Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, Cycle A
New Year’s Day
Our Lady of Grace
January 1, 2008
To Appreciate the Past, to Value the Present, and to Greet the Future
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
“We Don’t Have Time…”
One of our classic American plays is Our Town by Thornton Wilder.
In this play, a young woman dies and is then allowed by God to return to earth to re-live just one day of her life. The day she chooses is her twelfth birthday.
A few hours into the day she cries out: “I can’t. I can’t go on. It goes so fast.
“We don’t have time to look at one another. Oh earth, you’re too beautiful for anyone to realize.”
Then, with tears in her eyes, she asks, “Do human beings ever realize life as they live it?” And a voice answers her, “No. The saints and poets maybe – they do sometimes.”
New Year’s: A Moment in Time
That excerpt from Our Town is very appropriate as we celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The woman says, “We don’t have time” – time to realize the gift of life while we have it.” New Year’s is a special moment and day because it marks the beginning of another major segment of time – a new year – in our lives.
The words of the woman in Our Town are intended to awaken us a bit to the preciousness of the time we have. In a similar way, the woman in this evening’s Gospel – Mary – helps us in knowing what to do with our time and how to live it.
Saint Luke depicts Mary at the manger in Bethlehem and simply says that “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Mary’s reflective, prayerful approach is very appropriate as we begin a New Year and it leads us in some helpful directions.
Mary: Past, Present and Future
First, Mary leads us to appreciate our past.
For most of us, our past has probably been a mix of some joy and some sorrow, some satisfaction and some disappointment, some good health and some illness.
Mary calls us to see how God has been with us even in troubled moments and confusing times, just as she herself experienced.
Her reflective spirit moves us tonight to affirm God presence at least bringing us this far, to this moment of time.
Then, Mary also leads us to value the present.
She calls us to value the gift of life, whether it is the life of an unborn child that she herself valued or simply this very day of life.
Mary calls us to discern God’s will for us in the guidance of a parent or a teacher or right in the inspired Word of God, as she herself discerned in the words of the angel to her.
Her reflective spirit moves us live the present with an awareness of God’s active presence.
And finally, Mary leads us to greet the future.
Because Mary discerned and trusted God’s call, she moved forward in becoming the mother of Jesus, the mother of God’s Son, the mother of God.
Mary’s call moves us to chart a direction for our parish or make a decision on a new job or select a college to attend – all with trust in God.
Her reflective spirit moves us to greet the future, to greet 2008 with trust in God’s presence, strength, and guidance.
Conclusion
So, as the woman in Our Town asks, “Do human beings ever realize life while they live it?”
And the woman who brings God’s Son into the world, Mary, shows us how to realize life while we live it.
Her reflective spirit led her and now leads us to appreciate the past, to value the present and to greet future – all with a realization and awareness of God’s loving presence and care.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Weekly HOMILY for December 30, 2007: A S-P-A-C-E for Families
Feast of the Holy Family, Cycle A
Our Lady of Grace
December 30, 2007
Form: A S-P-A-C-E for families
Function: To offer listeners concrete ways to improve the quality of their family life
A S-P-A-C-E for Families
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Families: Yesterday and Today
In recent decades, family life has changed a great deal in the United States.
In the past, we pictured the “typical” family as a mother and father living together with two or three children. The father would go out to work and the mother would stay home to care for the children and be the homemaker.
Today, things are very different. Today, in the majority of families where both parents are present, both are also going out to work and probably have to do that for financial reasons.
Today, there are many single parent families. And today, there are many blended families.
Blended families consist of a husband and wife who have had children from a previous marriage and now bring them together and form one new family. This can happen because of the death of a prior spouse or because of divorce.
Well, with these and other developments, on this day in honor of the Holy Family, I want to recommend five specific actions for our families – traditional, single parent, blended, whatever the case may be for you.
I am grouping these recommendations by the letters: S—P—A—C—E.
An easy way to remember them is the acronym SPACE, and perhaps we could entitle this homily as “SPACE for Families.” So, here goes.
S=Structure
S stands for Structure. Structure the life of your family in ways that are sensible and that work for you.
Structure a time for the children for getting up and going to bed, a time for working and a time for playing. Structure some responsibility for everyone for the good of the household, whether for grocery shopping or emptying the trash.
Structure some regular time for the entire family to be together. And structure certain family rituals, like birthday celebrations, Christmas Dinner, or visits to grandparents and other relatives.
P=Pray
P stands for Pray. Pray in various ways as a part of family life.
For example, pray by inviting each person to thank God for something at the beginning of a meal together. Pray a simple bedtime prayer with your children.
Pray by coming to Mass together. This can be challenging when there are different religious traditions, but look at this and try to pray by coming to church together whenever possible.
A=Affirm
A stands for Affirm. It is important, first of all, for a husband and wife to affirm each other for something accomplished at work, for looking attractive, or getting a job done around the house that is taken for granted.
It is important for parents to affirm children for their strengths and gifts. And it is just as important not to harp on failures, mistakes, or deficiencies.
It is also important to affirm by showing affection. Even if you’re not an emotive sort of fellow, exchanging a hug or a kiss is critical to all members of a family.
C=Communicate
C stands for Communicate. Communicate to one another your feelings of stress, hurt, pride, or sadness.
To communicate means that I risk opening up myself to my spouse, my parent or child, my sibling. It also means that I listen.
To communicate means that I really try to take in the feelings or ideas of the other person. It means that I don’t interrupt or simply gear up to say what I want to say while the other person is speaking.
E=Eat
And E stands for Eat. It is important for families to eat dinner together.
There is research showing that eating dinner together creates strong family relationships. The effect of eating dinner together at least three times a week is remarkable especially on teens.
Believe it or not, the incidence of teens resorting to smoking, drinking and drugs is far less when families eat dinner together.
As challenging as this can be with today’s lifestyle and schedules, make every effort at eating dinner together at least three times a week. You will see a difference.
Conclusion
That’s it!
S-P-A-C-E. Structure – Pray – Affirm – Communicate – Eat.
These five actions will indeed create SPACE for Families. They will help in the challenging world of today to have healthy, happy and holy families.
Our Lady of Grace
December 30, 2007
Form: A S-P-A-C-E for families
Function: To offer listeners concrete ways to improve the quality of their family life
A S-P-A-C-E for Families
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Families: Yesterday and Today
In recent decades, family life has changed a great deal in the United States.
In the past, we pictured the “typical” family as a mother and father living together with two or three children. The father would go out to work and the mother would stay home to care for the children and be the homemaker.
Today, things are very different. Today, in the majority of families where both parents are present, both are also going out to work and probably have to do that for financial reasons.
Today, there are many single parent families. And today, there are many blended families.
Blended families consist of a husband and wife who have had children from a previous marriage and now bring them together and form one new family. This can happen because of the death of a prior spouse or because of divorce.
Well, with these and other developments, on this day in honor of the Holy Family, I want to recommend five specific actions for our families – traditional, single parent, blended, whatever the case may be for you.
I am grouping these recommendations by the letters: S—P—A—C—E.
An easy way to remember them is the acronym SPACE, and perhaps we could entitle this homily as “SPACE for Families.” So, here goes.
S=Structure
S stands for Structure. Structure the life of your family in ways that are sensible and that work for you.
Structure a time for the children for getting up and going to bed, a time for working and a time for playing. Structure some responsibility for everyone for the good of the household, whether for grocery shopping or emptying the trash.
Structure some regular time for the entire family to be together. And structure certain family rituals, like birthday celebrations, Christmas Dinner, or visits to grandparents and other relatives.
P=Pray
P stands for Pray. Pray in various ways as a part of family life.
For example, pray by inviting each person to thank God for something at the beginning of a meal together. Pray a simple bedtime prayer with your children.
Pray by coming to Mass together. This can be challenging when there are different religious traditions, but look at this and try to pray by coming to church together whenever possible.
A=Affirm
A stands for Affirm. It is important, first of all, for a husband and wife to affirm each other for something accomplished at work, for looking attractive, or getting a job done around the house that is taken for granted.
It is important for parents to affirm children for their strengths and gifts. And it is just as important not to harp on failures, mistakes, or deficiencies.
It is also important to affirm by showing affection. Even if you’re not an emotive sort of fellow, exchanging a hug or a kiss is critical to all members of a family.
C=Communicate
C stands for Communicate. Communicate to one another your feelings of stress, hurt, pride, or sadness.
To communicate means that I risk opening up myself to my spouse, my parent or child, my sibling. It also means that I listen.
To communicate means that I really try to take in the feelings or ideas of the other person. It means that I don’t interrupt or simply gear up to say what I want to say while the other person is speaking.
E=Eat
And E stands for Eat. It is important for families to eat dinner together.
There is research showing that eating dinner together creates strong family relationships. The effect of eating dinner together at least three times a week is remarkable especially on teens.
Believe it or not, the incidence of teens resorting to smoking, drinking and drugs is far less when families eat dinner together.
As challenging as this can be with today’s lifestyle and schedules, make every effort at eating dinner together at least three times a week. You will see a difference.
Conclusion
That’s it!
S-P-A-C-E. Structure – Pray – Affirm – Communicate – Eat.
These five actions will indeed create SPACE for Families. They will help in the challenging world of today to have healthy, happy and holy families.
Weekly THIS AND THAT for December 30, 2007: Why Dads Matter
This and That:
Why Dads Matter
I found the following comments of Father John Flynn on a new book entitled “Why Fathers Count” very informative on this Feast of the Holy Family.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Children more than ever need the presence and guidance of a father in family life. According to a recent collection of essays, a significant body of scientific research clearly documents the vital role a father plays in the formative years of a child’s life.
The book is titled Why Fathers Count: The Importance of Fathers and Their Involvement with Children” (Men’s Studies Press). Sean E. Brotherson and Joseph M. White, the editors and authors of the first chapter, set the tone for the book with an overview of arguments regarding the importance of fathers for children. The presence of a father has a positive impact in many ways, they note, as children with fathers have fewer behavioral problems, obtain better academic results, and are economically better off.
Brotherson and White also clarify that they do not in any way wish to minimize the contribution made by mothers to family life. In fact, they state, both parents count: fathers and mothers. Nevertheless, as statistics amply confirm, there has been a marked increase in fatherless families in recent decades, hence the book’s concentration on fathers.
Rob Palkovitz, a professor at the University of Delaware, dedicates a chapter on the theme of men’s transition to fatherhood. Men can become fathers in a biological sense, he noted, and yet not always make the psychological and behavioral adjustments needed to embrace the role of fathering.
Being a father, Palkovitz explains, carries a different type of responsibility to that of a husband and requires an additional commitment. This change will affect a man’s choices, behavior, and priorities in everyday life. This takes time, and fathering is a role that men gradually grow into.
The transition to fatherhood, he continues, is a monumental turning point in a man’s life. If men are willing to undertake this relationship with their children, it is among the greatest changes in a man’s life and development as a person, Palkovitz concludes.
The Marriage Factor
The relationship between spouses and its impact on fathers is examined in a chapter authored by University of Arkansas professor, H. Wallace Goddard. When couples have a strong relationship they can use their differences to complement each other, and draw on each other’s strengths, and there is a much greater likelihood that both mother and father will be good parents, he argued.
Goddard also noted that in many ways the contemporary dating culture does little to prepare future couples for the commitment needed to nurture and protect a marriage. A culture that overemphasizes romance and quick fixes, he points out, does little to prepare couples for the inevitable difficult periods that every marriage goes through.
Brotherson, from North Dakota State University, examined what he termed “connectedness” in the relationship between fathers and children. This connecting involves the building of a bond over time that is more than just the love a parent has for a child, but also the degree to which a child perceives this love and acceptance. The connectedness, Brotherson adds, is developed in the details of loving another person and the trust and closeness that develops in that relationship.
Citing various research sources on family life, Brotherson goes on to explain that the more connection a child feels with his parents, the more likely he or she is to trust others and enjoy stable relationships with peers and adults outside the home. A close-knit family relationship is also more effective in protecting children from problems such as depression, suicide, precocious sexual activity or drug use.
The final part of the chapter offers suggestions for fathers on how they can connect with their children. Brotherson recommends playing together with them, and also helping them in their education. Being available to comfort them in times of need, expressing affection, and a shared spiritual activity such as praying together were among other points mentioned.
Paternal love
Academics Shawn Christianson and Jeffrey Stueve wrote about the importance of a father’s love for his children. The majority of social science research, they maintained, does not recognize sufficiently the bond that parents form with children in their loving and caring of them. Not only is there little mention of love in family theory, but many contemporary theories focus on self-interest.
A father’s love for his children is often expressed in the sacrifices he makes, whether in times of crisis or just in the everyday choices of family life. Obviously some fathers fail to take responsibility for their children, Christianson and Stueve acknowledge. At the same time, however, many do cooperate with their wives in raising their child.
Most research in this area has been done on fathers of younger children. It has shown that fathers are indeed capable of being sensitive to a child’s needs and can show affection.
Defining fatherly love is not easy, Christianson and Stueve note. One way to do so is to demonstrate the ways in which a father is present in a child’s life, helping out with physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. The sharing of time, activities, conversation and self, means a constant support that children perceive as being enduring in their lives.
Vicky Phares and David Clay, respectively a professor and doctoral student at the University of South Florida, delved into the influence of fathers on the psychological wellbeing of children. They point to three main styles of parenting: authoritative, authoritarian and permissive.
Guidance
Phares and Clay explained that fathers whose parenting style is authoritative – combining control with warmth and regard – are more likely to have children who feel secure and demonstrate good mental health.
Another influential factor is the emotional availability of fathers. Being engaged in a child’s life, and responsive to emotional needs, is important in the healthy development of children and adolescents.
The role of fathers in the moral development of their children is pondered by Terrance Olson and James Marshall, respectively from Brigham Young University and the University of Kansas.
Having a moral influence is manifested in varying ways, they point out. It can be something as simple as keeping promises made to a child, or placing certain boundaries by making clear which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
In this sense, while it is true that the quantity of time fathers devote to their children is important, it is also vital how a father reacts to a child’s needs and behavior. The personal example a father gives, and how they teach their children to treat others in the community, are additional opportunities for teaching. In this way fathers have many possibilities to transmit attitudes and values to their children and teach them the implications of moral responsibility.
Benedict XVI continued his frequent commentaries on the importance of families in a recent address: “The family is the nucleus in which a person first learns human love and cultivates the virtues of responsibility, generosity and fraternal concern,” the Pontiff commented. “Strong families are built on the foundation of strong marriages. Strong societies are built on the foundation of strong families,” the Pope continued. He then urged that governments acknowledge, respect and support marriage, in which a man and a woman join together in a lifelong commitment. It is an undertaking that is vital for the flourishing of future generations.
Why Dads Matter
I found the following comments of Father John Flynn on a new book entitled “Why Fathers Count” very informative on this Feast of the Holy Family.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Children more than ever need the presence and guidance of a father in family life. According to a recent collection of essays, a significant body of scientific research clearly documents the vital role a father plays in the formative years of a child’s life.
The book is titled Why Fathers Count: The Importance of Fathers and Their Involvement with Children” (Men’s Studies Press). Sean E. Brotherson and Joseph M. White, the editors and authors of the first chapter, set the tone for the book with an overview of arguments regarding the importance of fathers for children. The presence of a father has a positive impact in many ways, they note, as children with fathers have fewer behavioral problems, obtain better academic results, and are economically better off.
Brotherson and White also clarify that they do not in any way wish to minimize the contribution made by mothers to family life. In fact, they state, both parents count: fathers and mothers. Nevertheless, as statistics amply confirm, there has been a marked increase in fatherless families in recent decades, hence the book’s concentration on fathers.
Rob Palkovitz, a professor at the University of Delaware, dedicates a chapter on the theme of men’s transition to fatherhood. Men can become fathers in a biological sense, he noted, and yet not always make the psychological and behavioral adjustments needed to embrace the role of fathering.
Being a father, Palkovitz explains, carries a different type of responsibility to that of a husband and requires an additional commitment. This change will affect a man’s choices, behavior, and priorities in everyday life. This takes time, and fathering is a role that men gradually grow into.
The transition to fatherhood, he continues, is a monumental turning point in a man’s life. If men are willing to undertake this relationship with their children, it is among the greatest changes in a man’s life and development as a person, Palkovitz concludes.
The Marriage Factor
The relationship between spouses and its impact on fathers is examined in a chapter authored by University of Arkansas professor, H. Wallace Goddard. When couples have a strong relationship they can use their differences to complement each other, and draw on each other’s strengths, and there is a much greater likelihood that both mother and father will be good parents, he argued.
Goddard also noted that in many ways the contemporary dating culture does little to prepare future couples for the commitment needed to nurture and protect a marriage. A culture that overemphasizes romance and quick fixes, he points out, does little to prepare couples for the inevitable difficult periods that every marriage goes through.
Brotherson, from North Dakota State University, examined what he termed “connectedness” in the relationship between fathers and children. This connecting involves the building of a bond over time that is more than just the love a parent has for a child, but also the degree to which a child perceives this love and acceptance. The connectedness, Brotherson adds, is developed in the details of loving another person and the trust and closeness that develops in that relationship.
Citing various research sources on family life, Brotherson goes on to explain that the more connection a child feels with his parents, the more likely he or she is to trust others and enjoy stable relationships with peers and adults outside the home. A close-knit family relationship is also more effective in protecting children from problems such as depression, suicide, precocious sexual activity or drug use.
The final part of the chapter offers suggestions for fathers on how they can connect with their children. Brotherson recommends playing together with them, and also helping them in their education. Being available to comfort them in times of need, expressing affection, and a shared spiritual activity such as praying together were among other points mentioned.
Paternal love
Academics Shawn Christianson and Jeffrey Stueve wrote about the importance of a father’s love for his children. The majority of social science research, they maintained, does not recognize sufficiently the bond that parents form with children in their loving and caring of them. Not only is there little mention of love in family theory, but many contemporary theories focus on self-interest.
A father’s love for his children is often expressed in the sacrifices he makes, whether in times of crisis or just in the everyday choices of family life. Obviously some fathers fail to take responsibility for their children, Christianson and Stueve acknowledge. At the same time, however, many do cooperate with their wives in raising their child.
Most research in this area has been done on fathers of younger children. It has shown that fathers are indeed capable of being sensitive to a child’s needs and can show affection.
Defining fatherly love is not easy, Christianson and Stueve note. One way to do so is to demonstrate the ways in which a father is present in a child’s life, helping out with physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. The sharing of time, activities, conversation and self, means a constant support that children perceive as being enduring in their lives.
Vicky Phares and David Clay, respectively a professor and doctoral student at the University of South Florida, delved into the influence of fathers on the psychological wellbeing of children. They point to three main styles of parenting: authoritative, authoritarian and permissive.
Guidance
Phares and Clay explained that fathers whose parenting style is authoritative – combining control with warmth and regard – are more likely to have children who feel secure and demonstrate good mental health.
Another influential factor is the emotional availability of fathers. Being engaged in a child’s life, and responsive to emotional needs, is important in the healthy development of children and adolescents.
The role of fathers in the moral development of their children is pondered by Terrance Olson and James Marshall, respectively from Brigham Young University and the University of Kansas.
Having a moral influence is manifested in varying ways, they point out. It can be something as simple as keeping promises made to a child, or placing certain boundaries by making clear which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
In this sense, while it is true that the quantity of time fathers devote to their children is important, it is also vital how a father reacts to a child’s needs and behavior. The personal example a father gives, and how they teach their children to treat others in the community, are additional opportunities for teaching. In this way fathers have many possibilities to transmit attitudes and values to their children and teach them the implications of moral responsibility.
Benedict XVI continued his frequent commentaries on the importance of families in a recent address: “The family is the nucleus in which a person first learns human love and cultivates the virtues of responsibility, generosity and fraternal concern,” the Pontiff commented. “Strong families are built on the foundation of strong marriages. Strong societies are built on the foundation of strong families,” the Pope continued. He then urged that governments acknowledge, respect and support marriage, in which a man and a woman join together in a lifelong commitment. It is an undertaking that is vital for the flourishing of future generations.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for December 30, 2007: Blessings of Pope Benedict
December 26, 2007
Focus: Blessings of Pope Benedict
Dear Friend,
New Year’s Day, the day of departure for Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina quickly approaches. All is ready for the adventure to begin.
With this, my last correspondence to you, I leave you with the Christmas Blessings Pope Benedict imparted to us all: “We ask God that violence be defeated by the power of love, that opposition be replaced by reconciliation, that the desire to dominate be transformed into desires for forgiveness, justice and peace.
“May the wishes of kindness and love that we exchange in these days reach all sectors of our daily lives. May peace be in our hearts, so that we can be open to the action of God's mercy. May peace live in all families and may they spend Christmas united before the crib and the tree decorated with lights.
“May the Christmas message of solidarity and welcome contribute to create a deeper sensibility toward old and new types of poverty, and toward the common good that we are all called to share.”
“May all family members,” he added, "especially the children and the elderly – the weakest ones – feel the warmth of this feast, and may that warmth spread out through every day of the year. May Christmas be a celebration of peace and joy: joy for the birth of the Savior, Prince of peace.”
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
PS. The week after I return on April 4th, I will use this distribution list one last time to direct you to my personal blog and the parish homepage for weekly homilies and bulletin notes. The weekly emailing of these ends with this week’s materials.
Focus: Blessings of Pope Benedict
Dear Friend,
New Year’s Day, the day of departure for Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina quickly approaches. All is ready for the adventure to begin.
With this, my last correspondence to you, I leave you with the Christmas Blessings Pope Benedict imparted to us all: “We ask God that violence be defeated by the power of love, that opposition be replaced by reconciliation, that the desire to dominate be transformed into desires for forgiveness, justice and peace.
“May the wishes of kindness and love that we exchange in these days reach all sectors of our daily lives. May peace be in our hearts, so that we can be open to the action of God's mercy. May peace live in all families and may they spend Christmas united before the crib and the tree decorated with lights.
“May the Christmas message of solidarity and welcome contribute to create a deeper sensibility toward old and new types of poverty, and toward the common good that we are all called to share.”
“May all family members,” he added, "especially the children and the elderly – the weakest ones – feel the warmth of this feast, and may that warmth spread out through every day of the year. May Christmas be a celebration of peace and joy: joy for the birth of the Savior, Prince of peace.”
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
PS. The week after I return on April 4th, I will use this distribution list one last time to direct you to my personal blog and the parish homepage for weekly homilies and bulletin notes. The weekly emailing of these ends with this week’s materials.
Weekly THIS AND THAT for December 25, 2007: Christmas Greetings, Christmas Farewell
This and That:
Christmas Greetings; Christmas Farewell
Christmas Greetings
On this occasion of Christmas we greet those who are with us every week, those who attend sporadically, and those who are drawn to church twice a year, to celebrate the holy days of Christmas and Easter. Welcome to one and all. Be assured that no matter what your frequency of attendance, we enjoy having you with us!
On behalf of our Pastoral Team, Sister Mary Therese (Assistant Pastor), Sister Helen (School Principal), Elaine Hagner (Parish Administrator), Deacon Lee (Permanent Deacon), Debby Kaminski (Office Manager), Chris Pignataro (Religious Education), Beth Pugliese (Pastoral Music), Deborah Webber (Youth Ministry), Jen Perry (Accounting), Mary Miller (Youth Music), Mary Kioussis (Religious Education Secretary), Joanie DeSoto (Parish Secretary), and yours truly, we want to wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year.
It has been a year of many changes: expansion of ministries, addition of new parish staff, completion of the Memorial Courtyard, preparing for a new Parish Strategic Plan, a parish visit from our new Ordinary, Archbishop O’Brien, and preparation for my leaving for three months for a cloistered Trappist monastery in South Carolina.
During my absence, Sister Mary Therese will take over the Reins of Pastoral Leadership from January 1st until I return on April 4, 2008. The question of course is “Where’s she going with the sleigh?” Be assured that all will continue as smoothly as it has. Worship, programs and services will continue uninterruptedly. Father Jay, Father Bob Leavitt, Father Sal Livigni, and Father Jerry Fransic will be covering weekend Masses. All else will remain as is; at least we hope. And should it not, Sister is ready to meet unforeseen challenges with great advice from staff, Parish Corporators, and Pastoral Council, and Finance Committee.
There are some “front burner” items that are in progress and are being covered at the present time. They include:
➢ The New Strategic Plan for the parish to be approved in June 2008
➢ New goals and objectives for the Pastoral Team will be written and brought to the Pastoral Council in April for approval
➢ Sister Mary Therese chairs the Interview Committee for hiring a new principal. They will give me the top two candidates to interview on Monday, April 7th for me to make a choice
➢ The Dedication of the New Memorial Courtyard has been set for Sunday, April 14, 2008. By that time the trees will be planted and lighted, and the new artscape in the center will be completed.
Christmas Farewell
A friend and I share a common interest in the writings of Joseph Campbell the great writer of Comparative Religions. Campbell spoke often of the importance of learning to embrace solitude and to understand how vital that can be for all of us. My work as a priest of almost 40 years has allowed me to find ways to use “story” as a way of connecting people with the characters in a story often mirroring behavior of which we all need to become aware.
Recently my friend Gene shared the following thoughts, which I applied to my own situation. Our dreams and our intuitions are communications from our unconscious that are mirroring aspects of ourselves to us, so that we may become aware of certain important aspects of our own being. For much of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are connecting and attempting to connect externally with others, not only human beings, but other species as well, and that connection is something we all long for.
At the same time we are developing an ability through prayer, meditation, song, ritual and other means to connect to that inner source of guidance that creates our dreams and much more. That source is our higher selves and is the divine spark that is God-like in all of us. As we get older, we seem to find ways to connect more and more with that inner sense, our soul, some might call it. Solitude and silence, both of which Gene and I came to appreciate in the Seminary, were valuable means of bringing that about.
In today’s world too many of us are afraid of being alone, but the fact is that spending time alone is important in learning how to relate to one’s own “story” and to connect with it. Something Carl Jung, the famous psychologist called the “process of individuation.” Campbell was right. We are all on a “Hero’s Journey” of our own in trying to achieve that individuation and to connect with our “self” and to give birth to it and bring it into being in this life. Gene ended his email, “I understand what and why you are doing it and look forward to reconnecting with you in April if I don’t see you before you leave.”
This sharing of Gene helps me put my finger on the desire I have to be one with God and to make possible the silence that would bring that union about. As he shared with me, I say also to you: “I look forward to reconnect with you as my faith family when I return the weekend of April 6, 2007.”
Till that time please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you. Farewell.
Love,
Father Nick Amato
Christmas Greetings; Christmas Farewell
Christmas Greetings
On this occasion of Christmas we greet those who are with us every week, those who attend sporadically, and those who are drawn to church twice a year, to celebrate the holy days of Christmas and Easter. Welcome to one and all. Be assured that no matter what your frequency of attendance, we enjoy having you with us!
On behalf of our Pastoral Team, Sister Mary Therese (Assistant Pastor), Sister Helen (School Principal), Elaine Hagner (Parish Administrator), Deacon Lee (Permanent Deacon), Debby Kaminski (Office Manager), Chris Pignataro (Religious Education), Beth Pugliese (Pastoral Music), Deborah Webber (Youth Ministry), Jen Perry (Accounting), Mary Miller (Youth Music), Mary Kioussis (Religious Education Secretary), Joanie DeSoto (Parish Secretary), and yours truly, we want to wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year.
It has been a year of many changes: expansion of ministries, addition of new parish staff, completion of the Memorial Courtyard, preparing for a new Parish Strategic Plan, a parish visit from our new Ordinary, Archbishop O’Brien, and preparation for my leaving for three months for a cloistered Trappist monastery in South Carolina.
During my absence, Sister Mary Therese will take over the Reins of Pastoral Leadership from January 1st until I return on April 4, 2008. The question of course is “Where’s she going with the sleigh?” Be assured that all will continue as smoothly as it has. Worship, programs and services will continue uninterruptedly. Father Jay, Father Bob Leavitt, Father Sal Livigni, and Father Jerry Fransic will be covering weekend Masses. All else will remain as is; at least we hope. And should it not, Sister is ready to meet unforeseen challenges with great advice from staff, Parish Corporators, and Pastoral Council, and Finance Committee.
There are some “front burner” items that are in progress and are being covered at the present time. They include:
➢ The New Strategic Plan for the parish to be approved in June 2008
➢ New goals and objectives for the Pastoral Team will be written and brought to the Pastoral Council in April for approval
➢ Sister Mary Therese chairs the Interview Committee for hiring a new principal. They will give me the top two candidates to interview on Monday, April 7th for me to make a choice
➢ The Dedication of the New Memorial Courtyard has been set for Sunday, April 14, 2008. By that time the trees will be planted and lighted, and the new artscape in the center will be completed.
Christmas Farewell
A friend and I share a common interest in the writings of Joseph Campbell the great writer of Comparative Religions. Campbell spoke often of the importance of learning to embrace solitude and to understand how vital that can be for all of us. My work as a priest of almost 40 years has allowed me to find ways to use “story” as a way of connecting people with the characters in a story often mirroring behavior of which we all need to become aware.
Recently my friend Gene shared the following thoughts, which I applied to my own situation. Our dreams and our intuitions are communications from our unconscious that are mirroring aspects of ourselves to us, so that we may become aware of certain important aspects of our own being. For much of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are connecting and attempting to connect externally with others, not only human beings, but other species as well, and that connection is something we all long for.
At the same time we are developing an ability through prayer, meditation, song, ritual and other means to connect to that inner source of guidance that creates our dreams and much more. That source is our higher selves and is the divine spark that is God-like in all of us. As we get older, we seem to find ways to connect more and more with that inner sense, our soul, some might call it. Solitude and silence, both of which Gene and I came to appreciate in the Seminary, were valuable means of bringing that about.
In today’s world too many of us are afraid of being alone, but the fact is that spending time alone is important in learning how to relate to one’s own “story” and to connect with it. Something Carl Jung, the famous psychologist called the “process of individuation.” Campbell was right. We are all on a “Hero’s Journey” of our own in trying to achieve that individuation and to connect with our “self” and to give birth to it and bring it into being in this life. Gene ended his email, “I understand what and why you are doing it and look forward to reconnecting with you in April if I don’t see you before you leave.”
This sharing of Gene helps me put my finger on the desire I have to be one with God and to make possible the silence that would bring that union about. As he shared with me, I say also to you: “I look forward to reconnect with you as my faith family when I return the weekend of April 6, 2007.”
Till that time please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you. Farewell.
Love,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly HOMILY for December 25,2007: God Breaking into Our World
The Solemnity of Christmas, Cycle A
Our Lady of Grace
December 25, 2007
God Breaking into Our World
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
God and Our Aloneness
Up until 1940 or so, air travel was in its infancy. Very few people had flown in an airplane before then.
There is a story from that time about a mother, father and their children who were outside of their home building a snowman on Christmas Eve in Syracuse, New York.
While they were doing so, an airplane passed overhead. The children were very excited to see the plane and the youngest asked her father: “Daddy, how do people climb up to the sky to get into the planes?”
Her daddy explained that passengers do not have to climb up into the sky to get into the planes. Instead, the planes come down from the sky to the passengers.
The father almost immediately realized this as a beautiful explanation of Christmas. We do not climb up to the sky to get to God. Instead, God has come down to earth to us. God has entered our world in the infant born in Bethlehem.
And the significant realization of this fact is that we human beings are no longer left alone to fend for ourselves. God has responded in a dramatic way to our sense of aloneness and our yearning for closeness and intimacy with him.
This is the truth behind the angel’s words in this evening’s/today’s Gospel: “Today a Savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” This then is the first message of Christmas: God has come down to earth to us and we are no longer alone, without God.
God and Our Hopelessness
Now, in doing this, God has also brought us light and hope.
In Jesus, the words of Isaiah in tonight’s first reading are fulfilled. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
The renowned psychologist Victor Frankl tells of an experience that illustrates the light and hope that Jesus brings. Frankl recalls his days in a Nazi concentration camp.
He describes the cold and hunger and hopelessness of the situation. And then, quite unexpectedly one night he had an experience that profoundly changed him.
Frankl looked through a small window of the wood barracks where he and others were confined. He saw a light in a distant farmhouse that was completely surrounded by darkness.
And at that moment, the words of Saint John’s Gospel came to his mind. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall never put it out.”
Frankl says that this experience gave him hope in the midst of suffering and hopelessness. For all of us tonight, Christmas celebrates the fact that by entering the world in Jesus, God has given us light and hope.
We too may experience suffering and disappointment and sadness. But the birth of Jesus gives us hope that light can win out over the many forms of darkness that are part of our human journey.
God and Our Aimlessness
This takes me to the third and final message that I see tonight.
We also are to be a beacon of light and hope for one another. An English author named John Ruskin gives us a vivid image of what God expects of us.
Ruskin lived in the 1800’s and electricity had not yet been discovered. There were no lampposts or streetlights that automatically came on when it got dark.
Instead, the streets were lit by gas lamps and lamplighters would go from lamp to lamp lighting them with their torches. One night, Ruskin was looking out the window of his country home and across the valley to a lane on the opposite hillside.
Ruskin could see the torch of the lamplighter and the trial of lights that he lit. But he could not see the lamplighter himself.
Ruskin writes: “That is a good illustration of Christians. People may never see us, but they know we have passed through the world by the trail of lights we leave behind.”
Sometimes, we may wonder what the purpose and meaning of our lives is and we may feel aimless and adrift. Christmas gives us an aim or purpose.
We are to give light and hope to elderly parents or little children or grandchildren, to a friend struggling with cancer or a needy family whom we assist at Christmas.
Conclusion
In the midst of our feeling alone or helpless or aimless, the simple yet profound messages of Christmas confronts us:
(1) You are not alone; our God who has come down to earth to be with us,
(2) You need not feel helpless; Jesus has brought us light and hope for our living, and
(3) Your life need not be aimless; Jesus has given you a mission to bring that same light and hope to another.
Our Lady of Grace
December 25, 2007
God Breaking into Our World
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
God and Our Aloneness
Up until 1940 or so, air travel was in its infancy. Very few people had flown in an airplane before then.
There is a story from that time about a mother, father and their children who were outside of their home building a snowman on Christmas Eve in Syracuse, New York.
While they were doing so, an airplane passed overhead. The children were very excited to see the plane and the youngest asked her father: “Daddy, how do people climb up to the sky to get into the planes?”
Her daddy explained that passengers do not have to climb up into the sky to get into the planes. Instead, the planes come down from the sky to the passengers.
The father almost immediately realized this as a beautiful explanation of Christmas. We do not climb up to the sky to get to God. Instead, God has come down to earth to us. God has entered our world in the infant born in Bethlehem.
And the significant realization of this fact is that we human beings are no longer left alone to fend for ourselves. God has responded in a dramatic way to our sense of aloneness and our yearning for closeness and intimacy with him.
This is the truth behind the angel’s words in this evening’s/today’s Gospel: “Today a Savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” This then is the first message of Christmas: God has come down to earth to us and we are no longer alone, without God.
God and Our Hopelessness
Now, in doing this, God has also brought us light and hope.
In Jesus, the words of Isaiah in tonight’s first reading are fulfilled. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
The renowned psychologist Victor Frankl tells of an experience that illustrates the light and hope that Jesus brings. Frankl recalls his days in a Nazi concentration camp.
He describes the cold and hunger and hopelessness of the situation. And then, quite unexpectedly one night he had an experience that profoundly changed him.
Frankl looked through a small window of the wood barracks where he and others were confined. He saw a light in a distant farmhouse that was completely surrounded by darkness.
And at that moment, the words of Saint John’s Gospel came to his mind. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall never put it out.”
Frankl says that this experience gave him hope in the midst of suffering and hopelessness. For all of us tonight, Christmas celebrates the fact that by entering the world in Jesus, God has given us light and hope.
We too may experience suffering and disappointment and sadness. But the birth of Jesus gives us hope that light can win out over the many forms of darkness that are part of our human journey.
God and Our Aimlessness
This takes me to the third and final message that I see tonight.
We also are to be a beacon of light and hope for one another. An English author named John Ruskin gives us a vivid image of what God expects of us.
Ruskin lived in the 1800’s and electricity had not yet been discovered. There were no lampposts or streetlights that automatically came on when it got dark.
Instead, the streets were lit by gas lamps and lamplighters would go from lamp to lamp lighting them with their torches. One night, Ruskin was looking out the window of his country home and across the valley to a lane on the opposite hillside.
Ruskin could see the torch of the lamplighter and the trial of lights that he lit. But he could not see the lamplighter himself.
Ruskin writes: “That is a good illustration of Christians. People may never see us, but they know we have passed through the world by the trail of lights we leave behind.”
Sometimes, we may wonder what the purpose and meaning of our lives is and we may feel aimless and adrift. Christmas gives us an aim or purpose.
We are to give light and hope to elderly parents or little children or grandchildren, to a friend struggling with cancer or a needy family whom we assist at Christmas.
Conclusion
In the midst of our feeling alone or helpless or aimless, the simple yet profound messages of Christmas confronts us:
(1) You are not alone; our God who has come down to earth to be with us,
(2) You need not feel helpless; Jesus has brought us light and hope for our living, and
(3) Your life need not be aimless; Jesus has given you a mission to bring that same light and hope to another.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for December 16, 2007: Staying in Touch after the Monastery
December 13, 2007
Focus: Staying in Touch After the Monastery
Dear Friend,
In two weeks I will discontinue these weekly installments of a message, “This and That,” and the homily.
When I return from the Monastery on April 4, 2008 I will continue to post a weekly “This and That” and homily on both our parish home page and my personal blog. Both addresses follow:
Parish Homepage: www.olgrace.com
My personal blog: http://frnickamato.blogspot.com/
On my blog you will be able to post messages and others can share in any issue that the weekly homily or “This and That” column raises. Thus it will be more interactive.
With a little more than two weeks left before leaving, the “to do” list draws to a close and the suitcases are quickly filling.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Focus: Staying in Touch After the Monastery
Dear Friend,
In two weeks I will discontinue these weekly installments of a message, “This and That,” and the homily.
When I return from the Monastery on April 4, 2008 I will continue to post a weekly “This and That” and homily on both our parish home page and my personal blog. Both addresses follow:
Parish Homepage: www.olgrace.com
My personal blog: http://frnickamato.blogspot.com/
On my blog you will be able to post messages and others can share in any issue that the weekly homily or “This and That” column raises. Thus it will be more interactive.
With a little more than two weeks left before leaving, the “to do” list draws to a close and the suitcases are quickly filling.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for December 16, 2008: On the Values of Sport
This and That:
On the Values of Sport
“The Most Important Thing in Life Is Not the Triumph, but the Struggle”
With the conclusion of an extraordinary Parish Soccer Season and the signing up for Our Lady of Grace Lacrosse, the value of our new sports came to mind. The following is an address by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. It was delivered to the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly on sports for peace and development on November 4, 2007.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Mr President,
The role of sports within and among societies can be traced to some of the earliest civilizations. However, never before has the practice of sport become as firmly established as today. Sport has become a mass phenomenon capable of engaging huge crowds on a grand scale, breaking geographic, racial, social, economic, political and cultural barriers.
Next year, the global community will once again come together to celebrate the ancient tradition of the Olympic Games, in its twenty-ninth modern edition in Beijing. As the world prepares for such an important event, we are reminded of the role that sport can play in the life of every individual and society.
Citius, Altius, Fortius. These three Latin words, coined a century ago by Father Henri Martin Dideon to describe his students’ achievements in sports, were adopted as the Olympic motto, because the aspiration to be “swifter, higher, stronger” aptly describes the goals of great athletes all over the world.
Sport practiced in a healthy and harmonious way is a means to bring together peoples of different cultures and traditions in a respectful and peaceful manner. Through greater use of sport as dialogue and encounter, the Greek tradition of Olympic Truce can give way to genuine and long-lasting peace.
In fact, dialogue and encounter through sport holds great potential in the area of peace building and conflict prevention. While the rule of law and justice remain the foundation of durable peace, sport provides the tool for warring factions to come together for a common purpose. These moments of unity may be brief and at times fleeting, nonetheless they are an important reminder that in human experience there are many more things that bind us together than those that tear us apart. In this regard, my delegation notes with appreciation the work of the UN Office of Sport for Development and Peace in fostering this dialogue in conflict-ridden places, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia. We look forward to seeing a greater consolidation of its activity.
Along with fomenting dialogue across cultures and fostering peace, sport can also serve as a means for greater personal and social development. Through sport, the person develops one’s creativity and talent, overcomes personal challenges, acquires a sense of belonging and solidarity, learns discipline and a sense of sacrifice. These values redound to the benefit of the greater community and help us understand the value of the common good over personal glory. Thus, we encourage sports figures to be models for youth and to help foster the positive values of sports.
Today’s society has seen an increasing number of cases of abuse and deviance in the practice of sport, which lead to a sports culture devoid of human values.
However, the world of sport continues to have authentic role models and generous protagonists who strive to reclaim the ideal of sport as a real school of humanity, camaraderie, solidarity and excellence. A renewed and widely shared emphasis on a human-centered approach to sport would help ensure that the important virtues learned through sports become one of the means for developing and fostering healthy and responsible human interactions.
The Holy See’s Office for Church and Sports was created with this ideal of sport in mind. It works with schools, youth groups, amateur sports associations and athletic professionals in order to promote a healthy approach to sport and help young people understand the positive impact sport values can have on both the local and global community.
The Olympic Creed reminds us that the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. May the 2008 Olympic Games contribute to the common struggle to make the world a better place for one and all, through the promotion of the inseparable and mutually re-enforcing values of peace, development and full respect for basic human rights.
Thank you, Mr. President.
On the Values of Sport
“The Most Important Thing in Life Is Not the Triumph, but the Struggle”
With the conclusion of an extraordinary Parish Soccer Season and the signing up for Our Lady of Grace Lacrosse, the value of our new sports came to mind. The following is an address by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. It was delivered to the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly on sports for peace and development on November 4, 2007.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Mr President,
The role of sports within and among societies can be traced to some of the earliest civilizations. However, never before has the practice of sport become as firmly established as today. Sport has become a mass phenomenon capable of engaging huge crowds on a grand scale, breaking geographic, racial, social, economic, political and cultural barriers.
Next year, the global community will once again come together to celebrate the ancient tradition of the Olympic Games, in its twenty-ninth modern edition in Beijing. As the world prepares for such an important event, we are reminded of the role that sport can play in the life of every individual and society.
Citius, Altius, Fortius. These three Latin words, coined a century ago by Father Henri Martin Dideon to describe his students’ achievements in sports, were adopted as the Olympic motto, because the aspiration to be “swifter, higher, stronger” aptly describes the goals of great athletes all over the world.
Sport practiced in a healthy and harmonious way is a means to bring together peoples of different cultures and traditions in a respectful and peaceful manner. Through greater use of sport as dialogue and encounter, the Greek tradition of Olympic Truce can give way to genuine and long-lasting peace.
In fact, dialogue and encounter through sport holds great potential in the area of peace building and conflict prevention. While the rule of law and justice remain the foundation of durable peace, sport provides the tool for warring factions to come together for a common purpose. These moments of unity may be brief and at times fleeting, nonetheless they are an important reminder that in human experience there are many more things that bind us together than those that tear us apart. In this regard, my delegation notes with appreciation the work of the UN Office of Sport for Development and Peace in fostering this dialogue in conflict-ridden places, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia. We look forward to seeing a greater consolidation of its activity.
Along with fomenting dialogue across cultures and fostering peace, sport can also serve as a means for greater personal and social development. Through sport, the person develops one’s creativity and talent, overcomes personal challenges, acquires a sense of belonging and solidarity, learns discipline and a sense of sacrifice. These values redound to the benefit of the greater community and help us understand the value of the common good over personal glory. Thus, we encourage sports figures to be models for youth and to help foster the positive values of sports.
Today’s society has seen an increasing number of cases of abuse and deviance in the practice of sport, which lead to a sports culture devoid of human values.
However, the world of sport continues to have authentic role models and generous protagonists who strive to reclaim the ideal of sport as a real school of humanity, camaraderie, solidarity and excellence. A renewed and widely shared emphasis on a human-centered approach to sport would help ensure that the important virtues learned through sports become one of the means for developing and fostering healthy and responsible human interactions.
The Holy See’s Office for Church and Sports was created with this ideal of sport in mind. It works with schools, youth groups, amateur sports associations and athletic professionals in order to promote a healthy approach to sport and help young people understand the positive impact sport values can have on both the local and global community.
The Olympic Creed reminds us that the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. May the 2008 Olympic Games contribute to the common struggle to make the world a better place for one and all, through the promotion of the inseparable and mutually re-enforcing values of peace, development and full respect for basic human rights.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Weekly HOMILY for December 16, 2007: What Is This Season About Anyway?
3rd Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Our Lady of Grace
December 16, 2007
Focus: The Contrasts of the Season
Function: To have the members of the Assembly learn the contrasts and choose to own for themselves what the Church offers us for the Season.
Form: Not this, but this
What Is This Season About Anyway?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Reflecting on the Season
On Saturday, December 1st, our Environment Committee was preparing the church for Advent: cleaning things up, hanging bunting, arranging trees, hanging banners and swatches of cloth, creating the Advent Wreath, etc.
I came on the scene at one point and soon found myself reflecting on the contrasts between our American culture and our Catholic faith.
And I realized that there were vast contrasts between what we in our society are doing to prepare for the holidays on the one hand, versus what we in our Catholic Church are doing to prepare for Christmas on the other.
Upon reflection, I realized that these contrasts express a great deal about who we, as persons of faith, are called to be.
This evening/morning I would like to look at some of these contrasts with you and see where you are with each of them.
The Contrasts of the Season
(1) For starters, the dominant colors in our society this time of year are red and gold. Red and gold speak to us of our celebration of the holidays.
In contrast to the red and gold, the dominant color in our Church is purple. The purple invites us to go deeper and prepare for Christmas by looking within ourselves at what is blocking the Lord’s coming, look at what is preventing the Lord from being more present to us right now.
(2) Our social custom is to use lots of electric lights this time of year. We drape trees, indoors and out, with endless strings of lights and we even have the latest – illuminated inflatables of Santa Claus or reindeer! – on our lawns. The goal of holiday lighting seems to be, the more the better!
In contrast to all of these electric lights, in our Church we have just four simple candles on an Advent wreath. The candles, as one is lighted each week, invite us to go deeper for they speak of the opportunity we have for the true light of the world, for the Lord, to enlighten us and our lives more and more.
(3) Another contrast is that our society is absorbed with “things” this time of year. Newspapers are thick with ads inducing us to buy the latest wireless phone, computer, Blackberry, calendar, I-Pod combination all-in-one, or the Wii console by Nintendo.
In contrast to all these “things,” our Advent faith calls us again to go deeper, to set our focus on “persons.” We are to center ourselves on the Lord Jesus, who is really what this season is all about, to focus on our loved ones and even as Jesus says today, “on the poor who are to have the good news preached to them.”
(4) Or again, our society at this time of year tends to get very impatient. We can “lose it” waiting in line at Macy’s, waiting in traffic on I-83, or waiting on the phone for a live person at a Service Center.
In contrast to this impatience, St. James in today’s second reading, urges us to be patient. We are to view our personal and spiritual growth as a day-at-a-time process and requiring energy and patience until that moment when the Lord comes to us at the end of our earthly journey.
(5) Our society, on the other hand, suggests that we escape. We are to think that we will be happy if we eat this or drink that or own this with no interest payments till 2010 or travel there.
In contrast to this escape, Advent simply gives us hope. It calls us to live life, with its hardships and disappointments, with hope that the Lord will lead us to wholeness that Jesus conveys in his images today: “The blind will see, the lame will walk, lepers will be cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised to life.”
(6) One final contrast, our society begins to celebrate the holidays in mid-October and all ends on December 24th. We all know that the stores are decorated when the weather is still warm and, in truth, the season ends with its last shopping day, midnight December 24th.
In contrast to society’s “Holiday Time,” our Church begins to celebrate Christmas on December 24th. We celebrate Christ’s coming 2000 years ago and his coming each day of the year in the Word of God and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and even in and through one another. The Christmas Season ends with the Baptism of Jesus several weeks after Christmas.
Of course by mid-January society is already pushing St. Valentine’s Day!
Conclusion
So, as I said, I see lots of contrasts at this time of year.
I believe that our faith, our Church, this time of Advent, in contrast to some of the elements of our society, can really leads us somewhere out than into credit card debt.
It draws us into the light, the one who is the true light of the world.
It moves us to love, to love and to be compassionate toward one another.
And it empowers us with a life that brings a fulfillment that we can find in no other place.
Let us continue to experience a final two weeks of Advent coming of our Lord into our lives.
Our Lady of Grace
December 16, 2007
Focus: The Contrasts of the Season
Function: To have the members of the Assembly learn the contrasts and choose to own for themselves what the Church offers us for the Season.
Form: Not this, but this
What Is This Season About Anyway?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Reflecting on the Season
On Saturday, December 1st, our Environment Committee was preparing the church for Advent: cleaning things up, hanging bunting, arranging trees, hanging banners and swatches of cloth, creating the Advent Wreath, etc.
I came on the scene at one point and soon found myself reflecting on the contrasts between our American culture and our Catholic faith.
And I realized that there were vast contrasts between what we in our society are doing to prepare for the holidays on the one hand, versus what we in our Catholic Church are doing to prepare for Christmas on the other.
Upon reflection, I realized that these contrasts express a great deal about who we, as persons of faith, are called to be.
This evening/morning I would like to look at some of these contrasts with you and see where you are with each of them.
The Contrasts of the Season
(1) For starters, the dominant colors in our society this time of year are red and gold. Red and gold speak to us of our celebration of the holidays.
In contrast to the red and gold, the dominant color in our Church is purple. The purple invites us to go deeper and prepare for Christmas by looking within ourselves at what is blocking the Lord’s coming, look at what is preventing the Lord from being more present to us right now.
(2) Our social custom is to use lots of electric lights this time of year. We drape trees, indoors and out, with endless strings of lights and we even have the latest – illuminated inflatables of Santa Claus or reindeer! – on our lawns. The goal of holiday lighting seems to be, the more the better!
In contrast to all of these electric lights, in our Church we have just four simple candles on an Advent wreath. The candles, as one is lighted each week, invite us to go deeper for they speak of the opportunity we have for the true light of the world, for the Lord, to enlighten us and our lives more and more.
(3) Another contrast is that our society is absorbed with “things” this time of year. Newspapers are thick with ads inducing us to buy the latest wireless phone, computer, Blackberry, calendar, I-Pod combination all-in-one, or the Wii console by Nintendo.
In contrast to all these “things,” our Advent faith calls us again to go deeper, to set our focus on “persons.” We are to center ourselves on the Lord Jesus, who is really what this season is all about, to focus on our loved ones and even as Jesus says today, “on the poor who are to have the good news preached to them.”
(4) Or again, our society at this time of year tends to get very impatient. We can “lose it” waiting in line at Macy’s, waiting in traffic on I-83, or waiting on the phone for a live person at a Service Center.
In contrast to this impatience, St. James in today’s second reading, urges us to be patient. We are to view our personal and spiritual growth as a day-at-a-time process and requiring energy and patience until that moment when the Lord comes to us at the end of our earthly journey.
(5) Our society, on the other hand, suggests that we escape. We are to think that we will be happy if we eat this or drink that or own this with no interest payments till 2010 or travel there.
In contrast to this escape, Advent simply gives us hope. It calls us to live life, with its hardships and disappointments, with hope that the Lord will lead us to wholeness that Jesus conveys in his images today: “The blind will see, the lame will walk, lepers will be cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised to life.”
(6) One final contrast, our society begins to celebrate the holidays in mid-October and all ends on December 24th. We all know that the stores are decorated when the weather is still warm and, in truth, the season ends with its last shopping day, midnight December 24th.
In contrast to society’s “Holiday Time,” our Church begins to celebrate Christmas on December 24th. We celebrate Christ’s coming 2000 years ago and his coming each day of the year in the Word of God and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and even in and through one another. The Christmas Season ends with the Baptism of Jesus several weeks after Christmas.
Of course by mid-January society is already pushing St. Valentine’s Day!
Conclusion
So, as I said, I see lots of contrasts at this time of year.
I believe that our faith, our Church, this time of Advent, in contrast to some of the elements of our society, can really leads us somewhere out than into credit card debt.
It draws us into the light, the one who is the true light of the world.
It moves us to love, to love and to be compassionate toward one another.
And it empowers us with a life that brings a fulfillment that we can find in no other place.
Let us continue to experience a final two weeks of Advent coming of our Lord into our lives.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for December 9, 2008: Q/A on Spending 3 Months in a Trappist Monastery
December 6, 2007
Focus: Q/A on Spending 3 Months in a Trappist Monastery
Dear Friend,
I was very pleased to have so many well wishes as I prepare to leave for the monastery on January 1st. I have to keep reminding myself it’s only three weeks from Monday! I have begun the ritual our mother taught us in preparing to go away. It was to open the suitcases on the bed in what we always called “the spare room” and throw things into them as you thought of them.
There were a series of questions folks asked that I had answered in one of my newsletters to the people of Our Lady of Grace and I will repeat them for you, since this weekly message goes far beyond our parish mailing list.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Q: Why are you going? Why are you doing this?
A: While it may be hard to believe, I do have a history and a present of enjoying reflective time. Even as a child, I could remember my mother asking me what I was doing just sitting there, “I'm thinking” I’d reply, to which she’d quickly add, “Don’t just sit there, do something constructive.” As a teen I would take quiet walks in the woods alone or sit in the midst of the rushes behind our property and listen to the fall breezes rustle through them. In a year of spiritual discipline, called a notitiate, we lived a life of silence. That was one of the most memorable years I have experienced. For more than 30 years I have been committed to regular mental prayer each morning and evening. It has been in the silence that I have developed a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as a living person and found inspiration for preaching and teaching. Prayer and silence can have an impact in the life of all believers, so I am going to Mepkin Abbey from this January through March to connect more deeply to what is already a hunger of my heart – the need for silence and more intense prayer.
Q: What do you hope to gain by going?
A: I go with very clear goals. I would like the opportunity to review my life the past 65 years and discover how God has led me to where I am in ministry. Second, I would like – with the aide of a Spiritual Father – to discern where God is calling me when I leave Our Lady of Grace in a few years. Third, having assisted others in preparing to pass from this life to the next, I would like to prepare for my own passing as something into which I can enter fully and embrace in faith.
Q: Are you coming back to Our Lady of Grace?
A: Absolutely! My plan is to return on April 4, 2008, spend five months here, and then complete the second part of my sabbatical in Biblical Studies at the Ecumenical Institute in Tantur, Israel.
Q: What will be the biggest challenge you will face?
A: Those who know me know how strong willed I can be. Thus, my greatest challenge will not be keeping the silence, going to bed by 8:00pm, following a vegetarian diet, or refraining from all spirits. It will be giving up my will both in thought and in deed. No I won’t be in charge of anything!
Q: What’s the daily schedule like?
A: The schedule is as follows. It will be covered more completely in next month’s newsletter. (The monks pray eight times a day together in what are called the “Hours” of the Divine Office. They are: Matins, Lauds, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. “Hour” is a time for prayer, not a duration of time.)
3:00am Rise
3:20am Office of Readings, followed by meditation and Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
5:30am Pray Lauds
Breakfast available
Time for reading and/or praying
7:30am Mass, followed by a period of thanksgiving, pray Terce
8:30am Community meeting for daily work assignment
12:00pm Clean up and prepare for the Hour of Sext
12:15 Midday meal, the one common meal of the day (Meals are in silence and prayer begins and concludes the meal. A book is read.) At the end of the meal, the Little Hour of None is prayed
1:00pm Time for a short siesta
1:45pm Work
5:00pm The Hour of Vespers
6:00pm Light supper, followed by time to take a walk
7:00pm Community meeting
7:35pm Compline calls the community to gather for the closing prayer of the day
8:00pm Lights out
Q: What will you be doing for the five hours of “manual labor” each day?
A: Every day the monks are assigned to gather eggs or work in the grading house, where the eggs picked the previous day are washed, graded, and boxed for delivery. They may work at the compost shed. The chicken manure must be collected; pine shavings must be mixed with the manure; the mixture must be turned periodically; and the finished product must be bagged for sale in retail stores. Feed is being milled and mixed for the 28,000 laying hens. Food is being prepared and cooked for twenty-eight monks and the guests on retreat. Other tasks include the cleaning of the Church or infirmary, cutting grass, painting, or working in the library. All of these tasks can provide opportunity for quiet simple prayer.
Q: The no talking, vegetarian diet, etc. all seem out of character for you.
A: You are right on that one; they do seem out of character! However, as I mentioned above, I do have a quiet side to me and it’s the other side people see most often in church. My energetic demeanor is counter-balanced by daily periods of mediation, more specifically called Centering Prayer. It’s generally in those moments that my inspirations for talks, homilies, and solving problems come.
Focus: Q/A on Spending 3 Months in a Trappist Monastery
Dear Friend,
I was very pleased to have so many well wishes as I prepare to leave for the monastery on January 1st. I have to keep reminding myself it’s only three weeks from Monday! I have begun the ritual our mother taught us in preparing to go away. It was to open the suitcases on the bed in what we always called “the spare room” and throw things into them as you thought of them.
There were a series of questions folks asked that I had answered in one of my newsletters to the people of Our Lady of Grace and I will repeat them for you, since this weekly message goes far beyond our parish mailing list.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Q: Why are you going? Why are you doing this?
A: While it may be hard to believe, I do have a history and a present of enjoying reflective time. Even as a child, I could remember my mother asking me what I was doing just sitting there, “I'm thinking” I’d reply, to which she’d quickly add, “Don’t just sit there, do something constructive.” As a teen I would take quiet walks in the woods alone or sit in the midst of the rushes behind our property and listen to the fall breezes rustle through them. In a year of spiritual discipline, called a notitiate, we lived a life of silence. That was one of the most memorable years I have experienced. For more than 30 years I have been committed to regular mental prayer each morning and evening. It has been in the silence that I have developed a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as a living person and found inspiration for preaching and teaching. Prayer and silence can have an impact in the life of all believers, so I am going to Mepkin Abbey from this January through March to connect more deeply to what is already a hunger of my heart – the need for silence and more intense prayer.
Q: What do you hope to gain by going?
A: I go with very clear goals. I would like the opportunity to review my life the past 65 years and discover how God has led me to where I am in ministry. Second, I would like – with the aide of a Spiritual Father – to discern where God is calling me when I leave Our Lady of Grace in a few years. Third, having assisted others in preparing to pass from this life to the next, I would like to prepare for my own passing as something into which I can enter fully and embrace in faith.
Q: Are you coming back to Our Lady of Grace?
A: Absolutely! My plan is to return on April 4, 2008, spend five months here, and then complete the second part of my sabbatical in Biblical Studies at the Ecumenical Institute in Tantur, Israel.
Q: What will be the biggest challenge you will face?
A: Those who know me know how strong willed I can be. Thus, my greatest challenge will not be keeping the silence, going to bed by 8:00pm, following a vegetarian diet, or refraining from all spirits. It will be giving up my will both in thought and in deed. No I won’t be in charge of anything!
Q: What’s the daily schedule like?
A: The schedule is as follows. It will be covered more completely in next month’s newsletter. (The monks pray eight times a day together in what are called the “Hours” of the Divine Office. They are: Matins, Lauds, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. “Hour” is a time for prayer, not a duration of time.)
3:00am Rise
3:20am Office of Readings, followed by meditation and Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
5:30am Pray Lauds
Breakfast available
Time for reading and/or praying
7:30am Mass, followed by a period of thanksgiving, pray Terce
8:30am Community meeting for daily work assignment
12:00pm Clean up and prepare for the Hour of Sext
12:15 Midday meal, the one common meal of the day (Meals are in silence and prayer begins and concludes the meal. A book is read.) At the end of the meal, the Little Hour of None is prayed
1:00pm Time for a short siesta
1:45pm Work
5:00pm The Hour of Vespers
6:00pm Light supper, followed by time to take a walk
7:00pm Community meeting
7:35pm Compline calls the community to gather for the closing prayer of the day
8:00pm Lights out
Q: What will you be doing for the five hours of “manual labor” each day?
A: Every day the monks are assigned to gather eggs or work in the grading house, where the eggs picked the previous day are washed, graded, and boxed for delivery. They may work at the compost shed. The chicken manure must be collected; pine shavings must be mixed with the manure; the mixture must be turned periodically; and the finished product must be bagged for sale in retail stores. Feed is being milled and mixed for the 28,000 laying hens. Food is being prepared and cooked for twenty-eight monks and the guests on retreat. Other tasks include the cleaning of the Church or infirmary, cutting grass, painting, or working in the library. All of these tasks can provide opportunity for quiet simple prayer.
Q: The no talking, vegetarian diet, etc. all seem out of character for you.
A: You are right on that one; they do seem out of character! However, as I mentioned above, I do have a quiet side to me and it’s the other side people see most often in church. My energetic demeanor is counter-balanced by daily periods of mediation, more specifically called Centering Prayer. It’s generally in those moments that my inspirations for talks, homilies, and solving problems come.
Weekly THIS AND THAT for December 9, 2007: The Cab Ride
This and That:
The Cab Ride
The following is a story that reflects the spirit of giving of our time and care of others as we shop and prepare for Christmas. It is at the very heart of the season that celebrates our Advent longing for love and our Christmas coming of Jesus into our lives and the lives of others.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, waited a minute, and then driven away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needed my assistance, I reasoned.
So I walked to the door and knocked. “Just a minute,” answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. “Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she asked. I took the suitcase to the cab then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. “It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.” “Oh, you’re such a good boy,” she quickly added. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?” “It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly. “Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.” I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. “I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.” I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the City. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she’d ask me to slow down in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was peeping over the horizon, she suddenly said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.” We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. “How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse. “Nothing,” I said. “You have to make a living,” she answered. “There are other passengers,” I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. “You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.” I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of the day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments, but great moments often catch us unaware. They come beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small insignificant moment.
People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how what you did made them feel. A wise person once said, “Life may not be the party you hoped for, but while you’re here, you might as well dance.”
The Cab Ride
The following is a story that reflects the spirit of giving of our time and care of others as we shop and prepare for Christmas. It is at the very heart of the season that celebrates our Advent longing for love and our Christmas coming of Jesus into our lives and the lives of others.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, waited a minute, and then driven away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needed my assistance, I reasoned.
So I walked to the door and knocked. “Just a minute,” answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. “Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she asked. I took the suitcase to the cab then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. “It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.” “Oh, you’re such a good boy,” she quickly added. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?” “It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly. “Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.” I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. “I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.” I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the City. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she’d ask me to slow down in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was peeping over the horizon, she suddenly said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.” We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. “How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse. “Nothing,” I said. “You have to make a living,” she answered. “There are other passengers,” I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. “You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.” I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of the day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments, but great moments often catch us unaware. They come beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small insignificant moment.
People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how what you did made them feel. A wise person once said, “Life may not be the party you hoped for, but while you’re here, you might as well dance.”
Weekly HOMILY for December 9, 2007: "My Name is John the Baptist"
2nd Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Our Lady of Grace
December 9, 2007
“My Name is John the Baptist”
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
“My Name is John the Baptist”
My name is John the Baptist.
You just heard about me in the gospel passage. Now, it’s true that I am a bit controversial.
Some people just cannot get beyond my appearance: my shoulder-length hair and scraggly beard; my faded jeans with holes in the knees; and my vegetarian diet, which of course includes lots of tofu.
That’s just the way I am and I guess it turns some people off.
But there are others who look beyond my appearance. They come out here to the banks of the Jordan River and are willing to listen to what I am saying, and I do have something to say!
My Sense of Mission
You see, I have a strong sense of mission about my life.
In fact, it’s because I am so driven by this sense of mission that I don’t spend very much time on my appearance. As you just heard, my message is “to prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.”
“Making the Lord’s paths straight” is something like your spending millions of dollars to build Interstate 83. You spent these “big bucks” so that you could have the fastest route from Harrisburg to the Inner Harbor and all the places in between.
Well, at least it’s fast outside the morning and evening rush hours!
Now I believe that God wants you to build a spiritual I-83, a spiritual Harrisburg Expressway, to him.
You need to prepare yourselves to let God come into your lives as fully and as directly as he is ready to do. And you need to do this (1) In your own personal lives and (2) For your community and society-at-large.
Personal Preparation
On a personal level, you need to live with an awareness that there is “one more powerful than you.” It what I just said about myself this morning: “There is one more powerful than I who is coming after me.”
You know, sometimes our American culture leads us to think that we have to be completely independent and make it 100% on our own.
The truth of the matter is that we are all dependent. We are dependent on God for our lives and we are depended on God for everything we have.
And so, every day, you need to (1) Thank God for what you have. Every day, you need to (2) Ask God for what you need and every day, you need to (3) Listen to God for what you are to do.
Simply put, this is praying. It’s what praying is all about.
Perhaps you can do this when you are driving alone in the car, or before eating dinner, or before going to bed, or even by taking five minutes a day simply to read slowly and reflect on a few verses of Scripture.
I’m telling you, you need to do this if you are going to remember that there is “one who is greater than you are.”
Community Preparation
Then, you also need to do what you can to let God enter this parish, this community of Northern Baltimore County more fully.
The prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading foresees a very ideal society. He imagines that “the wolf and the lamb, and the cow and the bear will all live together peacefully.”
It’s beautiful, this picture of peace and harmony, but it’s only going to happen if you care for the people in your community. I think especially of the children.
The most recent statistics that I have seen tell us that there are over 5 million children under the age of 12 in your country who are suffering from hunger. There are 1 million children who are homeless.
There are many children who lack adequate health care and there are millions who are denied birth each year because of abortion.
So, perhaps, you may start simply with caring for children: your children, neighbors children, children in local classrooms.
And then go beyond the children you see every day to children in dire need. You can help these children by buying a gift for the parish Advent Tree or making a blanket for the babies in our outreach efforts or reach them through our outreach appeals or through the poor box.
All are important ways for letting God enter our community more fully.
Conclusion
I guess that’s it. (Turn and leave the “stage.”)
Before I leave, I do want you to have a good Christmas but I caution you, you must get ready. You must, “Prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.”
Make an effort in the next three weeks remaining to build your spiritual I-83.
Building it through prayer and concern for others will find the Lord coming to you in the very building. It won’t take completing the expressway to arrive somewhere.
Our Lady of Grace
December 9, 2007
“My Name is John the Baptist”
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
“My Name is John the Baptist”
My name is John the Baptist.
You just heard about me in the gospel passage. Now, it’s true that I am a bit controversial.
Some people just cannot get beyond my appearance: my shoulder-length hair and scraggly beard; my faded jeans with holes in the knees; and my vegetarian diet, which of course includes lots of tofu.
That’s just the way I am and I guess it turns some people off.
But there are others who look beyond my appearance. They come out here to the banks of the Jordan River and are willing to listen to what I am saying, and I do have something to say!
My Sense of Mission
You see, I have a strong sense of mission about my life.
In fact, it’s because I am so driven by this sense of mission that I don’t spend very much time on my appearance. As you just heard, my message is “to prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.”
“Making the Lord’s paths straight” is something like your spending millions of dollars to build Interstate 83. You spent these “big bucks” so that you could have the fastest route from Harrisburg to the Inner Harbor and all the places in between.
Well, at least it’s fast outside the morning and evening rush hours!
Now I believe that God wants you to build a spiritual I-83, a spiritual Harrisburg Expressway, to him.
You need to prepare yourselves to let God come into your lives as fully and as directly as he is ready to do. And you need to do this (1) In your own personal lives and (2) For your community and society-at-large.
Personal Preparation
On a personal level, you need to live with an awareness that there is “one more powerful than you.” It what I just said about myself this morning: “There is one more powerful than I who is coming after me.”
You know, sometimes our American culture leads us to think that we have to be completely independent and make it 100% on our own.
The truth of the matter is that we are all dependent. We are dependent on God for our lives and we are depended on God for everything we have.
And so, every day, you need to (1) Thank God for what you have. Every day, you need to (2) Ask God for what you need and every day, you need to (3) Listen to God for what you are to do.
Simply put, this is praying. It’s what praying is all about.
Perhaps you can do this when you are driving alone in the car, or before eating dinner, or before going to bed, or even by taking five minutes a day simply to read slowly and reflect on a few verses of Scripture.
I’m telling you, you need to do this if you are going to remember that there is “one who is greater than you are.”
Community Preparation
Then, you also need to do what you can to let God enter this parish, this community of Northern Baltimore County more fully.
The prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading foresees a very ideal society. He imagines that “the wolf and the lamb, and the cow and the bear will all live together peacefully.”
It’s beautiful, this picture of peace and harmony, but it’s only going to happen if you care for the people in your community. I think especially of the children.
The most recent statistics that I have seen tell us that there are over 5 million children under the age of 12 in your country who are suffering from hunger. There are 1 million children who are homeless.
There are many children who lack adequate health care and there are millions who are denied birth each year because of abortion.
So, perhaps, you may start simply with caring for children: your children, neighbors children, children in local classrooms.
And then go beyond the children you see every day to children in dire need. You can help these children by buying a gift for the parish Advent Tree or making a blanket for the babies in our outreach efforts or reach them through our outreach appeals or through the poor box.
All are important ways for letting God enter our community more fully.
Conclusion
I guess that’s it. (Turn and leave the “stage.”)
Before I leave, I do want you to have a good Christmas but I caution you, you must get ready. You must, “Prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.”
Make an effort in the next three weeks remaining to build your spiritual I-83.
Building it through prayer and concern for others will find the Lord coming to you in the very building. It won’t take completing the expressway to arrive somewhere.
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