and cried as they remembered out loud things about the house that we did not know. Suddenly, this disaster zone that I callously thought should be leveled took on the character of a real home.

I came away from the whole experience realizing how blessed I have been in my life and how good I have it. How fortunate I am to have a good job and to have a home and a family. How I hoped that I would never forget these people or the suffering that I saw. I need to remember that there is suffering in the world and we are called to love one another and assist those in need as the Lord told us through the Corporal works of mercy.

It is difficult to put into words all the aspects of this experience. The labor was exhausting. The daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration were revitalizing. The bond forged with the people I met on this trip was special. There were times when I wanted to stop laboring but seeing other folks persevere, I was inspired to keep going. I really got a sense of fellowship with all the volunteers. So many folks of different ages and from so many different places, coming together to serve.

I have included two videos that document some of the experiences from New Orleans. One is more serious, the other, a collection fun moments that made the whole experience one that I hope I will never forget.

Enjoy...

Serious Coverage:

Some Memorable Moments:

Feelings Before A Trip To New Orleans

2006-06-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

I'm getting ready to go down to New Orlean's to assist in the Catholic Charities hurricane Katrina relief effort and I'm getting the feeling that the devil is really annoyed at this.

Sunday night I had some very graphic dreams (no - I don't normally have such dreams). I remember waking up early Monday morning, just before I went to morning Mass thinking, how unworthy I feel to go to Mass. My former self would love having dreams like that. In fact, I would have hated waking up from it, but now, I feel like I have somehow sinned. Even while at Mass, the images from the dream kept popping into my head. "Concentrate on the Mass, pray hard", I told myself.

After a long day, I returned home (9pm) to talk to my wife about my concerns over a relationship with a good friend of mine that seems to be slipping away. I've really been bothered by this condition for some time and just needed to vent to my wife for a while about it. That was really helpful, but I'm still anxious to talk to my friend about it. I've decided to wait until after my New Orleans trip to do so, even though I really want to confront him about some things right now.

Anyway, Tuesday morning I got up with my son and decided to go to work a little later than usual so that my wife could sleep in. On my way to work, I decided that I should swing by the Church to say a few prayers before I started my work day, even though I was already late and would be coming back to the church later that afternoon to drop something off at the parish office. I just thought that I really should go to pray before the tabernacle, especially because I didn't feel like it. I finalized this decision at the light where I could turn to go to work or church.

A few minutes later, I was on 355 near the Toys-R-Us. There was a car in the far right lane that took off at a light and swung in front of me in the far left lane. Just before the IHOP, a police officer ran into the street to stop traffic to pull over the speeding car in front of me, or so I thought. To my surprise, he motioned for the car in front of me to go ahead and instead, motioned for me to pull over and he proceeded to write me a ticket. Oh man, just what I needed.

I couldn't believe it. How could this happen? I remember thinking as I was sitting there in my car while the officer was writing the ticket, "man, this is unfair...this is what I get for deciding to say a few prayers in the church?".

So, here I am now, 2 days before my New Orleans trip and I'm just feeling lousy. I keep telling myself, that the devil is really trying to discourage me. I'm struggling right now just to get through the day. I've got this 'woe is me' syndrome working in my head and I know that I shouldn't feel this way. I've got to pray hard and ask the Lord for encouragement.

Does stuff like this ever happen to any of you?

Youth Group Wild Kingdom

2006-06-04T20:55:00.000-04:00

Another crazy weekend at St. Martins starting on Friday night, when the Youth Group welcomed graduating 8th graders by hosting the Wild Kingdom party (see the 6 minute video highlight below for a recap of the action).

Saturday kicked off with a MoE meeting featuring a witness talk by one of our guys.

Sunday was the parish picnic and a farewell Mass for Fr. Javier. We also took the time to celebrate Msgr. Brennan's 30 years of service to the Lord through his vocation in the priesthood and Fr. John's 10 years of priestly service. After a short (2 hour) outdoor Mass, we ate, drank and played games. It's always a party at St. Martins.

Ordination of 12 Catholic Priests in Washington DC

2006-05-31T00:07:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, on Saturday May 27, the Archdiocese of Washington DC ordained 12 new priests. Two of these guys, Fr. Greg Shaffer and Fr. Larry Swink, served at St. Martin's.

It was an incredibly moving experience to witness this ceremony and attend their first Masses. For those that are interested, I have included this 12 minute video stream that highlights some of the moments of the Mass.

On a personal note, Fr. Larry and Fr. Greg have been huge influences in my life. Without Fr. Greg's witness talk at the very first Men of Emmaus meeting, I don't know that I would have come this far this fast in my personal conversion. More on this later...

First Mass of Thanksgiving!!

2006-05-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

"God is awesome!!" That was one of the first things I said at my first Mass of Thanksgiving this past Saturday evening after being ordained a priest of Jesus Christ earlier in the day. It was an AWESOME weekend!! God is very good! Here are some pictures from the first Mass (no pics from the Ordination online yet). I will try to write about the Ordination experience asap. Please pray for the 12 of us newly-ordained priests!

1) Before Mass
2) Residents of Gift of Peace / Missionaries of Charity
3) My friend, Katie, becomes Catholic by making her profession of faith
4) Offertory with my nieces and nephews
5) Full Church!
6) Eucharistic Procession in front of the youth
7) God is awesome!!
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On the eve of Ordination

2006-05-26T21:58:00.000-04:00

So, tomorrow, I get ordained a priest by the awesome Grace of God!! I'm sitting here at St. Francis, with the soundtrack from "The Mission" playing on my computer, trying to get all my last minute details taken care of...it's busy! We had a GREAT week of retreat that ended Thursday, and it's been crazy ever since. But, good crazy. So, I'll finish up soon, and then what?

What does a man do the night before he becomes alter Christus (another Christ) in the world? The phone which has been off the hook since yesterday is silent (phew!). My family has gone back to their homes after we got together for Adoration, discussion about what tomorrow will be all about ("it's all about Jesus" my little nieces and nephews shouted out!), and dinner. One conversation awaits. I need to go see Him shortly.

I will spend at least an hour with Christ tonight in the chapel. Might be more because I probably won't be able to sleep (last night, it didn't happen...too excited). I will be with Him to whom I will give my life fully tomorrow. Kind of makes me think about the night before He handed over his life to the Father and all of us. Tonight might be a sort of Gethsemane.

But, I will try to rest in his peace. He has drawn me to his heart, his Sacred Heart, through the Immaculate Heart of his mother. It's hard to put in words what my own heart is experiencing now, this closely united to Christ. I will be changed sacramentally and ontologically tomorrow, but he has been changing me so much over the past several years. I am not worthy to be a priest of Jesus Christ; it's only because he has formed me and shaped me to be like Him that I can go forward tomorrow.

Now, with all of the hoopla and details, I have caught myself forgetting one of the biggest moments of all after the laying on of hands (that's the point at the Ordination when I become a priest): the Consecration of the bread and wine at my first Mass. For 14 years, it's been a dream. The Dream. To make Christ present on Earth. Truly present. Through my hands. Through my words. But, they will be His hands... His words. His body...his blood. Tomorrow, the Incredible happens. All because of Him who is Incredible. Awesome. Amazing. It's all about Him. "It's all about Jesus".

Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena

2006-05-22T15:11:00.000-04:00

The History

Our Blessed Lord gave Sr. Faustina (for herself only initially) a Novena to His Mercy. She was to start it on Good Friday, that wonderful day when Christ first revealed how merciful and loving He was, by dying for us.

Sr. Faustina wrote in her diary that she began the Novena for the conversion of the whole world that all may recognise God's Mercy and that all souls may speak of His Goodness.

Jesus said: "I desire the confidence of My people. Let not even the weak and very sinful fear to approach Me, even if their sins be as numerous as all the sands of the earth they will be forgiven in the fathomless pit of My Mercy."

She received instructions on how to make this Novena "During these nine days I want you to lead souls to the Fount of My Mercy, in order that they may draw from it strength, refreshment and all the graces they need in the trials of their lives, especially at the hour of death. Each day you will lead a different group of souls and immerse them in the sea of My Mercy. Each day You will beseech the Father through My Bitter Passion for graces for these souls."

This Novena can be made at any time, but Our Lord especially wished that it be made beginning Good Friday in preparation for the Feast of His Mercy, which should be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. He told her that "The souls that will go to confession, in preparation, and communion on this day will obtain a complete remission of all sin and all punishment. .... On each day You will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and You will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the House of My Father ... on each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My Bitter Passion, for graces for these souls ."

Chaplet Using ROSARY beads:

Open each day with the Chaplet to the Divine Mercy then say the prayer for the day's intention:

The Lord's Prayer:

Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And Forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil. Amen

Hail Mary:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee, Blessed art Thou among Women and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Apostles' Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

On starting and on the 4 large Rosary beads say:

Eternal Father, I offer You to Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On each of the 10 small Rosary beads say:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Conclude by saying three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Novena Prayers

First Day

"Today bring to me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. In this way you will console me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges me."

Most merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your Mercy, that we may praise the infinite power of Your Mercy, forever and forever. Amen."

Second Day

"Today bring to me the souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in my unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure my bitter passion. Through them, as though channels, my mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service that they perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in Heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of Priests and Religious - and endow them with the strength of Your Blessing. For the Love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your Power and Light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless Mercy for ages without end. Amen

Third Day

"Today bring to me all devout and faithful souls and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your Mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the Holy Faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless Mercy for endless ages. Amen

Fourth Day

"Today bring to me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know me. I was thinking also of them during my bitter passion, and their future zeal comforted my heart. Immerse them in the ocean of my mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who as yet do not believe in You or do not know You. Let the rays of Your Grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful Mercy, and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who do not believe in Your Son, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your Mercy for endless ages. Amen

Fifth Day

"Today bring to me the souls who have separated from my Church and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. During my bitter passion they tore at my body and Heart, that is, my Church. As they return to unity with the Church, my wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate my passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated from Your Church. Draw them by Your Light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your Mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon the souls of those who are separated from Your Son's Church, especially those who have squandered Your Blessings and misused Your Graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His Bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they may glorify Your great Mercy for endless ages. Amen

Sixth Day

"Today bring to me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children and immerse them in my mercy. These souls most closely resemble my Heart. They strengthened me during my bitter agony. I saw them as earthly angels, who will keep vigil at my altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble souls is capable of receiving my grace. I favour humble souls with my confidence."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart". Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all Heaven into ecstacy, and they are the Heavenly Father's favourites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the Throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very Throne. Father of Mercy and of all Goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them. Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your Mercy for endless ages. Amen

Seventh Day

"Today bring to me the souls who especially venerate and glorify my mercy and immerse them in my mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my passion and entered most deeply into my spirit. They are living images of my compassionate heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward confident of Your Mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These soulks will not be judged severely, but Your Mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest atribute, that of Your fathomless Mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their spirits, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: show them Your Mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the Promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless Mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His Glory. Amen

Eighth Day

"Today bring to me the souls who are detained in purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. Let the torrents of my Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are really loved by me. They are making retribution to my justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all indulgences from the treasury of my Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt for my justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is
no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Ninth Day

"Today bring to me souls who have become lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. These souls wound my Heart most painfully. My souls suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: "Father, take this cup away from me, if it be Your will". For them the last hope of salvation is to run to my mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your Pure Love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your Mercy and draw them into the very ardour of Your Love; and bestow upon them the gift of Holy Love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross, let them too, glorify the Abyss of Your Mercy. Amen

Mothers: Heroes for Christ

2006-05-16T13:32:00.000-04:00

1. New shepherd!! As you've probably heard, we have a new Archbishop of Washington, Bishop Donald Wuerl from Pittsburgh. He will be installed as Archbishop in June; Cardinal McCarrick will still ordain the twelve of us as priests next Saturday (5/27), and will continue to live in Washington. Thank you, your Eminence, for your fatherly care, heroic service, and heartfelt love! Welcome, Bishop Wuerl!

2. DC 'Hood game: this Friday, May 19, 7 pm, Watkins Mill HS, versus St John Neumann parish. Come and root on us priests and seminarians!!
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This past Sunday, we honored all mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers for Mother's Day. As I said in my homily, all mothers who live out their vocation are heroes! They are heroes for Jesus Christ, for life, and for love. As Msgr. Ralph said in his comments at the end of Mass, we know we are loved by our mothers; this helps us to know we are loved by God.

Jesus says in Sunday's Gospel that he is the true vine, and we are the branches, and that only in him can we bear fruit. Apart from him we can do nothing! When we think about what it means to bear fruit, then, we know that it is only in Christ that we can do good in our lives. But, if it weren't for our mothers, we wouldn't be here at all! We wouldn't be on the vine of Christ. So, any fruit that we bear is in Christ through our mothers. We are the fruit of our mothers' wombs.

We look at the Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary. The fruit of her womb is her Son, Jesus Christ. We say in the 'Hail Mary', "blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus". Mary shares in the fruit of Jesus' life which is Salvation, the greatest fruit the world has ever seen. We look at his Death and Resurrection, which is our Redemption; Mary shares in that. Our Redemption, then, is the fruit of her life, the fruit of her love. The Church gives Mary the title of "Co-Redeemer"; she shares in the fruit of her son's life.

My mother will share in whatever fruit I will bear in my life as a priest. Whatever good any of us does in our lives, it is through our mothers. It is fitting that they share in our fruit because of all the sacrifices they ahve made for us: at least nine months of physical sacrifices, and all that it takes to nurture, mold, and shape us to be the persons we are today. Our mothers are the primary formators on Earth of our personalities and characters.

We thank God for our mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers. If they are no longer with us, we pray for them and thank them for their heroic lives. We thank all mothers for their lives, and for giving us our lives. It is through them that we are on the vine of Christ, and bearing fruit in Him. Mothers bear the most and greatest fruit on His vine because all fruit is through them. They are true heroes for Christ, life, and love.

The Next Big Thing For MoE

2006-05-08T10:50:00.000-04:00

What do you guys think about adding video to our blog. Let me give you some examples of content that I was thinking about:

Video tape our reading of the Gospel (panning around the room showing the guys listening to the Word).
A weekly interview with random guys (eg., 'Why do you come to Men of Emmaus meetings')
Announcements that we make prior to reading & reflecting on the Gospel.

NOTE - these are just some ideas.

What's the motivation for doing this? Help increase interest in the Men of Emmaus and make people more aware of things that are going on, even if they were unable to come to the meeting.

What do you guys think?

The DaVinci Code & Gospel of Judas

2006-04-21T13:09:00.000-04:00

"There is much talk about Judas' betrayal without realizing that it is being repeated" today, said Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa who gives homilies to the Pope. "Christ is being sold again...to publishers and booksellers". Fr. Cantalamessa made these comments on Good Friday because millions of people are being "crassly manipulated by the media" which is more interested in profits and sales than in truth.

Firstly, "The DaVinci Code" is a novel by Dan Brown. It is FICTION. It is not true. It is not based on facts. One of its main themes is that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. How can God be married to ONE PERSON? If Jesus was married, then he couldn't love anyone else like he loved his wife. Then, he wouldn't be God. This is heresy! As Fr. Stephen Brett said, it's "much more than fiction: it's blasphemy, heresy, and crudity powerfully packed for maximum sales and maximum damage to the Catholic Church..thuggery masquerading as theology".

You can see a brief, more detailed critique of the DaVinci Code at www.cfalive.org (click on "leaflets" and scroll down). The author of that site, Fr. Thomas Morrow, writes: "If Brown got it wrong on the Priory of Sion, the Knights Templar, the Gnostic Gospels, and the Constantine rewrite, his whole argument falls apart. The secret sacred feminine is just a late Gnostic idea that never caught on, because it had no basis in truth. And, of course, the marriage of Jesus is as absurd as it sounds".

Secondly, in light of the recent National Geographic display, "The Gospel of Judas", Pope Benedict XVI has reminded us of what kind of person Judas was and what he did to our Savior. On Holy Thursday, His Holiness said that for Judas, "only power and success are real; love does not count...And he is greedy: Money is more important than communion with Jesus, more important than God and His love. He also becomes a liar, a double-crosser who breaks with the truth".

"The Gospel of Judas" is a document from the 2nd or 3rd century that portrays Judas as Jesus' closest disciple. It presents Jesus as asking Judas to betray him, allowing Jesus to fulfill his mission, thereby gaining Judas the greatest seat in heaven among the disciples. This is in stark contrast to the real Gospels, in which Jesus said: "alas for that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!" (Mt 26:24).

Fr.Brett: "Those who have dismissed the need for the Catechism of the Catholic Church can now see what happens when alternative texts become the catechism of the suspicious".

Suffering Enough

2006-04-19T19:56:00.000-04:00

Am I suffering enough?
Do you ever wonder, is the typical middle class, 'American' lifestyle adequate to get you to heaven?

No 'F-Bombs' on TV please!

2006-04-19T08:11:00.000-04:00

Recently, I received a disturbing email describing the four major TV networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) plans to contest the FCC decency standards that prohibit them from using the 'F-word' and 'S-word' during primetime or "family hour" programming.

These networks are filing federal lawsuits aimed at abolishing existing FCC decency standards, claiming violation of thier First Amendment rights to free speach.

Anyone interested in filing the 'Center for Feclaiming America's petetion to the FCC should click here and fill out the form.

God Bless!

The Seven Last Words of Christ

2006-04-14T11:13:00.000-04:00

"There was never a preacher like the dying Christ. There was never a congregation like that which gathered about the pulpit of the Cross. There was never a sermon like the Seven Last Words."
- Arch. Fulton Sheen, The Seven Last Words (the following is taken from Sheen's book)

Please leave any comments or questions.

The Seven Last Words of Christ
1. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do"

His executioners expected Him to cry and curse like all those who had been crucified before Him. Instead, He cried out for the Father to forgive those who were executing and mocking Him (soldiers, Pilate, Herod, etc.).

Do I forgive 'those who trespass against' me?

2. "This day you shall be with me in Paradise"

"No one before (the thief on the right of Christ) was ever the object of such a promise, not even Moses, nor John, not even Magdelen nor Mary!"

Like the thief, do I give my sins to Christ who will then promise me Paradise?

3. "Woman, behold thy son"

'Thy son' is John, who represents us (the Church). "Woman!" is the 2nd Annunciation; "behold thy son" is the 2nd Nativity. We are born of Mary in the 2nd Nativity of the spirit; Christ is born in the 1st Nativity of the flesh.

It has been said that Jesus never denies His Mother anything. Do I ask my Mother to intercede to her Son for me, my friends and family?

4. "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

While He is still in union with the Father, Christ brings atonement to all those who have abandoned God, doubt God's presence in their lives, or are indifferent towards God.

Christ knows what I'm experiencing whenever I've been abandoned, rejected, lonely, hurt or isolated.

5. "I thirst"

Not said to anyone there at Calvary, or even to God. He says to all mankind, "I thirst...for love!"

Christ thirsts for my love; do I thirst for His?

6. "It is finished"

Christ triumphantly says this, like an artist who puts the finishing touches on a masterpiece. His work of Redemption is finished, but not complete (see Col 1:24). As the Mystical Body of Christ, we complete Christ's work of Redemption (by taking up our own Cross).

Do I accept crosses in my life with faith?

7. "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"

Like the Prodigal Son who returns to his father's house, Christ is on the road back to His Father's House after spending His divine riches of power and wisdom on all humanity for 33 years.

Do I entrust my life to my Father in Heaven?

God or the Girl

2006-04-13T10:05:00.000-04:00

'God or the Girl' is a five-part documentary series that follows four young men through the emotionally wrenching final weeks that lead up to the most important decision of their lives - whether to become Catholic priests or not.

Fr. Dan knows the guy that worked on this project - Greg Schlueter.

The show aires on A&E

Easter Sundat, April 16, 9-11pm - Episodes 1 & 2
Easter Monday, April 17, 9 - 11pm - Episodes 3 & 4
Sunday, April 23, 9pm Finale.

Check it out...

Did God know exactly what He was doing?

2006-04-05T21:17:00.000-04:00

An all knowing God?

Gentlemen,
I was having some un-Godly thoughts about God a moment ago that I thought I would share with you all and solicit your input. (too much thinking going on, I should probably watch some TV)

The main train of thought being, is God perfect, in the aspect of ‘all knowing’? One might premise that He is perfect in terms of being the ideal, sentient, living being; if one assumes the perfect state of being is being pure Love; but as some lame philosopher once pointed out, ‘Love is blind’.

Did God’s love blind Him from fully understand or anticipating the possibilities of creating a creature in His own likeness? There is some evidence for this by His changing interaction with mankind over time, particularly between the Old and New Testament times. God seems to have been repeatedly disappointed or frustrated by mankind. Why would He create something that would cause His own disappointment and eventual suffering?

As another example, let’s look at pride, a pretty good human-characteristic creation; but did God miscalculate the downside of pride, case in point being Satan?

Further, did God reveal to us the He is perfect, or is this belief a product of our human rationalization?

Your thoughts and musings are welcome.

May the Grace be with you,
Patrick J B

The feminine genius

2006-04-04T16:26:00.000-04:00

Please come support our basketball team of DC priests and seminarians, DC 'Hood, this Friday night as we take on a team of adults and teens from Mother Seton parish in Germantown. Game is at 7 pm, April 7, Martin Luther King middle school (13737 Wisteria Dr., Germantown). All are invited!!
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We recently had an exchange on this site about women and the Church. At the end of the exchange, I made the point that the Church is the greatest promoter of the dignity of women of any organization in the world. While some people might question the significance of this, I present a small taste of the Church's insights about not only the true dignity of women, but also the genius and devotion that is characteristic of women.

Pope John Paul II exhorted women especially in many ways during his pontificate. He wrote about the dignity of women in his apostolic letter, Mulieris Dignitatem (1988). In this letter, the Holy Father wrote about "the distinctively 'feminine' response of faith...about the things of God" (15) and how "women show to Christ... a special sensitivity which is characteristic of their femininity" (16). Also, he points out that at the Cross, "the women proved stronger than the Apostles" (15) and "the women are first at the tomb" (16).

In an Angelus reflection in 1995, he referred to the feminine genius:
"Woman has a genius all her own, which is vitally essential to both society and the Church…[She]is endowed with a particular capacity for accepting the human being in his concrete form. Even this singular feature which prepares her for motherhood, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually, is inherent in the plan of God who entrusted the human being to woman in an altogether special way".

Mary Ellen Bork, a Catholic writer, has commented on the Holy Father's writings and teachings about women. In his teachings, she writes, John Paul II "envisions femininity, renewed by spiritual life, as a dynamic active gift essential to family, society and the Church. What the pope calls 'the feminine genius' is a gift of openness to another person, the opposite of a self-centered focus on 'my rights'".

Mrs. Bork puts the Holy Father's insights in a more general framework. "As Pope John Paul II has taught, women have a key role in returning dignity to the sacrament of marriage and in preserving a culture that is worthy of the human person. These enormously important cultural tasks can be better served by women who are well formed in Christian values and well informed about the cultural battles in the policy arena.
It is as if women hold in their hands the threads that form the basic fabric of society and their efforts to weave these together in a unity will result in a stronger fabric that can resist the centrifugal pull of the culture".

In probably every talk or letter, John Paul II turned to the greatest Christian example of all time, the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Let us look at the Blessed Virgin's example... This is the "genius" of the woman! May Mary's thoughtful sensitivity, totally feminine and maternal, be the ideal mirror of all true femininity and motherhood!" (1995)

Lenten Resolutions

2006-04-02T20:42:00.000-04:00

How we do'in?
My main Lenten resolution was to do more spiritual reading. I think I did more, compared to pre-Lent, but that isn't saying much. Two weeks to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about you guys?

Homily worth reading By Deacon Emmanuel Ihemedu

2006-03-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

St. Martin's Men of Emmaus
MARCH 26, 2006
FOUTH SUNDAY OF LENT (ST. MARTIN OF TOUR) Deacon Emmanuel Ihemedu
“Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you.”
This psalm was composed after the chosen people of God returned from exile in Babylon. The psalm recalls the sadness of their exile experience, the suffering that they endured. Our first reading from the second book of Chronicles tells us the reason for the exile. It recounts the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile in Babylon (537 B.C.E).
This is the fall of the kingdom of David. The greatness of the kingdom of David was due to his fidelity to proper worship of God, and the fall of his kingdom under subsequent kings was as a result of their infidelity to proper worship of God and their failure to listen to God’s word brought to them by the prophets, the messengers of God.
The chosen people of God had desecrated the temple of God. The princes, the priests and the entire community were invaded by sin, immorality. In them there was no purity of heart, no right relationship with God. They had given themselves over to self-indulgence, the pursuit of worldly pleasures, the oppression of the poor, and worship of false values. They became morally weak and abandoned their relationship with God. God in his infinite love and mercy sent his words through the prophets as the guiding principle of life and living to dispel the darkness of their lives and to call them back to a life of relationship with Him. Yet they ignored the word of God and mocked the messengers of God. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie; and because of that God gave them up in their stubbornness. We know the consequences. The result was catastrophic
Their enemies invaded their land, destroyed the walls of Jerusalem and took them as slaves on exile. They appealed to God from the exterior to come and fight for them and the Lord gave them up to their own sins.
We are the new people of Israel. And everyday we are constantly at war with the worst of all enemies- sin, evil, and death. Like I said in one of my homilies, the center of this battle is not Iraq or Afghanistan. It is here at St. Martin, in our homes, our families, our places of work. It is even in the air that we breathe. It seems to me that sin is constantly invading our society, destroying the fabrics of our lives and taken us as slaves and exiling us from our relationship with God.
God sent his prophets to the chosen people to teach them how to defeat sin, evil, death and to return to him. In the same way, God in his infinite love and mercy has sent us his Son as our victory over sin, evil and death. Jesus is the Light of the World, who alone can dispel the darkness of sin in our lives. We have a choice: Either to come into the light of God’s love- Jesus, or to remain in darkness. Part of the strategy for winning this spiritual warfare is by accepting Jesus as the guiding principle of life and living. Coming into the light exposes our sins, but only that we can be forgiven.
How do we come into the Light? By allowing Jesus to circumcise our heart. It is a clean heart, a pure heart, a circumcised heart that God loves and that’s what brings us into the light of God’s love, not just an external observance of the moral or religious laws, no matter how relatively perfect that may be. This is the message that the prophets brought to the children of Abraham in our first reading and they ignored them.
Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God says Joel [2:13] and surely that is the basic program for every Lent. Deuteronomy [10: 16] tells us, Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiff-necked.
Lent, then, is the time to have our hearts circumcised by God, and that purification is not simply a matter of external disciplines. It is more painful than that, because it goes deeper.
The first step in this interior circumcision is the most painful, the opening of our heart before God, and in a very concrete way. It is clearly not a matter of privately informing God of what is in our heart - he knows everything already.
It is a matter of opening our heart then to whom? In fact it is to ourselves, because we have the inbuilt tendency to disguise, to hide from ourselves the truth that lies deep in our hearts about our thoughts, our desires, our temptations, the roots of our temptations.
In practice, this means opening our hearts to another, and through this other to come to know ourselves before God. This is one of the reasons Christ instituted the sacrament of reconciliation so that we can allow Him to circumcise our hearts, to open our hearts to ourselves through the mediation of our confessors and spiritual directors for the sake of transparency, so that there is no little or big dark secrets just between us and God. Any Secret between us and God does not lead to purity of heart but to self-rationalization, self-deceit, and self-destruction. Not all of us are masters in deceiving others, but most of us are masters at self-deceit. Being fully open and honest to our confessors and spiritual directors, before God, is the only way of being open and honest to oneself
The failure to circumcise the heart has been a disaster for so many Christians, including the clergy and therefore for the Church. Could the priest, who is drinking too much, continue down hill if he were really opening his heart to God in this very concrete way? Could the husband who is troubled by marital infidelity continue downhill and destroy his marriage if he was really opening his heart to a good confessor or spiritual director? Could the teenager who is troubled by the access to pornography on the internet continue downhill if he was really opening his heart to a good director, not just one of his buddies who are easy on him? And so many more traps, so many paths of rationalization, so many paths of disaster both personal and for the people of God whom we serve.
The truth is I cannot love the Lord and love the Church, which is one with Him, His Mystical Body, with all my heart, unless my heart is pure, and that requires the repeated circumcision of the heart, the often painful process of self-revelation that goes beyond the surface of my life and reaches the depths of my soul. I can wear this vestment as much as I want, if I don’t have purity of heart, it is nonsense. The hood does not make the monk. We are all called to be holy, to be saints. That’s what I’m called to be and that’s what you’re called to be. If we are not striving for sainthood, the devil is winning the war.
There is simply no other way to win this battle with sin, evil and death than to allow Jesus the Light to circumcise our hearts and dispel the darkness of sin in our lives, and God does that through the concrete ministry of the Church, which is the ultimate safeguard against self-deception, presumption, blindness, and personal shipwreck.
Those who cannot believe that God is so-loving avoid the light and remain trapped in the guilt and condemnation of their sin.
The light of God’s love is available to everyone. Let us come into that light more fully and allow him to scatter the darkness that lingers within us. Amen.

How old must you be to attend MoE?

2006-03-14T08:36:00.000-05:00

This was a question recently asked of us and I thought it would be appropriate to open this up for discussion.

How old should you be to meet with a group of men that pray and discuss the Gospel? How about when we really open up and bare our souls, talking in strictest confidence about issues and struggles that we face?

There is a certain amount of trust and confiendiality that we must guarantee if we hope to continue our successful mission. Without that, I believe, we begin to chip away at the foundation of the group.

I believe that is more of a question of maturity than age. Certainly maturity comes with age, but it is not the same for all.

We meet at 7:30am on Saturday mornings. It takes a certain amount of discipline, motivation and maturity to get up and make these meetings. So, in my opinion, if a high school aged guy wants to come and listen/learn/share with us, he should be able to. Just my opinion, and I am anxious to hear what the rest of you think. Lets discuss.

It's A Dangerous World Out There...

2006-03-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Kevin Brock of the FBI came last weekend and gave a fantastic talk to 70+ guys about the world of pornography, child abuse and violence in our society. Men of all ages, including several guys from the St. Martin's Youth Group, showed up at 7:30am to hear the message.

To say that Kevin is an expert on the dangers we face in the world today would be an understatement. As a director of Anti-Terrorism in the FBI and a 20+ year career in the Bureau to go along with being a husband and father of 1 boy and 7 girls (God Bless him!!), he had us hanging on every word.

There's no doubt that we live in a dangerous world. The criminal element is all around us. The really scary thing to me is the way our society tolerates and even encourages immorality and impurity. With the advent of the internet and more and more households online all the time, we really need to be careful.

Thanks Kevin for sharing with us your insights! We will no doubt revisit this issue indepth in future MoE meetings. Looking forward to seeing everyone again this weekend.

Peace and God Bless!

"Why did God allow this to happen?"

2006-03-07T17:18:00.000-05:00

Last week, a beautiful, twelve year old, Catholic girl was in the hospital because her appendix burst. When she returned home after her painful ordeal, she asked me, "why did God allow this to happen?" Whenever I hear people ask this question, I point them to a crucifix, and say, "why did God allow that to happen?" The Father has infinite and unending love for His own son, and yet, He let him suffer tremendously while on Earth.

When I was in Calcutta years ago, the sister who succeeded Mother Teresa as the head of the Missionaries of Charity said to me, "the greatest way to imitate Christ is to suffer. Those who are closest to Jesus on earth are those who suffer the most". The 12 year old girl is a great friend of Jesus Christ! Already in her young life she has had the opportunity to carry a part of Jesus' cross. The Father trusts this little girl in a big way. He'll never give any of us a cross that's too big for us to carry.

Normally, our suffering involves crosses that we don't choose. We accept them as Christ freely accepted his. He was an innocent victim who suffered for our sake: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15). Any of us who lay down our lives in any way and suffer for the sake of love are in intimate friendship with Christ. We do choose to make small sacrifices in Lent in order to become closer to Him, body and soul.

Who, then, are the greatest friends of Jesus Christ? Who see concrete signs in their lives of being loved and trusted by their heavenly Father? Those who are in physical, psychological, personal, or spiritual pain...those who hunger and thirst... those who are rejected and lonely... persecuted...outcasts... are laughed at... homeless... victims of violence...victims of disasters... etc. Those who carry their daily crosses are Jesus' closest friends.

Christian suffering, then, has great meaning. Our whole faith is centered on the suffering of our Savior. Suffering leads to love, and as I will write in an upcoming post, and it leads to glory. This seems like foolishness to the world, but as St Paul writes, "it is the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1). Ultimately, then, suffering is a sign of God's love. Anyone who imitates the Son in suffering for the sake of love receives the infinite and unending love of the Father.
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Any other friends of Christ that I missed? Any stories of people who have taken up serious crosses? Anyone for whom we can pray?

St. Martin's Men of Emmaus

2006-03-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

The Little Things
(delayed post due to user's technical deficiency)

Coming back from a 4-day silent retreat this weekend, my mind was opened to many things, but there are two that I feel compelled to share, as they relate to Lent.

The first: Doing little things well.

So often, I think that in order for me to have an impact on the world, I need to take broad steps, when really, if I take little steps well -- do an act of kindness for my wife, really be present to my children when they come to me, or power through an illness without mentioning it -- I can achieve much more. And in doing those little things well, I can move on to bigger things, like improving my virtue. In fact, by doing those little things well, I actually do improve my virtue ... my charity, my humility, my fortitude, my perseverance.

Which leads me to the second thing: Root sin ... Pride, sensuality, vanity, sloth.

I learned my root sin is like a tumor that has spread throughout my body. No matter how hard I try on my own, I cannot get rid of that cancer, because it has become a part of me, from my heart to my fingertips, from my fingertips to the ends of my toes.

The only solution is "radiation treatment" ... exposure to Christ, through the Eucharist, and through adoration.

Through the Eternal Doctor's loving power, I can stop the cancer. My yes, my simple Amen, can stop the spread, and in fact, I can allow His Body to overcome my own. If I share in His body, I become more in "communion" with others ... friend or enemy.

I can make His yes my yes.

And through treatment after treatment, I can make that yes radiate from the very center of my heart.

Something special for God this Lent

2006-03-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, a SFA blogger asked, "Is there anything special we can do to make a good lent?" This is a very open-ended question with a million answers. I am tempted to just answer, "yes". But, I'll say a bit more than that, as usual! The Church wants us to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during these holy 40 days, as Christ himself exhorted us to do (Mt 6). Let me use those as headings.

Prayer: Something special for God this Lent would be to attend daily Mass, in additon to Sunday. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest form of prayer. In Mass, we not only hear God's Word and encounter Him in the Eucharist, but we actually receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Making a frequent Communion with Christ is the best thing you can do this Lent, or any time. The next best thing you can do is spend time with Jesus in Adoration. Whether it's 15 minutes or a full Holy Hour that you can spend in His Presence, your soul will be grateful!

Fasting: Something special for God this Lent would be to offer a physical (but healthy) sacrifice to Him. We fast during Lent, especially, to be in union with Christ who fasted for 40 days in the desert. Whatever it is from which we fast (food, drink, television, etc.), it should be to draw our souls closer to God. The more we can detach from things of the world, the more we can attach ourselves to Him. If our fasting is merely external and doesn't draw us closer to loving Him and others, God himself has said that it's pointless.

Almsgiving: Something special to do for God this Lent would be to make a generous contribution to the Cardinal's Appeal. Like prayer and fasting, almsgiving should be part of our normal Christian living. But, in the season of Lent, maybe we can do more. Can I share more of my time and talent with those less fortunate? If not, I should give more of my treasure, so that those who do serve the poor will be better equipped. It is, after all, God's treasure; in almsgiving, we give back to Him what he has given us.

Whatever we decide to do this Lent, even if it's the smallest thing, if it's for the love of Jesus, it pleases him immensely. "If but a pin is given in homage, and given with a good heart, it will be enough for Jesus, who loves only the good will" (St Louis de Montfort).
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Any other suggestions that MoE bloggers have??

St. Martin's Men of Emmaus

2006-03-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

Prayer for youth as they transition into adulthood:

I was inspired by Sr. Andrea Falconer to write the following prayer for our youth. I am going to print the prayer to 'business cards' for ease of handout and use. Perhaps you might want to do the same or something similar.

Dear Holy Spirit,
As I move into adulthood please help me to hold-on to my faith and guide me to a vocation that will be satisfying and help fulfill Your will for me. Please let me know if I should stay single or marry; if single, please let me know if it should be in a religious order or as a lay person; if married, please bring the right spouse to me and let me know the right time to marry. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.

St. Martin's Men of Emmaus

2006-03-01T20:30:00.000-05:00

St. Martin's Men of Emmaus
Jesus Christ Superstar CD
One of my favorite pieces of music to listen to during Lent is the 'Rock Opera' "Jesus Christ Superstar" by Andrew Loydd Webber (spelling?). 70's music!
I have a loaner CD if anyone is interested.

Behold the Man

2006-02-27T09:39:00.000-05:00

Okay guys, get your VCRs ready (or get ready to get up REAL early). There's a new mini-series that will start this week, Saturday mornings at 5:00am, on EWTN. The series is called 'Behold the Man'.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will discuss what it means to be a Catholic man in today's society by exploring how contemporary culture speaks to men about truth, faith and the meaning of life.

Special "thanks" to Mary Ann, from the Women of Prayer, for passing this info on to us! I just love how the Spirit moves in our parish! God Bless St. Martin's and all you faithful people!

Death: Mediation by St. Francis de Sales

2006-02-22T15:58:00.000-05:00

Here is a very interesting clip (six minutes long) on a topic that St. Francis de Sales wrote about in his "Introduction to the Devout Life". Click here to watch the movie (Window's Media Player - about 19MB in size).

St. Martin of Tours Men's Lenten Renewal Program

2006-02-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

Hosted by the Men of Emmaus

March 4

Fathers. Protectors. Leaders. Husbands. Prayerful people. Catholic men grapple with these roles. We often feel uncomfortable in them. Each Saturday morning in Lent, from March 4 to April 8, we invite you to hear six dynamic speakers who will address issues that drive to the hearts of men struggling to live lives of faith, fatherhood, and Christian manhood. Speakers for the 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. talks include:

Kevin Brock, Principal Deputy Director, National Counterterrorism Center, FBI

Men And Their Duty To Protect: Understand It. Live It.

“Harmless” entertainment that debases sexuality corrodes human relationships and weakens moral fiber. Agent Brock shares a frank discussion about increasing hostility toward women and children over the past 20 years – in areas not necessarily illegal but as perilous. He’ll challenge us to open our eyes and comfortably step into roles as protectors. A career FBI agent, Kevin Brock was appointed principal deputy director of the National Counterterrorism Center in 2005. He joined the Bureau in 1983.

March 11

Msgr. Mark Brennan, Pastor, St. Martin of Tours

How Can We Be Men of Prayer?

How can I, as a man, “go deeper” in prayer when it is my nature to think efficiently, and prayer doesn’t always seem so efficient? Or, on the flip side, how can I get to the point where I don’t feel hypocritical getting down on my knees? I’m not holy. How can I see this as my call and not feel hypocritical as I nag my wife, yell at my kids, and barely make Mass? How do I then speak with God?

March 18

Deacon Greg Shaffer, St. Francis of Assisi, Derwood, Md.

The Eucharist Is C.O.O.L.

Ultimately, there is one thing we all seek: Happiness. Each day we make choices to get us there. Some find happiness, some don’t. Deacon Shaffer suggests choosing the Eucharist for life, love, and true happiness. How can we make the Eucharist c.o.o.l., or the center of our lives? A seminarian of the Washington Archdiocese, Deacon Shaffer is one of the original men to witness at St. Martin’s Men of Emmaus group. He is serving a pastoral year at St. Francis until May 2006, when he will be ordained to the priesthood.

March 25

Fr. Javier Santabella, Associate Pastor, St. Martin of Tours

My God: His & Hers?

How do you keep your marriage holy, happy, and tracking along the same path to salvation while you and your wife tred different spiritual paths? Many of us are evolving more slowly than our wives – how do you keep on your path, help your wife, or vice versa, and still stay united as a couple?

April 1

Fr. John Clark, Associate Pastor, St. Martin of Tours

Forgiveness: It’s Not A Dirty Word

Christ said to forgive seven times 70. That meant our enemies, our children, our wives, ourselves. Fr. Clark speaks on how to best move forward in Lent, how to leave the past behind, and how to start anew.

April 8

Art Bennett, Director, The Alpha Omega Clinic

Fathers: How Can Your Kids Lead Happy Lives?

The answer is you, says Mr. Bennett. Studies reinforce the Catholic view that parents – fathers especially – are vital to their kid’s development. Without getting clinical, Mr. Bennett makes suggestions on how men can become more involved in their children’s lives, and have a lasting effect. Art Bennett, M.A., has been director of the Alpha Omega Clinic in Arlington, Bethesda, and Crownsville, for three years. A marriage and family therapist, he writes for the National Catholic Register and hosts the popular Washington, D.C.-based Catholic radio show, Healthy Minds, Healthy Souls. Alpha Omega Clinic integrates mental health and parenting principles with Catholic wisdom.

WHERE: St. Martin’s Church basement

WHEN: From 7:30-9 a.m., March 4 through April 8

FOOD: Donuts and coffee will be served

Ω There is no charge for this program. Ω

The talks end by 9 a.m. so anyone who would like to go to Mass upstairs can do so.

While we need to work at our own pace to improve our lives, as men seeking to grow closer to God together, we can accomplish even more. We are in the struggle together. If we celebrate the Eucharist as men seeking Christ, change could happen exponentially … within our hearts, with each other, within the lives of our families, and within our parish family. A small Lenten sacrifice could be the gift that rewards you more than you’d imagine. Please consider extending your morning of reflection with attendance at Holy Mass.

Don't Break The Elastic!!

2006-02-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.

Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." "I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Please send this to five phenomenal women today.

If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem.
If you don't...the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles! ;-)

Believe me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking....I sent it to a lot of special women I care for.

DVD Review - Sharing Christ, How to present the Gospel

2006-02-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

This 3 disc series, made available by John Ossi (if he can find the 1st disc), offers some solid, practical instruction on day-to-day evangelization. Be forwarned, however, the production quality is such that it looks like Fr. Dan Leary was the producer, if you can imagine. It would have been equally effective as a CD, instead of a DVD.

It is clearly not for entertainment, but there is a quality message here; that, plus the free 'rental' price (contact John Ossi) leads me to give this DVD: 2 1/2 MOEs

Help Prevent Partial Birth Abortion

2006-02-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

On January 31, two federal appeals courts declared the
Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act unconstitutional, saying
the measure is vague and lacks an exception for cases
in which a woman's health is at stake!

Not surprisingly, the first ruling came from the 9th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Hours
later, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan
issued a similar decision, upholding an abortionist's
right to perform a late-term partial-birth abortion.

Although signed into law in 2003, the Partial Birth
Abortion Ban Act has yet to be enforced because of
legal challenges in numerous states--meaning thousands
more pre-born babies continue to be murdered through
this procedure.

What is happening to the Partial Birth Abortion Ban
Act is nothing short of criminal. Radical pro-
abortionists are appealing to activist judges,
who are simply legislating from the bench and
ignoring the overwhelming public opinion in favor
of stopping this horrifying and barbaric abortion
procedure!

This issue isn't going to be solved until it reaches
the U.S. Supreme Court. Here at the Center, we are
already preparing for that showdown... and we need
your help to strengthen our grassroots voice.

Please take immediate action by forwarding this
message to your friends and family, urging them
to become advocates of the unborn by adding their
names to our "Stop Partial-Birth Abortion" petition:

http://www.cfra.info/43/petition.asp

Over the next 30 days we want to rally an additional
50,000 citizen signers who are demanding an end to the
gruesome partial-birth abortion procedure. We want to
be prepared to mobilize and impact the courts and our
leaders when the time is right.

Many pro-life citizens thought partial-birth abortion was
a thing of the past. Sadly, because of activist courts
and radical abortionists, it is not.

That is why, once again, it is up to the grassroots voice
of America to take a stand and demand action.

Thank you for your fast action, and may God bless you!

Dr. Gary Cass
Executive Director
Center for Reclaiming America for Christ

P.S. Adding an additional 50,000 petitions would push us
past the 150,000 mark. This is a great starting number,
but I'm counting on you to make it happen.

Together we must end partial birth abortion in our land.
As you can see, that isn't going to happen unless the
grassroots voice of America stands up and champions the
rights of the unborn!

If you're not sure whether you have already signed this
petition, simply sign it again. You will only be counted once:

http://www.cfra.info/43/petition.asp

+ + Read more about this issue:

http://www.reclaimamerica.org/pages/campaigns/pba/pbahm.aspx

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
The Center for Reclaiming America for Christ, established by
Dr. D. James Kennedy, is an outreach of Coral Ridge Ministries
to inform the American public and motivate Christians to
defend and implement the biblical principles on which our
country was founded. The Center, led by Executive Director
Dr. Gary Cass, provides non-partisan, non-denominational
information, training, and support to all those interested
in impacting the culture and renewing the vision set forth
by our Founding Fathers.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Questions? cfra@coralridge.org

Going to Christ for healing

2006-02-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

Continuing the theme from my homily this past Sunday, "Going to Christ for healing", here are some other scenes from the Gospel in which Christ performs healings. These are basically my notes from a discussion with students from George Washington University last year (I was assigned there on weekends); many of them found it very helpful to discuss. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments.
----------------------------------------------
Firstly, the blind man at Jericho (Mk 10:46-52). "What do you want me to do for you?" is what Christ asks the man. Why? Jesus knows he wants to see. Like us, he wants the man to state his specific request to show that he believes Jesus can heal him of it. Jesus says the same thing to you and me: 'What do you want me to do for you?'

Secondly, the paralytic man (Mk 2:1-12). The absolute urgency of this man's friends to bring him to Jesus- they remove the roof and lower him down to the Lord! Do we have the same urgency to be healed by Christ? Or, have we resigned ourselves to being paralyzed by certain sins? We might think 'even the Lord can't heal this wound, or get rid of this sin'.

Thirdly, the woman with the hemorrhage (Lk 8:43-48). This woman had suffered for 12 years from hemorrhaging, and "no one had been able to cure her". Then, she simply touches Christ's garment and she is healed "at that moment". The absolute primacy of the healing power of Jesus Christ! He alone can heal us in ways that no one or thing can.

So, what are our wounds? Do they go back 12 years (or more)? Sins, habits, vices? Problems with family or friends? Hatred? Anger? Rejection? Loneliness? Fear? Tragedy? Illness? Ultimately, all wounds are the result of sin, either our own sins or those of others.

How have we tried to heal them? Through other sins? Alcohol or drugs? Through psychology (which can be healing if rooted in Christ)? As more than one psychologist has admitted, 'we don't have the tools that priests do'.

How can Christ heal our wounds? Primarily through His priests in the sacraments (especially Confession, Anointing, and the Eucharist), spiritual direction, and healing ministries; through worship, His Word, prayer, community, friends, family, service, and humor (don't forget: He gave us all our senses of humor).

Christ's healings from the Gospel (and in our lives) are signs of the coming of the Kingdom. Through them, He announces a more radical healing: victory over sin and death through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. And, just as in the sacraments, He brings about extraordinary grace through ordinary matter (spittle, e.g.).

When Jesus heals someone internally (forgives sins, e.g.), it is a greater miracle than walking on water or feeding the 5,000. In other words, He can perform a miracle in you or me by healing our internal wounds that would be greater than any external miracle He performed 2000 years ago.

Chain letters

2006-02-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

Have you ever received a nice prayerful email with something added at the end like:

Now, send this to 11 people within the next 5 minutes. And remember to Send this back. I count as 1...you'll see why. Suggestion: copy and paste rather than forward

Ever wonder what the Catholic Church's stance on this is? I know I did.

According to Catholic apologist Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P., such statements are superstitious and we should have nothing to do with it.

Here is the link to Q&A.

NBC has now cancelled their anti-Christian episode

2006-02-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

Looks like our prayers and emails have been answered. NBC has decided to cancel their "Cruci-fixings" episode of Will & Grace. Click here for the official details.

Breaking Free - 12 Steps to Sexual Purity for Men

2006-02-05T07:59:00.001-05:00

Deus Caritas Est (On Christian Love - God is Love) [Encyclical] by Pope Benedict XVI, January 25, 2006

2006-02-05T07:35:00.001-05:00

Click here to read the first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI.

NBC to mock the Crucifixion of Christ

2006-02-01T15:50:00.000-05:00

Click here to view the article & commentary (this came from the Catholic Answers forum). The forum entry also provides links for sending emails to the NBC president protesting this episode among other possible ways to respond.

...just fyi. Peace all.

Thanks, Ty; A Book

2006-02-01T12:31:00.000-05:00

Ty:

Thanks for setting this up. Another great book along the lines of fatherhood is "Father, The Family Protector," by James Stenson. I am about halfway through it. Stenson is a real straight shooter. He starts off by writing, " you probably don't have much spare time for reading ... that's why I've written this book to be straight to the point and smartly practical." And it is. Some chapter headings: Be Savvy About Your Mission -- To Raise Adults, Not Children; Obstacles to Forming Character; Direct Your Children With Affectionate Assertiveness; Treat Electronic Media as Your Rivals; and Draw Strength from Your Fatherly Heart. I will be happy to share this book when I am finished with it. Peace, always ... Joe

2006-01-29T19:28:00.000-05:00

Dear St. Martin's Men of Emmaus,

Our hope is that this blog site can be used for posting information about various items of interest and therby limiting the Men-of-Emmaus@googlegroups.com mailing list for alerting the guys of important events.

This is a work in progress so you patience and suggestions are appreciated. As an example, the last email to Men of Emmaus regarding lust, would be a perfect example of something to post in the blog site. Click here to read the original article.

Also, here is the information on the books that I brough to the last meeting:

1. "What Catholics Really Believe" by Karl Keating. 52 Answers to common misconceptions about the Catholic Faith.

2. "Catholic Replies by James J. Drummey. Over 800 questions and answers about faith related topics (e.g., Angels, the Antichrist, Birth Control, etc, etc)

3. "Family Matters" by MichaelAnn and Curtis Martin. A bible study on Marriage and Family.

4. "Christian Fatherhood" by Stephen Wood with James Burnham. The eight commitments of St. Joseph's Covenant Keepers.

Many thanks to Barry Sullivan for coming to speak to us this past week. See you guys at the next meeting.

God bless...