Let Us Pray…
The Fourth Year of “Why Catholic?”
We are about to begin our fourth and final year of the Why Catholic? program. Many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been participating in this small-group learning experience for adult Catholics which is based upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Each year, the program has focused on one of the four sections of the CCC:
1. What We Believe (The Creed)
2. How We Celebrate (The Liturgy)
3. How We Live our Faith (Morality)
4. How We Pray
This is how the program works: each year, small groups of adults meet for six weeks in the Fall and again for six weeks during Lent. They use a booklet which gives quotes from the Catechism, explanations of the topic, reflection and discussion questions and prayers.
Anyone is welcome to participate in the groups, which meet either at church or in parishioner’s homes each week for 90 minutes. It does not matter if you participated in previous years or not. The six weekly sessions will meet starting the week of October 11th and ending the week of November 15th. Here at Our Lady of Grace, we have six groups that will meet at various times and locations, including one group that will meet on Sunday mornings for one hour while children are in Religious Education from 10:15 to 11:15. Parents, this is a great opportunity to learn something about your faith during that hour that you are waiting for your children. The title of the booklet for this year is: CHRISTIAN PRAYER: Deepening My Experience of God.
Sessions 1-6
This is the final book in the Why Catholic? series; it responds to the deep hunger felt and expressed in many ways by our society.
The first six sessions explain and invite participants to reflect and share our understanding and experience of prayer.
Prayer in the scriptures: the sessions
focus on Mary and Jesus as our teachers of prayer, a variety of forms of prayer, on different sources, and ways of prayer.
Guidelines for prayer will all be explored.
Personal experience: in these sessions not only will members have opportunities to recall how they were taught to pray as children, but to share how they have grown in prayer; to what and to whom they attribute the invitation to grow.
Opportunities: This could be an opportunity to learn what different cultures bring to prayer; how culture and society influences the way one comes to God in prayer.
St Paul wrote to the fledgling Christian community in Thessalonica, “Pray without ceasing.” How do we do this in the midst of a busy life? Christian Prayer will help the members to grow into a stance constant prayer and union with God.
Following are the available groups – please contact me to join by October 4th:
Sunday 10:15 – 11:15am
OLG Education Center
Sunday 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Parishioner’s Home
Sunday 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Parishioner’s Home
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Parishioner’s Home
Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 pm
OLG Education Center
Wednesday 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Parishioner’s Home
Blessings,
Sister Mary Therese
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Weekly THIS AND THAT for September 27, 2009: Deacon Preaching Sunday
This weekend Deacon Jim Prosser preached at Father Nicholas' Masses. Father will return next Sunday.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Weekly THIS AND THAT for September 20, 2009: Questions That Haunt Me!
This and That:
Questions That Haunt Me!
➢ Can you cry under water?
➢ How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
➢ Why do you have to “put your two cents in,” but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts”? Where’s that extra penny going to?
➢ Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
➢ Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
➢ What disease did Cured Ham actually have?
➢ How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
➢ Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when most babies wake up every two hours?
➢ Why are you “in a movie,” but you’re “on TV”?
➢ Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
➢ Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They’re going to see you naked anyway.
➢ Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
➢ If Jimmy “cracks corn and no one cares,” why is there a silly song about him?
➢ If the professor on Gilligan’s Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can’t he fix a hole in a boat?
➢ Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They’re both dogs!
➢ If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
➢ If electricity comes from electrons, does immorality come from morons?
➢ Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
➢ Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
➢ Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog’s face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
➢ Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
➢ Why do banks charge a fee on “insufficient funds” when they know there is already not enough money?
➢ Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
➢ Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
➢ Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?
➢ Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
➢ Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
➢ If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
➢ Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
➢ Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
➢ Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
➢ Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
➢ Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
➢ How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
➢ When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, “It’s all right?” It really isn’t all right, so why don’t we say, “That really hurt!”
➢ Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
➢ In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
➢ How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
➢ And my favorite: The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re okay, then it’s you.
Fondly,
Father Nicholas
Questions That Haunt Me!
➢ Can you cry under water?
➢ How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
➢ Why do you have to “put your two cents in,” but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts”? Where’s that extra penny going to?
➢ Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
➢ Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
➢ What disease did Cured Ham actually have?
➢ How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
➢ Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when most babies wake up every two hours?
➢ Why are you “in a movie,” but you’re “on TV”?
➢ Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
➢ Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They’re going to see you naked anyway.
➢ Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
➢ If Jimmy “cracks corn and no one cares,” why is there a silly song about him?
➢ If the professor on Gilligan’s Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can’t he fix a hole in a boat?
➢ Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They’re both dogs!
➢ If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
➢ If electricity comes from electrons, does immorality come from morons?
➢ Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
➢ Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
➢ Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog’s face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
➢ Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
➢ Why do banks charge a fee on “insufficient funds” when they know there is already not enough money?
➢ Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
➢ Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
➢ Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?
➢ Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
➢ Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
➢ If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
➢ Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
➢ Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
➢ Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
➢ Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
➢ Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
➢ How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
➢ When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, “It’s all right?” It really isn’t all right, so why don’t we say, “That really hurt!”
➢ Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
➢ In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
➢ How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
➢ And my favorite: The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re okay, then it’s you.
Fondly,
Father Nicholas
Weekly HOMILY for September 20, 2009: How can the first be last and the last first?
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Our Lady of Grace
September 20, 2009
How can the first be last and the last be first?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Being Number 1
As we listen to today’s gospel, we can imagine what Jesus’ disciples must have been saying.
We can imagine Andrew telling his brother Peter: “I met him before you did.” And Peter retorts: “Yeah, but he gave me the keys to the kingdom.”
Then James chimes in: “Don’t forget: he took me up on that mountain to see Moses and Elijah.” And, of course, Judas brags: “Okay, but he put me in charge of the money.”
The gospel simply says: “They have been discussing among themselves who was the greatest.” In other words, each of them wants to be number one.
I think we can understand this. In our own way, don’t we sometimes do the same thing?
We want to be seen as specially favored by our boss or teacher, as having a better job or knowing more or making more money than the next guy? In our own way, we may also compete to be most important or number one.
The Issue: Self-Esteem
I believe that underneath this, there is the very real human issue of self-esteem.
All of us want to feel good about ourselves and we want to be perceived well by others. This is probably a universal need.
This need for self-esteem usually gets satisfied in a variety of ways. Feeling loved by our parents and accepted by our friends, doing well in school or in sports or and on our job – these are some of the ways that satisfy our human need for self-esteem.
But for various reasons, sometimes we don’t get fully settled in this and then we keep competing to be number one, to be important and above the next guy. This is what the disciples in today’s gospel are doing.
”The first…the last”
In response to this, Jesus says: “Those who want to rank first, must remain the last of all and the servant of all.”
And then, to illustrate his point, Jesus takes a child and says: “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” Now in Jesus’ day, children were much more vulnerable than they are today.
They were at the bottom of the social ladder. For example, if a family did not have enough food, the father ate first, then the mother, and only then would the children get whatever was left over.
That just sounds backwards to us. How many of you parents have held back on eating or on buying something so that your children could have enough?
But in the culture of Jesus’ day, it was the reverse. This is why he takes a child to make his point.
Jesus is calling us to care for those who are the last and the least. In doing this, we in effect make ourselves last – like the last one in the family to eat – and in that way, we are first in the eyes of God.
It is through this attitude and this way of treating one another that we really find a sense of self-esteem. This tending of others draws us out of ourselves and brings us an inner satisfaction and peace.
It brings us a refinement, a maturing, a fullness that we would not otherwise have. It will lead us to stop doing what the disciples are doing today – jockeying to be number one.
Conclusion
Usually, all of this happens in everyday, ordinary, real-life ways.
For example, parents being at their children’s soccer games. Parents sacrificing for their children’s education.
Husbands and wives really listening to one another and one another’s feelings. Adult children caring for their parents and grandparents when they are less able to do everything for themselves.
Men and women of this parish teaching religion in the religious education program or sharing their faith in the RCIA. Parishioners baking casseroles of food for the soup kitchen.
These are just some examples of the real-life ways of “being first by being the last of all and the servant of all.” These are the ways of really being number one.
Our Lady of Grace
September 20, 2009
How can the first be last and the last be first?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Being Number 1
As we listen to today’s gospel, we can imagine what Jesus’ disciples must have been saying.
We can imagine Andrew telling his brother Peter: “I met him before you did.” And Peter retorts: “Yeah, but he gave me the keys to the kingdom.”
Then James chimes in: “Don’t forget: he took me up on that mountain to see Moses and Elijah.” And, of course, Judas brags: “Okay, but he put me in charge of the money.”
The gospel simply says: “They have been discussing among themselves who was the greatest.” In other words, each of them wants to be number one.
I think we can understand this. In our own way, don’t we sometimes do the same thing?
We want to be seen as specially favored by our boss or teacher, as having a better job or knowing more or making more money than the next guy? In our own way, we may also compete to be most important or number one.
The Issue: Self-Esteem
I believe that underneath this, there is the very real human issue of self-esteem.
All of us want to feel good about ourselves and we want to be perceived well by others. This is probably a universal need.
This need for self-esteem usually gets satisfied in a variety of ways. Feeling loved by our parents and accepted by our friends, doing well in school or in sports or and on our job – these are some of the ways that satisfy our human need for self-esteem.
But for various reasons, sometimes we don’t get fully settled in this and then we keep competing to be number one, to be important and above the next guy. This is what the disciples in today’s gospel are doing.
”The first…the last”
In response to this, Jesus says: “Those who want to rank first, must remain the last of all and the servant of all.”
And then, to illustrate his point, Jesus takes a child and says: “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” Now in Jesus’ day, children were much more vulnerable than they are today.
They were at the bottom of the social ladder. For example, if a family did not have enough food, the father ate first, then the mother, and only then would the children get whatever was left over.
That just sounds backwards to us. How many of you parents have held back on eating or on buying something so that your children could have enough?
But in the culture of Jesus’ day, it was the reverse. This is why he takes a child to make his point.
Jesus is calling us to care for those who are the last and the least. In doing this, we in effect make ourselves last – like the last one in the family to eat – and in that way, we are first in the eyes of God.
It is through this attitude and this way of treating one another that we really find a sense of self-esteem. This tending of others draws us out of ourselves and brings us an inner satisfaction and peace.
It brings us a refinement, a maturing, a fullness that we would not otherwise have. It will lead us to stop doing what the disciples are doing today – jockeying to be number one.
Conclusion
Usually, all of this happens in everyday, ordinary, real-life ways.
For example, parents being at their children’s soccer games. Parents sacrificing for their children’s education.
Husbands and wives really listening to one another and one another’s feelings. Adult children caring for their parents and grandparents when they are less able to do everything for themselves.
Men and women of this parish teaching religion in the religious education program or sharing their faith in the RCIA. Parishioners baking casseroles of food for the soup kitchen.
These are just some examples of the real-life ways of “being first by being the last of all and the servant of all.” These are the ways of really being number one.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Weekly THIS AND THAT for September 13, 2009: Annual Offertory Renewal
The following is the homily that Father Nicholas preached on this first weekend of the Annual Offertory Renewal
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Annual Offertory Renewal
Our Lady of Grace
September 13, 2009
Pieces of a Mirror
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Challenge of the Mirror
I read a story recently about a Greek professor at a conference who had survived the atrocities committed by the Nazis in his homeland during World War II. As a result he had dedicated his life to establishing an institute to heal the wounds of war among his countrymen and women.
The professor ended his presentation by taking from his worn leather billfold a very small round mirror, like this one. (Show mirror.)
He explained: “One day as a small child, during World War II, I found the broken pieces of a mirror on the road near our home. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place.
“I kept the largest piece and by scratching it on a stone I made it round.
“I became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine – in deep holes and crevices and dark closets.
“It became a game to get light into the most inaccessible places. I kept the little mirror, and I would take out from time to time and continue the challenge.
“I grew to understand that this was not just a child’s game, but a metaphor for what I might do with my life.
“I came to understand that I am not the light or even the source of light. But light – as truth, understanding, and knowledge – is there, and it will only shine in many dark places if I reflect it.
“Yes, I can be the reflected light that changes people.”
The Challenge of James
In today’s second reading, the author of the Epistle to James, realizes that the members of the newly formed Christian communities need concrete guidance about how to make ethical decision in real-life situations.
Even today, James’ very practical advice continues to challenge believers to have integrity and not to tolerate a dichotomy between the faith that is professed with our lips and what is professed by our choices in life.
James addresses that dichotomy and says, in effect, “Put your money where your mouth is.” James is calling upon believers to translate their words of good will into actions that extend that goodwill to others in practical and helpful ways.
In essence he’s challenging us to be (Show mirror) “a fragment reflecting light into dark places; a light that changes people.”
In a well-balanced life, there must be both good thoughts and decisive actions grounded in those thoughts.
Therefore, for a person of authentic faith, it isn’t enough to simply think of helping another. Rather, thoughts and prayers bring faith to life in concrete actions and efforts that tend to the needs of others with generosity and love.
The Challenge of Our Baptism
At baptism we are given a taper lighted from the Paschal candle. The light symbolizes the faith we have just embraced.
The priest then charges us to reflect the light of Easter faith to others.
Again, in baptism we became a piece of the broken mirror that is the light and face of Christ.
We were called to reflect the light of Christ that is within us into dark places:
➢ They may be the downcast hearts of people who come to worship needing to hear a hopeful word
➢ Or the minds of children and youth attending Religious Education
➢ Or the empty stomachs of the hungry
➢ Or those who attend Faith Formation programs such as our Lenten Family Fridays
The good works that flow from our faith that support and maintain the ministries of our parish are how we become (Show mirror) “pieces of the mirror” in which we reflect the healing and reconciling light of the Risen Christ.
Conclusion
This weekend we begin our Annual Offertory Renewal. Your weekly envelope is the lifeblood of our 60+ ministries through which we make possible the worship, programs and services to our people, the community-at-large, and the needy beyond our borders.
We are challenged to be fragments of a mirror “who reflect light into the dark places of this world, a light that changes people” through our weekly Offertory support.
Next week you will receive a second letter from me inviting you to join your faith to good action.
Please think and pray about the important part you play in making our parish a vibrant presence of Christ the Light in our midst.
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Annual Offertory Renewal
Our Lady of Grace
September 13, 2009
Pieces of a Mirror
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Challenge of the Mirror
I read a story recently about a Greek professor at a conference who had survived the atrocities committed by the Nazis in his homeland during World War II. As a result he had dedicated his life to establishing an institute to heal the wounds of war among his countrymen and women.
The professor ended his presentation by taking from his worn leather billfold a very small round mirror, like this one. (Show mirror.)
He explained: “One day as a small child, during World War II, I found the broken pieces of a mirror on the road near our home. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place.
“I kept the largest piece and by scratching it on a stone I made it round.
“I became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine – in deep holes and crevices and dark closets.
“It became a game to get light into the most inaccessible places. I kept the little mirror, and I would take out from time to time and continue the challenge.
“I grew to understand that this was not just a child’s game, but a metaphor for what I might do with my life.
“I came to understand that I am not the light or even the source of light. But light – as truth, understanding, and knowledge – is there, and it will only shine in many dark places if I reflect it.
“Yes, I can be the reflected light that changes people.”
The Challenge of James
In today’s second reading, the author of the Epistle to James, realizes that the members of the newly formed Christian communities need concrete guidance about how to make ethical decision in real-life situations.
Even today, James’ very practical advice continues to challenge believers to have integrity and not to tolerate a dichotomy between the faith that is professed with our lips and what is professed by our choices in life.
James addresses that dichotomy and says, in effect, “Put your money where your mouth is.” James is calling upon believers to translate their words of good will into actions that extend that goodwill to others in practical and helpful ways.
In essence he’s challenging us to be (Show mirror) “a fragment reflecting light into dark places; a light that changes people.”
In a well-balanced life, there must be both good thoughts and decisive actions grounded in those thoughts.
Therefore, for a person of authentic faith, it isn’t enough to simply think of helping another. Rather, thoughts and prayers bring faith to life in concrete actions and efforts that tend to the needs of others with generosity and love.
The Challenge of Our Baptism
At baptism we are given a taper lighted from the Paschal candle. The light symbolizes the faith we have just embraced.
The priest then charges us to reflect the light of Easter faith to others.
Again, in baptism we became a piece of the broken mirror that is the light and face of Christ.
We were called to reflect the light of Christ that is within us into dark places:
➢ They may be the downcast hearts of people who come to worship needing to hear a hopeful word
➢ Or the minds of children and youth attending Religious Education
➢ Or the empty stomachs of the hungry
➢ Or those who attend Faith Formation programs such as our Lenten Family Fridays
The good works that flow from our faith that support and maintain the ministries of our parish are how we become (Show mirror) “pieces of the mirror” in which we reflect the healing and reconciling light of the Risen Christ.
Conclusion
This weekend we begin our Annual Offertory Renewal. Your weekly envelope is the lifeblood of our 60+ ministries through which we make possible the worship, programs and services to our people, the community-at-large, and the needy beyond our borders.
We are challenged to be fragments of a mirror “who reflect light into the dark places of this world, a light that changes people” through our weekly Offertory support.
Next week you will receive a second letter from me inviting you to join your faith to good action.
Please think and pray about the important part you play in making our parish a vibrant presence of Christ the Light in our midst.
Weekly HOMILY for September 13, 2009: Pieces of a Mirror
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Annual Offertory Renewal
Our Lady of Grace
September 13, 2009
Pieces of a Mirror
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Challenge of the Mirror
I read a story recently about a Greek professor at a conference who had survived the atrocities committed by the Nazis in his homeland during World War II. As a result he had dedicated his life to establishing an institute to heal the wounds of war among his countrymen and women.
The professor ended his presentation by taking from his worn leather billfold a very small round mirror, like this one. (Show mirror.)
He explained: “One day as a small child, during World War II, I found the broken pieces of a mirror on the road near our home. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place.
“I kept the largest piece and by scratching it on a stone I made it round.
“I became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine – in deep holes and crevices and dark closets.
“It became a game to get light into the most inaccessible places. I kept the little mirror, and I would take out from time to time and continue the challenge.
“I grew to understand that this was not just a child’s game, but a metaphor for what I might do with my life.
“I came to understand that I am not the light or even the source of light. But light – as truth, understanding, and knowledge – is there, and it will only shine in many dark places if I reflect it.
“Yes, I can be the reflected light that changes people.”
The Challenge of James
In today’s second reading, the author of the Epistle to James, realizes that the members of the newly formed Christian communities need concrete guidance about how to make ethical decision in real-life situations.
Even today, James’ very practical advice continues to challenge believers to have integrity and not to tolerate a dichotomy between the faith that is professed with our lips and what is professed by our choices in life.
James addresses that dichotomy and says, in effect, “Put your money where your mouth is.” James is calling upon believers to translate their words of good will into actions that extend that goodwill to others in practical and helpful ways.
In essence he’s challenging us to be (Show mirror) “a fragment reflecting light into dark places; a light that changes people.”
In a well-balanced life, there must be both good thoughts and decisive actions grounded in those thoughts.
Therefore, for a person of authentic faith, it isn’t enough to simply think of helping another. Rather, thoughts and prayers bring faith to life in concrete actions and efforts that tend to the needs of others with generosity and love.
The Challenge of Our Baptism
At baptism we are given a taper lighted from the Paschal candle. The light symbolizes the faith we have just embraced.
The priest then charges us to reflect the light of Easter faith to others.
Again, in baptism we became a piece of the broken mirror that is the light and face of Christ.
We were called to reflect the light of Christ that is within us into dark places:
➢ They may be the downcast hearts of people who come to worship needing to hear a hopeful word
➢ Or the minds of children and youth attending Religious Education
➢ Or the empty stomachs of the hungry
➢ Or those who attend Faith Formation programs such as our Lenten Family Fridays
The good works that flow from our faith that support and maintain the ministries of our parish are how we become (Show mirror) “pieces of the mirror” in which we reflect the healing and reconciling light of the Risen Christ.
Conclusion
This weekend we begin our Annual Offertory Renewal. Your weekly envelope is the lifeblood of our 60+ ministries through which we make possible the worship, programs and services to our people, the community-at-large, and the needy beyond our borders.
We are challenged to be fragments of a mirror “who reflect light into the dark places of this world, a light that changes people” through our weekly Offertory support.
Next week you will receive a second letter from me inviting you to join your faith to good action.
Please think and pray about the important part you play in making our parish a vibrant presence of Christ the Light in our midst.
Annual Offertory Renewal
Our Lady of Grace
September 13, 2009
Pieces of a Mirror
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Challenge of the Mirror
I read a story recently about a Greek professor at a conference who had survived the atrocities committed by the Nazis in his homeland during World War II. As a result he had dedicated his life to establishing an institute to heal the wounds of war among his countrymen and women.
The professor ended his presentation by taking from his worn leather billfold a very small round mirror, like this one. (Show mirror.)
He explained: “One day as a small child, during World War II, I found the broken pieces of a mirror on the road near our home. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place.
“I kept the largest piece and by scratching it on a stone I made it round.
“I became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine – in deep holes and crevices and dark closets.
“It became a game to get light into the most inaccessible places. I kept the little mirror, and I would take out from time to time and continue the challenge.
“I grew to understand that this was not just a child’s game, but a metaphor for what I might do with my life.
“I came to understand that I am not the light or even the source of light. But light – as truth, understanding, and knowledge – is there, and it will only shine in many dark places if I reflect it.
“Yes, I can be the reflected light that changes people.”
The Challenge of James
In today’s second reading, the author of the Epistle to James, realizes that the members of the newly formed Christian communities need concrete guidance about how to make ethical decision in real-life situations.
Even today, James’ very practical advice continues to challenge believers to have integrity and not to tolerate a dichotomy between the faith that is professed with our lips and what is professed by our choices in life.
James addresses that dichotomy and says, in effect, “Put your money where your mouth is.” James is calling upon believers to translate their words of good will into actions that extend that goodwill to others in practical and helpful ways.
In essence he’s challenging us to be (Show mirror) “a fragment reflecting light into dark places; a light that changes people.”
In a well-balanced life, there must be both good thoughts and decisive actions grounded in those thoughts.
Therefore, for a person of authentic faith, it isn’t enough to simply think of helping another. Rather, thoughts and prayers bring faith to life in concrete actions and efforts that tend to the needs of others with generosity and love.
The Challenge of Our Baptism
At baptism we are given a taper lighted from the Paschal candle. The light symbolizes the faith we have just embraced.
The priest then charges us to reflect the light of Easter faith to others.
Again, in baptism we became a piece of the broken mirror that is the light and face of Christ.
We were called to reflect the light of Christ that is within us into dark places:
➢ They may be the downcast hearts of people who come to worship needing to hear a hopeful word
➢ Or the minds of children and youth attending Religious Education
➢ Or the empty stomachs of the hungry
➢ Or those who attend Faith Formation programs such as our Lenten Family Fridays
The good works that flow from our faith that support and maintain the ministries of our parish are how we become (Show mirror) “pieces of the mirror” in which we reflect the healing and reconciling light of the Risen Christ.
Conclusion
This weekend we begin our Annual Offertory Renewal. Your weekly envelope is the lifeblood of our 60+ ministries through which we make possible the worship, programs and services to our people, the community-at-large, and the needy beyond our borders.
We are challenged to be fragments of a mirror “who reflect light into the dark places of this world, a light that changes people” through our weekly Offertory support.
Next week you will receive a second letter from me inviting you to join your faith to good action.
Please think and pray about the important part you play in making our parish a vibrant presence of Christ the Light in our midst.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Weekly THIS AND THAT for September 6, 2009: Families That Eat Together, Stay Together
Marriage and Family
It is no more complicated than sitting down together at the table, but according to an economist from the Catholic University of America, simply sharing family meals is key for children’s development. And, the economist suggested, strong families are good not just for the children given life within them. They are also good for the economy.
These were affirmations made by Maria Sophia Aguirre, a professor in the Department of Economics at Washington, D.C.’s Catholic University of America, during her address at the 6th World Meeting of Families, held earlier this year in Mexico City.
Her presentation focused on the multiple benefits of stable families based on marriage, for all involved parties. She cited statistics such as marriage increases the likelihood of the father having good relations with children; divorce reduces the likelihood of children graduating from college and high school; and married mothers have lower levels of depression than single or co-habiting mothers.
Even physical health is better for families based on marriage, she said: “Infant mortality is sharply reduced in this structure and there are lower probabilities of injury.”
On the contrary, Aguirre noted, “The breakdown of the family is a symptom of a sick and weak society.” Problems of all sorts increase in irregular families: Women are more likely to be abused, kids are more likely to use drugs, and women and children of broken families have a higher probability of living in poverty.
More Than a Meal
And though it cannot be the solution for every problem, Aguirre mentioned that the simple act of eating together as a family has an effect on the development of children.
According to a study done by the National Center on Substance and Addiction at Colombia University, when comparing adolescents who eat dinner 0-2 times a week with their families and those who eat dinner 5-7 times, those who eat with their families more frequently are 40% more like to talk to their parents about a problem. Meanwhile, 171% of the teens who don’t eat with their families note more tension at home.
Academic performance went up 38%. Kids were 142% less likely to smoke, 93% less likely to drink, 191% less likely to use marijuana and 169% less likely to have more than half of their friends be drug users. And predictably, a family composed of both parents is 3.5 times more likely to have dinner as a family than a single-parent household.
More Than Money
Aguirre then turned her attention to the economic benefits of stable families based on marriage. Giving a review of nations ranging from Canada to Chile, the economist concluded that families are simply better for the economy.
“The breakdown of the family damages the economy and society since human, moral and social capital is reduced and social costs increase,” she explained. The professor contended that family structure is quite relevant for wealth, and that there is evidence to support this from across countries.
“The family is a necessary good for economic development,” Aguirre concluded. “It should be promoted and protected, if poverty reduction wants to be achieved.”
While it is good to know the statistics and see the relationships, we also know that divorce is often a painful experience on spouses and children alike. We salute single parent families, children being raised by grandparents, and blended families and continue to pray for them and support them in any way possible.
Fondly,
Father Nicholas
Weekly HOMILY for September 6, 2009: Silence and Words: Pathways to Two Different Worlds
23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Our Lady of Grace
September 6, 2009
Silence and Words: Pathways to Two Different Worlds
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
My Silence
Since my three months at a Trappist Monastery in 2007, I have begun each day with some silence.
I get up at 4:30am and, after making the bed and straightening up the bedroom, I sit in silence and prayer for an hour. I recall the words of Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
I try to be still physically – just sitting and being aware of my breathing and my existence. And I try to be still mentally and spiritually – just being with myself and with God.
That’s how I begin each day – workdays as well as vacation days – with this type of prayer. It has become an important routine that began at the monastery, although there we got up at 2:45am.
The Deaf-Mute
In today’s Gospel, there is a man who is a deaf-mute (Hand to ear and mouth.)
How much he must have appreciated receiving the gifts of both speech and silence Jesus gives him. Perhaps he appreciated these more than we do.
Words and the Outer World
When you and I were in our mother’s womb, we were wrapped in silence for nine months.
Then, one day, we entered the world of noise and words. Our parents spoke words to us when they fed, comforted, and bathed us.
Their words, in truth, drew us into fuller and fuller life with the external world around us. And of course, eventually our speaking and our words began to connect us with one another.
Words enable us to tell others what we think and how we feel. Our words relate us to the external world – to the world outside ourselves.
Silence and the Inner World
In contrast to words uniting us to the external world, silence relates us to the inner world, to our innermost self.
This silence is as important and, in a way, even more important than words. Silence is crucial, if we are to become all we are destined to be.
Silence Versus Quiet
It is very important to distinguish quiet from silence. They are both very different.
For example, a dog can be quiet; and a tree can be quiet; and a rock is the quietest of all three. But only we human beings can be silent.
That is because quiet is the absence of noise, but silence is the absence of speech when words are possible to speak. Silence, then, is the choice not to speak.
Kinds of Silence
You and I can experience different kinds of silence.
Ø The tongue-biting silence when our judgment tells us not to say something
Ø The stomach-gnawing silence when we are angry
Ø The awesome silence in the face of majestic mountains
Ø The reverent silence in the presence of God
Silence As Fullness
Silence is not nothing. Silence is not an absence or a vacuum. Instead, silence is the fullness from which reality and life come.
Just look at the Book of Genesis. In the original, infinite silence, God speaks and everything comes into being.
Remember, the silence comes first. The same is true for us and it is very important for us to recognize this.
It is in our silence that we form kind or thoughtful words to speak. And if that silence is not there, we know form experience that our words may just be empty and loud. It is in silence that we make careful decisions, and without silence our actions may be rash and reckless.
Silence is from where we choose the clothing we will wear today or from where we choose our vocation for life. Silence is from where we entertain evil plans or loving actions.
In our silence, we discover that our inner space is just as infinite and as exciting as our outer space. It is in silence that we explore the depths of our personal existence.
Challenges to Silence
There are some current challenges to silence in your life and mine.
I think that we – beginning with myself – need to be aware of the place our cell phones, Blackberries, and I-Phones play in our daily lives. Do we really need to be connected or reachable at every moment of the day?
Is our cell phone there for my convenience or has it usurped every moment of silence I might have? Who is in control of whom?
Have we allowed the very positive technology of our age to invade our personal lives and to make silence all the more difficult, if not impossible.
The Need for Silence
My friends, we need some silence in our lives for it is out of silence we can be constructive and not destructive. We can be insightful and not chattering.
Out of silence, we can listen and not just dominate conversations. We can be focused on the other person and not just on ourselves.
Through our silence, God can be creative today in me, just as he was at the moment of creation. God can enter the world today, just as he did at the moment of the Incarnation.
I do not know what is possible for you, in your life situation, but I do ask you to be challenged with this idea of silence and its importance, to wrestle with it, to take it to heart.
It is so essential for us as persons and for our relationship with God and with each other.
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